• Theatre Department

Edition 10, Issue 2 – October 2009

“Fat Pig” Has An Oversized Run!
“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” Opens This Week!
Two SAU Professors (and LOTS of Alums) Star in Glengarry Glen Ross
Irene Ryan Nominees Prepare for Battle
The St. Ambrose-Junior Theatre Connection
Senior Spotlight—Dan Hernandez
Freshman Focus—Hannah Wilke
Theatre in the QCA

"Fat Pig" Has an Oversized Run!

Cast of "Fat Pig" (L-R) was Seniors Mike Kline, Katie McCormack, Nathan Scheetz and Sophomore Elizabeth VanCamp

This first studio show, directed by senior Daniel Hernandez, was a success. Due to excessive advanced ticket sales, an extra performance was added on Saturday night. According to Dr. Corinne Johnson, this is the first time in the SAU theatre history that an extra performance has been added due to overwhelming interest.

After the Thursday and Friday performances, there were post-show discussions with panelists Dr. Corinne Johnson as mediator, St. Ambrose Counseling Center’s Steve Tendall, and director Daniel Hernandez. The audience members seemed to enjoy the idea of being able to discuss the serious content of the play immediately after the show was over. Tendall commented on how interesting his perspective was as an audience member as he sees the aftermath of the break up all the time in his office, but it’s rare to see the break up happen right in front of you. "The subject matter is so touchy that, if not handled in a responsible manner, it has the potential to offend the audience. The play is an amazing choice that could have ended up terribly were it not for the professionalism of the group of people working on the show."

Congratulations to the cast and crew of Fat Pig for a successful (and extended) run!

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"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" Opens This Week!

Galvin’s 2009-2010 mainstage season is off to a fast and fun start! The first show, Larry L. King’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, is the story of the Chicken Ranch in La Grange, Texas. Miss Mona Stangley, owner of the whorehouse, is able to keep the business running while maintaining a more-than-friendly relationship with the local sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd. The community’s acceptance of the whorehouse troubles meddling crusader Melvin P. Thorpe. The publicity generated by Thorpe’s TV program threatens the reputation of the city, putting the Chicken Ranch in danger of being shut down.

Returning director/choreographer and SAU Alum Shellee Frazee is thrilled to be working with so many new faces (20 cast members are making their debut on the Galvin stage!), as well as those with which she is more familiar. “We have a young but enthusiastic cast, and I’m very excited to see the final product all put together!”

The show is entertaining from start to finish, featuring several production numbers including the Aggie football players’ athletic dance number, The Aggie Song, the Angelettes’ halftime dance, and a staggering 150 costumes. Best of luck to our costume designer, Dianne Dye!

The show runs from October 9-11 in the Allaert Auditorium; 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, with a 3:00pm matinee on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office and are $15 for adults, $14 for faculty/staff/alumni/senior citizens, $12 for non-SAU students, or free with your student ID.

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Two SAU Professors (and LOTS of Alums) Star in Glengarry Glen Ross

The Curtainbox Theatre Company just completed its run of David Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross. Among the many Ambrose Alums involved in the production (Joseph T. Janz III, David Furness, Daniel DP Sheridan, Aaron Randolph III, David Bonde, Kimberly Furness, Jessica Sheridan, Joe Goodall, and Dr. Cory Johnson), two SAU Theatre professors shared their talents onstage with the Quad Cities area. Mike Kennedy and Louis Hare, both SAU Alums and Theatre Department Faculty, starred in "Glengarry."

Local reviewer Mike Schulz said of Hare, "in the many years I've watched him on-stage, I've never seen Hare as phenomenal as he is playing the sad sack Aaronow. Technically polished, effortlessly touching, and explosively hilarious, the actor, here, is like the best of Glengarry in one convenient package." And of Kennedy, "Kennedy commands the stage with a master's confidence, tearing into Blake's captive audience with spectacularly unforced skill, and dropping threats and insults with casual disdain."

Dr. Cory Johnson, colleague of the two, states, "Lou Hare just blew me away! I have seen him do good work many many times, but his Aaronow was in a class of its own! I am so proud of him." Of Kennedy’s work she sardonically stated, "Well, I did teach him everything he knows! NO, wait, I guess it is the other way around."

One of the performances was used as a fundraiser for the Michael Kennedy Scholarship Fund. The Curtainbox Theatre Company effectively raised $400 for the scholarship. The theatre newsletter would like to issue a big thank you to everyone at the Curtainbox, the cast of "Glengarry," and everyone who donated for their time and money.

Congratulations to our SAU Faculty (and alumni) on a fantastic production. We look forward to seeing your work in the future.

