FAC Program

From the President

Dear Audience Members,

Thank you for attending this 2024–25 performing arts season production. The outstanding show you are about to enjoy is part of a thoughtful and carefully selected lineup designed to provide a wide array of entertainment experiences. I would like to acknowledge Dillon McArdle, director of the Viterbo Fine Arts Center, and his incredible staff for their hard work in making this season possible.

Allow me to also extend my gratitude to you—our patrons, benefactors, sponsors, volunteers, and students—for your continued support in bringing the best of the arts to the region. We are fortunate to live in a place with so many cultural and artistic opportunities, just as the members of the Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration envisioned when they built this wonderful facility.

We are very happy to have you join us. On with the show!

“Pace e Bene”
Peace and all good
Rick Trietley signature
Rick Trietley
Viterbo University President

Conservatory Note

Welcome to our 2024-25 season at the Conservatory!

We’re thrilled to invite you on a journey that only live theatre can offer. This season, prepare to experience a diverse array of stories—from gripping mysteries to joyous musical adventures.

We begin our season with the chilling tale of the infamous Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, brought to life by the genius of Stephen Sondheim. By spring, we’ll plunge miles under the sea, where a singing sponge named “Bob” awaits your company.

In between these remarkable tales, we’ll share the community joy of our annual holiday tradition, A Viterbo Christmas: Star of Wonder.

Your journey through the season also features a Tony Award-winning comedy, a powerful true story of courage, a timeless Mozart opera, and an inspiring evening of dance featuring talented young performers on the brink of their professional careers.

You are why we’ve embarked on this journey. Thank you for being with us, and we hope you’ll join us for every moment!

Rick Walters
Rick Walters signature
Executive Artistic Director
Conservatory for the Performing Arts

Director's Note

“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players…”
–From William Shakespeare’s As You Like It

Happenstance? A glitch in the matrix? Fate? Memory… What do we make of the circumstances of our existences? This is what we are faced with exploring the undeniably witty comedy penned by Tom Stoppard and first staged in 1966. While Stoppard uses the framework of Shakespeare’s Hamlet to demonstrate the perpetual “fate” of doomed protagonists, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead has more absurdist tendencies than the epic tragedy of its source. It does so well what many plays strive to do; make you think as hard as you laugh.

For me, it is a revisit to a play that brought me to my decision (fate?) to lead the life of a theatrical artist. I remember, in my high school days (19-something-something), I saw Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead produced by a group of young creatives wanting to “just tell a fun story”. There was no “adult” at the helm, only the players, and I witnessed the power of a young and passionate ensemble coming together to create breathtaking art. I had never witnessed such powerful storytelling before. I remember walking away saying, "I didn’t know we could do that." This play helped me understand who I wanted to be as an artist. Thirty (something) years later, here I am, once again exploring this work that invoked my artistic curiosity.

It is my hope that my fellow creatives working on this show have sparked greater passions in their journeys in telling this story. It has been a gift to work with such incredible student artists who have taken the lead in so much of our work here. They are truly remarkable.

It is also my hope that you enjoy your escape into this world we’ve created for you. Your presence is an essential part of our theatre. After all, “…we have the single assumption which makes our existence viable–that somebody is watching”.

Thank you for being a part of our production.

