515 E. Thacker St.
Des Plaines, IL 60016
View MAP or call 847.391.5711 for directions.
April 25 through May 18, 2008
Fridays & Saturdays at 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m.
$20 adults. $18 seniors (65+). $12 kids under 13.
Call 847.604.0275 or buy online at ticketweb.com.
Jon Cunningham ~ Bobby Strong
Summar Jonas ~ Hope Cladwell
Peter Verdico ~ Caldwell B. Cladwell
Marian Kaderbek ~ Penelope Pennywise
Tom Moore ~ Officer Lockstock
Lora Ristau ~ Little Sally
Tom Walker ~ Senator Fipp
Steve Malone ~ Officer Barrel
Angel Abcede ~ Hotblades Harry
Melissa Young ~ Little Becky Two-Shoes
Bobby Diehl ~ Mr. McQueen
ENSEMBLE
Angel Abcede
Bobby Diehl
Anthony Patryn
Linda Andrews
Alexis Armstrong
Kansas Lynn Battern
Helga Kennedy ~ producer / stage manager / props
Rick Frendt ~ director / set designer
Nancy Flaster ~ choreographer
Ryan Brewster ~ music director
Marian Frendt ~ scenic charge artist
Frank Skony ~ costumer
Tom Ziobro ~ master carpenter
Peter Hillebrand ~ master welder / set construction
Logan Langballe ~ set construction
Mike Rulf ~ lighting designer
Rob Woolson ~ sound designer
Andrew McGrath ~ lighting execution
Mike Murphy ~ sound execution
Daiva Paulis ~ assistant stage manager
Theresa Kerrigan ~ costume assistant
Al Carello; Sarah Jane Blevins; Evie,
Alyssa & Andi Murphy, Kyle Justis ~ stage crew
Marsha Rutenberg ~ tickets
Ann Stuart ~ house manager / publicity
The Cast
Performance Info
The Staff
"I had heard another director of URINETOWN describe the show as being about corporate greed, corrupt government, and oppressive totalitarianism whose power derives primarily from the inherent unsustainability of its people's natural resources usage.
Our show won't be about any of those things. It will not change anyone's mind about global warming, or carry any sort of noble purpose. Our show will just be funny. God willing.
The show has the word 'urine' right in the title. 'Nuff said.
~ Rick Frendt, director
BIG NOISE THEATRE COMPANY a division of Winnetka Theatre. Member of the League of Chicago Theatres.
JON CUNNINGHAM (Bobby Strong) is so happy to be back on stage with Big Noise! As well as being a board member of Big Noise since 2002, Jon has appeared as Eddie in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, Simon Zealots in Jesus Christ Superstar, St. John Rivers in Jane Eyre, and Zebulun in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He also directed two shows for Big Noise: Damn Yankees and Once Upon a Mattress. Jon most recently appeared in the ensemble in Marriott Lincolnshire's production of Little Women. Other Chicagoland area credits include Geoffrey in Something's Afoot (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Ambrose Kemper in Hello Dolly!, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof, Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mike Depki in Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?, and Danny in Baby (Theatre at the Center), Charlie Kringas in Merrily We Roll Along, Cousin Kevin in Tommy and Nicky in I Sing! (White Horse Theatre Company). Jon received a Jeff Citation nomination for best actor in a musical for his portrayal of Charlie Kringas in Merrily We Roll Along. "All my love to my wife Michelle and son Liam for allowing me to live my dream, to all my friends and family for their love and support, and to Rick, Ryan, and Nancy for this great opportunity."
KANSAS LYNN BATTERN (Ensemble) has been a HUGE fan of the musical Urinetown for years and is absolutely ecstatic that Big Noise has invited her to be a part of the hilarity! After graduating from Carthage College with a B.A. in Theater and Creative Writing in 2005, Kansas performed with the Quad City Music Guild in such roles as Wanda in Beehive: The 60’s Musical, The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, and The Ghost of Christmas Future in A Christmas Carol. After moving to Chicago in April of 2007, she has performed at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre as Martha Cox in High School Musical and is understudying three female lead roles in the world premiere of SpeeDating: The Musical. When she’s not onstage, Kansas can be found creating delicious beverages as a proud Starbucks barista. Kansas thanks her family for their indulgence and support and her friends for their faith and encouragement. As Officer Lockstock says, “Enjoy the show, and welcome to Urinetown: the musical!”
MELISSA YOUNG (Becky Two-Shoes) You may have seen her in Pump Boys and Dinettes or last season's I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change. Favorite roles include Winnifred in Once Upon a Mattress (Valentine Theatre, OH), Hermia in A Midsummer Night's Dream (BRE Theater, IL), Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest (Pittsburgh Playhouse, PA) & Ella Hammer in The Cradle Will Rock (White Horse Theater Ensemble, IL). Professionally, Melissa is a cabaret singer and would love to see you at one of her shows! For information on her next performance go to www.melissayoung.com. "Thanks Poofie!"
