The Rainbow Bridge Written by Ron Nelson

Board of Directors Honorary Board David Bass Ed Asner Susan Hayden Judi Barker Christine Kaplan Fred Deni Dylan McDermott Patricia Dougherty Carole Middleton Eve Ensler John Ruskin Rita Franciosa Barbara Schroeder Robert Myers Linda Sullivan In Memorium Michael Visbal Wendy Brenninkmeijer JR Wurster Anthony Franciosa Karen Landry Barbara Tarbuck Artistic Director Managing Director John Ruskin Michael R. Myers THE RAINBOW BRIDGE WRITTEN BY RON NELSON

DIRECTED BY MICHAEL R. MYERS

PRODUCERS MICHAEL R. MYERS and JOHN RUSKIN CO-PRODUCER EMILY ANNA BELL

STAGE ASST. STAGE COSTUMES MANAGER MANAGER SARAH FIGOTEN NICOLE MILLAR EMILY ANNA BELL WILSON

SOUND SET DESIGNER / PUBLICITY DESIGN BUILDER JUDITH CHIP BOLCIK HILLARY BAUMAN BORNE

LIGHTING CASTING GRAPHIC DESIGN DESIGNER PAUL ALEXIS BOOZER MIKE REILLY RUDDY STERLING CREW LIBERTY RAE ESTILITO J. DIAZ KEVIN ALAI RON NELSON (PLAYWRIGHT) is a frequent contributor to the Cafe Play series at the Ruskin Theatre. Ron has also written for several television shows and movies including : Ahhh!!! Real Monsters, Roseanne, Sparks, Good News, Dilbert and A Perfect Christmas. Ron would like to thank Katy, Dani, and all of the lovely people at the Ruskin Theatre who worked on this play with him.

MICHAEL R. MYERS (DIRECTOR / PRODUCER) has helmed numerous productions at Ruskin Group Theatre, most recently having developed, directed, and produced the world premiere of Sneaky Ole Time, the music of Grammy Award winner Paul Overstreet. Selected directing credits at Ruskin include the world premiere of Digging up Dad and the critically acclaimed production of Faithful. Michael produced the world premiere production of Rex Pickett's Sideways The Play and Paradise: A Divine Blue Grass Musical Comedy and upwards of 70 projects since 2002. He is a co-creator of the company’s popular CAFÉ PLAYS, a monthly offering of one-acts that get produced in 10 1/2 hours from conception to staging. Michael serves as chair of the Santa Monica Arts Commission.

JOHN RUSKIN (ARTISTIC DIRECTOR & PRODUCER) After graduating from the University of Colorado in Boulder, John continued his studies with The Yale School of Drama and The British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England. John then attended The Neighbor- hood Playhouse School of the Theatre and studied with Sanford Meisner and Richard Pinter. John then joined the acting faculty of The Neigh- borhood Playhouse at the request of Sanford Meisner and became his apprentice. Years later, John moved to Los Angeles where he founded his school of acting to continue to teach Meisner’s work and then this professional theatre company. The Ruskin Group Theatre Company provides outreach programs to children in need with the “Healing Through the Arts" program. Pres- ently, we are taking our actors into Mattel Children’s Hospital UCLA to work with and entertain the children. John wants to thank everyone who volunteers, comes to support this theatre, and keeps the dream of theatre alive. John is honored to work each day with every one of the amazing artists at the school and theatre. He is most grateful to his wife Amy and their sons Bodhi and Cooper for their constant love and support. CAST *Denotes membership to

PAUL SCHACKMAN (JERRY) was born in Tacoma, WA and raised in Southern California. He is a graduate of The University of California, San Diego where he first stumbled upon an acting class. A veteran of LA theater, he has starred in and directed numerous Los Angeles productions over the years, including the critically acclaimed Pauly and Paddy Show, an evening of original solo pieces that he created with Patrick Wilkins. He was nominated for an LA Weekly Theatre Award for his role in Medal Of Honor Rag. The production also starred Heavy D, was directed by Delroy Lindo and produced by Will Smith. From his first role on Beverly Hills 90210, Paul has consistently appeared in feature films and television programs over the years including working with Academy Award winners Woody Allen, Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren. He has played an eclectic range of characters – but most often a lawyer.

