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Villette
Written by Sara Gmitter*
From the book by Charlotte Brontë
Directed by Tracy Walsh*
CREATIVE TEAM
Scenic Designer – Yu Shibagaki+
Costume Designer – Mara Blumenfeld*+
Lighting Designer – John Culbert+
Co-Sound Designers
Deon Custard
Brandon Reed+
Stage Managers
Katie Klemme^ (through 4/7)
Casie Morell^ (4/8-4/23)
Assistant Stage Manager
Hai Alvarez-Millard^
Stage Manager Covers
Casie Morell^ (through 4/7)
Angela M. Adams^ (4/8-4/23)
Director of Production – Sarah Burnham
Casting Director – Phil Smith*
Assistant Director - Madie Doppelt
Dramaturg/Cultural Consultant - Wenke (Coco) Huang
CAST
Paul Emmanuel - Debo Balogun^
Lucy Snowe - Mi Kang
Madame Beck - Helen Joo Lee^
Mrs. Bretton - Renée Lockett^
John Bretton - Ronald Román-Meléndez^
Ginevra Fanshawe - Mo Shipley^
UNDERSTUDIES
Emily Anderson
Kylie Anderson
Miles Borchard
Ambrose Cappuccio
Sonya Madrigal
Joanna Riopelle
Artistic Director - Heidi Stillman*
Executive Director - Rachel L. Fink
*Member of Lookingglass Theatre Company, Ensemble Member or Artistic Associate.
^Member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA), the union for professional actors and stage managers.
+ Member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829 of the IATSE.
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Script Supervisor
Olivia Ellery
French Consultant
Christelle Chauvet
Assistant Scenic Designer
Stephen Carmody
Assistant Lighting Designer
Daniel Friedman
Head Carpenter
Dylan Marks
Carpenters
Connie Bronson
Hunter Cole
Benjamin Cormalleth
Omar Fernandez
Karin Hannemann
Garvin van Dernoot
Scenic Paint Charge
Livian Kennedy
Painters
Rose Johnson
Lydia Moss
Shayna Patel
Costume Design Assistant
Emily N. Brink
Assistant Costume Shop Manager
C.M. Taylor
Stitchers
Angela Clyde
Lisa Howaniec
Sydnee Lasseigne
Ryan Magnuson
Megan Turner
Draper
Beth Uber
Costume Crafts
Melissa Bochat
Anna Wooden
Wig/Hair Artisan
Megan Pirtle
Wardrobe Assistants
Hannah Brown
Gabrielle Lux
Sydnee Lasseigne (cover)
Assistant Lighting Supervisor
Amber Hahn
Electricians
Molly Fryda
Max Gamber
AlJoya Hall
Emma Lipson
Henry Muller
Ish Petersen
Vianey Salazar
Nate Walczyk
Jack Warner
Assistant Sound Supervisor
Christopher Cook
Sound Technicians
Averi Paulsen
Props Supervisor
Amanda Herrmann
Assistant Props Supervisor
Emily Hartig
Props Artisans
Wendy Ann
Jonathan Berg-Einhorn
Percy Lawrence-Westcott
Floor Manager
Aaron McEachran
Deck Crew
Emma Lipson
Olivia Zapater-Charrette
Mattie Switzer (Cover)
^Member of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union for professional actors and stage managers
Suddenly without family, friends, or funds, Lucy travels alone to an unfamiliar land armed with little more than plain courage, fierce intelligence, and a dry, piercing wit. An eclectic carousel of characters (and one mysterious ghost!) soon draws Lucy into a complicated maze where multiple doorways lead towards fulfillment or peril – which door should she choose?
This undiscovered gem by the author of Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë’s Villette finds brash, honest life in this adaptation by Lookingglass Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter (In the Garden) and directed by Lookingglass Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh (The Old Curiosity Shop).
