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May 19 and 26 @ 7:30
May 20 and 27 @ 4:00 May 21 and 28 @ 2:00 Tickets $20 Per Night Unlimited Pass: $50 (Valid for any/all nights) |
A non-juried one act festival. Producers submit an application to participate and six producers are drawn by random drawing. One hour slots (10 minute setup, 40 minute performance, 10 minute strike).
Please Note: Starting times for the second and third shows on each date are approximate. If you are not planning on arriving for the first show, please arrive at least fifteen minutes before the scheduled start time of the show.
This production is part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running March 1 – June 30, 2023, presented by the Ten Chimneys Foundation. To learn more visit www.worldpremierewisconsin.com.
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Arrive early and enjoy music in the pub before the show as well as the musical delight of John Rybski.
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The Actor's Nightmare, by Christopher Durang
Performing May 20 @ 6:00, May 26 @ 9:30, May 28 @ 4:00
Directed by Michael Sheeks
Having casually wandered onstage, George is informed that one of the actors, Eddie, has been in an auto accident and he must replace him immediately. Apparently no one is sure of what play is being performed but George (costumed as Hamlet) seems to find himself in the middle of a scene from Private Lives, surrounded by such luminaries as Sarah Siddons, Dame Ellen Terry and Henry Irving. As he fumbles through one missed cue after another the other actors shift to Hamlet, then a play by Samuel Beckett, and then a climactic scene from what might well be A Man for All Seasons—by which time the disconcerted George has lost all sense of contact with his fellow performers. Yet, in the closing moments of the play, he rises to the occasion and finally says the right lines, whereupon make-believe suddenly gives way to reality as the executioner’s axe (meant for Sir Thomas Moore) instead sends poor George to oblivion—denying him a well-earned curtain call.
Performing May 20 @ 6:00, May 26 @ 9:30, May 28 @ 4:00
Directed by Michael Sheeks
Having casually wandered onstage, George is informed that one of the actors, Eddie, has been in an auto accident and he must replace him immediately. Apparently no one is sure of what play is being performed but George (costumed as Hamlet) seems to find himself in the middle of a scene from Private Lives, surrounded by such luminaries as Sarah Siddons, Dame Ellen Terry and Henry Irving. As he fumbles through one missed cue after another the other actors shift to Hamlet, then a play by Samuel Beckett, and then a climactic scene from what might well be A Man for All Seasons—by which time the disconcerted George has lost all sense of contact with his fellow performers. Yet, in the closing moments of the play, he rises to the occasion and finally says the right lines, whereupon make-believe suddenly gives way to reality as the executioner’s axe (meant for Sir Thomas Moore) instead sends poor George to oblivion—denying him a well-earned curtain call.
Ensemble
Gavin Annette - George Spelvin
Em Schaller - Meg
Vicki Svacina - Sarah Siddons
Megan Schauer - Ellen Terry
Sean Stalvey - Henry Irving
Ross Dippel - Executioner
Gavin Annette - George Spelvin
Em Schaller - Meg
Vicki Svacina - Sarah Siddons
Megan Schauer - Ellen Terry
Sean Stalvey - Henry Irving
Ross Dippel - Executioner
Producer Bio: Michael enjoyed a coastal childhood in southern New Jersey, adulting and parenting in Minnesota's Twin Cities, and has been in NE Wisconsin for this most recent part of his journey since 2016. He is currently the Artistic Director of The Forst Inn Arts Collective and a lecturer for the UWGB system. Michael holds a BA in English (what are you gonna do with it!?!), an MA in English Education, and an MFA in Directing. Past adventures include COO of Funsteps, Inc, Artistic Director of Eat Street Players, thirteen years in K-12 education, Chapter Director of the MN Thespians, and other random stuff. He misses spending more time with his two adult children, who are living busy lives in Minnesota.
Deeper Meaning, by Martin Prevost
Performing May 19 @ 9:30, May 21 @ 2:00, May 27 @ 5:00
World Premiere
A college student goes to see their British Literature professor to discuss a paper they've written on Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning. What starts out as a simple discussion of the deeper meaning behind the poem turns into discussion of the deeper meaning of life and how sometimes things are not always as they seem. And until you see the deeper meaning behind life you may never truly know what haunts a someone's past.
Performing May 19 @ 9:30, May 21 @ 2:00, May 27 @ 5:00
World Premiere
A college student goes to see their British Literature professor to discuss a paper they've written on Porphyria's Lover by Robert Browning. What starts out as a simple discussion of the deeper meaning behind the poem turns into discussion of the deeper meaning of life and how sometimes things are not always as they seem. And until you see the deeper meaning behind life you may never truly know what haunts a someone's past.
