Noises Off

La Crosse Community Theatre presents

Sponsored by by MICHAEL FRAYN

and September 6–22, 2013



La Crosse Community Theatre, Schomburg Refrigeration and Xcel Energy present

NOISES OFF

by MICHAEL FRAYN

Director

GREG PARMETER

Costume Designer Set Designer Lighting Designer

MANDY DILLON TIM
PARMETER McARDLE HARRIS

Stage Manager Properties Coordinator Asst. Stage Manager

APRIL BROWN SARA L. ADAMS LISA K. ADAMS

Original production, by arrangement with MICHAEL CODRON,
at the LYRIC THEATRE, Hammersmith, on 23 February 1982, and on 31 March 1982

by MICHAEL CODRON at the SAVOY THEATRE, London.

Produced through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., 45 W 25th Street, New York.
The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Cast in Order of Appearance

Dotty Otley...............................Suzanne Young Frederick Fellowes....................Dustin Luecke*
Lloyd Dallas......................................Scott Jenks Belinda Blair..........................Stacy Bruemmer
Garry Lejeune........................ Kevin Laumbach Tim Allgood......................................Rhys Wolff
Brooke Ashton..................... Dominique Sicard Selsdon Mowbray.............................Jim Nelson
Poppy Norton-Taylor........................ Ash Dockry
* = LCT stage debut

Noises Off

Act I Act II Act III

The living room of the Brents’country The living room of the Brents’country The living room of the Brents’country
home. Wednesday afternoon. home. Wednesday afternoon. home. Wednesday afternoon.

(Peoria Players’Theatre, Peoria, (Akron Civic Theatre, Akron, Ohio. (Civic Playhouse, Schenectady,
Illinois. Monday, January 14.) Wednesday matinee, February 13.) New York. Saturday, April 6.)

There will be two 15-minute intermissions.

p. 3

A proud sponsor of this production

Director’s Note

Noises Off theatre artists work very hard to keep hidden from
the audience has an even greater allure to the human
September 6–22, 2013 imagination. Michael Frayn understood the comic
LCT’s 50th season – 332nd production potential in this curiosity when he sat down to write
Noises Off.
I think the most fun aspect of this show is that
everything you see happen on stage is, on some Do actors forget their lines and stage business?
level, plausible. In my own career as an actor I Every performance. Do actors really hook up during
have fallen down the stairs, knocked myself out shows? Frequently, but only rarely to disastrous
cold on stage, chipped a tooth, torn my pants, and consequences. Is there really this much backstabbing
completely forgotten every word to a song; and that and cast intrigue? Sure, though I’ve yet to see actual
was all in one epic performance. Thankfully, most of physical violence, I’ve heard stories. Is backstage
my other performances went better. during a performance truly that chaotic? Just ask the
stage crews for LCT’s productions of Les Miserables
Audiences often wonder what really happens behind and The Producers.
the scenes of a play. People have an intense curiosity
about the unseen, and it is that curiosity that has Like all the best comedies, Noises Off condenses
led to all of humanity’s great discoveries. Our need reality down to such a limited time frame that the
to identify and explain the inexplicable is at the once-believable result of human behavior borders
very heart of science, exploration, art, and even on the absurd. The fact of the matter is that, given
religion. Because a large part of theatre is the art enough time, pressure, and proximity, perfectly
of controlling what the audience sees, what we as rational, normal people will snap and behave in ways
that surprise even themselves. Any actor who has
been on a lengthy tour will tell you that eventually
just the sight of your tour-mate’s face can drive you
into an inexplicable rage. For me, it was the sound
of my tour-mate eating hummus in the van; not the
smell, the sound. Time, pressure, and proximity.

Thank you for joining us tonight. Thank you for being
a part of our historic 50th season. There is great joy in
creating theatre. I hope you get as much joy from this
show as the cast, crew, and I have.

