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FARMERS ALLEY THEATRE
presents
by
LAUREN YEE
Directed by
HELEN YOUNG
The Great Leap is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheaticals.com
The Great Leap was originally developed and produced by Denver Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Company, Chris Coleman, Artistic Director.
New York Premiere Presented By Atlantic Theater Company New York City, 2018
The Great Leap was developed with the support of The Playwright’s Center.
Developed in the New Strands Residency, a program of the American Conservatory Theater, Carey Perloff, Artistic Director- Peter Pastreich, Executive Director.
A workshop production of The Great Leap was presented by New York Stage and Film & Vassar at the Powerhouse Theater, Summer 2017.
Setting: San Francisco, California and Beijing, China
Time: May/June 1989 and Summer/Fall 1971
There will be a 15 minute intermission.
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Farmers Alley Theatre Staff
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Cast
Creative Team
Crew
Meet the Company
Ming is very enthusiastic to dive into the world of The Great Leap as Manford Lum. Especially here at the Farmers Alley Theatre in KalamaZOO, Michigan! He recently worked on a feature film called MY HEAVENLY CITY directed by Sen-I Yu. In his free time, he plays ball. Trying to become the next Steph Curry. Ming trains with the Barrow Group and his one-on-one coach, Sandra Turner. Ming is repped with Stewart Talent (Bonnie Shumofsky Bloom). Transformers (2007) is the reason why Ming became an actor. He would like to thank Boni, Jalen, Eddie and Tay, Sandy, Priya, and most importantly, the woman who gave him life. Mum.
Richard is excited to be making his debut at Farmers Alley Theatre! He has performed at many theatres in the Chicago area, where he was last seen working with the Lyric Opera of Chicago on FIDDLER ON THE ROOF and LE COMTE ORY. He has also worked at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Goodman, Marriott Theatre of Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Theatre as well as Token Theatre, House Theatre, and Silk Road Rising. As part of the RSC presenting the entire canon of Shakespeare from theatres across the globe, Richard was in Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's HENRY IV PARTS 1 & 2. He has also performed at the Donmar Warehouse in London with the Olivier Award winning production of PACIFIC OVERTURES. Richard is a proud member of AGMA and AEA.
Jason last appeared on Farmers Alley stage in SUPERIOR DONUTS. He is delighted to be back! Jason portrayed Vadislav in the debut of DAY OF THE DOG in St. Louis and it's subsequent Off-Broadway run. He also played the title role in BEN BUTLER in Iowa. Other roles include Iago, Claudius in HAMLET and Philippe in HEROES. Jason is a proud member of Actors Equity.
Zhanna is thrilled to be working with Farmers Alley Theatre for the first time! Some of her previous credits include Broken Nose Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Steep Theatre, MPAACT and Silk Road Rising Theatre. You may also catch her on season 6 of CHICAGO P.D., Season 10 of CHICAGO FIRE and Season 2 of POWER BOOK IV: FORCE. Zhanna is happily represented by Stewart Talent Chicago. She would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!
Helen Young is an actor and director who maintains her work in theatre, film, and television as well as a full time tech job with Amazon. Helen is passionate about continuing a multi-disciplinary artist’s path and encourages women to do the same. She believes that curiosity, knowledge and skill in multiple disciplines and viewpoints is the best way to affect change through a lifetime of story-telling. Credits include: THE CHINESE LADY (Director, Critics Pick, Jeff Recommended), THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN (Reading Director), THE AUDIENCE (Associate Director), and CHIMERICA (Asst. Dramaturg) at TimeLine Theatre; WILD BOAR (Director), and NEW CHINA FESTIVAL (Lead Director) at Silk Road Rising; AMERICAN HWANGAP (Director, WBEZ Worldview Pick, Jeff Recommended), and TINY DYNAMITE (Director) at Halcyon/A-Squared; TEA (Director, Jeff Recommended) at Prologue Theatre. Helen is also an actor (SAG/AFTRA) and serves on the boards of Token Theatre and Chicago Dramatists. She will next be directing WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME at the TimeLine Theatre in Chicago.
Roger is excited to be in his 10th season as Farmers Alley Theatre's Equity Stage Manager. Roger started his theatre journey in second grade and has been traveling that road ever since. Both as an actor and technician, Roger has graced many stages throughout the area, and has been at Farmers Alley since season two. Some of his favorites in recent years are NEXT TO NORMAL, THE PRODUCERS, DOGFIGHT, THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, MURDER FOR TWO, and THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME. Roger would like to thank his family and educators who got him hooked on live theatre. There is nothing quite like experiencing a live production with a live audience. Proud member of Actors Equity Association.
