WRITERS’ THEATRE THE BRIEF CHRONICLE ISSUE fourteen september 2006

 show title another part of the forest Michael Halberstam Artistic Director Jennifer Bielstein Executive Director 05 on stage: another part of the forest 06 the art of self-preservation 08 artistic conversation 11 “Change is the law of life. And those who down south 17 stars, bars and the story of salt look only to the past or present are certain backstage: 20 events 24 donor spotlight 31 celebrating 15 years 35 in brief to miss the future.”

John F. Kennedy

 show title 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org  Dear Friends: Dear Friends,

By now, many of you will have heard that Jennifer Bielstein, our esteemed Executive Director, As you are now aware, I am leaving Writers’ Theatre to become the Managing Director at is leaving us to fulfill the same role at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Jennifer has been a Actors Theatre of Louisville, a regional theatre known internationally for their ambitious remarkable presence at Writers’ Theatre and her excellent management skills and nurturing commitment to the development of new work for the theatre. They have an annual festival personal instincts have transformed our infrastructure during her tenure. Where she has called the Humana Festival of New American Plays which is attended by people from not served as initiator or catalyst for innovation, she has been present to provide stability, around the world who love theatre. encouragement and communication tools in order to assure success. Personally, I have been freed from the shackles of administrative tasking which frequently exhausted me prior I have to extend my most sincere thanks to Michael Halberstam, the Board of Trustees, to rehearsal. I have been able to appropriately nurture projects into being and after many the amazing staff and artists, and to you, Writers’ loyal and passionate audience. years of lagging behind, we now enjoy management which matches the complexity of our art. My experience over the past three years has been incredible. Mostly, in Jennifer, I have had a friend and collaborator. I will miss her, but I celebrate her opportunity and wish her well in her new adventure. You have a truly unique and special company in your hands. Michael’s vision for this organi- zation, his unwavering commitment to the value of artists, and his ability to generate support Speaking of adventures, we have a 15th anniversary to celebrate! It has been a remarkable for the work here are without compare. odyssey. It is a fascinating exercise to recall our earliest days in 1992! Co-founder Marilyn Campbell and I hosted the office in our Rogers Park apartment where we lived platonically, The amazing Board of Trustees is inspirational in its commitment to Writers’ Theatre’s sharing a dream for the theatre. Scattered across our living room floor we licked a thousand artistic vision. Daily they provide governance, fiscal oversight and generous support all in envelopes and stamps, clicked away at grants on our Macintosh Classic computer, and the name of theatre. Without their active participation, this company would not be the answered Box Office calls well into the night. Our performance venue included a hand made important theatre it is today. wooden light board, a series of coffee cans with flood bulbs installed in them. Our set consisted of a few swaths of fabric hung against the wall, a four by eight platform and a We’re all aware of the artists, especially the actors, directors, designers, and many other couple of chairs. Our sound system was a boom box and our seating was a collection of artistic staff who contribute to the development and running of a production. I have brown and orange plastic chairs. We’ve come a long way in the past fourteen years. Today, dedicated my life’s work to supporting artists and it has been an honor to work with the we enjoy an international reputation, share our work with almost 30,000 people annually caliber of artists we attract to Writers’ Theatre. and have relationships with the finest dramatic artists in . With such achievement in such a short time just imagine what the future can bring! Our staff are unsung heroes in the theatre. Their daily efforts, innovation and hard work are central to Writers’ Theatre’s success. I hope that you all have the chance to interact Our most ambitious and diverse line-up of programming yet launches with Lillian Hellman’s with them through different special events and your visits to the theatre. Another Part of the Forest directed by the inestimable treasure William Brown. Just in time for the elections, we invite you into a world of human politicking. Race, gender, war, peace, In the past three years we have collectively taken this company from a small to mid-sized lies, truth, money, corruption and sex all come together to make for a terrific evening of professional operation. We have doubled the number of artists we employ and have Americana. Unafraid to hold up an unflinching mirror to nature and yet skilled enough to do successfully operated two venues, allowing us to present over 400 performances annually. it in a manner which is at once entertaining, funny and touching, Hellman creates a joyride We have expanded an education program offering training classes, in-school residencies, of intrigue and humanity. Hold on tight. and a touring project on the civil rights movement. The high volume of theatre that we produce now requires an operating budget of just under $3 million. Yours, Your continued support of Writers’ Theatre insures the future of this amazing theatre. You are part of a visionary organization, and I look forward to visiting and seeing the incredible work that I know will continue on Writers’ Theatre’s stages.

Michael Halberstam With much gratitude,

Jennifer Bielstein September 26 through November 26, 2006 Rachel Weinstein Acting Executive Director Performed at 325 Tudor Court

It is 1880 and the Hubbard Family of Alabama is the envy of the South – wealthy, smart, funny, sexy and completely immoral. In a melodrama brimming with southern discomfort, chilling lies and shocking intrigue, Hellman creates a family that is deeply human and uniquely southern, with a reputation for success… by any means necessary.

The Board of Trustees, Staff and Artist of Writers’ Theatre welcome Rachel Weinstein as the Acting Executive Director. another part of

In addition to serving as a member of Previously, Rachel was the Assistant the board of Writer’s Theatre, Rachel Development Director of Roundabout Weinstein brings extensive professional Theatre Company in New York City experience in performing arts manage- where she was responsible for Major ment to her new role as Acting Individual Giving and Special Events. the forest Executive Director. She also brings experience working by lillian hellman directed by william brown for New York City Opera, Circle Rachel moved to Chicago’s North Shore Repertory Company and the late from London in 2004 where she served Broadway producer Benjamin Mordecai. as the Director of Development of the the cast Scenic Design “Don’t you find that Matthew Brumlow Brian Sidney Bembridge celebrated Donmar Warehouse Theatre. She continues to consult with non- Ira Carol Costume Design people always think She launched and grew the theatre’s profits, and has recently worked with Audrey Francis Rachel Anne Healy first formal fundraising program, and the Fine Arts Building Foundation to Joel Hatch Lighting Design you’re joking when oversaw the creation of education craft a strategy for a capital campaign Matthew Holzfeind Charles Cooper initiatives and outreach programs for to restore and revitalize the landmark Timothy W. Hull Sound Design you speak the truth Kymberly Mellen Andy Hansen audiences with special needs. Her building on South Michigan Avenue. Linsey Page Morton Properties design in a soft voice?” leadership was instrumental in helping Penny Slusher Lara Musard the Board of Directors to stabilize Larry Wiley production stage Marcus Hubbard the theatre’s finances and to ensure Manager Another Part of the Forest the smooth succession of a new David Castellanos Artistic Director.

