AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY - Digital Program

DIRECTED BY AMELIA ACOSTA POWELL

mar 19 – apr 7

LORETTO-HILTON CENTER

Art Imitates Life

WHAT WE DO IN OUR STUDIOS, IN OUR REHEARSAL ROOMS, AND ON OUR STAGES SERVES AS REHEARSAL FOR WHAT WE DO IN OUR HOMES, OUR STREETS, AND EVEN OUR HEARTS.

Green Day’s AMERICAN IDIOT. Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts. Fall 2022. Directed by Lara Teeter. Featuring Bryn Player Smith ’23 and ensemble. Photo by Phillip Hamer.

MARCH 19 – APRIL 7

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

130 Edgar Road St. Louis, MO 63119

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5 WELCOME

7 PRODUCTION

9 DRAMATURGY

13 DIRECTOR'S NOTE

15 BIOGRAPHIES

30 LEADERSHIP

36 ABOUT THE REP

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a fully professional theatrical operation belonging to the League of Resident Theatres (LORT), the Non-Profit Theatre Collation, Greater St. Louis Inc., and is a constituent member of Theatre Communications Group, Inc., the national service organization for the not-for-profit professional theatre. It operates independently of, but under a mutually beneficial agreement with, Webster University. The Rep 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. The Rep hires directors and choreographers who are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers and stagehands who are members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. Scenic artists employed by The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis are members of United Scenic Artists, Local 829, AFL-CIO. The scenic, costume, lighting and sound designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. Financial assistance for this theatre has been provided in part by the St. Louis Regional Arts Commission; and the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. This project is supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

OUR LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It is important for us here at The Rep to acknowledge that the land beneath us owes its vitality to generations who have come before us in the spirit of making erased and silenced histories visible. We acknowledge that we are standing on the ancestral and occupied lands of many Native tribes that stewarded and cared for this land for centuries. The Illini, Osage, and Missouria tribes are just a few of the peoples that we pay our respects to. Please take a moment to consider the many legacies of violence, displacement, migration and settlement that bring us together here today and join us in uncovering such truths at any and all public in-person and virtual events.

To learn more visit repstl.org/about/land-acknowledgement

As we approach the conclusion of our 2023–2024 season, we are thrilled to share with you a production that serves as a fitting culmination of our theatrical journey: August: Osage County. Tracy Letts' Pulitzer Prize-winning play not only stands as a crowning jewel of modern American drama but also embodies the essence of the stories we've endeavored to bring to life throughout this season.

August: Osage County serves as a powerful mirror reflecting the intricacies of the human experience, particularly within the confines of family dynamics. Set against the vast expanse of the Midwest, the play explores the tangled web of relationships, secrets, and emotions that bind the Weston family together. With Letts' masterful dialogue and profound insight into the human condition, the play unfolds with raw honesty, humor, and poignant moments that resonate deeply.

As we come together to experience the gripping narrative of the Weston family, we are reminded of the universal themes that have woven their way through our season's productions. From tales of love and loss to the pursuit of truth and redemption, August: Osage County encapsulates the essence of the human journey, inviting us to reflect on our own lives and relationships.

I am delighted to share that this production is being directed by none other than Amelia Acosta Powell, our esteemed former Associate Artistic Director. Amelia's vision and expertise promise to bring new depth and nuance to this beloved play, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Letts' masterwork. Furthermore, in a testament to our commitment to the community, Amelia has cast half of the production's ensemble with local talent. This decision not only highlights the wealth of

acting talent within our community but also reinforces our dedication to fostering connections between our theatre and the vibrant artistic community that surrounds us.

As we prepare to bid farewell to another remarkable season at The Rep, I truly thank you for joining us for this unforgettable production of August: Osage County . Let us come together once more to celebrate the transformative power of theatre and the rich stories that have illuminated our stage throughout the season.

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to sharing this remarkable journey with you.

Becks Redman ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AT THE REP

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

managing director

Danny Williams

presents

directed by amelia acosta powell

Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

sound designer

Regina Garcia

Sonia Álvarez

Xavier Pierce

Amanda Werre composer Avi Amon

intimacy direction Will Bonfiglio, Rachel Tibbetts

Fight director Michael Pierce wig designer

Alison Hora

C asting JZ Casting

assistant scenic Designer

Lindsay Mummert assistant costume Designer

assistant lighting designer

production s tage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

production assistant

Webster Assistant Director

Stephanie Castro

Catherine Adams

Emilee Buchheit*

Shannon B. Sturgis*

Kentrell Jamison

Avery Harrison

CAST

Beverly Weston Joneal Joplin*

Ivy Weston

Claire Karpen*

Charlie Aiken Alan Knoll*

Johnna Monevata Shyla Lefner*

Violet Weston Ellen McLaughlin*

Bill Fordham Michael James Reed*

Barbara Fordham Henny Russell*

Steve Heidebrecht Brian Slaten*

Jean Fordham Isa Venere

Sheriff Deon Gilbeau David Wassilak

Little Charles Aiken

Sean Wiberg*

Mattie Fae Aiken Astrid Van Wieren*

Karen Weston Yvonne Woods*

PLACE

A large country home outside Pawhuska, Oklahoma, sixty miles northwest of Tulsa

TIME

August 2007

ESTIMATED RUN TIME

Three and a half hours including two intermissions

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

August: Osage County premiered in June 2007 at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, IL, Martha Lavey, Artistic Director; David Hawkanson, Executive Director.

Steppenwolf’s production of August: Osage County opened on Broadway at the Imperial Theatre on December 4, 2007. It was produced by Jeffrey Richards, Jean Doumanian, Steve Traxler, Jerry Frankel, Ostar Productions, Jennifer Manocherian, The Weinstein Company, Debra Black/Daryl Roth, Ronald & Marc Frankel/Barbara Freitag, and Rick Steiner/Staton Bell Group.

“Lay Down Sally”

(Eric Clapton, Marcy Levy and George E. Terry)

© (Renewed) Throat Music Ltd (PRS) and Eric Patrick Clapton (PRS)

All Rights on behalf of Throat Music Ltd and Eric Patrick Clapton administered by Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

All Rights on behalf of Throat Music Ltd administered by WB Music Corp.

All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Excerpt from All the King’s Men, copyright 1946 and renewed 1974 by Robert Penn Warren, reprinted by the permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

“August: Osage County” is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service imprint. (www.dramatists.com)

HOW TO GET FROM HERE TO THERE: Poetic Connections in Tracy Letts’ Man from Nebraska, August: Osage County, and Superior Donuts

by Deborah Kochman

As homage to his late mentor Howard Starks, Tracy Letts titled his play set in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, after Starks’ poem August: Osage County. The poem, published in the Oklahoman poet’s book of poetry titled Family Album: A Collection of Poetry (1997), touches on themes of aging, the passage of time, and the simple, yet poignant, words and actions of loved ones while waiting, sometimes expectantly, for death. Letts’ play delves into similar themes, but the poetic references extend beyond August: Osage County’s thematic commonalities with its progenitor. Throughout the play — but most significantly in the prologue — more than a dozen references to poets and poetry create a strong sense of the nostalgia and irony

characteristic of postmodern works. As Courtney Elkin Mohler explains, the play “articulates a kind of ‘ironized nostalgia’” and “can be read as a postmodern rumination on the American identity and family in the 2000s.” Not

surprisingly, some theater critics, such as Chris Jones, Charles Isherwood, and Teresa Choate, describe August as a postmodern portrait of a dysfunctional contemporary American family replete with alcoholism, drug addiction, suicide, infidelity, child molestation, and incest. However, I assert that in this Shakespearean-length tragicomedy the numerous references to poets and poetry are more than mere intertextual references challenging a “master narrative” or criticizing liberal humanism. Rather, in August: Osage County, the allusions and references to poets and their poetry, including framing the play with quotes from Eliot’s “The Hollow Men,” point to the diminishment or dismissal of the intrinsic value of poetry in the lives of the Westons — the allegorical representation of Western ideology’s “master narrative.”

