Playhouse on the Air Presents: Miracle on 34th Street

La Crosse Community Theatre presents

Sponsored by

Adapted by David R. Kilpatrick
and Greg Parmeter

December 13–22, 2013



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Director’s Note

retrieve results for dozens of companies
performing radio plays in various ways:
strictly as broadcast pieces, as podcasts, or
as live staged productions like ours. Original
works, as well as scripts from the golden age
of radio, are still produced. Across the pond,
radio theatre thrives.

In the 1940s, when our play is set, radio

theatre was a leading form of entertainment.

The advent of television would cause a

Playhouse on the Air marked decline, but more recent advances in
technology have actually helped revive the

Presents: Miracle on 34th Street genre. Instead of listening to a show at a set
time on a traditional radio, one can stream
December 13–22, 2013 a broadcast or download audio dramas to
LCT’s 50th season – 336th production listen to later. They are produced in front of

Working on this production was my live audiences, in closed studios, and often in

introduction to Miracle on 34th Street. home studios where only some decent

I confess that there may have been soundproofing, a good microphone,

a little mist in my eyes when I read No matter and an enthusiastic and versatile
the script the first time. what happens,
a good Christmas group of actors are required.
Although I grew up on other is about keeping
The actors in our production had
the spirit. a unique opportunity to learn

Christmas stories, I think that what the art of acting for radio and to

ties all Christmas stories together is also immerse themselves and the

the idea that, no matter what happens, a audience in a world when radio was

good Christmas is about keeping the spirit. king. They’ve taken on the double duty of not

Bringing this classic story to the stage through only building their characters for Miracle on
such a unique storytelling method has been a 34th Street, but also creating the characters
challenge and a joy. When talking about radio that are part of the WBFR acting company and
theatre, one might be tempted to call it a lost crew. I can only hope that it was as fun and
art. However, the radio drama is a relatively illuminating for them as it was for me.

thriving genre. A quick internet search will April Brown, Director

p. 4

From the stage and auditorium of Studio A

WBFRin Manhattan, New York, December 1948,
Playhouse on the Air

Presents

Miracle

on 34th Street

Our Host

Freddie Filmore

With special guest stars The WBFR Playhouse on the Air Acting Company includes

Judy Lester as Narrator Axel J. Bonapowski
Sir Trevor Ashe as Kris Kringle
Annie Carroll as Susan Walker Daniel Cracket
Gregory Dash
Mary Lindsay as Doris Walker Vivian Gold
Peter Carey as Fred Gailey
Carolina Johnson
Bridget Lauren
With music by the WBFR quartet Juan Carlos de Sandoval y Goya

Freddie Filmore Sam Wilson
Sam Stone Corlia Wooten
Sven Svenson
Thor Thunderrumble
And sound effects provided by Foley artists

Piano accompaniment by Myrtle Mertes
Grace Monti
Clara Keys James Pricker

Stage Manager

Olive le Branch

Sing-Along Lyrics

“Here Comes Santa Claus” “All I Want for Christmas is
My Two Front Teeth”
Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus, All I want for Christmas
Right down Santa Claus lane. Is my two front teeth,
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer My two front teeth,
Pullin’ on the reins. Just my two front teeth.
Bells are ringin’, children singin’. Gee, if I could only have
All is merry and bright. My two front teeth,
Hang your stockings Then I could wish you “Merry Christmas.”
And say your prayers,
’Cause Santa Claus comes tonight! It seems so long since I could say,
“Sister Suzy sitting on a thistle.”
Here comes Santa Claus, Gosh oh gee, how happy I’d be,
Here comes Santa Claus, If I could only “whithle.”
Right down Santa Claus lane.
He’s got a bag that’s filled with toys All I want for Christmas
For boys and girls again. Is my two front teeth,
Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, My two front teeth,
Oh, what a beautiful sight. Just my two front teeth.
So jump in bed and cover your head, Gee, if I could only have
‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight! My two front teeth,
Then I could wish you “Merry Christmas.”
Here comes Santa Claus,
Here comes Santa Claus, All I want for Christmas
Right down Santa Claus lane. Is my two front teeth,
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer My two front teeth,
Pullin’ on the reins. Just my two front teeth.
Bells are ringin’, children singin’. Gee, if I could only have
All is merry and bright. My two front teeth,
Hang your stockings Then I could wish you “Merry Christmas.”
And say your prayers,
’Cause Santa Claus comes tonight! “Silent Night”

happy Silent night, holy night.
holidays All is calm, all is bright.
Round yon virgin mother and child.
from Holy infant, so tender and mild.
Sleep in heavenly peace,
WBFR Sleep in heavenly peace!

Silent night, holy night.
Shepherds quake at the sight.
Glories stream from heaven afar.
Heavenly hosts sing “Hallelujah!”
Christ the savior is born,
Christ the savior is born!

La Crosse Community Theatre, State Bank Financial,
Kwik Trip, Inc., Festival Foods, and Logistics Health, Inc. present

Playhouse on the air presents:

