directed by james rice - footlights.click

by Aristophanes

Adapted by James Rice & Amanda Karr

Directed by James Rice

A note from Executive & Producing Artistic Director, Andrew Vonderschmitt

Hello and welcome to the Playhouse. I wanted to take a moment of your time to say thank you. Thank you for your continued support of the Playhouse and thank you for supporting the arts in general. As an artist I understand the commitment and responsibility I have to you, the audience. Art is not created in a vacuum. It takes an observer to finish the formula. This particular art form, on this particular day and time, in this particular venue, is for you, and you alone. I honestly hope that you enjoy your visit with us and that you will return soon.

I am always open to comment, complaint, compliment, concern, or just plain conversation. How’s that for alliteration? Of course, I enjoy compliments over complaints, but who doesn’t learn from input of any kind? A healthy dialogue with you, the audience, is very important to me. I can be reached via email, snail-mail, phone, fax, or you can drop by the Playhouse. However you choose to contact me and tell me how I’m doing, I welcome it.

Thank you, once again, for your patronage. Enjoy the show.

Andrew Vonderschmitt

[email protected] • Office: 562-494-1014 ex 503 Cell: 714-390-2107 • Fax: 562-961-8616

5021 E. Anaheim St. LB, CA. 90804

The Studio at Long Beach Playhouse

Visit or call the Box Office 562-494-1014 option 1 for the latest information on ticket packages and special offers.

Coming soon...

Our five-play Studio season is presented with the gracious assistance of cast, crew and house volunteers. Long Beach Playhouse is financially supported through ticket sales; memberships; funding and grants from foundations, corporations and government programs; along with contributions of generous patrons like you.

Visit or call the Box Office 562-494-1014 option 1 for the latest

Director’s Notes

The SettingANCIENT GREECE!

A cursory glance at the last hundred years reveals an unfortunate truth about humanity - we have forever suffered conflict and war. One war in Afghanistan, two wars in Iraq, the Bosnian Conflict, The Irish Conflict, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, Vietnam, the Korean War, World War II and the First World War (the war to end all wars) and countless skirmishes and genocides around the world. Man has long searched for an answer to this innate human problem with only a modicum of success.

Lysistrata, written over 2,500 years ago, struggles with the same issues, this time centered on the Peloponnesian War. It offers an answer - make love, not war. The women of Greece decide to withold any sex until the men come to their senses and stop fighting and senselessly killing their children in conflict. While a comedy, the parallels are clear and present.

Could it work? Aristophanes seems to say, "It's worth a shot." Has it worked? At least six times, dating from the 1600's to the early parts of this century, women have executed a "Lysistrata", regarding issues ranging from better water and food (think Flint) to curbing Colombian gang violence. And in every case, there is qualified and unqualified success. Sometimes we have to think outside the box.

We hope that you will laugh and be entertained during your time with us. We also hope you will give new thought to the central question, "What are we wiling to do or sacrifice to give peace a chance?"

DirectorJames RiceJames, nearly a 30-year veteran actor & director has been involved with over 110 productions throughout Los Angeles & Orange Counties. He most recently directed Private Lives at Little Fish Theater & Hay Fever at Long Beach Playhouse. Some favorite productions as a director have been Proof at Huntington Beach Playhouse, The Final Adventure of Sherlock Holmes & Boeing! Boeing! the latter two at LBP. Credits as an actor include recent productions of Taking Sides & The Stones Will Cry Out at Little Fish Theater. Jim wishes to thank LBP for this opportunity & the cast for their commitment & effort.

Behind the ScenesFight ChoreographerMatt FrantaThis is Matt’s fourth show at the Playhouse, having choreographed violence for last season’s Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Shakespeare’s R & J, and Bat Boy: The Musical. Matt holds a BA in Drama/Speech from Clarke University, and is a graduate of the International Stunt School in Seattle. He currently teaches stage combat at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood and at Swordplay LA in Burbank. www.MattFranta.com

Claire Mazzeo Claire is excited to be working with Long Beach Playhouse & Jim Rice on the Studio’s first show of the season: Lysistrata. A Graduate from CSULB, she is enthusiastic about exploring the world of Drama/Theatre, hoping to touch the lives of those who enjoy theatre as much as she does. Many thanks to Family & Friend’s, especially her Parents who encouraged her to follow her own dreams! Enjoy the show!

Stage Manager

Set DesignLight DesignCostume DesignSound DesignScenic PainterProp MasterBoard OperatorCostume Shop

PhotographyPromotional Design

Naomi KasaharaMatthew MilkulkaDonna FritscheKenny NautaDrew OteroLarry MuraClaire MazzeoRosy Anselmo, Abertha Montgomery, Rebecca Roth, Jill Soloway, Analidia LopezMike HardyDaisy Ramirez-Gutierrez

LeVanna Atkinson-Williams (LYSISTRATA)LeVanna is delighted to return to the LBP Studio stage after being seen as Reverend Hightower/Mrs Taylor/Roy in Bat Boy:The Musical. Favorite past roles include "Effie" in the world premiere of Alien Vs. Musical, Ella Hammer in Cradle Will Rock, and Clytemnestra in Iphegenia: A Contemporary Event. LeVanna is an avid reader, a terrible (but improving!) gardener, and a dauntless cook. Follow her bon mots on twitter: @LVSheWontStop.

