Miracle on 34th St

La Crosse Community Theatre
Jase Sullivan, Executive Artistic Director

Presents

34thONSTREET

A RADIO SHOW

DECEMBER 12, 2020 | 6:00PM
WIZM 1410AM & 92.3 FM

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Welcome to our first ever video on demand production
at LCT! Video streaming and “cord cutting” was
already becoming more and more integrated in our
daily lives before the pandemic started. Now more
than ever, streaming has become an essential part
of our daily lives. While nothing can replace the thrill
of a live performance, video streaming will allow LCT
to remain connected to our audience while it is not
possible to gather together in person. We have several
performances planned for the first half of 2021 that will
be offered as video on demand to our patrons. Our hope
is that by Spring we will also be able to welcome our
patrons back into the theatre for live performances in some kind of limited capacity.
Our patrons have been instrumental in keeping LCT afloat during this unprecedented
time. The best way you can help keep LCT going while our doors are closed is to
make a tax-deductible donation, purchase a ticket to one of our video on demand
productions, or give an LCT gift certificate as a holiday gift to your loved ones.

Thank you for your continued patronage. We hope you enjoy the show!

All the best,

Jase Sullivan | Executive Artistic Director

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.

LCT BOARD OF DIRECTORS WEBER CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President: Mary Isaacs
1st Vice President: Mike Herro President: Patricia Heim
2nd Vice President: Pat Heim Vice President: Michael Ranscht
Treasurer: Patty Sprang Secretary: Tim B. Schorr
Secretary: Mary Rathgaber Treasurer: Michael Herro
Past President: Brad Weber Community Director: Dick Spencer
Members: Stephen Conrad, Stacey Director: Glena Temple
Everson, Mary Ann Gschwind, Director: Bradley D. Weber
Tamera Hill, Tim Kolek, Bill
Koutsky, Brady Lowe, Richard Executive Director: Dillon McArdle
Reynertson, Joan Temple, Kathy
Van Kirk - Przywojski

La Crosse Community Theatre
Jase Sullivan, Executive Artistic Director

Presents

34thONSTREET

A RADIO SHOW

Screenplay by Dominique Luecke | Adapted by David R. Kilpatrick and Greg Parmeter
From the story by Valentine Davies

CAST

Stacy Bruemmer................................................................................................Female Ensemble
Maria Higgins.....................................................................................................Female Ensemble
Nora Higgins.......................................................................................................Female Ensemble
Avery Gerstenberger.............................................................................................Male Ensemble
Todd D. Olson..........................................................................................................Male Ensemble
Allante Walker........................................................................................................Male Ensemble
Katie Fries...............................................................................................Foley Team/Understudy
William Garcia........................................................................................Foley Team/Understudy

PRODUCTION TEAM

Mary Cate Wesling..............................................................................................................Director
Katelyn Klieve......................................................................................................... Stage Manager
Sarah Leitzen.................................................................................Music Director/Accompanist
Luke Erickson........................................................................................................... Foley Designer
Dillon McArdle.................................................................................. Set/Light/Sound Designer
Peter Suardi........................................................................................................ Technical Director
Ryan Van Berkum..............................................................................................Master Electrician
Theresa Smerud............................................................................................................... Costumes
Dominique Luecke.................................................................................................................. Props

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to Dennis Dorman, Sharon Markee, and Jim Nelson for the set
construction, Theresa M. Smerud for photography, and Viterbo University Fine Arts
Center.

MEET THE CAST

MARIA HIGGINS (Female Ensemble)
Maria is so thankful to see her friends at LCT again
and especially to share the experience with her
daughter. She most recently played Donna Sheridan
in LCT’s Mamma Mia and acted also in Sister Act,
Mary Poppins, and Les Miserables. She is a mother
of five, teaches piano lessons, and works as a
church musician. She dedicates this performance in
memory of her dad.

NORA HIGGINS (Female Ensemble)
This is Nora’s first time acting in LCT and she was
really excited when she saw she got the part. Nora
is in 7th grade and likes to read, play basketball, and
watch the Packers play. She is so grateful to be a
part of this play with these amazing actors.

STACY BRUEMMER (Female Ensemble)
Stacy is ecstatic to be back at LCT! She’s been in a lot
of shows, taught a lot of theatre classes on Saturday
mornings, and has directed a couple of children’s
shows here at LCT. She wishes you a most healthy
holiday! Welcome home!

KATIE FRIES (Foley/Understudy)
Katie is ecstatic to provide holiday cheer with this
cast! Her most recent LCT role was Rosie Mulligan
in Mamma Mia! with other favorite roles including
Maud Dunlop (The Music Man) and Sister Mary
Patrick (Sister Act). She has music directed Newsies,
Cabaret, and Aladdin Jr. at LCT. Katie is in her fifth
year teaching choir and show choir at Lincoln
Middle School, as well as directing Grand Central
Station show choir. She thanks her mother and
brother for their unending love and support.

