CAST (In Order as they Speak)

Appopolous………………………………………...…………………..Kehry Anson Lane

Lonigan.…………………………………………………………..…………...Jim Verry

Helen.………………………………...…………………………………..Claire Barnhart

Wreck………………………………………………..……………………..Luke Schares

Violet………………………………………………………………...………Dawn Clark

Valenti………………………………..…………………………………….Andrew Cole

Eileen………………………………………………………………..Angelique VanDorpe

Ruth………………………………………………………………………...Lauren Baker

Robert Baker………………………………………………………………..Brian Quijada

Mrs. Wade…………………………………………………………………Jen Gerbyshak

Frank Lippencott……………...………………………………………………Tyler Lynch

Chick Clark…………………………………...………………………….Anthony Nelson

Ensemble (In Alphabetical Order)………………………………………………………..

Janelle Barrow, Aaron Brewer, Rachel Brown, Dawn Clark, Andrew Cole, Anamaria De La Cruz, Jessica Faselt, Megan Henry, C.J. Jones, Brain Langr, Tyler Lynch, Erin Mills, Joe Mosher, Megan Renner, Alex Ruhlin, Alicia Smith, Olivia Symmonds, Jill Vandorpe, Ken Van Egdon, Jason Verber, Jim Verry, Joe Verry

CREW Director………………………………………………...…………………....Ben Bentler Music Director………………………………………...…………………....…Ed Kottick Stage Manager……………………………………………...……………...Sarah Kohlman Assistant Stage Manager……………………..……………………………..Corina Sanders Choreographer……………………………………………...………….……Jill Beardsley Assistant Choreographer…………………...………………………………Doug Beardsley Costume Designer…………………………………………………………….Lisa Hughes Set Designer….………..……..…………………..………………...….…..Michael Blake Light Designer….…………………………………..….………………….…...Jeff Crone Sound Designer….……………………………..………………………….....Alex Ruhlin Sound Technician/Board Operator…………………………………………..Tanya Phillips Set Construction……………………………………...……....Michael Blake, Josh Fillinger Scenic Painter…………………………..…………………………….....Catherine Porter Hair & Makeup Design……………………………………………………..Ken Van Egdon Props Master………………………………...……………………………..Elizabeth Ross Publicity…………………………………………..……………………….Jen Gerbyshak

This production of Wonderful Town is dedicated in loving memory of

Shirley Van Egdon

Musical Numbers

Act I

1. “Overture”

2. “Christopher Street” - Guide, Tourists, and Villagers

3. “Ohio” - Ruth and Eileen

4. "Conquering New York” - Ruth, Eileen, and Chorus of New Yorkers

5. "One Hundred Easy Ways to Lose a Man” - Ruth

6. "What a Waste” - Ruth, Baker and Editors

7. “Ruth’s Stories” - Baker, Ruth, and Ruth’s Characters

6. "A Little Bit in Love” - Eileen

7. "Pass the Football” - Wreck and Villagers

8. "Conversation Piece” - Frank, Eileen, Ruth, Chick, and Baker

9. "A Quiet Girl” - Baker

10. “Conga” - Ruth and Brazilian Cadets

Act II

1. “Entr’acte”

2. “My Darlin’ Eileen” - Policemen and Eileen

3. "Swing" - Ruth and Village Hepcats

4. "Ohio (Reprise)" - Ruth and Eileen

5. "It’s Love” - Eileen, Baker, and Villagers

6. "Ballet at the Village Vortex”

7. "The Wrong Note Rag” - Ruth, Eileen, and Vortex Patrons

8. "It’s Love (Reprise)” - Eileen, Baker, Ruth and Entire Company

Orchestra

Ginny Armstrong………… percussion Dan Berkowitz ………..bass Peter Bixler ………….viola Rebecca Carver……...violin

Jim Christensen………cello

Lynn Conway…....keyboard Mary DeMars………..violin Don Gentzch…….….violin Gae Ellen Gentzsch…...viola Wes Habley…..clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone sax Jennifer Hexom……..violin

Erica Holm-Brown……cello

Steve Junge……..percussion

Ed Kottick………conduct-r Laura LaCombe….violin and concert master John Lee…………….violin Cody Marinall…….clarinet, oboe, English Horn alto sax, tenor sax, bass sax Ronda Marshall……...violin

Paul McNally……trombone Ron Mirr…....flute, piccolo, clarinet, tenor sax

Thomas L. Nelson……..bass trombone Julie O’Donnell…..clarinet, tenor sax Aaron Ottmar…..percussion Dave Parsons……trombone Brett Peterson…….trumpet Jocelyn Prendergast….trumpet Dave Schoenbaum…...violin Suzanne Smith…….clarinet, Eb clarinet, flute, alto sax Pete Trotter……....bassoon Lee Witwer……….trumpet

The Cast

AARON BREWER – ENSEMBLE Aaron makes his return to the Englert stage after being knighted in Camelot! By day he serves as an AmeriCorps member at Lake Macbride State Park working as a Prairie Restoration Specialist. He’s thrilled to act with ICCT, where he meets such interesting people! Thanks to the directors and actors for their passion and dedication.

