In 1995, Lisa and Gus first met and acted together in The Seagull at Michigan's BoarsHead Theatre, which boasts an illustrious alumni such as Mary Beth Hurt, William Hurt and Anthony Heald. Lisa and Gus' unforgettable production was the beginning of a successful and fruitful eighteen year collaboration.
Back in New York, Ms. Bostnar had already started The Mint Theatre (minttheater.org) with her then husband and partner of seventeen years, Jonathan Bank. She introduced Mr. Kaikkonen to The Mint, which fostered yet another theatrical relationship and another venue for Lisa and Gus to work together. Lisa lit up the stage, often with Gus, in numerous productions at The Mint including The House of Mirth, Mr. Pim Passes By, The Voysey Inheritance, The Madras House and the blockbuster remounts of Arthur Schnitzler's Far and Wide and The Lonely Way.
Critics and audiences immediately took notice of Ms. Bostnar's "luminous, radiant" presence and exceptional talent which garnered a loyal following as well as artistic and critical success, receiving accolades for her performances (click here).
Mr. Kaikkonen went on to direct and act with Lisa in many many regional productions including Absurd Person Singular, another show on Peterborough Players' 2013 schedule. They also collaborated on Mrs. Warren's Profession, about which The Washington Post said: "Bostnar is a radiant and vivacious Mrs. Warren, a character who thrives in this still effective drama for a quintessentially Shavian reason: She works. Ms. Bostnar is a ray of sunshine."
Additionally, Lisa has starred in such productions as The Taming of The Shrew, Boston Marriage, Dancing at Lughnasa, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing, A Lie Of The Mind and much, much more. She also showed her talents on the screen by Guest Starring in numerous TV shows (Law & Order, Pan Am) and films.
Ms. Bostnar and Mr. Kaikkonen have had rich, multi dimensional careers, often partnering together. It all began in 1995, and when Gus took over as Artistic Director at The Peterborough Players in 1996, Lisa was part of that first season and many seasons to follow. It is unique collaborations like these that add to the success and longevity of a regional equity theatre, and few are lucky enough to celebrate an 80 year anniversary.
Seagull begins performances on July 24th. Ms. Bostnar also stars in Charles Morey's Laughing Stock (8/7-8/18) and Alan Ayckbourn's comedy Absurd Person Singular (8/21-9/1). Tickets can be purchased at the Peterborough Players' website (www.peterboroughplayers.org).
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