the importance of being earnest - kazoocivic.com

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Friday, October 30th through Sunday, November 8th

This program is made possible in part by Public Media Network with support from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation

The Importance of

Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

In July 2020, the production team here at the Kalama-zoo Civic Theatre was charged with the task of looking into a show to produce. With COVID-19 restrictions and no definitive calendar to cling to - we all searched projects we could potentially produce with less than ten people - while being socially distanced - and using all the proper protective wear. Could we produce it live? Or could we produce and capture a live performance on video and allow it to be viewed in everyone's home? An additional challenge was that plays are controlled by copyright houses that hold all royalties for potential shows. When we inquired, they quickly admitted they were dealing with authors and estates over streaming live performances and all of the new legalities. It was a whole new world for them as well. I quickly thought - what show is in the public domain that we could produce with no limitations? A show that was not only reliable, adaptable, and a show that our volun-teers would benefit from. To say The Importance of Being Earnest process has been a joy would be an understatement. The most giv-ing, creative, and understanding company and team that I have ever worked with…designing and rehearsing with the understanding that the show may very well never go on due to the ever-changing status of our world… The original production of The Importance of Being Earnest opened at the St James's Theatre on Valen-tine's Day 1895. Labeled "A Trivial Comedy for Serious People," Earnest's farcical spirit is just as alive, witty, and relevant in 2020. Teaming up with the wonderful people at PMN - Public Media Network - we are proud to present our first digital performance of The Importance of Being Earnest as a Valentine to Kalamazoo. From the heart of Oscar Wilde to you.

TONY HUMRICHOUSER

Artistic Director

CONTACT US:

THE KALAMAZOO CIVIC THEATRE

329 South Park St. Kalamazoo, MI 49007

BUSINESS OFFICE: 269—343—2280

BOX OFFICE: 269—343—1313

FAX: 269—343—0532

WEBSITE: www.KazooCivic.com

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The Importance of

Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde

Director: Tony Humrichouser Lighting/Sound Designer: Delaney McKenzie

Scenic/Props Designer: David Kyhn Costumes/Hair/Makeup Designer: Elaine Kauffman

Technical Director: Phillip A. Miller Video Producer: Delaney McKenzie

Stage Manager: Mike Artis

SETTING: The action takes place in an apartment off of Carnaby Street in swinging 60’s London and then moves to the idyllic countryside.

CAST

John Worthing..............................................Courtney Way Algernon Moncrieff.........................................Brooke Boyd Rev. Canon Chasuble..........................................RJ Soule Merriman, the butler..................................Lars J. Loofboro Lane, the manservant.......................................Josh Beere Lady Bracknell...................................................Lisa Grace Gwendolen Fairfax...........................Sarah N. L. Kueppers Cecily Cardew..............................................Alissa Britigan Miss Prism, the governess...........................Mary Redmon

PRODUCTION STAFF & CREW

Assistant Stage Manager.........................Gloria Billingsley Assistant Lighting Designer...........................Jules Merillat Assistant Sound Designer................................Syd Walker Assistant Scenic Designer..............................Rachel Tuba Assistant Costume Designer...................Benjamin McVay Scenic Artists.........................Darian Harvey, Rachel Tuba Stitchers/Cutters..........Benjamin McVay, Elaine Kauffman Electricians..........Syd Walker; Jules Merillat, Elvin E. East Props Technicians....................Rachel Tuba, David Kyhn, Darian Harvey Program Design.......................................Gloria Billingsley Lightboard Operator.....................................Jaycee Myner Playback Operator.........................................Lisa Brannan EFE Theatre Apprentice.................................Katie Kutzko

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WHO’S WHO—Biographies

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Mike Artis (Stage Manager) has served as the Civic’s Production Stage Manager for 15 years. Some of Mike’s favorite stage management assignments in-clude Matilda, the Musical!. West Side Story, The Will Rogers Fol-lies, Mame, Gypsy, Les Miséra-bles, Guys and Dolls and Of Mice and Men. An accomplished per-former, Mike has appeared in our productions of Jesus Christ Su-perstar, Man of La Mancha, Jo-seph…, Camelot, Damn Yankees and his personal favorite, The Full Monty. “Many Thanks to my family and friends for their love and support and to the Kalama-zoo Civic Theatre for allowing us to dream and create art so that many can enjoy.”