August: Osage County

by Howard Starks published in Family Album: A Collection of Poetry Running Board Press, Durant, OK 1995

Dust hangs heavy in the dull catalpas; the cicadas are scraping interminably at the heart-thickened air— no rain in three weeks, no real breeze all day, In the dim room, the blinds grimly endure the deadly light, protecting the machined air, as the watchers watch the old lady die.

“I’m eighty-six,” she said: “it’s high time— now John’s gone.”

And to the town’s new doctor “You’re a good boy,” (she had a great-grandson who was older,) “so don’t fiddle around.

When fighting was needed, I fought –But I’m all fought out.” and later—

“John left when he was due—well—I’m due now,” “I promise, “ he whispered; I’ve learned when right is right.”

Now, her daughters sit – –and her grand-daughters –and at night, her grandsons–and her pampered sons-inlaw.

One of these, not known for eloquence – –or tears—said, last week, “Ola, chance gave me a mother, but God gave me two.” She smiled at that, “yes, I had one boy; god gave me seven more.”

She lies under the sheet, Thin as one of her old kitchen knives, honed by years and use to fragile sharpness, but too well-tempered to break just yet.

It’s two days since she spoke—

“Don’t cry, Bessie; puppies just die, that’s all.” (A girl again, gentling baby sister.)

All the watchers can do is wipe her dry mouth with gentle wetness.

They watch her old hands and murmur—

How many biscuits and pans of gravy?

How many babies soothed and bee-stings daubed with bluing?

How many lamp-wicks trimmed?

How many berries picked? words circling as her quiet breath winds down to silence.

No sobs, for she was due, but tears, a few, selfish ones, before the calls, the “arrangements” to put her to bed, beside John, on the dusty hilltop.

Standing there, we look up from the dry clods and the durable grey stone, upwards— expectantly— westwards— where the clouds grow dark.

April 9 - 14

BILL BURR LIVE

THEO VON - RETURN OF THE RAT

NIKKI

BRETT GOLDSTEIN

The Second Best Night of Your Life

RAIN - A TRIBUTE TO THE BEATLES

MJ

May 28 - June 9

May 17 - 18

NATE BARGATZE - THE BE FUNNY TOUR

BLUEY’S BIG PLAY

July 20 - 21

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

314-534- 1111

June 21 - 23

6

In a 2014 interview, playwright Tracy Letts referred to the family as the “very imperfect unit by which we govern and raise our species.” To refer to the Weston family of August: Osage County as “imperfect” is putting it mildly to say the least. This epic play achieves rare standing among the great American family dramas with a take on marriage as cynical as Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and an addiction story as dark as O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night . And it is precisely our society’s reliance on the (imperfect) family unit which I believe compels us to hunger for these stories. They aren’t pleasant – in fact they are often downright painful – but they reveal hard truths about how desperately we depend on our family members, yet how ill-equipped we are to provide what each other needs.

Letts also described the Weston family as “representative of the country on some level.” He specifically addressed the play’s setting in Oklahoma with the Osage Nation’s name in the title, saying, “we have sown the seeds of our own destruction, by that genocide [of Native Americans].” In the way the Westons each struggle hopelessly with their own inconsolable pain, letting it fester into violence against their parents, children, and siblings, rather than examining the root, Letts has mirrored the ferocious American individualism that invites competition at the expense of care.

Beyond Letts’ incisive skill as a writer, his play feels so authentic because much of it is based in truth. Beverly and Violet Weston are based on his maternal grandparents. (In fact, he states that when he first gave the play to his mother to read, she responded, “You’ve been very kind to my mother.”) While the story is bleak, Letts offered that writing it allowed him to “own [his] damage,” adding,

“You don’t necessarily get over it, you don’t necessarily have it all figured out, you just say this is mine, these are things I have to be aware of, take care of, work around.” My sincere hope any time we, as artists, invite an audience into a world like this one, steeped in cruelty and despair, is that our story provides an opportunity to reflect on what is ours — what things we have to be aware of, take care of, work around.

Amelia Acosta Powell DIRECTOR OF AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY

1 The Treatment, hosted by Elvis Mitchell. Jan. 22, 2014.

2 Bigsby, Christopher. Twenty-First Century American Playwrights. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017.

3 Osenlund, R. “Interview: Tracy Letts Talks August: Osage County - Slant Magazine.” Slant Magazine, 19 Dec. 2013, https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/interview-tracy-letts/.

4 Osenlund

5“Tracy Letts Is Still Haunted by His Past (Published 2014).” The New York Times, 21 Mar. 2014, https://www. nytimes.com/2014/03/23/magazine/tracy-letts-is-still-haunted-by-his-past.html.

CAST

Joneal Joplin* (Beverly Weston) is delighted to be back at The Rep for his 102nd production going back to 1972. Tours: 1776, Meet Me In St. Louis, Music Man, Brigadoon, Annie Get Your Gun . Regional: Washington Theatre Club, Ensemble Theatre, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Notre Dame Shakespeare, Human Race Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Playhouse in the Park, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and The St. Louis Black Rep. Favorite roles: “Lear” in King Lear , “Don Quixote” in Man of La Mancha , “Scrooge” in A Christmas Carol , “Willy Loman” in Death of a Salesman , “Captain Smith” in Titanic , “Buffalo Bill” in Indians , “Horace van der Gelder” in Hello Dolly , and “Norman" in On Golden Pond . Recent: Grand Horizons at Ensemble Theatre, Trouble in Mind at Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, and Grand Horizons at Moonstone Theatre. Training: Phillips University and Emporia State University. Film/TV: Coach of the Year, Runaway Barge, She Stood Alone, Truman , and the original cast of The Letter People . Jop is grateful to have had a career of over 50 years in the theatre and attributes it to great good fortune and the love and support of friends and family, especially his daughter, Jennifer, his son, Jared, and for 61 years the love of his life, the incredible Janie.

Claire Karpen* (Ivy Weston) Broadway: Grey House , Sylvia ; London: Into The Woods ; Off-Broadway: Into The Woods (Roundabout), Jack (59E59), Heir Apparent (CSC); Regional: Betrayal; Much Ado About Nothing ; Dairyland (Premiere); Birthday Candles (Premiere); On the Exhale ; Bedroom Farce . TV/Film: Love Life, New Amsterdam, Law & Order, Blue Bloods . Directing: The Woodsman, Bernie & Mikey… Training: Juilliard, Brown. Visit: www.clairekarpen. com

Alan Knoll* (Charlie Aiken) is thrilled to return to The Rep! Rep Appearances: Most recently as Narrator in Side by Side by Sondheim , and Bob Ewell in To Kill a Mockingbird , not to mention many roles in many seasons of The Rep’s Imaginary Theatre Company. Regional: Other favorites include God in An Act of God (New Jewish Theatre), Elwood P. Dowd in Harvey (Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre), Garth Williams in Alabama Story (Alabama Shakespeare Festival), Bob in The Realistic Joneses (Rebel & Misfits Productions), all the residents of Bedford Falls in This Wonderful Life (Dramatic License Productions - Best OnePerson Show, Riverfront Times) and George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (Muddy Waters Theatre Co. - Best Actor, Riverfront Times). He is honored to work with this talented company and hopes you enjoy the show!

Shyla Lefner* (Johnna Monevata) Recent: Credits include Between Two Knees (PAC NYC, Yale Rep, McCarter, Seattle Rep, OSF); Bulrusher (McCarter & Berkeley Rep); The Cymbeline Project , Alice in Wonderland , Henry V , The Way the Mountain Moved and Manahatta (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Bernhardt/Hamlet , The Door You Never Saw Before (Geffen Playhouse); Fairly Traceable , Off the Rails , The Frybread Queen (Native Voices at the Autry). Readings and workshops: Sovereignty (TFNA); Wonderland (Dramatists Guild); (w)holeness (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). Film/TV: Credits include Whatever It Takes , Woo , A Starbucks Story , Fashion House.