Eric D. Westphal (Professor Robert Kinley) makes his Forest Inn debut with Deeper Meaning, but he has been acting for most of his life. He has a degree in theater from Lawrence University in Appleton and has been performing with groups from Green Bay to Milwaukee, having most recently appeared as the Narrator/Adult Ralph in A Christmas Story with Evergreen Theater. You can hear Eric doing his day job each weekday from 2-7pm on 103.1 WOGB. He thanks you for supporting local theater and hopes you enjoy the show!
Raechal Wozniak-Sanford (Chris Kidd) will have her first time performing at The Forst Inn. Raechal is thankful to have the opportunity to be on a new stage alongside some familiar faces. She is honored to be part of a World Premier Wisconsin show directed by the author himself. Raechal was last seen onstage as Catherine Donohue in “These Shining Lives” at Green Bay Community Theater and Violet Imbry in “Play On!” at Evergreen Productions. She would like to thank her family for their continued support and is grateful for all the new local theater friends she has met over the past few years.
Assistant Director: Katie Schroeder
Producer Bio: Martin Prevost is a Graduate from UW Oshkosh’s Theatre Department where he directed two One-Act plays (All in the Timing & Dogs Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead). Martin also won two playwriting awards while attending UWO for The Batcave Files and Deeper Meaning. After graduating Martin moved back to his hometown of Seymour, WI where he founded and ran a small theatre company The Revelator Players from 2010-2014 producing and directing original work culminating with a performance of one of these pieces at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center in the Kimberly Clark Theatre. Recently Martin has been focusing on his acting, performing in plays produced by Green Bay Community Theater, Play by Play Theater and Evergreen Theater. Martin is excited to get back into writing and directing working with the Forest Inn for this production.
Photo: Malachia Storm Dabeck Murphy
- Edgar's Ghost, by Jim Liddle
- Performances May 20 @ 4:00, May 26 @ 8:30, May 28 @ 3:00
- An original script by Jim Liddle and directed by Claran LaViolette, this one act play depicts a dying Poe confronting his most famous creations. Starring David Bourgeois as Edgar Allan Poe and Darcy Gravelle as the Ghost.
She is the past president of The Masquers, current president of St. John’s Players, and on the board of directors of the newly formed Royal Entourage Players, all based in Manitowoc.
David Bourgeois (Edgar Allan Poe) has had leading roles in 188 different operas, plays, and musicals. David attended UW-Milwaukee on a 4 year full tuition scholarship. He is a composer, vocalist, percussionist, pianist, dancer, and conductor. David is a retired music teacher of 31 years. He has completed 4 full marathons and 67 half marathons. His gardens have been featured on 2 garden walks, television shows, and in numerous publications. In the past 3 years David has been in 10 different independent films throughout Wisconsin. David was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show and made her top 10 Highlights of the year.
Darcy Gravelle (Ghost)
Author Jim Liddle brought Edgar’s Ghost to Claran’s attention during the pandemic, when Masquers were looking for smaller productions that would be more feasible to stage during that time. Though it was not produced by The Masquers, Claran loved it and brought a small production of it to “The Shrunken Head” in 2021. When the opportunity to resurrect it came to light, director Claran, author Jim, and actors David and Darcy all jumped at the chance.
The production of Edgar’s Ghost you will see during the Forst Inn Fringe Festival is a condensed version of the original script edited to fit into the time parameter of the festival rules.
The production of Edgar’s Ghost you will see during the Forst Inn Fringe Festival is a condensed version of the original script edited to fit into the time parameter of the festival rules.
THE LAST TRIP, A drama in one act by Mike Willis
Performing May 20 @ 5:00, May 26 @ 7:30, May 28 @ 2:00
Produced by Mike Pocaro
An elderly couple face critical decisions for the future.
Performing May 20 @ 5:00, May 26 @ 7:30, May 28 @ 2:00
Produced by Mike Pocaro
An elderly couple face critical decisions for the future.
Sandra Pocaro as Elizabeth is delighted to be making her debut at the Tisch MIlls Fringe Festival. Previous works: Windfall Theatre-Milwaukee: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (Tourist Guide), FIGARO (Marceline). Other roles: 4 WEDDINGS AND AN ELVIS (Vanessa) - Sunset Playhouse; SISTER ACT (Sister Mary Martin of Tours) and MISS HOLMES (Dr. Watson) – Waukesha Civic Theatre; THE REALISTIC JONESES (Jennifer), Boulevard Theatre. DANCE WITH ME (Tia Maria Jose), Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 2021 Young Playwrights Festival; PINTA EL FUEGO (Abuela), Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 2019 Young Playwrights Festival; THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA (Servant), Village Playhouse; JESUSCHRIST SUPERSTAR (Ensemble), West Allis Players, and others.
