MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

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1 MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING By William Shakespeare Directed by Tom Reed Co-Directed and Dramaturgy by ML Cogar THE CREW Rebekah Heusel *...Production Stage Manager Ron Scot Fry... Set Designer and Production Manager Megan B Henninger **...Sound Designer Colin Gawronski...Lighting Designer Christy Seibers...Costume Designer Paul Terrien... Composer and Musician Tania Taylor...Props Mistress Desiree Stypinski...Stage Management Apprentice Gennesee Spridco...Choreographer Melissa Nilles...Assistant Sound Designer Amber Jackson... Stitcher Katy Lane...Wardrobe John Hassig...Marcus Center Director of Programming George Batayias...Marcus Center Technical Director THE CAST Todd Denning*... Benedick Kelley Faulkner*...Beatrice James Pickering*... Dogberry Michael Stebbins*... Don Pedro Jonathan Wainwright*... Don John Bob Balderson... Antonio, Sexton Mohammed ElBsat...Conrade David Flores... Leonato Ron Scot Fry... Verges Jennifer Glueckstein...Ursula Alejandra Gonzales... Watch, Ensemble Di Monte Henning... Claudio Logan Milway...Balthasar, Watch Emmitt Morgans... Borachio, Friar Bividiana Murguia... Watch, Ensemble Candace Thomas...Hero Kat Wodtke... Margaret *Member of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, appearing under a Special Appearance Contract. **Member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Much Ado About Nothing 1

2 DIRECTOR S THOUGHTS About Shakespeare in the Park and Much Ado About Nothing Thoughts from the Director, Tom Reed The summer of 2016 saw a political and social climate in our country and in many parts of the world that were progressively more vehement, derisive, and divisive. Shakespeare in the Park reflected that with our choice of Julius Caesar. This summer of 2017, we have an opportunity for art to offer the balance of catharsis and humor. We wanted a play that would combat negativity and embrace fun, and Much Ado About Nothing fits that bill. Much Ado About Nothing has great comic characters, clowns, and plenty of Shakespeare s wonderful word play that can easily bring smiles and laughs; however, one of the themes of this play still has a connection to a problem gripping our modern world the phenomena of fake news. Characters in Much Ado jump to conclusions purely based on emotional manipulation as opposed to taking the time to research the facts and come to an educated decision. Gratifyingly, in Much Ado, the characters discover the error of their snap judgments and make amends for the better, which is one of the reasons the play is a comedy. Errors in judgment do not prove fatal and almost everyone has a happy ending. Hopefully this message will be carried through in the storytelling which, for me, is one of the most important things we can do as a company tell a clear story. Shakespeare in the Park is very focused on the manner in which we tell the story and making new modern connections to the language. This is not to say we ignore the evidence that the script gives us and the standard approaches and notions of how the play and characters are traditionally performed. Quite the opposite. We start first and foremost with intensive text work, which continues through the whole rehearsal process. In addition, we concentrated our approach to Much Ado About Nothing on cast collaboration. This helped us to make personal character and storyline discoveries that are supported in Shakespeare s text. The diverse experience levels and perspectives of our company members help them to make connections close to their own lives and don t rely on preconceived notions. Our story arises from the chemistry of our cast what we all found funny, poignant, true and true to Shakespeare s meaning. We have assembled such a fun bunch of people to tell this tale. Our comradery and strong sense of teamwork shared during rehearsals and performances is a sheer pleasure. Hopefully, the cast s natural sense of joy will send audiences home with smiles on their faces and little bit to think about. Our actors all live here in Wisconsin, which also influenced their storytelling. Hopefully, that combination of approaches helped create a play that belongs to both the company and, most importantly, the audience. Shakespeare for the people! Thank you for joining the Shakespeare in the Park family for Much Ado About Nothing. 2 Optimist Theatre

3 ABOUT MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Let s Celebrate! Flush with military victory, Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, and his friends and fellow soldiers, Claudio and Benedick are visiting and celebrating with Leonato, the Duke of Messina. The victory is bittersweet however since the enemy Don Pedro defeated was his very own brother, Don John. The high-spirited company of soldiers is greeted warmly by Leonato, his charming daughter Hero and witty niece Beatrice. Meanwhile, Don John nurses his loathing of his brother. Before they are even in each other s company, Benedick and Beatrice resume a long-standing, scathing merry war of words. Later, at a masked ball, thanks to prodding by Don Pedro, Claudio and Hero fall deeply in love and are betrothed to marry. The Utter Madness of Love As the wedding is being planned, Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio, Hero and Ursula plot to trick Benedick and Beatrice to also fall in love. They stage conversations for Benedick and Beatrice to overhear, talking about how much one is in love with the other, knowing the pair are eavesdropping. Plots for Revenge In the meantime the villainous Don John and his henchmen Borachio and Conrade are still angry at Don Pedro and jealous of the happy Claudio. They plot to take revenge by sabotaging his and Hero s impending marriage. They trick Don Pedro and Claudio into thinking Hero had another lover the night before her wedding. Later, a drunken Borachio cannot resist boasting of this cruel adventure and is overheard by the night watchmen. The watchmen arrest them, and turn the villains over to an earnest and slightly off-kilter country constable, Dogberry. Villainy At the wedding, Claudio publicly shames Hero by accusing her of being untrue and refuses to marry her. Her father, Leonato, is furious and soundly berates poor Hero. She faints, and in the chaos Don Pedro, Don John, and Claudio leave hastily. Beatrice and the friar know that Hero is innocent, while Benedick doesn t know what to think. To get to the bottom of the lies, the friar advises they publicly report that Hero has died of shame, hoping it will shock the unknown villain into confessing. Love s Twisted Path Beatrice is bereft. In the midst of her pain and anger, she and Benedick profess their love for each other. She asks Benedick to prove his love by killing Claudio. Torn between loyalty to his dear friend and to his new love, Benedick very reluctantly agrees. Happily Ever After In the meantime, Dogberry, Verges, and the watchmen have successfully interrogated their prisoners and extracted a confession that reveals the plot to destroy Hero and Claudio s happiness. When Claudio learns of the treachery, he promises he will do anything to make amends. Still pretending that Hero is dead because of her grief, Leonato secures Claudios promise to marry her unknown cousin. The next morning, a disguised Hero is presented to Claudio as her cousin. When he takes her hand, she removes her mask. Claudio is delighted to learn his love still lives and ashamed of how he acted. Overjoyed, Beatrice and Benedick publicly profess their love for one another and we have a double wedding! The happy nuptials are followed by an announcement that the nefarious Don John has been arrested and his comeuppance awaits. On that gleeful note the play ends, and all tribulations are now regarded as Much Ado About Nothing. Much Ado About Nothing 3

