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Run Time
140 Minutes and a 10 Minute Intermission
Previews
February 20-22 at 7:30 PM
Opening
February 23 at 3:30 PM
Understudy Performances
March 13 at 7:30 PM
March 23 at 3:30 PM
Closing
April 6 at 3:30 PM
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About the Show:
Titus Andronicus brings prejudice and the politics of revenge to the forefront in Shakespeare's bloodiest script. Foreign wars have left the country divided, an impulsive leader stokes resentment, and now the country teeters on the brink of civil war over petty grievances and personal vendettas. Can Rome's leaders save the empire from itself? Find out in an exciting new adaptation of Shakespeare’s most controversial play.
CONTENT WARNING:
Depictions of sexual assault and graphic violence.
Meet the Production Team
*denotes Redtwist Ensemble Member
Director/Adapter/Sound Designer
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. 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.
Adapter
Jordan Gleaves
(He/Him) is honored to do what Ira Aldridge did and add to Aaron’s story. Big props to James Lewis and Markari Robinson McNeese for accepting the charge. He thanks Redtwist for bringing him along for the ride. Actor first, Jordan has collaborated with MPAACT, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Theatre L’Acadie, The Nashville Shakespeare Festival, and Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, just to name a few.
“He dies upon my scimitar's sharp point that touches this my first-born son and heir!” - Aaron
Assistant Director
Andie Dae
(She/Her) was born in Memphis, TN, where she appeared in The Raisin the Sun. In Indiana, she also appeared in the debut production of ...before I wake…, and To Kill a Mockingbird before moving to the windy city in 2017. Here in Chicago, she continued her acting training at BLACKBOX Academy. And, she recently performed Isabelle in Measure for Measure with The Shakespeare Project of Chicago.
She is afraid of escalators, treadmills and those walking sidewalks at the airport. Andie still uses them because FEAR CANNOT WIN! Small victories are still worth winning. She is so grateful and happy to have worked with these incredible casts and creative team at Redtwist.
Scenic Designer
Eric Luchen*
(He/Him) is an award winning Chicago based designer who has collaborated on multiple regional, national, and international productions. His work has been recognized by multiple awards organizations including the Joseph Jefferson award for Best Scenic Design, and The Lou Awards, and most recently he was awarded the Conda Award for Excellence in Scenic Design for his production of Mary Poppins in Newcastle, Australia. He has designed over 90 productions for theatres all over the Chicagoland area, regionally, nationally, and internationally. You can see more of his work on www.ericluchen.com
Recent credits include: After Pinocchio: A New Musical (NYC) School of Rock, Mary Poppins (Newcastle, NSW Australia), Elephant and Piggy: We Are in a Play (Marriott Theatre - Lincolnshire, IL), The Addams Family (Metropolis Performing Arts - Arlington Heights, IL), Newsies (Quincy Theatre - Quincy, IL) The Cottage (Citadel Theatre - Lake Forest, IL), Godspell, Seussical (State Theatre - Uniontown, PA). Eric is a member of USA 829.
Production Stage Manager
Raine DeDominici
(They/She) 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). Educational: Krapp’s Last Tape, Angels in America Part One - Millennium Approaches, Pluto. Production Management: Bottle Fly, The Normal Heart (Redtwist Theatre). Raine holds a BFA in Stage Management from Ohio University and an MLIS from Dominican University. When not at Redtwist, they live a double life as a librarian at Chicago Public Library, and yes, they are also perplexed by their choice to do yet another Dusty Brown blood show.
Stage Manager
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?
Dramaturg
Korey Joseph
(He/Him) Originally from New Bedford, MA, Korey believes the future of the American Theatre is accessible to all people, and hopes to use his MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University to help make it happen. In addition to being a dramaturg, he also directs, produces, consults on matters of disability and access, coaches, and acts through BMG Talent. Korey was the Founding Executive Artistic Director of both The Glass Horse Project (now Reverie Theatre Group) and Shakespeare in New Bedford (now in its ninth season on the southern coast of MA). Currently, he serves as Associate Artistic Director of Circuit Theatre Co. He's in awe of all the wonderful artists whose brilliance and vulnerability made this production possible, both on-stage and off. He sends infinite love to Mom, Brian, Anne, & Nikki. Gratitude beyond measure to Martine Green-Rogers. Special thanks to those who always listen to him talk about Shakespeare (it's frequent, they deserve this): Chris, Nicole, Lavina, Kate, Reji, Steph, Em, Sam, Sarah, Genevieve, Jess, & Aurelia.