Miracle on 34th Street

Adapted by David R. Kilpatrick and Greg Parmeter

Directed by

April Brown

Music Director Costume Designer Set Designer

Michael Mandy Dillon
Kruse Parmeter McArdle

Foley Designer Lighting Designer Stage Manager

Kate Tim Raina
Kersten Harris Thelen

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Cast of Characters

Freddie Filmore...........................Michael Kruse Foley (Sound Effects) Artists
Judy Lester............................Maureen Worden Grace Monti................................Mary Greener
Sir Trevor Ashe............................Bill Schwartz* Myrtle Mertes..............................Kate Kersten
Annie Carroll....................... Madeline Biondo* James Pricker.............................. Dylan Thoren
Mary Lindsay..................................Sara Adams WBFR Acting Company Character
Peter Carey............................Scott Dickmeyer* Vivian Gold.................................. Lisa K. Adams
Studio Pianist Clara Keys............. Sarah Leitzen Axel J. Bonapowski....................Tom Desjarlais
Stage Manager Olive le Branch.... Raina Thelen Gregory Dash..................Avery Gerstenberger
Barbershop Quartet Daniel Cracket..............................Joshua Kaiser
Freddie Filmore.................Michael Kruse (lead) Carolina Johnson..................... Camryn Lemke*
Sam Stone.......................... Eric Leitzen (tenor) Juan Carlos de Sandoval y Goya..David D. Marshall*
Sven Svenson.............John Solberg* (baritone) Corlia Wooten............................. Cyndy Nichols
Thor Thunderrumble...........Kevin Baird* (bass) Sam Wilson......................................Alec Olson*
Bridget Lauren......................Rachel Sherman*
* = LCT stage debut

p. 7

Artistic Director’s Note

Christmas is always a good time to look April. We will offer an expanded youth program
back and reflect on the year that was. I will and more adult education opportunities. We
always remember 2013 as a pivotal year in have new ways for volunteers to get involved

the life of La Crosse Community Theatre. 2013 just around the corner, such as our new improv

is the year in which we bade farewell to our old troupe. In fact, there are far too many exciting

home and took our first exciting steps into the things coming up to describe in the short space

Weber Center, a goal for which we all worked I have.

long and hard. We also celebrated 2013 was a The future of LCT belongs to you,
our 50 years as a community pivotal year in our patrons and volunteers. Now is
theatre—a monumental the life of LCT. the time for you to take that future
accomplishment! The future was . . . The future and run with it. Together we can
scary, but together we braved the belongs to you. accomplish even more in the New
unknown and set our path toward Year than we ever have before and
a future full of possibilities. launch La Crosse Community Theatre

We look forward to what 2014 will on its journey of the next 50 years.

bring. Exciting productions will
round out this season, including Tuesdays with
Morrie, Guys on Ice, and Thoroughly Modern
Millie, and a new season will be announced in Greg Parmeter, Artistic Director

Special Acknowledgments

Thank you to all who made this production possible, including Theresa Smerud and Krissa Harnish for photographs
and special guest Jeff Copsey.

Production and Design Staff

Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April Brown Lighting Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Raasch
Music Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Kruse Set Construction. . . . Lisa Adams, April Brown,
Costume Designer. . . . . . . . . . Mandy Parmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bob Raasch, Kelsey Taunt
Set Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dillon McArdle Costume Construction . . . . . . . Marsha Erickson,
Foley Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate Kersten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donna Hanson, Shirley Huhn,
Lighting Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Harris . . . . . . . . .Francie Johnson, Mandy Parmeter,
Stage Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raina Thelen . . . Jeri Sebo, Lorraine Wilson, Suzanne Young
Light Board Operator . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelsey Taunt Hair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Adams
Sound Board Operator . . . . . . . . . Chris Matuska

p. 8

A proud sponsor of this production

p. 9

Cast Biographies

Lisa K. Adams (Vivian Gold) his normal realm, and for her patience, love, and
has appeared at LCT as Miss support in his time away from home.
Stephanie in To Kill a Mocking-
bird. She also served as assistant Madeline Biondo* (Annie
stage manager for Noises Off. Carroll) is a second grader at
Hintgen Elementary. She has
Elsewhere, Lisa has appeared as Kate in The Taming appeared in her school
of the Shrew (Holmen Community Theatre), as Miss productions of Spiderella,
Maudie in To Kill a Mockingbird (Theatre in the
Park, in Illinois), and as Myrtle Brown in Mornings Island Adventures, and Mountain Mysteries.
at Seven (Appleseed Community Theatre and Her hobbies include dance, being funny, her
Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School). Lisa enjoys pets, and fishing. She loves“Everything!”about
restoring furniture, gardening, and cooking. She theatre and LCT. She would like to thank LCT, the
likes the sense of community that theatre provides. audience, her family, and everyone who helped
her.
Sara L. Adams (Mary Lindsay)
is the proud mother of Rachel and Tom Desjarlais (Axel J.
Julia. She appeared at LCT in 1989 Bonapowski) is territory
as an angel in The Best manager at Fairway Outdoor
Christmas Pageant Ever. Advertising. He has appeared
at LCT as King Pelinor in
Elsewhere, she has appeared as Fairy May in
The Curious Savage (Holmen Community Theatre), Camelot and as Ranger Tom in Escanaba in
as the Mute in The Fantasticks (Pegasus Players), Da Moonlight, among other shows. Elsewhere,
and as the White Witch in The Lion, the Witch, he has played Charlie in Amateurs and as Shelly
and the Wardrobe (UW-Eau Claire Theatre). Sara Lavine in Glengarry Glen Ross. Tom enjoys golfing
enjoys embroidery and cooking. She loves the smell and taking part in theatre, where he has the
backstage and the feeling of family she gets through opportunity to be other characters. He thanks LCT’s
theatre. She thanks her mom and dad“for watching patron members and you, the audience.
my girls so I can play.”
Scott Dickmeyer* (Peter
Kevin Baird* (Thor Carey) is an associate professor
Thunderrumble/Quartet Bass) is in communication studies at
a second-grade classroom UW-La Crosse. Scott enjoys
teacher at Summit Environmental traveling, fishing, hanging with
School. Eons ago he was a chorus
this wife and boys, and watching alternative
member for the Holmen Community Theatre. comedy. He likes the collaborative spirit of
Kevin enjoys biking, drawing, singing, and hiking. everyone involved in the production. Scott
He likes that theatre gives him a chance to take a thanks Linda, Chaz, Ben, and Zach.
risk and step into a new role. Kevin thanks his wife,
Betty, for encouraging him to try something out of * = LCT stage debut

