TWISTED MELODIES - Digital Program

SUSAN

MAJOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR

4 – oct 22

catherine b . berges theatre at coca

& PETER TUTEUR

created and performed by kelvin roston, jr.

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.

5 WELCOME

7 PRODUCTION

8 DIRECTOR’S NOTE

10 DRAMATURGY

14 BIOGRAPHIES

19 LEADERSHIP

26 ABOUT THE REP

30 SUPPORT THE ARTS

OCTOBER 4 – OCTOBER 22

THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

130 Edgar Road St. Louis, MO 63119

ADMINISTRATION

314-968-7340

BOX OFFICE

314-968-4925

WWW.REPSTL.ORG

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is a fully professional theatrical operation belonging to the League of Resident Theatres, the League of St. Louis Theatres, 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 Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis; 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

Cast, Follies

Thank you for joining us for our second production of the 23/24 season here at The Rep! To those who saw The Lehman Trilogy at the Loretto-Hilton Center, thank you for being a part of our incredible season kickoff. To those of you joining us for the first time this season, welcome. Your continued support is what keeps us going, and we are so overjoyed to have you along for this exhilarating season filled with unforgettable experiences. Our next offering is a truly remarkable tale with deep St. Louis roots – Twisted Melodies.

Twisted Melodies, Kelvin Roston Jr.’s tour-de-force solo show, presents a bold gaze look into the “Life and Time” of Donny Hathaway. With Donny’s iconic music leading the way, Kelvin paints an intimate and nuanced portrait of Hathaway, shining a loving light on the St. Louis Hall of Famer, from his legendary voice to his quiet, personal battles with mental illness.

And while it has been an immeasurable joy to program a piece that showcases so many of Donny Hathaway’s greatest hits in their most resplendent glory, the real treat of this play has been the opportunity to share the soaring, gorgeous poetry of Kelvin Roston Jr.’s script.

Though he’s become a major staple of the Chicago theatre scene, Kelvin began his theatre career here in St. Louis. In fact, the seeds for this very play were born out of an assignment during his time at The Black Rep.

Kelvin’s honest, unflinching look into the mind of a man admired for his many gifts but haunted by just as many invisible challenges is profoundly universal. Many before him and many

since have suffered in silence, and whether or not you know the lyrics to “This Christmas” by heart or have ever heard his heartstopping cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy,” we know you will be moved.

In addition to our tremendous gratitude to Susan and Peter Tuteur for their generous production sponsorship of Twisted Melodies, we’re also thrilled to announce The Rep’s partnership with the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project, led by Donny’s youngest daughter, Donnita Hathaway. Donnita’s advocacy for holistic mental health and emotional health-related education and resources is a unique opportunity to partner The Rep’s incredible onstage work with a necessary offstage issue.

As the curtain rises on Twisted Melodies, we are so happy that you have joined us tonight, and we look forward to our next moment together at the theatre.

With warm regards,

Becks Redman & Reggie D. White ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTORS AT THE REP

Long before his sudden and untimely passing in 1979, Donny Hathaway, St. Louis soul icon, left a searing, indelible fingerprint on music, enduring to this very day.

I’ll never forget the first time I heard his signature soulwrenching voice. I was spending the summer with my dad when “For All We Know” came blaring through the backyard speakers. Even at 6 years old, I was immediately transfixed. The way he could make you feel a lifetime of emotions in a single word was unlike anything I’d ever experienced and typified the transportive and transcendent powers of music at its zenith. Yet, for all we know of his successes and triumphs, Donny struggled like so many of us do. He struggled against the weight of expecation and with his love life, but he also struggled profoundly with his mental health. And while his music filled so many of our ears to the brim with joy and pleasure, he waged countless, invisible battles between his own two ears. We’ll never know the personal toll of creating such lasting beauty against a backdrop of such pain, but Kelvin Roston Jr.’s gorgeously rendered play gives us a captivating, passing, imagined glimpse.

