Dance Captain: James Nedrud* Stage Manager: Angela Adams* Assistant Stage Manager: Casie Morell*

Transcription

1 CAST (In Order of Appearance) George Bailey... David Sajewich* Clarence...David Perkovich* Joseph...Rick Rapp Mr. Hepner... Jason Richards Ernie...Andrés Enriquez Violet Bic...Kayla Kennedy Tom Bailey... Neil Friedman* Milly Bailey... Caron Buinis Harry Bailey...Henry McGinniss Uncle Billy Bailey...Jim Heatherly Sam Wainwright...James Nedrud * Mistress of Ceremonies... Mary Nigohosian Mary Hatch... Allison Sill * Bert... Christopher Davis Dr. Campbell... Jason Richards Henry Potter... James Harms * Potter s manservant... Christopher Ratliff Lillian... Mary Nigohosian Walt...Daniel Hurst Stuart...Denzel Tsopnang Ruth Reynolds Bailey... Ann Delaney Mrs. Hatch... Mary Nigohosian Minister...Rick Rapp Sarah... Casiena Raether John...Denzel Tsopnang Mr. Martini... Jason Richards Mrs. Martini... Mary Nigohosian Accountant...Denzel Tsopnang Dorothy Wainwright... Lexis Danca Harriet... Casiena Raether Mr. Carter...Daniel Hurst Bank Teller... Casiena Raether Tommy Bailey...Julian Solis Beth Bailey... Kylie Sullivan Zuzu Bailey...Liliana Rene Understudies never substitute unless a specific announcement is made at the time of performance. For: George James Nedrud; Mary Ann Delaney; Clarence James Heatherly; Mr. Potter, Joseph, Minister Neil Friedman; Sam, Mr. Martini Christopher Davis; Tom James Harms; Harry, Mr. Hepner, Dr. Campbell, Detective, Accountant Daniel Hurst; Milly Mary Nigohosian; Ernie, Mr. Carter Denzel Tsopnang; Bert, Billy Jason Richards; Violet, Ruth, Sarah, Bank Teller Lexis Danca; Dorothy, Mrs. Hatch, Mistress of Ceremonies, Lillian, Harriet Casiena Raether; John, Stuart, Walt Henry McGinniss; Tommy, Beth, Zuzu Alina Aquino Dance Captain: James Nedrud* Stage Manager: Angela Adams* Assistant Stage Manager: Casie Morell* *Theatre at the Center is a professional theatre employing members of Actors Equity Association, the union for professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Provided with support from South Shore Arts, the Indiana Arts Commission, a state agency and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. The Director is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.

2 CAST DAVID SAJEWICH ALLISON SILL HARMS DAVID PERKOVICH HEATHERLY NEIL FRIEDMAN NEDRUD HENRY MCGINNISS ANDRÉS ENRIQUEZ CARON BUINIS CHRISTOPHER DAVIS JASON RICHARDS RICK RAPP KAYLA KENNEDY MARY NIGOHOSIAN CASIENA RAETHER ANN DELANEY LEXIS DANCA DANIEL HURST DENZEL TSOPNANG CHRISTOPHER RATLIFF LILIANA RENE JULIAN SOLIS KYLIE SULLIVAN ALINA AQUINO

3 AUTHOR PROFILES FRANK CAPRA (Film Author) Frank Capra was born in Palermo, Sicily, Italy, in 1897, and immigrated to Los Angeles when he was six-years-old. Capra turned out films based on poems such as Rudyard Kipling s ( ) Fulrah Fisher s Boarding House. He then sold them to the regular movie studios for a profit. After a series of these, Capra went to work for Harry Cohn, who ran a small company called CBC, which would grow into Columbia Pictures. It was in this period that Capra made his first film with sound, The Younger Generation. His breakthrough project came with writer Robert Riskin. It Happened One Night won the Academy Award for Best Picture, Best Director (Capra), and Best Actor and Actress (Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert). Capra s next big film, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, also written by Riskin, won Capra another Oscar for Best Director. In 1938, Capra won his third Best Director Oscar for You Can t Take It With You, an adaptation of the popular play, and the following year, created Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Capra s last film before the United States entered the war was Meet John Doe, starring Gary Cooper. After the war Capra started his own film company, Liberty Films Inc. It was then that he made It s a Wonderful Life, the film that became one of the classics of the American screen. Capra made only six more films, but none comparable to the artistic success of his earlier efforts. He made his last film, Pocketful of Miracles, in 1961 and 10 years later, he published his autobiography, The Name Above the Title. Although Frank Capra does not have a reputation among critics equal to those of other directors, his best films are still popular with