FEB 13 - MAR 3, 2024 COPAKEN STAGE
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Tonight We Honor
NATHAN LOUIS JACKSON December 4, 1978 ~ August 22, 2023
Along with the nationwide theatre community, we are deeply mourning the loss of our friend and collaborator, NATHAN LOUIS JACKSON. A playwright and screenwriter, Nathan was a KCK native whose plays were influenced by his Midwest upbringing. We were fortunate to have Nathan with us for six years as an Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Artist-in-Residence. Between 2010 and 2018 we produced four of his plays (including two world premieres) at Copaken Stage: Broke-ology, When I Come to Die, Sticky Traps, and Brother Toad. He was also a featured storyteller appearing in our first ever Ghost Light in 2020. While his artistry left lasting impressions on our audiences, his generosity of spirit, tenacious work-ethic, and passion for storytelling cemented deep and treasured friendships among many in the KCRep community. We mourn collectively with 6 (Photo: T. Charles Erickson) his wife, Megan, and their beautiful family.
Welcome to Copaken Stage
INSIDE
for KCRep's 2024 production of Christina Ham's
NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN
12 Honoring Dr. Mac
20 KCRep History
PHOTOGRAPHY You may take photographs inside the theatre before and after performances only. If you post a photo of the set on social media, please add the following credits to your post: scenic design: SHAUN L. MOTLEY lighting design: JASON LYNCH Note: Videotaping, photography or other video or audio recording of and during this production is strictly prohibited. Please remember to turn off all cell phones or any other devices that could make noise and distract audience members around you.
21 General Info 26 Board of
Directors
28 2024 Gala60 33 Title Page 34 Cast 35 Welcome from
Artistic Director Stuart Carden
36 Playwright
Spotlight: Christina Ham
40 Cast &
Company
Keep up with the latest KCRep News! Kansas City Repertory Theatre
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48 KCRep Staff 48 Next at KCRep 73 Contributor Listing
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Established 1899 | Kansas City’s Journal of Society
The first issue of The Independent was published on March 11, 1899. The magazine was the brainchild of Arthur Grissom and George Creel. Young Mr. Grissom soon returned to New York, where he was a founder of The Smart Set prior to his death at the age of 31. George Creel continued to run The Independent until 1909. (In later years, Mr. Creel would serve as chairman of the Committee for Public Information under President Woodrow Wilson. He devised much of the propaganda that encouraged Americans to support World War I.) The next owners of the magazine were Clara Kellogg and Katherine Baxter of the Kellogg-Baxter Printing Company, who lived and worked together. After Miss Baxter’s death from pneumonia at the age of 43 in 1924, Miss Kellogg published an annual tribute to her. Martha Nichols Gaylord (Mrs. Gleed Gaylord) became the editor and owner in 1939, a decade after she joined the staff. Mrs. Gaylord headed the magazine during a time when the arts were proliferating in Our Town: The Kansas City Ballet was founded in 1957, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City in 1958 and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 1964. Mrs. Gaylord sold The Independent to Robert P. Ingram in 1983. Laureen Ingram, Mr. Ingram’s daughter-in-law, purchased the magazine from him in 1996. Rachel Lewis Falcon became the new owner and publisher in 2017. The Independent Magazine Publisher ............................................................ Rachel Lewis Falcon Director of Program Guide Operations ............. Christin Painter Graphic Design .................................................. BurningStar Studios, LLC The Independent Magazine 2400 West 75th Street, Suite 120 • Prairie Village, KS 66208 • 816.471.2800 Christin Painter • Christin@kcindependent.com
kcindependent.com Kansas City Repertory Theatre program guides are a publication of the Performing Arts Division of The Independent magazine. Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure accuracy. However, the publisher does not assume responsibility for accuracy. Editorial program content was provided by the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Copyright by The Independent magazine. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.
INFINITI of Kansas City
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In Honor of DR. PATRICIA20A. McILRATH
In 1964, Dr. Patricia A. McIlrath founded Missouri Repertory Theatre with the belief that theatre could change the world and could change our town. Over the past 60 years, we’ve changed our name, but not our purpose: we’re still dedicated to creating transformative theatre experiences for our community. All year long, to celebrate our Diamond Anniversary, we will be traveling down memory lane and honoring many of those who have made these last 60 years possible. Thank you to Dr. Mac, and to all of our patrons, artists, and staff that have held KCRep in good stead for the last 60 years. We dedicate this season to you!
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AIZURI QUARTET Sep. 23 | 1900 Building
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“SPARK OF GENIUS” Apr. 26 | The Folly Theater
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“EXTRAORDINARY IMAGINATIONS” Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Jan. 20 | The Folly Theater
Purchase tickets today for BEST seats available! Call 816.766.1096 or visit ChamberMusic.org
HISTORY
Dr. Mac
James D. Costin (left) & George Keathley
Peter Altman
Eric Rosen
W
ith our 2023/24 Season, Kansas City Repertory Theatre (KCRep)/Missouri Repertory Theatre (MRT) , is celebrating 60 years of transformative theatre! During our time, KCRep has been a source of inspiration to thousands of our nation’s best artists and to millions of Americans in Kansas City and beyond. Missouri Repertory Theatre was founded in 1964 by Dr. Patricia A. McIlrath, who is among a select few pioneers of the regional theater movement who believed that theater could change the world and could change our town. Kansas City’s citizens continue to benefit from Dr. Mac’s passionate commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, education, and community transformation. Under her direction, KC’s theatre fans enjoyed many memorable shows, including an unforgettable 1983 production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Dr. Mac’s vision for providing professional experience to early career artists continues today through our partnership with UMKC.
Stuart Carden
performance venue, Copaken Stage, in downtown Kansas City’s Power & Light District. Eric Rosen was hired as Producing Artistic Director in 2007. During his tenure, he was instrumental in cultivating a national reputation and brand for KCRep and the city as a destination for reimagined classics such as Into the Woods and Evita, and critically acclaimed new works, including Clay, Venice, and Between the Lines. In 2013, KCRep returned to the co-CEO structure when Rosen was partnered with Executive Director Angela Lee Gieras. Together, they led the company through a successful campaign for, and renovation of Spencer Theatre, crafted a five-year, $5 million campaign that increased investment in audiences, new works, and education, and rebranded the organization.
Following Dr. Mac’s retirement in 1985, George Keathley was appointed as Artistic Director. During his tenure, and through his partnership with Executive Director James D. Costin, MRT was established as the pinnacle of artistic achievement for local theatre artists, creating a legacy of excellence through work in the civic community and with legendary MRT productions such as Dracula and Richard III. In 2000, Peter Altman joined MRT as Artistic Director for a seven-year tenure. His vision included laying the groundwork to promote the city more aggressively as a center for nationally recognized theatre artists, and he spearheaded changing the theatre’s name to Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 2006 to help achieve this goal. He also helped create KCRep’s second permanent
Angela Lee Gieras
In 2019, director, producer, and educator Stuart Carden joined KCRep as its fifth Artistic Director. Deeply committed to centering KCRep in this region, Stuart believes the arts play a crucial role in strengthening communities. With an eye towards creating transformative theater experiences for all, Stuart brought KCRep productions to the grounds of the World War I Museum and Memorial and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the latter of which was the origin of Ghost Light: A Night of Haunted Songs and Stories from KC’s Cultural Crossroads, which is now an annual, two-day, free family festival. In 2022 Stuart launched KCRep for All, our expansive community tour that takes KCRep to community centers, libraries, and other public spaces all over the region. He strives to provide greater access to our art form and to reflect the passions, curiosities, and stories of the diverse communities that make KC such a vibrant city.
Visit KCRep.org for more info and a list of all KCRep productions.
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2023/24 SEASON
GENERAL INFO CONTACT US | QUESTIONS Box Office: 816.235.2700 Email: tickets@kcrep.org
the use of all cameras and recording devices in the theatre during the performance is strictly prohibited.
SINGLE & SEASON TICKETS
VOLUNTEER AT KCREP
Volunteers are the backbone of KCRep, providing valuable services such as ushering and helping with special events. Please call 816.235.2780 if you are interested in joining our volunteer team.
Visit KCRep.org Call 816.235.2700 Ask about Season Ticket Holder benefits!
BOX OFFICE HOURS
KCRep’s Box Office is open Monday thru Friday, 10am-4pm, and until curtain time on performance days.
THE MORE THE MERRIER!
Discounts are available for groups of nine or more, and many additional perks are offered, including private party spaces, assistance planning your special group event, and prime seating in the theatre. To schedule an event or for more information, please contact Group Sales at tickets@kcrep.org or call 816.235.5771.
ACCESS
Both of KCRep’s theatres — Spencer Theatre and Copaken Stage — are ADA accessible and parking spaces are readily available. Infrared hearing systems and large-print and Braille programs are available free of charge at the lobby coat check counter in both of our theatres. One performance of each show is interpreted in American Sign Language. Please visit our website at KCRep.org for dates. Live Audio Description may be requested in advance of a production. Please contact the Box Office to learn more.
EDUCATORS
Are you a teacher interested in bringing your class to a student matinee performance or participating in a customdesigned classroom workshop created around your curriculum? Call Melinda McCrary at 816.235.2707 or email mccrarym@kcrep.org for more information.
LATE SEATING When possible, latecomers will be seated toward the back of the house, at the discretion of KCRep’s House Management staff.
MAKE A GIFT TODAY!
KCRep is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which means we rely on the generosity of our fans and friends. If you are inspired by what you see on stage today, please consider making a donation by calling 816.235.5420 or online at KCRep.org/Support.
