Adapted from Randy Olson’s Engaging Documentary by:Sara Gmitter and Jason Burkett

Directed ByAaron Henrickson

Performed on the The West Stage at the Raven Theatre ComplexOCT 13 - NOV 14, 2011

Materials for this show donated by: Buck Blue, Chicago Academy, Quest Theatre, Lewis Miller, Jerry Hardin, Home Depot, Goodman Theatre, Scooterworks Chicago, Third ActPictures

A very special “Thanks!” to: Dr.Randy Olson, Carolina Gonzalez, Letty Martinez, Mele Ortiz, Michael Askew, Buck Blue, Homemade Pizza Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Union of Concerned Scientists, Alison Barnes

In addition to our generous financial backers, New Suit Theatre Company had help from various institutions and individuals in Chicago.

http://scooterworkschicago.com/

http://chicagoartsacademy.org/

http://lookingglasstheatre.org

SIZZLE: A Global Warming Comedy

Andrew NowakKorri Givens

Michael ReyesJovan King

Elliott FredlandMichelle McKenzie

Liz Davis Kirsten Benjamin

Dr. Randy OlsonWarner TyraMitchAntoineDr. CoolDr. WorthingtonDr. Monroe/ZookeeperSara/Heather

Staring

Stage ManagerAssistant Director

Production ManagerScenic design

Costume designLighting design

Sound designProp manager

Art designPrint design/Marketing

Assistant Stage Manager Puppet Design

Technical DirectorMaster Electrician

Adrienne BaderJon CohenHarriet SoginSally A. WeissEllen SidelClaire SangsterDan CarlysonJoshua HurleyJacob WatsonNiq TognoniHolly GitlinEmily BennetMartin FinnieJabin Chartrand, Jeff Glass

New Suit Theatre Company Presents its’ third show: New Suit Theatre Company is: Artistic Director - Jason Burkett, Executive Director - Martin Finnie, Marketing Director - Niq Tognoni Sara Gmitter, Sally A. Weiss, Jabin Chartrand, Tate Chartrand, Kathleen Petroziello, Jeanette Klemeyer, Hilary Murray, Lauren Lassus, Jeff Glass, Lauren Hirte, Kathy Parsons, Erik Parsons, Meghan McClain

New Suit Theatre Board is: Celia Levanthal, Helene Paris, Linda Woloshin, Sara Gmitter

Our Mission is to explore perplexing and complicated issues and make them accessible through compelling storytelling. We do not accept the premise that the important issues affecting our

lives are ever too complicated to approach in an engaging manner.

New Suit Theatre Co. exists to tell stories that will change the way we look at the world. We are a group of Chicago theatre artists dedicated to improving the communities we live in, the way in which we view ourselves and our neighbors, and the actions we take everyday that will one day represent our chapter in history. New Suit Theatre Co. partners with knowledgeable experts to research and produce plays on topics that Chicagoans wish to know more about. We believe that every person has a deep and powerful desire to connect with and understand the world we live in, and that live storytelling provides on of the best ways to explore these topics together.

ABOUT NEW SUIT THEATRE

OUR MISSION

Understudy: Johanna Middleton

* denotes a contributor to our successful Kickstarter.com project

Notes from the playwrights:

Other Donors:Kathleen, Shelly Burkett* Marc Halsey*Anjali Bidani*Niq Tognoni* Martin Finnie Aaron Huertas*John Carlisle*Laura Smith

When Randy agreed to let Sara adapt his film, I couldn't believe our luck.  But it wasn't until Sara got into grad school and I jumped into the writing process that I realized just how lucky we were.  Dr. Olsen's story goes far beyond the topic of climate change.  The struggles that Randy faces in the play are struggles we all face in a society where so many people "just won't listen!"  Whether it's same-sex marriage, abortion, illegal immigration, or where our food comes from, we have all felt the frustration of having to deal with those who disagree with us ("idiots").  But unlike so many other stories about enacting social change (which focuses on the behavior of others), Sizzle focuses on what we can alter about our own behavior to make change happen.  It has been a terrific challenge to work on a story that entertains and delights even as it challenges us to explore ways to listen to and consider the worldview of the idiots in our own lives. After all, the best way forward is together. -Jason Burkett

New Suit Theatre graciously thanks all of the financial backers who made this show possible.

