Steven Breese, Artistic Director Drew Martorella, Managing Director Kim Martin, General Manager/Producer Antonio Colaruotolo, Associate Producer
WATER BY THE SPOONFUL By Quiara Alegria Hudes Directed by Christie Vela
Scenic Design Lighting Design Sound Design Rose Egan Hope Debelius Steve Shapiro
Assistant Director/ Assistant Director Stage Manager Dramaturg Michael Korth Mathey Raecine Singletary Sarah Fisch
Production Manager Videographers James Ogden II Kristi Jan Hoover, Mickey Miller
November 18 – November 22, 2020 pittsburghplayhouse.com
WATER BY THE SPOONFUL was originally commissioned by Hartford Stage Michael Wilson, Artistic Director and Michael Stotts, Managing Director Through the AETNA New Voices Fellowship Program World Premiere Production Presented by Hartford Stage October 28, 2011 Darko Tresnjak, Artistic Director and Michael Stotts, Managing Director New York Premiere Produced by Second Stage Theatre, New York, 2013 Carole Rothman, Artistic Director
SPECIAL NOTE ON SONGS AND RECORDINGS For performances of copyrighted songs, arrangements or recordings mentioned in this Play, the permission of the copyright owner(s) must be obtained. Other songs, arrangements or recordings may be substituted provided permission from the copyright owner(s) of such songs, arrangements or recordings is obtained; or songs, arrangements or recordings in the public domain may be substituted.
DIRECTOR’S NOTES
There is much to be said about Quiara Alegría Hudes’ Water by the Spoonful. At face value, it is a 2012 Pulitzer Prize Winner, a script that is second in succession to a trilogy of plays, and -- most of all -- a testament to Latinx storytelling. But it is with skillful writing and free jazz that we find the truth at hand in this play: dissonance. Though indicated as a musical phenomenon, dissonance is the underbelly for the structure, characters, and relationships of this piece:
We witness dissonance in structure through the split scenes and overlapping of physical and cyber spaces; We witness dissonance in relationships through the tension of opposite archetypes; We witness dissonance in characters through the intersection of personal goals and familial duty;
It is these elements that Hudes employs to cause a strain in this story, much like Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.”
Dissonance is not just present in this play, but it is also omnipresent in all the spaces beyond these pages. The first moments of rehearsal halls turned Zoom calls and round table meetings turned email threads provided us a rare opportunity: Working as an ensemble but in complete isolation -- a very dissonant process. Moreover, combining film and theatre was a recipe for conflict. But rather than run away from this rivalry, we chose to embrace it. Often the quote that has been repeatedly echoed in this process is “the more you run away from something, the more it catches up to you.” And much like the character’s journeys in this show, we are recovering. This show and this audience are helping each other through tragedy and loss in hopes of sharing a triumphant reunion in the future. But the dissonance will have to do for now, and perhaps leaning into it is all we need.
-Michael Korth Mathey
CAST
Elliot Ortiz Joshua Leon
Yazmin Ortiz Zoe Gonzalez
Odessa Ortiz Ashlyn Prieto
Chutes & Ladders Tim Judah
Orangutan Lizzy Liu
Fountainhead Mason Dowd
Ghost/Professor Aman/ Adam Katz Policeman
Trigger Warning Strong Language, Drug Addiction, PTSD, Death
*This DIGITAL PRODUCTION is protected by the copyright laws of the United States of America and other countries. Unauthorized duplication, copyright or use of all or part of this DIGITAL PRODUCTION may result in civil liability and/or criminal prosecution in accordance with applicable laws.
CAST BIOS
MASON DOWD (Fountainhead) is a sophomore acting major at Point Park University and is very excited to be making his Pittsburgh Playhouse debut, virtually. He is originally from the Pittsburgh area and has previously worked on productions locally at the Little Lake Theatre and South Park Theatre. He can’t wait to help tell this beautiful story by Quiara Alegría Hudes. He would like to thank his grandfather for always supporting him and for passing down a very cool middle name to him.
ZOE GONZALEZ (Yazmin Ortiz) is very excited to be making her socially distanced debut as a performer at Point Park! Zoe is a sophomore musical theatre major and is very grateful to be in the great city of Pittsburgh alongside this very talented, very intelligent group of artists. She hopes you enjoy the show!
TIM JUDAH (Chutes & Ladders) is ecstatic to be making his mainstage return at Point Park University! He is very excited for you to watch him portray the legendary Chutes and Ladders. Some of his previous roles consisted of Drummer in Vinegar Tom, Jackie in The Motherf***er with the Hat, and Bro in Good Grief. He wants to thank his friends and family for believing in him and giving him the motivation to always be better than the day before. He also wants to thank John Legend and Drake for being his distant mentors. Enjoy the show!
