Silent Sky Program

Audience Services

PURCHASING TICKETS

• The box office is open from 3 pm until 5 pm Monday through Friday and for one hour prior to each performance.

• The box office accepts cash, checks, and credit/debit cards.

• Single tickets become available for purchase 60 days before a production’s opening night.

NEED TO EXCHANGE YOUR TICKETS?

Any ticket exchanges must be done through the box office in person or over the phone. Tickets may only be exchanged for another performance of the same show.

UNABLE TO USE YOUR TICKETS?

Please contact the box office to see if an exchange for a different date can be made. On rare occasions, LCT has allowed a ticket for one production to be used at a different production. If no exchanges can be made, the ticket price may be written off as a donation tax credit.

CAMERAS AND/OR RECORDING EQUIPMENT

The use of cameras and/or recording equipment is strictly prohibited in the theatre. If you need to answer a call, please do so in the lobby so as to not disrupt the performance.

GREETING THE ARTISTS

Flowers may be left in the box office for the stage manager to deliver or you may hand them to the cast member once they are in the lobby at the conclusion of the performance. Audience members are not allowed backstage.

BAD WEATHER POLICY

If you have concerns about the weather facing an upcoming performance, please call the box office to double check that the performance will still continue. On rare occasions, LCT has canceled performances due to bad weather or cast conditions. If this occurs, exchanges or refunds will be issued.

BABIES AND SMALL CHILDREN

Every individual, no matter the age, must have a ticket in order to attend the performance. If you would like to bring your children, please purchase seats for them even if they will be seated on someone’s lap.

SEAT RESERVATIONS

Reservations for the general public begin at least 60 days before the opening of each show; season ticket reservations open the week prior. Patron donors may reserve their seats at any time. Please call the box office at 608-784-9292 if you have any questions.

LATE SEATING POLICY

Late arrivals will be seated at the house manager’s discretion during an appropriate point in the performance. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the show begins, we reserve the right to release your seat(s) to someone else.

A Note from our Executive Director

Welcome to Silent Sky.

There are moments in history when our understanding of the world quietly shifts and often, those moments begin with people whose names we don’t always hear.

Silent Sky tells the story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt and the remarkable women of the Harvard College Observatory, including Williamina Fleming and Annie Jump Cannon. Through their work studying the stars, they helped unlock a way to measure the universe itself, laying the foundation for discoveries that reshaped how we see our place in the cosmos.

Their story is one of curiosity, collaboration, and perseverance—values that feel deeply connected to the work we do at La Crosse Community Theatre.

Every production you see on our stage is built by a community of artists, technicians, and volunteers, many working behind the scenes. Like the women in this story, their contributions may not always be visible, but they are essential. This is why we continue to create opportunities for people to learn, grow, and discover their potential through the arts.

And this spirit of discovery continues today. Thanks to the work of many at NASA, the Artemis II mission just sent astronauts around the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, reminding us that exploration is always a shared effort, built on the work of many.

My sincere thanks to director Brittany Bara and the talented cast—Charis, Melissa, Jake, Danielle, and Rachel —as well as the many individuals behind the scenes who have brought this story to life, Addie, Lex, Bob, Theresa, Krissa, and especially our volunteers who work backstage and in the shops.

Silent Sky asks: Where do we fit in the universe?

Perhaps the answer is found not just in the stars, but in the stories we share and the community we create together.

ERIK VOSE Executive Director

I sit here writing this just days after the Artemis II mission launched the Orion spacecraft into orbit, “marking a defining moment for our nation and for all who believe in exploration.”, while these astronauts will not be landing on the moon (this time), this mission marks Christina Koch as the first woman to orbit the moon. What would Henrietta Leavitt have to say about that?

