P A S T P R O D U C T I O N S
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID (2021)
The Hale Theatre Co. presented the second and final show in it's 2021 Fall Theatre Fest, "ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID", Thursday- Sunday, Sept. 23rd-25th, 2021 @ 7:30 PM at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd St., Chicago, IL 60638.
In this hilarious comedic romp, four friends have sworn to keep the promise they made on the night of their Senior Prom: to be in each other’s weddings…no matter what. More than thirty years later, these Southern friends-for-life are still making “the long walk” for each other, determined to honor that vow.
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID definitively answers the question, “Just how far are you willing to go to keep a promise to a friend?” If you’ve ever elbowed a stranger out of the way to catch a bride’s bouquet, seriously questioned the mental stability of the duo saying “I do” or been forced to wear the world’s ugliest bridesmaid dress, this deliriously funny comedy from the team that brought you "THE HALLELUJAH GIRLS"-(JONES HOPE & WOOTEN) ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID was definitely for you…and your dearly beloved!
Starring
LISA GLATZ as Libby Ruth Ames
JENNY HOGAN as Monette Gentry
AMY STREIT as Kari Ames-Bissette
JAQUELINE ASHCROFT as Deedra Wingate
DIONNE HAWKINS as Charlie Collins
& LINDA SOBOTKA as Sedalia Endicott
and
Directed by LAUREN J. POLENSKE.
GIVE MY REGRETS TO BROADWAY (2021)
The Hale Theatre Co. of the Chicago Park District presented "GIVE MY REGRETS TO BROADWAY" a musical play , September 16th, 17th & 19th, 2021 @ Hale Park, 6258 W. 62nd Street, Chgo, IL 60638. Performances are at 7:30pm on the 16th & 17th and a Sunday matinee performance @ 2:00PM on the 19th.
The show was presented as part of their 2021 Fall Theatre Fest. It was written and directed by HTC co-founder Michael Murphy.
The production tells the story of Two Midwestern songwriters, who moved to New York to seek their fame and fortune on Broadway. Given themselves five years to make it big came fast and gone. Money gone and hope dwindling, some L.A. producers are mulling over their latest effort. Meanwhile, everyone in their inner circle wants to audition for the show from their UPS driver to the night watchman! It features some of the best Broadway songs from classic musicals, like West Side Story, Funny Girl, Jekyll & Hyde, The Wiz and many, more
The production starred Michael J. Murphy and Andrew Brown as Jack Miller & James Minkoff as the beleaguered writers, Nancy Brown as Tracy, their faithful Girl Friday, Patrick Cramer as their regular UPS driver Smitty, Marie Mikulskis & Tom Moran as Mm & Pop-purveyors of the down stairs delicatessen, Larry Wenderski as Sam, the diligent night watchman, Andrew Wiltz as Bill, the mail carrier, Joe Streit as Joe the janitor, Amy Streit as Sylvia the child talent agent, Dionne Hawkins as Bobbi from the mail room, Brian Baumann as Josh their agent and Amanda Cady as Marsha their accountant.
THE Women of LOCKERBIE (2019)
is a wonderful play by Deborah Brevoort. A mother from New Jersey roams the hills of Lockerbie Scotland, looking for her son's remains that were lost in the crash of Pan Am 103. She meets the women of Lockerbie, who are fighting the U.S. government to obtain the clothing of the victims found in the plane's wreckage. The women, determined to convert an act of hatred into an act of love, want to wash the clothes of the dead and return them to the victim's families. THE WOMEN OF LOCKERBIE is loosely inspired by a true story, although the characters and situations in the play are purely fictional. Featuring a wonderful ensemble cast including Wina Selley (Madeline), Brian Baumann (), Jenny Hogan (Olive), Andrew Brown (George Jones), Jennifer Burnson (Woman #1), Amy Streit (Woman #2), Nancy Brown (Hattie) and Marie MIkulskis (Woman #3). The play is directed by HTC Artistic Director, Lauren J. Polenske assisted by Angie Frazzini-Gazdziak. Technical Director/Lighting designer was Dale Hawes. It was presented Friday & Saturday, September 27 & 28 at 7:30pm and Sunday, September 29th @ 2:00pm.
GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS (2019)
a play by David Mamet that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1984. The play shows parts of two days in the lives of four desperate Chicago real estate agents who are prepared to engage in any number of unethical, illegal acts—from lies and flattery to bribery, threats, intimidation and burglary—to sell undesirable real estate to unwitting prospective buyers. It is based on Mamet's experience having previously worked in a similar office.
This play, which brought David Mamet to national attention, features his cutthroat no-holds –barred characters who spew and spit out his particular style of language and no punches are pulled here! A stellar ensemble cast led by Jim Stadt as Shelly "The Machine" Levene and Terry McLaughlin as "Slick" Ricky Roma, rounded out by K.C. Driscoll as Williamson, Larry Wenderski as George Aronow, Alan Ziebarth as James Lingk, John Joseph Enright as Det. Baylen, and Michael J. Murphy as Moss (who also directed the production, assisted by Nancy Brown) Technical Director/Lighting designer was Dale Hawes.
It will be presented Friday & Saturday, September 13th & 14th at 7:30pm and on Sunday, September 15th at 2:00PM.
COMPANY (2019)
is a 1970 musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth. The original production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six.
Originally titled Threes, its plot revolves around Robert (a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage), the five married couples who are his best friends, and his three girlfriends. Unlike most book musicals, which follow a clearly delineated plot, Company is a concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, linked by a celebration for Robert's 35th birthday.
Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. As Sondheim puts it, "Broadway theater has been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems. These people really want to escape that world when they go to the theatre, and then here we are with Company talking about how we're going to bring it right back in their faces."
"Company" featured a wonderfully gifted ensemble cast including Nancy Brown as Sarah, Michael J. Murphy as Harry, Patrick Cramer as Peter, Jennifer Burnson as Susan, Joanna Ziarko as Jenny, Andrew Brown as David, Angie Frazinni-Gazdziak as Kathy, Odette Moore as Marta, Danielle Fraser as April, Robin Tan as Joanne and Dennis Kingsley as Larry. It as directed by Lauren J. Polenske with Musical Direction by Jason Baumann. The technical director and lighting designer was Dale Hawes. The stage manager was Angie Frazzini-Gazdziak.
It was presented May 31st-June 3rd at Hale Park Fieldhouse
THE MATCHMAKER (2018)
Dolly Gallagher Levi is a widow who brokers marriages and other transaction in Yonkers, New York. But she has set her sights on local merchant Horace Vandergelder, who has hired her to find a suitable wife for himself. Little does he know, that Ms. Gallagher-Levi wants him all for herself!!! At Vandergelder's shop, his clerks clamor for some excitement and emotional fulfillment for themselves!!! They travel to the big city to find their own "Adventures" meeting Vandergelder's intended and her assistant at her haberdashery.
Love is also in the air for Vandergelder's niece who wants desperately to marry a budding artist which Vandergelder strictly forbids!!!
After a series of slapstick situations involving mistaken identities, secret rendezvous' behind carefully placed screens, separated lovers and a reunion of all parties concerned-everyone winds up with their intended-a perfect match!!!
This play which later evolved into the musical "Hello Dolly" was directed by Lauren J. Polenske and featured the following talented cast:
JOHN JOSEPH ENRIGHT as Horace Vandergelder
LARRY LUCAS as Ambrose Kemper
JENNIFER BURNSON as Ms. Van Huysen / Gertrude
ODETTE MOORE as Ermengarde
BRIAN BAUMANN as Cornelius Hackl
MICHAEl J. MURPHY as Malachi Stack
AnDREW BROWN as Barnaby Tucker
MAELEE RICHARDSON as Irene Molloy
CANDICE GRUENWALD as Minnie Fay
AMY STREIT as Regina / Cook
and starring
NANCY BROWN
as
Dolly Gallagher Levi
The play was presented as the final show in the 2018 Hale Theatre Co.'s Fall Theatre Festival, Sept. 27-28-29 & 30, 2018
BENT BROADWAY (2018)
In this musical revue written, conceived and directed by ensemble member Michael J. Murphy-we put a "twist" on some of the best numbers from the Broadway Songbook. A "gender-bent" salute to some of the greatest songs ever written for the Broadway stage! Male company members sang songs specifically written for female characters, and female singers sang songs specifically written for male characters!!!
