Joseph Alaimo (Assistant Director), a freshman at
Northeastern Illinois University, is happy to be a part of yet another production at RHS.
Although many of you have seen Joe in numerous past productions on the RHS stage, such as Our Town and Aladdin Mc Faddin, he is now
working behind the scenes. This is the second show that Joe has assistant directed, along
with the successful Rumors last semester. Outside of directing,
Joe is also involved with the NEIU theatre department. His true love is acting, but he
loves the opportunity to be involved in any aspect of theatre. Joe would like to thank his
family and friends for putting up with his many late hours of rehearsal and neglect. He
would also like to thank all the actors for putting up with his picky directing. Most of
all, Joe would like to thank the wonderful Angee
Lewandowski for giving him the chance to build his experience and talent -- not to
mention giving him all those bruises. And remember everyone: "Shut up back
there."
Mike Dicillo (Arthur Whitney) is appearing for the second time on the
Ridgewood stage. He played Glenn in the fall play Rumors. Mike is
a freshman who is involved in several activities in
school. He has played the piano for nine years and is part of the Ridgewood High School Jazz Band. He is also in Concert
Band where he plays the baritone. He is a part of R-Stop,
a drug-free program for teens. He enjoys spending time on the stage as well as reading and
composing music. In fact, the music in between the scenes of this play was performed by
Mike. Mike would like to thank his family for their continuous support and understanding
of the amount of time spent in the theatre. Mike would also like to thank Mrs. Lewandowski for getting him involved in
theatre by threatening to lower his grade!
Sharon Dopak (Cora Ames) is enjoying her first year on stage. Though new
to the limelight, she's no rookie to the theatre. Backstage managing such plays as Rumors, Sharon has actually participated in drama productions since
her Freshman year. Being a Senior, she has much to look forward to in college, where she
plans to continue performing in theatre. She would like to thank all of the cast and crew
for making her last year so memorable, and she would like to thank Mrs. Lewandowski for being so patient. In
addition, she would like to thank her mother for always being understanding and
supportive.
Mike Favia (Oysters Rockerfeller) most recently appeared in Rumors, the Fall play at R.H.S. as Ernie Cusack. The studly
sophomore actor is proud to be in his 4th play at RHS; he is finally playing the role he
was meant for . . . a macho Italian gangster! The Italian Stallion enjoys working with the
cast, crew, and members of the Drama Club, who add to his performances. A special thanks
to Mike's family, friends, and teachers for all of their encouragement and support. An
extra-special thanks to Mrs. Lewandowski for all of her time and patience (also for not
revealing the secret that Mike Favia is Batman). A super-duper extra-special thanks to
Mike's crazy (yet loving) Dad for teaching him the ways of a true Italian Stallion. And
finally, another super-duper extra-special thanks to Mike's nutty (yet caring) Mom for
carrying him around for nine months. P.S. "Thanks for all your help Robin!"
Tina Gjondla (Karen Russell) a Freshman
at RHS, is happy to be making her first appearance of the Ridgewood stage. She performed
in The Trial Of Goldielocks as Goldielocks, and How To Eat Fried Worms as Billy, at James Giles Grammar School. She'd like to thank her
father for being patient and her mother for just being there for her. She extends a
special thanks to Mrs. Lewandowski. for giving her a chance and being a great director,
and she would like to thank Joey for being a great person.
Angela Karcinski (Assistant Stage Manager) has sadly come to the end of
her theatre career at RHS. This is her first time being part of stage crew. Though not
part of the cast, she is very happy being part of the play. Her debut as an actor was
portraying Hope in You Were Born On A Rotten Day her Junior year. Her last performance was
playing the lovable Cookie Cusack in the play Rumors. She would like to give a special
thanks to her director, Mrs. Lewandowski, who has taught her everything she knows about
theatre and a little about life along the way. Angela would also like to give a special
thank you to her father Michael and her step-mother LaVerne for both supporting her in
everything she does and for being there for her every step of the way. And Sanja, hail to Dominicks!