4 CAST BIOGRAPHIES Tom Reed* Director, Associate Artistic Director, Producer, and Co- Founder of Shakespeare in the Park Tom has hit the trifecta. This is the third time Tom has directed for Optimist s Shakespeare in the Park. Previous directing credit adventures with Optimist Theatre: As You Like It and, co-directed with his lovey wife, last season s Julius Caesar. He is also the Associate Artistic Director for Optimist Theatre and one of the founding producers for Shakespeare in the Park. Tom has directed numerous productions at Alverno College where he teaches theatre, including Anon(ymous), Jar the Floor, Necessary Targets, The Foreigner, and many more. Tom has also directed productions for James Madison University, The Rude Mechanicals, Sunshine Dinner Playhouse, and First Stage Children s Theatre. As a member of the Actors Equity Association Tom has appeared in many Optimist productions including the title role in Macbeth, Puck in A Midsummer Night s Dream, Caliban in The Tempest, Feste in Twelfth Night and Leontes in The Winter s Tale. Regionally he has appeared at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the Court Theatre among others. Love and thanks to his partner in all good things ML, and as always, special thanks to Ron and Susan. ML Cogar Co-Director, Dramaturg, Producer, and Co-Founder of Shakespeare in the Park ML (Mary Lynn) is a devotee of language study and one of the founding producers of Shakespeare in the Park. She has researched and adapted each play produced by Optimist Theatre, as well as assisting the directors for Twelfth Night, Macbeth, As You Like, and A Midsummer Night s Dream, directing The Winter s Tale in 2014, and co-directing Julius Caesar in 2016 with her life partner of nearly 27 years, Tom Reed. A lifelong literature nerd, her first focus was medieval literature with a sidebar in the early history of the English language, but when she found her way forward in time to Shakespeare during graduate studies, she discovered stories and structures so perfectly emblematic of human potential and adaptable to human relationships across boundaries of time and space that she has happily plumbed those depths ever since. ML teaches analytical reading and academic writing at Alverno College and loves to work side-byside with writers, speakers, and actors as they develop and interpret text. ML heartily thanks Ron, Susan, and Tom for being the rock-spines of SitP, her glorious children for being the sublime heart and soul behind every thought, and her Milwaukee neighbors for being open to experience, to each other, and to us. When we gather to immerse ourselves in history and expression, we all witness and grow human potential. We also learn to interpret through lenses other than the limited ones fixed to us by our own minds and senses-- an imperative lesson for those of us hoping to share today s crowded planet in peace. Todd Denning* Benedick Todd is delighted to be making his fourth appearance with Optimist. Previous roles include Oberon/Theseus in A Midsummer Night s Dream, Touchstone in As You Like It, and Malvolio in Twelfth Night. Most recent credits include Ian in The Other Place at Next Act Theatre and the title role in Macbeth with Umbrella Group. Todd has been an adjunct faculty member at Marquette University since Other regional credits include Utah 4 Optimist Theatre

