Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You and Actor’s Nightmare Program

Written by Chris Durang

Director: Bill O’Brien*

Co-Director: Amy Fox*

Stage Manager: Shelley Sakolsky*

Production Team

Director’s Note

“Bill direct a show!”, they said!

After spending years on the other side of the fourth wall, it was a great opportunity to branch out. How hard could it be? In a word, VERY. I could have not done so without the Co-direction of Amy Fox. Her guidance has been incredible.

The Actor’s Nightmare speaks to everyone who has been on stage, whether they have been a lead role, 4th flower on the left, or a presentation at work. This production taps into the universal nightmare: That in life we all find ourselves in inexplicable situations where everyone knows their lines but us.

Sister is a quandary of contradictions. While it is based in Catholicism, I believe that there is hypocrisy in all organized religions. Sister is not an example of spirituality, rather the influence of man on one’s spirituality. We can all appreciate the “Do what I say not what I do”, mentality.

Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the incredible cast and crew who have worked so hard under these pandemic conditions. Starting with restrictions on auditions, ZOOM rehearsals, and masked live rehearsals, they have sallied forth. It has been my privilege to work with all of you. Now wash your hands and be safe everyone.

Construction Crew

Amy Fox*, Bill O’Brien*, Shelley Sakolsky*, Sam Silver*, Steve Sandler*, Dale Smith-Gallo*, Greg Northam, Jeff Parsons, Alicia Hayes*, Sean Lough, Ed Whitman, Daniel Marti, Elena Lobo, Ian Federgreen, and Steve Moger*

Cast

Act I: The Actor’s Nightmare

George……………….Ian Federgreen
Meg……………………..Elena Lobo
Voice……………………Russ Meyer*
Sarah Siddons…..Jessa Blackthorne
Ellen Tracy………….Judy Wilson*
Henry…………………..Eric Najimian
Executioner…………Kevin Ohlweiler*

Intermission (15 min)

Act II: Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You

Sister Mary Ignatius…..Annette Winter
Thomas……………………….Miranda Montalvo
Gary……………………………..Eric Najimian
Diane……………………………Elena Lobo
Philomena…………………..Judy Wilson*
Aloyisius……………………..Daniel Marti

This production also utilizes a ghost light….

“A ghost light is a single bulb left burning whenever a theatre is dark. Some argue that its function is to chase away mischievous spirits; others insist it lights the way for the ghosts that are said to inhabit virtually every theatre, keeping them happy and contented. Either way, that light ensures that no one takes an accidental tumble off the stage.”

~ Playbill.com

About

Ian Federgreen

Ian Federgreen (George) has always loved Chris Durang. Local credits include Lenny in Rumors, Charlie in The Foreigner, Allan in Play it Again, Sam, and Panch in Spelling Bee. LA: City of Angels, Urinetown. NY: Off Broadway’s Truffles, and the long-running interactive comedy Accomplice. Ian has worked as a stand up, improviser, and occasional magician. He’s been acting since first grade, but is most often recognized as a contestant from Family Feud. www.ianfedergreen.com.

Elena Lobo

Elena Lobo (Diane, Meg) is making her Studio debut and is thrilled to be back on stage! She last performed in law school where she was in various “Law Revue” productions. Before that, she acted and danced in college at Brown University. She is thrilled to be performing in Sister Mary, which she starred in in high school. Thanks to the Studio Playhouse for taking a chance on a theater kid turned lawyer who is happy to be playing a role other than “mommy” for a few weeks and looks forward to more where that came from! Thanks also to her husband for playing super dad during all her rehearsals!

Jessa Blackthorne

Jessa Blackthorne (Sarah)’s Studio Players debut! A versatile performer with a BFA from Rockford University, Jessa has utilized her classical training to take on a wide variety of diverse and exciting roles. Acting Credits include The Hamlet Experience (Ophelia), Twelfth Night (Malvolio), The Laramie Project (Romaine Patterson/Various), Amadeus (Venticelli 1/Katherina), The Comedy of Errors (Adriana), Rumors (Cassie), Heartbreak House (Hesione), and The Wedding Singer (Holly /Choreographer/Co-Director). She also produces & performs in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Frank-N-Furter, Magenta, Trixie) with The Cosmic Light Cabaret aka NJ’s Home of Happiness. Love to Chris & Noodles www.jessablackthorne.com

Judy Wilson

Judy Wilson (Dame Ellen Terry / Philomena Rostovich) is excited to be working at Studio again, especially in person! Previous Studio roles include Officer Randi in Superior Donuts, Warrior Princess Ursula in The Frog Princess, and Lily Garland in 20th Century. Other favorites include Buttercup in The Princess Bride, Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet, and Sister James in Doubt. In addition to theatre, Judy acts in film and TV, and she teaches college English. Judy would like to thank Bill & Amy, the cast, and crew for working so hard to make theatre happen again. She is also grateful for her husband’s support and God’s many blessings. You can see some of her work at JudyWilson02.wix.com/actor.

