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Nov. 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 2016whitbytheatre.org

Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905. 668.8111August: Osage County is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

WHITBY COURTHOUSE THEATRE | 2016/17

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

by Tracy Letts

WHITBY COURTHOUSE THEATRE PRESENTS

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

by Tracy Letts

November 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, 2016August: Osage County premiered in June 2007 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, IL, Martha Lavey, Artistic Director; David Hawkanson, Executive Director.

Steppenwolf’s production of August: Osage County opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on December 4, 2007. It was produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler, Jerry Frankel, Ostar Productions, Jennifer Manocherian, The Weinstein Company, Debra Black/Daryl Roth, Ronald & Marc Frankel/Barbara Freitag, and Rick Steiner/Staton Bell Group.

Directed by Margo Rodgers

Lighting Design Brandon Rideout

Set Design Erastus Burley

Stage Managed by Geneviève Hebert-Carr

Sound Design Margo Rodgers

Produced by Mike Trites

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S FROM THE DIRECTORIn the past few months, Onstage Broadway weblog published two separate articles on Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County. One heralded August as one of the best plays in the last decade, calling it “pop-artfully orchestrated, viscerally funny, and endlessly quotable.” The other article, from a Washington community theatre detailed the risks involved in producing such a controversial drama, noting that it is “strewn with f-bombs and situations that are often taboo in community theatre.” While the latter concluded that it was worth the risk to produce, it seems curious that a “best play in decades” is considered a community theatre gamble as it assumes these audiences aren’t ready for life presented without a filter.

I don’t believe the play is controversial. It’s raw, certainly; the language is both expressive and coarse; it’s operatic – soap-operatic at times. But it’s darkly funny, brutally honest, and wonderfully chaotic. Similar words were used in 1962 to describe Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Both plays deal with themes of alcoholism, drug addiction, adultery, and sexual misbehaviour, and these themes were considered so controversial that Albee, nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, was denied the honour. Instead, the committee chose not to award a Pulitzer for Drama that year. Letts, however, using the same themes and shocking language “of the time.” received the Pulitzer in 2008.

Yet, a night at the theatre is not about thematic concerns; it’s not about academia. It’s about being entertained. It’s about watching a great story unfold that we talk about for days afterwards. And I hope you do. I love this play. I have loved directing these talented actors, and working with this magnificent team. It’s been a truly fabulous community. We hope you enjoy tonight’s performance.

Margo Rodgers

FROM THE PRODUCERSeveral years back, a movie came out called The Perfect Storm. It was about a disastrous storm at sea that caused devastation and death. And although the subject matter of this play might be called ‘stormy’ itself, I think there are sometimes misconceptions about storms. Many of us like to sit in shelter and watch Mother Nature rage. Watching storms from safety can be very fulfilling and enthralling. The perfect storm isn’t necessarily a disaster. It can be a blessing. In theatre, storms of creativity can wash over a production team and a cast, causing nothing but good things to happen. It’s like everything lines up for you. August: Osage County lined up for us like a perfect storm. The right people with the right ideas lined up to act and work behind the scenes. Heather Doucette and Vanessa Way parachuted in at the last minute to complete our crew. Thanks, you two. So sit back, enjoy the storm. Hopefully you’ll be as enthralled as we are about where the storm took us.

Mike Trites

CAST

WCT BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DEPARTMENT HEADSPresident ........................................................TED NILESVice-President ..........................................JOSH FORDExecutive Producer .............BRANDON RIDEOUTTreasurer .............................................VIVAN TATTRIESecretary ...............................HEATHER DOUCETTEArtistic Director .................................. DEBRA SMITHFront of House .................................MELISSA SMITHMarketing ...............................MONIQUE ESSEGERNBox Office ...............................BERNADETTE SIMMS

