Annie Jr.

PRESENTED BY

SPONSORED IN PART BY

OCTOBER 11–13, 2019

Youth Musical—Theatre G

Bet your bottom dollar that the sun will come out TOMORROW!

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La Crosse Community Theatre, The Penguin Project Foundation,
Altra Federal Credit Union, and Mayo Clinic Health System present

Book by Music by Lyrics by

THOMAS MEEHAN CHARLES STROUSE MARTIN CHARNIN

Presented on Broadway by

MIKE NICHOLS

IRWIN MEYER Originally Produced by LEWIS ALLEN
ICARUS
STEPHEN R. FRIEDMAN
PRODUCTIONS
ALVIN NEDERLANDER THE JOHN F. KENNEDY
ASSOCIATES, INC. CENTER FOR THE
PERFORMING ARTS

Based on “Little Orphan Annie” ®
By Permission of The Tribune Content Agency, LLC

Director

STACY BRUEMMER

Music Director Choreographer

MARY BLAHA-DEBOER BRIANNA HERBER FROST

Set Designer Lighting Coordinator

KELSEY TAUNT DILLON McARDLE

Co-Costume Designers

THERESA SMERUD and LORI REISCHL

Sound Designer Accompanist

RYAN VAN BERKUM VICKI RINESS

Technical Director Stage Manager

PETE SUARDI KATELYN KLIEVE

ANNIE JR.

is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.MTIShows.com

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

This production will be performed with one 15-minute intermission.

Special Acknowledgments

Thank you to all who made this production possible,
including Theresa Smerud for photography and the parents of all the Penguins.

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Director’s Note

LCT’s 56th Season Annie was the first Broadway show to which I was
395th Production introduced. The very thought of a girl like me as the
main character on a big stage was a siren’s song to
As 9-year-old, I had the entirety of Hard Knock me. I was a theatre kid! Rehearsals, choreography,
Life choreographed in my little pink bedroom on lines, costumes, props—the process of putting
Kearney Street. I would gladly perform it for my together a show is long and, at times, daunting. It
stuffed animals, baby dolls, and 5-year-old sister. has been my absolute pleasure to direct, guide, and
get to know this amazing group of young actors.
They have taken every direction and made it their
own. Their hard work and sheer tenacity is evident
in the show they are about to present to you. These
theatre kids have made me so very proud! Please
enjoy the show!
Stacy Bruemmer
Director

Penguin Project Team

Mentor Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Cate Cichock
Production Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominique Luecke
Production Assistant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelsey Taunt

LCT Staff & Board

STAFF MEMBERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Producing Artistic Director. . . . . . . . Grant Golson President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bradley Weber
Marketing Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessi Davidson First Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Isaacs
Second Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Herro
Patron Services Manager. . . . . . Mary Cate Cichock Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patricia Sprang
Technical Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Suardi Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Ann Gschwind, FSPA
Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Hofer Past President. . . . . . . . . . Susan McDonald-Conroy

Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dominique Luecke Stacey Everson, Pat Heim, Tamera Hill
Education Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . . . . Stacy Bruemmer Tim Kolek, Bill Koutsky, Brady Lowe
Front of House Staff. . . Kallen Deckert, Lisa Keyser,
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth Moratto, Sharon Dawidowski Kelley Manson, Mary Rathgaber
Joan Temple, Kathy Van Kirk-Przywojski

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. 5

THE ARTS ARE
POWERFUL. IT’S

NO SURPRISE
WE’RE BIG FANS.

Xcel Energy is a proud supporter of
the La Crosse Community Theatre.
Through sponsorship and community
investment, we’re dedicated to
delivering support to the people and
organizations that inspire us all.

Visit xcelenergy.com to learn more.