 her extravagant The Art of Self-Preservation spending, lack of work and overwhelming IRS debt had left her desperate. Her lover, the crime writer Dashiell By Kymberly Mellen Hammett, had recently been released from six months in prison after being found in contempt of court for pleading the Fifth Amendment. Now Hellman faced jail time. Hammett urged her not to be a martyr. A woman accustomed to her luxurious When asked about the “badness” of Regina, the Hubbard daughter in Another Part lifestyle would not survive prison. of the Forest, in an interview with The Paris Review, Lillian Hellman responded, “You have no right to see your characters as good or bad. Other people see them that Hellman wrote a bargaining letter to the HUAC agreeing to divulge details of her way. Besides, goodness and badness is different from good and bad people.” own life. She promised not to plead the Fifth if the committee would refrain from questioning her about her friends. The HUAC rejected her “compromise,” announcing Hellman, like the complex characters in her plays, struggled to make decisions in they would not permit witnesses to set their own rules. Legally, she would have to trying circumstances. Both she and Regina were independent women attempting choose between self-incrimination and incriminating others to avoid jail. to survive in a patriarchal world surrounded by extremely clever and, to a degree, ruthless men. For several days, Hellman anxiously awaited trial. She went shopping, buying an expensive dress that she couldn’t afford. Not a conventionally attractive woman, “To hurt innocent people in order to save myself, is to me, inhuman and indecent Hellman always took great care to be well dressed when appearing in public. She and dishonorable. I cannot and will not cut my conscience to fit this year’s fashions.” knew the impact of an impeccable first impression on a fan, a man or a member This is the courageous quote for which Hellman is most remembered. One can of the committee. envision Hellman in her designer suit and freshly coifed hair boldly condemning Senator McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) as they When called to the stand, the allegations of Communist affiliations began demanded she betray her friends. immediately. Despite her resolve not to, Hellman pled the Fifth. She repeatedly referred the HUAC to her letter. Hellman was successful in her tactics. Her southern charm and composure no doubt helped to secure her a dismissal. She walked away after being blacklisted unscathed and uncharged, and more importantly, so did her friends.

and overwhelming Like Regina in Another Part of the Forest, Hellman out-foxed the system. Both were also smart enough to use the perception of “a woman’s place” to their advantage. The HUAC excused Hellman with the parting blow: “Why cite her for contempt? After all, she is a woman…” IRS debt Hellman uncharacteristically held her peace. However, intriguingly, Hellman never spoke those words. They were taken from a letter written in an effort to avoid testifying altogether. Hellman was scared. Her extravagant spending, lack of work after being blacklisted had left her  another part of the forest: self-preservation desperate. of the world, which drives the story. This MH: Speaking of strength, Penny, you is a story of an unlikely relationship and Ira have the strength of a five-year surrounded by deceit and chaos. The friendship. Does this bring any qualities to Artistic audience will go away having a better your rehearsal process that you can enjoy? grasp on the nature of these two women and a family held together by greed, PS: I was thinking about this very thing. power and secrets. It seems to me that Ira and I become somewhat mischievous when in each Conversation MH: What kinds of emotion do you other’s company. I dare say that some anticipate bringing to your role given element of that will carry over and may Coralee’s place at such a difficult time indeed be useful during rehearsals. Artistic Director Michael Halberstam talks to Ira Carol (Coralee) and in our nation’s history? When I think of Lavinia and Coralee Penny Slusher (Lavinia Hubbard) about their long-term friendship together, it strikes me that they are very and preparing for their roles in Another Part of the Forest: IC: The range of emotion for this much outsiders among the rest of the character will fluctuate. The members characters. When Ira and I get together,

no one is ever entirely faultless or with- out blame. I hope to explore Lavinia’s culpability in the unfolding events. My early inclinations are to flesh her out servants in this era beyond what is on the page and bring to the surface some of the more telling choices that she makes. I think that learned to suppress what they there is a singular sort of intelligence Ira Carol Penny Slusher that Lavinia possesses. It is a subtle quality that I’m looking at and I’m hoping Michael Halberstam: Thank you for to bring it to the forefront. agreeing to participate. Although you are both at the beginning of the process Ira Carol: Coralee is a woman that has and there are so many discoveries yet to endured much during her life. Although truly felt. she is a servant to the Hubbard family, come, I’d love to start by asking you to of the Hubbard family will see subtle we pick up on one another’s sense of her presence in this household is share some of your preliminary thoughts and discreet displays of emotions. humor, we notice the same things at the primarily supported by the relationship about your characters with our patrons. Servants in this era learned to suppress same time and we have very similar out- she has with Lavinia. Her character is what they truly felt. Even though this looks on life. I hope that the symbiosis silent but strong. Coralee is a woman Penny Slusher: When I was cast in the period of history is difficult, the nature of we experience as friends will help with hopes, dreams and secrets of her role, one of my first reactions was to strive the black woman servant was survival inform our characters’ views of their world own. She is rarely seen but her pres- to make Lavinia Hubbard, the matriarch and strength. onstage – individually and as a unit. of the family, multi-dimensional. I think ence is known. It is the positive moral it would be so easy to latch on to the character of Coralee and Lavinia, two victim syndrome with this character, but people who come from opposite ends

 another part of the forest: artistic conservation another part of the forest: artistic conservation  IC: I am excited about working with Penny, IC: Slavery was what Coralee knew and especially when we begin to make lived with since birth. I have some idea DOWN SOUTH WITH discoveries about who we are onstage, of what Coralee feels toward and under- as well as offstage. As she says, we stands about the family that had owned WILLIAM BROWN: both know how to laugh. her at one time and now employs her as their servant. The only true response MH: Laughter is such an excellent tool an actor can have about working with A Walking Tour of in helping the process of discovery, isn’t a close friend or spouse would be to it? Although not referenced specifically make characters onstage as believable Wilmington

During a recent journey to see his family in North Carolina, Director the nature of William Brown found inspiration for the Hubbard home in Another Part of the Forest. Through his photography, he was kind enough to the black woman servant was take us on a walking tour through the historic district of Wilmington, North Carolina. Scenic Designer Brian Sidney Bembridge will survival transform this field research into an elegant environment fit for Writers’ Theatre’s intimate playing space. Here is an opportunity to in the script, it is likely see where history and artistry converge, courtesy of Mr. Brown. that Coralee was owned by the Hubbard family prior to emancipation. What kinds of response do you each encounter in approaching the shadow of slavery with one of your closest friends? strength.

