ORIGIN STORY

BY NATHAN ALAN DAVIS

DIRECTOR Joanie Schultz

SET DESIGNER Chelsea M. Warren

COSTUME DESIGNER Izumi Inaba

LIGHTING DESIGNER Heather Gilbert

SOUND DESIGNER & COMPOSER T. Carlis Roberts

CASTING DIRECTOR Stephanie Klapper, CSA

MAY 20 — JUNE 25, 2023

ROSENTHAL SHELTERHOUSE

Theatre

Design Sponsor

Terri and John Byczkowski

Honorary Producers

Charles and Joann Mead

Season presented by The Vontz Family

Additional support provided by

Origin Story received a developmental workshop at DETOUR: A Festival of New Work at WaterTower Theatre in Addison, Texas in 2018. A workshop production of Origin Story was produced by the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance at Sonoma State University, directed by Delicia Turner Sonnenberg.

Cast

(In speaking order)

Val Betsy Hogg*

Margaret Amira Danan*

Anita Shonita Joshi*

Bobby Michael Lepore*

Roxanne Dwandra Nickole Lampkin*

Dex Josh Odor

Gary Bill Timoney*

Stage Manager Andrea L. Shell*

Stage Management Intern Katherine Ivins

Time: The present Location: An American city

ORIGIN STORY WILL BE PERFORMED WITHOUT AN INTERMISSION.

This production is made possible in part by a generous gift from the Greater Cincinnati Foundation.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States and with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees-Local No. 5.

PLAYWRIGHT PROFILE: NATHAN ALAN DAVIS

BY TATIANA GODFREY

Nathan Alan Davis is one of the nation’s hottest contemporary playwrights. In this theatre-going season alone, he has three world-premieres debuting across the country: The High Ground, Eternal Life Part 1, and, of course, Origin Story. Although the subject matter of each play is vastly different, some recurring themes and ideas reveal insight into what motivates Davis’ writing.

The High Ground, which was commissioned in 2016 by Arena Stage in Washington, DC, is a rumination on love, loss, and the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Taking place in modern-day Tulsa, the play centers around a soldier and the various women he meets at the top of Standpipe Hill. Davis provided the Washington Post with some insights about the play. “What struck me was a sort of symbolic meaning

… at the heart of it, it raises a question about how we can continue to buy into the American Dream without addressing an episode like [the Tulsa massacre].”

Eternal Life Part 1 debuted in April at the Wilma Theater in Philadelphia. In it, a family from the near future tries to live well (and forever?) amidst space travel, an ancient goose, and a mysterious man peddling an immortality elixir. Of the play, Davis said “Eternal Life Part 1 is inspired by questions about family, how you pass on what you have to the next generation, and the impossibility of getting everything right as a parent.”

The Playhouse is proud to be producing Davis’ third world-premiere of the season, Origin Story. In it, the main character Margaret wrestles with holding two corporate jobs and not knowing who her birth parents are. When asked about the inspiration for writing Origin Story, Davis said “I decided to write a play in which every scene was delightful. The play ended up growing to touch on a lot of different themes/concepts/ideas like race, identity, work, debt, family, etc., but the question I would come back to was: does this delight me?”

The ideas we see in these three premieres are in conversation with each other and reflect the ways in which Davis is thinking about these concepts. As Davis said in an interview with the Cleveland Public Theatre, “I’m very interested in the idea of legacy … what’s our spiritual identity? What do we believe in? What do we aspire to? These are all things that I’m interested in – that I draw inspiration from.”

AMIRA DANAN (SHE/HER) - MARGARET

Amira is pleased to be making her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut in this exciting world premiere. Chicago credits include A Christmas Carol and Bernhardt/ Hamlet (Goodman Theatre); Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse); and A Doll’s House (Raven Theatre). International touring credits include Little Shop of Horrors. Her regional credits include the world premiere of Ever in the Glades (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) and School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play (TheatreSquared). Television credits include Chicago Fire, 61st Street and 4400. Amira earned her BA from Northwestern University and is proudly represented by Gray Talent Group. Follow her on Instagram @amiradanan.