Josh Beere (Lane) is an active member of the Paw Paw Village Players, having appeared in their productions of Oklahoma!, A Christmas Carol, and a podcast version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. When not on stage or studying Computer Science at KVCC, Josh enjoys listening to and performing music, game de-velopment and politics. Originally from South Carolina, Josh has called Kalamazoo home for eight years.

Gloria Billingsley (Assistant Stage Manager/Floor Manager) recently moved to Kalamazoo to accept a position as our Stage Management Intern. Though she is making her Civic debut with this production, she has an im-pressive theatrical resume, which includes Hamlet, Othello and As You Like It. Gloria is passionate about community engagement and cultural development through the arts. When not at the theater, she can be found singing, playing the guitar, writing or cooking Filipino food. gloriathestoryteller.com

Brooke Boyd (Algernon Moncrieff) is happy to be return-ing to the Civic stage after a 10 year hiatus. A recent graduate of WMU, with a degree in Biomedi-cal Science and Chemistry, she hopes to become a Physician Assistant. Brooke has been featured in local productions of Chicago, Oklahoma! and Grease. Boating, cooking and studying take up much of her free time. “Thank you to my family, friends and boyfriend for always supporting me.”


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Lisa Brannan (Playback Operator) initially became involved in theatre as a way to have shared experiences with her son, DJ. Since then she has worked in virtually every capaci-ty behind the scenes at the Civic. A valuable member of the Civic family, Lisa has spent the last 20 years as the HR Director for Kalamazoo Community Men-tal Health and Substance Abuse Services. Lisa’s long list of Civic credits includes Stage Managing Born Yesterday, The Compleat Wrks of Wilm Shakspr Abridged, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery and To Kill a Mocking-bird. “While it is common that parents learn from their children, it is not every day that a child leads a parent to a new passion and that they are allowed oppor-tunities to explore this passion individually and as a team. Thank you DJ for inspiring me to get involved in theatre and for sharing your love of the stage with me!”

Alissa Britigan (Cecily Cardew) appeared in our production of Much Ado About Nothing as well as in Once Upon a Mattress, Oklahoma!, and Brigadoon (her favorite) for the Kindleberger Summer Festival. She has also been seen locally, on the big screen in films directed by Chuck Bentley. When not at rehearsal, Alissa enjoys writing poetry, traveling and singing karaoke. “Thank you to those who are supporting me as I ven-ture back to the stage after a brief “intermission”. I genuinely appreciate it.”

Lisa Grace (Lady Bracknell) is a Certified Medical Assistant with Bronson Gastroenterology. The proud mother of twin boys, Nate and Josh, Lisa is studying for her Masters of Divinity while serving as the Director of Theatre for Yorkville Community Church. Her theatrical credits include our production of The Imaginary Invalid as well as A Christmas Carol, Death of a Salesman and The Glass Menagerie, which were produced by the Paw Paw Village Players. “Thank you Tony for the chance to learn from you. Thank you to the Civic for the opportunity to be part of something exciting and new.”


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Tony Humrichouser (Director) made his Civic debut in our 1986 production of Brighton Beach Memoirs and in 2018 he returned to the Civic as our Artistic Director. Tony spent the years in between completing his education, working profes-sionally and honing his craft. He holds a B.F.A in Musical Theatre Performance from Western Michigan University and an M.F.A in Acting from Rhode Island College. He is also a graduate of the Trinity/Brown Consortium in Providence, RI. A member of Actors Equity Association, Tony’s performance credits include The Producers, Fun Home, Dinner with Friends, Titanic, Damn Yankees, Grand Hotel, Inherit the Wind and 1776. He was also featured in the Joseph Jefferson Award-winning Chicago company of Forever Plaid and A Christmas Carol at the Tony Award-winning Trinity Repertory Company. Tony’s directing credits include Camelot, My Fair Lady, Anything Goes and The Other Steve and Edie star-ring Edie Falco and Stephen Wallem. Tony assisted Director, Lonny Price on the New York Philharmonic’s production of Company, which featured Patti LuPone, Neil Patrick Harris and Stephen Colbert.

