Donna Latham is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been produced coast to coast and across the pond. She’s thrilled to be involved with this production and grateful to Julane Sullivan and the Batavia Arts Council! Selected credits: And We Will Share the Sky was a regional finalist for the Kennedy Center’s David Mark Cohen Playwriting Award and is the recipient of the National Theatre for Young Audiences Playwriting Award. Grievances and Whirligigs was part of the Biscuit Tin Series in Belfast and the EstroGenius Festival, Manhattan Theatre Source. Coyote’s Moon went up at the La MaMa Theatre 50 Block Party in NYC. At NYC’s Bechdel Group, Donna recently participated in a talkback for The Haunted Widow Lincoln, which the Arts Council produced last year. Widow Lincoln is a semi-finalist for the Playwrights First Award and the Vittum Prize.
Donna is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild.
Donna is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild.
The Cast
Eugenie Cumberbatch
Lisa Dawn Foertsch was last seen in Shakespeare On Clark’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” as her alter-ego Beatrice. Also this past season, she performed in WDI’s production of “The 39 Steps” and as Jess in Ken Kaden’s adaptation of “A Long Way Down” in Los Angeles. She is former Co-founder/Artistic Director of the late Players Please Theatre (Suburban Nitelife’s “Best Live Theatre” 2008 and 2009) in which she won awards for both acting and directing. You might have also caught her as: Snoopy (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Ellen (Any Wednesday), Goldie (Laugh-in), Soos (The Country Club), Joan of Arc (Chernobyl’s Fire), Phoebe (As You Like It), Meg (Crimes of the Heart), and Ensemble (The Complete Works of William Shakespeare [Abridged]) and she has directed the well-received Steel Magnolias, The Boys Next Door, Check, Please!, The Problem, and The Boy Who Ate the Moon. Lisa Dawn has also been in commercial work with Arx Axiom Productions, performed with professional theatre company Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, done voiceover work for Enlightened Games for “The Song of Seven” (a 2016 Sony Playstation release) and is a paid actor for Illinois Police Department’s Crisis Intervention Training. Other life credits: Professional Photographer (emergence-see.com), Reiki Master, Yoga Instructor, Bartender, Wedding Officiant, Hip Hop Artist, and self-proclaimed wizard. 
Noah the Arcmeister
Patrick Deering is a lifelong resident of the Chicago suburbs, calling Batavia home for the last ten years. He is married and has a teenage daughter who is currently a junior at Elgin Academy. While active in theatre during high school and college (many years ago), Patrick has only recently taken to the boards again, appearing for the first time on stage only a few months ago as Mr. Anagnos (the headmaster at Annie Sullivan's school) in the Albright Theatre Company's 2015 production of "The Miracle Worker". Most recently he is performing as Tony, in "The Butler Did It", also at the Albright (Batavia), which closes only a few weeks prior to Midnight Clear's opening. He is thrilled to be involved in the theatre again and is grateful to his fellow casts and crews for being so welcoming in this new adventure. A special thanks goes out to his wife and daughter for being so supportive of his new adventure. |
Corporal Percival Cavanaugh
Anthony Mele is no stranger to the Northwest Suburban Community theatre scene. Fresh off the heels of his directorial debut of Summer Place Theatre’s Camelot, Anthony is elated at the chance to take on a dramatic original production. His most recent performances include Wheaton Drama’s The 39 Steps (Clown 1), Theatre Nebula’s Spamalot (Sir Robin), and The Man Who Came to Dinner (Bert Jefferson). When he’s not desperately seeking validation on stage, he’s usually cracking terrible jokes at parties, looking up useless trivia about movies, and trying to find clothes that fit his Jack Skillington-esque frame. Anthony would like to thank God, his family, friend, and the cast and crew of this production. 
Corporal Smith
R. Scott Purdy (Corporal Smith) earned a BA in Dramatic Arts from Amherst College. He worked extensively in the business for several years. Then he met a girl, left show-biz, earned an MBA, married the girl, became a banker, reared a family, and retired. Since returning to show-biz less than two years ago, he has appeared in over a dozen stage roles, 4 independent films, and completed the acting conservatory program at the Black Box Academy in Chicago. He loves working on premier productions, adores Shakespeare, and revels in playing the villain. Scott wants to thank Marjorie for tolerating his multitudinous obsessions for lo these 36 years! 
