The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 7, Issue 6
April 2007 |
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Studio Theatre Gets Real
The Real Thing, the first studio show of the spring semester, debuted Friday, March 30th. It was directed by Katie Danalewich and stage managed by Jovon Eberhart. The Real Thing is Tom Stoppard's delightful comedy about the dysfunctional love life of a successful playwright, played by SAU Junior Sean Tweedale. The cast was a diverse mix of students who came together to put on a fantastic show. Everyone worked hard to pull the show together, but there were some actors who did double (and even triple!) duties to ensure the show's success. SAU Sophomore Jaci Entwisle not only appeared on stage as Charlotte, but also designed the lights and the set! She said, "It was a great experience seeing things put together from both ends of the production spectrum. It was a wonderful opportunity, but sometimes things were a little crazy!" Things may have been crazy, but the entire show was very well done and the dedication of all the actors and tech persons shone through.
The Real Thing was a fine example of what a student-designed and student-directed show can be. While it may have played in a small venue, it is no small task to pull such a show together.
Thanks to all who helped to make the show a success!
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Broadway Director Now at Ambrose
After months of anticipation, Phil McKinley, who directed the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz starring Hugh Jackman (in addition to many other shows, on Broadway and around the world), has arrived at Ambrose and is now splitting his time between the auditorium and the classroom.
By day, McKinley is teaching a course in the studio theatre, instructing students of the "do's and don'ts" of auditioning. The class, which will last about four weeks, contains seventeen Ambrose students and meets four times a week – one hour on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and then a three-hour lab on Saturday mornings. Giving up a month's worth of Saturday mornings seems like a sacrifice for a pack of college students, but after the first week, students are incredibly enthusiastic about the class.
By night, McKinley is directing Crème de Coco, a new one-act play, by award-winning playwright William Luce, which will be making its national debut on the Allaert stage in the Galvin Fine Arts Center next month. The cast of thirteen features primarily Ambrose theatre students and alumni. The play is a biographical piece about world-famous fashion designer Coco Chanel, and will be performed three times: April 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. and April 22 at 3:00 p.m. To reserve tickets, contact the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office at (563) 333-6255. This production is looking to be a showcase of the best Ambrose has to offer and should not be missed!
Phil McKinley has only been in the Quad Cities for two weeks and already the students and faculty feel as though they have greatly benefited from his stay. This opportunity stands as just one more example of how remarkable the Ambrose theatre department has become and students and faculty alike are proud to be a part of this small school's incredible department.
Come join in on the fun next month with the national debut of William Luce's Crème de Coco!
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The Studio Theatre's Musical
Musical director Tyson Danner and stage director Scott Peake are producing the musical John and Jen by Andrew Lippa. John and Jen is a two-person play about a brother and sister who desperately cling to one another, yet grow apart while growing up with an abusive father. As they finish high school and enter adulthood John goes into the army and unfortunately does not come back. This causes Jen to focus all her guilt on her newborn son, who she names after her brother.
"Like many small plays, John and Jen is an intimate show that is well-suited to a small performance space. The closeness of the audience to the actors in the Studio will allow them to feel very connected to the actors," says Danner.
But the play still presents many challenges, some of which are: "just doing a musical in the studio, tight end-of-the-year scheduling, fitting an orchestra in a small space, etc.," says Scott Peake.
Both Danner and Peake are ready to get working and put their previous experiences to work in this new show. When asked what is the most important thing he's learned that he will apply to this show, Danner responded: "My guiding principle in music direction is to enable the actors to express the music and text in an original and meaningful way. I'm looking forward to working in the studio, where the actors will be able to communicate with their audience in a way that can't be matched in a large theatre."
Auditions were held on March 25 and 26. And two actors have been chosen. Mike Kline is a freshman who will play John, while Jen will be played be senior Claire Richards.
Due to a tight Galvin schedule, John and Jen will not have a typical performance schedule. Opening night will actually be a matinee before the Galvin Awards at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, followed by 7:30 p.m. performance on Sunday, May 6 and 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7. The show will be general admission seating with a cost of $6.00 for everyone. To order tickets or request more information call the Galvin Box Office at 563-333-6251.
