If you would like to nominate yourself or someone you know for the Provision Theater Young Professionals Board, please contact Alysa Turner at aturner@provisiontheater.org.

Meet new Company Member, Rod Armentrout soon to be seen in The Foreigner opening February 4!

Rod Armentrout, originally from Iowa, received his MFA in acting from Purdue University and just completed his first production with Provision Theater as Dietrich Bonhoeffer
in Bonhoeffer’s Cost. He spent most of this century and a bit of the last working as an actor with Willow Creek Community Church and the Willow Creek Association. Over the course of a typical weekend at Willow Creek he was privileged to perform original short plays before
thousands of attenders – it was always exhilarating and humbling. During the church’s 20th Anniversary Celebration he had the unique experience of performing before 20,000 in the United Center. During his time at Willow Creek he also expanded his interests into script development, directing and actor training. While working with the Willow Creek Association, he was given the opportunity to stretch into on-camera work and perform live in Norway, Holland, Germany and South Africa. He is honored to be counted amongst the Provision Theater Company Members.

Meet new Company Member, Lia Mortensen soon to be seen in The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey opening November 26!

LIA D. MORTENSEN is delighted to be returning to PROVISION THEATER where she appeared in last season’s production of The Hiding Place (for which she received a Jeff Nomination).  She most recently appeared in ATC’s Jeff-nominated world-premiere of The Big Meal. Other Chicago credits include the Pulitzer prize-winning Rabbit Hole at GOODMAN THEATRE; RIVENDELL:  Fighting Words;  NORTHLIGHT:  Lady Windermere’s Fan, Sky Girls, and Talley’s Folly; CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE:  All’s Well That Ends Well and Measure for Measure; STEPPENWOLF: Closer and Faith Healer (for which she received a Jeff Nomination and the Sarah Siddons-Actress of the Year Award;  REMMYBUMPO: Night and Day (premiere production); ORGANIC:  Aristocrats; CLASSIC AMERICAN THEATRE:  Voice of the Turtle and Glass Menagerie (w/Celeste Holm); NEXT:  Well, A Doll’s House, Macbeth and The Illusion; and several productions at COURT THEATRE.  Lia adds her first co-directing credit (w/Ryan Martin) with The Den Theater’s Bus Stop by William Inge.  Film credits include the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street (2010) and Blink.  Television credits includeThe Chicago Code, Family Practice, Early Editionand Missing Persons.  She has numerous voiceover commercial credits.   Lia is an ensemble member of PROVISION THEATER and THE DEN THEATER.

Meet new Box Office Manager, Megan Gallagher!

Megan started off at Provision in 2010, as one of the Stage Management team for The Hiding Place. She joined the box office team for the 2010/2011 season starting with Godspell, and they haven’t been able to get rid of her since!

In her spare time, Megan continues to Stage Manage, having worked with Appetite Theatre, Mortar Theatre, and also as the U/RTA Chicago open auditions Stage Manager for the past three years.

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Meet new Artistic Associate and Casting Director, Zachary Roberts!

Zachary Roberts is very excited to be joining Provision Theater as Casting Director.  Originally from North Carolina, Zachary has been performing, directing, and teaching theater for many years.  He holds a BA in Theatre from Campbell University, a BFA in Theatre Education from East Carolina University, and a MFA in Directing from Western Illinois University.  Before moving to Illinois, he was a co-founder and Artistic Director of Arising Light Productions–a successful storefront theater in Raleigh.  He also taught theater at Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School.  Some of his directing credits include The Importance of Being Earnest, The Diary of Anne Frank, The Diaries of Adam and Eve, Steel Magnolias, Mass Appeal, Desire under the Elms, Eurydice, and All My Sons.  He has worked at several theaters in Chicago including Goodman Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, and The Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company.  Zachary’s favorite playwrights include Eugene O’Neill, Arthur Miller, and Sarah Ruhl.  His passion for casting allows him to be an organizer and an artist, setting up auditions and then watching actors work.  Zachary is married to the beautiful Shannon Roberts and is the proud father of the almost one year old Lila Kate.

Meet new Marketing Director, Alysa Turner!

Originally from Utica, New York, Alysa holds a Bachelor of Science in Theater Arts Management from Ithaca College. She joined Provision Theater as the Assistant Marketing Coordinator in the Spring of 2011 and took the position of Marketing Coordinator for the 2011-2012 Season.

Alysa has lived in Chicago for almost two years and currently works in an administrative capacity for various organizations in the Chicago theatre community including Shattered Globe Theatre, the side project, Theo-Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Oracle Productions’ “Tonight it’s Live,” and Goodman Theatre. Alysa loves  getting the word out about great theater in Chicago! Be sure to “like” Provision Theater Company on Facebook!

