DESERT STAGES THEATRE - April 9 - 25, 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SCOTTSDALE
DESERT STAGES THEATRE
PRESENTS
April 9 – 25, 2021
DESERT STAGES THEATRE
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA
PRESENTS
THE ODD COUPLE
by
Neil Simon
Directed by Virginia Olivieri
“The Odd Couple” is presented by arrangement with
Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
www.concordtheatricals.com
WELCOME TO DST Welcome to Desert Stages Theatre, and thank you for joining us at this performance of Neil Simon’s THE ODD COUPLE! We hope and expect that two hours with Felix and Oscar will make you smile, chuckle, and maybe even laugh out loud. After the past year, we all deserve a little hilarity! Normally, a Neil Simon play at Desert Stages would be presented in our Actor’s Cafe theatre, reserving Cullity Hall for DST's musical productions with larger casts. Since COVID-19, however, our 50-seat Actor’s Cafe does not allow for socially-distanced patron seating, so we are staging this production in our larger space to give you just a little more elbow room. We continue our enhanced cleaning measures in between performances to keep you and our actors safe. In return, we ask that you kindly wear your mask the entire time you are in the theatre, and stay in your assigned seat. If you wish to meet with your friends or one of the cast members after the show, please arrange to do so in the food court area of the shopping mall. There will be no gathering in the DST lobby - yet. Safety First! Thank you again for your support of live theatre and for your attendance at this performance of THE ODD COUPLE. Whether you are seeing your 100th show or your first at DST, you are a valued member of the Desert Stages Theatre community, and we appreciate you more than you could ever know! Ellen Versen Executive Director
DIRECTOR'S LETTER It was March 15th, 2020 when I had my last performance on stage. We had just opened Jake’s Women, also written by Neil Simon, 2 days prior. The world shut down. For all of us in the live theatre and event industry, a very scary and unknown future lies ahead. Fast forward to a year later and a slow flicker of light returns. Despite all of the adversity it took to get us here, I am proud to say we are ready to take the stage again safely, effectively, with a new fire and appreciation for what the arts bring to all of our lives. The Odd Couple is a story about friendship. It is within those friend- ships, no matter how mismatched they are, that we can discover deeper levels of who we are and how we cultivate the people in our lives. Now, more than ever, as we slowly begin to come back together we need to continue to enrich our lives with the beauty and love that is friendship. We thank you for taking the time to support our production and welcome you back to the theatre! Virginia Olivieri Director, The Odd Couple
THE CAST
Felix Ungar........................................................................Walt Pedano
Oscar Madison...............................................................J. Kevin Tallent
Murray...................................................................................Eric Banks
Speed...............................................................................Paul Hartwell
Vinnie...............................................................................Casey Cowan
Roy...................................................................................Skip Emerson
Gwendolyn Pigeon.....................................................Stephanie Vlasich
Cecily Pigeon...........................................................Samantha Hartwell
PRODUCTION STAFF
Director..........................................................................Virginia Olivieri
Stage Manager...........................................................Stephanie Vlasich
Assistant Stage Manager..........................................Samantha Hartwell
Costumes....................................................................Mickey Courtney
Set Design.........................Virginia Olivieri, Rick Sandifer, and Paul Filan
Light & Sound Design....................................................Stacey Walston
Board Operator........................................................Jayden Von Wright
Props.............................Virginia Olivieri, Stephanie Vlasich, Ally Baumlin
Hair & MU......................................................................Virginia Olivieri
Photography by Wade Moran
All participants that are mentioned and are on our stage are a part of The Odd Couple
cast. Each individual abides by the same Covid-19 regulations and guidelines set by
Desert Stages Theatre and the Director of the show.
