August 18, 2017-September 3, 2017
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
Written by Tennessee Williams
This Pulitzer Prize winning drama reveals to the very depths the character of Blanche du Bois, a woman whose life has been undermined by her romantic illusions, which lead her to reject the realities of life with which she is faced and which she consistently ignores. The pressure brought to bear upon her by her sister, with whom she goes to live in New Orleans, intensified by the earthy and extremely "normal" young husband of the latter, leads to a revelation of her tragic self-delusion and, in the end, to madness. Photos by Michael Brunk | NWlens.com
PRODUCTION BIOGRAPHIES
Michala Hansen (Blanche) has studied theater since the age of 14; a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy, with training at University of North Carolina School of the Arts as well as Harvard University’s Advanced Actor Training Program at the American Repertory Theatre. She is an actress, singer-songwriter, poet, social activist, and has ‘always depended on the kindness of strangers.’ Blanche is the most complex and beautifully tapestried character she has ever had the privilege of playing, and she is honored to share her work with you today.
Justine Rose Stillwell (Stella) is beyond thrilled to be part of this re-telling of a classic. Past favorites include Proof (Catherine) with The Driftwood Players, Of Mice and Men (Curley’s Wife) at Eclectic Theatre, and The Taming (Katherine) at ArtsWest. Love and thanks to the cast, crew, and everyone at SSR!
Andrew Bullard (Stanley) is an actor (relatively) new to the area. After having moved here from the southwest, he has had the good fortune of working with many great theater companies. From his Seattle debut with Sound Theatre Company in One Man Two Guvnors, to his roles as Speed in Harlequin Productions’ Two Gentlemen of Verona and Snoopy in Taproot’s A Charlie Brown Christmas, he is thrilled to add SecondStory Rep to the list.
George Sayah (Mitch) is thrilled to be performing in his 1st show at SecondStory Repertory. He was last seen in Woodinville Repertory Theatre’s production of “Butterflies Are Free”, “The Nerd” & “Arsenic and Old Lace.” He’s been involved in the local theater & film community for the past 16 years and has acted in several commercials for PNW companies.” He is excited to be working at SSR with such a talented group.
Erin Carter (Eunice) is honored to be part of this fantastic cast and crew! This is her first performance with SSR. Recent credits include Noises Off! at Red Curtain, Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Driftwood Players, and 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at The Repertory Collective. Hugs to Todd and Fae for their unwavering support.
Ramone Palmore (Steve) is an American Stage and Film Actor. Ramone started acting with director Beth Harper at Portland Actors Conservatory, He has credits with the television series Grimm and the Librarians. He is being represented by Tiffany Talent Agency and Wild Model Talent .
Adrian Cerrato (Pablo) is thrilled to finally be cast in his favorite play! He was previously seen in Romeo and Juliet as Benvolio or Tybalt (depending on which show you saw) and Demetrius in A Midsummer Night's Dream, both with Off-Road Shakespeare, as well as Mr. Martin and Mr. Dixon in Emma, at Book-it Repertory Theatre. He is also excited to be returning to SecondStory Repertory after his previous role of Dad in Knuffle Bunny. Adrian received his BA in drama from the University of Washington.
Bianca Raso (Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her SecondStory Repertory debut. She enjoys performing in plays, musicals and operas as well as exploring on-camera work. You can find her at The Rialto performing Barbarina in Tacoma Opera’s upcoming production of Le Nozze di Figaro. Other credits include Buttercup in HMS Pinafore with the Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society, Puppeteer in Stellaluna with the Seattle Children’s Theatre and Só in Away with Fresh Cup Films. Bianca was born in Toronto, Ontario and currently lives with her husband in Seattle, WA.
Matthew Fisher (Doctor/Young Man) is excited to make his professional debut at SecondStory Repertory in A Streetcar Named Desire! A recent graduate of Whitman College, Matthew has been working as an actor, writer and director since high school, with a particular interest in Shakespeare and ensemble work. Notable roles include Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Twelfth Night), Benedick (Much Ado About Nothing), and Daniel Muir (John Muir Wolf).
