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"Praying Small is a masterpiece"

--Tom Williams, Chicagocritic.com

"Jason Daniels, as charming and impervious as Tom Cruise, stars as Sam Dean....Marisa Sanders as Sam’s devoted and loving wife, Susan displays an near heartbreaking vulnerability and strength as a woman who must make the most difficult choice of her life."

by Ruth Smerling, Theatreworld Internet Magazine

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Playwright: Clifford Morts Director: Michael Colucci

Featuring
Jason Daniels, Jim Farruggio, Johnny Garcia, Lori Garrabrant, Eric Hoffmann, Rebekka James, Laurie Koss, Theo Marshall, Michael Mastrocesare, Rick Munoz, Teresa Piwowar, Marisa Sanders, Ken Still, and William J. Watt

Technical Director, Designer: Jan Ellen Graves
Stage Manager: Kelly McLaughlin

Michael Colucci (Director) is the Artistic Director of the AWT and has been acting, producing, directing, and teaching in Chicago for nearly twenty years. He is a long-standing member of SAG, AFTRA, and Equity, and founded the Actors Workshop training center in Old Town in 1991, and the AWT in 1994 as an itinerant theatre company, finally and happily landing in Edgewater in 2003, where the inaugural show was a critically-acclaimed production of Praying Small.

His favorite acting experiences are as the Father in Praying Small at AWT in 2003, Dave/Bob in Beau Jest at Victory Gardens with Roslyn Alexander, and The American Clock at Court Theatre in the '80s, which received three Jeff nominations including best ensemble.

Special experiences as a director include AWT's recent productions of The Last Yankee and Broken Glass by Arthur Miller, Praying Small by Clifford Morts, Otherwise Engaged by Simon Gray, and The Monogamist by Christopher Kyle. His favorite career role, however, is that of a teacher here at the AWT.

Jason Daniels (Sam Dean) is delighted to be on stage at the AWT for the third time. Jason made his stage debut in the AWT's 2003 production of Praying Small as the Good Cop and Funeral Director. Most recently, he played the role of Lee Baum in The American Clock. He made his directorial debut at the AWT with the one act play Promotion to Glory. He has also performed in Chicago area independent films and commercials. In this program, you will find a dedication for Praying Small regarding Jason's grandmother, to whom he also dedicates his performance.

This performance is dedicated to the memory of Jason Daniels' Grandmother, Jeanne Catherine Daniels (Doolan), 1923 -2005. She was the mother of 11 wonderful children: Bill, Anne, Tim, Eileen, Paul, Peter, Janet, Claire, Tom, Gerry, and Joe. She was also grandmother to 24 grandchildren: Jennifer, Becky, Andrew, CJ, Kyle, Paul, Tamara, Colin, Lorri, Jason, Jeff, Laura, Elizabeth, Jill, Arthur, Jacob, Adam, Daniel, Katie, Julie, Carson, Jerod, Bridget, and Brianna.

James D. Farruggio (Father) performed in Chicago over two decades ago as the Duke of Venice in Othello. After 20 years of performing in downstate Peoria, he is delighted to be here in Chicago in the Actors Workshop Theatre production of Praying Small. Other appearances at AWT include Leroy Hamilton in The Last Yankee and four roles in The American Clock. You can see Jim again this summer as Patrick Rowen in Infamous Commonwealth’s production of The Kentucky Cycle at the National Pastime Theatre. Favorite roles include Mortimer in Arsenic and Old Lace, Ralph in A Christmas Story, and Dave in Treats. Special thanks go out to his soul mate and favorite “Chirp”, Stephanie.

Johnny Garcia (Good Cop, Bad Cop) is proud to be part of the Actors Workshop Theatre. He's delighted about his role as the "Good Cop" in Praying Small. He had a joyous time in his most recent performance as Tony, Brewster, and the Piano Mover in Arthur Miller's The American Clock, also at the Actors Workshop Theatre. He'd like to thank his family and friends and especially Angie for her sweet support!

Lori Garrabrant (Boss, Constance) made her AWT debut last year during the company debut of Praying Small. She is happy to be working with such an incredibly talented cast and crew on this remounting. Lori last appeared with AWT playing Ms. Greenburg in Promotion to Glory. Recent theatre credits include: Anna in the Darkness with the Artistic Home and A Christmas Carol with The Metropolis Theatre. Lori has also worked with European Repertory Company, Theo Ubique and The Griffin Theatre in Chicago.

