Meet the cast of The Vultures!

Madison VanAllen playing Ashley

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

No, I have never received anything from a will. I am fortunate to have only experienced the loss of a few loved ones at this point in my life.

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

I love a good "whodunit"! I have played plenty of board games and video games that fall into the murder mystery genre. And Rian Johnson's Knives Out is one of my favorite films of all time; I would highly recommend it if you haven't seen it already! Friends and family know that I could spend (and have spent) hours theorizing over media in this genre!

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

I have never been to a haunted house, nor have I spent any time in a haunted place (that I know of!). However, over the past few years, I have been falling in love with the horror genre. I'm a bit of a scaredy pants, but I hope to visit my first haunted house with friends and family this Halloween!

Do you believe in ghosts?

Hard to say! I've never had a supernatural experience myself, and I've been skeptical about most evidence of paranormal activity that I've seen, but I am not ready to rule out their existence quite yet! There was a teddy bear in my family home that did somehow find its way from my brother's windowsill to the basement stairs one stormy night, and nobody in my family can explain how it happened...

Name a few of your favorite 'spirits'.

Rum, vodka, and gin are my spirits of choice. Although, I'll never turn down a Wisconsin old-fashioned!

Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Mark Neufang playing Vanya

Tell us a little about character.  Are you anything like them?

Vanya is a bit "settled" in his life. While he is gay, he's come to accept being single; his days of being playful and experimental with his sexuality are far behind him (though he isn't "dead" by any means - he's attracted to Spike, somewhat). He is loyal to his family. He took care of his parents as they were dying, along with Sonia - the sibling he is probably closer to and whom he tolerates for her mood swings. He accepts Masha's eccentricities as a successful actress, but he doesn't always understand them. He is the peacemaker among the 3 of them. He doesn't like conflict. Above all, he is fearful of change. As he comments in the play, he is "not a conservative", but he leans toward the traditional. He's often nostalgic for the way things used to be. I'm a lot like Vanya in that, the older I become, the more I often sentimentalize and miss things in the past. I wish things were simpler and feel we as human beings go out of our way to make things unnecessarily complicated at times. So, yes, there is a little bit of Vanya in me!

Do you have any siblings?  Are you close to them?

I have two older sisters, Donna and Jill, and I am grateful to say that we are close. I can't imagine going through this crazy life without them - especially as our parents have gotten older. I think time has only made our bond stronger. Enduring together the painful experience of a parent with dementia (our mother) has brought into sharp focus how precious life truly is and to live every moment fully. 

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

When I read this play just about a year ago, it resonated with me because - at heart - it's a sibling play. And it's about growing older, and facing that reality together. It's very human, and relatable. There's a poignancy to that, but there is also a brilliance in the way Durang created these characters and wrote these words with some humor. It's our responsibility and challenge to be these people, living these lives...doing and saying these things in a very natural way, while also permitting the audience to laugh and identify. It's not a show that should be played for laughs. It's really more amusing when you just play it straight. 

Herbal or caffeinated tea?

Coffee. Black. Decaf. (Not a huge tea drinker.)

What's your favorite kind of pie?

I have 3. Rhubarb (solely, no strawberries). Peach. Concord Grape (an upstate NY specialty, where I am originally from). I like a crumbly, oat-y streusel on top. Oh! And all 3 of these with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. 

Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Jillian Smith playing Sonia

Tell us a little about character.  are you anything like them?

Sonia is a huge stretch for me as a character. She’s a 52-year-old single woman who’s spent a significant portion of her adult life in a caregiver role. She’s nothing like me at all. (#iykyk)

Do you have any siblings?  Are you close to them?

I have two fantastic sisters who are significantly younger than me. I love them both beyond words… now. When they were little, not as much. #bitterformeronlychild

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

The hardest part about this show is not letting it fall into farce. These people are all nuts, but there is such a beautiful core of realness and humanity and vulnerability in them that must be honored, even if they gobble like a turkey.

