A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle

Executive Director
TaRon Patton
Artistic Director
Samuel Roberson Jr.
PRESENTS
A NATIVITY STORY:
More Than a Miracle
By: Alexis J. Rogers
Director
Alexis J. Rogers
Sound Design
Ron White
Stage Manager
*Razor Wintercastle
Co-Director/Choreographer
Rueben D. Echoles
Scenic Design
Andrei Onegin
Prop Design
Kailee Tomasic
Costume Coordinator
Christine Pascual
Production Manager
Dre Robinson
Lighting Design
Jared Gooding
*Actor’s Equity Association
Congo Square Ensemble Member
Congo Square Theatre Company (Administrative Offices)
2936 N. Southport Suite 210 Chicago IL 60657
Office: 773 296-1108 Fax: 773 472-6637
www.congosquaretheatre.org
fax # 773-296-0968
This 2014-15 Season is graciously sponsored in part by: Target, The MacArthur Fund for the Arts and
Culture at Richard H. Driehaus, The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of the Arts, and The
Illinois Arts Council
All performances are at
The Ruth Page Center for the Arts
1016 N Dearborn St
Chicago IL 60610
A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
1
S U P P O R T S TA F F
Assistant Choreographer
Florence Walker-Harris
PR/Social/Marketing Consultant
Tanya Ward
Assistant Stage Manager
Lori C. Watson
Nicole Cobb Oliver
Media Associate
Stanton Long
Assistant Costume Coordinator
Christina Marcantonio
Stage
Devonte Washington
Markeith Reynolds
Membership Associate
Lauren Connor
Development Associate
Tom Camacho
SPECIAL THANKS
Michelle Boone
Les Coney
Jackie Taylor
Actor’s Equity Association
League of Chicago Theaters
The Tribune Company
Vanessa Lanier
Dr. Jesse Wardlow
FRIENDS OF CONGO
Robin Beaman
CAST LIST
*E. Faye Butler.................................................................................................................................................................Diane
*Mark J. P. Hood...........................................................................................................................................................Nathan
*Kelvin Roston Jr......................................................................................................................................................... Gabriel
Kathleen Turner............................................................................................................................................................... Mary
Anthony Williams....................................................................................................................................................... Joseph
*Byron Willis................................................................................................................................................................... Phillip
*Shari Addison........................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
*Eric A. Lewis...........................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Jon Pierce.................................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Tiffany Renee Johnson........................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Alexandria Jones..................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Camille Robinson..................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Kyle Smith................................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
Jos N. Banks.............................................................................................................................................................Ensemble
*Member of Actor’s Equity Association  Congo Square Ensemble
C O N G O S Q UA R E E N S E M B L E M E M B E R S
*Will Sims II
* Ann Joseph
*Monifa Sims
* Aaron Todd Douglas
* TaRon Patton
*Aimee K. Bryant
* Javon Johnson
Derrick Sanders
*Anthony Irons
*Bakesta King
*Daniel Bryant
*Ericka Ratcliff
*Ron Conner
*Alexis J. Rogers
*Tracey Bonner
*Allan Gilmore
*Samuel Roberson
ARTISTIC ASSOCIATES
*Chad Boseman
*Malkia Stampley
*Kelvin Roston, Jr.
*Member of Actor’s Equity
Association
C O N G O S Q UA R E B OA R D O F D I R E C TO R S
Sylvia Ewing
Dr. Alvin Goldfarb
Perika Sampson
Kirkland Townsend
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Congo Square Theatre
Darion “Doc” Wheeler
Hugh Williams
James Wooten
Congo Square Theatre Company proudly salutes our 2014-2015 donors and patrons.
Thank you for your donations and continued support of culturally-specific theatre.