CELL PHONES & CAMERAS
Please turn off all cell phones/electronic devices during the performance. For the safety of the actors and in accordance with the rules of Actors’ Equity Association, 816.235.2700
21
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JOIN US FOR OUR 2023–24 SEASON! Tickets on sale now. Scan this code to purchase. jccc.edu/MTC / Box Office: 913–469–4445 / M–F / 10 AM–5 PM
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BOARD of DIRECTORS (Listing as of January 26, 2024)
CHAIR
TREASURER David W. Frantze**
Andrew Kaplan** VICE-CHAIR Melea McRae**
Shannon Johnson John H. (Topper) Johntz, Jr.** Honorary Vice Chair Mary Cook Jorgenson Lauren E. Tucker McCubbin Endowment Matt Ralston** Dana Abraham** Shawna Roath Executive Richard Singleton III Andrew Kaplan** Hillary Stamper Finance Benjamin Stone, M.D. David W. Frantze** Julie Towner Governance Susan Waldron Ivan R. Batlle** Michelle Webb Judge Jon R. Gray (Ret.)** Dominic Wu, M.D. Human Resources Tina Youngblood & Compensation Kerri S. Reisdorff** DISTINGUISHED DIRECTORS IDEA Committee Debby Ballard LaMonica Madden** Stewart S. Myers** Irvin V. Belzer Bill Blessing DIRECTORS Scott Boswell C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D.* Rob Bratcher Bunni Copaken** Ann King Dickinson Courtney Crappell* Courtney Goddard Douglas N. Ghertner Deanna Graves Laura Hall** Greg Graves Scott Hall** Nancy P. Hatch Hayley E. Hanson Mike Lochmann George Shadid COMMITTEE CHAIRS Development Ashlei Holznecht**
*Ex-officio, UMKC
SECRETARY Chris Hernandez**
Myra Siegel Jo Ann Sullivan Bert Trucksess Abigail Wendel ADVISORY DIRECTORS Donald J. Hall Irvine O. Hockaday, Jr. John B. Francis (1917-2004) William C. Nelson (1937-2014) DIRECTORS EMERITI Emily Ballentine Thomas R. Brous (1943-2023) William L. Bruning Linda Cozad Barbara Fay Robert Firnhaber Mark S. Gilman J. Gordon Kingsley Jeannette Nichols Marvin W. Ozley Sally Rheinfrank Sally West
**Executive Committee
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2023•24 SEASON
values Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism (IDEA) in all we do. IDENTIFY AND ADDRESS BARRIERS TO IDEA PRACTICES Review all policies and practices with an IDEA lens, makingrecommendations for appropriate revisions. ENSURE INCLUSIVE REPRESENTATION Invite and share stories that reflect the identities of our entire community across all touchpoints (e.g., programming, marketing, production, audiences). BUILD ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR IDEA PRINCIPLES Establish budget planning policies and practices that support the IDEA work while also creating a plan for socializing our work in the community. CULTIVATE IDEA PARTNERSHIPS Cultivate partnerships throughout the theatre community that demonstrate our commitment to equity and representation. COMMIT TO IDEA LEARNING AND AWARENESS Implement a comprehensive development plan that supports ongoing IDEA learning and awareness for staff, board, artists and audiences.
EXPECT ACCOUNTABILITY Hold ourselves accountable for driving the intended actions and the desired outcome set by the IDEA framework.
We operate from a place of courage and curiosity to bring about an equitable environment and sense of belonging for everyone in every aspect of our theater. We foster empathy and understanding and believe in opportunity and justice for all. Our IDEA Committee’s charge is to identify barriers and change practice and policies to create a KCRep culture of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Anti-Racism. We are using the framework at left to guide us toward our goal. An important part of our inclusion effort is recognition of the local Native American tribes and cultures whose lands we currently inhabit. We open our meetings with the following:
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to acknowledge that our theatre sits on the traditional, ancestral, and current home of Native Americans, Indigenous, and First Nations people. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the many tribal groups from our area, including the Osage, Kaw, Missouria, Shawnee and Wyandot tribes. We honor the elders, both past and present, and this calls us to commit to continuing to learn their stories as well as how to be better stewards of the land that we occupy.
Visit kcrep.org/inclusion for more info about our commitment to IDEA.
27 26
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Your Gift is
TRANSFORMATIONAL.
SUPPORT
TODAY!
816.235.6106 | donate@kcrep.org | kcrep.org/support-us PHOTO CREDITS (Clockwise from top left): Gary Neal Johnson as Ebenezer Scrooge in KCRep's 2022 production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL ; Photo: Don Ipock | Chioma Anyanwu (left) & Meredith Noël in the 2023 KCRep For All touring production of THE RIPPLE, THE WAVE THAT CARRIED ME HOME; Photo: Kenney Ellison; Students attending a matinee performance at Spencer Theatre; Photo: Manon Haliburton | Cast of KCRep's world premiere production of BETWEEN THE LINES; Photo: Cory Weaver.
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Join Us for
OUR AMAZING 2024 SEASON
Jun 7 - Jun 16
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Sep 27 - Oct 6
Subscriptions Available Now | Single Tickets on Sale March 19 LyceumTheatre.org 660-837-3311 114 High Street, Arrow Rock, MO
Stuart Carden, Artistic Director
Angela Lee Gieras, Executive Director
presents
A co-production with Milwaukee Repertory Theater Mark Clements, Artistic Director • Chad Bauman, Executive Director
NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN a play by
CHRISTINA HAM directed & co-music directed by
MALKIA STAMPLEY co-music director/ arranger PAMELA BASKIN-WATSON
scenic design SHAUN L. MOTLEY
costume design YVONNE L. MIRANDA
lighting design JASON LYNCH
sound design SARTJE PICKETT
makeup artist/wig design DAVID ZIMMERMAN
associate director TERESA LEGGARD
associate music director MATTHEW HARRIS
choreographer MARC WAYNE
fight consultant LOGAN BLACK
casting JONATHAN HETLER*
kansas city casting ANDI MEYER*
production stage manager JORDAN CANON-KRUIS*
assistant stage manager RACHEL M. DYER*
lead sponsor
supporting sponsors This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
HERB & BONNIE BUCHBINDER
NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN was commissioned by Park Square Theatre, St. Paul, Minnesota, Richard Cook, Artistic Director, C. Michael-jon Pease, Executive Director, and received its first public performance on March 8, 2016 NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN is presented by special arrangement with United Talent Agency. *Denotes Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors & Stage Managers in the United States.
816.235.2700
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KCRep.org
CAST (In Order of Appearance)
Nina Simone ALEXIS J. ROSTON* Aunt Sarah GABRIELLE LOTT-ROGERS* Sephronia TONI MARTIN* Sweet Thing/Dance Captain BRITTNEY MACK* Sam Waymon MATTHEW HARRIS* UNDERSTUDIES PAULETTE DAWN for Aunt Sarah HALEY JOHNSON for Sephronia & Sweet Thing BRITTNEY MACK for Nina Simone Understudies never substitute for the listed performers unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the appearance. *Denotes Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors & Stage Managers in the United States.
TIME September 16, 1963. SETTING An approximation of Nina’s Mt. Vernon, NY living room and the ruins of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Nina Simone: Four Women will be performed with NO INTERMISSION.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY
PAMELA MILLER & MICHAEL CUMMINGS Financial assistance for this project has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency. This theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. The Director is a member of the STAGE DIRECTORS AND CHOREOGRAPHERS SOCIETY, a national theatrical labor union.
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The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829 IATSE.
FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Welcome to KCRep’s Copaken Stage! We are so excited for you to experience this powerful and exalting new version of Nina Simone: Four Women by the extraordinary writer Christina Ham.
icon, Nina Simone. Thank you so much for being a part of and supporting new play experiences for this generation and the next!
Nina Simone: Four Women will also be our third annual KCRep for All Free After celebrated productions at Community Touring production. Led by Northlight Theatre, Arizona Theatre our new and dynamic Director of Arts Company, People’s Light, and South Coast Engagement, Morgana Wilborn, with Repertory Theatre, Christina shared support from Associate Artistic Director with us a desire to dig deeper into her Nelson Eusebio III, Artistic Associate exploration of Nina Simone, one of the Andi Meyer, and our entire staff and 20th century’s most influential American board, KCRep for All expands who we singers and artist-activists. As part of our serve in our KC community by bringing OriginKC New Works program and in this powerful and exciting production to partnership with Milwaukee Repertory twelve different neighborhoods across Theatre, we brought together Christina, the metro area. Performed in intimate director Malkia Stampley, and artists settings in community centers, libraries, from Kansas City and across the country veteran centers, women’s shelters, and to workshop and further develop the play community gathering spaces, KCRep for in November of 2023. All removes barriers to accessing live theatre and offers authentic community Watching and listening to Christina engagement and transformational explore the richness of Nina Simone’s psychology, the complexity of her artistic theatre experiences throughout our KC community. This is the third year, and process, and articulate the fascinating KCRep for All continues to grow and style of this new play was an revelatory evolve, reflecting our commitment to process. Daily she brought in new pages of writing that brought gasps of surprise, becoming a theatre for all in Kansas City. To learn more about the program and groans of frustration, and so much how to support KCRep for All, please laughter. It was an education watching visit: kcrep.org/event/kcrep-for-all/. Christina at her craft and the week of work culminated in an electric reading of You are welcome, and you belong here at the play that had all of us ready to see the KCRep! play come to full life on the stage. See you at the theatre, And now we are here — and so are you — experiencing a new work of art about the transformative American artist and
Stuart Carden
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C H R IS T IN A
HAM
P L A Y W R IG H T
NINA SIMO NE: FOUR WOM EN Interview by
MORGANA WILBORN DIrector of Arts Engagement
A PLAY WITH MUSIC
O
ftentimes, I am asked the distinction between a play with music (like the one you’re about to watch tonight) versus a musical. While there is no set number of songs required for a musical, they typically feature about 15 to 20 or more songs. Also, musicals can include what are known as reprises. Musicals use songs to advance plot and demonstrate character emotions. These songs are integral to help tell the story. A play with music has a diegetic sound (heard by the audience and characters), whereas a musical has music only heard by the audience, or non-diegetic music. A play
Photo: Kenneth Dolin
with music has fewer songs (this one has about nine) and performs only a portion of some songs. These numbers are also spread out quite a bit throughout the play. The songs echo the plot and broaden and amplfy the dialogue. The songs could be totally removed, leaving just the play behind, and it would still work. That would not be the case with a musical. While these definitions might be a bit reductive, these are important distinctions. Hopefully it provides some context and curiosity to explore both forms. Enjoy!
3736
Q: Nina Simone: Four
Women has been produced nationally several times. What inspired you to revise the script now?
A: I was inspired to revise the script for a couple of reasons: some of the songs that were in the script were not the appropriate fit for a play with music. The areas where the old songs were popping up didn't blend as well with the text of the script. By finally being able to spend time with the script, I was finally able to pin that down better. The other reason was to finally be able to get some of the character work honed from things I noted in other productions in addition to making the play as multigenerational as possible. I was also allowed to realize the world fully that Nina was in as she created "Mississippi Goddam" and really capture her creative state at the time. Q: The play imagines how Nina responded as an artist/ activist to the bombing of the
16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, and the murder of the four little girls. I can’t help but think about your play, Four Little Girls: Birmingham 1963. Are there parallels, connections, or conversations between the two plays?
A: The parallels and connections between Nina Simone: Four Women and Four Little Girls happens with the number four. Nina was clear that, at one point, she did imagine what would've happened if the little girls had been allowed to grow up, and imagined the "Four Women" song being applicable to that they all have deferred dreams, and they have experienced unwanted violence in their lives. Q: Nina Simone: Four
Women is not a biographical show about Nina Simone, as it examines aspects of the woman herself as she creates this “anthem” in history. What do you hope audiences explore about Nina Simone, the woman?