Though it has already been performed to rapturous applause in St. Louis, Chicago, D.C., and New York City’s iconic Apollo Theater, Kelvin graciously allowed me to treat our production like a brand-new play, digging in with curiosity, generosity and rigor, and my most sincere wish is that you savor his incredible script as much you do his soaring voice and tremendous musicianship.

And if this production wasn’t already blessed with an embarrassment of riches, three of The Rep’s most beloved designers have returned to once again dazzle us with their trademark visionary artistry. Tim Mackabee, Dede Ayite and Xavier Pierce continue to bring their world-class theatremaking magic to St. Louis, and with the added collaborative genius of G Clausen’s sound design and Mike Tutaj’s projections, I trust the play’s final moments will linger with you long after you’ve left the theatre.

There’s a scene in the show where, in a state of unspeakable crisis, Donny turns once again to his piano. And as he pounds those keys with dextrous aplomb and sends his voice flying to the heavens, we realize that Donny isn’t doing this for fame, applause or for even inspiration. He’s doing this to heal his deepest, most secret wounds. Music, chief among its powers, is a singular tool for healing, and I hope that this production leaves you not only aching for Donny’s legendary catalog but healed as well.

Reggie D. White, DIRECTOR & ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

Kelvin Roston Jr.,Twisted Melodies, at Baltimore Center Stage (2017).

Photography by Richard Anderson.

THE LEGACY OF DONNY HATHAWAY

BY DONNITA HATHAWAY

My name is Donnita Hathaway. I am President and founder of the Donny Hathaway Legacy Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to provide free and affordable mental and emotional health education and resources that are holistic and culturally relevant to musicians, artists, singers, songwriters, producers of color and their families.

I am also very proud to be the youngest daughter of one of the greatest voices of all time, the incomparable Mr. Donny Hathaway. It is my honor to welcome you to Twisted Melodies performed by the brilliant Kelvin Roston, Jr.

My father was an amazing singer, composer, arranger and producer whose music has become a part of the foundation of American music. He influenced performers from R&B singers like Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake and Usher, to rapper Common, to Prince and Stevie Wonder. He is perhaps best known for his duets with singer/songwriter Roberta Flack. Even if you never sought his music, it is almost 100% probable

that you have felt his musical presence and interpretation, emulated by virtually every contemporary soul and R&B musician. Hathaway was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 1, 1945. His mother, Druseller Huntly, would spend time in Chicago where her friend circle included my grandfather, Hosea Brown. Brown, who was a part of the US Army band, served in World War II. Like most soldiers, in particular Black soldiers, he returned home shellshocked. Because of his own mental health condition, it was recommended that he never have children of his own, as he wouldn’t have the capacity to raise a child. Well, call it the curiosity and human nature of young people, they would conceive.

Shortly thereafter he and his mother returned to her native home of St. Louis and lived at Carr Square, where his grandmother, Martha Pitts Crumwel, would continue to raise him. Showing his gift of singing as a young child, Hathaway, who was known as the “Nation’s Youngest Gospel Singer,” would sing in churches across St. Louis from the age of only 3 years old.

Considered a prodigy, Hathaway excelled at the original Vashon High School (now Harris-Stowe State University).

After receiving a fine arts scholarship, Hathaway would attend the prestigious Howard University in Washington, D.C. It would be there that he would meet his future wife, Eulalah Vann, as well as fellow legend and frequent collaborator, Ms. Roberta Flack, along with musicians Ric Powell and Leroy Hudson. He would leave Howard University before graduating to become a session musician at Curtom for recording artist Curtis Mayfield in Chicago. Up to this point, there were two styles of music that Hathaway would associate himself with: Gospel music and classical music. Secular music was considered evil to members of his church and family. From Sam Cooke to Tasha Cobbs Leonard, this criticism

was and continues to be culturally relevant to singers and musicians to this day. It was a surprise to some at Howard that Donny Hathaway was a singer as he strictly was dedicated to displaying his skills as a talented musician who played multiple instruments. So you can imagine the leap and criticism, including from his grandmother, that he received once signing a major record contract, where he was singing secular music. After signing with ATCO records, Hathaway would reunite with his former classmate, Leroy Hudson, in creating his first single “The Ghetto” on his critically acclaimed first album Everything is Everything which was co-produced by Ric Powell.

