BROWN PAPER BOX CO.
  • Home
  • Up Next
    • Prodigy
    • One Last Time
  • Our Company
    • Shows
    • History
  • Get Involved
  • Blog

Get to Know 'Roger': Billy Dawson

1/30/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Full name? William Thomas Dawson 

Where you were born/where you were raised?
Born in Florida. Raised in Fort Wayne (Weezy if you're nasty), Indiana

Your role within the A NEW BRAIN family? Roger Delli-Bovi

How would you describe your character? Roger is patient, kind, understanding, funny, caring, romantic, faithful, intelligent, emotionally open, generous, a gifted sailor, an avid Banana Republic shopper, not afraid of a few rounds of karaoke after a couple of martinis, an all around dream boat (cheap "Sailing" reference).

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Heart, Music, Passion, Life, High-Notes

How would you describe Bill's writing? Beautifully created through the eyes, and soul, of a grown-up-kid.

Fill in the blanks: ___________ + ___________ = a song. This isn't fair! I want to say "Heart & Music" ... So I will say "Heart & Sensible-Riff-Placement."

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Barney and Power Rangers for the win!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Olaf!

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Cheyenne Jackson... obvi.

Special hidden talent? Walking in heels... HI MOM! 

Something you're REALLY bad at?
Sewing... seriously, it's sad.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Hogwarts?

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? All of them! Go support Chicago theatre and Chicago actors!

Most played song on your iPod? "Alleluia" by Eric Whitacre, "Set You Free" by Maya Azucena, and anything by our Lord and Savior, Beyoncé.

Pop culture guilty pleasure? RuPaul's Drag Race. Except, I don't feel guilty at all because it's amazing.

Three things you can't live without? Laughing until I cry, a good cup of coffee, and singing. 

"I'll never understand why…
the Kardashians are a thing..."

Come see Billy in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.
0 Comments

The Cast Goes Fishin' at Lil' Buds ... And So Should You!

1/28/2014

0 Comments

 
The Brown Paper Box Co. has been fortunate enough to rehearse their past two shows within the comfy confines of Lil' Buds Theatre Company's space in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood. Whether a modern absurdist play (Aloha, Say the Pretty Girls) or our current 10-person musical (A New Brain), the folks over at Lil' Buds have been nothing but a pleasure to work with. We can't recommend them enough!
Picture
L-R: Anna Schutz (Nancy D.), Billy Dawson (Roger), Jillian Weingart (Rhoda), Neala Barron (Lisa), Jason Richards (Gordon), obstructed Nick Shoda (Minister) Martin J. Hughes (Doctor), Denise Tamburrino (Mimi), Johnny Kyle Cook (Richard), Paul G. Miller (Mr. Bungee)

Photo: M. William Panek (director)
Picture
T. J. Anderson (musical director) at piano. Back row L-R: Jillian Weingart (Rhoda), Neala Barron (Lisa), Paul G. Miller (Mr. Bungee). Center row L-R: Jason Richards (Gordon), Denise Tamburrino (Mimi), Billy Dawson (Roger). Front row L-R: Johnny Kyle Cook (Richard), Martin J. Hughes (Doctor), Anna Schutz (Nancy D.), Nick Shoda (Minister).

Photo: Stephanie Rohr (assistant director)
Come check out William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.
0 Comments

Get to Know Our Assistant Director: Stephanie Rohr

1/27/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Full name? Stephanie Lynn Rohr

Where you were born/where you were raised? Born in Grosse Pointe, MI and raised in Naperville, IL

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I am the Assistant Director

What does that mean/what do you do? This means that I assist the other members of the creative team. I work closely with Will, the Director and TJ, the Musical Director, to create our vision of the show. This can include anything from staging scenes and musical numbers to speaking with cast members about their characters, to helping with vocal technique and learning harmonies. It is also a great learning experience for me, as this is my first professional directing gig. And I am very grateful to BPBCo. for the opportunity!

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Intellectual, heartfelt, absurd, hopeful, harmonious.