SONG LIST
Omnipotent
No Room
Hallelujah
We Three Kings
Glory To God In The Highest
Most Done Travelin’
I Need Thee
O Jerusalem In The Morning
Refuge
The Birth (Wah Si Si)
Go Tell It On The Mountain
Torment (Wah Si Si)
Show Me
Go…Don’t Go
Be Alright
Unto Us A Child Is Born
Joseph’s Lament (Instrumental)
O Holy Night
Justice Shall Prevail
Alleluia
Taxed
O Come All Ye Faithful
Forsake Us Not (Part 1)
Amen
Innkeeper’s Interlude #1
Be Alright (Reprise)
Innkeeper’s Interlude #2
Happy Birthday
Have Mercy
Joy To The World
Forsake Us Not (Part 2)
A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
3
P L A Y W R I G H T / D I R E C TO R
ALEXIS J. ROGERS
Alexis J. Rogers, born
and bred on Chicago’s
south side, would dare
say she has no other
purpose than to serve
the Arts. As a youth,
there was nothing more
natural to her than singing and dancing.
By the age of nine, not only had she been
trained in song (All City Youth Choir) and
dance (tap, modern, ballet and jazz) but as
a professional model as well (Cleo Johnson’s
School of Modeling and Charm). Through
the latter, she was introduced to acting for
commercials and theatre. Add in a youth
play at eta Creative Arts Foundation and she
had covered all the areas of concentration
that would later become her main means
of self-preservation. Her dear mother was
very in tune to her daughter’s gifting for the
Arts and spared no expense in exposing
Ms. Rogers to all the avenues she could,
although her focus was still on academics.
She attended Howard University, majored
in musical theatre and was mentored by the
late great Mike Malone, a master director
and choreographer of the modern musical.
It was Mr. Malone who first introduced
Ms. Rogers to ‘Black Nativity’ by Langston
Hughes, when he decided to cast her in a
production of the show being mounted
at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.
In 2004, Mr. Malone brought the show to
Chicago to be produced by Congo Square
Theatre Company, and because of the bond
between mentor and mentee, a simple
check in phone call led to the genesis of
a long-running tie to Hughes’ work. Ms.
Rogers has been a part of every Congo
Square Theatre production of ‘Black Nativity’
(which evolved into ‘The Nativity’ and now
‘A Nativity Story: More Than A Miracle’, since
2004. Having such a connection this story is
what prompted Ms. Rogers to pen her own
version. That, and the need to successfully
marry this material to the company producing it as well as to keep with the issues most
frequented in our society. The African-American community, especially in Chicago, IL,
is plagued with angry, lost young men,
absentee fathers and a lack of faith. ‘A Nativity Story: More Than A Miracle’ shines a light
on all these issues with a message of hope
attached to it. This story is for the young, the
old and, everyone in between, no matter
race, color or creed as it reaches and warms
the human heart. Ms. Rogers has been a
part of Congo Square Theatre Company
since 2005, first as an artistic associate and
now as an ensemble member. This is her
first published writing and her directing
debut. She is more than thrilled to have this
opportunity manifested through her theatre
home, Congo Square Theatre Company.
PROFILES
E. FAYE BUTLER
(DIANE)
Honored to make her
Congo Square Debut,
Chicago credits: Vanya
and Sonia and Masha
and Spike (June 2015)
Pullman Porter Blues,
Crowns, Purlie, Christmas Carol GOODMAN
THEATRE; Caroline Or Change, Little Foxes,
La Bête COURT THEATRE; Black Pearl Sings,
Ella, Dinah Was NORTHLIGHT THEATRE;
Crumbs From The Table Of Joy STEPPENWOLF THEATRE; Thoroughly Modern Millie,
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Congo Square Theatre
The Wiz, Hairspray, MARRIOTT LINCOLNSHIRE THEATRE; A Wonder In My Soul (April
