!nterrobang
theatre project
speaking
in tongues
S e as o n 3
Presented at
1229 W Belmont, http://www.theaterwit.org
!NTERROBANG
THEATRE PROJECT
changing our world
one play at a time
™
Thanks for mixing with Interrobang Theatre Project tonight! We’re suckers for
challenging plays at ITP, so we’re thrilled to continue our 3rd season with Andrew
Bovell’s Speaking In Tongues—a work that will, hopefully, demand as much of you
this evening as it has of us these past few months. As technically and textually
complex as Tongues may be, Bovell paints an infinitely relatable tale of the fickleness of the human heart and the complexity of modern coupledom. Lean in and go
with it. Like a first date, it’s difficult to navigate at first but you’ll get the swing of it.
And before I allow you to resume staring at a stage full of furniture, some exciting
news in Interro-land: James Yost, Artistic Director of the critically-acclaimed BareBones Theatre Group of Charlotte, NC, has joined ITP as Co-Artistic Director. We’re
excited to combine our experience, aesthetics, and passion for Chicago theatre
to steward the next chapter for this company. I encourage you to visit our (new
and improved) website to get to know more about James and the projects ahead.
There has never been a better time for you to get involved—join our board, join
our mailing list and Facebook page, write a (tax-deductible) check, and get your
season tickets now for our 4th Season at our new home at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Thanks for being here. We hope you’ll find something worthwhile to puzzle over
and discuss when you leave us tonight.
Jeffry Stanton
September 2012
For more information on ITP and how you can support our season, go to
interrobangtheatreproject.org
!NTERROBANG
THEATRE PROJECT
Presents
speaking in tongues
by Andrew Bovell
D ire cted by
Jeffry Stanton
producer
production stage manager
Elana Elyce
Shawn Galligan
scenic design
assistant stage manager
Mike Mroch
Kristin Davis
sound design
Costume design
Christoper Kriz, U.S.A.
Noël Huntzinger
lighting design
choreography
Claire Chrzan
Tiffany Lawson
technical direction
press relations
Adam Gorsky
David Rosenberg Public
Relations
Theater Wit
1229 W Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657
Speaking in Tongues by Andrew Bovell is produced by special arrangement with
Dramatists Play Service, Inc., 440 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
Interrobang Theatre Project is a proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres.
Who’s Who
Meg Elliott (Sonja/Sarah) is originally from Schoharie, New
York, which is nestled in the northern foothills of the Catskill
mountains. Recent Chicago credits include Mafawnwy Price
in The Sea (Theatre Mir), the Woman in Green in Peer Gynt
(Polarity Ensemble Theater), the Host of the Garter in The
Merry Wives of Windsor (Arc Theatre), Gertrude in Hamlet (Dreamlogic Theatreworks), and Beatrice in Much Ado
About Nothing (Chicago D’ell Arte). She earned an MFA at
The Theatre School at DePaul, where favorite roles included Maggie in Dancing at
Lughnasa, the Warden in Holes, and Shelly Levine in Glengarry Glen Ross. She is
represented by Paonessa Talent Agency, LLC.
Joe Flynn (Pete/Neil/John) received his BA from UCLA and
his MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Credits
include roles in Hedda Gabler (dir. Azar Kazemi), Merry Wives
of Windsor (dir. Mark Boergers), Medea (dir. Damon Kiely),
I am Bradley Manning (dir. Geoff Button), and The Underpants (dir. Reshmi Hazra). Joe has worked with Victory Gardens, ARC Theatre, The RIFF Collective, and is thrilled to
be working with Interrobang Theatre Project. He’s been improvising across the country with The Regulars since 2010 and is a certified actor/
combatant with the SAFD. www.joeflynnactor.com
Jenny Lamb (Jane/Valerie) is ecstatic to be a part of Speaking in Tongues. Most recently she was seen in Train-spotting
USA (Alison, et al). Past projects include The Whole World
is Watching with Dog and Pony Theatre (Ensemble), Hansel Und Gretel with The Building Stage(Stepmother/Witch),
and Pippin with BoHo Theatre (Fastrada). Favorite past
credits include All in Love is Fair with the Black Ensemble
Theatre (Jenean), The Taming of the Shrew (Kate), Evita
(Peron’s Mistress), Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night (Whore) and Cabaret (Lulu), all with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, and Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme
in Assassins (Boxer Rebellion) and Alice in Andre Gregory’s Alice in Wonderland
(Blindfaith Theatre). Jenny is co-founder and co-artistic director of Li’l Buds Theatre Company www.lilbudstheatre.org. and a teaching artist at The Second City.