p. 10 Continued on page 12

A proud sponsor of this production

Cast Biographies

Avery Gerstenberger also has been involved with Appleseed Community
(Gregory Dash) is a service Theatre and the Heider Center. Kate enjoys
associate at Riverfront, Inc. He designing and painting sets for area theatres,
has appeared at LCT as Dick watercolors, reading, restoring old furniture, animal
Wilkins in A Christmas Carol and rescue,“and, of course, this theatre!”She loves the
sense of family at LCT and how everyone can find
as Grumio in Babes in Toyland. Elsewhere, their place in the group, where they can express
he was an ensemble member in Footloose and The themselves, make friends, have fun, and shine.
Wiz. Avery enjoys reading novels and indulging in
reality television. He likes the family that theatre Michael Kruse (Freddie
creates. Avery would like to thank his folks, Kat and Filmore/Quartet Lead/Music
Kev, for their love and support, as well as his sister Director) is an avid outdoorsman
Abby for her enthusiasm. who enjoys hunting, boating,
and fishing. When he’s not out
Mary Greener (Grace Monti)
works for United Health Care. She in the wild, he is the senior contract manager
appeared at LCT as Officer Pudney at Reinhart Food Service. Notable appearances at
in Rumors and the Reporter in LCT were as Billy Flynn in Chicago and as the
Inherit the Wind. Elsewhere, she Foreman in Les Misérables. He has appeared
regionally in The Foreigner (Holmen Community
has appeared in a variety of shows, including Agnes Theatre), The Fantasticks (Appleseed Community
of God and Ravenscraft (Pegasus Players), Theatre), and Deathtrap (The Pump House). He
Comedy of Errors (Open Air Players), and Bat Boy would like to thank his family, friends, and
(The Muse). Mary enjoys scrapbooking and meeting coworkers for all their continued support.
new people through the creative outlet of theatre.
She thanks her mom for encouraging Mary’s Eric Leitzen (Sam Stone/
creativity her whole life. Quartet Tenor) is an instructor at
Sylvan Learning and a substitute
Joshua Kaiser (Daniel teacher at several area schools.
Cracket) is a fifth-grade student He has appeared on the LCT stage
at Blessed Sacrament School.
He appeared at LCT as Ferret 1 as Mr. Lyons in Blood Brothers and as Duncan/
in The Wind in The Willows. Siward in Macbeth. He has appeared elsewhere as
Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast and more than
Joshua enjoys sports, acting, and everything 20 roles at Carthage Theatre. Eric enjoys writing,
theatre. He thanks his dad, mom, and Greg. reading, religion, and politics. He loves the great
people and great shows he encounters at LCT. He
Kate Kersten (Myrtle Mertes/ would like to thank Sarah for her love and Michael
Foley Designer) has been a Kruse for the opportunity.
graphic designer at Kwik Trip,
Inc., for twenty years. At LCT, she * = LCT stage debut
has appeared in the ensemble of

Les Misérables and as Mom in Leaving Iowa. She

p. 12 Continued on page 14

A proud sponsor of this production

Cast Biographies

Sarah Leitzen (Clara Keys) Alec Olson* (Sam Wilson) is a
has helped with several LCT fifth-grade student at Stoddard
shows, hiding backstage until Elementary School. Elsewhere, he
now. She’d like to thank her has appeared as a member of
husband, Eric, for his love and Curly’s Posse in The Tortoise and

patience with the late nights, her castmates for their the Hare and as a Mexican Jumping Bean in Jack
constant encouragement and laughter, and friends and the Beanstalk, both for Missoula Children’s
and family for assuring her this was a good idea. Theatre. Alec enjoys playing games and fishing. He
also likes to act and to make people laugh.
Camryn Lemke* (Carolina Bill Schwartz* (Sir Trevor
Johnson) is a sixth-grade student
at Holmen Middle School. Ashe) is retired and now
Camryn enjoys drawing, painting, enjoys golfing, fishing, and
dancing, and gymnastics. She reading. He likes how the
people he has met through
wishes to thank her grandma“for pushing me and LCT have been so friendly.
always believing in me.” Rachel Sherman* (Bridget
Lauren) is a sixth-grade student
David D. Marshall* (Juan at Logan Middle School. She
Carlos de Sandoval y Goya) is enjoys singing, dancing,
no stranger to treading the writing, and acting. She says,
boards. His many roles include “It’s fun to pretend.”
quite a lot of Shakespeare, John Solberg* (Sven
Svenson/Quartet Baritone) is a
including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Love’s retired postal worker. He enjoys
Labours Lost, and Richard III. A graduate of the Cowboy Action Shooting, counted
UNC School of Law, he is a contracting specialist cross- stitch, stained glass work,
at LHI. David would like to thank his fiancée, woodcarving, and working with the La Crosse
Professor Shelley May, for her patience. County Historical Society. He would like to thank
Nancy for her encouragement and patience and to
Cyndy Nichols (Corlia thank God that he is able to sing.
Wooten) is a retired teacher
who now works as a dog sitter. * = LCT stage debut
She was last seen on the LCT
stage as a chorus member in

Les Misérables. She has also performed as Sally
in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown in West
Salem. She appreciates that LCT accepts all people,
no matter what their age or ability, and that there is
a kind and welcoming atmosphere. Cyndy would
like to thank Liam, Kora, Jen, Adam, and friends for
their love and support. “For M17, my angel star.”

p. 14 Continued on page 16

A proud sponsor of this production

Cast Biographies

Dylan Thoren (James Pricker) Maureen Worden (Judy
is an eighth grader at Logan Lester) is a retired English
Middle School. He has appeared teacher. She appeared in LCT’s
on the LCT stage in It’s a It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live
Wonderful Life and The Wizard Radio Play. She also took part

of Oz. Elsewhere, he has been seen in The Music in theatre many years ago, in a state far away.
Man and Willy Wonka. His favorite thing about Maureen enjoys reading, writing, and traveling.
theatre is that no matter how slowly or quickly a She likes how theatre“allows us to enter another
show comes along, it always comes together in world, another life.”Maureen would like to thank
the end. Dylan would like to thank his parents for April and Greg for allowing her to play.
driving him to rehearsals and the production team
for casting him.

