Be Sure to Join Us for our upcoming Christmas Concert

December 22 at 3:00 PM!

We believe that

it is not important

where you have been —

it is only important where you

are going!

At First Presbyterian Church,

you will be cared for,

and you will be called upon

to care for others.

Service Times:

8:15 AM Blended Service

9:30 AM Liturgical Service

10:50 AM Contemporary Service

http://www.fpcvalpo.org/

“God does not Call the Equipped,

but God Equips the Called.”

3401 North Valparaiso Street Valparaiso, IN 46383

Check It Out! Nominate your favorite charity and help them to possibly receive some funding courtesy of

1st Source Bank! Just complete this form and turn it in at any 1st Source branch by November 30. Help one of our partner charities from this show — or write about how

VTC’s partnering with charities is an inspiring way to integrate philanthropy and the arts, and help us raise funds towards a permanent home!

President John F. Kennedy respected and admired acts of political

courage. His book, Profiles in Courage, published in 1956, recounts the

stories of eight U.S. Senators who risked their careers by taking public

stands for unpopular positions. The Profile in Courage Award, presented

each May by the Kennedy Library Foundation, honors elected officials who

have demonstrated exceptional political courage.

The Profile in Courage Essay Contest invites United States high school

students to consider the concept of political courage by writing an essay on a

U.S. elected official who has chosen to do what is right, rather than what is expedient. A “Profile in Courage” essay is a carefully researched recounting

of a story: the story of how an elected official risked his or her career to take

a stand based on the dictates of the public good, rather than the dictates of

polls, interest groups or even constituents. The contest challenges high

school students to discover new profiles in courage, and to research and

write about acts of political courage that occurred after the 1956 publication

of John F. Kennedy's Profiles in Courage.

The winner of the competitive annual contest is awarded a $10,000 prize and

is invited to accept the award at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony held

each May at the Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. The

student’s nominating teacher receives a John F. Kennedy Public Service

Grant in the amount of $500 and is also invited to attend the Profile in

Courage Award ceremony. A second place winner receives $1,000 and up

to five finalists each receive $500. All finalists receive a hardcover copy

of Profiles in Courage. The essay contest is sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and generously supported by John Hancock

Financial.

For information on this ongoing legacy of President Kennedy, visit http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx

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The Specter of Treason:

The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald

15 Minute Intermission

A Play Written by

J. E. Ballantyne, Jr.

Act Two

Act One

Scene 1 - Offices of Federal Prosecutor Gerald Michaelson, Dallas, March, 1964 Scene 2 - Lounge of local New Orleans restaurant - Three weeks later

Scene 3 - Offices of Defense Attorney, Richard Donnally, New Orleans, Sept., 1964 Scene 4 - Street Corner somewhere in the French Quarter in New Orleans - Next Day Scene 5 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - October, 1964

Scene 6 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - November, 1964

Scene 7 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - November, 1964

Scene 1 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, November, 1964

Scene 2 - Offices of Guy Banister, New Orleans, La. - The Next Day

Scene 3 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, December, 1964

Scene 4 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas, January, 1965

Scene 5 - Interrogation Room at County Jail, Dallas, Texas - January, 1965

Scene 6 - The Jury Votes — Cast Your Ballot Now to Decide His Fate!

Scene 7 - Federal Courthouse, Dallas, Texas - An hour later

Prologue

3rd Floor Basement Garage in the Dallas Police Station - Nov. 24th, 1963

Directed by

Craig Kozora and Steve Zana

Produced by

The Valparaiso Theatrical Company, Inc.

Through Special Arrangement with J&B Production Arts Services

Youngstown, Ohio

www.jandbproductionarts.com

Valparaiso Theatrical Company is a Proud Member of

www.nietf.org www.aact.org

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Julia Ann Mercer/Woman ~ Amy Aurelio

