|
 Angela
Lansbury took home a second Tony award in her second starring
role in a musical by composer/ lyricist Jerry (Hello Dolly, Mame, La
Cage Aux Folles) Herman and book writers Jerome Lawrence
& Robert E. Lee. This is the whimsical, charming tale of the
Madwoman of Chaillot and her equally balmy cohorts, who scheme
to save their beloved Paris, and the whole dear world from the
big business baddies. |
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 Elizabeth Arnold* (Countess)
Elizabeth is thrilled to be performing for Showtunes! as The
Madwoman of Chaillot. It has been a dream role for many years, and
is grateful to Marcus for the opportunity to make the “madness” come
to life. Elizabeth was last seen at the 5th Avenue Theatre as Sophia
in The Sound of Music, prior to that as Miss Jones in How to Succeed
in Business. Elizabeth lived in New York City for 14 years where she
performed in Phantom of the Opera, (Carlotta), at Lincoln Center in
A Man of No Importance with Faith Prince, and The Goodspeed Opera
House in Great Expectations as Mrs. Joe. Other favorite roles
include The Nurse in Romeo and Juliet at Syracuse Stage, Mrs.
Fezziwig and the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol,
Reba in The Last Night of Ballyhoo, as well as many regional theatre
stints throughout the country. She performs daily at the MAYTAG
STORE in Redmond. Elizabeth has also starred in many low budget very
bad movies that she adores and watches daily. Thanks to Susie,
Steve, Matt and Michael for their continued love and support, and my
mother too. Baron, thanks for everything! |
|
 Vickielee Wohlbach* (Gabrielle)
Vickielee happily returns to Showtunes! where she has been seen
as Giovanna in Do I Hear A Waltz and as Marie in Fiorello!
She has performed locally with Seattle Children’s Theatre,
Tacoma Actors Guild, Cabaret de Paris, Village Theatre, ACT, and in
new works at The Seattle Rep and Intiman. Favorite roles include
The Taming of the Shrew (Katarina), Pump Boys and Dinettes
(Rhetta), The Miracle Worker (Annie Sullivan), Lilly’s
Purple Plastic Purse (Lilly), The Importance of Being Earnest
(Cecily), Das Barbecu (Brunnhilde – Footlight Award),
Stellaluna (Stellaluna+), Papa Wa Kazoku no Yojimbo (Susan), and
many merry seasons with Forbidden Christmas. She spent most
of last year in the long-running hit, Menopause the Musical.
Vickielee has toured throughout the US, Japan, and Europe and can be
heard on commercial radio, with vocal ensemble Modern Angels,
and numerous original cast albums. |
|
 Maggie Stenson*
(Constance)
Maggie is a founder and co- Producing Artistic Director of
Showtunes! Theatre, and has appeared onstage for ST! as Lizzie in
110 In The Shade, Imelda in On The 20th Century, and the
Narrator for Do I Hear A Waltz? Recent Seattle shows include
a workshop of the new Martin Charnin/Rich Gray musical Love Is
Love as well as last fall’s Harriet’s Halloween Candy for
Seattle Children’s Theatre. Warm thanks to Marcus, Deanna and
David-Edward, our wonderful cast, the hardworking Showtunes! board,
our generous donors, and to YOU for coming to see the show! Love to
Clint, Joshua and Gabriel. Carpe diem! |
|
 Cristina Villareale
(Nina)
Cristina is delighted to make her Showtunes debut in Dear
World. She has performed with local companies such as Seattle
Opera (Gretel in Werther), Skagit Opera (Frasquita in
Carmen), the Seattle Gilbert & Sullivan Society (Mabel in The
Pirates of Penzance & Patience in Patience), Village
Theatre (Chava in Fiddler on the Roof), and Straight Edge
Theatrics (Salome in Salome). Upcoming engagements include
The Merry Widow (Valencienne) with Seattle G&S and Die
Fledermaus (Adele) with Bellevue Opera. For more information,
visit www.belsogno.com |
|
 Doug Fahl (The
Prospector)
Doug is pleased to make his debut at Showtunes! after having
last appeared in The Great Gatsby at the Seattle Repertory
Theatre and Hello Dolly! at Village Theatre--where he has
also performed in productions of Robin Hood: The Legend Continues