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A: I hope that audiences
ensuring that it is taught, electing black women in do a deeper dive into Nina local, state, and national Simone the woman by reading her autobiography, I levels of government, Put a Spell on You, watching dismantling sexism, antiBlackness, and protecting her documentary, What our bodily autonomy. This is Happened, Miss Simone? by for starters. We have a lot of Liz Garbus, do a deep dive on You Tube, and listening to work to do. her music. Q: Audiences will also meet representations of the women Q: The play examines Nina Simone sang about in a pivotal moment in history, her song "Four Women," as it relates to the many Black lives lost to racial terror all different. What do you hope audiences continue violence. How do you hope to think about tropes, this play raises awareness to community members about stereotypes, archetypes, stories, and representation protecting Black women of Black women in life, and in and Black communities, the media? now and forever?
A: I hope audiences think
A: I hope this play raises awareness about protecting Black women and Black communities, now and forever by acknowledging that we have suffered violence since we landed on these shores and to ensure our protection, it needs to happen on a comprehensive level: it needs to happen in protecting our black history and how it's taught,
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about tropes, stereotypes, archetypes, stories, and representation of Black women in life, and in the media as oftentimes being one-dimensional and not a true representation of the depth and complexities of who we really are and how we live and breathe. We also are not a monolith, and each of these women (along
with Nina) are unique unto themselves. The problem with these stereotypes, etc. is that they have made us less than human and unreal. So unreal, people think nothing of discriminating against us, leading to poor mental health, and at worst, killing us.
That ultimately revealed what songs needed to be placed where depending on what the conversation or situation was in the script. The lyrics in the songs that Nina covered revealed another part of the storytelling that tied into the text from the script.
Q: Which of the four women Q: You have also written
do you most identify with?
a song for the play. What is your relationship to music and A: Wow, great question! creating musical works for Sephronia. In the colorism of the stage? Nina's "Four Women" song A: I had started writing and the play, I am the skin songs for plays when I was color of Sweet Thing, but I first commissioned to write feel most like Sephronia. children's musicals for Q: The play shares many of Stepping-Stone Theatre in Nina Simone’s well-known St. Paul, MN. After getting songs. How did you choose comfortable doing it for songs that you wanted children's musicals, I wrote featured in the script? one song that I thought would be appropriate for A: The songs that I chose this play. It's a way to for the script are in direct bring the four women response to the songs that into communion with one Nina either covered or another as they come out on were the best fit for where the other side of a baptism the text was in the script. by fire with one another.
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CAST
(In Order of Appearance)
ALEXIS J. ROSTON*
GABRIELLE LOTT-ROGERS*
Nina Simone
TONI MARTIN* Sephronia
Aunt Sarah
BRITTNEY MACK*
MATTHEW HARRIS*
Sweet Thing
Sam Waymon
* Denotes Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors & Stage Managers in the United States.
COMPANY The Wiz (Addaperle); The Piano GABRIELLE Lesson (Grace); Crowns (Jeanette); LOTT-ROGERS Company (Sarah); Godspell (Joanne); (Aunt Sarah) (She/Her) KCRep: debut. ALEXIS J. ROSTON Smokey Joe’s Café (Brenda); Jesus Chicago: The Nacirema Society (Nina Simone) (She/Her) KCRep: Christ Superstar; Welcome to Mattison!; (Goodman Theatre); Boulevard of Bold debut. Playwright/ Director: A Beautiful; The Color Purple; Hair; Dreams (Hattie McDaniel, TimeLine Nativity Story: More Than A Miracle; Hairspray; She the People; Second Theatre Company); The Most Sunflowered; Defacing Michael Jackson. City Chicago). Concerts: First Lady Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Acting: Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar of Song: Alexis J Roston Sings Ella Martha Washington and Downstate And Grill (Billie Holliday); Marie And Fitzgerald. Television: Chicago PD, (Steppenwolf Theatre); The Spitfire Rosetta (Marie Knight); Mary Poppins Chicago Code, and The Chi. Awards: Grill – The Musical (American Blues (Mrs. Banks); Porgy and Bess (Bess), Chicago’s Jefferson Award, Black Theatre). TV/Film: Holiday Heist, Ragtime (Sarah); Sister Act (Delores); Theater Alliance Award, and Black Proven Innocent, Chicago P.D., The for colored girls who have considered Excellence Award. Education: BFA, suicide/when the rainbow is enuf Musical Theatre, Howard University. CHI, Empire, and Southside With You (Lady in Orange); Ain’t Misbehavin’ Affiliations: Congo Square Theatre (Miramax). Awards: Black Theatre Alliance (Best Featured Actress(Charlaine); What I Learned In Paris Company; Paonessa Talent Agency. 2019); Black Excellence Award (Lena); Shrek: The Musical (Dragon); AEA/SAG-AFTRA/AGMA Member
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NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN (Outstanding Performer- 2023). Ms. Lott-Rogers is represented by DDO Artists Agency. Education: Illinois State University; Gately Poole Meissner Conservatory. AEA Member
TONI MARTIN
(Sephronia) (She/Her) KCRep: debut. Broadway: Airline Highway (Manhattan Theatre Club). Regional (selected): The Crucible (Delaware Rep); Skeleton Crew (Westport Country Playhouse); Nina Simone: Four Women (Arena Stage Theatre). Chicago: Airline Highway (Steppenwolf Theatre); A Raisin In The Sun (TimeLine Theatre). TV: Chicago Fire, New Amsterdam (NBC); Gypsy (Netflix); Gotham (FOX); God Friended Me (CBS); Three Women, Billions (Showtime). Awards: Black Theatre Alliance Award: Best Supporting Actress, A Raisin In The Sun. Education: BFA, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. AEA Member. IG: THEETONIMARTIN
BRITTNEY MACK
(Sweet Thing/Understudy, Nina Simone/Dance Captain) (She/Her) KCRep: debut. Broadway: SIX The Musical (originated the role of Anne of Cleves, Lena Horne Theatre). Off Broadway: Black Nativity Now (St. Clements Theater). National Tour: Memphis (NETworks Presentations). Regional: Music Man, Rogers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Sacramento Music Circus); SIX The Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The A.R.T., Citadel Theatre-Alberta); Memphis (Phoenix Theatre); Avenue Q. (Phoenix Theatre); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Phoenix Theatre, Finger Lakes Theatre, Roxy Regional Theatre); All Shook Up (The Palace Theatre, Arizona Broadway Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (Phoenix Theatre); The Wiz (Main State Music Theatre); Hairspray (Arizona Broadway Theatre, Courthouse Center for the
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Arts); RENT, Gay Bride of Frankenstein (Seacoast Rep); Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Oliver (Drama Group). TV/ Film: Empire (Featured Dancer, 20th Century Fox). Concerts: Chealsea Table and Stage (Putting on the Britt, Solo Concert). International: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (Mainstage singer). Awards: Grammy Nominee (Best Broadway Cast Album); Drama Desk Award: Recipient (Outstanding Ensemble) and Nominee (Actress in a leading role); Drama League Award 2022 and 2020: Nominee (Distinguished performance). Education: Conservatory: AMDA; Chicago Academy for the Arts College Prep. AEA Member
MATTHEW HARRIS
COMPANY Ms. Dawn is a voiceover artist with Stellar Imaging Studios.
HALEY JOHNSON
(Understudy, Sephronia/Sweet Thing) (She/Her) KCRep: ) the ripple, the wave that carried me home (u/s). Local: Is God Is (Kansas City Melting Pot Theatre); McBitches (Unicorn Theatre); After Midnight (Black Repertory Theatre). Graduate: I am The Dead Man and Dog Act (University of Florida). Undergraduate: Heathers, 39 Steps, Ghost: The Musical, Speech and Debate and (Dis)Connected (Graceland University). Awards: Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival 1st place Recipient; Mark Twain Award for Best Comedic Performance. Education: MFA in Acting & Theatre, University of Florida; BA in Theatre, Graceland University.
(Sam Waymon/Associate Musical Director) (He/Him) KCRep: debut. Local: Dreamgirls (New Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors, Sweeney Todd (Padgett Productions); Rent (Olathe Civic Theatre Association); HAIR the CREATIVE TEAM Musical: Then and Now (Music Theatre Heritage). Awards: Male UpperCHRISTINA HAM Division Winner, Grady Rayam (Playwright) (She/Her) Christina Prize in Vocal Performance (NSSF); Ham’s plays have been produced Encouragement Award, Metropolitan both nationally and internationally Opera Competition. Education: at the Kennedy Center, Arena Stage, Graduate Artist Diploma in Voice, South Coast Repertory Theatre, William Jewell College; Bachelor of Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Tokyo Music Performance in Voice, International Arts Festival, and The Stetson University. Market Theatre in South Africa
UNDERSTUDIES PAULETTE DAWN
(Understudy, Aunt Sarah) (She/Her) KCRep: debut. Local: A God* Sib’s Tale, Chicken & Biscuits (Aunt Beverly Jenkins), Blues in the Night, The Wiz (Aunt Elm), Angry, Raucous & Shamelessly Gorgeous (Black Repertory Theatre Kansas City); Only the Wounds and Weapons Have Changed: Ida B. Wells, Poetry Recitations, Bottle of Fire (Reverend Carmelita Turner), Sarita Graham Ministries, Reflections: Jackie Dubois (Westport Center for the Arts).