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Announcing Galvin's 2007-2008 Season!!
It was a tough choice, but the mainstage shows for Galvin's 2007-2008 have been chosen. "Our season is beautifully balanced with both comedy and drama," comments Professor Mike Kennedy. The first show of the season will be All My Sons, written by Arthur Miller and directed by Michael Kennedy. Dr. Corinne Johnson will be designing costumes for this production as well. It may sound like the show is all about sons or boys, but Kennedy assures us that the hefty roles are evenly distributed between the sexes, and that there is one especially fun character role for a youthful female.
Kris Eitrheim, the chair of SAU's theatre department, comments on All My Sons: "It's a gritty play that's timely-talking about patriotism. There are lots of scenic opportunities and Kennedy wants the play in the middle of the audience so it presents another Our Town opportunity [which was done in a thrust style]."
Student director Madeline Dudziak (who will be a senior) will take the stage, directing the children's show "Charlotte's Web." She's says that she decided on "Charlotte's Web" because it's based off a fantastic book and she's a big lover of good children's books. "It's exciting for a student to direct a children's show after such a long time. It will present challenges, but I think she's up to it," comments Kris Eitrheim.
"I think working with a large cast and keeping the play down to only 50 minutes in length will be two of the biggest challenges," says Dudziak. However, she states, "Time management and organization will be key in directing the children's show; also, keeping an eye on the floor plan and stage pictures will be important with such a large cast."
We'll see Mike Kennedy's work again with God's Favorite, a comedy by Neil Simon that puts a modern spin on the story of Job from the Bible. Kennedy is really excited about both shows he will be directing. "Arthur Miller is my favorite modern playwright and I have never done All My Sons. And Neil Simon is my favorite comedic playwright. The story of Job is done with a contemporary twist and is a good match for our modern day and age," said Kennedy.
And finishing our season will be the musical Pippin, directed by Dr. Corinne Johnson and under the musical direction of Marti Dunn-Hall. Dunn-Hall is looking forward to doing the show and says, "I love the music. It is great fun and it has a lot of excitement."
This will mark Dunn-Hall's last show at SAU. When asked why this would be her last show, Dunn-Hall responded, "I've been cutting back. I went from doing two shows every year to one. Now it's time for me to concentrate on other things." Johnson says about Dunn-Hall's retirement from the SAU stage: "She's one of the most savvy musical theatre people I've had the opportunity to work with, and I'll miss not only our artistic collaborations but being able to see a friend on a daily basis."
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Returning to Their Roots
When SAU Theatre students graduate, their future plans are often unknown, and they leave thinking they may never return to the SAU stage again. This is not the case, however, for two fabulous females who graced the Galvin stage with their presence in previous years. This spring, for the mainstage show Crème de Coco, directed by Philip Wm. McKinley, we are lucky enough to have them in our midst as actors once again.
Kimberly Kurtenbach Furness (SAU '95) and Jamie Em Johnson (SAU '02) are these talented women. Furness will star as Coco Chanel, and Johnson as the Abbess. We asked them to fill us in on what they have been doing, and what it's like to return to the place where they spent so much time in the past.
JAMIE EM JOHNSON
Shots of Johnson from her early days at St. Ambrose.
"How do I feel coming back to the stage? Well, I'm excited. It's kind of strange. When I attended school from 99-02, Galvin was my home. I spent all of my time in the scene shop or on the stage, and when I ventured across campus to other locations, I felt like I was leaving my comfort zone. Now, being in the education department, I walk by Galvin everyday to get to Ambrose, which has kind of become my home. It's not nearly as fun as Galvin!!
"When I came to audition for Coco, it was so strange because I didn't recognize the faces, and I kept having flashes of five years ago, when I knew every person that
was there. I wondered who you guys were and you probably wondered who I was, and as the audition process went on,
 we all started talking more, just like theatre people always do!