ALEX RUHLIN – ENSEMBLE Alex Ruhlin will be graduating from the University of Iowa this May with a Baccalaureate Degree in Theatre Arts. Alex has contributed to over 30 pro-ductions within the University’s Performing Arts Departments, extending a helping hand to productions in both dance and music. He was also a member of the Hawkeye Marching Band for two years and traveled to San Antonio for the 2006 Alamo Bowl. This past spring Alex took the opportunity to

study abroad in London. While there he sang in two choirs and sound designed and per-formed in the devised play, Shonagon. He also produced sound for and performed in a televi-sion show, and toured solo around Europe taking in the sights of eight countries. Alex would like to thank everyone involved with this production, his family, and the Englert for the use of their theatre.

ALICIA SMITH – ENSEMBLE Alicia Smith, recent college graduate from Minnesota and new to the area, is enjoying her theatre experience in Iowa thus far! Previous roles include Juli-et in Romeo & Juliet, Gloriana in The Mouse that Roared, Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, and Daisy Mae in Li’l Abner. She thanks her friends and family for their love and support.

ANAMARIA DE LA CRUZ – ENSEMBLE Anamaria De La Cruz hails to us most recently from Los Angeles, California and is thrilled to be a member of the cast of Wonderful Town. This is her se-cond show with ICCT (she played Therese last spring in The Baker's Wife). When she is not performing, Anamaria teaches sixth graders in West Liber-ty, Iowa.

ANDREW COLE – SPEEDY VALENTI/ENSEMBLE Andrew is proud to announce that this is his first ICCT production. He is excited to be working with such a high caliber cast and crew. Andrew's most recent production was Reefer Madness at the University of Iowa. He also plans on auditioning for RENT, which is set for production in the summer of 2010. Andrew would first like to thank the cast and his friends for all the support and encouragement. Lastly, Andrew would like to thank his parents for giv-

ing him the strength and unconditional love that has inspired him to do what he is passionate about each and every day. Well, Stay Classy, Iowa City and remember to GET HEP!!

ANGELIQUE VANDORPE – EILEEN Angelique VanDorpe has fallen more than “a little bit in love” with singing-she’s been doing it since age 5. However, she was a little puzzled whether she should learn the wrong notes-or the right notes- for “The Wrong Note Rag.” To pre-pare for the role of Eileen she read “100 Ways to Make Friends and Influence People” and discovered what a tomato surprise really is. During rehearsals, she learned to spell “Ohio”, avoid seduction, ride on a subway, and break the ice at

a dinner party. Angelique hopes you all leave the show wanting to dance the “Conga”-just don’t get to rowdy!

ANTHONY NELSON – CHICK CLARK Anthony Nelson is very happy to be part of this talented and fun cast. He was last seen in Dead Man's Cell Phone and Rabbit Hole for Iowa Summer Rep. Although he holds a BFA in Acting from the University of Southern California, he has learned tons about the art of musical theatre with this experience and would like to thank the dedicated production staff for all their enthusi-asm and hard work.

BRIAN LANGR – ENSEMBLE Brian Langr, of Washington, Iowa is the son of Tom and Mary Langr. He en-joys acting and singing at every opportunity. A high school senior, Brian intends to major in music with a minor in theater. He hopes to be an educator and enrich young lives through his love of music, and entertain when possible. He has loved working on musicals with many cast, all unique and wonderful.

BRIAN QUIJADA – ROBERT BAKER Brian Bernardo Quijada is very excited to be working with so many of the nic-est people in this Wonderful Town. He'd like to thank the cast, crew, Ben, Sarah, his family, God, Tony Danza, the Englert, and Antonio Banderas for making him who he is today. Mr. Quijada was last seen in Reefer Madness: The Musical for the University of Iowa as Jesus and Jack Stone. Thanks for checking out Won-derful Town!

CJ JONES – ENSEMBLE CJ is originally from Iowa City and have always loved music and performing. He spent the past two summers touring with Celebration Iowa Singers and Jazz Band and consider that to be the "start" of his musical career. Other roles in-clude Seymour Krelborn (Little Shop of Horrors), Albert Peterson (Bye Bye Bird-ie), John (John and Jen), and Ensemble (School House Rock). CJ’s most recent event was the Jim McDonough Holiday Grande Tour 2009.

CLAIRE BARNHART – HELEN Claire is currently a junior at University of Iowa, majoring in theatre arts. This is her second role with ICCT, her first being last year's production of The Baker's Wife. Recent roles include Mary Lane in Reefer Madness, Lina Lamont in Singin' in the Rain, and Mrs. Potiphar in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. She would like to thank her family and friends for their never-ending support, and Ben for letting her be a part of another great production!

ERIN MILLS – ENSEMBLE Wonderful Town is Erin's first musical with ICCT, and she is very happy to dance and sing on stage again. She has been involved with community theatre for the past couple of years, though, playing Lenny in Crimes of the Heart, Catherine in The Foreigner, and a wild village girl named Susan in Playboy of the Western World. Erin wants to thank Ben and Ed and everyone else responsible for resurrecting this show, thereby giving this cast a chance to work together.

JANELLE BARROW – ENSEMBLE Janelle Barrow is a freshman this year at the University of Iowa. She is double majoring in biomedical engineering and vocal performance and loving every second of it. When she’s not studying you can often find her playing the guitar or piano or hanging out with friends. Theater is a favorite hobby of hers and she has been in several productions including The Music Man, Once Upon a Mattress, and Guys and Dolls in which she played her favorite role of Adelaide.