In 1912, from the “corner of someone else’s chance,” as Williamina describes it in Act 1, Scene 3, Henrietta Leavitt made a discovery that would change our understanding of the universe. It is this discovery - the relationship between the luminosity (brightness) and period (length of pulsation) of Cepheid variable stars - that would be a key step in measuring distance in space. Paving the way to keep science moving forward – to the Apollo missions of the 1960’s and 70’s to today’s Artemis missions and beyond.

Regardless of your sex, or of your scientific acumen, I encourage all of us to stay curious about what’s out there and beyond our understanding. Carl Sagan reminds us that, “The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.” So, whether you look to the sky or keep your eyes fixed here on earth and what’s right in front of you – keep asking questions. Because “wonder will always get us there” (Act 2, Scene 5).

Brittany Bara Director

&

JAZZCONCERTCOMBOS

JAMSESSION

THURSDAY,APRIL23,6:30P.M.CONCERT 7:30 P.M. JAM SESSION - BRING YOUR INSTRUMENT!ENTERTAINMENTCAFÉ,STUDENTUNION

Art Exhibition Friday, 5:30 p.m.

SYMPHONICBAND

IntotheStorm

DR.TAMMYFISHER,CONDUCTOR

SATURDAY,APRIL25|6 P.M. ANNETT RECITAL HALL |LOWE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Symphonic Band Saturday, 6 p.m.

WINDENSEMBLE AMERICANDREAMS

DR.MARTINI.GAINES,CONDUCTOR GAVINDILLIE,GUESTCONDUCTOR

SATURDAY APRIL 25 |7:30 P.M. ANNETT RECITAL HALL|LOWE CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Spring Musical Sunday, 2 p.m. (Runs April 24-May 3)

Wind Ensemble Saturday, 7:30 p.m.

Cast

Henrietta Leavitt ................................................................................. CHARIS JACOB

Margaret Leavitt ............................................................................ MELISSA SCHMITZ

Peter Shaw .................................................................................................. JAKE LEIS

Annie Cannon ............................................................................... DANIELLE BARILAR

Williamina Fleming ......................................................................... RACHEL ROOKER

Production Team

Director ..............................................................................................BRITTANY BARA

Assistant Director .................................................................................... COLIN CADA

Stage Manager ........................................................................................ ALLI AUSTIN

Technical Director ................................................................................. LEX VIOLETTE

Set Designer .......................................................................................... ADDIE ZANER

Props Master ................................................................ KRISSA VALENTINE-HARNISH

Costume Designer ......................................................................... THERESA SMERUD

Lighting Designer ....................................................................................... ERIK VOSE

Audio Designer ....................................................................................... BOB STUBER

Costume Shop Volunteers ............................ CHARLOTTE GRANT, SHARON MARKEE,

SUZANNE YOUNG, NANCY MAHLUM, RUTH DRISCOLL, CHRISTINE PAPKE, CHERYL VEITH, PAT CHILSEN, TRINA SCHLIFER, JANE KRUGER, CAROL SOLYST, JULIE KEITEL

Crew .................................................................. ERIC STOUGHTENGER, STEPH SPEER

LCT Staff

Executive Director ................................................................................................ ERIK VOSE

Artistic Director ............................................................................................... MARY CATE WESLING

Director of Education .................................................................................. KATELYN KLIEVE

Technical Director LEX VIOLETTE

Costume Shop Supervisor ....................................................................... THERESA SMERUD

Marketing Manager | Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor ...................... JESSICA RIGDON

Weber Center Operations Manager | LCT Audio/Visual Manager ........ RYAN VAN BERKUM

Front of House ............ SHARON SINGER-DAWIDOWSKI; ADDIE ZANER; ANNA GOODMAN; ANGIE STRITTMATER; MIKE SPECK; STEVEN WALKER; AMANDA WIESE

Head Carpenter and Flyman ......................................................... MACKINLEY BRUEMMER

Resident Scenic Designer and Charge Artist .......................................... AUGUST JENNINGS

Scene Shop Staff JAMES MURPHY

Youth Apprentice ...................................... ANTHONY KENDHAMMER, LAKEN BUCHHOLTZ

