Fiddler on the Roof Flame.Indd

Women’s Health CLINIC

JANUARY 2014

SEASON | YEAR

A NEWSLETTER DEDICATED TO GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND FRIENDS OF THE FIRESIDE THEATRE Celebrating A Fireside “Tradition”

WHENEVER I MEET PEOPLE WHO HAVE SEEN MY WORK OVER THE YEARS, ONE QUESTION INVARIABLY POPS UP IN THE CONVERSATION. “WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE SHOW?” I GENERALLY DEMUR AND SAY SOMETHING LIKE “I CAN’T ANSWER THAT. IT’S LIKE ASKING A PARENT ‘WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE CHILD’” (ALTHOUGH I KNOW FROM EXPERIENCE THAT PARENTS GENERALLY DO HAVE A FAVORITE.) BUT IF MY QUESTIONER PERSISTS THEN I AM FORCED TO ADMIT THAT THERE IS ONE SHOW THAT STANDS OUT FROM ALL THE REST; A SHOW THAT IS FUNNY AND WARM AND HEART-RENDING AND LIFE AFFIRMING AND IS, QUITE SIMPLY IN MY OPINION, THE GREATEST MUSICAL EVER WRITTEN. THAT MUSICAL IS FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

I first saw FIDDLER on see or hear or perform Broadway very soon after FIDDLER ON THE ROOF it opened in 1964 and from it is as exciting and fresh that moment I have been as that very first time. passionately and inexorably That’s when you know a tied to this remarkable show show is truly great. about a people and their traditions and a man who is When I played Tevye in “ A show that is . . . quite simply struggling to hold on to his 2007 I said it was my last in my opinion, the greatest culture as his children test time. But we wanted to musical ever written.” the boundaries between the include the show in our – Ed Flesch, Artistic Director past and the future. Since that 50th anniversary season first viewing I have seen at and so I’m performing least 20 other productions and it one last time before I have been involved in eight retire the role for good. productions, playing the lead role of Tevye in seven of them. If you have never seen FIDDLER ON THE ROOF you owe it to yourself to experience You’d think that after doing the show and this unforgettable masterwork and if you have seeing the show as many times as I have seen it before you’ll experience all the joy and that I would be tired of it. Nothing could be excitement again as I doo everyevery timetime I walkwaw lk out farther from the truth because every time I on that stage.

NEW HEARING LOOP THE JOYS OF MEETING JANE - DECORATING SYSTEM INSTALLED OWNING YOUR OWN RICK KLOPCIC’S IN BLUE! P2IN THE THEATRE P3 TRAVEL COMPANY P4 “BETTER HALF” P7 Hospitality never goes out of style!

WHEN WE OPENED THE THEATRE IN APRIL OF 1978, ED FLESCH PLAYED THE ROLE OF EMILE DE BEQUE IN OUR PRODUCTION OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S SOUTH PACIFIC. BUT IT WAS HIS TEVYE IN FIDDLER ON THE ROOF AT WILSON STREET EAST DINNER THEATRE IN MADISON, THAT I FIRST SAW HIM PERFORM. MY FATHER HAD RECENTLY HIRED HIM TO RUN OUR NEW THEATRE AND I KNEW WE WERE IN GOOD HANDS!

I’m sure our whole family remembers that I also want to share some exciting news night when Mom and Dad took us all to about an addition to the theatre itself that see Ed in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in will assist patrons with hearing loss. We Madison. Ed’s portrayal of Tevye was recently installed a hearing loop system fabulous and we were all very excited to that works with the know that he was coming to work for us to telecoils in many types get the theatre up and running. If you’ve of hearing aids as well never seen him play this role you owe it as cochlear implants to yourself to do so. We’re very glad he’s to “loop” people right willing to reprise the role one more time! into the sound system. This is the latest The evening was memorable for another technology in assistive reason, too. Dick had recently lost a credit listening systems. It uses a universal card and reported it to the bank but later magnetic signal and does not require found it. When he tried to use it to pay the use of a receiver so it’s easier to use our bill for the evening, it didn’t work! Ed and less conspicuous. We will continue had come to our table after the show and to have our headset units available as the waiter pulled him aside to explain that well for guests whose hearing aids don’t our charge had failed and neither of them contain the telecoils. Be sure to share wanted to tell Dick. The waiter eventually this information with your travelers in case got up the nerve and Dick realized he’d they’ve been hesitant to come thinking given him the card he’d reported lost, they wouldn’t be able to hear well enough. settled up with another, and all was well. We expect this new system will make a It’s made for a good laugh many times over big difference for a lot of people! See you the years when anyone asks about the first soon! time we all met Ed. GROUP LEADER PROFILE

“My advice? Put your faith in the Lord and he’ll take care of everything!” – Linda King

LINDA KING HAS OPERATED Learning KING OF THE ROAD TOURS OUT OF HER HOME IN WOODRIDGE, ILLINOIS, SERVING THE HEART OF from each other CHICAGO FOR 24 YEARS.

