Next Stage - Mr. Marmalade

Mr. Marmalade

Directed by Rich Hicks

Featuring Gregory J. Adams

By Noah Haidle
Directed by Rich Hicks
MR. MARMALADE was originally produced by South Coast Repertory
(David Emmes, Producing Artistic Director; Martin Benson, Artistic Director) as part of the Seventh Annual Pacific Playwrights Festival on April 25, 2004.
The New York Premiere of MR. MARMALADE was produced in November 2005 by Roundabout Theatre Company, Todd Haimes, Artistic Director.

October 3-25 2008

PURCHASE TICKETS

Lucy is a four-year-old girl with a very active imagination. Unfortunately, her imaginary friend Mr. Marmalade doesn’t have much time for her. Not to mention he beats up his personal assistant, has a cocaine addiction, and a penchant for pornography and very long dildos. Larry, her only real friend, is the youngest suicide attempt in the history of New Jersey. MR. MARMALADE is a savage black comedy about what it takes to grow up in these difficult times.

“…exhilarating…alternately hilarious and heartbreaking…through the alchemy of Haidle’s scintillating style.”
---The New Yorker.

“Haidle’s fertile imagination has produced a world in which…reality and fantasy collide and intertwine…[A] roller-coaster saga…MR. MARMALADE marks its author…as a name to watch in the future.” ---L.A. Times (Titus)

“Haidle [has] an Albee–like bent for creating character capable of both kindness and cruelty…a poignant story [that] runs the gamut from hilarious to heartbreaking…” ---Orange County Register.

Gregg and Laura

Laura and Sean

MR. MARMALADE Cast and Crew

Gregory J. Adams (Mr. Marmalade)

Gregory is very excited to return to the Aurora Fox and play in the new space with new friends. Most recently, he appeared as Bernard Nightingale in “Arcadia” (Firehouse Theater) where the turtle managed to stay on the table the entire run. He previously appeared with Next Stage as Leon Czolgosz in both productions of “Assassins”. Other credits include Chang in “A Lesser Life” (Arvada Center 2007 Playwrights of the Western Region Festival); Richard Packard in “Every Secret Thing” (Modern Muse - 2007 Ovation Award for Best New Play); Alan Rosen in “A House With No Walls” (Curious Theatre); Jim in “The Weir” (Denver Vic); title role in “The Swan” (Bas Bleu). He has been honored with a Denver Post Ovation nomination for "Best Year by An Actor" for his performances in "Assassins" (Next Stage), Werner Heisenberg in "Copenhagen" (Openstage Theatre) and Happy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" (Bas Bleu Theatre).

Brian J. Brooks (George)

A trained actor/director from the University of Northern Colorado, Brian has been performing in the Denver area for over a year now. He's worked on stage crews at The Denver Center, directed kids' shows for Catchpenny Theatre, and acted with numerous companies. Prior to living in Denver, Brian acted for Loveland/Ft. Collins area, performing in such plays as: SCAPINO, INSPECTING CAROL, CLOSER, & MOTHER COURAGE. Favorite roles upon living in Denver: Earl Delacriox in DEAD MAN WALKING (The Denver VIC), Edmund in A MURDER IS ANNOUNCED (Spotlight Theatre) & Paul in HOT L BALTIMORE (The Barth). Brian gives special thanks to Rich for this experience. Extra thanks goes to supportive friends: Nils, Seth, & Terry. Lastly, thanks to his family and his amazing girlfriend, Catherine.

Flavia Florezell (Sookie/Sunflower)

Flavia is delighted to be making her debut with Next Stage. She was last seen at Germinal Stage Denver as Karen in Reverse Psychology, and as Dorothy/Leah at Miners Alley Playhouse in Prelude to a Kiss. Roles with Bas Bleu Theatre Company include Dora in The Swan, Pearl in The Scarlet Letter, Dessa in Tongue of a Bird, and Bobby in Speed-the-Plow. While living in Los Angeles, Flavia originated roles in the world premieres of Showtime and Destination Now, touring with the shows to Orlando, Florida and to her hometown of Washington D.C. One of her most unique theatrical experiences was performing in The Festival of the Delphic Games (presented by the Isadora Duncan International Institute) in the ruins of Delphi, in the Stadium of the ancient Greeks. Other favorite roles include Witch 1 in Macbeth, Regan in King Lear, Gwen in Fifth of July, Heidi in Fuddy Meers, and Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

LeighAnn Gould (Emily)

LeighAnn has been acting around Denver for many years. Although her primary focus is in Film and Television, anytime she can be involved in theater she jumps at the chance. She participates in a group called Write to Act where actors are taught to write their own material. Her latest theater endeavor was co-producing an Eight Woman show of original pieces, of which she wrote two. You can often find LeighAnn performing in Murder Mystery Dinners at the Adam's Mystery Playhouse, doing live character walk-a-rounds, and improv. One of her favorite accomplishments to date is performing for the troops overseas as part of the Department of Defense Entertainment. Thanks for coming to the show! Feel free to come back and bring all your friends!!!