4.75x7.75_WI-AnnieJr_P02.indd 1 p. 6 © 2019 Xcel Energy Inc.
8/5/19 11:51 AM

Cast

Annie....................................................................................................Tiara Potts* with Anna Reiss*
Oliver Warbucks........................................................................ Stephen Reischl with Grace Kearney
Grace Farrell...............................Destinee Freybler* with Anna Fortuine* and Alayna Hamamoto
Miss Hannigan...............................................................................................Grace Olson with AJ Kies
Rooster............................................................................................Jackson Larson* with Jake Kaiser
Lily.................................................................................................Lila Dummer* with Adalyn Dehli*
Molly/Mrs. Pugh.............................................................Eliza Levendoski* with Evangeline Galvan
Pepper/Mrs. Greer......................................................................Ray Charbeneau with Nora Erickson
Tessie/Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt.......................................................William Matz* with Bella Bouldan
Duffy/Annette...........................................................................Hailey Iseri* with Trinity Horstman*
July/Cecille..................................................................................Mara Peterson* with Rubie Stetzer
Staff/Policeman........................................................................ Carson Schuster* with Reese Guest*
Staff/Sound Guy/Louis Howe/Dogcatcher/Angry Man................ Wade Schuster* with Greta Griffith
Staff/Bert Healy/Drake/Apple Seller.... Jett Ashenafi-Schryver* with Josh Kaiser and Rayna Torgerson*
Swing Mentors.....................Elizabeth Matz*, Megan Ramsay*, Ellie Sullivan*, Nolan Sullivan*

* = LCT debut

Production and Design Staff

Director.................................. Stacy Bruemmer Technical Director...........................Peter Suardi
Music Director................... Mary Blaha-Deboer Stage Manager........................... Katelyn Klieve
Choreographer................Brianna Herber Frost Sound Board Operator.............Angel Rodriguez
Set Designer.................................. Kelsey Taunt Costume Construction..........Beverlee Clearman
Co-Costume Designers......................................... .............................Molly Griffith, Shirley Huhn
................... Theresa Smerud and Lori Reischl .............................Julie Keitel, Nancy Mahlum
Lighting Coordinator.................. Dillon McArdle ............................Sharon Markee, Chris Papke
Sound Designer.....................Ryan Van Berkum ....................Lorraine Wilson, Suzanne Young
Accompanist................................... Vicki Riness

Annie Jr.

Maybe
It’s the Hard-Knock Life

Tomorrow
Little Girls
I Think I’m Gonna Like it Here

N.Y.C.
Easy Street
You Won’t Be an Orphan for Long
You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile
I Don’t Need Anything But You

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Empowering children with
special needs through theatre.

What is The Penguin Project?

The Penguin Project was created by Dr. Andrew Morgan and provides children with special needs
an opportunity to develop creative skills, partner and network with others, and participate in a fully

realized musical production.
The Artists, who are children with special needs, will take the stage to perform a modified version
of a well-known Broadway musical. Rather than auditions, a screening process based on interest,
general abilities, and communication skills will be used to select the cast. All Artists will sing, dance,

and act in the show. The Artists will get on-stage assistance from their Mentor.

Who can participate?

Artists are children and young adults ages 8 to 20 with special needs, including
(but not limited to) cognitive, learning, motor, visual, and hearing impairments,

genetic disorders, and neurological disorders.
Mentors are children and young adults ages 8 to 20 who do not have special needs. They will be
matched as closely as possible with an Artist of similar age and interests, and the two will work

side-by-side through the entire rehearsal and performance process. Mentors are responsible
for knowing all lines, songs, and blocking of their partners. Mentors are on-stage during the

production, costumed to match or complement their partners.

What is the cost?

The program is made possible through the support of our
community partners and is free for all participants.

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Rehearsals will vary for each Artist and Mentor, but typically will be 75 minutes, two days a week,
and gradually increase to four days a week by late September. Participation is not contingent upon
conflicts and availability during the rehearsal process. Availability will be considered when creating

the full, detailed rehearsal schedule.