5 CAST BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Shakespeare, South Coast Repertory, Illinois Shakespeare, Tennessee Repertory, Georgia Shakespeare, Willamette Rep, PCPA Theaterfest, Milwaukee Shakespeare, In Tandem and First Stage. In the fall, Todd makes his Milwaukee Chamber Theatre debut as Johnny in Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune. Mohammad ElBsat Conrade This is Mohammad s debut with Optimist Theatre and first performance in a production of a Shakespeare play. Acting credits: Back of the Throat, Next Act Theatre, By Jeeves, The Metromaniacs, You Can t Take It With You, Death Takes A Holiday, Sons of the Prophet, City of Angels, Prin, The Petrified Forest, An Empty Plate in the Café du Grand Boeuf, and Omnium Gatherum at Windfall Theatre, and Jake Revolver: Freelance Secret Agent with Milwaukee Entertainment Group. Exhibit credits: Chasing Rainbows: acrylic paintings, Milwaukee Gallery Night and Day. Mohammad is from Saida, Lebanon. He moved to the U.S. in 2006 and graduated from Marquette University in 2012 with a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. He is currently a Principal Engineer at Johnson Controls. Mohammad would like to thank Tom Reed for the opportunity and the cast and crew for their amazing talent. He would also like to thank his family and friends for their continuous love and support. Kelley Faulkner* Beatrice Kelley is thrilled to be spending the summer with Optimist Theatre! A Milwaukee Rep veteran, favorite roles include Curley s Wife in Of Mice & Men, Mollie in The Mousetrap, Nurse Kelly in Harvey, Brooke in Noises Off, Evelyn Nesbit in Ragtime, Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and the title role in Always...Patsy Cline. Other work: Arizona Theatre Company, TheatreFest, Walnut Street Theatre, Fireside Theatre, and the New York City Opera. BFA in Acting from Montclair State University. Kelley is a native New Yorker by way of Philadelphia and now happily resides in Milwaukee. She is a proud member and national council member of Actors Equity Association. David Flores Leonato David Flores is very happy to return to Optimist Theatre where he last appeared in its inaugural production of The Tempest as Trinculo. He has performed extensively with many Milwaukee theater, music, and dance companies including Alchemist, Boulevard, Cornerstone, First Stage, In Tandem, Milwaukee Chamber, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Off The Wall, Renaissance Theaterworks, Skylight, Theater X, Windfall, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, and Wild Space Dance. Credits include everything from Albee to Die ZauberflÖte and Shakespeare to Sondheim. He was stage director of well-received productions of Thank you. Next? With Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Pal Joey with Boulevard Theatre, and Where the Streetcar Bends the Corner, down by the Zoo with Boulevard Theatre for which he also served as writer/creator. Ron Scot Fry Verges, Set Designer, Technical Director, Artistic Director Ron is the Founding Artistic Director for Optimist Theatre, Producer and co-founder of Shakespeare in the Park. For Shakespeare in the Park, Much Ado About Nothing 5

6 CAST BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. he has directed A Midsummer Night s Dream, The Tempest and Macbeth and played Andrew Aguecheek in Twelfth Night and Antigonous in The Winter s Tale. Other recent Milwaukee work includes performing, directing, design, building, and puppetry for Children s Theatre of Madison, Alverno College, First Stage Children s Theatre, Wisconsin Hybrid Theatre, Milwaukee Public Theatre, Bunny Gumbo Combat Theatre, Theatre Gigante, and Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre. His one-man show To Be! Shakespeare Here and Now, has played for more than 85,000 people in schools, libraries and theatres around the world, and he wrote and performed the title role in Bloody Filthy Shakespeare at the Teatro Goldoni in Florence, Italy. His gratitude is too vast to be contained in words, but it includes a very special place for all his fellow Dreamers, especially his wife, Susan. Jennifer Glueckstein Ursula/Watch Jennifer is a theater teacher in the Milwaukee Public Schools system, an actor, and an awardwinning director. She is beyond thrilled to be treading the boards in her debut with Optimist Theatre and practicing what she preaches she s limed, I warrant you! Regional companies Jennifer has worked with are TheaterRED, Milwaukee Shakespeare, Renaissance Entertainment Productions, A Turn of Events Productions, Caper Company, Lakeside Players, Inc., Push-n-Shove Theatre Co., Inc., Midwest Children s Theatre, and Practically Period Players. Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks to family and friends, especially Susan, for all the love, encouragement, and support. Alejandra Gonzalez- Avina Watch, Ensemble Alejandra Gonzalez is currently a student at Alverno College, majoring in Community Leadership with a minor in Theatre. She has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with incredible talent and taking on compelling roles, her most memorable being Anon in Anon(ymous) at Alverno College, Ursala in Much Ado About Nothing with Bard and Bourbon, and Rallitos in The Hall of Final Ruin with Renaissance Theatreworks Br!ink Series. Aside from theatre, Alejandra has been a strong advocate for immigrant and refugee rights in Milwaukee and, working with Voces De La Frontera, her personal story has been featured in the New York Times American Dreamers Series. Alejandra is looking forward to combining her need for advocacy and love for theatre by collaborating with Cooperative Performance Milwaukee on Ellis, an original adaptation of personal immigration stories from past to present. Di Monte Henning Claudio Di Monte is pleased to join Optimist Theatre for Much Ado About Nothing. A native of Milwaukee, Di Monte serves as Executive Director for performing arts organization Lights! Camera! Soul! Previous credits include Jitney with Youngblood, Cliff in To the Promised Land, Tru-Tone in Dreamfirls, Puck in A Midsummer Night s Dream, Groom in The Suitcase Dreams, Seaweed in Hairspray, William in Lobby Hero, and Tribe in Hair. T.V. credits include Chicago PD, Cellcom, and Harley-Davidson. Di Monte has attended UW-Milwaukee, where he studied Theatre, and is a recent Acting 6 Optimist Theatre