Ellen McLaughlin* (Violet Weston) has worked extensively in regional, international and New York theater, both as an actor and as a playwright. Broadway: Acting work includes originating the part of the Angel in Angels in America , playing the role in workshops and regional productions through its original Broadway run. NY Theatre: Alice in Blue Window (Manhattan Theatre Club). Regional: includes the Homebody in Homebody/Kabul (Intiman), Pirate Jenny in A Threepenny Opera (Trinity Rep. Elliot Norton Award), Claire in Albee’s A Delicate Balance (Arena Stage,

Yale Repertory Theater), Margie in Good People (George St. Theater, Seattle Rep.) Penelope and The Year of Magical Thinking , (Playmakers’ Rep.) Titania in A Midsummer Night’s Dream , (The McCarter, Paper Mill) and Nancy in Seascape (ACT) Most recently, she played the title role in King Lear at Colorado Shakespeare Festival. Her plays have been produced Off-Broadway, regionally and internationally. She has taught playwriting at Barnard College since 1995.

Michael James Reed* (Bill Fordham) is grateful to be appearing again on The Rep stage for his 21st show. A huge thank you for showing up and supporting The Rep and live theatre. Rep Appearances: Earlier this season, he had one of his favorite ever Rep experiences with It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play . Other Rep highlights include A Doll's House: Part 2, Clybourne Park, Oslo, All The Way and Hamlet . Local: Credits include numerous appearances with the MUNY and St. Louis Shakespeare Festival, as well as St. Louis Actors Studio, New Jewish Theatre, Moonstone and Upstream. NY Theatre: Credits include La Bête (Broadway), King Lear (Roundabout), Amphitryon (CSC), A Forest in Arden (NYTW). Regional: Michael’s favorites include the Old Globe (Pericles in Pericles , Marc Antony in Julius Caesar ), Alley Theatre (Joe Pitt in Angels in America ), American Conservatory Theatre (Brick in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ), as well as productions at Papermill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, South Coast Rep, Asolo Theatre Festival, Berkshire Theatre Festival, Syracuse Stage, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, and Shakespeare Santa Cruz. TV: Appearances include Chicago PD, Numbers, 24, Six Feet Under, The Shield, King of Queens , and That 70's Show . Training: He is a graduate of London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Visit : www.michaeljamesreed.com Social: IG @mikejimreed

Henny Russell* (Barbara Fordham) Rep Appearances: Admissions and Frozen . Broadway: Credits include the Tony Award-winning production of Oslo, Machinal, The Winslow Boy, The Audience, The Other Place,

Lombardi, The Royal Family, and Major Barbara . TV/Film: Credits include Carol Denning on Orange Is The New Black , Dr. Larkin on Hightown, The Other Two, FBI: Most Wanted, The Good Fight, Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, Chicago Med, Elementary, The Leftovers, Unforgettable, and several Law & Order franchise episodes. Film: Credits include T he Magnificent Meyersons, Brooklyn Love Stories, Freeheld, Bridge of Spies, Kilimanjaro, Revolutionary Road . Regional: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Old Globe, Denver Center, Hartford Stage, George St. Playhouse, Pittsburgh Public Theatre, Virginia Stage Co., Yale Repertory Theatre, Cleveland Play House, Maltz Jupiter Theatre, Hartford TheatreWorks, Barrington Stage Co, Papermill Playhouse, and Indiana Repertory Theatre, among others. Upcoming: The TV series Three Women and the film Birthrite . Social: IG @Henny. Russell

Brian Slaten* (Steve Heidebrecht) is honored to be returning to The Rep. Rep Appearances: Gruesome Playground Injuries, Lifespan of a Fact . Regional: Angels in America; Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Straight White Men (Steppenwolf Theater and the Kirk Douglas Theater); Bent (Mark Taper Forum); Fool for Love (Chalk Rep); Hayfever (The Old Globe); Paris Commune (La Jolla Playhouse); The Good Thief (Slant Theater); Five Mile Lake (South Coast Rep-LADCC nomination). TV: Chicago PD, Masters of Sex, Rizzoli & Isles, Criminal Minds, Fringe, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: SVU, Army Wives, The Guiding Light . Film: Ramona At Midlife, Murder Bury Win, Happy 40th, Uggs for Gaza, Deception . Love to Yvonne and peace to Owiso.

Isa Venere (Jean Fordham) is thrilled to be making her professional debut at The Rep. Training: She will be graduating from the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University next year with a degree in Acting. Recent Credits: Romeo & Juliet (Sargent Conservatory), Rain and Zoe Save the World (Sargent

Conservatory), American Idiot (Sargent Conservatory), and The Wolves (Players by the Sea), which she also directed. Socials: Follow Isa on Instagram @isa.venere.

David Wassilak (Sheriff Deon Gilbeau) is a proud St. Louisan delighted to be back on The Rep’s stage after 30 years! Rep Appearances: Citizen in An Enemy of the People in 1994. Recent: Major Metcalf in Stray Dog Theatre’s The Mousetrap and Milton Perry in The Immigrant at The New Jewish Theatre. David has worked with Albion Theatre, Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, St. Louis Actors’ Studio, The Midnight Company, Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, Metro Theater Company, Max & Louie Productions, West End Players Guild, The Orange Girls, Muddy Waters Theatre, St. Louis Shakespeare, Magic Smoking Monkey, The New Theatre, Orthwein Theatre Company, the original Westport Playhouse, and Theatre Project Company. He has been honored with several award nominations and received the St. Louis Theater Circle’s Best Supporting Actor Award for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in Angels in America at Stray Dog Theatre. David teaches adult acting classes at COCA.

Sean Wiberg* (Little Charles Aiken) is a New York Citybased artist. Recent: He appeared in Holiday at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. and in the short film Sleeping Alone (dir. Kelsea Bauman-Murphy). TV/ Film: HBO’s Search Party and Chicago P.D. Before moving to New York, he cut his teeth in the exciting storefront theater scene of Chicago. Regional: Credits include Truth and Reconciliation at Victory Gardens Theater and the Joseph Jefferson Award-winning Posh at Steep Theater. Training: He holds an MFA in Acting from The Juilliard School.

Astrid Van Wieren* (Mattie Fae Aiken) was Beulah in the original Come from Away from its first full production at La Jolla Playhouse to its final performance on Broadway. Nominations: The Helen Hayes Award (Washington DC) and a Dora (Toronto) for her work as Beulah. The Broadway production was filmed and is available on

Apple TV+. Last summer she once again did Come from Away (Gander) but taking on a new role, that of Diane! Credits: Include The Colony of Unrequited Dreams (Artistic Fraud, St. John’s) and BAAL: a rock n roll play (Mercury Theatre). Awards: Astrid received the Dora award for Outstanding Principal Performance/Independent Theatre for This Wide Night (Mermaid Productions). And she was honored to host the Dora Awards in 2018. Film: Credits include starring in the award-winning indie feature The River You Step In . Visit: www. cinemaintenant.com Upcoming: Astrid will be going to Montreal to play Harriet in POTUS .

Yvonne Woods* (Karen Weston) Theater: Uncle Vanya , The Old Globe and Hunter Theater Project; What Happened?: The Michaels Abroad, Hunter Theater Project; Burn This, Shakespeare Santa Cruz; Miss Julie , Yale Repertory Theatre; Franny’s Way, Playwrights Horizons; Goodnight Children Everywhere, A.C.T.; Life’s A Dream, Court Theatre; Left, New York Stage and Film; Dangerous Liaisons, The Huntington Theatre; Slag Heap, The Cherry Lane; The Doctor and the Patient, Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, Spoleto Festival and more. TV/Film: Ramona at Midlife, Happy 40th, 500 Calories’ . Training: Juilliard.