Costume Designer
kClare McKellaston
(She/Her) is a Chicago-based Costume Designer, Stylist, and Wardrobe Technician. She is an Adjunct Professor and manages the Costume Shop at Columbia College Chicago. She has also served as the Costume Shop Manager at Dominican University and Lookingglass Theatre Company. Recent design credits include: Don't Quit Your Daydream, Best Kept Secret (Second City Chicago); Songs for a New World, The Addams Family (Dominican University); The Last Five Years, The Drowsy Chaperone (Metropolis PAC); Scarcity, The Cripple of Inishmaan, Elling (Redtwist); At Home at the Zoo, Confederates in the Attic, Peyton Place (City Lit). She has also served as a designer and faculty member with the National High School Institute at Northwestern University (Cherubs). kClare is a proud member of IATSE Wardrobe Local 769. www.kClare.com
Lighting Designer
Piper Kirchhofer
(She/Her) is a Jeff Award nominated lighting designer. Previous work includes- We Are Proud to Present... at Theatre Y, Wolves and The Great Kahn at Redtwist Theatre, Tick, Tick... BOOM! at BoHo Theatre, Beauty Queen of Leenane and Macbeth at Three Crows Theatre, Hurricane Diane at Theatre Wit, 8-Track and Once Upon a Mattress, at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. She is also an IATSE lighting technician touring with productions such as Bluey’s Big Play, the first national tour of Company, and Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. You can find more of her previous work and find upcoming projects at piperlighting.com.
Props Designer
Leo Bassow
(They/He) is a Chicago based Props and Production Designer, and is so excited to get gruesome with this killer team! 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 theater credits include James and the Giant Peach, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (Marriott), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight Theater), Bottlef Fy (Redtwist) and scenic carpentry across the city. In addition to theater Leo is and avid ttrpg player, and cat dad to two orange gremlins.
Intimacy Director
Erin Sheets
(She/Her) is honored to join her friends at Redtwist again this season. A director, producer, and intimacy director, Erin has called Chicago home for 7 years. As co-Artistic Director of Theatre L'Acadie, Erin is a lead producer of new play development series like Inc. - A New Play Incubator, and the In Bloom New Works Series. As a director, recent production credits include The Swan (Theatre L'Acadie) and Grey Gardens (Big Noise). Previous Intimacy Direction credits include Bottle Fly (Redtwist), Right Now (Facility), Pilot Island (Imposters), and The Delivery (Trap Door). Her work has also been seen with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Artemisia, Possibilities, and others. See what's next in 2025 by visiting erinesheets.com!
Text Coach
Mer Ernst Maryfield
(She/Her) Originally from Nebraska, Mer has been in Chicago for over 12 years, and if you can believe it, this is her first time working with the wonderful folks at Redtwist. Nothing makes her happier than diving into Shakespeare play she's unfamiliar with, and TItus is one of the biggest and most challenging adventures yet. Thank you to the extremely talented cast and crew for an incredibly welcoming room and their incredibly thoughtful work. May we all continue to find the humanity and beauty as we navigate the brutality of the world. Love to my husband Ian and to my buddy Josh.
Fight Choreographer
Michael Dias
(He/Him) is a combat choreographer, actor and teacher. He is an Associate Instructor of actor/combatants with Dueling Arts International. Michael teaches stage combat at College of DuPage and mask performance at DePaul University. He is a core company member of Chicago’s Proboscis Theatre Company. Michael has choreographed violence for Northwestern University, Roosevelt University, College of DuPage, Elmhurst College, Northeastern Illinois University, Backroom Shakespeare Project, and Edge of the Wood Theatre.
