from the Community Circle Players at

Riverwalk Theatre Season 32 • Number 5

January/February, 2021
228 Museum Dr. • PO Box 12249 • Lansing, MI 48901 • 517-482-5700 • Office Hours: Tues.-Fri. 10 am to 2 pm • e-mail: RWT@riverwalktheatre.com • web site: RiverwalkTheatre.com

Ibsen classic brings relevant issues to Riverwalk’s virtual stage

Rachel Daugherty Jace Harper Bob Purosky

Kate Dickinson Joe Clark Abbie Tykocki

Michele
Brian Farnham Booher-Purosky

Amanda Macomber Gloria Vivalda Angie Schwab Amanda Tollstam Matt Ottinger

Following shorter and multipart perfor-
mances and cabarets, Riverwalk Theatre
will stream its first full-length production
— Henrik Ibsen’s 1879 play A Doll’s House
— since the COVID-19 pandemic forced
theatres to shut down last year.
Ripples - January-February 2021 — Page 1
The play will air on Fridays and Saturdays
at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm from February
5 through 14. Unlike previous productions
that were streamed during the pandemic,
patrons should plan to tune in at the time
of their performance and stay through the
end like they would if they were attending
in person.
Director Brian Farnham and Assis-
tant Director/Technical Director Michele
Booher-Purosky are longtime friends who
Continued on page 2
A Doll’s House cont. from page 1 are important, I believe the one between Nora but community and professional theatre
have been part of many shows with each and Christine, played by Kate Dickinson, is veteran Abbie Tykocki (East Lansing) as
other at Riverwalk Theatre — but are only the most pivotal one that drives the show.” Helen (maid)/Anne (nurse), who brings a
directing together for the second time; their Dickinson (Lansing) has performed in delightful grace to the screen.
first time was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in various shows at Riverwalk and other area The play will be complete with cos-
2019. They are excited to bring Ibsen’s theatres but originally hails from the Metro tumes (Amanda Macomber), props and
timeless classic to life. Detroit area, where she grew up performing set pieces (Gloria Vivalda, Brian Farn-
“I love being able to share such an iconic with her family. ham, Michele Booher-Purosky), music
story with a broader audience than we typi- Her character, Christine Linde, is a (Angie Constien-Schwab), choreography
cally could,” says Farnham, who also serves school friend of Nora’s who comes into (Amanda Tollstam), blocking, makeup and
on the Executive Committee of the Board of town unexpectedly after a 10-year absence most everything you’d expect to see live. The
Directors at Riverwalk with Booher-Purosky. in each other’s lives. The two rekindle their show will be recorded on Zoom and edited
“While virtual theatre has been difficult friendship while Christine helps Nora along in post-production by Matt Ottinger before
to tackle, this cast and crew has her journey. Complicating things for Nora is it is streamed to audiences.
accomplished so much since we
A Doll’s House will run about
started rehearsing in November, all
while not being together in person.
“The struggle between being two hours and 30 minutes. Tickets
are $20 per device (computer, phone,
I’m so proud of the product we’re a ‘good’ woman and being yourself tablet, etc.) plus handling fees.
delivering to the Lansing area and
beyond.”
is timeless and can still be felt today. There are six show dates and
Farnham has assembled a cast I think this story can resonate times: February 5-14 Fridays/Sat-
of six actors from the Lansing area, urdays 8 pm, Sundays 2 pm. You
some new to Riverwalk and some
with anyone who has ever will ONLY be able to watch the
familiar faces. Leading the cast as felt pressure to make themselves show on the day and time for the
Nora Helmer, a middle-class house- ticket you purchased.
wife who becomes disappointed
more palatable for society.”
To learn more and purchase
with her life and dissatisfied with Rachel Daugherty tickets, visit, riverwalktheatre.
her husband due to his condescend- com, and click the “buy tickets”
ing nature, is Rachel Daugherty button on the main page under the
of East Lansing. Doll’s House info.
This is only Daugherty’s second show Christine’s old flame Krogstad, who happens
We’re using ShowTix4You to host and
with Riverwalk, previously playing Billie to be Dickinson’s real-life fiancé Joe Clark.
sell tickets. The Riverwalk website link will
Dwyer in Unnecessary Farce, although she Clark has been seen frequently throughout
take you there to purchase your tickets. You
is no stranger to theatre, having performed the Lansing theatre community over the past
will get an email with instructions and a link
in many shows across the state. Daugherty few years, most notably as Shakespeare in
to view the show. Just prior to showtime, you
states, “Telling Nora’s story is such an honor. Shakespeare in Love at Peppermint Creek
will click the link and enter the code in that
The struggle between being a ‘good’ woman Theatre Company in 2018.
Rounding out the cast is Jace Harper, email-ticket, and wait for the stream to start.
and being yourself is timeless and can still
be felt today. I think this story can resonate a Lansing newcomer originally from Utah One ticket is good for a household, but
with anyone who has ever felt pressure to who plays Nora’s husband, Torvald, and the unique code WILL ONLY WORK ON
make themselves more palatable for society.” gives a charismatic and dynamic perfor- ONE DEVICE AT A TIME. Ex: You could
Farnham agrees with Daugherty’s com- mance. Lansing community theatre staple start watching on your phone, and switch to
ments and says that the themes of empow- Bob Purosky (East Lansing) as Dr. Rank, your laptop, but you will need to close the
erment and self-discovery, along with the whose 30+ show resume both onstage and site on your phone before trying to enter the
strong female characters, are what attracted backstage makes him a force to be reckoned code on your laptop.
him to this play. “While all the relationships with — and Riverwalk Theatre newcomer Kate Dickinson