CREATIVE TEAM

Amelia Acosta Powell (Director) is the Impact Producer and Co-Director of Artistic Programming at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Previously she was honored to serve as Associate Artistic Director at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Line Producer at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Artistic Associate & Casting Director at Arena Stage. Recent: Includes Loving and Loving, La Egoista (World Premiere) and Every Brilliant Thing (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Rep Productions: The Gradient (World Premiere) and The Thanksgiving Play . She is a steering committee member of the Latinx Theatre Commons, a member of the Casting Society of America, an inaugural grantee of TCG’s

Rising Leaders of Color, and a proud alumna of the Allen Lee Hughes Fellowship. Her previous teaching credits include serving as adjunct faculty at Webster University Conservatory of Theatre Arts. She is originally from Denver and holds her bachelor's and master's degrees from Georgetown University. Regina Garcia (Scenic Designer) is a Chicago-based scenic designer from Puerto Rico. She has had long-standing relationships with the Latinx Theatre’s renowned Teatros including Repertorio Español, the Puerto Rican Traveling Theater, Teatro Vista and Pregones Theater. Upcoming: Shows include American Players Theatre and the Guthrie Theater. Regina is a Fellow of the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Designers and the Princess Grace Awards, USA; a Regional Associate member of the League of Professional Theatre Women; and company member with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble in Chicago and Boundless Theatre Company (San Juan/ NYC). She is the Head of the Scenic Design at The Theatre School, DePaul University, and a founding organizational member of La Gente: The Latinx Theatre Production Network.

Sonia Álvarez (Costume Designer) is an LA-based and bicoastal theatre artist, primarily working in Costume Design and as a Core Leader and Producer with In the Margin, a small arts advocacy organization in Northern California. Recent: She has worked in the Bay Area and assisted on Off-Broadway productions in New York City with Manhattan Class Company and Manhattan Theatre Club. Regional: Three seasons at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival as Costume Design Assistant. Recent: credits include La Egoísta (Costume Design) at Actors Theatre of Louisville, Between Two Knees (Associate Costume Des.) at the Perelman Performing Arts Center NYC, and Exhaustion Arroyo: Dancin’ Trees in the Ravine (Costume Design) at Cutting Ball Theatre.

Xavier Pierce (Lighting Designer) Regional: Public Theatre (NYC), Steppenwolf Theatre (Chicago,IL), Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR), Guthrie Theatre (Minneapolis, MN), McCarter Theatre Center (Princeton, NJ), Long Wharf Theatre (New Haven, CT), The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis ( St. Louis, MO), Seattle Repertory Theatre (Seattle, Washington), Arena Stage (Washington, DC), California Shakespeare Theatre (Orinda, Ca), Cincinnati Playhouse (Cincinnati,OH), Indiana Rep (Indianapolis,IN), Arden Theatre (Philadelphia, PA), Playmakers Rep (Chapel Hill, NC), Westport Country Playhouse (Westport, CT), George Street Playhouse (New Brunswick, NJ), Syracuse Stage (Syracuse, NY), Two River Theatre Company (Red Bank, NJ), Olney Theatre Center (Olney, MD), Intiman Theatre (Seattle, WA), Arizona Theatre Company (Phoenix, AZ), Florida Studio Theatre, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Triad Stage (Greensboro, NC & Winston-Salem, NC), Charlotte Children’s Theatre (Charlotte, NC), Crossroads Theatre (New Brunswick, NJ), Portland Center Stage. Training: New York University Tisch School of the Arts, MFA in Design Stage and Film.

Amanda Werre (Sound Designer) is a St. Louis-based sound designer and educator. Rep Productions: Molly’s Hammer (World Premiere) and Mothers and Sons . Regional: Her work has also been heard at New Jewish Theatre of St. Louis, The Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis, Center of Creative Arts, Max and Louie Productions, The St. Louis Zoo, Metro Theatre Company, Hope Summer Repertory Theatre, Cider Mill Playhouse, Idaho Shakespeare Festival and Great Lakes Theatre. Amanda is on the faculty at Sargent Conservatory, where she teaches Sound Design.

Avi Amon (Composer) is a Turkish-American composer and sound artist. Rep Productions: Mlima’s Tale . Regional: Theater work includes music, songs, and sound design for projects with: 600 Highwaymen, Ars Nova, Atlantic Theater, New York Theater Workshop, OSF, Page73, The Public Theater, Roundabout, Target Margin, and Waterwell. TV/Film: Avi’s film scores have been featured at Cannes, Disney, HBO,

Hulu, Slamdance, Tribeca, and more. Upcoming: A musical, Through the Sunken Lands, with Tim Lord (Kennedy Center); music for the feature documentary film, Everything You Have is Yours ; and a new multimedia album and performance piece, Mother/Road . Avi is a MacDowell Fellow and has received artistic support from the Jonathan Larson Grant, the Reel Change Film Fund, Berkeley REP, The Dramatists Guild, Mercury Store, The O’Neill, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, and The Workshop. Avi is the music director at the 52nd Street Project and teaches music composition at NYU Tisch. Visit : www.aviamon.com

Lindsay Mummert (Assistant Scenic Designer) hails from Chicago and is excited to make her debut with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Recent Design Credits: Include Jump (Shattered Globe), Spay (Rivendell Theatre), A Mile in the Dark (Interrobang/Rivendell), Cat's Cradle (Lifeline Theatre), At The Vanishing Point (The Gift), Innogen (Forest Park Shakes), Water By the Spoonful and A Wrinkle in Time (DePaul University).

Assistant design credits include Relentless (Timeline Theatre), Two Trains Running and Arsenic and Old Lace (Court Theatre), Nina Simone: Four Women (South Coast Rep), Between Two Knees (Yale Rep, the McCarter, Seattle Rep, PAC NYC), When Harry Met Rehab (Pemberley Productions), Mrs. Harrison (Indiana Rep), Peter and the Starcatcher (Oregon Shakespeare), Skeleton Crew and A Raisin in the Sun (Guthrie). Training: She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University and is based in New York. Visit: lindsaymummert.com.

Stephanie Castro (Assistant Costumes Designer) is an LA-based freelance costume designer. Training: BA in Theater Arts with an emphasis in Costume Design from California State University Northridge. Since graduating in 2020 she has had so many amazing opportunities building her skill sets at different theaters. Recent : Costume design credits include her home theater of The Western Stage in Salinas, CA. Working her way from Salinas to LA, she has also worked on projects at

Center Theater Group and The Fountain Theater and is currently the in-house stitcher, wardrobe and deck crew person at The Geffen Playhouse. Past Productions: Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play (costume design) and The Lonely Few (wardrobe), and she has just finished work on POTUS with The Geffen Playhouse. Stephanie’s future goals are to keep growing as an artist in the hope of continuing to work on fun, meaningful shows.

Catherine Adams (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a St. Louis-based designer, specializing in theatre and dance. Local design credits: Prism Theatre Company, West End Players Guild, Metro Theater Company, Washington University Performing Arts Department, and SLUH Theatre. Education: She received a BFA in Lighting Design at The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Visit: www.catherinecadams.com

Alison Hora (Wig Designer) Training: In 2015, Alison earned her bachelor's degree in Theatre Art and Design with hair, wigs, and makeup as her focus at Auburn University. Since 2013, she has been involved in the wig entertainment industry worldwide and moved to STL. Recent: She has the pleasure of working at The Custom Wig Shoppe in Des Peres as well as supervising the Wig and Makeup Department at The Muny in Saint Louis during the show season. Additionally, she is a freelance hair stylist and wig maker for various shows throughout the country year round and owns/operates AliBrook Event Hair.

MIchael Pierce (Fight Director) Rep Appearances: Michael is very pleased to be working with the Rep once again, having previously provided fight direction for Murder on the Orient Express , The 39 Steps , and more. Michael is a member of The Society of American Fight Directors and the founder of Slings and Arrows, a resource for actors to continue their physical training. Visit: You can find out more by following Slings and Arrows on social media and going to slingsandarrows.net.