New Suit: ($500-$999)Sandra BagwellLarry and Carol BeachHelene Paris*

Fedora: ($250-$499)Randy Olson*Scott David Sanders*Barbar BurkettFreddie Mac

Corsage/Boutonniere: ($100-$249)Lisa HInkleCathy Finnie*Trish Gottesman*Kristin Black*Suzanne and John Weiss*Ken Chartrand*Ben Golden*Carla FeinkindLinda WoloshinCelia LeventhalWoody Hood*Kent Holsinger*Nate Combs*Kathleen Petroziello*Mark and DurangoLee PotterDavid and Paula EpsteinIna MarksRoger Harper

Suspenders: ($50-$99)Janette Finnie Hayes*Ross and Malka Wolman*Mele Ortiz*Mike Olson*Briton Holmberg*Sarah Blume*Mr. Westley M.N. Miller*David Dugan*Michael and Barbra TurnerSally and Ellis RogenbogenChantry Dasaro*

Cufflinks: ($25-$49)Janell Gaucher*Jeremy Lynch*Vida H*Joseph Schneider*Jason Burkett*Lauren Pourian*Anne O’Hara*Chauncey and Polly Street*Joseph and Carol MasterAndrew White*Eileen Kearns*

In March of 2010, just as our company’s inaugural production was closing, we gathered to discuss the possibilities for our next project. Each company member focused on a contemporary issue that was important to him or her, and looked for plays on that subject. I chose climate change and was dismayed by how little dramatic material was out there. What I did find, was a trailer for a documentary called Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy. “If only this was a play,” I thought, “it sounds perfect.” It seemed like the longest of long shots, but I left a message on the film’s webpage expressing interest in adapting the film for the stage. Within less than 24 hours, I heard back from the film’s director, Dr. Randy Olson, and our improbable adventure began. - Sara Gmitter

http://www.newsuittheatre.com/support.htmlhttp://www.sizzlethemovie.com/

For more information on the film that started it all:

Cast Profiles:

ANDREW NOWAK (Randy Olson) is happy to be making his New Suit Theatre debut. Previous Chicago credits include Iphigenia at Aulis with Lights Out Theatre Company, In Loco Parentis at Next Theatre, and The Teacher with The Neopolitans. Andrew is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Columbia theatre credits include Of Mice and Men, Equus, The Normal Heart, and Impossible Marriage. He currently works as an intern for Paskal Rudnicke Casting.

KORRI GIVENS (Tyra) is so excited to be a part of Sizzle! with an exclamation point. Past productions Lend Me a Tenor (Diana), As It Is In Heaven (Betsy), and His Dark Materials (Mrs. Coulter). Korri is a North Texas native and a graduate of Oklahoma City University (BFA in Acting). Huge thanks to Aaron, Adrienne, the fantastic cast and crew, Isaiah, and her friends and family. You are all precious moments. www.korrigivens.com

MICHAEL REYES (Mitch) is very happy to be working with New Suit on this great new play! He has worked with About Face (u/p British Mark in The Homosexuals) and Chicago Opera Vanguard/Caffeine Theatre (Wally the Bellman in Boojum! …). He has played with other great companies, too, including Backstage, Promethean, Muse of Fire, Pegasus, Organic/Touchstone, Next, and Bailiwick. He is a professional singer and voice talent, and can be seen around town at various cabarets, benefit performances and, all too infrequently, on the radio. Thanks to Aaron for this opportunity, special thanks to partner Jeremy for all his love and support, and humble thanks to you for coming out to see us!

JOVAN KING (Antoine) graduated with a BFA in Acting from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. He’s appeared as Puck in Midsummer's Night Dream, Doaker in Piano Lesson, and Sitting Bull in Annie Get Your Gun. Since moving to Chicago in 2010, he has appeared in The Comfort Station Plays with Open Source Theatre, The BFG with Great Works, and The Hobbit with Theatre-Hikes. He is excited and grateful to be working with this AWESOME team in Sizzle-A Global Warming Comedy! Special thanks to this talented cast for making this process so fun and rewarding. He thanks Aaron Hendricks and Adrienne Bader for great direction, stage management and for the opportunity to perform in this play.

