Community Advisory Council hosts special events in conjunction with Four Season Theatre’s production of ‘The Hello Girls: A New American Musical’
Overture Center and its Community Advisory Council (CAC) offered two free public events on Saturday, Feb. 24, in collaboration with Wisconsin National Guard Child and Youth Program and Four Season Theatre's production of "The Hello Girls: A New American Musical," a captivating musical inspired by the remarkable history of America's first women soldiers. The show, which ran through Sunday, March 3, served as a fitting tribute to Women’s History Month.
"The Hello Girls" follows the extraordinary journey of bilingual telephone operators who served on the front lines during World War I, aiding in crucial communication efforts that helped shape the course of history. Upon their return home, these pioneering women continued to champion for equality and recognition, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of women's rights and military service.
The CAC events served as an enriching complement to "The Hello Girls," offering audiences a chance to connect with the historical significance of the story and engage in meaningful dialogue about the role of women in the armed forces. Military-affiliated and military-connected community members were invited to participate.
Prior to the show, guests joined us for an engaging event in the Rotunda Studio, where attendees participated in arts and crafts activities for the "Our Town Everywhere" community art project. Additionally, guests had an opportunity to view a banner exhibition from the "I Am Not Invisible" national photography exhibit, highlighting the stories of female service members. This portion of the event culminated with a special performance by the LunART Chamber Music Collective as part of Kids in the Rotunda.
The post-show event in Rotunda Studio featured a free panel discussion, exploring and celebrating the contributions of women in the military, as well as the power of art in storytelling of women’s stories. CAC member Jo Oyama- iller welcomed guests.
“As a member of Overture’s Community Advisory Council, I informed the public why community engagement was part of our mission and what it meant to integrate community events to the arts,” she said.
Then Oyama-Miller introduced moderator Natalie Isensee, who welcomed Kevin Hampton from the Wisconsin Veteran’s Museum to share a brief history of women in the military. Insensee then expertly led a lively and thoughtful discussion with the women on the panel.
“This was such a wonderful experience! Thank you so much for organizing it and other events that showcase people who don't always have their stories told,” said Isensee.
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Director Of Equity Innovation Dr. Ida Balderrama Trudell -
Jo Oyama Miller And Audrey Daigneault Welcome Guests And Introduce Panel -
Laura Mcmillan And Jennifer Chiaverini -
Lt. Col Penny Rippberger -
Maureen "Mo" Schuelke -
Moderator Natalie Isensee -
Panelists
Community partnerships with local arts like Four Season’s Theatre and organizations like Wisconsin National Guard Youth and Families Program allow Overture Center to continue highlighting our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion commitments and offering the Madison community opportunities to engage in critical conversations about racial and social justice issues.
The CAC previously co-hosted an “Intergenerational Women of Color Speak Out About Democracy” panel, and a staged reading of “The Laramie Project” in Collaboration with GSAFE: “Remembering Matthew Shepard: 25 Years Later”. The CAC aims to offer one event per quarter to elevate and highlight justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.
Oyama-Miller shared, “It was a great discussion, and the CAC should be proud of how well Dr. Ida Balderrama-Trudell, Dr. Ed Holmes and the Overture staff have developed the community engagement program. This musical presented by Forward Theater also highlighted Madison’s great local talent.”
JD Engelhardt, Lead Wisconsin Child and Youth Program Coordinator, shared, “Thank you everyone for making this fun and educational. I was really inspired by the musical and the panel conversation on how we support women veterans.”
Meet the Panel
Jennier Chiaverini
Jennifer Chiaverini is a prolific author, known for her captivating historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series, comprising 33 bestselling novels. Her literary prowess has earned her accolades, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Wisconsin Library Association in 2020 and recognition as a Notable Wisconsin Author in 2023.
Chiaverini's novel "Switchboard Soldiers" received critical acclaim, garnering starred reviews from Booklist and Library Journal. Her academic journey includes graduating from the University of Notre Dame and earning a master's degree from the University of Chicago.
Currently residing in Madison, Wis., Jennifer shares her life with her husband and two sons, finding inspiration in the vibrant community and scenic surroundings of the Midwest.