THE PENGUIN PROJECT FOUNDATION

888-543-8002 | [email protected]
www.penguinproject.org

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Cast Biographies

JETT ASHENAFI-SCHRYVER* (Staff/Bert Healy/Drake/Apple Seller) Jett likes racing, as well as
playing soccer, football, basketball, and hockey. He is funny and kind, and likes to make people laugh
and smile. He loves theatre because he gets to interact with different people. Jett also loves to act,
dance, sing, and put on a show. Special thanks to his family, friends, dog, and the people who care
about him at Chileda—Donavon, DeVon, Emma, Derek, Rhiannon, Tim, and Byron.
BELLA BOULDAN is a fifth grader from First Lutheran and is excited to be back on the LCT stage as a
part of the Penguin Project’s production of Annie Jr. Previously, she has been seen in Ramona Quimby
at LCT and Aladdin at Missoula Children’s Theatre. She has had an awesome time getting to know Wil-
liam and the other Penguins, and thanks LCT for bringing this wonderful program to our area.
RAY CHARBENEAU (Pepper/Mrs. Greer) Ray is a Penguin with Autism; they are a 13-year-old
seventh grader at Holmen Middle School. In their spare time they love to sing, write, and read. They
have read the entire Harry Potter series. Ray loves to draw animals, and their spirit animals are the
duck-billed platypus and the fox. They would like to thank their dad, sister, service dog, and espe-
cially their mom for being supportive. They are extremely excited to be in Annie Jr. and hope you enjoy the show!
ADALYN DEHLI* is in third grade at Prairie View Elementary School. She plays soccer and enjoys at-
tending her church group. Adalyn was previously seen in Tarzan as a moth at Appleseed Community
Theatre and in Aladdin Jr. as part of Aladdin’s entourage. She would like to thank her parents for
taking her to and from practice, and for supporting her. Adalyn would also like to thank the staff for
helping to put the whole show together.
LILA DUMMER* (Lily) Lila is a Penguin with Down Syndrome; she is in seventh grade at Blair-Taylor
Middle School. She enjoys choir, dance, and making slime. She also plays volleyball and basketball.
She would like to thank her mentor, Adalyn, for helping her with her lines, and Katelyn for being
her friend. She would like to give a big thanks to her family for driving her to practice every day and
supporting her.
NORA ERICKSON is honored to be a part of LCT’s very first Penguin Project. She is an eighth grader
at Lincoln Middle School, where she is active in band, choir, show choir, and theatrical productions.
She is an avid dog lover. You may have seen Nora in Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens at LCT when she
played the role of Mother. She extends gratitude to her parents for their love, support, and countless
hours of transportation.
ANNA FORTUINE* is excited to be part of the Penguin Project and her first LCT theater production.
Anna loves playing piano, baking fantastic sugary creations, and spending time with her friends and
family. She sends hugs and love to all who support and encourage her to live her dreams.

DESTINEE FREYBLER* (Grace Farrell) Destinee is so excited to be in her first performance at LCT.
She currently attends fifth grade at Meadowview Intermediate School in Sparta. Destinee enjoys
singing and dancing for all who will watch her, and she loves to snuggle with her three dogs. In the
future, Destinee hopes to be in more productions through the LCT.
EVANGELINE GALVAN is in fourth grade and loves baking, cooking, singing, and reading. She has
two sisters, Georgia and Amery, and her dog, Wrangler. She has enjoyed hanging out with Eliza
these past three months. Evangeline was recently in the musical Tarzan at Appleseed Community
Theatre. She would have never gotten on stage without the encouragement of her parents, Kelly and
Jeremiah. She would like to thank LCT for doing the Penguin Project so she could be a part of it.

