Thoughts on Morrie by Brad Armacost

1. Which line in the play would you use to depict your character?

“It’s hard to find your way in life. The accidental journeys, the unexpected questions. We can’t always do it on our own. We need teachers…”

2. What are three words you would use to describe your character?

Alive. Aware. Present.

3. What role does your character play in this story?

I remember sitting at our first “table read” for this play and announcing that I didn’t particularly think of Morrie as a saintly guru, dispensing wisdom from the lofty perch of deeper awareness and knowledge. This was a man who lived a very blessed life, doing the job he loved and with a family around him. That he was faced (as all of us will be) with the prospect of his own death, arguably after a rich and fruitful life, was not of itself reason to confer the title of WISE MAN.
In the weeks we spent rehearsing and bringing the story to the stage my appreciation for Morrie and his desire to turn his “final journey” into yet another teaching experience and to pass along the gift of forgiveness has continued grow. Working again with Tim, getting to know Colin and Denise, working with the design and stage team of Carl, Jessica and Matt, and the entire Provision family are all essential parts of my continuing to embrace the man and the message.

4. What really connects to you from Mitch’s/Morries life?

If one laments: “I wasn’t blessed with an avuncular mentor, sage, and resident wise counselor.” Perhaps we should consider another wise man’s advice; that we look to the faces of the poor, the suffering and the children to help us learn life’s lessons.

5. What do you think audiences will go away with after seeing this?

That the “Morries” in our lives are present everywhere. In the least likely places, on the humblest of faces we can find the simple (yet profound) truths that are shared in this play. “We must love one another or die.” 

6. Why do you think this show is worth producing?

Morrie’s words to Mitch: “Farhaltisht deine licht unter a shorten.”

Meet Mitch…

Provision Theater Company Member Colin Wasmund takes on the role of Mitch Albom in our upcoming production of Tuesdays With Morrie. We asked him a few questions about the show and his character…

Which line in the play would you use to depict your character?

The character is past and present, so two lines:

Past: “Maybe the person who doesn’t love has more freedom than the person who does. A person who does not love is free to accomplish things, free to experience the world, free of the pain when someone leaves them.”

Present: “If you lead your life as Morrie did, with people as the priority, making memories, giving of yourself, then when you die, you’re not really gone. You live inside the hearts of everyone you’ve ever touched.”

What are three words you would use to describe your character?

Curious, Driven, Anxious

What role does your character play in this story?

The storyteller, really. The story is relayed through Mitch’s memory.

What really connects to you from Mitch’s life?

The overall relationship and the mentorship within the relationship. I can connect with how special it is to have a person like that in your life. Someone who has truly shaped who you are. Someone who was able to break down the barriers that once imprisoned the person you wanted to be instead of the person you thought you should be.

What do you think audiences will go away with after seeing Tuesdays With Morrie?

That is always impossible to determine. If nothing else, I think folks will walk away with a deep and rediscovered love for the special people who are and were in their lives.

Why do you think this show is worth producing?
 
Because it’s an honest, true, and a meaningful story with a focus on relationship. Relationships with the special people in our lives are often parts of our lives that are not given enough attention and they are often overlooked while our focus falls upon our work, money, success, and individual achievement.

Meet Kona and Patrick!

Take a look at some of Kona and Patrick’s thoughts about working in Heaven, How I Got Here!

Patrick

Patrick is making his debut with Provision Theater in Heaven, How I Got Here. He is a member of Inhabit Theater Company based out of McHenry and also has a “futuristic thriller” short-film named The Return coming out at the end of this year. He is slated to star in a film adaptation of the legend of Bigfoot that shoots in summer of 2016.

His father was a successful Chicago businessman before retirement (Bornquist, Inc.) and his brother Andy runs a successful lacrosse company that currently serves the Midwest (New Wave Lacrosse www.newwavelax.com)

What from HHIGH speaks to you personally?

Levi’s story speaks to me. It’s pretty universal. Every person from every class and/or race has a reason to fight back and start a revolution. It sometimes seems like a logical side effect of cultures mixing. Levi succumbs to this desire. But it’s too easy to fight for only your temporal side. There is a third option and that is the harder option and that is Christ. Laying down the swords and taking that leap of faith to follow Christ.