"Returning to the Galvin stage is very exciting for me. I have worked at several different theatres: Circa, New Ground, My Verona at ComedySportz, but there is nothing like standing on that stage where you kind of got your feet. I have done theatre all of my life, but until Ambrose, I never had the chance to work with someone like Cory Johnson or a Mike Kennedy. To this day, although I've already graduated, Kris Eitrheim is and always will be, in my opinion, my advisor. There is a love that runs through that building that you can't help but feel when you are in it. I think for the months I work on Coco, I'll get to be home again. Even though the faces have changed, the heart stays the same."
KIMBERLY KURTENBACH FURNESS
Furness in SAU's production of Once upon a Mattress and a more recent headshot.
After living in Chicago for three years and
Los Angeles for seven, it has been quite a change of pace returning home. I
worked professionally as an actor for the last 10 years while also holding down
various other jobs to supplement my income. I was lucky to do a lot of theatre
and even dabble in some television and film. In Chicago, I did a lot of area
theater and also did an independent film which won some acclaim on the Indy Film
circuit. This really sparked my interest in pursuing more television and film.
So, I made my way out to Los Angeles, where I did a significant amount of
theatre, even starting my own theatre company while I was out there. I also
managed a Home Schooling Division for THE BEVERLY HILLS TUTORING COMPANY where I
worked closely
 with
many. I learned a lot there because I was able to see how the lifestyles and
careers of these huge celebrities functioned on a daily basis. [This new
insight] played a lot in my decision to move back to Iowa. My husband and I
decided that it was time to focus more on the future, stability and starting a
family. Los Angeles was not the place I wanted to do that.
After much discussion and a few tears, we left Los Angeles. It has been a
wonderful return to Iowa. I have found that I work more consistently as a
performer here. I also still teach. I teach acting privately and with Junior
Theater of Davenport. Since I have been here, I have done 8 professional stage
productions with various professional theaters including New Ground Theater,
GHOSTLIGHT Theatre and Circa 21 Playhouse, one motion picture (which got me my
Screen Actors Guild card) and several radio and television commercials. I never
dreamed I would come back to Iowa to find such success in what I love. I am
fortunate to have connections here with friends like Cory Johnson, Mike Kennedy
and Denny Hitchcock. These dear friends keep me working very consistently, and I
could not feel more blessed to have them in my life. I truly feel like 'I HAVE
IT ALL', back here in Iowa. I have a house, husband, career and many family
members and friends all around me! Truly blessed and I am grateful.
When I was given the opportunity to audition for Coco, which is being
directed by such an accomplished and acclaimed Broadway director, I jumped at
the chance. Just to audition was an honor. I am excited and nervous as the show
approaches. I know this character requires a tremendous amount of research and
homework! Coco Chanel is one of the most intricate and amazing individuals. It
will be a huge undertaking and challenge It is an actress' dream role. I will
work my tail off, do my best, and hope I do the character justice! I have no
doubt that Phil [McKinley] will help guide me as I develop this character. I am
REALLY looking forward to this process with him!
"I had a spectacular experience in my 4 years at Ambrose. I could not have
asked for a better foundation as I went off into the professional world. Dr.
Johnson, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Eitrheim are three of the finest instructors and
artists I have ever worked with. The St. Ambrose Theatre Department has grown
significantly since I left. It has always turned out wonderful actors, directors
and technicians and I am so proud to be one of them. I am thrilled with the cast
of the show! I have no doubt I will learn a lot from working with these students
and I hope they will enjoy working with me. St. Ambrose taught me a lot, and I
expect I will continue to learn as I embark on this project! I can't wait!
"Ambrose feels more comfortable for me than anywhere else! You know how they
say, 'You can never get those years back again?' Well, I guess I am getting that
chance! I am looking forward to working with everyone on this project and I am
thrilled with the chance to observe Phil work. Ambrose is so fortunate to have
gotten such an accomplished and driven director to give his time and talents to
us! I am grateful to St. Ambrose and Phil McKinley for letting me be a part of
this process!"