JASON VERBER – ENSEMBLE Jason is a graduate student in the Department of History at the University of Iowa. This is his first show in years. When he's not rehearsing, teaching classes, or working on his dissertation, Jason can be found running around Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Hills, etc. Last year he ran over 5000 miles, includ-ing six marathons, and this year he will be running the Boston Marathon and at least one ultra marathon. He would like to thank his wife for her love, pa-

tience, and support as well as his dogs for their suggestions on motivation and character devel-opment.

JEN GERBYSHAK – MRS. WADE/ENSEMBLE Jen Gerbyshak grew up in the Kansas City Metro Area, where she would start impromptu musical productions on any stage-like surface available on the play-ground, and then play every part she couldn’t cast herself. Excited to be on a proper stage once again, this is Jen’s second performance with ICCT.

JESSICA FASELT – ENSEMBLE Jessica Faselt is a senior at Mid-Prairie High School. Wonderful Town is her second show with ICCT. Her passion in life is singing. She has auditioned and been accepted into the Iowa All-State Choir twice. She has been in all of her schools plays and musicals including: It’s a Wonderful Life, Once Upon a Mattress, New Tricks, The Boyfriend, and A Mid-Summer Nights Dream. Jessica has played Rapunzel in Into the Woods, was in Old Creamery Theatre’s Wizard of Oz this summer, and was in the ensemble of Camelot. Jessica and her musical theatre

group received a 1 rating at State Speech last year for Sondheim’s Merrily We Roll Along. Jessica enjoys singing in her Church Choir and Vocal Team at Parkview Church. She would like to thank everyone involved with this show for making it such an enjoyable and organized experi-ence. She loved making new friends and lasting memories.

JILL VANDORPE – ENSEMBLE Jill VanDorpe has appeared in several ICCT productions, the most recent being Camelot (court lady) and The Baker's Wife (Hortense). She has also performed with other area theaters, including Washington Community Theater (Thoroughly Modern Millie) and Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre (chorus). When not onstage, Jill teaches accordion, dances, and raises Border Collies. She is also training her new Papillon to be a therapy dog. In theater, Jill has found the challenge of act-

ing various roles and the cooperative work of the cast to be very rewarding. She hopes you en-joy this show and continue to support the ICCT.

JIM VERRY – OFFICER LONIGAN/ENSEMBLE Jim wishes to thank his wife, Lynn and children, Josh, Jacob, Joseph and Anna for allowing him time to play...err…musical again. Jim’s past involvement with community theatre includes ICCT’s Board and Nominating Committee, past productions of My Fair Lady, the BEST in State of Iowa production of Life After High School, A Little Night Music, Godspell, the Mayor of Whoville in Seussical the Musical and in Englert’s annual Nutcracker. More recently, you may have caught

him playing the singing, maniac of a waiter in She Loves Me. By day Jim works in the College of Education. His most rewarding times in theater have been the productions which included work-ing with his son, Joseph.

JOE MOSHER – ENSEMBLE This is Joe's 5th musical with ICCT and he is excited to be performing on the Englert stage once more. Past roles with ICCT include Ensemble in Camelot, Albert Lennox in The Secret Garden, Rusty in Guys and Dolls, and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. He is thrilled to be a part of this extremely talented cast and crew.

JOSEPH VERRY – ENSEMBLE Joseph Verry, 9 years old, made his theater debut at the age of 6 at Englert in the award-winning production of Seussical the Musical. For 3 years, Joseph appeared with his dad in Englert’s production of Nutcracker playing the role of Fritz and the magician’s assistant. Joseph says “hi” to his principal, Ms. Mueller-Jenkins, librarian, Ms Redmond, staff and teachers and all of his classmates from Coral-ville Central Elementary where he is in Mrs. Winkler’s/Mr. Gahn’s 4th grade

class. He enjoys reading, building Lego models, playing soccer, basketball, gymnastics, running in mileage club and singing in Mr Tieg’s Coralville Central after school choir. Joseph thanks his mom, dad, Josh, Jacob and Anna for being his greatest family fan club and his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents for their support too.

KEHRY ANSON LANE – APPOPOLOUS Kehry holds a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Iowa. Locally, Kehry has performed for Riverside Theatre (Lonesome West and Death of a Salesman), ICCT (Bus Stop and The Dispute), City Circle (Hamlet, Little Women, Sweet Charity, and Schoolhouse Rocks Live!), Theatre Cedar Rapids (Rock ‘n Roll), Aggravated Assault Ensemble (Axis Mundi and Mustapha’s Bride) and with the University of Iowa Theatre Department. He co-founded I-You Theatre Company, producing

and performing plays at all three Iowa Fringe Festivals. He wishes congratulate Ben and Ed for making Wonderful Town a reality, and to thank his wife, Rachel, for her love and support.

KEN VAN EGDON – ENSEMBLE Kenneth is glad to be back on the Englert Stage. He was last seen here as Sir Dinadin in Camelot. Other recent ICCT roles include Aimiable in The Baker's Wife, and Froggy in The Foreigner. He also sits on the Board of Directors for ICCT. For his mother, Shirley, who was always his biggest fan and sitting in the front row. Now she's watching from the best seat in the house.

LAUREN BAKER – RUTH Lauren is a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in theatre and vocal perfor-mance and is excited to be making her debut with ICCT. Her most recent on-stage credits in the area include Sally in Reefer Madness!: The Musical, Writer in Truth and Truth in the U of I New Play Festival, and Cobweb (u/s Hermia) in A Midsummer Night's Dream with the Riverside Theatre Shakespeare Festival. Her proudest offstage moments have been seeing her plays, both directed by the

wonderful Alex Iben, Triptych and Quintelligiate performed in the '09 and '10 Ten Minute Play Festival at the University. She would like to thank the entire cast and crew for being awesome, Lauren Brickman for being her mommy, and Ben for the chance to get hep. Enjoy the show!