ALEXIS ARMSTRONG (Ensemble) Recent roles with Big Noise Productions include Rose in ASPECTS OF LOVE and Jane in JANE EYRE. Other performances on the North Shore include Germaine in PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE with Citadel Theatre, Charity in SWEET CHARITY and Velma in CHICAGO with North Shore Theater, Fanny Brice in FUNNY GIRL with Actors Theater, and Louise in GYPSY with Highland Park Players. Alexis would like to thank Rick, Nancy, Ryan and the cast and crew for making this show such a blast. Most of all, she thanks her amazing hubby Lennox, and sweet girls, Jolie and Mila, for their constant love and support - and for making it possible for her to get out of the house every once in a while. "Love you guys. Enjoy the show!"
TOM MOORE (Officer Lockstock) Even though his character claims that “dreams are meant to be crushed," Tom truly does believe that dreams can come true. After first seeing the touring production of Urinetown The Musical some five years ago, Tom has been obsessed with both the show and the role of Officer Lockstock, vowing to portray him someday before he left this mortal coil, at any cost, no matter what. Well guess what? That day is here, his bus fare was minimal, and he ain’t dead yet folks! He couldn’t be happier with the caliber of talent, heart, and professionalism brought to the table by everyone involved with this production, both on and off the stage. This truly was an amazing journey. Many thanks to Rick, Nancy, and Ryan for blessing him with this unbelievable opportunity. Some of Tom’s favorite past stage credits include Orin Scrivello D.D.S. in Little Shop of Horrors, Riff in West Side Story, Stone in City of Angels, Conrad Birdie in Bye, Bye Birdie, Johnny Cantone in 1940’s Radio Hour, Louie Kurnitz in Lost in Yonkers, and Howard in Moon Over Buffalo. Of course, copious amounts of love, praise, and thanks to the very lovely and talented (and oh, so very patient) AKB, without whom none of this would be worth a damn. "Peter V. Cladwell, thanks for all the laughs, the drinks, the lattes, the lemon squares, the songs, the pot-holes, the boot-leg, the dry hump, and yes, of course, the ride. Hey Dad! I’m finally following in your footsteps! (Well, sort of…)" And, as always, but even more so because of the special place this show and its characters have in his heart, this show is dedicated in loving memory to his mother Eileen, and his best friend, John E. Barker, who are with him every time the curtain goes up. You two would have loved this one. "Well, I’ve typed on long enough I imagine. Enjoy the show, and welcome, to Urinetown. (The Musical…) Oh, and hail Malthus! (Whoever he is.)"
ANGEL ABCEDE (Hot Blades Harry) Big Noise audiences may remember Angel from Kiss of the Spider Woman. Recently, Angel has been trying to remember who he is as Sister Mary Amnesia in the all-male version of Nunsense!—a project dear to his heart in that he co-produced and performed with buddies he met through musical theater. Artistically, Angel is most proud of his 18-year stint as a member of the Chicago-based Joel Hall Dancers, a jazz, ballet and modern based company that has toured the U.S., Europe and Russia. These days, Angel has focused on his crafts of writing (he is senior editor at CSP Information Group) and musical theater. In 2006, he played the lead role of the Engineer in North Shore Community Theater of Wilmette’s production of Miss Saigon and a soldier in Jedlicka Performing Arts Center’s Miss Saigon in Cicero, IL. He has played other musical theater roles locally, including Jesus in Godspell (2002) for Lincoln Square Theater where he also choreographed You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (2003). Mr. Abcede has enjoyed performing in ensemble roles for three years at Light Opera Works, Evanston, IL, as well, dancing and singing in Carnival (2005), South Pacific (2006) and Kiss Me Kate (2007). In addition to Kiss. . . with Big Noise, he has also done ensemble roles in Anything Goes (2002), Stage Right Theater, Woodale, IL, and Chicago (2002), Pheasant Run Dinner Theater, St. Charles, IL.
STEVE MALONE (Officer Barrel) It's been quite a year for Steve. Last fall, he ended a twenty year hiatus by returning to musical theatre and performing in San Sebastian Players' A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Protean). "The show closed Sunday and Monday I was off to Florence, Italy to finish my first (AND ONLY!) 26.2 mile marathon in under four hours! It truly was an experience of a lifetime but now I won't even run for a taxi! U-town has also been an amazing fun time too. I've been walked over, strangled and clubbed to death...and that was just in the dressing room! Love to Barkley, my family, and great friends for all their support. To this awe-inspiring brilliant cast and crew, I love you all so much too! Here's wishing that all of us will keep our heads in the clouds sometimes just for the fun of it!"
