St.
Ambrose University Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 2-
'05-'06
October 3,
2005
518 West
Locust St. Davenport, IA 52804
Department
Chair: Kristofer Eitrheim - (563) 333-6255,
EitrheimKristoferJ@sau.edu
Faculty
Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson - (563) 333-6427,
JohnsonCorinneS@sau.edu
Newsletter
Editor: Jenny Stodd, SAU Senior, SAUTheatreNews@Yahoo.com
Contributing Journalists: Andrew Harvey, SAU
Junior / Emily Clifton, SAU Junior/ Kathryn Hale,
SAU Junior / Emily Kurash, SAU Freshman
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
In
This Issue:
1. Post Mortem
of Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune
2. October
musical production Urinetown approaching
fast
3. Auditions
for A Lie of the Mind and Dear Edwina
4. Cast list
of Studio Production Wonderful World
5. Freshman
Spotlight : Sarah Ulloa
6. Senior
Salute : Scott Peake
7. Ask A
Graduate Student : Lou Hare ('02)
8. Theatre
Around the QCA this month
=============================================
Frankie and Johnny in
the Clair de Lune
Is Studio Success
The St.
Ambrose Theatre Department started off the 2005-2006
season last month with the September Studio
production of Terrence McNally's Frankie and
Johnny in the Clair de Lune.
The show
follows Frankie, a middle-aged waitress played by
SAU Junior Marianna Caldwell, and the night she
spends with her new lover Johnny, a cook at the same
diner, played by SAU Alumnus Joe Goodall. After a
very intimate opening love scene in Frankie's
apartment, the two must decide what their futures
hold; and whether or they see the other in it. They
spend the remainder of the night going back and
forth as to what they have found in each other, and
after hours of laughter, cooking, tears,
confessions, and "the most beautiful music in the
world" they come to terms on their relationship, and
watch the sun rise in each others' arms.
In previous
seasons, the limited seating in the Studio Theatre
proved to be a problem, and an matinee was added on
Saturday the 10th of September. Despite
the additional show to accommodate the audience,
only about a dozen people came to the Saturday
afternoon showing, with other nights never
completely selling out. Competition with a home
football game and other campus activities were
suggested to be the blame for the decrease in the
number of audience members.
Instead of the
usual stadium style arrangement, the audience was
seated in a thrust manner, surrounding half of the
stage. This setup allowed more intimacy between the
actors and audience, being that no audience member
was more than a few feet from the stage area. The
realistic apartment setting also allowed the
audience to immerse themselves into the lives of
Frankie and Johnny, and feel their emotions in a
much stronger way.
"Frankie
and Johnny was nothing but a positive
experience," stated Director and SAU Senior Scott
Peake. "Not only was it a great theatre experience,
but it was a great life learning experience.
Everyone involved in the project grew in some way,
and many of us became closer." Also involved in the
production were SAU Sophomore Madeline Dudziak
(Stage Manager), Senior Danielle Zack (Assistant
Stage Manager and Props Mistress), Senior Aaron Hook
(Technical Director), Senior Erin Gayman (Set
Director), Senior Sarah Foley (Costume Design),
Junior Kristy Heithoff (Lighting Design), and Junior
Andrew Harvey (Sound Design).
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Frankie
and Johnny for starting off the 2005-2006 SAU
Theatrical Season on an artistic high!
()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()()
"It's a Privilege to
Pee?"
That is what
the cast and crew of SAU's fall musical production
is learning. Urinetown, by Mark Hollmann and
Greg Kotis, is a three-time Tony Award winning
musical about a 20 year drought causing the need for
private bathrooms to be replaced by public
amenities. Bobby Strong, played by Sophomore Jack
Kloppenborg, leads a rebellion against the corrupt
businessmen over the high cost to use these public
facilities.
With opening
night just a week and a half away, the entire
department has been working hard to make sure the
show goes smoothly. Junior Katie Danalewich who is
playing Dr. Billeaux remarks, "I'm so excited to be
a part of this cast. The show is going to be
extraordinary." St. Ambrose University is excited to
bring the world of contemporary musicals to the Quad
City area; Urinetown premiered on Broadway in
2001 and closed just three years later in 2004. The
Theatre Department feels very lucky to be able to
produce such a new musical here on campus.
While the name
of the show causes some to turn heads, Urinetown
is a laugh-out-loud comedy with some catchy songs
like "Run, Freedom Run" and "We're Not Sorry." One
of Urinetown's Tony Awards was for Best
Original Score, and Marti Dunn-Hall, the music
director, is ensuring that those who see this
production will not be disappointed in the sounds
they hear. The composers used all kinds of musical
genres in their score, combining gospel, jazz,
opera, and traditional musical theatre into one
great production of numbers. Also working on the
production is a guest choreographer, Alumnus Shellee
Frazze, to enhance the great music with dance.