Greg Parmeter, Director

Special Acknowledgments

Thank you to all who made this production possible, including Theresa Smerud and Krissa Harnish for
photographs, C&C Machine, King Furniture, and The Sequel resale shop.

p. 5

Executive Director’s Note

Noises Off starts our fiftieth season of bringing With this happening, you should be a part of us
community theatre to La Crosse and the surrounding all season long! I promise you several theatrical
areas. And what a season we have planned! We experiences that you won’t forget!
begin with a hilarious look backstage at a fourth-rate
company doing a third-rate play full of first-rate Although we have a new home, and for that we are
laughs. Next we go behind the scenes in the White eternally grateful, it’s not too late to be a part of it.
House and the ladies who have lived there. Our Any gift will be appreciated and valuable to our
season continues with an insider’s view of a radio success. Perhaps you are sitting in a chair that you
show and a classic American Christmas tale. would like to name? Stop at the box office and pick
up a brochure. I assure you, it will be a special gift to
With the New Year, our season continues with a close yourself or for someone else that will last a lifetime!
view of two friends coming together again as one
life ends and the other just gets started. Next we go LCT’s most significant asset is you—our audience.
inside an ice shack and we see, musically, what two Your support and dedication are why we have been
guys really talk about while waiting for the fish to here for 50 years. With your continued belief in the
bite. Finally, we close our mainstage season with an quality of theatre, we hope to be here for 50 more.
uproarious romp to the age of the flapper. Thank you for making this La Crosse Community
Theatre—theatre by the community, for the
Of course, this is only part of all that we are offering community.
this season. We include three productions for our
youth, complete with Saturday matinees and special David R. Kilpatrick
pricing to accommodate all who want to see theatre. Executive Director

Production and Design Staff

Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Parmeter Costume Construction. . . . . . Jenn Burchell,
Set Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dillon McArdle . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katya Carter, Amanda Cook,
Costume Designer. . . . . . . Mandy Parmeter . . . . . . . . Emily Felsheim, Francie Johnson
Lighting Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Harris Sound Board Operator . . . . . Susan T. Hessel
Stage Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April Brown Set Crew. . . . . . David Bornitz, John Boyle,
Props Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . Sara L. Adams . . . . . . . . Jason Bernhagen, Nate Schams,
Assistant Stage Manager. . . . Lisa K. Adams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nate Wolff
Set Construction. . . . . . . . Dennis Dorman, Props Crew. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Linda Evans
. . Gary Mundinger, Jim Nelson, Bob Raasch Costume Crew. . . . . . . . . . . Dawn Anderson,
Set Painting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ash Dockry, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Donna Buros Hanson
. . . . . . . .Sharon Markee, Suzanne Young

p. 6

A proud sponsor of this production

www.srci.biz

“In business
to keep you in business

24 hours a day.”

p. 7

Cast Biographies

STACY BRUEMMER (Belinda Blair) most DUSTIN LUECKE* (Frederick Fellowes) works at
recently appeared on the LCT stage in assorted WXOW – TV 19 and is making his LCT debut! He
women’s roles in The Dining Room, but her was president of the Onalaska High School
most memorable performance was as Glinda in drama club and performed as Felix Ungar in The

