Professional Theatre in a Neighborhood Setting Directed by Scott Nolte March 23 - April 30
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MARCH 2022
Professional Theatre in Directed by Scott Nolte
a Neighborhood Setting March 23 - April 30
March 2022 Volume 17, No. 3
In This Issue
Feature
Encore Media Group acknowledges that
3 Fantastic Embers:
we are on the lands of the Duwamish
People, and their other Coast Salish
The Art of Live
relations—past and present. We
Storytelling
recognize that these lands are unceded
and we support the Duwamish Tribe
Streaming
in their struggle to gain Federal Tribal 8 Watch From Home
Recognition. We honor with gratitude
the land itself. This acknowledgement Feature
does not take the place of authentic
9 Dark Comedy Meets
relationships with Indigenous
communities, which we seek to build.
Youth Empowerment
We hope that this step of honoring
Calendar
these lands, and the First People of
Seattle who remain their stewards, will 13 March 2022 Events
help us become better neighbors to the
Duwamish Tribe and all the people who Intermission Brain
have called the Pacific Northwest home Transmission
since time immemorial.
15 Test yourself with our
trivia quiz!
PAUL HEPPNER Encore Stages is an Encore arts
President & Publisher
program that features stories about
BRIEANNA HANSEN our local arts community alongside
Vice President of Sales
information about performances.
JENNIFER SUGDEN Encore Stages is a publication of
Vice President of Publishing Services Encore Media Group. We also publish
SHAUN SWICK specialty publications, including the
Brand & Creative Manager SIFF Program, Official Seattle Pride
CIARA CAYA Guide, and Seattle Art Dealers’ SADA.
Marketing & Communications Manager Learn more at encorespotlight.com.
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Accounting & Office Manager
STEVIE VAN BRONKHORST Encore Stages features the
Production Designer
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Encore—Connecting Arts, Culture and Community.
2
FEATURE
Fantastic Embers:
The Art of Live Storytelling
JONATHAN SHIPLEY
In the beginning, there was story. Humans would gather
around the fire to tell stories: how they came to be and
why. The embers would rise into the star-dazzled night.
There are Marvel movies now. so long as you don’t mention the
They seem to be released every children they’ve lost, and as long
other week or so. Bejeweled with as she doesn’t yearn for excitement
cinema’s finest actors, these and passion. What’s exciting is a
stories are now told on screens, monsterman appearing at your door.
some as big as buildings. Others, Mrs. Caliban (running March 23–
so small as to be placed into a April 17) is a story fantastic—like
child’s wayward pocket. The the ones told by our ancestors on
special effects of these movies are cave walls and by Hollywood’s
tsunamis—a flood of action, light, latest trendy team—but told on
movement, color. They delight. one singular stage in front of one
In March, Book-It Repertory singular audience for one singular
Theatre is presenting Mrs. Caliban, moment. “Storytelling,” Torrie
a play that features a character: McDonald, Book-It’s director of
Aquarius the Monsterman. A story marketing and communication said,
written by playwright Rachel “is ancient and primeval. So, the
Ingalls, the show is being directed immediacy and impermanence of
by award-winning Kelly Kitchens. that shared experience of watching
Adapted by Frances Limoncelli, it theatre—with no filters, buffers,
ANDREA CHEMELLI
tells the tale of Dorothy Caliban and rewinding or rewatching—pulls
her husband, Fred, two pleasant at the thread within us that runs
people living pleasant lives, just straight through the ages.”
encorespotlight.com 3
“Storytelling is
ancient and primeval.
So, the immediacy
and impermanence
of that shared
experience of
watching theatre...
pulls at the thread
within us that runs
straight through
the ages.”
COURTESY OF ANDREA CHEMELLI
4
Brandon J. Simmons,
director of The Thin
Place at ACT Theatre.
That thread of magic—one glittery can still be bewitched, bemused,
with fantasy, suspense, and the and bedazzled by the simple act
suspension of disbelief—is being of telling a good story well.
seen in theatre scenes all around Obie Award-winner Lucas Hnath’s
Seattle these coming weeks. Book- play, The Thin Place, explores a realm
It’s Mrs. Caliban is a stinging blend not far from any of us: death. But,
of fantasy and domestic politics, still, far, indeed. As we slowly march
showing us the joy of finding through another season of COVID-19,
ourselves within ourselves. ACT death is all around us, and yet, we
Theatre’s The Thin Place (running ourselves know nothing of death
March 18–April 10), by Lucas Hnath, and what lies beyond our living. In
and directed by Brandon J. Simmons, the show, a woman says you can
cofounder of The Seagull Project, communicate with the dead in that
asks: Can we talk to the dead? Can we boundary between the here and the
communicate with loved ones that hereafter. Is she pulling the wool
we have lost? The show is having its over our eyes? Or are our eyes finally
West Coast premiere. Meany Center seeing the truth? Haunting and com-
for the Performing Arts will show- pelling, Hnath’s ghost story packs
case MOMIX’s Alice, a surreal take a punch, a twisty yarn that won’t
on Lewis Carroll’s beloved Alice’s easily unravel. “The play, of course,
Adventures in Wonderland, a surreal is about that hard to grasp space,”
children’s book if there ever was one. said Simmons, who is directing the
The production is choreographed by production. “But it’s also about the
MOMIX’s founder Moses Pendleton. invisible, electric space between
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
These shows show how audi- the actor and the audience, because
ences, who have seemingly been she is our storyteller.” Stories:
entertained by most everything old as time and as fresh as now.
(we are inundated with movies, TV Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
shows, web series, and much more), was first published in 1865. The
encorespotlight.com 5
Performing at the Center Theatre at Seattle Center
“Screens don’t give
us access to that
thin place that lies
between two living
bodies in space.
Theatre does that!”
DRUM &
SHAKESPEARE
COLOURS
HAMLET AS YOU LIKE IT
Shakespeare’s sparkling
screwball comedy that wears
children’s book is literary nonsense
its heart on its sleeve. with Alice falling through a rabbit
A theatrical high-wire act of two plays in
repertory featuring an all-POC company. hole and into a fantasy world of
oddities and odd characters. Fans
Now through Mar 13, 2022 April 26-May 22, 2022 of the work have been falling for it
ever since. There’s an entire indus-
try based on the work with block-
Tickets on sale at seattleshakespeare.org buster movies, TV shows, games
and more. MOMIX’s Alice (running
May 12–14) is one such work eager
to showcase its particular point of
view on a piece we all know well.
MOMIX is a dance company based
in Connecticut, founded in 1981 by
Moses Pendleton. The company
presents works that combine
A new way to acrobatics, dance, gymnastics,
props, mime and film in a theatrical
explore the show. setting. “You can see why I think
Alice is a natural fit for MOMIX,”
You’ll find Encore+ digital programs at Pendleton has stated. It premiered
these performing arts organizations: in 2019. “An opportunity to extend
our reach. I want to take this
show places we haven’t seen in
Greater Seattle Area terms of the fusion of dancing,
A Contemporary Theatre lighting, music, costumes and
Broadway at The Paramount
Intiman Theatre projected imagery.” Pendleton
Meany Center for the Performing Arts is a storyteller of movement.