PS: My response is to attack it head on as possible. We may say the cruelest in rehearsals, refrain from sugar coating and most deceitful things to each other it and allow our characters to express during the show and afterwards go out themselves in as honest a fashion as for a cup of coffee. possible. I feel that it is paramount to present the topic of slavery in an MH: I can’t wait to see the work. Thank unflinching manner in order to see it in you both so much. all its facets of ugliness, even in Lavinia.

10 another part of the forest: artistic conversation There are several versions of this play. gate. Wilmington has a large historic Some place the action indoors some- neighborhood of both pre- and post-civil times and outdoors at other times. war homes. And then there’s a version that has it all in the parlor. I really wanted, maybe The Hubbard Family would have lived because it’s Another Part of the Forest, in a townhouse, not on a plantation. to have it outside and I really wanted They were dirt poor before the Civil War

(Figure A) Double Porch

to have it essentially in the backyard or (before Marcus’s war-profiteering) and on the back porch. There is something their house is their idea of, as one about the back porch that is particularly character says, “post-war swell.” It is intimate and familiar, a place where their idea of classical, wealthy and secrets are told. It’s also where wild impressive architecture. things live and grow. I love the idea of a double porch (Figure My family lives in Wilmington, North A). In our theatre, you will not see the Carolina and I went there to investi- second floor but it’s nice to know it’s

12 another part of the forest another part of the forest: down south 13 (Figure B) native species provides a wonderful photorealistic set. We really stuck with tension between savage and civilized. It’s the porch, the banister, the window and Pillars somewhat exotic. This is the jungle-like a terrace on the edge of the garden. environment that grows behind a very But they will not be painted realistically. respectable house. Instead, these elements will be rendered in black and white, giving it a hard but There is one house that became our elegant appearance. This set will feel favorite; it’s located right on Market Street very southern without, perhaps, what we in Wilmington. It’s the Bellamy Mansion, have come to expect of southern hospi- there. I think we are going to be playing Another architectural element we are with that idea. The second floor is where using in the show is the floor-to-ceiling the bedrooms are located. windows (Figure C). In these homes, there is actually space built into the I became very interested in pillars floor above so that the windows can go (Figure B). It is no accident that we are all the way up. When the evenings were doing this play during an election season. cool, one could use the floor to ceiling (Figure D) This play is such a fascinating tale of windows to open up the room. power and corruption and who ends up Gardens on top. A lot of these antebellum and What interested me about so many of mid-19th century houses have the look these homes was the refuge that their of our public buildings, the neoclassical gardens provided (Figure D, pg. 13). style similar to that of Washington, D.C. These homes are in the city and are very much what I imagine the Hubbard garden to be. The combination of foreign and

built as the country was moving toward tality. Hospitality is not what this family civil war (Figures E&F, pg. 14). All the is about. There’s something cold about elements of our set are right there: the them, something powerful and to the fluted columns, the banister, the floor point. And yet they are very smart and (Figure C) to ceiling windows, and the shutters. very funny. I think we have found a terrific Bellamy Mansion had it all for us. place for them to live. I can’t wait to share Floor to Ceiling it with you during the show. Windows Lastly, I didn’t want the porch to be com- pletely literal, nor did I want to create a

another part of the forest: down south 15 (Figure E) Bellamy Stars, Bars and the Story of Salt: Acquiring a Fortune During the Civil War (Figure F) By Kyle J. Schmidt Bellamy “First part of the war I was so silly I thought it was brave of your Papa to run the blockade, even though I knew he was dealing with the enemy to do it. People were dying for salt and I thought it was good to bring it to them. I didn’t know he was getting eight dollars a bag for ... a little bag.

Originally from Beckley, West Virginia, Bill attended West Virginia Imagine taking money for other people’s misery.” University as a music major. He received his Master’s Degree in acting from the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. Family matriarch Lavinia Hubbard referring to the notorious wartime profiteering of her husband, Marcus, in Bill’s first season at Writers’ Theatre introduced him to audiences Another Part of the Forest t as both a director (The Glass Menagerie) and an actor (Private Lives).

As a Writers’ Theatre actor, Bill also appeared in Candida, Dear r

o Master, Butley, Nixon’s Nixon and as Dr. Lyman in last season’s ores r How did Marcus Hubbard acquire a vast While supply shortages were not an

f Bus Stop. Writers’ Theatre directing credits include Incident at Vichy, a fortune during the Civil War with a small anomaly for the Confederate Government, b Misalliance, Rocket to the Moon, Our Town and Arms and the Man. he dry-goods store in Alabama? The answer: the demand for salt reached desperate t

Direct

f In 2003, Bill was recognized alongside Kymberly Mellen as theatre’s “Chicagoans of the luck, salt and ruthless exploitation. More proportions due to the large army’s need n, o Year” by the . Bill also received the Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding specifically, Mr. Hubbard capitalized on for preserved meat. Lacking electric t w

r Actor in a leading role for his portrayal of Henry Kissinger in Nixon’s Nixon. ’s side o three wartime conditions in the South: refrigerators, people of the time relied r pa

br the soaring demand for essential goods, on salt as a preservative. Because the

Bill’s recent directing projects include The Chalk Garden at Northlight Theatre, The Matchmaker to at American Players Theatre and A Comedy of Errors at Notre Dame. This holiday season, a poor transportation infrastructure and government’s wartime requests were the c her skyrocketing inflation. top priority for distribution companies, e t Bill will direct A Christmas Carol at The , where he has played the role r of Scrooge for the past four seasons. He will direct She Stoops to Conquer at Northlight no a di william Theatre next year. southerners back on the home front soon dramatic price fluctuations caused much found themselves in a pickle. Like the confusion about the real price of goods, Army, their meat needed salt or it would allowing a shrewd businessman to take rot, but unlike the Army they did not have advantage of a vulnerable and highly a central government ensuring them volatile market. an ample supply. Thus, salt became a valued commodity during the war. Shortages, poor distribution and inflation combined with the relatively unregulated While the South had more than enough business practices of the South to allow salt mines to satisfy the rising demands a salt trafficker like Marcus Hubbard the of the Confederacy throughout the war, power to wield significant control over the they were plagued by distribution prob- market. In the face of speculators and lems. South of the Mason-Dixon Line, profiteers like Mr. Hubbard, aristocratic the transportation infrastructure lacked plantation owners soon found their an efficient railroad system; lines were endless amounts of currency and disconnected from one another and in valuables worth little more than the price need of repair. Moreover, a Union Navy of survival. blockade restricted sea travel and the Confederacy’s supply of wagons had been commandeered by the Army.