Congratulations to both! We all look forward to working with you and learning
from your experience - Thanks for coming home!
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Who Are These People??Introducing the SAU Theatre Adjuncts
MEET LOUIS HARE!
Lou Hare, then and now.
Louis "Lou" Hare may sound like a name you recognize, and for good reason! Lou graduated from St. Ambrose in 2002 with degrees in Theatre, Journalism, and Radio/TV. After his work here at SAU, Lou attended Western Illinois University where he acquired an MFA in acting. When asked what surprised him most about returning to SAU, he said, "All of the new faces. My memories of SAU involve students who have come and gone. It's like a sequel where most of the parts have been re-cast." And what's it like being a professor now instead of a student?"Teaching in a classroom where you spent so much time as a student is kind of a trip."
Here at SAU, Lou teaches the Monday/Wednesday Survey of the
Theatre class, and during the day he works as a prevention specialist for the Rock Island County Council on Addictions. Regarding teaching, the most difficult and intriguing part of his job is "creating a relationship with the students that is both relaxed and conducive to learning. Some professors are liked, some are respected. I hope to be both."
MEET DONNA HARE!
Notice a common last name with these two adjuncts?That's because when Lou
returned to SAU he brought his wife! Originally from Birmingham, AL, Donna got
her BFA in acting/directing at the University of Montevallo. After a few years
working in a bank to make money, Donna migrated north to attend Western Illinois
University, mainly for acting training, as she felt her undergrad degree left
something to be desired. What led her to something beyond acting/directing?"It
was when I got to TA (Teaching Assistant) and even teach my own classes there
[at Western] that I realized how exciting and fulfilling it is to teach. To be
able to see the light bulb go on in a student and create an interest in theatre
is very rewarding."
When asked about what she enjoys most here at SAU, she stated, "The dedication
of the students. Sometimes at Western and at Black Hawk (I taught 3 classes plus
3 labs there last semester) the students weren't as motivated (answering
questions in class, studying for tests, turning in correctly done assignments,
etc). Here students even stay after class to ask questions. I have even had one
student bring in an in-law to class!" Her greatest challenge at SAU?"Finding
more classes to teach! Besides that, just the travel time from my job in Moline
to Davenport gets to be a little much sometimes."
We are thrilled to have Lou and Donna on board as the newest adjunct faculty
members here at SAU! If you see them around-be sure and introduce yourself!
Watch next month's newsletter for more adjunct faculty introductions!
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Irish Eyes Were Smilin'
Dr. Corinne Johnson has returned to the SAU campus after spending the first half of the term teaching and directing in our sister school in Carlow, Ireland. Johnson taught four courses and directed a show called "A Wilde Night: the Wit and Drama of Oscar Wilde". When asked to describe her experience Johnson stated, "It was challenging, but ultimately very rewarding." Johnson went on to discuss the issues of directing in a space that hadn't been formally used as a theatre in a long time as well as working to instill a sense of commitment and discipline in the new actors. "There was a lot of raw talent at the school in Carlow and I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with them." The performances (on March 2nd and 3rd) were sold out and very well received. A review from The Carlow People, the local newspaper, read: The talent and wit of Oscar Wilde came alive last week as a series of Wilde scenes took place in Carlow College's Cobden Hall. . . 'A Wilde Night' was staged twice last week and both nights were a great success proving the endearing popularity of Oscar Wilde.
When asked if she would do it again she quickly stated, "Yes! Absolutely...BUT, I would know more about the school and culture this time and that would be helpful. Oh, so very helpful. Also, I would try to go when school at SAU was NOT in session. I hate missing so much here at home---like the KC/ACTF trip!"