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to name a few. She is a two-time recipient of a McKnight Fellowship in Playwriting and a Jerome Fellowship from the Playwrights’ Center. She has received commissions from The Guthrie Theater, Ensemble Studio Theatre/Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, and the Kennedy Center among many others. Her plays are published by Dramatic Publishing, PlayScripts, Inc., and Oberon Books. She was a writer/producer on HBO’s EmmyAward winning series Westworld and was nominated for the 2021 Writer’s Guild of America Award for her work on the critically acclaimed, Amazon
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NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN and sporting events. Some of his TV/ Her) KCRep: Nina Simone: Four Film productions include The Wall, Women (workshop). New York: College Bowl, Little Big Shots (NBC); freelance accompanist (many Card Sharks, Press Your Luck, Family styles). Composer/Arranger: Art Food Fight and Weakest Link (ABC); Blakey, Betty Carter, Deborah Spin the Wheel (FOX); Love Is Blind Brown, Kevin Mahogany, and Roy Hargrove, among others. Local: Black and Pressure Cooker (Netflix); Real Repertory Theatre KC, Spinning Tree Husbands of Hollywood (BET); and Let’s Make A Deal and Superfan (CBS). Theatre, Music Theatre Heritage, and Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre. MALKIA STAMPLEY YVONNE L. MIRANDA Awards: Ms. Pam Baskin-Watson (Director/Co-Music Director) (She/ (Costume Design) (She/Her) KCRep: and Ms. Nedra Dixon (co-librettist) Her) KCRep: debut. Regional: Exit debut. Regional: Little Shop of were Opera America New Works Strategy (Northwestern University); IDEA Grant recipients for 2021-22. Horrors, Next to Normal, Hand to God, The October Storm (Raven Theatre), Most recently, The Black Repertory Sweat (Paramount Theatre); The Boulevard of Bold Dreams (world Royale (American Players Theatre); Theatre Kansas City was awarded premiere, Timeline Theatre); STEW an NEA grant to aid in an eight-show, The Knight of the Burning Pestle (Shattered Globe Theatre and (Red Bull Theatre/Fiasco Theatre: fully staged production in Kansas Milwaukee Chamber Theatre); Off-Broadway); Into the Woods, Our City at the Just Off Broadway Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill Town (Dallas Theatre Center); Seven Theatre for her production of the (Farmer’s Alley Theatre); The Gift of folk opera A God *Sib’s Tale (January, Guitars (co-production, Milwaukee the Magi (American Players Theatre); 2024). Ms. Watson was the Repertory Theatre/Cincinnati Nunsense (Milwaukee Repertory composer/ arranger/ primary lyricist/ Playhouse); The Hobbit (First Stage); Theater); Five Guys Named Moe Ain’t No Mo’ (co-production, Wooly orchestrator and Music Director of (Skylight Music Theatre); Black Mammoth Theatre/Baltimore Center this production. Nativity (2016, 2017, 2018, Black Stage Theatre); The Odyssey, Twelfth Arts MKE); Antarctica, WI (world Night (Dallas Theatre Center’s Public SHAUN L. MOTLEY premiere, First Stage, Inc.). Producer: (Scenic Design) (He/Him) KCRep: Works Dallas); Once on this Island Lucha Teotl, The Nacirema Society, Toni debut. New York: Two Trains Running, (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Stone, Clyde’s, the ripple, the wave that Fences (Geva Theatre); Zooman and The Sublime, The Children (Stage carried me home, Good Night, Oscar, West Theatre); Funny, You Don’t Act The Sign, Home (Signature Theater). Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Swing Regional: Reclamation of Madison Like A Negro (Theatre Three); The State, and Gem of the Ocean. Ms. Savannah Sipping Society, The Full Hemings (Indiana Rep); Pipeline Stampley is the Artistic Producer (Alabama Shakespeare, Montgomery, Monty (Maples Repertory Theatre); of Goodman Theatre. She served as AL); Romeo & Juliet, The Rivals, Reykjavik (Kitchen Dog Theatre); the founding Artistic Producer for Day of Absence (Metamorphosis Fences (American Players Theatre, Milwaukee Black Theater Festival Spring Green, WI); We Want the Funk Theatre). Awards: Helen Hayes and is co-founder of Bronzeville (Launch Pad Theater, Santa Barbara); Outstanding Costume Design Award, Arts Ensemble. In addition, she Ain’t No Mo’, Woolly Mammoth Breath and Imagination (Colony is a Theatre Producers of Color Theater, Burbank); Alice’s Wonderland, Theatre and Baltimore Center Stage alum and University of Chicago & Theatre co-production, among Red Riding Hood, Jitney, Top Dog Court Theatre’s Civic Actors Studio Underdog, Fences (South Coast others. Upcoming: The Hot Wing King alumnus and facilitator. Awards & (Writer’s Theatre); The Lightening Rep); Three Sisters (Lower Depth Honors Jeff Award Nomination for Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (First Theater, LA); Po Boy Tango (East Best Direction of a Mid-Size Play (The West Players, LA); Leading Ladies Stage Theatre); Flood (Shattered October Storm); Ensemble member Globe Theatre). Ms. Miranda is a (Perseverance Theatre, Juneau, of Congo Square Theatre; BOLD Marine Operation Iraqi Freedom war AK); The Seagull (Chance Theater); Theater Artist (since 2022); 2022veteran. Education: MFA in Stage Cuttin’ Up (Alliance Theatre); 2023 LORT EDI Mentorship Mentee. Lady Day, Cuttin’ Up (Arena Stage, Design, Meadows School of the Arts PAMELA at Southern Methodist University; Kreeger Theatre, DC). Mr. Motley BASKIN-WATSON BFA in Fashion Design/Minor in designs sets and environments for (Co-Music Director/Arranger) (She/ Fashion Merchandising, University of television, film, theater, live music, series Them and was a nominee for an Emmy Award on the Netflix series Sweet Tooth. A graduate of the University of Southern California and a MFA in Playwriting from The UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television, she is currently a member of the Playwrights Union and The Kilroys. christinaham.com
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2023•24 SEASON
COMPANY Edinburgh International Fringe Festival). Regional: Twelfth Night, The Great Leap (Guthrie Theater); JASON LYNCH Hamlet, Death of a Salesman, Richard II (Lighting Design) (He/Him) KCRep: (Yale Repertory Theater); Much Ado debut. New York: You Are Here: An About Nothing, Richard III, The Count Evening with Solea Pfeiffer (Audible of Monte Cristo (Oregon Shakespeare Theatre/Minetta Lane Theatre), Festival); Love’s Labour’s Lost, Proof, How to Catch Creation (Geva Cyrano de Bergerac, Mary’s Wedding, Theatre Center). Regional: Lucha Les Liaisons Dangereuses, Of Mice and Teotl, The Nacirema Society..., Layalina, Men. (American Players Theater); I Hate It Here, Ohio State Murders, DODO, The Ascendants, Welcome The Sound Inside, School Girls: Or, the to Here (Bricolage Production African Mean Girls Play, Lottery Day, Company). Film: Re-Encuentro (Goodman Theatre); the ripple, the 2021 (filmed stage play), Accidental wave that carried me home (world Occurrences (Premios Latino premiere/co-production Berkeley Spain); A Space of Time (Videobrasil Repertory Theatre/Goodman and Moscow International Film Theatre); Fannie: The Music and Life of Festivals); Insight Meditation Society Fannie Lou Hamer (Seattle Repertory Documentary, Far Away (Quantum). Theatre); Dream House (world Awards: Helen Hayes Award premiere/co-production, Baltimore (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Center Stage/Long Wharf Theatre/ Folger Theater). Education: Alliance Theatre); Joe Turner’s Come MFA, Yale School of Drama; BFA, and Gone (Huntington Theatre Syracuse University Company); Dreamgirls (Goodspeed Musicals/McCarter Theater Center); DAVID ZIMMERMAN Clue, Skeleton Crew (Alley Theatre); (Makeup Artist/Wig Design) (He/ Mala (The Old Globe); A Doll’s Him) KCRep: debut. National and House and A Doll’s House Part 2 (in International Professional Opera: repertory), The Wild Party, Drag On The Metropolitan Opera, Santa (Denver Center for the Performing Fe Opera, Paris National Opera, Arts); The Three Musketeers, Rent, Opera Philadelphia, The Dallas Once On This Island, Black Odyssey, Opera, International Music Festival Hairspray (Oregon Shakespeare of Macau, China. Personal Clients: Festival); 1919 (world premiere), Deborah Voigt, Joyce DiDonato, Choir Boy (Steppenwolf Theatre Susan Graham, Patricia Racette, Company); cullud wattah (Victory Martha Stewart, Olympia Dukakis, Gardens Theater, Chicago); Agatha and Ricky Martin. Mr. Zimmerman Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, has recently been working with Feeding Beatrice (The Repertory Neiman Marcus Visuals and Martha Theatre of St. Louis). Awards: Stewart special evening. Print Equity Jeff Award, Choir Boy; Black Credits: features in Opera News, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker. Theater Alliance Award, cullud Upcoming: Elektra (Dallas Opera); wattah; Michael Maggio Emerging Romeo and Juliet (Lyric Opera, Kansas Designer Award, among others. City); She Loves Me (Halo Arts, jasondlynch.com Charleston, SC). North Texas. USA Local 829, I.A.T.S.E yvannemirandadesigns.com
SARTJE PICKETT
(Sound Design) (She/They) KCRep: Twelfth Night. National: The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano (by Tlaloc Rivas at New Hazlett Theatre,
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TERESA LEGGARD
(Associate Director) (She/Her) KCRep: debut. Local acting: Only One Day a Year (Premiere, The Coterie). Local
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Directing: Price of Bail (Theatre Community Fund, Arts Asylum); Akeelah and the Bee and Only One Day a Year (The Coterie); Pipeline (Unicorn Theatre); Pass Over (Olathe Civic Theatre); The Green Book Wine Club Train Trip and Single Black Female (KC Melting Pot Theatre); Every 28 Hours (Fishtank Theatre); Gumbo House (independent production, Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre); staged readings for Unicorn Theatre, Midwest Dramatist Center, Westport Center for the Arts, Olathe Civic Theatre, and Johnson County Heritage Center. Regional: Ontario Was Here (Lied Center of Kansas – University of Kansas). Awards: International: Guest Artist, William Inge Festival (2023); Guest Artist, New South Young Playwrights Festival (Horizon Theatre, 2022); Guest Artist, Midwest Dramatists Center Theatre Conference (20162019, 2023); Rocket Grant Recipient (Charlotte Street Foundation, Spencer Museum of Art, 20192020); Finalist, One-Act Slam (DC Black Theatre Festival, 2013); Craig G. Workman Award—Writing for Performance (2013). Education: MFA, UMKC; BA, Spelman College.