Heath Pass the Ducks Benefits Riverwalk

Sartorius (L) Thanks to independent pro-
Doak Bloss ducer, Doak Bloss, for suggest-
(R) confront ing donations to Riverwalk by
myriad issues viewers of his excellent, original
in Pass the script, well performed by himself
Ducks and the talented Heath Sartorius.
Pass the Ducks is available on
Youtube through January 30.
Even if this intriguing one-
hour show is no longer available,
you may enjoy Doak’s videos
Ripples - January-February 2021 — Page 2
of his Theatre Trivia games and/
or his interesting “House Left”
series of theatre discussions with
many of the Lansing theatre com-
munity’s familiar faces — which
are also available on Youtube. Go
to Youtube.com and search “Doak
Bloss” to find these offerings...
and maybe donate to https://
www.riverwalktheatre.com/
act-ii-campaign.html
 Cabaret Shines
Kudos to all involved in the Holiday
Cabaret musical revue which was sent as
a thank-you to all Riverwalk members and
donors for 2020. These stellar performers
and managers brought music and holiday
cheer to the Riverwalk Family.
Directors Meghan Woolsey and Michele
Booher Purosky organized/directed all the
vocal numbers. Choreographer Karyn Perry
of Karyn’s Dance Place in Holt provided
outdoor videos of festively costumed danc-
ers in action.
Thanks to Matt Ottinger and Jackson
Boomershine for their video shooting/editing
post-production work that tied it all together
in electronically deliverable form.
Each performer shone with a unique
style and talent: Ben Cassidy, Caila Conklin,
Sabrina Dahlgren, Mandy Fuller, Sarah Travis Willams — and the two “full cast” sharing joy and energy with the audience,
Hayner, Kelley Lofton, Bob Purosky, Tricia numbers were powerful reminders of how live, onstage. Here’s hoping next Christmas,
Rogers, Sam Rohloff, Rachel Weinfeld and much we miss experiencing a full chorus, we can do just that!
Jane Zussman

