Introducing the Epicenter Theatre Group
Epicenter Theatre Group is a group of like minded individuals formed with the
specific purpose of providing a quality live theatre experience not only for the theatre
connoisseur, but also to the individual that has yet to experience a live theatrical performance. To attain this goal, we will provide a professional quality theatrical experience
that will resonate and range from the Classics to America’s growing cannon, and from
New Works to all else in between. Our group is comprised of multi-faceted individuals
that studied performing arts at Oakland University’s prestigious Department of Music,
Theatre and Dance.
Epicenter Theatre Group shares a vision of creating theatre that stages powerful and
enjoyable entertainment by simultaneously providing Michigan’s top theatrical talent
from all walks of life with the opportunity to create moving theatrical experiences for
the viewers and performers alike. This diverse group brings multiple perspectives and
experiences to live theatre that will be tapped, drawn into and provide opportunities in
Michigan and beyond.
The group anticipates performing a range of plays like: Death of a Salesman, The
Odd Couple, Noises Off, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and The Fantasticks. The
audience can expect staged readings, improvisation, sketch comedy, various theatre
workshops, festivals of plays, children’s and reader’s theatre. Glengarry Glen Ross is
Epicenter‘s first production. The play was chosen in light of Michigan’s current cutthroat job market and ongoing real estate crisis.
Board of Directors
Marco Zaccagnini - President - Executive/Managing Director
Tonino Zaccagnini - Vice President - Secretary/Treasurer
Bill Premin - Vice President - Artistic Director
Paul Jagoda - Board Member - Scenic Design Director
Steven O’Brien - Board Member - General Manager
Marius Iliescu - Board Member - Communications Director
Stefan Mantyk - Board Member - Technical Director
Traci Jo Reed - Board Member - Properties Director
Joel Trumble - Board Member - Director at Large
Director’s Notes: Glengarry Glen Ross is a slice of life which many, I
believe, will relate to. People being people striving to rise. Fighting to flourish in a Man eat Man Dog eat Dog World. In every group there comes a set
of ethics, each individual holds his or hers, and the group establishes and
evolves their own as well. Glengarry Glen Ross offers a very powerful take
on ‘men’ and human nature.
There is incredible dissection that can happen with the life of these characters and the world of
this play. Their issues make great, charged and memorable entertainment. Working with this company allows a collaborative group to take a step towards creating theatre and a entertainment that
begins to animate theatrical works and provide theatrical experiences that I hope will transcend
and ever strive to raise what is possible. Both in our productions and how they influence and
affect our audiences. To harness and give life to the true ‘Magic’ of theatre for a world, its people,
and a society that has amazing entertainment value, while also forwarding our consideration for
what and who we are as people is a heavy but worthwhile pursuit.
Our standard entertainment mediums today are movies, television, internet, etc. With these
mediums as the ‘norm’, theatre must then further develop its unique offerings. Theatre is Live, A
living, breathing ‘experience’. The energetic, emotional, physiological happenings and exchanges
between audience members, performers, the unique atmosphere and reality that are commonly
shared within the ‘sacred’ space and ‘experience’ of theatre during a performance must find new
heights and reach new levels of radiation. This raises the challenge for us as a company and as artists to make theatre relevant to people and requires exceptional savvy. We will do this, and we are
pleased to have you here as it is only with you and for you that our medium has life.
I personally encourage you to provide us with your feedback and experience of your evening with
us. Send me a letter, handwritten or emailed. Give us a call and leave us a message. Endow us with
your financial backing. Tell people about us and implore them to go!
Thank you for joining us. We look forward to having you back for our upcoming season. Enjoy
‘Glengarry Glen Ross’. ‘Always Be Closing’.
Steven O’Brien
Showdates: June 3 - 5 , 10 - 12, 2011
Performance times: Fri & Sat 8:00 pm; Sun 1:00 pm & 5:00 pm
To purchase tickets or make a donation please visit www.epicentertheatregroup.org. You can also
find Epicenter Theatre Group on Facebook and Twitter.
Location: Varner Hall Studio Theatre (On the campus of) Oakland University
211 Varner Hall, Auburn Hills, MI 48309. Varner Hall, located at the southeast corner of the
main campus, is the center of performing arts at Oakland University’s MTD facilities.
Handicap Accessibility: Varner Hall’s performance facilities can accommodate special needs on
a limited basis. There is plenty of handicapped accessible parking around Varner Hall. Handicapped accessible restrooms are located on the second floor, easily accessed from the first floor
and Studio Theatre, via the elevators at the Varner Recital Hall entrance to Varner Hall.