MICHELLE MCKENZIE-VOIGT (Dr. Worthington) is as pleased as a polar bear in the snow to be making her New Suit debut! With professional credits ranging from Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet) to camp (Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical), recent favorites include Hannah in The Spitfire Grill and Fraulein Schneider in Cabaret(both at ITC), Donna Christian in Jesus Camp- the Musical (Cornservatory), Grandma Rosie in The Wedding Singer (SLATE), and the mother of them all, Rose in Gypsy. She is a proud company member of both Glitterati Productions and Pride Films and Plays. Gratitude to Aaron, Sara, this fabulously talented cast/crew, beloved husband Don, cherished son Chris, and John and Michael for their

ELLIOTT FREDLAND (Dr. Coolican) has enjoyed working with this talented cast. He is a company member of The Side Project. Recent performances include Shadowlands (Provision Theatre), The Crucible (Infamous Commonwealth), The Wake (Chemically Imbalanced Comedy) and as Uncle Sam in Quest Theatre Ensemble’s original musical, History of the United States. He’s appeared in The Importance of Being Earnest (Rogue Theatre), Amadeus (Beverly Arts Center), The Mousetrap (North Lakeside Players), Dangerous (Shamelessboyz of London) and Frankenstein and Treasure Island (Theatre Hikes). Film credits include “The Thirsting” and “The Art of Pain”. He’s appeared in commercials and in a previous millennium in a distant land, he worked - however briefly – as a radio and television newscaster.

LIZ DAVIS (Dr. Monroe/Zookeeper) is excited to be working with New Suit Theatre Co. for the first time! She has a BA in Theatre from Bowling Green State University and has continued her training at Act One Studios in the Meisner program. Other Chicago credits include, Danny and the Deep Blue Sea at Gorilla Tango and Living Canvas: Demons at National Pastime. Her latest film Sad Café recently won Best Feature Film at the Action on Film Festival in Pasadena, CA. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support!

KIRSTEN BENJAMIN (Heather/Sarah) is thrilled to be a part of Sizzle! She is a recent graduate of Marquette University where she graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts with a minor in Broadcasting. Sizzle is her first role outside of an educational setting and she couldn't have asked for a better opportunity than to be able to work with this group of amazing people. Recent roles include Amanda Blue in A Feminine Ending, Helena in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Lady Bountiful in The Beaux Stratagem, Rebecca Hilliker in The Laramie Project, Joan in Nickel and Dimed, as well as Catherine Watts in the newly published Censored on Final Approach. Marquette taught her that theater really can make a difference, and she hopes that Sizzle will get people thinking and talking. She thanks the cast and crew for all of their hard work and for constantly putting a smile on her face. She also thanks her family and friends who have always supported her, especially her parents for their endless love and putting up with her during this transition period!

JOHANNA MIDDLETON (u/s Tyra) is originally from Los Angeles but is now a Chicago-based actress who just recently graduated from Northwestern University with a BA in Theatre. She is a proud member of FYI Performing Health Collective -- visit fortheyouthinquiry.com for more information! Chicago credits include The Americans (DCA Theater), Twist of Water (Route 66), Trickster and Sarita (Halcyon). Favorite Northwestern credits include Jungalbook, Air Guitar, High, The Winter Barrel, and Indians.

Cast Profiles:

Crew Profiles:

AARON HENRICKSON (Director) is very excited to be working with the smart and talented people at New Suit Theatre Company. Previous directing credits include, Little Shop of Horrors (Fox Valley Repertory’s Youth Ensemble) And Time Runs On (Shapeshifters Theatre), Folk Fire (Tympanic Theatre), Lemon Head (side project), Sex Marks the Spot (Stage 773) . He has assisted David Cromer on the Jeff Nominated Picnic (Writers’ Theatre), and Jimmy McDermott on 2000 Feet Away (Steep

ADRIENNE BADER (Stage Manager) is excited to be working with New Suit Theatre for the first time. She is a graduate of Northwestern University, where her credits include The Boys From Syracuse (Dir. David Bell), Sweeney Todd (Dir. George Cederquist), The Waa-Mu Show 2010 (Dir. Dominic Missimi), Cabaret and The Wizard of Oz (Dir. Katie Spelman). She spent the 2010-2011 season as a Production Assistant for Writers’ Theatre in Glencoe, working on productions of She Loves Me (Dir. Michael Halberstam), Do the Hustle and Heartbreak House (Dir. William Brown). Many thanks to her friends and family for all of their support—she couldn’t do it without you!

