Abi Morgan's "Lovesong"
Abi Morgan's "Lovesong"
Abi Morgan's "Lovesong"
Todd Covert as Billy
Liv Weiss as Margaret and Joel Bender as William
Liv Weiss as Margaret and Joel Bender as William
Todd Covert as Billy
"Lovesong" is the story of one couple, told from two different points in their lives – as young lovers in their 20s and as worldly companions in their 70s looking back on their relationship. Their past and present selves collide in this haunting and beautiful tale of togetherness. All relationships have their ups and downs; the optimism of youth becomes the wisdom of experience. Love is a leap of faith.
~ Courtesy Bloomsbury Publishing
Thank You
Aethereal Jest Arts Council would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the following groups and individuals:
Greater Columbus Arts Council
Geoffrey Martin
Ariel Wiles
Kurt Mueller
Rachel and Erik Bobbitt
Tabatay Theatrical Props
Jennifer Schaaf Photography
The Grandview Theatre and Drafthouse
Alex Hogan
Production Staff
Director - Ella Palardi
Producer - Brian A. Palmer
Board Representative - Anthony Reitzel
Stage Manager - Liz Wood
Scenic Designer - Matt Dalton
Lighting Designer - Sam Weinberg
Movement Coordinator - Rachel Bobbitt
Intimacy Coordinator - Krista Lively Stauffer
Cast
Billy - Todd Covert
Maggie - Josie Merkle
William - Joel Bender
Margaret - Liv Weiss
Company
Joel Bender
William
Joel is deeply grateful to make his Aethereal Jest debut on the poetic stage of "Lovesong." Recent credits include "Violet" at The Ohio State University and "A Doll's House" at Columbus State Community College. Joel graduated with a B.A. in theatre from The Ohio State University and a M.A. in clinical mental health counseling and drama therapy from Lesley University. Joel now works as a Licensed Professional Counselor and drama therapist, using theatre techniques and processes to promote therapeutic healing. Joel is relieved to be back on stage after a hiatus to finish his education.
Rachel Bobbitt
Movement Coordinator
Rachel has been a dancer for about 35 years, training extensively in ballet and modern/contemporary dance. She has performed & choreographed professionally around the US and a few other countries, alongside her husband Erik. Lately she also dances in the air - teaching and performing Aerial Silks and Sling at Aerotique Columbus, while cross-training at home by chasing/throwing/catching her 5-yr old son, Silas.
Todd Covert
Billy
Todd received his BFA at The Ohio State University and an MFA from the University of Southern California. He has appeared in many Columbus productions and was most recently seen last year at the Abbey Theater in "You're My Boy" as Dwight Eisenhower, and as Ray Cundy in "The Witch of November." Recent past movie credits include "The Alto Nights" with Robert DeNiro, "The Old Man and the Gun" with Robert Redford & Casey Affleck, and an original movie called "Down to the Felt" shot in Columbus last year. This play is dedicated to my Mother and Father who shared 69 Beautiful years of marriage together.
Matt Dalton
Scenic Designer
Matt is an artist and craftsman who enjoys painting and building fun projects. He also loves hiking, watching futbol, and late night quesadillas.
Josie Merkle
Maggie
Josie has appeared with many Columbus theater companies throughout the years; most recently in "The Witch of November" at The Abbey Theater of Dublin, and "Morning Sun" with the Ember Women's Theater. She first read "Lovesong" over 7 years ago and has been longing to perform it! She is so grateful to share the stage with these amazing artists, and appear with Todd again! This play is close to her heart, having lost her beloved husband of 48 years nearly 7 years ago.
Ella Palardi
Director
Ella is so honored to have the privilege of directing this beautiful piece. She has directed with OGP, and served as a mentor and director with MadLab’s Young Writers program for several years. She has performed with many groups around Columbus, including Red Herring Theatre Company, The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio, and Actor’s Theatre. She also performs stand up comedy and works as a radio producer and on air goober. Ella would like to thank her incredible cast and creative team for “jumping with me” on this adventure, and dedicate this production to all those brave enough to fall in love.
Brian A. Palmer
Producer
Coming Soon!
Anthony Reitzel
Board Representative
Coming Soon!
Krista Lively Stauffer
Intimacy Choreographer
Krista is an actor, coach, director, producer, casting director, intimacy choreographer, and probably needs a vacation. A proud graduate of Otterbein University’s Theatre program, Krista has performed with companies like Short North Stage, CATCO, Available Light Theatre, and Opera Columbus, along with credits in numerous films, commercials, and industrials. Represented by Heyman Talent, Wink Talent, and The Talent Group, Krista’s work spans across the arts. As an Adjunct Faculty member at Columbus College of Art and Design, she teaches Acting and Improv for Animators, blending her passion for performance with a unique approach to storytelling. Krista is the owner of the Krista Lively Stauffer Acting Studio, a supportive space for actors to hone their craft and grow in a creative environment. Visit: www.kristalivelystaufferactingstudio.com
Liv Weiss
Margaret
Liv is grateful to make her Aethereal Jest debut. Recent credits include "The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged" (Tipping Point Theatre) and "The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt" (Weathervane Playhouse). Liv is a graduate of Capital University and Interlochen Arts Academy. Offstage, she works in Media and Public Relations at OhioHealth. She is honored to share this story with such a talented cast and creative team. “Let us go then, you and I, When the evening is spread out against the sky.” - T.S. Eliot
Liz Wood
Stage Manager
Liz has been working in Columbus Theatre for the past 14+ years. Serving as Assistant Director and Stage Manager for several companies and projects. Her favorite projects include SRO's "Titanic: The Musical," Red Herring's "Anna Wise," and various Bindlestiff Family Cirkus events in Florida. She would like to thank her family for their unending support, her Opa for years of tech before I knew what tech was, and her Oma for believing in her. Enjoy the show!
Board of Directors
Brian A. Palmer, President
Shana French, Vice President
Anthony Reitzel, Treasurer
Tina Palmer, Secretary
Randi Honkonen, Director at Large
Chris Makar, Trustee