BETSY HOGG (SHE/HER) - VAL

Betsy is thrilled to be making her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut. Her Broadway credits include Molly in Peter and the Starcatcher (closing company), Fiddler on the Roof and The Crucible. Other New York credits include Days to Come (Mint Theater Company), The Miracle Worker (Queens Theatre), Linda (Manhattan Theatre Club) and The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (The New Group). Regionally, Betsy has performed at Barrington Stage Company, McCarter Theatre Center, New York Stage and Film, Two River Theater, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Pioneer Theatre Company, Florida Repertory Theatre, Gulfshore Playhouse and Bucks County Playhouse. On television, she has appeared on Law & Order: SVU, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Jessica Jones. Her film credits include Indignation, The Missing Person and Rocket Science. Betsy is a proud Northwestern graduate, AEA member and New York resident. She describes herself as a deeply umami @MillennialGramma — feel free to ask. For more, visit betsyhogg.com.

SHONITA JOSHI (SHE/HER) - ANITA

Shonita is a South-Asian actor, born and brought up in Pune, India. Prior to moving to the United States, she worked for four years in the Indian film industry (lovingly called Bollywood) and two years at Google before realizing that her love for theatre is more than just a hobby — it’s a necessity. She has degrees in banking, finance and journalism. She recently graduated from Stella Adler School of Acting (New York City) in 2019. Some of her recent credits include Grand Horizons, The Dancing Princesses and Queen (Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati); Antony & Cleopatra, Pericles, Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night (Hip to Hip Theater Company’s Shakespeare in the Park); and A Christmas Carol, Stuart Little and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park). Shonita will be playing Susan in the upcoming production of Wait Until Dark at Chenango River Theatre. She is passionate about the environment, recycling and politics, and is a proud vegetarian and a certified dog trainer. Though she currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, Shonita loves living and performing in Cincinnati, The Queen City! Drop her a hello at www.shonitajoshi.com or on her Instagram @shonitajoshi.

DWANDRA NICKOLE LAMPKIN (SHE/HER) - ROXANNE

Dwandra is thrilled to be making her Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut! She holds an MFA in Acting from the National Theatre Conservatory and is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University. Regionally, Dwandra has performed at the Tony Award-winning Denver Center for the Performing Arts, The Huntington Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Human Race Theatre and the National Black Theatre. Some of her most memorable roles include Mrs. Muller in Doubt, Matron Mama Morton in Chicago and Faye in Skeleton Crew. Her television credits include Law and Order, Third Watch, Law and Order: SVU and the critically acclaimed ABC series Wonderland. Dwandra has also written a one-woman show entitled The Conviction of Lady Lorraine For booking information, visit her website www.dwandra.com. She would like to thank Stephanie Klapper Casting for the support and Joanie Schultz for the opportunity. Dedicating this one to you, Paulie C.

MICHAEL LEPORE (HE/HIM) - BOBBY

Michael is thrilled to be making his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut. He is an actor, musician and songwriter from Trumbull, Conn. He was a member of the original Broadway cast of Sing Street (2020). Other favorite credits include Spring Awakening (Irondale Center), Bright and Brave (Dixon Place), American Idiot (Downtown Cabaret Theatre), The Fantasticks (NCAA at Jean’s Playhouse), Sing Street (Huntington Theatre) and Hair (Hofstra University). He will be appearing in Theatre Aspen’s upcoming production of Rent, this summer, as Mark Cohen. Michael’s original music can be streamed in all the places you stream music. His favorite collaborators include Connecticut artists Comfy Cozy, Waking Up Now and Minus Points; New York City artists Teddy Grey and Ellie Laine; and UK artist McGovern. Michael is a graduate of Hofstra University. He dedicates this performance to his parents and brother, Christopher, for their love and support in everything he does. Thanks to HCKR and Laura Henry. You can follow him on social media @itsmichael.lepore.

JOSH ODOR (HE/HIM) - DEX

Josh is grateful to make his debut at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. He has worked in the Chicago theatre scene for over 20 years but was last seen in Paris (Steep Theatre) and Her Honor Jane Byrne (Lookingglass Theatre Company). Later this summer, Josh is understudying Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s No Man’s Land. His film and television credits include The Chi, Chicago (Med, PD and Fire), Boss, Betrayal, Janie Jones and The Express

