NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 24 JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 9 presented by
CREATIVITY
ONEAMERICA FINANCIAL | LEGACY SPONSOR
Inspiration brings creativity to life. As a legacy sponsor of Indiana Repertory Theatre, OneAmerica FinancialSM is proud to celebrate world-class talent and enrich our local community through the power of the arts. Our 30-year commitment to supporting IRT is among the longest-standing in community theater nationwide. We look forward to enjoying the 2024-2025 Season with you.
—Scott Davison Chairman, President and CEO
OneAmericaFinancial,2024-2025SeasonLegacySponsor
Through its community outreach efforts, the Navient Community Fund supports organizations and programs that address the root causes which limit financial success for all Americans. The Navient Community Fund is proud to support the Indiana Repertory Theatre as the Education Partner for the 2024-2025 Season.
Navient is a leading provider of asset management and business processing solutions to education, healthcare, and government clients at the federal, state, and local levels. Millions of Americans rely on financial support to further their education and improve their lives. We work hard each day to help our customers navigate financial challenges and achieve their goals.
We at Navient have a deep appreciation for the arts and for the hard work, passion, and emotion that go into them, as well as the positive influences the arts have on individuals and their communities. Our employees in central Indiana are proud to support our community through amazing programs like those offered by IRT.
Enjoy the show.
MISSION
Rooted in the heart of Indiana, Indiana Repertory Theatre is committed to building a vital, vibrant, and informed community through the transformational power of live theatre. The Indiana Repertory Theatre produces inclusive, top-quality, professional theatre and community programming to engage, surprise, challenge, and entertain members of the whole community.
VISION
The Indiana Repertory Theatre will welcome the whole community, becoming a place of belonging for an ever-expanding audience of all ages and backgrounds seeking meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Using theatre as a springboard for both personal reflection and community discussion, our productions and programs will inspire our neighbors to learn about themselves and others. As the largest non-profit theatre in the state of Indiana, IRT’s goal is to help make Indiana a dynamic home of cultural expression, economic vitality, and a diverse and engaged citizenry.
SUSTAINING A PROFESSIONAL, RESPECTFUL, INCLUSIVE, & CREATIVE ATMOSPHERE
• Producing diverse plays, we strive to provide insight and celebrate human relationships through the unique vision of the playwright.
• Employing professional artists of the highest quality, we nurture an environment that allows them to grow and thrive on our stages and in our communities.
• We foster a creative environment where arts, education, corporate, civic, and cultural organizations collaborate to benefit our community
BUILDING INCLUSION, DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND ACCESS (IDEA)
• Our community thrives when diverse voices and peoples gather to make, watch, and support theatre.
• It is our responsibility as a community resource to open our doors wide, welcoming all to our high-quality, relevant art.
• We acknowledge our history of privilege as a predominantly White institution as an initial and necessary step toward effectively supporting the dismantling of systems of oppression.
• To be an anti-racist organization we must seek knowledge and understanding to identify discriminatory practices and increase cultural awareness in collaboration with, and learning directly from, BIPOC, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI+), functionally diverse, and other historically excluded communities.
PRUDENT STEWARDSHIP OF OUR RESOURCES
• As a public-benefit organization, we focus on community service, artistic integrity, and creating a range of ticket prices that allow all segments of our community to attend.
• Fiscal responsibility and financial security fuel our institutional sustainability.
• To ensure institutional longevity, we continue to grow our endowment fund as a resource for future development.
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ACKNOWLEDGING THE LAND
Every community owes its existence and vitality to generations from around the world who contributed their hopes, dreams, and energy to making the history that led to this moment. Some were brought here or removed from here against their will, some were drawn to leave their distant homes in hope of a better life, and some have lived on this land for more generations than can be counted. Acknowledgment of the land which the IRT now occupies is critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers of heritage.
We want to acknowledge that what we now call Indiana is on the ancestral lands of many indigenous peoples including the Miami, Piankashaw, Wea, Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Delaware, and Shawnee. We pay respects to their elders past and present. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of displacement, migration, violence, and settlement that bring us together here today.
This land acknowledgment was created in collaboration with Scott Shoemaker, PhD (Miami Tribe of Oklahoma). Portions of this acknowledgment come from the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture (usdac.us).
ACKNOWLEDGING OUR BUILDING’S HISTORY
The Indiana Repertory Theatre moved to its current site on Washington Street in 1980, renovating and reopening a building that had been shuttered for nearly a decade.
The historic Indiana Theatre was built in 1927, a time when the shameful practice of racial segregation was the standard in movie theatres and public buildings across the United States. The Indiana Theatre building was originally segregated and at some point in its history this practice ceased. Many Indiana residents and their families’ heritage stories recall being treated as less than equal citizens in this building, with some even being barred from entering. We cannot erase this history.
We honor and respect all those who have faced discrimination and harm in this building. We strive every day to make the IRT a place that welcomes all people.
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE: Welcoming the whole community
We strive to celebrate and serve the diverse people and cultures that make up our whole community. The IRT is committed to creating and maintaining an antiracist theatre that is inclusive, safe, respectful, and accessible.
Whether you have been coming for years or are here for the first time—welcome to your Theatre!
VALUES
• Our community thrives when diverse voices and peoples gather to make, watch, and support theatre.
• It is our responsibility as a community resource to open our doors wide, welcoming all to our highquality, relevant art.
• We must acknowledge our history of privilege as a Predominantly White Institution in order to effectively support dismantling systems of oppression.
• In order to be an antiracist and inclusive organization we must seek knowledge and understanding to identify discriminatory practices and increase cultural awareness in collaboration with, and learning directly from, BIPOC, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI+), functionally diverse, and other historically excluded communities.
COMMITMENTS
• We will represent and engage the diverse people, cultures, and communities of central Indiana.
• We will employ more people of color, with a goal of 40% of all new hires being BIPOC, and foster an inclusive culture of artists, staff, board, and vendors.
• We will continue and deepen our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) training for all board and staff.
• We will be accessible to all audiences inviting those who have been unheard or unseen in the past, including functionally diverse people, BIPOC, LGBTQI+, and under-resourced communities.
If you would like to read more about our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) work, go to irtlive.com/idea.
Spotlight Partnerships
Indiana Repertory Theatre is thrilled to announce Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis as our 52 nd Season Spotlight Partner. Girls Inc. empowers young women to be strong, smart, and bold through innovative programs that break down gender stereotypes and build confidence.
Their commitment to inspiring girls to embrace their true selves aligns perfectly with our mission to tell stories that reflect the diverse lives of our community.
We look forward to shining a spotlight on their incredible work and supporting their mission throughout our upcoming season.
Fostering Artistic Expression
Faegre Drinker is proud to be an opening night sponsor for the 2024-25 season. We invest in the arts because vibrant communities are made more beautiful, inclusive and dynamic through creative expression.
MARGOT LACY ECCLES WAS A LEADING PHILANTHROPIC SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES. THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE CHERISHES ITS HISTORY WITH MRS. ECCLES AS A SUBSCRIBER, BOARD MEMBER, DONOR, AND CHAMPION OF OUR ORGANIZATION IN BOTH ITS EDUCATIONAL AND ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP. IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. ECCLES’S LEGACY AS BENEFACTOR AND ADVISOR, THE INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE IS PROUD TO HAVE NAMED ITS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR POSITION THE MARGOT LACY ECCLES ARTISTIC DIRECTOR.
BENJAMIN HANNA
Margot Lacy Eccles
Artistic Director
IRT LEADERSHIP
Ben is in his second season as IRT’s Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director, following six years as the company’s Associate Artistic Director. At IRT he has directed LittleShopofHorrors,Clue, Fahrenheit451,TheBookClubPlay,AChristmasCarol, and Elephant&Piggie’s“WeAreinaPlay!,” among others. This season he directs ThePlayThatGoesWrong.
As a director, educator, and community engagement specialist, Ben is guided by the belief that access to highquality theatre helps build creative, empathetic people and healthy communities. Across his career, he has focused on building the next generation of artists and audiences by creating and advocating for multigenerational, multi-cultural, and family-oriented programming. Prior to his role at IRT, he spent five years at Berkeley Repertory Theatre and directed shows at the Bay Area Children’s Theatre. In his native Minnesota, he served on the education staff of Penumbra Theatre Company and was an artistic associate at Children’s Theatre Company. He is the recipient of the prestigious Theatre Communications Group Leadership University Award funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and is a graduate of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program—Class XLVI.
Ben holds a degree in theatre arts from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. He fell in love with telling stories at the age of eleven at the Prairie Wind Players community theatre in rural Minnesota, and he continues to create for his favorite audience: his five nieces and nephews.