What do you want the audience to walk away with after they see HHIGH?

I would like the audiences to walk away inspired to take that Higher Option. Please, let’s stop the fighting and look up toward Heaven. Everyone ALWAYS has a response to any sort of gripe or complaint between classes, cultures and races. It won’t end unless we lay down our swords. And then immediately after surrendering we must fill the vacuum before the devil does.

Is there anything about your character that you can identify with personally?

Being worldly and enjoying many blessings in the professional world but then experiencing a “fall from grace” of sorts and coming out a better person in the end (of course my journey on earth is still continuing).

Any other projects or companies you work for that you want to mention?

I am a member of Inhabit Theater Company based out of McHenry and also have a “futuristic thriller” short-film named The Return coming out at the end of this year. I am slated to star in a film adaptation of the legend of Bigfoot that shoots in summer of 2016.

Kona

Kona is also new to Provision Theater, she is a part of Hope 31:9 Theatre Company and her next project is Milk Like Sugar with The Yard Theatre Company at Raven Theatre in January 2016. She teaches English and Drama at Sullivan House High School.

What from HHIGH speaks to you personally?

What speaks to me most is how the grace and love of God is manifested until the final moments of life and beyond.  It is also a humanistic examination of how we all have a story of how we have gotten to the point that we are at in life.

What do you want the audience to walk away with after they see HHIGH?

It is my greatest hope that if audiences don’t walk away with a more spiritual connectedness, they will walk away with a positive experience that will manifest into creating more good in the world.

Is there anything about your character that you can identify with personally?

I portray various characters, but I enjoy portraying the mother of two very strong-willed boys, as that is a reflection of real-life for me!

Meet the Thief

What if you woke up one morning knowing that it was your last day on earth? That’s what happened to the thief on the cross, who died a few feet from Jesus.  Heaven, How I Got Here is his story, told in his own words, as he looks back from Heaven on the day that changed his eternity. This exciting world-premiere production and is adapted and directed by Provision’s Founding Artistic Director Timothy Gregory. The role of thief is played by Provision Theater Ensemble Member Rod Armentrout who answered a few questions about his experience with the show.

Rod Armentrout in Heaven, How I Got Here

What is it about this show that speaks to you?
The same thing that has always touched me as a follower of Jesus – an infinitely patient, loving and perfect God has provided a redemptive pathway (through His son) to a short-tempered, insufferable and imperfect creature like me.

Is there anything about your character that you can identify with personally?
Levi is a man who is broken and wounded (due to circumstances beyond his control and circumstances of his own making) and often responds by lashing out in anger and pointing the finger at others.  Sounds familiar.

What do you want the audience to walk away with after they see Heaven, How I Got Here?
One of the main themes of the piece is taking personal responsibility.  I would want the audience to consider afresh how easy it can be for us humans to see the fatal flaws in others, but not in ourselves.

Rod Armentrout in rehearsal

Anne with an “E”: Introducing Mary-Margaret Roberts as Anne Shirley

“And people laugh at me because I use big words. But if you have big ideas you have to use big words to express them, haven’t you?” -Anne Shirley

Mary-Margaret Roberts

With her iconic red braids and indomitable spirit, Anne Shirley is one of literature’s most beloved characters. Taking on the challenge of bringing Anne to life onstage in Provision Theater for Young Audience’s world-premiere adaptation of Anne of Green Gables is Chicago actress Mary-Margaret Roberts. Since graduating from Western Illinois University with a MFA in Acting, Roberts has called Chicago home for two-and-a-half years and worked with theaters such as Fox Valley Rep, Emerald City, Metropolis, and the Factory Theatre.  We asked Roberts a few questions about her experience with Provision and playing Anne Shirley.

Tell me a little about the character you play in Anne of Green Gables.

“Anne Shirley is one of the most interesting characters I have ever played.  Her vocabulary is incredible and her love for the world around her is so infinite. I love how her relationships with everyone in the story grow into something so beautiful and meaningful.  You can’t help but love ANNE!!”

Why do you think Anne of Green Gables remains so popular generations after it was published?