JASON BURKETT (Playwright) received a Bachelor's of Theatre Arts from Catawba College, NC before moving to Chicago to pursue theatre. He is the author of two full length plays:Saving the World (Chance Theater, Los Angeles, 2003) and JedIraq: Meghan's First War (New Suit Theatre Co., Chicago, 2010). He is thrilled to have gotten the chance to work with Sara Gmitter (who has taught him so much) and Randy Olsen (who has been tremendously supportive) on this new work. He is eternally grateful to all the people who have participated in and supported this production. Much love to Kathleen.

JON COHEN (Assistant Director) is beyond thrilled to be working with New Suit. Jon is first and foremost an actor, but enjoys dabbling in dramaturgy and directing. Past favorite productions include 365 Sketches (Strawdog Theatre), Landing the Coaster (Hobo Junction Productions), and My Name is Mudd (Jackalope). Jon is the Literary Manager for Jackalope Theatre Company. Thanks to my friends and family for everything, and to Aaron for the offer. “The world ends when you’re dead. Until then, you got more punishment in store. Stand it like a man – and give some back.” – Al Swearengen.

SARA GMITTER (Playwright) hopes that by the time you read this program, she will be a Master of Peace Education from the UN mandated University for Peace. She is certain that she is a company member of the Tony award winning, Lookingglass Theatre Company, where she stage managed for 11 years. She has also definitely written A Long Fatal Love Chase, adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott and co-written an adaptation of Haroun and the Sea of Stories, which will be produced exactly 75 years after the death of Salman Rushdie. If you know of any peace education jobs out there, she'd love to hear about them.

Theatre). In November Aaron will be returning to Tympanic Theatre to direct Dan Caffrey’s Orange Orbs, and then to Columbia College Chicago as a visting artist to helm an adaptation of The Great Gatsby. Aaron would like to thank Sara, Jason and Marty for this wonderful opportunity, and thanks Adrienne, Jon, and the talented cast and the design team for making him so lucky to be doing what he’s doing. Thank you to his parents for driving to Chicago to see the show, in addition to all of their love and support. And as always, with love to Lucy.

HARRIET SOGIN (Production Manager) is excited to work with New Suit for the first time! Harriet is the Production Coordinator for Lookingglass Theatre Company where she is in the middle of her third season. In addition she has Production Managed for Theatre Seven on The Water Engine, Mimesophobia, and Hunting and Gathering. She is a graduate of the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama with an emphasis in Stage and Production Management. When not doing theatre Harriet is a member of the Ravenswood Community Orchestra where she plays the viola. Much love to her friends and family for all of their support.

JOSHUA HURLEY (Prop Master) graduated from Morehead State University in Morehead, KY with a degree in Electronic Media and Theatre. Since graduating he worked at Jenny Wiley Theatre, Stage Door Manor, The Den Theatre, Gorilla Tango Theatre, Paragon Music Theatre, Sayre Schools, and has been very involved with children’s theatre Tour Managing and Asst Directing the Little Company, teaching weekend classes with The Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Volunteering with Li’l Bud Theatre company and Barrel of Monkeys.

CLAIRE SANGSTER (Lighting Designer) is a Senior Lighting Design Student at Columbia College Chicago. Recent design credits include My Name is Mudd, The Living Newspapers Festival, Slaughter City (Jackalope Theater) The Rocky Horror Show (Underscore Theater) Filett of Solo Festival (Lifeline Theater) Rag and Bone, The Winters Tale (Columbia College Chicago). Asst. Lighting Design, The Caucasian Chalk Circle (Theater Mir) The Wild Party, Landscape of the Body (Columbia College Chicago).