SUZANNE SWEENEY Managing Director
Suzanne is a 26-year veteran of the IRT and is co-CEO of the company, where she oversees its administrative functions. During her tenure, the IRT has secured a long-term lease for the building with the City of Indianapolis, renovated the Upperstage Lobby and restrooms, raised $20 million for its Front and Center campaign, and $5 million for the renaming of the Upperstage Theatre to the Janet Allen Stage.
Suzanne was elected Treasurer of the national League of Resident Theatres, where she serves as a board member. She has been a panelist for Shakespeare in American Communities in cooperation with Arts Midwest. She was the treasurer of Irish Fest for nine years, a member of the board of directors and treasurer of the Day Nursery Association (now Early Learning Indiana) for three years, and treasurer of Indy Fringe.
Suzanne is a graduate of the College of William & Mary and Indiana University. She has worked in finance in Washington DC, Texas, Germany, Hawaii, and New Zealand. She is an alum of the Stanley K. Lacy Leadership Program (Class XXXI). She lives in Lockerbie with her son, Jackson, and spends some of her downtime in Huntley, Illinois, with her partner, Todd Wiencek.
You don’t have to step on stage to deserve a standing ovation
Whether a monthly donation or a planned legacy gift, your support creates experiences for an exciting today and an enriched tomorrow—that’s what we call encore-worthy!
Thanks to the Alan and Linda Cohen Education Fund, students and teachers all across Indiana can attend performances at the IRT. For the price of a coffee, you can help continue this gift and give a student a live theatre experience—some for the very first time!
Make your mark on the next generation of students, actors, and artists by joining the Ovation Society and creating a legacy gift at the IRT! Ensuring a lasting impact on your community can be as easy as changing your beneficiaries on insurance policies or including the IRT in your will.
ThecastoftheIRT’s2024production
Celebrating how the arts connect and enrich our community.
Citizens Energy Group is a proud partner of the Indiana Repertory Theatre. This ad was not paid for by customer rates.
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE STAFF & ASSOCIATES
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Benjamin Hanna
Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director
Suzanne Sweeney
Managing Director
ADMINISTRATION
Drew Kowalkowski
Associate Managing Director
Jacob Lang
Executive Assistant
ARTISTIC
cara hinh
Associate Artistic Director
Jessica Huang
Playwright-in-Residence
Hillary Martin
Company Manager
Richard J Roberts
Resident Dramaturg
Becky Roeber
Production Coordinator
ASL INTERPRETERS
Madison Cortes
Jack London
Randy Nikolai
Tara Parchman
Robin Reid
AUDIO DESCRIBER
Paul Drew
John Simmons
BUILDING SERVICES
Housekeeping
Carlton Foster
Tonika Miller
Kendall Thompson
COSTUME SHOP
Lane Fiorini
Wardrobe Supervisor
Heather Hirvela
Draper
Niamh Langfitt
First Hand
Bailey Lewis
Wardrobe Assistant
Rebecca Reyes
Junior Draper
Patrice N. Trower
Costume Shop Manager
DEVELOPMENT
Brady Clark
Development Systems
Tracy Heaton de Martinez
Development Associate
Jennifer Hiatt
Associate Director of Development
Nataly Lowder
Director of Development
Eric J. Olson
Institutional Giving Manager
Steven Stolen
Corporate Strategies,
Senior Advisor/Consultant
EDUCATION
Anna E. Barnett
Education Manager
Claire Wilcher
Education Assistant
ELECTRICS
Aaron Burns
Electrician
Beth A. Nuzum
Lighting Supervisor
Megan Stockreef Electrician
FINANCE ASSOCIATES
Crowe Horwath
External Auditors
Faegre Drinker
Legal Counsel
FINANCE
Jeffrey Bledsoe Director of Finance
Jen Carpenter
Payroll & Benefits Specialist
Amanda Keen Business Manager
INCLUSION
Devon Ginn
Director of Inclusion & Community Partnerships
MARKETING
Kerry Barmann
Associate Director of Marketing
Geneva Denney-Moore
Design & Communications Manager
Danielle M. Dove
Director of Marketing & Sales
Megan Ebbeskotte
Audience Development Manager
Noelani Langille
Multimedia & Design Manager
PAINT SHOP
Jessica Carlson
Assistant Charge Scenic Artist
Claire Dana
Charge Scenic Artist
Jim Schumacher
Scenic Artist
PATRON SERVICES
Assistant House Managers
Grace Branam
Stacy Brown
Paully Crumpacker
Preston Dildine
Dieter Finn
Christine Gordon
Marilyn Hatcher
Samantha Hines
Katy Thompson
House Manager
Tina Weaver
Bartender
Courtney Plummer
Ticket Office Manager
Molly Wible Sweets
Tessitura Administrator
Eric Wilburn
Sarah James
Alicia McClendon
Madison Pickering
Jeff Pigeon
Phoebe Rodgers
Kathy Sax
Karen Sipes
Sam Stucky
Assistant Ticket Office Manager
Customer Service Representatives
Ashlee Lancaster
Melody Lindner
Owen Louden
Chelsea Senibaldi
Cara Wilson
PRODUCTION
LB Clark
Ben Dobler
Lee Edmundson
Trevor Greenlee
Katharine Ivey
PROPERTIES SHOP
Rachelle Martin
Properties Shop Manager
Dan Tracy
Properties Shop Carpenter
SCENE SHOP
Nick Chamberlain
Lead Carpenter
Chris Fretts
Technical Director
Andrew Hastings
Master Carpenter
Nick Kilgore
SceneShop/AutomationSupervisor
Samantha-Rae Oliver
Carpenter
Jacob Spencer
Stage Operations Supervisor
SOUND
& VIDEO
Brit Hayth
Lead Audio Engineer
Todd Mack
Head of Audio and Video
Chloe Pate
Audio and Video Technician
STAGE
MANAGEMENT
Stage Managers
Nathan Garrison
Erin Robson-Smith
Production Assistants
Isabella Garza
Emma Littau
Natalie Stigall
Youth Actor Supervisor
Samantha Lewis
TELESERVICES
Doug Sims
Group Sales & Teleservices Manager
Welcome to the Indiana Repertory Theatre. Our 52nd season, the second with Margot Lacy Eccles Artistic Director Benjamin Hanna, promises to be full of laughter, tears, and music.
In this busy world, with so many demands on our time and our dollars, we appreciate not only your presence and your participation, but also your continuing financial support, which makes our work possible. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for choosing the IRT.
Your contribution is a vital part of our success. If you enjoy this production, please encourage your friends to come see it. If you do not already have a season ticket or a smaller ticket package, why not join the family? Consider a membership in the Repertory Society, too.
Great art doesn’t just happen. It takes committed patrons such as you in tandem with talented artisans. Enjoy the show!
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
CHAIR
Andrew Michie
OneAmerica Financial
VICE CHAIR & CHAIR ELECT
Jill Lacy
The Lacy Foundation
MEMBERS
Kathryn Beiser
Eli Lilly & Company
Kathy G. Cabello
Cabello Associates
Brooke Dunn
Faegre Drinker
Biddle & Reath
Tom Froehle*
Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath
Patricia Gamble-Moore PNC
Ashley Garry Viatris Inc.
Ron Gifford
RDG Strategies LLC
Ricardo L. Guimarães
Indiana University
Kelley School of Business
Carrie Hagovsky Fifth Third Bank
TREASURER
Joy Kleinmaier
Healthcare Executive
SECRETARY
Julian Harrell
Faegre Drinker
Biddle & Reath
Brenda Horn
Ice Miller LLP, Retired
Rebecca Hutton
Leadership Indianapolis
Lauren James
Mitch Daniels
Leadership Foundation
Elisha Modisett Kemp
Corteva Agriscience
Nicholas C. Pappas
Frost Brown Todd
Rita Patel
Jane Pauley Health Center
Brian Payne Central Indiana Community Foundation | The Indianapolis Foundation, Retired
Mary E. Phillips
Capital Group
BOARD EMERITUS
Robert Anker* (in memoriam)
Rollin Dick
Berkley Duck*
Dale Duncan*
James W. Freeman
Nadine Givens*
Michael Lee Gradison* (in memoriam)
Mike Harrington*
Margie Herald (in memoriam)
David Klapper
David Kleiman*
–AndrewMichie, IRTBoardChair
IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR
Mark Shaffer* KPMG LLP
Barath Raman
Lewis Wagner, LLP.
Peter N. Reist
Oxford Financial Group, Ltd.
Myra C. Selby Ice Miller LLP
Darshan Shah
Central Indiana
Corporate Partnership
Shelly Smith Ernst & Young LLP
Amy Waggoner Salesforce, Inc.