Angee Lewandowski (Director) is thrilled to be directing her sixth play
at RHS. Angee obtained her undergraduate degree in education at Arizona State University
(and yes, directing this particular play has made her homesick!), and is currently
pursuing her Master's in Speech and Performing Arts at Northeastern Illinois University.
Working with the cast and Crew of My Son is Crazy -- But Promising
has been fabulous -- we've had so much fun! Angee has so many people to thank that it is
difficult to know where to begin, but here goes . . . first of all, she would like to
thank the PARENTS of the Drama Club students -- thanks for letting your children put so
much time into the play! She would also like to thank all the Drama students for
sacrificing their time and devoting themselves to Drama -- but its worth it, right?!?
Thanks for your patience, too! She would also like to thank her capable staff, Monica Hansen, Tim Davis, Rick Shulda (who should
get Volunteer of the Year award!), and Joey Alaimo (another
deserving recipient of the Volunteer of the Year Award) for getting everything done with a
smile! Joey, thanks for dedicating so much time . . . you were great to have as a student,
and now you are great to have as a friend! Most of all, she would like to thank her
husband, Tommy, for making all those dinners, cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and
basically taking care of everything outside of the theatre . . . life would fall apart
without you! You are the best! And to all past and future Drama students . . . never
forget . . . "RUN!"
Laura Manrique (June Whitney) is happy to be making her stage debut in My Son Is Crazy--But Promising at Ridgewood High School. Her
interests are writing, modeling, and now, thanks to Mrs. Lewandowski, acting. This is her
first acting experience, and she is happy to say that she enjoys it a lot. Laura is also
involved in the newspaper club. She really enjoys
writing newspaper articles along with writing poetry and short fictional stories. Laura
hopes to begin pursuing her modeling career, a dream that she's been holding on to since
the age of eight.
Chris Mejia (Stage Manager) is a Junior
who has taken Beginning Theatre and is currently taking Acting and Scene Study at RHS. He
is pleased to once again take on the role of Stage Manager. Chris's previous stage
managing experiences include You Were Born on a Rotten Day, Voices from Washington High, and Rumors, in
which he also made a cameo appearance as Charley Brock. Chris is constantly referred to as
"King of the Backstage."
Sarena Olsen (Natasha Jones) is appearing in her first play here at
Ridgewood. She is currently a Sophomore and glad to be in
this play. She would like to thank Mrs. Lewandowski for helping
her in her first play. Her parents are also greatly thanked for supporting her. Annette,
Vicky, Heather, Jenny, Monica, and Annette W., her best friends, are thanked for being
there. It's been a lot of work, but it is all worth it. It's been a blast, and will always
be remembered. Thank you everyone.
Mike Pauley (Bud Granger) is glad to be performing in the 1997 play
production, My Son is Crazy -- But Promising. Mike has been
seen on stage in other Ridgewood productions, Voices From Washington
High and You Were Born On a Rotten Day. Mike has also been
involved with two other productions at the school, and plans to start his own aerobic club
after his stair-climbing experience in Rumors. On a personal
note, he asks everyone to tell him he did a wonderful job, regardless of your personal
opinions. S. S. S 213
Heather Sinkovits (Fay Armstrong) has never been seen anywhere else,
mainly because this is her first appearance on stage. Since she is a freshman, the play has taken away time from the loads of
homework she has to do. She thanks her best friends Vicky, Annette, Sarena, and Jenny for
being so understanding when she wasn't home to accept their calls. She also thanks her
parents for repeatedly saying "No, she's at Drama rehearsal." For really,
there's always too much to do.
Jon Shulda (Light Board Operator) is making his first
"official" appearance with the RHS Drama Club as Light Board Operator for My Son is Crazy -- But Promising!
Sara Shulda (Costume Assistant) has been involved with the RHS Drama Club
for three years, where she has been working behind the scenes in theatre. Sara would like
to thank Mrs. Lewandowski for giving her a chance to be
involved with the plays. A special thanks goes out to her dad for helping build the set
and helping with the plays for the past two years!
