Still Life With Iris...

Past Production - February 2007
by Steven Dietz

Directed by Lysa Fox

And she forgot the stars, the moon and sun,
And she forgot the blue above the trees,
And she forgot the dells where waters run,
And she forgot the chilly autumn breeze.

-- John Keats

Director's Note:  Five years ago, I opened a book to this play and began reading -- within the first three pages I was in love and knew that Venture needed to produce it someday. Well, here we are! A perfect fit being the season of Dietz and a perfect fit for Venture -- a chance to highlight some fine talent from our youth conservatory along with their mentoring adult counterparts. It's truly been a great journey. I love this cast and thank them for tenderly taking part in this experience and helping me realize the vision. I'm always amazed that art truly does reflect life and vice versa. In my life right now and in this beautiful play, I'm reminded of the importance of honest human connection and how important certain people are in your life -- maybe people you don't even really know. The importance of trust and determination -- and guidance from unlikely sources. The importance of searching for what you know to be right in your heart. The importance of family and home. Welcome to Nocturno -- we hope you'll enjoy our journey.

Press and Photos:

See photos and read the February 16 article in the Billings Gazette's Enjoy here.

See photos and read Jaci Webb's February 23 review of the show in the Billings Gazette here.

Read Jean Porter's March 2 letter to the editor in the Billings Gazette here.

Cast:

Mister Matternot:  Jared Siess
Iris:  Lexi Eagle
Elmer:  Pat Kerns
Hazel:  Sarah Beth Gumm
Flower Painter:  Nan Edmonds
Memory Mender:  Daniel Zent
Leaf Monitor:  Danielle Turtainen
Thunder Bottler One:  Jim McRae
Thunder Bottler Two:  Paul Jangula
Bolt Bender:  Elliot O'Rourke
Rain Maker:  Colin McRae
Mom/Miss Overlook:  Sarah Butts
Grotto Good:  Blaine Jensen
Mister Himtoo:  Adam Roebling
Gretta Good:  Dina Atwood
Mister Otherguy:  Sam Brown
Annabel Lee:  Sasha Bailey
Mozart:  Alex Bush
Captain Also:  Zak Kreiter
Third String:  Guy Atkins
Ray:  Alex Roebling

Production & Design:

Director:  Lysa Fox
Assistant Director, Stage Manager:  Wanda Rodriguez
Assistant Stage Manager:  Kirsten Horn
Props:  Eva Urlacher, Jeff Urlacher, Susannah Bush
Set Design:  Paul Jangula
Light Design:  Paul Jangula
Light Operator:  Pat Bush
Sound Design:  Colin McRae, Lysa Fox
Sound Operator:  Kirsten Horn
Set Construction:  Paul Jangula, Carl Fox, Eva Urlacher, Susannah Bush, Alex Bush, Pat Bush, Sarah Butts, Tim Gross, Jim McRae, Colin McRae, Russ Palmer, Lexi Eagle, Vicki Eagle, Wanda Rodriguez, Nan Edmonds, Denise Williams

Special Thanks:  Carolyn Peters, Sean Lynch, Mark Zimmerer, MSU-Billings

Show Dates & Times:

February 15, 2007 - 7:30 (Thursday)
February 16, 2007 - 8:00 (Friday)
February 17, 2007 - 8:00 (Saturday)
February 18, 2007 - 2:00 (Sunday)

February 23, 2007 - 8:00 (Friday)
February 24, 2007 - 8:00 (Saturday)
February 25, 2007 - 2:00 (Sunday)

March 1, 2007 - 7:30 (Thursday)
March 2, 2007 - 8:00 (Friday)
March 3, 2007 - 8:00 (Saturday)

Show Location:

Venture's Roebling Theatre: 2317 Montana Ave., Billings, MT