Michael Moriarty
Richard O. Morris* (in memoriam)
Jane Schlegel*
Wayne Schmidt (in memoriam)
Jerry Semler* (in memoriam)
Jack Shaw*
Mike Simmons
William E. Smith III*
Eugene R. Tempel*
L. Alan Whaley
David Whitman*
Sarah Lechleiter
E. Kirk McKinney Jr. (in memoriam)
Alan Mills
THE VERDICT IS IN! LET THE EVIDENCE SHOW, THIS IS A NIGHT YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!
Join us on February 28, 2025, for a night of laughs, lyrics, and litigation as we gather to support the IRT as a community-based, Broadway-quality, inclusive arts organization right here in the heart of Indiana.
SAVE WITH A BUILD YOUR OWN 3 (BYO3) MEMBERSHIP!
WHAT’S UP NEXT:
FEB 4 - MAR 2 a revolution in song
The High Priestess of Soul shook the world with her powerful music. In the depths of the Civil Rights struggle, Nina Simone used song as a means of expressing the nation’s anguish—and resilience. This deeply personal play with music imagines a conversation among Simone and three other Black women, showing how the iconic chanteuse forged her true calling—and gave voice to a movement.
MAR 11 - APR 6 poignant classic
Faded Southern belle Amanda shares a cramped apartment with her two adult children, the painfully shy Laura and the restless poet, Tom. Perhaps a gentleman caller will bring the one thing they all desperately crave: hope. This colorful cast of outcasts and escapists invents beautiful language to survive their drab lives. Looking back at his own family with bittersweet tenderness, Tennessee Williams probes the depths of inescapable memory.
APR 9 - MAY 11 unstoppable farce
The intrepid thespians of the Cornley Drama Society are more or less ready to raise the curtain on the grandest production the village has ever seen, The Murder at Haversham Manor—until things go from bad to calamitous. There’s an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that won’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines)—and that’s only the first act. It’s nothing you want in a show—and everything you want in a show!
License to INSPIRE
Purchasing an Arts Trust License Plate directly supports arts and creativity in Indiana. Funding from the Arts Trust License Plate helps supports festivals, concerts, murals, art classes, and more through the Arts Project Support grant program.
Latino Center for Wellness and Education (LCWE) Tippecanoe County Arts Project Support Grant Recipient
Learn more about the Arts Trust License Plate
Ticket sales only cover half of what it costs to produce a show at the IRT—the other half is funded by generous donors like you! Every gift, no matter the size, plays a significant role in sustaining the high-quality performances and educational programs that the IRT o ers. Your support, whether as a one-time contribution or a monthly donation, helps ensure that the Theatre continues to thrive and enrich our community.
A $125 per month pledge also earns you a spot in the IRT's Repertory Society! As a member, you receive special benefits, such as: exclusive invitations to select events, additional discounts on single tickets, complimentary
CREATIVE TEAM
Directed by cara hinh
Scenic Designer_______________
RUSSELL METHENY
Costume Designer________________
LINDA PISANO
ONEAMERICA FINANCIAL STAGE NOVEMBER 13 - DECEMBER 24
REVIEWS
Share your review on social media by tagging us @IRTLIVE, using #IRTLIVE or by emailing REVIEWS@IRTLIVE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT (SET ONLY)
SCENIC DESIGNER: Russell Metheny LIGHTING DESIGNER: Bently Heydt & Molly Tiede
SEASON SPONSOR SEASON PARTNER
Co-Lighting Designer_____________
BENTLEY HEYDT
Co-Lighting Designer_______________
Original Lighting Designer_________
MOLLY TIEDE
MICHAEL LINCOLN
Composer_____________________
Choreographer______________
MICHAEL KECK
NICHOLAS A. OWENS
Musical Director________________
Dramaturg_________________
Stage Manager______________
BRENT E. MARTY
RICHARD J ROBERTS
ERIN ROBSON-SMITH*
Casting____________________
CLAIRE SIMON, CSA
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRODUCTION PARTNER
BENJAMIN HANNA
Margot Lacy Eccles
Artistic Director
THE
CAST (in order of appearance)
CHRISTMAS EVE
Narrators______________________
Ebenezer Scrooge_______________
Bob Cratchit_________________
Fred________________
THE COMPANY
ROB JOHANSEN*
RYAN ARTZBERGER*
KENNETH LA’RON HAMILTON
Felicity___________________
Mercy____________________
NATASIA REINHARDT
JENNIFER JOHANSEN*
Grace____________________________
Marley’s Ghost_______________
CHRISTMAS PAST
Ghost____________________
Child Scrooge__
Young Fan____
CHRISTMAS PRESENT
SUZANNE SWEENEY
Managing Director
Ghost_________________________
Mrs. Cratchit____________________
Tiny Tim_____
Betsy_______
SAMI MA*
RYAN ARTZBERGER*
NATASIA REINHARDT
HENRY KIRK or JUNIPER O’MEARA-GAINES
WEEZIE CHAVERS or BELLE RENEE MOORE
Adult Fan_____________________
KAYLA CARTER*
Fezziwig_______________________
Young Scrooge__________
SEAN BLAKE*
KENNETH LA’RON HAMILTON
Mrs. Fezziwig_______________
JENNIFER JOHANSEN*
Belle____________________________
Millworkers_____________________
SAMI MA* THE COMPANY
SETTING
England. The Eve of the Industrial Revolution.
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF
SEAN BLAKE*
KAYLA CARTER*
HENRY KIRK or JUNIPER O’MEARA-GAINES
WEEZIE CHAVERS or BELLE RENEE MOORE
Penelope_________________________
Persephone________________
Topper____________________
CHRISTMAS FUTURE
Ghost_______________ Pawnbroker________________
SAMI MA*
JENNIFER JOHANSEN*
RYAN ARTZBERGER*
KENNETH LA’RON HAMILTON JENNIFER JOHANSEN*
Undertaker______________________
SEAN BLAKE*
Charwoman_______________________
Laundress_________________
SAMI MA*
NATASIA REINHARDT
Broker_______________________
Broker_____________________
KAYLA CARTER*
RYAN ARTZBERGER*
CHRISTMAS DAY THE COMPANY
Londoners______________________
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2 hours, with a 20-minute intermission
AFFILIATIONS
Production Assistants: Isabella Garza & Natalie Stigall
Youth Actor Supervisor: Samantha Lewis
Dance Captain: Natasia Reinhardt
Choral Leader: Sami Ma
Text Coach: Ryan Artzberger
Wig Designer: Andrew Elliot
Intimacy Consultant: Claire Wilcher
Lighting Design Assistant: Jay Armstrong
Understudy for Scrooge: Ryan Artzberger
Understudies: Kelsey Leigh Miller, Eric Thompson, Jadah Rowan
The actors and stage managers in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers are represented by United Scenic Artists Local 829, IATSE.
Indiana Repertory Theatre is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a nationwide association of not for profit theatres.
Coming Home
by cara hinh, Director
I’m thrilled to be back home in Indianapolis directing A Christmas Carol for my Indiana Repertory Theatre debut.
As a native Hoosier, the opportunity to direct this production is a full circle moment for me. I can still vividly recall the awe I felt as a young person stepping into the ornate lobby of this historic Theatre, eyes combing over the detail of the architecture, examining every inch of the space eagerly, anticipating my first experience with a professional production.
Taking on my new role as Associate Artistic Director at the IRT is the fulfillment of a wish that I’ve had for many years. As I grew in my practice as a theatre maker, a piece of me always hoped that I could come home to the IRT—an opportunity to work with and for the community and city that raised me. I believe deeply that every place deserves excellent artwork crafted just for them, and I hope that my art can be dedicated to the place that made me who I am.
In this production of A Christmas Carol, I hope to recreate that same sense of wonder and warmth for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This story isn’t just about the transformation of its main character; it serves as a heartfelt reminder that it’s never too late for any of us to change. As we journey through Scrooge’s haunting past, joyful present, and uncertain future, we are invited to reflect on our own lives and the impact we can have on those around us.
This holiday season, let us celebrate the power of coming together as a community—it’s one of the greatest gifts we can offer ourselves and each other. The themes of compassion, generosity, and redemption resonate deeply, and I hope that this production inspires us to think on the power of empathy and understanding.
Thank you for joining us in this celebration of hope and transformation. May you leave the theatre uplifted with laughter, inspired by storytelling, and filled with the spirit of the season!
Author CHARLES DICKENS
The works of the great English novelist Charles Dickens are not only great literature, they are also cracking good reads, with one-of-a-kind characters and stories that both tug at the heartstrings and leave readers breathless with excitement. But the author’s purpose went beyond mere entertainment; his books were almost always designed to alert his readers to the wretched conditions of England’s poor and destitute. Born in 1812, Dickens suffered an impoverished childhood that provided plenty of grist for tales of debtors’ prison and rat-infested factories. Yet despite this poverty and his lack of formal education, he rose from legal clerk to newspaper columnist to best-selling author by the age of 24. During his lifetime, his books—Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, David Copperfield, and many more—were wildly popular, not only in England but also around the world; most are still in print. When A Christmas Carol was published in 1843, the holiday was not widely celebrated in England; the book inspired such a revival that the author became known as Father Christmas. In his later years, Dickens made almost a second career of public readings of this beloved novel. Long before he died in 1870, he was hailed everywhere as the greatest writer of his age.
