MEET THE CAST OF THE SUM OF US!

Jeffrey Harwell playing Harry

Tell us a little about the character you play.  Are you anything like them in your real life?

 I don't have too much in common with Harry. Harry lost his wife in a tragic accident early in their life together. As a result, he was a widower with a young son to raise by himself.  With all of those challenges, he raised him with full acceptance of who he was and dreamed of what he might become one day.  In my view, I'm a gay man playing a straight father and the extra effort I hope captures the struggles and aspirations this character has.

 Have you ever seen / played footy? (Australian Football)

 Don't ask. Don't tell.

Have you experienced a close bond like Harry and Jeff share? (not necessarily with a parent)  How did / does that help make your life fulfilling?  

I had a wonderful father growing up.  We had our arguments, but we also had a great respect and love for each other.  

What's your favorite kind of Holiday Treat? (minced pies?!)

 A nice Christmas goose...with crackling!

What do you enjoy most about being in a comedy like The Sum of Us?

Telling a story to an audience about unconditional love and the messy, complicated life of us human beings.

Do you enjoy the occasional Orgasm? (the once popular cocktail consisting of Irish Cream and Cointreau, of course)

 Oh, why not! Although a Screaming Orgasm is much more fun. The drink, of course.

MEET THE CAST OF THE SUM OF US!

PHILLIP STEENBEKKERS playing Jeff!

Tell us a little about the character you play.  Are you anything like them in your real life?

Jeff is a man in his twenties just looking for someone he can connect with. Him and I are different in that he’s an athlete and I’m an actor, but we’re both at similar points in our lives where we’re trying to figure out how who we are plays into the larger world. 

Have you ever seen / played footy? (Australian Football)

I have never, and don’t think I will ever, play footy. But I did watch rugby during the Olympics last year!

Have you experienced a close bond like Harry and Jeff share? (not necessarily with a parent)  How did / does that help make your life fulfilling?

I think Jeff and Harry are quite similar to my family. They fight with, yell at, and make fun of each other a lot, but there’s an unspoken level of love, respect, and admiration between them. And, when things get serious and someone goes through tough times, they’re always there to help each other out. 

What's your favorite kind of Holiday Treat? (minced pies?!)

I love my mom’s Peanut Butter balls she makes for Christmas each year! Can’t get enough of them!

What do you enjoy most about being in a comedy like The Sum of Us?

A comedy like this one is so fun because it pivots between the serious and the silly on a dime. It gives you a chance to see every side of a character and makes the play that much more powerful. 

Do you enjoy the occasional Orgasm? (the once popular cocktail consisting of Irish Cream and Cointreau, of course)

I love a good cocktail! But Irish Cream and I don’t always get along. 

MEET THE CAST OF THE SUM OF US!

SARAH M. MANKOWSKI-LATHRUM playing Joyce

Tell us a little about the character you play.  Are you anything like them in your real life?

Joyce is more cautious, after her marriage broke down, about getting involved in relationships. However, her mind - and heart - are closed like a steel trap when it comes to understanding - and accepting - differences in those around her. Apart from having hair that is “a little violent” now and then, I am nothing like Joyce in my real life. I embrace all forms of life(styles), which I feel transform our world into a beautiful tapestry.  

Have you ever seen / played footy?  (Australian Football)

Not yet!

Have you experienced a close bond like Harry and Jeff share? (not necessarily with a parent)  How did / does that help make your life fulfilling?

I feel very fortunate to have a close relationship with my parents, which I deeply treasure. They really have shaped me into the unique person I am today. 

What's your favorite kind of Holiday Treat?  (minced pies?!)

Fudge - any flavor - is divine!

What do you enjoy most about being in a comedy like The Sum of Us?

I love experiencing how the mood can shift from elation to desolation with just a flick of the wrist (or batting of eyelashes). 

Do you enjoy the occasional Orgasm?  (the once popular cocktail consisting of Irish Cream and Cointreau, of course)

I always enjoy a good "mocktail." ;-)

MEET THE CAST OF THE SUM OF US!

Logan Hanson playing Greg (or is it Gary?!)

Tell us a little about the character you play.  Are you anything like them in your real life?

Greg has a pretty good idea of what his values are and what he wants out of life, but as far as really determining 'who he is' and how to stand up for himself, he has a little ways to go - to that, all I can say is, "I've been there." 

Have you ever seen / played footy? (Australian Football)

I have not! 

Have you experienced a close bond like Harry and Jeff share? (not necessarily with a parent)  How did / does that help make your life fulfilling?

I've been very fortunate to have that kind of bond with my parents: the kind where we speak so frankly that our most true and raw selves can come out at times and we still say 'I love you' at the end of the day. It's given me much-needed comfort at times to know that I have their support, and I try to express that gratitude whenever I can! 