Private Cagney
Amaria Von Dran is a lover of acting, music, food and weapons, Amaria is ecstatic to be a part of this production and to work alongside such a talented group of players. Previous roles include "The Curious Savage" (Fairy May), "Love Rides The Rails" (FiFi), "The Mousetrap" (Miss Casewell) at the Albright theatre as well as WMC's production of "The Music Man" (Pick-a-little lady). She hopes she does this script justice, makes our playwright proud and passes for a dude. "No twig and berries needed." |
Private Graham Asher
Michaël Hudetz is thrilled to be working with Julane again in this phenomenal show. Michaël was last seen in GreenMan Theatre Troupe’s A Long Way Down as Bong/Taxi Driver/Chas. Previous credits include Shakespeare on Clark at the Centre’s Much Ado About Nothing (Claudio) this past summer. Michaël speaks two languages fluently, and enjoys learning new languages and accents. Currently he is looking to master the Glaswegian accent. In addition to acting, Michaël is studying music, vocal performance and theatre at college. He would like to thank Julane for giving him an amazing opportunity. He also wants to thank everyone involved in this production for their incredibly hard work. 
Grandmama Cumberbatch
Vicki White is thrilled to be a part of this incredible production. Her most recent stage appearance was a two night run as Nora in “Better Late” at the Riverfront Playhouse. Favorit roles include Mrs. Potts (“Picnic”), Catherine (“Miss Reardon Drinks a Little), and Madame Nelda (“Dearly Beloved”). She’s a founding member of Visiting Voices, a non-profit reading service and a regular box office worker at the Riverfront. She spends her “work life” at the helm of her virtual assistant business, You Deserve A Hand. Thanks to her mom for pushing her to audition way back when in Junior High, to her bestest buddy for the encouragement, and last but certainly not least, thanks to Mike for understanding that theatre is cheaper than therapy. 
Bruno
Chris Contreras is a seat warmer/button pusher from sector 7-G and is also a novice chihuahua connoisseur. He got into theatre last year and this is his fifth show since then... he doesn't have a lot going on. 
British Officer
Mark Dettman is thrilled to be working with Julane for a second time, having been in Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” this summer under her direction. Having recently retired Mark has discovered acting and has been in three plays at the Albright Theatre in Batavia and had a blast playing Mayor Shinn in “The Music Man” in his first musical also this past summer put on by WMC Productions in Warrenville. He hopes you enjoy this world premiere production as much as he enjoys being in it. 
Nurse Wiggins
Jennifer Richardson is excited to be part of the wonderful cast of this heartwarming Christmas show. Over the past 10 years Jennifer has appeared in a number of productions at various theaters in the Fox Valley area. This is her first time working with Julane and Donna and hopes there will be many more. Jennifer lives with her husband in Batavia where she is trying to come to terms with being an empty-nester. 
Recruiter
Leigh Tracy is a founding member and current treasurer of Batavia Arts Council, this will be his second appearance in a play produced by the Arts Council, having been in “The Haunted Widow Lincoln” last year. He is a dedicated community volunteer and local politician. Not being particularly young, he previously explored various careers in sales, marketing, education and theatre. Over a period of 20 years he was professor of political science and theatre at Aurora College (Aurora University). Going back 60 years, he has had experience in well over 50 productions as an actor, director, technical director, and theatre manager in academic, community and summer theatre. Among his more significant roles are those in plays by Shakespeare, Moliere, Tennessee Williams, Arthur Miller, Sean O’Casey, Brian Friel, and Donna Latham. 