Director's Circle

($1,000+)

Terry Benson

J. Michael and Vicki Hartigan

Chris and Vicki Born

David and Christine Papke

Randy and Lynn Nelson

Duane Lom and Rhonda Akeson

Julie Keitel

Thomas and Jan Brock

Russ and Katie Wilson

Joe and Linda Kastantin

Bill & Jackie Pritchard

Kyle Jaeger and Laura Mackey

Karl and Julie Noll

Mark and Carol Solyst

Tim and Sue Durtsche

Kristin Albrecht Charitable Fund

Designers

($500-$999)

Kathy Spelker

Brad & Leslie Weber

Richard and Pamela Strauss

Tom and Heidi Grau

Drexler Donor Fund

Marilyn Franzini and Jim Brickl

Vantage Architects

Actors

($250-$499)

Judy and Dick Williams

Aurel and Sue Mailath

Pat and Dick Spencer

Joan Allen

Brian and Karen Rude

American Marine

Kathleen and Joe Zietlow

Joe Hammes & Aaron Wickesberg

Cam and Carlene Roberts

Kenna and RogerChristians

Bob and Kay Conzemius

Patron Donor List

Patrons

($100-$249)

Fran Dieter

Steve and Karen Lind

Dave and Abbie Gerzema

Clem and Addie Bott

Karen Guptill

Sandra Proksch Troope

Cari Fleischer

Barbara and James Hemker

Patrice and Tony Vander Wielen

Robert and Maureen Freedland

Theron and Julie Wilson

Robert and Silvana Richardson

Jean and Mark Ledman

Daryl and Nancy Ertl

Mary Hubbard

Mike and Cheri Herro

Cheryl Loehr

Elsie Patterson

Mike and Lynn Hickey

Mark and Cari Burmaster

Corine Neuman, Teresa Mears, and Kathy Niefeldt

Jolene Demaiffe and Ellen Pedretti Fendt

Edgar Storey & Wanda DuCharme

Tina Ruskey

Bruce Kerr

Michelle and Thomas Kelley

Susan and Fred Heuer

Dianne Pogreba

Tom and Lori Nigon

Janine and Ken Merkitch

Rosemary Nelson

Maureen and Lou Guillou

Eric Westerberg

Colleen Walsh

Bob and Kay Conzemius

Leah Reimann

Joan and John Peter Temple

Joyce Wichelt

Steven and Katie Fleis

Tom and Sharon Ryan

Patrons

($100-$249)

Cont. (anonymous)

Marla French

Jane Miller

Jim and Monique Howe

Dave Larsen

Terry and Loran Zibrowski

Larry and Beth Peterson

Robert and Laurel Allen

Dr. Robert Howman

Kathy and Paul Callan

Sue Hammersmith

Barbara and Herbert Heili

Sandy Sechrest

Eileen Walsh Doyle

Eric Westerberg

Colleen Walsh

Bob and Kay Conzemius

Theresa Brennan

Lisa Martin

Terry Benson

Roger & Jean Klousia

Written by Lauren Gunderson

Barilar

The Company

The Company

ERIK VOSE BOB STUBER

Preshow audio/video: NASA Data Sonifications

NASA has taken observational data from telescopes like NASA’s Chandra Xray Observatory, Hubble Space Telescope, James Webb Space Telescope and others, and translated it into corresponding frequencies that can be heard by the human ear. A team of scientists, musicians, and a member of the blind and visually impaired community worked to adapt the NASA data. The audio tracks support blind and low-vision listeners first, but are designed to be captivating to anyone who tunes in.

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, and K.Arcand (CXC/SAO), M.Russo & A.Santaguida (SYSTEM Sounds), Q.Hart & C.Blome (STScI), and C.Malec (consultant).

You’ve seen her as Margaret in Silent Sky. Now listen to Melissa Schmitz inter view Lauren Gunderson and other playwrights on the 101 Stage Adaptations podcast, which Lauren calls “a gift to the theatre community.”