What's your favorite kind of Holiday Treat? (minced pies?!)

There's a marshmallow/Jello dessert that either my mom or grandma would make at every holiday gathering when I was little - it's still one of my favorites to this day!

What do you enjoy most about being in a comedy like The Sum of Us?

I enjoy how a lot of the comedy is more situational in this show - even when the writing takes a turn for the mundane or even the tragic, we are still able to find a lot of humor in those moments, which is a big part of what I think makes this show so true to life. 

Do you enjoy the occasional Orgasm?! (the once popular cocktail consisting of Irish Cream and Cointreau, of course…)

If I do, it's hard to stop at just one...

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Martindales! Bob & Millie!

Meredith White playing Millie!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

I play Mille Martindale! The model housewife to the outsider looking in (and also to the insider looking out). Millie has to be very secretive due to the characters' arrangement, but she's very kind and optimistic in spite of everything and cares very deeply for her chosen family. 

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

I love Millie's ability to say anything to get out of any situation. You could accuse her of murder and somehow she'd flounder her way out of it (albeit in a way that makes you cringe, but nevertheless). I also love how compassionate Millie is--she really puts herself out for everyone!

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be? 

You are not a tool for other people to use at their convenience--you are a whole human being with a whole personality! Go do what you love and forget the rest!

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

A Dirty Shirley!

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

Cheese sandwiches with a little mayo are exquisite. I don't like sardines--not a fan when my food has eyes and I feel like it's judging me :( I've never encountered potted meat in the wild but if I had to choose between encountering a can of meat and a bear in the woods, I would 100% choose the bear.

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Martindales! Bob and Millie!

Mark Neufang playing Bob!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

I play Bob Martindale, a head of Personnel for the State Security Department in Washington, D.C. in 1950; "husband" to Millie, lover/partner to Jim Baxter. To all outward appearances, Bob is a somewhat debonair, successful, happily married man. 

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

Though it tends to be to his detriment all too often, I like that Bob is a protector and fixer. He frequently says to Millie, Norma, and Jim that they are his "family", and he is "trying to do what is right to protect us". I can identify with fiercely wanting to protect the people you love. Ultimately, Bob's furious protection comes at a cost. His character arc is a reminder that we all need to ascertain whether the protection we provide to our loved ones genuinely motivates and guides them to a healthier life, or leads them down destructive paths. 

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

I'd likely tell Bob to back up a bit on being so narrow-minded and judgemental, as is his wont. He tends to feel that his way is the "only" way, and he wants to be the one in control, instead of opening himself to others' perspectives which might, in the long run, be more beneficial to him and the people in his life. Granted, I also feel he is a victim of his time; many of the attitudes and changes that would afford Bob a better and more accepted life as a gay man were not to come along until almost a half-century later. He is "stuck", and as easy as it is to dislike his motivations here, his struggle is also very real and conceivable. 

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

Yes - a Black Manhattan is my go-to (rye whiskey, Averna Amaro, black walnut and Trinity bitters, Luxardo cherry). 

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

I'll take a nice grilled cheese sandwich and skip on the rest, thanks. 

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Baxters! Jim and Norma!

Jenny Kosek playing Norma Baxter!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show. 

I play Norma, a no-nonsense secretary at the Department of State. Norma is level-headed, quick, wry, and does NOT suffer fools...a lot like me personally!

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

I love that Norma is such a fully realized woman. Women are often portrayed in a very one dimensional way when we think of the 1950s, so to play a multi-dimensional woman who breaks conventions while also struggling to survive within them is extremely rewarding as an actor. Norma is not one-note by any means. She's a woman in the 1950s, but she also holds a full-time job, is queer, and juggles not only a wife but also a (fake) husband! She thinks for herself and sees the big picture of the moment the characters are living in. She's a very unique and fascinating person, which makes her so fun to play.

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

If not advice, a thank you: thank you for furthering the fight that we are still fighting. We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, like the brave characters in this show who are determined to be out and proud and breaking barriers.

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

A filthy gin martini with extra olives

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

Hard pass, BLECH, and yum!

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Baxters! Jim and Norma!

Christopher Orth playing Jim Baxter!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

I play Jimmy Baxter, he's a school teacher who is worried about the future of his students. He's the newest addition to the group and likely spends the most time with Millie (besides time spent with his spouse) as I think Millie and Jimmy are often left "outside" as their respective spouses work together at the US State Department.

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

Jimmy has some really good one-liners and is probably the most obvious... As a character Jimmy is 100% food motivated too which I love, any show you get to eat and drink onstage is always a good time!

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

Stop trying to get sardines and olives together in a cocktail... it's not going to work!

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

I favor an Amaretto Sour, but a lemon-drop martini also hits the spot!

