All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
Written by Peter Rothstein
with Vocal Arrangements by Erick Lichte and Timothy C. Takash
Ensemble
Isaac Brust
Kai DeRubis
Tomás Dominguez
Marvin Hannah
Adlai Kim
Liam Ledford
Shayne Patrick
Hans Pfrang
Aundre Reid
Matthew Torkilsen
Coltyn VonDeylen
Wesley Yaroch
Creative and Administrative Teams
Director - Josh Pohja
Music Director - Paula Foley Tillen
Voice and Text Coach - Raeleen McMillion
Assistant Music Director - Tomás Dominguez
Set and Lighting Design - Antishadows Theatrical Deisgn
Costume Designer - Amelia Strahan
Assistant Costume Designer - Cassie Gherardini
Stage Manger - Liv Mauseth
Assistant Stage Manager - Megan Watson
Dramaturgs - Jared Brandt Hoover, Kate Akerboom
Production Manager - Liv Mauseth
Marketing Director - Jake Badovski
Company Manager - Jared Brandt Hoover
Artistic Director - Josh Pohja
Executive Producer - George Lorimer
Special Thanks to Jan Serr and John Shannon, Adam Qutaishat, Jayne Pink, Jason Fassl, and Calvary Presbyterian Church.
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 was developed and produced by
Cantus Vocal Ensemble and Theater Latté Da in Minneapolis, MN, December 2007.
The show premiered Off Broadway in 2018 produced by Laura Little Theatricals.
All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 is presented by special arrangement with
Broadway Licensing Global. (www.broadwaylicensing.com)
NOTE TO AUDIENCE: The videotaping or audio and/or visual recording of this production is
a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable federal offense. All is Calm uses artificial smoke and haze during the performance.
A Note from Director, Josh Pohja:
​
All is Calm relives a poignant moment in World history when Allied and German forces ceased fire to celebrate the Christmas holiday together. After establishing camaraderie among enemy trenches one German risked his life to step out of and initiate what we call the Christmas Truce of 1914. A truce between enemy forces that defied the horrors of war. This wonderful moonlit night brought the human experience together uniting different backgrounds and languages through the shared language of music. The truce was so moving and powerful to those who participated that the military industrialized machine strategically prevented it from ever happening again.
This holiday season our world seems to be driving toward the same path as World War I. Our work at Vanguard feels more vital than ever. Our responsibility as artists is to share stories that unite cultural divisions and kindle the flame of the human spirit. Music is the outlet that aligns our differences; music disarms; music has a way of saying what you feel when the words are lost. Music connects our heartbeats and breathing patterns and isn’t beholden to the limits of language.
In this Historic Calvary Presbyterian Church, built in 1870, we present the Milwaukee Premiere of this powerful collection of letters, poems, suites, and diary entries assembled by Peter Rothstein. In this performance, we offer you the songs of our ancestors as an armistice among our divisions this holiday season to remind us that the three things that unite us are life, death, and song. In the soul of your greatest enemy there lies a heart that beats just like yours.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
“In Flanders Field” by John McCrae
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At this time we would like to thank our patrons for their generous support. As a small independent theatre company, ticket sales only cover a portion of our expenses. The support of our donors enables Vanguard to produce new and innovative works, pay our artists, and bring a new generation of theatre to the stage. Since our founding in 2022, Vanguard has received generous donations from the following. We would like to thank the following:
Anonymous
Susan Ahrens
J. Mark Baker
Bob Balderson
Mary Boyle
Laura Braza
Randal Brotherhood
J. Max Carithers
Cynthia Courtney
Craig and Cindy Corrie
John M. Crocker Jr. and Polly Hawkins
Mary Beidler Gearen
Grace Graves
Barbara Haig
Andrew F. Hawkins
Brent Hazelton
Arthur Heitzer
The Hirano Family
Jeffery Kalenak and Kathleen Muldowney
James Kaplan
Dan Kazemi
Konrad Kuchenbach
Paula Lewein
Sean Marks
Charlie Marn and Kathleen Hawkins
Jim and Cindy Marn
Joseph J. Marn
Mike and Nancy Marn
Nicholas Marn
Frank Martinelli
Sherry Miller
Alex Meltsner
Jill Nadeau
John Pollack
Jonathan Riker
Sara Risley
Eugene Robbins
Jessica Rotier
Jan Serr and John Shannon
William Smolen
Scott Sorensen
Shayne Steliga
Mary Stearns
Linda Stephens
Josie Trettin
Steve Watts
Cora Vogt
Jill Zager
If you enjoyed the performance, consider making a tax-deductible donation to Vanguard Productions. This work would not be possible without the support of our donors. Vanguard Productions receives Fiscal Sponsorship from the Field, a non-profit dedicated to helping independent artists fund their work. The Field takes a 7% cut of all donations made to Vanguard Productions. For more info and to donate, please visit our artist profile.