DST'S THEATRE STAFF
Executive Director..............................................................Ellen Versen
Production Manager..........................................................Ally Baumlin
Associate Artistic Advisor......................................Lisa Barton Figueroa
Box Office Manager...........................................................Linda Barton
Box Office Staff...................Diana Gallegos, Michael Lev, Karen Rhoads
Graphic Designer/Webmaster............................................Dina Osinski
Theatre Rentals....................................................................Bill Watson
DST'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President.............................................................................Bill Watson
Vice President.......................................................................Mike Arko
Secretary.........................................................................Sharon Kiepke
Treasurer................................................................................Rich Rose
Member.............................................................................Lynnae Clore
Member................................................................................Walter Hall
Member........................................................................Dawn Jurkovich
Member................................................................................Terri Leblic
Member..........................................................................Jessica Loomis
Member.............................................................................Lori Markson
The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking
of photographs, either with or without flash, is STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST WALT PEDANO Felix Ungar Walt has been an Arizona resident for 21 years, but active in theatre for 45 years and close to 75 pro- ductions in 5 states and 6 cities around the country. His favorite role is Willy Loman in Death of a Sales- man last year at DST. Other favorites are Teach in David Mamet’s American Buffalo, Roma in Mamet’s Glenngary Glen Ross (also at DST) Victor in Arthur Miller’s The Price, Tom in The Glass Menagerie, Len- ny Bruce in Lenny and George in Neil Simon’s Chap- ter Two. Somewhere in his spare time he squeezed in a 36 year career with the Marriott Corporation. And lastly a note of thanks to my lovely wife Bron- wyn for putting up with my all-consuming hobby. J. KEVIN TALLENT Oscar Madison Through the years Tallent has performed in NYC in a number of Off Off Broadway productions as well as worked with several Valley companies including South- west Shakespeare Co., Don Bluth's Front Row Theatre, Mesa Encore Theatre, Fountain Hills Theatre, and Des- ert Stages. Recent performances include Death of a Salesman, and Broadway Bound. Mr. Tallent would like to dedicate tonight's performance to the three most influential people in his life, his biggest supporters, his parents George and Louise and his acting mentor James E. Newcomer. Gone all, but never forgotten. (And yes, that is the family name).
WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST ERIC BANKS Murray Eric Banks made his first acting debut in Focus on Glory in 2005. Since then he has appeared in over 15 theatre productions. During his ten year acting ca- reer, Eric has worked with Jammie Foxx, Vivica Fox, Gerard Butler, Pete Safran, Alan Thicke and many more. Movie fans might recognize Eric from the Movie Law Abiding Citizen. On television you may have seen him on the True T.V. Network Forensic Files in an Episode called Double Cross as a Navy Officer. Highlights of his theatre credits include Cor- poral Ellis A Soldier’s Story, Detective Baylen Glenn Gary Glenn Ross, Paul Lost Boys Found. This is Eric's second production with the Desert Stages Theatre, he is very excited to be working with an awesome director, talented cast and crew. PAUL HARTWELL Speed Was most recently seen playing the part of Donald in Holy Matrimony! at Starlight Community Theatre. Pre- vious DST credits include: Will Smith (Murder On The Nile), Narrator (Puffs), Bernard (Boeing Boeing). During the pandemic, Paul has read 16 books and beaten all of the Legend Of Zelda games. Stay safe and Enjoy! CASEY COWAN Vinnie The Odd Couple is Casey’s first production at Desert Stages. He is excited to join this cast and honored to be in this production. Casey has previously beeen in several musicals at Fredericksburg Theater Com- pany, in Fredericksburg, TX, most recently playing Galahad in Spamalot. Casey has been involved in theater through opera, plays and musicals for almost 15 years now, but is most proud of playing the Angel Gabriel in Six Flags Fiesta Texas mainstage show The Majesty of Christmas.
WHO'S WHO IN THE CAST
SKIP EMERSON Roy
Skip Emerson was born in Saco, ME, and via Buffalo,
NY, San Francisco, CA, and Hilo, HI, has settled in
Phoenix (at least for now). From high-brow to low-
brow he has done it all; his acting career started ear-
ly playing Tom Sawyer on a parade float in 1967, and
Vinnie in a production of The Odd Couple in 1977
when he was a tender 17-year-old. Since then he has
been involved in theatre and film, with over 40 years
of stage experience. He holds an MFA in acting from
UConn and is founder and principal of Vintage Rep-
ertory Company. In memory of Ed "Smitty" Smith
who got me hooked on acting playing Vinnie to his
Oscar in 1977. Miss you.