With a
terrific cast and crew, Urinetown is
certainly an event that is not to be missed. Order
your tickets today!
Urinetown
When:
Thursday, Oct. 13-Saturday, Oct. 16, 2005
All shows start at 7:30pm except for Sunday,
which starts at 3pm
Where:
St. Ambrose University in Allaert Auditorium located
in the Galvin Fine
Arts Center
Tickets:
$12 Adults, $10 Seniors and Students, FREE to
SAU student with valid ID
Call (563) 333-6251 or go to www.sau.edu/galvin
Cast and
Crew
Bobby
Strong..................Jack Kloppenborg
Hope Cladwell.................Emily
Kurash
Officer
Lockstock.............Sean Pankuch
Little
Sally......................Jenny Stodd
Caldwell
Cladwell.............Marc Ruebling
Ms.
Pennywise.................Marianna Caldwell
Josephine
Strong...............Linda Ruebling
Mr.
McQueen..................Jacob Kendall
Senator
Fipp....................Tyson Danner
Dr.
Billeaux.....................Katie Danalewich
Mrs.
Millennium................Jaci Entwisle
Old Man
Strong................Keith Haan
Hot Blades
Harry...............Andy Burman
Little Becky
Two-Shoes......Sarah Ulloa
Billy Boy
Bill...................Hans Schnekloth
Robby the
Stockfish...........Seth Kaltwasser
Tiny
Tom.......................Pat Laffey
Officer
Barrell..................Scott Peake
Soupy
Sue.....................Rebecca Kinsley
Executives......................Matt Jones, Rick
Poor
Women...................Emily Christiansen, Ellen
Pagan, Ashley Damato,
Rachel
Mayer
Director........................Michael Kennedy
Music
Director................Marti Dunn-Hall
Accompanist..................Becky Seward
Choreographer................Shellee Frazee
Scenic
Designer...............Kris Eitrheim
Costume
Designer............Corinne Johnson
Lighting
Designer.............Chris Konrady
Stage
Manager................Kathryn Hale
Asst. Stage
Manager.........Kari Rogers and Morgan Harrison
Master
Electrician............Madeline Dudziak
Props
Mistress................Julie Arensdorf
*************************************************
Calling All Actors
October looks to be a busy month for the SAU Theatre
Department, with simultaneous auditions for two
shows on the calendar.
Sam Shepard's A Lie of the Mind details the
tribulations of two families connected by the
abusive marriage of two of their offspring who are
forced to examine their own jealousies and faults.
This production is directed by SAU alumnus Dave
Bonde ('96) and runs from Friday, February 17th-Sunday,
February 19th, 2006. Auditions are on
Tuesday, October 18th (3:30-6:30 PM) and
Wednesday, October 19th (6:30-9:30 PM) in
Allaert Auditorium; four roles for men and four
roles for women are available. Theatre Majors and
Minors are required to prepare a one-minute
monologue for the audition.
The musical children's show is fast approaching;
this year's piece is "Dear Edwina" by Marcy Heisler
and Zina Goldrich. "Dear Edwina" follows
thirteen-year-old Edwina Spoonapple as she tries to
earn her place in the spotlight of the Kalamazoo
Advice-a-palooza Festival with the help of her
quirky gang by hosting a live advice show from her
garage. This production will be directed by Dr.
Corinne Johnson with music direction from Dr. Keith
Haan. It runs from Saturday, December 3rd-Sunday,
December 4th, 2005. Auditions are on
Tuesday, October 18th (3:30-6:30 PM) and
Wednesday, October 19th (6:30-9:30 PM) in
Allaert Auditorium. A number of roles are available
for men and women; All auditionees are required to
prepare a verse and chorus from a song of their
choice, and Theatre Majors and Minors must in
addition perform a one-minute monologue.
If you cannot attend these auditions and wish to set
up a private audition time, or have any questions or
comments regarding these shows and audition
requirements, please contact Dr. Corinne Johnson at
(563) 333-6427.