Production Staff Biographies

April Brown (Director) received a BFA would like to thank his lovely wife, Megan, who means
in theatre directing from Arkansas State the world to him. “Love ya, babe!”
University. She has worked as a professional
stage manager at Peach State Summer Tim Harris (Lighting Designer) is
assistant technical director for the
Theatre, Commonweal Theatre Company, and this Weber Center for the Performing Arts.
summer’s Home and Community Options production of He has appeared on stage in several LCT
Fiddler on the Roof in Winona. April directed Bus Stop
for LCT last fall and Pirates of the Chemotherapy for plays, including The Producers, Almost, Maine, and
Appleseed Community Theatre in January. Other duties Blood Brothers. Tim also has volunteered in a
at LCT include box office and house managing, and she variety of backstage capacities, including on set
loves to write in her free time. A special shout out to crews, building sets and running light and sound
Trevor and Maya for their love and support. boards. He looks forward to the day when he can
spend quality time with just the right person.
Mandy Parmeter (Costume Designer) is
in her seventh season at LCT. She received Raina Thelen (Olive le Branch/Stage
her MFA in costume design in May 2005 Manager in the 21st Century and in
from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 1948) is stage managing for the first
time, but she has been seen on stage at
Her work has taken her from Oklahoma to Washington,
Virginia, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Mandy and Greg are LCT in Blood Brothers and as Kate in The Pirates of
looking forward to their son, Benjamin, growing up in the Penzance. She is a “Live! from La Crosse”company
La Crosse community. member and enjoys “general mischief of the artistic
variety” in the form of singing, songwriting,
Dillon McArdle (Set Designer) is LCT’s composing, and painting. She loves LCT because it is
technical director. A Viterbo University “nothing but a good time!” She would like to thank
alum, he enjoys building things, grilling her family and Jon for their support.
out with friends, and blowing snow. He

p. 16

Thank you to our 2013-2014 season sponsors!

Associated Bank Mueller Media
BrightStar Care Schomburg Refrigeration
The Casino Bar Russell L. and Vera M. Smith Foundation
Commercial A/V Systems State Bank Financial
Dairyland Power Cooperative Trust Point, Inc.
DigiCOPY United Fund for the Arts and Humanities
Festival Foods Vendi Advertising
Gundersen Health System Wisconsin Public Radio—WLSU/WHLA
Health Tradition Health Plan WXOW
Kwik Trip, Inc. Xcel Energy
La Crosse Public Education Foundation
La Crosse Radio Group LCT is supported in part by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts
Logistics Health, Inc. Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the National
Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare Endowment for the Arts.

p. 17

PROUD TO

SUPPORT

THE LA CROSSE
COMMUNITY THEATRE

Dan Radtke
VP, Senior Financial Consultant
Associated Investment Services, Inc.
608-793-3880
[email protected]

(9/13) 4465

Give the gift of live theatre! Stop by the box office for a Six Pack or gift certificate!



Patron Donor List

Producer’s Circle ($2,500+) Sara and Chris Battison Joe and Candice Bucheger Owen and Francie Johnson
La Crosse Community Foundation Todd Bjerke and Karen Kroll Tom Bruemmer and Judy Cobb David and Barbara Kilpatrick
Wendy Butler Cari and Mark Burmaster Michael and Beverly Kratt
Gretchen Guernsey Leigh Fund Roy Campbell Robert and Gretchen Burns Cliff and Cheryl Kremmer
John and Linda Lyche Roger and Kenna Christians Frank and Kristi Cadwell Alan and Robin Krumholz
Harriet A. Myers Robert Coe Jean Clark Dan and Vicky Kunz
Tammy and Chad Dutton Dorothy Coelin Fred and Janet Kusch
Director’s Circle David and Barbara Foye Bob and Kay Conzemius Dennis and Michelle LaRoche
($1,000-$2,499) Jim and Jo Glasser Gary and Susan Corbisier Henry and Beverly Lawrence
Anonymous (2) David and Nancy Goode Michael and Rita Edmunds Bob and Jo Le Roy
Tom and Jan Brock Chris and Jane Kerbaugh Ted and Mary Jean Eisenbacher Pam Leibel
Ursula Cejpek Peter and Krin Krause Tom Erb and Cece Caron Debbie Lejeune
Donald and Barbara Frank Michael and Carol Mader Ramon and Connie Erickson Ken and Nancy Lerum
J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan Nancy and Andrew Matchett Carey Falkenberry Dr. Larry and Diane Lindesmith
Jerry and Kathy Lokken Ken and Janine Merkitch David and Teresa Faulkner Nancy Luedtke
Scott and Mary Rathgaber Barbara Rice Sandra Filla Beverly J. Mach
Chuck and LuAnn Roth Edward and Sheila Riley Sally Friend Aurel and Sue Mailath
Brian and Karen Rude Mark and Nancy Goodman Mike and Sharon Markee
Designer’s Circle Dennis and Sharon Ryan David and Jennifer Grimsled Stephen and Margeen Mau
($500-$999) Mary Lansing and Daniel Schneider Peter and Janice Gutierrez Les and Rita Messerschmidt
Henry (Bud) and Mabel Lou Ahrens Bill and Chris Smiley Larry and Erma Hafner Janeth and Gerald Miller
Chris and Vicki Born Don Smith and Nancy Korn Smith Dennis and Donna Haggard Rich and Vicki Miller
Donna Brooks Jim and Phyllis Warren John Halbrehder and Carolyn Dr. Edward and Sally Miner
Dr. John and Arla Clemons Jim and Jo Ann Wickizer Randy Nelson
Ellen Conway Diekmann Cyndy Nichols
Hal and Julie Keitel Promoter ($125-$249) Chuck and Cheryl Hanson Tom and Lori Nigon
Martin and Jennifer Koop Anonymous (4) Trish and Don Harkness Jon and Christi Nowland
Kwik Trip, Inc. Jim and Mary Anderson Barbara Heili Ron and Frieda Nowland
Karl and Julie Noll James and Lynn Arends Donald and Kathy Hill Tamara Nowland
Leanna Olson-Taunt and Robert Taunt Arnold and Donna Asp Diane and Jim Hoffmeister Jack and Barb Peplinski
Dick and Mary Jean Sartz Jeff and Gale Bagstad Hon. Scott and Sue Horne Robert and Patricia Perlock
Pamela and Richard Strauss Dave Bahr Mary Jean Hoscheit Effie Piper
Vantage Architects, Inc. Jason and Kelley Bahr Charles and Mary Hosler Marianne and Galen Pittman
Ken and Jane Wastlund John Baker Robert and Mary Hubbard Tom and Kathy Ready
Tom and Mary Ballinger Rollin and Connie Huebsch Ann Rigden
Actor’s Circle ($250-$499) Lynette Berg Dar and Darlene Isaacson
Peter and Joan Allen Dennis and Claire Jandt (continued on page 26)
David Amborn and Karen Gilster