Court Bailiff ~ Larry Bingham

Commander James J. Hume, USN ~ Matthew Byerly

Jury Foreman ~ Tom Byerly

D. Att. Sharon Dunne ~ Vickie Cash

David Ferrie/Man on Phone ~ Joe Culley

Jacqueline Kennedy ~ Mary DeBoer

Jean Hill ~ Linda Didelot

Marina Oswald ~ Chloe Hoeksema

Albert Guy Bogard ~ Jerry Jascoviak

Guy Bannister/Arlen Specter ~ Craig Kozora

Judge Clarence G. Underwood ~ Michael "Doc" Kuhn

P Att. Gerald Michaelson ~ George Maslankowski

Lee Harvey Oswald ~ Eric McCann

Buell Wesley Frazier/ Dr. Robert McClelland ~ Mark McColly

Det. James R. Leavelle/ Dr. Cyril H. Wecht ~ William Milhans

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What would have happened if Lee Harvey Oswald had survived the wounds

inflicted by Jack Ruby and he had gone on trial for the assassination of

President Kennedy? The possibilities are almost endless. It most certainly

would have been the trial of the century. This is the basis for tonight’s

production. Of unique interest to you, the audience member, is the fact that

you as the jury and render the verdict at each performance. With the 50th

Anniversary of the JFK assassination taking place this year, VTC is proud to

bring you a taste of history as it might have been, transporting you from a

federal courtroom in Dallas to various meetings with potential witnesses, to

intimate asides between Oswald and his beleaguered defense attorney. Many

thanks are due to the thankless work of actors, volunteers in the box office, our

charities — so many people to make our largest production yet happen. I,

personally, want to make sure that I take the time to thank my wife, Coleen, for

keeping the directors (including myself) on track, having the vision for this

group, and working for hours on end to make things happen. Words are not

enough to express how special you are! Hope that everyone enjoys the

performance, and thank you for your support. ~ Steve Zana

I cannot thank this entire cast & crew enough for all of their hard work and

dedication to helping me fulfill a passion for History and the incredible stories

that accompany its march through time. The Kennedy Assassination is one

heck of a story that has gone down in history as one of the great mysteries of

all time! The perfect storm, the "Crime of the Century." A lot of hard work has

gone into this production to bring forth the dramatic events that happened on

that faithful weekend fifty years ago this week. I hope you will enjoy tonight's

production as much as I have enjoyed the entire experience. Thank you,

VTC, for allowing a first-time director a chance to fulfill his dream. Thank

you, Steve, for Co-Directing this huge production. I know how much of a

sacrifice it has been! Thank you, Colleen Zana! None of this would have

happened if it wasn't for all that you have done for VTC. You are the true hero

in all of this! Thank you, cast, for the fun and your professionalism during all

of those long rehearsal hours we put in. Thank you to my family for putting up

with me during this whole process. Thank you to all of my friends who came

out to support us! And, thank you, dear audience, to you for supporting a great

cause! Every ticket sold means somewhere, somehow, someway, a difference

is being made by all of us! ~ Craig Kozora

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Mary Ann Mooreman ~ Deb Porter

Captain Will Fritz/Jail Guard ~ Mike Porter

FBI Agt. James Hosty/PTLM Bobby Hargis ~ Nick Russ

Court Stenographer ~ Rhonda Russ

Abraham Zapruder/PTLM Marion L. Baker ~ Steven Collings Russell

Tom Pettit ~ Timothy Slatton

Grace/ Waitress ~ Candice Smith

Ruth Paine ~ Jen Stevens

Marguerite Oswald ~ Pam Tschida

Dr. Earl Rose/Reporter ~ Matt Valuckis

D Att. Richard Donnally ~ Nelson Velazquez

Texas Gov. John Connolly ~ Bob Winchlinski

SS Agent Clinton Hill ~ Steve Zana

P Att. William Schaffer ~ Mike Zelisko

Reporter/Person on the Street ~ Glenn Hodshire

Jury of Peers Our Gracious Audience

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Colleen Zana President /Development Chair

Steve Zana Vice President/Marketing Chair

Mike Porter Treasurer

Pam Tschida Recorder/Secretary

Vickie Cash Artistic Chair

Deb Porter Charity Liaison

Michael “Doc” Kuhn

Lawrence Bingham

Members At-Large

Patrick Johnson ~ Web Design

and Artist

George Zana Sr. ~ Accountant &

Tax Preparer

Craig Kozora Patty Bird

Celeste Smith Florence Cole

Our Mission

The mission of the Valparaiso Theatrical Company Inc. is to offer

professional-quality theatre at an affordable price while giving to

charitable causes. Whether the plays are socially relevant classics,

contemporary or new plays with vision, giving back in an artistic and

monetary way to the world is our mission. While performance is its own

reward, the VTC Board is committed to giving a portion of its own

profits from each show to other non-profit and charitable causes.

