Run Time
2 hours + Intermission
Previews
August 22, 23, & 24 at 7:30 PM
Opening
August 25 at 3:30 PM
Understudy Performances
September 1 at 3:30 PM
September 12 at 7:30 PM
Open Caption Performances
September 6 at 7:30 PM
September 20 at 7:30 PM
Sensory Performances
September 8 at 3:30 PM
Closing
October 4 at 7:30 PM
Ned Weeks Understudy
Matt Fayfer
Matthew is beyond excited to be part of this wonderful queer production. You would have seen him most recently with Brown Paper Box Co, in If/Then (2020) and Little Women (2019). He thanks Redtwist and the cast for supporting him so lovingly in playing one of his dream roles.
Felix Turner Understudy
Riley Lucas
Add a short bio for each team member. Make it brief and informative to keep visitors engaged.
Dr. Emma Brookner Understudy
Becky Lang
Becky Lang is excited to be back at Redtwist, having previously appeared here in Genesis Theatrical Production’s “The People’s Choice” in 2016. While her professional theatre debut was at 14 years old, Becky has been acting, singing, and dancing her way through Chicagoland’s theatres since pre-K. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Northwestern University’s world-renowned theatre program in 2013 and within a year earned her SAG (Screen Actors Guild) eligibility upon expanding her horizons to film and television. Becky has also written, directed, and produced her own work. She deeply cares about making meaningful art and hopes that this production reminds people the importance of empathy and imagining people complexly. The world will be a better place when humans learn to love people like Ned and Emma who challenge the status quo with complete authenticity. Becky thanks Nathan, her parents, and her friends for their support.
About the Show:
Larry Kramer’s beautiful, searing play about the earliest days of the AIDS epidemic, based on his experience organizing Gay Men’s Health Crisis. The play, winner of Tony, Drama Desk and Olivier Awards, tells the story of an advocacy group that struggled against government suppression and internal strife in the face of the disappearance of their community. This heartwrenching, humanist play, written more than 40 years ago about a small group of advocates calling for action from a government that insists that nothing is wrong, seems darkly familiar and more universal than ever.
Meet the Production Team
Director
Ted Hoerl*
In a fifty-year-long career, Ted Hoerl’s (he/him) extensive directing credits include Redtwist's
productions of Collected Stories and Keely and Du; he also appeared in the Redtwist
production of Death of a Salesman. Additional directing credits include And Miss
Reardon Drinks a LIttle (New American Theatre); Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll (Vine
Productions); Michael Frayn’s Chinamen (Prairie Dell’Arte Theatre); Twilight Serenade
(Red Hen Theatre); Charlie’s Oasis, Museum and Bar (New Tuners); Frankie and
Johnny in the Claire de Lune (Gorilla Tango); King of Hearts (Shoestring Theatre at the
University of Chicago); Alarms and Excursions (Cobalt Theatre; Jeff Nomination, Best
Ensemble); The Flu Season and Stage Door (North Central College); Lips Together,
Teeth Apart (Eclipse Theatre); Arcadia (Promethean Theatre); and seven productions at the Theatre Conservatory of the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt
University. Other acting credits include Bus Stop, Knights of the Round Table, Woman
in Mind, Haunting Julia and Plaza Suite (Eclipse Theatre); Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom
and A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Arcadia, Arms and the Man and The
Importance of Being Earnest (Remy Bumppo); The Little Foxes and Buried Child
(Shattered Globe); The Weir and 1776 (Signal Ensemble); Are You Now or Have You
Ever Been? (Jeff Award: Best Ensemble), A Doll’s House and The Millionairess (Next
Theatre); Mrs. Warren’s Profession (Promethean); Dreamboy and Fascination (About Face; founding member); and Incident at Vichy (Writer’s Theatre). Most recently he
appeared as Vanya in Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Dunes Summer Theatre).
Assistant Director
Rashaad A. Bond
Rashaad A. Bond (he/him) moved to Chicago from Albuquerque, New Mexico in the summer of 2019. In Albuquerque, Rashaad founded and served as the artistic director for Middle Ground Theatre Company, a company dedicated to giving opportunities to those in the community that were often neglected. He holds a BA in Theatre from the University of New Mexico. His studies allowed him to develop skills in directing, producing, acting, lighting design, and scenic carpentry. Since moving to Chicago, Rashaad has had the opportunity to work with organizations such as Black Ensemble Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The League of Chicago Theatres, The Artistic Home, Redtwist Theater, Theatre Above the Law, Ghostlight Ensemble, Perceptions Theatre, Eclectic Full Contact Theatre, Haven Chicago, and Possibilities Theatre.