[][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][][]
Studio Theatre Prepares
for Upcoming Production
Student
director Andrew Harvey (Junior) has recently
selected the cast for his Studio Theatre directorial
debut of Wonderful World. Congratulations to
the cast and crew listed below:
Max............Jeremy Pack (SAU Junior)
Jennifer.........Colleen Winters (SAU Sophomore)
Barry............Jacob Kendall (SAU Junior)
Patty............Claire Richards (SAU Junior)
Lydia............Caryl Altemus (SAU Faculty)
Director..................Andrew Harvey (SAU Junior)
Stage
Manager.........Sean Tweedale (SAU Sophomore)
Asst. Stage
Manager...Claire Hasenmiller (SAU Freshman)
Scenic
Designer.........Kristy Heithoff (SAU Junior)
Lighting
Designer......Brad Frazee (SAU Faculty)
Costume
Designer......Julie Arensdorf (SAU Junior)
Sound
Designer.........Andrew Harvey
Props
Master............Scott Peake (SAU Senior)
Technical
Director......Kris Eitrheim (SAU Faculty)
Faculty
Advisor.........Dr. Corinne Johnson
Wonderful
World is a slightly dark comedy by Richard
Dresser; the play centers around Max-a high school
guidance counselor with a penchant for alcohol-as he
tries to save his brother's marriage from crumbling
after a botched party invitation. As he becomes
embroiled in lies, half-truths, and scorching
truths, his own relationship with his fiancée and
his family teeters on the precipice of disaster.
The SAU
Theatre Newsletter will give more information on
Wonderful World as production dates approach.
The Theatre Department hopes you will support their
Studio Theatre, and not miss this one-of-a-kind
production. Congratulations again to the cast and
crew!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Freshman Spotlight
Name:
Sarah Ulloa
Hometown:
Davenport, IA
Major(s) &
Minor(s): Music Education/Vocal Performance
Previous
Productions: Smokey Joe's Café, Das Barbeque,
Jekyll and Hyde, Working, Scarlet Pimpernel, Oliver,
The Music Man
Why did you
come to SAU? "For the music program."
Favorite
SAU experience? "Meeting new people through
theatre and music."
Latest
project? "Playing 'Little Becky Two-Shoes' in
Urinetown"
Dream job?
"To be on Broadway."
Favorite
Actor/Actress? "Lucille Ball."
Favorite
phrase/word? "Did she really say that?"
Least
favorite phrase/word? N/A
What do you
hope to accomplish at SAU? "Grow as a singer
and performer."
################################################################
Senior
Salute
Name:
Scott Andrew Peake
Hometown:
Decorah, IA
Majors/Minors: Graphic Design/Theatre
Previous
Productions at SAU: Frankie and Johnny in the
Clair de Lune (Director)", "Bringing It All Back
Home (Director)", Rosencrantz and Guildenstern
Are Dead (Masks), HMS Pinafore (Sir
Joseph Porter), The Children's Hour
(posters), Blithe Spirit (backstage), "The
Jungle Book (Masks)", Rumors (Officer Pudney/props),
Our Town (Howie Newsome), "Pippi Longstocking
(Tommy)", Betrayal (posters), The Shape of
Things (posters), My Favorite Year
(Herb/props), Private Eyes (posters),
Gypsy (Angie/Boy Scout), "Aladdin (Guard)",
Brighton Beach Memoirs (props), A Man For All
Seasons (Richard Rich).
Favorite
role at SAU? "Howie Newsome in Our Town."
Why did you
come to SAU? "I wanted to go somewhere where I
didn't know anyone and go it on my own."
Favorite
SAU experience? "Brighton Beach Memoirs-I
felt loved, cherished, needed, and part of a larger
family."
Latest
project? "Playing Officer Barrel in
Urinetown."
Dream job?
"Working on Broadway while free-lancing in graphic
design."
Favorite
Actor/Actress? "Sutton Foster and Daniel Davis."
Biggest Pet
Peeve: "When people judge you before they know
you."
Advice for
Incoming Freshmen: "Just be yourself."
What will
you miss the most about SAU? "The people."
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
What's Goin' on in
Graduate School?
Although
several theatre students are eager to perform,
teach, or just live in the "real world" after
graduating from SAU, a handful of theatre alumni are
going to graduate school to further their knowledge
in the Arts. Michael Schaefer ('03), Lou Hare
('02), Ted Stephens III ('01), Dan Hale ('04) and
Daniel Sheridan ('05) are all getting their M.F.A.'s
in various programs throughout the country. This
month, alumnus Lou Hare shares his advice about the
transition from an undergraduate program to graduate
school. Hare will receive his Master of Fine Arts
in Acting this spring from Western Illinois
University in Macomb.
Q:
What, as an undergrad, did you fail to place a
significant amount of importance upon that has
affected your studies as a grad student?
A: "I
wish I had paid more attention to detail. You need
to put more care into your work as a grad student."
Q: How
do you juggle academia with a social life and a job?
A: "I
just try to make sure everything gets done when it
needs to get done. I try to get assignments done
whenever I have free time. I do my work on the
weekdays so I have more free time on the weekends.