–Benjamin Gonzales

Cast

Rosencrantz: Jess Schneider

Guildenstern: Vera Shipley

The Player: Cortney Piepenburg

Hamlet: Katie Kostner

Tragedian/Gertrude/Player Understudy: Elisabeth Meyer

Tragedian/Claudius: Halle Utterback

Tragedian/Ophelia: Abbey Messing

Tragedian/Polonius: JaymeAnn Olson

Tragedian/Alfred/Guildenstern Understudy: Sam Asid

Tragedian/Horatio: Joie Steele

Tragedian/Ambassador: Alanna Sawall

Tragedian/Soldier/Hamlet Understudy: Ryan Dettbarn

Tragedian/Player-King/ Ophelia Understudy: Hailey Fernandes

Tragedian/Musician: Adelaide Rhys

Tragedian/Musician: McKenzie Russ

Tragedian/Rosencrantz Understudy/ Alfred Understudy: Colin Cada

Tragedian /Gertrude Understudy: Sydney Ellis

Tragedian/Polonius Understudy/ Claudius Understudy: Malia Meyer

Production Team

Director: Benjamin Gonzales

Music Director: Adelaide Rhys

Fight Choreographer: Mike Speck

Production Stage Manager: Alli Austin

Costume Designer: Braeden Jackson

Scenic Designer: Sadie Ward

Lighting Designer: Patrick Strain

Sound Designer: Benjamin Gonzales

Sound Engineer: Eric Glazewski

Properties Designer: Kelsey Taunt

Hair and Makeup Designer: Annie Voss

Production Manager: Jason Underferth

Technical Director: Chad Kolbe

Assistant Director: Ashlyn Cox

Assistant Stage Manager: Laurelle Bandy

Fight Captain: JaymeAnn Olson

Lead Electrician: Jason Underferth

Costume Shop Supervisor: Jen Brown

Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt

Assistant Properties Designer: Xavier Carnicom

Paint Charge Artist: Madi Bollinger

Carpenters: Patrick Strain, Ron Stoffregren

Production Crew

Light Board Operator: Tiffany Ridolphi

Sound Board Operator: Zachary Lichner

Run Crew (Sound/mics): Ryleigh Phillips

Run Crew (Scenic): Ellie Parish, Jamie Allen

Props Run Crew Supervisor: Kayden Kloehn

Run Crew (Props): Rubie Stetzer, Thomas Rise

Costume Run Crew Supervisor: Isaac Knudsen

Run Crew (Costume): Connie Buhl, Vee Jacobson, Hailee Elwell

Lighting/Electricians: Vera Shipley, Tucker Mensen, Reagan Kettner, Halle Utterback

Costume Build Crew: Jen Brown, Anna Graham, Lisa Lock, Sydney Ellis, Annie Voss, Makayla Taylor, Braeden Jackson, Malia Meyer, Adelaide Young, Shea Grande, Jess Schneider, Isaac Knudsen, Vee Jacobson, Xavier Carnicom, Elisabeth Meyer, Joie Steele, Lauren Huserik

Scenic Build Crew: Vera Shipley, Tucker Mensen, Reagan Kettner, Halle Utterback, Spencer Curtis, Sophie La Fave, Sam Asid, Trey’lon Salley, Sony Vassor

Prop Build Crew: Xavier Carnicom, Helen Riddle, McKenzie Greenwood, Megan Wheelock, Katie Kostner

TRAGEDIAN/ ROSENCRANTZ UNDERSTUDY/ ALFRED UNDERSTUDY

Colin Cada

is a senior theatre major from Winona with a dance minor. His previous Conservatory productions include CARRIE: The Musical as an ensemble member, Measure for Measure as Angelo, The Hello Girls as a swing, and 42nd Street as an ensemble member. He was most recently seen as the All Good Gifts soloist in Godspell. Cada is incredibly excited to be working both behind the scenes and on stage this semester. He would like to thank his loving and supportive parents and friends for always having his back in and outside of the theatre. "To my senior peers and other artists, remember that being brave is being afraid and doing it anyway. Love you all." @colincada

TRAGEDIAN/ SOLDIER/ HAMLET UNDERSTUDY

Ryan Dettbarn

is a senior theatre major with a dance minor. She has previously appeared in the Conservatory's production of She Kills Monsters as well as STP's Much Ado About Nothing and Puffs. She is so excited to share the stage with her talented peers again this year and cannot wait to see what the coming year will bring! @ryan.dettbarn4

TRAGEDIAN/ GERTRUDE UNDERSTUDY

Sydney Ellis

is a sophomore music theatre major with music and dance minors from Chatfield, Minn. She was most recently seen as a featured dancer in Viterbo's production of Godspell last spring. When not on stage, you can find her as a member of the Viterbo University Dance Team, or playing live music around La Crosse. She would like to thank her family and friends for their continuous support, and dedicate this performance to her uncle Richard. @sydneygraceellis

