By Molly Smith Metzler Directed by M. Bevin O’Gara A production of the Kitchen Theatre, Ithaca MARCH 4 – 22, 2020 The Fielding Studio Series is supported in part by Associate Producer: Media Sponsor: 1 2 ABOUT GEVA THEATRE CENTER Geva Theatre Center is your not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to creating and producing professional theatre productions, programs and services of a national standard. As Rochester’s flagship professional theatre, Geva is the most attended regional theatre in New York State, and one of the 25 most subscribed in the country, serving up to 160,000 patrons annually, including 20,000 students. Founded in 1972 by William Selden and Cynthia Mason Selden, Geva was originally housed in the Rochester Business Institute building on South Clinton Avenue. In 1982, Geva purchased and converted its current space – formerly a NYS Arsenal designed by noted Rochester architect Andrew J Warner and built in 1868 – and opened its new home at the Richard Pine Theatre in March 1985. Geva operates two venues – the 516-seat Elaine P. Wilson Stage and the 180-seat Ron & Donna Fielding Stage. As one of the country’s leading theatre companies and a member of the national League of Resident Theatres, Geva produces a varied contemporary repertoire from musicals to world premieres celebrating the rich tapestry of our diverse community. We draw upon the talents of some of the country’s top actors, directors, designers and writers who are shaping the American Theatre scene. Geva’s education programs serve 20,000 students annually through student matinees, in-school workshops, theatre tours, career day, the acclaimed Summer Academy training program, and opportunities such as the Stage Door Project, which pairs a local school with a production in the Geva season giving students an exclusive look into the entire process of producing a show. Geva has presented approximately 360 play readings and workshops since its inception. Geva’s New Play Development Programming offers new and established writers a nurturing environment from which to take their work to the next level. Programs such as the Festival of New Theatre, Plays in Progress, and Regional and Young Writers Showcases offer writers to have their plays workshopped and performed before an audience in a reading setting. Nearly 70 Geva-developed plays have had subsequent productions around the country. Geva’s nationally-recognized and innovative “Hornets’ Nest” series of play readings uses theatre to facilitate community discussions on contemporary topics. An active member of the Rochester community, Geva offers a multitude of opportunities for our audience and community members to engage with live theatre and the country’s best artists. Since the breadth of Geva’s programming cannot be sustained on ticket sales alone, this contribution to the region’s cultural, social and economic vitality is recognized by grants and charitable contributions from federal, state and local government agencies, national and local foundations, and businesses and individuals from throughout the region. For more information: GevaTheatre.org 2019-2020 BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Hope Drummond Sergio Esteban* Dennis Bassett, Chair Mary Anne Fox David L. Fiedler* Kelly Shea, Treasurer and Chair Suzanne Gouvernet Ronald H. Fielding of Finance Committee Richard Gray Betsy T. Friedman* Frank Novak, Secretary Christina Gullo Patrick Fulford* Lloyd Holmes Joanna Grosodonia* Philip L. Burke, Chair of Barbara LaVerdi A. Thomas Hildebrandt Advancement Committee Dawn Lipson David L. Hoffberg* Peggy Boucher, Co-Chair of Faheem Masood Arthur M. Holtzman Education/Summer Curtain Call Diane McCue Maureen D. Holtzman Committee Suzanne Nasipak-Chapman John F. Kraushaar* Barbara Bruning, Co-Chair of Michael Ninnie Carol Love* Education/Summer Curtain Call Frank Novak Peter Messner* Committee Pamela O’Connor-Chapman Michael B. Millard* Faheem Masood, Vice President Wolfgang Pfizenmaier Emily Neece* at Large Loren Ranaletta Nannette Nocon Ted Boucher, Immediate Past Jean Gordon Ryon David Perlman Chair and Chair of Committee on Kelly M. Shea John C. Rasor* Trustees Matt Squires Joseph R. Rulison* Maggie Symington Robert Saltzman TRUSTEES Mimi Tilton Paul Seidel Dennis Bassett William Weir Paul L. Smith Peggy Boucher Kathleen Whelehan Mary Kay Taber Ted Boucher John Williams John Tyler Jr. Barbara Bruning Linda Cornell Weinstein* Philip Burke HONORARY TRUSTEES Henry W. Williams Jr.