Stage Manager
Amy Rappa
Amy Rappa has been living and working in Chicago after graduating Purdue University with a BFA in Film and Theatre Productions and Communications in 2021. Over the past few years, Amy has been stage managing in Chicago and Indiana, with credits including House of the Exquisite Corpse; Invitation to a Beheading (Rough House), The Art of Bowing (Haven), Macbeth (Three Crows), Something Rotten (SBTC), Once Upon A Mattress (Theo Ubique) and Twelfth Night (Midsomer Flight). She gives love and gratitude to her friends and family for their incredible support, as well as the entire team of the amazing artists who have come together to share this story with you all.
Technical Director, Projections, Sound Design
Dusty Brown*
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. They wear many hats at Redtwist and love the opportunity to get in the shop and get their hands dirty or play around with sound and projections. Recent productions include: Steve Yockey's Wolves (Redtwist) and William Shakespeare's Macbeth (Three Crows). Thank you for supporting LIVE theatre and Redtwist!
Scenic Design
Kevin Hagan
Kevin Hagan (he/him) is a graduate of the College of Design at Louisiana State University and received a Master of Fine Arts degree in scenic design from the Theatre School, DePaul University. Kevin is a freelance director and designer based in Chicago, and as an associate at The Artistic Home has designed sets for The Time of Your Life, Rock and Roll, Requiem for a Heavyweight, Malapert Love, and DyingForIt for which he received a 2023 Jeff Award for Scenic Design. Kevin directed The River for The Artistic Home’s Summer On The Patio 2022 series and mostly recently directed The Sugar Wife for Summer On The Patio 2024. Kevin previously designed scenery for Redtwist Theatre’s production of Collected Stories.
Costume Design
Taylor Pfenning
Taylor Pfenning (she/her) is a Chicago-based costume designer. Design credits include Romeo and Juliet (Oak Park Festival Theatre); Measure for Measure (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks); Tempest (Proboscis Theatre); Guys and Dolls (University of Michigan); Coriolanus, Le Nozze di Figaro, and Origin Story (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign); and Bad F***ing Hamlet (Armory Free Theatre). Upcoming credits include First Date and A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play (Oil Lamp Theatre) and Cinderella (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). She was also the assistant costume designer for Choir Boy (Steppenwolf Theatre Company) and Anton’s Shorts (American Player’s Theatre). Education: BFA in drama from New York University, MFA in costume design from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Find more of her work at www.TaylorPfenning.com
Props Design
Nicolas Bartleson
Nicolas Bartleson (he/him) This is Nick’s first production with Redtwist and he has been delighted to work with a wonderful team and cast. Nick is a freelance prop designer and theatre manager in Chicagoland. He has had the pleasure of working with numerous companies including: The Utah Shakespeare Festival, Glimmerglass Opera, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Northlight Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater, Drury Lane Productions, Young People’s Theatre of Chicago, Texas Shakespeare Festival, and others. Nick also works as an event prop artist with Kehoe Designs. To see more of Nick’s work or make inquiries, visit: https://nickbartleson.wixsite.com/nickbartleson. Special thanks to Amy Peter from DePaul’s School of Theatre for making so much of what you see possible.
Lighting Design
Cat Davis*
Cat Davis (she/they) has spent a decade designing in the Chicagoland area. While her main focus is lighting, she has experience with sounds and puppetry. She is excited to be expanding into management as the Business Manager for Redtwist.
Dramaturg
Ashly Demay
Ashly Demay is a dramaturgy major at DePaul University. While she has been working in dramaturgy for five year this is her first show in professional theatre. She is grateful for everything she has learned while working on this production.