The Wizard of Oz. She was also a core performer with The Odd Couple, as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes, and as Oberon
Commonweal Theatre Co. in Lanesboro, MN, from 1989-93. She in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He enjoys that nervous thrill
enjoys seeing at each audition someone she’s worked with the moment before the curtain rises. He also enjoys golfing,
before. This is her hobby! During the day she performs as a reading and studying Italian. He would like to thank his fiancée,
pre-kindergarten aide at Coulee Children’s Center. She’d like to Dominique; his parents, Gary and Deb; his sister, Brittany; and
thank Mac and Annie for letting Mom out to play, and John for John and Lisa Reimler for developing his love for the stage.
everything else! JIM NELSON (Selsdon Mowbray) lists his most
ASH DOCKRY (Poppy Norton-Taylor) most
memorable performances at LCT playing Atticus
recently performed on the LCT stage in the in To Kill A Mockingbird and Officer Lockstock
ensemble of The Dining Room and was in Urinetown. He also was involved in various
assistant director for The Wind in the Willows. shows at UW-Washington and had the title role in Mrs.
She has been involved in theatre at UW-Madison and has Goshaw’s fifth-grade class production of Rip Van Winkle. His
performed in The Vagina Monologues. She thinks coming to hobbies include golfing and home repair and improvements.
rehearsal is not as much work as it is play.“Working with theatre Jim thinks there is an excitement to performing live. If you goof
folks is like being with kids on the playground.”Ash would like up, you get to do it again. If you performed flawlessly, now do it
to dedicate her performance to her late Grandma Haverkorn, again! He would like to thank his parents, Cliff and Betty Nelson.
who passed away during production. Ash thanks her mom, dad, DOMINIQUE L. SICARD (Brooke Ashton) is a
Shawn, Clash, and Red Fox. Special thanks to her sixth- customer service trainer at Logistics Health, Inc.
graders for putting up with her teaching ways. She last appeared on the LCT stage as Cherie in
SCOTT JENKS (Lloyd Dallas) earned his BS in Bus Stop. She also has played Charlotte Hay in
theatre stage management and art administra- Moon Over Buffalo and Karen in Poison. She loves that theatre
tion from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse pushes you outside your comfort zone and enables you to discover
in May 2013. Having grown up in the La Crosse things about yourself that you never imagined possible. She
community, Scott has been active in the arts from a young age. enjoys baking, reading, and singing. She would like to thank her
He has worn many hats in the theatre as an actor, stage fiancé for his support. She is thrilled to be performing beside him.
manager, board operator and choreographer. When Scott isn’t RHYS WOLFF (Tim Allgood) is the production
busy with a production or work, he’s either stage managing the manager for Blue LobStar Entertainment. He
all-adult performing group Grand River Singers or teaching most recently appeared on the LCT stage as
choreography to middle and high school show choirs. Seyton in Macbeth last season. Other favorite
KEVIN A. LAUMBACH (Garry Lejeune) is recent productions include: Biloxi Blues, Sweeney Todd,
no stranger to the LCT stage, last appearing Urinetown and Glengarry Glen Ross. Overall, he has worked
as Javert in Les Misérables, as Franz in on more than 70 productions from stage to TV to film. He would
The Producers, and as Seymour in Little Shop like to thank Greg for finally casting him in a role that people
of Horrors. Elsewhere he has performed as Claude in Hair will consider“likeable.”He’d also like to thank his wife, sons and
(UW-La Crosse Summer Stage), and as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd extended“theatre family”for continued support.
(The Muse Theatre). He enjoys sewing, sound mixing, and SUZANNE YOUNG (Dotty Otley) enjoys that in
costume design. He works at United Healthcare in Onalaska. theatre she has the opportunity to be someone
The draw of theatre for Kevin is to entertain audiences and take else and work with creative people. Every night
them on a journey. He would like to thank his family for always is different! You may remember her from LCT’s
being there for him. productions, as Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy or in multiple roles
in The Dining Room (in the round). She has also played Marty
* = LCT stage debut in Circle Mirror Transformation and See Jane Vote at The
Pump House. Outside of the theatre, Suzanne likes gardening
and cats. She would like to thank the fabulous, talented cast.

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]

Before you go . . .

Reserve your seats—or purchase additional
tickets—for First Lady Suite tonight!

Every First Lady makes her own rules.

By Michael John LaChiusa

Theatre PG

Performances

Oct. 18-19 and 24-26 at 7:30 pm
Oct. 20 and 27 at 2 pm

Act today or wait to reserve tickets until
Patron Donors: Any time

Season ticket holders: Sept. 23, 2013

General Public: Sept. 30, 2013

Adults: $26 (Fri/Sat); $24 (Thu/Sun)
Students/Military: $12

p. 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 Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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,
Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arthur Neville-Neil . . . . . . .Mary Ann Gschwind, John Lyche, Michael Ranscht,
House Managers. . . . . . April Brown, Sharon Dawidowski, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Warren
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ryan Knox, Barry McKnight
Concessions Staff. . . . . . . . . Kelly Krieg-Sigman (manager),
. .Cassie George, Sam Jinsky, Nick Matthews, Michael Sigman,
���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Kelsey Smith

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

Production Staff Biographies

GREG PARMETER (Director) earned his MFA TIM HARRIS (Lighting Designer) is assistant
from the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and technical director for the Weber Center for the
Film at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His Performing Arts. He has appeared on stage in
acting credits include seasons with the Nebraska several LCT plays, including The Producers,