Neal Starbird (Leon/Nick) is pleased as punch to be working with Interrobang again, having previously performed
in their production of Gregory Moss’s The Argument. He’s
also intrigued to be working with a set script again, having
spent the better part of the year since The Argument working with The Ruckus on new material, including acting in
the premier of Little Triggers by Dan Caffrey; devising and
acting in Common Hatred by playwright Calamity West; devising, acting and writing for the work shop of EMSCMT by
Matt Test, et al.; and acting in the work shop of Facing Angela by Scott T. Barsotti.
Andrew Bovell (Playwright) is a celebrated writer for both stage and screen. His
film Lantana, based on Speaking In Tongues, won more than ten major awards in
Australia in 2001, was critically acclaimed internationally, and won Best Screenplay
at the 2003 London Critics’ Circle Film Awards. Andrew also co-wrote the original
screenplay of Strictly Ballroom with Baz Lurhmann. His award-winning play Speaking In Tongues was produced in 1998 in Sydney and Melbourne, received its U.K.
premiere in 2000, and U.S. premiere at the Roundabout Theatre in New York in
2001. Some of Andrew’s other works for the stage include When the Rain Stops
Falling, Holy Day, Who’s Afraid of the Working Class, Fever, Shades of Blue, Scenes
from a Separation, Like Whiskey on the Breath of a Drunk You Love, and Distant
Lights from Dark Places.
Jeffry Stanton (Director) is the Co-Artistic Director and Founder of Interrobang
Theatre Project. Directing credits include: Hot ‘N’ Throbbing, The Argument, Here
Lies Henry, A Number, I Am My Own Wife, 1984, The Birthday Party, Iphigenia 2.0,
One Flea Spare, Under Milk Wood, Machinal, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Jeffry is a proud alumnus of Emerson College and Boston University. Upcoming:
Interrobang’s productions of Mark O’Rowe’s Terminus and Philip Ridley’s The Pitchfork Disney.
Claire Chrzan (Lighting Designer) is from the Chicagoland area and a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Her most recent credits include In the Heart of
America with Theatre Seven, Little Shop of Horrors with Street Tempo Theatre, and
Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me with Oak Park Festival Theatre. This is Claire’s
second show with Interrobang Theatre Project after designing Hot ‘N’ Throbbing
last fall. Claire’s upcoming projects include Seascape with Oak Park Festival Theatre, and assistant lighting design for the remount of Albany Park Theatre Project’s
Homeland opening at The Goodman this summer.
Kristin Davis (Assistant Stage Manager) has a BA in Theatre from James Madison
University and an MA in Classical and Contemporary Text (Directing) from the
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (formerly known as RSAMD). Stage Management
credits include The Nutcracker (Virginia Regional Ballet); This is Oktoberfest, Deck
the Halls, Fright Night at the Festhaus, Jack’s Pumpkin Express, and Escape from
Pompeii (Busch Entertainment). Directing credits include Food for Thought (Big
Shoulders Festival); Random Objects Flying Through the Air (RCS), Love Songs
(The Arches), Mr. & Mrs. Laughton (The Queen’s Head Piccadilly), and The Last 5
Years (JMU).
Elana Elyce (Producer) came to Chicago from Detroit, MI, in 2007. She is an ­actor,
writer, director, and coach. Now she’s officially putting “Producer” behind her name.
Elana came to Interrobang Theatre Project originally as an actor in the ­Ensemble
of The Argument in the fall of 2011. Shortly after that she joined the organization
as an active Company Member before taking on the producing role. The Chicago
theatre community has embraced her as one of their own, welcoming her to do
improv, sketch comedy, and tell stories on stages all over the area. She has stage
managed, built and painted sets, been a stage-hand, and even choreographed a
couple of times. Elana is ridiculously thrilled to be involved with ITP.