7 CAST BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Resident of the Milwaukee Rep s EPR program. Be the Change You wish to see in the World. ~Mahatma Gandhi. Logan Milway Balthasar, Watch Logan is excited to be part of his first production with Optimist Theatre. He is a graduate of Carthage College with a double major in Theatre (Directing) and Communication. Previous productions include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Urinetown the Musical, Day After Night, No Name, and As You Like It. Logan was director of A History of Falling Things at Carthage College. He performed at the inaugural Milwaukee Fringe Festival in the world premiere of The Darfstellar with KACM Productions. Logan works as a Lead Teacher with First Stage Children s Theater. He will be performing in A Midsummer Night s Dream with Arts@Large in August. Emmitt Morgans Borachio, Friar Emmitt is excited to be back for his SIXTH show with Optimist Theatre. He previously took a stab at Julius Caesar as Casca, he had quite a run as Demetrius in A Midsummer Night s Dream, a bit hairy (but overall respectable) turn as Camillo in The Winter s Tale, was especially particular and simple as LeBeau and William in As You Like It, and he was a thane/voice of reason as Lennox in Macbeth. Emmitt has been fortunate enough to also appear in shows with numerous local theatres, such as Skylight Music Theatre, Renaissance Theatreworks, Florentine Opera, Lake Country Playhouse, Bard & Bourbon, Soulstice Theatre, Phantom Cicada, and he is a company member with Kohl s Wild Theater, so you can see him perform regularly at the Milwaukee County Zoo and many local festivals and events. Emmitt would like to thank the Much Ado Cast and Crew for making it such a great experience and The Rents for all of their continuing love and support. Bividiana Murguia Watch, Ensemble Bividiana Murguia is thrilled to be making her Shakespeare in the Park debut this summer with Optimist Theatre! She is currently a student at Alverno College, where she is pursuing a minor in Theatre to fulfill her passion for the stage! All the love and thanks to the wonderful cast and creative team, friends, and family! James Pickering* Dogberry Jim is proud to return to the company he helped found seven summers ago, and for whom he was Prospero in The Tempest, Optimist Theatre s premiere production. His most recent appearance on stage was in the role of Tony Reilly in Outside for Forward Theatre in Madison. Previously he was seen in Milwaukee as Robert in A Life in the Theatre at Alchemist Theatre, and as Froggy in The Foreigner at Milwaukee Rep, the company for which he has acted and directed since the end of the Nixon administration. Among memorable roles there: Candy in Of Mice and Men, Richard Harkin in The Seafarer, Walter Burns in The Front Page, and Ebenezer Scrooge in 14 iterations of A Christmas Carol, during which portrayed the old skinflint 450 times. In recent seasons he has directed Julius Caesar at Door Shakespeare, and played Shamraev in The Seagull, The Ghost/ Player King/Gravedigger in Hamlet, and The Prince of Verona in Romeo and Juliet at American Players Theatre. Elsewhere in town, he has performed with Next Much Ado About Nothing 7

8 CAST BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Act, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, and Renaissance TheatreWorks. He is a former trustee of the Ten Chimneys Foundation, a former Milwaukee Outstanding Artist, and, as a voice-talent (his other vocation), narrator of the Emmy Award-winning The Making of Milwaukee on PBS. He lives in Bay View with his wife, actress Tami Workentin. Michael Stebbins* Don Pedro Michael Stebbins is making his Optimist Theatre debut with Much Ado About Nothing - and is grateful to be doing so. He has appeared off-broadway [The Pu and on professional stages from CA to MA. WI appearances include Chamber Theatre, Theatre Gigante and Cedar Creek Rep. Michael was Producing Artistic Director of Rep Stage in MD from and received a Helen Hayes Tribute Award for his contributions to the Maryland, DC and Virginia theatre community. He has directed at the community, college, summer stock and professional level. Michael is a proud member of Actors Equity Association. Candace Thomas Hero Candace is excited to join Optimist Theatre for her first Shakespeare in the Park experience! Some of her favorite credits include The Tempest, The Threepenny Opera, Tongue of a Bird, Hoodoo Love, The 7th Annual Rep Lab Short Play Festival for the Milwaukee Rep, and Little Shop of Horrors, in which she received a 2014 Barrymore Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical. Candace holds an MFA from the University of South Carolina. Big thanks to Frank Honts, Susan and Ron Fry for their generous hospitality. Jonathan Wainwright* Don John Jonathan is happy to be making his Optimist debut, and working again with long-time friends Tom and ML and a fine cast of characters. Most recently he worked with Third Avenue Playhouse in Sturgeon Bay, WI, playing Austin in True West. Prior to that you may have seen him as Ebeneezer Scrooge in the Milwaukee Rep s A Christmas Carol, a role he will be tackling again this Christmas. Other work includes George in The Milwaukee Rep s Of Mice And Men, Caliban in Door Shakespeare s The Tempest and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Tim in The Good Father with Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Sam in Grace with Next Act Theatre, and Roderigo in The Rep s Othello. He d like to thank Optimist for having him on board, and Laura for continued support. Kat Wodtke Margaret Kat Wodtke is delighted to be joining Optimist Theatre this summer, having previously appeared as Helena in A Midsummer Night s Dream. Kat calls the Midwest home and has performed with Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, First Stage, Theatre Gigante, Splinter Group, Truepenny Theatre, and Forward Theatre. Kat has also had the pleasure of working with Perseverance Theatre and Fairbanks Shakespeare Theatre in Alaska. Kat is a proud educator with the Milwaukee Rep, Arts@Large, and the Milwaukee Public Library. Much love and gratitude to my family and friends, who inspire and seek not to alter me. 8 Optimist Theatre