Further complicating the scattered scarcity of salt, the Confederacy experi- enced increasing inflation in their mon- etary system. The reckless printing of money by the South caused an influx of currency and the subsequent devaluation of the money supply. In other words, everything cost more because the dollar was worth less. In 1864 Alabama, for instance, one might find bacon at $9 a pound or potatoes at $25 a bushel. When comparing those prices to today’s U.S. dollar, one would pay $107.27 for a pound of bacon and $297.96 for a bushel of potatoes. These types of

18 another part of the forest: stars, bars and salt what’s happe n i g what’s b a c kstage r e w r ite s’ theat at The Director’s Society Garden Party

July 9, 2006 The Gardens of Pam Phillips & Roger Weston

On July 9, 2006, more than 100 members and friends of The Director’s Society gathered at the home of Trustee Pam Phillips and her husband Roger Weston for the Annual Garden Party. It was an enjoyable afternoon of delectable hors d’oeuvres, modern and vintage cocktails and a 15th Anniversary Season Sampler directed by Artistic Assistant Jimmy McDermott and featuring Writers’ Theatre actors Alyson Green, Steve Haggard, Joel Hatch and John Sanders.

The Director’s Society of Writers’ Theatre is the group of dedicated patrons who share our passion for the written word and who donate $1,000 or more annually. They provide the financial foundation that allows us to create a nurturing artistic home for world-class artists while producing nationally acclaimed productions. The society was established to acknowledge these patrons and to provide them a window into the creative process. With behind-the-scenes rehearsals and special members-only events, membership is bursting with privileges.

If you are interested in joining The Director’s Society, please call Associate Director of Development Jeanne Theresa Newman at 847-242-6004 or email [email protected].

Save the date! Please mark your calendar for the upcoming Director’s Society events: (All dates and programs subject to change) Top Left: David & Mary Winton Green, Dan Cohan & his wife Trustee Sara Cohan, Heidi Troester November 14, 2006 Staged Reading: The MLK Project January 10, 2007 Caviar & Conversation: Bach at Leipzig Top Right: Immediate Past Board of Trustees March 3, 2007 15th Anniversary Gala Celebration President Tom Hodges & his wife Gail May 2, 2007 open Rehearsal: Othello Middle: Board of Trustees President Chris Knight July 15, 2007 Annual Director’s Society Garden Party & his wife Emily

Event Sponsor Right: Mary Jane Pollack & Stephanie Sick

education & outreach 21 Left: Michael & Christine Pompizzi

Below: Host Roger Weston, Carol Walter, Host & Trustee Pam Phillips & John Walter

Above Left: Trustee Christine Pope & her husband Michael

Above Right: Jason Pizer & his wife Acting Executive Director Rachel Weinstein

Left: Doris & Howard Conant, Sr.

Left Below: North Shore Community Bank (NCSB) Vice President/Glencoe Branch Manager Diane Schwartz, Former WT Executive Director Jennifer Bielstein, NCSB President – Glencoe/Winnetka Bob Taubenheim & his wife Lin

Bottom Left: Bill Cottle & his wife Trustee Judy Cottle

Bottom Right: Larry Becker & his wife Nicole Williams

22 alumni update events: new york by storm 23 donor spotlight Thank you for making the Challenge Grant a success!

Production Sponsor

Writers’ Theatre is honored to welcome local residents and business people, North Shore Community Bank & Trust placed a high value on communication Company as the Production Sponsor for and personal attention to values, which Another Part of the Forest, the inaugural the Bank continues to honor through Long-time supporters David & Mary Winton Green pleasantly production of our 15th Anniversary their service to their customers and surprised Writers’ Theatre last summer when they came to us Season. Writers’ Theatre and North their commitment to community involve- with the idea of a Challenge Grant. The Greens agreed to match Shore Community Bank share the similar ment. The Bank’s products and services goals of serving the local community are of the highest quality and are all new and increased donations up to $200,000 with the and also maintaining personal relation- specifically tailored to residents on the hopes of compelling first-time donors to invest in the future of ships with all of our patrons. North Shore. Writers’ Theatre and to inspire our long-time supporters to increase their involvement. With these goals in mind, we started North Shore Community Bank was In addition to their generous Production started through a desire to restore Sponsorship this season, North Shore our 2005/06 Season embracing the task of raising $200,000 traditional community banking to the Community Bank also sponsored the in new and increased gifts to meet the Challenge Grant. area. The Bank’s founders, a group of 2006 Director’s Society Garden Party. Now, over a year later, we are thrilled to announce that we have “People want to keep it local. A bank’s management should live met and surpassed the goal! Writers’ Theatre received $232,746 a local phone call away and be an important part of the in new or increased donations from our individual donors community. That’s why we got involved with Writers’ Theatre, between August 1, 2005 and July 31, 2006. In total, 645 gifts were made to the Theatre that were eligible to receive matching because we are a part of our community and believe in the funds from the Challenge Grant. Of those gifts, 394 were from future of this artistic gem of the North Shore.” brand new donors, while 251 were increased gifts from