Seattle Opera COVID-19 has relegated us all
Seattle Rep to isolation and our screens for
Seattle Theatre Group
Seattle Shakespeare Company entertainment. Wonderful, to be
Taproot Theatre Company able to celebrate art still. No matter
Village Theatre how isolated we feel, or how long
a quarantine may be, there’s still
San Francisco Bay Area
California Shakespeare Theater
the opportunity to explore art with
San Francisco Opera one another, and find our common
San Francisco Symphony humanity in that way. But some-
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley thing has been missing. “Screens
don’t give us access to that thin
6
place that lies between two living
bodies in space. Theatre does that!”
noted Simmons, enthusiastically.
“It’s thrilling to present a play that
wants to explore that power.”
Whether it’s talking to ghosts,
sitting on a mushroom with a
hookah-smoking caterpillar, or
inviting Aquarius, a gigantic six-
foot-seven-inch frog-like creature
into one’s home, the power of story
is certainly stronger than the power
of COVID-19. The power of story is
being showcased with great aplomb
on stage, curtains drawn back so
that audiences can marvel like
they’ve marveled for eons, much
longer than any Marvel movie
franchise. “Theatre,” McDonald
said, “Is a un-replicable experience
in magic.” Un-replicable—much
like each fire from which the first
stories were told by. The embers
rising in their particular ways to Count and servant go head-to-head in one chaotic day that
the dark velvet of our dreams. ends in happiness and love. From the toe-tapping overture to the
Mrs. Caliban will play at Book-It uplifting finale, audiences will be treated to the treasured music of
Repertory Theatre March 23–April this operatic classic. Performed by a stellar cast and orchestra, you
17; The Thin Place will play at ACT won’t want to miss the riotous charm of The Marriage of Figaro!
Theatre March 18–April 10; MOMIX’s
Alice will play at Meany Center for In Italian with English supertitles
the Performing Arts May 12–14. Featuring members of Seattle Symphony Orchestra
2021/22 Season Sponsor:
Seattle Opera Foundation
Young Singers Sponsor:
MCCAW HALL
Jonathan Shipley is a freelance
Maureen and Richard Swanson
writer whose work has appeared in
206.389.7676
Production Sponsor:
the Los Angeles Times, National Susan Buske
Parks Magazine, and Oh Reader!,
among other publications.
Kreielsheimer Foundation
Microsoft SEATTLEOPERA.ORG/FIGARO
encorespotlight.com 7
STREAMING
GLOBAL RHYTHMS 4/12/22
6/7/22
4/1/22
6/17/22
TOWN MUSIC
townhallseattle.org
Watch
From Home
Having a hard time leaving the
house when the weather is cold?
To keep you entertained during
hibernation season, we’ve found
four performances you can watch
On view February 12–June 5, 2022 this winter from the comfort of
your home:
Christina Quarles is organized by Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and curated by Grace Deveney, former Assistant
Curator, with Jack Schneider, Curatorial Assistant, MCA Chicago. The presentation at the Frye Art Museum is organized by
Zen and the Art of an
Amanda Donnan, Chief Curator. Lead support for this exhibition is provided by The Bennett Collection. Generous additional
support is provided by the Frye Foundation and Frye Members. Media sponsorship is provided by Crosscut. Android Beatdown
Book-It Repertory Theatre
Streaming now at Book-It.org
Virtual Nordic Lights
Christina Quarles. Peer Amid (Peered Amidst) (detail), 2019. Acrylic on canvas. 55 x 86 x 2 in.
Film Festival
The Joyner/Giuffrida Collection. © Christina Quarles. Courtesy of the artist, Hauser National Nordic Museum
& Wirth, and Pilar Corrias, London
Streaming February 25-March 5
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 11 am–5 pm at nordicmuseum.org
Admission is always free | fryemuseum.org
Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 5
Seattle Symphony
Streaming March 17 live.
seattlesymphony.org
Plot Points
Pacific Northwest Ballet
Streaming March 31-April 4 at PNB.org
LEARN MORE AT ANACORTES.ORG OR CALL (360) 293-3832
8
PL AYING IN THE JEWELL MAINSTAGE THEATRE
Karen Lund
Producing Artistic Director Music and Book by James Valcq
Lyrics and Book by Fred Alley
Based on the film by Lee David Zlotoff
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022
SEASON SUPPORTERS: CAST PRODUCTION
(In Order of Appearance)
Director Scott Nolte**
Percy Talbott Sarah Garcia Co-Music Director R.J. Tancioco
Sheriff Joe Sutter Fune Tautala Co-Music Director Michael Nutting
Hannah Ferguson Pam Nolte Scenic Design Richard Lorig
Effy Krayneck Marlette Buchanan* Costume Design Jocelyne Fowler
Caleb Thorpe Brian Pucheu Lighting Design Andrew Duff
Shelby Thorpe Kelly Karcher* Sound Design Mark Lund
The Visitor Chip Wood Stage Manager Rik Deskin*
Dramaturg Sonja Lowe
Dialect Coach Gin Hammond
BAND
Keyboard/Conductor Michael Matlock
Guitar/Mandolin Anthony Pooley
Cello Matthew Tevenan
Violin Valerie Tung
SETTING
Gilead, a small town in Wisconsin
The Spitfire Grill is approximately 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.
US SMALL
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION “The Spitfire Grill” is presented by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc., a Concord Theatricals Company.
Playwrights Horizons, Inc., New York City, produced the New York Premiere of “The Spitfire Grill” Off-Broadway in 2001.
“The Spitfire Grill” received its World Premiere production by the George Street Playhouse, November 5, 2000, David Saint,
Artistic Director, Michael Stotts, Managing Director.
* Appearing through an agreement between this
theatre, Taproot Theatre Company, and Actors’
** The Director and Fight Director are members
of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS
Equity Association, the Union of Professional SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.
Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
encorespotlight.com A-1
From the Director
It’s not often that a director gets the opportunity to revisit a
play that was so satisfying the first time. Amazingly, this is
my second trip to Gilead, Wisconsin and The Spitfire Grill to
celebrate these characters and glorious songs. I directed the
musical back in 2003 at Taproot.
You can’t sugarcoat the fact that Gilead is seeing tough
economic times, which contributes to the losses every
character has experienced. And there are other personal
losses and inner shame that have robbed them of hope.
Surprisingly, the agent of hope turns out to be an outsider
who’s packing a lot of hurt—and still prompts the slow steps
back to second chances, forgiveness, and hope.
There’s another unique, personal purpose for this production.
It was originally planned for the 2020 Season and one of the
last plays I would direct as a co-founder/Producing Artistic
Director. Spoiler Alert: Hannah’s passing of the Spitfire Grill to
a new generation has many parallels to my passing the torch
to my dear friend Karen Lund, and retiring from all day to day
responsibilities as the Producing Artistic Director after nearly
45 years.
The Taproot staff—veteran and new folks—are all rockstars and have done amazing work for the
last two years. Yet these are still historically challenging times for the Arts nationwide, and Karen
and the Taproot staff are worthy of our collective encouragement, prayers, and generosity.
Thanks for joining us for this trip to Gilead and into the hearts and hopes of its people.
Scott Nolte
Director, Producing Artistic Director Emeritus
Special Thanks to the SPU Theatre Stagecraft Students for
their assistance in creating the stump, and Robert Barber
for contributing his Spitfire drawing for the set.
Taproot Theatre acknowledges that we live, work, and
play on the unceded and traditional territories of the
Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the Duwamish, and that
we occupy this land. This acknowledgement does not
take the place of authentic relationships with Indigenous
communities but serves as a first step in honoring the
land we occupy and resisting the erasure of Indigenous
past, present, and future.