LYNNE MARIE STEWART (LOIS)* appeared on Broadway in The Pee-wee Herman Show where she reprised her role as Miss Yvonne (“The Most Beautiful Woman in Puppetland”) whom she played on the TV series and in the original stage production at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. She can be seen as Charlie's Mom in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia on FXX. She was also Scott Aukerman’s mom on IFC’s Comedy Bang Bang. She has worked with Tracy Ullman in both of her series Tracy Takes On…for HBO and State of the Union for Showtime. You can also see Lynne on Funny or Die’s Parent News web series with Fred Willard. Current credits include K.C. Undercover for Disney, Two Broke Girls on CBS and the Netflix’s Pee-wee’s Big Holiday. She is proud to have had parts in two groundbreaking films American Graffiti and Bridesmaids. MARY CARRIG (AMANDA)* is a classically trained actress, director, producer and teacher, earning a B.A. in Speech Communication as a theatre major at Bowling Green State University. She has trained extensively with Shakespeare and Company in Lenox, MA. Mary stars as Max’s Mother in the CW Seed hit WORST BIRTHDAY EVER. Television credits include the recurring role of Natalie on the Young & the Restless, Passions, the Bold & the Beautiful, Criminal Minds, Make it or Break it for ABC FAMILY and Just Add Magic for Amazon. Mary is Principal Hilda in the dance feature, Stepping High and Ruth in The Escort. Recent stage roles include Minnie in Leaving Home at the Ruskin Group Theatre, Sue Bayliss in All My Sons, Louise in After the Fall at the Lillian Theatre, Lindy McDaniel in Stuck in Neural at the Secret Rose, Rose Seiler in TALHOTBLOND at the Ruskin, Emily in the award-winning Reborning for the 2014 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Mary played Dr. Hecate Porter in Macbeth, Gertrude in Hamlet and Jocasta (Oedipus) at the Archway Theatre in Los Angeles. Mary enjoys serving as Alumni Chapter Leader of the Los Angeles Chapter of her alma mater, Bowling Green State University and is an avid LA Kings Fan!

EMILY JEREZ (KAREN) grew up outside of Denver, Colorado and has her BA from Tufts Uni- versity and MBA from NYU Stern. In July 2016, Emily decided to recommit herself to acting and has since contributed to a number of independent films, pilots and commercials. She is currently a student with the Ruskin School and is grateful for the opportunity to have had participated in the theater’s popular Cafe Plays and now as Karen in The Rainbow Bridge. She lives Venice with husband and 2 year old daughter. JAIMI PAIGE (DR. STEIN)* most recent stage credits include The Maids at A Noise Within, Hedda Gabler at Antaeus Theatre Company, Ve- nus in Fur at South Coast Repertory, and Tender Napalm at Six01 Studios. Last seen at the Ruskin in Jesse Boy and The Collector. Her Film/TV credits include Rizzoli & Isles, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, The Mentalist, Peacock, and just released features Desolation and Be Afraid.

MOUCHETTE VAN HELSDINGEN (MEGYN, HARRIET FELDMAN, JUDGE STRAUSS VO) was born in Amsterdam, Mouchette started her training at The Academy of Small Arts, and continued her education at The Drama Studio in London. Her roles have spanned geographical and linguistic borders, from Gilbert and Sullivan’s Princess Ida at The Young Vic Theatre, London, to a French secretary speak- ing Greek with a French accent in a TV series in Athens. After taking a hiatus from the stage to raise two wonderful daughters, and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics at CSUN, she returned to Drama as a member of the Mechanicals Theatre Group. She appeared as Juror #9 in Twelve Angry (Men), Malvolio in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and Nurse in The Elephant Man at the Pico Playhouse. Mouchette also played the role of Mrs Webb in Our Town, and Frank in Private Eyes at the Morgan Wixson Theatre. This is her second role here at the Ruskin, after appearing in Justin Yoffe's The Gun.

L. EMILLE THOMAS (THEODORE) is excited to go back-2-back with the Ruskin Group Theatre. After making his Ruskin debut in “The Gun”, he’s thrilled for his Rainbow experience. He began his acting journey at the University of Iowa, with a production of “The Amistad Revolt”. This led to theatrical productions including: “Miss Evers Boys”, “Bow-Wow Club”, “The Last Orbit of Billy Mars”, “Edmund”& “Waiting for Lefty” among others. He has several commercial credits (KAY JEWELERS, LENDING TREE, TOYOTA, BEST BUY & NFL) & looks forward to continued growth as an actor in television, film & theatre. He would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all family & friends who have supported him during all of his unique pursuits!

WILLIAM J BEAUMONT (JERRY / UNDER- STUDY) Born in Santa Monica, CA, William grew up in Germany before landing in Edinburgh, Scotland where he stayed for almost 20 years. While there he attended the Edinburgh Acting School, and appeared in numerous theatre productions, including The Tempest, The Importance of Being Earnest and 4:48 Psychosis. Returning to Los Angeles in 2015, William joined the Ruskin School of Acting’s Meisner program. He can now be found appearing in varied projects on stage and screen, including a number of Ruskin Theatre’s own L.A. Cafe Plays.