Herbal or caffeinated tea?

Herbal tea, particularly fennel tea, which is ironic because I hate black licorice and anise flavors but LOVE fennel tea.

What's your favorite kind of pie?

Favorite pie?  8.53973422   (That’s pi times e. Yes, I’m a total nerd.)

Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Lesley Grider playing Masha

Tell us a little about character.  Are you anything like them?

Masha is very self-involved and used to getting her way. She definitely likes to be the center of attention. She has quite a few issues she should be working on in therapy. But ultimately she has been taking care of her family for a long time financially and her heart is in the right place. At first I didn't see how I was personally like Masha at all--but I definitely do connect with her around helping out her family. The desire to help but also not sacrifice my own life is something that I've gone through. I also like to be the center of attention...and I loved pretending to be Snow White when I was little. 

Do you have any siblings?  Are you close to them?

I do have one younger brother and he's similar to Vanya in his artistic endeavors and brilliance. We were very close growing up and still have a lot of fun when we hang out. But we definitely know how to push each other's buttons. 

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

There's never enough time! I'd love to have another 1-2 weeks to really hone in on all the magic in the text and work on comedic delivery and tweak moments. But there is a lot of text and that needs to be mastered first. I really love this play and it's been a joy to work on it. 

 Herbal or caffeinated tea?

I love herbal teas---a good mint tea, Zen by Tazo is a fav. I also like nettle tea or peach with some honey in it. 

What's your favorite kind of pie?

Caramel Pecan Silk Supreme formerly of Baker's Square. I love this pie with all of my heart. In high school my friends and I used to hang at Baker's Square and we wrote a song called "Mr. Pieman" sung to the tune of Mr. Sandman. It lists a majority of the pies on the menu. Ahhh, the good ole days. 




Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Kevin J. Gadzalinski playing Spike

Tell us a little about your character.  Are you anything like them?

Spike is a little bit of a bro-type character, and a little bit of a golden retriever. Happy, naive, easily distracted, but perfectly confident. I was more like Spike, maybe 10 years ago. I thought I was this shit. I was proud of my body and liked showing it off. And while I still am content with showing a little skin, I personally have a lot more insecurity about my body than I used to. But like Spike, I do often have an extreme giddy energy.

Do you have any siblings?  Are you close to them?

I have an older half-sister, and then a younger brother and sister. I've always loved them and felt like our relationships were some of the strongest bonds I've had, because we've had so many shared experiences. In our childhood, we were inseparable. In adulthood some things have brought us closer, but we have also really split off into our own lives. They make choices that I may not agree with, and they scare me. But in the end, they still mean the world to me.

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

Comedy can be so tricky. In a comedy like this, you can't just rely on the lines themselves to bring in the humor. Delivery, tone, timing, physicality are all intertwined with it to make it work. But you also have to commit to the reality of it all. We do have over dramatics and hamminess, but only because that's what our characters believe good acting is. I think the hardest part is figuring out the timing and how far to accentuate or pause on certain lines, for things to make sense.

Herbal or caffeinated tea?

Both? Both are good. I'm not picky, as long as I like the flavor.

What's your favorite kind of pie?

A Peanut Butter Cream Pie of sorts will always get me. But if I had to choose a classic, I'm partial to Cherry.



Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Madison Van Allen playing Nina

Tell us a little about character. Are you anything like them?

Nina and I are almost polar opposites! Where Nina shines with unbridled optimism, I am shaded with a teensy bit more pessimism. Where Nina is innocent and pure, I am…as my friends and family would attest, not. Where Nina and I overlap, however, is in our passion for the arts and our appreciation for those who love them as much as we do. I truly admire Nina’s endless compassion, thoughtfulness, and positivity. It’s such a breath of fresh air to view the world through her eyes every night, and I hope to bring some of her beautiful spirit into my daily life.

Do you have any siblings? Are you close to them?