* = LCT debut
p. 9

Cast Biographies

GRETA GRIFFITH is thirteen years old and is in eighth grade at Aquinas Middle School. Some of
her favorite things are singing, acting, dancing, tennis, and Miss Stacy’s jokes. Greta has been in 16
musicals, including Billy Elliot (Tina Harmer), Tarzan (ensemble), Legally Blonde (Winthrop), and
Aladdin Jr. (Rajah). Greta would like to thank her friends and family for always encouraging her to
continue theatre.
REESE GUEST* Some of Reese’s favorite things to do outside of theatre is read fantasy books, play
with her cats, and watch movies with her family. She has been in The Princess and The Pea, The Jungle
Book, and Annie Jr. at Holmen Middle School. She’s in eighth grade and is very excited about the new
opportunities eighth grade will bring. Reese would like to thank her parents for taking the time to
get her to rehearsals, and her artist, Carson, for working so hard.
ALAYNA HAMAMOTO is happy she was able to be a Mentor in this show! She is very excited to be
back on the LCT stage. She has participated in many summer camps at the theatre. When she isn’t
performing, she is spending time with her family and friends. She would like to thank her best friend
for always being there for her.
TRINITY HORSTMAN* is excited to be in her first large production at LCT. Trinity participated in
LCT’s theatre summer camps twice and quickly found a love for the theatre. She is an eighth grade
student at Holmen Middle School, where last year she portrayed Mogli’s human mother in The Jungle
Book. When Trinity is not acting, she is busy tap dancing, golfing, doing pageants, and walking in
parades with her parents for the Oktoberfest Grenadiers.
HAILEY ISERI* (Duffy/Annette) Hailey is currently a student at Chileda in La Crosse, WI, and this
is her first ever production. She is excited to have speaking roles within the show as well as a solo.
Hailey thinks she would enjoy continuing her work in theatre and engaging in future productions.

JAKE KAISER is a senior at Aquinas High School. He enjoys his time on the stage and his favorite
roles at LCT include Aladdin in Aladdin Jr. and Dr. Frankenstein in Dr. Evil and The Basket of Kittens.
Favorite roles at Aquinas include Nick in Godspell, Man in the Yellow Suit in Tuck Everlasting, and
Caliban in The Tempest. He is also playing the part of King Arthur in Camelot at Aquinas this fall. Jake
would like to thank Maddie, Mr. Graybar, Stacy, Mom, Dad, Josh, Katie, and Grandma Peggy.
JOSH KAISER is a Junior at Aquinas High School and recently lived out his dream onstage as a
Newsie here at LCT. Other LCT performances include Uncle Hobart in Ramona Quimby and Youth SS
in And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank. He is also playing the part of
Mordred at Aquinas this fall. Josh would like to thank Greg, Mom, and Dad!
GRACE KEARNEY doesn’t need anything but theatre! Annie Jr. is her fourth show with LCT, the most
recent being Dr. Evil and the Basket of Kittens (Mummy). She has also been in Godspell and Tuck Ever-
lasting at Aquinas, where she is currently working on Camelot. She would like to thank her wonderful
family for putting up with her theatre obsession, as well as Stephen, her amazing artist. Break a leg!
AJ KIES This is AJ’s second LCT show and she is so excited that she got to work with such wonderful
people in a wonderful program. She has been in a couple other shows, which include Grease, Seussi-
cal, and Ramona Quimby. In her spare time she likes to sing, draw, paint, and talk with her cat.