Meet the Cast
Ned Weeks
Peter Ferneding
Peter Ferneding (he/him) is elated to be working with Redtwist again. Since moving to Chicago he has been seen in Pro Am (First Floor Theater); Night Watch (Raven Theater); Arabia, Arabia! (The Plagiarists); Clue (Mercury Theatre); Chagall in School (Grippo Stage Co); Antigone (Redtwist Theatre); Outlaws, and How to Kill a Rodent (Avalanche Theatre Co). He is a graduate of The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Represented by Talent X Alexander. Much love to the whole cast and crew for sharing their talent, dedication, and hard work. As always, he owes a great deal of gratitude to his friends and family for their continued support.
Felix Turner
Zachary Linnert
Zachary Linnert ( he/him) is tremendously proud to be a part of Redtwist’s production of this seminal play. Stories about queer and disabled people like The Normal Heart shed light on the kinds of injustices that marginalized people experience and how relevant and important it is to continue to tell these stories. Previous Chicago credits include Ragtime (Metropolis) and Brigadoon (MTW). Other credits include Waitress (Pomatter); Kinky Boots (Charlie), Holiday Inn (Jim), and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty). A trained ASL interpreter, Zachary has interpreted at Paper Mill Playhouse for Damn Yankees, 25th…Spelling Bee, and On the Town. Lastly, he is incredibly proud of his podcast, Simply Enough, which aims to remind everyone that they are enough, just as they are. Period. Thank you, Ted, Eileen, Dusty, Amy, Rashaad, Peter, and the whole cast and crew for this transformative experience. Choose kindness and joy. And breakfast burritos.
Dr. Emma Brookner
Tamara Rozofsky
Tamara Rozofsky (she/her) is thrilled to be appearing in her first production with Redtwist, encouraged by the kindness of this community and grateful for the support of her loving family! She is a writer, performer and storyteller from Tallahassee, FL and has given workshops, corporate trainings and presentations on a variety of topics for BMO Harris Bank, Hyatt Hotels, The Southern Shakespeare Company, Camp Horizon, The Graduate Theological Union, Columbia College, Notre Dame De Namur University, University of the Pacific, California State University, East Bay and The Nursery Theater in London. Tammy appeared as Buck in Theater Wit’s critically acclaimed production of Teenage Dick and has been featured in The Bentwood Comedy Festival, The Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival, Chicago Women’s Funny Fest and Lifeline Theatre’s Filet of Solo. She is an ensemble member and improv coach with Tellin’ Tales Theater and appeared in Chicago Voices Project (The Lyric Opera).
Mickey Marcus
Joshua Servantez*
Joshua Servantez is an actor, literary manager and all-around cool guy based in the Chicago area. In addition to his various roles at Redtwist, he has appeared in productions throughout Chicago with companies including Black Button Eyes Productions, The Factory Theater, Broken Nose Theatre, and many more. Joshua is also an active ensemble member with Promethean Theatre.
Tommy Boatwright
Cameron Austin Brown
Cameron Austin Brown (he/him), a recent graduate of Oklahoma City University’s School of Theatre, is thrilled to be making his Redtwist debut. He’s been onstage in roles from Philinte in The School for Lies (TheatreOCU) to Touchstone in As You Like It (Oklahoma Shakespeare). To find out where you can see Cameron next visit www.cameronaustinbrown.com
Bruce Niles
Philip C. Matthews
Philip C. Matthews (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of this cast and to be making his RedTwist debut! Past credits include Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors (Citadel Theatre), Val Xavier in Orpheus Descending (Six Elements Theatre) and Dylan Davies in Klae Bainter's A Perfect Day Away. Philip holds an MFA in Acting from Ohio University and is represented by Stavins Talent and lives in Edgewater with his wife, Jill, and their two cats.
Ben Weeks
Christopher Meister
Christopher Meister (he/him) is delighted to be working with Redtwist & these extraordinary theatre makers for the first time. Chicago: Night Watch (Raven Theatre); Botticelli In The Fire (First Floor Theatre);Mother Road (The Goodman Theatre); Queen (u/s Victory Gardens); Death Of A Salesman (The Hypocrites); Brief Study Of An Endless Thing (Gift Theatre); Trust (Lookingglass Theatre); Yellowface (Silk Road Rising); Under Construction (Jackalope). Regional: Stop Kiss (Nebraska Rep), The Hollow (Acadia Repertory Theatre), Desire (the dirigo group), Juno And The Paycock (Different Stages). Television: Shining Girls, Chicago P.D., Chicago Med, The Big Leap, Empire, The Chi. Film: The Dilemma, The Life Of David Gale, Alex/October. Chris is proudly represented by Grossman & Jack Talent and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA. Love to Evers. This one’s for Mom. Thanks for the guidance.