Playwright
TOM HAAS
Tom Haas was artistic director of the IRT from 1980 until his untimely death in 1991. Prior to his association with the IRT, he was artistic director of PlayMakers Repertory Company in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He was associate director at Yale Repertory Theatre and head of the Acting-Directing Program at Yale University, where his students included Henry Winkler, Sigourney Weaver, and Meryl Streep. At the IRT, Tom directed 40 productions, including memorable renditions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Mourning Becomes Electra, The Skin of Our Teeth, The Cocktail Party, Six Characters in Search of an Author, and, of course, A Christmas Carol. IRT audiences also saw his stage adaptations of Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Three Musketeers, as well as the musical Operetta, My Dear Watson and dozens of Cabaret shows. Tom’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol was produced at the IRT annually from 1980 through 1984. The play returned in 1996 and has been a welcome holiday tradition ever since.
THE COMPANY
RYAN ARTZBERGER | Bob Cratchit, Marley, Topper, & Ensemble Ryan’s IRT credits include Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, A Christmas Carol, Clue, Oedipus, Cyrano, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Diary of Anne Frank, Noises Off, Romeo and Juliet, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Crucible, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, God of Carnage, Rabbit Hole, Iron Kisses, and Death of a Salesman. Ryan is executive artistic director of the Indianapolis Shakespeare Company. Regional credits include the Shakespeare Theatre Company in DC, the Studio Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, the Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Rep, the Lookingglass, and Great Lakes. Ryan graduated from Ohio University and Juilliard. “Love to Marita, Will, and Clara.”
SEAN BLAKE | Fezziwig, Christmas Present, Undertaker, & Ensemble Sean has appeared at the IRT in The Folks at Home and the Carol. Broadway/National Tour: Hal Prince and Susan Strohman’s Show Boat. Regional credits: the Goodman Theatre, the Court Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Kennedy Center, Seattle Rep, Asolo Rep, Alabama Shakespeare Theatre, Pasadena Playhouse, and many more. Sean can be heard on the original cast recording of Hal Prince and Stephen Sondheim’s Bounce. Television credits: Empire (FOX), Chicago P.D. (NBC), and Mixtape (Netflix). Sean is a proud member of AEA and SAG and a founding company member of the Indiana Black Theater Company, and is represented by Gray Talent. “Enjoy.”
KAYLA CARTER | Adult Fan, Mrs. Cratchit, Broker, & Ensemble Kayla returns for her second IRT Carol. Hurrah! She was most recently seen this summer in the Indy Shakes production of Riverside. Chicago credits include Roe, How to Catch Creation (Goodman Theatre); The Last Match, Smart People (Writers Theatre); Mansfield Park (Northlight Theatre). Recent regional credits include Eurydice, As You Like It (American Shakespeare Center); The Moors (American Players Theater). Film/TV: Knives and Skin (IFC Films), neXt (Fox), Chicago Med (NBC) and APB (Fox). Kayla is a graduate of University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Instagram: @kaylacrater. “For the ancestors, forever.”
WEEZIE CHAVERS | Betsy, Young Fan, & Ensemble Weezie is excited to be back on stage for IRT’s production of A Christmas Carol. She is grateful for the training and camaraderie she has enjoyed at Summer Stock Stage. Most recently she performed in Immaculate Heart of Mary’s production of Legally Blonde, Jr. (Paulette Bonafonte) and Summer Stock Stage Academy’s The Music Man, Jr. (Eulalie Mackecknie Shinn). Weezie is an 8th grader at Immaculate Heart of Mary and enjoys playing tennis. Represented by Helen Wells Agency. “I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and love.”
KENNETH LA’RON HAMILTON | Fred, Young Scrooge, Christmas Future, & Ensemble Kenny is delighted to make his debut at Indiana Repertory. Originally from Ludlow, Kentucky, he now resides in Chicago. Regional Theatre: Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); The Lion in Winter (Court Theatre); Eurydice (Writers Theatre); Much Ado about Nothing (Milwaukee Repertory Theater); Superior Donuts (AthensWest Theatre); Much Ado about Nothing (St. Louis Shakespeare); Macbeth, Twelfth Night (American Players Theatre); A Christmas Carol (American Shakespeare Center); Twelfth Night (Nashville Shakespeare Festival); Romeo and Juliet, The Winter’s Tale, The Merry Wives of Windsor (Cincinnati Shakespeare Company). Represented by Stewart Talent. “For Jordan always.”
JENNIFER JOHANSEN | Mercy, Mrs. Fezziwig, Persephone, & Ensemble Among Jen’s IRT appearances are The House That Jack Built, The Game’s Afoot, and The Syringa Tree. Phoenix Theatre favorites include Wild Horses, The Pill, Hir, and The Christians. With the Human Race Theatre, favorites include Gloria: A Life and God of Carnage. Jen is a member of Indianapolis Shakespeare Company where she most recently performed in Love’s Labor’s Lost. Jen proudly serves on the boards of American Lives Theatre and Summer Stock Stage. Proud spouse of Rob Johansen. Jen is a Lunt-Fontanne Fellow. “Dedicated to Bob-O, and to our Puds.”
ROB JOHANSEN | Scrooge This is Rob’s 17th Carol and his 54th show at the IRT. Among his other IRT favorites are three one-person shows—This Wonderful Life, Underneath the Lintel, and After Paul McCartney—as well as The Grapes of Wrath, The Game’s Afoot, The 39 Steps, Cyrano (2002), and The Mystery of Irma Vep. Rob is a passionate worker at the Humane Society of Indianapolis and Indianapolis Animal Care Services, and asks people to consider getting their fur babies there. Shelter pups make the best pets! “This one’s for Puds.”
HENRY KIRK | Tiny Tim, Child Scrooge, & Ensemble Henry is thrilled to be a part of IRT’s A Christmas Carol! He is a seventh grader from Center Grove who loves the performing arts. National Tour: Les Misérables (Gavroche). Regional: Bye Bye Birdie (The Kennedy Center) and A Christmas Story (Civic Theatre). “Special thanks to my family and friends, the IRT team, Jr. Civic Company, Summer Stock Stage, Expressenz Dance Center, David Doan, Leorah Haberfield, and Brett Teresa and Kurt Domoney at Broadway Kids Auditions. I wish everyone a joyous holiday season!” @henrykeithkirk
SAMI MA | Grace, Belle, Penelope, & Ensemble Sami is a queer, first-gen kid enjoying the messy terrain between her Chinese culture and their American upbringing. Select credits: Once upon a (Korean) Time (Ma-Yi Theatre); Soft Magic Tofu Boys (Eugene O’Neill NMTC); Hello Kitty Must Die (Edinburgh Fringe); Rent (Paper Mill Playhouse); The Chinese Lady (Cincinnati Playhouse, Adirondack Theatre Festival); Nativity Variations (Milwaukee Rep); The Great Leap (Portland Center Stage); and 4,000 Miles (Gloucester Stage Company). TV/ film credits: Tender Ears and Death Saved My Life. “Thank you to everyone who brought this show to life, my family, and Lohne/Graham Management. For my guardian angel, Jason Ma.”
BELLE RENEE MOORE | Betsy, Young Fan, & Ensemble Belle is thrilled to return to Indiana Repertory Theatre’s A Christmas Carol, this time as Betsy! She made her IRT debut as Tiny Tim in 2022. Recently, Belle starred as Marty in Madagascar Jr. and Marlin in Finding Nemo Jr. with Summer Stock Stage Academy. She has also appeared as Little Ti Moune in Once on This Island. The youngest of four siblings, Belle brings her unique energy and talent to every role. “I’m honored to share this classic story again. Thanks to IRT, my family, and Summer Stock Stage!”
THE COMPANY
JUNIPER O’MEARA-GAINES | Tiny Tim, Child Scrooge, & Ensemble Juniper is honored to do her second A Christmas Carol with the IRT. A fourth-grade student from Brownsburg, she has been playing pretend since before she can remember. Most recently she played Jemima Potts in the Brownsburg High School production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. When she’s not performing, you might find her crafting or playing with her friends, siblings, and dogs. “I thank Jesus Christ for everything, my family for their support, and my Carol family for being amazing. 1 John 4:9-10, Ephesians 4:2.”
