1999-2000

1999-2000

SEASON

STAFF
Artistic Director – Ron Peluso
Managing Director – Thomas H. Berger
Director of Public Relations – Martha Barton
Development Director – Rebecca Stibble
Director of Education/historian – Joe Spencer
Group Sales Director – Carrie Nevitt
Box Office Manager – Chari Hall
Technical Director – Erin Kasper
Stage Managers – Julia Cashman, Amy Creuziger
Assistant to the Box Office Manager – Dorothy Gherity
Assistant to the Artistic & Managing Directors – Julia Cashman
Artistic Associates – Bob Beverage, Sarah Gioia, Barb Marshall, Maggie Scanlan, Bonnie Schock
Front of House Staff – Jeff Barton, Linda Berglund, Beth Cashman, Aaron Rublein

First Ladies of Ramsey County (World Premiere)
September 22-October 23, 1999
By Dana Marie Gillespie

This play is based on the life of Mary Terpin, a 13-year-old who came to St. Paul in the 1840s to become the wife of successful tradesman Louis Robert, and how she befriended other prominent women of the day, including educator Harriet Bishop and Anna Ramsey, the wife of Minnesota’s first territorial Governor. The play is set in or near St. Paul between 1848 and 1849.

Cast
Harriet Bishop – Signe Albertson
Louis Robert – Dave Clements
Perry/Ramsey – Don Cosgrove
Old Bets – Sharon M. Day
Mary Robert – Natalie Moore
Anna Ramsey – Anna Ramsey
Rose Perry Clewett – Rosalie Tenseth
James Clewett – Wesley Webb
Mary Ann Perry – Claudia Wilkens
Understudies – Denise du Maurier (Old Bets), Eve Overland (Mary), Gail Ottmar (women), Tom Poole (men)

Artistic & Production Staff

Director – Ron Peluso
Co-director – Barbe Marshall
Choreographer – Jan Puffer
Scenic Designer – Sasha Thayer
Costume Designer – Barb Portinga
Assistant Costume Designer – Lisa Bandemer
Wardrobe – Judith Froemming
Dramaturg – Chad Sylvain
Lighting Designer – Pamela Kildahl
Sound Designer – C. Andrew Mayer
Properties Designer – Pearl Rea
Historian – Joe Spencer
Stage Manager – Julia Cashman
Technical Director – Erin Kasper
Master Electrician – Andrew Kedl
Electricians – Karin Olson, Greg Simpson, Brian Maher, Nate Saul
Master Carpenter – Nate Saul
Scenic Artist – Kim Lawler
Light Board Operator – Ann Segar
Sound Board Operator – Jodi Larson
Deck Manager – Linda Berglund

Comment
Since 1999, History Theatre has been my artistic home in the Twin Cities, and Ron Peluso, my great teacher. I owe them both so much. From our first production together, in that smash hit, First Ladies of Ramsey County, in which I played Anna Ramsey and choreographed a few dance segments, I began learning from Ron. And now, almost twenty years later, throughout our collaborations on fifteen other shows, and almost as many remounts, I continue to learn from him. Throughout all of our theatrical adventures, some glorious and others challenging, he’s not only put up with me, but helped make me a better actress, a better choreographer, a better artist, and most importantly, a better person. Ron’s unwavering support and belief in me has been a true blessing in my life and invaluable to my artistic growth and career. Yet I am but one of the countless others…staff, playwrights, designers, directors, technicians, choreographers, musicians, actors and more…who have received these extraordinary gifts of encouragement and support, and who have grown and benefited from the History Theatre’s unique mission. I don’t know of anyone, or of any other theatre, that has had more of an impact in helping artists’ creative visions become a reality. On top of those extraordinary qualities, Ron’s good humor, leadership, and professionalism have created a wonderful working atmosphere and have been a steadfast example that I try to emulate. I am evermore grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had at History Theatre, and to Ron for his presence in my life, and for his professional guidance, endless support, and loyal friendship.

– Jan Puffer
Choreographer, Actor

Orphan Train
November 5-December 26, 1999
Book by Patty Lynch
Music & Lyrics by Charlie Maguire

In story and song, this is the tale of children from the slums of New York City who were transported to farm families in Midwestern locations from Texas to Alaska between 1858 and 1929. The play’s events are set in 1889.