Meet The Cast

Xiomara Ossorio (CALYCE)Xio Ossorio is delighted to be playing the role of Calyce in her first Long Beach Playhouse production. Xio recently graduated from CalState Long Beach with a B.A. in Theatre Arts-Performance where she trained and studied under Hugh O’Gorman (The 113 Keys to Acting), Roma Maffia (Pretty Little Liars) and Alexandra Billings (Transparent). Her latest role was the lead Callie in Diana Son’s Stop Kiss. Shine on!

Meet

(in order of appearance)

Mystie Galloway (CALONICE)Mystie is a native in Los Angeles. She graduated from Adelphi University in New York, where she majored in arts and science with a focus in theater. She's been featured in several theatrical productions including The Vagina Monologues, and For Colored Girls. She's also worked on various commercials, feature films and television shows. She dedicates all of her LYSISTRATA performances to the many goddesses in her life. She loves you all!

Stephani Keith (MYRRHINE)Stephani Keith is thrilled and honored to portray a woman of Greece. This is her debut at the Playhouse. Some of her previous works include The Diary of Adam and Eve, 7 Redneck Cheerleaders and Out of the Frying Pan at Long Beach City College, as well as The Threepenny Opera and The Melodrama at the Garage Theatre. She'd like to thank her loved ones for their continued support.

The Cast

Meredith Miranda (LAMPITO)Meredith Miranda debuts at Long Beach Playhouse in Lysistrata. She studied theatre at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. A few of her favorite roles include Queen Bernice in The Story of James the Just, Franceschina in The Three Cuckolds, and Maggie in The Shadow Box. This is her first time taking the stage in California.

Paige Laney (NICODICE & CORINTHIAN)Paige Laney is ecstatic to be a part of Lysistrata. This will be her debut performance at the Long Beach Playhouse and she's grateful for the opportunity. Previous works include, Kill Me Deadly, 7 Redneck Cheerleaders, Lysistrata, and Moby Dick Rehearsed at Long Beach City College directed by Gregory Mortensen. Paige would like to thank her friends, family, and her boyfriend for all of their love and support.

Lauren Velasco (CRATYLLA, BOEOTIAN, PEACE)Lauren Velasco, a graduate from CSUF’s Department of Theatre, is thrilled to be a part of the Playhouse’s production of Lysistrata. During her High School years she studied at the Orange County School of the Arts. Her first production was at LBSC playing the son of Macduff in Macbeth. She has also been in a number of productions at LA’s Z.J.U Theater such as The Sophisticated Rouge, and Urban Death.

Jane Nunn (STRATYLLIS) Jane’s second home is the Long Beach Playhouse. She was last seen on the Mainstage as Miss Ffloiot-ffoulkes in Murder on the Nile and is currently Vice President of the Board of Directors of the Playhouse. She lives in Long Beach with her husband, fellow actor Mitchell Nunn and their “kids” Darwin and the Beagle. Thanks for supporting the Long Beach Playhouse.

Meet

The Cast(in order of appearance)

Mitchell Nunn (MAGISTRATE)Mitchell was born and raised in Long Beach and started performing on stage in elementary school. He received his education by working on-stage, in the shop, backstage, in the tech booth, and in the boardroom. Primarily an actor, Mitchell has also directed, produced, and designed many, many shows in his career. Mitchell is delighted to be working with such a talented group of friends.

Steve Shane (DRACES) Steve happily returns to the Studio Theater after appearing in last year’s Twelfth Night. On LBP's Mainstage, he appeared as Cinderella’s Father in Into the Woods and twice as Jacob Marley in A Christmas Carol. Other favorite roles: Hysterium in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Larry in Company. A million thanks to Jim, and the amazing cast and crew of Lysistrata, and much love to Cliff.

Meet

(in order of appearance)

Tyler Gray (PHILURGUS & SPARTAN HERALD 1)Lysistrata will mark Tyler's second production at the Long Beach Playhouse. Previously, Tyler played Bernard in Death of a Salesman directed by Carl DaSilva. Other theater credits include; Julius Caesar, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jerry and Tom & King John.

The Cast

Dean Figone (CINESIAS)Dean is very happy to be back at the Studio, and working once again with the talented and gregarious James Rice. Special shout out to his fiance, Janise, and her wonderful daughter, Faith, his two greatest critics!

Skip Blas (SPARTAN HERALD 2)Skip returns to the Studio Theater once again to perform another Greek classic. His last Studio outing was in Cyclops, now he is a Spartan. He is excited to be working with old friends in this very talented cast and to be reunited with director Jim Rice. Skip hopes you will join him and raise a glass to Thespis and honor the gods.