NATASIA REINHARDT | Felicity, Christmas Past, Laundress, & Ensemble IRT Debut! Natasia is a low vision actor and has been seen at the American Shakespeare Center in Romeo and Juliet, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged), Pride and Prejudice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and much more. They have also been seen at Trustus Theater, Ensemble Theater of Cincinnati, and Richmond Shakespeare Theater. Natasia is also an intimacy choreographer who pioneered the Resident Intimacy Choreographer position at the American Shakespeare Center. “I am forever grateful to my family and partner for their never-ending love and support.”
KELSEY LEIGH MILLER | Understudy Kelsey is an Indianapolis-based actor, director, and producer. Previous IRT understudy roles: Sense and Sensibility and Steel Magnolias. Selected acting credits: Hamlet (Indianapolis Shakespeare Company), The Christians (Phoenix Theatre), Pilgrims (Storefront Theatre). Directing Credits: Queen (Summit Performance Indianapolis), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (University of Indianapolis). Kelsey serves as artistic manager for Summit Performance Indianapolis. She has her B.A. in Theatre Arts & Writing and has studied Meisner acting technique.”Love and thanks to Adam (obviously) and to Nora (for all the joy).”
ERIC THOMPSON | Understudy Eric is thrilled to make his debut at IRT. He is a second-year M.F.A. Acting candidate at Indiana University. As an undergraduate, he received a B.A. from Muhlenberg College in Theater and Business. Previous credits include A Case for the Existence of God (Keith), Pipeline (Dun), The Color Purple (Ol’ Mister/Mister Cover), In the Heights (Piragua Guy), Venus (the Baron Doctor), Urinetown (Ensemble), and Bat Boy (Dr. Parker).
JADAH ROWAN | Understudy Jadah Rowan is a multimodal artist (actor/singer/dancer/skater/baker) from Indianapolis. She graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Her favorite theatre and dance credits include Roe (Roxanna), Violet (Lula), and Peace, Love & Dance. This is her first full production post-graduation. “I want to thank the team for the opportunity to work on this show.”
cara hinh | Director cara is a queer, fat, Viêt theatre maker and a hoosier. Select credits include Transfer direction of Sanctuary City at Arena Stage and Berkeley Rep, Little Women at Perseverance Theatre, Buried Ruins with the Sông Collective, and love you long time (already) at Atlantic MixFest. cara has been a Drama League Fellow, member of the 2020-22 Roundabout Directors Group, a Directing Apprentice at Actors Theatre of Louisville, SDC Observer on Hadestown with Rachel Chavkin, and a Fellow at Baltimore Center Stage. carahinh.com
RUSSELL METHENY | Set Designer Russell has designed 75 IRT productions, including A Christmas Carol, The House That Jack Built, Cyrano, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, The Game’s Afoot, Who Am I This Time?, A Little Night Music, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, God of Carnage, The Heavens Are Hung in Black, Iron Kisses, The Gentleman from Indiana, Arcadia, and Ah, Wilderness. He has also designed for the Studio Theatre, the Great Lakes and Idaho Shakespeare festivals, Asolo Theatre, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Weston Playhouse, Dallas Theatre Center, the Old Globe Theatre, Geffen Playhouse, Missouri Rep, the Goodman Theatre, and Goodspeed Musicals.
LINDA PISANO | Costume Designer This is Linda’s 21st design collaboration with IRT. Her work has been selected twice for the Quadrennial World Design Expo in Prague and twice for the World Stage Design exhibition. She is a three-time winner at the National Stage Expo, and a four-time recipient of the Peggy Ezekiel Award. Her work was featured in a world design exhibition with the Bakhrushin Museum in Moscow and the China Institute of Stage Design in Beijing. She serves as Chair of the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at Indiana University in Bloomington, where she is professor of costume design.
BENTLEY HEYDT | Co-Lighting Designer Bentley is thrilled to be back for his fourth A Christmas Carol at IRT! He is an NYC–based Korean American lighting designer with a limb difference. Broadway: Tony Award–winning Life of Pi (DMC); How to Dance in Ohio (ALD). Regional/NYC: A Tectonic Cabaret (Tectonic Theatre Project, NYC); Kafkaesque (OOTB NYC); Inherit the Wind (ALD, Goodman Theatre); The Color Purple (Theatre Latte Da and Geva Theatre); All of Me (ALD, New Group, NYC); you don’t have to do anything (HERE Arts, NYC); (no)man (IMGE Dance, NYC); Rock of Ages (Music Theatre Wichita). M.F.A. Ohio University. “Eternally grateful to Michael Lincoln.” bentleyheydt.com
MOLLY TIEDE | Co-Lighting Designer Molly’s NYC/regional credits include DirectorFest (ART NY), A View from the Bridge (Gerald Lynch), La Traviata (VAO), Cavalleria Rusticana (BLO), Sweeney Todd, Amahl and the Night Visitors (Dayton Opera), I and You (Portland Stage), Josephine, After Live (Opera Colorado), Light and Dark (Dayton Ballet). Associate/Assistant: The Heiress (Walter Kerr), Here There are Blueberries (La Jolla Playhouse, STC, NYTW), Too Much Sun, Can You Forgive Her, This Day Forward (Vineyard), The Lady from Dubuque, Wakey Wakey (Signature), Love, Love, Love (Roundabout), LAByrinth, George Street Playhouse, Cleveland Playhouse, Alley Theater, Old Globe San Diego, Opera: Juilliard, Santa Fe, Gotham Chamber, Opera Colorado. mollytiededesign.com
THE COMPANY
MICHAEL LINCOLN | Original Lighting Designer Michael has designed 57 productions at the IRT, including A Christmas Carol (1996-2023), Finding Home, You Can’t Take It with You, Noises Off, Who Am I This Time?, A Little Night Music, and The 39 Steps. Highlights of his career include the Broadway productions of Copenhagen and Skylight and international touring. Michael had long associations with the Alley Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Studio Theatre DC, Santa Fe Opera, and Los Angeles Ballet. He was an Ohio University faculty member and Director of the School of Theater until 2020.
MICHAEL KECK | Composer At the IRT, Michael has composed for Sense and Sensibility; Cyrano; Murder on the Orient Express; Looking Over the President’s Shoulder; April 4, 1968 (in which he also acted); and many others. His music has accompanied productions at Syracuse Stage, Guthrie Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Milwaukee Rep, The Alliance, Rep St. Louis, Mark Taper Forum, and many others. His international credits include the Market Theatre Johannesburg South Africa, the Barbican Theatre Center, and Bristol Old Vic. He is a member of AEA, SAG–AFTRA, and ASCAP.
NICHOLAS A. OWENS | Choreographer Nicholas is co-founder and Associate Artistic Director of Kenyettá Dance Company. Credits include Excerpts of Dreams, Signs of the Times, Speaking without Words, Groundwork Suites, Black Dance Matters, Black Box Theory, Sincerely Love, and Summer Solstice and Stories for Kenyettá Dance Company; The Color Purple and Ragtime at Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre; America the Modern, Love Is, Mad for Musicals, Super Soul, and Ray & Ella for Dance Kaleidoscope; and A Christmas Carol (2022 & 2023) and The Reclamation of Madison Hemings at IRT. This is Nicholas’s seventh year teaching at Shortridge High School as the Director of the MYP/CP/DP Dance Program.
BRENT E. MARTY | Musical Director Brent been actively involved in the Indianapolis arts community for 25 years, working with several local organizations as a director, musical director, performer, instructor, and accompanist. He has helmed more than 125 productions as music director and currently serves as Director of Music & Education for Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre, where he and his team administer the state’s largest classroom-based theatre education program. Brent was named a 2015 Creative Arts Renewal Fellow by the Arts Council of Indianapolis and is a proud graduate of the Ball State University Department of Theatre.
CLAIRE WILCHER | Intimacy Consultant Claire earned her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from Michigan State University, where she specialized in acting, pedagogy, and intimacy direction. Claire is a Certified Intimacy Director with IDC Professionals (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators), advocating for consent-based theatre spaces, bodily autonomy for actors, and safe-yet-creative storytelling. Her intimacy choreography has been seen on the stages of the IRT, Phoenix Theatre, IndyShakes, Summer Stock Stage, Summit Performance, Purdue University, Marian University, Williamston Theatre in Michigan, Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan, and Redtwist Theatre in Chicago, among others. More at clairewilcher.com
RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg This is Richard’s 35th season with the IRT, and his 27th as resident dramaturg. He has also been a dramaturg for the New Harmony Project, Write Now, and the Hotchner Playwriting Festival. He has directed IRT productions of A Christmas Carol, Bridge & Tunnel, The Night Watcher, Neat, Pretty Fire, The Cay, The Giver, The Power of One, and Twelfth Night. This season at Actors Theatre of Indiana he directed She Loves Me. Richard studied music at DePauw University and theatre at Indiana University and was awarded a Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
ERIN ROBSON-SMITH
| Stage Manager Since moving to Indianapolis, Erin has had the pleasure of working with IRT and its incredible staff. Favorite productions include A Christmas Carol, The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin, and Pipeline; The Hotel Nepenthe and Love Bird with Phoenix Theatre; The Convent with Summit Performance Indianapolis; Julius Caesar with Indy Shakes; Sometimes a Great Notion with Portland Center Stage; and Metamorphoses with Artists Repertory Theatre. Erin spent the summers of 2008 and 2009 working with the JAW Festival at Portland Center Stage and, most recently, stage managed for New Harmony Project’s inaugural PlayFest Indy.