TRAGEDIAN/ PLAYER-KING/ OPHELIA UNDERSTUDY

Hailey Fernandes

is a sophomore music theatre major. She was thrilled to be a part of her first production last year in STP's A Year With Frog and Toad as a member of the dance ensemble. She has also enjoyed being on run crew for various shows at Viterbo. She would like to thank her family and friends for always being her biggest supporters and pushing her to be her best. @hailey_fernandes

HAMLET

Katie Kostner

is a music theatre major in her third year of college. She's double minoring in music and dance, and is absolutely thrilled to be here for this exciting season. You may have seen her this past season at Viterbo as Ruthie in Bat Boy: The Musical, or back home as Jane in Tarzan this summer. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and she knows that this is going to be an extra great year! www.katiekostner.com

TRAGEDIAN/ OPHELIA

Abbey Messing

is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. Previous Viterbo productions include 42nd Street and Into the Dirt. She spent this past summer as a tour actor/director working on Pinocchio for Missoula Children's Theatre, which was an exceptional opportunity to teach and grow as a performing artist. She is excited to work on Viterbo's production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead this school year, and for all the great memory-making and learning that lie ahead. All the love to her friends and family who support her tirelessly and continuously lift her up. @abbeys_playlist

TRAGEDIAN/ GERTRUDE/ PLAYER UNDERSTUDY

Elisabeth Meyer

is a senior theatre major with a dance minor from New Berlin. Previous Viterbo credits include Kaliope in She Kills Monsters, ensemble in Measure for Measure, The Elephant Speaks Jazz (Sam/Lucy US), and Ursula/First Watch in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. Viterbo design credits include assistant costume/hair/makeup designer for 42nd Street, costume/hair/makeup designer of STP'S Heathers, and hair/makeup designer of Bat Boy: The Musical. She would like to thank God and her family and friends for all of the love and support! Shoutout to the costume shop team and Adams Street Moka! @elisabethhmeyer

TRAGEDIAN/ POLONIUS/ FIGHT CAPTAIN

JaymeAnn Olson

is a senior pursuing a BFA theatre degree with a dance minor. Her most recent Viterbo credits include Ensemble/Phyllis Understudy in 42nd Street, the musical last fall, and a Singer/Dancer in the Platinum Edition show choir. She would like to thank her family and friends for their consistent love and support as she pursues her dreams in theatre. Enjoy the show! @jaymeann.olson

THE PLAYER

Cortney Piepenburg

is incredibly excited to be back performing on campus! Now a senior acting major, you may have seen her in past productions such as: Measure for Measure, She Kills Monsters, STP's Heathers: The Musical, and STP's Much Ado About Nothing. To her parents who never stopped believing, her siblings who've always showed up, CJ who always make her laugh, and the class of '25. "Thank you, I love you." @cortspian

TRAGEDIAN/ MUSICIAN/ MUSIC DIRECTOR

Adelaide Rhys

is a senior BFA music theatre major with a minor in dance from Illinois. Past credits include Helen Hill in The Hello Girls, Mariana/Claudio understudy in Measure for Measure, Kaliope/Narrator understudy in She Kills Monsters, and as the opening act in Godspell last spring! She'd like to extend an enthusiastic thank you to her mom and dad, and her roommates for their unwavering support and West Ave Kwik Trip for the sustenance. @adelaiderhyss

TRAGEDIAN/ MUSICIAN

McKenzie Russ

is a junior music theatre major with minors in music, dance, and arts management from Edmond, Okla. Her past Viterbo productions include Godspell (Choreographer), 42nd Street (Assistant Choreographer/Dance Captain/Swing), The Pirates of Penzance (Swing), and Dance Kaleidoscope. On top of productions, she is involved in Viterbo through admissions, Viterbo Film Studios, and Dance Coalition. She would like to thank her friends, family, and professors for their constant encouragement and support. Enjoy the show! @mckenzie_kay__