LILLY VANDORPE—MRS. WADE’S DOG Lily is very excited to be in her first production with ICCT! She runs eagerly into rehearsal, knowing she'll get lots of attention. When this show is over, Lily will earn her certification as a therapy dog so she can bring her joy to others.

LUKE SCHARES – WRECK Luke is a junior at the University of Iowa studying theatre and communication studies. This is his first performance with the ICCT, and has enjoyed the chance to meet so many wonderful people. Recent acting credits include Ralph Wiley in Reefer Madness: The Musical, and the Narrator in Truth and Truth in the Univer-sity of Iowa’s New Play Festival. He enjoys apricots and aquariums, despises plastic fencing and would like to thank everyone for coming out tonight!

MEGAN RENNER – ENSEMBLE This is Megan’s first ICCT show and she is so excited to be working with such wonderful people. Megan is a junior at the University of Iowa studying Theatre and Entrepreneurship. Her most current works include a workshop at the Uni-versity and summer internship at Riverside Theatre. She is also involved in Pa-perback Rhino, an improv group on campus, and works with show choir groups in the area. She loves singing, dancing, and enjoying time with friends while not

taking life to seriously. She would like to thank Ben, Ed, Jill, Lynn, and Sarah for making this show happen and for a wonderful experience. Finally, she wants to thank her parents, brother and sister for their continuing support in everything she does. Enjoy the show!

OLIVIA SYMMONDS – ENSEMBLE Olivia is thrilled to be a part of Wonderful Town! This is her first show with ICCT; other performances include Beauty and the Beast (Mrs. Potts), RENT:School Edi-tion, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She is currently a freshman at the University of Iowa, majoring in biology. In her (rather limited) free time, Olivia enjoys reading, dancing, and finding Waldo.

PATRICIA DAWN CLARK – VIOLET/ENSEMBLE Patricia is proud to debut with ICCT on the Englert stage with Wonderful Town. Though this is her first show with ICCT, she is no stranger to the stage. Dawn began acting, singing and dancing as a child in The Wizard of Oz as a Munchkin and has played many roles including Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Ruth Condomine in Blithe Spirit; last spring she was seen on stage with City Circle Acting Company of Coralville as

the Mime in The Arkansaw Bear. Dawn is currently a senior at the University of Iowa anticipating to graduate Spring 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts and a Certificate in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship. She would like to thank her husband, Bryan, and children, Avery, Ro-man, and Mazie for encouraging her to follow her dreams.

RACHEL BROWN – ENSEMBLE This will be Rachel's second show with ICCT, her first being in May 2009 as Genevieve in The Bakers Wife. She has also participated in area theatre produc-tions with Catalyst Acting (Tommy as Mrs. Walker and Godspell as Robyn), and Washington Community Theatre (Thoroughly Modern Millie as Muzzy). Rachel graduated from Waldorf College with a BA in Theatre Arts and currently works in Iowa City. She would like to thank her ever generous family and friends for

their support.

TYLER LYNCH – FRANK/ENSEMBLE Tyler is the 18 year old son of Dan and Diane Wellington. He has been in a doz-en shows in Washington, Iowa where he is a senior in high school. This is his first ICCT production. He plans on attending the University of Iowa in the fall to major in cinema and theatre. He is honored to be part of such a talented cast of new faces.

The Crew DOUG BEARDSLEY – ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER / CAM-EO DANCER This is Doug’s debut performance with the ICCT. He and his wife Jill, moved here from the Rockford, IL area two years ago where they were performers and choreographers in the professional and community theaters. A former member of the World Championship Brigham Young University Ballroom Dance Com-pany, Doug and his wife, Jill continue to perform and teach. Favorite theater

roles include Benjamin in 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Audrey II (puppeteer) in Little Shop of Horrors,

and Will Parker in Oklahoma. His favorite dance role was the Arabian in The Nutcracker. He is the proud father of 4 Eagle Scouts. Favorite title; “Grandpa.” Doug is the Director of the Johnson County Health Department.

JILL BEARDSLEY – CHOREOGRAPHER/CAMEO DANCER Jill began dancing at age 11 with the prestigious Diemann/Bennett studios in Ce-dar Rapids, Iowa where she trained in ballet and other forms of dance. She at-tended Brigham Young University and studied Ballroom and Latin dance styles and performed with the world-renowned BYU Ballroom Dance Company where she met future husband, Doug. Jill recently moved here from the Rockford, IL area where her skills as a choreographer, dancer and performer were in much de-

mand. Last summers City Circle production of Hello Dolly was her debut theater performance in the Iowa City area. Favorite performances include Joseph, Guys and Dolls, 7 Brides, and Kis-met. Choreography credits include Seussical, Tommy, The Wiz, Footloose, The King and I, Oklahoma, My Fair Lady and many others. Jill is the mother of 4 good looking boys, mother-in-law to 3 and grandma to Miriam. “It’s good to be back home.” MICHAEL BLAKE – SET DESIGNER Michael has an extensive local resume in set design beginning in the early 1990’s by designing for several students in the Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa including Thea Cooper and Maggie Conroy in her one woman thesis A Gracie. He has created the sets for several City Circle Acting Company of Coralville productions including his premiere set for A Lion in Winter and more recently for Catchin’ the Babies which was named best set in the state and regional AACT Fest competition, The Full Monty and Little Women the Musical and, Santa Land Diaries. Michael also designed Jason Hedden’s production of On Golden Pond with ICCT; A Year With Frog and Toad for the Washington Community Theater ; Arkansaw Bear with City Circle/Iowa Children’s Museum; and, most recently Hello Dolly for City Circle. Michael avidly gardens and has an interest in grow-ing succulents.