BILL TIMONEY (HE/HIM) - GARY

Bill is delighted to be making his Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park debut. His Broadway credits include All the Way (2014 Tony Award for “Best New Play”) and Network. Other New York stage appearances include The Irish Curse (SoHo Playhouse), The Mundy Scheme (The Irish Arts Center) and Picking Palin (NYC International Fringe Festival). Bill has worked regionally at American Repertory Theater (MA), Arkansas Rep, New Jersey Rep, Penobscot Theatre Company (ME), Mill Mountain Theatre (VA) and Cape May Stage (NJ). His film credits include Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman, Bryan Cranston’s Last Chance, Scott Barlow’s The Last Late Night, Nadir Saribacak’s An Expectation and the Hallmark Channel’s TV movie Broadcasting Christmas. On television, Bill has played principal roles on episodes of The Blacklist, Orange is the New Black, Billions, Mr. Robot, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, FBI, Blue Bloods, Person of Interest, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Malcolm in the Middle, The Good Cop and Hunters. Bill played the recurring roles of Senator Royce on the SyFy Channel’s TV series 12 Monkeys and Alfred Vanderpool on the soap opera All My Children. A veteran voice actor, Bill has voiced several recurring characters for the anime franchise Pokémon

NATHAN ALAN DAVIS - PLAYWRIGHT

Nathan’s plays include Nat Turner in Jerusalem (New York Theatre Workshop), The High Ground (Arena Stage), Eternal Life Part 1 (Wilma Theater), The Wind and the Breeze (Cygnet Theatre) and Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea (National New Play Network, Rolling world-premiere). In recognition of his body of work, Nathan has received a Windham-Campbell Prize (2021), a Steinberg Playwright Award (2020) and a Whiting Award in Drama (2018). Other awards and honors include Playwrights’ Center Venturous Fellowship, Stavis Playwright Award, Sundance Theatre Lab Fellowship, Steinberg/ATCA New Play Citation, Rita Goldberg Fellowship, and New York Theatre Workshop 2050 Fellowship. Nathan is an alumnus of the University of Illinois, Indiana University and the Juilliard School. He currently serves as Director of MFA Playwriting at Boston University.

JOANIE SCHULTZ (SHE/HER) - DIRECTOR

Joanie serves as Associate Artistic Director for Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Prior to coming to Cincinnati, she was a freelance director based in Chicago. Previously at the Playhouse, Joanie directed Frida…A Self Portrait. Joanie has directed at theatres across the country, including Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Studio Theatre, Portland Center Stage, Studio Theatre in Washington DC, Cleveland Play House, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Philadelphia Theatre Company. Joanie previously served as Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre in Texas and before that, as Associate Artistic Producer at Victory Gardens Theater, as part of the Leadership U One-on-One Fellowship funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation administered through the Theatre Communications Group. She was also a Drama League Fellow, a Goodman Theatre Michael Maggio Director Fellow, an SDSF Denham Fellow and a member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Directors Lab. Joanie holds a MFA from Northwestern University and a BA from Columbia College Chicago in directing. Visit joanieschultz.com.

CHELSEA M. WARREN (SHE/HER) - SET DESIGNER

Chelsea is a multimedia artist with a focus on scenic and puppet design, as well as large scale photography and art installations. Scenic design credits include Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Steep Theatre, Penumbra Theatre, Jungle Theater, Victory Gardens Theatre, Studio Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Geva Theatre Center, Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Philadelphia Theatre Company. Puppet design credits include Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Jungle Theater, Studio Theatre, Links Hall, Chicago International Puppet Festival and New York State Puppet Festival. She is an ensemble member with Steep Theatre. Chelsea received her MFA from Northwestern University and is an Assistant Professor of Scenic Design at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Visit chelseamwarren.com.

IZUMI INABA (SHE/HER) - COSTUME DESIGNER

Izumi is excited to be working with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park for the first time. Her recent works include Andy Warhol in Iran (Northlight Theatre), Fen (Court Theatre), How to Defend Yourself (New York Theatre Workshop), Last Night and The Night Before (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), School of Rock (Paramount Theatre) and Clue (Indiana Repertory Theatre). Upcoming projects include A Distinct Society at Writers Theatre.

HEATHER GILBERT (SHE/HER) - LIGHTING DESIGNER

Heather is a Chicago-based lighting designer. Her Broadway designs include Parade and The Sound Inside (Drama Desk Award, Outer Critics Circle Recognition and Tony Award Nomination). Regional work includes Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Center Theatre Group, The Muny, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Steep Theatre among others. Heather is the Head of Lighting Design at Columbia College Chicago.

