From the President
Dear Arts Supporters,
On behalf of everyone at Viterbo University, I would like to welcome you to the Fine Arts Center as we celebrate the return of in-person performances. The pandemic necessitated a year and a half-long pause in our live event schedule, and both our artists and audience members have been sorely missed. It is truly great to have you with us.
It’s only fitting that the Fine Arts Center should be fully used to its intended purpose during its 50th anniversary year. Opened in 1971, it remains not only the premier arts facility in the region, but also a wonderful testament to the vision and courage of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration who made it possible. Their collective love and appreciation for the arts led to countless cultural opportunities in the greater La Crosse community and has enhanced all our lives.
New Fine Arts Center director Dillion McArdle and his staff have an outstanding season planned for you this year. I invite you to pick up an On Stage book or visit the Viterbo website for the complete schedule. There is a wide variety of offerings from which to choose, and tickets make wonderful gifts. Included in the schedule are the Conservatory for the Performing Arts student productions. I am continually amazed at the incredible talent of our students, and seeing them put it to use always fills me with pride, no matter their role, pursuit, or field of study.
While live performances and other events have returned, we must remain vigilant in the fight against the spread of COVID-19. I ask that you adhere to the university’s safety policies, including remaining masked while anywhere inside the building.
The arts will always be an integral part of the Viterbo University experience, which is made even more special through the support of our patrons, benefactors, sponsors, and volunteers. It would not be the same without you. Thank you.
Rick Trietley,
President
Playwright's Note
Welcome to the world premiere of The Elephant Speaks Jazz! Come imagine and delight in objects very large and small coming to life in this show that asks, "What can be discovered and found?" Discovery, play, and imagination with puppetry, delightful jazz melodies, and inventive physical storytelling are at the heart of the writing and creating of The Elephant Speaks Jazz. This adventure story riffs along to wonderful jazz music performed live with an elephant coming to life in a creative story told by a playful ensemble. This show takes place in an ordinary neighborhood with neighbors, eccentric parents, and brother Sam and sister Lucy finding the out of work world of the Moon and Stars Circus. Sam, Lucy, and the Elephant go on a wild ride through the neighborhood amidst some friendly conflict to discover and play. This show imagines what it’s like to bring home an elephant for a night, to dream of possibilities, and then find an artistic place for elephants to creatively exist with a jazz band.
The Elephant Speaks Jazz was inspired partly by the talented history of elephants in American circuses and recent changes in the world of circus. It also emerges out of the rich beauty of jazz music’s ability to improvise and create a call and response. This call and response of jazz plays out directly in the show’s artistic and character progression. This improvised and yet structured musicality flows into the ensemble-based dialogue and the moving visuals of the show. The dialogue and story flow were given valuable insight from Alex Mallory, the show’s director, and the Viterbo Conservatory for the Arts ensemble students’ creative help. An elephant–sized thank you also goes to The Jim Henson Foundation, the Viterbo University New Works Festival, Luke Thering as jazz composer, and the La Crosse Community Foundation for believing in the seed of this idea and supporting it.
–Eric Van Wyk
Setting
A creative space that unfolds a neighborhood in the fictional town of Lakeville and the last stop of the Moon and Stars Circus.
Synopsis of Scenes
- Prologue–a Collapsed Circus Tent
- In the Lakeville Neighborhood Around an Eccentric House
- The Lakeville Downtown
- A Collapsed Circus Tent
- Neighborhood Backyards
- The Eccentric House
- The Lakeville Neighborhood
- The Lakeville Lake
- A New Circus Space
Cast
Sam: Aren Alexander-Battee
Lucy: Bri Reilly
Clowns: Erin Milleville, Lukas Nederloe
Roustabouts: Kjersten Danzig, Lindsey Meath
Elephant Puppeteers: Mikala Clark, Spencer Curtis, Grace Reynolds, Jessica Schneider
Mom: Lindsey Meath
Dad: Spencer Curtis
Miss Viola: Grace Reynolds
Mr. Bordello: Kjersten Danzig
Understudies: Lauren Bergquist, Rae Hurlock, Eve Kinsman, Elisabeth Meyer, Jara Moir, Cortney Piepenburg, Joselyn Terry
Jazz Band
Piano: Luke Thering
Bass: Paul Jewson
Trumpet: Jon Ailabouni
Percussion: Dave Kies
Percussion Substitution: Tammy Fisher
Production Team
Concept, Puppet Design, and Scenic Design: Eric Van Wyk
Director: Alex Mallory
Composer: Luke Thering