Who's Who

CHARIS

JACOB ( Henrietta Leavitt)

Charis is beyond excited to be part of Silent Sky! After taking a long break from theater following high school, she recently returned to the stage in Letters from Max (Sarah) and remembered how much she missed it. She graduated last spring from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Neuroscience. She is deeply grateful for the production team and cast for their diligence and hard work. She would also love to thank her friends and family for their love and support!

MELISSA SCHMITZ ( Margaret

Leavitt) Melissa Schmitz is thrilled to be making her LCT debut, after an unintentional 12-year hiatus from the stage. Melissa was born and raised in the La Crosse area, she and has worked and performed in theatres across the country. She is an actor, director, playwright, arts administrator, and the host of the 101 Stage Adaptations podcast, where she was over the moon (and stars) to interview Silent Sky playwright Lauren Gunderson and other notable theatremakers.

third production with LCT, previously playing Robert in Don’t Dress For Dinner and Vinnie in The Odd Couple. He is extremely excited to return to the stage, feeding his lifelong need to help people laugh. When not on stage, Jake can be found staring longingly out the window praying for good enough weather to go hiking. Pronouns are He / Him.!

DANIELLE

BARILAR (Annie Cannon)

Danielle is thrilled to return to the stage after a decade-long hiatus. Past credits include The Sound of Music (Maria), Rhinoceros (Botard), and The Wizard of Oz (Dorothy). She thanks her husband, Nic, for nudging her back onto the stage. She’s grateful for the opportunity to perform again, for the collaboration of this wonderful cast and creative team, and for the audience’s support of live theatre.

RACHEL

ROOKER ( Willamina

JAKE LEIS ( Peter Shaw) This is Jake’s

Fleming) Rachel is excited to be in the VST for another production with LCT! She last appeared on stage in Oliver! as Mrs Sowerberry. She would describe herself as a lover of gardens, tabletop games, coffee and D&D. Love to her two kiddos, 3 fur babies and ever loving husband. Looking forward to

the next show already!

Who's Who

BRITTANY BARA ( Director)Brittany

Bara is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre at Viterbo University. As an actor and director, she has worked extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Western Europe. Brittany is a Designated Linklater Teacher, director, dialect designer, intimacy director, and actor. Recent La Crosse theatre credits: Becky in LCT’s Waitress. Viterbo Directing: Sweeney Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Tar Beach, The Hello Girls. Brittany is VASTA’s 2024 Dorothy Mennen Research/Development Grant awardee.

She holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College in Boston and an MFA in Performance Pedagogy from the University of Pittsburgh.

COLIN CADA ( Assistant Director

)

Colin Cada is a recent graduate of Viterbo University, completing his BFA in Acting last May. He has previously performed on the Weber Center’s Lyche Stage in Viterbo Conservatory productions CARRIE: The Musical, Measure for Measure, and Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead, but is joining the LCT production team for the

first time! Cada is incredibly grateful to be working with Brittany again, and for all of her support and mentorship. He would like to thank his loving and supportive parents, friends, and boyfriend Braeden for always having his back in and outside of the theatre. You are all stars! @colincada colincada. com

ALLI AUSTIN ( Stage Manager) Alli is so excited to be involved in yet another LCT production. Previous credits from LCT include Waitress (ASM), as well as working with Altra Star Academy over the past summer as a Camp Counselor/ Manager! Away from LCT, Alli is currently a junior working towards a BFA in Theatre-Stage Management at Viterbo University. She would like to thank her family, friends, and those at LCT for their continued support and belief in her work.

LEX VIOLETTE ( Technical Director)

Lex is overjoyed to be the Technical Director for this production! Lex has been involved in theatre for 16 years, in a wide variety of roles. Some of their favorite past credits include: Deer Camp (Scenic Designer/TD), Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man (Director, Scenic Designer, TD), and

Who's Who

Dog Sees God (Tricia, TD). When not at the theatre, she can be seen thrifting, watching Netflix, or hanging out with her cat, Esper. Lex would like to thank their chosen family for their continued support. Enjoy the show!