Andrew Vonderschmitt Executive & Producing Artistic Director

Madison Mooney Business & Operations Manager

Sean Gray Technical Director &Production Manager

Donna Fritsche Costume Shop Manager & Resident Costume Designer

Larry MuraProperties Master

Anna Kate MohlerHouse Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Kellee CullinghamBox Office Associate

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

TreasurerDan Ryan

President Tony Diaz

A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER:

In consideration of our performers and patrons, please turn off all cellular devices during the show. Cameras and recording devices are prohibited. Late seating is at the discretion of the House Manager. Beverages and concessions are offered before performances and during intermission and you may bring drinks purchased at our bar into the theatre. Smoking is restricted to the area in front of the theatre on Anaheim Street.

Extra Funding made possible by:

Special thanks to our Set Sunday Volunteers! Ray Smith, Jerry Loeb, Flo Dartt, Marie Santora, Bob S. Turner, Tom Long, Lana Haines, Tammy Barile, Roscoe Evans, David Lovegren, Mal Groff, Emmett W. Fry, Bob Boyce, and the Cast, Crew and Design team for Lysistrata Many thanks.

Vice President Jane Nunn

SecretaryHalley Hardy

Cheryl Avirom, Deborah Bozanich, Gaurav Datta, Bart DeLio, Emily Holman, Roxanne Patmor, Ray Smith, Miguel Solario

THE STAFF

Media Sponsorswww.signaltribune.com www.gazettes.com

www.presstelegram.com www.lbpost.com

www.straighttalktv.com www.lbdaily.com

www.sunnews.com www.longbeachcomber.com

Support LBP’s Annual Fundraiser

Tickets-$85 All Money Raised Goes Straight to LBP

Legacy CircleMary Lou BusbyPeggy HolmesJoan A. Ryan

Executive Producer ($500-$999)

Louis Euzarrage

Director ($250-$499)Harriet Whitmyer &

Danial GolsonJohanna &

Robert Tramazzo

Starring Role ($150-$249)

Ron & Paula DuffautRoxanne Patmor

George & Beverle RayDan & Deb Ryan

Sam Tanng

Ensemble Cast ($50-$149)Jill Aversa

Kaye BriegelStephen Harvey &

Venetia LaiSharon Hollander

Long Beach RegularsWilliam McDonaldMadison Mooney

Miles NevinBeverly O’Neill

Charmaine Pack

Bruce TanisDan Wilkinson

Friends (Up to $49)M. Andag

Pauline Strong

2015 Members & Donors

Honorary Producers ($1,000 and Up!)

AnonymousEvalyn M. Bauer Foundation

Carl & Kathy DaSilvaPhil King & Anna Kalman

Myra KremenFirst Congregational Church of

Long BeachJerry & Flora LoebRoxanne Patmor

Dottie ReinerStuart B. ScudderPat & Ray Smith Marlene Temple

& The Temple Family Charitable Foundation

Andrew & Martina Vonderschmitt

Executive Producer ($500-$999)Cheryl AviromKaye BriegelPam CincolaJohn Gilbert

Mal GroffMichelle MolinaDan Rodgers

Cynthia Rustanius

2016 MEMBERS & DONORS

Director ($250-$499)Scott FinnAnn Hoff

Cheryl McNultyMiles Nevin

Phyllis Nofts & Evie RayBeth Nolan & Scott Mahlberg

Floyd E. Riggle Jr.Shewchuk Family

Johanna & Robert Tramazzo Ted Van Boemel

& Joan LebNoah Wagner

Ron & Janee WestHarriet Whitmyer & Danial

Golson

Starring Role ($150-$249)

Barbara Ardinger, Ph.D.Kathleen & Barry BlodgettRonald & Paula Duffaut

Martin Fiebert & Margo Kasdan

Marc & Donna FuronSusan Garcia

Steven & Judie GratchEmily Holman

Glenn & Joyce HowardMary Ann Hutton

John & Kim Keelin Janeice McConnell

Stephen Olear & Jerry BarbaHal & Betty Olson

Beverly O’NeillIn Memory of Michael Ross

Ken Robinson & Joseph Pino

Joseph Vanderhost & Kristi Fischer

Paul VanderRoestSusan Vidor

Ensemble Cast ($50-$149)

Roger A. AndersonMatthew & Jacqueline Azzara

Verna BaccusRuth & Albert Berg

Robert & Margaret BourguetDoria Campbell

Mary CarrilloGreg & Kysa Cohen

Jim & Sheridan CrawfordNona DalyFlo Dartt

Tony & Cyndy DiazAllan Effron

David & Joanne FeldmanArlene Gale

Colleen GardnerFloyd & Annie Gills

Brent GilmoreRichard & Alvena Graham

Mr. & Mrs Laurence GreskoIn Memory of Frankie Grover

Lana HainesSusan E. Taylor & Mike

HavnaerJudith HendlerLynda Hershey

Nancy HigginsonCarol Hobaugh

Susan HoerchnerJudith JohnsenMark Julstrom

Aileen & Larry KeeterRobert & Noreen Kraig

Scott & Jean LawJoseph MacDonaldJoseph T. Mannix

Ted & Janice MartinBarbara Materi

Carolyn MatzingerColleen & True Maxfield

directed by james rice - footlights.click

Documents