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

I can do without the sardines and potted meats, but a good cheese sandwich is perfection. I love that I get a sandwich at the end of Act 1... my only regret is that I don't have time to grill it up with a nice slice of tomato and some bacon...

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

Patti Anne Hachmeister playing Barbara Grant!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

I play Barbara Grant. She’s smart, funny, sassy, a classy dresser, a world traveler (she’s a translator for the government) and all-around fabulous woman that doesn’t let anything or anyone stop her from living her best life. She can come across as tough, but she really does have a big heart. Not everyone gets to see the softer side of her.

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

She is unapologetically and completely herself! She lives life loud and proud and if you don’t like it, that’s just too bad! She’s not afraid to put herself out there and stand up for what and who she believes in.

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

My only advice would be to remain true to herself and keep kicking butt, no matter what life throws at her. 

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

Just one? I love dirty martinis or a generously poured glass of really good bourbon.

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

Sardines are delightful on salads and pizza! Potted meat (I have no words). If the cheese sandwich is cut on the diagonal, I’m a happy kid! Even better if it’s grilled with some bacon, tomato and avocado on it!

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Sundersons! Theodore and Kitty!

Sarah Mankowski-Lathrum playing Kitty!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

 Kitty’s a scatterbrained, but well-meaning woman with a silly, girlish demeanor. She can be blissfully unaware at times, and matter-of-fact at others. But all in all, she is just so uninformed, that the brief glimpses of her humanity and sincerity that surface are sadly dwarfed by the fact that she is so out of touch with reality. 

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

I love how direct she is. She doesn't mince words or skirt around the issue. 

 - If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

Kitty, pick up a paper!!

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

 I love a good "mocktail." ;-)

 - How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

Suddenly, I'm not feeling very well . . . 

MEET THE CAST OF PERFECT ARRANGEMENT!

The Sundersons! Theodore and Kitty

William Kirsch playing Theodore!

- Tell us a little bit about who you play in the show.

I play Theodore (Ted) Sunderson.  He's an upper-level manager in the State Department.  He's quite dedicated to rooting out security risks.  

- What is something that you really enjoy about your character?

Not sure 'enjoy' is the right word.  Ted is a bit overbearing, sexist, and dogmatic.  An average man for the times.  His one enjoyable feature is that he dotes on his dotty wife.  

- If you could offer a real piece of advice to your 1950 character about anything, what would that be?

Lay off the potted meat.  

- Do you have a favorite cocktail?

I am not big on hard liquor.  I prefer wine.  Ted's favorite would be a Tom Collins or whatever Jack Peurifoy is drinking.  

- How do you feel about sardines, potted meat and cheese sandwiches?!

I spent a lot of time in the Army, so I actually rather enjoy all of these.  Potted meat is still a standard of army rations, but now it comes in an MRE.  

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Nathan Broege playing Hunter

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

I haven’t sat in a will reading yet, but if they all go like the one in Vultures, I’d be happy to attend as many as possible. 

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

There’s excitement in following along with the characters and seeing when the puzzle starts to line up. I love being apart of the mystery behind the madness!

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

Not that I know of? You hear stories about hotel rooms and theatre spaces constantly, but never purposefully tried to find ghosts. 

Do you believe in ghosts?

100%. I do think that ghosts are more nice than mean, but I have seen two in my life and have never been accosted. They’re chill if we’re chill I reckon. 

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Brandy Old Fashioned Sour, Espresso Martini & Buffalo Trace on the Rocks

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Kevin J. Gadzalinski playing Harrison

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

My grandma left me her piano because I was addicted to it whenever I would visit.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Absolutely. I wouldn't say I'm a connoisseur but the twists and turns, eerie tension and inevitable comedy always is entertaining 

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

I know Modjeska Youth Theatre was haunted, and I did theatre there in high school. Immediately there was a tension and discomfort every time I walked in. And I would feel especially uneasy going to the balcony. I learned later there had been a fire at one point.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes. I've even read up on the subject some. I've kinda had a witchy / paranormal interest for most of my life.

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

I'm not much of a drinker, so the Hitchhiking Ghosts from Haunted Mansion, Casper, and Patrick Swayze.

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

William Kirsch playing Doctor Avery

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

No.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Definitely.  I've watched hundreds of episodes of PBS Mystery!.  My bookshelves are filled with Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and a score of other mystery writers.  

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

A couple times I stayed in a hotel that was supposedly haunted.  Always slept like a baby.  

Do you believe in ghosts?

No.

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Anakin Skywalker, Kayako Saeki, Banquo, Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde 

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Christopher Orth playing Paul

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

I've unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately) only received something once as an inheritance; a modest amount of money from my grandmother. But outside of that this show has been the closest I've come to a large financial windfall.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Murder mysteries are my favorite genre for plays and a second favorite for literature; Agatha Christie being one of my favorite authors. Looking at my theatrical history I've been involved with more murder mysteries than any other genre of play. "The Vultures" is also the second comedic murder mystery that I've been involved with, the other being a spoof of Christie's "And Then There Were None" entitled "Something's Afoot."