I’ve got my copy! This is a beautiful we’ve compiled some-

cookbook with lots of tasty recipes as well thing special to tide
as many fun and nostalgic photos from your tastebuds over
Riverwalk shows! Get yours today! while we hold for Act
It contains 73 recipes, theatrically cat- 2 at Riverwalk Theatre.
egorized as Overture (breakfast), Prologue ...Cooking Through
(soups and appetizers), The Green Room Intermission is not only
(salads), Supporting Cast (sides, breads and a culinary collaboration
dips), Intermission (drinks), Crowd Pleasers but a testament to the
(casseroles), Show Stoppers (main dishes) community it comes
and Grand Finales (desserts). from.
Co-author and one of the “Theatre Moms We hope it will put
of Quaranteenies” Theresa Dunn reports: a song in your heart as
“We put out the call to cast and crew you fill your stomach Cooking Through Intermission is a digital cookbook which
alike for those go-to fixes and comforting while we await brighter will be sent to you as a pdf file. Order yours at https://www.riv-
classics. After weeks of wrangling submis- days and brighter stages erwalktheatre.com/cookbook.html for $15 plus a $2 handling
sions (while wrangling our quaranteenies), to come.” fee. All proceeds go towards the Riverwalk Theatre.
Ripples - January-February 2021 — Page 3
 Thanks to all our 2020-21 Season 32 Members! Without show
Angel Jeff Magnuson & Amy Rickett Bob & Mary K. Hodges Nees Mari Cameron Leora Stutes revenue
Mary & Sam Austin Scott Mandel Irv Nichols Cathy DeRose Ruth Tepin Riverwalk
Brian Farnham Karen McGowan John Nichols Carol & Glenn Dunn Yvette Tingey depends
Tom & Carol Ferris Bob Mellor & Roger Rowchowiak Phyllis Nix Elizabeth Evangelista Amanda Tollstam
Leon Green on you for
Gordon E. Miracle Eileen O’Leary Kelly Jo Garland Gretchen Trent
Lee Helder Sandy Norton Eleanor Omoto Gary Gillespie, MD Sandy Vanlancker operating
Jack & Marge Hetherington Tamiko Rothhorn Scott Pohl Kameron & Taren Going Brittany Weaver expenses to
Doug Kempf Robert & Janice Skabic Milton & Sue Powell Albert Hakala Tonya Woodrough maintain our
Janet Lockwood Lonny & Judy Snow Greg & Denise Pratt Sarah Hayner building and
Nancy Muhlbach Gordon & Sheila Taylor Alex Quinlan Bill Kennedy In Memory of staff. We WILL
Ric Sadler Bob & Suzanne Robinson Teresa Lippert Donald A. Young be back live
Clarence Weiss Producer Shirley & Steve Robinson Jeff Litten Craig Young
Diane Ashera onstage for
Linda Widener Hope Rollins Ron McNeill “Act II”!
Mark & Jane Zussman Rod & Luanne Beaudry In Memory of Paul Reekie
Rebecca & Paul Kennedy Jan Ross Charles Miller
Ruth Sablich Bill & Gloria Purosky Brenden Gunnell Membership
Star Cynthia Kruska Tom Klunzinger runs July
Kathy Booth Gini Larson Charles & Mary Beth Sartorius Lori Reyes
Kay Seppala Brett Robertson Jane & Mark Zussman - June.
Facebook Fundraising Bob & Kathy Lovell
Betty Francis Dave & Fran Ludington Ayleen Sims Maribeth Robertson In Memory of Membership
Hari Kern Robert & Shelagh Miller Daniel Sobish Cody Skalmowski Gretchen Fergason funds at least
Mary & James Murphy Barbara & Geoffrey Stauffer Dee & Ned Verhil Jeff & Tina Brenner a quarter
Dan & Lisa Pappas Susan & Ron Swenson Cathy Wotring of our show
Riverwalk Michele Booher-Purosky & Bob Sandra & Bob Thomasson
Bob & Sally Tubbs
Kay Zakrajsek In Memory of Grovenor budgets as
2020-2021 Officers Purosky “Kip” Grimes well as general
John Putnam Abbigail Tykocki Actor Rebecca Grimes
President, Jeff Magnuson Christopher Verhil Wyatt Anthony operations.
Bonnie & Dick Radway
Admin. VP, Darrin Fowler
Schor Lansing Fund Patty Wieber Vanessa Askew In Memory of Bill Helder Actor — $15-24,
Production VP, Rita Deibler Fran Yelon Kelly Baker Nancy Hoagland Ripples, voting on
Treasurer, Michele Booher-
Gordon & Connie Swix
Bill St John & Susan Nehf Craig Young Darlenel Berling board members &
Purosky Liane Zimny Drew Birchmeier In Memory of Robert Members Choice
Secretary, Brian Farnham Anthony Sump Hecksel
Robert & Joan Trezise Stage Manager Twyla Birdsong favorite show award.
2020-2021 Board Chance Boyd Rosemarie Bonk Technician —$25-