Casting Director
Eileen Dixon
(She/They) is a Chicago based director, producer, casting diector, and actor 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. Other credits include The Coterie Theatre, Ensemble Stage, and Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Eileen is the Casting Director and a Producer for Redtwist's "Season of Pride", including the productions of The Normal Heart, Bottle Fly, The Totality of All Things, Twisted PlayFest, Titus Andronicus, and Gary. In October 2024, Eileen directed the Jeff and Reader Recommended World Premiere of Jacqueline Goldfinger's Bottle Fly at Redtwist Theatre. In December, Eileen directed Man Cave by Caroline Kidwell for Twisted PlayFest. In Fall on 2025, Eileen is excited to direct Jen Silverman's Collective Rage: A Play In 5 Betties at Redtwist Theatre to kick of Redtwist's "Season of Femme"! Eileen’s interest currently is on artful collaboration within the play workshopping process and the directors role in new play development.
eileendixon.com
Assistant Stage Manager
Ashley O'Neill
(She/Her) is a Chicago-based playwright, director, and theater artist. Her plays include The Very Last Wedding On Earth (Impostors Theater,) Devotion (UIC,) No One Is From Here, and Basement History (Bramble Arts Loft; upcoming.) Recent directing include Passage (UIC) and Innogen (Forest Park Theater Co.) Ashley is delighted to be working with Redtwist for the first time and wishes to thank this wonderful company for making it a bloody good time! Follow her at @ashleyonstage and stay tuned for her staged reading of Basement History in August.
Meet the Cast
*denotes Redtwist Ensemble Member
Titus Andronicus
Anne Sheridan Smith
(She/They) is delighted to make her Redtwist debut in this tragic tale. Her most recent Chicago appearance was in Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. Other Chicago credits: The Kelly Girls (Jeff Award, New Play, Factory Theater); Mad Ones (Blank Theatre); London Road (Jeff Award, Best Musical/Mid-Size, Shattered Globe); Southern Gothic (Windy City Playhouse); Miss Mona in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Jeff Nomination, Best Principal/Musical, Theo Theatre); Queen Aggravain in Once Upon a Mattress (Jeff Nomination, Best Supporting/Musical, Theo Theatre); The Drowning Girls (Jeff Nomination, Best Ensemble - Play, Signal Ensemble); Bat Boy, The Musical (Jeff Nomination, Best Supporting, Griffin); Mother Courage and Her Children (Vitalist Theatre); 1776 (Jeff Award, Best Musical, Signal Ensemble). Anne holds a BA in Acting/Theatre from Western Illinois University and is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent. Thanks to Ben, for his love and encouragement in spite of enduring talk of murder and vengeance while he tries to play video games.
Aaron
James Lewis
(He/Him) is ecstatic to be in his first Redtwist production! A proud dad of 2, James was recently seen in Lifeline Theatre’s production of Native Son as The Black Rat. Other Theatre Credits include: Network (Invictus Theatre), The Secret Council (First Folio Theatre), The Last Pair of Earlies (Raven Theatre, u/s), Camino Real (Connelly Theatre, NYC). TV Roles include: True Blood, 2 Broke Girls and Brooklyn 99. Currently nominated for Chicago Reader’s Best Stage Actor of 2024. An alumni of The Theatre School at DePaul University, he is represented by Stewart Talent. @prodigenoir for all social media.
Marcus Andronicus
Sabine Wan
(She/Her) is delighted to be part of Titus Andronicus. Born and raised in France to Chinese parents, Sabine is fluent in French, English, and Mandarin, and has called Chicago home since 2010. After a career in cybersecurity consulting, she transitioned to acting full-time in 2023. Sabine made her stage debut in 13 Suits at Raven Theatre and is a proud member of FrogProv, a bilingual improv group performing in both French and English. She is deeply grateful to the creative team and cast for their collaboration, and to the audience for supporting live theatre. Merci beaucoup, and enjoy the show!
Lavinia Andronicus
Caroline Kidwell
(She/Her) is elated to be returning to Redtwist for Titus Andronicus. This summer she performed at Rhinofest her original play-with-music, PENELOPE, based on the distinguished platypus of the same name. Other recent credits include TEN (The Gift); CRY IT OUT (Oil Lamp Theatre); MURDER, REWROTE (Hell in a Handbag); and VINEGAR TOM (Red Theater). She is a co-founder of WaitWhat Films, with whom she produced her debut short, KILLER SET, directed by her sister Maura. Thank you to Dusty and the rest of the team for turning Shakespeare's "worst show" into her favorite in the canon. She dedicates her performance, as always, to her cats Chicken and Friend. And Josh too. carolinekidwell.com | waitwhatfilms.com
Lucius Andronicus
Philip C. Matthews
(He/Him) is honored to be joining Redtwist for Titus Andronicus, his third show in a row on Bryn Mawr Avenue! Past Redtwist credits include Gregg in the world premiere of Erik Gernand's Totality of All Things and Bruce in The Normal Heart. Other past credits include Orin Scrivello in Little Shop of Horrors (Citadel Theatre) and Dylan Davies in Klae Bainter's A Perfect Day Away (Cincinnati Fringe Festival, Continuum Convergence.) He holds an MFA in Acting from Ohio University. Philip would like to dedicate this and every show to his wife, Jill and his mother, Jean and would like to thank them both for teaching him everything he knows about love, loyalty and the importance of family.