Eric Najimian

Eric Najimian (Henry / Gary Sullivan) is thrilled to be performing in his first live performance with Studio Players. Eric’s debut role with this theatre company was Fortunato in a virtual production of The Cask of Amontillado in 2020. With other organizations, he has held notable roles such as Monsieur Thenardier in Les Miserables, Monsieur D’arque in Beauty and the Beast, Jesus Christ in Godspell, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into the Woods, and Judge Hathorne in The Crucible. Eric is the assistant director of a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast, as well as the lead Rocky, and over the years has played almost every role. Outside of acting, Eric’s creative talents include singing, writing, and playing seven instruments.

Kevin Ohlweiler *

Kevin Ohlweiler* (Executioner / Lighting Designer) is very excited to be back on stage at Studio Playhouse. Kevin was previously seen in It’s Only a Play, Into The Woods, and Assembled Parties. Outside of Studio Playhouse Kevin has been seen in shows such as Matilda, Hairspray, Elf, Beauty and The Beast, and more! Kevin is also thrilled to be designing lights at Studio again! At Studio Playhouse Kevin has designed Appropriate, Stuart Little, Don’t Drink The Water and more. Outside of Studio Kevin has designed shows such as The Addams Family, Shrek, Anything Goes, Legally Blonde and more! Kevin would like to thank his family and friends for the constant support! Break a leg to the cast and crew!

Annette Winter

Annette Winter (Sister Mary Ignatius) is delighted to be back at Studio Playhouse where she was seen in productions of LIGHT UP THE SKY, LEND ME A TENOR, NOISES OFF, MY THREE ANGELS and HOW TO SUCCED… NNJ Theater-goers will recognize Annette from roles such as Jeanette/THE FULL MONTY (OLT), Bellamy/The FANTASTICS (TLC), Mrs Meers/THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (TLC), Dottie/NOISES OFF (Studio), Frauline Scheiner/CABARET (Smiling Rhino, Eulalie McKechnie Shin/MUSIC MAN (St. Catherine’s & Enchanted Players), Hattie/FOLLIES (BCP), Pennywise/URINTOWN (Allegro-Perry nomination.) Annette also appeared as Mrs. Schumacher in the Broadway production of THE PRINCE OF GRAND STREET starring Robert Preston.

Miranda Montalvo

Miranda Montalvo (Thomas) is very thrilled to finally be back on the stage after two years. With over seven years in community theater, she was last seen as “Monkey King” in Wizard Of Oz at Studio Players. She’s done several shows such as Madeline’s Christmas, Cinderella and the Story of Bigfoot, Beauty and the Beast, Rapunzel, Edges, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and many more. She is beyond excited to have worked with such an amazing crew who has taught her so much already. She cannot be any more excited to see this all come together!

Daniel Marti

Daniel Marti (Aloysius Benheim) is elated to be making his theatrical debut in the Studio Playhouse production of Sister Mary Ignatius Explains It All For You. After spending 15 years brushing aside his dream to act, Daniel finally sought out an audition with Studio Playhouse at the behest of his Improv instructor. Daniel is a father of two boys and works as a project manager. Thank you to Amy and Bill for giving me this opportunity and to everyone involved in putting together two amazing shows! I send love to my wife, who has always been my greatest cheerleader!

Bill O’Brien *

Bill O’Brien* (Director) This is Bill’s first attempt at directing an adult play. As a long time member of Studio Players he has appeared in several productions. Most recently as Luther in Superior Donuts, Owen O’Malley in On The Twentieth Century, and one of his most favorite roles; Laurence Garfinkel in Other People’s Money. He would like to thank Amy Croudo-Fox for being a true mentor in this process of directing. It would have been impossible without her assistance. She, along with Shelley Sakolsky have been instrumental in Bill’s venture. He would like to recognize his incredible cast for working under the most strenuous of conditions.

Amy Fox *

Amy Fox* (Assistant Director) is a fixture here at the Playhouse. Some of her directing favorites are – Superior Donuts, Some Girls, Almost Maine, The Twentieth Century, Other People’s Money (a 2015 Best of Montclair) The Importance of Being Earnest; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Foreigner, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and Cactus Flower. She is also a Costumer/designer whose credits include Into the Woods, The Importance of being Earnest, Fools (NJACT Perry Award winner), The Man Who Came to Dinner, Sly Fox, Urinetown, The Secret Garden, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, as well as a seasoned stage manager. Amy would like to thank Bill O’Brien for letting her take this journey with him, season planning for their continued faith; this amazing cast who made returning to theater post pandemic a pleasure, and Shelley Sakolsky for all her support and. Finally, her husband Spencer who makes all things possible

Shelley Sakolsky*

Shelley Sakolsky* (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be back behind the scenes for another awesome Studio Playhouse production. She was last seen “making donuts” for Superior Donuts. When not stage managing she manages the box office (with my buddy), builds sets, and just about anything else that’s needed around the theatre. Great to be working with Amy and Bill again, it seems like forever ago when we were last together. Special thanks to Kevin, she couldn’t have done it without him. Congratulations to an awesome cast, break legs!