GUILDENSTERN

Vera Shipley

is a senior music theatre major from Minneapolis. Viterbo credits include: Maggie/Reverend Hightower/Ensemble in Bat Boy: The Musical, Ensemble in Measure for Measure, and Seacoal in STP's Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to send her love and gratitude to her friends and family for their endless love and support. A special thanks to her sibling, Joe. @verajjane

ROSENCRANTZ

Jessica Schneider

is a senior BFA theatre major. Audiences may have seen her previously as Lorraine in Bat Boy: The Musical, Maggie Jones in 42nd Street, or as a puppeteer in The Elephant Speaks Jazz. She also involves herself in Viterbo's Student Theatre Project where she played Ms. Fleming in their production of Heathers: The Musical, and costume designed Much Ado About Nothing last spring. Schneider's time at Viterbo has been fulfilling in many ways from her time onstage, to in the classroom, to her time working in the Alumni Association Office. Schneider feels that she couldn't have picked anywhere better to spend these four years than Viterbo University. @jess.not.jessi

TRAGEDIAN/ HORATIO

Joie Steele

is a senior music theatre major with a minor in dance from Tuscaloosa, Ala. Selected performance credits: Ensemble/Lorraine US (42nd Street), Norma (Carrie: The Musical) with Viterbo University. Female/OS Swing (The Laramie Project) with LaCrosse Community Theatre. Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing), Ensemble (Heathers) with The Student Theatre Project. Selected choreography credits: We Are The Tigers (World Amateur Premiere), Tuck Everlasting, Mamma Mia, Company (asst.) with French Woods Festival of Performing Arts. 13! with Tuscaloosa Theatre Troupe. Steele serves as the Student Theatre Project co-artistic director, Funny Side Up Vice President, and Pre-professional Performing Arts secretary. Enjoy the show and lots of love! @joie.steele

TRAGEDIAN/ CLAUDIUS

Halle Utterback

is a senior music theatre major with a minor in dance from Austin, Texas. She was previously a choreographer of Godspell the musical, seen on the Viterbo stage as Lorraine Fleming in 42nd Street, dance captain/assistant choreographer/ensemble in Footloose, a swing in CARRIE: The Musical, a dancer in Dance Kaleidoscope and a member of Platinum and Diamond Edition show choirs. Utterback also served as the dance captain/squeegee-man/ensemble in La Crosse Community Theatre's production of Rent. She is the president of the Student Government Association, Honors Program/HonorsLeadership Board, an orientation leader and a Viterbo dance tutor. She would like to thank her Viterbo faculty and friends, as well as her amazing family in Texas for their unending love and support. "Besos, y'all!" @halle.cate

DIRECTOR/ SOUND DESIGNER

Benjamin Gonzalez

is an assistant professor teaching in the areas of theatre history and literature at Viterbo. He previously served as a guest instructor for lighting design and theatre technology at the University of Central Missouri and is also formerly an associate clinical professor who taught an array of theatrical subjects at Washington State University that included lighting design, playwriting, and media literacy. He earned an MFA in theatre arts (focused on dramatic writing) from the University of Idaho. He also earned an MA in teaching and a bachelor of arts in theatre arts and drama from Washington State University. Gonzalez currently serves as the National Chair of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival's (KCACTF) National Playwriting Program (NPP) and has previously served as the representation, equity, and diversity (RED) coordinator. Professionally, he is a theatre generalist with experience in lighting design, set design, sound design, technical direction, production management, direction, as well as playwriting. He specializes in writing verbatim plays that highlight the stories of students who have in some way been marginalized. He also has been known to write scenes and short plays for his students to use for contemporary scene work and/or auditions.