MARC WAYNE
(Choreographer) (He/Him) KCRep: A Christmas Carol (2023), the ripple, the wave that carried me home (All Tour). Local: Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Director), Titanic: The Musical; Stevie. Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Director); Blame It On The Boogie, Hair, Ragtime, Carousel, Showboat (Music Theater Heritage); Shrek: The Musical, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Charlie Brown Christmas, Alice’s Wonderland, Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus, BeatBugs, Pete The Cat, The SpongeBob Musical (The Coterie); Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Theater, Kansas City Chiefs Cheerleaders, Storling Dance Theater, Maxxas Dance Theater. Regional: Belhaven University
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NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN Dance Department, Ballet Magnificat (Jackson, MS), Dance Revolution (National Tour), Big Muddy Dance Company (St. Louis, MO), CARMAN Ministries (National Concert Tour), The Bibleman Adventure (National Tour). International: Continental Singers (World Tours). Upcoming: The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (The Coterie); Godspell, Porgy and Bess (Music Theater Heritage); Nina Simone: Four Women (Milwaukee Rep). Education: The Ohio State University: Dance
Theatre Company. logan.black.com AEA Member
JONATHAN HETLER
New Theatre, The Coterie, The Kansas City Repertory Theatre, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha, with voice and on-camera clients including Hallmark, H&R Block, Sprint, and McDonald’s. AEA Member
(Casting) (He/Him) KCRep: debut. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Jonathan is Milwaukee Rep’s Artistic MORGANA WILBORN Producer and oversees all casting and (Community Tour Manager) (She/ Her) KCRep: Director of Arts special events. Directing highlights Engagement. Ms. Wilborn was raised include: Romeo and Juliet, Venus in in Dallas, TX. She is a proud graduate Fur, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, of the University of North Texas Glengarry Glen Ross, Pippin, Legally Blonde, Guys and Dolls, and the world (BA, Theater), and The University of Houston (MA, Theater Education). premiere of La Mujer Barbuda. At the Milwaukee Rep, he has directed For the past 14 years, she has served the community as an arts educator/ Dino! An Evening with Dean Martin LOGAN BLACK and served as the Associate Director administrator. She served at The Arts (Fight Consultant) (He/Him) KCRep: of Titanic The Musical and the annual Community Alliance in the Grants Twelfth Night and Ms. Holmes & and Programs department and was production of A Christmas Carol. Ms. Watson Apartment 2B (Fight the Managing Director of Bishop Choreographer); Our Town (Directed He also worked as the Assistant by David Cromer), A Christmas Carol. Director on West Side Story, The Nerd, Arts Theatre Center (BATC), and CoManaging Director at DNAWORKS and The Legend of Georgia McBride. Local Fight Choreographer: Our LLC, Dialogue and Healing Through Black Death, American Son, Bernhardt He holds an MFA in Directing from Hamlet, Who’s your Baghdaddy, Nomad Ohio University and an MBA and MA the Arts. Ms. Wilborn was the in Theatre from Regent University. Director of Education at Dallas Motel, Vietgone, HIR, Eclipsed, and Jonathan is a member of SDC. @ Theater Center (DTC) and worked Sweat (Unicorn Theatre); Spider’s jhetler hetlerj.com as an Adjunct Professor of Theater Web, The Pests, Night’ Mother, Death and Humanities at Eastfield and El and the Maiden, And Then There Were ANDI MEYER Centro College, and the University None, I’m Not Rappaport, and Hamlet (Kansas City Casting) (She/Her) Based of North Texas, Dallas. Before (Kansas City Actors Theatre); Bus in Osage/Kikapoo/Kansa/Sioux/Otoe serving for DTC and DNAWORKS, Stop (Kansas City Kansas Community Missouria ancestral territory (Kansas she served for 8 years as a theater College). Local Acting: Seminar City), Andi is an award-winning Kanaka director and instructor for Dallas ISD. (Unicorn Theatre); Antony and Maoli/Asian American theatre maker/ She has directed and acted for the Cleopatra, A Midsummer Night’s Dream activist, arts educator, and parent. stage with companies such as Bishop (Heart of America Shakespeare She is the Producing Artistic Director Arts Theater Center, University of Festival); Rudolph the Red-Nosed of Tradewind Arts, a boutique arts North Texas, TheaterMakers Studio, Reindeer, Afflicted (The Coterie); organization devoted to illuminating, Kitchen Dog Theatre, Artstillery, Journey’s End (Kansas City Actors motivating, and amplifying the voice SMU Meadows School of the Arts, Theatre and UMKC co-pro-duction, of Native Hawaiian, Oceanic, and Stage West Theater, Soul Rep WW I Museum). Regional: Hamlet, Asian American artists. Andi was a Theatre, Cara Mia Theatre Company, The School for Scandal (The Riverside 2017-18 Charlotte Street Foundation WaterTower Theater, and House Festival Theatre); Henry IV parts I (CSF) Studio Resident. Her work has Party Theatre. Ms. Wilborn is also a & II (Oak Park Festival Theatre); been recognized with support from Racial Healing practitioner, activist, Much Ado About Nothing, To Kill a ArtsKC, TCG, Asian Arts Initiative, The Mockingbird (Colorado Shakespeare Kauffman Foundation, Charlotte Street arts consultant, and entrepreneur. Festival); Romeo and Juliet, Dial “M” for Foundation, JOCO libraries, InterUrban JORDAN CANON-KRUIS Murder (Pioneer Theatre Company): ArtHouse, and the Dramatists Guild (Production Stage Manager) KCRep: The Complete Works of William Fund, as well as two NEA award winning Cyrano de Bergerac, Peter Pan and Shakespeare, Blithe Spirit (Okoboji projects in partnership with The Coterie Wendy, Flood, A Christmas Carol Summer Theatre). Education: MFA, Theatre including Hana’s Suitcase and (2022-23), Twelfth Night, The Royale, UMKC. Mr. Black is a core member Justice at War. Andi has appeared in What Would Crazy Horse Do?, Fire and founder of The Confluence productions at The Unicorn Theatre, The in Dreamland, Constellations, The
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2023•24 SEASON
COMPANY Invisible Hand. Local: Doctor Dolittle (The Coterie) Regional: Noir, Describe the Night, 1984, Quixote Nuevo, Quack, Skeleton Crew, Murder on the Orient Express, Satchmo at the Waldorf, A Christmas Carol (Alley Theatre, Houston); Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Legally Blonde (Lees-McRay Summer Theatre); Hairspray, Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Hope Repertory Theatre). Education: MFA in Theatre Design and Technology– Stage Management, UMKC; BA in Theatre Arts, New Mexico State University. AEA Member
Hot Tin Roof, Pride & Prejudice, Last Days of Summer, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Between the Lines, Side by Side by Sondheim, Evita, The Diary of Anne Frank, Sunday in the Park with George, Hair: Retrospective, An Iliad. Local: Romeo & Juliet (Production Stage Manager, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival); Morning’s at Seven (Production Stage Manager, Kansas City Actors Theatre) Education: BS in Theatre Design and Technology, Northwest Missouri State University. AEA Member
RACHEL M. DYER
MILWAUKEE
(Assistant Stage Manager) (She/Her) REPERTORY THEATER KCRep: Production Stage Manager: (Co-Producer) Cyrano de Bergerac, Flood, Twelfth One of the first, and largest, regional Night, Brother Toad, Man In Love, Lot’s theaters in the country, Milwaukee Wife. Assistant Stage Manager: The Rep has been a strong artistic force Old Man and the Old Moon, Ms. Holmes for over seven decades. With three & Ms. Watson Apt. 2B, A Christmas unique performance venues they Carol (2021-2023 and 2014-2019). produce world-class theater that is Mary’s Wedding, Fun Home, Cat On A inclusive and impactful, ranging from
Broadway musicals, Shakespeare, and American Classics to New Works that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Mark Clements and Executive Director Chad Bauman, Milwaukee Rep is proud to be a catalyst for positive change in our community and beyond.
UNITED TALENT AGENCY (UTA)
(Licensor) United Talent Agency helps our clients entertain, inform, and inspire the world. We represent storytellers who shape culture and drive the future. From artists and creators to athletes and brands, our deep expertise and broad capabilities enable talent and companies to confidently grow their careers and businesses.
In 2017, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, became the first and only United States city to be recognized as a City of Music by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This designation recognizes Kansas City’s musical legacy and the long history of Black American musicians who traveled around the world sharing their music, and creating an international audience for Kansas City swing, jazz and modern American music.
ge.
a sta t s u j n a h t E is MOR
WE’RE YOUR NEIGHBORS! KCRep is a team of local artisans, administrative professionals, technicians, and creatives working together to bring you stories rooted in our community; theatre created by and for Kansas Citians. We connect artists and audiences in a welcoming environment that fosters wonder, curiosity, and understanding. You’re invited to come take a seat, lean forward, and experience the magic of theatre at KCRep! Then, go behind-the-scenes and discover how the magic was made by following us on social media.
@KCRep @kcreptheatre @kcreptheatre KCRep.org • 816.235.2700
Kansas City Repertory Theatre
KCRep is the professional theatre in residence at UMKC
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LEADERSHIP she executed fundraising strategies that nearly doubled annual giving in three years. Gieras earned an MBA and MA in arts administration from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas and a BS in finance with a minor in STUART CARDEN theatre from the University (Artistic Director) (He/Him) is of Florida. She has guest in his fifth season as Artistic lectured at the University of Director of KCRep. An arts Florida, Southern Methodist leader, director, deviser, University and at the producer, educator and ANGELA LEE GIERAS University of Missouri-Kansas new play specialist, Stuart (Executive Director) (She/Her) is City. Ms. Gieras actively has worked across the in her eleventh season leading serves the national theatre United States building new KCRep’s business operations. field. She is frequent guest plays, ensemble generated She co-leads with the and speaker on podcasts projects, reimagined artistic director to fulfill the and webinars about theatre, classics, multidisciplinary company’s artistic vision and leadership, and change performance, and actormission. She is a performing management. She serves on musician driven theatrical the board of directors for the storytelling. Including creating arts leader, executive coach, strategist, and fundraiser. League of Resident Theatres theatrical experiences with During her career, she has (LORT), is the Treasurer The Old Globe, Lyric Opera overseen the production of the board for Theatre of Chicago, The Goodman of over 55 plays including Communications Group (TCG) Theatre, Lookingglass thirteen world premieres and is a past co-chair of the Theatre, Actors Theatre with three artistic directors. LORT Equity, Diversity, and of Louisville, The Second A former commercial banker, Inclusion Committee and the City, New Victory Theatre, Gieras began her career in Nominating Committees. Williamstown Theatre theatre administration at She has served as a panelist Festival, Silk Road Rising, the Warehouse Theatre in for the NEA, and the Alumni Victory Gardens, People’s Greenville, South Carolina, Board for SMU’s Cox School Light, Northlight Theatre, and went on to serve as the of Business. She is a founding The Repertory Theatre of associate managing director board member for Theatre St. Louis, ArtsEmerson, The of the Dallas Theater Center, Alliance of Kansas City Wallis Annenberg Center, (TAKC) and a past member Philadelphia Theatre Company, where she led finance and operations and oversaw of the Executive Women’s Chicago Children’s Theatre, the acquisition of a new Leadership Council at the KC Virgin Voyages and PigPen Chamber. Angela is married to Theatre Co. He is a member of production facility. Just mortgage banker, John Gieras, the Society for Stage Directors prior to joining KCRep, she served as director of and is mom to daughter Brett and Choreographers and development at Florida Lee Gieras, who is a freshman represented by Beth Blickers and the Agency for Performing Theatre in Jacksonville, where in college. Arts. Stuart is married to public art curator Neysa PageLieberman and dad to elevenyear-old twins, Dashiell and Griffin.