Repertory Theatre, the Virginia Shakespeare Festival, the Almost, Maine, and Blood Brothers. Tim also has volunteered
Northern Fort Playhouse and a tour with the Hampstead Stage in a variety of backstage capacities, including on set crews,
Company. Greg is in his sixth season with LCT. He thanks Mandy building sets and running light and sound boards. He looks
and Ben for their love and support. forward to the day when he can spend quality time with just
the right person.
DILLON McARDLE (Set Designer) is LCT’s
technical director. He enjoys building things, APRIL BROWN (Stage Manager) holds a BFA
grilling out with friends, and blowing snow. He in theatre, directing emphasis, from Arkansas
would like to thank his lovely wife, Megan, who State University. She made her directorial debut
at LCT, helming 2012’s Bus Stop. She worked
means the world to him. “Love ya, babe!”
professionally as a stage manager at the Commonweal Theatre
MANDY PARMETER (Costume Designer) is in Company and Peach State Summer Theatre. She looks forward
her seventh season at LCT. She received her MFA to directing Playhouse on the Air: Miracle on 34th Street
in costume design in May 2005 from the this Christmas.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her work has
SARA L. ADAMS (Properties Coordinator) is a
taken her from Oklahoma to Washington, Virginia, Nebraska, stay-at-home mom to Rachel and Julia and
and Wisconsin. Mandy and Greg are looking forward to their lovely wife of Chuck. She was last seen on the
son, Benjamin, growing up in the La Crosse community. LCT stage over twenty years ago as an angel in

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Some of her other
memorable roles include playing The Muse in The Fantasticks
for Pegasus Players, The White Witch in The Lion, The Witch,
and The Wardrobe at UW-Eau Claire, and Fairy May in The
Curious Savage for Holmen Community Theatre. She would
like to thank Lisa for all her encouragement and help as well as
her mom and dad for watching the kiddos.

LISA K. ADAMS (Assistant Stage Manager) was
last seen on the LCT stage in To Kill A
Mockingbird as Miss Stephanie in 2008. For
the last four years she has lived in Springfield,

IL, where she performed in The Laramie Project, To Kill A
Mockingbird, and an original piece: Widows of Whitechapel.
Growing up in the theatre, she has been involved in all aspects
of production and is excited to be learning the craft of stage
management. Outside the theatre she is keeping busy with
party planning and restoring old furniture.

p. 12

Thank you to our 2013-2014 season sponsors!

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

p. 13

Join us

50for our thseason!

SEPT OCT
2013 2013
DEC
2013 MARCH
2014

FEB
2014

MAY JUNE
2014 2014

Experience
our new
home!

Season ticket packages are available through 9/22/13!
Save up to 15%

For information on tickets and show times, please visit us online or call the box office.
Box Office: 608-784-9292 • Hours: 11 am to 5 pm Mon–Fri • 428 Front Street S, La Crosse

w w w. l a c r o s s e c o mmu n i t y t h e a t r e . o r g

p. 14

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. 15

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

Interested in theatre classes for young people?

See the ad on page 27.