9 CAST BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Ben Yela Watch, Ensemble, and Dance Captain Ben Yela was most recently seen in the ensemble experimental piece The Way Things Go with Theatre Gigante. He has also performed with Quasimondo in Dick III and Buboes. Ben is also a singer and songwriter and can be found performing everywhere from the Milwaukee Fringe Festival to Fuel Café. Most nights, Ben can be found leading tours and earning laughs at Lakefront Brewery. * Member of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States, appearing under a Special Appearance Contract. CREW BIOGRAPHIES Rebekah Heusel* Stage Manager Credits include Mary Jane and Cymbeline with Yale Repertory Theatre, Women Beware Women, Paradise Lost and Preston Montfort An American Tragedy with Yale School of Drama, The Little Mermaid Jr. with Children s Theatre Company, Blessing with the Yale Institute for Music Theatre, and Opera Scenes with Yale Opera. Rebekah earned her BA in classics and theatre from Knox College and her MFA from the Yale School of Drama. Megan Henninger Sound Designer Megan B. Henninger is thrilled to return to Optimist Theatre s Shakespeare in the Park! She is Milwaukee based and has served as Designer and Assistant Designer on shows large and small. Designs include: Sweeny Todd for Skylight Music Theatre, Man of La Mancha for Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, The Full Monty with Peninsula Players, Bad Dates for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Death of a Salesman, A Streetcar Named Desire, Hands on a Hardbody for Williams Street Rep, RRRed for NYMF, 42 nd Street with TOTS tour, and The Martian Chronicles for Fordham University. Assistant Designs include: You re Welcome, America, Ghetto Klown, Stick Fly and Blither Sprit on Broadway and Company for the Lincoln Center. ** Colin Gawronski Lighting Designer Colin Gawronski is a graduate of UW- Milwaukee s Theatre Program and Milwaukee native. Colin is very excited to join Optimist Theater this year. He has worked with such local companies as Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Danceworks Inc., UWM Dance, In Tandem Theatre, Milwaukee Metro Voices, Next Act, Chamber Theatre, Kohl s Wild Theater, PrideFest Milwaukee, and Gina Laurenzi Dance Project. Colin has also worked with the Sacramento Music Circus, the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival and with the Indianapolis and Chicago Fringe Festivals. Favorite productions include: Stories From a Life, Thank You Next, Jesus Christ Superstar, RENT, Vagabondaré, Serendipity, In A Black Mood, Gruesome Playground Injuries, My Fair Lady, and The Lamps for My Family. Give Love Always. Christy Siebers Costume Designer Christy Siebers joins the design team of Much Ado About Nothing as her first production with Optimist Theatre. Christy holds a BFA in Theatre Design Technology in Costume Design from UW Stevens Point. Local costume design credits include The Wild Party, Ordinary Days, Little Shop of Horrors and Dogfight for All In Productions and Any Given Monday fro Pink Banana Theatre Co. Christy also works as the wardrobe supervisor for The Milwaukee Ballet. Much Ado About Nothing 9

10 CREW BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Tania Taylor Props Mistress Tania is excited to be back with the Optimist Theater for this summer s production of Much Ado About Nothing. Previous work with the Optimist Theater s Free Shakespeare in the Park includes: As You Like It, Winter s Tale, and Midsummer s Night Dream. Tania has also worked as property mistress for Alverno College s production of Five Women Wearing the Same Dress, directed by Tom Reed, and for Shorewood Players productions of Grease, My Fair Lady, and Chicago. Paul Terrien Music Director/Soundscape This is Paul s second appearance with Optimist Theater, previously heard in A Midsummer Night s Dream. He has a BFA in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Paul has been imparting his musical know-how since 1992 at Brass Bell Music, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, Milwaukee Public Schools, Family Music, Hillel Academy, and has recorded and performed both nationally and internationally, touring extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Paul tears up the stage with his respective bands, BEATALLICA, THEN LIZZY, MJØD, CHIEF, and the Underwood Baptist Praise Band covering the diverse genres of metal, rock, folk, and worship, and solo classical guitar. Desiree Stypinski Stage Management Apprentice Desiree was the Assistant Stage Manager for Theatre Gigante s production of The Way Things Go. On stage, she s been seen as a Zombie in Silent Night of the Living Dead for New Millennium Theatre Company. She can also been seen scaring the wits out of people at the House of Torment Haunted House. Desiree is an award-winning orchestral musician with Northside Prep an is currently a student at Alverno college. Genesee Spridco Choreographer Genesee is thrilled to be back with Shakespeare in the Park! Past SITP credits include Movement Coach and Choreographer for A Midsummer Nights Dream, as Ameila, Dorcas and Movement for A Winter s Tale, and Audrey and Movement for As You Like It. Genesee received her BS and BFA in Theatre Education and Directing from Viterbo University and her MFA from Dell Arte International School for Physical Theatre. Genesee is co-artistic director for Imaginez, a circus theatre and interactive event entertainment company (www. imaginezensemblez.com). She is a member of the Theatre Communication Group, the Association of Theatre Movement Educators and the head of the Devised Theatre for the American College Theatre Festival Region III. Melissa Nilles Assistant Sound Designer Melissa Nilles is an award winning sound artist and her work as an Audio Engineer has been heard around town especially at the Skylight Music Theatre where she s worked on Sweeney Todd, Crowns, and Violet. Her work has also been heard at the Peck School of the Arts at UWM. Melissa is a guitarist who plays all around the greater Milwaukee area. She has also helped crew backstage for Paul McCartney and has worked audio for Posh Production Wedding Reception Parties. Amber Jackson Costume Designer Assistant and Stitcher Amber Jackson will be starting her Senior year at UWM in the fall, graduating with a BFA in Theatrical Costume Production next May. While she has created and altered garments for the past few UWM Mainstage shows, this is her first time working with the Optimus Theatre and she couldn t be more grateful for the opportunity! 10 Optimist Theatre