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Matt Valukis (Dr. Earl Rose/Reporter) Matt is proud to return to VTC, having last appeared on

stage as Lendall with his wife, Kerianne, playing opposite of him in Almost, Maine. He is the

Principal Designer/Overthinker/Owner of V as in Victor, a regionally-based marketing and design

firm. He is also the co-host of The Ad Men, a weekly radio program airing on Lakeshore Public

Radio (89.1 FM). When not obsessing over his designs, you’ll find him strumming his acoustic

guitar, creating a logo or designing sound for the latest local theatre production, curled up on the

couch with his wife falling in love with the latest show Fox is sure to cancel, and on a certain

weekend in July, roaming Whiting promoting his love of all things Eastern European and playing

his best Clark Kent to the Superman that is Mr. Pierogi.

Bob Wichlinski (Gov. John Connolly) returns to the stage following a 33-year absence. Bob was

active in theatre throughout his High School career at Bishop Noll Institute and as a freshman at

Valparaiso University, where he received a Bachelors Degree in History & Philosophy in 1982 and

Masters Degree in Ethics in 2013 Today, Bob and his wife, Lynnette, are raising their 4 children

on their 4-H farm located near Boone Grove, Indiana. He serves as Auditor of Porter County, as

well as limited term lecturer at Purdue University Calumet, research consultant to the Purdue

Homeland Security Institute, and managing partner of ON-SITE Computer, LLC; the information

technology company he founded 21 years ago. Bob also enjoys writing music and playing golf. “I

truly appreciate the opportunity to return to the stage. Being a student of history and elected offi-

cial, this play is of natural interest to me. I was 3 years old on Nov 22nd, 1963; the television

images broadcast on that day remain in my brain to this day.”

Steve Zana (SS Agent Clinton Hill/ Director) Many in the Region are familiar with Steve’s voice,

if not his face – he’s been host of the Indiana 105 Dawn Patrol for 15 years, and also runs Let the

Good Times Roll DJ & Photo Booth Services. Originally from Louisiana (Go Saints!), he’s lived

in Indiana since 1983, so he thinks it’s safe to call him a Hoosier. He loves being on the radio, but

is just as fond of the theatre. In addition to being VTC’s Vice President, he serves on the NIETF

Board of Directors and the Memorial Opera House Foundation, and has been involved with over

50 plays in the NWI area at various venues. When not DJ’ing or playing around on stage, Steve

enjoys his Man Cave (the “Voodoo Lounge Deux”), colleting various hot sauces, and spending

time with his wife, Colleen, their two sons (and their significant others) and their grandchildren.

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Sound and Lighting Design Colleen Zana

Set Design Colleen and Steve Zana, Craig Kozora

Set Construction Steve and Colleen Zana, Doc Kuhn,

Mike Porter, Fernando Porras

Costuming Colleen Zana

Millinery Stanlee Hodsden

Hair and Makeup Pam Tschida

Stage Manager

Stage Hands

Natalie Franks

Chad Franks, Tessa Bingham

First Presbyterian Church for use of their building, chairs onstage and off, and their hospitality through rehearsals & construction

Our Charities for efforts in ticket sales and marketing, and all they do in the community.

Christopher Ebert for his tireless efforts in facilities scheduling

Stephanie Naumoff for the lending and styling of wigs.

Matthew Byerly for Program Design, use of tables, and facilities assistance

The Genesius Guild for use of Props

Presbyterian Resale Shop for donation of Vintage Costuming

“Doc” Kuhn for assistance with police props

Patty Bird for printing of Posters

Joe Culley for printing of Playbills

Stanlee Hodsden and “Another Row of Sequins” for wonderful hats!

Volunteers in construction, box office, jury balloting, historians, and small details...

Special Olympics Porter County for donation of Canvas Flats

Our wonderful ad sponsors, for without you, there would be no Playbill!