Youth Group ................................... NICOLE VEZEAU

Office Manager ...............................CLAUDE LAVOIE

Wardrobe Managers ..........MARLA FITZGERALD DONNA GUNTER

Workshop Manager ..................PETER THRASHER

Props Manager .................................... DEBRA SMITH

Technical Manager ..........................................VACANT

Webmaster ....................................................TED NILES

Archivist ........................................CLAUDE LAVOIE

CAST (in order of appearance)Beverly Weston ..................................................................................................TIM WESTHEADJohnna Monevato ............................................................................................ NICOLE VEZEAUViolet Weston ..........................................................................................BARBARA CLIFFORDMattie Fae Aiken .................................................................................................. NANCY GLEEDCharlie Aiken ........................................................................................................SHAEL RISMANIvy Weston .......................................................................................RAISSA CHERNUSHENKOBarbara Fordham ...........................................................................................MELISSA GIBSONBill Fordham ..........................................................................................................CRAIG MARTINJean Fordham ...........................................................................................CAROLINE RODWAYSheriff Deon Gilbeau ................................................................................PETER MAZZUCCOKaren Weston ......................................................................................................LISA FEIRREIRASteve Heidebrecht ..................................................................................................GREG WHITELittle Charles Aiken .....................................................................................DESMOND HARTY

SETTINGA large country house located outside Pawhuska, Oklahoma; 60 miles northwest of Tulsa.

Time: August 2007

The play is presented in three acts with a 15 minute intermission following Act One, and a brief 7 minute interlude following Act Two.

Contains adult language and themes; including, substance abuse and sexual situations.

The taking of video and/or audio recordings of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited.

PRO

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ION PRODUCTION TEAM

Director ......................................................................................................MARGO RODGERSAssistant Director ...................................................................................................TED NILESProducer .................................................................................................................MIKE TRITESStage Manager ....................................................................GENEVIÈVE HEBERT-CARRSet Design .................................................................................................ERASTUS BURLEYLighting Design ..................................................................................BRANDON RIDEOUTSound Design ..........................................................................................MARGO RODGERSWardrobe .................................................................................................. VALERIE SKINNERMake-up ....................................................ERICA SIMPSON, DIANE COBBING, CASTSet Construction ................. ERASTUS BURLEY, JOSH FORD, CRAIG MARTIN,

DAVE RABJOHN, MIKE TRITES, DAVE CLARKSet Decoration, Scenic Painting and Properties ................................... DEB SMITH,

MELANIE BAKER, RAISSA CHERNUSHENKO, ALENA DELONG, CHARLOTTE O’CONNOR, MADELEINE O’CONNOR, JULIE RUTISHAUSER,

ALESHA WORMINGTON, ANNA WORMINGTON, ZACHARY UNGERProperties ................................JULIE RUTISHAUSER, DEB SMITH, SUSAN WABBChef and Food Wrangler ........................................................................ VIVIAN TATTRIELighting Technicians ..............................................BRANDON RIDEOUT, TED NILESLighting Operator .........................................................................................VANESSA WAYSound Operator .............................................................................. HEATHER DOUCETTEHair Styling ..............................................ERICA SIMPSON, DIANE COBBING, CASTAssistant Stage Managers ....................................KATHY ENNIS, VIVIAN TATTRIEStage Hands .....................................PEGGY SOWERBUTTS, PAUL SOWERBUTTSSpecial Effects ...................................................................................................... CHRIS KYTEFight Director .............................................................................................TAMMY EVERETTOriginal Music Composition and Recorded ..................................... BOYD TATTRIELittle Charles “Love Song” Lyrics ...................................................DESMOND HARTYVoice Over ...................................................................................................DAVID HALLIDAYProgram Design and Photography .................................................................TED NILESDigital Lobby Presentation ................................ TED NILES, BRANDON RIDEOUT

SPECIAL THANKSChateau Vezeau Wines, Heather Doucette, Peter Thrasher, Donna Gunter, Marla Fitzgerald, Marilyn & Lyall Trites, Ian Handscomb, Laurel Hillier, Monique Esse-gern, Alena DeLong, Lisa and Tom Lynch, Wayne Spindler, Christopher Hanows-ki, Douglas Craven, Carolyn Wilson, Anderson CVI, Philip Pizak, Greg Poulin, Louis Hebert, Diane Bourque, Deb MacDonald & Mike Rita-Metroland Media.