During the peak of his career, people began to notice that Hathaway had been experiencing severe bouts of depression coupled with moments of exhibiting unusual and erratic behavior. In 1971, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, for which he was hospitalized and prescribed a number of medications. At one point, Hathaway was prescribed fourteen different medications, many of which he was told to take twice a day.

In addition to the stigma surrounding mental illness during the 1970s, medicine for someone who was diagnosed with a severe mental illness was known to take its toll on your mind and body. We are still in a place where someone’s emotional state and actions are attributed to just who they are, and not something deeper like a chemical imbalance. Hathaway was known for not taking his medicine as prescribed because it made him feel worse, and since my father, there have been a great many contemporary examples of the kinds of behavior exhibited by a person choosing to forgo medication for the treatment of their mental illness.

In 1972, my father would release his self-titled second LP Donny Hathaway, which would feature his signature song, written by Leon Russell, “A Song For You,“ along with the soul-stirring cover of “Giving Up” by Gladys Knight and the Pips.

Hathaway’s career would continue to see major success with the release of Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway as an album of duets that includes the pop crossover success of “Where Is The Love“ and an amazing version of singer songwriter Carole King‘s “You’ve Got A Friend.“ 1972 would also see the release of one of the greatest live albums ever recorded, “Donny Hathaway Live.” With the opening number “What’s Going On,”

Hathaway would show his admiration for his peer, Marvin Gaye. He would do the same with his live rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman,” which was later released on These Songs For You Live.

Hathaway would also compose and conduct the soundtrack for the movie Come Back Charleston Blue while supervised by the EGOT and fellow Chicagoan Quincy Jones. You can also hear Hathaway’s voice singing the theme to the Bea Arthur TV classic Maude.

Hathaway would follow this success with what would be his third and final studio album, Extension of a Man, in 1973, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The album featuring ”Someday We’ll All Be Free” would show his musical versatility. When Extensions of a Man failed to live up to expectations, it began a rapidly downward spiral for Hathaway. He was no longer recording music, his marriage with Eulalah was falling apart, and his label dropped him from his recording contract. Adding to that were financial woes, the death of his grandmother, and frequent hospitalizations and run-ins with

police. No one is immune to the inevitable pains of life, but no matter how smart, brilliant or famous a person is, these circumstances would devastate anyone.

Fast forward to 1978. Hathaway, who had seemingly disappeared from public view, made a resurgence. Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack reunited to see tremendous success with the soul ballad “The Closer I Get To You.” Their record labels wanted to see if the two of them would create that magic again. During a blizzard taking place in New York City in January 1979, Hathaway, who was in a recording session with Ms. Flack, has a schizophrenic episode during the recording session that night.

What you are about to witness is a fictional interpretation based on true events, performed by Kelvin Roston, Jr. as Donny Hathaway, now back in his hotel room at the Essex Hotel. He will remember his past success and other highlights of his life whlle questioning if he can continue life as he has known it.

CAST

kelvin roston, jr.* (Donny Hathaway) is excited to share Twisted Melodies with his hometown of St. Louis for his debut at The Rep! It’s a labor of love that began at The Black Rep under the mentorship of Ron Himes. Some favorite credits include: Oedipus Rex (Oedipus), King Hedley II (King Hedley), Five Guys Named Moe (Four-Eyed Moe), and many others. Recent credits include: Clue (Mercury Theater); The Color Purple (MSMT); The Wiz (Fulton Theatre). Chicagoland

Theatres: Congo Square, Paramount, Marriott, Goodman, ITC, eta, Writers, Black Ensemble, TimeLine, Northlight, Steppenwolf.

International: Orb (Tokyo, Japan); Festival Hall (Osaka, Japan).

Television: Chicago Med, Chicago P.D., South Side. Film: Get a Job, Princess Cyd, Breathing Room. Awards: Jeff Award, three BTAA Awards, two Black Excellence Awards, NAMI Award. AEA, Paonessa Talent.