and South Pacific. Doug has played feature roles at Civic
Light Opera (George M. & On The Town); Eastside
Musical Theater (Tommy & Evita); and Annex Theatre (Yellow
Kid and For Lorne & Cat Like Tread). Doug has also
performed at Alice B. Theatre and Consolidated Works in Seattle and
Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake Acting Company and Sundance
Theatre in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated with a BFA in Musical
Theatre from the University of Utah. Additionally, Doug works in
freelance web and graphic design and video production. You can find
out more information about Doug at
www.dougfahl.com |
|
 Loretta Deranleau
(Lawyer #1)
Loretta is thrilled to be making her first appearance with
Showtunes! in this fabulous Jerry Herman musical. She was most
recently seen as Della Jurako in Blue Plate Special at
Centerstage. Loretta has performed steadily in the Puget Sound area
for the past 20 years at Renton Civic Theatre, Eastside Musical
Theatre, Burien Little Theatre and with Village Originals, PSMT,
Straight-Edge Theatrics and Bunny-Eats-Cake productions. When not on
the theatrical stage, Loretta can be seen performing around town as
one-third of Bodacious Ladyhood - a three-part a cappella
group with a comedic touch. Favorite roles include: Dolly Levi, Miss
Adelaide, Miss Hannigan, Velma Kelly and Stella Sapphire. Thanks to
Marcus and Deanna for this great opportunity! Thanks to Stephanie
and Erin N. for keeping me on track! Love to Lee, Moe, Bryce, Shtup
and Julia. |
|
 Kathleen Roché-Zujko
(Lawyer #2)
Kathy studied at the Hartford Conservatory of Music, Hartt
College and the University of Conn. She is at home on both the
operatic and musical theatre stage, and has appeared across the
country in such varied offerings as The Magic Flute,
Mother of Us All, Rigoletto, The Sound of Music, The Marriage of
Figaro, Cabaret, Jacque Brel, Hair, as well as with ensembles
and orchestras. Local audiences may have seen her at the 5th Ave.
Musical Theatre, Renton Civic Theatre, CLO, Second Story Rep., as a
regular performer with Maestro Hans Wolf’s Neglected Pieces of
Operetta series or with the jazz trio ACappella-Go!
Additionally, she can juggle and looks great in black. |
|
 David-Edward Hughes
(The Waiter)
David-Edward is Showtunes! co-producing artistic director, and
has directed the ST! Concerts of It’s Superman! and Do I
Hear A Waltz? This is his 5th onstage appearance for Showtunes!
Favorite roles include Morris in Fiorello!, Bazzard in
Drood, Cheswick in Cuckoo’s Nest, and Norman in The
Boys Next Door. Thanks to all who volunteer their time and services to Showtunes!.
to my very steadfast partner James, and to Marcus for all his
talents and dedication. |
|
 Winfield Hobbs (The
Policeman)
In the Puget Sound, Winfield has been seen in West Side
Story, Guys and Dolls, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore, Fiddler on the Roof,
Bye Bye Birdie, Salome and original productions of Committee
and The Prodigal. By day, he’s a chiropractor. By night,
un milongero. As a co-founder of Seattle’s Savoy Swing Club, his
dance specialty is the “grandparent” of swing, the Lindy Hop. He has
taught and performed from British Columbia to Catalina Island, CA,
Idaho, New York City, and Buenos Aires, Argentina. |
|
 Mark Abel (The
Sewerman)
Mark is excited to be back with Showtunes! Last fall he was in
their production of Its Superman! which turned out to be a
very rewarding experience with the involvement of its composer
Charles Strouse. Mark has been seen around the Puget Sound area in
various productions at Village Theatre, Eastside Musical Theatre,
Civic Light Opera, Renton Civic, Driftwood Players, Northwest
Savoyards, among others. Favorite roles have included: Henry Higgins
(My Fair Lady), Tevye (Fiddler on the Roof), Pseudolus
(A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), the King (King
and I), Herbie (Gypsy) and King Henry II (Lion in
Winter). This is Mark's 12th production with his wife Laura.