p. 20

LCT LoLgoooking Back . . . Issue 12
December 13, 2013
A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Past Shows

Our 50th season
celebration of LCT
history continues …

During the 1970s, The Young People’s Company
(125 high school and college students) performed two
shows and handled most onstage and backstage tasks.

In summers, part of that
group, The Vagabond
Players, traveled with a
flatbed truck “stage,”
portable platforms, and
a “show wagon” to city parks, libraries, and playgrounds,
performing improvisational shows.
As of 1975, LCCT was one of four privately supported
community theatres in Wisconsin; it employed one of
seven resident directors in the state, one of three
technical directors, and was the only one to employ a
costumer. LCCT produced 53 plays and sold 2,000
season tickets, and by
1976 more than 9,000
people had participated
as volunteers or audience
members.

The Vagabond Players in 1972, ready to
entertain children and adults alike with
original scripts and costumes.

Note: For most of its history, La Crosse Community Theatre was known by the acronym LCCT. In January 2007, it changed to LCT along with a new logo.

Three directors—Ken Albers, Arnold Johnson, and John
Viars—contributed to LCCT’s success during the ’70s.

Ken Albers was the third LCCT director
and served for two seasons (’69-’71). In
addition to directing 10 plays and establishing
The Vagabond Players during his tenure,
he re-staged “The Star-Spangled Girl” from
the previous season for Oktoberfest and was
asked to produce both the Miss Dairyland
pageant and the Mrs. Wisconsin competition.
Before leaving for Case Western Reserve
University, Ken and his wife, Cathy, performed
in Plaza Suite as a farewell benefit for LCCT.

Arnold Johnson served as the fourth LCCT
director, for five seasons beginning in 1971.
Arnold came to La Crosse from Case Western
Reserve University to open the ’71-’72 season
with Fiddler on the Roof and stayed through
the’75-’76 closing show Status Quo Vadis
(his 25th).

During the search for the next full-time director for LCCT’s
’77-’78 season, four guest directors stepped in to stage a
provocative and entertaining ’76-’77 season:

 Al Saterbak (The Pajama Game)
 Laurie Becker (Arsenic and Old Lace)
 Jack Starr (6 RMS, RIV VU)
 Anne Drecktrah (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof)

John Viars began as LCCT’s Technical
Director in 1971. After two seasons, in 1973,
John became The Vagabond Players’ director in
its third season and also directed two one-act
bonus post-season plays: Adaption/Next. After
an absence to pursue further education, John
returned to LCCT, the search committee’s first
choice for our fifth artistic director, and kicked off
the ’77-’78 season with Company. John stayed
at LCCT for five seasons.

Radio Plays and Playhouse on the Air

Since 2000, LCT has presented seven radio plays,
which were performed in front of live audiences while
being broadcast live on WIZM radio—1410 AM. In
addition to Dracula and Frankenstein: A Radio Play
in 2007, and The Dunwich Horror in 2008, LCCT paired
with WIZM on the following:

The War of the Worlds

by H.G. Wells

2003
2000

2004

2006
2002

The first LCT Playhouse on the Air
in December 2010 was received
with great enthusiasm. Uniformed
footmen from the ’40s greeted
audience members curbside. Inside,
a quartet carried on the holiday
spirit with Christmas carols.

Once the curtain rose, the audience was drawn in
by costumed actors portraying the beloved movie
characters and watched the sound-
effects crew create footsteps, howling
winds, police sirens, and crowd noises.

The contagious gusto with which this Kelly Wilde (L)
famous story was portrayed by the LCT & Tom Wright
cast spilled over into the audience, who
left the theatre steeped in the Holiday
Spirit!