RealRentDuwamish.org
A-2 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYSonglist
THE SPITFIRE GRILL SONGS
Act 1
"A Ring Around the Moon"....................................................... Percy
"Something’s Cooking at the Spitfire Grill".................... Company
"Out of the Frying Pan"........................................................... Percy SPEND SPRING BREAK
"When Hope Goes"................................................................. Shelby
"Ice and Snow"................................................ Caleb, Joe, and Effy
WITH YOUR FRIENDS
"The Colors of Paradise"..................................... Percy and Shelby AT TAPROOT!
"Digging Stone"........................................................................ Caleb
April 11 - 15, 2022
"This Wide Woods"..................................................... Joe and Percy
K thru 12th grade
"Forgotten Lullaby".............................................................. Hannah
"Shoot the Moon"......................................... Hannah and Company
REgister Online Today
Act 2
"Come Alive Again"...................................... Hannah and Company
taproottheatre.org/acting-studio
"Forest for the Trees".................................................................. Joe DRAMA QUEST CAMP
K-3rd grade
"Wild Bird".............................................................................. Shelby
"Shine"...................................................................................... Percy
YOUTH AND TEEN
SHOWCASE
"Way Back Home"................................................................ Hannah 4th-12th grade
"Finale".............................................................................. Company
DID YOU KNOW?
TAPROOT THEATRE’S ENCORE PROGRAM CONTENT
CAN NOW BE ACCESSED DIGITALLY!
Visit taproottheatre.encoreplus.app to view it on your phone's browser.
OR just open your smartphone camera and scan the QR code. Follow the
link provided and enjoy! No need to download an app.
encorespotlight.com A-3Are You Ready
to Play?
Dear Friend,
I can’t wait to welcome you to Taproot’s 2022 Season. And before you come, I have one important question for you:
Are You Ready to Play?
I hope so, because we have fun and games lined up for you this season. In The Nerd, Willum’s friends come up with
an elaborate strategy to help him deal with an unwanted house guest—and we all know what happens to even the
best laid plans. In Black Coffee, the indomitable Hercule Poirot matches wits against a killer to solve the puzzle of clues
before it’s too late. And we’re delighted to close out our season by welcoming Faith Bennett Russell, Be Russell, and
Sarah Russell back to the Taproot stage. You’ve seen all three of these women in various plays at Taproot Theatre, but
you’ve never seen them all onstage together! A Night with the Russells: The Legacy of Us will be a cabaret of stories and
songs to inspire you.
Come join the fun at Taproot Theatre this year.
We’re Ready to Play!
RESUBSCRIBE ONLINE BEFORE MARCH 25!
Visit taproottheatre.org/2022-resubscribe
Karen Lund
Producing Artistic Director
NEW SUBSCRIPTIONS GO ON SALE APRIL 19!
Subscribe at taproottheatre.org
2022 JEWELL MAINSTAGE SEASON PLAYS:
Three’s already a crowd in Willum’s house, but it’s as tight as
a game of sardines when Rick unexpectedly arrives. He’s as
interesting as quality control at a chalk factory, until his antics
jeopardize Willum’s career. Sure, Rick once saved Willum’s
life, but now he’s ruining it! Pass the deviled eggs, this party’s
about to become a saucer-smashing good time!
The formula for a secret weapon has been stolen, and that
isn’t the only mystery in the Amory house! When Sir Claude
discovers the theft, he locks his family in the library. Moments
later there’s a dead body, a room full of suspects, and a
Belgian sleuth at the door. Witness the famous Hercule Poirot
untangle a jumble of deceptions to discover whodunit.
An evening of laughter, love, and unrelenting joy! Seattle’s own
Sarah, Be, and Faith Bennett Russell carry on their family’s
legacy as storytellers, while celebrating their individual
journeys as Black female artists. From their roots in Jamaica to
their home in Seattle, this cabaret is filled with songs both new
and old. Bring your tissues and party-poppers and prepare to
leave with a song in your heart.
A-4 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYThe Spitfire Grill Company
MARLETTE BUCHANAN (Effy Krayneck) has CHIP WOOD (The Visitor) last appeared at
previously been seen at Taproot in Steel Taproot in Evidence of Things Unseen. Past
Magnolias and Crowns. Other credits shows include Glengarry Glen Ross and
include Newsies, Once on this Island (Village Building the Wall, both on Bainbridge Island;
Theatre); Man of La Mancha, Carousel (5th Death and the Maiden (Theater 9/12), Jesus
Avenue Theatre); Violet, Milk Like Sugar Christ Superstar (Seattle Musical Theater),
(ArtsWest); Passing Strange (Sidecountry and Parade (Sound Theater). Readings have
Theatre); and Porgy and Bess (Seattle Opera). included new works at ACT, Balagan, and
Much love to family, friends, and wonderful Village theaters.
audiences.
MICHAEL MATLOCK (Keyboard/Conductor) is so happy the
SARAH GARCIA (Percy Talbott) is an emerging theatre is back in Seattle! Selected credits: Beauty and the
artist originally from Southern California. Beast (5th Ave), Ride the Cyclone (ACT), Spelling Bee (Village
She received her BFA in Acting from Theatre), and Bright Star (Taproot). Thanks to my family, and
California State University, Fullerton. as always, to Suzie and RJ. Website: keyofw.com
She has been seen locally in projects at
the Annex Theatre. Notable roles include ANTHONY POOLEY (Guitar/Mandolin) is delighted to be back
Wendla (Spring Awakening), Millie Dillmount at Taproot for the first time since 2019’s Bright Star. Recent
(Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Kate (Legally productions include The Winter’s Tale (Seattle Rep/Public
Blonde). Works) and The Last Five Years (Renton Civic Theatre).
Thanks to all at Taproot for this opportunity. Read about his
KELLY KARCHER (Shelby Thorpe) is overjoyed adventures in musical theatre at www.strumpit.org.
to return to Taproot after appearing in Miss
Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley. Originally MATTHEW TEVENAN (Cello) is pleased to be playing again and
from New Jersey, she recently relocated returning to Taproot for this fantastic production! Recent
to Seattle after many years in NYC and DC. credits include Into the Woods at RCT, Abraham's Land at KPC,
Favorite credits include Comedy of Errors Cabaret at Seattle G&S, and Last World Octopus Wrestling
(Wooden O), Hamlet (Arkansas Shakespeare Champion at ArtsWest. When not playing, Matthew is a
Theatre), and The Lightning Thief (National technical writer at Apple.
Tour).
VALERIE TUNG (Violin) loves violin theatre work and is honored
PAM NOLTE (Hannah Ferguson) was last to be making her production debut for Taproot Theatre. Past
seen as Babette in Taproot’s production of shows include Songs for a New World, String, Newsies, and
Babette's Feast. It is a delight to return to this both the production and original album for The Noteworthy
musical as TTC concludes its postponed 2020 Life of Howard Barnes at Village Theatre. Love to Billy and my
Season. As a co-founder of Taproot Theatre, girls!
