FOR OVER THREE DECADES THE FIRESIDE HAS BEEN KNOWN FOR PRODUCING BIG, BRIGHT MUSICAL COMEDIES AND SPECTACULAR MUSICAL REVUES. MUSICAL THEATRE HAS BEEN MY SPECIALTY AND MY PASSION SINCE I SAW MY FIRST BROADWAY MUSICAL AT AGE 6. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE WHENEVER SOMEONE MARVELS AT HOW WE CAN TAKE A BIG BROADWAY MUSICAL AND PUT IT ON OUR SMALL ARENA STAGE WITHOUT LOSING ANY OF ITS WONDER. MUSICALS HAVE BEEN, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THE MAIN DISH ON THE FIRESIDE’S THEATRICAL MENU SINCE WE FIRST OPENED.

Then why is it that one of the most popular shows in Fireside history (as well as in theatrical history) is a three person play about an elderly white woman, her aging African American chauffer, and her beleaguered middle aged son told simply without a song or a dance in sight. Is it because we see ourselves and our loved ones in this heart-warming tale? Is it because it is hilariously funny without ever being rude or racy? Is it because it speaks of loyalty, friendship, and love?

The answer is of course – all of the above.

DRIVING MISS DAISY has been a smash hit Off-Broadway play, an Academy Award winning movie, and a successful Broadway revival. It has won just about every award there is to win. It has been performed in theatres all over the world to thunderous acclaim.

I am very excited about directing our production of this unforgettable play this spring. I have directed DRIVING MISS DAISY twice before – once here and once in a theatre in Ohio and I can honestly say that of all the wonderful shows I have directed in my 45+ years as a professional director that no other play has touched my heart more deeply than DAISY. And I am not alone. Millions of people rank this beautiful play as their favorite of all time.

I like to think that all of our productions are wonderful and you shouldn’t miss a one of them, but seeing a live, first class, professional production of DRIVING MISS DAISY is a theatrical experience that comes along only once or twice in a lifetime of theatre going. This is your chance. Don’t miss it.

P2 P3 THE JOY OF TRAVEL BECOMES A SECOND CAREER P4 50 YEARS OF

MEMORIES

SEASON | YEAR

Women’s HealthC L I N I C

A N E W S L E T T E R D E D I C AT E D T O G R O U P S , O R G A N I Z AT I O N S A N D F R I E N D S O F T H E F I R E S I D E T H E AT R E

“ Millions of people rank this beautiful play as their favorite of all time.”

– Ed Flesch, Artistic Director

FEBRUARY 2014

AWARD-WINNING DRAMA AT ITS BEST P7 RELAXING IN

THE GARDEN

e going. This is yourit.

A Hilarious, Heartwarming Must-See

DRIVING MISS DAISY is actually the first play in Alfred Uhry’s “Atlanta Trilogy” - three plays of Jewish families set during the first half of the 20th century and all award-winning works. DAISY opened in 1987 and won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 1989 film version won the Academy Award for Best Picture. It was the only film based on an Off-Broadway production ever to win that award. The second play in his trilogy was commissioned for the Cultural Olympiad which coincided with the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Set in 1939 during the premiere of the film Gone With The Wind, THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO received the Tony Award for Best Play when later produced on

Broadway. The third, PARADE, which was about the 1913 trial of a Jewish factory manager earned Uhry a Tony Award for Best Book of a Musical.

Uhry also wrote the screenplay for the film version of DRIVING MISS DAISY and co-wrote the screenplay for the popular 1988 film Mystic Pizza starring a very

young Julia Roberts. He is one of a very few writers to receive an Academy Award, Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize.

The original New York run of DRIVING MISS DAISY ran for 1,195 performances in two different Off-Broadway theatres and featured Dana Ivey as Daisy and Morgan Freeman as Hoke. After the great success of both that and the film it enjoyed a revival on Broadway in 2010-2011 starring James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave. There have been two London productions as well and many more at professional theatres like The Fireside.

A show like this is perfect for the intimacy of The Fireside’s theatre-in-the-round. A warm-hearted, humorous and touching study of the unlikely friendship, this is a story worth seeing again and again and is best seen live on stage as it was originally intended. As we celebrate our friendship with you throughout this Anniversary year we felt it a fitting addition to our season and look forward to sharing it with you this spring.