Will Bonfiglio & Rachel Tibbetts (Intimacy Direction)

Rachel Tibbetts (she/her) and Will Bonfiglio (he/him) are St. Louis theatre artists and educators. Recent: Intimacy direction and choreography for Webster University’s Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Clayton High School, and John Burroughs School. They enjoy working in partnership to advocate for consent-based practices and have studied with a variety of organizations, including Theatrical Intimacy Education and IDC (Intimacy Directors & Coordinators).

Emilee Buchheit* (Production Stage Manager) is very excited to be returning to The Rep for her thirteenth season! Earlier in the 2023 2024 season, Emilee stage managed The Lehman Trilogy . Regional: Other stage management credits include Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Variety Theatre, The New Jewish Theatre, The Foolish Theatre Company (NY), and Little Theatre on the Square. Training: Emilee is a proud graduate of the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University with a degree in Stage Management.

Shannon B. Sturgis* (Assistant Stage Manager) Favorite theatrical experiences include Atlantic Theater Company, Shear Madness (Off-Broadway) and Altar Boyz (Off-Broadway and in The Rep’s Off-Ramp series). Regional: Favorites include Westport Country Playhouse, Adirondack Theatre Festival, Victoria Theatre, Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Phoenix Theatre (in New York) and the Gretna Playhouse.

Kentrell Jamison (Production Assistant) is a Chicago native who graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. He is thrilled to be back as a Production Assistant for The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Rep Productions: The Gradient (World Premiere), Stick Fly, Private Lives, Side by Side, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Twisted Melodies and It’s A Wonderful Life . Local: At COCA, he was the Assistant Stage Manager for Big Machine, Matilda, MOTheR, and Little Dancer . At The MUNY: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (PA), Little Shop of Horrors (2nd ASM) and Sister Act (2nd ASM)!

Avery Harrison (Webster Assistant Director) is thrilled to make their debut at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Directing credits: Rust by Basil Parnell through the Arkansas New Play Festival at TheatreSquared. Training: Avery is currently pursuing a B.A. in Directing and a B.A. in English through Webster University. Upcoming: They will be Assistant Directing Steel Magnolias at STAGES St. Louis. Visit: You can see more of their work at arstwithave.com

JZ Casting (Casting Director)

Geoff Josselson, CSA and Katja Zarolinski, CSA are New York–based casting directors handling productions for theater, film, and television. Theater work includes Broadway, Off-Broadway, and regional productions at Alley Theatre, Arena Stage, Baltimore Center Stage, Cape Playhouse, City Theatre, The Civilians, Irish Repertory Theatre, Kansas City Rep, Kennedy Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Paper Mill Playhouse, Pasadena Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Seattle Rep, Signature Theatre, South Coast Repertory, Studio Theatre, TheaterWorks Hartford, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre. For more information, please visit www.jz-casting.com.

IT’S TIME TO RALLY!

We are extremely thankful for everyone who has donated thus far to the Rally for The Rep campaign! The Rally continues as we close the 23/24 season and look forward to the future. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit your support is a vital part of our existence as it allows us to continue to bring world-class art and educational programs to our region.

Please consider joining the Rally today with a one-time donation or by becoming a member of our donor family. Your support, no matter the size, plays a vital role in helping preserve the arts in St. Louis. Together, we will continue to build the legacy of The Rep as we impact our community through art.

To make a gift by phone or learn more about giving through stock, IRA distribution, matching gifts, please call (314) 687-4030.

DANNY WILLIAMS (Managing Director) An experienced arts administrator, Danny Williams was named The Rep’s Managing Director in January 2022. Danny brings to this position expertise in nonprofit accounting, senior management, and organizational development. Prior to joining The Rep, Danny worked at The Public Theater in New York, where he served in various roles since 2006, including Senior Director, Finance and Administration. In this position Danny managed the daily and strategic financial operations of the $50 million nonprofit organization, successfully launched an organization-wide intranet, partnered with the development team to achieve fundraising goals, and collaborated on longterm financial planning and analysis. Noteworthy productions Danny worked on at The Public include Broadway: Fun Home, Hamilton; Off-Broadway: Here Lies Love, Twelfth Night, White Noise. He holds degrees in marketing and theater from Fairfield University.

BECKS REDMAN (Associate Artistic Director) has been at The Rep for the past four seasons, where she has line produced the Mainstage and Studio productions. Prior to her time at The Rep, Becks held producing and casting positions in the Artistic departments at Actors Theatre of Louisville and Baltimore Center Stage. Last season, she made her Rep directing debut with Gruesome Playground Injuries. Becks received her BFA from The University of the Arts and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts.

REGGIE D. WHITE (Associate Artistic Director) joined The Rep in 2022. Before joining The Rep, he served as the Artistic Director for the Atlantic Acting School from 2017-2022. Reggie’s award-winning international career as a multihyphenate artist, educator, and arts leader spans almost two decades. Acting credits include: Broadway: The Inheritance (4x Tony Award winner, including Best Play). Off-Broadway: Lessons In Suvival: 1971 (Vineyard Theatre), And She Would Stand Like This (The Movement Theatre Company), Frontieres Sans Frontieres (Bushwick Starr), I and You (59E59), Hundred Days (New York Theatre Workshop). Regional: People’s Light, La Jolla Playhouse, American Repertory Theatre, Arden Theatre, Berkeley Rep and others. Directing credits include Atlantic Theater Company, The Public, Bay Street Theater, The Williams Project, and PlayGroundSF. Reggie co-conceived Lessons in Survival: 1971, based on the iconic conversation between Nikki Giovanni and James Baldwin at Vineyard Theatre (NYT Critic’s Pick). He also co-conceived and appeared in the digital anthology series of the same title (NYT Best Theatre of 2020). His most recent play, Fremont Ave., was developed with support from The Ground Floor at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. His play In Case You Haven’t Heard received its world premiere at Bay Street Theatre, and he is currently co-writing a play with Lauren Gunderson (America’s Most-Produced Living Playwright). Reggie is a resident artist at Vineyard Theatre, a founding member of the multi–generational theatre collective, The Commissary, and a founding company member and sitting board member with The Williams Project, a living-wage theatre company. As an educator, Reggie has taught, delivered, and developed arts curricula across the country for artists of all ages. Since 2015, he has has been a member of the faculty at Atlantic Acting School (an NYU Partner Studio). Reggie is a recipient of the Colman Domingo Award, The TCG Fox Fellowship, the TBA Titan Award, and the RHE Artistic Fellowship and is an NAACP Theatre Award nominee.

stage Notes with Danny

Thank you for being a part of our incredible journey throughout the 2023–2024 season! We began with the mesmerizing Tony Award® winner, The Lehman Trilogy , a production that skillfully wove together nearly two centuries of family history with three amazing actors. Playwright and actor Kelvin Rosten, Jr. then took us on an unforgettable musical journey in his one-man show based on the life of St. Louis's soul music icon Donny Hathaway in Twisted Melodies . The holiday season warmed our hearts with the classic story of George Bailey in the exhilarating foley experience of It's A Wonderful Life:

A Live Radio Play .

Your overwhelming support during the holidays were instrumental in Phase One of Rally for The Rep, our ongoing campaign designed to sustain our theatre for years to come. The Rally for The Rep: A Holiday Benefit Experience was a magical journey filled with laughter and joy, featuring special guests like John Goodman and Ozzie Smith.

Recently a sold-out house closed out our thrilling and acrobatic adaptation of Herman Melville's masterpiece, Moby Dick . We now wrap up the season with the Pultizer Prize- and Tony Award-winning® family drama, August: Osage County , delivering a perfect blend of hilarity and heartbreak.

As we bring this season to a close and eagerly prepare for what lies ahead, I remain deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our work here at The Rep. Your presence and enthusiasm have made this journey richer, and I am appreciative for the shared experiences that have defined our collective path. Here's to the future and the countless moments we will continue to share and celebrate together.