Patron Donor List

Producer’s Circle ($2,500+) Wendy Butler Cari and Mark Burmaster Cliff and Cheryl Kremmer
La Crosse Community Foundation Roy Campbell Frank and Kristi Cadwell Alan and Robin Krumholz
Roger and Kenna Christians Jean Clark Dan and Vicky Kunz
Gretchen Guernsey Leigh Fund Robert Coe Dorothy Coelin Fred and Janet Kusch
John and Linda Lyche Tammy and Chad Dutton Bob and Kay Conzemius Kwik Trip, Inc.
David and Barbara Foye Gary and Susan Corbisier Dennis and Michelle LaRoche
Director’s Circle Jim and Jo Glasser Michael and Rita Edmunds Henry and Beverly Lawrence
($1,000-$2,499) David and Nancy Goode Ted and Mary Jean Eisenbacher Bob and Jo Le Roy
Anonymous Chris and Jane Kerbaugh Tom Erb and Cece Caron Pam Leibel
Tom and Jan Brock Peter and Krin Krause Ramon and Connie Erickson Debbie Lejeune
Ursula Cejpek Michael and Carol Mader Carey Falkenberry Ken and Nancy Lerum
J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan Nancy and Andrew Matchett David and Teresa Faulkner Dr. Larry and Diane Lindesmith
Jerry and Kathy Lokken Ken and Janine Merkitch Sandra Filla Nancy Luedtke
Scott and Mary Rathgaber Barbara Rice Sally Friend Beverly J. Mach
Chuck and LuAnn Roth Edward and Sheila Riley Mark and Nancy Goodman Aurel and Sue Mailath
Brian and Karen Rude David and Jennifer Grimsled Mike and Sharon Markee
Designer’s Circle Dennis and Sharon Ryan Peter and Janice Gutierrez Stephen and Margeen Mau
($500-$999) Mary Lansing and Daniel Schneider Larry and Erma Hafner Les and Rita Messerschmidt
Henry (Bud) and Mabel Lou Ahrens Bill and Chris Smiley Dennis and Donna Haggard Janeth and Gerald Miller
Chris and Vicki Born Don Smith and Nancy Korn Smith John Halbrehder and Carolyn Rich and Vicki Miller
Donna Brooks Jim and Phyllis Warren Dr. Edward and Sally Miner
Dr. John and Arla Clemons Jim and Jo Ann Wickizer Diekmann Randy Nelson
Ellen Conway Chuck and Cheryl Hanson Cyndy Nichols
Donald and Barbara Frank Promoter ($125-$249) Trish and Don Harkness Tom and Lori Nigon
Hal and Julie Keitel Anonymous (2) Barbara Heili Jon and Christi Nowland
Martin and Jennifer Koop Jim and Mary Anderson Donald and Kathy Hill Ron and Frieda Nowland
Karl and Julie Noll James and Lynn Arends Diane and Jim Hoffmeister Tamara Nowland
Leanna Olson-Taunt and Robert Taunt Arnold and Donna Asp Hon. Scott and Sue Horne Jack and Barb Peplinski
Dick and Mary Jean Sartz Jeff and Gale Bagstad Mary Jean Hoscheit Robert and Patricia Perlock
Vantage Architects, Inc. Dave Bahr Charles and Mary Hosler Effie Piper
Ken and Jane Wastlund Jason and Kelley Bahr Robert and Mary Hubbard Marianne and Galen Pittman
John Baker Rollin and Connie Huebsch Tom and Kathy Ready
Actor’s Circle ($250-$499) Tom and Mary Ballinger Dar and Darlene Isaacson Ann Rigden
Peter and Joan Allen Lynette Berg Dennis and Claire Jandt Cameron and Carlene Roberts
David Amborn and Karen Gilster Tom Bruemmer and Judy Cobb Owen and Francie Johnson
Virginia D. Gundersen, Katherine E. Michael and Beverly Kratt (continued on page 24)

Battison, Adolf L. Gundersen
Todd Bjerke and Karen Kroll

p. 18

Looking Back . . . Issue 10
September 6, 2013

A 50th Anniversary Tribute to Past Shows

Congratulations

La Crosse Community Theatre
on your 50th season!

In 1962 after a successful production of “Hey Look Us Over” (a Christ
Episcopal Church fundraiser for a Christian education building, produced
by Sally Cremer with Ron Eastman), Sally and other key players were
already looking ahead. Was La Crosse ready for a community theatre?
A group of those who had worked on the production – Sally, Wilma
Kennedy, Sarah Cass, Barbara Lynn and Bill Dixon, David Marshall, and
Allen Trane, hoped so and said, “Let’s go for it!”

Writing to the Wisconsin Idea Theatre for suggestions on how to
proceed, Sally received a call two days later from Professor Robert E.
Gard, saying, “I would be most happy to come to La Crosse to help you.
In the meantime, we’ll send you some literature.” The La Crosse Tribune
covered the January 12, 1963, meeting, took photos, and reported on an
upcoming public meeting for February 22. But would anybody come to
the 8 PM meeting with the temperature hovering around -20°? In fact,
about 100 people showed up to say, “Yes. La Crosse is, indeed, ready
for a community theatre.” And the rest, as they say, is “history,” which we
will be sharing through the season.