CREATIVE TEAM

regggie d. white (Director) Previously at The Rep: Side by Side. Off-Broadway: And In This Corner, Cassius Clay (Atlantic Theater Co), Buzzer (Public TheatreAssociate Director). Regional: The Williams Project, Bay Street Theater, Alter Theatre Ensemble. Training: Atlantic Acting School, Cal State Hayward. Visit: reggiedwhite.com

Tim mackabee (Set Designer) Previously at the Rep: Murder On The Orient Express, A Christmas Carol (2021 & 2022), Angels in America: Parts One and Two. Broadway: The Elephant Man and Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth. He designed the West End production of The Elephant Man. Off-Broadway: Heathers The Musical, Seared (Outer Critics Circle Award, MCC Theatre), Guards at the Taj (Lortel Award), Describe the Night, The Penitent, Our New Girl (Atlantic), Darling Grenadine, The Last Match (Roundabout), Vietgone, Important Hats of the Twentieth Century (MTC), Luce (LCT) and Gigantic (Vineyard). Regional: Ford’s Theatre, Seattle Rep, The Old Globe, Baltimore Center Stage,

Denver Center, Portland Center Stage, Cleveland Play House, Dallas Theatre Center, Yale Repertory Theatre, Syracuse Stage, South Coast Repertory, Arden Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, The Muny and Williamstown. Television: Amy Schumer: Live at the Apollo (HBO), Gotham, Smash, The Today Show and Football Night in America. Training: North Carolina School of the Arts, Yale School of Drama. Visit: timothymackabeedesign.com

Social: @timmackabeedesign

dede ayite (Costume Designer) is a two-time Tony Award nominated costume designer working in theater, opera and film. Broadway: Topdog / Underdog, Ohio State Murders, American Buffalo, How I Learned to Drive, A Soldier’s Play, Slave Play, Chicken & Biscuits, American Son, and Children of a Lesser God. Off-Broadway: Merry Wives (The Public Theater), Seven Deadly Sins (Tectonic), Secret Life of Bees, Marie and Rosetta (Atlantic); By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, (Signature); Nollywood Dreams, BLKS, School Girls… (MCC); Bella: An American Tall Tale (Playwrights Horizons); Toni Stone (Roundabout). Regional: Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Steppenwolf, Arena Stage and more. Television: Netflix, Comedy Central and FOX Shortcoms. Education: MFA, Yale School of Drama. Awards: TDF/Kitty Leech Young Master Award, Obie, Drama Desk, Henry Hewes, Lucille Lortel, Helen Hayes, Theatre Bay Area, and Jeff Awards.

Xavier Pierce (Lighting Designer) Professional Credits: 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), St. Louis Repertory Theatre ( St. Louis, MO), Seattle Repertory Theatre ( Seattle, Washington), Arena Stage (Washington, DC), California Shakespeare Theatre (Orinda, CA), Cincinnati Playhouse (Cincinatti,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.

g clausen (Sound Designer) is a Sound Designer and Composer based in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Some of his theatrical credits include: How I Learned What I Learned, Native Son, Skeleton Crew (Playmakers Repertory); PYG or The Misedumacation of Dorian Belle (Studio Theatre); Queen of the Night (Victory Gardens Theater); My Wonderful Birthday Suit, The Snowy Day (Children’s Theatre of Charlotte); Rebellious, The 39 Steps, Member of the Wedding, Dirty Blonde, Fences, Don Juan, The Mystery of Irma Vep, And Then There Were None, A Christmas Carol, Two Wolves and a Lamb (Triad Stage); The Piano Lesson, Too Heavy for Your Pocket, How I Learned What I Learned, Intimate Apparel, A Raisin in the Sun, Hooded, or Being Black for Dummies (Pyramid Theatre Company); Welcome to Arroyo’s, Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery (Cape Fear Regional Theatre). G earned his MFA in Sound Design from UNCSA, where he also taught from 2016-2022.