MEET THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Jane Ryan (Director) is a professional actress, director, and theatre teacher. She co-founded one of Seattle’s first Improv companies, and taught for UW, SCT, and many public and private schools. Her recent directing credits include Becky’s New Car and Picasso at the Lapin Agile for Twelfth Night Productions, I Love You . . . Now Change for Burien Actors Theater, and Arsenic and Old Lace for Woodinville Rep, as well as new works for Centrifuge, Studio 4, and the Seattle Fringe Festival, including her original comedy, Brutta Caduta.
Laurie Roberts (Costume Designer) has been designing costumes for 15 years, and is delighted to be back working at SSR again for the 30th time! She has also designed costumes for Bellevue Youth Theatre and Youth Theatre Northwest. Her work was last seen in last season's production of Spring Awakening. Thanks as always to the Squolf for the opportunity. Enjoy the show!!
Steven Hochteil (Fight Choreographer) Steven is elated to be working with SSR on this classic of the American stage. He would like to thank Barbara, his loving wife for all her hard work behind the concessions counter and Mark for leaving him out of the program (as per Steven's explicit wishes.)
Jen Chenovick (Light Design) Jen's theatrical career began in 2002 when she was asked to assistant stage manage The Importance of Being Ernest right here at SSR. Following her passion for theater Jen moved to Hollywood in 2005 where she stage managed for The Blank Theatre including the oddly satisfying Lobster Alice starring Noah Wylie and Nicholas Brendon. While in California, she also worked with Syzygy Theatre Group and the World Premiere of Tender, Abi Morgan’s trenchant drama of the human hunger for connection. Jen moved back to Redmond in 2007 and jumped right back into her work with SSR. During her eighteen plus years at SSR Jen has worn many hats, from stage manager to production manager to managing director and now light design. Special thanks to my parents, they’re pretty cool.
Mark Chenovick (Set Design/Technical Director) has been designing, building, and painting sets since the mid-eighties. Having the fortune to begin his theatrical career under the tutelage of Don McLaughlin in his hometown of Helena Montana, Mark continued his training at the University of Washington where he was accepted into the Graduate Design Seminar his sophomore year. With subsequent degrees in Art History and Drama, Mark went on to serve as technical director/designer for multiple organizations including: Virginia Musical Theatre, Fort Peck Summer Theatre, the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, Little Theater of the Rockies, and the Norfolk Governor’s School for the Arts. As Technical Director/Production Manager of the national tour of Anything Goes (starring Gloria Loring) Mark travelled around the United States and Canada realizing that there is no place quite as wonderful as the Pacific Northwest. Shortly after the turn of the millennium, and following a brief stint as a carpenter at The Studio Theatre in Washington D.C., he moved back to Seattle. Locally he has worked behind the scenes for the Village Theatre, Seattle Musical Theatre, Redwood Theatre, and, of course, SecondStory Repertory.
Mark Chenovick (Sound Design) I began my sound design journey splicing reel-to-reel tape together in the basement of the original Penthouse Theater on the University of Washington campus but it was my brief time in the MFA program at Utah State University, where I learned the joys of digital sound design, and subsequently, became hooked on sound design for life. Having provided composed and curated underscoring and soundscaping, original and sourced sound effects, and performance amplification services for multiple theaters across the US, I have felt the most at home at SSR. Special thanks to Squolfie, ‘lil Squolf, and my extended family. You are the music of my life. #bandistoohot #sorrynotsorry
Mark Chenovick (Projection Design) has designed projections for over 100 shows in the last ten years. Prior to that he worked with CJS design, a website design and hosting company, developing custom websites for clients ranging from Draper Valley Farms to Seattle Film Group. He also co-created and ran the now defunct SeattleActor.com, a website focused on Seattle area theater, featuring audition listings, helpful articles, and show reviews. In addition to projections, Mark also designs all of the marketing materials you see at SSR including; posters, show graphics, and website. All my love to Jen. Enjoy the show!