First Board of Directors – May 1963
(Seated L clockwise – Sally Cremer (President), Grayce Christensen,
Wilma Kennedy (Vice President), & Lorraine Dahl. Standing L Edna Katz,
Robert Miner, Dr. Robert Voight (Treasurer), Robert Johns, Albert Funk Jr.

& Jane Konrad (Secretary). Dr. John Hayden not shown.

While watching a play from the wings,
playwright Michael Frayn thought it was
funnier from back stage and felt that one day
he would need to write a play from “behind.”

“Noises Off” is the result.

With all the hilarity of what can – and does – happen
back stage (and even on stage), we are sharing some past stories

experienced by volunteers involved either as actors or with
props/costumes/lighting/sets.

“The Would-Be
Gentleman” 1970

A scene where three male
actors were dressed as Arabian
knights wearing big flouncy
pants, short vests, and big
cushion-like hats, required them
to jump off a platform and land
in a line with arms crossed and
their feet shoulder width apart.

Peder Melhuse was one of the
knights and, upon landing, his
pants dropped to his ankles. Not
only was that a shocker, but he
was wearing camouflage
boxers!

“Man of La Mancha” 1972

The stage was severely raked (angled from the front edge of the
stage up toward the back of the stage). Eight steps were built so
actors could exit at the back. Laurie Becker (playing Don Quixote)
“became” the Don on stage using spirit gum to put on a mustache.
He faltered exiting, and it came off. Since he had to go right back on,
Anne Drecktrah, who was back stage, grabbed scotch tape and
making a circle, attached it to the mustache, pressed it to Laurie’s
lip, and shoved him back on stage. It stayed on until a break where
he could reapply the spirit gum.

Did you know there
was a trap door in
the stage floor at our
5th Avenue location?

“The Foreigner”
1987

The Ku Klux Klansman
“dissolved” into nothing,
leaving his robe behind.

This was accomplished by Record albums,
lowering the actor into the trap books, and
door where he quickly got off the
platform while fans inflated his decorative pieces
robe – the platform was then flew around the
raised to stage level, fans turned room due to the
off, and his robe collapsed. displeasure of
ghosts Ruth and
“Blithe Spirit” 1979 Elvira. Properties
people (invisible to
the audience)

tossed items
through a slit in a
bookcase and from
various places on

the set.

Dillon McArdle,
LCT’s Technical Director, puts
finishing touches on a window

pane for “Noises Off.” During

the show, you’ll see the
“special effect” he created.

Long-time volunteer Kyle DeLap is trimming
the electric for “Noises Off.” The job is now
much easier – and safer – since our new
home has fly space. They simply lower the
rigging instead of having to use ladders or the
lift to reach the lights.

Styrofoam has been cut into
pieces that will serve as crown
molding. It’s used in instances
where it is unlikely to be damaged

by performers. Chair rails are
usually wood due to its durability,
then stained or painted according

to the décor of the set.

BEFORE AFTER Many areas of a set are not
meant to be seen by audiences
through windows or open doors.
Therefore, they are painted black
and seemingly “disappear.”
There are many areas of the
“Noises Off” set that you will see
have been painted black. Other
areas are left raw as they are not
in the sight line of the audience.

Insert concept by LCT History Committee
Design by Sharon Markee

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 S S E R A D I O G R 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. 23