ADAM KATZ (Ghost/Prof. Aman/Policeman) This is Adam Katz’s debut with Point Park University and the lovely Pittsburgh Playhouse. Prior to this production, Adam had only performed with one other professional company (a production of Hookman, by Lauren Yee, with A.C.T.). Over the years of his involvement in the theatrical world, however, he has studied across the country and around the world, gathering experience and insight to be put toward his upcoming career. Adam cannot wait to share all that he has learned with you in this amazing virtual production of Water by the Spoonful, by Quiara Alegría Hudes.
JOSHUA LEON (Elliot Ortiz) is a senior at Point Park University. He is excited to be a part of the cast and team of Water by the Spoonful. This is not only his Point Park University Conservatory debut, but his first show amongst new mediums in creating theatre. He wishes good health and love to you and your families and hopes you enjoy the show.
LIZZY LIU (Orangutan) is a second-year theatre arts major. She is excited to be a part of her first show at Point Park and gives many thanks to the amazing cast and crew. Lizzy is a Georgia native and off stage she enjoys hiking, writing, singing, and painting. She hopes everyone can stay safe and enjoy the show.
ASHLYN PRIETO (Odessa Ortiz) is excited to be joining the Pittsburgh Playhouse virtual season. She is a senior musical theatre major. Her past Pittsburgh Playhouse credits include, #13 in The Wolves, Edward Ashbrook in Coram Boy, and Crackhead in Tina, a part of the Raymond Laine One Act Festival. She would like to thank her Mom, Dad, and sister for always being loving and supportive. She would also like everyone to stay safe and to wear a mask!!!
PRODUCTION BIOS
Steven Breese (Artistic Director and Dean, Conservatory of Performing Arts) has enjoyed a national and international acting-directing-playwriting career that has spanned more than 35 years. He holds his M.F.A. from California Institute of the Arts and has acted and/or directed at some of the nation’s finest theaters including the Tony Award-winning South Coast Repertory Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, the Cleveland Playhouse, American Heartland Theatre, Forum Theatre (Chicago), The Royal George Theatre (Chicago), Watertower Theatre (Dallas), Shakespeare Festival of Dallas, Ft. Worth Shakespeare in the Park, Virginia Stage Company, Virginia Shakespeare Festival, and other regional theaters/touring companies. As a playwright, Steven has completed over 25 plays including, The Trial of Hamlet (classical courtroom drama), Brotherly Love (contemporary love story), and Actus Fideí (historical fiction). In 2013, he published a new book on acting theory and practice entitled, “On Acting, A Handbook for Today’s Unique American Actor”. Prior to joining us at Point Park, Steven served as an academic dean at three separate institutions, including: Long Island University (Arts, Communications & Design), Southern Connecticut State University (Arts & Sciences), and Christopher Newport University (Arts & Humanities). His career in the educational and artistic arenas has been defined by innovation, creative vision, and an entrepreneurial approach to institutional improvement.
Drew Martorella (Assistant Vice President, Managing Director) was formerly the Executive Director of UCCS Presents at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS). There he was responsible for building support for arts and fostering community engagement through the operation of the Ent Center for the Arts and its programs including the Artists Series; Theatreworks, the region’s premiere professional theater; the Galleries of Contemporary Art, and the University Center and Event Services. He was a 2013 recipient of CU’s prestigious Thomas Jefferson Award and was the 2019 recipient of Drew University’s Alumni Arts Award. Prior to becoming an administrator, Martorella was a professional production manager and stage manager working for regional theatres across America including the New Jersey Shakespeare Festival, New Mexico Repertory Theatre and the Mark Taper Forum. He received his M.P.A. in Non-Profit Management from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs and a B.A. in Theatre from Drew University in Madison, N.J.
Kim Martin (General Manager/Producer) graduated from Point Park University in 1987 where she received a B.A. in Fine, Applied and Performing Arts and graduated again in 2016 with an M.B.A. in Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management. She remained involved with the University since her undergrad and returned in 1999 as Production Stage Manager for The REP, where she also created and developed the Stage Management Program. In 2013, she was promoted to Director of Production at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and in 2016 became Producing Director. In addition, Kim has directed, acted in, produced and stage-managed over 400 productions. Some favorites over the years include: Playboy of the Western World, The Devil Inside, Becky’s New Car, The Lonesome West, Mojo, Killer Joe, The Birthday Party, Glengarry Glen Ross, Guys & Dolls, Drinking in America, Deathtrap, The Dumb Waiter, Annie, La Ronde, and Three Sisters.
Antonio Colaruotolo (Associate Producer) is originally from Italy, and studied lighting design and video production at the New University of Cinema and Television in the Cinecittà film studios in Rome. Antonio has designed and worked for various video productions for the Italian National Public TV (RAI), specifically in the documentary and news department. He never missed an opportunity to work in the special effects department and created video effect for short films. Thanks to lighting knowledge, he worked as lighting director and video editor for video commercials and music videos. For the Pittsburgh Playhouse he has designed the video projections for: Pippin, Bound in Before, Much Ado About Nothing and The History Boys. Antonio’s video design productions include: Florencia en el Amazonas (Opera Steamboat Spring Colorado) Don Giovanni (Undercroft Opera), Oceano Mare, Mentre Piango Rido and Il Paese Dei Giganti (Teatro K.O. - Italy). As lighting designer Antonio had the pleasure to design for the CSA Performance Series by the New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh Playhouse, Quantum Theater, PICT, Bricolage Production Company, Carnegie Stage, Youngstown State University, Slippery Rock University, Carnegie Mellon University and Steamboat Opera. For more information visit lightingbyantonio.com.