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KCRep.org
STAFF ADMINISTRATION/ FINANCE General Manager Amy M. Abels Owen Associate Director of Finance Kelly Rasor Manager, Information Services Michelle Blaine Finance Manager Caycee Garlow
Publicist Ellen McDonald Publications Assistant Nancy Marcy
Vanessa Harper Bret King-Hurd Luigi Muscadin Mark Noble Lainey Obenshain Wyatt Owen Anthony Snipes Craig Thompson
DEVELOPMENT Director of Development Nancy Steinacker Associate Director of Development Carrie Lenahan PRODUCTION Development Database Production Manager Manager Janann B. Eldredge ARTISTIC Marie Kocher Technical Director Associate Artistic Director Grant Writer W.R. Shinoski Nelson T. Eusebio III Diana Silver Assistant Technical Director of Arts Development Associates Director/Automation Engagement Jenna Nowak Tom Gault Morgana Wilborn Lauren Peck Scene Shop Foreman Associate Artistic Director/ John Owen EDUCATION/ UMKC Partnerships COMMUNITY PROGRAMS Materials Coordinator Jason Chanos Powell Brumm Artistic Associate/Casting Director of Education/ Community Programs Carpenters Andi Meyer Melinda McCrary Luke Habjan Artistic Manager Abigail Hixson Lillian Rider FRONT OF HOUSE Jacob Maher House Manager MARKETING/ Properties Director Kelly Cooper COMMUNICATIONS Assistant House Managers Grace Hudson Director of Marketing Assistant Properties Warren Deckert & Communications Director LaVera Fleeks Snipes Jana Liles Ariel Lacey Front of House Staff Creative Director & Properties Artisan Digital Marketing Patricia Abts Jamie Lindemann Specialist Justin Balling Charge Scenic Artist Dayna Meyer Samantha Balling Colleen Doty Design/Publications Dylan Cooper Costume Shop Manager Specialist Warren Deckert Jenny Green Thaylia Smith Linda Fleeks Assistant Costume Shop Social Media Manager & Cay Fogel Manager Content Creator Brett Gieras MacKenzie Turner Mary Williams
Head Cutter/Draper Christina HadleyDike Cutter/Draper Jana Jessee Wardrobe Supervisor Marianne Rowse Lighting & Projections Supervisor Lexy Canon-Kruis Head Electrician Austin Hendricks Production Electricians Michael Esposito Shayna Phillips Sound & Video Supervisor Jeffrey Keirsey Head Audio Engineer Elizabeth Copenhaver Production Audio Engineer Anakin Garner TICKETING SERVICES Manager, Ticketing Services Codashti McAllister Associate Manager, Community Partnerships & Ticketing Services Courtney Klein Ticketing Services Representatives Mahryn Barron Tehreem Chaudhry Andrew Fogel Dani Saunders Cheryl Wakefield
PRODUCTION CREW: NINA SIMONE: FOUR WOMEN Production Assistant Michelle Lawson
NE XT at
APR 30
Scenic Artist Shawnna Journagan
Wardrobe Supervisor Marianne S. Rowse
Dresser Chelli Tillman
! Book & Lyrics by
HOWARD ASHMAN Music by
thru
MAY 19
ALAN MENKEN
Directed by Artistic Director
STUART CARDEN
ON SALE NOW! Order TODAY to get the best seats.
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Discover endless opportunities at an award-winning university in the heart of Kansas City.
CONNECT WITH YOUR AUDIENCE Program Advertising for the 23-24 Season FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Christin Painter christin@kcindependent.com 816-471-2800x218
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MARCH 9–17, 2024
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ivil War • Jim Crow • Reconstruction • threats • violence • sharecroppers • segregation • Plessy v. Ferguson • separate but equal • reat Migration • cityscape • racial boundaries • lynched • racial violence • bombings • The Progressives • stereotypes • Streetcar uburbs • National Association of Real Estate Boards • The New Suburbs • Jesse Clyde “J.C.” Nichols • community builders • deed estrictions • racially restrictive covenants • homes association • renewing restrictions • improvement associations • federal ntervention • The Great Depression • Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) • the New Deal • amortized loans • equity • social welfare • scientific appraisal • Residential Security Maps • redlining • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) • homeownership • nvestment risk • government drive • Better Housing Campaign • Underwriting Manual • special hazard • adverse influence • White light • racial turnover • invisible lines • blockbusting • Urban Land Institute • decentralization • expandable income • American ream • suburbanites • postwar • large-scale • G. I. Bill • Veterans Administration • Black veterans • exploitative terms • installment ontracts • overcrowding • dilapidated • race tax • Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka • integration • neighborhood attendance ones • school boundaries • school segregation • urban spaces • racial steering • property values • east of Troost • urban renewal • emolition • slum clearance • highway construction • blighted areas • bulldozer’s path • public housing projects • Shelly v. Kraemer • ll deliberate speed • Civil Rights Movement • demonstrations • grassroots • filibuster • Civil Rights Act • Voting Rights Act • rising nequality • the Great Society • War on Poverty • Model Cities • systemic • disinvestment • uprisings • Fair Housing Act • racial equality Kerner Commission • ghetto system • Proposition 14 • freedom of choice • Good Neighbor Pledge • straw buyers • panic selling • roperty taxes • Jenkins v. Missouri • Section 235 • HUD • rehabilitate • predatory inclusion • foreclosure • Urban Crisis • triage • lanned shrinkage • empty lots • subprime mortgages • loan denial • Gentrification • affordability • public transportation • ommutes • not welcome • racialization • isolation • War on Drugs • inequity • tree cover • temperatures • green spaces • pollution • ood deserts • social vulnerability • life expectancy • lending institutions • generational wealth • Investment Zone • citizen-led • eparations • Community Involvement • resilience • complex • previously redlined communities • Civil War • Jim Crow • Reconstrucon • threats • violence • sharecroppers • segregation • Plessy v. Ferguson • separate but equal • Great Migration • cityscape • racial oundaries • lynched • racial violence • bombings • The Progressives • stereotypes • Streetcar Suburbs • National Association of Real state Boards • The New Suburbs • Jesse Clyde “J.C.” Nichols • community builders • deed restrictions • racially restrictive covenants • omes association • renewing restrictions • improvement associations • federal intervention • The Great Depression • Home Owners’ oan Corporation (HOLC) • the New Deal • amortized loans • equity • social welfare • scientific appraisal • Residential Security Maps • edlining • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) • homeownership • investment risk • government drive • Better Housing ampaign • Underwriting Manual • special hazard • adverse influence • White Flight • racial turnover • invisible lines • blockbusting • rban Land Institute • decentralization • expendable income • American Dream • suburbanites • postwar • large-scale • G. I. Bill • eterans Administration • Black veterans • exploitative terms • installment contracts • overcrowding • dilapidated • race tax • Brown Board of Education of Topeka • integration • neighborhood attendance zones • school boundaries • school segregation • urban paces • racial steering • property values • east of Troost • urban renewal • demolition • slum clearance • highway construction • lighted areas • bulldozer’s path • CITIES • SUBURBS • SEGREGATION • Shelly v. Kraemer • all deliberate speed • Civil Rights Movement • demonstrations • grassroots • filibuster • Civil Rights Act • the Great Society • War on Poverty • Model Cities • systemic • isinvestment • uprisings • Fair Housing Act • racial equality • Kerner Commission • ghetto system • Proposition 14 • freedom of hoice • Good Neighbor Pledge • straw buyers • panic selling • property taxes • Jenkins v. Missouri • Section 235 • HUD • rehabilitate • redatory inclusion • foreclosure • Urban Crisis • triage • planned shrinkage • empty lots • subprime mortgages • loan denial • entrification • affordability • public transportation • commutes • not welcome • racialization • isolation • War on Drugs • inequity • ee cover • temperatures • green spaces • pollution • food deserts • social vulnerability • life expectancy • lending institutions • enerational wealth • Investment Zone • citizen-led •Winner reparations • Community Involvement • resilience • complex • previously of six national, state, and local awards edlined communities • Civil War • Jim Crow • Reconstruction • threats • violence • sharecroppers • segregation • Plessy v. Ferguson • eparate but equal • Great Migration • cityscape • racial boundaries • lynched • racial violence • bombings • The Progressives • tereotypes • Streetcar Suburbs • National Association of Real Estate Boards • The New Suburbs • Jesse Clyde “J.C.” Nichols • ommunity builders • deed restrictions • racially restrictive covenants • homes association • renewing restrictions • improvement now available at the Museum Store and ssociations • Book federal intervention • The Great Depression • Home Owners’ Loan Corporation (HOLC) • the New Deal • amortized oans • equity local • social libraries. welfare • scientific appraisal Residential Security Maps • redlining • Federal Housing Administration (FHA) • Learn more• and support the future omeownership • investment risk • government drive • Better Housing Campaign • Underwriting Manual • special hazard • adverse of this important exhibit at JCPRD.com/REDLINED! nfluence • White Flight • racial turnover • invisible lines • blockbusting • Urban Land Institute • decentralization • expandable ncome • American Dream • suburbanites • postwar • large-scale • G. I. Bill • Veterans Administration • Black veterans • exploitative erms • installment contracts • overcrowding • dilapidated • race tax • Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka • integration • eighborhood attendance zones • school boundaries • school segregation • urban spaces • racial steering • property values • east of roost • urban renewal • demolition • slum clearance • highway construction • blighted areas • bulldozer’s path • public housing
REDLINED
Kauffman Center Presents is made possible by the John N. and Marilyn P. McConnell Foundation
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 7 P.M. | Helzberg hall
Thursday, March 14, 2024 7 P.M. | Helzberg hall
Saturday, April 13, 2024 7:30 P.M. | Muriel Kauffman Theatre
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STUDENTS & EDUC “This is the first time that I have ever gotten to see professional actors in a professional theatre, and it was AWESOME! I have never experienced anything like this before.” — Student response, Twelfth Night
“I absolutely loved it! Especially the storyline with the three powerful women and how Wendy was interested in the sciences. ” — Student response, Peter Pan and Wendy
“SYTE taught me, and is still teaching me, amazing skills for the acting world and the social world in general. It’s a very interactive and fun experience from Day One.” — SYTE High School Student
“The of SYTE have “[the past ripple,two theyears wave that carried mebeen home}such wasasolight in my life. The opportunity to create and share a fullygorgeous and meaningful to me. I’m also inspired by formed theatrical piece was nothing short of transthe playwright, Christina Anderson, who went to my formative. It gave me a voice.” — Schlagle High School school.” —Summer Youth Theatre Ensemble Member Student
CATION
SUMMER YOUTH THEATRE ENSEMBLE ‘22 triumphed with their original play, ROOMMATES: A NEW SITCOM. Led by our terrific teaching artists and supported by KCRep staff, the play was created in 20 days by talented teens from across the city. The free four-week session highlights creative and life skills through theatre while generating bold imaginations and inspiring fearless teamwork as creativity soars in our rehearsal hall. The energy of SYTE 22, a depth project, broadened into the Student Matinee Series, which was attended by over 6,500 students from 97 schools. Over 60% stayed for a post-show Q & A. The theatre shook with the applause from our smart and responsive young audiences and it was inspiring to hear. Pause for a moment and imagine the value of a live theatre experience for a young person today. Imagine turning your gaze away from a screen and feel the joy that self-expression, confidence, learning and losing yourself in a live story can be at that age, as a creator or an audience member. Or imagine finding yourself in a live play with actors that look like you. Imagine this as you are evolving into who you will be. Inspiring. Our spaces are filled with that joy all year. And earns KCRep best field trip of the year! To support our programs, learn more or
Photo Credits (Clockwise from top): Don Ipock, Kelly Michale; Don Ipock; Carolyn Wilson.
schedule an in-school workshop or matinee, contact Melinda, Director of Education, at mccrarym@kcrep.org.