Ensemble
Isaac Brust - Ensemble
Isaac is honored to return for their third tour of duty in Vanguard's production of ALL IS CALM. This show has been a joy to come back to every year, and they hope you enjoy watching it as much as they've enjoyed being a part of it year after year. They would like to give a special thank you to all of their friends and family for their support, and to everyone who tells their friends to come see this amazing piece of theatre! Enjoy the show :)
Kai DeRubis - Ensemble
Kai DeRubis is thrilled to return to the cast for his second year in ALL IS CALM. If you've seen shows around the Madison area, you may recognize Kai from his roles as Feste in TWELFTH NIGHT with StageQ, or as Dr. Field in TEN DAYS IN A MADHOUSE with Music Theatre of Madison. Kai is about to star as the Emcee in a production of CABARET at Madison College. He would like to thank the production team for inviting him back this year, and his family and friends for always cheering him on!
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​Tomás Dominguez - Ensemble, Assistant Music Director
Tomás is a Wisconsin native who performs locally and abroad in various music ensembles and on stage. He holds performance degrees from DePaul University and UW-Eau Claire. Recent credits include COSÍ FAN TUTTE, AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS, ALL IS CALM, BEING EARNEST, SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, and MARY POPPINS. He is grateful for the love and support from his family and friends. QEPD EGD
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​Marvin Hannah - Ensemble
Originally from Milwaukee, WI, Marvin sang for seventeen years with Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music. This dynamic, Washington, D.C. based gospel group, has performed nationwide and abroad, with tours in Spain and Italy. His rich voice has reverberated the halls of the Fords, Warner, and Lincoln theaters; as well as, The National Cathedral, The Lincoln Memorial, and Kennedy Center. Celebrities, most notably, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Beyoncé, Garth Brooks, Eddie Vedder, Joshua Bell, Ben Vereen, Jennifer Holiday, are but a few he's had the pleasure of supporting on stage. His acting and narration performances include The Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Skylight Theatre, First Stage, Vanguard Productions, Pink Theater, and a host of others. He rarely declines an invitation, and sings with a variety of Milwaukee groups and bands.
Adlai Kim - Ensemble
Adlai Kim is a baritone local to the Milwaukee area. He graduated from UW Milwaukee in 2022 with a BA in Voice, where he played roles such as Friedrich Bhaer (LITTLE WOMEN) and Figaro (LE NOZZE DI FIGARO). He has since sung the role of Eisenstein (DIE FLEDERMAUS) with the Berlin Opera Academy, Guglielmo (COSI FAN TUTTE) and Melchior (AMAHL AND THE NIGHT VISITORS) with Brew City Opera, and premiered the role of Person 4 in READY (OR NOT), an original opera by Ruben Piirainen.
Liam Ledford - Ensemble
Liam is excited to be working with Vanguard productions for the first time. As a performer, Liam has been involved in productions including KINKY BOOTS, AMERICAN IDIOT, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD, and more. Liam holds a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from Purdue University with a certificate in Music Technology and Audio Production, and is an avid theatrical sound designer in the Milwaukee area. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support.
Shayne Patrick - Ensemble
Shayne Patrick, an Indigenous actor, is a proud member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. He has had a wonderful time working with Vanguard on this poignant piece; he last collaborated with the company on a staged reading of HAMLET, where he portrayed Polonius. Since attaining a theatre degree at UW-Green Bay and completing an internship with the Milwaukee Rep, Shayne has had the privilege of working on several great projects. In 2024 alone, Shayne was blessed to have been a part of two world premieres, including HYPOTHETICALS (Kith & Kin Theatre Collective) and RIP – A MUSICAL COMEDY OF LIFE & DEATH (RIP Productions, respectively). Shayne is also the lead vocalist and co-songwriter of SORRY, WE'RE OPEN. He thanks his family, friends and Selena for their ongoing support.
Hans Pfrang - Ensemble
Hans is incredibly excited to be making his debut with Vanguard Productions. He is a graduate from the University of Wisconsin Parkside 2023 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts with Concentrations in Acting and Musical Theatre. Hans then moved to Milwaukee last summer to pursue Acting and Teaching. His past credits to name a few include; Ensemble U/S Nick in PROM THE MUSICAL (Bombshell Theatre Co.), the Ingenue in INDECENT (U.W. Parkside), and Francis Flute/Peaseblossom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Three Brother’s Theatre). Hans is beyond honored to tell this story and he hopes you enjoy the show.