Sanja Stevonic (Tilly Granger) has been performing with the RHS Drama
Club for four years. She has most recently been seen as Cassie in Ridgewood's fall play Rumors. You may also recognize her as Natasha Marsenic's right hand
slave of the ring as one the Kadabra sisters from Aladdin McFaddin,
Lynn in The Long Red Herring and as Izzy in Voices
from Washington High. She would like to extend special thanks to her devoted director,
who taught her the meaning of cooperation and dedication to an art form. Sylvia and Myra
Rock! She would also like to thank her parents and teachers for putting up with her busy
schedule. A sincere thanks goes out to her two best friends for being there always to make
fun of and especially to give big hugs to! She is also the president of the Anton Chekhov
Fan Club! Autumn Leaves Forever! Jewel workers are the
best!! Its the stockings! Down with the Jingle!
Danny Swibel (Larry Lime) is happy to be working in his 6th play at
Ridgewood. He is currently playing the suave, low-budget Hollywood producer in My Son's
Crazy -- But Promising. This last summer, he was an intern at Northeastern Illinois
University which he enjoyed greatly and made his first switch from actor to techie. Some
of you might remember him from such plays as Rumors, You Were Born on a Rotten Day, and
The Long Red Herring. He has been involved in his favorite activity, acting, since grade
school and hopes to continue on into adulthood whether as his career or hobby. Also, a
special thanks goes out to his friends and family who have put up with him when he gets
home grouchy and helped him keep his sanity. The king is dead, long live the king!!!
Elaine Thaniotis (Assistant Stage Manager) is happy to be working for the
Ridgewood Drama Club, after three years of acting at Leigh
school. She would like to thank her mom from whom she gets her acting talents and also
Mrs. Lehman, her elementary school Drama teacher from Leigh who made Elaine a role model
for all the younger actors when she was in 8th grade. Elaine participated in the following
plays at Leigh: Cinderella as one of the wicked step-sisters; The Brave Little Tailor as
the Giant; and Rumplestiltskin as the King's Niece. Elaine would also like to thank Mrs. L for allowing her to give missed lines to the actors of My Son is Crazy -- But Promising, who can't remember their lines
two weeks before the play!
Kristina Tunzi (Chi-Chi Vazoom) is happy to be returning to the Frances
Bernero stage. She was last seen portraying the role of Chris Gorman in the hilarious Neil
Simon play Rumors. Kristina would like to thank her friends and
parents for their encouragement, with special thanks to a certain physics teacher who
remained patient and understanding where she was failing the class. Burn the laser disks!
Hail the mighty nine iron! Fore! Vive Le Theatre!
Annette Tylka (Susan Claypool) is a sophomore
who has been in three other productions at RHS including You Were
Born On a Rotten Day, Voices From Washington High, and a
"starring" role in Rumors. Annette would like to thank Mrs. Lewandowski and Joey for never giving
up hope, and her parents and sister for the rides home and the answering machine services.
She would also like to thank Pork Chop, P.F., L.W.S.P., Joan O., Elmer, Moe and Dolli for
all of their support. Without you guys, everything falls apart (no, not for artificially,
for really!). Thanks to a wonderful and dedicated cast and crew!
Anna Wasilewski (Gert Witherspoon) currently a Junior has been involved
in drama since the eighth grade. My Son is Crazy -- But Promising will be her sixth
performance on the Ridgewood stage. She is happy to be part of another performance. Next
to acting, writing is another one of her loves. She is a talented poet and has just
recently published two of her poems in two anthologies. She'd like to thank her friends
and family for all of their support. She would especially like to thank Mrs. Lewandowski
for helping her to become even more terrified of heights during the Voices from Washington
High production.
John Zukowski (Sheriff Bates) currently a Junior,
is glad to be performing in his fourth play at Ridgewood High School in My Son is Crazy --
But Promising. His other performances include Rumors, Voices From Washington High, and You Were Born
on a Rotten Day. He enjoys acting and would like to continue in the theatre. He'd like
to thank Joey A. for pointing out every minuscule mistake when he
was saying his lines in rehearsal, and he would also like to thank his parents for helping
him out.
If you are interested in becoming involved in the RHS Drama Club, come to our meetings
held every other Thursday!
Our next meeting will be Thursday at 3:15 p.m. in Room 105!
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