Dramaturgical Editing: Matthew Campbell, Alex Mallory
Stage Manager: Emmett Lenselink
Assistant Stage Manager: Savannah DeShazo
Lighting Designer: Justin Thomas
Sound Designer: Brett Huus
Technical Director: Chad Kolbe
Scenic Painter: Kit Mayer, Eric Van Wyk
Costume Designer and Puppet Assistant: Irina Christel
Hair and Makeup Design: Logan Bailey
Costume Shop Supervisor: Alex Bell
Properties Design: Jen Brown
Properties Master: Megan Wheelock
Properties Artisan: Jessica Rigdon
Production Crew
Light Board Operator: Mattie Kantor
Sound Board Operator: Payton Harper
Run Crew: Halle Utterback, Kassidy Kampmeier, Beth Anderson, Jake Aune, Zachary Sullivan
Costume Crew: Hazel Chaudoir, CJ Zimmer, Payton Seacrist
Scenic Construction: Amber Arevalo Medellin, Savannah DeShazo, Rae Hurlock, Reagan Kettner, Gabby Moten, Lukas Nederloe, Cortney Piepenburg, Brandon Rundquist, Joselyn Terry, Halle Utterback
Wardrobe Construction: Maddy Ballard, Ryan Dettbarn, Mahlivanh Fleckenstein, Eve Kinsman, Jillian Kohl, Emmett Lenselink, Abbygail Seim, Vera Shipley, Joie Steele
Properties Construction: Aren Alexander-Battee, Beth Anderson, Erica Ashley, Lauren Bergquist, McKenzie Greenwood, Sophie La Fave, Victoria Pardon, Calvin Pierce, Mariana Villanueva, Mason Wold
Puppet Construction: Mikala Clark, Margaret J. Enriquez, Lindsey Meath, Erin Milleville, Jessica Schneider, Patricia A. Rivera Torres
Special Thanks: Circus World Museum in Baraboo, The La Crosse Community Foundation, The Jim Henson Foundation.
Biographies
Cast
Sam
Aren Alexander-Battee
is a junior music theatre major with a dance minor. Some of his recent productions include
Twelfth Night and
The Pajama Game. He is excited to take this new journey with the other members of this production and with the audience.
Ellie Understudy
Lauren Bergquist
is a sophomore theatre major from Dubuque. At Viterbo, she has been seen in
Everybody and
Elephant's Graveyard and is thrilled to be back on stage. She would like to thank her incredible friends and family for their unwavering support. Enjoy the show!
Ellie Puppeteer
Spencer Curtis
is a first-year music theatre major with minors in dance and arts administration. Past performances at Viterbo include Platinum and Diamond Edition’s
Spooktacular and the Student Theatre Project’s
Never Would I Ever cabaret. Thank you to the cast, crew, Eric, and Alex for this one-of-a-kind experience.
Roustabout/Mr. Bordello
Kjersten Danzig
is a sophomore music theatre major with minors in both dance and arts administration. She has been seen on the Viterbo stage most recently in the production of
Lysistrata where she played Lysistrata’s understudy. She has also performed in
dear diary and the sophomore cabaret. She is super excited to be part of this incredible production and hopes you all enjoy it.
Understudy
Rae Hurlock
is a sophomore majoring in theatre and music. They are so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of making the world of this show a reality. Their previous productions include
Julius Ceasar (Soothsayer),
Spring Awakening (Ernst), and
Lysistrata (Ensemble).
Clown Understudy
Eve Kinsman
@lemenagetheatre is a first-yeart theatre major. This is her first production at Viterbo. She is the owner of a new theatre company in Milwaukee called Le Ménage Theatre (LMT). She will be directing and producing
Guys and Dolls this July at LMT for their second annual summer show. Kinsman wants to thank her family for supporting her in her passion for the performing arts. She is very excited to be working on this original fun-filled show and hopes you enjoy the performance!
Roustabout/Puppeteer
Lindsey Meath
is a sophomore music theatre major who was in
Everybody at Viterbo recently. She would like to thank all her friends and family for their love and support.
Sam/Lucy Understudy
Elizabeth Meyer
@liz_hope_3 is a first-year theatre major with a dance minor. Some of her favorite roles in high school include Katherine in
Newsies and Elsa in
Sound of Music. She would like to extend a huge thank you to God, her family and friends, Alex, Eric, and the team, the cast, and Cheeto Mouse. Drink BUBBL'R.
Clown
Erin Milleville
is a graduating arts administration senior. She holds minors in theatre and human resource management and was recently seen onstage in Viterbo's productions of
Lysistrata and
Everybody. She would like to thank her wonderful family, friends, and mentors for their love and support over the past three years.
Puppeteer Understudy
Jara Moir
@sarahbutjara is a senior music theatre major. Some past notable works includes
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (Maid);
In Limbo (Understudy–Jude and Elizabeth). Moir would like to thank everyone who made this show possible for a spirited and joyful collaboration.
Clown
Lukas Nederloe
is a first–year music theatre major. He is from Minneapolis and this is his first show at Viterbo. Outside of theatre he enjoys videogames, books, and anime.
