Run Time
80 Minutes (no intermission)
Previews
October 17, 18, and 19 at 7:30 PM
Opening
October 20 at 3:30 PM
Understudy Performances
November 3 at 3:30 PM
November 14 at 7:30 PM
Accessibility Performances
November 1 at 7:30 PM
November 10 at 3:30 PM
November 22 at 7:30 PM
Closing
November 24 at 3:30 PM
About the Show:
This October, Redtwist presents the world premiere of Jacqueline Goldfinger's Bottle Fly. This beautiful depiction of queer survival in the Everglades captures the many layered dynamics of race, poverty, and bigotry that are sun-baked into life in South Florida. Winner of the 2017 Yale Drama Series prize, Bottle Fly explores love in many guises and all of its complexity. As we determine the future of gay rights in America, we believe this play will be a touchstone for important conversations.
Meet the Team
Director
Eileen Dixon*
(She/They) is a Chicago based director, playwright, actor, and teaching artist with a focus on creating and directing new work. She received her MFA in Acting and Directing from UMKC in 2022 and spent the following summer at Ojai Playwrights Conference, before moving to Chicago to embrace her dream of having a career in new work development. Other credits include The Coterie Theatre, Ensemble Stage, Oil Lamp Theater, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Eileen’s interest currently is on artful collaboration within the rehearsal process and the directors role in new play development.
Eileen is humbled and thrilled to have the opportunity to present this beautiful work to Chicago! Thank you to Jacquline Goldfinger, Dusty Brown, Riley Lucas, and the Redtwist crew for your constant support and belief in me. This is home.
eileendixon.com
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Assistant Director
Brandii Champagne
(They/Any) is an actor, director, and all-around theatre-maker here in Chi. They are one of the co-founders & co-Artistic Directors of Theatre L’Acadie - a company that focuses on new and underproduced works. Brandii is absolutely stoked to be a part of the Bottle Fly team and to be working with their friends at Redtwist for the first time! Some of their recent credits include Dora in The Swan (Theatre L’Acadie), Phoebe in Chicago Fire (NBC), and ADing The Delivery (Trap Door/IPP) this past spring. Keep up with them on Instagram for what’s next: @brandii.champagne | More of their work can be found at: brandiichampagne.com
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Stage Manager
Charlie Levinson
(They/She) is excited to be working on this phenomenal play at Redtwist Theatre! Credits include: Saw The Musical (National Tour, Chicago); Cosi Fan Tutte, Hansel & Gretel, Emperor of Atlantis, The Magic Flute (Northwestern Opera); Hamlet 50/50 (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival); The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); Murder for Two, Oliver!, The Mousetrap, Private Lives (The Winnipesaukee Playhouse), Three Musketeers, Antigone, The Ghost Tour: Staged Reading, Twelfth Night, Where Did We Sit On The Bus? (Cleveland Play House); A Midsummer Night's Dream, Saint Joan, Shakespeare in Love (Ohio Shakespeare Festival); and Tovic Tomte and The Trolls (Talespinner Children’s Theatre). They are also the proud stage manager for PlayGround Chicago, which begins their 3rd season on November 4th. Thanks, thanks, and ever thanks to everyone who added their magic to our show.
Technical Director
Dusty Brown*
(They/Them) is one of the co-Artistic Directors of Redtwist Theatre. They began their career as a stage hand in Atlanta, Georgia, working on everything from Shakespeare to new works, and everything in between. They received their MFA in Directing from Ohio University in 2021. Notable productions include: Steve Yockey's Wolves at Redtwist and Pluto at Ohio University; William Shakespeare's Macbeth at Three Crows and Ohio University; Tracy Letts' Bug at Ohio University; Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd at DramaTech in Atlanta; Uffizi at Bottled Lightning in Atlanta; and Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park at Vox Populi Productions in Chattanooga.
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Scenic Design
Rose Johnson*
(They/Them) is a Chicago based scenic designer and charge artist. Scenic design credits include Agnes of God (Jeff Nominated for Best Scenic Design), The Great Kahn, and Wolves (Redtwist Theatre), Hamlet (Red Theatre), The Hatmaker’s Wife (Theatre Evolve), Lane Call (Factory Theatre), Murder Rewrote (Hell in a Handbag), S. Paradox (BWBTC), and The Once and Future Festival. As a charge artist, they’ve worked with Raven Theatre, Rivendell Theatre, Shattered Globe Theatre, Congo Square Theatre, and Theo Ubique. They got their BA in Theatrical Design and Technology from Columbia College Chicago.