I believe this story of passing something
beloved to the next generation is the perfect RIK DESKIN (Stage Manager) works in theatre, film, and
story for this exciting moment in Taproot's corporate-educational. Regional theatre credits include:
46-year history. Abraham’s Land, The Reckoning: Pecora For The People, A
Lesson From Aloes. As an actor, he’s appeared in the films
BRIAN PUCHEU (Caleb Thorpe) is beyond The Devil is in the Details, Asylum, and Protecting The Family,
happy to be back on stage after all this as well as The Scottish Play on television. His corporate-
time! Select past credits include Bright educational work includes: Skype For Business It Pro. He
Star at Taproot, Jykell & Hyde at Renton has a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts and is a proud
Civic Theater, Unsinkable Molly Brown with member of AEA, SAG-AFTRA, and Sandbox Artists Collective
Showtunes, and Pirates of Penzance with Member.
The G&S Society. Thank you all and welcome
back. ANDREW DUFF (Lighting Design) is so happy to be back at
Taproot. His previous lighting designs at TTC include: Bright
FUNE TAUTALA (Sheriff Joe Sutter) is Star, Persuasion, Big Fish, Godspell, The Whipping Man, The
unbelievably excited to make his Taproot Beams Are Creaking, Man of La Mancha, Something’s Afoot,
debut. After completing the theatre program Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Seven Keys
at Eastern Oregon University, he spent to Baldpate, Mary’s Wedding, Arms and The Man, Voice of The
two seasons with the Oregon Shakespeare Prairie, Last Train to Nibroc, The Fantasticks, You’re a Good
Festival. Local credits include Village Theatre, Man, Charlie Brown, Shadowlands, Arthur: The Begetting,
Harlequin, 5th Avenue Theatre, and others. All My Sons, Wonderful Tennessee. Andrew’s work has also
This show is dedicated to my beautiful been seen at Seattle Children’s Theatre, Tacoma Actors Guild,
mother and my baby Aurora! To Desteny: ArtsWest, Youth Theatre Northwest and Seattle Public Theater.
You really are my best friend. I wouldn’t be here without your
support! JOCELYNE FOWLER (Costume Design) has designed for Taproot
Theatre (Babette’s Feast, Steel Magnolias, Arsenic and
Old Lace, Lady Windermere’s Fan, A Civil War Christmas),
Shakespeare Company (Arms and the Man, Mrs. Warren's
Profession, Titus Andronicus, Richard II), Book-It Repertory
Theatre (Howl’s Moving Castle, Jane Eyre, Treasure Island,
Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Anna Karenina),
encorespotlight.com A-5The Spitfire Grill Company
ArtsWest (Head Over Heels, The Last World Octopus Wrestling MICHAEL NUTTING (Co-Music Director) is so very happy to
Champion, Office Hour), Harlequin Productions, Vashon be back at his home away from home, Taproot Theatre.
Opera, Youth Theatre Northwest, SecondStory Repertory, His favorite past theater shows he has worked on include:
Bellevue College, Overlake School and others. She is the Bright Star, Persuasion, (Taproot Theatre), XY, String (Village
recipient for the 2016 Gregory Award in Outstanding Costume Theatre), Mamma Mia!, Jasper in Deadland (The 5th Avenue
Design. Theatre), Urinetown and Little Shop of Horrors (ACT Theatre).
In addition to music directing, Michael's arrangements and
GIN HAMMOND (Dialect Coach) is a Harvard University/Moscow compositions have been heard at theaters including The 5th
Art Theatre grad, a certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Avenue Theatre, Taproot Theatre, and Village Theatre. When
Voicework™, and the co-founder of the MFA: Meditations for he is not composing or music directing, Michael is happily
Actors mobile app. Hammond teaches voice, voice-over, working at NM Entertainment as their Artistic Executive
public speaking, and dialect coaching, and can be heard on where he helps create and produce concerts that are
commercials, audiobooks, radio plays, and a variety of video performed all over Washington State. Love to Jerra.
games including BattleTech, DotA 2, Undead Labs’s State of
Decay, and Halo 3 ODST. Hammond has been a dialect and R.J. TANCIOCO (Co-Music Director) has music directed for
vocal coach for most theaters in town, and also for films and Taproot (Daddy Long Legs, Bright Star), 5th Avenue Theatre
video games. www.meditationsforactors.com (Beauty and the Beast, Urinetown, Mamma Mia!, Grease);
Village Theatre (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, plus In the
RICHARD LORIG (Scenic Design) is always happy to be working Heights, Hairspray, Newsies); Seattle Rep (As You Like It, The
with Scott and the amazing artists at Taproot Theatre. Odyssey, Here Lies Love); ACT (A Christmas Carol); ArtsWest
Previous scenic designs for Taproot include Baskerville, (Head Over Heels, Violet); and Showtunes! (The Spitfire Grill).
Best of Enemies, Illyria, Smoke on the Mountain and All A 2010 Gregory Award and 2011/2014 Gypsy Rose Lee award
My Sons. He is a freelance designer whose recent work recipient, Tancioco is a vocal coach, arranger, and composer
includes scenery for Youth Theatre Northwest (The Monkey who enjoys educating youth and cultivating new musicals. A
King: Journey Westbound, The Little Mermaid) and West special thanks to Karen Lund for choosing to tell this story.
of Lenin (Lonely Planet). He is also Department Chair and
Head of Design for the Theatre Department at Seattle Pacific
University. Special thanks to my lovely wife, Gina. Long Live
Live Theatre!
SONJA LOWE (Dramaturg) has a BA in Theatre from Seattle The Spitfire Grill Crew
Pacific University and a MLitt in Dramaturgy from the
University of Glasgow. She currently serves as the Literary
Manager at Taproot Theatre and has also contributed PRODUCTION STAFF
dramaturgical research to other Seattle theatres, most
recently Pipeline (SPT), The Revolutionists (Theatre22) and Assistant Stage Manager – Jack Séamus Conley
She Loves Me (Village Theatre). Sonja has assisted in the Property Master – Andrea Spraycar
development of several new script projects, including stage
adaptations of Bram Stoker's Dracula and Jane Austen's
Persuasion, as well original scripts for the Seattle Play Series, CASTING
the San Juan Island Community Theatre Playwright’s Festival Casting Consultant - Jessica Spencer
and the Pork Filled Players’ UNLEASHED festival.
Casting Associates - Arika Matoba, Sarah Russell
MARK LUND (Sound Design) is glad to be back to producing
theatre for TTC instead of just video content. Recent favorite COSTUME STAFF
designs include Daddy Long Legs, Kim’s Convenience, Sweet
Land, and Persuasion. Other design work includes Seattle Dresser – Laura Uyeki
Shakespeare, Book-It, and sound for award-winning short
Draper – Valerie Snyder
films. Mark is also a voice actor for hundreds of regional and
national projects including Falco Lombardi in Star Fox for Stitchers – Melissa Gomez, Sierra Reid
Nintendo. Love to Karen, Hannah & Jake. Wig Master – Shelby Rogers
SCOTT NOLTE (Director) is a co-founder of TTC and the former
Producing Artistic Director, having retired in December 2020 SCENIC & LIGHTING STAFF
after nearly 45 years. Over the course of four decades, he’s
Master Electrician – Aiyana Stephens
directed plays ranging from The Odyssey to Smoke on the
Mountain and more recently Camping with Henry & Tom, Scenic Carpenter – Tim Samland †
Relativity, The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, Joyful Noise, Big Light Board Operator – Clint Bull
Fish and Best of Enemies for TTC. Most recently he directed Electricians – Daniel Cole, Claire Forsberg, Glen Fritz,
Babette's Feast. He has participated in several new play
development projects, is a past president of Theatre Puget Kody Smith, Michael Peters
Sound and is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Scenic Strike/Load-In - Nic Fahey †, Kristy Metzger †,
Choreographers. Sergio Vivas †
† United Scenic Artists, Local 15 of the IATSE is the union representing Scenic, Costume,
Lighting, Sound and Projection Designers in Live Performance.