CLAIRE SIMON CSA | Casting Based in Chicago, Claire Simon CSA has worked with the IRT for the past 25 years on casting more than 40 productions, including Spelling Bee, Little Shop of Horrors, The Folks at Home, A Christmas Carol, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Clue, Oedipus, Sense and Sensibility, and many more. Other regional credits include Syracuse Stage, Asolo Theatre, Lyric Opera, Milwaukee Rep, and the Tony Award–winning Million Dollar Quartet. TV credits include Empire, Easy, Sense8, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Crisis, and Betrayal. Film credits include Divergent, Contagion, Unexpected, and Man of Steel. Claire has won two Artios Awards.
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CREATIVE TEAM
Directed by JAMIL JUDE
Scenic Design___________________
CZERTON LIM
Costume Design___________________
Lighting Design_________________
Sound Design_________________
Dramaturg_________________
JANET ALLEN STAGE
JANUARY 14 - FEBRUARY 9
REVIEWS
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PHOTO CREDIT (SET ONLY)
SCENIC DESIGNER Czerton Lim
LIGHTING DESIGNER Dawn Chiang
SEASON SPONSOR
ARI FULTON
DAWN CHIANG
MIKAELA FRASER
RICHARD J ROBERTS
Stage Manager_________________
MIRIAM HYFLER
SEASON PARTNER
PRESENTING SPONSOR
PRESENTING PARTNER
BENJAMIN HANNA
Margot Lacy Eccles
Artistic Director
THE CAST
(in order of appearance)
Matt______________________
Shawn_________________________
QUINN M. JOHNSON ENOCH KING
SETTING
Cleveland Heights, Ohio 2004, 2010, 2014, 2016
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2 hours, with a 15-minute intermission
ADDITIONAL PRODUCTION STAFF
Production Assistant: Emma Littau
Associate Scenic Designer: Donnie Woodard
Intimacy Consultant: Claire Wilcher
Co-Producing Partner:
Syracuse Stage
Robert M. Hupp, Artistic Director Michael McCurdy, Interim Managing Director
King James was co-commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Anna D. Shapiro, Artistic Director, David Schmitz, Executive Director; and Center Theatre Group, Michael Ritchie, Artistic Director, Douglas C Baker, Producing Director; and received its world premiere in 2022 in co-productions at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, and Center Theatre Group/Mark Taper Forum, Los Angeles.
AFFILIATIONS
Indiana Repertory Theatre is a member of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), a nationwide association of not for profit theatres.
The director is a member of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
The actors and stage managers in this production are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.
The scenic, costume, lighting, and sound designers are represented by United Scenic Artists Local 829, IATSE.
Photography and recording are forbidden in the theatre. The videotaping of this production is a violation of United States Copyright Law and an actionable Federal Offense.
RAJIV JOSEPH
Rajiv Joseph’s play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo was a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama, was awarded a grant for Outstanding New American Play by the National Endowment for the Arts, and was produced on Broadway in 2011 with Robin Williams. Joseph has twice won the Obie Award for Best New American Play, first in 2016 with Guards at the Taj (also a 2016 Lortel Winner for Best Play) and again in 2018 for Describe the Night. Other plays include Archduke, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Animals out of Paper, The Lake Effect, The North Pool, and Mr. Wolf King James premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago in 2022. Joseph has been awarded artistic grants from the Whiting Foundation, United States Artists and the Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust. He is a board member of the Lark Play Development Center in New York City. He served for three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal and now lives in Brooklyn.
HIS MAJESTY LEBRON JAMES
by Richard J Roberts, Resident Dramaturg
LeBron James is widely considered to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest basketball player of all time, earning him the nickname King James. Born in Akron, Ohio, in 1984, he began playing basketball at the age of nine. As a freshman at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, he averaged 21 points per game in an undefeated season, and his team won the state’s Division III title. The next year, he was the first sophomore ever to be selected as Ohio’s Mr. Basketball, and the first sophomore ever selected for the USAToday All-USA First Team. The following season, he was the first junior ever named as the Gatorade National Player of the Year, and the first high school basketball player to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. During his senior year, he averaged 31 points per game, had a high game of 52 points, and led his team to their third state championship.
Upon graduating from high school in 2003, James was chosen by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first pick of the NBA draft. He ended the season with a 20-point average, was the first Cleveland player ever named Rookie of the Year, and helped the team to win 18 more games than the previous season. In his second year, he set a new Cleveland single-game record with 56 points, and was named to the All-NBA Team. In 2006, the Cavaliers qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 1998. In 2007, they won their first-ever Eastern Conference championship, but lost in the Finals in a four-game sweep. The following season, James averaged 30 points a game, becoming Cleveland’s all-time leading scorer and the NBA’s top scorer for the year. In 2009 he was the first Cavalier ever chosen as the NBA’s MVP. The next year he received the same award, but James (and the team) did poorly in the playoffs.
In July 2010, on a live ESPN special titled The Decision, James announced that he was leaving the Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat. This move, as well as the manner of the announcement itself, was met with widespread criticism from basketball professionals, analysts, and fans alike. Almost overnight, James went from being one of America’s most popular athletes to one of the most disliked, while the Heat came to be seen as the villains of the NBA. Nonetheless, after struggling in the early season, the Heat ended up in the 2011 Finals. James himself played poorly in the Finals, and the team lost in the sixth game. The following two seasons the team won back-to-back championships, and James was named MVP for the third and fourth time. After one more season with Miami, James returned to Cleveland, a move that was widely praised. In his absence, the Cavaliers had been the lowest ranked team in the NBA. In his first season back, Cleveland made it to the finals, and in 2016 the Cavaliers came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the city’s first professional sports title in 52 years. The team made it to the finals the next two years as well, but lost both series.
In 2018 James left Cleveland to join the Los Angeles Lakers. His agent, Rich Paul, told Sports Illustrated, “In 2010, when he went to Miami, it was about championships. In 2014, when he went back to Cleveland, it was about delivering on a promise. In 2018, it was just about doing what he wants to do.” In his first LA season, James was plagued with injuries, but the following year he won his fourth NBA championship, and his fourth Finals MVP award. In 2022 James became the highest-paid athlete in NBA history. In 2023 he became the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. He played in his fourth Olympics in 2024, winning his third gold medal. At 40, he is currently the oldest player in the NBA, and he has announced no plans to stop playing.
James married his high school sweetheart, Savannah Brinson, in 2013, and they have three children. Their eldest son, Bronny, was selected by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA draft, creating the first active father-son player duo in NBA history.
Standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, James has played the majority of his career as a forward.
An athletic and versatile player, he has been compared to Basketball Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, and Michael Jordan. Throughout most of the 2010s, James was annually ranked as the best player in the NBA by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.
James is widely recognized for empowering players in the NBA corporate structure. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post has said that when James moved from the Cavaliers to the Heat in 2010, he “fundamentally flipped the power balance between stars and their organizations,” spurring a decade of player movement. Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has said, “We’ve taken control of our destiny. And I think a lot of people hate that.... I think the doors that he’s opened for athletes and especially basketball players is his biggest accomplishment.”
James is seen by many of his fellow NBA players, the media, and the general public as “the face of the NBA.” He has four times been listed by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, more than any other professional athlete. He has been awarded 2 NAACP Image Awards. NBA analyst Brian Windhorst has said, “No one has ever had as much hype as James has had to live up to, and James has delivered on every last drop.”
King James has scenes set in 2004, 2010, 2014, and 2016. What was happening in the world then?
The Pistons defeat the Lakers for the NBA championship.
Massachusetts is the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.
LeBron James chosen as Rookie of the Year.
The Boston Red Sox win their first World Series in 86 years.
Ken Jennings wins a record 74 consecutive games on Jeopardy, earning $2.5 million.
President Barack Obama signs the Affordable Care Act into law.
The Lakers defeat the Celtics in the NBA championships.
Snowmageddon—40” of snow in less than a week.
Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
LeBron James leaves the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Miami Heat.
Drinking water in Flint, Michigan, is contaminated with lead and Legionella bacteria.
The Spurs defeat the Heat to win the NBA Championship.
Ebola virus outbreak in West Africa.
LeBron James returns to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The United States officially withdraws from Afghanistan.
50 people shot at Pulse nightclub in Orlando.