Yes, I do! I have four older brothers and stepbrothers, one younger stepbrother, and a younger stepsister! We are a large, large family. I wasn’t close with many of them when I was younger - but not because l didn’t try to be! I always wanted to fit in with my older siblings, but they were “too cool for school”! In their defense, I was quite an annoying, noisy child… Fortunately, when we got older, I learned how to tell a joke correctly and how to finish a story without getting distracted, and we became much closer after that. Now we hang out at least once a month and play games together!

What’s the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?

Besides trying not to break out into laughter onstage (which this cast makes very difficult!), I think the hardest part about tackling Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike is balancing the show’s absurd comedy with its moments of sobering realism and genuine wholesomeness. I’ve found this especially difficult, and all the more important, while portraying Nina, who serves as a beacon of hope and optimism throughout the show and spends most of her time taking in the kookiness of the individuals around her. The playwright, the late Christopher Durang, presents audiences with an outrageous set of characters, from a middle-aged, melodramatic C-list actress to an eccentric, soothsaying cleaning lady, and yet manages to intricately weave in tough conversations about loss, regret, and the endless march of time and tender moments of self-reflection throughout the script. Ensuring that the realism of the show isn’t overshadowed by its inherent hilarity has been a great challenge that I have loved taking on as a performer.

Herbal or caffeinated tea?

Herbal tea! My favorite is Yogi’s Kava Tea for Stress Relief (not sponsored). I drink it… a reasonable number of times a week.

What’s your favorite kind of pie?

An unpopular opinion - I actually don’t like most pies! BUT - I am a big fan of a French Silk Pie. Yum!

Meet the cast of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike!

Jaleesa Joy playing Cassandra

Tell us a little about character.  Are you anything like them?
Cassandra is the soothsayer and cleaning lady for the family. She is funny, she cares about her people and she wants the best for everyone involved. I think I am similar to Cassandra because she says random things that makes sense and I do that sometimes.

What's the hardest part about being in a comedy like Vanya and Sonia?
The hardest part is figuring out how to portray Cassandra because she is so quirky but she can be serious. Also not trying to laugh out loud with the other dialogue is hilarious.


Herbal or caffeinated tea?
Herbal tea!


What's your favorite kind of pie? Hootie Pie! But Apple is yummy!

Meet the cast of The Submission!

Christopher Orth playing Danny

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’m a local actor, director, and theater teacher. I love being involved in theater from all sides; onstage, backstage, and from the audience. I’ve worked heavily within children’s theater helping to train, teach, and inspire the younger generations to explore the theatre and currently work with First Stage’s Theater Academy. 

What attracted you to this show?

This show takes a hard look at racism and sexuality; it is a show that everyone should see and will hopefully walk away thinking about the conversations in it. These are all flawed characters, some more than others, and are facing discussions that aren’t strictly black and white answers. This is a show that our communities need to see and think on, and hopefully learn something from it.

How do you feel about your character?

Danny is heavily flawed, while not a villain per say he is the main source of antagonism throughout the show. He is a character that struggles to understand people different from him and manages on more than one occasion to put his foot in his mouth in the process. He is a difficult character to play because of his faults, especially when myself as the actor does not agree with his outlooks in life. He is a character that seems extreme and yet is also someone we all know, someone whose opinions and ideas are heard in our communities no matter how liberal they may be. He is a liberal, he has massively flawed ideas of race and sexuality, and frightening as it may seem, we all may see a bit of ourselves in him.

What would you like the audience to take away from this show?

This is a show that the audience should walk away from thinking, and maybe a bit uncomfortably. We’ve heard everything in this show before, but have we stepped up to stop or correct the mistaken words? The audience should leave wanting to be and do better themselves, and to do better in our communities. We sometimes wear labels like “liberal” or “gay”; and think that that stops us from also being able to be “racist”; but those words are not barriers, we all need to do better.

Meet the cast of The Submission!