* Margaret Busch Helen H. Berkeley* Deborah Wilson Essie Calhoun-McDavid William A. Buckingham Gloria Culver Barry B. Clements* Trustees are volunteers and receive no compensation. *Indicates Former Board Chair 4 2019-2020 Season MESSAGE FROM GEVA'S EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Christopher Mannelli and Mark Cuddy LET’S MAKE A FRIEND What brings people together into new friendships? Often it’s some shared experience or affinity. When you are at a ballgame, you are mostly surrounded by people cheering for the same team as you. You become friendly – if not friends - with them right away because you want the same thing: your team to win. Or if you are in a doctor’s waiting room or the DMV…you aren’t necessarily making quick friends but you are surely in the same situation. Sometimes a knowing nod between strangers develops as the delay grows longer and longer…a group forms out of individuals. In SUNY Geneseo grad Molly Smith Metzler’s play – written from her own experience as a new mother in a new city – the basic human act of caring for a newborn is a catalyst for connection between two women from different backgrounds. Just grabbing a half hour of independence, though tied to a baby monitor, of course, can seem like a vacation. Daily rituals of coffee and napping loom larger and larger in this foreign landscape. Having someone to share this with can create a bond as strong as a lifeline. A feeling of “we’re in this together” helps both women through the ups and downs of their new lives. Because there is deep empathy, they root for each other. Which leads us back to cheering for the home team. As you sit in the Fielding Stage for Cry It Out or any of our ten annual productions, you are surrounded by fans like you. You want your Geva to succeed: for the actors to amaze, for the visuals to transport you, and for the story to soar. Perhaps, you could introduce yourself to the stranger nearby. Or at least give them a knowing nod. You might find a new friend in this communal experience called live theatre. Enjoy the show! Mark Cuddy Christopher Mannelli Artistic Director Executive Director Join us on and on . You can read Geva’s blog at gevajournal.wordpress.com. 6 2019-2020 Season SUPPORT TO TAKE YOU TO THE NEXT LEVEL ESL is committed to helping businesses grow. We start with sound partnership and a full range of commercial and business banking products and services that meet your cash management and lending needs. Backed by extensive financial and local market expertise, diverse resources and a deep understanding of businesses of all sizes. So we are able to tailor solutions that work for you. Now and in the future. esl.org > 585.336.1000 > 22 branches Membership subject to eligibility. ESL is a registered service mark of ESL Federal Credit Union. Federally insured by NCUA. ESL is an Equal Opportunity Lender. ESL100964_45x75_Ad, 4.5”w x 7.5”h finished, 4C 10094_45x75_Ad_F.indd 1 1/13/20 1:19 PM Artistic Director Executive Director MARK CUDDY CHRISTOPHER MANNELLI Present the Kitchen Theatre Company production of CRY IT OUT By MOLLY SMITH METZLER Directed by M. BEVIN O’GARA Scenic Designer Lighting Designer Costume Designer DANIEL ZIMMERMAN TYLER M. PERRY SARAFINA BUSH Sound Designer Stage Manager Properties Master LESLEY LISA GREENE JAMIE CARTY INDIGO SHEA Casting LISA DONADIO This production was originally staged at the Kitchen Theatre Company in Ithaca from February 2 - February 22, 2020. M. Bevin O'Gara, Producing Artistic Director. World premiere in the 2017 Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Cry It Out is produced by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing, Woodstock, Illinois. The Fielding Studio Series is supported in part by Associate Producer: Media Sponsor: www.GevaTheatre.org 9 THE CAST (In order of appearance) Jessie .................................................................................................................. Mikaela Izquierdo Lina .............................................................................................................................Melissa Miller Mitchell ....................................................................................................................Brian Sgambati Adrienne ...............................................................................................................Erica Steinhagen SETTING AND TIME Jessie’s backyard in Port Washington, Long Island Cry It Out will be performed without an intermission. *The cast of Cry It Out are members of Actors Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Director is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, an independent national labor union. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by the United Scenic Artists, Local USA-829 of the IATSE. Geva Theatre Center operates under agreements between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a consortium of regional theatres throughout the nation; Actors Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage