MERRIMACKMERRIMACK REPERTORYREPERTORY THEATHEATRTREE
BY Lauren Gunderson & Margot Melcon DIRECTED BY Sean Daniels
NOVEMBER 28 – DECEMBER 23, 2018 1 CO-STARRING2018-19 TWO CORPORATEAWARD WINNING SPONSORS RESTAURANTS Corporate Sponsors are an essential part of producing plays at Merrimack Repertory Theatre. Thank you to the following donors for their generous support of our 40th Anniversary Season.
SEASON SPONSOR American • Tavern global • extraordinary Steaks • Seafood raw bar tapas steaks Burgers • Craft Beer • • wine list creative cocktails Classic Cocktails • PRODUCTION SPONSORS
Delivering Complete connected care Murder for Two Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley The Heath to our community
Well beyond the walls of our hospital The Haunted Life Cry It Out Circle Health, an integrated community healthcare delivery system that includes Lowell General Hospital, brings together providers and organizations ADDITIONAL SPONSORS across the continuum of care with a shared vision for providing convenient and affordable access to high-quality preventive, primary and specialty care in
the community. Assistant Producer for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Hospitality Sponsor Circle Health embodies the promise to deliver an experience of Complete Easy Directions & Parking connected careSM to ensure that no matter where an individual is in the continuum of health, he or she will have a truly seamless, coordinated and Award-Winning Sunday Brunches personal experience. Eight Function and Private Rooms Learn more at Circle-Health.org GiftAssistant Certificates Producer forStudent MatineeAll SeasonsSponsor & CelebrationsPlayGuide Sponsor MEDIA SPONSORS CobblestonesofLowell.com moonstones110.com enjoy life. Bringing Style to Downtown Lowell one biteMiss Bennet: at a Christmas time at Pemberley Lowell General Hospital | Circle Home | Our Community of Physicians Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley The Haunted Life The Haunted Life Murder for Two 91 Dutton Street • Lowell, MA 978.970.2282The Haunted Life185 chelmsford street (route 110) chelmsford 978.256.7777 2 3 FROM SEAN DANIELS, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FROM BONNIE J. BUTKAS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I love holiday shows. I do. And I love Lauren Gunderson This is the season of joy, generosity, and gratitude. shows. I think that’s fairly obvious. Thank you for you for joining us for Miss Bennet: I’ve worked on or programmed a holiday show every year Christmas at Pemberley. This is your theatre, and since I’ve been in this business (which is approximately we cannot wait to share this sparkling holiday show 4,000 years). with you. The show combines so many of our favorite people—written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Plus, Lauren Gunderson married my wife and I. Literally. Malcon, based on Jane Austen’s characters from Pride and Prejudice, and featuring a delightful cast—bringing back So, when this came around, I was sold. Actually she sent it to us years ago to Alexis Bronkovic, Veronika Duerr, Vichet Chum, and Victoria Grace, and see if we would premiere it, and at the time we just couldn’t afford it—so we introducing you to Amanda Collins, Jesse Hinson, Katie Grindeland, and passed, and other theatres went on to have the glory of starting a show that Shawn K. Jain. will play for decades to come. But that was years ago, and since then, we’ve added Bonnie Butkas, who professionalized our admin and development As I write this, dozens of volunteers are assisting with hand-folded paper ornaments for the set of Miss Bennet… Our community has stepped up attempted in at least 15 years with a cast of eight. And what a special one to bring James Fenton’s gorgeous set design to fruition—young women tostaff do — it on.and One bam! that Here celebrates we are, not able only to takethe holidays, on the largest but literature show MRT and hasthe from Girls Inc., students from Valley Collaborative, our Cohort Club, women inside it. artists from Western Avenue Studios, the Friends of MRT, and our crafty staff members have all volunteered their time and talent to fold, crease, The night before we started rehearsal, Lauren asked me to read this to the glue, and fold some more. cast. It was amazing to look around the room and see them listen with their In the spirit of giving, we will be collecting toys for children in Lowell “I Voted” stickers on. throughout the run of Miss Bennet… Our neighbors at the Church of the “Margot and I think it’s a pretty big deal to be telling a story about a woman from your generosity. And in the spirit of giving, thank you to all our who changes everyone around her instead of changing because of the world audienceImmaculate members Conception who workcontributed with dozens to the of Essex families County who Communitywill benefit around her. We think it’s a pretty big deal to tell the story of a brilliant Foundation to support the people impacted by the gas explosions in determined woman who is rewarded with understanding and love of her Lawrence, Andover, and North Andover. You donated over $1,600 during family and a nice young man. We think it’s a pretty big deal to tell a story that ends with hope and heart. We know you do too or you wouldn’t be in this room at this awesome theater company! Happy first day of rehearsal!” theLastly, first it show has been of our an season! exciting season so far. We are grateful to be part of the Barr-Klarman Massachusetts Arts Initiative. With generous multi- What a great message for right now. year funding from the Barr and Klarman foundations, we will address our
Hope and heart and women at the center of the story. be equitable, diverse and inclusive, and plan for the future. ongoing structural deficit, invest in our artistic vision, grow our efforts to The things we always love at the holidays and couldn’t need more of in 2018. Thank you.
Also who doesn’t love a holiday story? Not me. We wish you a happy, healthy holiday season,
mrt.org/holidayspecials P.S. If you’re still looking for that perfect holiday gift, MRT has gift certificates and gift 4 5 subscriptions! Go to . Get a three-play package for just $73! Q&A: PLAYWRIGHT AND DRAMATURG MARGOT MELCON Q&A: PLAYWRIGHT AND DRAMATURG MARGOT MELCON
How did you meet different kind of holiday story. Ours is a world of people with problems that of the sisters. If you used to be more of a Lauren Gunderson? rooted in the complications of being are maybe a little superficial, but always Lydia, you may evolve into a Lizzy. Or part of a family, one that is made up of serve to showcase great and complex maybe you've always felt like a Mary at Lauren and I first met very different and dynamic women, and characters, especially the women. heart, until one day you wake up, and when I was working at what it means to support each other. What I love especially about Pride and you're relating to Jane. That's the lovely Marin Theatre Company Prejudice is that each of the sisters has thing about complicated characters: they as their dramaturg— she You are a highly regarded dramaturg. such a unique personality— at different resonate differently because each one of was brought out in 2009 Had you written a play before? times in your life, when you read the us has a little bit of each of them in us. to work on a play of hers called Rock novel, you'll identify with a different one Hill. She ended up moving to the Bay Though I had read literally thousands of Area, and she and I began collaborating plays as a dramaturg and the director of as playwright-dramaturg. We worked on new play development at Marin Theatre, several pieces in development at Marin I had never written a play. So, my only FACEBOOK.COM/ @MERRIMACK_REP Theatre, as well as on the world premiere experience of writing has been as a co- MERRIMACKREPERTORYTHEATRE of her play I and You. writer, but it has been an incredibly @MERRIMACKREPERTORYTHEATRE Follow the conversations: gentle entry into the world of being #MRTMISSBENNET How did the two of you come up a playwright. The process of writing with the idea of writing a sequel to can be very solitary, very much alone, Pride and Prejudice? even in the theater, which is ultimately a collaborative artform. The nice thing In the summer of 2014, she was working about being part of a writing team is that at Berkeley Rep's Ground Floor on a the collaboration starts early, from the one-woman show with banjo that was inception of the idea, so you're never loosely based on King Lear. [That play staring down at a blank page by yourself. became The Heath, which premieres From the beginning, neither Lauren or here at MRT in February.] We decided myself were precious with the words we to take a road trip up to the Oregon wrote, or took too much ownership. It Shakespeare Festival to see a production was all in service of the story. of Lear and on the six-hour car ride, we came up with the idea for Miss What do you think is the enduring Bennet... The impulse came from both a appeal of Jane Austen? practical place— all theater companies need good holiday shows to produce, Jane Austen will never go out of style and there just aren't that many to choose because of her incredible use of wit and from — and a place of desire to see a comedy. It is never not fun to dive into
WHAT IS A DRAMATURG? A dramaturg is the most misunderstood position in the theatre because the work of a dramaturg varies widely from project to project. In a nutshell, a theatre dramaturg is a literary editor, who consults with authors and analyzes and edits texts. Further, dramaturgs assist playwrights in structuring new plays. Dramaturgs also work with various aspects of the production, including crafting educational materials, creating marketing copy, and facilitating artistic and community conversations. Amanda Collins (Mary Bennet) and Vichet Chum (Arthur de Bourgh). Photo by Meghan Moore.