Lookingglass Theatre Company is extending this invitation to our REFLECT Series, where we bring the world of the stage to life! On select dates please join us in a discussion with notable Chicagoans who are making bold decisions, because just like Lucy response to Ginevra's initial inquiry, they were not afraid to stand on their own...apart from anyone else's prospects and expectations.
When Ginevra is humble bragging to Lucy on the boat, the implications of what she refers to as prospects and expectations on even her own life have not yet been made apparent to her. For our quick-witted heroine- Lucy Snow, these prospects and certainly the would-be expectations foisted upon her by strangers...are without real meaning and they feel like a trap. By decidedly captaining her own ship, Lucy manages to create space for her own life - a more authentic life to emerge.
Authenticity & Other...Alchemy
With Panelist Katrina Markoff
April 1, 2023: following the 2PM show, approximately 4:15PM
SUMMARY
A deep dive into the development of Chicago’s own Vosges Haut Chocolat! Join Vosges Founder & CEO Katrina Markoff in conversation with Lookingglass Artistic Producer & Cultural Strategist Arkey Adams in a discussion around the ways that like our un heroine Lucy Snow, we are writing the story of our own lives by deciding how we show up...
ABOUT KATRINA
Beginning with an apprenticeship in Spain under the direction of Ferran and Albert Adria of the famed El Bulli, I began to understand that food was a medium for transformative, visceral experiences. A perfect bite in an unexpected form could spark curiosity and open someone’s heart. It could create balance.
At the encouragement of Ferran, I set out on a quest directed by the ‘signs’ to identify my path and reason for being in the world of good, meaningful food. I embarked on a trip around the world. On my travels I began to see my destiny as an alchemist, sharing in the long tradition of those who believe that CREATION is the great work and when ingredients are combined in just the right way, they become greater than the sum of their parts.
When I returned to the States, I knew the restaurant kitchen wasn’t the right place for me and that my travels had unlocked a need for me to tell and re-tell stories that would have an impact to open minds, balance the body, mind, and spirit, and create an appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures.
Reflect Series are free to attend and open to the public. If you would like to attend but are not seeing the show, arrive to the lobby 15 minutes prior to the start time.
Going gglamping!
March 25, 2023
The unGala returns with a night that will take you back to your best summer camp memories – only this time as a gglamorous grownup! On Saturday, March 25, 2023, frolic with your fellow forest creatures for an evening of mirth, revelry, and stargazing. Only this Tony Award-winning theatre can curate an experiential night of gglamping with party games, gaiety, and engagement.
Join the Lookingglass Board, Ensemble Members, Artistic Associates, and guest artists in a dinner party through the rooms of Chicago’s iconic Blackstone Hotel and featuring themed performances along every stop of the route.
Be a part of the progressive, immersive performance and party in celebration of Lookingglass Theatre Company’s Season 35 at a gala unlike any other.
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Check out our new, amazing collection with our new 35 years collection: including brilliant hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, and hats!
Our Lookingglass Swag is the perfect gift for any theatre lover! Treat yourself or a loved one!
Cameras, Recording Devices, and Phones
The use of cameras (with or without flash), recorders, or other electronic devices is strictly prohibited. The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is also strictly prohibited. Patrons are asked to silence cellular phones and double-check alarms before entering the theatre.
Late Seating
Please arrive early for your scheduled performance, shows begin promptly at the time indicated on your ticket. All late seating will be conducted at the discretion of the House Manager.
Smoking is Prohibited
No outside food or drink in the theatre. Lookingglass Theatre is not responsible for personal property. Lost and Found is held at the box office.
2023 Villette Cast Photo by Sandro Miller.
2023 Villette interviews, montages, and recordings by HMS Media.
2023 Villette Rehearsal photos taken by Sarah Elizabeth Larson.
2023 Villette Production Photos by Liz Lauren.
2022-2023 Villette illustration by Artistic Associate Sully Ratke.
2023 unGala illustration by Alvin Black III.
50 Wards illustration by Artistic Associate Matthew C. Yee.