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A LETTER FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As someone who didn’t know a whole lot about Dr. Ruth's life other than her late night TV appearances, I was floored by the incredible journey she had to travel before becoming the world's foremost sex therapist.

A truly inspiring tale, the fact that we get the opportunity to produce this show during Women's History Month just adds to her importance and legacy. On a personal level, to tell the story of such a strong Jewish female figure, means a lot to me – as I’ve been surrounded by them my whole life (and raising two more!)

We thank you for coming out and embracing meaningful productions like the one you’re about to see. If you’re in the mood for more we’ve got more great shows lined up for the rest of our Crystal Anniversary Season.

Up next, we have the hysterical family comedy Chicken & Biscuits which had the honor of being the first show to open on Broadway following the pandemic pause.  In May we celebrate our 15th Anniversary with a Special Concert Event – Bright Stars featuring Kalamazoo’s own Hannah Elless who starred in the Original Broadway cast of Bright Star.  And we’ve got the theatrical event of the season this summer with the iconic, Tony and Pulitzer Prize winning musical, RENT by Jonathan Larson.

See you at the theatre!

Robert Weiner

DIRECTOR'S NOTE

“The turtle can stay in its shell and be safe and boring, but if it wants to move forward it has to stick its neck out,” says Dr. Ruth Westheimer who has a large collection of turtles in her Washington Heights Apartment where she has lived since 1956.  “If I have to mention one characteristic I have, it’s chutzpah.”

Chutzpah is another word for courage and taking risks has certainly been the hallmark of Dr. Ruth’s life.  She has overcome incredible odds since the age of 10. Her story is inspiring, and in this play you will hear her dramatic and brave story told from the memories of an orphan of the holocaust to becoming a pioneer celebrity of the art of speaking frankly about sexual matters on radio and television. Even today at 94, Dr. Ruth delivers her much sought advice with a dollop of joyous naughtiness.  Holding a degree from Columbia University, and as a teacher at Yale and Princeton, she has always approached every lesson with humor.  “The Talmud says a lesson taught with humor is a lesson retained.” Her upbeat and honest vocabulary, often laced with Jewish values, will make you laugh. She’s a long-time board member of the Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust.

Finding an actress who could embody this 4’7” dynamo was a must, and we are thrilled to have found Diane Wasnak…whose life choices have also required taking great risks!  Read her bio!

What do the white boxes represent? Ruth packing and unpacking her life……the snow capped mountains in Switzerland…the wailing wall in Jerusalem…the skyscrapers of NYC…the barriers she climbed to “Becoming Dr. Ruth.”  Enjoy!

Kathy Mulay

Farmers Alley Theatre Staff

Joshua T. Weiner — President

Kathy Mulay — Vice President

Dan Guyette

Patricia Huiskamp

Alice Kemerling

Julie Nemitz

Charles Ofstein

Lanford J. Potts

Jack Hopkins

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Cast

Creative Team

Crew

Meet the Company

Diane Wasnak* (she/her)

Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Diane is thrilled to be making her Farmers Alley Theatre debut in the titular role of our production of BECOMING DR. RUTH! Diane’s experience spans four decades with many credits in Stage, Film and Television. In her life long career as a performing artist, Diane Wasnak apprenticed with Master Mime Tony Montanaro, going on to join the San Francisco Pickle Family Circus in 1988 and partnering with Joan Mankin to become “Pino & Queenie Moon,” the first female clown duo featured in American circus. After ten years with the Pickles, Diane was cast in Cirque du Soleil’s production of MYSTERE. On screen, Diane was MoCap stunt double for Jada Pinkett Smith in the The Matrix games. On the theatrical stage Diane received acclaim for her portrayal of Puck in Marin Shakespeare’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and Gower in PERICLES: PRINCE OF TYRE. She portrayed eleven characters in Actor’s Theatre of Louisville’s A TUNA CHRISTMAS, Dr. Gertrude Ladenburger in Athen’s West 33 VARIATIONS, and many others. In 2006 Diane and her dog, Bonzer, made their Broadway debut in BUSKER ALLEY starring Glenn Close. Diane’s work with the Palo Alto Humane Society earned them a Telly Award for their video, IT'S A DOG'S DAY. Diane’s dog Crikey published a book of poetry in 2022 entitled ALL I NEED IS A TYPEWRITER & A SQUEAKY BALL. And Diane’s company, Bonzer Productions produced the fictional podcast, BIZZO'S HOLIDAY SECRET.