Joanne Jenkins—The “Business” in Show Business

Before 1966, when Joanne was hired as
business manager, she volunteered in the box
office, worked backstage as a dresser, and
painted sets. Until LCCT’s permanent home on
5th Avenue, the box office, with the same
phone number as today, was located at the
Stoddard Hotel. For early performances, held
in various community locations, Joanne loaded
Joanne Jenkins, (L), Kay Fuller and Betty Ware the ticket boards (made especially for her) and
arrange tickets in LCCT box office in 1970 files into the trunk of her car and set up the
traveling box office and Will Call before each performance.
Joanne was “the glue that holds everything together” for LCCT’s first six
directors. During her more than 30 years of service, in addition to managing the
box office, Joanne kept the books; wrote checks; oversaw the sales, publicity, and
house management committees; and was instrumental in volunteer recruitment.
For those who came in or called to purchase tickets, Joanne was the “face and
voice of the theatre.”

Marilyn Wood—In Step with LCCT

At auditions for Bells Are Ringing in 1964, Mike Thompson’s directorial debut,

Marilyn Wood, a dance teacher, auditioned with some of her dancers and secured

the job of choreographer for this and future musicals. Marilyn’s influence and

creative choreography spanned the tenure of six directors and three decades at

LCCT.

Though all are too numerous to list here, a variety of examples of Marilyn’s

choreography—each a treat to watch and dance in—include:

 Oliver—1966

 Guys and Dolls—1967

 The Music Man—1969

 Fiddler on the Roof—1971

 Man of La Mancha—1972

 Anything Goes—1975

 Damn Yankees—1980

 The Pajama Game—1976

 Hello, Dolly—1989 Marilyn Wood, choreographer for Gypsy,

teaches the vaudeville routine in1970

~~Insert Concept by LCT History Committee~~
Newspaper photos courtesy of the La Crosse Tribune

Design by Suzanne Young

Proud to be one of this year’s La Crosse Community Theatre Media Sponsors
Our popular family of radio stations includes

w w w . l a c r o ss e r a d i o gr o u p . n e t

Thank you again to all of our volunteers!

If you or your group is looking for volunteer opportunities, we can use your help
this season! Call 608-784-9292 or visit www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org.
p. 25

Patron Donor List

(continued from page 20) Joe and Denise DeBonville Peter Kujawa Curt and Bev Ruston
Barbara Decker Paul and Kimberly Lansing Josh and Anne Saylor
Promoter ($125-$249) Jolene DeMaiffe Russel and Sandra Lee Jim and Elaine Schauls
Cameron and Carlene Roberts Bob DiNicola Tom and Jenelle Lee Dave and Heather Schlichte
Kirk and Nancy Rodman Stanley and Sue Dwyer Steve and Karen Lind Doris and John Schwingle
Roger and Pat Roslansky Gary and Lu Anne Ekern Claude and Carolyn Lindeman Schmocker Financial Services
Sam and Lisa Sauer Eldon and Fran Ellefson Charles and Wendy Linnell Glenn and Lila Seager
Pete and Nancy Sedbrook Daryl and Nancy Ertl Steve and Cheryl Loehr Jeri Sebo
Ed and Laurie Solberg Dr. Todd and Mary Jo Fetsch Wes and Karen Mack Sandy Sechrest
Greg and Joan Stellrecht Harold Flemke and Be Facteau In Honor of the Anniversary of Wendy and John Severson
Peter and Judy Stuber Dennis and Lauri Ford Jane Symicek
Tom Schauer and Maureen Sullivan Adam and Robyn Foye Bill and Jo Ellen Mapp Lori Slungaard
Brian and Diane Sullivan Joseph and Joan Francois Robert and Diane Marcou Charlie and Lynn Smader
Miriam and Ed Tanke Robert and Maureen Freedland Edith McBain Arlene Smith
Marge and Bill Terry Marla French Lorraine McIlraith Robert Smith and Elizabeth Wright
Terry and Cheryl Thienes William and Sarah Goff Lloyd H. and Evelyn G. Miller Martin and Ruby Smith
Suzanne and Joseph Toce Bill and Mary Graumann Mike and Sandi Miller Mark and Carol Solyst
Lill A. Twining Merri Jo Guggenbuehl Sally Miller Dick and Pat Spencer
Stephen and Katherine Webster James Hanesworth Howard and Nancy Mills Dan and Janice Springer
Ross and Lynn Marie West Grace Hanson Mary Monsoor Lee and Ann Stansbury
David and Yvonne Whiteman Natalie Hartigan Sandi Moser Dave and Debbie Stark
Ray and Joyce Wichelt David and Jo Ellen Hartman Les and Helen Munson Paul and Jane Steingraeber
Gary and Debra Wold Helen M. Heiser Curtis and Marcia Murray Pat and Joanne Stephens
Margaret and Daryl Wood Family James and Barbara Hemker Kelly Nedvidek Wally and Betty Stoll
Mr. Ken Wortman (In Memory of Jean) Mike and Cheri Herro Kenneth and Carmin Nelson Carole R. Strittmater
Jerry and Diane Hoch Sonja Nelson Carol Taebel
Supporter ($75-$124) John and Linda Hoehn Ed and Corine Neuman Kim Tate
Anonymous (6) Maria Holley Rudy and Cherie Nigl Kathy Thompson
Frank and Jenny Aberger Russell and Katie Holman Becky Nommensen Bill and Pam Thrune
Robert and Laurel Allen George and Jackie Horihan Joseph and Claudia O`Keefe Barbara and Jerry Tripp
Norma Anderson Dale and Christine Howard Jim and Mary Olson Tony and Patrice Vander Wielen
Jack and Donna Anderson Ray and Joanne Hubley Todd and Deb Ondell Jo Voight
Mark and Linda Backer Florence Hyatt Paul and Judy Onsrud David and Laura Wagner
Lori and Gabi Bagniewski Jeff and Amanda Jackson Florence Overgard Kathleen Wagner
Jean Bassett Jan and Lynn Jarvinen Ann Padesky Colleen Walsh
Dorothy Baures Jo Ann Jenkins Elsie Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wetterling
Kay Baumann Norman Jerome Richard H. Pearse III Richard and Judy Williams
Clark and Margaret Berg Nancy Johnson Patrick and Susanne Peck Paul and Linda Starr Winans
Nancy Borgen Robert A. and Christine A. Johnson Bonnie Pederson Ed and Sharon Winga
Clem and Karol Bott Mark and Sharon Jolivette Dennis and Lois Peterson Kevin and Marla Withey
Judy Brennan Mike and Clarice Kammel Larry and Mariann Peterson Harvey and Pat Witzenburg
Bruce and Jerrilyn Brewer Rose Ann Kazmierczak Jarrod and Sherry Picha Leon and Kay Wolfe
Dianna Brown Bob and Mary Kelemen Carleen Poellinger and Paul Brown Jane Wood
Gale Bruessel Rich Maresh and Joan Keller-Maresh Mr. Robert Raasch Maureen Worden
Mark Brumm Paul and Karen Klas Jim and Carol Reider Jim and Marilyn Wuttke
Gary and Mary Bubbers Ms. Marlene Kohner Michael and Cynthia Renken Frances I. Young
Catherine and Tim Bulera Keith and Kimberly Krejchik Todd and Eva Marie Restel Mark and Debra Zellmer
Tony and Violet Capaul Michael Kruse Ms. Arlene Rhode Thomas and Kay Zibrowski
Willard and Ann Carlow Ken Schelper and Jen Roberdeau
Debra and Tom Clanin

