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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
SPONSORS
FACEBOOK Facebook.com/KazooCivic
EMAILS:
FOLLOW US ON:
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
3
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.”
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
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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.”
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
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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.
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
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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.
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
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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.
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
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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.
WHO’S WHO—Biographies
9
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
12
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
13
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