les miserables flame.indd

Women’s Health
C L I N I C
MAY 2014
SEASON | YEAR
A N E W S L E T T E R D E D I C AT E D T O G R O U P S , O R G A N I Z AT I O N S A N D F R I E N D S O F T H E F I R E S I D E T H E AT R E
An Unforgettable Theatrical Experience!
TAKE ONE OF THE GREATEST NOVELS EVER WRITTEN. ADD A RICH AND BEAUTIFUL
MUSICAL SCORE. STIR IN A CAST OF SOME OF CHICAGO AND NEW YORK’S MOST
TALENTED MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMERS. COMBINE ALL THE INGREDIENTS IN
THE FIRESIDE’S UNIQUE ARENA THEATRE. ADD A PINCH OF THEATRICAL MAGIC
AND WHAT YOU GET IS A RECIPE FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE
THEATRE.
LES MISÉRABLES is the world’s longest
running musical and one of the best.
Based on Victor Hugo’s classic story,
it is a moving tale of redemption filled
with drama, adventure, humor, romance,
tragedy, comedy, music, and love. It has
been seen by tens of millions of people
in over 42 countries and now, at long
last, I get the chance to present it at The
Fireside.
“I can’t wait to see audiences
experience this exceptional and
important production!”
I’m really excited about this one, folks! I
just got back from Chicago and New York
where I saw over 800 auditionees who
each want to be one of the 20 exceptional
talents who will appear in our production
of LES MISÉRABLES. I will have a cast
of remarkable singers and actors who will
bring to life this epic musical in a way that
is guaranteed to move you, enchant you,
delight you, surprise you, and inspire
you. I can’t wait to see
audiences experience
this exceptional and
important production!
– Ed Flesch, Artistic Director
Scene from the
Broadway production
of LES MISÉRABLES.
P2
ANOTHER SHOW
ADDED TO OUR
2014 LINE-UP!
P3
EDUCATING THE NEXT
GENERATION OF
THEATRE LOVERS
P4
45 YEARS OF
CUSTOMER
SERVICE
P7
FABULOUS
FALL COLORS
JUST FOR YOU
Hospitality never goes out of style!
THIS IS IT - THE SHOW YOU’VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR AND THE PREMIER SHOWPIECE OF OUR 2014
ANNIVERSARY SEASON - LES MISÉRABLES. WILDLY POPULAR SINCE ITS FIRST PUBLICATION IN 1862, VICTOR
HUGO’S TIMELESS STORY OF INJUSTICE, HEROISM, AND LOVE IN NINETEENTH-CENTURY PARIS IS ALSO
THE WORLD’S LONGEST-RUNNING MUSICAL. THIS AMAZING SHOW HAS BEEN SHOWERED WITH OVER 100
INTERNATIONAL AWARDS INCLUDING EIGHT TONY AWARDS FOR ITS RUN ON BROADWAY.
Personally, I’ve seen the
production yet, we can hardly wait to share it with you. If you’re
show at least five times
not already booked - you really should call Jean today!
including
productions
in
and
We’re also pleased to announce
Milwaukee and have been
the addition of one more show
waiting for many
this season. Gary Richardson
London,
New
York
years to
be able to present it at The
and
Fireside.
return
Danny
for
Hamilton
six
will
show-only
performances of their musical
The
story
is
incredibly
DAVID from September 5 - 7.
moving and the music is so
Our kitchen will be undergoing
powerful as it celebrates
some renovation at that time
the unassailable strength
so no dinners will be served,
of the human spirit. Just
however the bar and gift shops
remembering it brings tears
will be open. Presented with a
to my eyes. I’d have to say
combination of storytelling and
it’s one of my all-time favorite shows, one of those that touches all
live, acoustic music, DAVID is
of your emotions and takes you on a bit of a roller coaster ride with
a hit for the whole family. If you
its highs and lows on its way to a very uplifting ending.
represent a church group, please share this information with your
youth director as this would be an excellent opportunity for them
LES MISÉRABLES is musical theatre at its best and seeing it
as well. All seats are just $29.95 per person plus tax so tickets
up close and personal in the intimacy of The Fireside’s theatre-
are sure to go fast. We hope you can join us for both of these
in-the-round will make this epic tale so much more meaningful
inspirational productions!
than you’ve ever seen it before.