DRIVING MISS DAISY MARKS ONLY THE TENTH TIME IN OUR 37 SEASONS OF THEATRE THAT WE HAVE PRESENTED A PLAY INSTEAD OF A MUSICAL! FIRST PRESENTED IN 2001, IT WAS A BIGGER HIT THAN WE ANTICIPATED AND IS PROVING POPULAR ONCE AGAIN AS WE PREPARE FOR THE JUNE 12TH OPENING. THE SHOW AND ITS AUTHOR, ALFRED UHRY, HAVE AN INTERESTING STORY OF THEIR OWN.

Hospitality never goes out of style!

JOHN R. SMITH HAS MANAGED THE TRAVEL PROGRAM FOR THE FRISBIE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY SENIOR CENTER FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS.

John R. Smith’s first career was in the pharmaceutical industry where he trained new sales representatives and later monitored human research studies for the medical division in the northern U.S. and Canada. He had to travel a fair amount for his job and even planned some travel for training events and activities. He and his wife, Ruth have been married 56 years and have been on 38 cruises together including a honeymoon in Europe. His children have learned to share his love of travel and several grandchildren spent some time studying abroad. So when he retired, and subsequently realized that he actually “couldn’t stand retirement,” a second career in travel seemed like a perfect fit!

Fortunately, around this time in 1999, the Des Plaines Community Senior Center was looking for someone to manage and expand their travel program. They already did some travel, including The Fireside’s Christmas show, but wanted to do more.Operating from a wing they rented from the parks department, John steadily grew their program over the years which now runs three or four day trips and one extended trip each month. He goes along whenever he can plus his assistant takes one casino trip each month. The extended trips can

be anything from a few days to several weeks like the big train trip to Hawaii they have coming up. Train trip to Hawaii? Yes. They take the train from Chicago to San Diego then a Holland America Cruise ship to Hawaii and back again. It’s a premium trip, but it’s worth it! One of their other most popular was a “train on the Mississippi” which took them to St. Louis by train and then up the Mississippi on the American Queen to St. Paul, then back through Wisconsin on the Empire Builder to Chicago.

One of the things John has learned along the way is that it pays to test a place before taking a group there. You need to sell a trip with complete confidence in the travel as well as the venue and the meal or activity. We’re thrilled to report that he’s never had to worry about the quality with a Fireside trip but it’s not the same every place you go. You also have to build your own reputation with vendors so that they can trust your integrity and reliability. Being honest with your travelers about the product and how it’s priced is the third leg of the triangle. Cost is certainly a factor in today’s travel decisions, yet customers understand quality and value and will pay more for a better product.

About five years ago, due in part to a generous donation from one of their members, the Des Plaines Community Senior Center was able to purchase part of a strip mall to expand their programs even further. They now operate as the Frisbie Senior Center and run a part time cafe and have several meeting and activity rooms that are available for various organizations to rent. They share the mall with a beauty shop, a dry cleaner, a Chinese restaurant and their newest venture, the Once and Again Boutique. This resale shop takes only gently used merchandise and turns a nice profit to benefit the center and their activities. It’s become very popular with the community as well.

John loves to travel, and he loves people ---the two most important ingredients in the recipe for a successful travel program. He’s a joy to work with and it’s evident that his travelers trust him and enjoy traveling with him. Sounds like a win, win, win!

“You have to like people, have some patience, and know how to go with the fl ow a little bit, too.”

– John R. Smith

GROUP LEADER PROFILE

Learning from each other

JOIN THE CELEBRATION

Our new promotional DVD is nearly ready and we’ll be happy to send you a copy as soon as they’re available. Working on this project over the last six months has stirred up a lot of memories. Old photos have been dusted off and with them a lot of opportunities to reminisce about “the old days” and see how much has changed. Depending on when you started visiting The Fireside, you may have seen a few different versions of our most popular shows like FIDDLER ON THE ROOF or HELLO DOLLY, or been an on-stage participant in a hula lesson during the many years of Hawaiian shows. Do you remember the fabulous Luau buffets? What about the Ballet Folklorico groups from Mexico? Do you remember the first show that

used the hydraulic lift which gave a whole new dimension to what we could accomplish on stage? Were you here for the first Christmas show in 1993 or the first live band revue in 2005?