NANCY FLEMING (LOIS / UNDERSTUDY) I am so happy to be the understudy for Lois in The Rainbow Bridge. My last outing onstage was at the Underground Theater in Hollywood and I am excited to again be treading the boards at the Ruskin Theater Group! I have done several student films and a feature film in the last year or so along with a co-starring role on the television show Judge Mablean. I completed the Meisner Technique class with the Ruskin School of Acting and have done many wonderful/challenging scenes while attending the Ruskin Theater Master Class. If it sounds like I love the Ruskin Theater Group . . . well I do! I dedicate my performance with love and fond memories to my very first acting teacher from the L.A. Actors Lab – Frederick Combs. He was a teacher and a friend. ANGELA STERN (AMANDA / UNDER- STUDY) is a actress and playwright. Angela graduated cum laude with a BFA in theatre from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has appeared in several short films and web series including Luke, Game of Scones, Little Emily and She Comes in Spring. Angela's favorite place in the world is inside a theater and her passion for the medium has given her the opportunity to play more some of Shakespeare's most beloved roles such as Lady Macbeth, Kate, Portia, Olivia, Titania, Rosiland, Beatrice and Helena. Recent stage credits include The Face in the Reeds, Leaving Home and Down at Road, all here at the Ruskin Group Theatre. In August of 2016, Angela's short play Mama's Eggnog was chosen as a finalist in the Samuel French Off Off Broadway Play festival and she had the honor of performing her work at the East 13th Street Theatre in New York. Mama's Eggnog went on to appear at the Manhattan Repertory Theatre in October, 2016 and in August, 2017, Mama's Eggnog will make it's international debut at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

HANNAH KAISER (DR. STEIN / UNDER- STUDY) is excited to be joining the cast of The Rainbow Bridge. She recently graduated from the Ruskin School of Acting, and is currently producing and acting in Los Angeles. She'd like to thank Mike Myers and John Ruskin for their continued support!

EDRIC CARTER (THEODORE / UNDER- STUDY) was born and raised in Portland, OR. After high school he attended Oregon State University where he studied English and theatre. Edric enjoys reading and health & fitness. He is a graduate of The Ruskin School of Acting Meisner program. Edric has participated in the Cafe' plays at the Ruskin Theatre in addition to playing Henry Brown in the Ruskin production of David Mam- et's RACE. Edric has appeared in Leaverage, Portlandia and worked with Reese Witherspoon and Lara Dern in Wild. He is very proud and excited to be playing Theodore in the main stage production of Rainbow Bridge.

JESSICA GARDNER (KAREN, MEGYN, HARRIET FELDMAN / UNDERSTUDY) This is Jessica's first appearance at the Ruskin, and she’d like to thank Mike, John, and Paul Ruddy for bringing her onboard! Jessica just wrapped a successful sold-out run as Ivy in the world premiere of Comic-Con The Musical at the Holly- wood Fringe Festival, which she also co-directed and choreographed. Television credits include: Grey’s Anatomy, Rizzoli & Isles, The Thundermans, New Girl, Parent- hood, Fresh Off The Boat, Jane the Virgin, How I Met Your Mother. LA Stage credits include In My Dress at Write Act Rep, Serial Killers at Sacred Fools, and stand-up comedy at The Comedy Store, LA Improv, Improv Lab, and Flappers Comedy Club.

PRODUCTION TEAM

NICOLE MILLAR (PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER) is a graduate of the Meisner two year program at the Ruskin School of Acting and continues her craft in the Graduate Master Class. She also studied level one UCB LA (2015) Comedia d’el Arte with Danny Passer (2004). She graduated with a Diploma Merit from West London College in “Performing Arts & Media” (1991) England. She then moved to the states to continue her acting career which now, also includes working in Stage Production. Nicole would like to thank her family here at Ruskin John, Mikey and Mike R. for their love and support. There is no place like the theatre. Production credits at the Ruskin Group Theatre include: The World Premiere of; The Gun, by Jusitn Yoffe; It’s Time, by Paul Linke; Sneaky Ole Time, By Steve Mazur & Lyrics by Paul Overstreet; The Face In The Reeds, by Robin Russin; Talhotblonde, by Kathrine Bates; Paradise, a Bluegrass Musical, by Bill Robertson, Tom Sage & Music by Cliff Wagner; Sideway’s, the Play, by Rex Pickett; The Tragedy of the Com- mons, by Stephen Metcalf; and Come Sundown, by Tony Cronin. US Premiere; A Gambler’s Guide to Dying, by Gary McNair. The revival of The Raisin in the Sun, by Lorraine Hansberry; El Grande de Coca-Cola, by Alan Shearman & Ron House; West Coast Premiere productions include: Green Eyes, by Tennessee Williams and The Housing Room, by Conrad Bromberg. Other credits include: A Raisin in The Sun, by Lor- raine Hansberry; Leaving Home, by David French; The Lonesome West, by Martin McDonagh; Siddown...Conversation’s with the Mob, by Sam Kass; and Ovation Award recommended A Memory of Two Monday’s, by Arthur Miller. Enjoy the show!

