FAC Program

Show Information

Any photos, video, or audio recording of this performance is strictly prohibited.

No intermission.

THESE SHINING LIVES received its World Premiere at Baltimore Center Stage in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 30, 2008; Irene Lewis, Artistic Director; Michael Ross, Managing Director.

It was developed at Baltimore Center Stage in Baltimore, Maryland, as part of their First Look Festival; The History Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, as part of their Raw Stages Festival; Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois; Preimary Stages as part of their Primetie Reading Series; and TheatreWorks in Palo Alto, California, as part of their
New Works festival.

It was commissioned by Northlight Theatre in Skokie, Illinois.

Facts from the book Deadly Glow by Ross Mullner were used with permission of the author.

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

Dramaturgy's Note

These Shining Lives is based on the unfortunate but true fates of the Radium Dial Company workers in Illinois during the 1920s and 30s. The play itself moves between fact and fiction as it works to represent the intimate lives of those involved while utilizing as many known facts as possible from the workplace and subsequent court cases. Its hope is not to victimize but to act as an homage and remembrance for the women and families that felt the negative effects of an America lacking an Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The proceedings paved the way for a safer future in the workplace and it was the first time a company was legally accountable for its injustices. It is with great pride that we represent the lives of these courageous women.

–Abbey Messing

Cast

Catherine: Helen Riddle

Tom: Spencer Curtis

Charlotte: Claire Capra

Frances: Megan Wheelock

Pearl: Katie Kostner

Mr. Reed: Isaac Glen

Swing: Jillian Arthur

Swing: Tucker Mensen

Production Team

Director: James Stabp

Production Stage Manager: Cortney Piepenburg

Costume Designer:  Makayla Taylor

Scenic Designer: Madi Bollinger

Lighting Designer: Chad Kolbe

Sound Designer:  Jason Underferth

Properties Designer: Kelsey Taunt

Hair and Makeup Designer: Makayla Taylor

Production Manager: Jason Underferth

Technical Director: Chad Kolbe

Assistant Director: Colin Cada

Assistant Stage Manager: Abby Schrunk

Dramaturg: Abbey Messing

Lead Electrician: Jason Underferth

Costume Shop Supervisor: Jen Brown

Prop Shop Supervisor: Kelsey Taunt

Assistant Properties Designer: Maggie Berendes

Paint Charge Artist: Madi Bollinger

Wardrobe Supervisor: AJ Murphy

Costuming Advisor: Jen Brown

Directing Support: Brittany Bara

Intimacy Coordinator: Mary Trotter

Production Crew

Light Board Operator: Mouahlou (Lou) Xiong

Sound Board Operator: Rubie Stetzer

Deck Supervisor: Braydon Dayne

Props Run Crew Supervisor: Connor Martin

Costume Run Crew Supervisor: AJ Murphy

Costume Run Crew: Tori Greenlaw

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

Scenic Build Crew: Spencer Curtis, Sophie La Fave, Sam Asid, Trey’lon Salley, Sony Vassor, Hailee Elwell, Amelia Blasing

Prop Build Crew: Helen Riddle, Katie Kostner, Zach Lichner, Kayden Kloehn, Megan Wheelock, Tori Greenlaw, Xavier Carnicom

CHARLOTTE

Claire Capra

is a junior music theatre major from the suburbs of Chicago. Previously at Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts, she has stage managed Tar Beach and performed in 42nd Street and The Pirates of Penzance. She would like to thank her friends and family for their never-ending support, as well as her peers, professors, and the production team for making this opportunity possible. @claire_caps

TOM

Spencer Curtis

is a senior music theatre major with minors in dance and arts management from Salt Lake City. Recent Viterbo credits include Sweeney Todd (Anthony), 42nd Street (Bert), and The Hello Girls. He has also been lucky enough to assistant director Tar Beach and perform in Viterbo's Student Theatre Project productions, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Platinum Edition show choir. He would not be here without the love and support of his family and friends! @rspencercurtis

MR. REED

Isaac Glen

is a junior music theatre major with a dance minor. Their past credits include Bud/Pan and Batboy u/s (Bat Boy: The Musical), Chuck (She Kills Monsters), and Swing (The Pirates of Penzance). They were also involved with Viterbo's Film Club last year as Max (The Warehouse). Glen has also been involved with Viterbo's Student Theatre Project as Claudio (Much Ado About Nothing). Glen is thrilled for their junior year! @isaacglen_

PEARL

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

SWING

Tucker Mensen

is a junior music theatre major with minors in dance and music. His prior shows at Viterbo include Ron in Bat Boy: The Musical and ensemble in both 42nd Street and The Pirates of Penzance. He is very excited going into his junior year and is always excited to work with a new cast. @tick_tuck16

CATHERINE

Helen Riddle

is a junior BFA music theatre major with an English writing minor. She is thrilled to be a part of Viterbo's Conservatory productions this school year! Past credits include: Tar Beach, Viterbo University; Reenie/Mary Claire U/S The Pirates of Penzance, Paul Bunyan Playhouse; Edith/Chorus RENT, Emerging Professionals Ensemble; Alexi Darling/Ensemble. She would like to thank her loving family for their support of her journey in the performing field. @helen.riddle7