We’d love to have you share your memories of The Fireside’s first 50 years. What has The Fireside meant to you? Send us your thoughts, your stories, your favorite shows, or even where you’d like to see us go from here. Thank you for joining the celebration!

The evolution of The Fireside Experience from 1964 to 2014

ENTERTAINMENT TIPS & NEWS

As I write this issue of Jackie’s Journal I am preparing to start my 2014 travels for The Fireside. My first trip is to the ABA Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I am looking forward to meeting with some of you during my appointments and to also connect with you to catch up on life. I treasure the relationships that I have built throughout the years in the tourism industry - both with you the buyers and the suppliers. I am so grateful that I have made some very good friends throughout the years.

We all know that relationships in the tourism industry are the key to success for all of us but they also extend into our personal lives as well. We like to do business and have friends that we like and trust. That sometimes takes time to build, but we know it is well worth it in the long run. That kind of relationship is what the fourth show of our 2014 season is all about. DRIVING MISS DAISY is a captivating story that will make you smile, laugh and reflect on building your own relationships. The story spans 20 years between the relationship of two people, Miss Daisy and her long-time chauffeur and loyal friend, Hoke. They go through life facing triumphs along with life’s trials and it’s done in a compassionate, humorous and loving way. This play won the coveted Pulitzer Prize for drama and the film version won the Oscar for Best Picture. It is truly a show that you and your travelers will want to see as all of our lives are built on relationships. We all can relate!

As you know, The Fireside philosophy is that people will come where they have been invited and will return to where they have been made welcome. For 50 years that philosophy is the reason the Klopcic family hospitality has become so well known for our warm and friendly service. Because of this philosophy, we have had the privilege of building strong relationships through the years with our groups, season ticket holders and individuals, and look toward another 50 years of your friendship and loyalty. We thank you for that loyalty, support and your friendship.

with Chef Mike

Inside theKitchen

For the run of DRIVING MISS DAISY I am excited to be presenting you with not one, not two, but three different Crème Brulee taste sensations! Crème Brulee, a French dessert, is also known as “burnt cream” and consists of a light custard topped with a caramelized crust. The name “burnt cream” comes from the topping. After the custards are baked and cooled, a thin layer of sugar is sprinkled on top of the creme and then each one is torched until the sugar is carmelized and develops a crust-like texture which also changes the taste. We have served the traditional Vanilla Crème Brulee in the past, but have created three new flavors for you - Banana, Chocolate, and Grand Marnier.

This new creation will be served in a special clover leaf dish with three compartments. It’s going to be a time-consuming process as we will prepare all three custards and fill the dishes with one of each flavor for baking. Then when you’re ready for dessert, a team of cooks will sprinkle the sugar and burn the tops while another team is ready to garnish them for serving. The Banana custard will be garnished with a Banana Coin in a Myers Rum Sauce, the Grand Marnier with a Fresh Raspberry, and the Chocolate will be crowned with a Chocolate Truffle, which will also have been hand made in our Bakery. A special treat for you, our special guest -- Yummm!

Executive Chef

MEET WITH JACKIE!

Jackie Brisko Director of Audience Development

Here are a few of the shows I’ll be attending this year. I’d love to visit with you about working The Fireside into your Midwest travel plans!

Jean’s Corner of the World

GROUP TRAVEL TIPS & NEWS

For personal help with any of your bookings, call me at 800-477-9505 or email jean@firesidetheatre.com.

Be sure to return your order form to request artwork, flyers and sign-up sheets for your bookings or find the form on the “Groups” page of our web site.

DID YOU RECEIVE OUR MARKETING CATALOG? If you have a 2014 booking you should be in receipt of our new marketing piece offering different logos, sign-up sheets and flyers to help you promote your tours. This is a FREE service we are providing. Fill out the form then mail, fax or scan/email it to us … Simple! You can also find the form on the groups page of our web site (www.firesidetheatre.com) if you prefer to order online. If you have not booked for 2014 yet you will receive a copy with your contract. If you did not receive a copy, please let me know!

Group Sales Manager

Lenten Bookings? If your group is visiting us during Lent and wishes to PREORDER a fish entrée we are happy to accommodate this request. We need to know in advance so please provide these changes with your final count. Any changes made that day may result in your guests waiting for service and we certainly don’t want to take time away from shopping!

As Jackie mentioned, keep MAY 17 open for our Special Anniversary Group Leader Party Recognition Event! More details will follow (as soon as I know them)!