Mathew Kepler (Bradley)

Mathewis thrilled to be working on his 6th show with Next Stage, his favorite company. Previous Next Stage shows include Chess (Ensemble), The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow (Costume Design, Run Crew), Frame 312 (Stage Manager), Assassins remount (Run Crew), and 18 Holes (Co-Producer). Mathew was recently seen on the Denver stage as Lucien P. Smith in The Boys Next Door with Vintage Theatre Company and from that performance was offered a recurring role in a 7 part television series which he filmed this past summer for RMPBS. Thank you to my friends and family for constant and undying love and support. And thank you to you, the audience, for supporting live theatre and helping it to live, grow and thrive. And as always...for Moira.

Laura Lounge (Lucy)

This is Ms. Lounge’s first production with Next Stage and she is so very pleased it was in the regional premiere of this wacky new play. New to the Denver theatre scene, but no stranger to the stage, notable roles include Goneril in King Lear, Antonio in The Tempest, Becca in Stephen Dietz’s Trust, and Karen in The Children’s Hour. She received a BA in Theatre from the College of Charleston and her direction of Patrick Marber’s Closer was chosen for the Piccolo Spoleto Festival 2007. In Denver she has appeared as Maria in Lend me a Tenor with The E Project and was last seen as Jackie in The HOT L Baltimore directed by Terry Dodd. She would like to thank Rich for taking a chance on an unknown cast.

Sean Mellot (Larry)

A Denver area native, Sean left Colorado to study theatre at Tulane University in New Orleans. While there he performed numerous times with the Shakespeare Festival at Tulane, most notably as Mercutio in ROMEO AND JULIET. He was also an active member of Cripple Creek Theatre Company, working to promote social change through the arts in post-Katrina New Orleans. Recent Denver credits include Donalbain in Listen Production’s MACBETH, Dakin in Theatre Off Broadway’s THE HISTORY BOYS, Hansel in the Denver Center Theatre Academy’s GRETEL AND HANSEL, and Nelson in Curious Theatre Company’s END DAYS.

Lindsey Benge (Stage Crew) is thrilled to be once again working on another wonderful Next Stage Production after a number of other fun-filled shows (Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow, Frame 312, 18 Holes) Special thanks to all of her friends and family for their unending support and love in all that I do, and constantly reminding me of all the good that is in the world. And for Jose, who taught me more about life and love than anyone else, and who will always be my guiding star. I love you and miss you every moment.

Mary Coan (Stage Manager) welcomes you the final show of the season. She last worked as the stage manager for Next Stage’s world premiere of 18 Holes. Other shows with Nextstage include Falsettos, Chess and the quirky show The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow. Some of her favorite shows at Fox include The Miracle Worker, High Hat Hattie and Taffetas. She knows you’ll like the show and will tell all of your friends and family to come and see it.

Tyler D. Collins (Producer) has been in three Next Stage productions and is new to the board and producing. This year has been a dynamic one for Next Stage and he is excited to be part of its evolution. He has enjoyed working with this extremely talented cast and crew and hope's you enjoy the show. Thank you, our audience, for supporting the live and thought provoking theatre Next Stage brings.

Becca Fletcher (Producer) is thrilled to be co-producing Mr. Marmalade. She was last seen as Nellie in Jekyll & Hyde and Reno Sweeney in Anything Goes with Performance Now. Off stage, she works for the DCPA, is pursuing her Bachelor's degree, and serves on the Board of Directors for Next Stage. Please consider making a tax deductible gift to this fine organization. Thank YOU, our audience, for supporting live theater!

Rich Hicks (Director) Celebrating 40 years in theatre, Rich has directed numerous shows over the years for many different companies, most recently with The Fort Collins Children’s Theater and his own company, Matinee Enterprises. As an actor he has appeared extensively in Northern Colorado and made his Denver debut in 2005 with Next Stage’s Assassins. He wishes to thank the wonderful cast and crew of Mr. Marmalade for staying with the project through uncertain times.

Karla Puskas (Costumer) is thrilled to be part of the designing team for Mr. Marmalade. Karla recently choreographed Falssetos and past credits as Costume designer are: Chess & Assassins, and the world premiere of 18 Holes, all with Next Stage. Karla holds a BA in Theatre from MSCD and will be attending graduate school in the Fall of '09. Thanks to Rich & Next Stage for this great opportunity. Mary you Rock! and you are by far the greatest SM. Cast: Thanks for being a joy to work with and Break a Leg!