mike tutaj (Projections Designer) joins St. Louis Rep for the first time with this production but returns to Twisted Melodies, having designed productions of this work at Baltimore Center Stage, The Apollo Theater and Mosaic Theatre. He has designed countless shows regionally and internationally—but you are his favorite audience. Mike is the Head of the Projection Design Program at the Theatre School at DePaul University. He loves his wife, Emily,

slightly more than his dogs. Visit: www.miketutaj.com

ben shipley* (Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be joining Rep St. Louis for the first time with this production of Twisted Melodies! Selected Off-Broadway: The Watering Hole (Signature); 1001 Nights (Atlantic); Don Juan, The Winter’s Tale (The Pearl). National Tour: Disney’s Aladdin, The Prom, Hamilton (Angelica Tour), Warriors Don’t Cry, The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System, Junie B. Jones. Selected Regional: Ensemble Theatre Company, The Wallis, South Coast Rep, New Harmony Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Geffen Playhouse, Berkeley Rep, NYSAF. Alum of Ithaca College. Love and gratitude to Dominic, my family and friends, and this stellar company of collaborators!

kentrell jamison (Production Assistant) is a Chicago native who graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Performing Arts. He began his stage management career as a Production Assistant at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis for the world premiere of The Gradient, then Stick Fly, Private Lives, Side by Side and Gruesome Playground Injuries. Concurrently, he was also the Assistant Stage Manager for Big Machine, Matilda, MOTheR, and Little Dancer at COCA. Last year, he was the Production Assistant intern for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and this year he was an Assistant Stage Manager for Little Shop of Horrors and Sister Act at The Muny!

Rachael Maye Aronoff(Rehearsal Production Assistant) is a theater creator based in Los Angeles, CA. Recent stage management projects include: Invincible (The Wallis); P-22 Celebration of Life (Greek Theatre); Pull Up: The Ultimate Mental Health Concert (The YouTube Theatre); Women in Entertainment Awards (Presented by The Hollywood Reporter). Recent stage credits include: Multiple roles in The Human Comedy at Actor’s Co-Op, Mary in Sins, and John the Baptist in The Passion. She has recently been seen on If the World Was Ending by Petit Soleil Films, and she is the voice for

the University of Kentucky on all national broadcasts! She obtained a BFA in Acting from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. She would like to extend a special thanks to her family and partner for their endless love and support. Social: @rachael_maye.

Kelvin Roston Jr.,Twisted Melodies, at Baltimore Center Stage (2017).

Photography by Richard Anderson.

BIOGRAPHIES

madeleine reid (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a Chicago based Lighting Designer and Assistant Lighting Designer of theatre, opera, dance and live events. Recent Lighting Design credits include: POTUS (Stages Houston); Hurricane Diane (Rec Room); The Chinese Lady (Kitchen Theatre, Geva Theatre Center). Select Assistant Lighting Design credits include: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Servant of Two Masters, Sherlock Holmes and the Case of Jersey Lily (The Alley Theatre); Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon (Lookingglass Theatre); Antonio’s Song, A Christmas Carol, The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci (Goodman Theatre); King John (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Clue, The Sound of Music, Trouble in Mind (Utah Shakespeare Festival); Cinderella (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Mlima’s Tale, Thanksgiving Play (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis). She received her BFA in Lighting Design from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University. Visit: www.madeleinegreid.com

The Sheldon's Concert Series are made possible by Steward Family Foundation, the Sinquefield Charitable Foundation and the Whitaker Foundation

mark your calendars and get ready for a trip of a lifetime on the rep’s 25th annual london theatre tour!

Immerse yourself in all that London has to offer next summer with The Rep’s own Danny Williams. Tour highlights include:

• Excursions to the beautiful English countryside

• Insider conversations with leading scholars, artists, critics and more

• Hotel accommodations

For nearly three decades, the Annual London Theatre Tour has been a beloved chance to build community and create memories with fellow lovers of The Rep. Don’t miss out!