Shawn Galligan (Production Stage Manager) has acted, directed, and stage managed in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Production credits: or, The Train Play for
WAFF (SM); Romantic Fools (director), The Importance of Being Earnest (SM), and
Woody Guthrie’s American Song (SM) for Actors’ Summit; Children of Eden (SM)
and All Shook Up (director) for Sandstone Summer Theatre; Miracle on 34th St,
the Musical (SM) for TrueNorth Theater; The Fantasticks for Stow Players (director); Cuyahoga Falls M&Ms show choir (co-director); various plays and three film
projects for Tremont Ave. Productions (director, production manager): company
stage manager for Chicago Tap Theatre; The Mikado for Akron Lyric Opera Theatre
(SM). Shawn is a proud company member of Actors’ Summit and convergiencecontinuum.
Noël Huntzinger (Costume Design) hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Recently she designed Hoodoo Love with the Collective Theatre, directed by Nelsan Ellis. Noël is
an artistic associate with Filament Theatre Ensemble and designed their past two
shows: The Drawer Boy and Hank Williams: Lost Highway. Other favorite credits
include: The Man Who Came to Dinner directed by the Drama Desk Award Winning
Russell Treyz (University of Oklahoma), Mistakes Madeline Made and Permanent
Image (Livewire), Fandango staged by the Tudor Trust, and Ready: A New Musical
(The Student Theatre Initiative). Noël has assistant designed at both Trinity Shakespeare Festive and Great River Shakespeare Festive.
Christopher Kriz (Original Music and Sound Design) works nationally as a composer and sound designer. Some recent Chicago credits include The Whipping
Man (Northlight Theatre), The Letters (Writers Theatre), The City and The City
(Lifeline Theatre), I Am Going To Change The World (Chicago Dramatists), and
After the Revolution (Next Theatre). Chris has received 5 Jeff nominations and
2 awards, most recently the Equity Jeff Award for Turn of the Screw (First Folio).
Upcoming productions include Creditors (Remy Bumppo), Yellow Moon (Writers
Theatre) and Homecoming 1972 (Chicago Dramatists). Chris is a proud member
of United Scenic Artists Local 829. To hear more of his work, please visit www.
christopherkriz.com
Tiffany Lawson (Choreography) Training: BFA in Theatre & Dance, Millikin University; Louisville Ballet, University of Louisville Dance Theatre & Regional Dance
America. Professional: Dance Chicago, Gatorade/So You Think You Can Dance,
Chicago Fringe Fest, You Spoke, Going Dutch, Bonesbare 6, Art Slam, Dance
Union/Dance in a Box, Alphabet Soup Productions, Prairie Fire Theatre. Tiffany has
choreographed and taught throughout the U.S. and the Dominican Republic. Tiffany was company member and Touring and Outreach Coordinator for 5 seasons
with Innervation Dance Cooperative. She has been a guest artist with Core Project
of Chicago, Columbia University Alumni and Alliance Dance Company. Tiffany is a
company member with Renegade Dance Architects, where she is ballet mistress
to the apprentices.
Mike Mroch (Scenic Design) is a graduate of Columbia College with a BFA in Directing and Scenic Design. Recent design credits: Southbridge (Chicago Dramatists),
Stadium Devildare, Brand (Red Tape), Neighborhood 3, Old Times (Strawdog), The
Unveiling, Anger/Fly, The Word Progress on my Mother’s Lips (Trap Door), Hot ‘N’
Throbbing (Interrobang), Ironmistress (Oracle), Tea and Sympathy, Sweet Bird of
Youth (Artistic Home), The Sea (Theatre Mir). Mike is also the General Manager and
an Ensemble member at Strawdog Theatre.
A special thanks to
Casey Hampton, Poster and Program Design
Michael Brosilow, Production Photographer
Will Dean, Master Electrician
Sandra Smycz, Production Assistant
Zoe Claster, Paint Charge
Midwest Event Solutions
Chef Tim’s Table/Dragonfly Farms
Creative Studio Space
Kristina Schramm, Lincoln Square Theatre
Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre
Zelda Fitzhugh
Announcing Season 4
Athenaeum Theatre • 2936 N. Southport Ave • Chicago
Terminus
By Mark O’Rowe • Directed by Jeffry Stanton
September 12–October 6, 2013
An extravagant critically-acclaimed drama of interlocking monologues which spins
a tale both utterly surreal and compelling. Terminus is a tour de force of poetry
and drama; a febrile, demonic fantasy that sweeps the audience along on a helterskelter ride made up of the wildest parts of the imagination, our greatest hopes,
and our darkest fears.