See you next season!

Danny Williams managing director

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is the region’s premier theatre for compelling, award-winning theatrical experiences that entertain, engage and illuminate audiences’ shared humanity.As a dedicated partner with arts organizations in St. Louis and across the country,The Rep aims to expand audiences’ appreciation and understanding of the world through theatre.

MAINSTAGE

The work presented in the Mainstage series is eclectic, ranging from modern to classics to musicals, and benefits from the large space afforded by the Browning Theatre. Performances are given at the Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center.

STEVE WOOLF STUDIO SERIES

Longtime Rep Artistic Director Steve Woolf was a champion of producing innovative and provocative plays in an intimate setting.

IMAGINARY THEATRE COMPANY

Imaginary Theatre Company is The Rep’s touring ensemble for children. Bringing theatre for young audiences to schools and community centers throughout the bistate area, ITC’s productions value a well-told story while supporting state learning standards and nurturing a respect and love for the arts. This season, ITC performances are available virtually to both schools and families.

HOUSE POLICIES

Late Seating:

Latecomers will be seated at an appropriate moment in the performance.

Electronic Devices:

Please silence all electronic devices while in the theatre.

Inclement Weather Policy:

In the event of inclement weather, please check our website and social media pages, or call the Box Office for current information. If a cancellation occurs, please call the Box Office starting the day after the inclement weather occurred to exchange your seats for another performance of the same production.

TICKET EXCHANGE POLICY

Exchanges are an exclusive subscriber benefit. Exchanges may be made within the run of each production. Tickets may be exchanged up to two hours prior to show time. If you choose to exchange into a higher-priced area, you will be charged the difference. No refunds are made for exchanges to lower-priced tickets.

WAYS TO SAVE

For parties of 10 people or more, please contact us at 314-968-9489 or email groupsales@repstl.org to discuss group sales discounts.

For seniors, students, military, first responders or educators, please visit repstl.org/events/ways-to-save or call 314-968-4925 for additional information.

SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNTS

Subscribers can save two ways on additional ticket purchases. Advance purchases receive a 10% discount. Last-minute purchases (beginning 48 hours prior to a show) are discounted 50%! Prior sales are excluded. Please note: there are no refunds or exchanges on single-ticket purchases.

YOUR BENEFITS

• Free Parking

• 100% Flexibility

• Special Discounts

• Exclusive Communications

• Early access to upcoming promotions and events

AUDIENCE CODE OF CONDUCT

Everyone deserves respect and dignity. Everyone deserves safe environments. Everyone benefits from collective learning.

To learn more visit repstl.org/about/audiencecodeofconduct

ASL

Assistive Listening: Free assistive listening devices using an FM system are available at Audience Services prior to all performances.

Open Captioning: We offer open captioning, an electronic text display which shows what the actors are saying or singing, at the last Sundayshow for all performances.

Audio Description: The Rep partners with MindsEye to offer live audio description for the final Thursday performance of each production.

Mobility Accommodations: The Rep offers services for patrons who utilize mobility aids in all of our theatre spaces. Please discuss seating requirements with the Box Office when purchasing tickets or visit Audience Services when you arrive at the theatre.

American Sign Language: We offer ASL-interpreted performances on the final Saturday matinee of each production. Interpreters are placed inside the theatre and sign for the audience what the actors are saying and expressing.

april 14

STRAUSS BLACK BOX THEATRE AT KIRKWOOD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

PUSS IN BOOTS

Book and Lyrics by Jennifer Cameron Roberts

Music by Nathan A. Roberts

Everyone’s favorite feline fable is here to charm and beguile! The miller’s son is not finding life easy, with barely a penny to his name and no inheritance from his father, save for a useless cat and a pair of too-small boots. But this cat hides a secret: She can talk! And sing! And she has a plan to take them from the poor house to a princely castle. But how long can this extraordinary kitty keep up the ruse before the cat is out of the bag? Bring the whole family and share the legend of Puss in Boots.

We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community in the Rally For The Rep campaign. We are honored to acknowledge the following donors who supported the campaign with a gift of $500 or more. To view the list of all donors, please scan the QR code below or visit rallyfortherep.org.

Anonymous (4)

Trish & Michael Abbene 

Bill Aitken

Joseph & Lauren Allen 

Penni Alper, Miracle Makers

Foundation

Wendi Alper-Pressman &

Norman Pressman ✠

Dr. & Mrs. David Alpers 

Charles Amen 

Susan Frelich Appleton & Robert O. Appleton, Jr.

Ann P. Augustin & Margaret Augustin 

Amy Bantle

Anthony Bassett

Mr. & Mrs. Jason Battaglia

Patti Bauer 

Dr. Martin Bell

Kathy Berg 

Nancy Berg 

Maureen Bergstrom

Mark D. Bernstein ✠

Susan Block

Ruth Blundell 

Lary & Lynn Bozzay 

Michael & Arlue Briggs ✠

Ann Bronsing

Robert L. Bullock, Jr.

Samuel Burstein & Cheryl Boyd

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Bush

Patty & Kent Chapin 

Kelley & Tim Ciampoli 

Sal & Terri Ciccolella 

Vicki & Brian Clevinger ✠

Elizabeth & Don Cobin 

Edward M. Coffield 

Elizabeth & Anthony Cook

Bob & Becky Courtney 

The Preeti Dalawari & John Vandover Charitable Fund 

Kirk Damman

Jean Daniel-Gentry

Mike & Sue Darcy

C.R. Davis 

Theodore & Deborah Dearing

Terry J. Dessent

Mike Doherty & Kathy Kane

Jim Donnelly & Tracey Temanson 

Margie Doolen

Bill & Jane Doub

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Dubinsky 

Mary Alice Dwyer-Dobbin

David & Carla Eilering

Rosemary & Robert Emnett 

Jeffrey & Veronica Fernhoff

Gadellnet

James & Susan Gamble

James & Darla Gavin

Bonnie Gibbs 

Deborah & Michael Gibbs

John Goodman ✠

Mr. Leslie Goodman, Jr.

Jennifer Greer

Linda S. Griffith

Frank Hamsher 

Glenda Hares

Barbara Harris 

Pauline Hawkins

Robert & Donna Heider

Mr. & Mrs. R. Stover

Mary Strauss ✠

Ann & Jack Straw ✠

Irene Thalden

The Fabulous Fox Theatre 

Terry Thornton

Joan Tiemann 

Steve Tillery 

Jason & Janeen Turk

Susan & Peter Tuteur 

Don Ulrich

John & Dea Vallina

Paul & Linda Vandivort 

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Volunteer Board ✠

James & Mary Walters

Mrs. Gillian Waltman, in memory

of Dr. Stephen Waltman

Michael Ward

Margaret Wehrenberg

David P. Weiss

Drs. Craig & Terri Weldon 

Mei Chen Welland 

Mike & Barbara Willock 

Richard Wilt

Dr. Katherine Kreusser & Dr. Robert Young For

information about the Rally for The Rep campaign,

rallyfortherep.org.