German Ensemble & British Recruit
Amelia Deering is a junior at Elgin Academy and a member of the International Thespian Society. She has been involved in many shows at EA, including Fools, 9 to 5, Shake it Up (a musical version of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) ) and Twelve Angry Jurors as well as her most recent performance as Aunt Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace. Community theatre work has included stage manager for Come Back to the Five & Dime Jimmie Dean, Jimmie Dean at The Riverfront Theatre (Aurora) where she also had the opportunity to perform as Young Sissy for two performances during the run. 
German Soldier - Ben Tennant
British Recruit - Soldier - Dead Soldier - Robbie Mansfield
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Cornelius Cumberbatch
Matthew Rosario is incredibly excited to be a part of A Midnight Clear: The Christmas Trice of 1914! After many years off the stage he is relishing the opportunity to get back into the limelight! Past roles include A-Rab and Tony (understudy) in Limelight Theatre Company's production of West Side Story, Mayor Shinn in Plainfield South High School's production of The Music Man, General Ghengis Khan Schmitz in Plainfield South's production of Seussical the Musical, Butler in Plainfield South's production of Frankenstein and Oedipus in Plainfield South's production of Oedipus. Other than theatre Matthew studies American Sign Language at Waubonsee Community College in hopes of being an Interpreter. He thanks his friends and family for all the support they've shown him over the years and in all of his endeavors. 
Lillabeth
Katelyn Rondinaro is a senior B.F.A. Acting candidate at Northern Illinois University. She was last seen in Much Ado about Nothing as Conrade with Shakespeare on Clark in Batavia. Roles at NIU include Eurydice in Antigone, Jacqueline de Benoit in Wintertime, and Joan de Baron in Canterbury Tales. When not in school, which isn’t often she loves spending time with her kitty, shoe shopping and having tea with friends. She is elated to be a part of this show and to share its miraculous story. To quote one of her favorite women, “The more we sweat in Peace the less we bleed in war” – Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit 
First German Soldier
Matt Heine Matt is proud to be in this production of a fascinating moment in history. Locals and fans may remember him from Shakespeare on Clark at the Centre productions of Much Ado About Nothing (Don Pedro) as well as in The Comedy of Errors (Balthazar) The Taming of the Shrew (The Pedant), The Merry Wives of Windsor (Sir Hugh Evans), and Twelfth Night (Valentine). An aspiring English/Theater major, Matt's true talents are in writing, yet he has been involved in Theater for over six years and has performed or worked at a variety of Chicagoland venues. He is also a strong supporter of the bard, and has worked with several productions outside of Clark, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Macbeth. Other notable roles include Azmur the Devil in Golem: The Monster of Prague, The Undertaker in Sagebrush: The Musical, and Long John Silver in Treasure Island. Matt would like to thank his family and friends for their support, as well as all the members of A Midnight Clear: A Christmas Truce of 1914 for an amazing experience! 
Second German Soldier
Tom Davison is the father of two 30-year-old sons, raised in Peoria and now living in Lombard. Though his mother says he has been acting up his whole life, this will only be his 3rd play, the first being in grade school and the second over 20 years ago. Self employed as a home remodeler for the past 28 years, his hobbies as a part time photographer and Civil War re-enactor has allowed him to travel all over to photograph those who recreate history for the public for time periods from the Revolutionary War through WWII. His friendship with Julane Sullivan allowed him to find out early on about this play and he reached out to offer a few resources and links to her and Donna Latham, which resulted in his becoming interested in participating in the play, also. He finds himself surrounded by a cast of seasoned and more experienced actors and has enjoyed learning from them and making new friends. He laments the fact that his hair no longer appears as in his profile shot, but knows that with time, all will return to normal. If you have enjoyed his performance in this play, he would appreciate chocolate chip cookies as a sign of support. Though Private Cagney (Amaria Von Dran) had been bringing them to rehearsals on a regular basis, all good things, no, make that excellent things, must come to an end and he is looking for a replacement supply. 