MEET THE CAST

TODD D. OLSON (Male Ensemble)
A Heart of La Crosse actor, writer and director since
2006, Todd has also performed in Jonathan Lamb’s
production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.
In 2012, he played the part of a grieving father in
the “Pause Project” short film. Additionally, Todd
directed the 2018 show “Authors Turning Pages”
with authors Christy Wopat, Laura Mausolf and Lisa
David Olson.

ALLANTE WALKER (Male Ensemble)
Allante is jazzed to be doing theatre again! Although
relatively new to the story of Miracle on 34th Street
(he just watched the classic movie a few weeks ago),
Allante is no stranger to LCT. You may have previously
seen him in Proof, Newsies, and the holiday murder
mystery The Game’s Afoot. “Have yourself a merry
little Christmas. Let your heart be light. From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight.”

AVERY GERSTENBERGER (Male Ensemble)
Avery is a senior marketing major at Viterbo University.
In addition to his schoolwork, he is a barista at Moka
and a marketing intern at the Academy of Orthopaedic
Physical Therapy. Some previous theatre credits include
playing Masha Frankl in Viterbo’s production of In Limbo
(a student-written show) and Leroy in LCT’s production
of Bad Seed. Covid-19 has definitely changed his final
year in the La Crosse area, but he is so grateful to be
sharing the stage safely during this time. He hopes you
enjoy the holidays with your family or chosen family!

WILLIAM GARCIA (Foley/Understudy)
William is overwrought with joy at being back on
stage at LCT, with or without a mask. When not
acting in shows like Fools, Wait Until Dark and The
Secret Garden, he loves directing shows, including
LCT’s productions of Newsies and Proof. As always, his
theatrical ambitions are realized through the loving
support of his wife, Merideth, and daughters Merlin
and Ginny, whom he greatly loves and appreciates.

MEET THE CREW

MARY CATE WESLING (Director)
This is the first production Mary Cate has directed for
LCT. Her previous directing credits include Oklahoma at
Appleseed Community Theatre and Back to Summer at
Pec Playhouse. She has a Bachelor of Science in Theatre
Education from Viterbo University. She has been a
participant in a theatrical production in some way every
year since she was nine years old. She would like to thank
Jase for the opportunity, her cast and crew for their hard
work, her husband for his support at home, and her
family for getting her started in theatre in the first place.

KATELYN KLIEVE (Stage Manager)
Katelyn is filled with gratitude and holiday cheer as
she returns to La Crosse Community Theatre to stage
manage Miracle on 34th Street. Katelyn can usually
be found both on and off the stage. Most recently
she was the stage manager for Proof and the Penguin
Project’s Annie Jr. She is in her fourth year teaching
special education at Longfellow Middle School
and would like to thank her students for always
reminding her to be grateful for all she has.

SARAH LEITZEN (Music Director/Accompanist)
Sarah has been part of many LCT productions,
including Elf, The Secret Garden, Mamma Mia, Mary
Poppins, and Les Miserables. She is grateful for the
joys and challenges that have come with each
production and thanks Eric, Cindie, and Tim for their
patience with the late nights.

LUKE ERICKSON (Foley Designer)
Luke is delighted to be back for his fourth show
at LCT after Proof, Bad Seed, and Wait Until Dark.
He has worked with various companies including
Youngblood, Pink Banana Theatre Co., and First
Stage Theatre Academy after graduating from UW-
Milwaukee with a BA in Theatre Studies. He would
like to thank Mary Cate, Sarah, Katelyn and the
whole Miracle team for this MUCH needed chance
to collaborate.

MEET THE CREW

DILLON McARDLE (Set/Light/Sound Designer)
While Dillon currently works as Weber Center’s Executive Director,
he served as LCT’s Scenic Designer and Technical Director for ten
years. He is a 2006 graduate of Viterbo University with a B.F.A. in
Theatre Design and Technical Production. Dillon is a member of
Rotary International, serves on the La Crosse Arts Board, and is a
member of the steering committee for the School of Technology
and Arts (SOTA) II. He would like to thank his lovely wife, Megan,
and son, Miles, who mean the world to him.

PETE SUARDI (Technical Director)
Peter has been working in technical theater since 2004 and
previously worked for The Utah Shakespeare Festival (Scenery
Materials Coordinator), Great River Shakespeare Festival (Asst.
Technical Director/Company Manager), University of Nevada Las
Vegas (Master Carpenter), and Viterbo University (Scene Shop
Foreman). Most importantly, to his son, Michael, “If you find this in
a shoebox one day, know that you mean the world to me and I love
you.”

RYAN VAN BERKUM (Master Electrician)
Ryan has worked with LCT and Weber Center for the past several years
as an AV contractor. He attended Herzing College for IT Management
and has taken on AV technician/event production/AV control
programming roles at multiple companies and local theatres. He
recently started a new AV and production company, The Theater Guys,
with a former co-worker. Ryan looks forward to the day he finds the
right person with whom to spend his time.

THERESA SMERUD (Costumes)
Theresa has been involved with LCT for over 50 years as an actor,
volunteer, and designer. Her first show was The Music Man when
she was a child. Since then, arts advocacy for all has been her
passion.