JFK Gala Committee for their time, cook-ing talent, decorations, and silent auction set-up

Celeste Smith for use of rifle and Texas flag

Linda Goble for donation of uniforms. They will get much use! We’re honored to receive your late husband’s collection, grateful for his service to our country and town.

And last by not least, all of our audiences. We thank you for your support!

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Rhonda Russ (Court Stenographer) - This is Rhonda's first appearance in a play, though she is

no stranger to the stage. She has appeared in several productions of the Indiana Ballet

Theatre's Nutcracker as well as Swan Lake, and Sleeping Beauty. She would like to thank the

VTC board, especially the Zanas, for all their hard work to make this company a success!

Steven Collings Russell (Abraham Zapruder/ Patrolman Marrion L. Baker) This is Steven’s

first time working with VTC, and he is pleased to be back involved in his favorite hobby after

a long hiatus. The last time he was seen on the stage was as The Baker in Into The Woods at

South Bend Civic Theatre. Favorite roles include (many, many years ago): Berger in Hair,

Tobias in Sweeney Todd, and Louis in Angels in America.

Timothy Slatton (Tom Pettit) is elated to be returning to VTC as part of this outstanding cast

after last appearing in 2011’s Awesome 80s Prom! Previous theatre credits include: Guys and

Dolls, Urinetown, Jekyll & Hyde, State Fair, and Scrooge among many others. This January,

he will be portraying Sir Robin in Spamalot at Ross Music Theatre. When not on stage, Tim

spends his days as a Financial Analyst at Four Winds Casino in New Buffalo, MI. Many

thanks go out to Craig, Steve, Colleen, and most importantly, the audiences of community

theatre for keeping the arts alive.

Jennifer Stevens (Ruth Pain) Jennifer’s past acting credits include All I really Need Know I

Learned in Kindergarten, Dearly Departed, Play On!, and To Gillian On Her 37th

Birthday. She says she loves following her passion for the stage and thanks her loving family

for all of their support. In her spare time, Jennifer loves cooking and pursuing her Pampered

Chef business. “I have loved working with this amazing cast! Thanks so much for letting me

be a part of this amazing production!”

Pam Tschida (Marguerite Oswald) Pam is returning once more to the VTC stage, having

made her stage debut in Prelude to a Kiss. She joined VTC in 2011 serving as a rehearsal

assistant for The Kitchen Witches, and now serves on the VTC Board of Directors. She is

thrilled to be satisfying a lifelong passion for the theatre. Outside of the theatre realm, Pam

recently opened her own salon in Valparaiso – look for the ad in tonight’s program! She would

like to thank her Mother for giving her the acting bug, and her children for keeping it alive.

Nelson Velázquez (D Att. Richard Donnally) is excited to perform with VTC. For the last 9

years he’s performed across the nation showcasing his talent in improvisation, sketch comedy,

stand-up, and musical sketch/improv. Nelson is currently serving as Salsation Theatre

Company's Artistic Director while directing and performing in Los Improviachis, an

Improvised mariachi band. He's also features his diverse talents

via MusicalChairsPodcast.com, a weekly music-related comedic podcast, and via Nelson

Velazquez Graphic Design and Production, a graphic arts and production company serving

blackbox theatre productions. He’d like to send special love to his family, friends, and fellow

cast mates and crew for allowing him to be a part of this production.

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Michael “Doc” Kuhn (Judge Clarence G. Underwood) Doc is pleased to be doing another show

with VTC. No theatrical novice, Doc has been involved in over 100 productions from NWI to

Heidelberg, Germany. This is Doc’s 4th show with VTC; his first was as Oscar in The Odd Couple,

then more recently as the Old Man in Prelude to a Kiss (2013 NIETF Nomination) and as Phil in

Almost, Maine. A few of his most recent shows are A Few Good Men as Col. Jessep at Crown

Point Community Theatre and Early One Evening at the Rainbow Bar and Grille as Jake Ballard at

4th Street Theatre.