Bob Taubenheim, President – glencoe/winnetka established supporters. North Shore Community Bank & trust company 24 donor spotlight donor spotlight 25 Writers’ Theatre wants to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone Marilyn Dickey Tom Fontana Barbara & Art Gould Marvin & Susan Dickman Paul & Andrea Fox John & Pat Grady who contributed to the Challenge Grant. The generosity of all of Alex & Jill Dimitrief Robert & Joan Fragen Marvin & Phyllis Greenbaum our patrons helped us exceed the ambitious $200,000 Challenge Irving & Rochelle Distelheim Betty Frank Bob & Ginny Greenberg Grant goal. The following donors helped to make this one of our John & Sharon Dixon Zollie Frank David & Elaine Greenberg Marilynn Doane Reuven & Penina Frankel Ray Greenblatt most successful fundraising campaigns to date! William & Kathy Domm Sylvia Franklin Stewart & Rochelle Grill Larry & Sally Domont Geraldine Freedman James & Ceil Grissom Paula Domsky Gertrude Freedman David & Robyn Grossberg Anonymous Joel & Laura Bernstein Arthur & Fern Callistein Lynn Donaldson & Cameron Sidney & Jacqueline Freedman Nathan & Evelyn Grossman Judy Abelson Marvin & Hope Bernstein Dean & Betty Cameron Avery Janet Freund Robert & Nancy Gunn Sally Abraham Karl & Diane Berolzheimer Sanford & Pat Cantor John Donoghue George & Catherine Frey Bill & Joan Haase Tobey Adatto Jean Biddulph Cleve Carney & Kay Schmitt Jody Donovan Howard & Kay Friedman Doreen Hagerty Richard & Barbara Adler Jerry & Kathy Biederman Fairbank & Lynne Carpenter William & Wilma Dooley Willard & Nancy Fry Heini & Doreen Halberstam Barbara Allen Marjorie Biederman Nancy Carroll Chuck & Jane Dowding Bryna Gamson Maud Hall Charles & Dale Anderson Henry & Leigh Bienen Carolyn Caruth Brian & Nancy Duff John & Dorothy Gardner Thomas & Kimberly Handler Constance Anderson Nick Bizony & Elizabeth McGrath Lorraine Chapman Edouard & Mary Dupont-Ma- Robert Gardner & Linda Stanley Tom & Joie Harris Richard & Ellen Anderson M.J. Black Joyce Chelberg dinier John & Suzanne Garvin Bill & Mary Hartman Wallace & Marilyn Appelson Ted & Sonia Bloch J. Morgan Chism-Diebold Gary & Deborah Edidin Charles & Barbara Gately David & Charlotte Hay Raymond Arenson Lawrence & Abby Block Jules & Leslie Cogan Daniel Efner Jo Ann Gavin & John Smyth, Jr. Nancy Haynor Elizabeth Armstrong Bonnie Blodgett Michael & Deborah Cogan Mark & Kitty Egan Malcolm & Judy Gaynor John & Yvonne Held Laurence & Doris Ashkin George Blossom Robert Cohn & Sylvia Epstein Stephen & Lois Eisen Larry & Carol Gelber Jim & Barbara Herst Helene Auer Mel & Lee Blum Roger & Ann Cole Deane Ellis Scott & Rita George Tariq Abdal-Wahid & Annie Barbara Auerbach Herb & Lucy Blutenthal Thomas & Constance Cole Iris Elston Matt Geraldi Higgins Fred & Cinda Axley Mary Jane Bollinger Howard & Pam Conant Bennett Epstein & Meredith Alan & Joyce Gidwitz Jordan Jay & Karen Hillman Carole Babendir Harry & Pamela Bookey Jan Cook Clement Ralph & Karen Gidwitz Mary Hines Bruce & Ann Bachmann Jimmy & Lorry Borowitz Richard & Christine Cooper Richard & Marjorie Ettlinger Doris Gilbert Harry & Libby Hirsch James & Mary Baker Jim & Sandy Boves Bill & Judy Cottle Richard & Roberta Evans Jennifer Gilchrist Tom & Gail Hodges Richard & Karleen Baker Bill & Betty Boyd Kathy Cottong Samuel & Nejmy Evins David & Dale Ginsburg Ann Hoenig Mike & Bonnie Balkin William & Linda Bronner Harvey & Arlene Coustan Edward & Judy Ex Jerry & Carol Ginsburg Dennis & Peggy Hoffman Sanford & Renee Bank Robert Bronson Frank Covey Paul & Suzanne Faberson Patricia Gladden Miriam Hoffman Lonnie Barefield Leon & Helene Brottman John & Mary Crawford Hazel Fackler Thomas Gleason Jim & Jackie Holland Bob & Sarah Barnes Mary Ann Brown Robert & Liz Crowe Gary & Beth Feinerman Paul Glickman Dorothy Holmes Barbara Beck Thomas & Mary Douglass Brown Joe & Anne Curti Sheldon & Nellie Fink Ethel Gofen Richard & Judy Homer Robert & Carol Beilfuss George & Jacqueline Brumlik Peter & Joan Dallos James & Shellie Fisch Sue Golan Susan Hudkins Carolin Belden Jay Buck Robert Dann & Erica Regenberg Conrad & Sonia Fischer Bob & Carol Goldberg Joseph Huebner Donald & Susan Belgrad Jack & Babette Buffington John D’Asto & Jill Bohannan Gloria Fisher Ruth Goldman Robert & Claire Hugi Ted & Debbie Berghorst Jonathan & Trudy Bunge Jim & Wendy Daverman Perry & Claire Fisher Arnie & Susi Goldstein Karen Hunken Andy & Diane Berk Dick & Ann Burnstine Allen & Eliza Davies Richard & Gina Fisher Jeff & Cidney Golman Dick & Lou Hurckes Harriet Berlin Julie Burros Lynn Davis Robert & Patty Fitzgerald Elliott & Mona Golub Dale Huse Jane Berlin Terrance Livingston & Debra William & Dale Davison Harold & Helene Fitzsimmons Arnold & Marilyn Gombiner Bruce & Susan Huvard Melvin & Randy Berlin Cafaro Tom & Judith De Mint Robert & Charlotte Flinn Ellis & Gillian Goodman William & Carol Hyatt Julian & Joan Berman John Cahill Ken & Marcia Denberg Mike & Barb Fonda Louis & Jennifer Gordon Linda Illes Howard & Harriet Bernstein Roland & Shirley Calhoun Donald Deutsch Thomas James Richard & Gina Lepman David & Leslie McGranahan Judy Perlman Doris Roskin Steve & Linda Sharp George & Anne Jameson Sam & Dee Levenson John & Carol McKinnon James & Carolyn Peters Dorothy Ross Jean Shaw Richard & Patricia Jaquith Howard & Katherine Levin Robert & Lorel McMillan Michael & Laurie Petersen William & Pam Ross Samuel Shaw & Jane Tawney Sibyl Josephson Stuart & Roberta Lee Levin Alan & Ruth McNally Scott & Donna Petersen Ann Roth David & Mette Shayne Harvey & Judy Kaiser Monte & Sophie Levinson Withrow Meeker Claudette Peterson Michael Roth David & Susan Sherman Donna Kaizer Patricia Levinson Mary Meister Christopher & Sara Pfaff Fred & Dena Rothschild Jeffrey Sherman Dorothy Kalas Arnold & Eva Levy Richard & Barb Melcher Genevieve Phelps Robert & Judith Rothschild Dan Shevrin & Carol Silverman Morris & Dolores Kaplan Marilyn Lewis Hugo & Lois Melvoin Maxine Philipsborn Lillian Rubenstein Winfield Shiras Vivian Kaplan Steven & Barbara Lewis Allen & Virginia Menke Thomas & Sue Pick Marc & Helen Rubenstein Marian Shmikler Dick & Christine Karger Peter Lewy & Judy Nack John & Madonna Merritt Jim & Cindy Pinkerton Roberta Rubin Steve & Susan Sholl Jack & Betsy Karp Myron & Eleanor Lieberman Elinor Metcoff William & Suzan Pinsof Larry & Elissa Rubinstein Willard & Marilyn Shonfeld Sherwyn Katz Nancy Liebschutz David & Patricia Meyer David & Marlene Pochis Michael & Audrey Rubinstein Joel & Michele Shoolin Larry & Marie Kaufman Tom & Margaret Lillard Robert & Ellie Meyers Mr. & Mrs. Podolsky Podolsky Myron & Susan Rubnitz Rebecca Shorter George & Gloria Keats Herbert Lippitz Albert & Gwen Miller Mal & Mickey Poland David & Susan Ruder Stephen & Susan Sickle Sherman & Gladys Keats Richard & Jane Lipton Russel & Randi Miron Carol Pomerantz Robert & Camille Rudy Barbara Sideman Kip Kelley Melvin Loeb Daniel & Sally Mitchell Michael & Christine Pompizzi Tony & Anne Ruzicka Linda Siegel & Ira Glick Rita King Jean London Lee & Barbara Mitchell Michael & Christine Pope Sean Ryan Seymour & Lois Siegel Robert & Robin King James Looman & Donna Craven Annie Moldafsky Charles & Bobbie Price Shirley Ryan Stephen & Susan Siegel Esther Klatz Vonnie Lorber Robert & Ileen Morris David & Stacy Pritsker Judy Sagan Manuel & Mary Silver Alan & Dee Klein Shana Lowitz William & Kate Morrison Irene Pritzker Evelyn Salk Harry & Louise Simon Jimmy & Evie Klein Andrew & Janet Lubetkin David & Agnes Murdoch Jerry Proffit Jean Sampson Hal & Eileen Sirkin Bernard & Annette Kleinman Margaret Mac Kimm Richard & Maribeth Murphy Charles & Mary Quinn Neil & Lynne Samuels Richard Skolly & Kate Feinstein Richard & Linda Knier Eric & Denise Macey William & Carol Narup Pat Rahmann Gilbert & Susan Sandow Michael Slater & Shoshana Christopher & Emily Knight Edward & Erminia Mack Seymour & Adele Neems Mr. & Mrs. Lon Ramsey Mitch & Linda Saranow Waskow Robert & Andrea Knight Pauline Mageo William & Sherry Nelson Meg Rau Robert & Mary Ann Savard Paul & Peggy Slater Jill Koch William & Amalia Mahoney Jordan & Jean Nerenberg Gabriel & Dorit Raviv Evelyn Saxon Stan & Jody Slovin Martin & Patricia Koldyke The Malkin Families John & Alexandra Nichols Shirley Raymond Eric & Maggie Scheyer Charles Smith Anthony & Bette Konstant Jed & Miranda Mandel Oliver & Katherine Nicklin Louise Reid Stuart & Lois Scheyer Frank & Elizabeth Smith Ronald Korajczyk Roger & Betsy Mandel Susan Noel Arnold & Hilda Reingold Scott Schiller & Caroline Bill & Maria Smithburg Philip & Nancy Kotler Fred & Sada Mann Bernard & Betty Nusinow Peter & Margrit Reinhard Grossinger Leif & Jill Soderberg Arthur & Leonie Kowitt Tom & Ann Mann James Oates Mildred Rhodes Julie Schlossberg Michael & Julie Solot Martin & Susan Kozak Fred & Joyce Marcus John & Pat O’Brien Harold Richman Brad & Gina Schmarak Bob & Andi Sperling Ed Kuffert & Barbara Anderson Richard & Judy Marcus Larry & Barbara Olin Dan & Lesa Rizzolo Mary Schmick Tom & Marie Sprandel Mark & Beth Kurensky James & Roslyn Marks Mark & Rebecca Oline Bill & Chris Robb Martha Schneider Kenneth & Norma Spungen Bob & Linda Lane Sonia Marschak Norman & Katie Olson Marvin & Harriett Robinson John & Barbara Schornack Harrison & Lois Steans Fred & Corinne Lane Karen Marshak Joseph Ornig Howard & Roberta Rosell Steve Schwartz William & Helen Stein Ginger Lane Anne Martin Mitch & Cathie Orpett David & Lorri Rosen Howard & Diane Schwarzbach Robert & Sue Steiner Susan Lans Conrad & Carol May David & Patsy Oser Sol & Carolyn Rosen John & Evelyn Schweig Roslyn Steinman Burt & Caryl Lasko Katherine Mayer Marshall & Evelyn Padorr Joe & Edie Rosengarden Nancy Schweikert Dorie Sternberg Jules & Marilyn Last Russell & Anne Mayerfeld Robert & Marcia Paley Cy & Lolly Rosengarten Glenn & Mary Seidenfeld Clarice Stetter Ned & Alberta Lauterbach Martha McCallister Scott & Ellen Paseltiner John & Audrey Rosenheim Neal & Rachel Seltzer C. Gardnar Stevens Courtney Lawson Stephen & Janet McDonald Donald Patterson Albert & Roddie Rosenthal Ronald & Nancy Semerdjian Nancy Stevens Bud & Brenda Lenahan Michael & Susan McGill Brace & Suzanne Pattou Stan & Harriet Rosenthal Neal & Kate Shapiro Michael Stoken