11 CREW BIOGRAPHIES c o n t. Katherine (Katy) Lane Set Construction, Wardrobe Katy Lane is thrilled to be back at Optimist Theatre for her second summer. A music major education and flute major at UW- Eau Claire, Katy worked with Ron on set construction this season and is working wardrobe during the production. Katy began working on theater construction and crew at Nicolet High School and continued at UW-Eau Claire. She has been studying the flute for ten years. ** Member of United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 HOUSE CREW BIOGRAPHIES Susan Scot Fry Executive Director As the Executive Director for Optimist Theatre, Susan rarely comes out from behind a spreadsheet. After 20 years of dramaturgy and acting in original cuttings of short Shakespeare, including both Titania and Helena in A Midsummer Night s Dream and Kate in Taming of the Shrew and doing massive amounts of original children s theatre. In 2008 she took a hiatus from the stage to come up with the idea of Shakespeare in the Park and get it on its feet. Susan came out of the office in 2014 s production of A Winter s Tale as the Bear and 2015 s A Midsummer Night s Dream as Philostrate. She also has over 23 years of festival and special event producing experience, 28 years of outdoor theatre experience and is the owner of a niche tour company. Susan is devoted to the pursuit of free Shakespeare in the Park for greater Milwaukee, to her brilliant husband, Ron, and to her new puppy, Trystan. Thank you for helping make dreams come true. Christie Manussier Communications Director Christie s love for Shakespeare lies at the intersection of her passions for language and for history (particularly British). Her first exposure to Shakespeare was in the form of a community college summer program tailored to elementary school kids in the early 1980s. That experience inoculated against the intimidation with which most students later approach the Bard, making it easy to just enjoy the great stories. Since 2014, she has undertaken a wide range of communications and development-related tasks for Shakespeare in the Park. In addition to her work for Optimist Theatre, Christie has applied her grammar and writing nerdom into something like a career in marketing, communications and as an all-around dragonslayer. After several years working in the investment industry, she is presently freelance full-time. Her deepest thanks go to her husband Joseph, who is her rock, and to all the other people whose individual effort, expertise and kindness make this production possible. Much Ado About Nothing 11

12 STAFF Susan Scot Fry...Executive Director, Producer and Co-Founder of Shakespeare in the Park Ron Scot Fry...Artistic Director, Producer and Co-Founder of Shakespeare in the Park Tom Reed...Associate Artistic Director, Producer and Co-Founder of Shakespeare in the Park ML Cogar...Dramaturg, Producer and Co-Founder of Shakespeare in the Park Christie Manussier...Communications Director Michelle Owczarski...Graphic Artist, Development Karen Samelson... Grantwriter KimberLee Emmerich and Anna Dannaeker... MPS Arts Interns Dr. Barbara Leigh... Community Outreach Director Gennesee Spridco and Jennifer Glueckstein... Office Administration ADVISORS George Batayias Matt Grundman Supervisor Jason Haas John Hassig Dick Hecht Megan B. Henninger Dr. Barbara Leigh Sean Malone BOARD OF DIRECTORS Laura Barnard Emilio DeTorre Ron Scot Fry Susan Scot Fry TJ Hull, President Michelle Owczarski, Vice President Azeeza Islam Greg Stanford Michelle Young Jean Collins, Emeritus Jim Pickering, Emeritus Margaret Welch, Emeritus COMMUNITY PARTNERS Shakespeare in the Park is honored by our partners and supporters. Please join us in appreciation for the good folks who are making these performances available for us all. The Marcus Center for the Performing Arts We cannot begin to express how grateful we are for the warm embrace Shakespeare in the Park has received from the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts. Moving to the Peck Pavilion this summer was a bold step for our plucky company. It wouldn t have been possible without the big-hearted people at the Marcus Center patiently walking us through all the ins and outs. 12 Optimist Theatre Alverno College Optimist Theatre will always be grateful to the Alverno College faculty and staff who have supported Shakespeare in the Park since year 1. Without their generous help, Shakespeare in the Park would not exist.