audiences, especially with young people who identify with Capra s heroes. In the end it is probably his simple vision combined with a mastery of the film form itself that has made him so enduringly popular. SHELDON HARNICK (Book & Lyrics) was born and raised in Chicago and graduated from WHO S WHO IN THE CAST DAVID SAJEWICH (George) is excited to be back at Theatre at the Center, where he was last seen in All Shook Up and, before that, The Beverly Hillbillies. Performing across the midwest, select credits include: South Pacific and The Fully Monty (Stages St. Louis); The Little Mermaid (RMRT); Les Misérables (Drury Lane Oakbrook); The Pajama Game, The Baker s Wife (The Music Theatre Company); Fiddler on the Roof (Paramount Theatre); The True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Lifeline Theatre); A Wonderful Life, All Shook Up, Beauty and the Beast, Once Upon a Mattress, and Legally Blonde (Fireside Theatre). Thanks to Theatre at the Center for having me back and to family, teachers, and my fiancé, Haley, for the love and support. ALLISON SILL (Mary Hatch) is thrilled to be back at Theatre at the Center where she was last seen as Miss Sandra in All Shook Up. Previous credits include: Honeymoon in Vegas, She Loves Me, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Marriott Theatre), Laurey in Oklahoma (Paramount Theatre); Ulla in The Producers (Mercury Theater Chicago); Camelot, Les Misérables, and Inga in Young Frankenstein (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Rose in The Secret Garden (Court Northwestern University s School of Music. He won three Tony Awards: one in 1960 for Fiorello!, for his lyrics as part of a Best Musical win; and two in 1965 for Fiddler on the Roof as Best Composer and Lyricist, shared with collaborator Jerry Bock, and for his lyrics as part of a Best Musical win. He was also Tony-nominated five other times: one in 1964, for his lyrics as part of a Best Musical nomination for She Loves Me; two in 1967, as Best Composer and Lyricist, again in collaboration with Bock, and for his lyrics and book collaboration on The Apple Tree; one in 1971, as Best Lyrics (Musical) for The Rothschilds; and one in 1994, in collaboration with Peter Reeves, as Best Original Music Score for Cyrano: The Musical. Mr. Harnick was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in JOE RAPOSO (Composer) was born in 1937 and was a graduate of Harvard College, Class of 1958, where he was well known for writing the scores for several Hasty Pudding Shows. He was best known for his work on the children s television series Sesame Street including: The Sesame Street Theme, Bein Green, C Is For Cookie, Peanut Butter, Somebody Come & Play, and Factory Sing. Joe continued his work for PBS in 1971 for the other Children s Television Workshop series, The Electric Company. He also composed the music of Dr Seuss s Halloween ls Grinch Night by DFE Films and later did the music of Dr Seuss s Pontoffel Pock Where Are You? also by DFE Films. In the late 1970s, he composed the theme music of Three s Company and its spin-off, The Ropers. Along with numerous Grammy and Emmy nods, his song The First Time It Happens from The Great Muppet Caper was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Song. Raposo also composed It s Not Easy Being Green, which has had success in popular culture and has been recorded by at least 25 artists including Frank Sinatra. Theatre); and Seussical (Chicago Shakespeare Theater). Allison is a proud graduate of Ball State University. Endless thanks to Bill Pullinsi, Bill Underwood, Linda and Gordon and to my family for their love and support. HARMS (Potter) has previously appeared at TATC in the World Premiere musical The Beverly Hillbillies (Jed Clampett) as well as Man of La Mancha (Cervantes/Quixote), TATC s 2008 run of A Wonderful Life (Clarence), La Cage aux Folles (Albin/Zaza), Scrooge! The Musical (Ebenezer), High Society (Uncle Willy), A Little Night Music (Fredrik), and directed Me and My Girl. He received Joseph Jefferson Awards for his performances in The Fantasticks (Henry), Hello, Dolly! (Cornelius), Me and My Girl (Bill Snibson), and La Cage aux Folles (Albin/Zaza). His credits at Marriott Lincolnshire Theater include The Drowsy Chaperone (Man in Chair), Court Theater in Uncle Vanya (Serebriakov), Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Hecuba (Talthybius), Light Opera Works in The Pirates of Penzance (Major General Stanley), Goodman Theater in The Iceman Cometh (Jimmy Tomorrow). Last year, he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in concert with Chita Rivera. He has toured the world in Evita, Joseph