How would you describe Bill's writing? His musical style has echoes of Sondheim, but with a more modern edge. Dialogue flows seamlessly into song and songs flow seamlessly from dark themes to absurd comedy.

Fill in the blanks: _____emotion______ + _____sound______ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Sesame Street! For a long time I thought that was the only thing the TV did. In my mind it was just the Sesame Street machine. Which was awesome.

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Lana from Archer. She is a badass.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Deborah Ann Woll from True Blood

Special hidden talent? Cross stitch!

Something you're REALLY bad at? Any other kind of needlecraft.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? I am loving my new home, North Center!

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? The Children's Hour by Pride Films and Plays and 42nd Street at the Paramount in Aurora. (So, not quite local....but it's great.)

Most played song on your iPod? Whatever 1960s jam I'm learning with my band, Girl Group Chicago. At the moment it's "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself" by Dusty Springfield

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Any wedding-themed reality show on Netflix

Three things you can't live without? Friends, Family, Music

"I'll never understand why… 'The Lee of Cuttyhunk' runs in a loop in my head."

Come see Stephanie's work in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.
0 Comments

Get to Know 'Lisa': Neala Barron

1/24/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Full name? Neala Monroe Barron

Where you were born/where you were raised? I was born in Michigan but grew up in Oak Park, IL.

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? I play Lisa!

How would you describe your character? Formidable, empathetic, world wise but not world weary. She's the cosmic commentator, one woman Greek Chorus of the play. 

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? What will you leave behind?

How would you describe Bill's writing? Specific, intricate, technical, extravagant, beautiful.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? The Busy World of Richard Scarry was beyond.

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Jessica Rabbit.

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Adele.

Special hidden talent? I can tie a bowtie! ...and swordfight. (mutually exclusive)

Something you're REALLY bad at? Taking out the trash in a timely manner.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Lakeview/Roscoe Village. So great!

Most played song on your iPod? "Respect" – Aretha Franklin.

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Selfies. Does that count?

Three things you can't live without? Singing, candles, eye cream.

"I'll never understand why… I have to wear pants ever. Come on."

Come see Neala in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.
0 Comments

Get To Know Our Choreographer: Daniel Spagnuolo

1/21/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Full name? Daniel Michael Ippolito Spagnuolo

Where you were born/where you were raised? Lansing, MI

Your position/role within the A NEW BRAIN family? Choreographer

What does that mean/what do you do? I make actors dance whether they want to or not ;)

In 5 words, how do you describe A NEW BRAIN? Striking, Loving, Sound, Perseverance, Passion

How would you describe Bill's writing?
It rips your heart out and yet you're a better person for having gone through it.

Fill in the blanks: _____Rhythm______ + ______Soul_____ = a song.

What was your must-see TV show as a kid? Animaniacs!

If you could be best friends with any cartoon character in the real world, who would it be? Buster Bunny from Tiny Toon Adventures

Who would play you in the Lifetime movie of your life? Lin-Manuel Miranda

Special hidden talent? Impressions of people from everyday life.

Something you're REALLY bad at? Walking like a person and not a dancer.

Favorite Chicago neighborhood? Lincoln Park

Current local show you have been recommending to friends? Can't wait to see Kokandy's Sweet Smell of Success, Porchlight Music Theatre's Ain't Misbehavin'!, and Boho's Amadeus.

Most played song on your iPod? "Piragua" from In the Heights (that's what happens when you understudy the role).

Pop culture guilty pleasure? Dance Moms

Three things you can't live without? My phone (I found out recently), food, coffee.

"I'll never understand why… dogs and cats don't get along."