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

I have been inside and around several haunted spaces (there are a few right here in Milwaukee); I'm fairly convinced Inspiration Studios has at least one ghost. I've passed through more than one sudden cold spot in the building. 

Do you believe in ghosts?

I do believe in ghosts! There have been three different times I feel I've encountered a spirit. One of the creepiest occurrences happened when I was in college; I was camping with some friends and in the evening sitting around a campfire we witnessed glimmers of light through the trees. There were some other groups camping not too far away so we didn't think anything of it at the time, but late that night in our tent we woke to the sound of voices and footsteps right outside our tent. Stepping back outside the voices disappeared and we found no one around. We were awoken by voices and footsteps again, and by first light decided it may be best to end our camping trip a bit early. Been camping many times since in different areas and have never had a repeat of that night.

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Disaronno, Patrón Añejo Tequila, Chairman's Reserve Spiced Rum...

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Danny Slattery playing Charles

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

Not yet, but if all goes according to plan…my roommate better watch out.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

YES!  For the past five years, I have hosted an annual birthday murder mystery party. My friends demand it happens at this point, so I hope I don’t run out of mysteries before I run out of birthdays.

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

Absolutely. Because if you ask anyone who knows me, they’ll inform you I am possessed.  So every place I inhabit becomes haunted immediately.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes. If only to validate my translucent skin color.

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits

My libations include Diet Coke and the tears of my enemies after I defeat them.

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Kelly Simon playing Mary.

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

No, but I'm hoping that if that ever happens that it would be something good...like a cat.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Yup.  However, I'm REALLY bad at figuring out "whodunit."  I think I've only ever figured it out ONCE in my lifetime, and that was when I saw the show "Murder on the Orient Express" at the Rep.  I was gleaming for a week after that one!  

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

The only haunted house I ever remember being in was a haunted house attraction at Halloween time.  It was terrifying because people were grabbing and holding you at your ankles as you walked by.  I was separated from my group and have nightmares about it to this day.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Absolutely.  How else would the Scooby Doo crew stay in business?

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Vodka.  Lots of vodka.

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Jillian Smith playing Talbot

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

I received a small bequest from the woman who babysat for me when I was very small. She and her husband were our neighbors. They didn’t have kids, so I became her honorary grandchild. We kept in touch throughout my life, but I had no idea she’d remembered me in her will until she passed away.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Love murder mysteries in book form. I’m too much of a scaredy cat to handle movies with jump scares.

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

Many years with the ghosts at the old St. Mary’s Academy building when Soulstice Theatre was housed there. They were always benevolent.

Do you believe in ghosts?

I’ve heard too many stories not to believe!

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Jim, Jack, Johnny, and José?

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Scott Sorensen playing Mr. Crosby

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

I have.  When my partner died, I found a handwritten will.  He collected antique furniture – tables, chairs, bookcases, lamps (like the one that we are using on the desk… not sure if it’s antique or just vintage).  The things that came from his grandparents were given back to his nieces, but the rest of it, he left to me.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

I am.  This is my… hmmm, let’s see –  “Black Coffee” with Sunset Playhouse (I played the murderer); “Psych” with Waukesha Civic Theater (I played the twin brothers); “Rope” with Off the Wall Theatre (I played the weak-minded Charles Granillo); Ten Little Indians with Brookfield Players (I played Phillip Lombard, and I got shot with a prop gun – it literally burned a hole in my sweater and my t-shirt.)

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

NO.  I do not like haunted houses.

Do you believe in ghosts?

I believe in spirits and the ability to communicate with them (or their ability to communicate with us), but I’m not sure about ghosts.  I read a book when I was a teenager called “How to Make ESP Work For You”.  I did an experiment with my sister, and it worked!!

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

In my younger days, I was a big fan of Remi Martin and Hennessy (Cognac).  Then I went through a Vodka phase.  Then my partner passed away and I gave up hard liquor.  Now I drink wine – sparkling white, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangria (but without the brandy), and champagne.

Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Matthew Umstot playing Reinhart

Have you ever received anything meaningful (or otherwise) that was left to you by someone in their will?

When my father passed I received the CDs we used to listen to together.

Are you a fan of the "whodunit" / murder mystery genre?

Absolutely! A good mystery that lays breadcrumbs along the way is an excellent story.

Have you ever spent any time in a haunted house / space?

Apparently my home has two different ghosts residing there, but I've never encountered them. Four members of my family have, apparently.

Do you believe in ghosts?

I don't, but I can understand why people would.

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

The spirits of innovation and creativity!