“It’s an incredible story! I re-read the book again in preparation for this show, and Lucy Maud Montgomery draws you in through every sentence she composes.  Everyone, boy and girl, alike can relate to Anne in someway, whether through her relationships, her crazy antics, her love for those closest to her, or her extreme positivity in all aspects of her life.”

Mary-Margaret Roberts as Anne Shirley and Jaclyn Holtzman as Diana Barry

 What has it been like bringing such a beloved character and story to life onstage?

“This rehearsal process has been a blast! Anne, though quite the challenging character, is nothing but a joy to play! The cast is amazing to work with and so supportive, and I think everyone plays their parts so incredibly well.  I have fun everyday with this cast and this famous literary character!”

Anne of Green Gables starts performances on March 14 and runs through April 19. Visit http://www.provisiontheater.org for more information.

Meet the Cast of CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR!

Gather around for Yolanda and Percival B. Frank’s annual Christmas radio show! As the live studio audience, you’ll enjoy the on-air magic and get a glimpse at the lessons being learned behind the scenes. Filled with classic Christmas music and stories, this charming and nostalgic show is sure to warm your heart this holiday season!

Meet the cast of CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR below!

Laurie Empen (Yolanda Frank) is excited to make her PROVISION THEATER debut with such a fun cast and crew, after taking a seven year hiatus from the stage. Some of that time away involved earning a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Development (Erikson Institute) and starting her own business, Ms. Laurie’s Play Group http://www.mslauries.org. Other credits include work with Steppenwolf, Remy Bumppo, Porchlight, Apple Tree, Silk Road,and Theatre at the Center. Regionally, she has performed for New American Theater, Festival Theatre, New Court Theatre and TimberLake Playhouse. Enjoy!

 

Veronica Garza (Sylvia White) is so excited to be a part of Provision Theater for the holiday season. Some of her favorite Chicago theatre credits include: Theatre at the Center, American Blues Theater, Circle Theatre, Lifeline Theatre, Fox Valley Repertory and Quest Theatre Ensemble. She would like to thank her amazing parents for their constant love and support. Veronica could not imagine a life in the arts without the guidance of her mom and dad. Merry Christmas everyone!

 

 

Tom McElroy* (Percival B. Frank) is very pleased to have his Provision Theater debut. In Chicago Tom has performed with Chicago Shakespeare (Montague and Capulet in Romeo & Juliet), Timeline Theatre (William Crocker in The Farnsworth Invention– Jeff Award), Marcus Hubbard in Another Part Of The Forest at Eclipse Theatre (Jeff Award) as well as The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Court, Next, Red Twist, A Red Orchid, and many more. Regional credits include Van Helsing in Dracula (IRT and The Geva) and most recently Frank in Weekend Comedy (New Theater Restaurant and The Alhambra). Film includes The Dark Knight, What If…, Contagion and many independent features, shorts, and industrials. On Television, Early Edition, Prison Break, The Chicago Code, and Chicago Fire. Tom voiced Rayford Steele in the Left Behind Dramatic Audio Series (144 episodes) and multiple characters in The Twilight Zone, The New Adventures Of Mickey Spillane’s Mike Hammer and Unshackled radio dramas. Tom is a proud member of Actor’s Equity.

 

Jordan Taylor (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be making his on-stage debut with Provision Theatre! Chicago credits include The Broadway workshop Kennedy (Joe Jr.), Legally Blonde (Emmett), Spamalot (Ensemble), Big Fish (Don Price), Zombie Prom (Joey), Godspell (John the Baptist), Leaving Iowa (Don), The Allen Young Show (Allen Young), Singing in the Rain (Ensemble), and most recently Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom). You may also see him regularly in his very own cabaret at Davenports Piano Bar. Jordan would like to thank the entire production team including Tim for this opportunity. Love to his mom and dad. This one is for grandma.

 

Elizabeth Telford (Kitty McNally) Elizabeth is thrilled to join Provision Theatre for this production of Christmas on the Air. A Georgia native, she earned her BFA in musical theatre from Shorter University in Rome, GA. Since then, she has worked regionally with such theatres as the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Skylight Music Theatre, and First Stage Theatre, and in Chicago with the Music Theatre Company, Porchlight Music Theatre, Boho Theatre, and the Marriott Theatre.