German Officer
August Anderson is a recent graduate of Chicago Academy for the Arts, and a freshman at Knox college. In addition to his training at the Academy he has taken classes at The Acting Studio Chicago, and voiceover training at SoundAdvice in Chicago. At the Academy he preformed in A Comedy of Errors, Curse of the starving Class, Ragtime, The Tempest, Thurber Carnival, and many more productions. Locally he has participated in productions at Steel Beam,The Albright Theater, and Shakespeare on Clark. HIs most recent favorite role was as Mr. Martin in The Bald Soprano at the Academy. August throws himself into every role and enjoys bringing energy to every part he has. He enjoys history and philosophy, and loves the north woods. If you’d like to know more about August he invites you to please feel free to ask! 
British Recruit - Soldier
Colin Steele is a 9th grader at Batavia High School. He lives in Batavia with his parents and 4 siblings. He is excited to be a part of this show! Colin has been seen as Bilbo Baggins in "The Hobbit" and Grandpa George in "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", both at Rotolo Middle School. Prior to that he was in several local shows including "The Wizard of Oz", "Suessical Jr.", and a professional rendition of "Around the World in 80 Days". |
The Staff
DIRECTOR
Julane Sullivan has been directing and producing shows in the western suburbs for decades. Any opportunity to work with Donna Latham is an opportunity she will take. She is the founder of Shakespeare on Clark (at the Centre), and has edited and directed the past six productions including "Much Ado About Nothing", "Taming of the Shrew," "Twelfth Night," "A Comedy of Errors" and "A Midsummer’s Night Dream." She is currently in the process of selecting the 2016 summer Shakespeare comedic offering to be performed in the courtyard of the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Last fall, she directed “The Widow Lincoln,” another original work by Donna Latham. She was the founder of First Street Playhouse, producing over 70 shows before stepping down as the Artistic Director in 2006. As the owner of All Dressed Up Costumes, she has designed costumes throughout the country, and previously as resident designer for North Central College, The Armory Dinner Theatre, and the inaugural year of The Eclectic Theatre Ensemble. Occasionally she will step onto the boards herself. Most recently she was seen as Peg in "The Outgoing Tide" at Village Theatre Guild. Past favorite roles include The Witch, “Into the Woods;” Meg, “Crimes of the Hear;” Doris, “Same Time Next Year;” Martha, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Eva in “Absurd Person Singular;” and in “Midlife Crisis, The Musical.”
As president of The Batavia Arts Council, she spends her free time raising funds to support the arts in her community.
Julane Sullivan has been directing and producing shows in the western suburbs for decades. Any opportunity to work with Donna Latham is an opportunity she will take. She is the founder of Shakespeare on Clark (at the Centre), and has edited and directed the past six productions including "Much Ado About Nothing", "Taming of the Shrew," "Twelfth Night," "A Comedy of Errors" and "A Midsummer’s Night Dream." She is currently in the process of selecting the 2016 summer Shakespeare comedic offering to be performed in the courtyard of the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Last fall, she directed “The Widow Lincoln,” another original work by Donna Latham. She was the founder of First Street Playhouse, producing over 70 shows before stepping down as the Artistic Director in 2006. As the owner of All Dressed Up Costumes, she has designed costumes throughout the country, and previously as resident designer for North Central College, The Armory Dinner Theatre, and the inaugural year of The Eclectic Theatre Ensemble. Occasionally she will step onto the boards herself. Most recently she was seen as Peg in "The Outgoing Tide" at Village Theatre Guild. Past favorite roles include The Witch, “Into the Woods;” Meg, “Crimes of the Hear;” Doris, “Same Time Next Year;” Martha, “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?;” Eva in “Absurd Person Singular;” and in “Midlife Crisis, The Musical.”
As president of The Batavia Arts Council, she spends her free time raising funds to support the arts in her community.
SOUND DESIGN AND MUSICAL ARRANGEMENTS
Kathleen Dooley has been performing as a pianist or singer professionally for over 20 years. As a composer and performer, she mixes a blend of classical and honkytonk piano with blues vocals and the drama of modern American musical theater. Kathleen performed in the high energy trio Acoustic Alternatives for nearly 20 years, and she currently performs as a solo artist and as a member of three groups: The Heels, Barrelhouse Blend, and Collective Feat. As a composer, her musical works have been performed in theater productions throughout the Chicagoland area. Currently, she is composing original works for and music directing Miracle on 34th Street: The Radio Show (Wheaton Drama, Inc.). She is also music directing and performing in the musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Jack Schultz (Riverfront Playhouse). Kathleen became a Donna Latham fan with her script, Be Bold, Be Bold, she developed her girl crush on Donna with Three By the Sea, and is just tickled to have the opportunity to now work on arrangements for A Midnight Clear: The Christmas Truce of 1914.