Kathy Mulay

Director & Scenic Designer

As Vice President of the board at Farmers Alley Theatre, Kathy has directed 33 shows at the theatre since its inception in 2008. She has thoroughly enjoyed working with professionals from all over the country while mounting shows on our stage. She also often designs costumes and sets for her productions and is particularly proud of the abstract set design for this production. She is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Diane Wasnak on this production, whose own life as a mime and circus performer is incredibly interesting. Kathy has been honored with Wilde Award nominations (celebrating theatre in the State of Michigan) for her productions of THE SECRET GARDEN, COLLECTED STORIES, NEXT TO NORMAL, THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA, and PARADE. Other favorites include BRIGHT STAR, FUN HOME, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER, DOGFIGHT, CABARET, and JANE EYRE. She has been honored with the Community Medal of Arts Award for her many years of theatrical direction and her work bringing bringing area premieres to the community. She has directed numerous shows for the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, her most recent being MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS. Most of Kathy’s career has been dedicated to educating young theatrical artists as Managing Director of the Civic Summer Theatre for 18 summers as well as teaching and directing students at Loy Norrix and Portage Central High Schools. She has prided herself on challenging those young artists with area premieres of LES MISERABLES, MISS SAIGON, RAGTIME, HAIRSPRAY, THE SECRET GARDEN, ALL SHOOK UP, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, and THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Loving memories of husband John Mulay who was always the wind beneath her wings.

Roger W. Burleigh* (he/him)

Stage Manager

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 Borzkowski (he/him)

Technical Director

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.

Savannah Draper (she/her)

Prop Design & Scenic Painter

Savannah previously served as Prop Designer for THE GREAT LEAP, 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.

Carter Furland (he/him)

Sound Design

Carter graduated from Western Governers University with a BBA in IT Business Management and currently works full-time as an AV System Engineer for a local casino. His production company, CF Productions, works in the community doing live sound, event production, as well as photography and video services. Carter not only designs and runs sound for Farmers Alley Theater but is also the Technical Director at the Franke Center for the Arts in Marshall.

Steve Hodges (he/him)

Hair/Wig Design

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.”

Christopher Mahlmann (he/him)

Projection Design

Christopher is the technical director for Grand Valley State University and a freelance projection and media designer for the performing arts in West Michigan. He has designed projection and media for Grand Valley State University, Heritage Theatre, Cassell Dance, Mason Street Warehouse, and the Miss Michigan Pageant. He is delighted to be working with Farmers Alley again, having previously done projections for A GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER.

Cory Kalkowski (he/him)

Lighting Design

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.

Nicole Peckens (she/her)

Costume Design

This marks Nicole's seventh 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.

Ricky DeVore (he/him)

Asst. Stage Manager

Ricky is an incoming transfer student to Western Michigan University where he intends to study theatre. From Battle Creek, this is his second involvement with Farmer’s Alley Theatre, having been a spotlight operator for A SWINGING CHRISTMAS: THE HOLIDAY MUSIC OF TONY BENNETT this season. He has performed in many various community theatre productions all over SW Michigan throughout the last decade.

Issac “Ziggy” Middleton

Head Carpenter

Kyle (Cole) McCurdy, Erin P. Truesdell, and Erin P. Truesdell

Asst. Carpenters

Marcia Smith (she/her) and Tom Smith (he/him)

Wardrobe Support

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.

David Knewston (he/him)

Master Electrician

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.

*Proud Member of Actors Equity

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.

Donors

2022-2023 Supporters

Farmers Alley Theatre profoundly thanks all the following supporters for their generous contributions from 2/24/22 to 2/24/23

Special Thanks

Stephen Nachamie
Stacy Bartell
Tony Holewinski
Julie Nemitz
Cameron Taylor
Trevor and Jack Stefanik
Zhanna Albertini
Hayden Lane-Davies
Savannah Draper
Judy Sarkozy, Alec Wells, and everyone at Sarkozy Bakery and Café
Becky Klose/Klose2U Photography
Paul Stroili/Touchstone GraphicDesign
Steve Brubaker/Twenty20 Productions
Laurie McDonald/Allegra Creative Marketing Group