 

Patrick Tierney (Danny “the Kid” Frank) is thrilled to be working with Provision for the first time, especially at this time of year. Previous Chicago-area credits include: Beverly Hillbillies: The Musical, Spelling Bee, A Christmas Carol (Theatre at the Center), Oliver! (Drury Lane Oakbrook), Hello, Dolly!, Camelot (Light Opera Works), and many a fairy tale with Chicago Kids Company. Next up: Les Mis (Paramount Theatre). A Southwest Side of Chicago native, Patrick holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Illinois University. Many thanks to Kyle and Tim for this opportunity!

 

Anne Marie Lewis (Yolanda Frank Understudy) Pittsburgh native Anne Marie Lewis, thrilled to be working with Provision Theater, has called Chicago home since earning a Master of Music in Voice Performance from Northwestern University. Vocal performances: Carnegie Hall, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Chicago Opera Theatre, Boise Philharmonic, Pine Mountain Music Festival, and Arkansas, Richmond, Sheboygan, Battle Creek, La Crosse and Ann Arbor Symphonies. Theatre work: Chamber Opera Chicago (Persuasion, The Sound of Music, Pride and Prejudice), Light Opera Works (Red Mill, One Night in Venice), Fury Theatre (Merry Wives of Windsor), Remy Bumppo (Northanger Abbey), Three Cat Productions (Netta at Ninety) and The Auction House (Marriage).

 

Jonathon Reichart (Danny “the Kid” Fank/Stage Manager Understudy) is thrilled to be working with Provision Theatre for the first time. Jonathon is a recent graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University with his BFA in Acting. Recently, he has performed in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre’s Merry Wives of Windsor(John) and Seussical(Wickersham u/s). All the thanks and love to MKDK.

 

 

Ann Marie White (Kitty McNally/Sylvia White Understudy) is delighted to join the cast and crew of Christmas on the Air for her first production at Provision. This fall, Ann Marie’s Chicago performances included Lily Bart in The House of Mirth at Stage 773 and Nellie in The Scarlet Sisters Everleigh. Her compositions were featured in The Agency’s At the Center and Transcendent’s Something Wicked. Ann Marie’s favorite projects from 2013 include the title role in Astor Piazzola’s tango opera Maria de Buenos Aires, and the premiere of Janice Hamer’s The Lost Childhood with the National Philharmonic. Learn more at annmariewhitesoprano.com.

*Member of Actors’ Equity

A Conversation with Brad Armacost

As we approach the closing weekend of C.S. LEWIS ON STAGE, company member Brad Armacost reflects on his experience of bring a literary icon to life on the Provision stage.

Brad Armacost as C.S. Lewis

For many, C.S. Lewis made an impression on them as a young reader. What was your first introduction or first memory of the work of C.S. Lewis?
I suppose my first introduction to CS Lewis was the through the world of Narnia and our Encyclopedia Britannica. When I shared my delight in reading The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe with my father he sent me off immediately to learn more about this fascinating man who was equally at home writing for adults, children, academics, philosophers and theologians. I remember my father being delighted that I took an interest in Lewis’ work, as he considered him “one of us.” I never never really knew what he meant by that. Maybe it was that Lewis was Irish or that his writings on Christianity were quite in line with my father’s own views. I choose to think it was because my father recognized Lewis’ appeal to the common man. That universal voice rings as clearly today as it did fifty years ago.

Do you have a favorite work by C.S. Lewis?
A Grief Observed is probably not an obvious choice as a Lewis favorite, but the generosity of spirit is evident even as he kicks and screams and yells at God in his grief. As he expresses doubt he shows us our doubts and anguishes are part of our growth as human beings. It helps us understand that “bereavement is a universal and integral part of our experience of love.”

Why do you think C.S. Lewis is such a compelling figure?
His writing is full of grace, humor and heart. His generosity of spirit. That he shared with the world the things he knew and loved in such a delightful fashion.