Come see Danny's work in William Finn and James Lapine's A NEW BRAIN February 21 - March 9, 2014 at Rivendell Theatre. Ticketing and performance information can be found at The Brown Paper Box Co.'s site.
0 Comments

Meet the Cast of 'A New Brain'

1/16/2014

0 Comments

 

0 Comments

A New Brain Callback Pics - 12/7/13

1/13/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Donuts made Day 1 of callbacks (12/7/13) even better! T.J. Anderson (musical director) and M. William Panek (director).
Picture
Luke Michael Grimes (casting associate), Michelle Kritselis (dramaturg), and Justin Harner (assistant musical director & audition accompanist).
0 Comments

"Casual 7-part harmony"

1/9/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Photo: Neala Barron (Lisa), taken 1/7/2014, first vocal rehearsal.
0 Comments

"A New Brain's" First Read-Through

1/6/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
A NEW BRAIN's first read-through at Lil' Buds Theatre with cast & production staff.
0 Comments

A Quick Note from "A New Brain" Director M. William Panek

1/2/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
We begin rehearsals for A NEW BRAIN this weekend! Three days, to be exact,

Not only have we assembled a top-notch cast and production staff, but I can honestly say I haven't been this excited to begin a project in a long time.

I'm pretty sure I can pinpoint the fist time I ever listened to Finn's A NEW BRAIN. I was a freshman at Loyola Academy when my good friend David Nash was appearing as 'Jason' in Porchlight Theatre's FALSETTOS. As I dove into such a funny, original, and sad score in FALSETTOS (a precursor to my RENT days), I stumbled across Finn's new recording of his new show playing at Lincoln Center's Mitzi Playhouse.

As a 14-year-old theatre dork, A NEW BRAIN's score was beyond addictive. The recording's cast - including Malcolm Gets, Norm Lewis, Mary Testa, and some young chorus girl named Kristin Chenoweth - was (and remains) pure perfection. I was hooked. And I've remained hooked.

I was lucky enough to come across A NEW BRAIN during a formative year while learning what a well-written musical sounded like. So now, 14 years later (yikes!), I'm thrilled to bring Finn's semi-autobiographical  exploration of anxiety, self-doubt, and the healing power of art to Chicago with The Brown Paper Box Co. Quite simply, it embodies what it means to balance love and work with life and death.

M. William Panek
Director

0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture

    Brown Paper Blog

    Making theatre. Writing about it. Announcements & interviews.

    Tweets by @brownpaperboxco

    Archives

    April 2020
    June 2019
    May 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    October 2011
    September 2011

    Categories

    All
    4/20
    Aaron Golden
    Andrew Lund
    A New Brain
    A New Brain
    Anna Schutz
    Audition
    Auditions
    Backers
    Billy Dawson
    Bob Skosky
    Brown Paper Box Co
    Cat Wilson
    CB Lindsey
    Character Breakdown
    Charlie Sheets
    Chicago
    Chicago Theatre
    Christopher Hart
    Company
    Daniel Spagnuolo
    Davenport's Piano Bar
    David Lipschutz
    Denise Tamburrino
    Derek Herman
    Donate
    Godspell
    Holidays
    Jake Mahler
    James Riley
    Jasmine Ryan
    Jason Richards
    Jeanne T. Arrigo
    Jenny Milkowski
    Jesse Dorman
    Jillian Weingart
    Johnny Kyle Cook
    Justin Harner
    Justin Harner
    Justin Kilduff
    Katherine Glavin
    Katie Colby
    Lance Newton
    Luke Michael Grimes
    Luke Michael Grimes
    Martin Hughes
    Marty Scanlon
    Mary's Attic
    Megan Ensley
    Michael Gardner
    Michelle Kritselis
    Michelle Kritselis
    Michelle Limon
    Monty Montgomery
    Neala Barron
    Nick Shoda
    Outreach Intern
    Pamela Mae Davis
    Paul G. Miller
    Pavi Proczko
    Pub Trivia
    Rehearsals
    Rivendell Theatre
    Sarah Sapperstein
    Seth Rudetsky
    Spike Heels
    Stage 773
    Stephanie Rohr
    Stephen Schwartz
    Theresa Rebeck
    T.J. Anderson
    T.J. Anderson
    To Tree
    Whitney Morse
    William Finn
    William Finn
    William Panek
    William Panek
    Zev Steinberg

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Up Next
    • Prodigy
    • One Last Time
  • Our Company
    • Shows
    • History
  • Get Involved
  • Blog