A broad spectrum of Broadway shows were represented from the classics to the biggest hits of today's "Great White Way" were presented. Including songs from "Oklahoma!", "Hello, Dolly!", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "RENT", "Wicked", "Dear Evan Hansen", "The Book of Mormon", "The Lion King" and "Hamilton".
The show culminated with a finale "gender battle royale" which left the audience in stitches. Performers included: Lauren Bourret, Nancy Brown, AnDrew Brown, Carinna Miller, Victoria Alvarez, Marie Mikulskis, Tom Moran, Brian Baumann, Maelee Richardson, Odette Moore and Michael J. Murphy. The show was presented as the second production of the 2018 Hale Theatre Co. Fall Theatre Festival, September 20-21-22 & 23, 2018 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse.
O'BRIAN & O'BRIEN (2018)
In this fresh new comedy penned by our very own John Joseph Enright, we pay a visit to the law firm of "O'Brian & O'Brien" -Darlene (the one with the "e") & Alan (the one with the "a"-How else would you spell it???) are former study partners from law school who decide to share expenses and office space but practice individually. Hilarity ensues when a potential client enters the office looking for representation. The legal mess gets even messier when the attorneys discover the prosecutor on the case is their former law professor! Things get even more sticky when it is discovered that Darlene had a relationship with said professor-only to break it off after a one-night stand with Alan!!! Featured at the N.Y. Fringe Festival-this production was directed by Michael J. Murphy and featured :
CAITLIN SAUCEDO as Darlene O'Brien
JOHN WOGNUM as Alan O'Brian
LARRY WENDERSKI as Sam Holder
AMANDA CADY as Mauve Holder
ODETTE MOORE as Brenda Jablonski
MAELEE RICHARDSON as Caitlin Fitzpatrick
The production was presented at the Hale Park Fieldhouse as part of the 2018 Hale Theatre Co. Fall Theatre Festival-September 13-14-15-16, 2018.
CHILDREN OF EDEN (2018)
Based on the story of Genesis, the age-old conflict of parents and children takes the stage in this epic, heartfelt musical.
From musical theatre greats, Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business! An expansive and ambitious musical, Children of Eden tells the biblical stories of Adam, Eve, Noah and the "Father" who created them deal with the headstrong, cataclysmic actions of their respective children. The show ultimately delivers a bittersweet. but inspiring. message: that "the hardest part of love... is letting go." in this moving, foot-stomping musical. Children of Eden was presented June at the Hale Park Fieldhouse with the following cast:
FATHER
Nancy Brown
ADAM
Brian Baumann
EVE
Lauren Bourret
YOUNG CAIN
Riley Hughes
YOUNG ABEL
Isaiah Cavazos
CAIN / APHRA / SNAKE
Joanna Ziarko
ABEL / JAPETH
Branden Lancaster-Williams
HAM / SNAKE
Dominic Boyte
SHEM
John Wognum
NOAH
AnDRew Brown
MAMA NOAH
Sandra Mendez
YONAH
Megan Kleeman
AYSHA / SNAKE
Sharon Jackson
SETH
Larry Lucas
STORYTELLERS
Jennifer Burnson
Bella Burnson
Candice Gruenwald
Carina Miller
Caitlin Saucedo
The production was directed by Lauren J. Polenske assisted by Nancy Brown & Brian Baumann. The musical director was Jason Baumann with choreography by Dominic Boyte. The technical director and lighting designer was Dale Hawes and stage manager was Victoria Alvarez.
YESTERDAY'S SONGS (2018)
was presented March 15-16-17, 2018 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. Originally conceived and written over 20 years ago by company member and co-founder, Michael J. Murphy, "Yesterday's Songs' got a fresh upgrade to it's book about a local hangout which will shutter it's doors after years of no profit. But before it does, former patrons of the place come back and reminisce about the days spent there, and in the meantime take a trip through America's jukebox. Featuring the greatest hits of over 5 decades, the cast sings and laughs it's way,and takes the audience on a musical history lesson regaling them with songs from the likes of Elvis, The Beatles, The Supremes, Madonna and Michael Jackson. The production was directed by Murphy who headed a cast featuring the talents of
MARIE MIKULSKIS
JOE STREIT
AMY STREIT
LARRY LUCAS
JENNIFER BURNSON
AnDrew BROWN
NANCY BROWN
AMANDA CASE
CAITLIN SAUCEDO
ODETTE MOORE
BRIAN BAUMANN
TOM MORAN and
PETER TUZSYNSKI
CHRISTMAS CABARET
was presented on December 10, 2017 in the Hale Park Gymnasium. A showcase of holiday classics were presented by a talented group of performers in a fundraising benefit for the Friends of Hale Theatre Co. Afterwards, the audience was treated to a visit from Santa and an evening of dancing. The show as directed by Michael J. Murphy and featured the following cast: Brian Baumann, AnDrew Brown, Nancy Brown, Bella Burnson, Jennifer Burnson, Amanda Case, Larry Lucas, Marie Mikulskis, Odette Moore, Tom Moran, Michael J. Murphy, Sarah Sands, Amy Streit, & Joe Streit,
WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT? (2017)
It’s a subject that’s been written about and discussed ever since Adam met Eve. The Hale Theatre Co. took a very funny look at relationships through a series of one act plays. Ever wonder what happened
to Cinderella and her prince??? Can you get a license for love at the DMV??? Is love possible for a
retired cop, when his significant other is a felon??? These and other harrowing questions were raised and answered with our very humorous look at love and the crazy ways we express it !!!
"CINDY & JULIE"
S T A R R I N G
LISA GLATZ
JOANNA ZIARKO
JENNIFER BURNSON
"THE DMV ONE"
S T A R R I N G
JENNY HOGAN
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
"FIREWORKS"
S T A R R I N G
MARIE MIKULSKIS
JENNIFER BURNSON
"I CAN'T THINK OF IT NOW"
S T A R R I N G
NANCY BROWN
ANDREW BROWN
"A GROWING PROBLEM"
S T A R R I N G
MARIE MIKULSKIS
JOHN ENRIGHT
"10,000 CIGARETTES"
S T A R R I N G
SANDRA MENDEZ
NANCY BROWN
JENNIFER BURNSON
JENNY HOGAN
"TROPHY"
S T A R R I N G
JOANNA ZIARKO
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
"FAVORS"
S T A R R I N G
LISA GLATZ
SANDRA MENDEZ
"What's Love Got to Do With It?" was presented as part of the 2017 Fall Theatre Fest on September 28-29-30, 2017 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. It was conceived & directed by
Michael J. Murphy.
CRIMES OF THE HEART (2017)
The tragicomedy relates the story of the three McGrath sisters, Meg, Babe, and Lenny, who reunite at Old Granddaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi, after Babe shoots her abusive husband. The sisters were raised in a dysfunctional family with a penchant for ugly predicaments. Each has endured her share of hardship and misery. Past resentments bubble to the surface as the sisters are forced to deal with assorted relatives and past relationships while coping with Babe's latest incident. Each sister is forced to face the consequences of the "crimes of the heart" she has committed.
S T A R R I N G
LENNY McGRATH……………Caitlin Saucedo
CHICK BOYLE……….……………..Amanda Case
DOC PORTER………..…………..…….Larry Lucas
MEG McGRATH…….......…………Odette Moore
BABE BOTRELLE……..….Maelee Richardson
BARNETTE LLOYD……...……….Blake Jurasich
"Crimes of the Heart" was presented as part of the 2017 Fall Theatre Festival at Hale Park, September 14-15-16. It was produced and directed by Artistic Director, Lauren J. Polenske.