Jaleesa Joy playing Emilie

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Jaleesa Joy (real name). I was born and raised here in Milwaukee and went to Minnesota for Undergrad and majored in theatre that further my love of learning about people, and their lives. I love animals and work with them daily. I love two amazing dogs named Kayla and Pebbles and two cats named Tubs and Ahri. I love my people who have been there for me every step of the way especially including my mother, Theresa (real name), Dylan, Sarah and being reunited on stage with old (ha ha) high school friend Matt. I am so thankful for this opportunity.

What attracted you to this show?

I was attracted to the small cast, the play description and based on that I felt like I could identify with Emilie. I have never worked with this company before but their mission and support of the LGBTQIA community is also what drew me to this show.

How do you feel about your character?

I enjoy playing Emilie, she is much more outspoken than I am and isn’t afraid to have those conversations that are uncomfortable sometimes. She is tough, she is still learning, experiencing, hoping and dreaming. 

What would you like the audience to take away from this show?

Sometimes we need to call people out on things, that sometimes we need to have these conversations with people we love even when we are still learning and growing in the way we think about ourselves and the world based on how, where, when, and all the ways we grew up can have an impact on that way of thinking and speaking to others.

Meet the cast of The Submission!

Matthew Umstot - playing Trevor

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I’m a father of three, ethnic studies teacher with MPS, and a lover of theater for decades. I only got back into acting about a year ago and have been through a whirlwind of experiences since diving back in. I’ve been in Rent, Murder on the Orient Express, and A Christmas Story.

What attracted you to this show?

This story speaks to the topics I talk about in my day job: racism, homophobia, and our inability to confront those biases in healthy ways. Plus, I wanted to act alongside Jaleesa for the first time since high school and this was the perfect vehicle for that to happen! I also really liked the mission statement of Theatrical Tendencies and their goal of bringing different stories to stage.

How do you feel about your character?

At first glance, Trevor seems like the best out of the bunch, and in some ways he is. He doesn’t hold the racist or homophobic beliefs the other characters have, which makes him seem like the good guy. However, Trevor’s defining characteristic is his cowardice. He knows a lot of what happens here is wrong, and he offers weak resistance to it. He was the one who had enough power in the situation to stop Danny and Emilie from making their mistakes, and he doesn’t do anything.

What would you like the audience to take away from this show?

A lot of people might come away feeling self-righteous (at least I’m not a Danny or Emilie), but I want people to consider if they’ve been a Trevor. If they’ve silently allowed someone important in their lives to be hurt like these characters get hurt. If they have, reach out and apologize. Then, the next time a situation like this happens, confidently defend that person and affirm them. That helps build beloved community, which is the greatest remedy to all the hate swirling around us.

Meet the cast of The Submission!

Kevin J. Gadzalinski - playing Pete

Tell us a little bit about yourself.  

I am a nerd and really a big kid at heart. I like comic books and video games and magic. I enjoy cosplay. In addition to performing, I enjoy the gym and do some modeling. 

What attracted you to this show?

It’s an extremely powerful show in the sense that it should shock most audiences. Characters act and behave in the most uncomfortable ways. Arguments are made on all sides, and it gives audiences room to think about experiences in their own lives.

How do you feel about your character?

He is a professional, he likes order, but I think he has a desire to let loose. He puts a lot of worth in keeping up appearances, but in reality is quite a cynical and judgmental human. I feel like he has a certain relatability, but also needs to learn something about real compassion.

What would you like the audience to take away from this show?

I would like people to learn to recognize problematic qualities in the world around them. And to think about how dangerous extremes can be. I would love them to leave here wanting to have conversations with people they know about it.

The Submission OPENS Next Week!

February is Black History Month. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the area premiere of this comedy-drama - a topical play about issues that belong in our long-ago forgotten history.

February 16th - 25th - Fridays & Saturdays @ 7:30p and Sundays @ 2:00p.

“A viewing of THE SUBMISSION is bound to be one of the most electrically-charged theatre outings of the season.” --Broadwayworld.com, Michael Dale

Tickets available on the TICKETS page of our website www.theatricaltendencies.com

ANNOUNCING OUR SEVENTH SEASON - BEGINNING THIS FALL!