Patron Donor List

(continued from page 18) Joe and Denise DeBonville Michael Kruse Todd and Eva Marie Restel
Barbara Decker Peter Kujawa Ms. Arlene Rhode
Promoter ($125-$249) Jolene DeMaiffe Paul and Kimberly Lansing Ken Schelper and Jen Roberdeau
Kirk and Nancy Rodman Bob DiNicola Tom and Jenelle Lee Curt and Bev Ruston
Sam and Lisa Sauer Stanley and Sue Dwyer Steve and Karen Lind Josh and Anne Saylor
Pete and Nancy Sedbrook Gary and Lu Anne Ekern Claude and Carolyn Lindeman Jim and Elaine Schauls
Ed and Laurie Solberg Eldon and Fran Ellefson Charles and Wendy Linnell Dave and Heather Schlichte
Greg and Joan Stellrecht Daryl and Nancy Ertl Steve and Cheryl Loehr Schmocker Financial Services
Peter and Judy Stuber Dr. Todd and Mary Jo Fetsch Wes and Karen Mack Glenn and Lila Seager
Tom Schauer and Maureen Sullivan Harold Flemke and Be Facteau In Honor of the Anniversary of Jeri Sebo
Brian and Diane Sullivan Dennis and Lauri Ford Sandy Sechrest
Miriam and Ed Tanke Adam and Robyn Foye Bill and Jo Ellen Mapp Wendy and John Severson
Marge and Bill Terry Joseph and Joan Francois Robert and Diane Marcou Lori Slungaard
Terry and Cheryl Thienes Robert and Maureen Freedland Edith McBain Charlie and Lynn Smader
Suzanne and Joseph Toce Marla French Lorraine McIlraith Arlene Smith
Lill A. Twining William and Sarah Goff Lloyd H. and Evelyn G. Miller Robert Smith and Elizabeth Wright
Stephen and Katherine Webster Bill and Mary Graumann Mike and Sandi Miller Martin and Ruby Smith
Ross and Lynn Marie West Merri Jo Guggenbuehl Sally Miller Dick and Pat Spencer
David and Yvonne Whiteman James Hanesworth Howard and Nancy Mills Lee and Ann Stansbury
Ray and Joyce Wichelt Grace Hanson Mary Monsoor Dave and Debbie Stark
Gary and Debra Wold Natalie Hartigan Sandi Moser Paul and Jane Steingraeber
Margaret and Daryl Wood Family Helen M. Heiser Les and Helen Munson Pat and Joanne Stephens
Mr. Ken Wortman (In Memory of Jean) James and Barbara Hemker Curtis and Marcia Murray Wally and Betty Stoll
Mike and Cheri Herro Kelly Nedvidek Carole R. Strittmater
Supporter ($75-$124) Jerry and Diane Hoch Kenneth and Carmin Nelson Carol Taebel
Anonymous (3) John and Linda Hoehn Sonja Nelson Kim Tate
Frank and Jenny Aberger Maria Holley Ed and Corine Neuman Kathy Thompson
Robert and Laurel Allen Russell and Katie Holman Rudy and Cherie Nigl Bill and Pam Thrune
Norma Anderson George and Jackie Horihan Becky Nommensen Tony and Patrice Vander Wielen
Jack and Donna Anderson Dale and Christine Howard Joseph and Claudia O`Keefe Jo Voight
Mark and Linda Backer Ray and Joanne Hubley Jim and Mary Olson David and Laura Wagner
Lori and Gabi Bagniewski Florence Hyatt Todd and Deb Ondell Colleen Walsh
Jean Bassett Jeff and Amanda Jackson Paul and Judy Onsrud Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wetterling
Dorothy Baures Jan and Lynn Jarvinen Florence Overgard Richard and Judy Williams
Kay Baumann Norman Jerome Ann Padesky Paul and Linda Starr Winans
Clark and Margaret Berg Nancy Johnson Elsie Patterson Ed and Sharon Winga
Nancy Borgen Robert A. and Christine A. Johnson Richard H. Pearse III Kevin and Marla Withey
Clem and Karol Bott Mark and Sharon Jolivette Patrick and Susanne Peck Harvey and Pat Witzenburg
Judy Brennan Mike and Clarice Kammel Bonnie Pederson Leon and Kay Wolfe
Bruce and Jerrilyn Brewer Rose Ann Kazmierczak Dennis and Lois Peterson Jane Wood
Dianna Brown Bob and Mary Kelemen Larry and Mariann Peterson Maureen Worden
Gale Bruessel Rich Maresh and Joan Keller-Maresh Jarrod and Sherry Picha Jim and Marilyn Wuttke
Gary and Mary Bubbers Paul and Karen Klas Carleen Poellinger and Paul Brown Frances I. Young
Catherine and Tim Bulera Ms. Marlene Kohner Mr. Robert Raasch Mark and Debra Zellmer
Tony and Violet Capaul Kimberly Krejchik Jim and Carol Reider Kay Zibrowski
Willard and Ann Carlow Michael and Cynthia Renken
Debra and Tom Clanin

p. 24

IMPR V
LCT is creating an improvisational theatre group!