JEFF CRONE – LIGHTING DESIGNER Jeff is a senior at the University of Iowa with a theater arts major, emphasis in design. Past de-signs include Truth and Truth and Chicago at Iowa, and A Year with Frog and Toad and Thoroughly Modern Millie with Ben at Washington Community Theater. When not involved in a show he enjoys Big Ten Football and Saturday morning cartoons. He would like to thank Ben for the awe-some opportunity of playing in the Englert Theater.

KEN VAN EGDON – HAIR DESIGNER (Also see actor bio / photo) An industry veteran of 10 years, Kenneth has been seen on FOX's Ambush Makeover reality TV show as well as local print and media in the Chicago and Iowa City area. He has been very fortu-nate in his career as a global educator to train with some of the best and most innovative hairstyl-ists in the world. He currently works at the Buzz Salon in the Ped Mall.

JOSH FILLINGER – SET CONSTRUCTION This is the first time Josh has ever worked in theater. He has really enjoyed it and is looking for-ward to more building behind the scenes in the future. He works for McComas Lacina Construc-tion, and wants to thank his fiancée Megan and his three daughters Cierra, Liaden and Aubrianna for their support.

JEN GERBYSHAK – PUBLICIST (see actor bio) LISA HUGHES – COSTUME DESIGNER Lisa started her costuming career in her home state of Wisconsin, at The Fireside Restaurant and Playhouse. She has been active in the Iowa City and Washington Community Theaters since moving to the area in 1992. Of her many costumer/designer credits, past favorites in-clude: They’re Playing Our Song, George M!, Bye Bye Birdie, Mame, My Fair Lady, Secret Garden, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Confessions of a Dirty Blonde. Lisa is owner/operator of Sew on the Go! specializing in alterations and custom sewing.

SARAH KOLMAN – STAGE MANAGER Sarah will be graduating this spring from the University of Iowa with a degree in English along with minors in Theatre Arts and Psychology. This is her first show with ICCT and she can’t thank everyone enough for making this such a wonderful experience. Past productions include America! Our Better History and Akarui! at the University. Sarah would like to thank Becca, Mag-gie and Corina for all of their help, her friends for understanding, and her family for always being there.

EDWARD KOTTICK – MUSIC DIRECTOR/CONDUCTOR Ed had professional careers as a trombonist and a conductor before he became a musicologist. He directed the U of I Collegium Musicum for 14 years before his retirement from the School of Music in 1992. He last raised his baton for ICCT in last fall’s production of Camelot.

TANYA PHILLIPS – SOUND TECHNITION/BOARD OP Tanya is 20 years old and comes to us from Washington, Iowa. This is her first show at The Englert, but she has been working with theater for around eight years at the Washington Community Theater. This is also her third show work-ing with Ben and enjoys the challenge he always poses. She's excited about get-ting to work at a theater that is more known and bigger than her small town stage. She's currently enrolled at Kirkwood Community College with an unde-

cided major, but hopes to transfer to the university soon.

CATHERINE PORTER—SCENIC PAINTER Catherine is pleased to be painting her first show for ICCT. A native of Des Moines, Catherine learned to scenic paint while earning a degree in Art and Design from Iowa State University. She enjoys scenic painting because there is nowhere else she can make as big of a mess without getting in trouble. Catherine would like to thank Kirsten for putting up with the late nights and picking up a paint brush to help.

ELISABETH ROSS – PROPS DESIGNER Elisabeth is a general music teacher at Kirkwood Elementary in Coralville. She has appeared in a handful of local shows including ICCT's Camelot this past fall. This is her first time doing props.

ALEX RUHLIN – SOUND DESIGNER (see actor bio)

CORINA SANDERS – ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Corina will be graduating in May with a Theatre Arts degree, emphasis in costuming, stage management, and playwriting, as well as a minor in English. This is her first show with ICCT and she is grateful to be able to work with such a talented cast and crew. Throughout her col-lege career she was worked on various productions including Into The Woods, A Perfect Wedding, As You Like It, and the ’08 Ten Minute Play Festival at the University. She also works with Riv-erside Theatre, including productions of A Dog’s Life and the upcoming Killadelphia. Corina would like to thank her parents, Mike and Sheryl Sanders, for their constant love and support, as well as Sarah and the rest of the cast and crew for allowing her to be a part of Wonderful Town.

Meet the Director

BEN BENTLER With a start in Musical Theatre music as a child, Ben, now 26, has worked onstage dozens of times around the state and the country. With 12 years of performances as a vocalist, music director, composer, producer, director and pianist he has found acclaim from a wide variety of audiences.