We’re thrilled to announce that Tt is back and planning a NEW full season of LGBTQ+ inspired productions:

Harvey Fierstein’s TORCH SONG - October 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 & 29 2023

THE SUBMISSION* by Jeff Talbot - February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 & 25 2024

VANYA, SONIA, MASHA and SPIKE* by Christopher Durang - June 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 & 23 2024

See the AUDITIONS page for TORCH SONG audition information!

Come join us at INSPIRATION STUDIOS in West Allis as we continue to tell our stories.

* titles subject to availability.

Meet the cast of SOME MEN!

JIM LAUTENBACH

What characters do you play in SOME MEN?

Xerxes, Alex, Carl, Gary and Kurt.

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself...

During the day, I work as a graphic designer. I run a volleyball league. I get political from time to time (and think most people should). I love my family and I don’t get to see them often enough. I like art — consuming it and creating it. I struggle with a blank page, work my way through and usually like what I turn up. I believe all the world’s a stage — and the stage is a world in itself.

Have you worked with Theatrical Tendencies before?

I appeared in THE TEMPERAMENTALS and SANTALAND DIARIES in 2014 and CORPUS CHRISTI in 2011.

Tell us about your favorite character that you play in SOME MEN.

I love portraying Joel, one of the patrons at the piano bar across the street from the Stonewall Inn during the time the riots started in 1969. Even though he can dish it out as good as the rest of them and feels “at home” belting out a show tune in front of a catty crowd, he’s not quite ready to join the people outside fighting for their rights. But something tells you he will find the courage to join the fight soon enough.

What is something that you didn't know about “gay life” in the last century that you've learned from SOME MEN?

It’s so easy to intellectualize the idea that people had to fight for their civil rights. It’s easy to forget this wasn’t merely a political exercise. People fought for their rights to be — to be who they are authentically, to be treated with the dignity and respect everyone should receive, to be self-actualized and pursue happiness. Intellectually, I’ve known about this journey, but this show has really helped me see this struggle wasn’t just an option — it was the only option.

Additionally, I learned some show tunes I never knew before. Go figure….

Why should audiences come and see SOME MEN?

Writer Jeff Goins says: “Story is where we came from. Story is where we’re going. Story is what connects us and binds us to each other. It is in the story of humanity, amongst love and fear and failure, that we make meaning of our lives. Story is what defines us and sets us apart. It’s what allows us to connect with each another, to truly know and be known.”

There is power in stories — and the collection of these men’s experiences reveals a trove of what makes life poignant at times and extraordinary at others.

They might be just “some men” — but, in essence, they are all of us.

Meet the cast of SOME MEN!

KEITH R. SMITH

What characters do you play in SOME MEN?

Piano Player, Funeral Director, Downtown 11, Nick, Mary, Darren and Mr. Keys.

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself...

I manage a Dairy Queen full time, and in my free time I’ve been playing piano for over 20 years, I kick box, I love to bake, and I perform in drag as Kiki Karcrashian. 

Have you worked with Theatrical Tendencies before?

Yes! This is my second show with Theatrical Tendencies after playing Andrew in Corpus Christi.

Tell us about your favorite character that you play in SOME MEN.

My favorite character is the piano player, because he gets a nice, human moment in the waiting room

What is something that you didn't know about “gay life” in the last century that you've learned from SOME MEN?

I’ve honestly tried to stay very well educated on LGBT history, and can’t say I learned anything that surprised me or that I didn’t already know.  I do feel that this show highlights some of the most important moments in LGBT history.

Why should audiences come and see SOME MEN?

People should come see this show for one of two reasons: either they want to know about LGBT history, or they lived through LGBT history.

 

Meet the cast of SOME MEN!

OLIVER WOLF

 

What characters do you play in SOME MEN?

Perry, Padraic, Boytoy, BJ, Mendy, Spencer and Pat.