PLAZA SUITE (2017)
The play is composed of three acts, each involving different characters but all set in Suite 719 of New York City's Plaza Hotel.
The first act, Visitor From Mamaroneck, introduces the audience to not-so-blissfully wedded couple Sam and Karen Nash (Michael J. Murphy / Lisa Glatz), who are revisiting their honeymoon suite in an attempt by Karen to bring the love back into their marriage. Her plan backfires and the two become embroiled in a heated argument about whether or not Sam is having an affair with his secretary (Joanna Ziarko). Karen sadly reflecting on how much things have changed since they were young.
The second act, Visitor from Hollywood,
involves a meeting between movie producer Jesse Kiplinger (Dennis J. Kingsley) and his old flame, suburban housewife Muriel Tate (Jennifer Burnson). Muriel - aware of his reputation as a smooth-talking ladies' man - has come for nothing more than a chat between old friends, promising herself she will not stay too long. Jesse, however, has other plans in mind and repeatedly attempts to seduce her.
The third act, Visitor from Forest Hills, revolves around married couple Roy and Norma Hubley (Jim Stadt & Nancy "Pants" Brown) on their daughter Mimsey's (Joanna Ziarko) wedding day. In a rush of nervousness, Mimsey has locked herself in the suite's bathroom and refuses to leave. This is the most comic of the acts, filled with increasingly outrageous slapstick moments depicting her parents' frantic attempts to cajole her into attending her wedding while the gathered guests await the trio's arrival downstairs.
"PLAZA SUITE" was presented May 23-24-25th @ 7:30PM at
HALE PARK FIELDHOUSE
6258 W. 62nd Street
Chicago, IL 60638
and also featured Brian Baumann as the Bellhop, Tom Moran as The Waiter and Daniel Murphy as Borden Eisler-MImsey's intended! It was directed by Lauren J. Polenske.
Neil SImon's RUMORS (2016)
The Hale Theatre Co. presented the Neil Simon comedy-"RUMORS" at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd St., Chicago, IL -September 29-30 & October 1st @ 7:30pm. The production is the last play in the 2016 Fall Theatre Fest produced in partnership with the Munroe Park Theatre Guild. As part of our celebration of our 25th Anniversary Season, the show was remounted with some members of the original 2012 cast returning!
At a large, tastefully appointed townhouse, the Deputy Mayor of New York has just shot himself. Though only a flesh wound, four couples are about to experience an all-out panic attack! Gathering for their tenth wedding anniversary, the host lies
bleeding in the other room and his wife is nowhere in sight. His lawyer, Ken and wife Chris must get "the story" straight before the other guests arrive. As the confusions and miscommunications mount, the evening spins off into classic
farcical hilarity from America’s greatest living playwright. Directed by Michael J. Murphy. Assisted by Sammy Burnett.
CAST
CHRIS GORMAN................................................Jenny Hogan
KEN GORMAN............................................Patrick Causgrove
CLAIRE GANZ............................................................Lisa Glatz
LENNY GANZ.............................................Michael J. Murphy
COOKIE CUSACK.......................................Nancypants Brown
ERNIE CUSACK.................................................Brian Baumann
GLENN COOPER...........................................................Jim Stadt
CASSIE COOPER...................................................Louise Eccles
OFFICER WELCH...............................................Sammy Burnett
OFFICER PUDNEY.......................................Maelee Richardson
TORCHED: Songs of Love and Loss (2016)
Music can touch the heart and soul like nothing else…but love. And an aching heart has been the inspiration for more than a few songs over the years! In “TORCHED: Songs of Love & Loss”- The Hale Theatre Co. salutes the songs and singers who captured the heartaches and headaches, broken
hearts and tortured lovers. Featuring songs like “Stormy Weather”, “One for My Baby”, and “Sentimental Journey”, this original music revue will tug at your heartstrings, and remind you of those lost loves of yesteryear! Conceived & directed by Lauren J. Polenske. Presented September 23th & 24th @ 7:30PM, Special Sunday Matinee- September 25th @ 2:00PM.
The multi-talented cast included performances by
MARIE MIKULSKIS
JOANNA ZIARKO
SARAH SANDS
BRIANNE MURRAY
BRIAN BAUMANN
BRANDEN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS
SAMANTHA SCHMIDT
NANCY "PANTS" BROWN
SHARON JACKSON
TOM MORAN
RENEE BLIXT
MIA BLIXT-SHEEHAN
JENNIFER BURNSON
and emcee
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
INTO THE WOODS (2016)
The Hale Theatre Co. presented the Tony-award winning musical "INTO THE WOODS" June 2-3-4, 2016 @ 8PM at The Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd St., Chgo, IL 60638.
INTO THE WOODS is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. The main characters are taken from "Little Red Riding Hood", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Rapunzel", and "Cinderella", as well as several others. The musical is tied together by an original story involving a childless baker and his wife and their quest to begin a family, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters during their journey. The musical debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986 and premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987, where it won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason), in a year dominated by The Phantom of the Opera (1988). The musical has since been produced many times, with a 1988 US national tour, a 1990 West End production, a 1997 tenth anniversary concert, a 2002 Broadway revival, a 2010 London revival[1] and in 2012 as part of New York City's outdoor Shakespeare in the Park series.
Our talented cast featured a blend of very talented HTC veterans and exciting newcomers!
CAST
THE NARRATOR.......................Michael J. Murphy
THE BAKER............Branden Lancaster-Williams
THE BAKER'S WIFE.......................Anajah Roberts
THE WITCH........................................Dee Hamilton
LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD.............Nancy Alvarez
THE WOLF.........................................John Wognum
GRANNY..........................................Marie Mikulskis
CINDERELLA...................................Maggie Reagan
RAPUNZEL......................................Larissa Stenzel
CINDERELLA'S PRINCE.............Patrick Causgrove
RAPUNZEL'S PRINCE.....................Brian Baumann
THE STEWARD..........................................Joe Streit
JACK.......................................................Rocco Ayala
JACK'S MOTHER..............................Brianne Murray
MILKY WHITE...............................................Lisa Glatz
CINDERELLA'S STEPMOTHER............Amanda Case
LUCINDA.................................................Mia Guevara
FLORINDA....................................Jessica Woodburn
CINDERELLA'S FATHER.....................Thomas Moran
SNOW WHITE..............................Jenny Cron Hogan
SLEEPING BEAUTY..........................Sharon Jackson
THE MYSTERIOUS MAN................................?????????
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Lauren J. Polenske: Director
Caitlin Saucedo: Production Assistant/Costume Coordinator
Gabrielle Ziemba: Production Assistant
Thomas Moran: Production Assistant
Branden Lancaster-Williams: Musical Director/Vocal Coach
Jason Baumann: Asst. Musical Director/ Technical Music Coordinator
Brian Baumann: Technical Assistant
John Wognum: Scenic Construction Coordinator
Rocco Ayala: Visual Effects Coordinator
Michael Murphy: Sound Design
MURDER AT THE CONSERVATORY (2015)
Murder at the Conservatory was a murder-mystery benefit produced by the Friends of Hale Theatre Co. as a fundraiser for the company. It was presented on December 12th. 2015 in the Hale Park gymnasium and was co-directed by company members Floyd May and Joshua Dlouhy.