Costume Design
Madeline Felauer
(She/Her) is a Chicago based Costume Designer, honored to be working with Redtwist again. Her noted works include costume crafts for Henry V, Lord of the Rings, Richard III ( Chicago Shakespeare Theater) , crafts for Frog and Toad ( Chicago Children’s Theater), Hamlet ( Red Theater), Murder ReWrote ( Hell in A Handbag) and others.
Props Design
Leo Bassow
(They/He) is a Chicago based Props and Production Designer, and is so excited to join this amazing team of designers! He is committed to telling stories that are often overlooked in mainstream media, with a focus on queer narratives. Recent work includes feature productions Good Guy With A Gun, Pools, and Lucy is a Loser, and award winning short films Room Rodeo, and Yümmy Cusine. Chicago theatre credits include James and the Giant Peach, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Marriott), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight Theater), and scenic carpentry across the city. In addition to theater Leo is and avid TTRPG player, and cat dad to two orange gremlins. https://www.leo-bassow.com/
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Lighting Design
Sam Anderson
(They/She) is delighted to light another show with Redtwist Theatre! They have designed and worked with various theatres around Chicago, including Strawdog Theatre, Porchlight Musical Theatre(PMT), Oil Lamp Theatre (OLT), and Theatre L’Acadie (TLA), the latter two of which they are also an ensemble member. Favorite designs include Now and Then (OLT), Agnes of God (Redtwist), and If This is the End (TLA). Their most recent guest artist credit with Iowa State University on She Kills Monsters is also a favorite. Their next upcoming role is Lead Electrician with PMT on their production of Fun Home. When not working on a show, Sam enjoys studying psychology or Greek mythology, sipping coffee, and cuddling with their cat Penelope.
Sound Design
Angela Joy Baldasare
(She/Her) is an Ohio University Graduate with a BFA in interdisciplinary arts and a BFA in acting. Chicago Sound Credits Include: Wolves (Redtwist Theatre - sound designer), Every Brilliant Thing (Writers Theatre - co-sound designer), Legato Limbo Loud (Dodge Box Theater - sound designer), Little Bear Ridge Road (Steppenwolf Theatre - assistant sound designer), Lord of the Rings: a Musical Tale (Chicago Shakespeare Theater - co-Audio 2), Judgement Day (Chicago Shakespeare Theater - sub-Audio 2), CommonWealth (Open Center for the Arts - sound designer), COCK (Open Space Arts - sound designer). Collegiate Sound Design Credits: The Brutal Fucking Death of the Drunkard, the Immigrant, the Durable, Juggernaut; "Iron" Mike Malloy; Alice in Slasherland, The Martha Mitchell Effect, (Ohio University), Stupid Fucking Bird, (Columbus State Community College). Awards: The Michael Philippi Prize for Best Exhibit: Professional Designer (2024) Website: angelajoybaldasare.com/sound-design
Music Director
Caroline Kidwell
(She/Her)is an actor/writer proudly based in Chicago. This summer at Rhinofest, she performed her original play-with-music, Penelope, based on the distinguished platypus of the same name. Recent credits include Cry It Out (Oil Lamp Theatre); Murder, ReWrote (Hell in a Handbag); Krugozor (Theatre Evolve); and Vinegar Tom (Red Theater). Caroline's play Man Cave can be seen/heard at Redtwist's Twisted Playfest in December (which Eileen will also be directing!).
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Intimacy Director
Erin Sheets
(She/Her) is a Director, Intimacy Director, and an all-thing-theatre fangirl from New Orleans. Here in Chicago, Erin has worked with companies such as Trap Door Theatre, Big Noise Theatre, Facility Theatre, Imposters Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Possibilities Theatre, Theatre L'Acadie (where she is also co-Artistic Director), and now, Redtwist!