Dietrich Bonhoeffer with fellow pacifist, Jean Lasserre in New York - 1931

Provision Theater Company’s current production, BONHOEFFER’S COST, is based on the life of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer – a German clergyman who stood up against Hitler and the Nazis, despite being a committed pacifist.  As the play’s Director Timothy Gregory said, “He was a compelling, paradox of a man; an avowed pacifist plotting the assassination of Hitler.”

Bonhoeffer’s faith and conviction has been recognized world-wide. Martin Luther King even said, “If your opponent has a conscience, then follow Gandhi and non-violence. But if your enemy has no conscience like Hitler, then follow Bonhoeffer.”

But how did this intelligent man of faith, who focused on peace, come to be such an integral part of the active Nazi resistance? Bonhoeffer’s views on morality were most likely what guided him down the path that led to his opposition of Hitler. Bonhoeffer realized early on that he could never swear an oath to Hitler and fight in his army – however, not doing so was potentially a capital offense.

Coincidentally, just as Bonhoeffer began to fear Hitler’s rise, an invitation arrived from the Union Theological Seminary in New York asking him to come to the United States. Bonhoeffer accepted but soon after arriving in the US, he regretted his decision to leave during a time when his homeland was in turmoil. Despite strong pressures from his friends to stay in the U.S., Bonhoeffer forwent his own safety to return to Germany writing, “I have come to the conclusion that I made a mistake in coming to America. I must live through this difficult period in our national history with the people of Germany. I will have no right to participate in the reconstruction of Christian life in Germany after the war if I do not share the trials of this time with my people…Christians in Germany will have to face the terrible alternative of either willing the defeat of their nation in order that Christian civilization may survive or willing the victory of their nation and thereby destroying civilization. I know which of these alternatives I must choose but I cannot make that choice from security.” Bonhoeffer returned to Germany on the last steamer to cross the Atlantic prior to WWII.

Once back in Germany, Bonhoeffer continued to ignore his own safety for the sake of his country and his beliefs. Under cover of the Abwehr, Bonhoeffer served as a courier for the German resistance movement to reveal its existence and intentions and – through his ecumenical contacts abroad – to secure possible peace terms with the Allies for a post-Hitler government. His visits to Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland were camouflaged as legitimate intelligence activities for the Abwehr. Bonhoeffer was also involved in Abwehr operations to help German Jews escape to Switzerland. It was during this time that Bonhoeffer worked on Ethics and wrote letters to keep up the spirits of his former students. He intended Ethics as his magnum opus, but it remained unfinished when he was arrested.

To learn more about the life and beliefs of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, come see BONHOEFFER’S COST at Provision Theater Company, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm now through October 30. Purchase tickets here.

See below a trailer for the new season!

BONHOEFFER’S COST will launch our 2011-2012 season. This exciting new world-premiere play explores the fascinating life of one of the 20th centuries most compelling figures. BONHOEFFER’S COST asks the question, “What is a moral person to do in a time of savage immorality?” That question tormented Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German clergyman of great distinction who actively opposed Hitler and the Nazis. His convictions cost him his life. Bonhoeffer, a highly regarded Lutheran minister who could have kept his peace and saved his life on several occasions, instead paid the ultimate price for his beliefs.

We are hoping to raise $10,000 in order produce this innovative new work. We will shortly begin rehearsals and will be opening September 17th. The $10,000 will be used to pay toward the cost of the production’s technical elements: LIGHTS, SETS, COSTUMES, HAIR, MAKE-UP and SOUND, as well as, promotional materials and video production. We are very excited about this new work and would be very grateful for your support by donating whatever you can. Every little bit helps and we really hope that you can help us make this worthy story come to life on the Provision Theater stage. Thank you so much for your interest in our project and for your continued encouragement and support of our work.

To make a donation, visit us on Kickstarter!

Season tickets are also on sale and can be purchased through our box office at 312-455-0066 or online. Don’t miss the chance to see all 4 shows at a great price!

And, don’t forget to check out our new and improved website at http://www.provisiontheater.org!

And Mom and Dad, don’t forget about Provision Theater’s Summer Camp! This musical theatre based camp is for kids ages 5-11 and teens ages 12-16 who are interested in taking the stage…whether it’s for the first time or the 100th time. Learn more about Provision Theater’s Summer Camp here or join us after the 10am performance of The Wizard of Oz on Saturday, May 14 for a special Summer Camp workshop preview!