FRANCES

Megan Wheelock

is a senior music theatre major with a dance minor. This semester she will be seen in These Shining Lives and Dance Kaleidoscope. Her previous Viterbo credits include Sweeney Todd, Evil Tina in She Kills Monsters, Dance Kaleidoscope, and Martha Dunnstock STP's Heathers: The Musical. She would like to thank her friends, family, and God for all of their continuous support. @meganelisewheelock

DIRECTOR

James Stabp

is an assistant professor of music theatre and acting. "Thank you to the company of These Shining Lives for making this an indelible introduction to the Viterbo community. This past semester, your excitement, kindness, and warmth have been my guiding star. I dedicate this work to my grandmother, Joyce White."

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

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: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, 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

COSTUME DESIGNER/ HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER

Makayla Taylor

is beyond excited to be in her third year as a music theatre major! You can find her in the costume shop normally or on the department social media pages! Viterbo Credits: Lilith (She Kills Monsters), Maiden/Mabel u/s (The Pirates of Penzance) or most recently assistant costume designer (Godspell). She also performed with STP as Turtle/Bird (A Year With Frog and Toad) and has been a member since her first year! She would love to thank her family and professors for their support and hopes you all enjoy this year's season! @Kayla_taylor207

SCENIC DESIGNER/ 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.

LIGHTING DESIGNER/ TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Chad Kolbe

is an associate Professor of theatre in his 19th year teaching at Viterbo. He teaches design and technology courses such as stage craft, principles of design, theatre practicum, and stage lighting. He also serves as technical director and lighting designer for the theatre and music theatre department. Before beginning his journey at Viterbo, Kolbe served two years as instructor and technical director at The University of Northern Iowa. For six years, he served as the technical director for the Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, Texas. Prior to that, he served three years as carpenter, head rigger, and assistant technical director for The Des Moines Metro Opera. Kolbe enjoys time with family and friends and being outside exploring all La Crosse and the surrounding areas have to offer.

SOUND DESIGNER/ LEAD ELECTRICIAN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER

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.

PROPERTIES DESIGNER/ PROP SHOP SUPERVISOR

Kelsey Taunt

has been working as a freelance theatre artist/designer/teacher for over 15 years. She has a BA in Theatre from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, with a double emphasis in design and acting. Taunt is excited to be a part of Viterbo's Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

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

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Abby Schrunk

is a sophomore music theatre major and has had some time now to experience all the wonderful things the Conservatory does. Last spring, she had the opportunity to be a backup dancer in Godspell. Getting to watch from offstage this semester as the assistant stage manager has been a real privilege. "Welcome to Vitero! I hope you enjoy the performance as much as I have!" @a.b.b.y04

DRAMATURG

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

WARDOBE SUPERVISOR

AJ Murphy

is a sophomore music theatre major. Her past credits here include Bat Boy: The Musical and Viterbo STP's A Year with Frog and Toad. Her other interests include painting, drawing, and running on the cross country team! She would like to thank her parents and teachers for supporting her journey as a performer. @ajazzymurphy

DIRECTING SUPPORT

Brittany Bara

is an assistant professor of theatre and music theatre in the Conservatory for Performing Arts at Viterbo University. She currently serves as co-chair of the EduCore Committee for the international Voice and Speech Trainers Association (VASTA). As an actor and director, she has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Bara is a Designated Linklater Teacher and continues to work professionally as a voice and text coach, dialect designer, and intimacy director. Throughout all areas, she focuses her work on cultivating empathy. She believes strongly in radical kindness and approaching life with a generosity of spirit. Viterbo directing credits: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Hello Girls, and Amahl and the Night Visitors. She holds a BFA in musical theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in performance pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh. Endless love and thanks to Dan and C for all their support.www.brittanybara.com

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Cast

SWING

Jillian Arthur

CHARLOTTE

Claire Capra

TOM

Spencer Curtis

MR. REED

Isaac Glen

PEARL

Katie Kostner

SWING

Tucker Mensen

CATHERINE

Helen Riddle

FRANCES

Megan Wheelock

Production Team

DIRECTOR

James Stabp

PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER

Cortney Piepenburg

COSTUME DESIGNER/ HAIR AND MAKEUP DESIGNER

Makayla Taylor

SCENIC DESIGNER/ PAINT CHARGE ARTIST

Madi Bollinger

LIGHTING DESIGNER/ TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Chad Kolbe

SOUND DESIGNER/ LEAD ELECTRICIAN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jason Underferth

PROPERTIES DESIGNER/ PROP SHOP SUPERVISOR

Kelsey Taunt

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Colin Cada

ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER

Abby Schrunk

DRAMATURG

Abbey Messing

ASSISTANT PROPERTIES DESIGNER

Maggie Berendes

WARDOBE SUPERVISOR

AJ Murphy

DIRECTING SUPPORT

Brittany Bara

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