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Irene Ryan Nominees Prepare for Battle

Grace Allen
Grace was the only freshman to be nominated for an Irene Ryan last year for her performance as Miss Framer in last February’s production of "Lettice and Lovage." Grace is new to the American College Theatre Festival scene, and is looking around for any scenes that would suit her. Ironically enough, Grace is also looking for scenes from Euripides’ "Medea."

Andrew Benson
Andrew, an SAU Junior, was nominated for playing Pirelli in last April’s production of "Sweeney Todd." This is Andrew’s first Irene Ryan nomination. Andrew has been perusing many different scripts, but has narrowed his search down to Restoration-inspired comedy, specifically Moliere or Oscar Wilde. Andrew is also looking for a contemporary scene from authors like Stephen Dietz, Tony Kushner, or Harold Pinter. For a solo scene, Andrew is looking primarily at musicals like "March of the Falsettos," "A New Brain," and "Songs for a New World."

Emily Kurash
Emily, an SAU graduate, was nominated for her performance in last February’s Lettice and Lovage. Emily is looking to pair a Shakespeare with a contemporary drama. She is looking to sing for her solo portion, and is looking at "Perfect" from "Edges: A Song Cycle."

Katie McCormack
Katie, an SAU senior, received her first nomination for last February’s production of "Lettice and Lovage." Katie has been reading all over 3000 years of scripts, and hasn’t arrived on any definite choices. She is searching for a broad, contemporary comedy for her first scene, and something out of the realm of Shakespeare and his contemporaries or the Greeks. Euripides’ "Medea" is a specific Greek tragedy that she is reading.

Sarah Ulloa
Sarah, an SAU graduate, was nominated for the first time for her Mrs. Lovett in last April’s production of "Sweeney Todd." This is Sarah’s first nomination. Sarah is looking to do a song for the solo portion of the audition, but hasn’t arrived on any definite choices yet. She is looking to do something lesser known and dramatic. She doesn’t want to sing a song that the judges have all heard again and again.

The newsletter would like to wish all of the nominees good luck in their preparations, and invite all our readers to the first showing of the nominees' scenes on Wednesday, December 16 in Allaert Auditorium.

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The St. Ambrose-Junior Theatre Connection

Daniel D.P. Sheridan is the artistic director of the Davenport Junior Theatre

Since the 1970s, when Junior Theatre used the Galvin Fine Arts Center as a venue for their Mainstage Series, St. Ambrose and the Davenport Junior Theatre have maintained an undeniable connection. Junior Theatre is a theatre company dedicated to the education and inspiration of local youth.

Daniel D.P. Sheridan, who graduated from Ambrose in 2005 and earned his Master of Fine Arts Degree in acting at the University of Connecticut in 2008, recently returned to the Quad Cities to act as the artistic director of the Davenport Junior Theatre. As the theatre was in a state of collapse, Sheridan’s decision to return was more necessity than choice. "Securing a future for Junior Theatre is more important than any other career choice I could have made."

Founded in 1951, Davenport Junior Theatre is the second oldest children’s theatre in the nation and provides many benefits to children. "We help children to speak clearly, confidently, and creatively in any social setting."

St. Ambrose’s connection to Davenport Junior Theatre is ever-present in the participation of students/alumni, as they make up "pretty much the entire teaching staff and the majority of designers and directors I hire," from teachers and directors to producers and stages managers. Recent Ambrose-affiliated Junior Theatre workers include:

Kimberly Furness - Teacher and Board President
Jessica (Stratton) Sheridan - Teacher, designer, director, and producer
Cynthia Smysor - Teacher and director
Joe Goodall - Designer and teacher
Tyson Danner - Teacher
Aaron Randolph, III - Musical Director for multiple shows
Megan Fennelly - Teacher
Rachel Mayer - Director, Designer, and Intern
Matt Mercer - Stage Manager
Matt Carney - Designer
Josh Tipsword - Designer
Jovon Eberhart - Designer
Michael King - Director and Designer

Sheridan hopes to organize a joint summer program on the Galvin stage in order to strengthen the growing connection between Ambrose and Davenport Junior Theatre. "Getting this new generation of young and talented students in the door at St. Ambrose University could contribute to securing an even stronger future for SAU and the Quad City theatre community," says Sheridan.

When asked about his proudest Junior Theatre moments, the success of his students is first and foremost in Sheridan’s mind. "I am proud when they are brave, bold, and having fun."

heridan’s main goal is to help in the growth and development of his students through constant challenge. "I never play or teach beneath them, but always challenge them to rise higher than I think they can. And more often than not, they do just that."

Davenport Junior Theatre’s 58th Season is as follows:
Saturday shows are at 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday shows are at 2 p.m. only. Tickets are sold at the door. Admission is $5/person; 3-years-old and under get in free.