DOMINIQUE LUECKE (Props)
Dominique started out as a volunteer with LCT in 2012 and joined the
staff in 2016. She is grateful for all of her past theatre experiences
- whether it be onstage, behind the scenes, or up in the office. After
a truly challenging year, she would like to thank her fellow staff, the
volunteers, and her family and friends for their support, patience, and
love of the arts. To Dustin, Damian, Dax, and baby girl - love you to the
moon and back. Happy Holidays!

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Miracle on 34th Street is a holiday story that has withstood the test
of time and change. The film has won several Academy awards,
was placed in the Library of Congress, and has an accompanying
storybook that was released to great success with the film. The
message, bring goodwill to others no matter your personal gain,
is one that I believe applies wholeheartedly to the world we live in
today. Listening to this show, I am reminded that all the world needs
is for everyone to be kind, courteous, and protect the people around
them. I am also reminded of why I love the holiday season: the
carols, the decorations, and the fact that three days after Christmas I
married the love of my life.

This season resonates with me so personally that I have longed
to direct a holiday production and channel those feelings into
something creative. Directing this show presents the greatest
challenge I have ever faced: to bring the joy of the holiday season
to a city that is suffering, and to do so safely during a tumultuous
time. La Crosse Community Theatre and the actors that perform
in this show have risen and met this challenge head on. They will
bring to you wonder, cheer, laughter, and that feeling of being
surrounded by those we love. Thank you so much for supporting La
Crosse Community Theatre. Take an hour and be a part of a holiday
tradition that we hope to continue for years to come.

Mary Cate Wesling

Director of Miracle on 34th Street

34thONSTREET

A RADIO SHOW

34thONSTREET

A RADIO SHOW

YOU HAVE TO SEE Wisconsin politics
IT TO BELIEVE IT! with a dose of humor

Watch ‘Miracle on 34th St’ New episodes Fridays
with Video on Demand
Listen on Apple Podcasts,
Visit Google Podcasts and Spotify
lacrossecommunitytheatre.org

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Thank you for providing support to LCT
through the Emergency Survival Grant!

ANGEL FRIEND DONORS

Weber Family Foundation Keith and Mary Isaacs Russell L. and Vera M. Smith
William Koutsky Foundation
Altra Financial Advisors John and Linda Lyche Stetzer Accounting
David Amborn and Karen Gilster Mayo Clinic Health System John and Joan Temple
Chris and Sara Battison Randy and Lynn Nelson Xcel Energy Foundation
Chris and Vicki Born Karl and Julie Noll Scott and Mary Rathgaber
Tom and Jan Brock Dick Record
Roger and Kenna Christians Chuck and LuAnn Roth
J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan
Hon. Scott and Sue Horne

PATRON DONOR LIST

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE ($2,500+) Sandra Sechrest Susie Cichock
Karl and Julie Noll Bob and Kay Conzemius Jolene Demaiffe
Dennis and Sharon Ryan Daryl and Nancy Ertl
DESIGNER’S CIRCLE ($500-$999) In Memory of Dick Sartz Joe and Patricia Heim
Sara Adams and Chuck Mike & Cheri Herro
Charbeneau PROMOTER Mike and Lynn Hickey
Julie Keitel ($150-$249) Don and Kathy Hill
Dominique and Dustin Luecke Robert Bakkestuen and Charlene and John Hopkins
Brian and Karen Rude Heather Chial Roger and Jean Klousia
Suzanne Young Gail Cleary Bob and Marlene Kohner
In memory of Euel Bailey- Mike & Clarice Kammel Stephen & Cynthia Lenser
Jennifer Burchell Bruce Kerr Mary Jo Leveraus
Brady Lowe Stephen and Margeen Mau
ACTOR’S CIRCLE Richard and Judy Williams Cathy and Kevin McDermott
($250-$499) Loran and Terry Zibrowski Rebecca and James Naugler
Ted and Mary Jean Eisenbacher Donald and Linda Wagner Wayne and Sandy Oliver
Carey and Suzanne Falkenberry Gretchen Benjamin Cam and Carlene Roberts
Jim Nelson and Diane Foust Xcel Energy Kurt and Julie Schroeder
Jo and Jim Glasser Barbara Burchill Holmen Custom and Collision
Mary and Robert Hubbard Susan and Fred Heuer Jim & Sharon Tempke
Cliff and Cheryl Kremmer Daniel McCammon Larry and Cheri Tuxen
Aurel and Sue Mailath Sheryl and Jarrod Picha Ruth and Marc Williams
Ken and Janine Merkitch Jacob & Erin Sciammas Sheryl and Brad Beck
Lisa, Sam and Katie Sauer Patrice and Tony Vander Wielen
Linda Sherwood SUPPORTER
Pat and Dick Spencer ($100-$149)
Jeri V Sebo Ken and Donna Birnbaum

THANK YOU TO OUR WONDERFUL COMMUNITY
FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Enjoy the show!

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