Possibly our most ambitious
GROUP LEADER PROFILE
“Hopefully when we retire someday the
community will feel we gave them our best.”
– Tom Stepanek
Learning
from each other
TOM STEPANEK AND HIS WIFE, MARY ARE THE
ENTIRE MUSIC DEPARTMENT FOR THE WILD
ROSE MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS AND WE
LOVE IT WHEN THEIR STUDENTS COME TO VISIT.
Wild Rose, Wisconsin is a village of about
750 people who value their quiet way of
life, their community, their children, their
schools, and their support for fine arts.
Tom Stepanek, a 37 year veteran music
teacher responsible for the Middle School
Band and both Middle School and High
School Choir, likens it a bit to Brigadoon,
calling it “a magical little place where the
arts flourish.” They flourish, in large part,
due to his and his wife Mary’s contribution
to music education.
Tom grew up in Highland, another small
Wisconsin town committed to music
education. He graduated with honors from
UW-Platteville and has been teaching in
Wild Rose ever since. Mary joined him a
year later and teaches 5th grade and High
School bands. Just as the teachers did in
Highland, Tom has been bringing field trips
of students to The Fireside for many years.
Curious to see if his thoughts on field trips
matched our own, we asked him why.
“It’s educational, they learn things, it’s
cultural, they’re having fun, they get to
experience something different, it’s
high quality theatre, and it’s also a safe
environment for the students,” he replied.
“It’s cross curricular, too. Through our
Family and Consumer Education classes
we actually tie it in to etiquette lessons on
dining out. It costs about the same as a
field trip to Great America would but the
educational benefits far outweigh anything
they would get there. We’ve also found it
helps our own theatre program. They see
things at The Fireside and they want to try
them out.”
Tom directs a musical each year at Wild
Rose. Recent projects include LITTLE
WOMEN, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, THE
SOUND OF MUSIC and OKLAHOMA,
which was done in conjuction with the
school’s 100th Anniversary and included
members of the community in the cast.
The Wild Rose schools are blessed with
amazing community support. Fifteen years
ago they built a $1.3 million auditorium with
seating for 400. The school was hoping
to include the purchase of a new grand
piano and started a separate fund-drive
but the administration went ahead and
purchased the piano so they could have it
right away, confident that the money would
come in, and of course it did. The current
commitment to the arts isn’t unique to Wild
Rose, however. They have a rich and
fascinating history that includes some of
America’s musical theatre “royalty.”
In the late 1940’s, Oscar Hammerstein
rented a cottage on one of the area lakes
from his friend Forrest Tucker where he
is reported to have written the Libretto for
THE KING AND I. While Mason City, Iowa
might be home to Meredith Willson who
wrote THE MUSIC MAN about a traveling
salesman promoting boys’ bands, it was
Wild Rose resident Ward Jeffers that was
the actual traveling musical instrument
salesman the story was based on. It
seems Meredith Willson was in one of Mr.
Jeffers’ bands in 1903!
As with most of our school field trips, Tom’s
students participated in an educational
seminar prior to enjoying lunch and the
matinee of MARY POPPINS. There a
member of the cast explained background
on the show, theatre-in-the-round, the
production process we use at The Fireside
and more as well as facilitating a question
and answer session with the students.
Tom’s middle schoolers were engaged,
well mannered and attentive as they
absorbed the information and found out
just how it was we made Mary Poppins
“fly.” Tom does what he does for the love
of the kids and feels very fortunate to work
in a district that values the students and
a community that supports the arts. He
hopes that when he and Mary are ready
to retire the community will feel they gave
them their best. We are absolutely certain
that will be so!
A PEEK BEHIND THE SCENES
Wait Staff Supervisor Ginger Kammer Celebrates 45 Years of Hospitality
50 and they are well trained,
fact the servers might say that Ginger has
seasoned professionals ready
an uncanny way of being right there when
to take care of your every need!
you need her to help serve soups or run to
the kitchen for salads or desserts so they
Ginger’s
training
includes
making sure a new server
knows their way around the
facility and where everything is
kept in the kitchens, the proper
way to set, serve and clear a
can stay on schedule.