A-6 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYComing Soon to the Jewell Mainstage Theatre
Three’s already a crowd in Willum’s house, but it’s as tight as a game of sardines
when Rick unexpectedly arrives. He's as interesting as quality control at a chalk
factory, until his antics jeopardize Willum’s career. Sure, Rick once saved Willum’s
life, but now he’s ruining it! Pass the deviled eggs, this party’s about to become a
saucer-smashing good time!
HOW DO I SAVE?* EARLY BIRD PERFORMANCE DATES
• $25 tickets can be purchased online or over the • SAT, MAY 21, 2:00 PM
phone • SAT, MAY 21, 8:00 PM
• Tickets MUST BE PURCHASED between April 19 and May
• THU, MAY 26, 7:30 PM
14 for one of the seven performances listed on the
right. • FRI, MAY 27, 8:00 PM
• Available for Level B & C seats only (green and blue • SAT, MAY 28, 2:00 PM
seats online; must select “Adult” priced ticket online). • SAT, MAY 28, 8:00 PM
• Use discount code BEEPER online (apply in cart) or • WED, JUN 1, 7:30 PM
by phone.
*This offer cannot be combined with any other discount and is not valid on
previously purchased tickets. Only good for seat levels B & C. Limit 4 tickets per order. Third party service fees may apply. All sales are final.
Exchanges can be made for $5; upgrade fees may apply. When purchasing online, select “Adult” priced tickets, apply the discount code in
the shopping cart.
Tickets on sale April 19 online at taproottheatre.org or by phone at
206.781.9707.
encorespotlight.com A-7Just Add Color!
For best results, use markers to color this page.
A-8 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYFrom the Dramaturg
The Hope of Fall
By Sonja Lowe
Autumn in Wisconsin is all about the color. There are tourist websites entirely dedicated
to guiding visitors through the vibrant beauty of Wisconsin in the fall. For James Valcq
and Fred Alley (co-creators of The Spitfire Grill and both from Wisconsin), the natural
beauty of their home state functions almost like an additional character in this story. An
awareness of the surrounding land is ever present in this show, in the song lyrics and in
the characters’ dialogue.
The musical opens with Perchance “Percy” Talbot arriving in the small town of Gilead, WI.
With a name like Perchance, this young woman is literally the embodiment of possibility.
She holds onto a desperate kind of hope and is seeking the vibrant fall colors that she
once saw in an old travel book. Percy, however, arrives in the bleak mid-winter of Gilead.
The gray snow and gray skies are a reflection of the economic and emotional blight that
has settled on the town’s people. The first resident she encounters informs her bluntly
that she’s too late, “the fall colors are long gone.”
And that’s where we begin. When a desperate hope meets a stark despair. But, listen
closely as this story progress to the changes that are happening, not only to the
characters, but to the surrounding landscape.
The frozen creek thaws, life returns to the woods, and at last—
in a moment of triumph—Percy can sing a hymn of praise
to the “colors of paradise” that she sees all around her.
The use of seasons and natural settings to reflect the emotional journey of a character
is not a new literary device. We see it often in books, plays, and films. However, it’s
interesting to note that the writers of The Spitfire Grill don’t seek their poetic metaphors
in the budding new hope of spring or even the fruitful abundance of summer. Instead,
they choose the bright reds and deep golds of autumn. This is the bold, triumphant hope
of a people that have lived through some stuff. It’s a hope that acknowledges pain. A hope
that stands in the very face of winter and shouts that life is beautiful after all.
And that’s a HOPE worth singing about.
encorespotlight.com A-9The Colors of Paradise
You can own a piece of heaven
where the hummingbirds still hum
and the colors of paradise come...
- The Spitfire Grill
by James Valcq, Fred Alley, and Lee David Zlotoff
As Percy’s story unfolds, we see a spirit of hope transform her, the
community of Gilead, and the Spitfire Grill itself. That same spirit of hope
guides Taproot Theatre. For over 45 years, Taproot has celebrated hope
as the foundation for all we do.
It is also the root language of our donors. With the generous support of
so many, Taproot is emerging from one of the most challenging times in
its history with renewed energy and fresh vitality. This spring is one of
celebration and a time to shine, won’t you join us? Find your way back
home to Taproot!
Your gift of any amount helps Taproot
tell stories of hope like The Spitfire Grill.
Give Today!
TaprootTheatre.org/Donate
Taproot Theatre is a 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, Federal Tax ID# 91-0971237. Your
donation to Taproot Theatre Company is tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
A-10 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYBoard of Directors TAPROOT THEATRE STAFF
OFFICERS MEMBERS Karen Lund - Producing Artistic Director
Kristen R. Thornton, PhD, Chair Larry Bjork
Rachel (Horner) Barach, Vice Chair Doug Freyberg DEVELOPMENT
Brian Poel, Treasurer Daniel Ichinaga Gina Cavallo - Director of Development
Jude Hubbell, Secretary Peter Morrill
Laura Cohen - Grant Writer
Shelby Parsons
Corrie Hayes - Development Operations Coordinator
Tom Rengstorf
George Scranton, PhD Audrey Herold - Stewardship & Events Manager
Daniel Voetmann
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
Amanda Woodward Davis, PhD
David Woodward Lindsey Long - Director of Education & Outreach
Anna Lund - Education & Outreach Program
Coordinator
FINANCE AND OPERATIONS
Ariel Bradler - Director of Finance & Operations
Ashleigh Coe - Facilities Associate - Custodial
James Faley - Finance & Operations Assaciate
Marty Gordon - Custodian
Lee Grooms - Comptroller
Tim Samland - Facilities Coordinator
Taproot Theatre Company is a professional, non-profit theatre with
a multifaceted production program. Founded in 1976, TTC serves the MARKETING/PATRON SERVICES
Pacific Northwest with touring productions, Jewell Mainstage and
Nikki Visel - Director of Marketing
Isaac Studio Theatre productions and the Acting Studio. Taproot is
a member of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Theatre Puget Tanya Barber - Creative Design Manager
Sound (TPS) and the Phinney Neighborhood Association. Daytona Danielsen - Communications Manager
Ana Sepehri - Marketing Associate
Jenny Cross - Patron Services Manager
Rachel DeBoer, Jamie Christensen, Ambrya
Holifield, Kendall Yoder - House Managers
Taproot Theatre Company tells stories of hope, Jamie Christensen, Ambrya Holifield, Maddie Sy,
serving the Pacific Northwest through live Kendall Yoder - COVID Compliance Staff
theatre and educational programs. Kristi Matthews - Box Office Manager
Christopher Kidder-Mostrom - Box Office Lead
We value faith. We respect people. We celebrate theatre. Anna Klein, Hannah Lund, Elizabeth Tsamakis,
Hayley Werner - Box Office Representatives
PRODUCTION
Mark Lund - Director of Production
Mailing Address: Administrative Offices: Box Office:
Kathryn Louise - Production Associate
PO Box 30946 206.781.9705 206.781.9707
Seattle, WA 98113-0946 Fax: 206.297.6882 box@taproottheatre.org Sonja Lowe - Literary Manager
Michelle Rodriguez - Production Manager
Kilah Williams - Costume Shop Manager
TAPROOTTHEATRE.ORG Scott Nolte - Producing Artistic Director, Emeritus
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH US BY USING #TTCSPITFIREGRILL
@TaprootTheatre
encorespotlight.com A-11HELPFUL INFORMATION Thank you
Taproot Theatre gratefully acknowledges the following for their generous support of our Annual Fund and
MASKS Nolte Legacy Fund. This list reflects gifts made between January 1, 2021 and February 15, 2022. If you have any
questions or would like more information about making a tax-deductible gift to Taproot Theatre Company (a
Masks should fit snugly over the mouth and 501c3 organization), please contact Corrie Hayes at 206-529-3677 or development@taproottheatre.org.