Danny Williams

Managing Director

ARTISTIC

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE

learning & COMMUNITY engagement

LEARNING PROGRAMS MANAGER

TEACHING & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

LACE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

TEACHING ARTISTS

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

GENERAL MANAGER

COMPANY MANAGER

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

ATTORNEY

DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

MANAGER OF PARTNERSHIPS AND EVENTS

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING DIRECTOR

MARKETING MANAGER

PUBLIC RELATIONS

DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

SENIOR MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION

BUSINESS MANAGER

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

AUDIENCE SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES

BOX OFFICE MANAGER

ASSISTANT BOX OFFICE MANAGERS

DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

BOX OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES

LEAD HOUSE MANAGER

ASSOCIATE HOUSE MANAGER

ASSISTANT HOUSE MANAGERS

Becks Redman

Reggie D. White

Matthew Cox

Brian Coats

Britney Daniels

Claire Himstedt

Brea Rollston

Colin McLaughlin

Michelle Dillard

Zahria Moore

Zellie Laury

Dan Schultz

Michael Ward

Alex Ray

Sara Robertson, Polsinelli PC

Stephanie Boyd

Laurel Considine

Rob Kapeller

Bailey Pashia

Ashton Beck

Angel Azzarra

Frances White

Ash Moon Thompson

Delores Eddington

Laura Wandersee

Suzanne Bodenstein

Marsha Whitler

Ricki Marking-Camuto

Kristy Kannapell

Michael Dorn

Christian Hoffman

Dan Ladd

Carl Wickman

Taylor Kelly

Carol Hodson

Julie George

Deanna Danger

Hope Harbour

Mo Moellering

B. Young

Alex Godefroid

PRODUCTION

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION MANAGER

STAGE MANAGERS

PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE

scenic

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

CHARGE SCENIC ARTIST

SCENIC ARTISTS

SCENIC SHOP FOREMAN

SCENIC CARPENTERS

PROPERTIES MANAGER

PROPS ASSISTANT

PROPS CARPENTER

costumes

INTERIM COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

HEAD DRAPER

DRAPER

FIRST HANDS

WARDROBE CREW

WIG STYLIST

lighting

MAINSTAGE HEAD ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

sound

MASTER SOUND ENGINEER

SOUND ENGINEER

crew

DECK CREW

A2

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Phil Baranski

Jayson Lawshee

Emilee Buchheit

Shannon B. Sturgis

Taijha Silas

Michael Strickland

Emilie WeilbacherMcMullan

Scott Loebl

Stephen Pollihan, James Van Well

Dave McCarthy

Dan Roach, Jr.

Danny McCarthy

Scott DeBroux

Eric William Barnes

Abigail Stuckey

Ralph Wilke

Rachel Seabaugh

Robert Trump

Elizabeth Eisloeffel

Carrisa Sexton

Wes Wyman

Kelsi Washington

Bellamy Brockman

Addison Foote

Rebecca Mack

Connor Meers

Casey Morris III

Joshua Riggs

Sean Wilhite

Layla Abu Saada

India Eddy

Dylan Rhodes

Nicolas Brunet

Kentrell Jamison

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT

Brian Clevinger* prolog ventures

VICE PRESIDENT

Ann Cady Scott* community volunteer

VICE PRESIDENT

Susan Stith* community volunteer

MEMBERS:

Wendi Alper-Pressman* armstrong teasdale llp

David Alpers

washington university

Margaret Augustin* community volunteer

Patrick Aydt merrill lynch | vice president

Amy Bantle

SECRETARY

Judi Scissors* community volunteer

TREASURER

Wendi Alper-Pressman* armstrong teasdale llp

VICE PRESIDENT, VOLUNTEERS

Ann Harris Straw* community volunteer

Dan Jay* community volunteer

Toni Jackson community volunteer

John S. Kingston thompson coburn, llp

Gwen Middeke* community volunteer

Jane Robert* community volunteer

washington university school of medicine in st. louis | chief brand and marketing officer

Lauren Smith Blair

u.s. bancorp mpact finance | vice president

Jana Broadie community volunteer

Brian Clevinger* prolog ventures | managing director

Brandon Evans

ernst & young | partner

David Frey

Caleres

Frank Hamsher*

skyline public strategies, inc. | principal

Laurie Hiler*

cgb enterprise inc. | project manager

Ven Houts

ernst & young | community volunteer

Ronald L. Roberts ridge graves, llc | managing partner

Lauren Sagel community volunteer

Julian Z. Schuster webster university | president

Pat Schutte* community volunteer

Judi Scissors* community volunteer

Ann Cady Scott* community volunteer

Susan Stith* community volunteer

Ann Harris Straw* community volunteer

Susan D. Tuteur community volunteer

*executive committee

WE THANK MICHELE COEN OF MICHELE C CATERING & LIMITLESS SUPPORT AND BEING A

How and when did you become involved with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis?

I first got involved with The Rep in 2018, and through the pandemic, I was consistently impressed by their ideas and innovation. I fell in love with the staff – who are just so much fun! AND serving the incredible production crew, actors, and others with fun, post-show food and drinks has made me enjoy every moment I get to spend with them!

Did you have any personal ties to the arts or theatre that influenced your decision to support The Repertory Theatre?

I have a degree from Webster University in Media Communications, which seamlessly converged with my passion for the events and catering world. I love Webster and what The Rep has offered to this community.

I am a "south city girl," and I found myself loving the community of diverse neighborhoods of the '80s and '90s, particularly Webster Groves. My father, affectionately known as "The Babe," dedicated over 30 years as a letter carrier here, which influenced my love for the area.

What are your views on the importance of businesses engaging with and supporting the local arts community?

I have built my business on community outreach, especially with the arts. When I was younger, I always had a dream of working with the arts and helping to find ways to be involved and support my community. I’ve created events like "Saturdays

EVENTS FOR HER ONGOING CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP, HUGE PART OF OUR REP FAMILY.

at The Market" and the Ice Carnival in University City for local musicians, artists and vendors to shine – and it just kept growing! I was also involved with The Regional Arts Commission for many years and was inspired by individuals like Jill McGuire – and all of the amazing women she worked with.

How would you advocate for other local businesses to engage with and support the local arts community?

I encourage businesses to set aside a “little something” for a donation, whether it's cupcakes or more! Those attending or hosting guests at shows can make a significant impact by supporting their local theater. Arts and theater groups, like The Rep, contribute to the community's imagination, offering a beautiful escape into the past, present and future with their remarkable cast and crew.

If you would like to partner with us in a unique way, please contact Manager of Partnerships and Events, Bailey Pashia, at bpashia@repstl.org.

osage county onstage dining sponsor

VOLUNTEER BOARD

VOLUNTEER BOARD

Our most treasured and dedicated resources, The Rep’s Volunteer Board provides amazing support each season with donations of time, talent and skill throughout all facets of the organization. We are so grateful to the Volunteer Board for their continued dedication as integral members of The Rep family. If you are interested in serving on The Rep Volunteer Board, please call the Development Department at (314) 687- 4030.

PRESIDENT

Ann Harris Straw

VICE PRESIDENT

Trish Alexandre

SECRETARY

Ann Bronsing

MEMBERS:

Trish Alexandre

Susan Barley

Ann Bronsing

Elizabeth Cobin

Dorothy Diehl

TREASURER

Cindy Schnabel

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Laurie Hiler

Denise Eschenbrenner

Karen Fairbank

Glenda Hares

Vicki Helling

Laurie Hiler

Marcia King

Margie Knapp

Linda Lowry

Barbara Mennell

Karen Miller

Shirley Raitzsch

Rocky Rosen

Helen Sandifer

Cindy Schnabel

Carol Schreiner

Ann Harris Straw

Linda Vandivort

Lynn Yearwood

CORPORATE & FOUNDATION PARTNERS

As a nonprofit organization, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis relies upon the support of corporate and foundation partners. The Rep gratefully acknowledges the following corporations and foundations whose generous support helps us to create the highest caliber of professional theatre for St. Louis, engage the next generation of theatregoers and provide opportunities for diverse artists. For information about how your business or organization can support The Rep, contact the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

$100,000+

The Berges Family Foundation

The Shubert Foundation Inc.