Thirty four years ago, Linda King took a The last few years have been difficult for Linda King is a woman of remarkable job with Ben Franklin Savings Bank in Oak the tour and travel industry in several ways. faith which seems directly responsible for Brook, IL with their travel program. Little The economic downturn left travelers with her positive outlook on life. This job that did she know it would become her life’s less discretionary income at a time when became a career wouldn’t have been work and give her, for the last 24 years, rising fuel costs were affecting motorcoach possible without the blessings of God. She her own business to love and care for. She costs as well. “It’s been a challenge to believes that her success as well as The has always worked out of her home and maintain the integrity of our product and Fireside’s are prime examples of what faith wouldn’t have it any other way. not lessen its value but yet so important,” can do. Linda felt in regard to both her business After a few years with Ben Franklin she and ours. The Fireside is on the high end While Linda loves working from home and was hired away by former Illinois Governor cost-wise for a day trip for her because of being in charge the thing she loves most Dan Walker when he got into banking. Six the distance but the spectacular product about her job is the customers. They laugh years later that bank was sold and the with the ambiance, decor, service, shows and cry together, go through the good and travel program discontinued. Linda felt she and shops make it worth the price. Even the bad together, and they certainly rallied had no choice but to start up a company of so, it just got hard for people to afford it. around her as she fought through the her own. She had ten years experience, battle with cancer. She has a small family, although “you never stop learning,” she If tough economic times weren’t enough, never married and has no children so they adds, the ties and connections in the Linda has spent the last few years caring truly have become a second family. industry, and the following. King of the for her mother whose health was failing Road Tours was born! which led to things like moving her and These circumstances of the recent past renovating her home after a water pipe have meant that we haven’t seen as much Linda has kept her company small on disaster. Then she received what she of her lately but were thrilled to have her purpose. She knows all her customers amazingly referred to as the blessing of back for A FIRESIDE CHRISTMAS in by name and face and outside of a couple a breast cancer diagnosis. A blessing, December. She tried running her Fireside of special anniversary trips to Savannah, because even though it was already stage trip as an overnight to Lake Geneva and Georgia and South Dakota she stays in the four, it was treatable. So treat it she has while taking the first quarter of the year Midwest running one to six day trips. She and other than getting a little sleepy from off to regroup (because she can!) she’ll has no desire to tackle the international her pain medicine the cancer is under finish planning for 2014. “As long as I can market and as she’ll be turning 70 in control and “all is well.” This last revelation physically do it, I’ll stay in business,” says March proudly reports, “The older I get, the has made Linda understand and better Linda. “My advice to others: Trust God. more I’m entitled to slow down a bit.” She appreciate why some of her travelers Period. I’ve got my hair back, the Lord is in certainly isn’t slowing down much! would tend to fall asleep on the bus! charge, give Him the glory, and move on!” A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES

Jane Klopcic peeks out from behind the scenes!

greater role in things at The Fireside. Jane nice way to pick up a small gift for someone gave up her job with the state and set out special or even yourself. to add shopping to our guests’ dining and While Jane is in charge of the shops and theatre experience. From that first small merchandise selection she is quick to credit venture she has grown The Fireside Gift her staff, especially display designer, Diane Shops into a shoppers’ paradise with gift Engan for their contribution. “Diane has and decorating ideas galore that many such a gift for display,” said Jane. “She guests have commented are worth the trip knows just how to make everything look so all by themselves! appealing and give the shopper ideas on Jane admits she had no idea what she was how to decorate their own home as well.” getting into at the beginning, not unlike It’s interesting to note that Diane’s mother, the situation her in-laws were in when Madeleine was Jane’s first display designer their “small” restaurant took off and grew when the shops first opened in 1978! into The Fireside of today. She’s always Throughout this adventure from the one had good instincts, though about what small shop to today’s three permanent people would like and did her research You’ve heard those sayings, about how shops plus the seasonal garden shop Jane and whatever it took to make the shops a “behind every great man is a great woman.” and Rick have raised three successful successful part of the business. Well, they’re really more side by side but children including The Fireside’s Executive alongside our company President, Rick Jane and her managers attend gift shows Vice President, Ryan and now enjoy five Klopcic who greets groups, serves dinners, in Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas and Minneapolis beautiful grandchildren as well. You’ll hear introduces the show and thanks you as you seeking out the newest trends and the best more from each of the children in future leave is his talented wife, Jane who most quality merchandise to appeal to the wide articles about their perspective on growing of you probably haven’t had the pleasure variety of guests visiting The Fireside each up at The Fireside. to meet. As we start to celebrate our 50th day. We like to say there’s something As co-owner of The Fireside, Jane is, of year, 42 of which Jane’s been here for, it’s for everyone in The Fireside Gift Shops course, involved in major planning and time to give credit where credit is due! and really believe that’s true. You can decision-making for the business overall. take home everything from an inexpensive Jane grew up in Waldo, Wisconsin and met She prefers her role “behind the scenes” souvenir to a treasured piece of artwork Rick at Carroll College in Waukesha where but truly hopes that you enjoy every aspect for your home. We’ve been your source they were both majoring in business. Jane of your Fireside visits - especially the gift for many collectible trends over the years recalled being the only girl in most of her shops! from the Ty Beanie Baby craze to Precious classes since it wasn’t common for women Moments and Cows on Parade. to study business back then. They were married in 1972 when The Fireside was Currently our most popular still just a restaurant and Jane spent time items center around fashion hostessing as well as working for the State accessories. Jewelry, scarves, of Wisconsin in an accounting position. and purses are nice ways to vary a wardrobe. We also As the family was preparing to open the start displaying Christmas theatre in the spring of 1978, Dick Klopcic ornaments as early as July (Jane’s father-in-law and Fireside founder), since some guests might not thought a gift shop would make a nice make it back again before the addition as well as a way to give Jane a holidays. Ornaments are also a Inside the ENTERTAINMENT TIPS & NEWS Kitchen with Chef Mike