Mike is in his second season as Farmers Alley Theatre’s full time technical director. Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Mike has spent the last decade bouncing around various tech and production roles at many theatres in the area including Miller Auditorium, Chenery Auditorium, Farmers Alley Theatre and more. Specializing in taking things apart, but not necessarily putting them back together, Mike is excited to take on unique challenges and opportunities as Farmers Alley’s Technical Director for the 2022-23 season.
Cory graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015 with a BFA in lighting design and production. He has toured with JERSEY BOYS and ELF ON THE SHELF as a head electrician. Having been a Production Electrician for two major national tours he now is giving back to the community some of his knowledge in large-format productions.
Tony graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS in Multi-Media Arts & Technology and creates audio & video content with the art community and businesses with his production company, Texture House. Tony is also the lead sound designer for Farmers Alley Theatre and band leader for his “Indie Soul” band Basic Comfort.
Savannah previously served as Prop Designer for A SWINGING CHRISTMAS: THE HOLIDAY MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, BRIGHT STAR, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, AVENUE Q, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME, A DOLL'S HOUSE PART 2, THE PRODUCERS, LIBERACE!, IT'S ONLY A PLAY, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK, and HONKY TONK ANGELS. A Kalamazoo native, Savannah has spent the last few years working as a freelance designer, stage manager and technician throughout Michigan, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Prior to her travels she was the Stage Management Associate for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre and Props Designer for Millbrook Playhouse. Savannah is thrilled to be able to call Farmers Alley her forever theatre home and is grateful to all who have helped her along her theatrical journey.
This marks Nicole's sixth production with Farmers Alley, and her first season as Resident Costumer. Her resume includes a wide variety of film and theatre from the historic outdoor drama THE LOST COLONY, "My Brother, My Brother, and Me," and such iconic shows as THE TOXIC AVENGER, AVENUE Q, THE PRODUCERS, MARAT/SADE, and THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. She received her MFA in Costume Technology from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and her BFA in Costume Design From Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. She sends a thank you to her mother, her husband Murdoc, her Partner in Mischief, and her furlings for their love and support to keep her sane.
Steve has been our very talented Wig Master for our productions of A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, BRIGHT STAR, THE REVOLUTIONISTS, LOST IN YONKERS, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: A LIVE RADIO PLAY, NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED, CAMELOT, FUN HOME, MARVELOUS WONDERETTES: DREAM ON, A DOLL’S HOUSE, PART 2, BEYOND THE RAINBOW, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, and THE PRODUCERS. Steve’s talent was also on display during our productions of HONKY TONK ANGELS, GYPSY, IT SHOULDA BEEN YOU, PETER AND THE STARCATCHER, THE ANDREWS BROTHERS, 1776, and FANCY NANCY. He also been featured on the Farmers Alley stage as an actor in THE SPITFIRE GRILL, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, and 1776. Steve is also a valued volunteer who often serves as our House Manager on show nights. “Thank you to Farmers Alley Theatre for giving me the opportunity to grow in this artistic endeavor.”
David holds a BA from Western Michigan University with focuses in Fine Arts and Sustainable Brewing. David has been working in technical theatre in Kalamazoo for over 30 years as an audio engineer and designer. Currently he is the audio engineer for Miller Auditorium and a staff member in the Department of Theatre at Western Michigan University. This is David’s first production at Farmers Alley Theatre.
Julie has been working backstage since season 8. In that time she's filled many roles including Assistant Stage Manager, floor crew, dresser, and follow spot operator. Her favorite was playing the dead body in MURDER FOR TWO: HOLIDAY EDITION.
Jan joined the Farmers Alley family all the way back in the theater's third season. In the 30 plus shows she's done here since, Jan has run follow spots (she loves her tower), worked floor crew, been an ASM, and a stage manager. She wants to thank the founders for creating such a wonderful theater here in Kalamazoo.
This is David's first season as the Master Electrician for Farmer's Alley after starting as a volunteer last year. He has taken the opportunity here to grow more connected with his late father by doing something they both shared a passion for - helping others tell stories. David's day job is leading a team of systems analysts at Streamline Healthcare Solutions.
Marcia and Tom are long-time supporters of theater in the Kalamazoo area. Natives of Kalamazoo/Portage both were involved with their respective high school’s theater and music programs. They continued to support Portage Northern’s Drama and Music Departments when their children, Jennifer and Adam, were students there. Marcia was the Box Office Manager for 24 years and Tom lent his construction expertise backstage. Marcia was also a familiar face in her role as Assistant to the Directors for the musicals at Mattawan High School for 15 years. Together they have volunteered at Farmers Alley Theater since Season 1 and have assisted with the costumes for all productions since Season 8.