p. 26

Call the LSO office at 608.783.2121 LYRIC MASTERS:
Guest Artist: Zuill Baily – Cello
Visit our website for more details
Oct. 19, 2013
www.lacrossesymphony.org THE ROMANTIC SPIRIT:
Guest Artist: Simon Mulligan – Piano
ON SALEIndividual & Season Tickets
NOW! Nov. 23, 2013
AN OLD WORLD CHRISTMAS:

Guest Artist: La Crosse Dance Centre
Dec. 21, 2013

SONGS OF THE HEART:
Guest Artist: Tracey Engelman – Soprano

Feb. 1, 2014
THE SPANISH STYLE:
Guest Artist: Maria Bachmann – Violin

Mar. 8, 2014
SEASON FINALE: RISING STARS

& A GRAND FINALE:
Guest Artist: Rising Starts Concerto Competition Winners

April 5, 2014

Thank you
to the
Russell L. and Vera M.
Smith Foundation
for its generous support and

sponsorship this season

gundersenhealth.org

Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, Inc. | Gundersen Clinic, Ltd.

p. 27

Before you go . . .

Reserve your seats—or purchase additional tickets—for Tuesdays with Morrie.

Performances in the Veterans Studio Theatre Act today or wait to reserve tickets until

Feb. 14-15, 19-22, 26-March 1 at 7:30 p.m. Patron Donors: Any time
Feb. 15-16, 22-23, March 1-2 at 2 p.m. Season ticket holders (w/ upgrade): Jan. 20, 2014
Theatre PG
General Public: Jan. 27, 2014

Adults: $24 (Fri/Sat eves); $20 (Wed/Thu/matinees)
Students/Military: $10

LCT Staff & Board

STAFF MEMBERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David R. Kilpatrick President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kenna Christians
Artistic Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Parmeter First Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Horne
Technical Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dillon McArdle Second Vice-President. . . . . . Nancy Wigdahl Sedbrook
Costume Supervisor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mandy Parmeter Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dar Isaacson
Director of Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eric Severson Past President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . J. Michael Hartigan
Director of Youth Theatre. . . . . Rebecca Seflow Hartzell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Battison, Mike Herro, Hal Keitel,
Executive Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scott Jenks . . . Kate Kersten, Alan Krumholz, Brian Murphy, Randy Nelson,
Box Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amy Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karl Noll, Wayne Oliver, Chuck Roth
Box Office Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . April Brown, Karissa Kostka
Bookkeeper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Hofer
Usher Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Dawidowski

Weber Center Staff & Board

STAFF MEMBERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Executive Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David R. Kilpatrick President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chuck Roth
Weber Center Technical Director. . . . . . . . . . . Tim Harris . . . . . Rick Artman, Kenna Christians, Mary Ann Gschwind,
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Neville-Neil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Lyche, Michael Ranscht, Jim Warren
House Managers. . . . . . April Brown, Sharon Dawidowski,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Knox, Barry McKnight
Concessions Staff. Kelly Krieg-Sigman (mgr), Cassie George,
. . . . . . .Sam Jinsky, Nick Matthews, Scott Ott, Michael Sigman

Enjoy the show!

Enjoy dinner before the performance or dessert and coffee afterward.
501 Front Street South, La Crosse, WI 54601 | 608.784.4877 | [email protected]

MCHS Title: Black Franciscan Health Logo Publication: Weber Center Program Issue: None
MCHS_3192
Trim: 2.25” x 1.5” Agency: Hunt Adkins CD: Steve Mitchell PD:
me: Women’s Health & Cardiology Bleed: None DSGN: None PM:
ion: BW 1/4-Page Horizontal Safety: None AD: Krista Obrycki CW: None Pho
Gutter: None Studio: Chloe Greer Pre
MCHS_3192_ProgramAd.indd p. 29CACEO: : None Adkins
Doug Not

Fonts:



Six-Pack Flex Packages are still available! Inquire at the box office.