nose and must be worn at all times except
while eating and drinking. INSTITUTIONAL DONORS
FOOD & DRINK $10,000 +
Due to mask requirements, food and drink are
Margery M. Jones Trust, Sheri and Les Biller
not permitted in the theatre at this time. Chris Sjoholm, Trustee Family Foundation
DRAMATURG DISPLAY
U.S. Small Business Emerald Heights Art Forms Anonymous
Visit the Jewell Mainstage upper lobby to view Administration Resident Services
a display with additional information relating
to the current production on the Jewell $5,000 - $9,999
Mainstage.
Blackrock The Kelly The Kousa Fund
ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES Foundation
Patrons desiring an assisted
listening device may request one
$2,500 - $4,999 $1,000 - $2,499 $500-$999
from the House Manager. The
Nisqually Indian Tribe ∙ Northgate Canlis Cares Fund ∙ Drum Roll Wine ∙ Community of Christ
Hearing Loop is available only in Elementary ∙ Piper Village ∙ Verity Credit Lyle & Joy Corbin ∙ St. John`s Lodge
the Jewell Mainstage Theatre. Union ∙ Wyman Youth Trust # 9 F. & A. M. ∙ The Church At Maltby ∙
Tulalip Tribes Charitable Fund
LOST & FOUND
If you have lost an item, check with the Box Individual Donors
Office in person or by phone at 206.781.9707. If
you find a lost item, please give it to the House Angels ($10,000 +) David Allais ∙ John & Ann Collier ∙ Cornelia Duryee ∙ Mike & Barb Jewell ∙ Kraig & Pam Kennedy ∙ Mark & Karen
Lund ∙ Susan Rutherford, MD ∙ Daniel & Joann Wilson ∙ Anonymous
Manager or Box Office staff. Unclaimed lost &
Marquee ($5,000 - $9,999) Nancy Bittner ∙ Larry & Lorann Bjork ∙ Mark & Elle Bullard ∙ Christopher & Patricia Craig ∙ Amanda &
found items may be donated to a thrift store at Charles Dannaker ∙ Amanda & Ben Davis ∙ Deborah & Gary Ferguson ∙ Dorothy Herley ∙ Alma & Mark Klauber ∙ Philip & Cheryl
the discretion of management. Laube ∙ Tyler & Katie Parris ∙ George & Alyssa Petrie ∙ Brian & Christa Poel ∙ Ron & Susan Runyon ∙ Kathryn Sand ∙ George & Claire
Scranton ∙ Karen Smith ∙ Loren & Carol Steinhauer ∙ James & Joan White
PROP/SET/COSTUME DONATIONS Producers ($2,500 - $4,999) Daniel A Adent ∙ Russell & Janice Ashleman ∙ Inez Noble Black ∙ Kevin & Anne Brady ∙ Melvin &
Cordelia Brady ∙ Mary Anne Braund & Steve Pellegrin ∙ Franja Bryant ∙ Tom & Linda Burley ∙ Fay & Russell Cheetham ∙ Bonnie Chow
Do you have antique or vintage items you no ∙ Loveday Conquest & Fred Kleinschmidt ∙ Doug & Linda Freyberg ∙ Sean & Catherine Gaffney ∙ Carolyn Hanson ∙ Peter & Anne
Haverhals ∙ Dr. Rick & Susan Hornor ∙ Loren & Isobel Hostek ∙ Victoria Isham ∙ Bill Johns ∙ Karen Koon ∙ Susan Lamar ∙ Frank Lawler
longer need? Taproot Theatre’s production & Ann McCurdy ∙ Peter & Megumi Morrill ∙ Sara & Bill Nagel ∙ Scott & Pam Nolte ∙ Craig & Deanna Norsen ∙ Roy & Janice Petersen
team is now accepting: ∙ Ralph & Joan Prins ∙ Tom & Claudia Rengstorf ∙ Barbara Richards ∙ Bruce & Candace Sagor ∙ Ron & Virginia Sather ∙ Melissa &
Steven Saunders ∙ Evilo Ann Schwab ∙ Jeff & Margie Van Duzer ∙ Fred & Judy Volkers ∙ Larry & Linda Williams ∙ Jean Winfield ∙
Anonymous (2)
• Vintage or vintage-style (pre-1970s)
Directors ($1,000 - $2,499) Allan & Anne Affleck ∙ Downing Moua & Brian Andersen ∙ Craig & Denise Daniels Barwell ∙ Inez Noble
select furniture, luggage, books, trunks, Black ∙ Norman & Lisa Bontje ∙ Ted & Ruth Bradshaw ∙ Tom & Linda Burley ∙ Stuart & Diane Campbell ∙ Ken & Maria Carter ∙ Sharon
telephones, radios and kitchenware Carter ∙ Wayne & Greta Clousing ∙ Bonnie Chow ∙ James Cobb ∙ Martin Collins ∙ Blaine & Susan Coppin ∙ Jay & Jenny Cross ∙
Todd & Sylvie Currie ∙ Stephen & Susanne Daley ∙ Allan & Nora Davis ∙ Paul & Phyllis Davis ∙ Donald & Claudia Deibert ∙ Dennis
• Period newspapers and magazines & Deborah DeYoung ∙ Galen & Isabelle Dresser ∙ Brian & Laura Faley ∙ Marion Fisher ∙ Michael & Karen Frazier ∙ Steve & Jamie
Froebe ∙ Daniel & Christine Ganfield ∙ Allen & Lori Gilbert ∙ Linda Glenicki ∙ Suzanne Hahn ∙ Valerie Hajdik ∙ Elizabeth & Lewis Hale ∙
• Sorry, no costume donations accepted at Christie Hammond ∙ Scott & Pattei Hardman ∙ Richard & Kathryn Harrison ∙ Joe & Lisl Helms ∙ Jonathan Henke ∙ David & Mary Kay
Hilmoe ∙ Wayne & Naomi Holmes ∙ John & Judith A Hubbell ∙ Daniel Ichinaga & Allison Cook ∙ Victoria Isham ∙ Valorie Jackson ∙ Eric
this time & Julie Johnson ∙ Mora Johnson ∙ Sandy Johnson ∙ Jeff Kadet & Helen Goh ∙ Nancy Kiser ∙ John & Jean Krueger ∙ Bob & Lisa Kutter
∙ Edmond & Barbara Lee ∙ Cody & Beth Lillstrom ∙ Carol McDonald ∙ Tom & Jean Mohrweis ∙ Heart Connections ∙ Terry Montgomery
Taproot will consider unique and vintage ∙ Beryl & Cliff Moon ∙ Kim & Dana Moore ∙ Don & Kim Morris ∙ Dr. Les & Carol Nelson ∙ Jackie Nolte ∙ Paul & Cathy Nordman ∙ Craig
& Deanna Norsen ∙ Gordie & Mary Nygard ∙ Mary Pagels ∙ Nolan & Lorena Palmer ∙ Thom Parham ∙ Bruce & Cynthia Parks ∙ Jamie
properties and furniture. Please send Pate ∙ Mary & Pat Patterson ∙ Kathryn Pearson ∙ Roy & Janice Petersen ∙ Perry & Cherie Raak ∙ Victor & Kristine Rennie ∙ Ted &