DANNY WILLIAMS (Managing Director) became The Rep’s Managing Director in January 2022. An experienced arts administrator, Danny has 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 beginning in 2006. Most recently, as Senior Director, Finance and Administration, he managed the daily and strategic financial operations of this $50 million nonprofit organization, successfully launched an organization-wide intranet, partnered with the development team to achieve fundraising goals, and collaborated on long-term financial planning and analysis, including cash investment strategies, budget analysis and project management. Noteworthy and favorite productions include Broadway productions of Fun Home, Eclipsed, Hamilton and Hair along with Off-Broadway productions of Here Lies Love, Into the Woods, Twelfth Night, As You Like It, White Noise and Rock Bottom. Danny has also held roles with Musical Theatre International, Warren Miller Performing Arts Center and Manhattan Theatre Club and has served as an adjunct professor in the performing arts management master of fine arts program at Brooklyn College. He earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing and theater from Fairfield University and spent a semester abroad studying at Regents University in the United Kingdom.

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 multi-hyphenate 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 mutli 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, the RHE Artistic Fellowship and an NCAAP Theatre Award nominee.

ARTISTIC

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ASSOCIATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE

learning & COMMUNITY engagement

LEARNING PROGRAMS MANAGER

TEACHING & ENGAGEMENT MANAGER

LACE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

TEACHING ARTIST

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

GENERAL MANAGER

COMPANY MANAGER

MANAGEMENT ASSISTANT

ATTORNEY

DEVELOPMENT

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

INSTITUTIONAL GIVING MANAGER

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICER

DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

MARKETING DIRECTOR

PUBLIC RELATIONS

DIGITAL MARKETING ASSOCIATE

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

Danny Williams Managing Director

Becks Redman

Reggie D. White

Matthew Cox

Brian Coats

Britney Daniels

Claire Himstedt

Brea Rollston

Dan Schultz

Michael Ward

Alex Ray

Sara Robertson, Polsinelli PC

Stephanie Boyd

Laurel Considine

Tasha Kaminsky

Rob Kapeller

Bailey Pashia

Ashton Beck

Frances White

Ash Moon Thompson

Delores Eddington

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

COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

ASSISTANT COSTUME SHOP MANAGER

HEAD DRAPER

DRAPER

FIRST HANDS

lighting

MAINSTAGE HEAD ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION

SENIOR MANAGER, ADMINISTRATION

ACCOUNTING ASSOCIATE

ACCOUNTING ASSISTANT

AUDIENCE SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF AUDIENCE SERVICES

BOX OFFICE MANAGER

ASSISTANT BOX OFFICE MANAGER

DATABASE ADMINISTRATOR

BOX OFFICE REPRESENTATIVES

Michael T. Sondag

Laura Wandersee

Suzanne Bodenstein

Marsha Whitler

Ricki Marking-Camuto

Kristy Kannapell

Lin Joyce

Michael Dorn

Christian Hoffman

Dan Ladd

Carl Wickman

Taylor Kelly

Brittni Brown

Carol Hodson

Julie George

sound

MAINSTAGE SOUND ENGINEER

SOUND ENGINEER

crew

DECK CREW

A2

LEAD HOUSE MANAGER

ASSOCIATE HOUSE MANAGER

ASSISTANT HOUSE MANAGERS

Deanna Danger

Hope Harbour

Mo Moellering

B. Young

Alex Godefroid

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

Kristie Osi

Rachel Seabaugh

Robert Trump

Elizabeth Eisloeffel

Carrisa Sexton

Wes Wyman

Connor Meers

Casey Morris III

Joshua Riggs

Sean Wilhite

Sadie Gingold

Ainsley Hammond

Maggie Newstead-Adams

SPOT OP Eesha Ved

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT

Brian Clevinger* prolog ventures

SECRETARY

Judi Scissors*

community volunteer

MEMBERS:

VICE PRESIDENT

Ann Cady Scott* community volunteer

TREASURER

Wendi Alper-Pressman* armstrong teasdale llp

Wendi Alper-Pressman*

armstrong teasdale llp

David Alpers

washington university

Margaret Augustin*

community volunteer

Patrick Aydt

merrill lynch | vice president

Amy Bantle

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

Lauren Smith Blair

u.s. bancorp community development corporation | vice president

Jana Broadie

community volunteer

Dedric A. Carter

washington university | vice chancellor for operations and technology transfer

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

VICE PRESIDENT

Susan Stith* community volunteer

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

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

VOLUNTEER BOARD

One of the 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 contact call the Development Department at (314) 687-4030.