Many thanks to David-Edward, Maggie, Marcus, and Deanna! |
|
Lee Howard (The Mute)
Lee has snuck onto the stage tonight. The proper actor who was
supposed to play the part of the mute is currently bound and gagged
in the broom closet. Mr. Howard has recently been seen portraying
John the Baptist in Salome and Hamlet in (you guessed it!)
Hamlet. Having played Ebenezer Scrooge repeatedly, he now
considers himself ready to portray that Dickensian miser at a
moment’s notice (whenever the Commissioner shines the Scrooge-signal
over the city). Suffering from multiple personality disorder, he
sometimes refers to himself as “Rushton Howard,” a writer and
illustrator of children’s adventure books. He tours local grade
schools, lecturing to kids about the writing process and telling
them fantastic tales of the punishments that await little boys and
girls who fail to write detailed outlines. Thanks to Marcus, Deanna,
Bunny and anyone who refrained from calling the police tonight! |
|
 Eric Polani Jensen*
(The President)
Eric appeared as Oscar in On the 20th Century and as
Jupiter in Out of This World with Showtunes! Recent regional
credits include: Sweeney Todd at 5th Avenue, Evita, South
Pacific and Man of LaMancha at the Village Theatre, and
here at KPC as Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd: In Concert for
Eastside Musical Theatre. |
|
 Tim Glynn (Julian)
Timothy is grateful to Showtunes! for once again expanding his
musical horizons. While Dear World hauntingly mirrors current
events, he missed out on the original incarnation of the musical.
Timothy’s last appearance with the company was in last season’s
On the 20th Century and is happy to return and work with such an
amazing cast. Last weekend, Timothy crafted and performed
Broadway Askew, a one-man-singing-women’s-songs show, in
Langley. He has appeared on several stages around the region,
including the Village Theatre, Civic Light Opera, 5th Avenue
Theatre, ReAct, and, together with friend and co-founder Marcus
Wolland, their own fledgling company – Straight-Edge Theatrics.
Thanks to everyone you see onstage, backstage and most importantly
-- in the rafters! |
 Marcus Wolland (Director)
Musical directorial credits include Macabaret (Freehold
Theatre & Northwest Actors Studio) Freakshow, Risqué
Bizness, Miss Angie’s Blues and Lounge Lizards
(Thumper’s Oak Room Cabaret) No, No Noel, Too Darn Hot!
and Lounge Lizards II: The Charity Telethon (Crepe de Paris).
Non-musical credits include Oscar Wilde’s Salome (Chamber
Theatre), Death Along The Delta (Stimson Green Mansion),
The Food Chain (Northwest Actors Studio) and Fumed Oak
(Union Garage Theatre). |
|
Deanna Schaffer
(Music Director)
Deanna is honored to be a part of this production. She has
enjoyed the privilege of working on many fantastic shows. Some of
her favorite endeavors include Macabaret, Once on This
Island and …tick tick Boom! She delights in working a
variety of music venues and also teaches privately. Thank you to
Marcus for this opportunity, and to Lonnie for being my greatest
love and dearest friend. |
|
Steve Yusen (Drums)
Having studied music all his life, Steve has toured and
performed with some of the biggest names in entertainment including,
Brian Nova, Harry James Orchestra, Diane Schurr, Kenny G, Ben Vereen,
Bud Shank, Pete Christlieb, Barney Kessel, The Kingsman, Steve
Allen, Ernestine Anderson, Larry Fuller, Steppenwolf, Steve Miller,
Peter Noone/Herman’s Hermits, Lesley Gore, The Coasters, The
Inkspots, Chuck Berry, Gregg Allman, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Ivan
Neville, Devo, Joe Elliott/Def Leppard, Foghat, Savoy Brown, Melissa
Manchester and Waylon Jennings to name a few. |
|
Katie Lee (Keyboard)
Katie is a senior at Decatur High School, where she currently
serves as Choir President. She is also the secretary/treasurer for
Family Career Community Leaders of America, and a representative
speaker for the National Honor Society Council. She is an
accomplished pianist, vocalist and flautist. She has several years
experience accompanying her classmates at Solo & Ensemble Contest.