Ben found early support from his parents and community theatre, and took his first piano les-son from the Marie Reed. During High School he gained courage and support from his voice teacher Diane Mahoney. In college he gained a fantastic amount of knowledge from his role model Dr. Timothy Statler. During college and after he has worked as musical director/conductor for dozens of shows, including Chicago’s Porchlight Musical, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, “Ragtime”, and “Phantom of the Opera.” He has also written, arranged, and orchestrated extensively for the theater using the score to create a seamless transition from music to dialogue. Also he has directed several shows including Thoroughly Modern Millie and A Year with Frog and Toad. Ben hopes to continue his education and career by attending grad school as a director. Ben also has worked as a vocal instructor and piano instructor to nearly eighty students over the course of six years and works hard to inspire and create a love for the art in everyone he teach-es. He places special importance on the integrity of the music, vocal and instrumental expres-sion, as well as concepts and practices of good vocal health. I’d like to thank Don Hughes, Mary Mahoney, Ron Mirr, and Suzanne Smith for the amazing support and the continued trust in the shows I do. I don’t know what I’d do without you guys. You make me feel like I really belong and you are such a fun and loving group. I love you guys. I’d also like to thank Tyler Cochran for his ability to continue to keep me laughing and feelings. Also a quick thank you to my phenomenal parents. Without you, I wouldn’t have had the insane amount of opportunity, luck, and love I’ve grown to know and appreciate. I love you.

The Orchestra Ginny Armstrong (percussion, Sat. Nov. 20), received a BA in Music Education and an MA in Performance from West Virginia University. She completed her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at the University of Iowa and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Percussion depart-ment. She also teaches percussion at Saint Ambrose University and performs with the Pandelir-ium Steel Band.

Dan Berkowitz (bass). This is the eighth show Dan has played for ICCT, including She Loves Me, The King and I, The Baker’s Wife, and Camelot. His usual instrument is electric upright bass, but he has played string bass and electric bass in the ICCT pit as well. Aside from ICCT, Dan plays in the local blues groups The Tornadoes and Blue Midnight Trio.

Peter Bixler (viola) is a software developer at Pearson and has played viola in a variety of community groups over the past 20 years. He started out on violin at the age of 7, but quickly moved to viola so that he and his 3 siblings would have a complete string quartet. This is his second performance with ICCT.

Rebecca Carver (violin), an occasional pit orchestra participant, has played the violin since she was in 4th grade, excepting a 25 year hiatus. Rebecca is chaplain for Iowa City Hospice and frequently plays for patients and families as part of her care. Love to Phil and Joel who contin-ue to live with Rebecca's love of musicals!

Jim Christensen (cello), a retired Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Iowa and a lifelong amateur cellist with a passion for chamber music, graduated from the University of Nebraska in medicine and music. He is a fifth-generation Iowan. He and his wife, Carol, are 50-year residents of Iowa City

Lynn Conway (keyboard) is a graduate of the University of Iowa's School of Music. She has accompanied various ICCT productions, was music director for City Circle's production of Seussical, the Musical, directs/accompanies the UIHC “Heartbeats" choir, provides accompani-ment for the Cedar Rapids Prairie and Clear Creek Amana choral and instrumental depart-ments and teaches privately. Lynn manages the U of I Dental School's business office.

Mary DeMars (violin) started playing violin in the fourth grade with the Iowa City School District. At City High she played under the direction of Candance Wiebener. Mary continued to play in college, at The College of St. Benedict/St. John's University. She especially enjoyed touring with the orchestra and playing for The Nutcracker ballet.

Don Gentzsch (violin) is in his 37th year (30 years in Missouri and 6 1/2 years in Iowa) teaching students to play the violin, viola, cello or bass in the public schools.

Gae Ellyn Gentzsch (viola) is in her 25th year of providing stringed instrument instruction to junior high and elementary students. She also maintains a private teaching studio and is princi-pal violist with the South East Iowa Symphony.

Wes Habley (clarinet, bass clarinet, baritone sax) is thrilled to be back doing musicals after early stints (before kids) in community theatres in Illinois and Wisconsin. He also plays in the Community Band, the Czech Plus Polka Band and the St. Andrew jazz band. Wes coordinates ACT's 50 state organizations and wife Katherine is a children's librarian at the Iowa City Public Library.

Jennifer Hexom (violin) is a member of the Southeast Iowa and the Knox-Galesburg Sym-phonies. Musical credits include performing in Annie, Oliver, and The Sound of Music. Directing credits include Annie Get Your Gun, Guys and Dolls, Damn Yankees, Cinderella, Oklahoma, Music Man, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Jennifer is a music teacher in the Wapello school district.

Erika Holm-Brown (cello) has been a member of the orchestra for several recent theater productions in Iowa City, including My Fair Lady, Seussical the Musical, and She Loves Me. Erika is a member of the Iowa City Community String Orchestra and employed with the University Of Iowa College Of Medicine.

Alan Huckleberry (keyboard, Thursday, Feb. 18) teaches piano at the University of Iowa. He has performed both in recitals and as a soloist with orchestras in Germany, England, Czech Rep., Italy, Austria, Spain, France, and the United States. He is also a prizewinner of numerous national and international piano competitions, such as the first prize in the German National Competition and the winner of the University of Michigan Concerto Competition.

Don Hughes (trumpet) is excited to be back in the Englert for another show. Originally an Iowa City native, Don is a band director in Washington. He is constantly amazed at how many shows he has done, but never seen. He also plays with the New Venue Big Band, the Notewor-thy Music Quartet, the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, the Iowa City Community Band, and the South East Iowa Symphony.