* = LCT debut

p. 10

Cast Biographies

JACKSON LARSON* (Rooster) Jackson is a Penguin with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome; Annie Jr. is
Jackson’s first show ever, and he is so excited to play Rooster. He is currently a junior at Central High
School and plays on their Adaptive Sports League team. Jackson also loves playing on the Coulee
Region Frost sled hockey team. In his spare time he likes to read, build legos, ride bikes, and go to
the library. Jackson would like to thank all of the people working on the Penguin Project for giving him and other
children a chance to be in theatre. He would like to give a special thanks to his mentor, Jake, for helping him with
his first role in theatre.
ELIZA LEVENDOSKI* (Molly/Mrs. Pugh) Eliza is a Penguin with Down Syndrom and is Hard of Hear-
ing; she is so excited to be in her first theater production! She enjoys gymnastics, swimming, music,
and being with her friends. Eliza is a spunky third grader at Northwoods Elementary. She would like
to thank her family and friends for their continuous love, support and encouragement. She would
also like to thank LCT, her mentor, and the La Crosse community for making this production possible. The sky is
the limit!
ELIZABETH MATZ* is in sixth grade at Onalaska Middle School. She plays piano, flute, cello, and
sings in choir. She was previously in Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, and Aladdin through Missoula
Children’s Theatre. She would like to thank her mom for supporting it all, and her brother, William,
for giving her the push she needed to be on stage with him.
WILLIAM MATZ* (Tessie/Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt) William is a Penguin with Down Syndrome; he
is in second grade and attends Eagle Bluff Elementary School. Outside of Annie Jr., William has played
a party boy in The Nutcracker with the La Crosse Dance Centre. William has been attending Music
Together classes since birth and enjoys singing, dancing, and acting. He also enjoys playing soccer
with the TOPSoccer program and doing activities with his friends in DSAW. William’s favorite place is Disney World!
William would like to thank Bella, Elizabeth, and his mom and dad for helping him with Annie Jr.
GRACE OLSON (Miss Hannigan) Grace is very excited to be performing at LCT for her second time.
When Grace isn’t on stage, you can find her doing debate, hanging out with her dogs, auditioning for
other productions, and singing in her choir. She hopes you enjoy the show and realize that she isn’t
that evil in her daily life.
MARA PETERSON* (July/Cecille) Mara is a Penguin with Down Syndrome; she is extremely excited
to be involved in this special LCT production. Annie has been a favorite movie for a long time, thus
making her first theatre performance even more meaningful. She is entering her last year of middle
school and has been involved in three special show choir camps before. Theatre is the newest addi-
tion to her love of song and dance. Thanks for the amazing opportunity!!
TIARA POTTS* (Annie) Tiara is thrilled to play the role of Annie, especially since this is her very first
show ever! Tiara is in seventh grade at Lincoln Middle School. When she is not in school, Tiara enjoys
singing, dancing, and making videos. She would like to thank her Mom, Grandma, the rest of her
family, and Angi for supporting and encouraging her!
MEGAN RAMSAY* is in fourth grade at Eagle Bluff Elementary. Her favorite thing to do is act.When
she isn’t doing that, however, she enjoys riding her scooter and playing with friends. Megan’s favorite
part about Penguin Project is helping out people with acting while having fun. She would like to thank
Katelyn for telling her mom about the program, and all of the Penguins for doing the best that they can!
She would like to thank her family the most for driving her around—even when their schedule gets busy.

* = LCT debut

p. 11

Cast Biographies

STEPHEN REISCHL (Oliver Warbucks) Stephen is a Penguin with Autism Spectrum Disorder; he is
thrilled to be playing Oliver Warbucks in this production of Annie Jr. He attended Aquinas High School
and is now proudly employed with Kwik Trip. When not at Penguin Project, Stephen enjoys video
gaming, watching old 80s sitcoms, and going on walks. He enjoys having the opportunity to sing and
dance while at Penguin Project. Stephen would like to thank his family for always supporting him, specifically his
siblings and roommates, Sarah and Drew, for rides and helping him with lines, as well as his mom and dad.

ANNA REISS* is thrilled to have Annie Jr. as her LCT debut. Anna has been acting since she was five
and since then has been in over 20 shows. When she’s not on stage, Anna likes hiking, swimming,
and baking. Anna loves acting because she gets to be someone else and create a theatre family. Big
thanks to her mom for bringing her to practice, and to the cast for being amazing. Enjoy the show!

CARSON SCHUSTER* (Staff/Policeman) is in fifth grade at Viking Elementary School and his favor-
ite subject is math. Carson likes to play basketball and talk about the teams’mascots. When he isn’t
at Penguin Project, he likes to play sports. Carson is a master of Guitar Hero and Just Dance. He is very
excited to be on stage here. Carson would like to thank his family for coming to watch him.