Remember, dining
at The Fireside isn’t like some restaurants
where you can take as much time as you
need. We know you all have someplace
special to be and that’s in the theatre by the
time the show starts!
table, explaining the menu and
how to accommodate special
It’s been a busy 45 years for Ginger. She
needs like food allergies, use
and John have raised three boys and
of the computerized ordering
now enjoy five grandchildren. What’s the
system for both drinks and
best part about working at The Fireside?
dinners, and the most difficult
“Everyone who comes in the door wants to
task of how to manage the
be here and is ready to have a good time,”
timing for each table’s multiple
remarked Ginger. “It’s just like Dick Klopcic
courses. The service staff does
always said. ‘We’re throwing a party every
Back in 1969 when Ginger Kammer first
a fair amount of prep work as well such as
day and don’t have to do the dishes!’ We
interviewed with Betty Klopcic for a waitress
making salads and plating desserts.
know the product is first class so we don’t
position, she assured Betty that she’d stay
have to worry about that. Plus there’s a
with The Fireside for a couple of years.
While some things might be easier now
Nearly 45 years later, she seems to have
with the computer there’s still an awful lot
fulfilled that promise and then some!
to do and remember. When interviewing
real sense of accomplishment at the end of
the night when you’ve helped serve 600 or
more people in an hour and a half.”
a potential new associate, Ginger says
Ginger came to The Fireside as a UW
they’re not concerned if someone doesn’t
Ginger’s quick to praise the theatre as
Whitewater student just a few weeks before
have previous experience.
“We’d rather
well, having seen almost all of our 170
marrying a Fort Atkinson native she’d met
teach them our way of serving instead of
productions over the years. “The intimacy
at school. She was studying Biology with
having someone come in with different
of the theatre-in-the-round makes a show
intent to teach at the secondary level. Upon
habits they may have learned someplace
so much more special than at a larger
graduation the number of new teachers
else. Personality is more important than
theatre,” she feels.
outweighed the available positions so
skill for a server. They need to be pleasant,
beyond what most people expect. Many
Ginger stayed at The Fireside while her
friendly, at ease making conversation with
don’t realize that we cast the shows in New
new husband, John taught in Milton. There
our guests and able to get along well with
York, they think it’s local talent, so they’re
were only about eight waitresses back then
their fellow servers.”
just thrilled with how great the shows
when The Fireside was still just a Supper
Club open six nights a week.
“The talent level is
are.” While her personal favorites include
Ginger’s 45 years of experience goes a
long way on a busy Saturday night when
By the time we opened the theatre in
every server is stretched to their limit
1978, Ginger was training, scheduling and
serving a five course dinner. She and the
supervising the wait staff and has been
other restaurant managers are on hand to
responsible for staff levels as high as 75
troubleshoot if need be, and she’s really
or so, most of them part time. These days
good at anticipating who might need help
we have more of a permanent staff of
when based on how their tables came in. In
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, HAIRSPRAY,
LEGENDS IN CONCERT and the live band
revues, she thought it was pretty great
when Pat Boone performed here in 1984.
Next time you’re here, let her know what
your favorite show was and be sure to wish
Ginger well on her 45th year of hospitality!
Inside the
Kitchen
ENTERTAINMENT TIPS & NEWS
with Chef Mike
Once again The Fireside is pulling out all
the stops - a new show and a new dessert!
First, however, you’ll enjoy our Garden
Salad topped with our house made Sweet
Sour Dressing, Jones Bacon Chips and
French Fried Buttermilk Onion Strings.
Then our featured menu includes both our
Bone-in Short Rib of Beef and the Chicken
Vienna, served with Whipped Acorn
Squash and Spaghetti Squash Tomato
Concasse.
Back to Dessert, everyone’s favorite part
of the meal, a Beignet is comparable to
a doughnut without the hole. They are of
French origin, but have become popular
in the United States as well. They’re
especially popular in New Orleans Creole
cuisine, made famous by the Café du
Monde, and in 1986 were declared the
official state doughnut of Louisiana.