Parking: Free parking is available in several lots adjacent to Varner Hall, including Lot 36, 26 and
24. For more information on parking on OU’s campus, see the Parking page.
The Cast
Michael Gillespie
Matthew Forbes
Marco Zaccagnini
Marius Iliescu
Paul Jagoda
Stefan Mantyk
Tonino Zaccagnini
(in order of appearance)
Shelly “The Machine” Levene
John Williamson
Dave Moss
George Aaronow
Richard “Ricky” Roma
James Lingk Baylen
Mitch & Murray (unseen)
The Setting: China Bowl Restaurant
Michael Gillespie
Matthew Forbes
Marius Iliescu
Stefan Mantyk
Marco Zaccagnini
Paul Jagoda
Tonino Zaccagnini
The unseen owners
The Time:1984, but the message is timeless
-- There will be one fifteen-minute intermission -Dedication: This production is dedicated to my best friend Alexander Misajlovic. Thank you for
inspiring my creativity again. You are in a class all your own. Much love always. Marco
Special Thanks: Marco and Epicenter Theatre Group would like to thank the following sponsors:
J. Lauri Filmworks, EpoxyMaster, Oakland University, Michigan Movie Magazine and Pegasus
Taverna of Greektown.
Cover Art: Paul Jagoda, Scenic Design Director
***Disclaimer: This play contains inappropriate language. If you are sensitive to cursing, sexual in-
nuendo, or ethnic jokes, you may not enjoy this production. It is not recommended for children under
the age of 17. ***
House Rules: Portable paging devices and telephones may be checked with the House Manager.
If one must accompany you into the theatre, please switch it to silent mode so as not to disturb
the performance. Cameras, tape recorders and video cameras are not permitted in the theatre
during the performance. They should be checked with the House Manager and picked up following the performance. Please remove or turn off watches that beep or buzz. Children under 13
years old are not allowed into the theatre during performances. Thank You.
CHARACTERS:
Richard "Ricky" Roma
The most successful salesman in the office.
He regards his ability to make a sale as a sign
of his virility, admitting only to himself it
is all luck. He has a talent for figuring out a
client's weaknesses and crafting a pitch that
will exploit those weaknesses. He is a real
smooth talker.
Shelly "The Machine" Levene
An older, once-successful salesman, he has
fallen on hard times and has not closed a big
deal in a long time. He mentions his daughter’s poor health as a ploy to gain sympathy
from Williamson in order to get better leads.
James Lingk
A timid, middle-aged man who becomes
Roma's latest client. Lingk is easily manipulated and finds Roma highly charismatic.
John Williamson
The office manager and main antagonist.
The salesmen despise Williamson and look
down on him, but need him desperately
because he's the one who hands out the sales
leads.
George Aaronow
An aging salesman with low self-esteem
who lacks confidence and hope. A follower
who lacks the ability to stand on his own.
Dave Moss
A big-mouthed salesman with big dreams
and schemes. He resents Williamson, Mitch
and Murray for putting pressure on him and
plans to steal all their best sales leads and sell
them to a competitor.
Baylen
A police detective. He appears in the final
act to investigate the office break-in and interrogate each salesman behind closed doors.
Mitch and Murray
These unseen characters are the owners
of the real estate agency. They have set up a
cruel sales "contest" that has put enormous
pressure on the salesmen to produce or to
lose their jobs.
Act I
Setting: China Bowl Restaurant
Scene 1
Shelly Levene tries to convince the office manager, John Williamson, to give him some ‘Glengarry
leads’ of promising potential clients for expensive properties. Williamson is willing to sell some of
the prime leads for cash in advance. Levene cannot come up with the cash and must leave without
any good leads to work with.
Scene 2
Dave Moss and George Aaronow hate the pressure put on them to succeed. Moss tells Aaronow that
they need to strike back by stealing all the Glengarry leads and selling them off. Moss hatches a risky
plan that Aaronow wants no part of but Moss tries to intimidate him.
Scene 3
Ricky Roma delivers a monologue to James Lingk. Roma preys upon Lingk's insecurities, and his
sense that he has never done anything adventurous with his life, to get him to purchase real estate
property in Florida.
Act II
Setting: a real estate sales office
A police detective is called in to investigate the burglary. Shelly Levene finally sells a large plot of
land to the Nyborgs. James Lingk enters looking for Ricky Roma to cancel the sales contract he
signed with him. Roma attempts to trick Lingk; Levene supports the ruse, but Williamson accidentally ruins Roma's ploy.
Roma is furious at Williamson, who has blown his big sale. Levene even begins insulting Williamson. Williamson realizes that Levene must have been the thief and threatens to tell his suspicions.