Steve Junge (Percussion) has an extensive local and regional resume, performing for almost three decades. Wonderful Town is his second performance with ICCT. Recent credits include Camelot (ICCT), Hello, Dolly! (City Circle), Little Shop of Horrors and Grease (Tipton). Current projects include recording and performing with Super Size Seven, St. Andrew Jazz Band, Brian Troester, and Mark Moss. Steve received his MA from Northern Iowa in 2004.

Laura LaCombe (violin and concert master) recently relocated to Cedar Rapids from the Springfield, Illinois, area, where she taught violin and orchestra at the community college and played with several orchestras, including the Illinois Symphony Orchestra and the Millikin/Decatur Symphony Orchestra. Laura studied violin at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music under Walter Levine.

John Lee (violin), a native of Taiwan, John attended the University of Washington, where he pursued a dual degree in biochemistry and molecular biology while studying violin under Pro-fessor Ronald Patterson. John was the founder and former director of Patient Music Enrich-ment Program at the University of Washington Medical Center. Currently, John is a MD/PhD student at the University of Iowa where he continues studying violin with Tricia Park.

Cody Marinall (clarinet, oboe, English horn, alto sax, tenor sax, bass sax) is a junior at The University of Iowa, majoring in Saxophone Performance and getting a Teaching Certificate to fulfill a BME degree. Cody has had the opportunity to work with and perform for professionals like: Kenneth Tse, Eugene Rousseau, George Wolfe, The Ancia Saxophone Quartet, The In-ternational Saxophone Quartet, and The Zagrab Saxophone Quartet.

Ronda Marshall (violin) recently retired from teaching 7th grade language arts at Northwest Junior High. She misses the excitement and enthusiasm of junior high students, but she also teaches elementary students through the Belin-Blank Center and pre-service teachers at the University of Iowa. She has played in several ICCT pit orchestras, including most recently Camelot, and thoroughly enjoys being a part of these wonderful productions.

Paul McNally (trombone) just completed his 44th year of teaching instrumental music, most-ly in the Iowa City area at various elementary schools, but also as band director at City High from 1983-1998. Currently performing with the Eastern Iowa Brass Band, New Venue Big Band and the Iowa City Community Band, Wonderful Town is Paul’s third show with ICCT.

Ron Mirr (flute, piccolo, clarinet, tenor sax) is an educational consultant who helps schools and social service agencies plan and implement grant-funded projects. In his free time, Ron likes to travel and is especially happy when someone actually lets him play his instruments!

Thomas L. Nelson (bass trombone) earned a BM from in 1986 and an MA in trombone per-formance and pedagogy in 1995, both from The University of Iowa. He has twenty-three years experience as a music educator coming to Regina nine years ago. He enjoys sailing, outdoor pursuits and his MG Midget.

Julie O’Donnell (clarinet, tenor sax)

Aaron Ottmar (percussion) is a junior at City High school in Iowa City. He is in the band program there and is involved in Drumline for Marching Band, Jazz Band, Pep Band, and Con-cert Band. He also tries out for honor bands and made it into the 3A-4A Iowa All-State Jazz Band on vibraphone.

Dave Parsons (trombone) was born and raised in Iowa City and has played in numerous bands over the years. He is a member of the Eastern Iowa Brass Band, in which he has played lead trombone, cornet and (currently) Eb tenor horn. Ask him about bluegrass upright string bass, if you're desperate.

Brett Peterson (trumpet) is a former member of the Eastern Iowa Brass Band and Iowa City Community Band. He currently performs with the New Venue Big Band and Cedar Rapids Jazz Big Band. Wonderful Town marks the start of the tenth year of performances with ICCT, City Circle Acting Company, Washington Community Theater and Mt. Vernon Community Thea-ter. He would like to thank you for supporting the Arts in your community.

Jocelyn Prendergast (trumpet) is new to the Iowa City area. She has a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education from Butler University in Indianapolis, and a Master of Music de-gree in Wind Conducting from the University of Minnesota. She has taught middle and high school band in Indiana and Minnesota and is enjoying a year off caring for her son, Aidan, full-time. Her hobbies include reading, playing and watching soccer and cheering on the Haw-keyes!

David Schoenbaum (violin) is a recently-retired history professor who likes the music and enjoys the company.

Suzanne Smith (clarinet, Eb clarinet, flute, and alto Sax) is a graduate of The UI School of Music. She currently teaches piano and woodwinds at her new studio on 2nd Street in Iowa City. In her spare time she works for Tender Care Vet clinic and Pet Sitters. A veteran of many musicals, Suzanne says that “Wonderful Town” is probably one of the most enjoyable shows she has been involved with.

Pete Trotter (bassoon) plays in various local groups including the Court Hill Woodwind Quintet, Iowa City Community Band, pit orchestras for community theater performances, Iowa City Community String Orchestra, and various small wind ensembles. He is retired from technology activities with The University of Iowa and ACT and is now “support staff” for his wife’s farmer’s market business.

Lee Witwer (trumpet) is a retired band director who taught in public schools in Kansas, Colo-rado, and Iowa. Lee played trumpet in Cedar Rapids and Quad Cities Symphonies, Eastern Iowa Brass Band, and Iowa City Community Bands and has directed the IC Community Band. He holds degrees from Bethany College ( Kansas), Colorado University, and has done graduate work at Iowa and Oberlin College.