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Alumni Updates
Daniel Sheridan (Class of '05) and Jenny Stodd (Class of '06) Get Engaged
After hearing about the recent engagement of two of SAU Theatre's treasured alumni, the Newsletter got in touch with Jenny Stodd to get all of the details. Here's what she had to say:
"Daniel and I are very excited to be engaged. We met in the spring of 2003. The two of us had a class together right after I transferred to Ambrose. We both had crushes on each other, and it was actually persuasion from Cory Johnson that got us talking to each other. When I graduated, we had been dating for three years, and decided that I would move out to Connecticut with him, while he finished graduate school, to pursue theatre. This winter, Daniel went out and bought a ring on his own and hid it in our apartment. One Sunday when he actually had a day off, we went to a park out here called Mansfield Hollow. The huge lake was frozen, and it was on a "beach" on the lake that he proposed--he knew to get on his left knee from his role in Macbeth: you kneel closest to your heart. At first it was a little surreal, but now we've just sunk into our planning. The date is set for June 21, 2008. We'll be getting married at Ascension Chapel at Augustana College, where my parents were married.
"I am currently the manager of a Hallmark store in Manchester, CT, in hopes of saving money. Next March, I will move back home to the Quad Cities to find a job and hopefully start looking for a place to live. My good friend Kim Furness and I, along with Daniel and her husband Dave, are hoping to start a theatre company in the Quad Cities.
"Daniel has one year left in graduate school at the University of Connecticut. He will graduate in May of 2006 with his MFA in Acting. We plan to reside in the Quad Cities, living whatever life throws at us and eventually starting a family. Theatre will always be at our core. Like I said, we, along with the Furness', hope to start a theatre company and help to enrich theatrical life in the Quad Cities. It's such a great area for the arts, and we can't imagine living anywhere else."
We all wish the best of luck to Jenny and Daniel as they plan their wedding and start their life together!!
Stephanie (Massick) Alexander (Class of '01) Wins Playwriting Contest
SAU Theatre Alumnus and founder of the SAU Theatre Newsletter Stephanie (Massick) Alexander was recently honored as the winner of a playwriting contest in Pella, Iowa. The following is a press release with all the information.
"Congratulations to SAU theatre alum Stephanie (Massick) Alexander ('01) for being named first-place winner of the Tulip Time playwriting contest in Pella, Iowa. The contest, held by Pella's Union Street Players theatre group, was announced in September 2005. The challenge was to write an original, one-act play specifically based on some aspect of the history of Pella, to be performed at the town's Tulip Time Festival, which attracts more than 100,000 visitors annually from across the nation.
"Stephanie learned of the contest only weeks before scripts were due. The submission deadline was Aug. 1,' she said, 'and I started writing on July 18. Mostly I just wanted to see if I could write a viable script that quickly.'
"Judging of the scripts was done by six different members of the Iowa Scriptwriters Alliance, including Max Allan Collins, the writer of the Tom Hanks film Road to Perdition. 'I was thrilled when my play was named the winner,' Stephanie said. 'Not only were the judges of such high quality, but my fellow finalists – who included a college writing teacher and the president of the theatre group holding the contest – had very impressive backgrounds and I was honored to be among them.'
"In Stephanie's play, 'Tulip House,' a documentary film crew follows a modern-day family as they live out the ups and downs in the life of a 1935 Pella family as the town readies for its first-ever tulip festival.
"Stephanie, whose SAU stage credits include Hedda Gabler, Picasso at the Lapin Agile and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, cites Dr. Cory Johnson's assistance during the writing process. 'When I made it past the first round, I had a month to do rewrites,' Stephanie said. 'I immediately sent it to Cory, who is always a huge support to her students, past and present. She gave me some very valuable feedback, which helped me to make the end of the show much stronger. Cory is a truly wonderful resource.'
Tulip House will be performed May 2-5, during the 2007 Tulip Time Festival. Congratulations to Stephanie on this outstanding achievement!
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Senior Salute: Emily Clifton
Name: Emily Clifton
Hometown: Dallas City, IL (it's in the middle of cornfields)
Majors/Minors:Theatre/English and Writing/Art History/Irish Studies
Previous Productions at SAU: Eastern Standard (director), Identity Crisis (director), A Lie of the Mind (propsmistress), Children's Hour (stage manager and propsmistress), Blithe Spirit (propsmistress), Rumors (sound board), Narnia (electrician), Our Town (electrician), Urinetown and H.M.S. Pinafore (assistant scenic painter).