Guest were invited to a charity event for author Leslie Langford (Amy Hall)
Leslie, has written two novels. Her first novel, “Murder at the Conservatory”, was a best-seller and is
to be adapted for a Hallmark Channel Special Presentation in the summer of 2016. Her second novel, “Blood & Lace”, will be released immediately following the film’s airing. Leslie's younger sistter, Peggy, is employed by Hallmark Studios and works with Ted Darnell (Dennis Kingsley) who is the Producer of the film and Leslie’s present fiancé. Due to her work with Hallmark Studios, Peggy has become friends with the well known, but somewhat forgotten actress, Pamela Crenshaw (Wina Shelley), who is very interested in the starring role in “Murder at the Conservatory”. A surprise guest at the function is Martin Langford, Leslie's father who did not receive an invite for the event! Stuart Layton (Mike Murphy) is also at tonight’s gala; His official capacity being the photographer for Hallmark Studios. He is surprised, but overjoyed, to see Pamela at the gala, as he fell in love with her the first
time they met some 30 years ago. They were actually married for a few years, but Pamela’s career aspirations led to a divorce. Stuart never stopped loving her, even though she married again twice. Now, though, she is single again and Stuart was never one to give up! Carla Ames’ (Jenny Hogan) mother, Claudia, was a college roommate and very best friend of Leslie and Peggy’s mother, Kate, and has always been there for Martin and the girls… even after Kate was killed in an auto accident. At the time of the accident, Peggy was still in high school and Leslie was a sophomore at Wheaton
College, her mother and Carla’s alma mater. Today, Carla serves as Leslie’s literary agent. This has been a big help in keeping the two families connected. Carla’s younger brother, Kurt (Brian Baumann), is an out-of-work, would-be actor who was engaged to Leslie when they were in college. He is hoping to get a role in the film which would enhance his chances of renewing their romance.
Amanda Case, President of The Friends of Hale Theatre, is the host of tonight’s gala. Along with the presence of the authoress, Leslie Langford, and an entourage of celebrities, entertainment will be provided by Floyd A. May and his Prime Time Players. Amanda has also been able to enlist the following serving staff: Tom Moran, Peter Tuzyski, Marie Mikulskis, Mary Kay Barton, Mark Shelley, Dan Murphy, Sean Murphy, Beth Dlouhy and Joshua Dlouhy. Unknown to most, among the many guests will be Detective Bruce Richardson (Rob Sorensen) and Dr. Douglas
Kincaid (Jason Baumann).
Guests were treated to a fabulous hors' d'ouerves and dessert reception and had fun helping to solve the crime by evenings end!!!
STEEL MAGNOLIAS (2015)
It’s Shelby Eatonton’s wedding day in the fictional Louisiana parish of Chinquapin.
At Truvy Jones’ in-home beauty parlour, a circle of women regularly gather. It covers events over the next three years-with Shelby's diabetes, and how the women interact at times with conflict, but in the end resolved friends:
Shelby's decision to have a child despite the complication that can be with the condition,
Clairee's friendship with the curmudgeon Ouiser;
Annelle's transformation from a shy, anxious newcomer in town to a good-time girl then repentant revival-tent Christian; and Truvy's relationships with the men in her family.
But the heart of the story involves Shelby, her mother M'Lynn, and Shelby's medical battles, and the underlying group-friendship among all six women.
The production was presented as part of the 2015 Hale Theatre Co Fall Theatre Fest with 2 separate casts performing on two consecutive weekends!
SEPTEMBER 24-25-26, 2015 7:30pm KOBUS Magnolia Cast
featured
NANCY "PANTS" BROWN as Truvy Jones
MIA BLIXT-SHEHAN as Anelle Dupuy-DeSoto
MARIE MIKULSKIS as Clairee Bucher
MAGGIE REAGAN as Shelby Eatonton Latcherie
JENNY HOGAN as Mary Lynn "M'Lynn" Eatherton
and MARY K. BARTON as Ouiser Boudreaux
OCTOBER 1-2-3, 2015 7:30pm ANISE Magnolia Cast
featured
AMY HALL as Truvy Jones
MAELEE RICHARDSON as Anelle Dupuy Desoto
AMANDA CASE as Clairee Bucher
EMILY WALSH as Shelby Eatonton Latcherie
BRIANNE MURRAY as Mary Lynn "M'Lynn" Eatonton
and WINA SHELLEY as Ouiser Boudreaux
Both productions were produced and directed by LAUREN J. POLENSKE
THE ODD COUPLE (2015)
Felix Ungar, a neurotic, neat freak news writer, is thrown out by his wife, and moves in with his friend Oscar Madison, a slovenly sportswriter. Despite Oscar's problems – careless spending, excessive gambling, a poorly kept house filled with spoiled food – he seems to enjoy life. Felix, however, seems utterly incapable of enjoying anything and only finds purpose in pointing out his own and other people's mistakes and foibles. Even when he tries to do so in a gentle and constructive way, his corrections and suggestions prove extremely annoying to those around him. Oscar, his closest friend, feels compelled to throw him out after only a brief time together, though he quickly realizes that Felix has had a positive effect on him.
The production was presented as part of the 2015 Fall Theatre Fest on
SEPTEMBER 17-18-19, 2015 7:30pm and featured the following cast;
JIM STADT as Speed
JOHN WOGNUM as Murray
BRIAN BAUMANN as Vinnie
TOM MORAN as Roy
LISA GLATZ as Gwendolyn Pigeon
CHRISSY MORALES as Cecily Pigeon
and starring
LARRY WENDERSKI as Felix Ungar
and MICHAEL J. MURPHY as Oscar Madison
The production was directed by MICHAEL J. MURPHY
LES MISERABLES (2015)
Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through pop opera overflows with melodies that are already standards. A spectacle on Broadway and in London, Les Misérables is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit that hasbecome a modern day masterpiece.
The production was presented May 28-29-30, 2015 at 7:30pm and a matinee performance @ 2:00 pm on May 31, 2015 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd Street, Chicagi, IL 60638. The production was directed by Lauren J. Polenske, assisted by Amanda Case- with Musical Direction by Jason Baumann-and featured a stellar cast:
Chain Gang
BRANDEN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS / JAKE STERN / JOHN WOGNUM / MICHAEL J. MURPHY / JOE STREIT / TOM MORAN / PETER TUSZYNSKI / JAMES EDWARD DAUPHIN / ROCCO AYALA / SAMMY BURNETT
Nuns
NANCY ALVAREZ / AMY HALL / STEPHANIE VEGA / ANAJAH ROBERTS / MEGAN REXIUS-HALL / JENNIFER BURNSON / ELLEN CRIBBS / MAGGIE REAGAN / JESSICA WOODBURN / KAREN LATZ
Javert
BRIAN BAUMANN
Jean Valjean
ROB SORENSEN
Prison Guards
DANIEL MURPHY / SEAN MURPHY
Farmer
TOM MORAN
Labourer
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
Inkeeper's Wife
MEGHAN REXIUS-HALL
Innkeeper
JOE STREIT
The Bishop of Digne
BRANDEN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS
Constables
JAKE STERN / JOHN WOGNUM
Fantine
SARAH SANDS
Urchins
BELLA BURNSON / MICHELLE BATZAYA / MONIKA KOWAL / MADISON J. MOORE / GRACE STEVENS
Factory Foreman
JOHN WOGNUM
Factory Workers
ANAJAH ROBERTS / BRANDEN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS / ELLEN CRIBBS / MAGGIE REAGAN / KAREN LATZ/ JAKE STERN / JOE STREIT / TOM MORAN / MEGAN REXIUS-HALL / PETER TUSZYNSKI / JESSICA WOODBURN / STEPHANIE VEGA / BELLA BURNSON / JENNIFER BURNSON
Factory Girl
AMY HALL
Sailors
JOHN WOGNUM / MICHAEL J. MURPHY / TOM MORAN
Whores
JENNIFER BURNSON / AMY HALL / KAREN LATZ / ANAJAH ROBERTS / JESS STEPHANIE VEGA / MAGGIE REAGAN / MEAGN REXIUS-HALL / ELLEN CRIBB
Madame
NANCY ALVAREZ
Crone
KAREN LATZ
Old Lady
JENNIFER BURNSON
Bamatabois
JAKE STERN
Fauchevelant
JOHN WOGNUM
Young Cosette
SYDNEY HALL
Madame Thenardier
NANCY ALVAREZ
Thenardier
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
Young Eponine
STEPHANIE VEGA
Gavroche
T.J. SAYLOR -LOHSE
Old Beggar Woman
JENNIFER BURNSON
Young Prostitute
MAGGIE REAGAN
Eponine
SANDRA MENDEZ
Cosette
MAELEE RICHARDSON
Major Domo
KEVIN MCSWEENEY
Montparnasse
JOE STREIT
Babet
TOM MORAN
Brujon
SAMMY BURNETT
Claquesous
ANAJAH ROBERTS
Enjolras
JAMES EDWARD DAUPHIN
Marius
ROCCO AYALA
Combeferre
BRANDEN LANCASTER-WILLIAMS
Feuilly
JAKE STERN
Courfeyrac
JOHN WOGNUM
Joly
JOE STREIT
Grantaire
ANAJAH ROBERTS
Jean Prouvaire
SAMMY BURNETT
Soldiers /Army Officers / Policemen
DANIEL MURPHY / SEAN MURPHY
P R O D U C T I O N T E A M
Production / Creative
Artistic Director / Director
LAUREN J. POLENSKE
Musical Director
JASON BAUMANN
Assistant Director / Stage
Manager
AMANDA CASE
Set Design
LAUREN J. POLENSKE
Visual Effects / Projection Design
ROCCO AYALA
Construction Crew Chief
JOHN WOGNUM
Construction Crew
JOHN WOGNUM / PETER WOGNUM / TOM MORAN / MICHAEL J. MURPHY / JIM STADT / ROB SORENSEN / JOE STREIT
Costumes
LAUREN J. POLENSKE
Projectionist
SCOTT PATRICK
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HALE FOR THE HOLIDAYS (2014)
Presented as a dinner theatre benefit for the Friends of Hale Theatre Co., "There's No Place..." was a revue of some
of the ensembles' favorite Christmas songs and stories. Conceived & written by Asst. Artistic Director,
Michael J. Murphy with special material by Floyd A. May & Jim Stadt. Holiday classics like Winter Wonderland,
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and contemporary hits like Where R U Christmas? and Do You Hear What I Hear were performed alongside original comedy pieces "Mrs. Claus' Lament" and "Elf Orientation"!