Elaine Kauffman (Costume Designer) first joined the Civic staff as Costume Designer in 1998. She left to build her own business, Elaine K. Designs, which she ran successfully for 18 years. A graduate of WMU, with a degree in Fashion Design, Elaine has over 25 years of experience in profes-sional costume design. A much sought after designer, she has worked for The Barn Theatre, 3-D Touring productions, Kalamazoo College Theatre Department and Farmers Alley theatre. Elaine has also designed costumes for the WMU Dance Department and for operas presented on WMU stages. One of her favorite experiences as a costume designer, was creating the “creature costume” for a horror movie filmed in Kalamazoo. Elaine rejoined the Civic staff in 2018, as Resident Costume Designer.


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Sarah N. L. Kueppers (Gwendolen Fairfax) has shared her talents as part of our Youth Theatre Program, The Penguin Project and while working on Mainstage productions. She has been seen in High School Musi-cal 2, Flat Stanley, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Sarah lists being in the cast of Hello, Dolly! and working behind the scenes on Elf, the Musical as a couple of her favorite experiences. “Thank you to everyone at the Kalama-zoo Civic, especially Tony Humri-chouser and Mike Artis, for encouraging me and my passion for the theatre and to put myself out there; to be the best person I can be on and off the stage. And all the love and thanks to my fam-ily at home, particularly my mom, through this difficult time our world and country is going through right now. And most of all, thanks be to God for being with me and encouraging me through all of this and by helping me come out stronger in the end. Jeremiah 29:11”

David Kyhn (Scenic Designer/Properties Designer) is celebrat-ing his 21st season as Resident Scenic Designer at the Civic. During his tenure, David has per-sonally designed over 100 sets and served as an inspiring men-tor to many young artists as they participated in our Internship Program. David and his family

(many of whom you may have met at volunteer scenery paint calls) live in downtown Kalama-zoo. When not at the theatre, Da-vid enjoys oil painting; particularly portraits. He is currently explor-ing digital painting. Some of Da-vid’s favorite designs include Hel-lo, Dolly!, Much Ado About Noth-ing, 4000 Miles, The Women, The Baker’s Wife, The Drowsy Chap-erone and Jekyll and Hyde, the Musical.

Lars J. Loofboro (Merriman) has an extensive theatrical resumé, which spans almost 40 years. His extensive list of Civic credits includes Psycho Beach Party, Billy Elliot, the Musical, No Way Out, Leading Ladies, 33 Varia-tions and By the Way, Meet Vera Stark. A veteran of many South-west Michigan stages, Lars has also been seen in Chicago, Moon Over Buffalo, A Doll’s House, Pe-ter and the Starcatcher, August: Osage County, Frost/Nixon, Bus Stop and The Tempest.


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Delaney McKenzie (Lighting and Sound Designer, Video Producer) joined the Civic staff in 2018 as our Master Electri-cian and this season has assumed the role of Resident Lighting and Sound Designer. An Irene Ryan Nominee, she holds a BS in Theatre: Design and Technology from Missouri State University and a MFA in Theatre from Southern Illinois University, where she special-ized in Lighting Design. Delaney has worked profes-sionally with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Endstation Theatre Company, McLeod Summer Playhouse and Interlochen Center for the Arts. One of Delaney’s career highlights was serving as Assistant Lighting Designer and Programmer for James Moody’s production of Tartuffe at Southern Illinois University. In addition to theatre, Delaney also enjoys painting, jewelry making and knitting. Delaney is the producer of our weekly Civic podcast; Places Please.