Jan Ellen Graves (Technical Director, Set/Lighting Design) recently appeared in AWT’s The Last Yankee, Broken Glass, and Liars & Angels. Some of her favorite stage roles include M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Kate in All My Sons, which she will be reprising this summer at AWT, Ilona in She Loves Me and Sister Robert Anne in Nunsense. She recently directed AWT's critically-acclaimed The American Clock. Jan is also the Managing Director of the company, a graphic designer, and all-around fixer-upper at the AWT.

Eric Hoffmann (Roman) is happy to return to the AWT stage where his previous roles included Sidney in Liars and Angels, and Good Cop in the premiere of Praying Small. A member of SAG and AFTRA he has numerous commercial, television and industrial credits in the US, Europe, and Africa.

Rebekka James (Boss, Bad Cop) most recently appeared as Rose Baum in The American Clock at Actors Workshop Theatre. She is delighted to be part of AWT's fine ensemble. Former theatre credits include Toby in Neil Simon's The Gingerbread Lady, M'Lynn in Steel Magnolias, Lady Britomart in George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara, and Felicia Dante in I Hate Hamlet. She returned to the stage two years ago, after a grueling ten year hiatus from acting, has studied improvisation in Chicago, and is now happy to have a theatre home among the fine people at the Actors Workshop Theatre.

Laurie Koss (Constance Paulson) is delighted to return to AWTs stage after she appeared in the critically-acclaimed The American Clock. She feels blessed to once again be part of such a talented cast. She has also appeared in a few local Independent films. Thanks to all of her friends for the love and support thoughout the years.

Theo Marshall (Funeral Director/Waiter) proudly returns to the AWT stage where he recently appeared as Joey in Arthur Miller's The American Clock. Theo can soon be seen roaming the Italian countryside with the girl of his dreams. He would like to thank Clif Morts for his beautiful play, fellow ensemble members, loyal patrons, family, friends and always Jennifer.

Michael Angelo Mastrocesare (Roman) is excited at the opportunity to revisit the role of Roman at the AWT. A native of Nebraska, Michael has been working part-time in theatre and film for the last fifteen years. Regional theatre credits include The Deputy, Whisper In the Mind, and Royal Hunt of the Sun at the Kansas City Rep.

Kelly McLaughlin (Stage Manager) is a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a newcomer to Chicago. Kelly stage managed AWT's The American Clock and is very excited to continue her association with this exciting young company.

Clif Morts (Playwright, Sound Design) began acting professionally in 1984. Two decades later he has performed in over one hundred productions ranging from Broadway to summer stock to LORT to Rep to Guest Artist to National Tours. Turning Equity in 1990, he has performed all across the country and with such luminaries as Michael Moriarty, Jane Alexander, Wilford Brimley, Elaine Stritch, James Barbour, Brad Greenquist, Nathan Lane, Craig Sheffer, Jo Anderson and the late Patrick O’Neal to name a few.

As an actor, roles remembered with particular fondness include Harry in Give ‘Em Hell, Harry, Arthur in Camelot, Louie in Lost in Yonkers (4 times!), both Tom and Jim in The Glass Menagerie, Jamie Tyrone in both Long Day’s Journey into Night and Moon for the Misbegotten, both Nathan Detroit and Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls, Kenny in Fifth of July, McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, The Duke in Big River (twice) and El Gallo in The Fantasticks.

As a director, he has been at the helm of nearly twenty professional productions including Fifth of July, The Rainmaker, Redwood Curtain, 1940’s Radio Hour, Bully! and Lost in Yonkers. Clif has also been teaching professional actors both in New York and Chicago for many years, beginning with Michael Moriarty’s Professional Acting Studio in 1988.