Kathleen Dooley has been performing as a pianist or singer professionally for over 20 years. As a composer and performer, she mixes a blend of classical and honkytonk piano with blues vocals and the drama of modern American musical theater. Kathleen performed in the high energy trio Acoustic Alternatives for nearly 20 years, and she currently performs as a solo artist and as a member of three groups: The Heels, Barrelhouse Blend, and Collective Feat. As a composer, her musical works have been performed in theater productions throughout the Chicagoland area. Currently, she is composing original works for and music directing Miracle on 34th Street: The Radio Show (Wheaton Drama, Inc.). She is also music directing and performing in the musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol by Jack Schultz (Riverfront Playhouse). Kathleen became a Donna Latham fan with her script, Be Bold, Be Bold, she developed her girl crush on Donna with Three By the Sea, and is just tickled to have the opportunity to now work on arrangements for A Midnight Clear: The Christmas Truce of 1914.
STAGE MANAGER
Katherine Hart is thrilled to be stage managing A Midnight Clear: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Backstage credits include Shakespeare on Clark at the Center’s Much Ado About Nothing (Assistant Stage Manager), Metropolis Performing Arts Center SOPA Oklahoma! (Props Designer), Annie Kids (Props Designer), The Princess and the Pea (Props Designer), Aladdin Kids (Props Designer), and Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Props Designer), Fox Valley Repertory’s Legally Blonde Jr. (Properties Master/Assistant Stage Manager) and Brighton Beach Memoirs (Properties Master/Assistant Stage Manager), Shakespeare on Clark’s The Comedy of Errors (Stage Manager), WMC Productions, Inc.’s Much Ado About Nothing (Stage Manager), Summer Place Theatre’s Don’t Dress For Dinner (Props Head), Webb Theatre’s The Shape of Things (Stage Manager), and the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Film credits include I Heart Shakey (Art Director) and Legends of Prohibition (Historical Consultant/Set Decorator). Graduate of St. Norbert College (double B.A.) and Tribeca Academy (A.A.S.). Much love and thanks to her family and friends for all their love and support. Many thanks to Julane for this phenomenal opportunity! For Dad and Grandma who taught me to love all things historical and for Pribaz and Dr. Lovano who were true inspirations in my pursuit of history.
Katherine Hart is thrilled to be stage managing A Midnight Clear: The Christmas Truce of 1914. Backstage credits include Shakespeare on Clark at the Center’s Much Ado About Nothing (Assistant Stage Manager), Metropolis Performing Arts Center SOPA Oklahoma! (Props Designer), Annie Kids (Props Designer), The Princess and the Pea (Props Designer), Aladdin Kids (Props Designer), and Beauty and the Beast Jr. (Props Designer), Fox Valley Repertory’s Legally Blonde Jr. (Properties Master/Assistant Stage Manager) and Brighton Beach Memoirs (Properties Master/Assistant Stage Manager), Shakespeare on Clark’s The Comedy of Errors (Stage Manager), WMC Productions, Inc.’s Much Ado About Nothing (Stage Manager), Summer Place Theatre’s Don’t Dress For Dinner (Props Head), Webb Theatre’s The Shape of Things (Stage Manager), and the Edinburgh International Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. Film credits include I Heart Shakey (Art Director) and Legends of Prohibition (Historical Consultant/Set Decorator). Graduate of St. Norbert College (double B.A.) and Tribeca Academy (A.A.S.). Much love and thanks to her family and friends for all their love and support. Many thanks to Julane for this phenomenal opportunity! For Dad and Grandma who taught me to love all things historical and for Pribaz and Dr. Lovano who were true inspirations in my pursuit of history.