ICE IS NOT NICE. Group Sales is sending you our personal plea to BE CAREFUL on the ice and snow. We are running out of get well cards, with three of our special group leaders in casts or worse just this week! Put some super glue on your boots or something so you stay healthy! OK? Rest assured that when you come to The Fireside our parking lot will be cleared, salted and safe!

WHO LIKES PRIZES? For all of 2014, your group will get green slips to fill out as an entry blank for one of our weekly prizes as we

celebrate our 50th Anniversary! We are drawing one winner from our group and individual guests every week as a winner. Our first winner received a $50 Fireside Gift Card. Who knows what you or your guests might win. Be sure to have all your guests fill out their entry forms and leave them at the front desk or with their server to enter the weekly drawing.

GARDENS HAVE A WAY OF BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, DRAWING THEM FROM THEIR HOMES AND GIVING THEM A PLACE TO THINK, RELAX, AND ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF OUR WORLD. CONTEMPORARY TURKISH PLAYWRIGHT MEHMET MURAT ILDAN WENT SO FAR AS TO SAY, “AN ORDINARY VISIT TO A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN ALWAYS CREATES AN EXTRAORDINARY TIME.” WE’D LIKE TO HELP MAKE YOUR YARD AND GARDEN A PLACE FOR EXTRAORDINARY TIMES!

A garden is a place of thoughts and dreams!

VISIT OUR GIFT SHOPS

Be sure to check out the new Succulent Garden designs that utilize the look of Hen & Chicks ground cover on natural stone. You’ll

find it on statuary, birdbaths, wall decor, planters, wind chimes and more. It adds

warmth and charm in a colorful way to brighten up your garden.

Solar products for the outdoors have really taken off in both popularity and reliability. You can find many unique pieces at The Fireside including bird baths, stakes, lanterns, mobiles, and gazing balls like the beautiful one shown above.

Whether you’ve got a large yard with an elaborate garden, a small patio or entry, or just want to bring a bit of the outdoors in, you’ll find a wealth of creative ideas in our Garden Shop. Styles range from elegant glass to the more whimsical looks to suit a variety of decors. Most importantly, we hope you enjoy your garden and take time to

SAVE NOW! CALL 800-477-9505 WWW.FIRESIDETHEATRE.COM

Visit early to get the best discount!

DRIVING MISS DAISYFeatured Menu June 12 - July 20, 2014

Served Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Matinees, Saturday Evening and Sunday Midday

Signature SaladWatermelon, Cantaloupe, Kiwi, Strawberries, Blueberries and Orange Segment over Fresh Garden Greens sprinkled with Sesame Croutons and glazed with our famous

Papaya Chutney Dressing.

Freshly Baked Breads from The Fireside Ovens

Roast Boneless Pork ChopHerbed Crouton Dressing with Sauerkraut and Jones Original Recipe Sausage. Served

with Whipped Potatoes glazed with a rich Pork Gravy, Carrots, Green Beans, and a ramekin of our specially crafted Pink Cinnamon Apple Sauce.

Crème BruleeThree individual flavors of Custard under the classic Carmelized Sugar Crust; Banana garnished with a Banana Coin in a Myers Rum Sauce, Grand Marnier topped with a

Fresh Raspberry, and Chocolate crowned with a Chocolate Truffle.

Coffee, Tea and Milk

THE FIRESIDE, INC.1131 JANESVILLE AVENUEP.O. BOX 7FORT ATKINSON, WI 53538 FEBRUARY 2014

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDTHE FIRESIDE

THE FIRESIDE, INC.1131 JANESVILLE AVENUEP.O. BOX 7FORT ATKIINSONSONSOOSONSOSSONN,NN,NN, WWIWIWWIW 535535353535335 383838838388

• In addition to the Featured Menu, try our Sunday Brunch, Thursday Evening Signature Buffet or five course dinner on Saturday nights.

• Groups of 18 or more are $65.95 (Sat. Evening $69.95) plus tax.

• Save an additional $3.00 per person when you book a performance from June 12 - July 6, 2014.

• Ask about our New Incentives for Wednesday & Thursday matinees.

• Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for Matinees, 2:30 p.m. for Sunday Midday and 5:00 p.m. for Thursday and Saturday Evenings.

• See complete show listings online.