$50,000 – $99,999

Doris Duke Charitable Foundation

$25,000 – $49,999

Mary Ranken Jordan and Ettie A. Jordan Charitable Foundation

PNC Arts Alive

$10,000 – $24,999

Louis D. Beaumont Fund No. 1 of the St. Louis Community Foundation

The Trio Foundation of St. Louis

U.S. Bank

$5,000 – $9,999 Caleres

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation

$2,500 – $4,999

Employees Community Fund of Boeing

Graybar Foundation

Sign of the Arrow/St. Louis

Alumnae Club of Pi Beta Phi

Dewitt and Caroline Van Evera Foundation

$1,000 – $2,499

Joy Waltke Fisher Fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation

Lathrop & Gage LLP

Polsinelli

UNDER $1000

Actor’s Equity Foundation

Caravus

Commerce Bancshares Foundation

Photo Credit: Jon Gitchoff

The Leading Ladies are honored to continue their legacy of playing a major role in benefiting The Rep each season. We are grateful to the following donors, who pledged their support for the 2023—2024 season. We invite you to join our amazing group of Leading Ladies!

LYNN NOTTAGE

$10,000+

Anonymous

Ann P. Augustin & Margaret Augustin 

JULIE TAYMOR

$7,500 ‒ 9,999

IDINA MENZEL

$5,000 ‒ 7,499

Pamela Wing Dern ✠

SUZAN-LORI PARKS

$2,500 ‒ 4,999

Pat Schutte 

Judi Scissors 

MARIANNE ELLIOTT

$1,000 ‒ $2,499

Suzan Kelsey Brooks 

David Frey

Hannah Langsam 

Ann Scott 

Susan Tuteur 

Helen D. Ziercher

PAULA VOGEL

$500 ‒ $999

Pamela Belloli

Barbara Bryant

Terri Ciccolella 

Dorothy Diehl

Joan D. Dougherty

Barbara Gervais

Merritt McCarthy

Elizabeth Meteer

Lucy Schreiber 

Judith Smart 

Ann H. Straw ✠

Susan Warshaw 

Mei Chen Welland 

Lynn Yearwood 

ANIKA NONI ROSE

$250 ‒ $499

Trish Alexandre

Marie-Helene Bernard & Doug Copeland

Elaine Coe

Roberta S. Frank

Shirley Haake

Julie & David Hohman

Joanne Iskiwitch 

Gwen Rogers

Linda Vandivort 

PHILLIPA SOO

$100 ‒ $249

Nancy Berg

Ilene Brooks

Bette L. Bude

Kelley Ciampoli 

Terry Coleman

Denise Eschenbrenner

Dotti Fischer 

Vicki Helling

Linda Hensley

Jan Hermann

Laurie Hiler 

Margie Knapp

Suzie Nall

Marcia Roentz

Melanie Ryterski

Arlene Spector

Linda Lewin Stark ✠

*In memoriam

Gifts received 6/1/2023–3/4/2024

For more information or to join Leading Ladies, please contact the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

The Spotlight Society is an organization of donors who provide outstanding annual support to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. In appreciation, donors enjoy a host of special benefits, including Circle Drive parking, invitations to exclusive events and much more. The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis gratefully acknowledges members of the Spotlight Society for their commitment to sustaining and promoting the highest quality professional theatre at The Rep.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE

$20,000+

Anonymous 

Ven & Cynthia Houts 

Gwen & Paul Middeke 

Jane & Bruce Robert 

Pat & Ken Schutte 

Ann Cady Scott 

Susan & Peter Tuteur 

SPOTLIGHT ANGEL

$10,000 – $19,999

David & Melanie Alpers 

Ted & Robbie Beaty 

Mark A. Brenner 

Dr. Stuart Kornfeld 

SPOTLIGHT BENEFACTOR

$5,000 – $9,999

Barbara & Ernest Adelman 

Joseph & Lauren Allen 

Patrick Aydt

Susan Barley 

Patty & Kent Chapin 

Vicki & Brian Clevinger ✠

Pamela Wing Dern ✠

David Frey

Anne Carol Goldberg & Ronald Levin ✠

Sally Johnston 

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Langsam 

Kent A. Lewis 

SPOTLIGHT SUSTAINER

$2,500 – $4,999

Costas & Assimo Azariadis 

P.E. Belloli & Dave Shimek 

Kathy Berg 

Mark D. Bernstein ✠

Sam C. Bertolet & Helen D. Ziercher 

Lauren Smith Blair

Mrs. H. Pharr Brightman ✠

Elaine Coe ✠

Dr. Kevin & Lisa Coleman 

Myra & Gene Crandall ✠

Michael Dern ✠

Larry Essmann 

Brandon & Lucy Evans

Judith Gall ✠

Lee & Gina Hoagland 

Joanne & Joel Iskiwitch 

Dr. Theresa & Zulfikar Jeevanjee 

Nancy & Kenneth Kranzberg ✠

Andrew & Lori O’Brien 

Ann Scheuer 

Mary Schoolman 

Judi Scissors & Sam Broh* 

Janice & Steve Seele ✠

Dr. John Sopuch 

Bill & Jarona Stevens 

Mei Chen Welland 

Mike & Barbara Willock 

Lynn & Darrell Yearwood 

SPOTLIGHT PATRON

$1,500 – $2,499

Trish & Michael Abbene 

Wendi Alper-Pressman & Norman Pressman ✠

Ann P. Augustin 

Margaret Augustin 

Darla & Brad Baker

Nancy Berg 

Holly & Marc Bernstein

Catherine S. Bollinger 

Jana Broadie

Linda & Jack Bryant

Eileen Clarke & William Dodd 

Elizabeth & Don Cobin 

The Preeti Dalawari & John Vandover

Charitable Fund 

Mike & Sue Darcy

Dr. Debbie A. Depew 

Jim Donnelly & Tracey Temanson 

Richard Engelsmann & Diane Buhr

Engelsmann 

Sam and Marilyn Fox Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Fromm 

E.L. Green ✠

Laura & Ted Greenberg 

Frank Hamsher 

Kathleen Locklar Heimann

Margaret & Michael Heinz 

Bill & Linda Hentchel

Laurie Hiler 

Marian & Maurice Hirsch 

Mark & Peggy Holly 

W. F. Samuel Hopmeier 

Mike Isaacson & Joe Ortmeyer 

Daniel G Jay & Mary Ann Lazarus 

Jeanne & Aron Katzman 

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Kessler 

John S. Kingston

Sally Lemkemeier 

Judith Weiss Levy ✠

C. Arden Mennell 

Barbara & Lee Meyer

Mrs. Rena Murphy ✠

Ellen Nahlik, Simons Family Charitable Trust

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond W. Peters 

Mike & Barb Quinn 

Colleen Ritchie 

Paul & Cindy Schnabel 

Margot Schwab 

Julian & Helen Seeherman, The Seeherman Charitable Fund 

Susan & Drexel Stith

Ann & Jack Straw ✠

Drs. Beth and Paul Stroble 

Joan Tiemann 

Selden Y. Trimble, in memory of Joyce Price Trimble 

Lynne & Jim Turley

Drs. Craig & Terri Weldon 

*In memoriam

Gifts received 6/1/2022–2/22/2024

For more information or to join our Spotlight Society, please contact the Development Department at (314) 687-4030

To sign up, get books, and learn more about Rep Reads, visit repstl.org/support/rep-reads or email Rob at development@repstl.org

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

BOOK CLUB JUST GOT DRAMATIC

You’re invited to join Rep Reads, our fan-favorite monthly play reading club by making a gift of $100 or more today . Each month, we independently read a script and come together to discuss its themes, characters, and impact. Rep Readers gain a deeper appreciation of dramatic literature while building community connections with fellow theatre lovers at The Rep.

Tues & Wed, MARCH 12—13

Fat Ham–James Ijames

Tues & Wed, APRIL 9—10

Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus– Taylor Mac

2 PM & 7 PM ON TUESDAY 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY

Honor

In honor of Ann Bronsing

St. Gerard Majella Parish

In honor of Susan Nall

Mike & Pat Stokes

In honor of Doug Yaeger

Jim & Karen Castellano

Memorial

In memory of William Lee “Bill” Nussbaum

The Friedenberg-Storr and Rudolph Family

In memory of Michael Scissors

Ven & Cynthia Houts

Susan & Peter Tuteur

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Celebrating 57 seasons!

thank you for your continued support.