alumni update 29 Roger & Susan Stone Cal & Suzanne Weiskopf Andrew & Mary Pat Studdert Alex & Bonnie Weiss James & Merle Styer Paula Weiss Jim & Mona Sweeney Robert & Floral Weiss Irwin & Sally Sylvan Sherri Weiss Celebrating Thomas & Beverly Tabern Andrew & Brenda Werth Sandy & Bobette Takiff Mary Wesley Steven & Kathy Taslitz Leslie & Susan West William & Dian Taylor Gloria Wexler Frank ten Brink & Jeannine Miles & Kimberly White Cleary Barbara Wick Richard & Helen Thomas Robert Wilcox John & Jacqueline Thompson Tom & Sally Wille Jim & Josie Tomes Lawrence Becker & Nicole Mel & Barbara Torch Williams Howard & Paula Trienens Linda Williams 15 years Byron & Tina Trott Jack & Joan Wing Trey & Jane Tune Sinclair Winton John & Anne Tuohy Virginia Witucke Lois Turim Jane Woldenberg Rita Turow Stanley & Shirley Woleben David & Sharon Turrentine Arnold & Ann Wolff Brady Twiggs Lee & Naomi Wolfson John Twombly Nancy Yalowitz David & Maxine Unger Mary Young Virginia Vale Bobbie Zabel Kevin & Ellen van Wart Robert & Joan Zabel Audrey Veath Pam Zdunek & Clifford Sladnick Dianne Venet Howard & Marilyn Zirn Betty Ann Vishny Seymour Zitomersky & Susan Volotta Barbara La Spesa of The Clark & Joan Wagner Seymour & Shepherd Zitomersky William & Mary Kay Walsh Gabor & Carol Zsolnay John & Carol Walter Nancy Zuraw Glenn & Kathy Ward Sherwyn & Irvina Warren David Wecker & Monique Parsons Word and Josephine Wecker David & Lynne Weinberg Bruce & Jill Weininger Rachel Weinstein & Jason Pizer Nicholas & Nora Weir Ernest & Penny Weis 30 show title The Artistshow title 31 To kick off our 15th Anniversary Season, we wanted to look back over the years 1992 1994 1996 and recap some of the highlights that Michael Halberstam and Marilyn Long-time supporters Jeanne & Joseph Ann Filmer joins WT as Halberstam’s have helped shaped Writers’ Theatre Campbell incorporate Writers’ Theatre Sullivan are introduced to WT by Kip Business Associate and first employee. into what it is today. Many of you have (WT) and Betty Askow agrees to Kelley. Joe is an afficianado of the World Ann is followed by Executive Directors be Board of Trustees President. War I poets and both of the Sullivans Judi Jeroslow, John Adams and been with us from the beginning and will The company’s first production is are friends with Nicholas Pennell, a 25 Jennifer Bielstein. In Bielstein’s time remember most of these moments. Love and Lunacy, adapted from year veteran of the Stratford Festival in with the company, the budget more For those of you who have joined us more Chekhov and Gogol by Halberstam, Canada. They underwrite the expenses than doubled and Bielstein continued recently, we hope you will enjoy this Campbell and Elliot Hayes, featuring associated with Nicholas Pennell’s WT working with Halberstam to shape brief lesson in Writers’ Theatre history. Karen Janes Woditsch. engagement in order for him to play Sieg- the image of WT into a world-class fried Sassoon in Not About Heroes which institution and an even more valuable is co-produced with Apple Tree Theatre. asset to .