Happy New Year! 2014 is a special year and wonderful milestone for The Fireside as it was 50 years ago on Mother’s Day weekend that it opened as a restaurant. As printed in the last few Flames (they can be accessed on the website if you missed them), Rick has been providing some very interesting history on how The Fireside started and has grown throughout the years. Although I have not had the pleasure of working at The Fireside for that long, my life’s journey has included The Fireside since the mid 1980’s along with being a group leader in the 1990’s for Once again The Fireside is debuting the hospital where I was employed with at that time. I a new featured entrée for the run of always chose to bring the employees to The Fireside! I FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - Mediterranean knew how special it was then, and now to be a part of The Jackie Brisko Chicken served alongside a medallion of Director of Audience Fireside team, I feel very grateful be able to help in the Beef Tenderloin. The new chicken dish is Development celebration of the 50th Anniversary. seasoned with spices that are prominent in the Mediterranean region such as cumin, Speaking of history, seven years ago, Ed Flesch ginger, cinnamon, coriander, allspice, MEET WITH JACKIE! our Artistic Director, retired his role as Tevye in FIDDLER cloves and garlic powder. While these are ON THE ROOF, but he too knows how special this all spices everyone has had before, they 50th Anniversary is, so back by popular demand, he are combined in such a way as to give an will reprise the role. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a aromatic and taste sensation that makes classic and opened on Broadway the same year as The my mouth water just trying to describe it to you! Fireside, which makes it doubly special. I know you and your groups won’t want to miss (as our show brochure We use a prime boneless and skinless states) this Fireside “Tradition!” There are still great seats Chicken Breast seared to seal in the juices, available so if you haven’t booked your group yet give our then top it with a mix of carmelized onions, group sales staff a call and we’ll be happy to assist you. diced tomatoes, honey, craisins and the Mediterranean spices and sauté it in olive By now you may realize that the Group Leader oil. The topped and sautéed chicken Party has been moved to a different date. Jean hinted is then refrigerated overnight to marry to that fact in her recent group email blast to you but the flavors together and then baked to didn’t give too many details as we are still in the planning perfection the next day for your enjoyment. stages. I can tell you that it is going to be May 17th, the same month The Fireside opened 50 Years ago and that While the chicken breasts are baking in one set of ovens, the Beef Tenderloins will be we are planning some very special surprises to help us roasting in the other. You’ll enjoy them both celebrate you and this special year. Until then, as we with our creamy Escalloped Potatoes and finalize the plans and get invitations sent out – looking Fresh Asparagus Spears. Be sure to save at early spring – may you and yours have a very happy, room for dessert because there are three These represent just a healthy and safe New Year. I’m looking forward to seeing of them - PB& J Mousse in a Chocolate few of the shows I’ll be you at a travel show and/or at The Fireside! Tulip Cup, a Pecan Turtle Ball Ice Cream attending this year. I’d love Sundae, and an Opera Cake Petit Four -- to visit with you to discuss Yummm! working The Fireside into your Midwest travel plans!

Executive Chef GROUP TRAVEL TIPS & NEWS

Jean’s Corner of the World

I am writing this in the middle of December with winter making itself known listening to Christmas songs and what do I hear . . . the song “Tradition!” That woke me up! Oh wow here is another one, “Up On A Housetop” with roofs and chimneys. FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is everywhere today! Good thing it’s on in the spring as that poor fiddler would never get on the roof today!