A very special Christmas recollection called "Blue Christmas" tugged at everyone's heartstrings!
The production was directed by Lauren J. Polenske and featured an esemble cast:
Amanda Case
Brian Baumann
Jennifer Burnson
Jenny Finn
Joe Streit
Tom Moran
Marie Mikulskis
Peter Tuszynski
Maelee Richardson
Jim Stadt
Floyd A. May
Constance Mitchell
Brianne Murray
Michael J. Murphy
It was presented at the Hale Park Fieldhouse on Thursday & Friday December 11th & 12th @ 7pm and Saturday, December 13th @ 3PM.
THE WAKE (2014)
The Scanlon sibling, who have never gotten along, are gathering from far and wide for the wake of their mother, Bridget, “one of the few saints on Earth”. As she lies in the casket in the scattered Scanlon living room, family emotions run wild with each new arrival. Eldest daughter Margaret and hard-drinking brother Mike, are left to raise their nephew, Davey, whose free-spirited mother Belle is a traveling vaudevillian. Sisters Josie and Rose are at odds as a way of life: brother Jack, the intellectual in the clan-tries to bring peace and sanity to the household. This is a deeply human and heartfelt portrait of a big, brawling family-filled with foibles, kindness, old wounds, and passion. "One gets a feeling of seeing something deeply personal and poignant from Allen’s childhood. Coming from Steve Allen, this is accomplished with plenty of laughs and some deadly accurate portraits…We can see a hint of a humorous Eugene O’Neill here”-The Milwaukee Journal.
F E A T U R I N G
Jennifer Burnson as Maggie Scanlon
Caitlin Weber as Josie Scanlon
Jim Stadt as Mike Scanlon
Tom Moran as Johnny O'Toole
Aurelio Mares as Tom Monaghan
Mary Kay Barton as Mary McCaffery
Marie Mikulskis as Sarah McCaffrey
Jenny Hogan as Rose Scanlon-O'Brien
John Wognum as Father Morrisey
MIchael J. Murphy as Jack Scanlon
Sandra Mendez as Belle Scanlon Considine
Maelee Richardson as Nellie
Max Hogan as Frank, Jr.
Grace Stevens as Theresa
and
S T A R R I N G
T.J Saylor-Lohse
as
Davey
The production was presented March 20-21-22, 2014 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. It was directed by Lauren Polenske, Assistant by Amanda Case. Set design by Lauren Polenske. Sound & Lighting design by Michael J. Murphy. Set Construction by Cast.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: The Radio Play (2013)
A live radio broadcast adaptation of the Billy Wilder film-was presented complete with live foley sound efx December 12-13-14th, 2013 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. The dinner theatre audience was presented with an old-fashioned Hollywood Canteen musical performance prior to the show- with holiday classics sung in the style of the era. The cast was lead by Patrick Causgrove as George Bailey and Jennifer Burnson as Mary Bailey. Rounding out the cast were Larry Wenderski (John Milton Kennedy, Clarence Oddbody, Nick the Bartender, Charlie), Floyd A. May (William Keighley, Dr. Campbell, Mr. Carter), Michael J. Murphy (Gower, Uncle Billy, Pinky), Josef P. Shatava (Joseph), Jim Stadt (Mr. Potter), Marie Mikulskis (Ma Bailey, Ms. Thompkins), Constance Mitchell (Mrs. Hatch), Christopher Gaughan (Sam Wainwright, Bert), Tom Moran (Pop Bailey, Ernie), Danny Murphy (Young George, Martini, Petey Bailey), Maelee Richardson (Eustace, Janey Bailey), Candice Gruenwald (Tilly), Sam Tocci (Harry Bailey, Mr. Welch), Jenny Finn (Zsu-Zsu Bailey, Libby Collins), Amanda Poraidisz (Libby Collins), Helen Duffour (Susan Blanchard) Peter Tuzsynski (Angry Man at Bank).
Foley Artists: Sean Murphy, Maelee Richardson, Michael J. Murphy
The production was directed and produced by Lauren J. Polenske.
Musical performers: Marie Mikulskis, Candice Gruenwald, Amanda Poraidisz, Maelee Richardson, Jenny Finn, Helen Duffour and Michael J. Murphy
THe HALLELUJAH GIRLS (2013).
Hilarity abounds when the feisty females of Eden Falls, Georgia, decide to shake up their lives. The action
in this rollicking Southern comedy takes place in SPA-DEE-DAH!, the abandoned church-turned-day-spa where this group of friends gathers every Friday afternoon. After the loss of a dear friend, the women realize time is
precious, and if they're going to change their lives and achieve their dreams, they have to get on it now! But
Sugar Lee, their high-spirited, determined leader, has her hands full keeping the women motivated. The comic tension mounts when a sexy ex-boyfriend shows up and Sugar Lee's arch-rival vows she'll stop at nothing to steal
the spa away from her. By the time the women rally together and launch their new, improved lives, you've got
a side-splitting, joyful comedy that will make you laugh out loud and shout "Hallelujah!"
Featuring Lisa Glatz as Sugar Lee Thompkins, Susan Ptasinski-Tempel as Mavis Flowers,
Constance Mitchell as Nita Mooney, Mary K. Barton as Carlene Carter, Marie Mikulskis as Crystal Carter,
Jenny Hogan as Bunny Sutherland, Michael J. Murphy as Bobby Dwayne Dillahunt and Jim Stadt as Porter Padgett. Directed by Lauren J. Polenske, The Hallelujah Girls was the final production in the 2013 Fall Theatre Festival
and was presented Sept. 26-28, 2013 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse
ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST (2013)
Dale Wasserman's brilliant adaptation for the stage of Ken Kesey's epic novel is the story of a charming career criminal-who feigns mental illness to escape the rigors of the county work farm. Little does he know, that the prison he escaped from is far less confining then the refuge he has committed himself to! He fights a futile battle to liberate his fellow mental patients from the psychological and emotional control of the head nurse who runs the hospital with an iron will.