Benjamin McVay (Assistant Costume Designer) recently joined the Civic staff as a Costume Design Intern and is making his debut with this pro-duction. Originally from Minne-sota, he received two theatre degrees from Salisbury Univer-sity: Theatre Production and Design and Theatre perfor-mance. Ben lists Cabaret as his favorite theatrical experience and his interest in the arts is all encompassing.

Jules Merillat (Assistant Light-ing Designer) is proud to be joining the Civic staff as a Lighting and Sound Intern. She received her BA in Theatre and Dance from The College of Wooster. Jules lists drawing and playing board games with friends among her hobbies. A native of Midland, Michigan, she is making her Civic debut with The Importance of Being Earnest.


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Phillip A. Miller (Technical Director) has worked on every production we have staged since joining the Civic staff in 2000. Prior to his arrival at the Civic, Phillip served as the Assistant Technical Director at The Barn Theatre and as a draftsman for the Children’s Theatre Company and School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Additionally, Phillip was the Technical Assistant at Western Michigan University, while earning his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technical Production.

Jaycee Myner (Lightboard Operator) is a Mom to six and Mimi to four! In her free time she loves to paint and spend time with her family. In fact, Jaycee started volunteering at the Civic, in part, because of her daughter, Chloe’s involvement. Since working on her first show; Elf, the Musical, she has also been part of the running crew for Born Yesterday and Race.

Mary Redmon (Miss Prism) will be remembered by Civic audi-ences for her performances in Ann, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, Steel Magnolias and Calendar Girls. Active in theatre since her teens, Mary has appeared in over 130 produc-tions. A native Chicagoan, she has worked for Drury Lane

Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare on the Navy Pier and The Hypocrites. A three-time Joseph Jefferson Citation nominee, she has won the coveted award once; for her performance in Enchanted April at Circle Theatre in Chicago. Mary wishes to thank all of you for your continued support of live theatre. She is delighted to be a part of the legendary Civic theatre family. “Love you, Tim!”

RJ Soule (Reverend Chasuble) has graced nearly every stage in Kalamazoo. His notable Civic credits include Hello, Dolly!, Hairspray, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Of Mice and Men and most recently Romance Guaranteed. RJ’s theatrical resumé also includes local productions of Mary Poppins, March of the Falsettos and The Palin Bunch. If not at the theatre or working at Theo and Stacy’s, RJ can be found riding his bike or hiking wilderness trails.


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Rachel Tuba (Assistant Scenic Designer) is a graduate of East-ern Michigan University, where she studied entertainment design and technology as well as studio art. Originally from Farmington, Michigan, she recently moved to Kalamazoo to accept a Scenic Design internship at the Civic. Rachel’s professional experience includes an internship at Mason Street Warehouse and as a Projection Designer for the Williamston Theatre. In addition to playing table games and studying art history, Rachel enjoys making soap and printmaking.

Syd Walker (Assistant Sound Designer) hails from the Chicago-land area. Since re-locating to Kalamazoo in 2016, Syd has vol-unteered at the Civic and attend-ed KVCC, studying Multi-Media Arts. In addition to working on our productions of Tick, Tick…Boom! and Elf, the Musical, they have also served as Lighting Chief for Addams Family, the Musical (which happens to be their favor-ite theatrical experience). A first year Lighting and Sound Intern, Syd also enjoys film, photog-raphy, camping and hiking.

Courtney Way (John “Ernest” Worthing) recently completed her undergraduate work at Michigan State University and is now enrolled at New York University, where she is working towards a MA in Drama Therapy. In addition to her Civic credits, which include Mary Poppins, Crazy for You and Shrek, the Musical, Courtney has also been featured in several productions at MSU. Her university credits include Into the Woods and her personal favorite, The Miracle Worker. “Thank you to my parents for being a huge supporter of me. I am honored to be playing Jack Worthing and to work with this amazing cast and crew.”