How does it feel to return to a role you’ve played before?
Its been about seven years and I’d like to think I’m a bit wiser (wishful thinking). I’ve seen my son grow into a fine young man headed off to school in Boston this fall (our only child). I’ve had the honor of playing CS Lewis in SHADOWLANDS here at Provision. Coming back to this role is like slipping on a comfortable, well worn pair of shoes. It’s our job to polish them and walk with you through this gentleman’s world on this particular night. It’s a glorious journey and one I’m honored to be taking with Tim and all of the folks at Provision.

Brad Armacost as C.S. Lewis

Fishers of Men: An Interview with Rod Armentrout and Mark Demel

The story of the apostles Peter and Andrew gets a modern update in the play ‘Fish Eyes’, which plays at Provision Theater from February 8^th-March 31^st. Rod Armentrout and Mark Demel are the two actors that have performed the play across the country for over ten years. Armentrout and Demel sat down and spoke about the energy of the play, how it has changed, and how working together has made the show what it is today.

 

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You two have been performing ‘Fish Eyes’ together since 1998. Has every performance brought something new to the work?

 

Rod– One of the things that has been fun over the last couple of years is that we haven’t been performing the show in its entirety. We usually perform pieces of it at churches or schools. So it’s really exiting to do the whole thing in one chunk of time.

 

Mark– It’s a piece we know well, so now we’re able to play with it and find new things. As an actor, one of things that’s really fun is when a play is organic. It’s sort of alive. It’s not the same every night. You might have a whole new feeling each scene. The goal is that you keep the play alive and tingling. It’s great when you find a new quality that helps with that sort of vibrancy.

 

Rod– We often walk off after doing the show and say, ‘Well, that was different’ [Laughs]. But sometimes it’s a good different. Sometimes it’s not. One time, we went to Phoenix, doing the whole play and I was on the verge of being sick. I was getting worse and worse throughout the night. That was not one of the fun organic moments. But we pulled through.

 

You guys are playing characters that are 2000 years old. How is the play relatable to modern audiences?

 

Rod– The writers [Ted Schwartz and Lee Eschelmen] wrote the play in a very current vernacular. It’s just like ordinary guys talking. There isn’t a strange sound to the language, so it makes it very approachable. Also, the stuff that people were dealing with 2000 years ago are the same things that people deal with now. Same kinds of struggles. Different context and circumstances, but still the same struggle.

 

Mark– The 2000 years between when they were walking on the planet and now…There’s a lot of ‘scrubbing’ that happens in their story. What I like about this play is that it makes you think about what happened between the lines in scripture. For example, many times in the show, Peter and Andrew travel a certain distance to go to a town. Well, you just brush over that when you read scripture, and the truth is that that trip might have been a day-and-a half walk. Just imagine what takes place during the day-and-a-half! Think of a road trip you take with your friends where you’re going to visit a place and you’re in the car together and you sleep in the car… that’s the kind of stuff that took place with them, albeit in different situations, but that’s what’s so interesting- these guys were real people! In fact, there’s a scene in the play where one of the guys- Peter- wants to quit. Now, scripture never talks about that. [Rod laughs] But it’s entirely possible that these guys got so confused that they wanted to walk away and they didn’t understand what they were capable of.

 

Rod– And I think that’s one of the things relatable to anyone in any time. Everyone knows what that feeling of frustration is. It connects to audiences everywhere.

 

Has the show surprised you in any way?

 

Rod– Audience reaction is always a surprise. Sometimes it just depends on the crowd. My experience as an actor is that audiences have their own personalities and respond according to that personality. Sometimes it’s more reserved and not as responsive, and sometimes other audiences want to have fun. That has always been a consistent thing with me. Audiences are different and change. After living with the play for such a long time you find new things. One of the ways Mark and I check with each other is by asking ‘Are we still listening to each other? Are we still finding those moments? We’re not slipping into Autopilot, are we?’ Mark’s great about that. He pushes and tries different things and hopefully I’ll respond to those differences he throws at me.

 

Mark– One of the reasons we chose to do this play again is because it’s gotten a good response from the audiences we perform for. We expect people to enjoy it when they come and see it.

 

In a phrase, or a few words, what is this play about?

 

Rod– Faith when you don’t know what’s going on. Following when you have no clue.