As a playwright, Clif (writing under the name Clifford Morts) has been professionally produced at length. In New York, from 1985 to 1997, his plays Changing it to Brando, Eulogy, Farley and Daisy, If This is a Man, Death in Des Moines, Our Generation, Faggot in the Morning, Closin’ Time, The Flagger and Barking at Lighted Windows all saw professional productions. In 2003, Actors Workshop Theatre produced his critically-acclaimed Praying Small and Liars and Angels. Praying Small is now receiving its second production at AWT after being submitted for The Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Rick Munoz (Good Cop) most recently appeared in AWT's production of The American Clock as Frank, Farmer, and Ralph. He is happy to be back on stage with the AWT in Praying Small. This is Rick's third performance with AWT and his fourth in Chicagoland in the past two years. Rick has been a featured actor in several History Channel True Crime Series shows. His film debut was as Evan Dwyer in the independent film Ten Years Ago Yesterday. Rick also works on local TV commercials and as a tradeshow spokesman.

Teresa Piwowar (Mother) is thrilled to be making her Actors Workshop Theatre debut in Praying Small. Her acting credits include live performances in Don Giovanni and Faust at the Lyric Opera, as well as her work in film and television: Hard Ball, Paramount Pictures, What Married Men Want, HBO,the TV series ER, and The Greek Goddess and the Leprechaun with Jeff Puccinelli, Before beginning her acting career, Teresa has also been a professional model and ballroom dancer.

Marisa Sanders (Susan) is delighted to be returning to the AWT stage as Susan. Having performed in NYC and regional theatres, favorite roles include Sarah in Summer Evening, Mrs. Martin in The Bald Soprano, Lula in Dutchman, and Ophelia in Hamlet. She was last seen playing 6 different characters in Talisman Theatre’s Macbeth. She received her MFA in acting from the Actors Studio Drama School in New York City.

Ken Still (Dr. Hendricks) is making his second appearance on the AWT stage. He played Dr. Rosman, Frank Howard, the Piano Mover, and Toland in The American Clock. He began his acting career in broadcasting school in Detroit in 1995 before coming to Chicago and training with the AWT eight years ago. During a four year stint in L.A., Ken founded the Actors Spirit Workshop and co-produced two shows Bums with Headshots and The Quickening. He moved back to Chicago in 2003 and is grateful to be here. Thanks to his family, friends, and especially his wife Jennifer for their love and support.

William J. Watt (Greg) made his AWT debut this year as Stanton Case in Arthur Miller's Broken Glass. He last appeared in The American Clock, playing an assortment of characters. Praying Small marks Bill's 77th production as an actor—a very lucky number indeed. Favorite roles include Gallimard in M. Butterfly, Jody in Lonely Planet, Matt in Talley's Folly & Leopold in Largo Desolato. He'd like to thank "Crackers", who's love and support makes it all possible.

Note from the playwright – 3/18/05

It is my considered opinion the disease of addiction is responsible, either directly or indirectly, for more grief, despair, madness and loss than all other human calamities combined over the course of civilization. It seems we all know someone struggling with addiction. Most of us have lost a friend, a family member, a parent, a child or a spouse to this most misunderstood of human maladies. Interestingly, most people are not aware of a simple fact: there is no cure. The disease is progressive and, if not treated, terminal. Alcoholics Anonymous, in my mind the most altruistic of twentieth century social movements, and their 12-step program of recovery has been instrumental in the salvage of literally countless lives worldwide. It is easy to forget, however, just how young AA is in the overall scheme of things. Two men founded the organization in 1936—not quite seventy years ago. Before AA, solutions to the problem were scant to say the least. Most of them involved mental institutions, the prison system and even death. It is impossible to calculate the devastation wrought by this disease over centuries past.

AA, to its credit, is very clear about its approach to the disease of alcoholism—one day at a time. Sobriety is contingent upon daily maintenance, both physically and spiritually. In short, a simple program for complicated people.

Praying Small is not meant to be a lesson-play. It is meant simply to tell the story of one man afflicted with this most horrible of diseases—one good man with the desire to change. The bottom line is this: recovery is for people who want it, not necessarily for people who need it. This is a play about a man who wants it. This is a play about the splendor of redemption and the catharsis of forgiveness. This is a play about the power of change.

I would like to acknowledge assistance from three individuals: Chaplain Jerome Jackson, a heroic substance abuse counselor in the city of Chicago for many years; the late Alec Ramsdell, a gifted jazz pianist who helped enormously with the first draft of this play and who, sadly, died of heroin addiction two years ago; and my mother, Barbara Morts, for instilling a love of beauty, reading and writing in my life.

–Clif Morts