The Pitchfork Disney
By Philip Ridley • Directed by Jeffry Stanton
February 6–March 2, 2014
Ten years ago something terrible happened to Presley and Haley—a grownup,
agoraphobic, self-medicating, modern Hansel and Gretel who gorge on chocolate
and use fantasy as a spell to keep the mad world outside at bay. But one night
their safe isolation is shattered by the arrival of Cosmo Disney and his mute mate,
Pitchfork Cavalier, who confront them with the scariest question of all. A dark and
glittering fairytale for our anxiety-ridden era.
A Doll’s House
By Henrik Ibsen • Adapted by Calamity West • Directed by James Yost
May 9–June 8, 2014
Nora enjoys a comfortable life with her family and loves her husband Torvald above
all else. So much so, that she’s risked a small lie in order to save his reputation
and protect their cozy existence. When the truth worms its way out with a threat
of blackmail, Nora begins to question her devotion and finds herself forced into
making a life-altering decision. A bold, fresh new adaption of Ibsen’s perennially
provocative play by one of Chicago’s hottest emerging playwrights, Calamity West.
You Are Here
At Theater Wit
We are a theater company within a building, within a community, within a
world.
As a production company, Theater Wit’s mission is to be the premier “smart
art” theater in Chicago by producing humorous, challenging, and intelligent
plays that speak with a contemporary theatrical voice.
As an institution, Theater Wit seeks to be the hub of the Chicago neighborhood
theater scene. In our three spaces, we bring together Chicago’s best storefront
theater companies. Here you will find a smorgasbord of excellent productions,
see the work of a parade of talented artists, and mingle with audiences from all
over Chicago.
In the Middle of a Community
Everyone here: folks in the audience… the person who handed you this
program… somewhere on or off the stage there are actors… if you look up in the
corner you might get a glimpse of the stage manager in the booth… We’re all in
this room for the same reason: to be a part of this shared experience. No matter
who they are or where they come from; no matter if they are complete strangers
or familiar faces; no matter how different the age, the race, or the walk of life;
after this performance, you will have something in common. So, strike up a
conversation in the lobby, introduce yourself to someone new. Meet our staff,
shake hands with an actor, get a drink from our bar. We’re all in this together.
Part of the Chicago Scene
Theater is part of the Chicago experience. Each year, over 200 theaters present
thousands of shows to Chicago’s loyal and enthusiastic theater-going audience.
Chicago’s theater community is recognized around the world for its talent, its
innovation and its power to entertain and enlighten. If Tony awards were sports
championships, our artists would beat out the combined efforts of Michael
Jordan, Bobby Hull, Jim McMahon, Jermaine Dye, and the entire Chicago
Cubs roster going back 100 years. This stage is a Chicago stage, contributing
to the vibrant artistic life of our city and the economic development of our
neighborhood. Very few cities on the planet offer the theatrical richness and
diversity of Chicago. But you get to share in it. Because you are here.
THEAter Wit
membership
YOU ARE HERE
ANy TIME
ANY SHOW
$36/month
•
See any play in our building,
any time, as often as you
like for one flat monthly
fee.
•
Reserve a ticket for any
production in our facility. Do it
in advance or just drop by on
impulse.
•
Free ticket exchanges and
replacement tickets.
•
Attend as many different shows
as you want each month.
Come once, twice or five
times a week at no additional
charge.
•
No initiation or startup
fee, but members must
agree to a three- month
minimum.
•
Twice a year, bring a friend for
free.
•
Great deals at local
businesses!
AS often as you like
Flexpass — 10 tickets for $215
• See anything in the building
at a dramatically reduced
price.
• See 10 shows, go on 5 dates,
or just bring your 9 closest
friends with you to one show.
• After ordering, you get a card
in the mail within a week
with your Flexpass code
which can be used online,
over the phone or at the box
office
Giordano’s • The Bagel • Cheesies
Chicago Bagel Authority • Flat top grill • Crisp • Looseleaf Lounge • Matilda’s Wine Styles •
Something Old, Something New
• Accelerated Rehabilitation
Centers • Around the World
Tobacco • Suburban Secrets •
Witt’s • Bourgeois Pig Cafe
More info at:
theaterwit.org/membership
THEATER WIT
staff
BOARD OF
DIRECTORS
Kathryn Stieber
President
Paul Danao
Vice-President
Charles Hornewer
Treasurer
Neal Smyth
Secretery
Todd Goldberg
Bruce Wechsler
STAFF
Jeremy Wechsler
Artistic Director
David Wechsler
Company Manager
Mercedes Rohlfs
Grant Director
Mikey Laird
Box Office Manager
Josh Nordmark
Box Office
Majel Cuza
Bar Manager
Ryan Wesneski
Bar
TIMOTHY LANE
House Manager
Jay Kelly, L.C.