Featuring:
LOUISE ECCLES as Nurse Ratched
AURELIO MARES as Chief Bromden
CHRISTOPHER GAUGHAN as Aide Williams
JOSEF SHATAVA as Aide Warren
TESSA MARELLA as Nurse Flinn
TERRENCE J. McLAUGHLIN as Dale Harding
DAVID PEREZ as Billy Bibbitt
JIM STADT as Charles Cheswick
SAM TOCCI as Martini
ROCCO AYALA as Scanlon
FLOYD A. MAY as Dr. Spivey
BRIANNE MURRAY as Candy Starr
MAELEE RICHARDSON as Sandra
TOM MORAN as Aide Turkle
HEATHER DZIEZIC as The Technician
and starring
MICHAEL VALENTI as R.P. MacMurphy
The production was directed by Michael J. Murphy, assisted by Heather Dziedzic, and was presented as the first production of the 2013 Fall Theatre Fest-September 12-14, 2013 at the Hale park Fieldhouse.
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (2013)
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM is a non-stop laugh-fest in which Pseudolus, a crafty slave, struggles to win the hand of a beautiful but slow-witted courtesan named Philia, for his young master, Hero, in exchange for freedom. The plot twists and turns with cases of mistaken identity and misdirection.
Wth words and music by Stephen Sondheim, and a hilarious book from one of America's greatest comedic writer Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H, Tootsie and Oh, God!) and Burt Shevelove (no, No Nanette, The Frogs), A Funny Thing... is something for everyone...A COMEDY TONIGHT!!! It was presented on three consecutive nights, June 6-7-8. 2013 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd Street, Chicago, IL 60638.
FEATURING:
Larry Wenderski as Senex
Amanda Case as Domina
Brian Baumann as Hysterium
Josef Shatava as Marcus Lycus
David Perez as Hero
Sandra Mendez as Philia
Tom Moran as Erronius
Helen Duffour as Tintinabula
Jennifer Burnson as Panacea
Amanda Poradzisz as Vibrata
Stephanie Avila as Gymnasia
Crystle Saylor-Lohse as Geminae
Aimee Jarzembowski as Geminae
Maelee Richardson as Eunuch/Mourner
Christopher Gaughan as Protean
Danny Murphy as Protean
Sean Murphy as Protean
Jenny Finn as Protean
and
MICHAEL J. MURPHY as Psuedolus
Directed by Lauren J. Polenske, with Musical direction by Michael A. Barr and
Choreography by Crystle Saylor-Lohse.
AN EVENING OF ONE-ACTS PLAYS (2013)
An evening of two one-act comedies was presented March 21-22-23,2013 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. The first- “A NEW SUNRISE” by Herman Coble involved two charming, eccentric elderly ladies who arrive on the porch of the local funeral home with the intention of ending their mundane lives by drinking wine tainted by poison!
“We thought the town could drive by and pay their respects and not have to bother about getting out. A kind of drive-in viewing” But they become a bit tipsy before the wine has been poisoned and by chance encounter a traveling salesman, so taken with the pair, decides to thwart their plans of an early demise!
The plays starred Susan Ptasinski-Tempel and Constance Mitchell as the ladies, Jim Stadt as the taken-back funeral director, and Michael J. Murphy as the salesman.
The second play was the classic Irish comedy by the first lady of the Irish theatre, Lady Gregory-“SPREADING THE NEWS’’ which she wrote for the opening night of the Abbey Theatre in Dublin, Dec. 1904. In a small village in rural Ireland, a new (English) magistrate inspects stalls at the local fair, expecting the worst. Because of one of the vendors hearing impairment and the villagers' love of gossip, a misunderstanding grows and grows about an imagined altercation between the towns ever-suffering pessimist and a quick to anger farmer, leading to a false arrest for a murder that never happened! The hilarity ensues in this farce which featured Michael J. Murphy, Lauren J. Polenske, Tom Moran, Mary K. Barton, Josef Shatava, Jim Stadt, Jenny Hogan, Chris Gaughan, Sean Murphy and Danny Murphy.
Both productions are directed by the Artistic Director for the company, Lauren J. Polenske.
A PIECE OF MY HEART (2012)
The true stories of six courageous women sent to Vietnam and their struggle to make sense of a war that irrevocably changed them and a nation that shunned them. A work with the music and soul of a tumultuous era in our history.
The living memorial for stage, which debuted in New York in 1991, not only commemorates veterans of the Vietnam War, but it especially focuses on its quietest heroes -- the women who served there. Based on firsthand accounts of nurses, Red Cross workers and entertainers who volunteered to enter those distant jungles in the 1960s, the show has been praised by critics as “heart-wrenching,” “cathartic” and “a work with the music and soul of a tumultuous era.”
This kaleidoscope from Vietnam is not always reverential. It is, however, always real. A Piece of My Heart is a tumultuous look at the late ’60s, but also looks at the heartwarming comradeship of the group, with the nurses laughingly sharing memories of the escapism of drinking, drugs, lovemaking and delectable Coca-Cola from home.
Less delectable are the flashbacks of first days in surgery, their "baptism by fire" indoctrination into the hell that was a medical unit in Vietnam. The all too serious moments are lightened with songs from the period which help tell the tale of these unsung heroes.The indelible music of the 1960s is so essential to this show that it is often interspersed with lines. Everything in Lauro’s memorial – music, dialogue and monologues – are straight from the record books and record albums, and that, the cast says, makes this production special. These are actual accounts.
CAST
Meg Collins as Martha
Deborah McLaughlin as Sissy
Michelle Ho as LeeAnn
Dionne Hawkins as Steele
Jenny Hogan as Whitney
Felicia Faifer as Mary Jo
Michael J. Murphy as The Men
The production is directed by Lauren J. Polenske.
A PIECE OF MY HEART was presented Thurs-Sat. evenings September 27th - 28th & 29th, 2012 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse, 6258 W. 62nd Street, Chicago, IL 60638.
THE GOOD DOCTOR (2012)
In the late 1800s, Russia’s preeminent literary doctor, Anton Chekhov, wrote humorous newspaper articles to pay for medical school. Neil Simon, Broadway’s master of comedy, elegantly weaves eight of Chekhov’s stories into a laugh-out-loud experience complete with tricky con artists and ridiculous slapstick.
Neil Simon molds the stories of Anton Chekhov into exquisitely timed, often hilarious theatre, dramatizing seven stories which incorporate a wide variety of characters--a governess, a lady of the night, a
blustering general, a wild woman with a nervous disorder, a roué flirting with a new bride, a man who earns money by "drowning," and an actress. The stories, adapted for the stage, are filled with dry humor, surprise endings, and clever common people in confrontations with "superiors," ending in absurdities. "The Writer," obviously Chekhov, who himself was a "good doctor," acts as narrator and serves to connect the various scenes.
The short stories/plays, all filled with irony, include "The Sneezer," who cannot apologize enough to a general for splattering a sneeze on his head. In "The Governess," an employer tricks a subservient
governess out of her pay. "The Seduction" shows a man-about-town using a husband as the conduit for his attempted seduction of the man's new bride. "The Drowned Man" claims to be in the "maritime
entertainment business" and will drown himself for a small fee. "The Defenseless Creature," a particularly hilarious scene, features a clever wife suffering from a "nervous disorder," who tries to extort money from a banker. In "The Arrangement" a father takes his shy, 19-year-old son to a house of ill repute. In "The Audition", an actress who has walked for four days from another city in order to try out for a play, arrives with a temperature of 103, then insists on doing the audition!
Longtime HTC ensemble member Thom Miller's unique direction and a stellar cast ensured an evening of laughter we will not soon forget!!!