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Craig/Grady/Ensemble
Caleb Crawford
Caleb Crawford (he/him) is so grateful to Redtwist for his Principal Cast Debut! Past Credits: Wolves (u.s. Redtwist). Regional: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pippin (Ohio Valley Summer Theater). Film: Pasture. Voiceover: Please Stand By, A Very Square Peg, The Moonville Tunnel, The Black Basilisk. Collegiate: She Kills Monsters, Pluto, Holly Down In Heaven, Cabaret (Ohio University). Education: BFA, Ohio University. You may have also seen him around Chicago's comedy scene with his team Cat Bath Improv (current hosts of Funderdome at CLASH on Clark).
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Hiram/David/Ensemble
Gardy Gilbert
Gardy Gilbert (he/him) is excited to be returning back to Redtwist! He is based in Chicago and a Cincinnati-native. He was last seen at Redtwist as Jack (Wolves) and Jayden U/s (The Great Khan) Other credits include IS GOD IS (A Red Orchid Theatre), Botticelli in the Fire (First Floor Theater), The Aliens (Kalliope & Co), and Remote (BoHo Theatre). Outside of acting, you can catch Gardy tending to his ever-growing plant collection or finding new music to use his flow props with. He thanks his incredibly supportive family, friends, and cat for believing in him every step of the way. Repped by TalentXAlexander. Keep up with him at gardygilbert.com
Ned Weeks Understiudy
Matthew Fayfer
Matthew Fayfer (he/him) is beyond excited to be part of this wonderful queer production. You would have seen him most recently with Brown Paper Box Co. in If/Then (2020) and Little Women (2019). He thanks Redtwist and the cast for supporting him so lovingly in playing one of his dream roles.
Felix Turner Understudy
Riley Lucas
Riley (he/him) made his Redtwist and Chicago debut in Wolves. He came to Chicago after graduating with an MFA in acting and directing from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Riley would like to thank his partner, Eileen, who continues to inspire and amaze him daily, and their dog, Sadie, who is the best thing to happen to planet Earth.
Dr. Emma Brookner Understudy
Becky Lang
Becky Lang (she/her) is excited to be back at Redtwist, having previously appeared here in Genesis Theatrical Production’s The People’s Choice in 2016. While her professional theatre debut was at 14 years old, Becky has been acting, singing, and dancing her way through Chicagoland’s theatres since pre-K. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre from Northwestern University’s world-renowned theatre program in 2013 and within a year earned her SAG (Screen Actors Guild) eligibility upon expanding her horizons to film and television. Becky has also written, directed, and produced her own work. She deeply cares about making meaningful art and hopes that this production reminds people the importance of empathy and imagining people complexly. The world will be a better place when humans learn to love people like Ned and Emma who challenge the status quo with complete authenticity. Becky thanks Nathan, her parents, and her friends for their support.
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Mickey Marcus Understudy
Eddie Ledford
Eddie Ledford (he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, singer and comedian. He was most recently seen in Blank Theatre Company’s Merrily We Roll Along and Promises, Promises (Jeff nom, Ensemble) and has performed in theaters, festivals and digital projects around the city including The Second City's UP Comedy Club, The Annoyance, Rhino Fest, Chicago Sketch Fest, Ordinary Peepholes, and Guilty the Web Series. Eddie is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent and is grateful to be working with Redtwist for the first time on one of his favorite plays. Instagram: @_eddele
Tommy Boatwright Understudy
Cameron Cai
Cameron Cai (he/they) is elated to make their Redtwist debut doing one of their favorite plays of all time. Cameron most recently finished another queer centered show, The Importance of Being Earnest at Strawdog Theatre Co. Cameron would like to dedicate his performances to the warriors who lived through the AIDS epidemic and his grandmother who first introduced this powerful play to him.