The Music is Calling. Where will it take you? Clas sic al, Pop s, Family, Holiday and Film + L ive Orche stra Joy-filled per formances from only $25.
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WORLD-CHANGING CREATIVITY
We invite you to experience the transformative power of dance, music and theatre at the UMKC Conservatory.
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MORE THAN JUST A STA FOR SIX DECADES, KCRep supporters have helped to inspire, entertain, and connect the people of our vibrant community by making the life-changing power of live theatre accessible to all — both onstage and off. Here are just a few ways that you help to make Kansas City Repertory Theatre more than just a stage: PRODUCTIONS, PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES, & WORKSHOPS FOR STUDENTS
• Student Matinees • Summer Youth Theatre Ensemble (SYTE) • Rep On The Road COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
• GHOST LIGHT: A Haunted Night of Songs & Stories from KC’s Crossroads • KCRep For All Community Tour Discover transformative productions and programs at
KCRep.org!
AGE — Because of YOU!
DONATE TO SUPPORT KCREP TODAY! Help foster wonder, curiosity, and understanding with a donation to KCRep during our 60TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON!
WAYS TO GIVE
CLICK KCRep.org/support-us CALL 816.235.6106 MAIL
KCRep, 4825 Troost Ave Suite 101 KCMO 64110-2030
Make Your Giving Go Further Gifts of Stock IRA Charitable Rollovers Planned & Estate Gifts Corporate Matching Gifts
Kushi Beauchamp (l) and Harrison Bryan in KCRep’s 2023 production of PETER PAN AND WENDY. Photo: Don Ipock
PARK
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
CENTER
FOR
MUSIC
When Stanislav loudenitch first started the Park International Center for Music, he began with a simple concept. Find exceptional music teachers, and give them the time, tools, focus, and dedication needed to transform exceptional students into masters themselves. An internationally-recognized Van Cliburn gold medalist, Ioudenitch assembled a team that shared his world-class skills and his passion for teaching. Other outstanding programs have great master instructors. But no other American conservatory lets those masters devote the time to their students like they do at Park ICM. Not even storied programs like Juilliard, Curtis, or Eastman.
Come experience the birth of our international stars. Visit ICM.PARK.EDU for our concert schedule today.
“These featured soloists from Park University’s International Center for Music represent not only the quality of performance in Kansas City, but the future of it, too.” – T H E K A N S A S C I T Y S TA R
Discover nature with us. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Nature Centers
Open SaturdayS
Burr Oak Woods Nature Center
1401 NW Park Road, Blue Springs 816-228-3766 www.mdc.mo.gov/burroakwoods
Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center
4750 Troost Aveue, Kansas City 816-759-7300 www.mdc.mo.gov/discoverycenter
M i s s o u r i D e p a r t M e n t o f C o n s e r v at i o n
2023/24 SEASON UNDERWRITERS
CONTRIBUTORS $5,000 - $9,999
$50,000+
Copaken Family Fund * Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts - Commerce Bank, Trustee * Sunderland Foundation
$25,000 - $49,999 E. Kemper Carter and Anna Curry Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a., Trustee Francis Family Foundation * John & Innes Hale Linda & Topper Johntz * Miller Nichols Charitable Foundation * Pemberton Family Charitable Foundation Betsy Piebenga * R & C Charitable Foundation Victor E. and Caroline E. Schutte Foundation Trust E, David W. Frantze and Bank of America, N.A., Trustees *
$10,000 - $24,999
ANNUAL SUPPORTERS Kansas City Repertory Theatre is grateful for the charitable contributions of the many donors who help make our productions, community outreach programs, and youth education programs possible. The following list represents annual and event support as of January 12, 2024. 816.235.2700
Anonymous Lynn Badaracco & Dwight Quiring Beth and John Borders Pete B. Browne & Julie Walker-Browne / Kissick Construction Co. Herb & Bonnie Buchbinder Donor Advisory Fund * Burns & McDonnell * Louetta M. Cowden Foundation Bank of America, Trustee Curry Family Foundation The DeBruce Foundation Ann King Dickinson Arvin Gottlieb Charitable Foundation * The H&R Block Foundation Nancy P. & Robert W. Hatch * Health Forward Foundation Ellen & Irv Hockaday * Mary & Mark Jorgenson Judy O. Kirk Charitable Fund Frank & Margaret G. McGee Fund Kathy Nordhus Betsy Piebenga * Matt & Jessica Ralston J. B. Reynolds Foundation * The Sosland Foundation * Jo Ann & William D. Sullivan * US Bank * Sally & Robert West *
American Century Investments Foundation Anonymous (2) Marcia H. Bailey * Ivan & Karla Batlle * Anne & Bill Blessing * Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City The Breidenthal-Snyder Foundation Stanley J. Bushman & Ann Canfield Cafe Trio (in-kind) Kay & John Callison * Chappelow Events (in-kind) Virginia & Charles Clark * Commerce Bank Rick & Barbie Dierks * Jane & Charles Eldredge Evergy Brad & Linda Finkle Dave & Geri Frantze Angela & John Gieras Deanna & Greg Graves Graceland University/ Kristi Hettrick & Alan Waterman H&R Block * Laura & David Hall * Scott & Suzy Hall Dan & Kelly Heckman Husch Blackwell LLP JE Dunn Construction Company Shannon & Brent Johnson Andrew & Sheryl Kaplan Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation * KPMG, LLP * Missouri Humanities Council Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund Bill and Barbara Nelson Foundation * Meggan Newland, M.D. & Jon Henry Jeannette T. Nichols * Ogletree Deakins Oppenstein Brothers Foundation Commerce Bank, Trustee Debra & Allen Parmet Polsinelli PC Marny & John Sherman Stinson LLP * Drs. Jessica & Benjamin Stone Bert & Sue Trucksess * UMB Financial Corporation Jayhawk Primary Care at The University of Kansas Health System VanTrust Real Estate Susan & Jason Waldron
* Shooting Stars — Donors of 10 or more consecutive years
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KCRep.org
CONTRIBUTORS $2,500 - $4,999 Dana Abraham & Chuck McCann American Century Investments (matching gift) Anonymous * Dick & Emily Ballentine * Stephanie & John Beeder BlueScope * Harvey S. Bodker * Melanie Coleman & Todd Gafney CommunityAmerica Credit Union Country Club Bank Kevin Covington & Dia Wall Covington Crux KC LLC/Melea McRae Tom & Margaret Cummings * Steve & Cathy Doyal Kevin Eilers and Courtney Meyer George Enders & Sally Ling First Business Bank David & Janis Francis Douglas & Ann Ghertner * Judge Jon R. Gray (Ret.) & Dr. Valerie E. Chow Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Hartley Family Foundation Eric & Lisa Hays Shirley & Barnett C. Helzberg, Jr. Shawn & Melissa Hickey Patrick Hughes, MD Steven Irwin Laurie & Chuck Jarrett Nancy L. Kain * Travis and Margaret Kramer Robb Krumlauf & Leanne Wiedemann The Mike & Candis Lochmann Charitable Fund * Tracy & David Lockton Beth & Gregg Lombardi R. A. Long Foundation Timothy J. Marchesi & John D. Lawrence / DeMarche Amy McAnarney Lauren E. Tucker McCubbin & Gabe McCubbin Sharon & Michael Milens Marshall Miller Pamela Miller & Michael Cummings Mosaic Life Care Diane & John R. Phillips Michelle & Tim Prier Kelly Rasor & Linda Duderstadt
Kerri Reisdorff Luke & Sara Selby Shook, Hardy & Bacon, LLP Cody & Michelle Sparks Hillary Stamper Gaye Stevick Julie Stotlar-Towner University of Kansas Health System - Broadmoor Veracity Consulting, Inc
$1,500 - $2,499 Anonymous G. Kenneth and Ann Baum Philanthropic Fund Ann Kaufmann Baum * Bourgmont Winery Steven & Leigh Eck FCI Advisors Sally Firestone * Brett Gerstenberger Gill Studios, Inc. (in-kind) Donald J. Hall * Sarah Hoestje Ashlei & Charles Holznecht The Ingram Family Foundation * Joy & Jerry Kaplan * Bridgette & Jason Kling Regina & Bill Kort Brandon & Melissa McManamy Midwest Trust Company Scott A. Moore Stewart & Debbie Myers Lisa & Charles Schellhorn * Joe & Susan Sims Richard Singleton III Susannah & TJ Sotos Dr. Michael J. & Cindy S. Wurm *
$1,000 - $1,499 Acord Cox & Scott LLC Lisa & Scott Adams Agrawal Family Fund Joel & Elizabeth Allen Anonymous Sherrie Bell Nathan & Margaret Benjamin Becky Blades Boulevard Brewing Co. (in-kind) William L. Bruning Timothy & Jessie Burkhalter Michael & Karmel Carothers Jessica & Jason Chanos Craig Coen & Jeffrey Bellamy Harper Rebecca Coulson Angela & Dale Davied
James & Ellen Copaken Kit & Jay Culver * Teal & Marty Dakan Durkee Family Foundation * ECCO Select Janann B. Eldredge Jennifer Fitzgerald Jon & Bettine Freeman Sandi & Ed Fried Al Geritz & Dick Leeson Chris Glissman * Ronald & Susan Goldsmith Philanthropic Fund * Anita Toby Grow Dennis & Donna Haines * Desarae Harrah Chad Harris Mike & Wendy Hauser George Helmkamp Leslie & Martin Herst John & Sharon Hoffman Blair & Lyn Hosford * John & Elaine Jepson * Buddy & Carolyn Jones Dr. Carlo Jurani Doug Kallenberger & Lynn Blixrud Brian Kaufman Heather & Jason B. Kort Kathy & Craig Laursen Troy Lillebo & Brian Ellison * William J. & Frances Lynn * Ashley Mahoney Debra & John Mahoney Barbara McMahon & Dennis Varble Patricia E. Cleary Miller, Ph.D. Paul Miranda Missouri Employers Mutual Mark & Janette Morgan Carl & Pam Nitsche / Nitsche DAF Mark & Lynne O'Connell Jane & Charles Olsen Scott & Robin Page Mike Poore $500 - $999 Drs. Susan & Charles Porter Ann Abercrombie Irv Belzer & Sue McCord-Belzer * George & Wendy Powell * Robert H. & Kathleen M. Bender * Rivas Media (In-Kind) Linda Robins Joan and Bert Berkley Mark & Ryan Rostine Blue Heron Foundation * Mark & Janice Schonwetter John Bleazard Katherine & James Schorgl Mary Lou & Tom Brous * James & Kathy Sear * Bob & Karen Brush * Darren Sextro & Jamie Buckley Marianne Burrell John Rensenhouse Robert Butcher & Madelyn Rudd George & Lisa Shadid *