Levene folds, and admits that he and Moss were the thieves. Williamson goes to tell the detective
who the thieves are. Roma, who has no idea what just went on between Williamson and Levene,
proposes to Levene that they should form their own partnership. Shelly smiles sadly, and agrees. The
detective comes out and calls Levene's name. Levene meekly walks away with the detective.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S LETTER: It is with pleasure that I welcome you to the inaugural
production of Epicenter Theatre Group Glengarry Glen Ross is a powerful play with a powerful
message performed by a powerful cast, director and crew made up of friends. What could be
better than working with friends and discovering the many facets of this work by David Mamet.
We all sell, to varying degrees, from nurses trying to convince a patient to take his/her pills, a
teenager trying to convince his parents to let him throw a party or a lawyer trying to convince a
jury that his client is innocent. But selling land, on commission, in Florida, is another story. Look
for the greed, panic, survival instinct and all the rest.
Please sit back and absorb Glengary Glen Ross.
Bill Premin
WHO’S WHO in the CAST
MATTHEW FORBES (John Williamson)
Matthew Forbes - Matthew graduated from Oakland University with a
degree in Theatre Production and English and was last seen onstage in
“Armchair Dating” at BoxFest Detroit 2010. He is tremendously excited to be
a part of Epicenter Theatre Group’s inaugural production of Glengarry Glen
Ross and wishes to thank everyone at Epicenter, his friends and family for
their continued love and support.
MICHAEL GILLESPIE (Shelly “The Machine” Levine)
Michael Gillespie is a director, teacher and actor whose theatre work has
involved scores of productions in many styles including dozens of musicals
and operas. He has been recognized for excellence in direction by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and his productions have
been included in its regional festivals on a number of occasions. He earned a
Ph.D. in Drama at Stanford University and served for many years as Director
of Theatre at the University of Texas at Dallas and later as Head of the Theatre
Program at Oakland University where he was named the first Paul and Doris
Travis Professor of Theatre.
Dr. Gillespie is a Teaching Member of Alexander Technique International and conducts workshops and classes in the technique for actors and singers at various performing arts institutions in
the Great Lakes region. “ I am very excited to have been given the opportunity to play Shelly and
am happy to be reunited with Marco and the rest of my students.”
MARIUS ILIESCU (Dave Moss)
Romanian born, Marius holds a BFA in Acting from Hyperion University a
private conservatory in Bucharest, his home town. In 1997, after two years of
European touring with Aeschylus’ The Suppliants, he also performed the play
at Lincoln Center Festival in NYC. In 2005, Marius earned a BA in Dance
Performance and Choreography from Oakland University and in 2010 he
completed his education with an MA in Theatre - Stage Directing, from Wayne
State University, MI.
His favorite roles include; Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew, Astroff in Uncle Vanya, Tiresias in The Bacchae, and Orestes in
Orestes. For four years, 2005 - 2009, Marius also danced professionally with Detroit Dance Collective, Michigan’s premiere contemporary dance company, Barbara Selinger, Artistic Director.
He is exceptionally thrilled to be part of the beautiful minds that created Epicenter Theatre Group
and would especially like to thank Marco for his courage to come back and say, “Let’s do it!”
STEFAN MANTYK (George Aaronow)
A graduate of Oakland University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance,
Stefan is happy to return to the Varner Hall Studio for this, Epicenter Theatre
Group’s first production. Since graduating, Stefan has published his first novel
The Owl and the Loophole (available online at lulu.com), wrote, directed
and produced A Game of Sorts, and has performed with Delirio del Arte and
Battlestar: Metallica, among others.
WHO’S WHO in the CAST
PAUL JAGODA (James Lingk)
After a long, 17 year hiatus, Paul Jagoda makes his return to the stage to
resume his acting career. Some of his stage and film credits include the made
for Showtime movie, Neon Empire, Night of the Kick Boxers and the stage
play “Moments” by Jeffrey Hartgrave. He also has performed standup comedy
in Scottsdale Arizona. Paul attended Arizona State University and Phoenix
College, earning a degree in Computer Graphic Design. Paul has over 30 years
experience as an art director, graphic artist and technical illustrator.
“ I am excited and thankful to be working with such a dedicated team.”