ELLEN SIEDEL (Costume Designer) graduated with a BFA in Costume Design from the University of Southern Mississippi. Over the last 7 years, she has worked for several regional theaters including Kentucky Repertory Theatre, Cortland Repertory Theatre, and the Actors Theatre of New Orleans. She also worked as a wardrobe production asst. on the Lifetime Original Movie Living Proof. Since moving to Chicago, she has designed for The Apple Tree's Theatre for Young Audiences, The Artistic Home, Underdog Theatre Company, and Grippo Productions. She thanks all her friends and family for their continued love and support. She hopes that Kyle doesn't hand her a hammer and nails.

SALLY WEISS (Scenic Designer) is a proud New Suit Theatre Company member, where she's had the pleasure of designing our previous productions Trans Form and JedIraq. Sally most recently designed Icarus at Bohemian Theatre. Previous designs include Striking 12 (Bohemian Theatre), Cherry Smoke (The Side Project), The Illusion (Northwestern), A Very Neo-Futurist Christmas Carol (The Neo-Futurists), and Twice Told (Northwestern). Sally received her B.A in Theatre from the University of Maryland at College Park and recently finished the M.F.A Stage Design Program at Northwestern University. She is also an Assistant Scenic Designer and a has been a Props Designer at The Marriott Theatre and the Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival. Examples of her work can be seen at www.sallyweissdesign.com.

EMILY BENNETT (Puppet Designer) is excited to be graduating from Columbia College Chicago in December. Emily was an aesthetics intern at Redmoon Theater and has started doing puppet and object designs around the city. She is excited to be assisting Collette Pollard with scenic design at The House Theater this Spring. She is also working hard on her plush toy business, EeeBeeDee. Emily would like to thank her family for supporting her and allowing her to go to school for something she loves.

DANIEL CARLYON (Sound Designer) has been designing sound since he was fourteen, and doing it well since he was eighteen. Credits include the upcoming Seven Doors (Premiere Theatre and Performance), The Body Snatchers (City Lit Theater, also video design), and Baristas (NY International Fringe Festival). He will probably have a website soon.

NIQ TOGNONI (Print designer/Marketing) has been a proud member of New Suit Theatre company since it’s first show, JedIraq. He’s a graduate of Illinois Wesleyan Theatre department, and has worked as an actor, technician, carpenter, marketing agent, designer, and publicist for several theaters in Chicago, St.Louis, L.A, and Portland. New Suit is unlike any other theater that he’s been a part of, and sincerely appreciates your support!

In an effort to cut down on our carbon “stageprint” The Sizzle program can be accessed digitally, via www.issuu.com. Scan the QR code with your smartphone to view it now!

Please consider leaving your copy for future patrons!

For more information or to contribute to New Suit Theatre Company contact newsuittheatre@gmail.com

Stay tuned for The Informathon: part deux, a night of experts, actors, and community members presenting on their expertise! Coming this

Spring!

Have you seen a play that taught you something? Have you written a play that could teach us something? New Suit accepts

submissions of scripts, stories, and ideas. Email us for more information!

Want to come check us out? Want to see the show again? Want to get your friends over to The Raven? Buy some tickets now at:http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200530

JACOB WATSON (Poster design) is a theater artist and recent graduate of Northwestern University. www.jacobwatson.com

HOLLY GITLIN (ASM) is a freelance production manager. Recently she managed Operamatic’s “The Whale”, a multi-media spectacle in collaboration with Andrew Bird. Holly has managed concerts and events at The Harris Theater, The Auditorium Theatre and CSO Orchestra Hall. Originally from St. Louis, she worked for producer Mike Isaacson and assisted him on Broadway productions of Legally Blonde, The Color Purple, Caroline or Change and Thoroughly Modern Millie. She won the Kevin Klein award for Best Original Production for her direction and collaboration on the ensemble devised So to Speak. Presently she is completing her MFA thesis in Arts Management at Webster University.

MARTIN FINNIE (Technical Director) earned a degree in Business Administration with a focus in Management from the University of North Carolina. In late 2004, he moved to Chicago and began working for Lookingglass Theatre, as well as several other theaters in the city. He recently retired from Harpo Studios, where he worked as a production crew leader. Martin is a founding member of New Suit Theater and has discovered that working with this company is a fulfilling and gratifying way to give back to society.He took on many roles during the production of this show, and is proud of all of the work of the company.

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