Williams & Assocs
Press Relations
You are here with us
E-News
Stay up to date on all the happenings at
Theater Wit. Sign up for our e-newsletter.
Get the latest info on show openings and
schedules; eavesdrop on production
gossip and artistic plans; see behind-thescenes photos.
• Get a free piece of chocolate when
you fill out a mailing list insert and
give to any bartender, usher or house
manager.
• Sign up online at theaterwit.org/join
• Mailings twice per month. We don’t
deluge you with messages and we
don’t sell your name to other lists.
Facebook
facebook.com/theaterwit
Donate
Theater Wit is a 501(c)(3) organization.
Your tax-deductible donation supports
Theater Wit and supports this building
in its role an artistic home for Chicago’s
best storefront theaters.
• Donate online at theaterwit.org/
donate
• Make an instant donation at the box
office, the bar, or with our house
manager.
• Donate your time and talents! Theater
Wit welcomes volunteers for office
work, community outreach, building
improvements and special events.
Sodas
Mexican Coke
Goose Island Sodas
Pelligrino
Hot Beverages
Hot Chocolate
Mighty Leaf Teas
Metropolis Coffee
Hot Cider!
Wine
The Show
Garnacha and Malbec
Kim Crawford Sauvignon
Blanc
La Terre
Chardonnay
Beer
Two Brothers
Locally Brewed Beer
Bar
Featuring locally distilled
Koval liquor and other
top shelf products
Staff Drinks
(boozy concoctions by our staff)
Mikey’s Moonshine
Rum, Tequila, Gin, Vodka and
Triple Sec with a splash of
Tonic and Sprite.
The Daviation
Hendrick’s, Rose Hip Liquor
and Pelligrino Limonata withh
a splash of Creme de Violette
Chocolate Cake
Frangelico, Vodka and Wlanut
Liqueur
The Nordmark 21
Koval Vodka and Ginger
Liqueur
Midnight Oil
Black Blood of the Earth and
Koval Walnut Liqueur
Tim’s Totally Macho
Girly Drink
Koval Vodka and Orange
Blossom LIqueur topped with
Pelligrino Aranciata
The Merry Christmas
Frangelico, Cream, Honey and
Black Blood of the Earth
Ask about our
show special drinks!
Meet our resident companies
Theater Wit hosts 1-3 resident companies and provides them the use of
our facilities for the entire year. In partnership with these companies,
we share audience development initiatives, marketing programs, and
responsibilities for space maintenance. Most importantly, we create an
opportunity for audiences to explore a diverse range of programming
and to discover new companies. Meet our residents for 2012-2013!
STAGE LEFT THEATRE
Stage Left Theatre’s mission is to develop and produce plays that
inspire debate about political and social topics. We focus on presenting
complicated issues in the context of an engaging story, without
prescribing a single point of view. We attempt to spark respectful debate
about the issues most relevant to our community, and activate audiences
to continue those conversations beyond the walls of the theatre. Stage
Left also works to inspire playwrights to address political and social
themes through our Downstage Left new work development program.
new millennium theatre company
New Millennium produces a varied season which focuses on new
and non-traditional approaches to theater. They create plays geared
to audiences who have been reluctant to attend traditional theatre
offerings, producing shows that are fun and relevant to today’s complex
audiences.
Season 3 Continues with
!NTERROBANG
a coproduction with
T H E AT R E P R O J E C T
orange
flower water
by Craig
Wright
directed by James Yost
May 9–June 9, 2013
Thursday, friday, Saturday at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday at 3:00 p.m.
West Stage at the Raven Theatre Complex
6157 N. Clark street • Chicago
box offiCe: 773-338-2177
Married couples David and Cathy Larson and Brad and Beth Youngquist live with
their children in the relatively peaceful town of Pine City, Minnesota. David and
Beth, after years of maintaining a platonic friendship, begin an adulterous affair
with disastrous consequences. Through a series of scenes which all take place on
or around a single bed, we see the painfully intense real-time unraveling of both
marriages and, eventually, the construction of a very fragile but authentic new
beginning for everyone concerned.