Aundre Reid - Ensemble, Tenor Swing
Aundre (Rè) is very happy to be making his Vanguard debut! Rè is a Milwaukee native who has been doing theatre all over Milwaukee. He was last seen playing Nicole in LA CAGE AUX FALLES (Outskirts Theatre) and The Waiter in SHE LOVES ME (Forte Theatre). He is grateful for his friends and family who support him and Vanguard for giving this amazing opportunity. It’s an honor!
Matthew "Tork" Torkilsen - Ensemble
Matthew is so excited to be making his debut with Vanguard productions in this year’s production of ALL IS CALM. A recent graduate from Marquette University, Matthew is so excited to be creating art in Milwaukee. You may have seen him previously in Summit Player’s MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Nick Bottom/Demetrius) or at Marquette University’s SWEENEY TODD (Anthony). Matthew would like to thank his mom and dad for their unwavering support, and to the cast, crew, and creatives behind this show for all their amazing work.
Coltyn VonDeylen - Ensemble
Coltyn VonDeylen has been performing since 2011, most recently appearing as Annas in JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR. Other notable roles include Jesus in GODSPELL and Rutledge in 1776. A versatile vocalist, Coltyn performs with the rock band Mantra, local choirs, and theaters, and as a solo pop singer. He also narrates audiobooks for Audible. Coltyn teaches voice full-time through Milwaukee Singing Lessons LLC, inspiring singers of all ages, and holds a degree in music education from Wisconsin Lutheran College.
Wesley Yaroch - Ensemble, Bass/Baritone Swing
Wesley Yaroch is a Milwaukee based actor and is thrilled to be a part of ALL IS CALM this year. About to graduate University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee with his BFA in musical theatre you may have seen them in the university's shows INTO THE WOODS, THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD and ALL NIGHT STRUT. You may also remember him from Forte Theater Company's HELLO, DOLLY! and SHE LOVES ME, or at Northern Sky Theater this summer as an Understudy for all three shows in their Park Season. He would like to thank his family and friends for supporting him and his pursuit of his career.
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Creative Team
Josh Pohja, Director
Josh Pohja (he/him/jp) is the co-founder and Producing Artistic Director of Vanguard Productions. JP recently directed Vanguard’s critically acclaimed production of MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE and has helmed readings of ANTIGONE, HAMLET, and ENDGAME. Other directing highlights include AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE, THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH and ANTIGONE for First Stage Young Company. He also co-produced Milwaukee Chamber Theatre’s 2023 Young Playwrights Festival and assistant directed on GREAT EXPECTATIONS with Molly Rhode. As a teaching artist, JP served five years as Education Programs Coordinator at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, where he met George Lorimer, sparking the creative partnership behind Vanguard.
For more, visit joshpohja.com.
Paula Foley Tillen, Music Director
Paula Foley Tillen has been a professional musician in the Milwaukee area for over 45 years. She serves as director of music at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Waukesha, lead teacher at First Stage Theatre Academy, and remains in demand as a musical director, pianist, vocal coach, and accompanist. Notable recent productions include PETE THE CAT (First Stage) and LA CAGE AUX FOLLES (Outskirts Theatre). Paula’s arrangements and compositions are found in the catalogues of several national publishing houses, as well as online at sheetmusicplus.com and musicnotes.com. Paula teaches yoga and meditation at the Wisconsin Athletic Club.
Raeleen McMillion, Voice and Text Coach
Raeleen is very happy to be working with Vanguard Productions for the first time! She has been coaching and acting in Milwaukee’s professional theatre community for more than 25 years. She has coached many dialects with several local companies over the years, including: Renaissance Theaterworks, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Skylight, and Next Act. Raeleen is Co-Head of the BFA Acting program at UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts where she teaches Acting, Voice & Speech, and Dialects. She is a proud member of two labor unions—Actors Equity and the American Federation of Teachers—and belongs to Voice & Speech Trainers Association (VASTA).
AntiShadows Theatrical Design, Set and Lighting Design
AntiShadows LLC is a lighting and theatrical design company based in Milwaukee bringing illumination solutions to plays, musicals, operas, ballet, videos, concerts and corporate settings. Global touring experience includes lighting for the magician David Copperfield and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Theatrical designs include over 500 productions for American Players Theatre, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Ballet, First Stage Children’s Theatre, Northern Sky Theater, Skylight Opera Theatre, Peninsula Players, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, Next Act Theatre, Forward Theatre Company, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, and many others.
