I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER
Nov 25- Dec 1, 2014
Directed by: Mark Bucher
I Never Sang For My Father is the story of Gene Garrison, a widower, with an elderly mother whom he loves and an eighty-year-old father, whom he has never loved, hard as he tried. The father, Tom Garrison, has been mayor of a small town in Westchester County, self-made and highly respected. Beneath these trappings, however, Gene’s father is a complex man who has driven his daughter away and has alienated his son through his possessiveness, his selfishness and his endless reminiscences. In Anderson’s story, there are a series of dramatic confrontations when the Garrison clan must struggle to deal with a family crisis that ignites long-simmering resentments. Throughout these episodes of dispute, Gene valiantly attempts -for an expanse of both societal and emotional reasons – to rouse in himself affection for his father. Anderson’s play and the play’s title allude to a universal desire for every child wishing to “sing” for their parent or parents, so that they may both understand and be understood; so that they may give the love each child carries within themselves; and so that they will be accepted, and appreciated, by their parents.
David Ferrie (Tom Garrison) is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast on this well written play. He has directed several Boulevard productions including the most recent STELLA AND LOU. His first Boulevard production was more than 20 years ago in FAITH HEALER in which he played Frank Hardy. Since then he’s played innumerable characters including Capulet (ROMEO AND JULIET), Reverend Chasuble (THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST) and Clarence Darrow (DARROW). Other favorite roles include: Colm in SEA MARKS, John in SHINING CITY and Professor Sloan in THE EXPLORERS’ CLUB.
Matt Specht (Gene Garrison) is absolutely thrilled to be working with Mark Bucher and the Boulevard Theatre once again! Previous roles with the Boulevard include “Hamilton Best” in THE BEST BROTHERS, “John Jones” in THE REALISTIC JONESES, and “Monsieur Orlas” in last season’s CECILE. Other notable roles include “Christopher Lucas” in Brigata Theater’s staged reading of THE CITY OF BENEDICT DELLA CROSSE, Milwaukee Entertainment Group’s production of WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF, and most recently “Actor Seven (Jim/Sheriff)” in The Constructivists’ IN THE CANYON. Matt has worked with Voices Found Repertory, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Forte Theatre, Theatre Gigante, and is looking forward to appearing as “Pato Dooley” in THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF LEENANE later this season. In his downtime, he is a songwriter, poet, visual artist, pianist, guitarist, and Bigfoot enthusiast. Matt Specht is a long-time resident of Kenosha.
Joan End (Margaret Garrison) is “darn” happy to appear once again in a Boulevard Theatre staged reading. Joan played “Helene” in SIGNIFICANT OTHER and “Katharine” in MOTHERS AND SONS. Joan’s most recent stage performance was “Clairee” in STEEL MAGNOLIAS with SummerStage. Thank you for attending and supporting the Boulevard Theatre. “What would we ever do without you?” Joan calls Milwaukee’s East Town neighborhood her home.
Caitlin Compton (Alice) is excited to be back with Boulevard Theatre for this thoughtful production. Some of her favorite roles include “Laura” in SIGNIFICANT OTHER with Boulevard Theatre, “Rhonda” in DAD’S SEASON TICKETS with Sunset Playhouse, and “Queen Gertrude” in HAMLET with Voices Found Repertory. Much love and thanks to her husband, family, and friends for their support.
Pat Sturgis (Reverend Dr. Pell, Doctor Mayberry, Narrator) is pleased to be making his second appearance in a Boulevard Theatre production, following Last year’s STELLA & LOU. Prior to his current status as a “Gentleman of a Certain Age,” Pat was active on various stages in Milwaukee and Chicago. In Milwaukee, he worked with the late Paul Sills, and in lab productions with the Milwaukee Rep. Over the course of several years in Chicago, he appeared in various productions at Victory Gardens, Wisdom Bridge, The Body Politic, and The Playwright’s Center, among others, including roles in BENT, PETRIFIED FOREST, THE DUMBWAITER, SCHOOL FOR WIVES, and AMERICAN BUFFALO at the Theatre of Newburyport. Milwaukee has now been home for over 40 years.
Angelita Colin (Mary, Nurse, Narration) is a Milwaukee-born-and-raised theatre ”kid.” She is thrilled to be making her Boulevard Theatre Company debut with this production of I NEVER SANG FOR MY FATHER. Angelita’s previous roles include “Claire Ganz” in Neil Simon’s RUMORS, “Becca” in David Lindsay-Abaire’s RABBIT HOLE, and “Gayle” in John Cariani’s ALMOST MAINE. Most recently you can find Angelita at ComedySportz MKE as a pro player, or in her favorite sketch comedy shows such as The Great Improvised Sitcom and Sketch 22. She hopes you enjoy the show as much as she has enjoyed the opportunity!
Bob Balderson (the Porter, Marvin Scott, Narration) came to Milwaukee in 1993 as an acting intern at the Milwaukee REP after graduating from Binghamton University, NY with an MFA in Acting. He has performed with the Skylight Music Theatre, Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, Windfall Theater, Sunset Playhouse, Theater on KK, Shorewood Players, Archangel Productions, Danceworks, and in four “Feast of Crispian”productions performed by an all veteran cast. This is his second appearance with Boulevard Theatre.