Caroline Sunshine as Susan is an actor and singer who has performed in Wisconsin,California, and the Virgin Islands. Favorite roles include: Mrs. Wilkinson, the Dance Teacher in Billy Elliot the Musical, Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret, Sheila in HAIR, Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors, Frenchy in Grease, Stepmother in the musical Cinderella, Mark’s Mom in RENT, and Martirio in La Casa de Bernarda Alba. Caroline also frequently performs with her acoustic music duo, Radiant Blue.
Michael Pocaro (Producer) as Jack is a director and performer with a career spanning over 40 years. He has a special love for vaudevillian comedy, classic drama, and Shakespeare, which he has shared with audiences across California, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Virginia, and Wisconsin. After earning his BFA at the University of Milwaukee, Michael is dedicated to perfecting his craft, and gaining a deeper understanding of performance and direction. He is particularly fond of "black box theater," which he believes offers an intimate and immersive experience for both actors and audience members.
Michael is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others, and he enjoys mentoring aspiring actors and directors. He takes great pride in his work, always striving to create engaging and memorable performances that transport audiences to another world.
Michael Pocaro (Producer) as Jack is a director and performer with a career spanning over 40 years. He has a special love for vaudevillian comedy, classic drama, and Shakespeare, which he has shared with audiences across California, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Virginia, and Wisconsin. After earning his BFA at the University of Milwaukee, Michael is dedicated to perfecting his craft, and gaining a deeper understanding of performance and direction. He is particularly fond of "black box theater," which he believes offers an intimate and immersive experience for both actors and audience members.
Michael is passionate about sharing his knowledge and skills with others, and he enjoys mentoring aspiring actors and directors. He takes great pride in his work, always striving to create engaging and memorable performances that transport audiences to another world.
On Your Shoulder, by Elizabeth Szyman
Performing on May 19 @ 7:30, May 21 @ 2:00, May 26 @ 6:00
Produced by Thomas Moore
World Premiere
Playwright and actress Elizabeth Szyman explores the myriad of emotional turmoil, social expectation, and healing surrounding the concept of grief in the year following the unexpected passing of her mother. Part memoir, part study, part guide, “On Your Shoulder” reveals one individual’s journey surviving universal loss.
Performing on May 19 @ 7:30, May 21 @ 2:00, May 26 @ 6:00
Produced by Thomas Moore
World Premiere
Playwright and actress Elizabeth Szyman explores the myriad of emotional turmoil, social expectation, and healing surrounding the concept of grief in the year following the unexpected passing of her mother. Part memoir, part study, part guide, “On Your Shoulder” reveals one individual’s journey surviving universal loss.
Elizabeth Szyman (Playwright) has performed and studied theatre and film in Massachusetts, New York, and Wisconsin and has been participating in theatre at the Forst Inn since it's conception. Notable and favorite past roles include: Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby" Evelyn in "The Shape of Things" Izzy in "Rabbit Hole" Blanche DuBois in "A Streetcar Named Desire" Molly in "Smell of the Kill" and Catherine in "Proof."
"On Your Shoulder" is Elizabeth's first endeavor in the creative process behind the scenes and it has been a rewarding and cathartic experience. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued and unparallel support, especially Thomas and Carrie for taking this emotional journey with her and for bringing out the best in her words and ideas.
"On Your Shoulder" is Elizabeth's first endeavor in the creative process behind the scenes and it has been a rewarding and cathartic experience. She would like to thank her friends and family for their continued and unparallel support, especially Thomas and Carrie for taking this emotional journey with her and for bringing out the best in her words and ideas.
Carrie Counihan is honored to have been asked by Thomas and Liz (two of her favorite humans) to share in telling this beautiful story written from Liz’s heart and life experiences. Carrie is in her third season at The Forst Inn and is grateful for each opportunity she has had here so far. This season she enjoyed bringing one of her favorite childhood characters, Mrs. Whatsit, to life in Wrinkle in Time. She appeared last season as Mrs. Banks in Barefoot in the Park, Rebekah In Anatomy of Gray and Claire in Proof and previously as Doris in their production of Same Time Next Year, Stella in Streetcar Named Desire and Nicky in Smell of the Kill. Carrie also played Kate Keller in Evergreen Theatre’s recent production of A Miracle Worker and appeared in various Indie films as well as productions & readings with theatres in Door County, WI and worked for Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. She is so excited to now be part of the Forst Inn family.