She is very active in her church and gives of her time generously.
After graduation, she plans on attending college and majoring in
communication and international business with an interest in music
business. |
|
Linda Shaffer
(Production Stage Manager)
Linda has spent the last eight years kicking around the local
theater scene, trying just about every job at least once, except
acting - she leaves that to the professionals. Favorite shows
include Straight Edge's & Bunny Eats Cake's Hamlet,
Driftwood's The Foreigner and I Hate Hamlet. Thanks to
Marcus for inviting me along for the ride on this one and to the
cast and crew for being such a great group to work with. |
|
 Laura Abel (Assistant
Stage Manager)
Laura is excited to be back with Showtunes! for a second time!
She appeared in It's Superman and is now for the first time
assistant stage managing. Last spring she starred in Northwest
Savoyards' production of Gypsy as Mama Rose, sharing the
stage with hubby Mark. She has also appeared locally with Village
Theatre, Renton & Bellevue Civic, Eastside Musical Theatre,
Driftwood, and the Historic Everett Theatre. Credits include:
Reverend Mother in Nunsense I & II, Golde in Fiddler On
The Roof, Mrs. Paroo in Music Man, Widow Corney in
Oliver, Lady Thiang in King & I, Hattie in Kiss Me
Kate and Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors. Laura's
greatest pride and accomplishment is a joint venture with Mark; two
awesome and talented sons; Travis and Corey. Thanks once again to
David! |
|
* Denotes member of
Actor's Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and
Stage Managers in the United States. |
|
 Synopsis:
Countess Aurelia is a
whose mission in life is feeding the stray cats of Paris
and is always dreaming of her lost lover. She lives on the Café
Francis, the main target of an evil corporation who wants to drill
oil under the streets of Paris. When a young man, whose mission is
to destroy the café, fails to do so and wants to kill himself the
Countess decides to help him and hide him from the corporation. With
the help of her friends, Constance (the Madwoman of the Flea Market)
and Gabrielle (The Madwoman of Montmarte ) she decides that the men
behind the corporation are evil and the world will be a better place
without them.
Major Musical Numbers:
The Spring of Next Year
From The Bottom of the Glass
Each Tomorrow Morning
I Don't Want to Know
I've Never Said I love You
Garbage
Dear World
Kiss Her Now
Memory
Pearls
Dickie
Voices
Thoughts
And I Was Beautiful
One Person |
|
DIRECTOR'S NOTES BY
MARCUS WOLLAND
It’s always
fascinating to look back on a neglected or forgotten play or
musical and find that its social relevance is still potent some
decades later. In the case of Jerry Herman’s Dear World,
that potency is significantly increased by our current state of
world affairs.
In 1969, after the successes of
Hello, Dolly! and Mame, Herman and book writers
Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee decided to set playwright Jean
Giraudoux’s The Madwoman of Chaillot to music. The story
concerns a madwoman named Aurelia, beloved of her Parisian
district of Chaillot, who with the aid of her friends, plots to
rid France and the world of corporate denizens hell-bent on
expanding their profits through oil mining. At a glance, it’s a
charmingly whimsical tale, but Giradoux, Herman et al couldn’t
possibly have foreseen how relevant their material would be in
regard to our modern troubles.
Yet at its
heart, it is still a musical comedy, and never loses sight of
that. It ran for only 132 performances on Broadway, and I
imagine it was because the world of 1969 wasn’t ready for lyrics
like “Do take your medicine Dear World, We’re sick of having a
sick world.” It was a raw time, fraught with insecurity and
heartbreak over war, assassinations and political corruption…why
underscore that, even in the guise of a musical comedy? Despite
its short run, Angela Lansbury took home her second Tony Award
for her performance (the first having been for Mame), and
the show dropped into obscurity. It emerged again in 2002 at
Sundance in Utah, in a much revised and much admired revival
starring Maureen McGovern, and we joyfully offer it to you now
in all its peculiar, amusing, sentimental and socially-relevant
glory. Just remember: “One person can change the world.” |
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