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself...

I am a recent graduate of Marquette University, a server at Bar Louie on Water street, and an avid music lover. I love going to concerts on a weekly basis, and various theatre productions that have gone up around town. I went to high school in England and miss it every day.

Have you worked with Theatrical Tendencies before?

This is my first show with Theatrical Tendencies, and I hope that it won't be my last! 

Tell us about your favorite character that you play in SOME MEN.

My favorite character would be Padraic, because I love the challenge of using an Irish accent! More importantly, the conflict that comes with being gay in the 1920s and the inner struggles that arise because of it are quite fun to play with, but you'll have to come see the show to find out what I mean! 

What is something that you didn't know about “gay life” in the last century that you've learned from SOME MEN?

Because I am straight, I was unaware of many of the limitations that were placed on the rights of gay people, and this show has helped me understand more about gay culture and life. 

Why should audiences come and see SOME MEN?

Everyone needs to come see this show because, putting aside the wonderful performances that all the performers give, it helps detail significant moments in gay history. Also, it's hilarious!

 

Meet the cast of SOME MEN!

CHUCK MORREA

What characters do you play in SOME MEN?

Bernie and Martin.

Briefly tell us a little bit about yourself...

I'm an avid softball player, small business owner, craftsman, and engineer by day. I enjoy spending time with family and friends; along with traveling abroad to Rome, Venice, Florence, Prague, Brussels, Amsterdam, and domestically to Chicago, San Francisco and New York to absorb the creative energies each city provides. Other creative interests include design work, carpentry, upholstery and leather craft.

Have you worked with Theatrical Tendencies before?

This is my first appearance with Theatrical Tendencies and I've been warmly welcomed to the company. I appreciate the patience and assistance everyone involved in the production has provided as my rusty acting gears get oiled and ‘hopefully’ improve with each rehearsal and encouraging word.

Tell us about a favorite character that you play in SOME MEN.

I have to admit that the character, Bernie, who I get the privilege to play, has grown to be my favorite. I have explored his experiences and motivations; and then compared them to my own life experiences. Being an ‘older’ member of the cast, I have lived through much of the timeframe of the play. I didn’t exactly fall in love with Bernie right away, but as I explored his experiences without my own personal lens. I found Bernie to be an introspective, independent, strong, loving, authentic and steadfast man; that is very human. I don’t always agree with his approach or choices, but I appreciate his point of view. It is my greatest hope that my interpretation of Bernie is positively received and understood by those experiencing SOME MEN.

What is something that you didn't know about "gay life" in the past century that you've learned from SOME MEN.

My first memories of ‘gay life’ are rooted in the New Wave music era of Depeche Mode, Annie Lennox, Erasure, The Cure, etc. I lived through the early years of AIDS and the fear that consumed the community and participated in the grassroots volunteerism that ensued. I learned about the Stonewall riots from friends and avidly listened to stories they told and did a lot of reading to learn as much as I could. I watched “Boys in the Band” and I have to admit I probably learned most about the 1970’s from Armistad Maupin’s “Tales of the City” books. I also received first hand stories of experiences from a man I loved and lost who spent those years in Russian River just outside of San Francisco. One thing I didn’t know was the early days of gay club life in Harlem and the mingling of all classes of people in that setting. I can visualize what it must have been like from what I learned in SOME MEN.

Why should audiences come and see SOME MEN?

SOME MEN is a semi chronological telling of several generations of gay men. The interesting piece is that many of the characters are actually related – grandfather, father, uncle and son. This is something not always presented. We often see gay men ‘choosing’ their families as many are ostracized and evicted from their blood relations. Terrance McNally has added this new dimension to the story of our gay past as he also introduces legalized same-sex marriage in its early years. Along with the familial aspect, these characters span events occurring over some 90 years. SOME MEN is not a history lesson, but it presents a story of gay life’s evolution. I hope those who see the production walk away with a curiosity into our rich history and a desire to learn more.