inquiries with attached pictures to Teresa Rihn ∙ G.M. & Holly Roe ∙ Jon & Sheri Roelofs ∙ Lawrence & Nancy Rudolph ∙ Robin & Brendan Sanders ∙ Mary Sankaren ∙
Ron & Virginia Sather ∙ Frederick & Caroline Scheetz ∙ David & Joan Selvig ∙ Sarajane Siegfriedt ∙ Todd & Teresa Silver ∙ Jim & Karen
kathryng@taproottheatre.org. Because of Skadan ∙ Angela & David Smith ∙ Dwight & Carla Smith ∙ Robert L. Smith ∙ Jeremy Barton & Janine Southard ∙ Edwin & Kathy Sterner
limited storage not all set and prop donations ∙ William & Carolyn Stoll ∙ Alex & Erica Suk ∙ Carolyn Takei ∙ Katie Hong & Harold Taw ∙ Winifred Unterschute ∙ Mr. Curtis Urben ∙
Marcia Utela ∙ Gretchen L. Valentine ∙ Jewely Van Valin ∙ Elizabeth White ∙ Douglas & Tina Williams ∙ Debra Wilmsmeyer ∙ Bill & Tina
can be accepted. No paint donations. Woodward ∙ Maree Zawoysky ∙ Anonymous (7)
Playwrights ($500 - $999) Calvin & Carolyn Agatsuma ∙ Mike & Shirley Allert ∙ Scott & Karen Altus ∙ Ellen Arrington ∙ Timothy Bean
∙ Charles Meredith & Janet Bester-Meredith ∙ Douglas & Tambra Birkebak ∙ James & Melinda Bohrer ∙ Janent & Thomas G Boyd ∙
Carole & Tom Brennan ∙ Anita Bryant & Thomas Kress ∙ Jack & Vicki Carney ∙ Marianne & Carl Case ∙ Janice & Alan Christensen ∙
THE VIDEOTAPING OR MAKING OF ELECTRONIC OR Bob Quick & Judy Cushman ∙ William Denzel & Colene McKee ∙ Bruce & Glyn Devereaux ∙ Dale & Vicki Dvorak ∙ Leihua Edstrom ∙
Deniece B Edwards ∙ Juelle Edwards ∙ Kristi Edwards ∙ Kristine Engels ∙ Bruce & Pat Finlayson ∙ Lee Fitchett ∙ Jim & Anna Freyberg
OTHER AUDIO AND/OR VISUAL RECORDINGS OF ∙ Robert Gallaher & Linda Allen ∙ Durbin Garrett ∙ Daniel P. & Karen Giarde ∙ Richard & Carla Ginnis ∙ John & Sally Glancy ∙ William
THIS PRODUCTION OR DISTRIBUTING RECORDINGS Gowen ∙ Robert Greco ∙ Robert & Cheryl Laroche ∙ Matt & Sherri Hainje ∙ David & Jannette Harrison ∙ Henry & Lauren Heerschap
∙ Kathleen Heppell ∙ Warren & Janet Hewitt ∙ Bruce & Carol Hosford ∙ Barbara & Mark Hudson ∙ Victoria Huggins ∙ Patricia Hunter ∙
ON ANY MEDIUM, INCLUDING THE INTERNET, David & Kristine Jung ∙ Helen M Kearny ∙ Teri Kopp & Walter Weber ∙ Beth Kunz & Michael Cooney ∙ Georgia Kurtz ∙ Claude & Gail
IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED, A VIOLATION OF THE Layman ∙ Terry & Joyce Lengfelder ∙ Sharon & Alan Levy ∙ Alan & Christina Longcor ∙ Vi Mar ∙ Pam & Darrel Matthew ∙ Chuck & Carol
Maurer ∙ Jim & Vicki McClurg ∙ Christe & Bruce McMenomy ∙ Barry & Nancy Mickel ∙ Sandra Mitchell ∙ Susan & Joe Morrill ∙ Linda
AUTHOR’S RIGHTS AND ACTIONABLE UNDER & Tom Morris ∙ Bryce & Bonnie Nelson ∙ Brian & Nola Nelson ∙ John & Lucy Nylander ∙ Wendy Ogryzek ∙ Sandhya Devi & Sherman
UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW. FOR MORE Page ∙ Michael Parker ∙ Jeanne Parvin ∙ Ms. Virginia Pflueger ∙ Renee Pitra ∙ Matthew Posner ∙ Megan & Greg Pursell ∙ Charles
Raymond ∙ Glenn & Carol S Redfield ∙ Susan & John Royster ∙ Janice Rudnitski & Dutch Shisler ∙ Rodney & Elizabeth Schmidt ∙ Karl
INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT: Schulze ∙ M L Shukis ∙ Thomas Sibley ∙ Ellen Smith ∙ Jennifer Smith ∙ Joy Smith ∙ Ronald & Dorita Smith ∙ Stephen Smith ∙ BJ Smyth
∙ Marilyn Snow ∙ Rich Real Estate Group ∙ Bala Sriram ∙ Todd Stabelfeldt ∙ Fritz Stahr & Erin Moore ∙ Jerry Zimmerman & Jane
https://shop.samuelfrench.com/content/ Stevens ∙ Paul & Colleen Stoltenberg ∙ Criag Strausz ∙ Barbara Suder ∙ Victoria Sutter ∙ Nikki Visel ∙ Norma Vogeli ∙ Dale & Brenda
Voth ∙ Lynn & Nancy Walker ∙ Jordan Weisman ∙ April Williamson ∙ David & Ann Woodward ∙ Cpt Ryan & Leah Yoke ∙ Ed & Marcy
files/pdf/piracy-whitepaper.pdf Yoshida ∙ Anonymous (5)
A-12 TAPROOT THEATRE COMPANYDIALOGUE
FEATURE
Jamie Lambey and Hersh Powers
in The Mediocre Beyond at
The Bonfire Festival.
“Welcome to
the Landfill”:
Dark Comedy
Meets Youth
Empowerment
ESHA POTHARAJU
16-year-old playwright Valentine Wulf is partnering with Welcome to the Landfill is laden
Penguin Productions to bring her darkly humorous play with cynical mundanity, lies and
disillusionment. The play follows
featuring a snarky, generationally dysfunctional family to a family of estranged half-siblings
the big stage. Wulf’s work, titled Welcome to the Landfill, who are reunited following a
mysterious call about their father’s
is the first play written by a highschooler to receive a death. Everyone is hiding their own
full, feature-length production at Penguin Productions. secrets, which unfurl during a road
The company hopes it will inspire more youth to bring trip across the Midwest to their
father’s supposed funeral home. “I
forward their work. Shana Bestock, the producing artistic would say it’s a play about family
director at Penguin Productions, is adamant about the and family dysfunction. It’s a play
about expectation and unexpected
value of producing plays from diverse, young voices: consequences, and unexpected
“Without [them], we are lost.” effects and how we deal with them.