Dorothy sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"

"Are you a good witch, or a bad witch?"

"We welcome you to Munchkinland!"

Follow the yellow brick road!

You and your children will be delighted and entertained as you watch the magical adventure of young Dorothy and her dog, Toto, in the magical Land of Oz. When a tornado strikes her Kansas farm, Dorothy and Toto are transported to a mysterious world. Upon exploration, Dorothy meets a colorful assortment of Munchkins and the Good Witch, Glinda; they introduce her to OZ and send her off to the Emerald City to ask the Wizard of Oz to help her find her way back to Kansas. As Dorothy begins her journey, she teams up with the Scarecrow–who wants a brain, the Tinman–who is looking for a heart, and the cowardly Lion–who is seeking courage. This quartet’s adventures lead them to learn that they must face their deepest fears in order to help Dorothy find her way home. Come enjoy many of your favorite songs, such as “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead”, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, and “Somewhere over the Rainbow”. Whether introducing your child to this story for the first time or coming out to relive the joy of this classic musical, your whole family will love The Wizard of Oz!

Get your tickets here!

And as a special opening day treat, Chicago’s own Flirty Cupcakes will be stopping by Provision Theater  at 1001 Roosevelt Road between the 10am and 12pm performances with their Cupcake Truck “Big Blue!” So come see the show and get some Oz themed cupcakes…or stop by for the cupcakes and purchase a ticket for another performance!

THE WIZARD OF OZ is based on the book by L. Frank Baum, adapted by Frank Gabrielson, with Music and Lyrics of the MGM motion picture’s score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg and background Music by Herbert Stothart.

The production will be directed and choreographed by Provision Company member Priscilla Hummel.

The cast includes Sheana Tobey (Dorothy), Greg Foster (Scarecrow), Josh Huppert (Tin Man), Kevin O’Brien (Lion), Amber Burgess (Almira Gulch/Wicked Witch of the West), Katherine Keberlein (Aunt Em/Glinda), Bill Chamberlain (Uncle Henry/Wizard), Victoria Abram-Copenhaver (Head Munchkin/Flying Monkey/Guard), Pilar Grover (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey), Eriq Oplinger (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey), Emily Page (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey), Johnny Rabe (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey), Jadyn Washington (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey), and Abbie Werner (Ensemble Munchkin/Flying Monkey).

Music Director – Amber Burgess
Stage Manager – Liz Quinn
Technical Director – John Gedeon
Assistant Technical Director – Joe Dybdal
Video/Projections Director – Kevin Chatham
Lighting Designer – Gary Echelmeyer
Master Electrician – Devin Carroll
Props Master – Joe Dybdal
Wardrobe Head – Liz Meenan
Scenic Artist – Ashley Woods

THE WIZARD OF OZ runs May 7- June 4.  Performances are Saturdays at 10 am and 12 pm.  Ticket prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children.  All purchases include free parking. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off. For reservations, phone 866.811.4111. You may also visit www.provisiontheater.org

And don’t forget to book your tickets for Wonder Never Cease, running through June 5th every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For tickets, visit http://www.provisiontheater.org.

Matt Klinger as Matt Calahan, Katie Banks as Natalie and Caroline Heffernan as Natalie’s daughter Leah, who begins to see celestial beings.

Ryan Kitley as Kemp McAvoy attempts to manipulate injured movie star Liv Hayden (Holly Bittinger) into believing she too can see angels.

After the show, the cast, crew and audience gathered for the opening night celebration.

 We hope to see you soon! And stay tuned to the blog this week for some information about our upcoming Theater for Young Audiences presentation of The Wizard of Oz, as well as information about a sweet opening day surprise!

Though this is her first Provision show, Caroline has a resume longer than some seasoned performers. She’s already appeared in multiple national commercials and has been on stage at The Goodman, Infusion Theatre Company, Collaboraction Sketchbook and most recently as Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird at Steppenwolf Theatre.

PTC Blog: What was your first performance experience and how long have you been an actress?
I started acting at age 5 in a television commercial for a bank and my first play was “A Christmas Carol” at the Goodman Theatre when I was 8.

PTC Blog: How is it different working on an original show vs. a show that has been done before?
It’s a new experience. In ways, it’s more interesting because you don’t have anyone else who has played the part before you that other people might compare you to. You can put yourself into your character and create her.

PTC Blog: What are the similarities between you and your character, Leah? What are the differences?
We are both alike in the sense that we are near the same age at the same point in history and we both are very creative and like to explore the world and our imaginations. We are different because I don’t see angels, my parents are not divorced and I have a great father. I also have siblings and a loving family and I go to a public school. The last difference is that I live in Chicago and she lives in LA.