PETER VERDICO (Caldwell B. Cladwell) is thrilled to be playing this role in this wonderful show with this incredible cast! This is Peter’s 4th Big Noise production, having previously appeared in Damn Yankees, Over The River And Through The Woods and Footloose. Some of Peter’s recent credits include Carnival, South Pacific and Kiss Me Kate with Light Opera Works, Barefoot In The Park with Metropolis Theater, La Cage Aux Folles with Night Blue Theatre, and Gypsy with Stage Right Productions. Peter has appeared in many musicals, comedies and plays. Some of his favorite roles are Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, Julian Marsh in Forty Second Street, Harold Todd in Victor/Victoria, Tito Morreli in Lend Me A Tenor, George Hay in Moon Over Buffalo, Juror #3 in Twelve Angry Men and Harry Brock in Born Yesterday. Peter thanks his wife Julie and daughters Lori and Catherine for their support and encouragement.
SUMMAR JONAS (Hope Cladwell) is delighted to be performing with Big Noise for the first time. She moved to Chicago from her home state of Texas after completing her BFA in theatre. Summar has worked with Granbury Opera House, The Side Project, St. James Players, and Rising Stars Theatre Company. She is a member of NightBlue Performing Arts Company and recently performed the role of Cathy in their production of The Last Five Years. Other credits include Ellen in Miss Saigon, Julie in Carousel, Sarah in Guys and Dolls and Betty in Sure Thing. In addition to performing, Summar is passionate about educational theater and has spent time with The Entertainment Project, Quest Assemblies, and The Mystery Shop promoting theater for children. She is thrilled for the opportunity to be a part of all this fun!! "A very special thank you to my friend Marcus. I don’t know how anybody survives in this life without someone like you."
ANTHONY PATRYN (Ensemble) is excited to be back on the Winnetka/Big Noise stage after a six-year hiatus. Tony is a graduate of Columbia College in Chicago with his BFA in Graphic Design and works full time at Brierton Design in Northbrook. Some theatre credits include Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate); Little Shop of Horrors (Orin, DDS); Joseph…(Joseph); Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio); Hair (Berger); West Side Story (Tony); Aven’U Boys [Midwest Premiere] (Rocky); We Will Rock You [US Premiere/Midwest Premiere] (Keith Richards); and In My Life [Midwest Premiere] (Nick). Movie credits include The Breakup (Bouncer); The Lake House (Office Worker); and The Express (News Reporter). Tony would like to thank his family and friends for their endless support and everyone who has been there for him along his journey and is no longer with us.
LINDA ANDREWS (Ensemble) is thrilled and honored to be involved in her very first Big Noise production with such a wonderful group of people! Some past favorite roles include Little Red Riding Hood in Into the Woods, The Sour Kangaroo in Seussical the Musical, Rusty in Footloose, and Lucy in You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. When not in the theater, Linda is an esthetician and make-up artist at Rockstar Salon and Spa in Roselle. She would like to thank her darling husband for everything he does, the original Fab Four for being FAB and the staff and cast of Urinetown because this show has been a really amazing experience and a heck of a lot of fun!
LORA RISTAU (Little Sally) is making her debut with Big Noise in Urinetown. She studied at Western Illinois University in their Musical Theatre BFA program. Some of her favorite shows include Woolgatherer (Rose), Communicating Doors (Jessica), Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), and Jekyll & Hyde the Musical (Emma). Last summer, Lora performed with SummerStock in Findlay, Ohio where she played her dream role of Little Red in Into the Woods. Lora is pursuing her dream of becoming a professional actor, and is looking forward to the road ahead. Lora would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support in all her decisions.
MARIAN KADERBEK (Miss Pennywise) is thrilled to be working with Rick and Nancy again. Marian was last seen in Jane Eyre as Grace Poole. Other Big Noise credits include Momma Rose (Gypsy), Katisha (The Mikado) and The Witch (Into The Woods). Marian particularly enjoys her annual Winnetka Theatre "especially for kids" productions with Stacey Flaster! She has also apppeared with Glenview Theatre Guild, Actors Theatre, Oak Park Village Players and Des Plaines Theatre Guild. Marian is a wife, mother of two, and a dental hygienist. she dedicates these performances to her always-supportive family, and, in particular, to the memory of Uncle Bob.
TOM WALKER (Senator Fipp) This is Tom’s first show with Big Noise and he aims to make a big splash. Favorite shows include Free Leeks! Here, Take One, The Adventures of the Dreyntha Lizard, The Lawn Waterer, All That Showers Is Not Gold, and The Wiz and he hopes you will come see his next show, A Man about a Horse. Tom would like to thank P, PSS, WI WI, and of course, Malthus – “on a scale of one to five, you’re an eight.”