Latest Project: Set Designing John and Jen.
Why did you come to SAU? A good scholarship and the black squirrels.
Favorite SAU Experience? Getting to do random things like making the back half of a deer for A Lie of the Mind, or seeing my roommate be veiled as a nun.
Dream Job? Editing cutting-edge fiction or memoirs.
Favorite Actor/Actress? Leonardo DiCaprio
Favorite Word/Phrase? Awkward Turtle
Biggest Pet Peeve? Lazy people
Advice for Incoming Freshmen? Always be open to learning and trying new things. Listen to Kris, Cory, and Mike. And don't be afraid to pull all-nighters in Galvin.
What will you miss most about SAU? Always being able to find someone in my room or down the hall willing to help out or just hang out.
What are your plans after graduation? Starting to work full-time as a copy editor, which is my current job. Then going to grad school.
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Freshman Spotlight: Andrew Parks
Name: Andrew Carl Parks
Hometown: Quincy, Illinois
Majors/Minors: Exercise Science and a music minor
Previous Productions: Fortinbras (Marcellus), Narnia (Aslan), Les Miserables (Enjolras), You Can't Take It With You (Tony Kirby), Nutcracker (Cavalier), South Pacific (Stewpot).
Most Recent Project: Playing Billy in The Real Thing and working as Assistant Stage Manager for Crème de Coco.
Why did you come to SAU? For the Physical Therapy Program
Favorite SAU Experience? Looking at the cast list after my first audition here. I couldn't believe I had been cast as Aslan in Narnia. I am pretty sure I stood in one spot for about 5 minutes looking at the sheet over and over to make sure I didn't misread it.
Dream Job? My goal in life is to one day work as a Physical Therapist by day and run my own recording studio out of my basement, where I can record local talent in an actual studio to help them get a start, by night.
Favorite Actor/Actress? Christian Bale
Favorite Word/Phrase? Tweek
Biggest Pet Peeve? When people can't make up their mind and expect everyone around them to make decisions for them.
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? I hope to get my degree and then my doctorate through the physical therapy program, and then I would like to pursue my life goals and just enjoy everyday. |
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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: Crème de Coco
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Call the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office at (563) 333-6255.
Location: Allaert Auditorium, located in the Galvin Fine Arts Building on the SAU campus.
Show: Charlotte's Web
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: April 17 through May 12. (April 17, 19, 23, 28, and May 3, 7, 12 at 10:00 a.m.; April 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, and May 1, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 1:00 p.m.)
Tickets: All seats $7.00, Groups (12 or more) $6.00. Call (309) 788-7733 x2, or visit Circa's box office.
Location: 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of RI
Show: ComedySportz Quad Cities
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8 prepaid, $10 at the door
Location: 1818 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. Downtown in the District, next to Circa '21
Show: Chicago
Producer: The Adler Theatre
Dates: Tuesday, April 10 and Wednesday, April 11 at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $31.50 to $56.50; Call (563) 326-1111
Location: 136 E. 3rd Street, Davenport, IA
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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
We have one more newsletter this semester, before SAU students break for the summer. Our May issue will feature a recap of Crème de Coco and the Phil McKinley/William Luce visits, and news on the Galvin Awards.
Please use our convenient signup page to manage your subscription to SAU e-newsletters.
Visit the St. Ambrose University Web site for more information about courses offered, degrees, events, and staff. And also check out the SAU Theatre Website for more information about the Theatre Department, or contact theatre chair Kristofer Eitrheim by email or by phone at 563/333-6255.
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Department Chair: Kristofer Eitrheim - 563/333-6255
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson - 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Seth Kaltwasser, SAU sophomore
Contributing Journalists: Emily Clifton, SAU senior / Emily Kurash, SAU senior / Catie Osborn, SAU freshman
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