If your large group is shrinking or you want to start a For personal help with group, consider becoming a Small Group. Visit us on any of your bookings, a Wednesday or Thursday matinee with 13-17 guests to call me at 800-477- enjoy $5 off our individual rate. That is only 4-5 cars 9505 or email jean@ or a couple of vans! Gather your Red Hat, card, sewing, firesidetheatre.com. cooking, church or jogging group for three of our favorite things – food, shopping and theatre.

I keep mentioning it because we are constantly working on Gathering Groups. If you need help to fill your bus or are willing to join another group call us right away at 800-477-9505 or email [email protected]. We have made some successful temporarily matches and some permanent mergers of groups. Let us help.

After taking a break from the holidays you may want to take a look at 2014 again to book or to add some shows. There is still time to gather a group for SOLID GOLD 60’S as it runs through February 23. You don’t want to miss that great live band sound and that MUSIC . . . Groovy.

Book for dates between February 27 and March 23 and you can still enjoy a discounted group rate. PLUS book for a Wednesday or Thursday Matinee and earn a comp with every 18, instead of every 21 tickets. MARY POPPINS is all about magic and these are magic rates! Plus - we’ve just learned that the role of Mary Poppins will be played by Elizabeth DeRosa. Elizabeth performed in MARY POPPINS on Broadway for three and a half years. Besides playing multiple Be sure to return characters in the show she covered the lead and appeared in the your order form to title role multiple times during the Broadway run. We’re also thrilled request artwork, to have one of our favorite actors, Mathew Schwartz returning to The flyers and sign-up Fireside to play Bert, the lovable chimney sweep! sheets for your bookings or find the form on the Group Sales Manager “Groups” page of our web site. VISIT OUR GIFT SHOPS

Decorating and Entertaining “In The Blue”

DESIGNERS REPORT SHADES OF BLUE CONSISTENTLY RANK AMONG THE MOST POPULAR COLORS FOR DECORATING HOMES. SCIENTISTS BELIEVE OUR EXPERIENCES SHAPE OUR COLOR PREFERENCES AND IT’S LIKELY THAT BLUE IS POPULAR ACROSS CULTURES BECAUSE BLUE SKIES INDICATE CALM WEATHER. WE JUST LIKE HOW PRETTY IT IS!

These fun and festive melamine dishes are dishwasher safe for easy care. There are three sizes of plates for appetizers, dinner and dessert as well as serving bowls and trays and some lovely acrylic wine glasses. Tea towels, pitchers, vases and even this great owl napkin holder will look and work great for everyday use or for the next time you want to entertain.

Uniquely designed teacups feature a tea bag holder on the inside of the cup with die cut holes that make a nice cup of tea. The cups and coordinating teapot are ceramic and there are three styles of melamine tea bag holders to mix and match. Any blues go with this new take on an old “Home Sweet Home” style! PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID THE FIRESIDE THE FIRESIDE, INC. 1131 JANESVIJANESVILLELLE AVENUAVENUEE P.OP.O.. BBOXOX 7 FORFORTT AATKINSON,TKIINSONSSOSONN,, WWI 535535535383 3838 JANUARY 2014

SAVE NOW! CALL 800-477-9505 WWW.FIRESIDETHEATRE.COM

Visit early to get FIDDLER ON THE ROOF the best discount! Featured Menu April 24 - June 8, 2014 • In addition to the Featured Menu, Served Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Matinees, Saturday Evening and Sunday Midday try our Sunday Brunch, Thursday Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad Evening Signature Buffet or five Fresh Broccoli and Cauliflower Buds, Red Onions, Golden Raisins, Grated Cheddar course dinner on Saturday nights. Cheese, Jones Bacon Chips, and Toasted Pine Nuts folded into a Creamy Mayo • Groups of 18 or more are $65.95 Vinaigrette and tucked into a Lettuce Cup. (Sat. Evening $69.95) plus tax. Freshly Baked Breads from The Fireside Ovens • Save an additional $3.00 per person when you book a performance from Beef and Bird April 24 - May 18, 2014. Medallion of Roast Tenderloin of Beef glazed with a Madeira Wine Sauce and a • Ask about our New Incentives for Skinless Breast of Chicken, sautéed to a golden brown in a Mediterranean flavored Wednesday & Thursday matinees. Sauce. Served with Escalloped Potatoes and Fresh Asparagus Spears. • Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for Matinees, Tevye’s Triple Crown 2:30 p.m. for Sunday Midday PB&J Mousse served in a Chocolate Tulip Cup, and 5:00 p.m. for Thursday and Pecan Turtle Ball Ice Cream Sundae, and Opera Cake Petit Four. Saturday Evenings. Coffee, Tea and Milk • See complete show listings online.