I also try to pull fewer all-nighters. I attempt to
get work done ahead of time and find more
appropriate times to do it."
Q: How
much interaction do you have with undergrads?
A: "I'm
in the same classes with several of them as well as
theatre productions. I also teach an introductory
theatre class of about 80 undergrads."
Q: What
has been the most difficult adjustment to make as
you transitioned from undergrad to grad?
A:
"Gaining confidence in yourself instead of waiting
for praise from the faculty. Grad teachers are a
lot less likely to tell you when you're doing a good
job. You can't expect their constant praise, so you
have to just believe in yourself and the work your
doing."
Q: Has
the education you received at SAU helped/hindered
you in grad school?
A:
"Very much so. When I studied theatre at St.
Ambrose my professors were intelligent and prepared
me well. I had a good understanding of what I
needed to know and what I needed to do once I got in
the grad school environment. Many of my classes
have just been review."
Q: How
did you choose your grad school and what advice
would you give on choosing?
A: "I
wanted to go somewhere reasonably close. I toured
the facilities at Western Illinois University and
liked them. My advice to undergrads looking for a
good program is that they should look at how much
emphasis their perspective school puts on their grad
school program. Make sure that the program is going
to be worth your time and effort. Be very
selective, take your time, and figure out exactly
what you want to do with your education. Grad
school is a bigger commitment than you'd expect, two
or three years of your life. It should be worth
it."
Q: Why
did you feel grad school was a necessity for you and
what is your goal post graduation?
A: "My
professors thought I would make a good professor
myself, and that is my goal, to teach theatre. I
needed to get a graduate degree."
The SAU
Theatre Department congratulates Mr. Hare (who
recently married this last summer!) and all other
alumni pursuing their M.F.A.'s the best of luck in
all their endeavors!
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THEATRE AROUND THE QCA
THIS MONTH
Show:
Urinetown
Producer:
St. Ambrose University
Dates:
Thursday, October 13 @ 7:30pm
Friday, October 14 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, October 15 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, October 16 @ 3pm
Tickets:
$12 Adults, $10 Faculty, Students and Seniors,
Students with SAU ID free
Location:
518 W. Locust St, Davenport, IA in Allaert
Auditorium, located in the
Galvin Fine Arts Center.
Note:
This show does contain mild adult content
Show:
Meshuggah Nuns
Producer:
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates:
Now through November 5
Wednesday matinee @ 11:45am (with show only at
1:00pm), Wednesday-
Saturday evenings @ 5:45pm (with show only at
7:15pm) and
Sunday evenings @ 3:45pm (with show only at 5:15pm)
Tickets:
Tickets range from $22.36 to $39.00 per ticket
For reservations call (309) 786-7733 or go to
www.circa21.com
Location:
1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL
Note:
Producer and owner Denny Hitchcock is on the SAU
Theatre Advisory Board
Show:
ComedySportz Quad Cities
Producer:
Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates:
Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:00pm
Tickets:
$8 prepaid, $10 at the door
Location:
1818 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. Downtown
in the District, next to Circa '21.
Note:
SAU students Andrew Harvey and Don Abbott are
ComedySportz players. Check with them to catch them
onstage.
Show:
The Bad Seed
Producer:
Richmond Hill Barn Theatre
Dates:
Friday, Oct. 6-Sat. Oct. 7 @ 7:30pm, Sun. Oct. 8 @
3pm
Friday, Oct. 14-Sat. Oct. 15 @ 7:30pm, Sun. Oct. 16
@ 3pm
Tickets:
$8 General Admission
Call (309) 944-2244 or visit
www.rhplayers.com
Location:
Richmond Hill Park in Geneseo, IL; located off
Interstate 280
Note:
SAU Junior Kristy Heithoff is stage managing this
production
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SAU NEWSLETTER:
NEXT EDITION
The newsletter is sent out on
the first business day of every month. Next month's
issue will be released on November 7 of 2005.
To inquire further about St.
Ambrose University and our offered courses, degrees,
events, and staff, visit
www.SAU.edu for information. Come check out
the SAU Theatre Website at www.sau.edu/theatre. If
interested in learning more about the Theatre
Department, please contact theatre chair Kristofer
Eitrheim by phone at (563) 333-6255 or e-mail at
EitrheimKristoferJ@sau.edu.
The next issue will include
information and cast list of the Studio Theatre
production Wonderful World, the cast lists of
A Life of the Mind and "Dear Edwina", and
information on the 2006 American College Theatre
Festival.
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE
SAU NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST? If
yes, contact us at
SAUTheatreNews@Yahoo.com and get their names
put on our e-mail list. If you would like to be
removed from the mailing list, please contact us at
the same address. Thanks.