4 WHO S WHO IN THE CAST and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and The Fantasticks. DAVID PERKOVICH (Clarence) is happy to return to Theatre at the Center in his ongoing effort to earn his wings. He has previously been seen here in roles in Man of La Mancha, Phantom, It s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, and Do I Hear a Waltz? As an actor he has done more than 120 shows in everything from national tours (EVITA) to many local and regional theatres. He has also directed more than 60 productions at various venues including Candlelight Playhouse, Interplay, Illinois Theatre Center, Drury Lane Oakbrook and Marriott Lincolnshire. At TATC he has directed The 39 Steps, Spamalot, The Beverly Hillbillies, Grease, Jolson & Co., and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. JIM HEATHERLY (Uncle Billy & U/S Clarence) is excited to be making his debut at TATC. Over the past 18 years, Jim has appeared in over 80 productions. Recently, Jim s Chicago area appearances include Light Up the Sky (Citadel Theatre), the world premiere of Dance For Beginners (Piven Theatre Workshop), Unnecessary Farce (Fox Valley Repertory), Mack & Mabel (Porchlight Music Theatre), Moon Over Buffalo (JPAC), Guys and Dolls (Light Opera Works) and The Good Doctor (Organic Theatre). Jim s TV work includes, Chicago PD, Crisis, Sirens, and Boss and his feature film work includes Batman v. Superman and Chicago Overcoat. Annamae I found the muse! NEIL FRIEDMAN (Tom, Ensemble & U/S Joseph & Potter) is happy to be working at Theatre at the Center. Chicago area credits include: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, The Court Theatre, Porchlight Theatre, Steppenwolf, Drury Lane, The Goodman Theatre, and Peninsula Players. Regional credits include: The People s Light Theatre, PA; The Fulton Theatre, PA; Utah Shakespeare Festival; Capitol Repertory, NY and The New Victory Theatre, NY. Neil is a proud recipient of Chicago s Joseph Jefferson Awards. NEDRUD (Sam, Ensemble, Dance Captain, U/S George) is feeling the Christmas spirit in A Wonderful Life! Recent credits include WOZ: A Rock Cabaret with André De Shields (Kimberly Lawson Productions, Victory Gardens), Xanadu (American Theater Company), Applause (Revisit Series, Porchlight Music Theatre), Angry Fags (Pride Films and Plays at the Steppenwolf Garage), Mary Poppins (Paramount Theatre), Les Miserables (Drury Lane Theatre), Three Little Pigs (Emerald City) and Under a Rainbow Flag (Pride Films and Plays Jeff nomination: Best supporting actor in a musical). He has also worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, About-Face Theatre, FWD Theatre Project and Bohemian Theatre Ensemble among others. He is a graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. HENRY MCGINNISS (Harry Bailey, Ensemble & U/S Walt & Stuart) is thrilled to be returning to TATC, where he previously appeared in Big Fish, All Shook Up and Spamalot. Chicago credits: Bat Boy (Griffin Theatre Jeff Award Leading Actor in a Musical ), Urinetown (Boho Theatre Jeff Award Nomination Leading Actor in a Musical ), Hairspray (Paramount Theatre), The Addams Family (Mercury Theater Chicago), Camelot (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Carrie: The Musical (Bailiwick Chicago) and Edges (Circle Theatre). Television: Chicago Fire (NBC). Henry received a BFA in Musical Theatre from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and is represented by Gray Talent Group. Endless love to his biggest fans Mom, Dad, Allison and Hayley. ANDRÉS ENRIQUEZ (Ernie & Ensemble) is thrilled to be returning to Theater at the Center, where earlier this year he was part of the cast of My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. Originally from California, Andrés has been working in the Chicagoland area for 5 years, and has worked with such companies as Remy Bumppo Theater Love and Information, the Hypocrites, The Adding Machine, 16th Street Theater The Art of Disappearing, Into The Beautiful North, Porchlight Music Theater In The Heights, and Lifeline Theater Northanger