Bruce Niles Understudy, Ben Weeks Understudy
Michael T. Oakes
Michael T. Oakes (he/they) is a stand up comedian and actor from Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. They’ve spent their time in Chicago thus far doing improv, stand up, and working with the independent theatre group Meat Machine. Michael is overjoyed to tell this story with Redtwist and wants to thank everyone at Redtwist for making this show happen!
Ben Weeks Understudy
Phil Aman
Phil Aman (he/him) is excited to make his Redtwist debut. Previously he played the role of "The Man" (several roles including Ebby Thatcher and Billy Dodson) and U/S "Bill W." in Bill W. and Dr. Bob (Theatre 68/Biograph). He has appeared in numerous short films including Invisible Touch, The Anomalists, Blotch and In the Waiting Line. Later this year, Phil will be reprising his role of "The Man" on a tour and play "Kyle" in the indie horror/thriller One Step Closer to Hell.
Craig/Grady Ensemble Understudy
Brenden Zwiebel
Brenden Zwiebel (he/him) is tickled pink to be in his first production with Redtwist Theatre! You have seen him previously perform in Metropolis Performing Arts Center as Ernie in Sister Act or Levi in Big Noise Theatre's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Brenden has been performing ever since he was young, whether it was putting on a one-man show for his parents, or performing in large venues like singing the national anthem at a Chicago Bulls game! He is thankful to his friends and family for their undying love and support! Follow Brenden on Instagram @bendrens.
Hiram/David/Ensemble Understudy
Kyle Johnson
Kyle Johnson (he/him) is thrilled to be a part of Redtwist Theatre for his first production with them on such a meaningful show. He hopes this show will lead the charge on more individuals within the community to take action and reflect on the injustices we have faced in the past/ continue to today. His most recent Chicago credits include: GayCard at PrideArts and Merrily We Roll Along with Blank Theatre Company. He is grateful for everyone who has shown support and love throughout his theatre experience and hopes you enjoy this beautiful show!
Additional Prodution
Movement Coordinator
Chelsea Rolfes
Chelsea Rolfes (she/her) is an actor, mover and devisor. As a movement coordinator she has worked on Ripcord (Oil Lamp Theatre) and Regression (produced by Eileen Dixon and Redwist Theatre). She has also written and devised two one-woman shows, She-Wolf and Paulina Emerges. As an actor she has performed three seasons with the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Twelfth Night (KCRep), Dance Nation (Unicorn Theatre), Henry V (Babes with Blades), The Winter’s Tale (First Folio Theatre), It’s a Wonderful Life (Oil Lamp Theatre) and toured one season with Montana Shakes! She holds an MFA in Acting from UMKC.
Producer
Eileen Dixon*
Eileen Dixon (she/they) is a Chicago based director, actor, writer, and producer. She received her MFA in Acting and Directing from UMKC in 2022 and spent the following summer at Ojai Playwrights Conference developing her love for new work. 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 play workshopping process and the directors role in new play development. In October, Eileen is thrilled to direct the world premiere of Jacqueline Goldfinger's Bottle Fly.
Production Assistant
Eliot Colin
Eliot Colin (they/he) has spent most of their career supporting queer and trans folks in a variety of initiatives––social programming and outreach, grant writing, non-profit management, strategic planning, and political advocacy. Recently, they've been leading development for Gender Fucked Productions and has been seen working Front-of-House at the Apollo Theatre and the Goodman Theatre. Additionally, their previous roles at Northwestern University specialized in grants management, project management, event coordination, and administrative support. Right now, they are most passionate about the overlaps in Black, trans, and disability justice work in the arts, philanthropy, and grassroots organizing. They hope to help build as many bridges as possible by connecting arts producers to the resources, knowledge, and strategies that will sustain them. Coalitional work is where the magic happens! Eliot frequently volunteers for organizations like the Crossroads Fund, the Lighthouse Foundation, Mishkan Chicago, and Reeling: The Chicago LGBTQ+ International Film Festival. Creatively, they are fascinated by the people, events, and memories that haunt us. How might listening to these ghosts help us create new, impossible futures?
Production Manager
Raine DeDominici
Raine DeDominici (they/she) is a production manager, stage manager, and librarian. Professional: 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). Educational: Krapp’s Last Tape, Angels in America Part One - Millennium Approaches, Pluto. Raine holds a Master of Library & Information Science from Dominican University and a BFA in Stage Management from Ohio University.