6 7 MRT.ORG/HOLIDAYSPECIALS SEAN DANIELS BONNIE J. BUTKAS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PRESENTS Pictured: Joe Kinosian and Martin by Meghan Moore. Photo Landry. MORELive THAN A GIFT, Theatre IT'S AN EXPERIENCE
LAUGH OUT PLAYWRIGHT LOWELL'S NATIVE SON MISS BENNET: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY 1 3-SHOW SUBSCRIPTION: LOUD COMEDY LAUREN GUNDERSON JACK KEROUAC $ ^ FOR ONLY 73 BY LAUREN GUNDERSON AND MARGOT MELCON HALF-PRICE OFFER EXPIRES DEC. 18 DETAILS: Half-Price Offer $73 (normally $157) for peak Call 978-654-4678 or go to mrt.org performance days in Zone B (while seats last) or Zone C seating. No other discounts apply, all sales final. FEATURING ^ ^ 2 DETAILS: Purchase a pack of 4 FlexPass tickets for $160 (normally $212 or more,) a savings ALEXIS BRONKOVIC VICHET CHUM AMANDA COLLINS VERONIKA DUERR FLEX YOUR FUN of 25%. You can use passes in any variation—all four for one show, or one at a time! Passes are good for the entire 2018-19 Seaon: Slow Food, The Heath, The Haunted Life, Cry It Out. AND SAVE 25% Minimum purchase: 4 passes for $160. No other discounts apply, all sales final. VICTORIA GRACE KATIE GRINDELAND JESSE HINSON SHAWN K. JAIN THROUGH DEC. 18 ONLY! SCENIC DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNER LIGHTING DESIGNER 3 GIFT CERTIFICATES JAMES J. FENTON^ LINDA ROSS BRIAN J. LILIENTHAL^ FOR ANY AMOUNT OUR GIFTCARDS NEVER EXPIRE. Call 978-654-4678 to order and we will mail SOUND DESIGNER PRODUCER PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER your certificate! DAVID REMEDIOS^ PETER CREWE MAEGAN PASSAFUME*
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
THERE'S NO ESCAPE BRIDGET KATHLEEN O'LEARY COMING NEXT! FROM THE WORLD'S DIRECTED BY WORST WAITER. JANUARY 9 – FEB 3 SEAN DANIELS NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 23, 2018
40th Anniversary Community Voices Project recorded, edited, and mastered by David Remedios. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley was originally produced by Northlight Theatre, BY Wendy MacLeod Chicago, Illinois (BJ JONES, Artistic Director, Timothy Evans, Executive Director) DIRECTED BY Sean Daniels Irene and Peter just want to have a nice meal out on their big anniversary in Palm Springs. But their highly neurotic waiter, Stephen, will not bring them their food, and everything goes ASSISTANT PRODUCER MEDIA SPONSORS horribly, ridiculously wrong. This absurd server will have SEASON SPONSOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR them examining everything from their menu choices to their very future together! Will their shared desperation get them Merrimack Repertory Theatre is funded in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. their spanakopita—or end their marriage? Playwright Wendy Merrimack Repertory Theatre operates under agreements between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), Actors’ Equity MacLeod (Women in Jeopardy!) brings us a comedy for LORT Association (AEA), Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), and United Scenic Artists (USA) Local USA-829, IATSE. League of resident theatres anyone who’s ever been “hangry.” The Cohort Club is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Artwork by Chris Holden United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829, represent the designers. ^Member of MRT Patriot Program 8 9 CAST In alphabetical order Elizabeth Darcy...... Alexis Bronkovic* Arthur de Bourgh...... Vichet. Chum* Mary Bennet...... Amanda Collins* Anne de Bourgh...... Veronika Duerr* Jane Bingley...... Victoria Grace* Lydia Wickham...... Katie Grindeland Fitzwilliam Darcy...... Jesse Hinson* Charles Bingley...... Shawn K. Jain
ADDITIONAL STAFF Wig Designer...... Rachel Padula-Shufelt
TIME AND PLACE December 1815, at the Pemberley. estate. Run time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with intermission.
SPECIAL THANKS Lowell Blueprint, Inc. Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell, MRT's Cohort Club, Friends of MRT, The Valley Collaborative, and Western Ave Studios.
*Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Manager in the United States.
The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.
The indicated Costume, Lighting, and Sound Designers in this production are represented by United Scenic Artists (USA) Local USA-829, IATSE.
Merrimack Repertory Theatre is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.
10 11 WHO'S WHO JOALEXIS BRONKOVICKINOSIAN Princess Grace Awards recipient in Playwriting. (Elizabeth Darcy) MRT: He is a proud graduate of the University of Silent Sky (Henrietta Leavitt). Evansville (BFA) and Brown University/Trinity Off-Broadway/New York: Repertory Company (MFA). vichetchum.com The Big Broadcast, The Barrow Group Theatre; Tiny AMANDA COLLINS (Mary Geniuses, Fringe NYC at the Bennet) MRT: Debut. Here Arts Center. Regional: Born Yesterday Regional: Old Money (Billie Dawn), Guthrie; Chapter Two (Jennie (Commonwealth Shakespeare Malone), Cape May Stage; Amadeus (Con- Company); To Kill A stanze), Maltz Jupiter Theatre; A Christmas Mockingbird, The Totalitar- Carol (Belle), Actors Theatre of Louisville; ians, Out of Sterno (IRNE Postwave Spectacular, Heist, Humana Festival Nomination, Best Actress), This Is Our Youth, ATL. Web-series: 2Some, Rainbow Ruthie. 9 Circles (Gloucester Stage); Back the Night, Television: Blacklist, Younger, The Affair, Elemeno Pea (Boston Playwrights'); Women Royal Pains, Blue Bloods. Film: Oleander, Who Mapped The Stars, Saving Kitty (with Jimmy & Don, Veritaphobia, On Settling Jennifer Coolidge), The Life of Galileo Down, Julia. Education: BA Theatre (Central Square Theater); A Behanding in Performance from Marymount Manhattan Spokane, The Bald Soprano, Speech and College, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville Debate, Shortstack, Colorado, What Then Apprentice Company Alum. Other: Thrilled (Wellfleet Harbor Actors Theater); The Seagull to be back at MRT. So much love and thanks (Harbor Stage/Modern Theatre); Fun Home, to her Rats and Fire Dragon. Men on Boats, My Name Is Asher Lev (Cape Rep); Taste of Sunrise (Wheelock Family LEGALLY SPEAKING, VICHET CHUM (Arthur Theater); When The World Was Green, An Ideal de Bourgh) is a Cambodian- Husband (American Stage, Florida); Jester’s WE’RE PERFECTLY American actor, writer, Dead (The Outfit in NYC). She was a founding director & theater maker, member of Harbor Stage Company. Television: IN SYNC. originally from Dallas, Olive Kitteridge (HBO), Castle Rock (Hulu), Texas, and now living in and Boston’s Finest (ABC Pilot). Film: Sea New York City. His show of Trees. KNYUM had its world premiere at Merrimack in the 2017-2018 season, and he’s thrilled to VERONIKA DUERR (Anne return to this beloved theater. Regionally, he's de Bourgh) MRT: Going to worked at Trinity Repertory Company, Actors See the Kid (Ellis Elliott), You can’t miss a step. Having the right legal Theatre of Louisville, the Guthrie Theater, 45 Plays for 45 Presidents, counsel on your side can make all the difference. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, Huntington Home of the Brave (Mari- Theatre Company, Everyman Theatre, New anne), It’s A Wonderful Life Harmony Theatre and Weston Playhouse. In (Lana Sherwood). Regional: We are proud to support the Merrimack Repertory Theatre. NYC, he's worked at the Cherry Lane Theater, Tall Girls (World Premiere), Spoon Lake Congratulations on 40 years of entertaining performances! Pan Asian Repertory Theatre, the Clurman Blues (World Premiere), Alliance Theatre; Bob: Theatre at Theatre Row, Project Y Theatre, A Life in Five Acts, Geva Theatre; Romeo and Woodshed Collective, Slant Theatre Project, Juliet (Juliet), As You Like It (Rosalind), Twelfth and the Incubator Arts Project. His plays have Night (Viola), Atlanta Shakespeare Company. been workshopped at Second Generation Education: BFA, Savannah College of Art Productions, Crowded Outlet, Weston Play- and Design. Other: 2015 Alliance Theatre house, Cleveland Public Theatre, All For One Artistic Fellow; Co-founder of The Weird Worcester Framingham Boston BOWDITCH.COM Theater, Amios, Florida State University, and Sisters Theatre Project, a collective of female the New Harmony Project. He is the 2018 artists in Atlanta.
12 13 WHO’S WHO Wealth Management VICTORIA GRACE (Jane Comedy of Errors, As You Like It, Pericles, Bingley) MRT: Silent Sky Twelfth Night, Antony and Cleopatra. New (Margaret). Regional: The Repertory Theater: The Whipping Man, Imaginary Invalid (Beline/ Holiday Memories. Greater Boston Stage Is Far More Cleante), Soap & Rope Company: Seminar, Miracle on 34th Street. Than Investing Theatre; Henry IV Parts The Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theater: As 1&2 (Lady Mortimer), You Like It, Arcadia, The Winter’s Tale, Shakespeare & Company; Vanya and Sonya Morality Play. Berkshire Theatre Group: and Masha and Spike (Nina), Asolo Rep. The Puppetmaster of Lodz, Moonchildren, Film/Television: Cornerstone Mitsubishi Macbeth, The Einstein Project, A Christmas (Spokesperson), Youth Min (Rachel), First Carol. Georgia Shakespeare: Twelfth Night, Name Films, IFF Boston Audience Award Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, Much Ado About and Lone Star Film Festival Audience Nothing, Coriolanus, Cymbeline. Jesse earned Award. Education: MFA in acting from FSU, an MFA in acting at Brandeis University and Asolo Conservatory for acting training. a BA in theatre at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA. He is an assistant teaching KATIE GRINDELAND professor at Northeastern University. (Lydia Wickham) Katie is so excited to make her MRT SHAWN K. JAIN (Charles debut. Her previous stage Bingley) Shawn is thrilled credits include Romeo and to be making his MRT At Enterprise Wealth Management we understand that managing Juliet, The Scarlet Letter, debut. Regional: American your wealth is far more than just investing. It is planning, growing, and Good (New Repertory Repertory Theater (Char- Theatre), Stuart Little (Wheelock Family lotte's Web, Assistance, Our and protecting your complete financial health, now and in the Theatre), Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi, and Town), New Repertory future. We roll up our sleeves, sit on the same side of the table An Issue of Blood (Central Square Theatre), Theatre (Heartland, upcoming), Moscow La Llorona (Fresh Ink Theatre), A Midsum- Art Theater (Fear and Misery in the Third and get to know and understand your goals, dreams, and values. mer Night's Dream (Hampshire Shakespeare Reich), Constellation Theatre (The Fire and Company), and Nosferatu, The Vampyr (Milky The Rain), WAM Theatre (Honor Killing), We offer a comprehensive range of services for individuals, Way Coffee Roasters). She also freelances as Prince George's County Shakespeare (Twelfth businesses and non-profits to prepare you for the future, including: an educator, playwright, props artist, and scenic Night), Source Festival in Washington, assistant in the Boston area with companies