Thank you for your support of
La Crosse Community Theatre!

www.srci.biz

“In business EE PPXPXRPERSESSS RINRTININTGINLGLC LLC
to keep you in business
Your “CAN DO” Printer
24 hours a day.”
227 N. Third St. - La Crosse

Between Del’s Bar & Wettsteins

608.784.4900

www.expressprintinglax.com
Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm

We do FULL COLOR BANNERS!

p. 31



Community starts
with neighbors
who care.

That’s what our town is made of.
State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in
the community. That’s why I’m proud to support
La Crosse Community Theatre.

1201196 Charlie Smader, Agent
1901 Jackson Street
p. 33 La Crosse, WI 54601
Bus: 608-784-4510
[email protected]

Get to a better State®.

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

p. 34

p. 35

p. 36

p. 37

Interested in improv?

See the ad on page 41.

p. 38

Give the gift of live theatre! Stop by the box office for a Six Pack or gift certificate!

p. 39

Audience Services

Box Office Policies and Procedures Cameras/Recording/Cell Phones/Pagers

The box office is open 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and The use of cameras, recording equipment, cellular phones and
one hour before performances. General admission tickets may pagers is strictly prohibited in the theatre. You may check these
be charged to a credit card or paid for with a check/cash at the items at the box office. Please leave your seat number at the
window. Tickets must be paid for at the time of the reservation. box office.

Seat Reservations Phone Calls

All seats should be reserved in advance, including those for Parents, please leave your seat numbers with your babysitter. If
season ticket holders. Reservations for the general public begin they need to reach you during the performance, we will do our
approximately two weeks before the opening of each show; best. We do not interrupt the performance to page people for
for season ticket holders about three weeks before the show. phone calls.
Patron Donors (who have made an additional donation of $75
or more per season) may reserve seats at any time. Season Flowers
ticket holders may purchase two additional tickets for guests
for each season ticket purchased, and must be for the same per- Giving flowers to cast members while on stage is inappropriate.
formance the season ticket holder is attending. If you forget or Flowers may be left in the box office for the stage manager
are somehow prevented from reserving your seats on time, we to deliver or you may hand them to the cast member once he
will do our best to help you find seats. However, seats are not or she is out of costume. Audience members are not allowed
guaranteed once public ticket sales begin. There are no refunds. backstage. If you wish to meet with a cast or crew member after
Please call the box office at 784-9292 if you have questions. the show, please wait for them in the auditorium or lobby.

Need to Exchange Your Tickets? Bad Weather Policy

• All ticket exchanges must be done in person at the box office It is the policy of La Crosse Community Theatre not to cancel
if your tickets have been printed. performances due to bad weather. As a result, we urge our
ticket holders to make every effort to attend the performance
• There is a $1.00 per ticket exchange fee. for which they hold tickets. Should this prove impossible, please
• Tickets may only be exchanged for another performance of call the box office as soon as possible before the performance
and alternative arrangements will be made. We cannot guaran-
the same show, not for another show. tee that seating will be available for an alternate performance.
• Tickets must be exchanged at least 24 hours prior to the There are no refunds for inclement weather.

performance the original tickets are for. Babies and Small Children
• In case of emergency, we may (at our discretion) allow the
We welcome children old enough to enjoy our productions.
customer to use his or her tickets on another night if tickets For the comfort of all audience members, we ask that children
are available. These tickets may not be reserved ahead of under 4 not attend productions. Regardless of age, all members
time. The ticket exchange fee still applies. of the audience must have a ticket for admission.

Unable to Use Your Tickets? Late Seating Policy

Sorry, all sales are final. There are no refunds. Please return your We strive to begin performances on time. Please allow plenty
unused tickets at least 24 hours in advance of the production of time to find the theatre and to take your seat. If you arrive
date to receive a receipt for a tax-deductible donation. more than 15 minutes after the show begins, we reserve the
right to release your seat(s) to someone else. There are no
refunds. Late arrivals will be seated at our discretion.

LCT’s Mission

La Crosse Community Theatre creates productions and projects that enhance the theatrical literacy of our audience
members, volunteers, students and staff. We provide opportunities for creativity and personal growth in a fun,

collaborative environment. As a community, we celebrate human connections through communication and interaction.

p. 40

Coming in January!

La Crosse Community Theatre’s
new improv comedy troupe

in an evening of spontaneous hilarity and wit
Friday and Saturday

January 24 and 25, 2014

Watch your email or check our website
or Facebook for details!

p. 41

Acting Classes

$60 per Session 3

student Jan. 11–Feb. 15, 2014

ACT I ACT II ACT III

(grades 1–4) (grades 5–8) (grades 9–12)
Saturdays Saturdays Saturdays

9:30–10:20 am 10:30am–12:30 pm 10:30am–12:30 pm

Students learn: Age-appropriate classes meet
• the fundamentals of acting once a week on Saturday
• the basics of creating characters mornings (see times above).
• skills to make connections with
other actors on stage Class sizes are limited to
allow for more individualized
Games, activities, and lessons to suit instruction.
your child’s interests!
Sign up today!

STAGE MANAGEMENT PLAYWRITING

with Scott Jenks and April Brown with David R. Kilpatrick
• Explore the process of creating
• Be the hub connecting all the pieces of a play.
• Learn about the process of creating forms, characters, location, and action.
managing schedules, and communicating • Create a play to submit to a national
with people.
• Develop organizational and leadership skills. playwriting contest!

Saturdays, Jan. 11–Feb. 15, 2014, 9:00 am Thursdays, Jan. 9–Feb. 13, 2014, 4:00 pm

Tuesdays: Jan. 7–Feb. 11, 2014

Hands-on theatre experiences for kids grades 3–8.
Each week students will explore a different aspect
of theatre: • Basics of Design

• Stage Combat and Movement
• Acting and Directing
• Painting Techniques

For more information, stop by the box office, call or go online!

608-784-9292, ext. 2
Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org

p. 42



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