Richard Weingartner Donna Aberlich
of Directors Carolyn White Kathleen Banghart Betsie Branch 49, Ripples, voting,
Jean Burk In Memory of Alan Labovitz
Shannon Bowen Paul Wright & Ute von der Colleen Bethea Judith Labovitz program listing
Liz Cooke Heyden Jacqueline Borszich Camryn Cardwell Stage Manager —
Laura Croff James & Rose Zacks Shannon Bowen Sherry Cardwell In Memory of $50-99, Ripples, vot-
Chance Boyd Hui Hua Chua
Dan Currie
Director Joseph Clark
Margaret Ingraham ing, program listing,
Kate Dickinson
Bonnie Allmen Joan Brunger Ken Beachler and one comp ticket
Kameron Going James B. Brunk III Caila Conklin
Robert & Clare Banks Director — $100-
Leon Green Doug Carleton Liz Cooke In Honor of
Joe Baumann Braden Cooley 249, Ripples, voting,
Sarah Hayner
Tim Beam Cheryl Chapman Jan Lockwood’s Birthday program listing, two
Bernie Lucas Joe & Connie Conley Anne Cruce Ken Beachler
Margaret Bossenbery Rachael Cupples comp tickets
Scott Mandel Leroy Cupp Elizabeth Boyd Producer — $250-
Scott Pohl Carol Bray Rachel Daugherty Leslie Brogan
Charles Calati Roberta Dugan 499, Ripples, voting,
Brett Robertson Mrs. Jane E. Griffin Angela Dawe Mimi Burpee
Hope Rollins Ann & Adam Carlson Kate Dickinson Marcia Fishman
program listing, four
Harlow Claggett & Diane Smith Donald & Elizabeth Kaufman
Cody Skalmowski Tim Donal comp tickets
Tom Klunzinger Jim & Jan Fry
Linda Widener Nancy Colflesh Adriana Flores Billie & John Harrison Star — $500-999,
The Cooke Family Olivia Letts
Jane Zussman Nancy Madtes Zachary Freeman Lee Helder Ripples, voting,
Dan Currie Jerry Fuller Audrey Lockwood with Lin program listing, six
Ripples is published by Mrs. Robert Curry Lynne Martinez
Shelly McReynolds Mandy Fuller Norton, Jenny, Danii, Bethany comps, name on the-
Riverwalk Theatre. Submit Marvin & Peggy Dunn Courtney Gordon atre seat
Susan Merkle & Tara Buchanan
info to Editor Jane Zussman Katheryn Elliott Janell Hall Eric Lockwood Angel — $1000+,
Gwen Erickson Penny Owen
(jszussman@gmail.com) or Allison Rickett Christine Hall Kathy Lockwood & Niel Scott Ripples, voting, pro-
Riverwalk Manager Mike Bruce & Joyce Fillmore Michael Hays William Loftus gram listing, 12 comp
Darrin & Sarah Fowler Merry Rosenberg
Siracuse (rwt@riverwalk- Taylor Rupp Haslett Erin Hoffman Bob Mellor & Roger Rochowiak tickets, name on a
theatre.com) 517-482-5700 Oralya Garza-Ueberroth Ann Holt Anyssa Marvin
Edric & Brandi Haleen Jenna Rutherford theatre seat and on
or at RiverwalkTheatre.com Cambray Sampson Ellen Houlroyd Colleen McNamara the donor board in
Ashley Hampton Cheryl Leece Susan Messe
Beth Hubble Ellie Sartorius the lobby
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Karen & Jerry Jennings Elizabeth Lozen Pamela, Nancy & Minda Nyquist Join or Renew: at
Mary Johnston Mary Jane Schuon
Ralph Sims Janet Michaluk Bill & Gloria Purosky riverwalk the-
Mary Elaine Kiener Marillyn Owens Bob & Suzanne Robinson atre.com — click
Darlene Kittle Pauline Sondag
Dorothy Stark Kristin Pagels Janice Ruff “more” then “get
Dave & Gina Kuerbitz Luka Skrbinsek Pawsek Mike Siracuse involved” to join
Judith Labovitz Ronald & Agnes Thill
Joe Tuchinsky & Cele Friestater Gabriel Pitman Jurgen Skoppek online...
P.O. Box 12249 Cleo-Rae Lavey Jenny Popovich Penny Stump
Kathy & Bob Lovell Don West Or just mail a
Lansing MI 48901 Ellen Ransley James Trebilcock
Bernie Lucas Pam Ziarnik check to Mike at
Next to Impression 5, Racheal Raymer Kathy Wilbur
Clare S. Mackey Technician Tricia Rogers Jane Wilensky the office, P.O. Box
228 Museum Drive, south Kris Maier Mary Avery Vee Rose Ronald Uken & Suzanne 12249, Lansing
off Michigan Avenue, Gregory Martin Andrew & Hailey Barrus Diane Sanders Miel-Uken 48901. We’re 501c3
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Lansing Center
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Bob & Lisa Mueller Rita Deibler Mike Sobocinski Jane & Mark Zussman

Supported in part by Michigan Council

for Arts AND Cultural Affairs
• National Endowment for the
Arts • Community Foundation •
arts council of greater Lansing
Ripples - January-February 2021 — Page 4