D.C. Training: MFA in Acting from A.R.T. such as New Repertory Theatre, American Institute at Harvard University/Moscow Art Investment Management • Trust & Fiduciary Services Repertory Theatre, Bridge Repertory Theatre, Theater School. Online: @shawnjain on Wealth & Retirement Planning • Estate Planning Fresh Ink Theatre, and more. Co-founder of Twitter and shawnkjain.com. Milky Way Coffee Roasters. Emerson College Investment Policy Review Class of 2016. Thanks to Bridget for the SEAN DANIELS (Director) MRT: The opportunity, and to Michael H., Sloth, her mom, Villains’ Supper Club, Little Orphan Danny, and sister for their support, love, and wine. Silent Sky, My 80-Year-Old Boyfriend, Women in Jeopardy!, The Making of a Great Moment, JESSE HINSON 45 Plays for 45 Presidents, Home of the Brave, (Fitzwilliam Darcy) Jesse Tinker to Evers to Chance, I and You, The Lion. is excited to be making Sean has directed at Manhattan Theatre Club | his Merrimack Repertory (The Lion, Drama Desk Award & Theatre World 877-325-3778 EnterpriseWealth.com Theatre debut. Speakeasy Award, nominated for Lucille Lortel and Outer Stage Company: Shakespeare Critics Circle), Lynn Redgrave (NYC), The in Love. Actors’ Shakespeare Kennedy Center (Washington, D.C.), St. James Investment products are not a Deposit, not FDIC insured, not guaranteed by Project: Exit the King, The Tempest, The (West End, London – The Lion, winner of Best Enterprise Bank, not insured by any government agency and may lose value. Winter’s Tale, King Henry VI, Part 2, The New Musical), Actors Theatre of Louisville, 14 15 WHO’S WHO Arena Stage, Portland Center Stage, Geva committees for the NNPN showcase of new Theatre, Old Globe, The Geffen, Playmakers works and the Kennedy Center’s MFA Play- Rep, A.C.T., Cleveland Play House, Milwaukee wrights Workshop, where she has directed Rep, Alliance Theatre, California Shakespeare, several readings. Bridget has directed over a UMASS LOWELL is proud to Dad’s Garage Theatre Company, Swine Palace, dozen productions for New Rep, including Neo-Futurists, Aurora Theatre, Crowded Fire world premieres of Ripe Frenzy, Blackberry support the art and artists of the and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Sean has Winter (Elliot Norton nomination for Best been named “one of the top fifteen up & coming Play), Scenes from an Adultery, and Pattern Merrimack Repertory Theatre. artists in the U.S., whose work will be of Life (IRNE Award for Best New Play). transforming America’s stages for decades to Also, at New Rep, Collected Stories and come” and “One Of 7 People Reshaping And Dollhouse, both nominated for Best Production Revitalizing The American Musical” by for Elliot Norton Awards. Other directing American Theatre magazine. His direction and credits include Grand Concourse for Speakeasy shows have won “Best Play” and “Best Director” Stage Company, Othello for Actors Shake- in the Bay Area, Portland, Rochester and speare Project, The Flick for Gloucester Stage Atlanta. He’s previously served as the Artist-At- Company, and Reconsidering Hanna(h) for Large for Geva Theatre Center and spent four Boston Playwrights Theatre. Before moving years at the Tony Award-winning Actors Theatre to Boston, Bridget lived in Washington, D.C., of Louisville as the theatre’s Associate Artistic where she co-founded Phoenix Theatre DC. Director (where he directed 17 productions For Phoenix, she directed the world premieres including five Humana Festivals). Mr. Daniels is of Lulu Fabulous and Unwrapped: An Evening the former Associate Artistic Director/Resident of Women’s Voices, along with productions of Director of the California Shakespeare Theater Parallel Lives: The Kathy and Mo Show and and before that spent a decade as the Artistic Independence. Bridget earned her Master Director and Co-Founder of Dad’s Garage of Fine Arts degree in Directing from Theatre Company in Atlanta. He has developed Boston University’s College of Fine Arts and new work with the Eugene O’Neill Theatre a Certificate in Arts Administration from Center, Ars Nova, PlayPenn, Lark, PlayLabs, Boston University. New York Stage and Film, Asolo Rep, Goodspeed Opera, Weston Playhouse, Bay LAUREN GUNDERSON (Playwright) Area Playwrights, Magic Theatre and was Lauren is a playwright, screenwriter and the first American director asked to attend short story author from Atlanta, GA. She the Baltic American Playwrights Conference received her BA in English/Creative Writing at in Hiiumaa, Estonia. He’d love to hear from Emory University, and her MFA in Dramatic you, on Twitter @seandaniels or email him at Writing at NYU Tisch, where she was also a [email protected]. Reynolds Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship. She was named the most produced playwright BRIDGET KATHLEEN O'LEARY in America by American Theatre Magazine in (Associate Director) is a Boston-based theater 2017, was awarded the 2016 Lanford Wilson artist specializing in directing and new play Award from the Dramatist Guild, the 2016 development. For over a decade she served as Otis Gurnsey Award for Emerging Writer, and the Associate Artistic Director at New Reper- was awarded the prestigious 2014 Steinberg/ tory Theatre. She is the Literary Chair on the ATCA New Play Award for her play, I and Executive Committee for the National New You (also a Susan Smith Blackburn and John Play Network (NNPN), where she connects Gassner Award finalist). That play was an with over 100 theater companies across NNPN Rolling World Premiere that started uml.edu the United States, who are dedicated to the at Marin Theatre Company and has seen over production, development and continued life 40 productions nationwide. She is also a of new plays. She serves on the selection recipient of the Mellon Foundation’s Three-
16 17 WHO’S WHO Year Residency with Marin Theatre Company. of Lies, (HBO); Blindspot (NBC); God She co-authored the play Miss Bennet: Christ- Friended Me, The Code (CBS), Dickinson mas at Pemberley with Margot Melcon, which (Apple TV). www.jamesjfenton.com received a three-way world premiere in 2016 and is now published at Dramatists Play LINDA ROSS (Costume Designer) is delighted Publishing. It is also one of the most produced to be designing costumes for the first time at plays in America for 2017-18. MRT. Locally, she has designed costumes for Gloucester Stage, Salem Theatre Company, MARGOT MELCON (Playwright and and Marblehead’s Mugford Street Players, Dramaturg) Margot is a theater artist, including favorite productions, A Picasso, The administrator and writer. She was the Director Rainmaker, The Crucible, and The Normal of New Play Development at Marin Heart. She has been a member of the Tufts Theatre Company for seven years, where she University department of theatre, dance, and dramaturged over 30 productions—including performance studies faculty since 2007, where six world premieres—and administered the she designs costumes for the department company’s two annual new play prizes and productions and currently serves as the director commissioning program. She has developed of undergraduate studies. Linda’s costume plays with TheatreWorks, Bay Area Playwrights designs have been seen on New York stages Festival, Crowded Fire Theater, Shotgun and at regional theatres around the country, Players, Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor, The including Second Stage, the Alley Theatre, and Kennedy Center, the New Harmony Project, Hartford Stage. While primarily focusing on and the Playwrights' Center in Minneapolis. costume design for theater, her work includes She is currently the Program Executive for theatrical lighting design and costumes for Promoting Culture at the Zellerbach Family dance, film, television, and other media. Her Foundation. Margot is a graduate of California work can be seen at www.lindarossdesign.com. State University, Chico. BRIAN J. LILIENTHAL (Lighting Designer) JAMES J. FENTON (Scenic Designer) MRT: MRT: 25 productions including: Women in Silent Sky (IRNE Nomination), Abigail/1702, Jeopardy!, The Making of a Great Moment, The Outgoing Tide, The Devil’s Music: The The Realness: a breakbeat play, 45 Plays Life and Blues of Bessie Smith, Mrs. Mannerly. for 45 Presidents, Going to See the Kid. Off-Broadway/New York: Southern Comfort, Regional: Over 250 productions at: Huntington The Musical, Public Theatre; Switzerland (NY Theatre; Arizona Theatre Co; Milwaukee Rep; Premier), Fall to Earth (New York Premiere), Cleveland Playhouse; Pasadena Playhouse; Small World, 59E59; Promising (World South Coast Rep; Actors Theatre of Louisville Premiere), Third Rail Projects; Drop Dead (60 productions; 20 world premieres); GEVA Perfect (World Premiere), When we Met Theatre Center; The Kennedy Center; (World Premiere), Academia Nuts (NYMF2014 Gloucester Stage; Cincinnati Playhouse in Best Musical), InProximity Theatre Co. the Park; Arden Theatre; Trinity Rep (over 25 Regional: Beckett in Brief (Norton Award- productions); Playmakers Rep. Opera: Long Outstanding Production) Commonwealth Beach Opera; Bard Summerscape; and Portland Shakespeare, Peter and the Starcatcher, Opera Repertory Theatre. Awards: Los Arkansas Rep; The Devil’s Music, RMTC; Angeles Ovation Award for lighting design; Dancing Lesson (World Premiere), MRT’s Artistic Achievement Award, 2016; Constellations, Kunstler (world premiere), nominated multiple times for Boston’s IRNE Hudson Stage; Clever Little Lies, The Award. Education: MFA: California Institute How and The Why, Baskervilles, Penguin of the Arts. Other: Teaches lighting design Rep; Around the World in 80 Days, at Tufts University; member of Patriots Theatre Squared. Film/Television: Wizard Program at MRT; Resident Lighting Designer,
18 19 WHO’S WHO