Actors' Equity Association (“Equity"), founded in 1913, is the U.S. labor union that represents more than 51,000 professional Actors and Stage Managers. Equity fosters the art of live theatre as an essential component of society and advances the careers of its members by negotiating wages, improving working conditions and providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. Actors' Equity is a member of the AFL-CIO and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions.
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Photo: Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
Photo: Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
Photo: Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
Photo: Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
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Donors
2022-2023 Donors
Farmers Alley Theatre profoundly thanks all the following donors and sponsors for their generous contributions from 9/1/22 to 1/11/23
VISIONARY ($5000+) | Ken and Paula Manley |
ANONYMOUS | Sue Ann Mater |
Dement & Marquardt | Prudence McCabe |
First National Bank of Michigan | Dennis and Jan McNally |
Harold & Grace Upjohn Foundation | Jamie and Amy Melvin |
Irving S. Gilmore Foundation | Ralph and Jeanette Meyer |
David Isaacson | Robert Miller and Shelagh Miller |
Keyser Insurance | Julia Minar |
Morrision Jewelers | Scott and Heather Moore |
Marvin and Rosalie Okun Foundation | Charles Nelson |
Art Nemitz | |
Peregrine Company | Melanie Oudsema |
Diane S. Robertson | Timothy and Louann Palmer |
Suzanne Parrish Foundation | Don and Ann Parfet |
Shubert Foundation | Barbara Page and Roger Prior |
Tyler Little Foundation | Donna Parr |
Williams Capital Management | Douglas Plaut |
Zhang Financial | Martha Poolman |
Thomas and Linda Powell | |
EXECUTIVE ($2500 - $4999) | Richard and Sherry Ramsdell |
Patti and Bob Huiskamp | Barbara Ray |
Bill and Jeanette Maxey | Arlene Reitz |
Mickey McDonald and Timothy Aaron | Dale and Ethel Resh |
Kathy Mulay | Jim and Diane Rikkers |
Rose Street Advisors | Barry and Jane Ross |
Judith Sarkozy | |
PRODUCER ($1000 - $24999) | Richard Schmiege and Jan Stoner |
Tom and Carol Beech | Janette Schoenherr |
Linda Harrington | Jim and Gail Sholl |
Dori Kunkle | Joellen Silberman |
Shayne and Kevin Plemmons | Jerry and Judy Sivak |
Jeff K. Ross Financial | Jerry Tilmann and Gary Steiner |
Michael and Laurel Scheidt | Jon and Jane Streeter |
Michael and Sharon Seelye | Baiba Stepe |
Jim and Betsy Sell | Linda Taylor |
Southern Michigan Bank and Trust | Jim and Marcie Telfer |
Adam and Allison Weiner | John and Linnaea Thomas |
Weissert & Kakabeeke Retirement and Wealth Management Group | Grace Tiffany |
D. Terry and Sharon Williams | Bill and Susan VanDis |
Paul and Karen Vellom | |
DIRECTOR ($500 - $999) | Marilyn Vineyard |
Daniel and Anne Bitzer | Wanda Wallis |
Phil Borozan and Kim Marineau | Pamela West |
Samuel and Carole Cupps | Henry and Ellen Winter |
Nancy Ford Charles | Frank and Janet Wolf |
Sandra Gagie | Christina Woytal |
Cindy and Kevin Kole | |
Bob and Becky Kramer | ENSEMBLE ($50 - $99) |
Charles and Laurel Ofstein | Terese Banner |
Pfizer | Steven & Nancy Bielak |
Tim and Tammy Timmons | Carol Black |
Elizabeth Upjohn Mason | Marilyn Breu |
Martin and Katy Velten | Duane and Betty Brown |
Liz Walker | Dennis and Carol Chandler |
Phyllis Westerman | Jacqueline Corak |
Paul and Judy Davidoff | |
PRINCIPAL ($250 - $499) | "Benny DiCarta's, LLC" |
Andrew and Lisa Ambrosio | Linda Diller |
Steven and Kathy Barry | Deborah Dingwall |
Chris Beaver | Douglas & Son Inc. |
Martha Beverly | Glen and Greeta Douglass |
Gregor and Sandy Blix | Lisa Falk |