STEPHANIE VLASICH Gwendolyn Pigeon/.
Stage Manager
Stephanie is thrilled to be part of The Odd Couple!
With over 30 years of experience, Stephanie is no
stranger to the stage. Some previous roles include:
Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Rosie in Bye, Bye,
Birdie!, Jeri Neal in The Dixie Swim Club, Columbia
in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and Lucy in You're
a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Stephanie would like to
dedicate all performances to her family.
SAMANTHA HARTWELL Cecily Pigeon
This is Sammy's 5th performance at DST! She is look-
ing forward to do perform in another comedic role
in a play as Cecily for The Odd Couple. Sammy is
experienced in both professional and community
theatre for over 9 years after beginning acting in her
home state of NH. Outside the theatre, she loves
spending time with her hubby, in-laws, and dachs-
hund, as well as performing Couch Concerts with
Paul every week.
WHO'S WHO IN THE CREW
VIRGINIA OLIVIERI Director
Virginia Olivieri is so proud to bring The Odd Cou-
ple to life in such a crazy year for everyone! We are
coming together as a cast and crew to provide you
with some relatable and comedic entertainment and
to be a bright spot for audiences to escape for a
few, SAFE, hours. As an award-winning, critically ac-
claimed director and actor some of Olivieri's favor-
ite shows and roles have been Oleanna, Death of A
Salesman, Glengarry Glen Ross, and The Woman In
Black. Olivieri would like to thank her family- Dylan,
Nick, Gabby, and Rick, the cast & crew, and her
amazing friends for their love and support.PHOTOS Actors ages 8-15 were thrilled to be invited to callback auditions for DST's 2021 production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Directed by Meribeth Reeves, the show will run for two weekends, beginning May 28. The entire DST community is saddened by the passing of DST mom, friend, and volunteer Amanda Zeeb. Rest in peace, "mommy zeebra."
COMING SOON TO DST
TICK TICK BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with
Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials
are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
May 7–16, 2021COMING SOON TO DST
Based on The Comic Strip “Peanuts” Additional Dialogue
by Charles M. Schulz by Michael Mayer
Book, Music and Lyrics by Additional Music and Lyrics
by Andrew Lippa
Clark Gesner
Directed by Meribeth Reeves
YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN is presented by arrangement
with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark
LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com
May 28 – June 6, 2021COMING SOON TO DST
Summer Camp
2021
June 7 – 18, 2021 June 21 – July 2, 2021
July 5 – 16, 2021 July 19 – 30, 2021
Dates and Themes are Subject to Change
Ages 5 - 12 • MONDAY– FRIDAY • 9AM-3PM
EACH TWO-WEEK SESSION IS A COMPLETE PROGRAM
CAMP LOCATION TBD
Young actors receive hands-on theatrical experience in a non-competitive,
fun environment. Each session covers all aspects of a musical production in-
cluding auditions, staging, and choreography. A typical day includes voice,
dance, acting, games, and arts and crafts. Daily, each camper must bring a
sack lunch, a snack, and his/her own water bottle. Each session concludes
with a live performance for parents.
CAMP PRICING:
$425 per child per camp
$390 for second child or session
$100 non-refundable deposit.
Full payment is due one week prior to the start date of camp session.
After-care at $10/hour from 3 to 5pm
DESERT STAGES THEATRE
(480) 483-1664, press 1 • 866-717-2702 (fax)
Email questions to: summercamp@desertstages.orgTHANK YOU DONORS
Desert Stages, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit performing arts theatre committed to
offering high-quality entertainment and providing a creative platform that nur-
tures each stage of an actor's development. Overseen by an independent Board
of Directors, DST fulfills its mission by offering programs and services to perform-
ing artists, youth, and the community.