WADE SCHUSTER* (Staff/Sound Guy/Louis Howe/Dogcatcher/Angry Man) Wade is a Penguin with
Autism/Apraxia; he is very excited to participate in his first play ever. Although he is the shy twin,
he is excited to be a part of the production. Wade attends Viking Elementary School in Holmen and
enjoys spending time with his twin brother, Carson, older brother, Gavin, and younger sister, Evie. He
is also a huge fans of snakes! :)

RUBIE STETZER is tickled to spend her ninth show at LCT in Annie Jr. Previous productions include
Newsies (Newsie), The Music Man (Amaryllis), and A Christmas Story (Helen). Rubie has a passion
for the performing arts and studies dance, vocal performance, and acting. Travel, fuzzy socks, and
competing in pageantry make this thirteen year old smile. Rubie is thankful for LCT because KIND
people are her kind of people!

ELLIE SULLIVAN* is so happy to be a part of the first Penguin Project at LCT. She is in fifth grade
at Irving Pertzsch Elementary School. When she is not at rehearsal, she likes to practice her newly
learned piano skills and play soccer. Ellie has enjoyed meeting all of the new people and being able
to help others. She would like to thank all of the Penguins for making this show happen.

NOLAN SULLIVAN* is an active seventh grader at Onalaska Middle School. He currently partici-
pates on the golf team and in show choir, as well as in basketball and soccer. He is the oldest of five
children and, in his down time, enjoys hanging out with family and friends. Annie Jr. will be his first
performance at LCT, and he looks forward to other acting opportunities that may come his way.

RAYNA TORGERSON* has enjoyed being a part of plays since her first role as a Dust Bunny ten years
ago. She has been in nine different Missoula and school productions. Her favorite role was Little Zoe
in Missoula’s Beauty Lou and the Country Beast. This is her first time working with LCT. Acting has al-
lowed her to express herself in a fun and supportive setting. Rayna is a Junior at Holmen High School.
In addition to acting, she has participated in gymnastics, dance, and tennis. In her free time, she enjoys reading
and fishing.

ROBBIE* (Sandy) is so excited to be making his LCT debut! He is a rescue dog who hails from the
beaches of Aruba. When he is not acting on stage, Robbie enjoys rawhide bones and walks that go
on for miles. He would like to thank his family for letting him come and play with these amazing kids
every night.
* = LCT debut

p. 12

Weber Center Staff and POLISHED
Board of Directors
and ready for surgery
STAFF MEMBERS
Adding some color to difficult situations
Executive Director. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dillon McArdle is just one way we practice
Bookkeeper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Hofer Love + Medicine.
Graphic Design & Marketing Coordinator . . . . . gundersenhealth.org
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Tegan Blank
Concessions Staff. . . . . . . . Cassie Frerks, Cassie George
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jack Hamilton, Molly Hinkle Anderson
. . . . . . . Jonathan Krocker, Janet Loeffler, Brittany Schilla

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Ranscht
Vice-President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sara Battison
Secretary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grant Golson
Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Timothy B. Schorr

Mike Herro, Dick Spencer, Glena Temple

The Great Brothers Grimm weave a tapestry of tales.

A fun and imaginative
retelling of three classic
Brothers Grimm tales:
The Fisherman and His Wife,
The Elves and the Shoemaker,
and The Golden Goose.

NOVEMBER 9–17, 2019

Saturday at 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

TICKETS $10
Tickets available through the box office or online Oct. 14.