2015), Blue Sanota VICTORY GARDENS THEATRE; Hello Dolly, Sophisticated Ladies, Hot
Mikado DRURY LANE THEATRE; Comfortable
Shoes ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE; 20th year
Revival - Hair VIC THEATRE; Working BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE; Suessical... CHICAGO
SHAKESPEARE THEATRE. Regional Credits:
King Hedley ll (Jan. 2015) Smokey Joe’s
Café, Oklahoma, Polk County, Trouble In
Mind, Pullman ARENA STAGE; Once On this
Island, Ma Rainey Black Bottom, Caroline
Or Change, CENTERSTAGE; Ma Rainey Black
PROFILES
Bottom PHILADELPHIA THEATRE COMPANY; Saving Amiee, Gospel According To
Fishmen SIGNATURE THEATRE; Wizard Of
Oz ARKANSAS REP., Trouble In Mind YALE
REP.; Ella DALLAS THEATRE CENTER; Purlie
PASADENA PLAYHOUSE; Showboat ASOLO
REP THEATRE; Pullman Porter Blues SEATTLE
REP. THEATRE; The Wiz LA JOLLA PLAYHOUSE. Blues In June, The Great Gatsby,
The Sun Also Rises WASHINGTON BALLET/
KENNEDY CENTER. National and Regional
Tours: Mamma Mia, Dinah Was, Ain’t Misbehavin, Nunsense, Nunsense ll, Don’t Bother
Me I Can’t Cope. Recipient of Six Joseph
Jefferson Awards, Two Helen Hayes Awards,
Four Black Theatre Alliance Awards, RAMI
Award, John Barrymore Award, Excellence In
The Arts Award, After Dark Award, Ovation
Award, Kathryn V. Lampkey Award, Sarah
Sid dons Leading Lady Award, Black Excellence Award. E. Faye is also a member of the
Lunt – Fontaine Fellowship, inducted into
the Women In Arts Museum in Washington
DC 2012. E. Faye has a CD entitled “A Circle
Of Firsts” along with her own band; she
performs her cabaret across the country at
Theatres, club venues, and concert halls.
Proud AEA Member.
KELVIN ROSTON JR
(GABRIEL)
Kelvin is elated to be
returning to Congo
Square with this production of More Than A
Miracle. Kelvin was last
seen with Congo in their
2012 production of The Nativity at Kennedy
King College as Jacob, the father of Joseph.
Other Chicago credits include: Jackie Wilson
in The Jackie Wilson Story (Joseph Jefferson
Award nominee, Black Theater Alliance
Award winner, Black Excellence Award
winner, Black Ensemble Theater), Rent (Paramount Theatre), Crowns (Goodman Theatre),
Detroit ’67 (Northlight Theatre), Seven
Guitars, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Porgy and
Bess (Court Theater), The Old Settler (Writers’
Theater), Pill Hill (BTAA winner, eta Creative
Arts Foundation) and others. International
and regional credits include: Death and the
King’s Horseman, Othello, Guys and Dolls,
Before it Hits Home, Caroline of Change (The
Black Rep), The Last Days of Judas…(HotCity
Theatre Co.), Beowulf (Metro Theatre Co.),
Dreamgirls as James “Thunder” Early (Orb
Theater [Tokyo, Japan], Festival Hall [Osaka,
Japan], MSMT [Brunswick, ME], Fulton Theater [Lancaster, PA], Marriott Lincoln [Chicago, IL]. Kelvin is a proud member of Actors’
Equity Association and Artistic Associate of
Congo Square. “We are the portals through
which our stories continue.”
MARK J.P. HOOD
(NATHAN)
Mark J.P. Hood is a professional actor and singer from Chicago, IL. As
an ensemble member of
the Black Ensemble Theater he has been seen
in At Last: A Tribute to Etta James, One Hit
Wonders, The Curtis Mayfield Story, Chicago’s Golden Soul, Once Upon A People,
Ain’t No Cryin The Blues: In The Memory of
Howling Wolf. Other recent theater credits
include: Hoodoo Love (Collective Theater),
Dreamgirls (Theater47), The Color Purple
(Theater 47) and The Eve of Jackie Wilson
(Chester Gregory). His TV credits include:
USA Network’s “Sirens”, NBC’s “Chicago
Fire”, BET’s “Apollo Live”. He has traveled
and shared the stage as a background
vocalist to Kelly Rowland, Jeremih, Case,
and Vashawn Mitchell. It’s all God! Proud
member of Actor’s Equity.