PTC Blog: How do you prepare for your roles?
I read the entire script first and memorize my lines. Then, I decide who I think this character would be like physically and emotionally. Next, I go over my lines again the way my character would. I try to become that person as best as I can when I am on stage and with other actors.

PTC Blog: What is it like working with adults everyday?
It’s fun and hard at the same time. I like it when the adults tell jokes and play cards and games with me. I also like adults that figure out who I am as a person and become closer to me. It is hard sometimes when they don’t realize I’m a child and they say and do things they shouldn’t around me. It is also hard if they treat me like I’m too much of a baby.

Starting tonight, you can see Caroline and the rest of the talented cast of Wonders Never Cease every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Provision Theater Company, 1001 Roosevelt Road, Chicago.

For tickets, visit http://www.provisiontheater.org or call 866-811-4111.

And tune into the Provision Theater blog early next week to see photos and updates from opening night!

The cast has been rehearsing for over a month, but this isn’t your average rehearsal process. Since the writer is also the director, the cast has gotten a rare opportunity to provide input on their characters. Holly Bittinger, also new to Provision Theater, plays Liv Hayden, the play’s famous actress who might be a little past her prime by Hollywood standards. “Tim wrote the script but he allowed us all as actors to have input.” she said, “During the rehearsal process, if something didn’t ring true we’d figure out something that worked better.” Holly also used the original novel that the play is based on in her preparation for the role. “There was information in the book about my character that wasn’t included in the dialogue and it helped to inform my choices. It’s definitely a very useful tool.” Anna Dynarski, who is making her professional theatre debut as Annie, agrees, “Tim (Gregory) is very open to your ideas and how you think your character would say something… you have more liberty with this kind of script.”

Jobe Cerny, who plays Hollywood agent Morty Biederman, and Mike Wollner who plays Wes, are also new to Provision Theater, although you’ll probably still recognize them. Both have extensive national commercial resumes and as well as appearing in quite a few films. Jobe observes that Chicago is “a very healthy theatre city, with a lot of organizations that foster new works. It’s interesting to help create a new script that will go on to have a life after words and I think it’s an important thing for actors to do.” Mike Wollner agrees and details how he was able to use his improvisational and on camera training during the process. “We’ve been able to work on and tighten the script through improve techniques and that’s kind of how it works on a film set. That whole process is a big workshop.” What sets this show apart from the actor’s standpoint is the fact that they have had the chance to be the first to develop their characters, working directly with one of the people who helped create them. And it’s a rare opportunity for the performers to be able to participate in the development of a new work. As Mike summed it up for us, “The classics are great, but you don’t get to workshop Shakespeare.”

Next on the Provision Theater blog…an interview with the youngest star of Wonders Never Cease, Caroline Heffernan!

Wonders Never Cease is adapted and directed by Tim Gregory, Artistic Director of Provision Theater.

The cast includes;

Katie Banks (Natalie)
Ryan Kitley (Kemp McAvoy)
Jobe Cerny (Morty Biedermen)
Holly Bittinger (Liv Hayden / Ensemble)
Sean Bolger (Tino Gambati / Ensemble)
Mike Wollner (Wes Kalamar / Ensemble)
Caroline Heffernan (Leah)
Matt Klingler (Matt Calahan / Ensemble)
Mike Rogalski (Armantrout / Ensemble)
Anna Dynarski (Annie / Ensemble)
Frederick Williams (Emmet / Ensemble)
Danielle White (Shanice Rodriguez)

The production team includes;

Matthew McMullen (Stage Manager)
Jordan Danz (Production Manager
John Gedeon (Technical Director)
Jim Poole (Video/Projections Director)
Inseung Park (Set Designer)
Isaac B. Turner (Costume Designer)
Gary Echelmeyer (Lighting Designer)
Joe Dybdal (Assistant Technical Director and Props Designer)
Devin Carroll (Assistant Lighting Designer and Master Electrician)
Liz Meenan (Assistant Costume Designer)
Ashley Woods (Scenic Artist)
Rebecca Cagney (Assistant Stage Manger)

WONDERS NEVER CEASE runs April 30- June 5 on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($28) and Sundays at 3 p.m. ($25).  Ticket prices include free parking.

Remember, groups of 10 or more receive 10% off!

For reservations, phone 866.811.4111. You may also visit www.provisiontheater.org.

And stay tuned to the Provision Theater Blog for insider info, cast and crew interviews and more news about Wonders Never Cease!