PRESIDENT

Ann Harris Straw

TREASURER

Cindy Schnabel

MEMBERS:

Trish Alexandre

Susan Barley

Ann Bronsing

Michaeleen Cradock

Dorothy Diehl

VICE PRESIDENT

Trish Alexandre

SECRETARY Ann Bronsing

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Laurie Hiler

Shirley Raitzsch

Colleen Ritchie

Rocky Rosen

Helen Sandifer

Cindy Schnabel

Denise Eschenbrenner

Karen Fairbank

Glenda Hares

Vicki Helling

Laurie Hiler

Marcia King

Margie Knapp

Linda Lowry

Barbara Mennell

Karen Miller

Carol Schreiner

Ann Straw

Linda Vandivort

Lynn Yearwood

Understanding Starts

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 and Berges Theatres. Performances are given in both the Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center and the Catherine B. Berges Theatre at COCA.

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 yourseats 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

• Subscription Pass Boost on single tickets

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

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.

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 

Kathy Berg 

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 

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 

Drs. Craig & Terri Weldon 

*In memoriam

Gifts received 6/1/2022 – 9/18/2023

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

LIFETIME GIVING LEVELS

 $250,000+

 $100,000 ‒ $249,999

✠ $50,000 ‒ $99,999

 $25,000 ‒ $49,999

 $10,000 ‒ $24,999

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

$5,000 - $9,999

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

TRIBUTES

In honor of Rob Kapeller

Linda & Jack Bryant

In honor of Danny Williams

Susan & Peter Tuteur

BOOK CLUB JUST GOT DRAMATIC

You’re invited to join Rep Reads, our fan-favorite monthly play reading club. 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.

We are thrilled to announce our fall series, Legacy: Across Generations, Across Time. Like The Lehman Trilogy, these epic plays span decades, following communities and families through the highs and lows of history, and even into the future.

Tues & Wed, October 10-11

The Inheritance –Matthew Lopez Winner! 2020 Tony Award® for Best Play

Tues & Wed, November 14-15

Mr. Burns, a post-electric play –Anne Washburn Winner! 2015 Whiting Award for Drama

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

Cast, The 39 Steps

Photo by Jon Gitchoff

SUPPORT THE ARTS

how your gift makes an impact

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

Your gift empowers a wide spectrum of artists, from local artisans and craftspeople to our administrative and leadership teams, to dream and innovate in new ways to continue to bring magic to our stages.

LEARNING AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Your gift brings the power of live theatre to thousands of youth each year. These young learners gain an understanding of the literary value and the making of theatre while simultaneously developing skills in communication, teamwork and leadership.

REEMERGING TOGETHER

Your gift to The Rep helps overcome the financial challenges of the past few years and secures the longevity of our theatre for decades to come.

BENEFITS OF BEING A DONOR

Benefits are based on giving levels. Please visit www.repstl.org for more details and full benefits for all giving levels.

Dive deeper into your theatrical journey with Rep Reads, our monthly play reading and discussion group (minimum gift of $100)

Celebrate the season with us at the Annual Spotlight Society exclusive event (minimum gift of $1,500)

Join in exclusive conversations with Managing Director, Danny Williams, and Associate Artistic Directors Becks Redman and Reggie D. White around the artistry of productions and the impact of our work on the local community as part of our Artistic and Managing Directors’ Circle (minimum gift of $20,000).

HOW TO MAKE YOUR GIFT: ONLINE

Visit repstl.org/support

PHONE

Call the Development Department at 314-687-4030.

MAIL

Send a check to The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Attn: Development Department, 130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

Photography by Jon Gitchoff