“Lay Down Sally” (Eric Clapton, Marcy Levy and George E. Terry) © (Renewed) Throat Music Ltd (PRS) and Eric Patrick Clapton (PRS). All Rights on behalf of Throat Music Ltd and Eric Patrick Clapton administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. All Rights on behalf of Throat Music Ltd administered by WB Music Corp. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Excerpt from All the King’s Men, copyright 1946 and renewed 1974 by Robert Penn Warren, reprinted by the permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

“WKRP In Cincinnati Theme” written by Hugh Wilson and James Wells. Published by TCF Music Publishing, Inc. obo MTM Music Inc. and Fast Fade Music

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WHO’S WHO IN THE CASTRAISSA CHERNUSHENKO (Ivy Weston) This is Raissa’s 13th production in as many years with Durham’s vibrant community theatre scene, although her first with WTC. A University of Ottawa

theatre graduate, and lifelong dance student, she is blessed to have family who are also passionate about the performing arts. Recent credits at Oshawa Little Theatre include: Lisette de Courval, Les Belles Soeur; Mrs. Frank, The Diary of Anne Frank; Aunt Ev, The Miracle Worker; Ensemble, Fiddler on the Roof.

BARBARA CLIFFORD (Violet Weston) Having performed in various productions across the GTA and Durham region, Barbara is thrilled and feels so privileged to be part of this glorious ‘PG

rated’ family production. Special thanks to our tremendously talented and dedicated cast and crew, to Margo for this opportunity, for her vision, commitment and enthusiasm, to my “other family and friends” who are my greatest support and to YOU, the audience for keeping theatre alive and taking this ride with us.....Now, “fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy night!”

LISA FERREIRA (Karen Weston) Lisa is thrilled to be a part of August: Osage County. For WCT: The Full Monty (Georgie). Elsewhere: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Miss Mona), Cabaret (Fraulein

Kost), Young Frankenstein (Inga) - all with CCP; Fiddler on the Roof (Tzeitel - Encore), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey - PWHMT). Lisa thanks her family for being super functional when compared to the Westons.

MELISSA GIBSON (Barbara Fordham) Mel is thrilled to be playing Barb in this production. This is truly the role of a lifetime for any actress, and Mel would like to thank the production team for trusting her in

bringing this complicated woman to life. Being a member of WCT has re-ignited a passion for theatre that runs deep, and is spreading to her whole family. A special shout out to Margo, who was a drama teacher at Anderson when Mel did her first show in 1987 (when both women were just shy of their 10th birthdays…) Working together again has been a dream come true. “EAT YOUR FISH!” And enjoy the show.

NANCY GLEED (Mattie Fae Aiken) After stepping away for a few years, Nancy is thrilled to be back onstage and working with this extremely talented cast, and incredibly dedicated crew. She feels very

fortunate to be a part of this production, and thanks Margo, not only for giving her this phenomenal opportunity, but also for reminding her just how much she has missed the whole theatre experience. Special thanks to Derrick and Amanda for their continued love and support, and for encouraging her to “go play” again.

DESMOND HARTY (Little Charles Aiken) Desmond rediscovered the stage in 2014 in DSP’s production of The Phoenix Lottery, followed by various roles in WCT’s production of Monty Python’s Spamalot last season. August: Osage County is Desmond’s second show at WCT, and he is delighted to

once again be part of the WCT family.

CRAIG MARTIN (Bill Fordham) Despite being touted by several of his family members as quite possibly one of the top 30 actors in Oshawa whose name begins with the letter ‘C’, Craig is astounded that he was cast as Bill in August: Osage County. Unexplainably, Craig has also

appeared at WCT as a guy doing a silly dance in On Golden Pond, and as a whole bunch of people with different accents and costumes in The 39 Steps.