Desert Stages relies on the tax-deductible contributions it receives from friends,
family, and fans to continue offering high quality artistic and educational programs
to residents of and visitors to the Valley of the Sun, especially in the communities of
Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Phoenix. We are extremely grateful for the generous
support that enables DST to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences of all ages.
Thank you to the following individuals and organizations who support the mis-
sion of DST. We are proud and honored to call you our Star Donors!
Legacy Star ($20,000+) Star ($1,000 - $2,499)
Maricopa County | Arizona Community Robert and Christine Barton
Foundation In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Newton and Betty Rozenweig by Ben Einbinder
Fund for the Arts | Arizona In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Community Foundation
by Nancy Hughes
Kaczmarek & Jojola, PLLC
Diamond Star ($15,000)
Beth King
Arizona Commission on the Arts
In memory of Amanda Zeeb
by the Momeyer Family
Platinum Star ($10,000 - $14,999)
Steamy Concepts Carpet &
The Giving Group Upholstery Cleaning +
ScottsdaleArts Serena Villarreal *
Bill Watson *
Gold Star ($5,000 - $9,999)
John and Ann Marie Ashton Star ($500 - $999)
Cabaret for Change Linda Alba *
"Cowboy Bob Fun" Zinn and Terri Bell Rosemary Altuna *
Small Business Administration Bio Chem Exterminating +
Brand Names All Direct +
Silver Star ($2,500 - $4,999) The DelGhiaccio Family *
Michael and Nicole Arko * Debi Erling
Infinity Insurance Partners Estetica Cosmetic and Reconstructive
Network for Good Surgery +
Angelique Restivo Every Kid Swims +
Sprouts Farmers Market The Falcusan Family *
Lisa and Jeremy FigueroaTHANK YOU DONORS
In memory of Amanda Zeeb Colleen Nelson
by the Horvath Family Jennifer Parker
Chris Jones The Rose Family *
William P. Kelly Renu Shembekar
Michael Miller Walter and Ellen Versen *
Dustin, Ondrea, and Sloan Petty The Wentworth Family *
Jaine Rao * In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Katie Stoll by Katheryn Zeeb
Rusty Wallace Racing +
Shade N Net of Arizona + Shining Star ($100 - $249)
Sharp Data Entry + All American Branding Solutions +
Smile Reflections + Amerizona Products +
United Healthcare Provider Services In memory of Amanda Zeeb
The Yampolsky Family * by Anonymous
Dale Yeoman Debbie Atkinson
Linda Barton *
Bronze Star ($250 - $499) In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Bert and Jill Alanko * by Jake Bice
AmazonSmile Patrice Bonnell
AZ Color Wrap Professionals + Valerie Brady
Sabra Barnett Catherine's Inc.
Victoria Bellomo * In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Laurie Bowden * by your Chase Family
Teresa Dixon Liza Goerner Crisafi
The Donsker Family * Laurie Cullity *
The Frakes Family Discover Vein and Vascular Center +
The Flyer Guys + Deborah Doyle and the Skaggs
Lynn Golden Family * Family
Sara Graf Olivia and Ronin Feldman
The Hassler Family * Nilda Figueroa
Marc Hatch + Julie Fosgate
Homelight The Gottfredson Family
Iron Doors Arizona + In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Kendra Scott Jewelers by Chris Halbleib
The Kiepke Family * In memory of Amanda Zeeb
Donna Kidner by Todd Kalbac
Richard Nadler and Ann Levitas Dr. Keith and Kimberlee Haar