Performances began at 7:30pm on September 13-14-15, 2012 (Thurs.-Sat. evenings) at the Hale Park Fieldhouse,
CAST
Floyd May
Jim Stadt
Mary Zentmyer
Yvonne Ambrose
Larry Wenderski
Tessa Marrella
Robin Papesh
Amy Hall
Charlie Pasters
Kathy Halter
Michael J. Murphy
Samantha Schmidt
and featuring
Patrick Causgrove as The Writer
The Hale Theatre Co. 20th Anniversary Celebration (2012)
The Hale Theatre Co. celebrated 20 seasons of presenting theatre on the city's Southwest side by presenting a musical revue of the best offerings in it's 20 year history. The production featured music from such shows as "Fiddler on the Roof", "Grease","Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat", "Jesus Christ Superstar", "Oliver", "Godspell" and "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum".
This production featured performers from all 20 years of the company-with many performers recreating their original performances. Performers included:
Thom Miller
Marie Mikulskis
Susan Ptasinski-Tempel
Robin Papesh
Crystle Saylor-Lohse
Maelee Richardson
Melissa Heeres
Juliet Rowland
Patrick Causgrove
Greg Bzdon
Caitlin Weber
Jennifer Burnson
Brian Baumann
Amanda Poradzisz
Brianne Murray
Heather Dziedzic
Amanda Case
Chris Gaughan
Tom Moran
and Michael J. Murphy
Performances were be held on June 7-8-9th, 2012 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse.
Neil Simon's RUMORS (2012)
was presented March 22-23-24 & 25th, 2012 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse Thursday through Saturday The performances began @ 7:30pm and the Sunday 3/25 performance @ 2:00pm.
One of Neil Simon's later plays, and arguably the funniest,.one of the finest American farces ever written.
At its start, several affluent couples gather in the posh suburban residence of a couple for a dinner party celebrating their hosts' tenth anniversary. When they arrive, they discover there are no servants, the hostess is missing, and the host - the deputy mayor of New York City - has shot himself through the earlobe. Comic complications arise when, given everyone's upper class status, they decide they need to do everything possible to conceal the evening's events from the local police and the media.
Starring
Jenny Hogan as Chris Gorman
Chris Gaughan as Ken Gorman
Lisa M. Glatz as Claire Ganz
Michael J. Murphy as Lenny Ganz
Susan Ptasinski-Tempel as Cookie Cusack
Thom Miller as Ernie Cusack
Jim Stadt as Glenn Cooper
Michelle Ho as Cassie Cooper
Heather Dziedzic as Officer Welch
Louise Eccles as Officer Pudney
The production is produced and directed by Lauren J. Polenske.
Madrigal Dinner (2011)
The Hale Theatre Co.of the Chicago Park District presented it's first ever Madrigal Dinner on Thursday & again on Friday evening-December 8th & 9th,2011 at the Hale Park Fieldhouse. Both evenings festivities began at 7:30pm.
Guests were transported to a simpler time in the Middle Ages -when kings ruled the world and knights in shining armor saved damsels in distress!!! An evening of wonderful madrigal singing and medieval comedy, and a feast on the bounty of our harvest. A holiday treat for all!!!
Featuring:
JIM STADT
MARIE MIKULSKIS
MICHAEL J. MURPHY
MARY K. BARTON
TOM MORAN
HEATHER DZIEDZIC
AURELIO MARES
AMY HALL
FLOYD MAY
MAELEE RICHARDSON
TESSA MARELLA
AMANDA PORADZIASZ
CHRISTOPHER GAUGHAN
DANNY MURPHY
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (2011)
Jon Jory's adaptation for the stage of the classic novel by Jane Austen. Tells of the lives and loves of the Bennet sisters. Particularly Elizabeth, who has swayed many previous suitors and the efforts of Mr. William Darcy to win her affections. Presented at the Hale Fieldhouse as part of the 2011 Fall Theatre Fest. It featured the following cast: Mr. Bennet (John Enright) , Lydia Bennet (Lauren Bourret), Elizabeth Bennet (grace O'Neill), Mary Bennet (Tessa Marella), June Bennet (Samantha Schmidt), Kitty Bennet (Maelee Richardson), Mrs. Bennet (Yvonne Ambrose), Mr. Bingley (Brian Whitlock), Mr. Darcy (Arthur "A.J." Smith), Charlotte Lucas (Amy Hall), Sir William Lucas (Josef P. Shatava), MIss Bingley (Michelle Ho), Mr. Collins (Terrence J. McLaughlin), George Wickham (Matt Culich), Mrs. Gardiner (Mary K. Barton), Georgiana Darcy (Brianne Murray), Lady Catherine DeBourge (Jenny Hogan), Col. Fitzwilliam (Christopher Gaughan), Mr. Gardiner (Floyd A. May) and Housekeeper (Candice Gruenwald). The production was directed by Lauren J. Polenske, 9/22-9/24/2011
THE DEAD MAN WALKING PROJECT (2011)
IWhen the film "Dead Man Walking" hit theatres across the United States, we were amazed by the way it provoked discussion and debate about the death penalty. It continues to provoke deeper reflection on one of the key moral issues of our day.
Sister Helen Prejean, an internationally acclaimed human rights activist and the author of "Dead Man Walking," first conjured the idea in 1998 after reading a New Yorker magazine article that said Arthur Miller's play, "Death of a Salesman," had been performed a million times. Every day, Miller's play was performed somewhere in the world, according to the article. Sister Helen realized that if "Dead Man Walking" could be made into a play, it could also be reproduced endlessly, thereby expanding its impact.
Sister Helen called her friend, Tim Robbins, who wrote, produced and directed the film adaptation of her book, and invited him to write a stage play of her story. Tim accepted the invitation and challenge, soon crafting a powerful stage adaptation.
Instead of taking the play to Broadway, however, Tim decided to use the play as a tool to create deeper reflections on the death penalty in our nation's high schools and colleges. He required that any school producing the play must also agree to involve at least two other academic departments (law, sociology, criminal justice, etc.) to provide courses related to the death penalty and "Dead Man Walking." Art and music departments were also encouraged to develop related creative projects. Discussion groups, prison visitation, and other activities were soon added to the mix.
Since the launch of the project in the fall of 2003, more than 170 high schools and colleges across the country have produced the play, conducted academic courses on the death penalty, and brought the issue to life on their campuses through art, music, and public education and action events.
The Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project is about exploring the issues, but also about giving youth a new way to think about the role of art in examining issues that affect us. Becoming an active, engaged citizen and participating in the discernment and discourse around the big issues of our day is exhilarating. We invite you to be a player, not just a spectator.
The play was performed at Brennan Hall of St. Daniel the Prophet School-located at 5337 s. Natoma Ave. in Chicago on Saturday, August 6th at 7:00pm, and also on Sunday, August 7th at 3:00pm. An open forum discussion on the Death Penalty immediately followed the Sunday performance.
The play featuresd Constance Mitchell as Sr. Helen and David M. Rodriguez as the convicted Death row inmate-Matt Poncelet. A very talented supporting cast includes Thom Miller, Jim Stadt, Robin Papesh, Heather Dziedzic, Aurelio Mares, William Gename, Connie Mitchell, Greg Bzdon, Tom Moran, Josef Shatava, Art Smith, Amanda Podraisz, Gabrielle Ziemba, A.J., Danny Murphy, Nicole Sulls, Mary Kate Smith and Michael J. Murphy-who also directed the production.
GODSPELL (2011)
was presented June 9-11, 2011 @ 8PM at the Hale Park Field House. The musical started as a college project performed by students at Carnegie Mellon University and moved to La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in Greenwich Village. It was then re-scored for an off-Broadway production by Stephen Schwartz which became a long-running successis that of a series of parables, based on the Gospel of Matthew (though three of the parables featured are only recorded in the Gospel of Luke). These are then interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns, with the passion of Christ treated briefly near the end of the performance. It includes the hit "Day by Day" which had a stay on the Top 20 in 1972.
It was also turned into a film in 1973 starring a young Victor Garber as Jesus. Several revivals occured both in 1995, 2000 and off-Broadway in 2001. It returned to Broadway in 2011.