Understudy
Cortney Piepenburg
is a first-year theatre student here at Viterbo. In her first semester, she participated in both show choir and concert choir. Piepenburg is excited to be a part of her first show at VIterbo. She'd like to thank all cast and crew for being such talented and supportive humans and her family for always believing in her dreams!
Lucy
Bri Reilly
@bri_reilly25 is a junior theatre major with music and dance minors from Cleveland. Her previous Viterbo credits include
Julius Caeser (Portia/Messala),
The Night Children (Charlie),
The Pajama Game (Ensemble), and Platinum Edition. She sends her love and thanks to this wonderful cast, crew, and production team for putting this magical show together. She also thanks her amazing friends and family and hopes everyone enjoys the show!
Elephant Puppeteer
Grace Reynolds
is a junior theatre major from Madison. Recent Viterbo productions include
Everybody (Love) and
Julius Caesar (Lucius). You may have also seen her props design on
Lysistrata,
Julius Caesar, and
CARRIE: The Musical. Thanks to Mom, Dad, Annie, and Gabby for their love and support.
Ellie Puppeteet
Jessica Schneider
@nothing_rhymes_with_jessica is a first-year theatre major. This is her first Viterbo production. Enjoy the show!
Understudy
Josey Terry
is a junior theatre major who was previously seen in
Everybody as a Somebody,
Elephants Graveyard as Ballet Girl, and Platinum Edition. She has loved having the chance to be a part of this beautifully ridiculous show and hopes you enjoy it!
Biographies
Production Team
Story Creator, Scenic and Puppet Designer
Eric Van Wyk
is thrilled to collaborate on this new work! Recent Viterbo designs were
The Big Friendly Giant and
Crow and Weasel. His design work has been seen at Open Eye Figure Theatre, Children's Theatre Co., Imagination Stage, The National Theatre in Washington D.C., The White House, The Hong Kong Ballet, and The Washington Ballet. His company, WonderStruck Theatre Co. created the new work of
Mop Dog. He is a Sandglass Theatre participant, earned a BA in fine arts from Dordt University and an MFA in scenic design from the University of Maryland, College Park. He deeply thanks his family for their inspiration and loving support. Soli Deo Gloria.
Director
Alex Mallory
is delighted to join the Viterbo community this year as a visiting assistant professor and director of
The Pajama Game and
The Elephant Speaks Jazz. She is the director of The Metal Shop Performance Lab, founded to create theatrical events that foster radical community-building and authentic exchange between artists and audiences. Directing highlights include
Goliath,
Dija Wal Furat, and
Faith with Poetic Theater Productions, Schiller’s
Mary Stuart,
Cabaret, and an original translation of
Spring Awakening. She works with military veterans as a facilitator for De-Cruit using classical actor training to create spaces of healing. She earned a BA from Stanford University and an MFA from Northwestern University.
www.alexmallory.com.
Stage Manager
Emmett Lenselink
@the.theatre.wizard is a junior theatre major. He was the stage manager for Viterbo's recent production of
Everybody. He would like to thank everyone for the awesome opportunity to be part of this amazing production.
Assistant Stage Manager
Savannah DeShazo
is a first-year music theatre major. This is her first experience being an assistant stage manager and she is excited for the challenge. She is also currently involved in Diamond Edition show choir and in the Student Theatre Project's
Jesus Christ Superstar as ensemble/understudy for Mary. DeShazo would like to thank the cast, crew, and directing team for this amazing opportunity.
Sound Designer
Brett Huus
is a La Crosse local. He was recently seen as the sound engineer for Viterbo's production of
Carrie: The Musical. You can find more information at his website
www.soundstrations.com
Technical Director
Chad Kolbe
is an associate professor of theatre in his 14th year of teaching at Viterbo. He teaches design and technology courses such as stage craft, principles of design, theatre practicum, computer-aided drafting, design studio, and stage lighting. He also serves as technical director, production manager, and lighting designer for the theatre and music theatre department. Before beginning his journey at Viterbo, Kolbe served 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. Before 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 being outside exploring all that La Crosse and the surrounding areas have to offer.
Costume Designer/Puppet Builder
Irina Christel
is a Viterbo grad of 2015. “On a personal note: I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I did that. But as Mason Cooley said, "Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story." Examples of work are on
Christel's personal professional webpage.
Props Master
Megan Wheelock
@meganelisewheelock is a first–year musical theatre major with a dance minor. She has been involved in the Student Theatre Project's miscast cabaret and Diamond Edition show choir.
Hair and Makeup Designer
Logan Bailey
@logan_bailey_ is a junior theatre major and is thrilled to be the hair and makeup designer for
The Elephant Speaks Jazz. He previously hair and makeup designed Viterbo's production of
Lysistrata. Other Viterbo performance credits include
Twelfth Night (Priest),
Julius Caesar (Cassius),
Elephant's Graveyard (Tour Master), and
Lysistrata (Magistrate). Love to family and friends!