Natalie Isensee
Natalie Isensee is a dedicated Marine Corps Logistics Officer who served with distinction, including deployments to Kuwait and Iraq during the US ground invasion in 2003. With a wealth of military experience, she transitioned into a dynamic civilian career as a Program Manager at WPS Health Solutions, where she focuses on enhancing employee experiences and fostering leadership development.
Deeply committed to serving her community, Natalie actively engages in the Veteran community in Madison, Wis., assuming leadership roles in various organizations. Her contributions were recognized with the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Veterans in Business award in 2021, and she was appointed to Wisconsin Governor Evers’ Blue Ribbon Commission on Veterans Opportunity in 2022.
Natalie is a proud alumna of UW-Madison, UW-Platteville and UW-Green Bay, holding degrees and several certifications. Outside of her professional endeavors, she finds joy in spending quality time with her husband and three daughters, indulging her passion for running and delving into the pages of history books.
Laura McMillan
Laura McMillan is a proud BIPOC queer woman veteran, holding a B.A in theater performance and theater studies from Edgewood College. She served in the US Navy for four years, stationed in Florida and Hawaii, where she showcased her passion for theater through performances at the Pensacola Little Theater and the Army Community Theater on Ft. Shafter in Honolulu.
Currently serving as the education manager for Children's Theater of Madison (CTM), Laura plays a pivotal role in shaping the creative and educational experiences for young minds. With almost 30 years of experience in theater, she has graced both on and off stages across the country, earning notable credits in a variety of productions, including "A Christmas Carol," "The Revolutionists," "Little Shop of Horrors" and "The Crucible."
Beyond her artistic pursuits, Laura finds fulfillment as a panelist, contributing to meaningful discussions and sharing her diverse perspectives. Her journey, marked by dedication to both her country and the arts, reflects a rich tapestry of experiences that she continues to weave with pride and enthusiasm. Laura is honored to be a part of this amazing selection of panelists, bringing her unique voice and experiences to the forefront.
Lt. Col. Penny Ripperger
Lt. Col. Ripperger brings over 27 years of invaluable military experience, primarily within the North Dakota and Wisconsin Air National Guard. Throughout her distinguished career, she has held a spectrum of pivotal roles, including Finance Budget Officer, Services Commander, and Wing Public Affairs Officer for the 119th Wing based in Fargo, N.D.
In recent years, Lt. Col. Ripperger has served in influential capacities such as Chief of Public Affairs, Director of Personnel and Force Support Squadron Commander at the 115th Fighter Wing stationed in Madison, Wis. Her dedication and leadership led to her transfer to the Department of Military Affairs in Madison in 2020, assuming the crucial role of State Director of Public Affairs.
Currently, Lt. Col. Ripperger serves as the director of the joint wellness and resiliency directorate for the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard, where she spearheads initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being and resilience of service members.
Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in business management from North Dakota State University and a master's degree in strategic leadership from the University of Mary, underscoring her commitment to continuous growth and leadership excellence.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lt. Col. Ripperger finds fulfillment in her family life, residing in Dousman, Wis with her husband, Jeremy, and their two children, Jordyn and Jarret. Her unwavering dedication to service and leadership serves as an inspiration to colleagues and community members alike.
Maureen (Mo) Schuelke
Mo Schuelke enlisted in the Army in March 1982 and underwent basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., followed by advanced training at Ft. Gordon, Ga. Graduating top of her class as a wire systems installer, she received additional training on the Switch Board. Her military career saw her stationed at Ft. Gordon until September 1983, with temporary duty at Sheppard Air Force Base for Key Telephone installation training from October 1983 to March 1984.
She was then assigned to C Co. 122nd Signal BN, Camp Casey, Korea, from March 1983 to March 1984. Returning to Ft. Lewis, Wash., until May 1986, she reenlisted to serve in Germany at Nuernberg, William O. Darby Kaserne, from June 1986 to June 1989, where she changed her MOS to TAMMS/PLL.
During her service, Maureen married her husband in November 1987 and had three sons. To alleviate financial strain, she joined the reserves in 1991, served in a Supply Unit in Utah until 1992, then relocated to Wisconsin and served in the 84th Division as a Supply Sergeant until her retirement in September 2005.
Married for 36 years, Maureen enjoys her family life, including three sons and four step-grandchildren.