Christie Vela (Director) lives in Dallas, TX, where she serves as Associate Artistic Director at Theatre Three. She is a founding member of the Diane & Hal Brierly Resident Acting Company at the Tony Award-winning Dallas Theater Center, where she directed the regional premier of Gloria and Fade. She is a company member at Kitchen Dog Theatre and an Artistic Associate at Second Thought Theatre, also in Dallas. Other regional directing credits include Native Gardens and Sweat at Trinity Rep in Providence RI, which she considers her second home. Last summer, Christie directed her first feature film, FINAL DRESS, an indie horror film to be released in 2021.
Michael Korth Mathey (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) is a senior Theatre Arts major, and he is pleased as punch to be working on such a remarkable piece. Previous directing credits at Point Park include Gloria (Pinnacle Productions) and Crazy Eights (R.L.M. One- Acts Festival). Michael extends deep gratitude to his friends, family, and this powerhouse cast & crew. Most of all he would like to thank Christie for this incredible opportunity and "rodeo rebel" for being his universal safety net. He hopes you enjoy the show for all those near and far.
Raecine Singletary (Assistant Director) is blessed to be serving as an Assistant Director for Water by the Spoonful. Raecine is a Baltimore native and a senior B.A. Theatre Arts major with a concentration in directing. She has served as an assistant director on various shows at The Pittsburgh Public, her most recent being American Son directed by Justin Emeka. Raecine recently directed I Wanna Say, written by Ngozi Anyanwu for City Theatre’s Homegrown Stories. She also made her Point Park Conservatory debut in Helen Edmundson’s Coram Boy directed by Tomé Cousin and her Prime Stage debut as Fabianne/Sea Captain in Twelfth Night directed by Andy Kirtland. She is so grateful to the cast and Christie for such an amazing experience.
Rose Egan (Set Designer) is a junior at Point Park University, studying in Theater Production: Design. After being a scenic artist for her high school productions, Rose is thrilled to go from learning about set design to designing for a show. This is Rose’s first show as a Production Designer since being an assistant to Scenic Designers and the Scenic Charge for productions at the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Some shows she assisted in were Pippin and The Old Man and the Sea.
Hope Debelius (Lighting Designer) is a junior Theatre Production: Design major with a concentration in lighting. Recent lighting design work at the Pittsburgh Playhouse other than Water by the Spoonful include The Raymond Laine Memorial One Act Festival and pieces in Student Choreography Project. She has also worked as the assistant lighting designer on Much Ado About Nothing and Vinegar Tom. She would like to thank her loved ones for their continued support through her years at Point Park.
Cat Wilson (Lighting Design Mentor) is proud to be the Assistant Professor of Lighting Design at Point Park University. She is also an active freelance lighting and projection designer. Regional credits include shows with City Theatre Company in Pittsburgh, Goodman Theatre, Drury Lane Theater, and Timeline Theatre in Chicago, and many other companies around the country. She is so proud of her students at Point Park. Member of USA 829. www.catwilsondesigns.com.
Steve Shapiro (Sound Designer) is pleased to return to the Playhouse for his eleventh season as Resident Sound Designer. Before joining our staff, Steve spent 30 years as a professional sound designer around the country and the world. He is the National Sound Designer for Menopause the Musical and THE PLAY with Rocky Bleier, now touring. Locally, you can also hear his work at Quantum Theater, City Theatre, University of Pittsburgh and PICT. From 1990 to 2006, Steve was the Resident Sound Designer at the world-renowned Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. Other credits include the Russian language premiere of The Skin of Our Teeth in Novosibirsk, Russia, helming the sound board for the 1995 South American Tour of The Phantom of the Opera, composing the original score for the South Florida premiere of Angels in America, and the score composition and sound design of Alan Ginsburg’s only play, Plutonian Ode.
James Ogden II (Production Manager) received his B.F.A. in Theatre Arts from Point Park University in 2012. James joined Actors’ Equity Association in 2011 and has remained a proud member since. James spent several years working with Charlotte Ballet, taking on positions from Stage Manager to Director of Artistic Operations. He traveled to China, Russia, Italy, and Turkey as the Production Supervisor for Martha Graham Dance Company. Most recently, James held the role of Production Director for Alonzo King LINES Ballet, traveling frequently to France, Germany, and Spain. Throughout his career, James also freelanced with the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater, Pittsburgh Playwrights, Elisa Monte Dance, and Complexions Contemporary Ballet. He is excited to be back in Pittsburgh and working with the company that cultivated his career.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF
Lighting Design Mentor Cat Wilson
Assistant Stage Managers Gwen Robb Evelyn Shepherd