Notable projects include Right Now (Intimacy Director, Facility, 2023 Non-Equity Jeff Award - Best Ensemble) and Motherhouse (Assistant Director, Rivendell, 2022 Equity Jeff Award - Best New Work). As a Director, Erin has been honored to lead recent productions such as Grey Gardens The Musical (Big Noise, 2023 Lou Award Nomination - Best Production) and the World Premiere of Today Tonight Soon by Melanie Coffey (Theatre L'Acadie). When not making theatre, Erin likes to complain about not making enough theatre.
Learn more about her work at erinesheets.com!
Dramaturg
Jesse Boyle
(They/Them) is thrilled to be making their return to Redtwist for the world premier of Jacqueline Goldfinger’s Bottle Fly. Jesse is a Chicago-based theatre researcher and practitioner with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies from Columbia College Chicago. They made their debut at Redtwist last summer as dramaturg for Agnes of God. They have also worked as a stage manager and dramaturg for Steppenwolf’s Lookout Series play Was Dinner Good Dear Sister. Jesse would like to thank their best friend Rose for always supporting them along with Redtwist for giving them another opportunity to grow as an artist and dramaturg!
Production Manager
Raine DeDominici
(They/She) is thrilled to be on staff at Redtwist as Production Manager. They also work as a stage manager and librarian.
Production Management: The Normal Heart (Redtwist Theatre).
Stage Management: Wolves (Redtwist Theatre), Spamalot, Big Fish, A Chorus Line (The Theatre Lab; Washington, D.C.), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ohio Valley Summer Theatre; Athens, OH), Krapp’s Last Tape, Angels in America Part One - Millennium Approaches, Pluto (Ohio University). Raine holds a Master of Library & Information Science from Dominican University and a BFA in Stage Management from Ohio University.
Company Manager
Taylor Stageberg*
Taylor
(She/They) is a transplant from Oregon who moved to Chicago in pursuit of a career in theatre as a way to pass the time before they become a sea hag. She began her Chicago theatre career working as the Assistant Stage Manager for Redtwist's production of The Great Khan followed by Stage Managing for their production of Agnes of God. They have also worked on shows with Haven Chicago, Hell in a Handbag Productions, and Babes with Blades Theater Company.
*denotes Redtwist Ensemble Member
Meet the Cast
Cal
Johnny Garcia*
(He/Him) is excited to be back on the newly renovated Redtwist stage! Thank you Dusty and Eileen and everyone involved in making that happen! Johnny was last seen in The Humans at Redtwist. He has worked with quite a few theatre companies in the city, as well as in the suburbs. Johnny is the Ensemble Liaison of Redtwist. He is also a personal trainer. If you’re looking for one you can contact him at: https://www.garciaff.com. Thank you for your support, and thank you Eileen for directing this fantastic play!
Rosie
Laura Sturm
(She/Her) received her MFA from Northern Illinois University and has been working professionally in the Chicago area for over 20 years. She has taught acting, movement, period styles and audition skills at various professional training studios in Chicago including Act One Studios. She currently teaches at Columbia College Chicago and has taught at several colleges in the area including NIU, North Central, Governors State and Oakton. Over the years, Laura has worked with such Chicago theaters as Organic, Bluebird Arts, Northlight, Remy Bumppo, Victory Gardens, Promethean, Stage Left, Raven, New Colony, Mary-Arrchie, Boho, Signal, Bailiwick and she also spent a summer with the Texas Shakespeare Festival. She has been seen on the Chicago stage as Emma in Stupid Fucking Bird, the title role in Lauren Gunderson’s Emilie and Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists, Ana in The Clean House, as well as Blanche Dubois, Titania, Gertrude and Evita, to name a few roles. Also a director, Laura’s credits include the Jeff Award nominated production of Sarah Ruhl’s Melancholy Play and the world premiere of Barbara Lhota’s Phantom Pain, both with Organic Theater. She also serves as a private acting and movement coach, as well as an intimacy choreographer. Contact her at www.laurasturm.com to hear about movement classes and coaching!
K
Rebecca VandenBos
(She/Her) is excited to make her Redtwist Theatre debut as K in Bottle Fly. Most recently, she understudied the title role in The Rise and Fall of Little Voice at The Gift Theatre. Her previous credits include roles in both community and professional theater, where she has cultivated a passion for telling dynamic and emotionally charged stories. Rebecca brings a love for character exploration to the stage, drawing on her diverse experiences to bring authenticity to each performance. She is grateful to Redtwist Theatre for this opportunity.