George Maslankowski (P Att. Gerald Michealson) George thanks the directors for the chance to

be in his first VTC production. Active in community theatre for 34 years, he has worked over,

under and around many stages/venues in NW Indiana. He has directed often for Indiana Theatre

Works, which promotes the development of new plays written by Indiana playwrights. Having

retired earlier this year, he plans to tread the boards rather than herding cats and pulling virtual

rabbits out of his hat. Thanks to this diverse cast for reinvigorating this latent desire. Remember,

television is a medium, but theatre is an Extra-Large.

Eric McCann (Lee Harvey Oswald) Eric has been involved in theatre in “The Region” for the past

7 years. During that time, he has made many amazing friendships. One of those has turned out to

be one of the best friendships and loves he has ever been blessed with -- his fiancée, Bev (who he

proposed to onstage as part of VTC’s Almost, Maine). Eric has appeared on stage in a variety of

productions at several different venues. Additionally, he has made appearances as an extra on

several TV programs filmed in Chicago, including Chicago Fire and Boss. Outside of the theatre,

Eric works in education. He thanks all of the cast members for their hard work, the directors for

their trust, the audience for their energy, the playwright for reimagining history, and the audience

for supporting the arts.

Mark McColley (Frazier / Dr. McClelland ) Mark hails from Valparaiso, and has built sets, ran

lighting and performed throughout the NWI region. This marks his second time performing with

VTC. Past stage appearances have included productions at the Memorial Opera House, Dunes

Summer Theatre, Portage Community Theatre, and Fourth Street Theatre. He is the Master

Carpenter at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. Thanks for supporting Community Theater

and enjoy the show!

William Milhans (Det. James R. Leavelle/ Dr. Cyril H. Wecht) The character must not run from

William Milhans. William Milhans is the mind-killer. William Milhans is the little-death that

brings total obliteration. The character will face William Milhans. The character will permit him to

pass over and through it. And when he has gone past the character will turn its inner eye to see its

path. Where William Milhans has gone there will be nothing. Only the character will remain. In

the wake of William MIlhans, these characters remain: Ragueneau of house Cyrano, Bart of house

The-Thugs, Hans Rolfe of house Judgement-at-Nuremberg, Salarino of house Merchant-of-Venice,

Dave of house Almost-Maine and Linus Van Pelt of house You're-a-Good-Man-Charlie-Brown.

Deb Porter (Mary Ann Mooreman) Deb is usually more than happy to remain behind the scenes

of any production. She offers many thanks to Craig and Steve for allowing her to be in this

production and for “helping me channel my ‘inner Mrs. Moorman!’”

Mike Porter (Captain Will Fritz/Jail Guard) Mike thanks his son Aaron for getting him into live

theatre, a desire he has had since working on the stage crew for his High School musical. Mike is

usually working on stage building sets for VTC and CTG. He is stepping out on stage and out of

his comfort zone as a first time actor and he is both nervous and excited. Mike has secretly wanted

to do a small part for some time and thanks Craig and Steve for giving him the opportunity to do

so. He is thrilled to be sharing the stage with his lovely wife Deb.

Nick Russ (FBI Agent James Hosty/ Patrolman Bobby Hargis) Nick is happy to be making his

VTC debut with this show. No stranger to the theatre scene Nick has been frequently seen over at

Crown Point Community Theatre where he has performed in Cyrano, Othello and A Midsummer

Nights Dream among others. He would like to thank the directors, crew, and cast for coming

together and making a great show.

Many Thanks to our Charities for this Show! 14th And 21st Thursdays ~ Student Educational Night – benefitting VTC Building Fund

15th. Friday ~ 500 Turkeys (500turkeys.com)

16th. Saturday ~ Sacred Transformations (sacredtransformations.org)

17th. Sunday ~ First Presbyterian Church of Valparaiso

22nd. Friday ~VTC / JFK Gala / VTC Sponsored / 50 Years to the day!