EMILY ANNA BELL (CO-PRODUCER / ASM ) is super excited to be working as a producer on The Rainbow Bridge with such an amazing cast and crew. She is currently studying Meisner at The Ruskin School and previously studied at The Matthew Corozine Studio in NYC. She is a member of SAG AFTRA and her most recent credits include Danielle in Memoir, Becky in Fallen and Olivia in Acting Mad. Thank you to John Ruskin and Michael Myers for being such amazing teachers filling the classroom with creativity, truth and passion...... "If we want to create a better world, we had better start to unleash the creative potential inside each person to create all that is good and beautiful and true" -Erwin McManus.

HILLARY BAUMAN (SCENIC DESIGNER/ BUILDER/ KEY SCENIC) creates art for stage, film, comic books, and personal commis- sions. She is a native of California and a graduate of Chapman Universi- ty. Her scenic paint and design work has been seen at several theaters in Los Angeles including Boston Court, LATC, The Road Theatre, Rogue Machine Theatre, Sacred Fools, Pico Playhouse, Skylight Theater, NOHO Arts Center and the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Her film credits include storyboards for Girl on The Edge(Jay Silverman, director) and set paint for a variety of film/tv projects. She also produces independent comic book illustration including Cirrus:The Red Storm, Tales of Wax, and GALILEI. Join in the artistic journey at www.THECHROMA- BEAR.COM

CHIP BOLCIK (SOUND DESIGN) Chip most recently designed the sound for It’s Time at both the Ruskin and at Pacific Resident Theatre. Chip designed A Raisin In The Sun at the Ruskin, as well as Sneaky Ole Time and Leaving Home. He regularly designs sound and helps pro- duce the LA Cafe Plays here at the Ruskin, and has twice produced and designed sound for the Ruskin’s annual Christmas shows. In New York, Chip most recently did the sound design at the Cherry Lane for his play, The Field Trip. The play was just awarded Best Play at the Downtown Urban Arts Festival. Chip has also designed sound for his play The Bliz- zard at the Hudson Guild Theatre in NYC, and his play, Ferry Limbo, at HERE in NYC. Chip has also recorded sound for John Putch’s feature film, Route 30, as well as for his own film, Daughter Knows Best, and several other features. When Chip is not busy with sound work, he writes plays and acts.

MIKE REILLY (PRODUCTION MANAGER/LIGHTING DE- SIGNER) has over 20 years of experience as a theatre artist with credits in directing, producing and lighting design. For the past few years he has been an integral part of the Ruskin Group Theatre’s producing team. Directorial credits with the noted theatre company have included The Lonesome West, Cowboy Mouth, Lobby hero, and Brilliant Traces. Lighting credits include A Memory of Two Mondays and The Lonesome West. Michael was also the lighting designer for the critically acclaimed show Sideways.

SARAH FIGOTEN WILSON (COSTUME DESIGN) Sarah has been a company member at the Ruskin since 2005, and has designed shows that include El Grande de Coca Cola (LA Weekly Nomination), A Raisin In the Sun, Sneaky Old Time, Cyrano de Bergerac, Paradise: A Divine Bluegrass Musical, and many more. Other costume design work has been seen at The Skylight Theatre, The Colony Theatre, and Theatre of NOTE. Directing credits include Chance Theater (Little Women, She Loves Me- LA Times Critics Choice), The Ruskin Group Theatre (The Face in the Reeds), Musical Theatre Orange County (Mary Poppins), Hollywood Fringe Festival (Odilia), the Costa Mesa Playhouse (Jaques Brel), and the upcoming Hello Stranger at Theatre of NOTE in the Fall. She served multiple times as an Assistant Director at South Coast Reper- tory, as well as assisting Tony Award winning Director Pam MacKinnon on the pre-Broadway work sessions for David Mamet's China Doll starring Al Pacino. www.sarahfwilson.com Thank You RGT Supporters!