2009-2010 Board of Directors President……………………...………………..Patti Mott

Vice President………………………….…..Barbara Buddin

Treasurer……………………………………….David Roe

Secretary…………………………….…..Kathy McDonald

Members at Large…………….….Jo Betts, Brenda Christner,

Gene Troyer, Ken Van Egdon,

Kehry Lane, Rachel Howell

Coordinators Archives…………………………......Mary Ellen Chudacek

Box Office….………………………..….Charles Brungardt

Librarian.……………………………………….Gerry Roe

Newsletter…..……………………….…...Brenda Christner

Posters…………………………Lisa Ontale (Wonderful Town)

Playbills………………...…...Rachel Howell and Kehry Lane

Publicity……………………..Jen Gerbyshak (Wonderful Town)

Webmaster………………..…………...……….Kehry Lane

This production of

Wonderful Town would not have been possible without the

material and financial support of the following organizations,

Businesses, and individuals: Organizations and Businesses:

Bo James, City Circle Acting Company, Coldwell Banker, Colonial

Lanes, Community Foundation of Johnson County, The Englert,

Frohwein Office Plus, Hills Bank, Modela, Parkview Church, Regi-

na Catholic Education Center, St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, St.

Thomas Moore Church, Sobaski Carpet & Floor, Tipton Community

High School, Toyota of Iowa City, University of Iowa Community

Credit Union, U.S. Bank, Walmart (Iowa City), Washington Com-

munity Theatre., and Zephyr Copies & Design.

Individuals: Don Crum, Dr. Nelson Gurll, Wesley Habley , Becca Hernan, Ron

Mirr, Becki Odeen, Kurt Stevenson, Ellen Stevenson, and Delores

Thayer.

ICCT deeply appreciates

your support!

Lifetime Members

Contributors

Bebe Ballyntyne

Jo Betts

Barbara Buddin

Mary Ellen Chudacek

Mary Fowler

Bill Gerlits

Nelson Gurll

Jim and Penny Hall

Rich Riggelman

Gerry Roe

John Harper

Don Schneider

Mary Beth Schuppert

Penny Held

Elizabeth McKray

Patti Mott

Caroline Oster

Gary Pacha

Dottie Ray

Nancy Ringstrom

Nadin Rudi

Don Schneider

Mary Beth Schuppert

Evelyn Stanske

Ellen Stevenson

Kurt Stevenson

Michael Stokes

Dick Summerwill

Dee Thayer

Richard Tiegs

Jeanne Weiner

If you’d like to contact the board directly, email us at: board@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com

Memorials

Mary Beth Schuppert

$1000 or more

Andrea Keech Maggie & Dr. Nelson Gurll Charles L. Brungardt Dee Thayer Ger-ry Roe

$150 to $999

Marva Abel Joe Betts

Fern&Ivan Burmeister Richard&EllenCaplan Mary Ellen Chudacek

Vivian Hickman Patti Mott Richard Tiegs Da-vid&Denise Tiffany Mike Tifany John&Patricia Koza Ron & Ellen Paulus Kurt&Ellen Stevenson

$75 to $149

Nan Kotterman Rachel Lindhart Anna Stranieri Doug Goodfellow Marge Goodfello John Moyers Katherine Moyers

$25 to $74

Alan Stang Sharon Kay Stang Mel&Kathy Stahmer Marlin&Lnda Kempf Rex Montgomery Marian Foster Naomi Novic Del&Lolly Eggers Yon &Sandra Lee Shoenmaker Keith&NancyThayer Megan Sands

CONTRIBUTIONS

Proceeds from ticket sales provide less than half of the operating budget of ICCT. We are a non-profit organization and can always use your help! Your contribution is tax-deductable (minus the value of tickets) and helps to keep our ticket prices low to improve accessibility to the general com-munity. With a donation of more than $20, you can automatically become a member and receive all the perks as well! In this way, we can help peo-ple come together to celebrate the excitement of live theatre.

Please take a moment to fill out the pledge form in your program. You can write a check (payable to Iowa City Community Theatre), or call the ICCT Box Office at 319-338-0443 with your credit card number. You may also send a check or money order to ICCT at : PO Box 827 Iowa City, IA 52244 *We will have a basket by concessions for your pledges and contributions.

MEMBERSHIP You can become a member of the ICCT family for a fee of $20/yr which gives you voting rights at our meetings, a newsletter every 2 months, and advance information about shows and events related to the ICCT. If you are interested in joining us as a member, please call the Box Office at 319-338-0443 or email at office@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com

SPONSORSHIP We can help your business get broader exposure in Iowa City and Johnson County. This is usually done by advertising in our playbills but can also be by sponsorship of shows, elements of shows, or specific actors. If you would be interested in partnering with us, please call the Box Office at 319-338-0443 or email at office@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com.

VOLUNTEERS We are always in need of new and interested individuals for help at the community theatre in a number of different capacities: acting, directing, back stage, and at the front of the house. If you have talents to share, please call the Box Office at 319-338-0443 or email at office@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com.

Iowa City Community Theatre thanks you for your support. Please feel free e-mail us with any comments, questions or suggestions you may have for the board of directors at:

board@iowacitycommunitytheatre.com

Directed by Jeff Shields October 16th-18th, 23rd-25th, 30th-31st ICCT

Directed by Ben Bentler February 18th-21st Englert Civic Theatre

Directed by Brian Tanner April 30th, May 1st-2nd, 7th-9th ICCT

Directed by Josh Sazon September 24th-27th Englert Civic Theatre

Directed by Kathleen Hession August 20th -23rd Festival Stage at Lower City Park

Iowa City Community Theatre

2009-2010 season

Be sure to check our website at

http://www.iowacitycommunitytheatre.com