The Cavaliers defeat the Warriors for the NBA championship.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence is Donald Trump’s running mate.
Brexit—British voters choose to leave the European Union.
The Chicago Cubs win their first World Series in 108 years.
“This Love”
Maroon 5
“American Idiot” Green Day
“California Gurls”
Katy Perry feat.
Snoop Dogg
“Bad Romance”
Lady Gaga
Facebook Gmail
iPod Mini
World of Warcraft Caroline,orChange
LiveStrong bracelets
“Happy”
Pharrell Williams
“All About That Bass”
Meghan Trainor
“Shake it Off”
Taylor Swift
American Idiot
Next to Normal Red
Fun Home
The Curious Incident of the DogintheNight-Time
Burj Khalifa in Dubai: tallest building in the world iPad
“Work”
Rihanna feat. Drake
“Hello” Adele
Dear Evan Hansen
Hamilton
The Humans
One World Trade Center in New York City
Airpods
Ultra HD Blu-Ray
QUINN M. JOHNSON | Matt Off-Broadway: Jordans (The Public), Black Mother Lost Daughter (Atlantic Theater Company). Regional: Clyde’s, Godspeed (Denver Center of Performing Arts); Clyde’s (Studio Theatre); Much Ado about Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, Our Town (Shakespeare Theatre Company); Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train (Short North Stage). International: The Bacchae (International Festival of Greek Drama); Mother Courage and Her Children, The Changeling, and The Revenger’s Tragedy (RADA). Quinn was recently featured in FBI, and is an alumni of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and the Shakespeare Theater Academy.
ENOCH KING | Sean Enoch was previously seen here in Flyin’ West. An Atlanta native, his recent credits include Wild with Happy and The Light (Horizon Theatre), Hold On! (St. Louis Black Rep), Toni Stone (Alliance Theatre, Suzi Bass Award for Outstanding Featured Performer), Hands of Color (Synchronicity Theatre, Suzi Bass Award for Best World Premiere), The Christians (Actors Express, Suzi Bass Award for Best Supporting Actor). TV and film credits include Bad Boys 4, Atlanta, Till, and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. Enoch is represented by Houghton Talent and Ross Stephens Arts and Entertainment. “Love to my family and friends. King Vibration!”
JAMIL JUDE | Director Jamil is a highly accomplished director/producer/playwright/dramaturg focusing on bringing socially relevant art to the community. He is the Artistic Director at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company in Atlanta, GA. He is the Co-Founder of the New Griots Festival, which is dedicated to celebrating, advocating, and advancing the careers of emerging Black artists in Minneapolis–St. Paul, Minnesota. Jamil has had the privilege of directing across the country at venues like the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, the American Conservatory Theatre, RoundHouse Theatre, the Alliance Theatre, Curious Theatre, A Contemporary Theatre, and many others.
CZERTON LIM | Scenic Designer At the IRT, Czerton has designed Little Shop of Horrors and Clue. His work has been seen regionally in New York at Syracuse Stage, the Rev Theatre Company, Hangar Theatre Company; around the country in NYC, DC, Michigan, Ohio, Georgia, to name a few; and internationally in Melbourne, Australia, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. He teaches design and other related topics for the Department of Theatre & Dance at the State University of New York at Fredonia. A proud member of USA local 829, Czerton is originally from the Philippines. czlimdesign.com
ARI FULTON | Costume Designer At the IRT, Ari has designed costumes for Fannie and Pipeline. Off-Broadway: Covenant (Roundabout Theatre), Nova (Edinburgh Fringe Festival), Confederates (Signature Theatre Company, Lortel nomination), The School for Wives (Molière in the Park), Little Girl Blue (LDK Productions). Regional: Rocky Horror Show (Dallas Theatre Center), Rent (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), L’Amant Anonyme (Atlanta Opera and Minnesota Opera), A Wonderful World (Miami New Drama, Broadway World winner). Film: Incomplete (20th Century Digital and Hulu, NAACP Image Award Nominee), Disney Discovers (Disney Television, ABC), Cupids (Tribeca Film Festival and P&G). Nigerian Prince (AT&T, Netflix Executively, produced by Spike Lee).
DAWN CHIANG | Lighting Designer Dawn has designed Little Shop of Horrors, Shakespeare’s Will, and Sense and Sensibility at the IRT. Broadway: Zoot Suit and co-designer for Tango Pasión. Off Broadway: Manhattan Theatre Club, Roundabout Theatre; Encores! Concert Musicals, co-designer. Opera: resident lighting designer, New York City Opera. Regional: Guthrie Theater, Mark Taper Forum, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, South Coast Repertory, Syracuse Stage, Denver Center Theatre Company, and many more. Awards: One Broadway World award, two Syracuse Area Live Theatre Awards, two Drama-Logue Awards, and USITT Distinguished Achievement Award. Mentor for Theater Development Fund’s “Wendy Wasserstein Project” outreach program for New York City high school students.
MIKAELA FRASER | Sound Designer Mikaela is an Atlanta-based sound designer and engineer and a graduate of Kennesaw State University. Her notable work includes The Play That Goes Wrong, Sister Act, and The Color Purple at Aurora Theatre; Blues for an Alabama Sky, Red Speedo, and Lizzie at Actor’s Express; Once at Horizon Theatre; The Drowsy Chaperone at Atlanta Lyric Theatre: Ella Enchanted at Synchronicity Theatre: and Stew at Theatrical Outfit. Additional credits include Shutter Sisters at the Old Globe, The Factotum at Lyric Opera Theatre, Trouble in Mind at the Warehouse Theatre, and Wrong River at Flint Repertory Theatre.
CLAIRE WILCHER | Intimacy Consultant Claire earned her Master of Fine Arts in Theatre from Michigan State University, where she specialized in acting, pedagogy, and intimacy direction. Claire is a Certified Intimacy Director with IDC Professionals (Intimacy Directors and Coordinators), advocating for consent-based theatre spaces, bodily autonomy for actors, and safe-yet-creative storytelling. Her intimacy choreography has been seen on the stages of the IRT, Phoenix Theatre, IndyShakes, Summer Stock Stage, Summit Performance, Purdue University, Marian University, Williamston Theatre in Michigan, Three Brothers Theatre in Waukegan, and Redtwist Theatre in Chicago, among others. More at clairewilcher.com
RICHARD J ROBERTS | Dramaturg This is Richard’s 35th season with the IRT, and his 27th as resident dramaturg. He has also been a dramaturg for the New Harmony Project, Write Now, and the Hotchner Playwriting Festival. He has directed IRT productions of A Christmas Carol, Bridge & Tunnel, The Night Watcher, Neat, Pretty Fire, The Cay, The Giver, The Power of One, and Twelfth Night. This season at Actors Theatre of Indiana he directed She Loves Me. Richard studied music at DePauw University and theatre at Indiana University and was awarded a Creative Renewal Arts Fellowship from the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
MIRIAM HYFLER | Stage Manager Miriam’s recent credits include Sumpn like Wings, Partnership, Becomes a Woman, The Rat Trap, Chains (Mint Theater); In the Heights, Rock of Ages, Beautiful (the Gateway Playhouse); hang, Time Stands Still (Shakespeare & Company); Shanghai Sonatas (Master Players Concert Series),On Blueberry Hill, Maz and Bricks (Origin Theatre/ Fishamble); Three Small Irish Masterpieces, It’s a Wonderful Life, Woman and Scarecrow (Irish Rep); author Directing author (La Mama); How to Break (HERE); Richard III, Henry V (New York Classical Theatre); Cymbeline, Capsule 33 (Barrow Street Theater); and several seasons with the Play Company, Phoenix Theatre Ensemble, Pan Asian Rep, and New Century Theatre.
CRAIG & BETSY DYSKTRA
SEASON SUPPORTERS OF SUZANNE SWEENEY
Managing Director
ANDREW & AMY MICHIE SEASON SUPPORTERS OF BENJAMIN HANNA
Margot Lacy Eccles
Artistic Director
SUSAN & CHARLIE GOLDEN SEASON SUPPORTERS OF ROB JOHANSEN
SARAH & JOHN LECHLEITER
SEASON SUPPORTERS OF JESSICA HUANG
Playwright-in-Residence
SEASON SUPPORTERS
FOUNDING IRT AMBASSADOR CORPORATE PARTNER
COMMUNITY CONNECTION SPONSOR
SIGNATURE OPENING NIGHT SPONSOR OPENING NIGHT SPONSORS
STUDENT MATINEE PARTNERS
PREVIEW NIGHT SPONSOR
celebrating the arts that bring us together.