Abbey, Sylvester. Andrés is a proud company member of Barrel of Monkeys in Chicago, and is represented by Gray Talent. CARON BUINIS (Milly Bailey & Ensemble) is delighted to make her TATC debut. Chicago theatre credits include: King Liz (Windy City Playhouse), Saturday Night Fever & A Christmas Carol (Drury Lane Oakbrook), The Audience, Chimerica, & Juno (TimeLine Theatre), Oklahoma! & The Music Man (Paramount Theatre), Gertrude Stein in Loving Repeating Jeanette A. Burmeister (Jeff Award Nomination) in The Full Monty (Kokandy Productions); A Funny Thing Happened & Sweeney Todd (Porchlight Music Theatre). On-camera credits include Chicago Fire and American Greed. Caron is also an active runner, finishing 23 marathons to date, and performs with Acts of Kindness Cabaret. CHRISTOPHER DAVIS (Bert) made his TATC debut earlier this year as Ernst Ludwig in Cabaret. Besides frequenting the Chicagoland TYA scene and murder mystery dinner theatre, Christopher just finished playing the Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and Benny in Guys and Dolls at the Raue Center in Crystal Lake. He also recently spent two gorgeous summers in Colorado as King Triton in Little Mermaid, Smith in Titanic, Lurch in Addams Family, Julian Marsh in 42nd Street and other roles. Never-ending thanks goes out to Mom and the Aunts for their support. JASON RICHARDS (Martini, Hepner, Campbell, Ensemble, U/S Bert & Uncle Billy) is thrilled to return to Theater at the Center where he was last seen as The Duke in Big River. Other Chicagoland credits include: Tateh in Ragtime (Griffin), Roger Debris in The Producers (Mercury), A Christmas Story (Paramount), City of Angels, La Cage aux Folles (Marriott), Shrek (Chicago Shakespeare), Assassins (Kokandy Productions, Jeff Nomination), The Wild Party (Bailiwick Chicago, Jeff Award- Best Ensemble), Applause, Mack and Mabel, The Gifts of the Magi, Anyone Can Whistle (Porchlight), The Pajama Game, The 48 Hour Musicals (Music Theatre Company). He received the Joseph Jefferson Award for his performance as Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q (NightBlue).Commercials include Blue Cross Blue Shield, White Castle, The Illinois Lottery and Donato s Pizza. He is represented by Big Mouth Talent.

5 WHO S WHO IN THE CAST RICK RAPP (Joseph and Minister) is returning to TATC after playing the Senator in last season s Nice Work if You Can Get It. Additionally, he has appeared in many productions for Music Theatre Works, most recently Candide. Rick can be heard in online gaming as the voice of Mr. Monopoly. A retired English and drama teacher, Rick has participated in many international builds with Habitat for Humanity, recently returning from Zambia in July and Nepal just a few weeks ago. He is looking forward to yet another build in March on the west coast of Mexico. KAYLA KENNEDY (Violet) happily returns to Theatre at the Center for her seventh production. You might remember her as Sammy in the recent production of The Tin Woman. Other TATC credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, All Shook Up, Spamalot, Big Fish, and Women On The Verge Other Chicago credits: Ali in Mamma Mia (Marriott Theatre), Disney s The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia (Paramount Theatre), El Stories XIV (Waltzing Mechanics). Kayla earned a BFA in Musical Theatre from Ball State University and is represented by Gray Talent! Hugs and kisses to Mom & Dad, Shannon, Richard, and Michael. MARY K. NIGOHOSIAN (Mistress of Ceremonies, Lillian, Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Martini,U/S Milly) is happy to return to TATC having been part of the 2016 cast of Nice Work If You Can Get It and previously seen as Mrs. Pennyweather in The Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical, Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Piglet in A Winnie the Pooh Christmas Tail, Merry the elf in Santa s Magic Toyshop and as understudy for Mayor Matilda in All Shook Up and Sook in A Christmas Memory. Chicagoland credits: Masha in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Steel Barn Theatre); Mary in Searching for Peabody s Tomb (First Folio); Janet in Boeing, Boeing (ITC); Woman 3 in Midlife: The Crisis Musical (Noble Fool Theatricals); Joanne in Company (William Street Repertory); Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard and Edith/Edie in