A deep fried yeast dough, Beignets are
served mostly as a dessert, usually with
powdered sugar. My staff and I are
still experimenting with the recipe to find
the perfect formula, and working out the
logistics of making close to 2,000 of them
for each performance. We’re planning
to serve them with a Chocolate Sauce,
a Raspberry Melba Sauce and Fresh
Whipped Cream for dipping so you can
decide which way you like them the best.
Let me know what you think - Yumm!
Executive Chef
Jackie Brisko
Director of Audience
Development
We are officially in spring, although the weather was not
agreeing with the calendar at first, I can say it is great to
see the sunshine and the temperatures warming up. As
it warms up, I look forward to my travels and hope to see
you at some of the tourism shows and conferences I will
be attending. In early May I will be at the first Annual
Circle Wisconsin Midwest Marketplace right here in
Wisconsin – just 45 minutes away in Middleton. It looks
like it is going to be a fun exchange of itinerary ideas for
those in attendance. Later this year I will be heading to
the Going on Faith Conference in August and then to the
BIG (Boomers in Groups) Conference in November to
share all the details of The Fireside and our 2015 Season,
which by the way, should be announced in the next couple
of weeks. Rick and Ryan are working on it right now. It
is always an exciting time around here anticipating the
new season.
We’ve also been busy finalizing the plans for our Annual Group Leader Party on May
17th. Those who qualified should have received your invitations and we are waiting on
your R.S.V.P.s. There will be some fun surprises along with great 50th Anniversary gifts,
and due to popular demand, the photo booth is back! We had so many fun comments
on it last year that it was a must! The show is being created by Ed Flesch especially for
you – a stand alone show that will highlight some of the great music and hits from many of
our Broadway shows and revues along with some stories, history and laughter that have
happened on our stage over the years. You will see some of your favorite performers who
have performed on The Fireside stage over the years as well so we hope you can make it.
You may have heard or read that we added a new show to our 2014 Season - DAVID on
September 5, 6 and 7. We will be having a matinee and evening show on each of these
days where it is going to be Theatre Only. No meals will be served. If you are interested
in attending and need suggestions for dining, please give Group Sales a call as we have
some local area restaurants who do work well with groups.
Last but not least, The Fireside is presenting for the first time LES MISÉRABLES from
September 11 – October 26. It’s one of Rick’s favorite musicals and has been seen by
over 65 million people in 42 countries, so if you are among the few who have not seen LES
MISERABLES, it is a must see as we premier it on our stage. If you and your groups have
seen it you’ll want to experience The Fireside’s new production of it as it will be filled with
wonderfully talented singers and dancers who celebrate this very powerful, courageous
and inspiring musical. For more details and/or to book LES MISÉRABLES, please call
and ask for Group Sales.
As you can see we have a lot of fun and excitement going on during
our 50th Anniversary. We invite you to be a part of this very special
year, and I look forward to seeing you on the road or at The Fireside.
GROUP TRAVEL TIPS & NEWS
Jean’s Corner of the World
I agree with Rick, that LES MISÉRABLES is one of my
favorite shows. I can never hear the music enough.
But don’t just take our word for it - Tony Award winning
actress Nikki James, currently playing Eponine in the
new Broadway revival says the popularity of LES
MISÉRABLES world-wide eclipses anything she’s ever
experienced.
“LES MIS is like the ‘Star Wars’ of
Broadway. Our fans, they could have a convention,”
she says, adding that fans have come in from as far as
For personal help with
Japan to watch the show five times in one week.
any of your bookings,
call me at 800-4779505 or email jean@
firesidetheatre.com.
Charlene from Group Sales has seen the show noting it
is one of her very favorite shows, too. She describes Les
Mis as “a heartwarming story of love, care and redemption.
Reflecting the horrible days of the French revolution it
shows how to overcome adversities, yet paying forward to
help someone else.“
Did you know that if you visit YouTube and search for Les
Mis an entire list of options appear so you can listen to
different Broadway versions? My favorite is the 10 Year
Anniversary Special that runs for over two hours featuring
the best of the actors from worldwide productions of the show. It is spectacular as an
introduction or to revisit your favorite scenes. I highly suggest a visit.
Remember we have marketing aids to help you sell. I can even get you a simple synopsis
or list of characters to help if needed. Keep it in mind!