Portfolio and information at www.AntiShadows.com
Amelia Strahan, Costume Designer
Amelia is a Milwaukee based Costume Designer and Technician and this is her second season designing ALL IS CALM for Vanguard Productions. You may have previously seen her work at Summit Players Theatre, Next Act Theatre, Florentine Opera Company, UW-Milwaukee Dance Department, and Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Currently, Amelia is serving as the Interim Assistant Costume Director at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She holds a BA in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Costume Design from Marquette University and a minor in Studio Art through MIAD. She hopes you enjoy the show! Website: ameliastrahan.com Instagram: amelia.s.makes
Cassie Gherardini, Assistant Costume Designer
Milwaukee-based costume designer, technician, interdisciplinary artist, Cassie (she/her) is thrilled to collaborate with Amelia on ALL IS CALM! Most recently, she returned to her alma mater to design MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING for Marquette Theatre's Second Stage Series this season. Favorite credits include… Design: 42ND STREET (Falls Patio Players); TWO ROOMS and ST. JOAN (MU Theatre). Technical, wardrobe, and crafts: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM and MACBETH (Summit Players); BLITHE SPIRIT, ANYTHING GOES, and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (MU Theatre). When not at the theatre, Cassie is usually found behind a pottery wheel. "All my love to Pierce." www.cassieg.art
Liv Mauseth, Stage Manager, Production Manager
Liv Mauseth (they/he/she) is a Milwaukee based stage manager. Some previous shows they’ve stage managed are: MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE, ANTIGONE, ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914 (Vanguard Productions); TOIL AND TROUBLE (Sunstone Studios); JULIUS CAESAR, RICHARD III, and MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM (Bard and Bourbon); and a virtual reading of LOVE AND INFORMATION in partnership with the Girl Scouts of America. They were the assistant stage manager for the staged reading of LE/LA by Liz Shipe (Milwaukee Chamber Theater), and in 2017, the regional International Championship of High School A Cappella competition.
Megan Watson, Assistant Stage Manager
Megan Watson is overjoyed to be a part of her first Vanguard production. Megan is an actor and theater maker around Milwaukee as well as a teacher at First Stage Theater Academy. She most recently worked with Secret Handshake Productions on THE SOUL THAT IS BEWILDERED and is a recent graduate of Ball State University with a BFA in acting. All gratitude goes to Liv Mauseth for bringing Megan into this project.
Jake Badovski, Marketing Director
Jake Badovski (he/him) After graduating from the University of Minnesota and attending the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, Jake is thrilled to return to his hometown of Milwaukee and continue to perform and create meaningful stories with incredible art-makers. Some of Jake's previous credits include most recently A Midsummer Night's Dream with Summit Players, All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, The Hobbit, She Kills Monsters, The Winter's Tale, Skin of Our Teeth, Antigone; and readings of Hamlet and Endgame with Vanguard Productions. Thank you for supporting the necessity that is the arts and Vanguard Productions.
Jared Brandt Hoover, Company Manager, Dramaturg
Jared is a proud core member of Vanguard, he has been with them since the very beginning with the first “All is Calm.” Jared has also been seen in Milwaukee and Madison regionally in productions at the Milwaukee Rep, Skylight Music Theater, Renaissance Theaterworks, Outskirts Theatre Co. and Forward Theater. He feels incredibly blessed that he continues to make art with his good friends and would like to specially thank George and Joshua for their support and kinship both on and off the stage. Jared also owes his gratitude to Mom, Dad, Ethan, Conor, Vicki, Mimi and Papaw for always guiding me in the right direction.
George Lorimer, Executive Producer
George is thrilled to be producing ALL IS CALM for the third time. Other producing credits with Vanguard include ANTIGONE, ENDGAME, and MY NAME IS RACHEL CORRIE. As an actor, George has worked with Milwaukee Rep (A CHRISTMAS CAROL, TITANIC, AS YOU LIKE IT), Door Shakespeare (ROMEO AND JULIET, EMMA), The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio (RIDE THE CYCLONE), Skylight Music Theatre (FORTUNATE SONS), Summit Players Theatre (MACBETH, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING), First Stage (ANATOLE), and has understudied with Forward Theatre Company (KING JAMES), and Renaissance Theatreworks (THE MOORS). He is Co-Founder of Vanguard Productions and has served as Executive Director since its inception in 2022. Thank you for coming to support live theatre in Milwaukee.