The Neal Family * Kawaii Sushi Deer Valley +THANK YOU DONORS In memory of Amanda Zeeb In memory of Amanda Zeeb by Sharon Kiepke by the Yampolsky Family Anita King In memory of Amanda Zeeb Just Because ($1 - $99) by Michelle Klamm AK Automotive + Michelle Laiss All Stone, Tile & Wood In memory of Amanda Zeeb Restoration + by Sheri and David Kravetz Rhonda Apodaca Kimberly MacDowell In memory of Amanda Zeeb Gina Magana + by the Arko Family Anita and Michael Markson Jackie Barkworth Sam Markson In memory of Amanda Zeeb In memory of Amanda Zeeb by Linda Barton by Barry and Lori Markson Brian and Natasha Beal + Michael and Lyndsey Meewes Shelly Bernstein Dan Meiller In memory of Amanda Zeeb Michael and Teri Momeyer by Julie Blakeley Evelyn Neis * Black Box Consulting + The Nemeth Family * Rudy Bogojevich Gregg and Karen Olson Jim Brewer Christy Raykowski Allan Breyer Patricia Rhee Tracy Burns Ilana Roga Virginia Cardenas In memory of Amanda Zeeb Mandy Casale by Ilana Roga Max Casale Ryan Sheade In memory of Amanda Zeeb In memory of Amanda Zeeb by Chelsea and Cyril by Mary and Caitlin Simpson Jimmy Clark + The Social Universe + In memory of Amanda Zeeb Wendy Thompson by the Clores Jamie Aronson Tyus Carrie and Neil Codell Thomas Versen Jennifer Dahlstrom In memory of Amanda Zeeb Joyce Dixon by Ellen and Walt Versen Kathy Dooley-Watson Tamara Wand Anthony D'Urso Welcome Home AZ + Natalie Eal Michelle Wilbur Nancy Ellis Curt Wilhem In memory of Amanda Zeeb Judith Yampolsky by the Forero Family
THANK YOU DONORS Jennifer Goma Barbara Rosen Ethan Granger In memory of Amanda Zeeb In memory of Amanda Zeeb by Jan-Erik Saue by the Greers Renu Shembekar Mark Hackmann Alice and Don Shardlow Joe Hammer Roxie Shields Lizi Hartstein Julie Shinbaum In memory of Amanda Zeeb Kristen and Brad Shroyer by Teresa Henderson David Simmons Daniel Herek In memory of Amanda Zeeb Diane Hetrick by Katy Springer Lisa Hoffer In memory of Amanda Zeeb Michelle Jensen by Cory Steinbicker Marc Kaplan Joy Bingham Strimple Donna Kaufman Cheryl Sucato Sherry Kaye Wendy Thompson Joseph Kesgomol Melanie Vigik In memory of Amanda Zeeb Jamie Villarreal by Leah Klein In memory of Amanda Zeeb Bruce and Kim Kletscher by Miriam Weisberg In memory of Amanda Zeeb Jordan Yampolsky by Elizabeth Klinkenberg Mike and Laura Krebs * Member, Director's Circle Kroger + iTrade Community Partner Mike Langley Rona Lige In memory of Amanda Zeeb by Christie Long Kimberly MacDowell Frances Martinez Paul Martinez Nancy Metzger Tabi Momeyer Natalie Neal Sarah Pansing Alison Plotnik Jessica Reed Keiran Ringer
THANK YOU DONORS MATCHING GIFTS Desert Stages gratefully recognized the following corporations that gener- ously match their employees charitable gifts. American Express CVS Caremark Honeywell International Charity UnitedHealthcare Wells Fargo ANONYMOUS STATEMENT Desert Stages respects the wishes of donors who make gifts and prefer to remain anonymous. These quiet contributions ensure the continuation of the highest quality performing arts programs that serve our artists, audi- ences, and community. WITH GRATITUDE Every gift to Desert Stages Theatre is greatly appreciated, and every effort is made to list donor information accurately. If we have made an error in listing your name or donation amount, please accept our sincere apology. To request a correction, please do not hesitate to call (480) 483-1664. PROUD MEMBER Desert Stages is proud to be a member of the following civic, business, and tourism organizations. Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits American Association of Community Theatres Better Business Bureau The Giving Group Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Local First Arizona The playbill for Desert Stages Theatre's 2021 production of TICK, TICK... BOOM! will acknowledge donations made to DST from approximately April 1, 2020, to March 31, 2021.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
THANK YOU SPONSORS
THANK YOU SPONSORS
THANK YOU SPONSORS
THANK YOU DONORS
You can also read