SAINTS $15,000 And Up Carole & Fred Middleton, Wendy & Titus Brenninkmeijer, Robert M. Myers & Linda Sullivan, anonymous donor, Patricia Dougherty, Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation, Fred Deni, Kevin & Geric Frost, Chez & Roseanne Di Gregorio, Robert & Susan Ruskin, City of Santa Monica Department of Cultural Affairs, Los ANGELES COUNTY ARTS COMMISSION

B enefaCTORS $10,000-14,999 Deena Bosnak & Family, Glad Foundation, Stable Foundation, Jennifer Field, Christine & Jordan Kaplan, Rachel Pollack ,D aVID Bass, Barbara Schroeder

Angels $5,000-9,999 Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Dylan McDermott, Monia Joblin, Michael Visbal, Helene Shaw, Kevin Wyrauch, David and Vickie McFarland, Kenneth P. Lombino, City of Santa Monica, donna & thomas

ANGELS of the Arts $1,000-4,999 Dan & Diana Attias, Attias Family Foundation, Eve Ensler, Rita Franciosa & Family, Susan Hayden, Martin Sosin Foundation, Stanley & Betty Sheinbaum, Patricia Stark, Thomas Prosser, Ryan DeMesa, David & Katie Soroko, Michael Nicklin, A New York Minute, Valarie Vanaman, Olivia Lua, Jimmy Tang, Maurice Lamarche, Robin Russin, Newman Aaronson & Vanaman, Donna & Thomas Ruskin, Grace Shen, Sheri Levy, Tony Bill, Aubrey & Amelia Anderson, Alan & Diane Childs, Donna Patrick, Boeing Corporation, Robert R. McGinley, Sheri Levy, Grace Shen, Kathy & Ed O'Neill, Ron & kelly meyer, joseph oliva, jimmy & marie gilbert, Hugh & Melissa Arian, Mary Marlowe

Lovers of The Stage $500-999 Billie Bernhard, John Finn, Dante & Marcella Spinotti, Robin & Sarah Russin, Amanda Keidan, Chris Mulkey & Karen Landry, Rita & Joe Corrigan, William Jo- seph, Joe Russin, Christian Jarry, Barry Siegal & Lisa Looby, peter shane

Great Friends of the Theatre $250-499 Judi Barker, Gail Meyer, Howard J. Morris, Greg and Terisa Myers, Todd Simon, Romaine McCoy, Vinny Thadhani, Stephan McIlvaine, Susan Millmann, Steve Clare, Trinka Soloway, Joe Russin

Friends of the Theatre $25-249 Lee & Juanita Armen, Christina Olson Garcia, Dr. Samuel & Diane Waingrow, Judy Goldstein, Steve Haskell & Michelle Haner, Frederick & Paula Kuhns, Barry Levitt, Marilyn & Donald Gralla, Steven & Nancy Mindel, James Rebhorn, Bob & ROBIN EATMAN, WILLIAM ROTHBARD, SAMUEL M. SURLOFF, PETER & KEDREN WERNER, GWYNNE & LINDA JASSIM, ED HOROWITZ, DAVID BROOKS, JIM MALDONADO, DIANE SHERRY, SHARON GIRDNER, STUART, M. CHANADLER, CHRIS & SUSIE PIOLARSKI, JUDITH BOURNE, EDDIE JAUREGUI, GINA PETERMAN, JULES HAIMOVITZ, KATIE GARLAND NOBLE, TED & CAROL SATTLER, RAY & VERONICA REISLER, RATNA JONES, AMAURY ARCE, ARTHUR TORETZKY, VIK CHATTERGEE, MICHAEL SEPLOW, EITAN GONEN, ROBERT PINE, DANIEL TAYLOR, AUDREY HAZEKAMP, WES MERCHANT, RAUL DOURADO, AUBREY ANDERSON, MARIO DIDONATO, CHARLES STERLING, HARUTUNE HAMASSIAN, HAPPY L GA- RACOCHEA, NICOLE CANNON, KAYLEE QUILLING, DAVID COMPERATORE, LOUIS ERSKINE, PATRICIA STARK, DAVID BOSNAK, PETER KRASNY, KEVIN HUDNELL, AMITY M JANOW, ANNA LOBELL, KELLY GULLETT, CHRISTINA BYRON, ANN AND VIRGIL SHIELDS, BERNIE AND LINDA FOX, DON GIRARD, MICHELLE HOKR, RICHARD & JENNIFER STEETS, ASUKA HISA, CHIP BOLCIK, JOE OLIVIA, BRAM BAROUH, BILLY & CHRISTINE RUSKIN, MARCIA HARDY

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The Ruskin Group Theatre is supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.