Cindy & David Edgington Melanie & Mike Fenske Stephen & Patricia Gound Family Foundation Tracy Gretter MaryLee Guthrie Katie Hall Chris Hernandez & Paul Monteil Marc & Nina Hollabaugh Scott & Amy Holsopple Joan Horan Coleen & Chris Hotop Hufft Projects Mr. & Mrs. William S. Kanter Jana & Curtis Liles Carol & Fred Logan Steve & Becky Lowry Bob & Meg Maffitt Mike & Kirby McDaniel Network for Good Sara & David O'Connell / What Matters 2 Us Fund * John & Kendal Orlowski Jeff & Angela Place Janet & Jack Podoll Joe & Lainey Puglisi Rick & Tanya Ratliff Roanoke Park Conservancy Holly Streeter-Schaefer & Ken Schaefer Seaboard The Sheppard Family Diana & Tim Toman Sylvia & Laurence Tucker Deb & Paul Turpin Leeann & Mark Van Dyne Sandra K. & Stanley J. Vogel* Myron & Nicki Wang Abby & Alex Wendel Richard Wetzel George & Beverley Wilson Christine Yannitelli & Dennis Manske *
* Shooting Stars — Donors of 10 or more consecutive years
74
2023•24 SEASON
CONTRIBUTORS $500 - $999
$250 - $499
Stan & Linda Shipman Myra & Lester Siegel, Jr. * Cyprienne Simchowitz & Jerry White Juliette & Ian Singer Angela & Chris Smart T. J. & Willard Snyder Brad & Gisele Sprong Kitty Steffens Robert & Cindy Thompson Greg Thurman & Don White William & Nancy Topper * Rev. Paul Turner * Michelle & Cornell Webb Kathryn Welch & John Wright Diane & Roy Whitley * Amy S. Winterscheidt Debra S. Wood Henry E. Wurst Family Foundation * Michelle & Cornell Webb Diane & Roy Whitley * Amy S. Winterscheidt Debra S. Wood Henry E. Wurst Family Foundation *
Ellen & John Aisenbrey * Kathy Anderson Sara Anthony Arvest Bank Avek IP Diane & Steve Azorsky Debby & Gary Ballard Sarah & James Barrows Fred & Cindy Bodker Dan & Jobeth Bradbury Larry Braddy Sue & George Brandt Connor & Kara Brooks Jerry & Meghan Carpenter Arden & Mary Ann Carr * James & Linda Cole Sarah & Clayton Cook * Don & Pat Dagenais Denton Donor Fund Cheryl DeShon Dana & Bill Dunaway Robert & Mary Florance * SuEllen Fried Bernie Fromm Jeff & Mary Fromm Scott Giffen Dr. James & Christine Morgan Glenski Matt Gowen
(continued)
Grant Family Fund Doreen & Norman Greczyn Rishelle Greenlee Don Grodecki & Cheryl Ricke Nancy Harrison Joan L. Hartung Bill & Irma Lou Hirsch * Mary & Eric Honour Justin Howard Rita & Mark Hyde Lance & Pat Jessee Gary Neal Johnson & Lynne Beachner Victoria Kandt Jay & Ann Kinnamon Jim Kunstman Jane & Bruce Kunz Erika Kuster Maurine Lenahan Marilyn & Bruce Lowrey Christine McAtee Michael McCawley Sue McKee Alan & Judy Michelson Milligan Family Joe Morris & Kelly Harmon Justin & Kathy Nemecheck Aaron Osborne & Ashlee Parker Rudolph Pabon Wanda R. Perkins Kathy Peters
Carolyn Phelps Mary Ann Pinkerton Maggie Presson * Angela Rabin Mike & Usha Rafferty Reed Insurance & Financial Services, Inc. Cindy Reynolds Charles & Cristine Roberts * Paula & Jack Rowe Michelle & Darin Shank Rosemarie Skivers Elsie Smith * Gretchen & Jack Steadman Adam & Sara Stein Sterneck Capital Foundation Ann & Daniel Sweeney Johnna Thomas Russ & Maralee Thompson Linda S. Trout Ratana & Oscar Tshibanda Marcia Valera Christine Waldschmidt Sara Welsch Michele & John Wilinski * Elizabeth Hartley Winetroub Pam & Bill Wishon Michael Wright & Christa Cavanaugh * Judy Yi Damon & Patricia Yurchak
* Shooting Stars — Donors of 10 or more consecutive years
Thank you to all of those who support KCRep with charitable donations via funds at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City and United Way of Greater Kansas City, as well as other donor advised fund entities and programs. For a complete list of Friends of KCRep ($100+), please visit KCRep.org/contributors.
GIFTS IN HONOR & MEMORY In Honor of STUART CARDEN'S Birthday from Virginia Lieberman In Honor of STUART CARDEN'S Birthday from Jeramy Zimmerman In Honor of PAUL & BUNNI COPAKEN from Ann K. Baum
816.235.2700
In Memory of In Memory of BRITA HOROWITZ CANDIS LOCHMANN from Marsha S. Pinson from Jo Ann Sullivan In Honor of In Honor of the 2023 Gala Chairs DOROTHEA & NATHAN JAGODA DRS. BENJAMIN & JESSICA STONE from Anonymous from Katherine & James Schorgl In Memory of LEE JONES from Buddy & Carolyn Jones
75
In Honor of the 2023 Gala Chairs DRS. BENJAMIN & JESSICA STONE from Juliette & Ian Singer
KCRep.org
THANK YOU TO OUR
2024 GALA SPONSORS ! The following list represents sponsors as of January 22, 2024.
CELEBRATION ($25,000) Burns & McDonnell/ Matt & Jessica Ralston The McDonnell Foundation, Inc. Theater League
OVATION ($15,000) Linda & Topper Johntz
SPOTLIGHT ($10,000) Pete B Browne & Julie Walker Browne/ Kissick Construction Company Hallmark Ellen & Irv Hockaday Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation UMB Financial Corporation
ENCORE ($5,000) Anonymous Karla & Ivan Batlle
Anne & Bill Blessing Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Kansas City Herb & Bonnie Buchbinder Commerce Bank J.E. Dunn Construction Co. Evergy First Business Bank Graceland University/ Kristi Hettrick & Alan Waterman Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Mary & Mark Jorgenson KPMG, LLP Meggan Newland, M.D. & Jon Henry Jeannette T. Nichols Ogletree Deakins Law Firm Debra & Allen Parmet Polsinelli PC Hillary Stamper/ Veracity Consulting, Inc Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts Commerce Bank, Trustee Stinson LLP Jessica & Benjamin Stone Bert & Sue Trucksess VanTrust Real Estate
APRIL 5, 2024 Tickets & Tables ON SALE NOW! Visit kcrep.org/gala for more information about becoming a sponsor, or contact the Development team at gala@kcrep.org or 816.235.6106.
767
2023•24 SEASON
CONTRIBUTORS MAKE AN IMPACT WITH
CHARITABLE GIFT PLANNING Partner with KCRep in producing professional live theatre for all, and potentially save on your taxes, through charitable gift planning. Examples include, but are not limited to, donor advised funds, bequests, trusts, appreciated securities, IRAs, and more. Your financial advisor can help you determine the best options for you! For more information, contact Carrie Lenahan at lenahanc@kcrep.org or call 816.235.5420.
LEAVE A LEGACY THANK YOU to the following members of our legacy society and their families. Generous commitments through estate planning ensure that KCRep will continue to thrive for the next 60 years and beyond. Anonymous (2) ~ Dr. & Mrs. Keith W. Ashcraft ~ William W. Baker Trust Anne & Bill Blessing ~ Mrs. W. Coleman Branton Mary Lou & ~ Tom Brous Cindie Buchanan Jerry & Meghan Carpenter ~ Richard R. Cawthorn Ann King Dickinson
~ Estate of Joseph F. Finch Rev. Susan Langhauser Lindsay Meyer & ~ Corey Brunk Pam & Dr. Fred Geer Pamela Miller & Courtney Goddard Michael Cummings ~ Elizabeth Irwin Gordon ~ Dr. Mary Jo Rahatz Nancy P. & Robert W. Hatch George & Lisa Shadid Ellen & Irv Hockaday ~ Dr. Nathan & Ruth G. Shechter Linda & Topper Johntz Joseph & Susan Sims ~ Helen Louise Kassebaum Trust Brad Voelker Dr. & Mrs. J. Gordon Kingsley Hal vonBohnhoff ~ Betty Widmier ~ Lothar P. Krause ~ Members are Deceased
! u o Y k T han 816.235.2700
77
Thanks to the tireless work of our artists, technicians, and staff, and thanks to a warm reception from patrons like you, KCRep can continue to bring shows, community outreach programs, and youth education programs to life this season. Photo (l-r): Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Meredith Noel, & Chioma Anyanwu in KCRep's 2023 production of the ripple, the wave KCRep.org that carried me home. Photo: Don Ipock
Just like Nina Simone, we believe no one should walk alone, that’s why our AmeriCorps Members are always there for their students as a tutor and a mentor. Congratulations to the cast and crew on another successful production!
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WITHYOU YOU WITH WHERE WHERE YOU YOUARE. ARE. Since Since1857, 1857,we've we'vebeen been with you, with you, supporting our supporting our community, lifting community, lifting up the you earn, up the arts and helping arts you earn, saveand andhelping do more. save and do more.
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- Becky N. Lowry, MD Physician Internal Medicine
For me, there’s nothing more rewarding than the meaningful connections I make with my patients. Maybe it’s growing up in a small town where those personal values remain strong. Or maybe it’s the belief, shared with all of my co-workers, that people come first. Whatever it is, the opportunity to provide care is a privilege I never forget. To schedule an appointment, call 913-588-1227 or visit KansasHealthSystem.com/Appointments.