Ruth
Shannon Leigh Webber
(She/Her) is thrilled to be back at Redtwist! She last appeared in Redtwist's production of Babel. Other Chicago theatre credits include Harrow House with Rough House Theatre, Blue Island in the Red Sea with Collaboraction and Perfect Arrangement at Pride Arts. This role is dedicated to the late bloomers. We may take the long way around but in the words of Paulo Coelho, "Don't be afraid to wander. Sometimes, getting lost is the best way to find yourself".
Penny
Shaina Toledo
(She/Her) is a passionate theatre artist based in Chicago. Shaina graduated from UIC with a BFA in acting, and has been involved in productions such as Twelfth Night with Midsommer Flight, Stress Awareness Month with Broken Nose (Bechdel Fest), and most recently a staged workshop of Cockfight with Facility Theatre. Shaina is so excited to be a part of this incredible story, and hopes it impacts everyone as much as it has impacted her. Shaina would like to thank her friends for reminding her the power of manifestation, her Mom and Dad for their unmatched love, and her partner Matt for never letting her settle, and always easing the anxiety.
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Cal Understudy
Gabriel Levi
(They/Them) is a multifaceted performer from the South Side of Chicago. Through poetry, they discovered a love for performance on stage and eventually found a home in Theatre Performance. Since that discovery, Gabriel has starred in multiple productions including Little Shop of Horrors and Thoughts of a Colored Man. Gabriel is super excited to make their Redtwist debut as Cal’s U/S. Gabriel would like to thank their mom for always believing in them and the director, Eileen, for taking a chance on a newbie.
Rosie Understudy
Jaclyn Jensen
(She/Her) is originally from Sandy, UT and received a BFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Central Missouri. She is an ensemble member of The Impostors Theatre Company (Footholds, The House of Baba Yaga, Beyond the Garden Gate). She is thrilled to be working with Redtwist Theatre for the first time. On screen, you can find her in the series Super Adam available on YouTube. When not acting, Jaclyn pursues her passions for standup paddleboarding, all things horror, and support for young women affected by breast and gynecological cancers.
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K Understudy
Kelcy Taylor
(She/Her) is thrilled to be making her Redtwist debut with this incredible team. She has most recently been seen in Kokandy Productions' Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical and their production of The Spongebob Musical. Other credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Strawdog Theatre), Jesus Christ Superstar (The Beautiful City Project), and Women Beware Women (Blue In The Right Way). Kelcy would like to give a special shout-out to her family, the messiest baddies group chat, her gorgeous friends, and iced oat milk matcha lattes with vanilla.
Ruth Understudy
Leilanii Mesa Ellis
(She/Her) is overjoyed to be joining Redtwist Theatre for the world premiere of Bottle Fly by Jacqueline Goldfinger. Chicago credits include: A Future to Remember (Family Bridges), Bechdelfest 7: Momentum (Broken Nose Theatre), and Stupid F***ing Bird (Boheme Ensemble). She sends appreciation to some extraordinary teachers along her journey including: Monique Rooker, Gavin Rhys, and Yvette Corrine (Black Box Acting) and Charles Andrew Gardner (Acting Studio Chicago). Big love to Pete, Buford, family & friends, and the cast & the creative team at Redtwist Theatre!
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Penny Understudy
Amelia Roque
(She/Her) is a second-generation Mexican American multidisciplinary artist and thrilled to be working with Redtwist for the first time! Amelia moved to the city shortly after receiving her BFA in Theatre and Dance from Niagara University. Some of her Chicago credits include Sunflower (Theatre Contronym), ARCANA: The Fools Errand (Front Porch Oracles) and The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque (Subversion Productions). You can also find Amelia performing with the Illuminate Dance Team, choreographing for drag artists, or generally frolicking through the streets of Chicago. She is a Consent Forward Artist who believes in cultivating a human-first and trauma-informed approach to all facets of her artistry and life. Her hope is to share stories and experiences centered in truth and joy that lead to liberation for us all.
IG: @_ameliaroque_
*denotes Redtwist Ensemble Member