National Playwrights Conference, Eugene McBride (Greater Boston Stage Company); as- O’Neill Theatre Center 2007-2015. Mr. sistant stage manager on She Loves Me, Mame, Lilienthal lives in Somerville with wife, Em- Lucky Stiff, Sweet Charity, Funny...Forum, and ily, daughter Eliza, and dog Babe. He plays How to Succeed...Trying (Greater Boston Stage drums in a rockabilly/jump blues band that Company). Maegan received her BFA in Stage plays throughout the Boston metro area. Management from Millikin University in Deca- www.BrianJLilienthal.com. tur, Illinois. She and her husband live with their dog in Lowell, MA. DAVID REMEDIOS (Sound Designer) MRT: Murder for Two, The Villains' PETER CREWE (Producer) MRT: Producer: Supper Club; KNYUM; The Royale; Murder for Two, Native Gardens, The Villains' Women in Jeopardy! (Onstage Theatre Supper Club, Little Orphan Danny, Lost Laughs: Award); The Making of a Great Moment; The Slapstick Tragedy of Fatty Arbuckle, Abigail/1702; Home of the Brave; I and KNYUM, A Christmas Carol, The Royale, Going You; Out of the City; Oceanside; The Best to See the Kid, Abigail/1702, 45 Plays for 45 Brothers; Year Zero (original music and sound); Presidents, Home of the Brave, Tinker to Evers Two Jews Walk into a War; The Blonde, the to Chance, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Brunette, and the Vengeful Redhead. Recent: Radio Play. Stage Manager: The Outgoing Berta, Berta; A Late Morning (in America) Tide. Assistant Stage Manager: Out of the with Ronald Reagan, Contemporary American City, Oceanside, The Best Brothers, 13 Things Theater Festival; Old Money, Commonwealth About Ed Carpolotti, Dusk Rings a Bell, Shakespeare Company; The Curious Incident Equally Divided, The Devil’s Music: The Life of the Dog in the Night-Time (IRNE Award), and Blues of Bessie Smith, Stella and Lou, SpeakEasy Stage Company. Regional: Proof, Red, Half‘n Half‘n Half, Mrs. Whitney, American Repertory Theatre; Huntington The Voice of the Turtle, Two Jews Walk Into a Theatre Company; Portland Stage; Trinity Rep; War..., The Exceptionals, Tryst, Four Places, Geva Theatre Center; The Studio Theatre; The Last Days of Mickey & Jean, Black Pearl 59E59; Theatre for a New Audience; La Jolla Sings!, Fabuloso, The Seafarer, Bad Dates, Playhouse; Berkeley Rep; Center Stage Balti- Tranced, The Fantasticks, A View of the more; Cincinnati Playhouse. International: Harbor (workshop), Stage Management Intern Prominent arts festivals in Bogotá, Paris, (2004). Regional: Company Manager, Studio Hong Kong and Edinburgh. Awards: IRNE, Arena Theatre; Production Assistant, Studio Connecticut Critics Circle, Elliot Norton. David Arena Theatre; Assistant Stage Manager, is Program Head of Sound Design at Boston Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Seaside University, a proud member of United Scenic Music Theatre; Assistant Stage Manager, Artists Local USA 829, and is a founding Lucie de Lammermoor, Boston Lyric Opera; member of MRT’s Artistic Patriot Program. Stage Management Intern, Trinity Repertory www.remediossound.com Company. Education: BFA, Salem State Col- lege in 2004. MAEGAN ALYSE PASSAFUME (Production Stage Manager) Maegan is thrilled to be return- BONNIE J. BUTKAS (Executive Director) ing to MRT for Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pem- Bonnie most recently served as the Senior Director berley! Selected previous credits include stage of Foundation Relations at Rochester Institute manager on Native Gardens, The Royale, and of Technology, where she led the university’s Chill (Merrimack Repertory Theatre); Guards at strategic efforts to secure funding from private the Taj (Central Square Theater); The Effect and and family foundations. During her tenure, A Measure of Normalcy (Gloucester Stage Com- RIT secured its first significant gifts from the pany); Creditors and Ugly Lies the Bone (Shake- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Bill and speare & Company); The Legend of Georgia Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Henry Luce
20 21 WHO’S WHO
Foundation. Prior to RIT, she was the Director County. In Fall 2016, she co-founded Action of Development at Geva Theatre Center in Together Rochester. She serves on the MCC's Rochester, NY overseeing five years of Academic Arts Center Advisory Board, and lives unprecedented growth in the company’s in Westford, MA with her family. contributed income and playing a key role in a successful $10 million capital campaign to MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE renovate the building and grow the theatre’s (MRT) celebrates 40 years this season as the endowment. In New York City, she served as Merrimack Valley’s professional theatre. With the Director of External Relations at the York a steadfast commitment to contemporary voic- Theatre Company, the Director of Development es and new plays, MRT produces seven works, Targeted Media Solutions and Communications at TADA! Youth Theatre, including several world premieres, each season. Directing Assistant on The Lion King on Under the leadership of Artistic Director Sean Broadway, and the co-founder of Lexington Daniels and Executive Director Bonnie J. Dance Collective. Prior to moving to NYC, she Butkas, MRT strives to fulfill its mission “to was the Managing Director of Bristol Valley share theatrical stories of human understanding Theater in Naples, NY. Butkas was raised in the that reflect and engage our community.” The Our daily and weekly Finger Lakes region of Western New York and company guarantees that shows are accessible holds degrees in Journalism and Dance from to audiences of all incomes; partners with the University at Buffalo. She volunteered with businesses and non-profit groups to fully newspapers, along with our the Association of Fundraising Professionals of engage the community; and contributes to Genesee Valley, Girl Scouts of Western New the economic vitality of Lowell by attracting online products, have more York, and the YWCA of Rochester & Monroe diverse audiences from throughout the region. traffic today than NORTHEAST DIGITAL IMAGING
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22 23
2 CELEBRATING 40 YEARS IN LOWELL Two Great Magazines MRT through the years from In honor of our 40th Anniversary Season, we celebrate our history of holidays shows, One Local Publisher including 13 productions of A Christmas Carol (1979, our first season; 1983-93; 1996; and 2017).
Merrimack Valley Magazine is your guide to community, culture, cuisine and home in the MV. It brings you fresh, original stories on local art & music, food & dining, home & garden, design, history, people and more! Additional stories and calendars online at MVMag.net
The Bean Magazine is devoted to global cafe culture and its connections to travel, adventure and the arts. It’s a magazine to be savored by everyone — from third wave coffee aficionados who enjoy single-origin beans in the comfort of their kitchens, to adventurers who start each day with a cup of home-brewed mud. The Bean Magazine is a slow read for a fast world. We wouldn’t have it any other way. TheBeanMagazine.com
(top) Sanders Family Christmas, 2002-03; (center left) Beasley’s Christmas Party, 2010-11; (center right) Robin Chadwick as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol, 1991-92, photo Locally owned and operated since 2006 by Kevin Harkins; (bottom left) Reduced Shakespeare Company’s The Ultimate Christmas Show, 2011-12; and (bottom right) Going to See the Kid, 2016-17, photo by Meghan Moore. 24 25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair Nancy L. Donahue President Bill Wyman Vice President Susan Mitchell Treasurer Stephen J. Irish Secretary Jack Moynihan
Donald A. Bedard Ann P. Kazer Alyce Moore Judith Benson Arnold M. Kerzner Len Rozamus Yun-Ju Choi Tom Larkin Dominic Ryan Michael G. Conway Judith G. Mabry Evan Schapiro Daniel R. Frantz Jeff Maclaren Ruth White Denise Glaser Henri Marchand Joanne Yestramski Debra Grossman Keith B. Mitchell Terry T. Howard Ed Moloney
BOARD OF OVERSEERS Ronald M. Ansin Michael W. Gallagher John H. Pearson, Jr. Robert A. Caruso Arnold S. Lerner Lincoln Pinsky Susan M. Cooney Jack O’Connor Brian J. Stafford Winslow H. Duke Barbara Savitt Pearson Nicola Tsongas Carol S. Duncan FRIENDS OF MRT Christa Brown Christine Jones Beth Larocque Francine Clay Ann P. Kazer Martha Mayo Maryann Flaherty Kathy Kelley Catherine O’Donnell Anne Gallagher Joan Kerzner Joellen Scannell
EX-OFFICIO Mayor, City of Lowell, William Samaras Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Jacqueline Moloney President, Middlesex Community College, James Mabry Superintendent, Lowell Public Schools, Salah E. Khelfaoui Superintendent, Lowell National Historical Park, Celeste Bernardo
COHORT CLUB, 2018-19 SEASON Daniel Bazarin Audra Martin Cindy Swain Suzanne Beebe Cynthia McLain Nancy Weber Sherri Couillard Timna Nwokeji Linda Wolk Kripa Joseph Bob O’Neil Karen Killean Kalra Sorenson Covering world news to art news. Discover everything newsworthy at wbur.org. For the full spectrum arts and culture happening right here in our community, The Cohort Club is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support visit The ARTery at wbur.org/artery. from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
To learn more about the Cohort Club, go to mrt.org/cohortclub 26 27 MRT STAFF Artistic Director...... Sean Daniels CREATING AN INTEREST IN Executive Director...... Bonnie J. Butkas ARTISTIC THE ARTS Producer...... Peter Crewe MUSIC Director-in-Residence...... Megan Sandberg-Zakian Company Manager & Artistic Administrator...... Alexis Garcia MERRIMACK REPERTORY THEATRE Young Company Program Director...... Will Rogers
COMMUNITY PRODUCTION
NEW ENGLAND Production Manager/Costume Shop Manager...... Lee Viliesis Lighting & Sound Supervisor...... Carter Miller Props Manager...... Brendan Conroy Stage Supervisor...... Jason Cotting Assistant Costume Shop Manager & Wardrobe Supervisor...... Ryann Corbett Production Assistant...... Erin Patterson Production Assistant...... Paul Smith Lighting & Sound Assistant...... Krista Sonia Scenic Production...... BeNT Productions ADMINISTRATION
Director of Finance...... Edgar Cyrus Director of Marketing & Communications...... David Henderson Development Manager...... Jill Meredith Vinci Database Manager...... E. Larocque Graphic Designer & Social Media Coordinator...... Sidney M. Hoang Marketing Associate...... Jennifer Vivier Farley White Interests Development Associate...... Jillian Sampieri Marketing Sales Assistant...... Yadi Wang is proud to support House Manager...... John Dyson Box Office Manager...... Tim Sheilsl 17 seasons of Box Office Lead...... Katherine Tejada Box Office Associate...... Matt Grassett the Merrimack Box Office Associate...... Jes Mascaro Box Office/House Assistant...... Patrick Mahoney Repertory Theater AudienceView Consultant...... Melissa Federico PATRIOTS
May Adrales Kristoffer Diaz Victor Lesniewski David Remedios Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Steve Drukman Brian J. Lilienthal Tlaloc Rivas James Albrecht Julie Felise Dubiner Karen MacDonald Leon Rothenberg Jill A. Anderson Veronika Duerr Wendy MacLeod Mike Sablone Dan Bakkedahl Reginald Edmund Kristin Marting KJ Sanchez Charissa Bertels Daniel Erdberg Cheryl McMahon Megan Sandberg-Zakian Julia Brothers James J. Fenton Lisa McNulty Benjamin Scheuer Ilana Brownstein Jessica Ford Kristen Mengelkoch Wendy Seyb Judy Bowman Nick Gandiello Kelly Miller Mat Smart Eleanor Burgess Michael John Garces Allison Moore Niegel Smith Monica Byrne Wendy Goldberg Aaron Muñoz Molly Smith Metzler Jen Caprio Idris Goodwin Nael Nacer Justin Townsend Aysan Celik John Gregorio Peter Sinn Nachtrieb Reggie White Vichet Chum Lauren Gunderson Stowe Nelson Sam Willmott Jennifer Cody Leah Hamos Celeste Oliva Jessica Wortham 660 Suffolk Street, Lowell, MA 01854 Jeremy Cohen Jon Jory A. Rey Pamatmat Karen Zacarías farleywhite.com Joel Colodner Lila Rose Kaplan Topher Payne Mark Cuddy Tom Kirdahy christopher oscar peña Celina Dean Greg Kotis Heather Provost 28 Read more about the Patriot Program at mrt.org/patriot 29 ANNUAL FUND DONORS MRT gratefully acknowledges all contributions to the Annual Fund for the 12 months preceeding November 4, 2018. Due to space limitations, our listing reflects donors of $50 and above. Thank you for supporting live theatre.