MARCO ZACCAGNINI (Richard Roma)
Founder of Epicenter Theatre Group, Marco is extremely excited to return to
Varner Hall Studio Theatre for Epicenter Theatre Group’s inaugural production of Glengarry Glen Ross. Marco graduated from Oakland University’s
Department of Music, Theatre and Dance in 2006 with a degree in Theatre
Performance. Marco made his Oakland University debut as “Roy” in Laundry
& Bourbon and Lonestar in 2005, “Guy”, “Steve”, and “Pierre” in the successful
series of one act plays Life, Death, Etc. in 2005, “Griever” in Blue Window in
2006, and The Cripple of Inishmaan in 2006 in which Michael Gillespie “Shelly
“The Machine” Levine” directed him. Marco would like to thank all of his friends including his
wonderful board of directors, one his dearest mentors Michael Gillespie for reuniting with him
in this powerful production and his family for their continued love and support. “I never thought
this day would come that I would be reunited with all my brothers together on stage to create
theatre in its most purest and powerful form. I’m glad to be able to share this moment with you so
that I may take you to another place through the eyes of the character. Enjoy the show!”
TONINO ZACCAGNINI (Baylen)
A man of many talents and interests, Tonino is the owner and founder of a
successful specialty floor coatings company for the past five years. His business has
provided specialized flooring for motion picture sets, such as Men in Black 3D.
As an actor , Tonino has been very busy performing in numerous local Hollywood film productions, such as Youth in Revolt, Demoted, and Eddie’s Casket
Shop, which has just been accepted into the 2011 Detroit Windsor International Film Festival. He has also been involved with many commercial productions with J. Lauri Filmworks. Tonino’s production company, Foxcord Films
Entertainment, is currently producing “Paradise Lost at Holy Car!” This strange and intriguing
comedy with a musical twist is being shot and produced entirely in Michigan with all Michigan
talent and crew. “It has been a wonderful experience and an honor to work with my talented
brother and this highly skilled group of individuals. I am looking forward to a very exciting future
with this production and the many to follow.”
WHO’S WHO behind the scenes
STEVEN O’BRIEN
General Manager, Director
Steven O’Brien has worked
on stage at The Performance
Network, Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Waterworks,
Planet Ant, The Blackbird
and (The Late Boars Head
Theatre) to name a few.
His Studies include a M.F.A from Florida State
University’s Asolo Conservatory for Actor
Training, a B.A. in Theatre Performance from
Oakland University’s Department of Music,
Theatre and Dance, a Classical Acting Study
semester in Greece, and a semester of study in
London.
TRACI JO REED
Properties Director
Miss Traci Jo Reed has been
involved in the production
of many different kinds of
performances, for a wide
range of audiences, and
for multiple causes. She
has a wealth of production
knowledge and experience, gained from an early age. She specializes in prop and set construction, but her production talents stretch so far
as make-up art, special effects, mask-making,
marketing, fundraising, management, video/
film, and more.
Now, at 21 years old, Traci Jo is the President
and CEO of MeHi Media (mehimedia@gmail.
com), which produces Horror Art in many
different forms. Her fundraising group, The
Chiller’s Guild, is expanding under MeHi,
and now creates and builds custom props and
special effects. As the Properties Director and
Crew Manager of Epicenter Theatre Group, she
hopes to bring her experience and unique outlook to the table, and to help enrich the growth
of the company.
BILL PREMIN
Artistic Director, Vice President
Bill Premin has performed
and directed in the Detroit
Metro area for many years.
As a seasoned actor/director
he has directed Carousel,
Mame, The King and I as
well as Barefoot in the Park
and Steel Magnolias for the Windsor Light
Opera Association. He has also worked at the
Jewish Ensemble Theatre, the Riverwalk Theatre
in Lansing, the Theatre Festival of Windsor, and
numerous community theatre venues. While
managing his own theatre company, Performing Artist Unlimited, he directed and acted in
The Gingerbread Lady, Fiddler on the Roof,
Camelot, Brigadoon and An Evening of
Rodgers and Hammerstein. He directed Side
by Side by Sondheim, Our Town, You Can’t
Take It With You and Steel Magnolias for the
Ford Performing Arts Center in Dearborn.
Recently Bill performed for Barefoot Productions in Plymouth in Elephant Man, followed
by The Real Inspector Hound and Later Life.
Mr. Premin has been involved with J. Lauri
Filmworks and was also the Artistic Director
for the Frankenmuth Center Stage for two seasons bringing in nationally known artists.
JOEL TRUMBLE
Director at Large
Joel Trumble or JT Rumble
as we like to call him
graduated alongside Marco,
Stefan, Steven and Marius
from Oakland University’s Department of Music,
Theatre and Dance in 2006.
Joel currently lives in Pennsylvania with his
beautiful wife Amy but is very eager to return
to the stage which he calls his home a way from
home. Joel is a board member and Director at
Large for Epicenter Theatre Group. “It’s been
wonderful watching Marco bring all of us back
together to produce amazing theatre and I look
forward to working with everyone in the very
near future.”