1997 2000 2001 2002 William Brown makes what he calls Nixon’s Nixon, featuring William Brown The Director’s Society, a group of dedicated The Price directed by David Cromer his “two picture deal.” He co-stars and Larry Yando directed by patrons who share in our passion for earns WT its first Joseph Jefferson with Shannon Cochran in Private Lives Halberstam, is a runaway hit and the written word and who donate $1,000 (Jeff) Award for Best Production and directed by Halberstam and then makes receives rave reviews from the media, or more annually, is established by former Best Director. Other Jeff nominations his Chicago directorial debut with including The Wall Street Journal. Director of Development Mark Becker for The Price include Best Actor in The Glass Menagerie, featuring Jenny The show returns for a summer with Trustees Carol Dawley and Barbara a Principal Role for Jeff Still, Best Friedman, Susan Hart, Scott Parkinson engagement breaking all box office Melcher. Today, The Director’s Society Actor in a Supporting Role for and P.J. Powers. Both shows break records and selling out before it has grown to include more than 230 Howard Witt and Best Scenic Design WT box office records. even opens. households. by Joey Wade.

2003 2003 2004 2005 WT produced its first commissioned After negotiations with the Woman’s The 2003/04 season marks the first WT announces a $200,000 Challenge Grant issued by David & Mary Winton work, Crime and Punishment Library Club of Glencoe led by Howard season in which WT operates two theatres, Green to encourage new and increased adapted by Marilyn Campbell and Nagelberg, Carol Dawley, Steve Silver- maintaining one production at 664 Vernon Curt Columbus, directed by Michael stein and Ellis & Gillian Goodman, while mounting three productions at 325 support for the Theatre. Throughout Halberstam and featuring Susan WT premieres Our Town directed by Tudor Court. In this season, WT increases the 2005/06 Season, WT was able Bennett, John Judd and Scott Parkinson, William Brown and featuring Ora Jones its operating budget from $1.3 million to to raise $232,746 for this successful which receives a for Best as the inaugural production in the new $2.3 million. LaSalle Bank becomes WT’s campaign. Adaptation and once again, breaks all state-of-the-art theatre at Tudor Court. first production sponsor with Seagull and previous box office records and marks The production simultaneously breaks continues the relationship throughout the end of producing solely at the all previous box office records and brings the 2005/06 season as the Exclusive bookstore32 in brtheatre.ief WT into a new level of sophistication. Season Sponsor. 2005 2006 In order to improve daily operational Halberstam makes his New York efficiency and reduce expenses, directorial debut with Candida at WT procures and renovates the offices Jean Cocteau Repertory at the in Brief at 376 Park Avenue, where the Box Office Bouwerie Lane Theatre, which and administrative staff now reside. receives critical acclaim and national recognition while simultaneously bringing WT to The Big Apple.