Whether on the page, on the screen, on the stage, or anywhere else, art brings life to life. KeyBank is grateful for the passion and creativity that inspire and enrich all our lives, and we’re proud to support the arts across our communities. Thank you, Indiana Repertory Theatre, for making a difference.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE DONORS
David & Jackie Barrett
Scott & Lorraine Davison
Rollie & Cheri Dick
The Michael Dinius &
Jeannie Regan-Dinius Family Fund, a fund of the Indianapolis Foundation
Nancy & Berkley Duck
Craig & Betsy Dykstra
David & Ann Frick
Tom & Jenny Froehle
Susan & Charlie Golden
Mike & Judy Harrington
Phil & Colleen Kenney
Sarah & John Lechleiter
Bill & Susie Macias
Andrew & Amy Michie
David & Leslie Morgan
Jackie Nytes & Patrick O’Brien
Sue & Bill Ringo
Mary Frances Rubly & Jerry Hummer
Susan Schmidt
John & Kathy Vahle
Cheryl Gruber Waldman
Dave Whitman & Donna Reynolds
- &9,999
Kathryn Beiser & Mick Domagala
Joel Blum
Dave & Nancy Breitweiser
Don & Dolly Craft
Gary Denney & Louise Bakker
Drs. Cherryl & Shelly Friedman
Dr. and Mrs. Gregory & Erin Gaich
Marta Gross & Richard M. Barnes
Ann Hinson
Bill & Nancy Hunt
Loretta Kelly
John & Laura Ludwig
David & Robin Miner
Kim & Weezie Morris
Mr. Carl Nelson & Dr. Loui Lord Nelson
Mr. Stephen Owen Sr. &
Dr. Cheryl Torok Owen
Joan Perelman
Dr. Christine Phillips
Noel & Mary Phillips*
Drs. A. Eric Schultze & Marcia Kolvitz
Mark & Gerri Shaffer
Marguerite K. Shepard, M.D.
Catherine M. Turner*
Lainie Veenstra
James & Linda Wesley
Dr. Christian Wolf &
Elaine Holden Charitable Fund
John Workman
$3,000 - $4,999
Anonymous
Katy & Tim Allen
Thomas & Victoria Broadie
Paul & Renee Cacchillo
Mary A. Findling & John C. Hurt
Dick & Brenda Freije
Mr. Jim Gawne*
Gene & Kathy Gentili
Nadine & Alvin Givens
Charles Goad & James Kincannon
Brenda Horn
Drs. Meredith & Kathleen Hull
Daniel T. Jensen & Steven Follis
Pegg & Mike Kennedy
Max Kime
David Kleiman & Susan Jacobs
Joy Kleinmaier
John & Susan Kline
Kevin Krulewitch & Rosanne Ammirati*
Jill & Peter Lacy
Dr. & Mrs. Alan Ladd
Kellie McCarthy
Rob & Sara Norris
Jill Ann Panetta Ph.D. & Leo G. Bianchi
Carol Phipps & Cliff Williams
N. Clay & Amy McConkey Robbins
Tim & Karen Seiler
Linda & Carl Smith
Jeff & Janet Stroebel
Joe & Jill Tanner
Gene & Mary Tempel
Jeff & Benita Thomasson
Lynne & Alex Timmermans
Amy Waggoner*
Carol Weiss
Bob & Dana Wilson
TO VIEW FULL LIST
PATRON CIRCLE
$1,500 - $2,999
A.J. Allen
Janet Allen & Joel Grynheim
Anonymous (4)
Trudy W. Banta
Sarah C. Barney
Daniel & Rita Blay
Dan Bradburn & Jane Robison
Sheila Brown & Juan Gonzalez
Amy Burke
Steve & Kim Chatham
Shaun Healy Clifford
Alan & Linda Cohen Family Foundation
Sonya Cropper & Ajay Patel
Daniel & Catherine Cunningham
Frank & Norah Deane
Dr. Gregory Dedinsky & Dr. Cherri Hobgood
Fred W. Dennerline
Laurie Dippold*
Paul & Glenda Drew
Craig Dunkin
F. Brooke Dunn
Dr. & Mrs. John & Sheryn Ellis
Troy D. Farmer
Drs. Richard & Rebecca Feldman
Joan M. FitzGibbon
Mary L. Forster, M.D.
Jim & Julie Freeman
Daniel Fulmer & Brian Stockman
Brian & Lorene Furrer
Future Keys Foundation
Ashley & Andrea Garry
Garth & Christine Gathers
Robert & Christy Gauss
Dorothea & Philip Genetos
Ron & Kathy Gifford
Bruce Glor
Walter & Janet Gross
Bill & Phyllis Groth
Ricardo & Beatriz Guimarães
Emily F. (Cramer) Hancock*
Benjamin Hanna
Julian E. Harrell
Michael N. & Karen E. Heaton
The Hedges-Dillman Family
Tom & Nora Hiatt
William & Patricia Hirsch
Randy & Becky Horton
David Ingram & Sarah Stelzner*
Peter Racher & Sarah Binford
Roger & Anna Radue
Peter & Karen Reist
Ken & Debra Renkens
Colette Irwin-Knott & Gary Knott
Lauren James
Patrick & Barbara James
Tom & Kathy Jenkins
Mrs. Janet Johnson
Denny & Judi Jones
Elisha Modisett Kemp
Steve & Bev Koepper
Dr. Michael & Molly Kraus
Kurt & Judy Kroenke
Dr Loretta Kroin Ph D & Mr Julian S Kroin
Edward & Ann M. Ledford
James & Sara Lootens
Nataly & Jonathan Lowder
Barbara MacDougall
Steven & Rob MacPherson Stolen
Kathryn Maeglin
Bob & Marlene Marchesani
Mike & Pat McCrory
Kim McNair Lawless
Sharon R. Merriman
Lawren Mills & Brad Rateike*
Michael D. Moriarty
Stephen & Deanna Nash
Tammie L Nelson & David McCaskill
The Blake Lee and Carolyn Lytle Neubauer Charitable Fund, a fund of Hamilton County Community Foundation
Dr. & Mr. Nichols
Dr. Joseph M. Overhage & Dr. Mary R. Brunner
Nick & Tracy Pappas
Rita Patel
Larry & Louise Paxton
The Payne Family Foundation, a fund of CICF
Lora Peloquin Donor Advised Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance
Charitable Foundation
Kenneth A. & Joan C. Peterson
Gail & William Plater
Bob & Kathi Postlethwait
Phil & Joyce Probst
Scott Putney & Susan Sawyer
Karen & Dick Ristine
Diane & Randy Rowland
Chip & Jane Rutledge
Paula F. Santa
Jane W. Schlegel
Tom & Barbara Schoellkopf
Myra C. Selby & Bruce Curry
Darshan & Rebecca Shah
Thomas & Teresa Sharp
Jack & Karen Shaw
George & Mary Slenski
Shelly & Jeremy Smith
The Michael L. Smith and Susan L. Smith Family Fund, a fund of Hamilton County Community Foundation
Cheryl & Bob Sparks
Edward & Susann Stahl
Ed & Jane Stephenson
Robert & Barbara Stevens
Jim & Cheryl Strain
Kathryn Godwin Stuart, DDS
Kay Swank-Herzog & Robert Herzog
Suzanne Sweeney & Todd Wiencek
Jonathan & Katherine Tempel
John & Deborah Thornburgh
Jerry & Linda Toomer
Jennifer C. Turner
Larry & Nancy VanArendonk
Jennifer & Gary Vigran
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Washburn
Dr. Rosalind Webb
Bob & Susan Welch
Emily A. West
Alan & Elizabeth Whaley
John & Margaret Wilson
Jim Winner
Frederick & Jacquelyn Winters
William Witchger, II & Kimberly Witchger
John & Linda Zimmermann
THE SUPPORTING CAST
INDIANA REPERTORY THEATRE DONORS
CORPORATE, FOUNDATION, & GOVERNMENT
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Candlewood Suites
Corteva Agriscience
F.A. Wilhelm Construction Co., Inc.
Allen Whitehill Clowes
Charitable Foundation
The Margot L. Eccles Arts & Culture Fund, a fund of CICF
Indiana Arts Commission
Indy Arts Council and the City of Indianapolis
CORPORATE FOUNDATION GOVERNMENT IN KIND/TRADE
Faegre Drinker
Glick Philanthropies
Indiana Economic Development Corporation
KeyBank
Navient Community Fund of the Delaware Community Foundation
Old National Bank
OneAmerica Financial Partners
Printing Partners
The Glick Family Foundation
Indiana Humanities, in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities, and from the Indianapolis Foundation, a CICF Affiliate
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Lilly Endowment, Inc.
Nicholas H. Noyes Jr.
Memorial Foundation, Inc.
The Penrod Society
The Shubert Foundation
Women’s Fund of Central Indiana
DeBrand Fine Chocolates
Krannert School of Physical Therapy at University of Indianapolis
LAZ Parking
Victory Field