T. CARLIS ROBERTS (HE/HIM) - SOUND DESIGNER & COMPOSER

T is an artist and scholar who engages sound as a tool for transformation and liberation. His professional work has straddled theatre, film, television, dance, performance art, music and education. As a composer, sound designer and music director, T has worked around the U.S. at theatres including Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, About Face Theatre, San Jose Repertory Theatre, California Shakespeare Theater, La Jolla Playhouse, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. As a songwriter and performer, T appeared on the Grammy Award-nominated album The Love by Alphabet Rockers; wrote original music for the Starz series Vida; and toured the country in A Queer Story of the Boy Band, a theatrical concert he co-created with QTPOC boy band The Singing Bois. He is currently developing STONO, a multimedia concert exploring the 1739 Stono slave rebellion. T is co-founder of the Spiritual Technologies Project, a research and performance consortium that explores the metaphysical dimensions of African diasporic music, and is the author of multiple books and articles on music, identity and cultural politics. T is also a noted educator, most recently serving as Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology at UC Berkeley. Visit tcarlisroberts.com and follow him on Instagram @bamtamerson.

STEPHANIE KLAPPER, CSA (SHE/HER) - CASTING DIRECTOR

Stephanie is overjoyed to continue her 11th season of collaboration with Blake Robison and the fantastic team that comprises Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Recent shows she has cast for the Playhouse include A Chorus Line; Incident of Our Lady at Perpetual Help; Rooted; Steel Magnolias; School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Need Your Love; The West End; Destiny of Desire; Once on This Island and Alias Grace. Her award-winning work is frequently seen on Broadway, off-Broadway, regionally, on concert stages, film, television and streaming media. She is dedicated to continuing to expand and champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the business. Connecting creative, caring people to each other to make extraordinary things happen is amongst Stephanie’s greatest joys. She is a member of the National Board of the Casting Society of America, Casting Society Cares and a mentor with Fordham High School for the Arts and NYU Tisch School of the Arts Women’s Mentorship.

ANDREA L. SHELL (SHE/HER) - STAGE MANAGER

Andrea is excited to be celebrating her 22nd season with Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, having worked on more than 100 productions, including 22 world premieres. Last season, she also stepped into the role of Production Stage Manager. Favorite Playhouse credits include A Christmas Carol (2006-2021); A Chorus Line; Murder on the Orient Express; School Girls Or, The African Mean Girls Play; Rooted; Alias Grace; The Last Wide Open; Treasure Island; Mr. Joy; Jane Eyre; Bad Dates; The Revolutionists; I Loved, I Lost, I Made Spaghetti; Merrily We Roll Along; As You Like It; The Understudy; Blackbird; Durango; Around the World in 80 Days; Altar Boyz; Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming; Reckless; Ace; The Clean House; A Picasso; One; Abracadabra (2002-2007); The Bible … (abridged); and Dark Paradise. She has also stage managed at Dallas Theater Center, The Old Globe, Cincinnati Ballet, Alliance Theatre, The Second City and Ingenuity Festival of Cleveland. In 2014, Andrea joined the adjunct faculty of Xavier University’s Theatre Program, and in 2018, she became a contributor for Dramatics.org, writing backstage articles for their online content. Andrea is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. She would like to thank her family, friends, Dylan and Scott for their unending support.

Additional Production Staff

Assistant Director

Intimacy Coordinator

Scenic Artist

Casting Assistants

Production Assistant

Shelterhouse Sound Board Operator

Piper N. Davis

Torie Wiggins

Taylor Helms

Emma Balk, Hershey Vazquez-Millner

Shelby Scaffidi

Jonathon Armstrong

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Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park acknowledges the following partner companies, foundations and their employees who generously participate in the annual ArtsWave Campaign at the $100,000+ level. Thank you!

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Cincinnati Reds

Duke Energy

The E.W. Scripps Company and Scripps Howard Foundation

The Enquirer | Cincinnati.com

Fifth Third Bank and the Fifth Third Foundation

GE

Great American Insurance Group

The H.B., E.W. and F.R. Luther Charitable Foundation, Fifth Third Bank, N.A., Trustee

The Kroger Co.

Messer Construction Co.

Ohio National Financial Services

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PNC

Western & Southern Financial Group

U.S. Bank