Blithe Spirit
Noël Coward’s delightfully cheeky comedy about love, death, and things that go bump in the séance. When fussy novelist Charles Condomine accidentally conjures the ghost of his glamorous (and gloriously mischievous) first wife, Elvira, his current marriage is haunted—literally—by supernatural chaos. With a wildly eccentric medium, snappy banter, and more ectoplasm than etiquette, Blithe Spirit is a wickedly witty romp that proves the afterlife has never been so lively
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This production made possible by the generous support of Mark and Michelle Klaiber.
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The Ensemble
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Jessica Iannitello (Elvira) is happy to be haunting the Forst Inn stage once again! You may have seen her earlier this season as Frances in 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress, or last season in an array of shows including The Play That Goes Wrong, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and RENT. She’d like to thank Hannah as well as Karter and Ash for their tireless work and dedication, and Michael for the artistic home he’s provided at the Forst. She would like to dedicate this performance to her family’s beloved late dog Ellie, the original Elvira - who was nothing at all like this Elvira but not just because she was a dog. Jess hopes this show resonates with you, but if it resonates too much perhaps you should call an exorcist at the diocese of Green Bay. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!
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Kiana Liesch (Edith) is excited to make her Forst Inn debut with this amazing cast and crew. Some recent credits include Germaine in Never The Sinner and Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing. Playing Edith has been a fun opportunity to play a character that does a lot while saying a little. Just like Edith, Kiana is often seen rushing about. Though Kiana prefer knitting and taking care of her pets rather than cleaning someone else’s home. She would like to thank everyone at Forst for this opportunity and their hard work. This show has been a joy to work on. Kiana would also like to thank her family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!
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Jessica Oppeneer (Mrs. Bradman) is absolutely thrilled to be appearing in her second Forst Inn show in as many seasons. You may have seen her singing and dancing in last year's Young Frankenstein, or singing and dancing earlier this year in Masquers’ Camelot. Come back to the Inn in September to see her singing and dancing in Swing!
When not on stage, Jessica stays busy trying new recipes, watching classic movies, and running her bookkeeping business. She is grateful to Hannah for trusting her to play an obnoxious, nosy loudmouth like Mrs. Bradman, despite the fact that she has definitely never displayed any of those qualities in real life before. Jessica is also grateful for this wonderful cast and production team, and friendships old and new. Enjoy the show! |
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Shannon Paige is as “fit as a fiddle” taking on the role Madame Arcati. She loves her care free spirit and feels everyone should channel their inner Arcati more often. She just wrapped up “Throwing Stones at the Sun”, but has been involved in a handful of productions over the years. She loves laughter and hopes to hear a lot of it during this run. When not at the Inn, which has been very rare this summer, she enjoys being around her friends and family, going to supper clubs, and hanging out with her child Olive. Now sit back, have a cucumber sandwich, wash it down with a dry martini, and enjoy yourself!
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Samuel Schoepp (Charles) has only one wife (alive, not "passed over"), Beth, with whom he raises their two children. As he takes every opportunity to overwhelm himself with theater, Sam decided it would be a good idea to do two shows that perform within two weeks of one another. He was onstage at the Forst in late July as Ignatius in Throwing Stones At the Sun, a brand new musical by Jace Seavers. Sam is incredibly thankful to the cast and crew, whose friendships are the reason to be a part of any theater, his director Hannah for the heart and soul she pours into her passions, and all those behind the scenes that help each work come to life and support the daily operations of the Forst Inn. As always, he remains ever appreciative of everything his talented and supportive wife does-- both for him and for the development of young performers on the Lakeshore. This program is made possible by charitable contributions to the Forst Inn and by viewers like you, thank you!
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Joey Simmons (Dr. Bradman) is thrilled to don the coat of Dr. Bradman in Noël Coward’s Blithe Spirit. This marks his second appearance at the Forst Inn—after previously playing the Mad Hatter in their production of Alice by Heart. He has enjoyed sinking his teeth into Coward’s sharp British wit and the show’s paranormal twists. Next up, he’ll return to the Forst Inn stage in its September production of Swing the Musical. He hopes you enjoy the performance—no matter which side of the grave you’re watching from.
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Olivia Weyenberg (Ruth) is excited to be making her Forst Inn Debut! She is currently a Junior BFA Acting and Media Studies Major at the University of Wisconsin-Steven’s Point. She will also be entering the world of ghosts and spirits again this coming fall as Jane Doe in UWSP’s Ride the Cyclone. Some recent/favorite credits are Ensemble in A Cry of Players, Anastasia in Anastasia, and Mrs. Bennett in Pride & Prejudice. Olivia wants to thank the dedicated cast and crew for their work on this show, and the kindness that everyone has given her as a newbie to the space. She would also like to thank her extremely supportive family and acting teachers who have inspired her beyond measure. Unlike Ruth, Olivia does not have a husband to boss around in her free time, but she does like to play guitar and banjo obsessively! She hopes you have a riveting time with the show, but maybe not too much, otherwise you’ll need to see a “nerve specialist.” ;)
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Stage Direction - Hannah Otto
Stage Management - Karter Mueller Scenic Design - Phillip Jindra Set Construction - Phillip Jindra, Jon Medendorp Set Dressing - Jon Medendorp Scenic Painting - Missy Wendorf Costumes - Claran LaViolette Properties - Ash Stokes Assistant Director - Em Schaller |
Tessa Jindra - Photography, Production Coordinator
Shannon Paige - House Management Emilee Carroll - Board Liaison The play is set in the home of Charles and Ruth Condomine. Act I: 90 Minutes Intermission Act II: 45 Minutes |
Ticket Pricing is Set by Table Type
Saver Tables (Orange Tables) $20 Youth, $24 Senior/Student/Military; $28 Adult
Tier One Tables (Blue Tables) $20 Youth, $30 Senior/Student/Military; $33 Adult
Click on seats to select ticket type and reserve.
Tables 12 & 23 are good options for wheelchair or limited mobility access.
Saver Tables (Orange Tables) $20 Youth, $24 Senior/Student/Military; $28 Adult
Tier One Tables (Blue Tables) $20 Youth, $30 Senior/Student/Military; $33 Adult
Click on seats to select ticket type and reserve.
Tables 12 & 23 are good options for wheelchair or limited mobility access.