PRODUCERS CIRCLE PLATINUM Monica & Alan Kent, MD BOOSTER $750 - $999 $25,000 and above Lowell Cultural Council David & Janice Kincman Barr Foundation MBIA Foundation, Inc. Lawrence Cultural Council Circle Health Donald & Andrea Morgan Ruth C. & John E. Leggat Mrs. Nancy L. Donahue Kate and Len Rozamus Fund of the Greater Lowell Richard K. and Nancy L. Donahue Sumberg Family Fund Community Foundation Charitable Foundation Katherine and Daniel & Mary Frantz PRODUCERS CIRCLE Matthew McCracken-Bradley The Estate of Mr. Donald Fulton $1,000 - $2,499 Daniel & Tamara Smith John and Denise Glaser Anonymous (4) Charles & Joanne Yestramski Greater Lowell Community Foundation Alliance Data - MRT Endowment B. Scott Andersen & Sandra Peters BACKER $500 - $749 Klarman Family Foundation Donald A. Bedard and Anonymous (2) Massachusetts Cultural Council David A. Vaillancourt Arthur & Nina Anton Ms. Judith Saryan Bruce and Sue Bonner Bank of America The Shubert Foundation, Inc. Richard & Deborah Carter Billerica Arts Council The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Ms. Yun-Ju Choi Robert Caruso Jim & Susan Cooney Ron & Lynn Chaput Up to the minute Local, PRODUCERS CIRCLE GOLD Corning Incorporated Foundation Brenda & Jack Costello Regional and National News. $10,000 - $24,999 Richard & Linda Day Lawrence Devito Judy & Geoff Karen L. Donahue David Favreau Weather and Traffic Reports. Enterprise Bank Philip A. J. Donahue Simon and Caroline Graham Harrill Family Foundation Paul & Betty Drouilhet Rick High And for all your Arts and Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank Susan & Nelson Eby Andrew Hostetler & Mark Pederson Entertainment information. Mass Humanities James and Ida Fitzgerald Mr. Nicolas M. Kane and Susan Mitchell & Jim Waldo Alan & Debby Friedman Mr. Travis S. Place Stafford, Gaudet & Associates, LLC+ Ellen M. Gath Jeanne Kangas and Robin Lazarow The Aubert J. Fay Charitable Fund GE Foundation Garland Kemper & Richard Warner LIVE AND LOCAL TALK University of Massachusetts Lowell Debra Grossman & Kate Tyndall Bruce & Ellen Kunkel Wannalancit Mills/Farley White Interests Gary Gumuchian Ted Lapres & Connie Keeran Fund Paul & Betty Harrington Dick & Shirley Lindsey PRODUCERS CIRCLE SILVER Frank & Belva Hopkins Lowell Sun Charities, Inc. Ted Panos with Merrimack Valley Radio in the Morning, M-F 6-10am $5,000 - $9,999 Stephen and Suzanne Irish Eric and Kathryn Lund-Wilde Ryan Johnston with your ride home afternoons, M-Th 3-5:30pm Bowditch & Dewey Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Patricia Montaperto and Michael Kiskiel Conway Insurance Agency Dennis & Michele Jones Eileen Murray Jack Baldwin “ Living for the Weekend” Fridays 3-5:30pm Sean and Vivien and Veronika Daniels Ann & Herb Kazer Deb Nicholls and Hal Kliger Jo Goldman Joan & Arnold Kerzner Mr. James O'Brien Warren Shaw Saturday Morning Live 6-10am Helen G. Hauben Foundation Tom & Anne Larkin Jan Perry & Paul Landrey Dr. Terry and Phyllis Howard Mr. Ralph Loosigian Roddy and Diane Powers John A. Hunnewell Trust Don & Glenda Lovegrove Caroline & Mike Rider Local Sports and Specialty programming to Litowitz Foundation, Inc. Judith G. and James C. Mabry Robert, Julie, Sophie, and Ben Salomon MEC Technologies, Inc. Mr. Jeff G. Maclaren Joellen Scannell The Beatles and Before The Nathaniel & Elizabeth P. Henri and Nancy Marchand Richard & Peggy Siegel WCAP has something for everyone. Stevens Foundation Martha Mayo Cynthia Sorenson Alyce & John Moore Robert and Mary McDonald Jodie Stahly Payette Dr. and Mrs. Lincoln Pinsky Donald and Lauren Miller Ms. Katina Tsongas and Mr. Paul O'Keefe Princess Grace Foundation - USA Paul & Linda Monticciolo Warp and Weft Proud to be the Media Sponsor of Mark & Kate Reid Jack Moynihan & Carolyn Walsh Ronald Willett & William Mitchell Evan Schapiro Virginia & Herbert Oedel Jane & Bruce Williams Murder for Two and The Haunted Life Stefan & Ginny Schatzki Judith & Herbert Pence Trustees of the Ayer Home Mary Ann Rodrigue COLLABORATOR $250 - $499 United Way of Merrimack Valley - in Honor of Nancy L. Donahue Anonymous (2) William F. Wyman & Jeffrey Robinson M. Dominic and Heidrun Ryan Acton-Boxborough Cultural Council Merrimack Valley Radio Alan & Mariel Sherburne Ethel Atkinson 243 Central Street Lowell, MA 01852 PRODUCERS CIRCLE BRONZE Jim & Dorothy Sullivan Jeannine Ayotte $2,500 - $4,999 Martha & Robert Supnik Sheila Barter 978-454-0404 Anonymous (4) Technology Farm, Inc. Bryan and Caroline Bateson 3M Company Niki Tsongas Linda and Charles Bendzewicz streaming online at The Agnes A. Lindsey Trust Mr. & Mrs. Alan Valenca Edward and Deborah Bimbo www.980wcap.com Bonnie J. Butkas & Timothy J. Murray Jill Meredith Vinci Dr. Dorothy Boisvert & Mr. Petr Honcu Peggy & Anton Chernoff Peter & Sharon Wasik Katharine & Brett Bonner Ms. Lori Dunstan Ruth R. White Stephen and Joan Bonnette Michael Conway Workers Federal Credit Union Denise Bordonaro and David Johst Joseph P. Donahue Charitable Foundation Nicholas G. & Carol L. Xenos John H. Boss Fred & Connie Glore Cliff and Tricia Bourie Ms. Lori Hamilton Sue and Randy Brown 30 31 ANNUAL FUND DONORS
Margaret Jane Button Amesbury Cultural Council C.R. & Esther Davenport David and Cheryl Carpenter Sue Andrews Suellen and Stuart Davidson Robert Christiansen Ms. Amelia Armstrong Patricia S. Davidson Nancy & Anthony Delosa Michael Arthur Donald DePalma & Karen McGayhey Linda J. Dixon Leeann Atkinson and Tim Durkee Lisa & Bernie Deutsch Brigitte Duborg Peter and Rosemary Aucella Pat & Jerry DeYoung Bebe & Gary Fallick Jan and Bob Audet James Diment Edward & Monique Fisichelli Rebecca Backman and Stephen Cotton Maureen F. DiPalma Bonnie & Paul Floyd Stephan and Faith Bader Linda M. Dispensa Colleen Fuller Jacqueline C. Baker Joanne Doherty Len & Nancy Gerzon Richard S. and Carol Balmas Marie A. Drouin, M.D. Tim and Anita Greenwood Pam Banks Bob and Kathleen Drury Elizabeth Griffin Anthony and Lorraine Barbarino Walter Duerr Pat and Jim Hanson Whitney & Jody Barnard George & Anna Duggan Rob Harris L.E. Barquet & H. Scheuer Carol & George Duncan Carol Ann Hayton Mary Bassett Bruce & Donna Dye Eva & Terry Herndon James & Barbara Battis Bob & Judy Dziadosz Michael Hirsch Ms. Joan Beeson Bruce & Nancy Earnley Peter & Kate Mahler Carl & Barbara Bender Ellen Eaton Susan Hoyt Carl & Nina Benkley Elly and Sam Edelstein Col. & Mrs. Richard C. Hyatt Patti Bennett and Marc Saucier George & Eileen Eichman Benevity Community Impact Fund Chuck and Lynn Benson Ms. Lisa Eisenberg Steve & Nancy Joncas Ms. Maxa S. Berid Roger & Stephanie England Donald and Andrea Kaiser Patrick Bernard Jane and Arnie Epstein Pauline J. King John & Donna Beusch Mary Fedele Curtis & Mary Jane King Szifra Birke & Jay Livingston Aletheia & Albert Fischer Claire M. Kovacs Elizabeth H. Black John & Joanne Fitzgerald Les & Judy Kramer Melinda Bliss & Jim Hourihan Kathie Fitzpatrick Dr. Marsha Lavoie Sara & Vas Bogosian Myra Fournier Cathy and Thomas Griffin Betsy Bohling & James Carozza William Franks Lowell Polish Cultural Committee Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bond Mr. & Mrs. James Frassica Mr. Will Lyman Robert & Karin Borden Suzanne Frechette Richard & Mary Ellen Maloney Lee Walkley Bory Roger & Kathryn Frieden John & Patricia Markuns Veronica Boutureira Anne C. Gallagher Joe & Nancy Meehan Loring Bradlee & Janet Stone John and Carol Gallagher Eiji Miki and Jane Hever Karen Braunschweiger Carl and Carol Gallozzi Judy & Gerry Miller Roberta Brayer Isabel & James Geller Frederick & Juliet Nagle Michael Breda Michael & Debbie Gerstein Dan and Goo Newman Jim Breslauer & Deborah Thomson Fred and Barbara Marshik-Geurts Andrew & Denise O'Connor Jonathan and Ellen Brody Ms. Gillian Gill Tony & Marianne O’Malley Jeannie Brooks Kathleen Gilligan Steve Kahn & Jan Pendleton Margaret & William Brown Dr. and Mrs. Michael Gold Arden & Gerry Reynolds Bill and Pam Brown Al May and Carol Gonzalez Norman and Sue Rice Mr. John Bukala Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Gosselin Mr. Steven P. Roach Thomas & Christina Buretta Dr. & Mrs. John R. Graceffa, Jr. Ms. Melissa J. Roberts Mr. Stephen Burke Judy Grande Jane and Bob Ruddock Eileen & Charlie Byrne Corinne & Edmund Green Rohini & Ravinder Sakhuja John & Kathy Cadigan Jerry & Pat Greer Peter and Marina Schell Lucille Cambray Anne Groves Kathryn Roy & Dennis Shedd David & Theresa Campbell Lauren Gunderson Atty. & Mrs. Joel R. Shyavitz Mr. David Campbell Matthew and Janet Habinowski Rhea Simon Charles & Serena Caperonis Deborah Hamilton Rev. & Mrs. Robert Stetson Nancy Chadbourne Maureen Hancock Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Stone Professor Claire Chamberlain Marian and William Harman Richard Surko Stacey Channing & Robert Portney Jan & Jim Harrison Nancy J. Teel Helen Chapell Paul & Geraldine Harter Claremarie Toohey Donna & David Chedekel Ms. Pamela K. Hill Vinnie & Deborah Villano Chelmsford Cultural Council Michael and Kathleen Hogan Nancy A. Weber Paul & Lynn Chernoff Atty. Helen Honorow Mr. & Mrs. Michael Young Atty. & Mrs. Alfred J. Cirome Beau & Yvonne Howard In Memory of Constance T. Picard Donna Hoyt ASSOCIATE $100- $249 In Honor of Herb & Ann Kazer Ernie & Ellen Huber Anonymous (11) Amanda Cobb Kellie Hunter & Peter Monahan Daniel & Elizabeth Abbas Dr. & Mrs. Daniel Coleman Mark & Emily Hunter Claudia & Bob Abramson Sara Connerty Dan & Pam Hurley Anita and Ken Adams Ms. Judy Connorton Tom & Sue Imbriglio Barbara Michaud & Donald Agostinelli John & Sheila Coote David & Patricia Immen Katherine Ahern Sally Coulter & Jim Pope Tom & Alison Jaskiewicz Mr. & Mrs. William Alexis Ken & Martha Culver Clare & Brian Jeannotte Amazon.Com, Inc. Mark and Deborah Curtiss Barbara Jezak