KATHLEEN TURNER
(MARY)
Ms. Turner was born in
Columbus, Ohio where
she trained at BalletMet
with the distinguished
April Berry and Yoko Ichino. She continued her
dance education at such institutions as the
American Dance Festival, Julliard, the Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater, and Ohio
University where she graduated Magna Cum
Laude from the Honors Tutorial College with
a degree in Dance. Kathleen was a member
A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
5
PROFILES
of Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater
from 2005-2007. She has worked with artists
such as Ronald K. Brown, Craig “Bopi” Patterson, Murray Louis, Shapiro and Smith, Francie
Huber, DeeAnna Hiett, Kevin Iega Jeff and
Gary Abbott. She has performed at the Kennedy Center and various venues in New York
City. She recently completed her fifth season
at Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance
Company as well as served as the choreographer for Eclipse Theatre’s Jeff Recommended
Ruined in 2014. Ms. Turner has taught Ballet
and Modern techniques at the Ohio University, the Karamu House, for Chicago Public
Schools, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, The
University of Missouri at Kansas City, The
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
and for the National Basketball Association.
She is versed in the Vaganova and Royal
Academy of Dance Ballet techniques as well
as Graham and Horton Modern techniques.
Ms. Turner is a proud member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority, Inc since 2005. She is presently a company member with Deeply Rooted
Dance Theater and served as their Director
of Education from 2009-2011. This fall, she
joined the ChiArts Dance Conservatory
Faculty. She was honored to play the role of
“Mary” in Karamu’s Black Nativity for its 89th
and 90th Anniversary season and reprise this
role for Congo Square Theater from 20102012 and is overjoyed to return this season!
ANTHONY WILLIAMS
(JOSEPH)
Anthony Williams is a
resident teaching artist at
Kelly-Strayhorn Theater
who recently presented
his work Loving Black at
KST’s Fresh Works Contemporary Dance Residency in early 2014.
He has performed with Deeply Rooted Dance
Theatre, August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, Texture Contemporary Ballet, and Ballet
Chicago. Anthony has studied with a range of
master teachers and choreographers including Rueben Echoles, Terrence Greene, Nathan
Trice, Ray Mercer, Christopher Huggins, and
former KST artists-in-residence Sidra Bell
and 2013 MacArthur Fellow Kyle Abraham.
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Congo Square Theatre
Anthony continues his journey as a freelance
choreographer, dance, and teaching artist
based in Pittsburgh.
BYRON WILLIS
(PHILLIP)
Byron Glenn Willis is
excited to be returning to Congo Square’s
amazing production of
A Nativity Story: More
than a Miracle. Other
credits: Hank Williams: Lost Highway, Once
On This Island, Treasure Island and Finian’s
Rainbow (Marriott Theatre). Porgy & Bess,
Caroline or Change (Court Theatre), Hair, Big
River, Civil War (Barn Theatre), The Buddy
Holly Story (Drury Lane Oakbrook Theatre),
Dreamgirls (Marriott Theatre, Fulton Theatre, Maine State Theatre, Arkansas Rep, Alhambra Dinner Theatre), Dessa Rose (Apple
Tree Theatre), Pullman Porter Blues, Purlie
(Goodman Theatre/Pasadena Playhouse),
Ragtime (Light Opera Works), My Heart
Is Crying, Crying -The Jackie Wilson Story,
Sensational Soulful 60’s, Doo Wop Shoo Bop
(Black Ensemble Theatre), Five Guys Named
Moe (Drury Lane Evergreen Park), Nefertiti
(Deeply Rooted Production), Higher Ground
(Human Race Theatre), European Tour
of Hair (Scala Theatre Co). Film: Barbershop
2, R. Kelly’s Trapped In The Closet, Detroit
1-8-7, Chicago Code, Chicago P.D. and a host
of commercials. A proud member of Actor’s
Equity Association, Byron gives much
gratitude to the creative team for this
opportunity. “I Thank God the Creator of All
for All, and a very special thanks to Alexis
(Lexi D) Rogers!”