FEATURING:
Michael J. Murphy as John the Baptist / Judas
Robin Papesh
Susan M. Tan
Heather Dziedzic
Brian Baumann
Juliet Rowland
Greg Bzdon
Bridgid Pulliam
Beth Lewis
Sandra Bozzelli
Melissa Heeres
Lauren Bourret
Ryan Wasney
Gabrielle Ziemba
Maelee Richardson
Candice Gruenwald
Tom Moran
Scott Beaderstadt
Jennifer Burnson
Amanda Poradzisz
Kim Lewis
Peter Tuszynski
and starring
JIM PRETKELIS
as Jesus
Directed by
LAUREN J. POLENSKE
Musical Director
MICHAEL A. BARR
THE GRAPES OF WRATH (2011)
THE GRAPES OF WRATH by Frank Galati, is based on the John Steinbeck novel. Winner of the 1990 Tony Award and Outer Critics Circle Award. It's the story of the Joad family and their flight from the dust bowl of Oklahoma is familiar to all. Desperately proud, but reduced to poverty by the loss of their farm, the Joads' pile their few possessions on a battered old truck and head west for California, hoping to find work and a better life. Led by Ma Joad, who is determined to keep the family together at any cost, and the the volatile Tom Joad, an ex-convict who grows increasingly impatient with the intolerance and exploitation which they encounter on their trek, the Joads deal with death and terrible deprivation before reaching their final destination. Set during the Great Depression of the 1930's, THE GRAPES OF WRATH is a brilliant show, interspersed with simple songs that move the story along. It was presented at Hale Park-March 24-26, 2011!
STARRING:
Michael J. Murphy as Tom Joad
Susan Ptasinski-Tempel as Ma Joad
Jim Stadt as Pa Joad
Josef Shatava as Rev. Jim Casy
Rocco Ayala as Noah Joad / Floyd Knowles
Charlie Pasters as Uncle John Joad / Muly
Grace O'Neill as Rose of Sharon Joad
John Wognum as Connie Rivers / Sherriff
Dominic Boyte as Al Joad
Tom Moran as Grampa Joad /Camp Director
Meg Collins as Grandma Joad /woman going Back
Connie Mitchell
Mary Kay barton as The Mayor Of Hooverville / Inspector
Robin Papesh as Balladeer / Inspector
Amy Perry Hall as Elizabeth Sandry
Gabrielle Ziemba as Aggie Wainwright
Peter Tuszynski
Danny Murphy as Winfield Joad
Megan Pasters as Ruthie Joad
John Case as Gas Station Attendant
Sean Murphy as the Boy in the Barn
Marie Mikulskis as Balladeer
Directed by Lauren J. Polenske
TWELVE ANGRY JURORS (2010)
The Hale Theatre Co. presented the third production in its 2010 Fall TheatreFest- "Twelve Angry Jurors"
Thurs-Saturday September 23rd-25th, 2010 @ 7:30PM. Written by Reginald Rose, Twelve Angry Men was originally presented as a televised play on CBS’s Studio One. The teleplay was broadcast in 1954. By 1955, Rose’s drama was adapted into a stage play. Since then it has been seen on Broadway, Off-Broadway, and countless regional theaters productions.
In 1957, Henry Fonda starred in the film adaptation (12 Angry Men), directed by Sidney Lumet. In the 1990s version, Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott co-starred in an acclaimed adaptation presented by Showtime. Most recently, Twelve Angry Men was reinvented into a Russian film simply titled 12. (The Russian jurors determine the fate of a Chechen boy, framed for a crime he did not commit).
The play has also been slightly revised as Twelve Angry Jurors in order to accommodate a gender-neutral cast.
This production was directed by Michael J. Murphy and features the following cast:
Juror #1 ..............................................Amanda Case
Juror #2.................................. Samantha Schmidt
Juror#3 ......................................................Jim Stadt
Juror#4 ...................................................Thom Miller
Juror#5 .............................................Sandra Mendez
Juror #6........................................... Amy Perry Hall
Juror #7......................................... Heather Dziedzic
Juror#8........................................ Patrick Causgrove
Juror #9..................................................... Tom Moran
Juror#10.................................................. Rocco Ayala
Juror#11...................................................... Meg Collins
Juror#12............................................. Melissa Heeres
Judge....................................................... Glenn Reyna
Clerk ........................................................Laurie Reyna
Bailiff .............................................Michael J. Murphy
WHAT I DID FOR LOVE (2010)
Fall Theatre Fest 2010 opened with the musical Review WHAT I DID FOR LOVE penned by our own Michael J. Murphy, who also directed the production.
Featuring some of the best loved "LOVE" songs from Broadway, Popular Music including Close To You, Old Fashioned Love Song, Love is the Answer, I Can Hear the Bells, At Last, Unforgettable, and a tribute to Elvis!
FEATURING THE TALENTS OF
Thom Miller
Patrick Causgrove
Melissa Heeres
Robin Papesh
Marie Mikulskis
Amanda Case
Michael J. Murphy
Susan Tan
Heather Dziedzic
Beth Lewis
Lauren Bourret
Brian Baumann
It was presented September 9-11. 2010 at Hale Park Fieldhouse.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (2010)
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of his disciple, Judas Iscariot, who has become disillusioned with the movement. At the opening of the play, Judas agonizes over his perception that Jesus' followers have become fanatical and unrealistic, hailing him as a god and twisting his words into monstrous prophecies. After all, in Judas' mind, Jesus is only a man--a man with certain inconsistencies, as evidenced by his relationship with Mary Magdalene. As the crowds in the street grow more and more out of control, the rift between Jesus and Judas grows. After watching Jesus lose control in the temple, lashing out at the moneylenders and merchants, then begging to be left alone when a crowd of cripples surround him asking to be healed, Judas is more convinced than ever that the man from Nazareth is just that--a man, and nothing more. He determines that Jesus, having lost control of the mob, has become dangerous and must be stopped. He goes to the priests and gives them all the information they need to catch Jesus alone so that they can take him prisoner without risking violence by the mob. After leading the soldiers to Gethsemane, however, and watching the events that unfold, Judas soon realizes that he has been used to fulfill a prophecy and will be damned for all time.
While loosely based on the gospel of John, this groundbreaking rock opera with music by from Andrew Lloyd-Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, is not a history or theology lesson. Rice explains that it was written from the perspective of -"What if I were in Jesus or Judas place?" "How would I act?" "What would I think?". The haunting and beautiful score was originally conceived as a double album and later brought to the stage by legendary music producer Robert Stigwood. It even generated two Top 10 hits- the title track and "I Don't Know How To Love Him".
Directed by Lauren J. Polenske
Musical Director: Michael Barr
Choreographer: Dominic Boyte
Featuring:
Michael J. Murphy as Judas
Crystle Saylor as Mary Magdalene
Patrick Causgrove as Pontius Pilate
Dennis J. Kingsley as Caiaphas
Thom Miller as King Herod
Cory Andre' Wright as Simon Zealots
Dominic Boyte as Peter
Dan Grillo as Annas
Chief Priests , Disciples Women, Soldiers, Reporters, Lepers
SCOTT BEADERSTADT
GREG BZDON
TOM MORAN
BRIAN BAUMANN
SARAH SAPPERSTEIN
JULIET ROWLAND
SUSAN M. TAN
AMANDA CASE
HEATHER DZIEDZIC
JOSEF SHATAVA
LAUREN ROSE KERNS
SANDRA BOZZELLI
RYAN WASNEY
BETHEPHER LEWIS
GABRIELLA ZIEMBA
MATT CULICH
CAITLIN WEBER
KEITH VODICKA
CANDICE GRUENWALD
MAELEE RICHARDSON
MEGAN BUSS
ALYSON BOURRET
PETER TUSZYNSKI
MICHELLE McKENZIE-VOIGT as the Woman By The Fire
and starring
CHARLES KAY
as
JESUS
Performances were June 9-12th, 2010 @ 8:00PM in the Hale Park Fieldhouse.