32 33 ANNUAL FUND DONORS
Erica Johnson & Hugh Johnston Dr. Edward Parsons Dr. Richard Suval and Mary & Robert Johnson-Lally Margaret Pedersen Ms. Ellenjane Scheiner Pat Kalik Ernie & Rena Perelmuter Mary Ann C. Szufnarowski R. Ellis and C. Kamasaki Chris & Cheryl Perkins Hugh Talty “Our most basic common link Kerri Keeler Mr. and Mrs. Carolyn and Edward Perkins Robert Terranova Jim and Mary Lou Keenan Carolyn & Ed Perkins Elizabeth Thibeault & James Marchant is that we all inhabit this small Barbara Kemp Attorney and Mrs. Howard R Perkins, Jr David Tierney Kenneth and Karin Keyser Ernie Petrides Carol & Paul Tingleff planet.” Wayne & Nancy Kilker Rik & Nancy Pierce Francesca Torres Sara Kinburn Judy Player Eileen Trainor Linda Walkley Kipnes David & Martha Pohl Ashley Tsongas and Maura Camosse Francis & Cornelia Kirkpatrick Elizabeth Weber Judith J. Uhrig Norman & Alma Kossayda Cooper Quiriy Tim & Mary Liz Van Dyck Karen Kowalski Mrs. Judy Potter Christopher & Donnamarie Vick Ken & Jean Kriedberg Donna Power Lee E. Vorderer & Bob Bass Paul & Pauline Lambert Stan & Jan Powers Alexis Wallace Jean LaRoche-Owens D.J. Prowell Fred & Esther Wikander John & Kathleen Larocque Ken & Emily Pruyn Jim Wilde Mr. Robert Lavoie Mr. Charles Przyjemski Nancy Williams VISIONARIES NEVER GO OUT OF STYLE Barbara & Allen Levesque Harry Purkhiser Ms. Michelle Williamson Mark & Diane Levine Bill and Debb Putnam Mrs. Barbara R. Winer Joyce & Billy Limberopoulos Mr. and Mrs. Joseph P. Pyne Diedra Wolfe Art and Jan Lisi Tom & Anne Rarich In Honor of Bob Macauley Molly Litchfield Bill Ratcliffe Mr. and Mrs. Warren W. Woodford JFK Presidential Robert and Helen Littlefield James Ravan & Susan Elberger Stoney & Jean Worster Charles Lowell Pamela Reid Barbara Wrightson Geoff and Katie Lucente Ms. Joy Renjilian-Burgy Andrea and Joe Zenga Library and Museum John & Judy Lugus Lu & Peter Richards Marc Zimmerman & Jacqueline Gillis Henry & Anne Luhrs Dr. Sarah Richards Colette P. Lyons Erika & David Roberts SUPPORTER $50- $99 Pauline M. MacDonald Sherry & David Robertson Robert Abraham Leo and Beverly Makohen Catherine & Wes Robie Simone Allard See why visitors rank the JFK Presidential Library Beyla & Stanley Makovsky Wyley & Suellen Robinson Bob & Sally Ann Anctil Clement T. Cole & Margaret E. Marshall Marie & Leo Robitaille Mrs. Ellen Anstey as the #2 museum in Boston* Ms. Eda Matchak Michael Rosenblum Lorraine Arsenault Adalbert & Elizabeth Mayer Dr. Douglas Rosene Peter & Rosemary Aucella “Amazing – a walk through history! “Best Attraction in Boston – Janice & Patrick McCabe Esther and Sam Rosenzweig Don and Dot Ayer . . . an unforgettable journey through a stunning treasure trove of artifacts, Michaelene O'Neill McCann Ann Chatham Rote Ray and Anne Benedix the life of a truly remarkable man.” audiovisuals . . . If you have time to Mr. and Mrs. Richard McDuffee Paul & Natalie Rothwell Gary & Su Bennett William & Maria McGarry Dee Russell & Jean Kates Robert and Suzanne Benoit see only one thing in Boston this is Lisa McHatton Joan Ryan Ms. Charissa Bertels “This museum is one of the the one.” Kara and Patrick McNamara Mr. Robert Sandberg David & Sandra Bertetti best I have ever seen . . . Tom & Elaine Mead Joel & Helaine Saperstein Dana & Kathy Booth located on the water with “Fantastic!” – Went with our son Fran & Steve Meidell Margaret and Jonathan Saphier Dick and Bonnie Bourdelais spectacular views. This is not to be who we were visiting at college . . . Eric & Carrie Meikle David & Cyndy Sawyer Terry Bowes missed on a trip to Boston. We all loved it.” Andy & Marti Michaud Michael P. Segal & Carol G. Glantz Roberta Braverman Rev. Paul Millin and Dr. Betty Millin Maralyn & Robert Segal Chris & Bruce Brown “Best Museum Visit – “Covers so many details of the Keith Mitchell Carol & David Settino Doris Burke it was literally one of the best lives of him and his family – home Arthur and Marcia Mittler Harriet and Herb Shanzer Anonymous William & Ann Morrison Susan Sheedy John Carson choices on a trip we’ve made.” movies with Caroline, John Jr. and Deborah Mousley Becky and Dudley Shepard Joseph & Joanne Caruso Jackie” Mr. Thomas W. Mullen and Myrtle Sillen Steve Cerand Ms. Catherine L. Coleman Peter & Karen Silvia Mr. William Cimino “Building stunning – Loved seeing Patricia and Maurice Murphy Sue & Marty Sinacore Carl & Sheila Clarke the pictures of Jackie’s outfits . . . Dennis & Dorothy Murphy Aaron Slater Elizabeth A. Connolly this was a highlight of our Ruth Murray Dr. Susan H. Smith Rachel Conrad holiday.” David & Annelese Nault Carol and Kevin Smith Cathy Conway Betty Nelligan Mr. Alan Smith Ms. Diane Copenhaver Network for Good Mr. Edward H. Sonn Sue & Don Corey “Gorgeous views of Boston – William & Patricia Nickles Karla Sorenson Paul Buckley & Carla Corey My family enjoys going to Nancy and Robert Norbedo John & Ann Sorvari Mary Jane Costello Presidential Libraries . . . Jackie Normand Greg & Maureen Soucy Bob & Mary Cotter [this] is my favorite so far.” Matt & Nancy Nugent Carol and Ross Speer Harold & Susan Coughlin Jack & Thérèse O'Connor William & Marian Stanley Richard Davis and Viki Vasquez Jim & Trish O'Donnell State Street Matching Gift Program Ms. Sue Dawson *Based on TripAdvisor ranking as of November 2018. Edward Olin Mr. Robert Sternin G. L. Derbyshire TripAdvisor reviews are from September 2017 to Dr. and Mrs. Robert W. Oliphant Marion Stoddart Jean & Gregory Diette November 2018. Francis & Pat O'Neil Edgar and Prudence Stuhr Carol Drapeau Cathleen & Bradford O'Neill Edward & Eileen Sullivan Michael and Jane Duffley Mr. Constantine Pappas Linda Sutter/Steven Centore Marge and Jerry Dugal
34 35
JFK1790Mv2 PlaybillAd18_5x8_BW.indd 1 11/6/18 11:21 PM ANNUAL FUND DONORS
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Faticanti George & Joan Mahoney William & Donna Schroeder Kenneth Fischer Joseph & Janice Maienza Mr. Will Schwartz John & Joanne Fitzgerald Frank Makarewicz Ms. Laurelle Sciola Ed & Barbara Flanagan Richard and Candace Mandel Peter & Marilyn Seymour Harriet Flashenberg Stuart Mandell Sandra & Phil Shaw Kathleen M. Flynn Fernand & Janice Martin Barbara and Robert Sherman Lamby Scharff Bill and Laura Martin Barbara & Jim Smith-Morin Noel & Dora Friedman George and Bettye Mathews Roberta & Steve Spang Gloria Gagnon Margaret McDevitt William Spencer & Mary Hadley Helen Kay Galloway Kate & Tim McGillicuddy Eleanor Sullivan Larisa Goncharenko Maureen McKeown Brian K. Sullivan Ms. Jane Gossard Joe Messina and Dawn Metcalf Don & Linda Sullivan John Mankovitch and Ellen Guthrie Jackie Mills Peter and Toni Tasker Jim & Barbara Harrington Ms. Nancy Mitchell Tom Taylor Herb & Noel Hayes Ms. Rachel Muller Eileen Shay & Robert Taylor Thomas & Virginia Heislein Bernard Nally & Betsy Peterson Joan Tobin Paul and Barbara Hill Mrs. Eugenia Nicholas Michal Truelsen and Jody Wormhoudt Toby Hodes Deedee O'Brien Elizabeth Anne Warburton Jodie and Hal Holway Ms. Rachel Pinsky Judith Webb Hai X. Hong Elizabeth Poland Alice & Rick Weber Richard Hoole Wendy Postlethwaite Gail Wilson Raymond Houde Cecile M. Provencher Joda Wormhoude Nicholas & Marianne Iacuzio Sheila M. Puffer Carl & Sheila Jahnle Lois and Brown Pulliam Elizabeth R. Jarok Joseph Regan Grace Jeanes & Leah Basbanes Kathleen Regan Ava Benson & Larry Jodry Inger & Peter Rhoads Donna Z. Kelly Denise & Stephen Richards Herbert Korn and Roberta Hodson Donna and Peter Richards Paul & Rosemarie Krenitsky Mrs. Constance Richardson Gloria Landahl Diane and Michael Ridlon Gail & John Langner Nancy Riese & Vincent Ferrante Constance Lanseigne-Case Ron Rosenbaum Barbara Leary Arielle, Emily, Lara, Katie, and Mary Sam Litvin - in honor of Bonnie Butkas Raymond and Martha Longa Anita Rossiter Jay & Carolynn Luby Mary and Bill Rouine D. Peter Lund & E. Ashley Rooney Margery Russem Redefining Retirement Charlotte Lynch & Joel Edelstein Don O. Santos Mary Ellen & Matt Lyons Mr. Christopher Schaffner Robert MacAuley Miss Kimberly Schandel +denotes In-Kind Contributions Carleton-Willard Village is a place to truly call home. The grounds connect our residents to a rich We make every effort to provide accurate recognition for our contributors. However, occasional errors do occur. We appreciate your assistance in keeping our lists current. To advise us of corrections please call: 978-654-7559 or email: [email protected] sense of heritage, while social activities foster a deep sense of connection. Interested in connecting with our community while staying in your own home? Carleton-Willard At Home offers a membership with many of the benefits of Village life.