In addition to announcing anniversaries and birthdays for those
over 50 years old, we do offer a birthday, anniversary or celebration
package for $21.10 including tax. If having a candle in the dessert
is not enough, consider adding this birthday package for one of
your guests. Our new 2-pack of Red Velvet cupcakes and Pecan
Treasures (Yes, this is THE Pecan Treasures) are nestled in a
reusable eco-friendly tote. PLUS two glasses of our Celebration
punch is served with or without alcohol and a souvenir photo is
sent home with the guest. PLUS the servers will sing a rousing Happy, Happy song to the
celebrant(s). Make sure you order this in advance to create a great memory!
Group Sales Manager
Be sure to return your order form to
request artwork, flyers and sign-up sheets
for your bookings or find the form on the
“Groups” page of our web site.
VISIT OUR GIFT SHOPS
A Harvest Of Gorgeous New Looks For Fall!
WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING - WE’VE BARELY GOTTEN STARTED WITH SPRING!
LAST WINTER DID SEEM
UNBEARABLY LONG AND WE’RE CHERISHING THE WARMER DAYS. WHEN YOU VISIT US FOR LES MISÉRABLES, THE
SHOPS WILL BE FILLED WITH THE RICH COLORS OF FALL AND SOME FABULOUS NEW LOOKS FOR THANKSGIVING.
THERE’S NO BETTER TIME TO CELEBRATE YOUR BLESSINGS.
No matter what the season, owls
are all the rage - and we’ve got
new items you’re sure to “fall” in
love with. Check out this new line
of miniature inspirational owls.
The new looks for fall are rich in color and
texture with everything from shiny bronze
pumpkins to those with beads in the warm
tones of falling leaves. Whether it’s just for
Thanksgiving or to keep out year-round, you’ll
find a beautiful assortment of useful items to
choose from.
Wine themed merchandise continues to be
popular and ranges from traditional to rustic
and includes items for home decor, giftware,
and entertaining. You could change the look of
an entire room, add a few serving pieces you’ll
enjoy bringing out when you have guests, or
just treat yourself to something that catches
your eye.
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
THE FIRESIDE
THE FIRESIDE, INC.
1131 JANESVILLE AVENUE
P.O. BOX 7
FORT
ATKINSON,
FOR
TA
ATKI
TKII NSO
S N,
N , WI
W I 535
53538
38
8
MAY 2014
SAVE NOW! CALL 800-477-9505
WWW.FIRESIDETHEATRE.COM
Visit early to get
the best discount!
• In addition to the Featured Menu,
LES MISÉRABLES
Featured Menu September 11 - October 26, 2014
Served Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Matinees, Saturday Evening and Sunday Midday
try our Sunday Brunch, Thursday
Garden Salad
Evening Signature Buffet or five
Belgium Endive, Spinach Frisee, Romaine Lettuce, Kernels of Corn, Red Beets, Broccoli
course dinner on Saturday nights.
Buds, Pear Tomatoes, and Cucumbers with a House Made Sweet Sour Dressing, Jones
• Groups of 18 or more are $65.95
Bacon Chips and French Fried Buttermilk Onion Strings.
(Sat. Evening $69.95) plus tax.
Freshly Baked Breads from The Fireside Ovens
• Save an additional $3.00 per person
when you book a performance from
September 11 - October 5, 2014.
• Ask about our New Incentives for
Wednesday & Thursday matinees.
• Arrive at 10:30 a.m. for Matinees,
Beef and Bird
Tender bone-in Short Rib of Beef and Chicken Vienna - a skinless Breast of Chicken,
dipped in buttermilk and egg, rolled in bread crumbs and sautéed to a golden brown,
topped with Jones Canadian Bacon, Dijon Mustard, French Boursin and Jarlsberg Swiss
Cheese. Served with Whipped Acorn Squash and Spaghetti Squash Tomato Concasse.
2:30 p.m. for Sunday Midday
French Beignets
and 5:00 p.m. for Thursday and
Three warm Deep Fried Fritters with a special House Made Chocolate Sauce,
Saturday Evenings.
• See complete show listings online.
a Raspberry Melba Sauce, and Fresh Whipped Cream for dipping.
Coffee, Tea and Milk

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