If you are interested in participating, please contact Artistic Director Greg Parmeter
at [email protected] or by phone at 608-784-9292, ext. 4.

READERS’ THEATRE

Join us as we delve into some challenging plays
that creatively address issues!

We will begin in October with Ruined by Lynn Nottage, If you are interested in participating, please contact
winner of the 2009 Pulitzer Prize. Other plays may include Amy Anderson by phone at 608-784-9292, ext. 2 or
The Exonerated, Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses, at [email protected].
Gross Indecency, or others!

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. 25



Enroll in
g3estetshsieon4sth,
free! 

2013–2014 ACTING CLASSES

Session 1: September 14–October 12, 2013 ACT I ACT II
Session 2: October 26–November 23, 2013 (grades 1–4) (grades 5–8)
Session 3: January 11–February 15, 2014 Saturdays, 9:30–10:20 am Saturdays, 10:30 am–12:30 pm
Session 4: March 1–April 5, 2014
$60 per session $60 per session

Students learn: Age-appropriate classes
• the fundamentals meet once a week on
of acting Saturday mornings (see
• the basics of times above).
creating characters Sign up today!
• skills to make Class sizes are limited to
connections with allow for more individual-
other actors on ized instruction.
stage

Games, activities, and lessons to meet your child’s interests!
Theatre Adventure Days not included.

Theatre Adventure Days

When La Crosse schools are out, LCT offers fun theatre adventures for kids in grades 1 to 8.

Fall 2013 ($45 each)

Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 1:30pm-5:30pm: Go, Dog! Go. Adventure Day

Monday, October 21, 2013, 8:30am-3:30pm: Legends & Fairy Tales Adventure Day

Monday, October 28, 2013, 8:30am-3:30pm: Murder Mystery Adventure Day

Wednesday, December 11, 2013, 1:30-5:30pm: Radio Theatre Adventure Day

PLUS a special performance of LCT’s holiday production of Playhouse on the Air
Presents: Miracle on 34th Street

Winter/Spring 2014 ($45Toeraecghist)er, call
608-784-9292Monday, January 20, 2014, 8:30am-3:30pm:
The Jungle Book Adventure Day

Wednesday, February 12, 28w0:31w04aw,m1.l:-3a30c:3-r5o0:p3ss0mep:c mo:m munitytheaDtrer..oSregTuBsAs Adventure Day
Friday, February 21, 2014, Adventure Day

To register, or for more information, please call 608-784-9292.
p. 27

p. 28

Watch your mail for our 2013-2014 season announcement!

Thank you for your support of
La Crosse Community Theatre!

EE PPXPXRPERSESSS RINRTININTGINLGLC LLC

Your “CAN DO” Printer

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. 29

p. 30

Bringing Mayo Community starts
Clinic Care to the with neighbors
who care.
Coulee Region
That’s what our town is made of.
Mayo Clinic Health System - State Farm® has a long heritage of helping out in
Franciscan Healthcare the community. That’s why I’m proud to support
700 West Avenue South La Crosse Community Theatre.
La Crosse
Charlie Smader, Agent
To schedule an appointment, 1901 Jackson Street
call 608-785-0940 La Crosse, WI 54601
Bus: 608-784-4510
mayoclinichealthsystem.org [email protected]

1201196 Get to a better State®.

p. 31 State Farm, Bloomington, IL

p. 32

p. 33

p. 34

p. 35

Interested in improv
or readers’ theatre?

See the ad on page 25.

p. 36

Season tickets are still available! Ask for details at the box office!

Like to Sing?

Then be our guest! Any Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m.
You and your friends are welcome to “Join Us in Song.”
Harry J. Olson Center, 1607 North Street, La Crosse, WI 54603

LA CROSSE COULEE CHORDSMEN

P.O. Box 902, La Crosse, WI 54602 www.couleechordsmen.org
(608) 780-SING (7464)
[email protected]

p. 37





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