ADDIE

ZANER ( Scenic Designer)

Addie is excited to Scenic Design this beautiful show with LCT this season! Earlier credits this season with LCT includes Props Manager for Vanya, Sonya, Masha, and Spike and Stage Manager for Twilight Bowl and Letters From Max. Addie hopes this show inspires many women of all ages to pursue their passion and to look to the stars! Addie would also like to shout out to astronaut Christina Koch and thank her for continuing the work of Henrietta and helping women reach the stars

KRISSA VALENTINE-HARNISH ( Props

Master)

THERESA SMERUD ( Costume Designer) Theresa has been involved with LCT since she was 10 years old, when she was cast in The Music Man. Over the years, she participated on stage, but then gravitated to working with costumes. She designed costumes

on and off over the years, even before a costume shop was established, with volunteers meeting at her home. Theresa has been LCT’s photographer, capturing most of the productions for the archives and PR. What she enjoys most is working with volunteers and teaching them new skills, along with creating order from chaos.

ERIK

VOSE ( Lighting Designer)

Erik Vose is a multifaceted theatre professional with expertise in creative design, production, and arts management. He has worked as a Lighting and Set Designer on multiple productions for over 25 years, and is currently the Executive Director of LCT. He is a versatile and creative individual who enjoys telling stories through art. He is married to a wonderful wife and has two little boys who he'd like to thank for their consistent support.

Bob Stuber ( Audio Designer) Bob is pleased to have the opportunity to design and mix another musical at LCT. Recent designs at LCT include Frozen, White Christmas, Waitress, Rent, and Next to Normal. Yes, there really are musicians below the stage.

Lighting and Sound shop sponsored by

Mary Isaacs

At La Crosse Community Theatre, our mission is to honor and celebrate our rich theatrical heritage while establishing a sustainable foundation for the years to come. With collaboration as a cornerstone, we are a dynamic, educational, and visionary force shaping the destiny of our community by adapting to the ever-changing arts landscape and showcasing excellence in local community entertainment.

LCT Advisory Board

Alex Lueck

Anna Taylor

Arla Clemons

Bill Pritchard

Brady Lowe

Gregory Parmeter

Joan Temple

John Lyche

Jon Lamb

Karen Fries

Kenna Christians

Kristin Freedlund

Mary Ann Gschwind

Matthew Curtis

Megan Pence

Nate Mohlman

Peter Bosgraaf

Richard Walters

Shannon Kummerow

Shaundel Washington-Spivey

Stacie Schmidt

Susan Durtsche

Thomas Behrenbeck

Vendi

LCT Board of Directors

May 1st-14th

Thursday, Friday, Saturdays at 7:30pm

Sundays at 2:00pm EVERYTHING’S COMING UP ROSES!

Friday & Saturday at 7:30pm A FREE-STRUCTURED LOOK AT THE 1986 CHALLENGER DISASTER.

May 22nd-23rd

Friends of LCT Donors

The Friends of LCT Campaign aims to continually raise operational funds for LCT from large gift givers sustained over five-year long pledges. We thank the following for their pledges:

EXECUTIVE (Pledged $25,000+)

Russel L. and Vera M. Smith Foundation

Keith and Mary Isaacs

ASSOCIATE (Pledged $12,500 - $24,999)

Pat and Joe Heim

Karl and Julie Noll

CONTRIBUTOR (Pledged $5,000 - $11,499)

Tom and Jan Brock

Vicki and Chris Born

Michael and Sharon Markee

Randy and Lynn Nelson

Theresa and Scott Smerud

Julie Keitel

Cheryl Vieth

Laux Family Partners

Kurt and Julie Shroeder

Michael and Rose Porter

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Thank You to Our Season Sponsors!