Cast
Aloysius O’Connor – Jason Durst
Sally Ann Wright – Dylan Bullard, Eve Overland
Amanda – Hadija Steen-Omari, Clarice Yuette Mays, Jazzalette Wandrick
Franz – Charlie Corbo, Jon Richardson, Ty Thompson
Katrin – Elena Glass, Samantha Martin
Clarissa – Erin Hampe, Chloe Eileen Jensen
Carl – Stephen Anthony, Javier Santiago
Fredrick – Ryan Walsh, Dan Szymczak
Miss Grimstad – Carole Jean Anderson
Mr. Louis – Julian Bailey
Andy Hawkins/Papa – Tom Poole
Photographer/Judge Humboldt – Blayn Lemke
Fireman/John Lincoln Jones – James A. Williams
Henrik Studt/Shopkeeper – Garth Schumacher
Gertrude Studt/The Figure – Rosalie Tenseth
Mary Stanley/Sick Mother – Lavinia Erickson
Chorus – Quinn Berger, Samantha Biegler, Carolyn Bratnober, Maggie D’Ambrose, Tiana Mary Daun, David Edge, Jimmy Gonzales, C.J. Holmes, Ari Hopstock, Marisa Mongiat, Matthew Naber, Annie Nimmo, Seth Numrich, Laura Otremba
Understudies – Joseph St. James (male roles), Dan Szymczak (Aloysius), Kathryn Feltmann (female roles), Willie Wesley (Fireman/John Lincoln Jones)

Orchestra
Piano – Phil Bratnober
Guitar/Mandolin – Erik C. Peterson
Bass – Gordy Abel
Fiddle – Crystalline

Artistic/Production Team
Show concept by – Ron Peluso
Director – Barbe Marshall
Music Director – Phil Bratnober
Musical arranger – Lawrence Siegel
Choreographer – Eve Overland
Sound Designer – C. Andrew Mayer
Scenic Designer – Robin McIntyre
Lighting Designer – Chris Johnson
Costume Designer – Jeannie Marie Millett
Stage Manager – Julia Cashman
Production Stage Manager – Amy Creuziger
Scenic Artist – Beth Debbout
Assistant Costume Designer – Lisa Bandemer
Wardrobe – Judith Froemming
Propmaster – Erin Kasper
Technical Directors – Erin Kasper, Erik A. Paulson
Master Electrician – Russ Colliton
Electricians – Christian Gaylord, Jeff Olson, Karin Olson, Brian Maher
Master Carpenter – Nate Saul
Carpenters – George Grubb, Rob Roll, Nate Saul
Sound Board Operator – Jodi Larson
Followspot Operators – Jodi Larson, Linda Berglund, Mary Marchetti
Production Assistant/ Deck Manager – Kelly Campion

MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT I
Rockabye – The Figure
Family – Aloysius, Shopkeeper, Orphans
Get Up – Katrin, Franz, Orphans
Wildflower – Sally Ann
Orphan Rider – Fireman, Orphans
Dare You – Aloysius, Sally Ann
Orphan Rider (reprise) – Fireman, Company

ACT II
Littleton Polka – Orchestra
Dog – Franz, Orphans, Town kids
I Love Him – Sally Ann
Shooting Star – Katrin & Miss Grimstad
I Remember Love – John Lincoln Jones, Company
Rockabye (reprise) – The Figure
Orphan Boy – Sally Ann & Aloysius
America – Company

A Couple of Blaguards
January, 2000
By Frank and Malachy McCourt

A humorous, yet vivid commentary on pre-World War II poverty in Ireland, delivered in a raw, raucous and raunchy way.

The approximate timing of this play’s performances is based upon advance marketing and advertising material in our archives. Unfortunately, a program for this production, our primary source of data, could not be located.

Rez Road 2000 (World Premiere)
January 27-February 27, 2000
(in repertory with To Kill A Mockingbird)
By Jim Northrup

A one-man show written and performed by a Minnesota native American. The author/performer tells stories about his people to help audiences understand the challenges and rewards of native Americans on and off their respective reservations in Minnesota, America and the world.

Cast
Jim – Jim Northrup

Artistic Staff
Director – Bob Beverage
Scenic Designer – Thomas H. Berger
Lighting Designer – Pamela Kildahl
Properties Designer – Sarah Hager
Sound Designer – Bob Beverage
Production Stage Manager – Julia Cashman
Stage Manager – Kelly Campion
Technical Director – Erin Kasper

Production Staff
Master Electrician – Susan Amberg
Master Carpenter – Susan Amberg
Sound Board Operator – Jodi Larson
Light Board Operator – Tom Erickson
Electricians – Tom Erickson, Logan Jambik Jodi Larson, Karin Olson, Ray Stevenson

To Kill a Mockingbird
(in repertory with Rez Road 2000)
February, 2000
Adapted by Christopher Sergel

A stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s world-famous and Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which takes us back to the mid-1930s, when racism, poverty and ignorance dominated the American landscape. Lawyer Atticus Finch steps up to fight bigotry, intolerance and injustice in a small Alabama town.