PETER MAZZUCCO (Sheriff Deon Gilbeau) More than 20 years ago, Peter studied theatre arts at the University of Toronto, and then obtained dual citizen-ship with the intention to further his studies in Europe. Peter decided to stay in Canada and pursue a safe domestic life instead. In his

40s, he realized that life that life is short and regrets are fruitless, so he resumed his dream to act. Peter has obtained performance credits in independent films, TV, web series, print work and live theatre. He is thrilled to play Sheriff Deon Gilbeau in August: Osage County.

SHAEL RISMAN (Charlie Aiken) Shael was most recently seen as George Hay in last season’s WCT production of Moon Over Buffalo, as well as Charles Fielding in OnStage Uxbridge’s Dads!, and John Clarke in Calendar Girls. His past engagements have

included Toronto productions of Runaways, Little Shop of Horrors, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream.

CAROLINE RODWAY (Jean Fordham) Caroline is thrilled to be a part of her first WCT production. She has previously been onstage at Anderson CVI, in Crush and Play On!, and at Durham Shoestring Productions in Book of Esther. Caroline would like to thank her

friends and family for all of the undying love and support, and to the cast and crew of August: Osage County for making this production so memorable.

TIM WESTHEAD (Beverly Weston) Formerly with Queen’s Faculty of Education, Tim is a popular keynote speaker presenting across North America for over 30 years on health and wellness issues. Seen on stage in Brighton Beach Memoirs, Glengarry Glen Ross, Wait Until Dark,

and Beautiful City, among others, Tim is delighted to return to WCT with such a talented cast and crew. He thanks his family, especially his proudest achievements, Jessica and Cameron, who usually laugh at the potato joke.

GREG WHITE (Steve Heidebrecht) Greg is pretty darned excited to be involved in his second community theatre production. His first was in 2015 as the Cowardly Lion in Queensville Players The Wizard of Oz; a role which earned him a Thea nomination only to lose to

some knights from Whitby in whose general direction he is currently farting. Greg would like to thank his family and insoles for all their support.

NICOLE VEZEAU (Johnna Monevata) Nicole is thrilled to have had the chance be a part of this talented cast and crew. Previously Nicole was on stage at OLT in The Miracle Worker and The Melville Boys, but most recently was choreographer for the WCT youth group production of

Seussical. Nicole would like to thank Margo for the opportunity to join the Weston family, and the Vezeau family for the opportunity to mingle with the Westons.

WHO’S WHO IN PRODUCTION

DIANE COBBING (Make-up) Diane would like to thank her fellow makeup artist, Erica, and all of the cast members for their support. She originally attended Seneca College for theatrical make-up. She recently worked on The Phoenix Lottery at DSP, and is currently the resident

makeup coordinator at Anderson CVI where she teaches students about cosmetological artistry. She lives in Whitby with her three children.

GENEVIÈVE HEBERT-CARR (Stage Manager) Geneviève is very pleased to be part of the August: Osage County crew. After spending a few years treading the boards in WCT’s Cabaret and Monty Python’s Spamalot, she is very happy to return to her first love: stage management. Special thanks,

as ever, to her parents for their countless babysitting nights, and to her husband Chris for always accepting there will never be “a last show” when it comes to theatre. This is for Margo and Mike who started it all.

TED NILES (Assistant Director) Ted is excited and honoured to take on a new role at WCT. You would expect to see him immersed in a musical, but this season he packed away his baton for a dramatic pause. Being able to share his vision of this important play has been a humbling

experience. Ted would like to thank the cast whose talents are second to none, the production team that created the world of Osage County on stage; and most importantly, Margo, who taught him to trust his instincts and just go for it.

MARGO RODGERS (Director/Sound Design) Margo first became involved with WCT designing sound for The 39 Steps and Monty Python’s Spamalot. A few of her favourite moments have been directing The Laramie Project at ACVI, Zastrozzi at DSP, and performing the role of Vivian Bearing in DSP’s

Wit. She thanks Mike, Ted and Geneviève for their wickedly brilliant assistance; the amazing tech and production teams for their creativity and sense of adventure; and this fantastic cast for their bravery and fun. And thanks to Kevin for everything.