 

Mark– It’s about that gap between what you know and what you hope for. It’s about how some people can follow that path even when there’s a gap they have to step over, and others can’t.

 

Provision Theater is located at 1001 W. Roosevelt St. To purchase tickets, call 312-455-0066. Prices range from $10-$32. 

Provision Theater 2012-2013 Season Teaser

Provision Theater’s 2012-2013 season will engage our hearts, stimulate our minds, and touch our souls. Click on the image above to watch a teaser video for a special sneak peak!

Announcing our 2012-2013 Season!

MAINSTAGE SUBSCRIPTION SERIES

Shaw vs Chesterton | Sept 7 – Oct 28

Based on actual debates and exchanges, George Bernard Shaw and G.K. Chesterton – two of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century – square off in what proves to be one of the most electric, humorous and relevant war of words in modern history. How do you remain good friends when you disagree on just about everything? Let these two “debaters of the century” show you. Witness actual exchanges between these great intellectual heavyweights as they battle it out over multiple topics that sound remarkably relevant today. The play also explores the complexities and deep admiration these “friendly enemies” had for each other that solidified there relationship for decades.

Starring Provision Theater Company member Brad Armacost

Adapted and arranged by Timothy Gregory

Directed by Timothy Gregory

 

The Christmas Miracle of Jonothan Toomey | Nov 23 – Dec 23

After a critically acclaimed world-premiere production last season, this beautiful, moving holiday treat is back by popular demand. When a broken-hearted boy loses the treasured wooden nativity given to him by his now deceased father, his mother goes to the local woodcarver in hopes of obtaining a replacement. Jonathan Toomey, known to the village as “Mr. Gloomy” takes the job – but refuses to promise anything by Christmas. But when Thomas decides to watch the woodcarver work, the commission takes their relationship to unexpected places; even as Christmas approaches, the real miracle is the transformation created in each of their lives.

Starring Provision Theater Company member Susan Moniz

Based on the award-winning children’s book by Susan Wojchiechowski

Written by Timothy Gregory and Michael Mahler

Directed by Timothy Gregory

 

Fish Eyes | Feb 9 – Mar 31 

A routine morning in a small fishing town. Two brothers. Fishermen who had a poor catch last night. They have no idea that they’re about to encounter a man who will change their lives forever. This stranger is different, simple, wise, vulnerable but strong. They soon learn more about him and in the process, themselves. Full of surprises, questions, confusion, pain, joy, and miracles. The story of Jesus and the disciples has fascinated us for two thousand years. Fish-Eyes is another look at how this God-man affected the world through two very human sets of eyes- Peter and Andrew. It’s humorous, identifiable, simple… and sure to move you.

Starring Provision Theater Company member Rod Armentrout

Written by Lee Eshleman and Ted Swartz

Directed by Ingrid DeSanctis

 

Spoon River Anthology | May 3 – June 16

This exciting new theatrical adaptation of Edgar Lee Masters’ classic poem cycle explores the accounts of a fictional small town’s triumphs and failures, and loves and losses, based on epitaphs from the town’s gravestones. Don’t miss this astonishingly stirring and emotionally satisfying offering. The dead, “sleeping on the hill” in their village cemetery, awaken to tell the truth about their lives. Tales of war, poverty, religion, and marriage among many other themes in this gossipy detail of middle America.

Starring Provision Theater Company member Lia Mortensen

Adapted and arranged by Timothy Gregory

Directed by Timothy Gregory

 

THEATER FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES

Jack and the Beanstalk | Sept 22 – Oct 27

NOTE: This production is not part of the Provision Theater subscription series

Join us for an afternoon of magic, wonder, and imagination! Provision Theater for Young Audiences is proud to present a musical rendition of one of America’s most beloved classic fairy tales. When a mysterious man convinces Jack to trade his cow–his family’s last valuable possession–in exchange for a handful of magic beans, our hero’s world is turned upside down! Will he be able to make it all the way up to the castle in the clouds, rescue the princess from the Giant’s lair, and make it back down the beanstalk safe and sound? Only time will tell…

Written by Marc Robin

Directed by Provision Theater Education Director Priscilla Hummel