13 GRANTS AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT Shakespeare in the Park is free to attend but far from free to produce. These amazing foundations and granting organizations are largely responsible for making the magic happen for us all. Please join us in thanking them profusely for their vision and dedication. Isabel and Alfred Bader Fund Optimist Theatre is honored to be included in the Bader Philanthropies family of support. In addition to generously funding Shakespeare in the Park, they treat us as an investment in the future, and seek to provide growth opportunities, enabling us to build a solid foundation. Thank you for your commitment to the health, vitality and viability of Milwaukee and beyond. Greater Milwaukee Foundation The Greater Milwaukee Foundation is a cornerstone of our great community. Their investment expertise, history and community knowledge make them ideally suited to support Shakespeare in the Park s mission. We are grateful for the faith and trust you have placed in us to help carry that torch. Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation For many years, the Harry & Lynde Bradley Foundation has made manifest their deep devotion to the quality of life for the people of greater Milwaukee and beyond. We are honored by their vote of confidence that the programming offered by Shakespeare in the Park is likewise a cultural and artistic cornerstone to our community. Herzfeld Foundation The Herzfeld Foundation makes grants in the areas of Arts and Culture, Education, Arts Education and limited funding in Civic Improvements to Wisconsin-based organizations with an emphasis on those that benefit the people of the Greater Milwaukee area. Thank you for your faith in us. Milwaukee Arts Board Shakespeare in the Park is supported in part by a grant from the Milwaukee Arts Board and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin. Thank you for your invaluable help in making the dream of Shakespeare in the Park a reality. CAMPAC Arts and cultural organizations contribute significantly to the quality of life and economic development in Milwaukee County. The Milwaukee County Cultural Artistic & Musical Programming Advisory Council (CAMPAC) seeks to ensure that our great community supports organizations who exemplify those contributions. Shakespeare in the Park is honored to be included in that esteemed company. Gardner Foundation The Gardner Foundation provides aid to organizations who make an impact in the community and reach out to adults who are challenged in our society. Shakespeare in the Park is happy to be recognized as an organization that connects with these individual and helps bring all people together for this communal theatre experience. Much Ado About Nothing 13

14 GRANTS AND FOUNDATION SUPPORT c o n t. Burt L. and Patricia S. Steigleder Charitable Trust The Burt L. and Patricia S. Steigleder Charitable Trust has a long and venerable history of supporting local arts organizations and greatly enhancing the quality of life for the people those organizations serve. Shakespeare in the Park is grateful for the vote of confidence in our humble offering to also enhance that quality of life through the performing arts. Wisconsin Arts Board Shakespeare in the Park has been supported since 2010 in part by a Creative Communities grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the people of the state of Wisconsin. Thank you for all the work you do and your inspirational perseverance. American Association of University Women Milwaukee Branch Fund #2 Since 1881, AAUW has been a leading voice in the nation promoting equity and education for women and girls. Herb Kohl Charities Gloria s Cake Shop and Café Plus the kind support of the following organizations who match employee donations Rockwell Automation Johnson Controls BUSINESS SPONSORS Dental Offices of Dr. David Paris Optimist Theatre is eternally grateful to our friends at Paris Dentistry for again sponsoring Shakespeare in the Park. Dr. David Paris has been a part of the Shakespeare in the Park family since the beginning and we re proud and honored to continue the association. Wisconsin Public Radio Wisconsin Public Radio is a civic and cultural resource that exists to enlighten and enrich the quality of life for its listeners. Shakespeare in the Park is proud to again be a part of the family that provides mutual support for our wonderfully matched programming choices and opportunities. Plus the support of these wonderful businesses Redfin Redfin is a full-service agent who has helped more than 10,000 customers buy or sell a home each year nationwide. The Milwaukee location is here to help. Educator s Credit Union Serving southeast Wisconsin since Optimist Theatre Transfer Pizzeria Café Relaxed café featuring 40-plus styles of creative pizzas, wine and beer and local art and live music.

15 DONORS AND MEMBERS The following individuals, through their personal donations and memberships, have helped make Shakespeare in the Park possible for everyone. Please join us in thanking them. Laura and Mark Barnard * Ruth and Chad Lawson * Jill and Don Schwartz * John and Vanessa Beardsley * Chris, Michelle and Riley Young * Michael and Margaret Welch * Sara R.S. and Howard Miller * Marcia Brooks and Edward Hammond* Jill and Bruce Anderson* Mark and Jean Babich * Linda Beckstrom * Sarah Bernstein and John Hallanger * Eric Biernat* Becky and Dan Burzynski * Virginia Chappell * Jean Collins * Molly Collins* Barbara Costanzo * Jun Davantes and Kris Vasquez, Kyan and Jaden Davantes * Larry and Eileen Dean * David H. B. Drake and Jennifer Esh * Thomas Duris and Angela Lee* Jean R. and Brent W. Erickson* Tim and Sue Frautschi* Jocelyn Fitz-Gibbon* Connie and Gary Gasper * Patricia and Paul Geenen * Diane Grace and John Savagian Jill Haas* Jacquelyn and Rick Hall * Robin Hoffman* Sarajane Kennedy * Pam Kriger * Ann Wegner LeFort * Dan and Sue Leister Joyce Mangelsdorf - in memory of Declan James Folan Shirley Martz* Jane Moore Sarah Patch * Angela Penzkover * Christine A. Prevetti* John and Barbara Reed * Patricia Rieselbach Kevin Ronnie* Muna Shehadi Sill and Mark Stodder Sharon Sohner * Gregory Stanford* William Stotts* - in honor of Tom Reed & M.L. Cogar Janet Tallberg * Stephen Turner Mari and Scott Tysen * Rocklan Wruck and Heather Kitchin* Marilyn Zwissler* Founding Member * Member Educating, informing and evoking thought since Much Ado About Nothing 15