Winnie-the-Pooh
Oct. 17-18, 24-25

Scrooge!
Dec. 12-13, 19-20

Ramona Quimby
Feb. 20-21, 27-28

The Adventure of Aesop and his Fables
May 1-2, 8-9

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Senior Spotlight—Dan Hernandez

Hometown: Geneva, IL
Previous Productions at SAU: Director-Fat Pig, Howie-Rabbit Hole, Judge Turpin- Sweeny Todd, Matthew Harrison Brady- Inherit the Wind
Latest Project: Governor of Texas-Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Why did you come to SAU? I came to Ambrose because of its intimate size and its wonderful theatre department. The instructors are great and its really wonderful to do theatre on stage all four years of college
Favorite SAU Experience: Any time Michael Kennedy has yelled at me; it is really a great character builder.
Dream Job: To be the Majority Leader of the United States Senate, Win an Oscar or be the Pope.
Favorite Actor/Actress: Peter O'Toole and Meryl Streep
Favorite Word/Phrase: "DO IT TO IT"
Biggest Pet Peeve: Not being memorized...
Advice for Incoming Freshmen: My advice is to get to know everyone and don't limit yourself. Do what you love and all will be right in your life. You have one life, don't regret it.
What will you miss most about SAU? Kris, Cory, Michael, Dan, and Dianne.
What are your plans after graduation? I really hate this question.....I'll figure that out when I graduate. I plan to spend a month in Spain, work on some Illinois political campaigns and try to find work as a director. Simple.

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Freshman Focus—Hannah Wilke

Hometown: Muscatine, IA
Major/Minor: Majors in Theatre and Public Relations with a minor in Marketing
Previous Productions: Fat Pig- Asst. Stage Manager; The Music Man- Mrs. Paroo; Bobs her Hair- Bernice; Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat- Ensemble; Seussical- Gertrude
Most recent project: CJ Scruggs in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas
Why did you come to SAU? My brother went here so I have basically spent majority of my time here growing up and this was the only school I ever considered. It was a no brainer this is my destiny!
Favorite SAU experience: Getting to move in a week early because of Fat Pig. I liked the first week getting to meet everyone and having a blast starting off the show!
Favorite Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler, Kristin Chenoweth
Favorite Word/Phrase: "Snap it out" -Legally Blonde
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? Just getting out in four years! It's going to be a challenge with all my majors. I have to take some classes online through my towns' community college to do this, but I hopefully can accomplish that!

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Theatre in the QCA

Show: Around the World in 80 Days
Producer: Richmond Hill Players
Dates: October 1-11 Tickets: $8, Call 309/944-2244 for reservations or visit http://www.rhplayers.com/
Location: Robinson Dr., Geneso, Ill.

Show: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: October 9-11
Tickets: $15 for adults, $14 for faculty/staff/alumni/senior citizens, $12 for non-SAU students or free with your student ID. Call 563/333-6251 for reservations or stop by the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office.

Show: Swimming in the Shallows
Producer: New Ground Theatre
Dates: October 15-24
Tickets: $15 for adults or $12 for students, Call (563) 326-7529 for reservations or visit newgroundtheatre.org
Location: The Village Theatre, 2113 E. 11th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52803

Show: The Big Funk
Producer: Augustana College
Dates: October 16-25
Tickets: $15 for adults or $12 for students, Call 309/794-7611 for reservations or visit www.augustana.edu
Location: Augustana College, 38th Street Rock Island, IL 61201

Show: The Rocky Horror Show
Producer: Harrison Hilltop Theatre
Dates: October 17-31
Tickets: $16 for adults or $10 with a student ID. For reservations call 309/235-1654.
Location: 1601 Harrison Street Davenport, IA 52803

Show: ComedySportz Quad Cities
Producer: Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Every Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8 prepaid, $10 at the door
Location: 1818 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, Ill., located in the District of Rock Island, next to Circa ’21.

Show: "Mid-Life—The Crisis Musical"
Producer: Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Now through November 7; Wednesday matinees at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:45 p.m., and Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $27.07 to $46.28. Call the Circa Box Office at (309) 786-7733 or visit Circa’s web site at www.circa21.com.
Location: 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of Rock Island.

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Our next issue will be published on November 2, 2009 and will feature articles on the upcoming children’s show "A Year With Frog and Toad," a recap of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," and cast lists for the Directing Class One-Act Plays.

Visit the St. Ambrose University Theatre home page for more information about courses, degrees, events, and staff. For more information, contact theatre chair Dr. Corinne Johnson, 563/333-6427.

Department Chair/Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson, 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Katie McCormack, SAU senior
Contributing Journalists: Stephanie Seward, SAU freshman