Saturninus
Joshua Servantez*
(He/Him) 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.
Tamara
Laura Sturm
(She/Her) is excited to be playing in Redtwist’s intimate space again after appearing as Rosie in last fall’s Bottle Fly. Laura 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 and North Central College. 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 and Bailiwick, and she also spent a summer with the Texas Shakespeare Festival playing Imogen in Cymbeline and other roles. She has been seen on the Chicago stage as Emma in Stupid Fucking Bird, the title role in Lauren Gunderson’s Emilie, Marie Antoinette in The Revolutionists, as well as Blanche Dubois, Titania, Gertrude, Mrs. Hardcastle 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. Additionally, she 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!
Chiron
Elijah Newman
(He/Him) is a Chicago-bred actor, writer & producer who is thrilled to make his Redtwist debut. Theatre: The Seagull (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), Romeo & Juliet (Oak Park Festival Theatre), Measure for Measure, Three Musketeers (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks), Legend of Georgia McBride (Metropolis Performing Arts), As You Like It (Forest Park Theatre). TV/Film: Chicago Med (NBC), Debaters (Full Spectrum Features). Education: University of Illinois at Chicago (BFA), Eolia Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, L'École de Philippe Gaulier. Special thanks to Stewart Talent, this brave and curious Titus Team, his friends, family and fiancé Madelyn: we finally share the stage, my love! elijahnewman.com
Demetrius
Quinn Leary
(He/Him) is a multidisciplinary Chicago-based theatre maker and artist. He graduated from Butler University in 2013 where he earned a BA in Theatre and a BA in Comparative Literature. He also studied abroad at the Moscow Art Theatre School (MXAT). His experience in clowning, devising, and immersive theatre forms led him to the rebellious and resilient Chicago theatre scene where he has met and collaborated with brilliant creators and theatres across a full decade. Most recently he could be seen in Meat Machine’s The Worm My Sister (A Red Orchid Theatre’s Incubator Project) and Fowl Play’s Bacchanal. He has worked with Birch House Immersive (Lonely Hearts, The Last Days of Eden Creek), Meat Machine (Ensemble Member), Firefly Tapestry Storytelling (Valediction), and Paralysis Immersive (Founder). Titus Andronicus is his favorite Shakespearean tragedy. Thus, he is excited to make his Redtwist debut telling this timely, challenging, and searingly immediate story.
Bassanius/Ensemble
Madelyn Loehr
(She/They) is an actor, writer, solo performance artist, yoga instructor, and long time vegan. After growing up in Denver she moved to Chicago where she has found a second home. Madelyn received their MFA in Acting from DePaul University in 2024, and their solo show FLESH debuted at Redtwist Theatre last fall. Other theater credits include City Lit, Akvavit Theatre, The Factory, and The Understudy. TV credits include Chicago Justice and Chicago PD. They would like to thank Dusty and Eileen for their incredible work steering the ship that is Redtwist, the Titus team for laughing at her jokes, her family for their endless support, and her cats for being so cute. She would thank her fiancé Elijah, but at his hand, O, she is slain!
Titus Andronicus Understudy
Rena Ahmed
(She/Her) is a versatile performer who has been featured in numerous productions of theater, musical theater, opera, operetta, cabaret and concert works throughout the Chicago area. She was the Founder and Artistic Director of Third Eye Theatre Ensemble, an award-winning opera company that produced new and seldom performed works that inspired conversation while advocating for human rights and social justice. She has always been interested in the role of the arts to elevate the consciousness of humanity. She was last seen onstage with The Shakespeare Project of Chicago as Lady Abbess in A Comedy of Errors. She has also been featured on Jake Burns’s recording of Irish folk rock, Drinkin’ Again, on the EMI UK label. She is excited to be making her debut with Redtwist and is grateful to be working with such dedicated and talented artists.