23rd. Saturday ~ Portage Tri Kappa (www.trikappa.org)

24th. Sunday ~ Coats for Kids

American Cancer Society

American Heart Association

Toys For Tots

Porter County Animal Shelter

Portage Tri Kappa

St. Katherines' Ladies'

Philoptochos Society, St. Iakovos

Greek Orthodox Church

Simiyu House Kenya

Christian Food Pantry

Memorial Opera House Foundation

Habitat For Humanity

Family House

The Valparaiso Elks

Ivy Tech Foundation

Business Woman’s United Network

NWI Literacy Foundation

Opportunity Enterprises

March Of Dimes

National Alliance for Mental Health

Porter County Aging and

Community Services Ramp Fund

Valparaiso Women’s Club

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Vickie Cash (D. Att. Sharon Dunne) Vickie has been involved in theatre on and off stage for

many years. She is on the board of VTC and Footlight Theatre in Michigan City. She has

appeared on stage at Memorial Opera House, VTC, Chicago Street, Footlight, and Fourth

Street Theatre. This summer, Vickie played Marge in the forthcoming John Hancock film

“Swan Song,” which filmed throughout the region. Other stage productions include Cat on a

Hot Tin Roof, All My Sons, Caberet, Wizard of Oz, and the list goes on. She won a best actress

award for her portrayal of nanny in Hollywood Arms, the story of Carol Burnett’s life. She is a

past member of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Chorus performing at the Star Plaza. Vickie

is married has two children and four grandchildren.

Joe Culley (David Ferrie/Man on Phone) Having taken the director’s chair for VTC’s Almost,

Maine, Joe is once more returning to the stage as an actor. Joe was bitten by the Am-Dram bug

WAY BACK in high school and has suffered with occasional fits and bouts ever since. His

local credits include Witness for the Prosecution, Othello, Merchant of Venice, and Glengarry

Glen Ross at Crown Point Community Theatre, Romanoff and Juliet at Genesius Guild, and

several other roles. Aside from directing Almost Maine, he also co-directed Cyrano at Crown

Point Community Theatre, where he currently serves as the Vice President. He’s been in

plays, radio plays, and even improve comedy shows in places as diverse as Missouri and New

Hampshire to Edinburgh, Scotland (where he was in great demand for his ability to “fake” an

American accent.

Mary DeBoer (Jaqueline Kennedy) This is Mary’s maiden voyage with VTC, and she is still

in complete awe that she was given the chance to perform in this show as Jackie. Mary has

been fairly active in community theatre around NWI for the past decade, and was most

recently seen as Salyer in Hammond Community Theatre’s NIETF nominated The Last of the

Boys. Some favorite roles have been Blanche in CTG’s Brighton Beach Memoirs; Mrs. Van

Daan in HCT’s The Diary of Anne Frank; and Lucienne in CTG’s A Flea in Her Ear. Mary

would like to thank Craig, Steve and Colleen for inviting her to play with them and her

husband, David, and daughter, Lindsey, for encouraging her to go for it.

Linda Didelot (Jean Hill) Linda is pleased to be returning to a VTC production, having last

performed with the group in Almost, Maine. She is pleased to be working both with familiar

faces and several new folks on the stage. She would like to thank Steve, Colleen, and Craig for

offering this stage experience that benefits so many worthwhile causes. Last, but not least,

Linda would like to thank her husband for making sure that all of her lines were memorized

correctly.

Chloe Hoeksema (Marina Oswald) The lovely and talented Chloe Hoeksema appeared as the

mime at the VTC Mardi Gras fundraiser, Almost, Maine as Ginettte, and also in Chicago Street

Theatre’s production of The Less Than Human Club as Julie. She is grateful for the chance to

join this fantastic group of people in mounting this provocative work, and also wishes to thank

her cats Oliver and Cat for helping her learn lines.

Jerry Jascoviak (Albert Guy Bogard) Jerry is happy to once more be returning to the stage,

and to make his VTC debut. Jerry holds a BA in Theatre from Valparaiso University, currently

serves on the NIETF board as the Community Development chair, and is also on the board at

Crown Point Community Theatre, where he and his wife, Becky, recently directed You’re a

Good Man, Charlie Brown (NIETF Best Musical Nominee, 2013). He also serves as a Musical

viewer for NIETF. Jerry would like to thank Craig, Steve, and Colleen for the opportunity, his

friends and family for their love and support, and most of all, his loving wife, for supporting

him through everything, and whom he loves very much.