608-784-9292 | www.lacrossecommunitytheatre.org
Weber Center for the Performing Arts, 428 Front Street South, La Crosse

p. 13

Production Staff Biographies

STACY BRUEMMER (Director) “Seek the wisdom of as well as Theresa and the beautiful ladies who volun-
the ages; but look at the world through the eyes of a teered in the costume shop and filled it with so much
child”– Ron Wild. Stacy is very excited to be involved joy and laughter. It’s been a delight, and she is very
in the first Penguin Project production at LCT! Stacy excited to share this experience with the kiddos.
is the Education Coordinator for LCT and organizes RYAN VAN BERKUM (Sound Designer) has worked
classes and summer camps in addition to directing with LCT andWeber Center for the past several years
both the Theatre for Youth production and the Theatre as an AV contractor. He attended Herzing College for
for Young Audiences production. Her other job is IT Management and has taken on AV technician/event
wrangling 4 year-olds at Coulee Children’s Center. production/AV control programming roles at multiple
MARY BLAHA-DEBOER (Music Director) is an companies and local theatres. He recently started a new
Administrative Assistant at Hintgen Elementary. She AV and production company,TheTheater Guys, with
is also a cantor at Roncalli Newman Center. She has a former co-worker. Ryan looks forward to the day he
been involved in a number of shows since 2004. Mary finds the right person with whom to spend his time.
says,“I feel so grateful to be a part of the first Penguin VICKI RINESS (Accompanist) is thrilled to be part
Project at LCT. I have watched our Artists and Mentors of LCT’s first Penguin Project production. It has been
grow in their relationships with each other and with such an inspiration to watch these Artists and Mentors
the characters they portray in this show. It has truly bond and work together over the past few months.
been a pleasure to work with all of them. This talented She has accompanied a number of past LCT musicals,
and dedicated group of young people are going to including Titanic, The Music Man, and Newsies. She
bring a story to life on this stage. Enjoy the show!” serves as a first-grade teacher and music director for
BRIANNA HERBER FROST (Choreographer) While First Lutheran School in La Crosse. Enjoy the show!
Brianna has been a part of many LCT productions, this PETER SUARDI (Technical Director) has been work-
is her first as a choreographer! She is so proud of these ing in technical theater since 2004, and previously
amazing Artists and their unbelievable drive to create worked for The Utah Shakespeare Festival (Scenery
such a wonderful show. Oohhhh good job! Good, good, Materials Coordinator), Great River Shakespeare
good job Penguins!!!!! Festival (Asst. Technical Director/Company Manager),
KELSEY TAUNT (Set Designer) A La Crosse native, University of Nevada Las Vegas (Master Carpenter),
Kelsey works in the area as a theatrical designer, tech- and Viterbo University (Scene Shop Foreman). Most
nician, teacher, and director. She would like to thank importantly, to his son, Michael,“If you find this in a
her family for their love and support. Kelsey has had a shoebox one day, know that you mean the world to
great time working with the wonderful people in the me and I love you.”
show and on the crew; she gives them her thanks. She KATELYN KLIEVE (Stage Manager) is honored to be a
hopes you enjoy the show! part of LCT’s first Penguin Project production. Her most
THERESA SMERUD (Co-Costume Designer) has been recent work with LCT was as the assistant stage man-
involved with LCT for over fifty years as an actor, ager/props master for A Streetcar Named Desire and
volunteer, and designer. Her first show was The Music as a performer in Cabaret. When not at the theatre,
Man when she was a child. Since then Arts Advocacy Katelyn is a middle school special education teacher
for all has been her passion. in the School District of La Crosse. Katelyn would like
LORI REISCHL (Co-Costume Designer) has designed to thank LCT for the opportunity to work on such an
many youth shows throughout the area, this being incredible show, the Penguins for always brightening
her third at LCT. She would like to thank her husband, her day, and her family, friends, and boyfriend for
always supporting her in her crazy adventures.

p. 14

La Crosse Community Foundation is a proud supporter
of this Penguin Project production of Annie Jr.

FOR THE GOOD OF LA CROSSE COUNTY. FOREVER.

(608) 782-3223

laxcommfoundation.com

p. 15

ENJOY
THE
SHOW!

Mayo Clinic Health System is proud to support
the La Crosse Community Theatre.

132-025 © 19JL23