London for the New Year

December 28, 2006 – January 5, 2007

Over the New Year’s holiday we will again visit London to spend nine days immersed in the dramatic treasure trove of the West End and we hope you will join us. In addition to world-class productions, you will enjoy sumptuous meals, superb accommodations at the Waldorf, fascinating post-show discussions 2006 Today and lectures and face-to-face encounters with the artists themselves (past guests The Chosen directed by Shade Murray, WT continues to produce plays with have included Sir Ian McKellen, Zoë Wannamaker, Penelope Keith and Simon featuring Sean Fortunato, Craig Spidle a focus on the Word and the Artist, Russell Beale). Most importantly, you’ll get to experience an array of new plays and Jeff Still, opens in the bookstore including classic scripts. In the past and classic revivals prior to their arrival on Broadway or in a regional incarnation. theatre and quickly sells out a 17-week five years, subscriptions have grown Current plays under consideration are Rock ‘N’ Roll, Donkeys’ Years, A Voyage run and an additional 4-week extension, almost 250%, from 1,500 in 2000 Round My Father (featuring Dereck Jacobi), Porgy and Bess, Don Juan in Soho, becoming the longest running and to 5,000 in 2006. With an operating The Seafarer and Caroline, or Change. highest grossing show in WT history! budget of $2.9 million, Writers’ Theatre is supported by a staff of 14 full-time If you would like more information about the London Tour, please contact Development employees and a 28-member Board Associate Lindsey Becker at 847-242-6012 or [email protected] of Trustees. Community Partners

Please join the Writers’ Theatre artists, staff and Board of Trustees in thanking our current community partners for their continued support by visiting their establishments and telling them we sent you. Let them know that their support means as much to you as it does to everyone at the Theatre. 15 PEOPLE WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE

Writers’ Theatre owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the thousands of patrons, donors, subscribers and artists who have supported the company over the past 15 years. We would like you to tell us who you think has helped to make Writers’ Theatre the great institution that it is today. Anyone is eligible: actors, directors, designers, donors, sponsors, staff, board members and, of course, patrons. If you don’t have anyone to nominate, please share your favorite Writers’ Theatre memory with us instead. Production Sponsor Restaurant Partner Wine Tasting Series Partner If you would like to nominate someone, please email your suggestion to Director of Marketing & 362 Park Avenue 601 Skokie Boulevard 1919 Skokie Valley Rd. Communications Kory Kelly at [email protected] with a short description as to why they should be recognized. You may also submit your suggestion by fax at 847-242-6011 or mail to Glencoe, IL 60022 Northbrook, IL 60022 Highland Park, IL 60035 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe, IL, 60022 Attention: Kory Kelly. Nominations will be accepted until 847-835-1700 847-205-4433 847-433-9463 December 31, 2006. The top 15 people will be recognized in the final issue of The Brief Chronicle nscbank.com prairiegrasscafe.com samswine.com for the 2006/07 season. 34 in brief show title 35 Board of Trustees the brief chronicle team

in Brief Christopher Knight Kory P. Kelly President Director of Marketing and Communications Gillian Goodman Editor, The Brief Chronicle Vice-President Carl Boyer Michael Halberstam Vice-President Artistic Director Tramon Crofford New Staff Bruce Tranen Jennifer Bielstein Associate Ticket Services Manager Vice-President Former Executive Director LaRonika Thomas Tramon graduated from Loyola Norman Cutler Director of Education University Chicago with her Bachelor’s Rachel Weinstein Treasurer LaRonika comes to Writers’ Theatre Degree in English/Creative Writing in Acting Executive Director having served as the Literary Manager May of 2005. She has worked as Barb Melcher for Stage Left Theatre since 2004, an actor, carpenter, electrician and Secretary Lindsey Becker where she is also an ensemble house manager and student with Tom Hodges Development Associate member. She was a 2005 recipient , Noble Fool Theatricals, Immediate Past President of a Literary Managers and Dramaturgs The Terry M. Fischer Theatre in St. Sherre Jennings Cullen of the Americas (LMDA) Residency Louis and Hothouse, a non-equity Betty Lilienfield Director of Development Grant for her work with Stage Left, professional theatre, also located in Founding President and this spring she became the St. Louis. One of her short stories, Jon Faris Regional VP for for Elephants, was recently published in Management Associate LMDA. LaRonika was also the The Wild River Review, an online literary Trustees Interactive Theatre Coordinator for journal. In her spare time Tramon Jimmy McDermott CARe at Purdue University, training knits, reads, writes and is learning to Arthur Anderson, Jr. Artistic Assistant a select group of teens to use theatre play the mandolin. Susan Belgrad to talk to others teens about sexual Jennifer Bielstein Jeanne Theresa Newman assault awareness. As a freelancer, Sara M. Poorman Lorry Borowitz Associate Director of Development the theatres LaRonika has worked Marketing Associate Sara Cohan Sara M. Poorman with include The Goodman Theatre, Howard Conant, Jr. Sara recently graduated from The Theatre Marketing Associate Chicago Shakespeare Theater, School at DePaul University where she Judy Cottle The Neo-Futurists, earned her B.F.A. in Stage Management. Carol Dawley LaRonika Thomas and Chicago Theatre for Youth Sara recently stage managed Othello Michael Halberstam Director of Education Audiences. LaRonika holds an M.A. directed by Henry Godinez and Under Jennifer Litowitz in Theatre from Purdue University, Milk Wood directed by Dexter Bullard in Thomas Mann Nichole Webster and a B.A. in Theatre and Anthropology The Theatre School’s Showcase Series. David McGranahan Director of Audience Services from Indiana University. And in 2005, she was the stage Lorel McMillan management intern for The Princess Jean Nerenberg LOWERCASE INC and the Pea at Chicago Shakespeare Pam Phillips Design Theater. Hailing from State College, Christine Pope Pennsylvania, Sara is thrilled to join the Stanford R. Slovin Special Contributors Writers’ Theatre team. Bill Taylor William Brown Rachel Weinstein Kymberly Mellen Pam Zdunek Kyle J. Schmidt

36 in brief WRITERS’ THEATRE 15 YEARS

Glencoe Performance Venues 325 Tudor Court 664 Vernon Avenue

Box Office & Administration 376 Park Avenue Glencoe, IL 60022

Box Office 847-242-6000 Office 847-242-6001 Fax 847-242-6011 www.writerstheatre.org

Production Sponsor Restaurant Partner Wine Series Partner

The 2006/07 Season is supported, in part, by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.