Contact us today to learn more. 781.275.8700 or www.cwvillage.org
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36 37 U�tuffy. MRT IN BRIEF Unp�di�able. .dה22nd Season Un�tc 2018-19 JULIE SCOLNIK, artistic director
MRT'S PROCLAMATION Lowell Mayor William Samaras presented an official proclamation in honor of Merrimack You can win a Roomba in one of our raffle baskets! Repertory Theatre’s 40th Anniversary to (l-r) www. M�t�lM�ic.org Artistic Director Sean Daniels (with daughter Vivien), Board Chair and Co-Founder Nancy GIVE AND YE SHALL RECEIVE! L. Donahue, and Executive Director Bonnie J. There is more than just great theater north of Boston! Enter the MRT Holiday Raffle for only $5 per Butkas. Photo: Jennifer Vivier ticket, or grab five tickets for just $20. Each basket this year carries a value of more than $1,000. Visit our Facebook and Instagram pag- es for a full list of gift items. The proceeds benefit the programs and productions of Merrimack Repertory Theatre, a not-for-profit arts and education organization and the Merrimack Valley’s only professional theatre. The winning tickets will be selected on December 23. Purchase raffle tickets in the lobby or by calling the Box Office at 978-654- 4678. (Winners need not be present to win.) Thank you for your kindness during this holiday season.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE LION! Broadway HD, which allows you to stream LOWELL WALK theatre shows and musicals from your home or With the generous support of Mass Humani- on a digital device, expects to premiere the live ties, UMass Lowell Professor Robert Forrant recording of The Lion in December (recorded (center) hosted a walking tour of downtown at Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles). Singer- locations connected to the legacy of Jack songwriter Benjamin Scheuer’s award-winning Kerouac for MRT’s Cohort Club, board musical memoir, director by MRT Artistic members, and donors. MRT will present the Director Sean Daniels, launched its national world premiere of Kerouac’s The Haunted tour here in August of 2015, following critically Life, adapted by Sean Daniels, in March 2019. acclaimed runs in New York and London. www.broadwayhd.com 38 39 GLORIA LEAHY
housed actors in her home, and raised funds for the theatre as a board member. During the 30th Anniversary gala, she was awarded the first-ever Friends of MRT service award, an honor later renamed the Gloria Leahy Service Award.
Co-Founder Nancy L. Donohue said, “Gloria was a volunteer even before the first board was formed! She was one of the volunteers who rode the trains to Boston selling tickets and manned a ticket booth on Merrimack Street. She housed Gloria Leahy (left) with husband, Dan Leahy (middle) at and fed the visiting actors and did everything she Janet Lambert Moore's (right) 65th birthday. Moore, a good was ever asked to do for years and years, and friend of Leahy, is also a longtime volunteer and supporter of MRT. always did so with a smile in her happy nature. We will always miss her dearly." One of Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s most cherished supporters, Gloria J. Leahy, passed Leahy, a mother of six and the widow of Daniel away in October. Leahy was one of the fledgling P. Leahy, also served on the board of the Lowell company’s first volunteers and subscribers, and Association for the Blind and as the president of she remained a steadfast supporter over the next the Lowell Lawyers Wives Association. 40 years. She cooked meals for the company,
From Starfield to MARS Paul Manship and His Artistic Legacy
through January 20, 2019
including new work by local photographers Barbara Bosworth, Justin Kimball, S. Billie Mandle, and Abelardo Morell
plus highlights from the collection WE PLAY BASEBALL TOO! Paul Manship, Diana, casting 1925. Bronze on marble base, 62 x 42 inches. 2018 TICKETS ON SALE NOW LOWELLSPINNERS.COM (978) 459-1702 Addison Gallery of American Art | Phillips Academy, Andover, MA ADDISON addisongallery.org | 978.749.4015 | Free and open to the public
40 41 THE LIVING LEGACY SOCIETY Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Living Legacy Society was established to provide a lasting legacy for donors who believe in the mission of MRT.
The Living Legacy Society helps you combine financial goals with charitable giving. When you support MRT with a planned gift to the Living Legacy Society, you can:
• Secure steady payments throughout • Reduce income, estate, and capital your lifetime and increase available gains taxes income • Build lasting support for the greater • Ensure support of a loved one after Merrimack Valley’s only professional your lifetime theatre
Living Legacy Society gifts may be made through a bequest, a gift of appreciated securities or assets, beneficiary designation of retirement plans or life insurance, a charitable remainder trust, or a gift of property.
Your support will ensure that MRT continues its vital role in arts, education, and community building for years to come.
If you have already made MRT part of your estate plans, we invite you to join the Living Legacy Society. Thank you.
For more information, please contact: Bonnie J. Butkas, Executive Director at 978-654-7558 or [email protected].
PLANNED GIVING WITH MRT ENDOWED FUNDS Anonymous Mary E. Harrington* Partners in Education Fund Anonymous* Frank and Belva Hopkins Linda Trudel Endowed Richard K.* and Nancy L. Donahue Jack and Thérèse O’Connor Scholarship Fund Mr. and Mrs. Winslow H. Duke R. Edward Roach The Estate of Donald Fulton Bernice and Joseph Weider* Fund for Merrimack Debra Grossman and Kate Tyndall *deceased Repertory Theatre
42 43 Ramona Lisa Alexander and Thomas Silcott in The Royale, 2017-18 Seaosn. Polly Lee, Victoria Grace, Alexis Bronkovic, and Julia Brothers in Silent Sky, 2017-18 Seaon. Photo by Meghan Moore. Photo by Meghan Moore.
DONOR BENEFITS Make a gift today.
SUPPORTER ($50-99) PRODUCERS CIRCLE BRONZE ($2,500-4,999) All of the benefits at the Producers Circle level plus: • Inclusion in MRT Donor Listing in the YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE playbill for one year • Playbills from one show signed by the cast • Invitation to all Insider Look events ASSOCIATE ($100-249) All of the benefits at the Supporter level plus: PRODUCERS CIRCLE SILVER ($5,000-9,999) • Two drink vouchers for use during the All of the benefits at the Bronze level plus: 2018-19 Season • Invitation to dinner with a featured artist from the season COLLABORATOR ($250-499) • Opportunity to be an Honorary Producer on All of the benefits at the Associate level plus: a production with access to all facets of the • Invitation to behind-the-scenes events producing process
BACKER ($500-749) PRODUCERS CIRCLE GOLD ($10,000-24,999) All of the benefits at the Collaborator level plus: All of the benefits at the Silver level plus: • Invitation to first rehearsal meet and greets • First access to limited availability trips to NYC, London or other arts destinations • Invitation to one opening night party coordinated by MRT • Private backstage tour with opportunities
Vichet Chum in KNYUM, BOOSTER ($750-999) MRT.ORG/DONATE to meet the artistic and production staff 2017-18 Seaon. Photo by All of the benefits at the Backer level plus: Meghan Moore. • Invitation to two opening night parties PRODUCERS CIRCLE PLATINUM ($25,000+) All of the benefits at the Gold level plus: PRODUCERS CIRCLE ($1,000-2,499) Ticket sales and subscriptions only cover 60% of our production expenses. • Preview the new season at dinner with All of the benefits at the Booster level plus: Support from people like you make up the rest. Your gift is critical to our success Artistic Director before it is announced • Invitation to four Insider Look events during to the public and makes it possible for MRT to produce award-winning productions for Lowell the year including Insider Look at Tech and and the Greater Merrimack Valley. Your support underwrites lighting, costumes, Insider Look at Rehearsal artist salaries, free and discounted tickets for students, community outreach • Invitation to select opening night efforts, and free discussions and tours. performances and parties • Reserved parking (as available) Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Merrimack Repertory Theatre today. Simply go to our secure website at mrt.org/donate or call 978-654-7579. For more information, please contact: Jill Meredith Vinci, Development Manager at 978-654-7579 or [email protected].