A Piece of the Rope (World Premiere)
March 11-April 2, 2000
By Jeffrey Hatcher

The play conveys a story about a sordid and controversial murder that occurred in St. Paul in the 1860s. A woman named Ann Bilansky was convicted of giving her husband arsenic in order to run away with his nephew. Thousands of onlookers gathered at Fourth and Cedar streets to watch her hang. Afterwards, those onlookers fought for pieces of the rope.

Cast
Ann Bilanski – Kirsten Frantzich
John Walker – Dave Clements
The Reporter – Julian Bailey
The Judge – Fred Wagner
The Governor – Martin Ruben
The Maid – Adrienne Krocheski
Stan – Serge Pesic
Lucinda – Michelle Cassioppo
The Boy – Andrew Bergee
Understudies – Jan Puffer and Brian Allard

NOTE: Actors performed multiple roles

Artistic Staff
Director – Ron Peluso
Scenic Designer – Chris Johnson
Lighting Designer – Chris Johnson
Properties Designer – Jenn James
Sound Designer – C. Andrew Mayer
Costume Designer – Molly Jordan Kral
Dramaturg – Sarah Giolia
Musical Director – Phil Bratnober
Choreographer – Jan Puffer
Production Stage Manager – Julia Cashman
Stage Manager – Amy Cruiezger
Technical Director – Erin Kasper

Production Staff
Master Electrician – Susan Amberg
Master Carpenter – Nate Saul
Sound Board Operator – Jodi Larson
Light Board Operator – Logan Jambik
Costume Assistant – Teresa Davich
Deck Manager – Linda Berglund
Wardrobe – Judith Froemming
Electricians/changeover – Tom Erickson, Logan Jambik, Jodi Larson, David Cook, Russell Colliton

The Gangster Musical
April 15-May 14, 2000
By David Hawley
Music & Lyrics by Drew Jansen

A musical about gangster activity in St. Paul between 1932 and 1936, when the city served as a kind of sanctuary for criminals (as long as they behaved themselves inside the city limits).

Cast
Alvin “Creepy” Karpis – John Watkins
Big Tom Brown – Matt Boehler
Paula Harmon – Tinia Moulder
Kate “Ma” Barker – Peggy O’Connell
Nate Bomberg – Mark Rosenwinkel
J. Edgar Hoover – Garth Schumacher
Fred Barker – Joseph St. James
Dolores Delaney – Sandra Struthers
Understudies – Philip Callen & Kim Schultz

Background: Garth Schumacher; Foreground: Mark Rosenwinkel

Orchestra
Piano – Drew Jansen
Bass – Christopher Niesen
Drums – Jeff Rogers
Woodwinds – Dick Danaher

Artistic Staff
Director – Ron Peluso
Musical Director – Drew Jansen
Choreographer – Jan Puffer
Scenic Designer – Nayna Ramey
Lighting Designer – Pamela Kildahl
Properties Designer – Mark Alpert
Sound Designer – C. Andrew Mayer
Costume Designer – Shannon Lee
Production Stage Manager – Julia Cashman
Stage Manager – Amy Cruiezger
Assistant to the Scenic Designer – Thomas H. Berger
Technical Director – Erik E. Paulson
Master Electrician – Jacob Heinrichs
Master Carpenter – Nate Saul
Sound Board Operator – Jodi Larson
Light Board Operator – Logan Jambik
Wardrobe – Shannon Lee
Costume Assistant – Teresa Davich
Deck Manager – Linda Berglund
Follow Spots – Ryan Healey, Lori Snyder
Electricians/changeover – Tom Erickson, Logan Jambik, Jodi Larson, Joel Moraine, Nate Saul

Musical Numbers
ACT I
Reform America – Hoover, Karpis & Company
My Boys – Ma Barker
The Hollyhocks – Nate & Company
We’re Just Trash – Karpis & Dolores
When You Fall For A Fella – Dolores & Paula
Recipe For A Kidnapping – Karpis, Fred, Nate & Doc
Reform America (reprise) – Hoover, Karpis & Company

ACT II
Perfection – Hoover
Not A Bad Day’s Work – Fred
An Incomplete Man – Dolores
The Letter – Karpis, Hoover, Dolores & Ma Barker
Masterpiece – Hoover, Agents & Ma Barker
Finale – Nate & Company

Note: This show also had a “separated extension,” which ran from June 1-25, 2000