Grey Gardens (JPAC); Charlotte in Moon Over Buffalo. Mary can be seen as Margie in the independent film musical Broken and Beautiful. CASIENA RAETHER (Sarah, Harriet, Teller, Ensemble, U/S Mrs. Hatch, Mrs. Martini, Lillian MC, Dorothy) is delighted to return to Theatre at the Center, where she was last seen sneaking sailors out of her room as Fraulien Kost in Cabaret. She is happy to call Chicago home after several years in Colorado and another year spent performing on a cruise ship throughout the South Pacific. Casiena s favorite roles at a variety of regional theaters include, Jackie in Mauritius, Ruby in Jeeves Takes a Bow, Gwendolyn in The Importance of Being Earnest, Cassie in A Chorus Line, Belinda in Noises Off, and Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. Casiena holds a BFA in Acting from UW Stevens Point. Love to Dane and enjoy the show! ANN DELANEY (Ruth, Ensemble & U/S Mary) is thrilled to be back at TATC where audiences will remember her in: Cabaret, Nice Work If You Can Get It, Spamalot, and Big Fish. Her recent Chicago credits include Bonnie and Clyde the Musical (Kokandy Productions) Hobo King (Congo Square Theater), All Our Tragic, H.M.S. Pinnafore, The Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzanze (The Hypocrites), Fancy Nancy the Musical (Northbrook Theater), and Mr.Burns (Theater Witt). LEXIS DANCA (Dorothy, Ensemble, U/S Ruth, Violet & Sarah) is thrilled to be making her Theatre at the Center debut! She is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent and holds a BFA in Musical Theatre with a dance minor from Millikin University. Theatre credits include: Louise in Gypsy at Music Theater Works; Sophie Sheridan in Mamma Mia!; Babette in Beauty & the Beast; Oklahoma! (Dance captain); Nice Work if You Can Get it; Jesus Christ, Superstar; Aida; My Son, Pinocchio; Big Fish; Billy Elliot; Hello, Dolly! (Music Theatre Wichita). Many thanks to the unwavering support of her friends and family. lexisdanca.com DANIEL HURST (Walt, Carter, Ensemble & U/S Harry et al) is happy to be making his debut with Theatre at the Center! Regional credits include: Chicago at Drury Lane; American Idiot (St. Jimmy) at Surging Films and Theatrics, Evita (Magaldi) at The Theatre Barn; My Fair Lady, The Little Mermaid (Jetsam) at Theatre By the Sea; A Chorus Line (Al) at Woodminster Summer Musicals; and The Light in the Piazza (Fabrizio) at Notre Dame de Namur University. Daniel graduated with a Bachelor s degree in musical theatre from Ball State University. DENZEL TSOPNANG (Stuart, Accountant, Detective, Ensemble, U/S Ernie & Carter) is thrilled to be returning to TATC having last been seen here in Annie Warbucks! Hailing from Batavia, IL; he holds a BFA in Musical from Millikin University.Some of his Chicago credits include: Five Guys Named Moe (Court Theatre), Ragtime (Griffin Theatre),The Scottsboro Boys (Porchlight Music Theatre), Smokey Joe s Cafe (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Velveteen Rabbit (Marriott Theatre), Heathers: The Musical (Kokandy Productions), Northanger Abbey (Lifeline Theatre), South Pacific and Guys and Dolls (Light Opera Works). Huge thanks to the millifam, the GTGfam and the famfam! LILIANA RENE (Zuzu) is thrilled to be making her debut performance at Theater at the Center in the role of Zuzu. She s been seen on the Chicago Lyric Opera stage several times, with her most favorite role being Young Elizabeth in Anna Bolena. Liliana has discovered her love for the arts at Maywood Fine Arts. Lilliana would like to thank her Maywood Fine Arts family, her Granna and Grandpa, her four sisters, and her dog Toby. JULIAN SOLIS (Tommy) is honored and humbled to be making his TATC debut. Some of his favorite roles he has performed are Jojo in Seussical the Musical, Simba in Lion King Kids, Charlie Bradley in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Mowgli in Jungle Book Kids, and Rabbit in Winnie the Pooh. He was thrilled to be a featured soloist for the Northwest Indiana Symphony at their first concert of the 2016/2017 season where he sang Gary, Indiana on the Star Plaza stage. He plans to continue pursuing his passion for music and theatre and is excited to see what the future holds! KYLIE SULLIVAN (Beth) is 11-years-old and has been acting since the age of 4. Although she has done over 40 projects, including on-camera and theater,