The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told

By Paul Rudnick

Directed by Micheal Herman

"God made Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve," or so the fundamentalists state. The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told is Paul Rudnick's response to that remark. In 'Most Fabulous,' Mr. Rudnick whimsically explores a creation that begins with Adam and Steve and Jane and Mabel and follows the four to modern times. Mercury Players proudly presents another wonderful, romantic comedy by Paul Rudnick ('Jeffrey', 'I Hate Hamlet') with its production of 'The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told.'

The New York Times wrote: "Line by line, Mr. Rudnick may be the funniest writer for the stage in the United States today...One-liners, epigrams, withering put-downs and flashing repartee: these are the candles that Mr. Rudnick lights instead of cursing the darkness, although he does a lot of cursing, too ... a testament to the virtues of laughing ... and in laughter, there is something like the memory of Eden."

Produced by Mercury Players in the Drury Theatre at the Esquire Theater, 113 E. Mifflin Street, Madison (just off the square).

Performances: February 1 - 17, 2001, with preview show January 31, 2001. Special Valentine's Day performance February 14, 2001.

Wed
Thur
Fri
Sat
January 31, 7:30 pm (preview)
February 1
7:30 pm
February 2
8 pm
February 3
5 and 8 pm
 
February 8
7:30 pm
February 9
8 pm
February 10
5 and 8 pm
February 14
7:30 pm
February 15
7:30 pm
February 16
8 pm  
February 17
5 and 8 pm

Tickets reservations may be made by calling 608-242-0150. Preview and Thursday night shows: $10. All other shows: $15. Valentine's Night show: price to be announced.

HomePerformancesTheaterDanceOffersClassesJobsLinksVenues

Production Team

Micheal Herman - (Director) Micheal arrived in Madison in May after graduating from UW-Green Bay with a degree in Theater. His university years were filled with many productions in which he acted, directed, and worked on almost all aspects of theater production. His proudest directing achievement was the UW-Green Bay Studio Theatre production of 70 Scenes of Halloween, by Jeffrey M. Jones, staged in the spring of 99. Favorite acting roles were in Godspell, Private Eyes, and The Rimers of Eldritch. He would like to thank Tom McClurg for this wonderful opportunity and for being the Most Fabulous producer, as well as Marcy Weiland and all the people with Mercury Players for facilitating this company's creativity. Micheal sends a special thanks to the Most Fabulous cast who have bought into the process and worked passionately on this play from day one, working towards creating a true theatrical ensemble.

Thomas McClurg - (Producer) Thomas was bitten by the theater bug after his first role in The Secret Garden. Life hasn't been the same since. In addition to playing several interesting roles in Madison's local theater scene, he acted in and co-produced Mercury's Jeffrey. Thanks, Marcy, for all your support. And thank you, Micheal, for all the fun we had with this production. And to the cast and crew, you're all absolutely fabulous!

Steve Noll - (Stage Manager) Steve is very proud to be part of Mercury Players' Most Fabulous production. Special thanks go to Tom for asking him to work as an usher during Mecury's Jeffrey. Steve spent many years running around the Majestic Theatre in fishnets for The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He started acting in third grade and blew the first lines out of his mouth. Steve dedicates the show to his Mom, who defines "most fabulous."

Ron Collins - (Lighting Designer) Ron's lighting design was noted in Mercury Players' production of Bent. In addition to working magic with lights and special effects, he also writes plays. His Broom Street production of Stiffy attracted attention throughout the Madison community. He's currently working on another play, Oklahomo, which will open soon.

Mark Penner - (Sound Designer) Mark has done sound design for numerous Mercury Players productions, most recently Stonewall Jackson's House and The Good Person of Szechwan. Mark has also worked with Dysfunctional Theatre in New York and with Broom Street Theatre. He is happy to be working with Tom again after their first meeting in Bent. He would like to thank Rick for the opportunities, Colm for the equipment, and Ruth for her patience.

Kurt Roessler - (Set Designer) Most Fabulous is Kurt's introduction to set design, set construction and props. His architectural design skills and artistic conceptions were solicited for this production, and he said, "Yes." Unfortunately, he is soon leaving Madison to begin his graduate school of architectural studies on the East coast. Kurt would like to thank the generous support of Matt, John, and John; and dedicates his contributions to his close and personal friend, David Runyon.

Ernie Vanderlin - (Costume Designer) After a fulfilling professional career and raising a family and playing in orchestras, Ernie found she could use her sewing skills to turn drapes into costumes. She's given her time to several Broom Street productions. Most Fabulous is her first design work for Mercury Players.

Cast

Marcy Weiland - (Stage Manager) Marcy has been acting in Madison since 1975. As artistic director of Mercury Players Theatre, she has overseen nearly 30 productions since 1995, and worked as producer, director, and actor. Before her Mercury life started, she acted in over twenty Broom Street plays. She had recent roles in Temp Slave, The Musical, The Oldest Profession, and Sweeney Todd. Thanks and love to JAS.

Collin Berhardt - (Adam) Collin is thrilled to be doing his first production with Mercury Players. His most recent performance was in Irish Lesbian Vampire 2. Acting since he was thirteen, other credits include West Side Story, Arsenic and Old Lace, and As You Like It. Big hugs to Chris, Jennifer, my parents, MCE (thank you!), and of course the reason for resuming my acting "career," his majesty, Nathan Caracter. Enjoy the "show" everyone (wink)!

Nathan Caracter - (Steve) Nathan has been enjoying Madison winters most of his life. He attended U. of Iowa for a short time and then returned to Madison. He appeared in Stiffy, Whatever Happened to Bette & Joan, and Angels in America. Thanks to Dave, Micheal, Collin (smiles), and Liz, my rock. To the cast and crew, thanks and have fun.

David Douglas Smith - (Fr. Joseph, Rabbit, Dad #1, Pharaoh, Trey) David is thrilled to make his Mercury debut with this production. He has appeared in numerous roles in community and university theater, but this is his first opportunity to play a bitchy queen.

Jennifer Pluff - (Miriam, Fluffy, Mom #1, Ftatateeta, Rabbi Sharon) After a long-awaited return to theater, Jennifer is elated to be part of Most Fabulous. She performed in musical productions as a child actor. She directed two plays at UM-Minneapolis. Thanks to work teammates for being so supportive and allowing her time away to play. Also, thanks to family and friends who have patiently waited for this moment.

Mark Hatlen - (Latecomer, Rabbit, Rhino, Dad #2, Brad, Kevin) Born on the Isle of Majorca and raised by psychiatrists in a Swiss institution, Mark brings color to his many characters in Most Fabulous. He would like to thank his wife and musical partner Happy Pants who, when both are not in therapy, travel the world, performing on the accordion circuit and entertaining the crown heads of Europe. Right, Mark!

Trish Rensink - (Cheryl, Babe, Mom #2, Peggy, Cheryl) Trish returns to the stage after a lengthy absence and makes her Madison debut in a variety of roles. In her past life, she acted in every venue from comedy to classic. And she believes she holds a record for the most productions of Oklahoma (7) !

Raun Norby - (Jane) Raun was introduced to the arts by her very musical parents. Her interest in theater rose when her sister began acting. After moving from Utah (really!), she studied Musical Theater at UW-Stevens Point. Some of her favorite roles were in The Lady's not for Burning, City of Angels, The Secret Garden, and most recently Irish Lesbian Vampire 2. This is her debut with Mercury Players.

Gloria Wang - (Mabel) Gloria makes her Madison debut in this Mercury production after taking a short break from the stage. She would like to thank the Most Fabulous cast and crew for an incredible experience, her family for everything, and Mike for his love and encouragement.