Rena Brooks | Gayle Finder |
James and Carol Carter | Gay Frew |
Michael Clark | Stephen Friedman |
Lou and Helen Coleman | Beverly Gahan |
Robert and Nancy Cretsinger | John Geisler |
Carl Doerschler | Lori Hatfield |
Jim Keeler and Merry Ellen Eason | Ralph M. Hodges |
Gregory Elfring | Doug and Sue Hoopingarner |
James Escamilla and Brenda Longman | Judy Imanse |
Gary and Anne Fergemann | Jeanette and Wayne Johnson |
Anne Fischell | Andrew and Pamela Knight |
Gary and Stephanie Giguere | Mark Kraai and Linda Lesniak |
Geoffrey and Beverly Grambau | Blaine and Bobbie Lam |
Daniel Guyette | Ann Lamble |
Al and Kris Hovestadt | Anne Laurence |
James and Kathy Justen | David and Amy Lehr |
Dave and Deb Keenan | Mark and Pam Liberacki |
Kay Lennon | Judith Loudin |
Paul and Cathy Mejia | Michael and Mary Ann March |
Maggie Mosby | Michael and Barbara McMann |
Bill Pierce and Ann Paulson | Mary Miyagawa |
Howard and Georgia Potrude | Melissa Napier |
Arthur and Janet Riley | Kay and Ann Perry |
Jane Schley | Doug and Pam Phillips |
Jacob Schupan | Michael and Lisa Phillips |
Bob and Pat Terwilliger | Don and Jeri Price |
Dick and Aina Thomas | Kathleen Rabbers |
Stephen and Irene Trivers | Bonnie and David Riddle |
Bo Van Peenan and Mel VanPeenan | Rick and Carol Riddle-Wallus |
Nik Zumburs | Martha Schinderle |
Brian Smith and Maria Maki | |
SUPPORTING ($100 - $249) | Daniel Smith and Jeanette Greselin |
Cornell and Julie Abod | Luanne and Edward St. Peter |
Julie Andersen-Zelnis | Bob and Linda Van Dis |
Anne Anderson | Jan Versaw |
Kerry Lake and Paul Arkinstall | Von and Frances Washington |
Jennifer Arvanigian | Katie Winner-Weitzel and John Weitzel |
Gary and Nancy Ausema | John and Mary Whyte |
David and Sandy Badt | Ron and Ruth Wiser |
Harold Ballen | |
Harry and Mary Bird | FAN ($1 - $49) |
Donna and James Bishop | Tammy Bailey |
Donald Bremer | Cheryl Balmer |
Bruce and Cheryl Briney | Diane Boley |
Faith A. Burleigh | Eileen and Michael Burke |
Mervin and Kay Burtis | Steve and Marlene Denenfeld |
Christine K. Castle | Jim and Mary Ann Dechnik |
Carol Coverly | Frances Denny |
Ted and Stacy Dent | Linda Derfiny |
Mary and Robert Doud | Sherril and Ken Dettloff |
Thomas Drinan | Jan Drake |
Scott and Kathy Everett | Carol Eddy |
Molly Fairbanks | Michael Ehlers |
John Fink and Zaide Pixley | Global Clinical Connections |
David Ford | Ron and Molly Hamilton |
Pamela Fox Obed | Jay and Dianne Heckler |
Ed and Nan Goldenthal | Jeff and Sue Henshaw |
Robert and Marilyn Geil | Jeanne Hess |
Janet Gover | Ralph M. Hodges |
Daniel Smith and Jeanette Greselin | Thomas Kaiser |
Bruce and Jeanne Grubb | James and Janet Karle |
Dan and Barbara Gustin | Deborah and Michael Killarney |
Tim and Debra Hanna | Martha King |
Mary & Jim Heaton | Thomas Lundquist |
Dennis and Susan Hollar | Mary Jane Mapes |
John and Peggy Hopkins | Shaun Martin |
Robert and Lynn Horton | Craig and Kim Melvin |
Laurel Hyames Sayre | James and Donna Menchinger |
E. Heather Ingram | Michael Powell |
Stephen and Kathy Jepson | Nancy Repp |
Judy Jolliffe | Elizabeth Rohs |
Linda Kanamueller | David Fransen and Jennifer Smith |
Joan Khaled | Barbara Soda |
Martha King | David and Linda Wagner |
Susan Knox | Cathie Weir |
Karen Kruse | Bill White |
Ken and Sue Kuchenreuther | Jodi Wiersma |
Norm and Bonnie Langeland | Kelly Wietfeldt |
Wayne and Toni Leblong | Joellen Zimmerman |
Special Thanks
Steve Hodges
Hayden Lane-Davies
Tony Holewinski
Julie Nemitz
Stacy Bartell
Kat Mumma/VDA Productions
Becky Klose/Klose2U Photography
Paul Stroili/Touchstone GraphicDesign
Steve Brubaker/Twenty20 Productions
Laurie McDonald/Allegra Creative Marketing Group