Producer Bio: How often Grief is misunderstood. There seems to be this stigma that once someone were to loose an important person in their life, that they must focus their energy on moving on. That we must learn to let go of this person and move forward in our lives. I am here to say differently. Grief is not linear. It is not a progression. First hand I have had to watch someone I love go through losing the two most important people in her life. I have watched her try and try again to take the weight of loss off of her shoulders to free herself to be the person she once was. The fact is, we always carry the ones we love with us, whether they exist on this earth or the next life, and how we learn to befriend our grief is what defines the next person we shall be as time goes on. Elizabeth and I hope that this show can help others to understand not only how to help those going through the loss of someone, but to hopefully prepare them for what is to come for us all. A big thank you to Carrie for taking this journey with us, Michael Sheeks for creating a space where this was possible and above all Elizabeth. Her strength to be able to share these experiences with others for her own growth and to help others is something I can’t really put into words. She has the purest soul of anyone I know and I’m very fortunate to have her here pushing and supporting me to be the best person I can be.
Trailer Trash, by Laurie Allen
Performing May 19 @ 8:30, May 21 @ 4:00, May 27 @ 4:00
"Trailer Trash" revolves around the complicated relationship between two long term residents of a trailer park, five times divorced Roxanne and prim Doris, who lost everything in a fire the previous year and who has been forced to live in an old school bus because she has nowhere else to go.
When the landlord announces that he is going to evict Doris from her bus, Doris turns to Roxanne for help. This dramatic comedy builds on the evolving relationship between the two women and shows that it is when times get tough that people find out who their real friends are and who to turn to.
Performing May 19 @ 8:30, May 21 @ 4:00, May 27 @ 4:00
"Trailer Trash" revolves around the complicated relationship between two long term residents of a trailer park, five times divorced Roxanne and prim Doris, who lost everything in a fire the previous year and who has been forced to live in an old school bus because she has nowhere else to go.
When the landlord announces that he is going to evict Doris from her bus, Doris turns to Roxanne for help. This dramatic comedy builds on the evolving relationship between the two women and shows that it is when times get tough that people find out who their real friends are and who to turn to.
Gracie Kolb (Roxanne) is a graduate from the UWGB Theatre and Dance program with a bachelors degree in Musical Theatre. You may have seen her in many shows in the area, including Kaliope in She Kills Monsters and Frieda Jason in Carrie the Musical, both at the Forst Inn. Her work doesn’t end on stage, as she’s also assistant directed UWGB’s production of She Kills Monsters, as well as been wardrobe head for their production of If/Then. She’s excited to be working on this project and hopes that you enjoy it.
Kathy Kowalski (Doris) is a standup comedienne who first hit the stage many, many years ago on the Heart-a-Rama stage. From there she moved onto The Masquers Stage in her first performance of Moon Over Buffalo, and got the bug. She also performed in Mash, It’s a Wonderful Life, Calendar Girls and most recently Clue. She attended Second City improv workshops and was bitten by the bug once again and formed her own one woman comedy show SCHITZ & GIGGLES. She’s a wife, mother, grandmother, (but not the rocking chair type) who enjoys making people laugh and enjoys everyone and everything around her! Especially her family who puts up with her outlandish, no filter comments.
T.J. Monroe (Henry Sikes) lives in Manitowoc with his daughter, LuElla and works at Burger Boat Co. as a Certified Welding Instructor. Outside of work and off stage, TJ spends most of his time with LuElla or friends. Live music in the summer is a big favorite, along with camping and heading to the beach. T.J.'s first time on stage was doing "A Christmas Story", which is where he met Director Heather. He recently just finished up the musical "City of Angels" and is now fortunate to be in another fun show. This is his first time at the Forst Inn and T.J. is thrilled to be part of this show!
Producer Bio: Heather Love is excited to be making her directing debut at the Forst Inn. Although she has directed children's camp productions, short skits, and video projects, this will be her first time directing adults in a staged performance. She'd like to thank her cast for going on this new adventure with her!
This project is also special to her because it is an example of just how easy it is for someone's life to take an unexpected turn and cause them to end up in a place where they never thought they'd be. Having someone there to turn to for support when you need it is such a huge thing...yet it's often easy to take for granted. Heather works at St. John's Ministries in Green Bay, which is a homeless shelter of last resort and resource center for those facing housing instability. If you'd like to volunteer, make a donation, or if you have questions - please find Heather after the show. You can also check out stjohnsgreenbay.org.
Thanks for coming!
This project is also special to her because it is an example of just how easy it is for someone's life to take an unexpected turn and cause them to end up in a place where they never thought they'd be. Having someone there to turn to for support when you need it is such a huge thing...yet it's often easy to take for granted. Heather works at St. John's Ministries in Green Bay, which is a homeless shelter of last resort and resource center for those facing housing instability. If you'd like to volunteer, make a donation, or if you have questions - please find Heather after the show. You can also check out stjohnsgreenbay.org.
Thanks for coming!