44 45 DINING GUIDE Dine at one of MRT’s restaurant partners. Come early, enjoy a meal, and see a show! Discover YOUR Path
MCC started me on the path to... Building my skills
With more than 10 degree and certifi cate • Award-winning faculty programs for students interested in the arts, • State-of-the-art performing space 1. 50 WARREN LOUNGE 6. COBBLESTONES 10. OLYMPIA (Lounge & Bar) (American) (Greek) graphic design, literature, communication • Small-class environment 978-934-6950 | 50 Warren St. 978-970-2282 978-452-8092 or philosophy, MCC can help you earn a degree, 91 Dutton St. 453 Market St. • Flexible schedule 2. ATHENIAN CORNER RESTAURANT begin a bachelor’s degree or upgrade your skills. • A price you can afford (Greek) 7. JIMMY JOHN'S 11. PURPLE CARROT 978-458-7052 | 207 Market St. (Sandwiches) BREAD CO. Share YOUR Path with us! #MCCpath 978-458-5858 (Cafe, Bakery) 3. BLUE TALEH 134 Merrimack St 978-455-4188 (Thai & Japanese) 1-800-818-3434 WWW.MIDDLESEX.MASS.EDU 107 Merrimack St. 978-453-1112 | 15 Kearney Sq. 8. MERRIMACK ALES 4. BREW’D AWAKENING COFFEEHAUS (Brewery) 12. THE KEEP 978-701-7225 | 92 Bolt St. (American/Bar) MRT_FA18.indd 1 8/29/18 2:32 PM (Coffee House) 978-455-3666 978-454-2739 | 61 Market St. 9. MOONSTONES 110 Gorham St 111 Gorham St 5. CAVALEIRO’S (Tapas/Raw Bar) . Lowell, MA 01852 978-256-7777 (Portuguese) 13. WARP ANDWEFT 85 Chelmsford St. 978-310-1933 978-458-2800, | 573 Lawrence St. (American/Bar) thekeeplowell.com Chemlsford, MA 978-455-6537 197 Market St.
Most of downtown Lowell’s great restaurants are a five-minute walk from MRT, so you only need to park once for dinner and a show. See page 50 for more information on parking locations and rates.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Please celebrate our local community partners, who support and enrich our productions. Thank you to each of them.
Mill City Grows – Native Gardens
The Jane Austen Society of North America/ Local food, craft beer, and spirits. Massachusetts Region – Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley The Michelle Canning Band/Alzheimer’s Foundation of America – The Heath
The Luna Theatre – The Haunted Life
46 47 “A WINNING, INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF A MAN WHO FOUND HIS FREEDOM IN SONG.” – WBUR, THE ARTERY
Roland Hayes by Johan Hagemeyer, courtesy A MUSICAL BY DIRECTED BY of The Bancroft Library, UC Berkeley. DANIEL BEATY MAURICE EMMANUEL PARENT
Accommodations in Chelmsford-Lowell q Know performance
Anthony Villandry Mark Gillette Business Insurance Personal Insurance
We perform for our customers every day so we can support great organzations like MRT!
978-256-7511 978-710-3151 978-256-7511 Let us play the lead in protecting your home, auto and business risks. • Complimentary full, hot American • Newly opened in July, 2018 • Full-service hotel style breakfast buffet • Complimentary fresh made, full • Meeting spaces • Newly renovated rooms American breakfast buffet • Restaurant on-site • Newly renovated fitness center • Fitness center • Fitness center • Seasonal outdoor pool area • Business center • Business center • Shared parking lot with the • Heated indoor pool • Heated indoor pool WE KNOW MORE SO YOU CAN WORRY LESS modern restaurant Moonstones • Business center 327 GORHAM ST. • LOWELL • 459-0505
48 49 When “Good Enough” isn’t...Seek Excellence • Divorce Law • Personal Injury Debra Grossman, esq. • Real Estate 139 billerica roaD, chelmsforD, ma 01824 • Business (978) 256-2660 | www.kurlanDGrossman.com
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107 Merrimack St, Lowell, MA 978-455-4188
Lowell Memorial Auditorium Presents DEC Boston Pops: 2018 Holiday Pops Premiere Sponsor Lowell sponsored by Memorial Auditorium 16 FEB 19 Monty Python’s Spamalot APR Experience Hendrix featuring Joe Satriani, 4 Dave Mustaine, Billy Cox, and many more! ARP 11 STOMP Premier Follow Us Sponsor fNP LowellAuditorium.com | (978) 937. 8688
50 51 One of the New York Times’ Top Ten Plays of 2015!
122 & 160 Western Avenue, Lowell, MA 01851
Visit our Artists’ Gallery 260 Main Street North Reading, MA in the MRT Lobby! 978-396-6090 northreadingsubaru.com Home to 300 artists Sat & Sun December 1–2&8–9 12–5 PM Free Parking
Tickets from $25 westernavenuestudios.com SpeakEasyStage.com #WesternAveArts (617) 933-8600
Beautiful, Majestic, Historic Listed on the National Register of Historic Places Space Available
92 Bolt St. Lowell, MA 01852 978-701-7225 | merrimackales.com
573 Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA 01852 LOCATED AT MILL NO. 5 www.CavaleirosRestaurant.com 250 Jackson St. Lowell, MA Crosenest.com 978-458-2800
52 53 WhistlerTour the Historic House Birthplace Museumof James McNeill of Whistler Art ORDER YOUR FAVORITE • House, Museum, Park, and Gallery SANDWICH Open Wednesday through Saturday WITH A TAP 11 am - 4 pm DOWNLOAD OUR APP FREAK YEAH™ Venue available for Weddings, Meetings, Special Events, etc. 243 Worthen St., Lowell, MA 01852 | whistlerhouse.org | 978-452-7641
134 MERRIMACK ST. ~ 978.458.5858 277 PAWTUCKET ST. ~ 978.458.6969
54 55 FOR YOUR INFORMATION FOR YOUR INFORMATION If you have any problems during a performance, please ask one of our Discounts may not be volunteer ushers to locate the House Manager. GROUPS & DISCOUNT used in combination. CONTACT INFORMATION • Students: $15 any performance. Enterprise Bank Box Office/ ACCESSIBILITY Police. If you are concerned about driving in poor weather, contact the Enterprise Bank Box Office. • Groups: Discounts are available for groups of six or Nancy L. Donahue Theatre Open Captioning more. For more information, call 978-654-7561. 50 East Merrimack Street Thanks in part to a grant and guidance from Theatre Lowell, MA 01852-1205 COURTESY/CONCESSIONS • Lowell Night: Second Thursday night performance of Development Fund (TDF), we will offer an open each run for Lowell residents. Purchase in person, $10 Phone: 978-654-4678, press 1 captioning performance during a Sunday matinee for Please silence your cell phones, beeping watches and Fax: 978-654-7575 Email: [email protected] electronic devices when entering the theatre. Please do each (cash only), at the Box Office day of show. Must all shows. Open captioning uses a text screen on the show ID. Limit two per person. side of the stage to display simultaneous translation of not text during the performance. Enterprise Bank Box Office Hours dialogue and lyrics during a live performance. When • Military: MRT is a proud member of the Blue Star Tuesday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm booking your seats, mention your interest in open Refreshments are available before performances and Theatre program and offers all active duty, veteran, or Open through curtain on performance nights. during intermission. Food is not allowed in the theatre. captioning in order to secure the most advantageous retired military personnel $10 off on up to four tickets Sunday: 12:00 pm through curtain on Intermission beverages may be pre-purchased at the view. Visit www.mrt.org for dates. per production. Use the code MIL when ordering online performance nights. concession stand. If you bring a beverage into the or call 978-654-4678. MRT also offers 50% tickets Closed on non-performance nights. Listening Devices theatre, please carry out the trash when you leave. for military personnel for our special Military Day Please reserve our free listening devices through the Please refrain from unwrapping cellophane wrappers performance of each show – 4 pm of the second Saturday Order online: mrt.org box office when you make your reservation. during the performance. For the comfort of all patrons, performance. please avoid wearing strong perfumes, colognes, and Subscriber ticket exchange by email: [email protected] Wheelchair Seating hairsprays. • Educators: Take 50% off up to four tickets for Wheelchair space is available by notifying the Box Educators Day – the 4 pm performance of the second Office when purchasing tickets. A ramp is located to Saturday of each show. Administrative Offices/Mailing Address the left of MRT’s main entrance. RECORDING/PHOTOGRAPH REGULATIONS 132 Warren Street • $5 First Preview Night: Wednesday evening preview. Lowell, MA 01852-2208 The use of any recording device, either audio or video, Restricted seating. Purchase in person (cash only) at the and the taking of photographs, either with or without Phone: 978-654-7550 RESTROOMS/LATECOMER POLICIES Box Office three hours prior to curtain. Limit two per Fax: 978-654-7575 Email: [email protected] flash, is strictly prohibited during the performance. person. Restrooms are located in Lowell Memorial Audi- EXCEPTION: You may take photos of the set before torium (LMA). Follow the signs down the hallway the show. If you post photos on social media, please on the left side of the theatre. Please do not go past acknowledge the designers. any barriers in the LMA hallways or an alarm will sound. If at any time you leave your seat during the performance, the House Manager will seat you in the PARKING rear balcony when you return. • Davidson Lot: 1-199 Davidson St. Lowell No one will be admitted once the performance begins. Free parking for Subscribers and Producers Circle The House Manager will seat you in the rear balcony members only. until intermission, at which time you may take your ticketed seat. • Church Lot: 144 East Merrimack St. Lowell The Immaculate Conception Church generously offers parking for free to MRT patrons when not in use by EMERGENCY CALLS Lowell Memorial Auditorium (LMA). When in use by If you expect an emergency call during a performance, LMA, you must pay a fee to park. Visit lowellauditorium. please leave your name and seat location with the com for LMA's schedule. House Manager. MRT’s emergency phone number is 978-654-4678, press 9. • Garage Parking Garage parking is available for $5 with validation FIRE REGULATION provided at MRT Concession Stand at: Please take a moment to locate the nearest emergency • Lower Locks Parking Garage: 90 Warren St. Lowell exit. If the fire alarm sounds, please remain in your • John St. Parking Garage: 75 John St. Lowell seat until the House Manager directs you to the nearest • Street Parking exit. Do not run. Exit the theatre in a calm and orderly Street parking for evening and weekend performances is manner. available first-come, first-served. MRT is not responsible for parking tickets or tows. BAD WEATHER POLICY MRT does not cancel performances due to bad weather except in the event of highway closure by the State
56 57 CO-STARRING TWO AWARD WINNING RESTAURANTS
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The UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center located in the heart of historic downtown Lowell, features over 120 seasonal hotel rooms, 31 year-round inn-style rooms, and offers over 15,000 sq.ft. of indoor and outdoor function space. Our grand ballroom is one of the largest in the surrounding area, and is customizable to accommodate up to 450 guests. • Lodging • Meetings • Conferences • Weddings • Social Events • Casual Dining • Plenty of Convenient On-site Parking fifty warren lounge is open 7 days a week, from 4:30pm to 10pm. Enjoy crafted cocktails and pub favorites. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite before sporting events and shows!
BOOK & MUSIC BY Joe Kinosian BOOK & LYRICS BY Kellen Blair DIRECTED BY JC Clementz 50 Warren St | Lowell, MA | 978.934.6920 www.uml.edu/icc 60 OCTOBER 17 – NOVEMBER 11, 2018