16 SPECIAL THANKS Shakespeare in the Park would not be possible without the kindness and generosity of time, spirit, and material support (aka lending us some great stuff ) that these fantastic people and organizations have given. From Everyone at Optimist Theatre Dick Hecht, John Hassig, George Batayias, Bridgett Gonzalez and the entire team at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts Tom Schneider, Jorge Juarez and David White with COA Youth and Family Centers Extra Special Thanks from Tom Reed Jessica Wegner and Julia Quinlan-Brame from Alverno College Extra special thanks from Susan Fry Michelle Owczarski Dr. Barbara Leigh Jay Szierzyn and Simon Provon from Wisconsin Lutheran College. Matt Grundman with First Stage Children s Theatre Karen Forlenza with the City of Milwaukee Sazama s Fine Catering Sean Malone Lynn Lucius and everyone at the Brico Fund Rob Meiksins and the Non-Profit Center Pa Sponcia and the Greater Milwaukee Foundation Extra Special Thanks from Tania Taylor Jim Guy with the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre Lisa Schlenker with Skylight Music Theatre Steve and Melanie Whitlow Doug Jarecki with Waukesha Civic Theatre Jerry Dutscheck with Alverno College Extra Special Thanks from Megan Henninger Mike Brenner with Brenner Brewing Company Melissa Nilles, Assistant Sound Designer Page Daniel with Wireless Sound Extra Special Thanks from Ron Fry John at The Carpet Mill Store Drew at Bliffert Lumber Katy Lane, Desiree Stypinksi, Julia Teegarden and Linda Freund Colin Gawronski, Chris Young and everyone who helped move the set from our garage, back yard and driveway to Alverno Extra Special Thanks from Christie Manussier Sue Wagner with the US Postal Service 16 Optimist Theatre

17 ABOUT OPTIMIST THEATRE - FREE SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK Our Mission We believe that the theatrical arts broaden and enrich those parts of our minds and spirits that are most essentially human. Optimist Theatre is driven to reach artists and audiences across the economic, ethnic, and experiential landscape. We educate, entertain, and inspire through creative works of artistic integrity. Our Goals To create theater that is imaginative, dynamic and of the highest professional caliber To celebrate the talents of the artists who create our work, to encourage creative collaboration within the company and to treat our colleagues with dignity and respect To serve as a gateway theater, bringing new audiences to the arts To create art that is accessible, financially, geographically, and culturally, to all people in our community, and to celebrate diversity in hiring, casting and marketing To be financially responsible, maximizing in-kind and volunteer contributions and implementing innovative, aggressive grass-roots fundraising campaigns To add to our community s cultural footprint, helping to make Milwaukee an attractive place for entrepreneurs, professionals and businesses. Optimist Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit theatre company founded in All donations are 100% tax deductible. About the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and the Live at Peck summer series Shakespeare in the Park owes a great debt of gratitude to the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts for welcoming us with open arms. Their commitment to the arts programming, in particular for the Live at Peck Pavilion summer series has enabled Optimist Theatre to offer a whole new level of performance experience to our audience for Much Ado About Nothing. Live at Peck is supported by the Molitor Charitable Trust. Live at Peck Pavilion is a series that brings action outside to the beautiful Peck Pavilion nestled between the Milwaukee River and a mature grove of chestnut trees on the Marcus Center grounds. The focus of the series is to bring activity to the outdoor spaces of the Marcus Center grounds with performances that are engaging, intriguing and world-class. For more information about all the entertainment offerings at the Marcus Center and at the Live at Peck summer series, visit Your full service agent for buying or selling your home. Save thousands and move faster with modern technology. Much Ado About Nothing 17

18 SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK MEMBERSHIP Shakespeare in the Park Membership Why Membership? You re a Super Fan... You intrinsically understand the value Shakespeare in the Park... You know that Shakespeare in the Park is free to see, but it is not free to produce and you want to help. Become a Member Your membership will help bring the high-quality, professional productions that have earned the affection and respect of audiences and community leaders since Benefits of Membership: One reserved space First opportunity to reserve your date(s) before they open to the public (the number of spaces set aside for reservation at each performance are limited) First opportunity to donate to reserve additional spaces (for friends or other guests) Access to the Member Hospitality space at the 2017show Invitation to members-only special events throughout the year and in conjunction with the 2017 performing season - Including the hit Members Salon Series and Shakespeare s Birthday Party! Special program acknowledgement Personalized membership card Full 12 months of participation in Shakespeare in the Park, no matter when you join And more More Information For more information about Optimist Theatre, Free Shakespeare in the Park, and about joining the Shakespeare in the Park Members Group, visit Or contact Executive Director, Susan Fry at or ssfry@optimisttheatre.org. Thank you for helping make Shakespeare in the Park possible. Great oral health skilled dental team at ease in a comfortable environment David Paris, DDS Providing cosmetic and general family dentistry for children and adults for over 15 years 18 Optimist Theatre

19 Live at Peck Pavilion is a series that brings action outside to the beautiful Peck Pavilion nestled between the Milwaukee River and a mature grove of chestnut trees on the Marcus Center grounds. The focus of the series is to bring activity to the outdoor spaces of the Marcus Center grounds with performances that are engaging, intriguing and world-class. Sazama s River s Edge Patio will be open for all performances with food and beverages available for purchase from Sazama s Fine Catering. Much Ado About Nothing 19

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