Aaron Understudy
Makari Robinson McNeese
(They/Them) is excited to be making their debut with Redtwist Theatre! Makari studied Directing at the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts and has worked with theatre groups such as The Repertory Theatre of St Louis, The Center of the Creative Arts, and the ACTION Art Collaborative. You can see them regularly performing on Caltrop Chronicles, a TTRPG collective. Instagram: @makarirm
Marcus Andronicus Understudy
Daniel Vaughn Manasia
(He/Him) is very excited to making his "Shakespeare debut" with Redtwist Theatre. Previous credits include In His Hands (First Floor Theater); Into the Earth With You, Stove Toucher, Holmes and Watson (Buffalo Theatre Ensemble); Dex and Abby (Pride Arts and Films); The Diary of Anne Frank (Young Peoples Theatre of Chicago); Almost Maine (Oil Lamp Theater); HoA (The Factory Theater); On The Greenbelt (Strawdog Theatre). Film and TV credits include Chicago Fire, Justified City Primeval, Otherwise a Woman; Fatal Witness and City of Vultures.
Lavinia Andronicus Understudy
Hannah McCauley
(She/Her)is thrilled to be back to understudy at Redtwist! She previously understudied Agnes in Agnes of God. She is a graduate of Ohio University where she received a BFA in acting. Her most recent work (which can be found on her website) includes a self-written/produced film called FANATIK.
Chicago: Agnes of God (Agnes U/S) Redtwist. Macbeth (First Sister/Seyton) Three Crows. Other credits: This is Not What I Expected When I Imagined a Republic *World Premiere (Ilé) Tantrum Theater, You Can’t Take It With You (Essie) Fort Thomas Players. She Kills Monsters (Lilith), The Wolves (#00), Silent Sky (Williamina) Ohio University.
Lucius Andronicus Understudy
Christine Cecilia Cummins
(She/Her) has performed in operas and musicals across the country and couldn’t be more excited to continue her dive into the works of the bard. She is a classically trained soprano who is known for her commanding stage presence, and vocal versatility. Previous Regional theatre credits include: Johanna in Sweeney Todd (Red River Lyric), Hodel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Vivienne in Legally Blonde (The Quincy Music Theatre). Opera: Lady Macbeth in Macbeth (Shakespeare Opera Theatre), Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute (Opera in the Ozarks) and Phoebe in The Yeoman of the Guard (College Light Opera Company). She would like to thank her family, boyfriend Teddy, and beloved dog Remy for all of their love and support. Website: christinecummins.com
Saturninus Understudy
Grayson Kennedy
(He/Him) is excited to making his Redtwist debut! Grayson is the founder and Artistic Director of Gwydion Theatre Company. He has appeared on stage for them as Jerry (The Zoo Story), Clancy (Waiting for Lefty) and Dennis (This Is Our Youth). Grayson has also appeared in productions with Blank Theatre Company and has understudied with Court Theatre. Grayson will be directing the World Premiere production of Ascension by Jeffrey Luke Baker at Gwydion Theatre later this spring.
Tamara Understudy
Michelle Perry
(She/Her) is thrilled to be working with Redtwist Theatre alongside this fabulous cast and crew. Favorite past roles include Emery in Rooted at Oil Lamp Theater and Ouiser in Steel Magnolias at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center. Many thanks and much love to Jesse, Cotton, Igloo and Idaho for their enthusiastic support of my theatrical endeavors!
Demetrius Understudy
Gavin Blayne
(He/Him) is excited to be working with Redtwist Theatre for his first show in Chicago. He moved to the city in November 2024 after graduating from Elon University earlier that year. Gavin's most recent roles include Orlando from As You Like It, and he is thrilled to be changing the tone and giving love to a Shakespeare show that usually gets less attention than the others.
Bassanius/ Ensemble Understudy
Madison Bacino
(She/Her) is elated to be making her Chicago debut! An actor, writer, and devisor, you may have seen her recently on stages across the D.C. and Baltimore area. There she worked on award-winning productions, including those with The Strand and Rorschach Theatre. She would like to thank the cast and crew, her parents, and Robert for their unwavering support.