Which really resonates with us at
this time, right?” said Bestock.
The ensemble starts off with Jim
Janson, the grifter mastermind
behind the elaborate scheme to
gather his children back together.
Then comes his oldest son Bernard,
a tired middle school physical educa-
ANTOINETTE GARON
tion teacher in his late forties (“He’s
just such a dad,” joked Wulf), and
his teenaged son Jeremy, onto whom
Bernard projects his unfulfilled
encorespotlight.com 9“It’s a play about
expectation
and unexpected
consequences,
and unexpected
effects and how
we deal with
them. Which really
resonates with us
at this time, right?”
childhood hockey dreams. Jim’s
second oldest, Elizabeth, is, as
Wulf put it, “a micro-influencer
mommy-blogger who posts Keto
recipes. She calls herself an alpha
female.” Her daughter Noelle is a
lonely 10-year-old whose identity is
consumed by the beauty pageants
she competes in. She does not have
much company, save for her pet, Karl
Barx, who Wulf described as “one
of those little crusty white dogs.”
Finally, there is the much younger
sibling Vitus, who is a 19-year-old
aspiring breakdancer. “He’s not
very good,” Wulf sighed. “He’s stuck
working at a rundown amusement
park and he plays a character called
Marnie the Movie Dinosaur because
they didn’t want the Barney people
From To to sue them. So he shows up in his
mascot costume. He’s just terrible.”
03/01/2022 03/31/2022 Much of the play is set in Vitus’s
crammed car, in which Wulf crafts
hilariously unexpected interac-
GO! tions that showcase copious family
secrets. In doing so, she uses her
play to conduct an exploration on the
very human motives of her other-
wise cartoonish band of characters.
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
The idea of Welcome to the
Landfill has roots in an uncanny
speculation made about Wulf’s
own grandfather. “My dad and his
siblings haven’t talked to him or
10JOAN MARCUS
KARLI CADEL
Playwright of Welcome to the Landfill
Valentine Wulf. Freestyle Love Supreme Blue
Feb 16–Mar 13 Feb 26–Mar 12
EBRU YILDIZ
MATTHEW MURPHY
seen him in forever,” she explained.
“And they just got a call from a
funeral home one day that he died
and that they had to send a check to
pay for it. And my dad was sitting
there and he goes, ‘This could be
a scam. Like what if we just send
them the check, and then we drive
there—and it’s just an empty lot?’”
Her father suggested she write a
play about the strange thought. “So Mitski The Band’s Visit
Mar 9–10 Mar 9–13
I did,” she said, but she also took
creative license to make it “much
MARIA BARANOVA
OLAF HEINE
more.” Within three weeks, Wulf had
already drafted her vision into a play.
In the fall of 2021, she was selected
by Penguin Productions to partici-
pate in a cohort of youth playwrights
called the Bonfire Collective. Wulf
brought her play’s script to the very
first meeting, and her fellow cohort
members immediately jumped into
a cold read of the work. “I’d never
heard the script read aloud before.
Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane
Actually, hearing how it would Lang Lang in Recital Company
Mar 22 Mar 24–26
sound onstage really helped it come
together and it helped me see what
things I needed to change,” said
Wulf. She quickly found that the
community of Bonfire Collective
writers propelled her story into
being the best it could be. They would
ask questions that pushed Wulf to
rework the script. They would guide
her to fleshing out her characters
encorespotlight.com 11“Gifts can be
squandered, gifts
can be shoved into
a corner, or gifts can
be used. Valentine is
someone who uses
her gifts.”
Hersh Powers in The Mediocre Beyond at The Bonfire Festival, as part of the Bonefire
Collective where Welcome to the Landfill was workshopped.
into nuclear personas. And most challenging and meaningful roles in this because the director, the cast,
importantly, they would provide her play productions, regardless of prior the set designers might take it
with a support network to fall back experience. “Theatre is important somewhere that I hadn’t imagined
on during her creative journey. because it centers humanity. So this at all, and there’s this element
Soon after Wulf completed the question of ‘Why is making it acces- of surprise to seeing what the
Bonfire Collective’s programming, sible to youth voice[s] important?’ finished product might look like.”
Penguin Productions reached out comes down to ‘Because it preserves The show is set to inspire other
to her about producing Welcome our humanity,’” said Bestock. teens who don’t know how to
to the Landfill. “It’s so different While the Bonfire Collective was take their work to the big stage.
from a lot of shows that youth get transformative for Wulf’s playwrit- Penguin Productions has expressed
to perform. There’s no romance, ing career, she “caught the theatre its enthusiasm for opening this
there’s no talking about going to bug” a ways back, in the fifth opportunity to teen playwrights.
school,” said Artistic Associate grade. “I started in Youth Theater “Work created by youth doesn’t
Annika Prichard. “It’s really about Northwest, which is all the way come second to big plays that you’ve
a non-traditional family who gets in Mercer Island, so I was pretty heard of before,” said Prichard.
pushed together in this set of really committed to having my mom drive “They deserve to be on just as big
weird circumstances. And I think so me to shows,” Wulf chuckled. Her of a stage, to have just as much
many know what that feels like.” first role was Caliban, a prominent attention, and just as much care as
Another thing that drew the character from the magic-filled these really well-known plays.”
company to the play was the wildly Shakespearian drama The Tempest. Welcome to the Landfill will
different age range of its characters. At the opening performance, Wulf have performances on March
“We shouldn’t just be asking teens said that “someone’s little grandma 19 and 20 at Taproot Theatre’s
to play teens. We should allow came up to me and told me that I was Isaac Studio Theatre.
them to expand themselves, and amazing at acting, and that I should
this play gives them the oppor- never stop. It feels so cliché, but I still
tunity to do so,” said Bestock. think of that moment every day.”
The Bonfire Collective is only From observing her performance Esha Potharaju (she/her) is an avid
one of the completely free theatre scripts, Wulf taught herself how to arts lover based in Fremont, California.
education programs that Penguin write plays and started taking on She is a firm believer in the importance
Productions offers. Its business passion projects in the eighth grade. of diversity in the arts. In her free
time, Esha enjoys writing articles,
model intentionally defies that “Gifts can be squandered, gifts can
drawing and overanalyzing comics
of other theatre companies: “We be shoved into a corner, or gifts can
and cartoons with her best friend.
wanted to entirely eliminate that pay be used,” Bestock said. “Valentine
barrier and remove that shame that’s is someone who uses her gifts.”
This article was written on special assignment
associated with needing financial Wulf is committed to creat- for Encore Spotlight through the TeenTix
aid,” said Bestock. The company ing togetherness with her play: Press Corps, a program that promotes critical
ANTOINETTE GARON
prioritizes paving an accessible “Theatre is such a collaborative thinking, communication and information
gateway to theatre for youth who medium, and I wanted to see how literacy through criticism and journalism
practice for teens. TeenTix is a youth
need it the most. One strategy it people come together to work on empowerment and arts access nonprofit.
employs is guaranteeing registrees this,” Wulf said. “I’m excited about teentix.org
12You can also read