Richard N. Percy

Outstanding Intern Award

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Dr. Richard N. Percy was a local arts enthusiast who devoted his life to education and the pursuit of knowledge and growth. He began his ca-reer In the Kalamazoo Public Schools as chair of the Kalamazoo Cen-tral High School English Department, and he rose through the ranks to serve as a much loved and honored KPS Superintendent of Schools for some ten years. Dr. Percy also received the WMU Distinguished

Alumni Award in 1986. In his honor, Dr. Percy’s loving family has worked with the Civic to establish the Richard N. Percy Outstanding

Intern Award. In recognition of merit, the award will be presented each year to a Civic intern who demonstrates unique talent or promise. The recipient will also receive a stipend, which may be used to further their

education or professional development.

Following the 2019-2020 season, Lighting and Sound Intern, Katrin

Baiocchi was named the inaugural recipient of the Richard N. Percy Outstanding Intern Award. During her time at the

Civic, Katrina lent her talents to our productions of The Three Musket-eers, Tick, Tick…Boom!, Born Yesterday, Romance Guaranteed and

Frozen, Jr. We hope you’ll join us in congratulating Katrina and wishing her well in future endeavors.

Acknowledgments

Katrina Baiocchi 2019-2020 Lighting

& Sound Intern

AnnMarie Miller Ryan Wheeler Stacy Bartell Laura Zervic

OUR LEADERS AND STAFF

2020—2021

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Board of Directors Troy Cuvelier..........................President

Sidney Ellis.....................Vice President

Nakisha Gilliam...............Assistant Vice President

Art Nemitz...............................Secretary

Krishna Polius........Assistant Secretary

Jay D. Prince..........................Treasurer

Dannie Alexander.....................Member

Mike Higdon..............................Member

Zaf Khaja...................................Member

Kathleen Weissert....................Member

Maggie Zahrai...........................Member

Laura Zervic..............................Member

Deborah Johnston..................Emeritus

Howard Kalleward...................Emeritus

Katie Miller...............................Emeritus

Karen Tudor.............................Emeritus

Jack Wattles............................Emeritus

Sally Williams..........................Emeritus

Staff

Mike Artis....Production Stage Manager

Gloria Billingsley...Stage Management Intern

Darian Harvey.......Scenic Design Intern

Tony Humrichouser......Artistic Director

Tina Higdon........Development Director

Elaine Kauffman......Costume Designer

David Kyhn..................Scenic Designer

Sydney Lewis......Box Office Associate/ Tessitura Systems Specialist

Jules Merillat.................Lighting/Sound Design Intern

Delaney McKenzie.........Lighting/Sound

Designer

Benjamin McVay.........Costume Design Intern

AnnMarie Miller....Director of Education & Outreach

Phillip A. Miller.........Technical Director

Carl Roberts.........Custodial Supervisor

Rachel Tuba.........Scenic Design Intern

Syd Walker.....................Lighting/Sound Design Intern

Faith Wicklund.........Business Manager

Elaine Williams.........Executive Advisor

Ben Zylman...............Interim Executive

Director

WHO’S WHO—Headshots

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Courtney Way John Worthing

Brooke Boyd Algernon Moncrieff

RJ Soule Rev. Chasuble

Lars J. Loofboro Merriman

Josh Beere Lane

Lisa Grace Lady Bracknell

Sarah N. L. Kueppers

Gwendolen Fairfax

Alissa Brittigan Cecily

Cardew

Mary Redmon Miss Prism

Tony Humrichouser

Director

Mike Artis Stage Manager

Gloria Billingsley Asst. Stage

Manager

WHO’S WHO— Headshots

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Lisa Brannan Playback Operator

Elaine Kauffman

Costuming Hair/Makeup

Designer

David Kyhn Scenic/Props

Designer

Jules Merillat Asst. Lighting

Designer

Delaney McKenzie

Light/Sound Designer,

Video Producer

Benjamin McVay

Asst. Costume Designer

Phillip A. Miller Technical Director

Jaycee Myner Lightboard .

Operator

Rachel Tuba Asst. Scenic

Designer

Syd Walker Asst. Sound

Designer

Maggie Zahrai Adopt A Show Board Member

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