Craig Kozora (Guy Bannister/Arlen Specter/Director) Craig is very fortunate to have a great

cast supporting him off stage as much as he has on. Thanks to great friends, a very supportive

family, and an awesome girlfriend. Craig normally is running lights, but returned to the stage

to strain the ‘ol vocal cords. Yes, that’s right, he’s yelling again – onstage, and when directing

(usually only playfully!). Thank you, Steve, for Co-Directing. I know how much of a sacrifice

it has been! Thank you, Colleen; none of this would have happened if not for all that you have

done for VTC. Special thanks to the entire cast for making this show become a reality after it

has been trapped in his head for several years (boy, what a jail term THAT must have been!)

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Amy Aurelio (Julia Ann Mercer/Woman) Amy has played a trial witness before – twice – in

Inherit the Wind and in Judgment at Nuremberg, both with Crown Point Community Theatre.

Outside a courtroom setting, she was last seen as Glory in VTC’s Almost, Maine. Offstage, she

works for a nonprofit in Chicago and serves on the board of Sacred Transformations in Gary

(www.sacredtransformations.org). Way, way offstage, she hunts for the perfect macaroni and

cheese recipe and the perfect red lipstick. Therefore, she spends way too much time on Pinterest.

She thanks Craig and the Zanas for being fantastic directors and, well, people in general; her

fellow cast and crew, for making this look easy; and John, for being her human lighthouse. And

you. Definitely. She especially thanks you.

Lawrence Bingham (Court Bailiff) Larry’s interest in theater started in High school, when he

worked the lighting and sound for the drama club productions. For the past three years, he has been

blessed to be involved with VTC, assisting on set construction, lighting, and serving as a Trustee

with the Organization. “I would like to thank the directors Craig Kozora and Steve Zana for

allowing me my first acting appearance. It is great to be a part of such a talented and community

centered organization.”

Matthew B. Byerly (Commander James J. Hume USN) majored in music & journalism at

the University of Indianapolis and has performed in plays, operas and musicals throughout the

region and in Central Indiana. Matt sits on the Board for several area theaters, and currently serves

as the Secretary and a Viewer for the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation

(NIETF). When not pursuing theatrical endeavors, Matt volunteers extensively in the community,

writes, dabbles in genealogy, plays trombone, and works as a freelance writer/editor and substitute

teacher. As a history buff, he is excited to play a small part in the "What if..." scenario presented

tonight. This marks his debut with VTC.

Thomas E. Byerly (Jury Foreman) is proud to make his VTC debut. Tom first gained interest in

theatre in college, though he only picked up the hobby again within the last decade. He has worked

on technical aspects of several productions, and appeared on stage at the Genesius Guild,

Memorial Opera House and Chicago Street Theatre in roles such as Omar Khayyám

(Kismet), Buffalo Bill (Annie Get Your Gun), Isidor Straus (Titanic, NIETF Supporting Actor

Nomination), and Senex (Forum). When not on stage, Tom works at ArcelorMittal Burns Harbor,

sings in the church choir at First Presbyterian Valparaiso, plays String Bass in the Valparaiso

Community/University Concert Band, and volunteers with Porter County Special Olympics. He

thanks his wife for being a ‘theatre widow’ again and temporarily putting the ‘honey-do’ list on

hold so he could step into this role.

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Leave the world a better place. That is what I have learned in my short

50+ years. You don’t have to be rich, well-educated and know all of the right

people to be able to make a difference.

About 64.3 million people volunteered through or for an organization at

least once between September 2010 and September 2011. My heart was

lightened by that statistic – a statistic that reflects well on us as a society. For

a short time, you just need to care about someone else as much as you do

about yourself. Most of the time, it’s just about lending people a helping

hand. VTC was founded upon that principle. By attending a show with VTC,

you can say that you did your part to give back this week, to about the tune

of $6 from your $10 ticket. That is the amount that we have committed to

giving back to each charity we are assisting on any given performance night.

Our funds to produce these shows are acquired mostly through donations.

Truthfully, I feel as if VTC is, when you truly look at things, a philanthropic

organization or charity group with a theatre problem!

Please give generously of your time to those in need, and if you have it,

your funds, as well. Thank you, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy tonight’s

performance. ~ Colleen M. Zana, VTC President