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER

Mike Speck

is a Viterbo adjunct, teaching stage combat styles and serving as fight director for Sweeney Todd and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. He holds teaching certification with the Society of American Fight Directors and an MFA in Acting from Western Illinois University. Past Viterbo credits include Tar Beach, The Pirates of Penzance, Pajama Game, and Footloose. Favorite credits elsewhere include a six-man sword fight choreographed as a theme-and-variations; a musical brawl incorporating Latin dance, thrown drinks, and set changes; a 6'2" Tybalt vs a 4'10" Mercutio; and a case of rapiers fight where phrase IV's choreography was "phrase II, but backwards." Acting credits include work at the Guthrie Theatre, Theatre at Monmouth, Tent Theatre, and the Lost Colony.

COSTUME DESIGNER

Braeden Jackson

is a sophomore BFA music theatre major with minors in dance and marketing who is originally from LeClaire, Iowa. He recently played the part of Jesus' Entourage in Viterbo University's production of Godspell. Past directing experience includes Why Do We Laugh? and Ken Ludwig's adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express. He is also an active costume designer and recently had a summer internship with the Des Moines Metro Opera in their costume department. A special shoutout to all his friends and family for their constant support and encouragement. He hopes you enjoy the show! @braedenjackson.official

LIGHTING DESIGNER/ CARPENTER

Patrick M. Strain

has been one of La Crosse's friendly neighborhood lighting designers since moving to the area in 2015 and he has lit many of Viterbo's musicals since then, including Footloose, The Pajama Game, Into the Woods, Cats!, and Oklahoma! He has designed scenery and lighting for a variety of theatres around the Midwest, a few on the East Coast and even one in Germany. Trivia about Strain includes that he was one of the scenic artists to paint the "town hall" at ETC world headquarters in Middleton and he was the lighting designer on the first community theatre production of Les Misérables (2001 at the U.S. Military's Roadside Theatre in Heidelberg, Germany).

PRODUCTION MANAGER / LEAD ELECTRICIAN

Jason Underferth

is a seasoned lighting designer with over two decades of experience illuminating the stages of the Midwest. He has dedicated the past decade to shaping the theatrical landscape as the production manager and lighting design lecturer at Saint Mary's University in Winona, Minn. During his tenure, he artfully designed the visual components for more than 40 shows. Notable productions in Underferth's portfolio include Man of La Mancha and Enchanted April, both showcased at The Commonweal Theatre Company. Now embarking on his third year at Viterbo, Underferth is eager to contribute his expertise as the production manager for the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. He looks forward to creating memorable experiences for the Conservatory's upcoming performances through his lighting designs.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Ashlyn Cox

is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. She is so excited to be back on the Viterbo stage this year! You might have last seen her in Viterbo's Conservatory production of Godspell as the Day by Day soloist or in the ensemble of 42nd Street. She wants to thank her family for all of their support, especially her grandfather who showed her nothing but love and is now watching down on her from the best seat in the house. Enjoy the show! @ashgcox

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Laurelle Bandy

is a junior music theatre major from Bradenton, Fla. She was last seen in Viterbo's Conservatory production of Tar Beach as Mary Claire and assistant directed Viterbo STP's production of Much Ado About Nothing. She would like to thank her family and roommates for all their support. Special shoutout to Claire for being the best, best friend! @laurelle.bandy

ASSISTANT PROPERTIES DESIGNER

Xavier Carnicom

is a sophomore music theatre major in Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts. Outside of theatre, he loves to paint, hang with friends, and go thrifting! He was most recently seen in the Conservatory's production of Godspell as the We Beseech Thee soloist, also known as Nick. He was an off stage singer in Sweeney Todd. He would like to welcome anyone new entering the program, faculty and students alike, as well as to thank the friends he has made this past year! @xcarnicom03

PAINT CHARGE ARTIST

Madi Bollinger

is from California where she was a lighting, sound, and scenic designer, an assistant technical director, and stagecraft teacher. She has a BA in technical theatre from CSU Fresno and is earning an MFA in technical direction from the University of Idaho. Some previous credits include: Lighting: Mary Poppins, Be More Chill, Arabian Nights, Clybourne Park; Scenic: Mamma Mia, Into The Woods, Freaky Friday; Fly Lead: Disney's Descendants, Sister Act, Tuck Everlasting.

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