ERICA SIMPSON (Make-up) Erica is very happy to be back at WCT for her third show. Coming straight off of Young Frankenstein (The Never Ending Theatre Production) and The Rocky Horror Show (Dancyn Productions), Erica is glad to be in the thick of things

again. She claims to be on her best behaviour for this show.

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VAL SKINNER (Wardrobe) After five years away, Val was enticed back to WCT by a certain nameless producer. During 20 years of experience creating costumes and sets for theatre groups, dance companies, museums, and schools in Durham Region, she has not found a more organized and dedicated cast and crew than has been mustered for August: Osage County.

BRANDON RIDEOUT (Lighting Designer) Brandon is honoured to be designing the lights for such a powerfully visual and thought provoking play. Previously he has directed, produced and designed Young Frankenstein (The Never Ending Theatre Production), directed Cats: The Musical (Glass Half Full Productions) and produced, designed, and stage managed throughout the Durham Region. Next, Brandon will be

directing WCT’s Things My Mother Taught Me in April 2017.

MIKE TRITES (Producer) Mike is a dramatic arts teacher at Whitby’s Anderson CVI. His work with OLT, DSP, and WCT has put him in the company of some really awesome people over the years. So many of these delightful individuals have re-surfaced and rallied around this production. Thank you for that. Finally, to Debra: teacher, inspiration and first responder; so much gratitude.

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Director: Brandon Rideout Producer: Bill Baker Stage Manager: Stephanie Lehman

Auditions for Whitby Courthouse Theatre’s April production Things My Mother Taught Me are scheduled for:

Sunday, November 27 and Sunday, December 4, at 7 p.m.

Audition NoticeThings

TaughtMEmy Mother

by Katherine DiSavino

Things My Mother Taught Me is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York.

For full details, visit whitbytheatre.org or email questions to auditions@whitbytheatre.org.

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WESTON FAMILY TREE

Barbara Fordham

Eldest Daughter

Ivy Weston

Middle Daughter

Karen Weston Youngest Daughter

Bill Fordham

Barbara’s Husband

Steve Heidebrecht Karen’s Fiancée

Little Charles Aiken Cousin

Matty Fae Aiken

Aunt

Charlie Aiken Uncle

Beverly Weston Patriarch

Violet Weston Matriarch

Jean Fordham

Granddaughter

Johnna Monevato Housekeeper

Deon Gilbeau

Sheriff

Don’t miss the rest of

Whitby Courthouse Theatre’s 2016-17 Season!Award-winning theatre in a heritage setting.

WCT’s Young Performers

June 8-11, 15-18, 2017More details to follow online.

whitbytheatre.org416 Centre Street South | Whitby | 905-668-8111

Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905. 668.8111

Catch Me If You Can is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents...

Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

February 9-11, 16-18, 23-25, 2017

8 pm (Feb. 18: 2 & 8 pm) $27

Buy your tickets online: whitbytheatre.org

Also available at: Lafontaine (100 Brock St. S.)

WCT Box Of� ce (one hour before show time)

The price is the price. No service fees on any ticket order.

Book: Terrence McNally

Music: Marc Shaiman

Lyrics: Marc Shaiman &

Scott Wittman

the musical

catch me if you can

Things

Whitby Centennial Building, 416 Centre St. S. | 905. 668.8111Things My Mother Taught Me is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., New York.

TaughtME

Things Things

TaughtTaughtMEMEmy Mother

by Katherine DiSavino Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays

April 13-15, 20-22, 27-29, 2017

8 pm (Apr. 22: 2 & 8 pm) $27

Buy your tickets online: whitbytheatre.orgAlso available at: Lafontaine (100 Brock St. S.)

WCT Box Of� ce (one hour before show time)

The price is the price. No service fees on any ticket order.

Things Things Whitby Courthouse Theatre presents...

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka is produced by special permission of Music Theatre International (MTI).