SHARI ADDISON
(ENSEMBLE)
Shari, a vocalist extraordinaire, possesses
a soulful passion for
music. While her career
spans diverse music
genres, her heart truly
belongs to gospel. In 2007, Shari appeared
on Black Entertainment Television’s (BET)
premier broadcast of the gospel talent
PROFILES
competition, Sunday Best and placed
second. Her powerful performances helped
BET garner the highest rated gospel show
in its history with a voting audience of more
than 1.5 million viewers. Subsequently, she
appeared on BET’s Celebration of Gospel
that featured recording luminaries Pastor
Shirley Caesar, Fred Hammond and Patti
LaBelle. In 2010, Shari won a Stellar Award
for Best Traditional CD of the Year for her
first self-titled cd, Shari Addison. She was
also showcased as guest recording artist at
the Bobby Jones International Gospel Artists
Retreat and is a contributing author to the
book, Tears To Triumph. In 2012, Shari was a
featured understudy in Playwright/Director
Regina Taylor’s play entitled, “Crowns,” at the
Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
JOS N. BANKS
(ENSEMBLE) Jos N.
Banks is a professional
award winning visual/
performing artist &
model. Jos studied
Musical Theater and
Costume Design at Millikin University. His theatrical experience
includes Hud in the 2014 National Tour of
HAIR, Harpo in The 2013 National Tour of
THE COLOR PURPLE, THE STORY OF CURTIS
MAYFIELD and THE OTHER CINDERELLA at
The Black Ensemble Theatre, The Revival of SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE at The Royal
George Theater, “CLARA”, BLACK NATIVITY,
HAIR, DREAM GIRLS, HAIRSPRAY, ALICE IN
WONDERLAND, HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 2
as well as performing in dozens of parades
at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. Jos
has also appeared on film nationally with
featured roles in both Fox 20th Centuries
“The Chicago Code” as well as the band
Rise Against’ music video “Make It Stop”.
This video was not only nominated for a
2011 VMA (Video Music Award), but was
also the official music video for the It Gets
Better Project. (Anti- Gay Hate Crime Act).
Jos has also had the incredible pleasure of
interning with the illustrious Michael Kors
at Teen Vogue Magazine, in NYC & was
nominated for best costume designer in a
musical for the 2012 BTAA (Black Theater
Alliance Awards). Jos would like to thank
God, Congo Square for the wonderful
opportunity to share this beautiful story,
his family, friends and PC for all their unconditional love and support. Be FEARLESS.
Proverbs 3:5.
ALEXANDRIA JONES
(ENSEMBLE)
Allie Jones is a singer/
dancer/actress from
Dallas, Texas and a
recent graduate from
Columbia College
Chicago (May 17, 2014).
Previous productions include Black
Ensemble’s One Hit Wonder (Michelle),
Violet (Lula), Hairspray (Dynamite) and
Intimate Apparel (Mayme). Allie has been
vocally trained for 9 years; ballet, tap and
jazz for 5 years; clarinet and acoustic guitar
for 4 years and has been a summer kids
camp counselor for 3 years. She is immensely grateful for the gift of performing and for
her loved ones and their continuous
support of her dreams and Congo Square
Theatre for this awesome opportunity.
TIFFANY RENEE
JOHNSON (ENSEMBLE)
Tiffany Renee Johnson is
a Chicago native, and is
so honored to be doing
another show with Congo
Square! She is a graduate
of Howard University,
from which she received a BFA in Theatre Arts
with a concentration in Musical Theatre. Some
of her favorite theatre credits are Next Act
Theatre: RACE (Susan); Historical Perspectives
for Children: The Story of Wilma Rudolph (Wilma Rudolph); Drury Lane Theatre: Hairspray;
Congo Square Theatre: The Nativity; Writers’
Theatre: The MLK Project (u/s); Ira Aldridge
Theatre: The Bluest Eye(Frieda/Darlene), The
Sirens (Pepper). Recent television/film credits
include Chicago Fire (waitress), True Crime
with Aphrodite Jones (Cateresa), and Dhoom
3 (Dancer). She gives an incredible amount of
thanks to God, whom without, she’d be nothA NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
7
BIOGR APHIES
ing. She would also like to thank her mother
for the never ending love and introducing her
to the beauty of the arts, her grandmother for
being a beautiful example of a woman, and
her aunt and uncle for instilling invaluable
things in her. She always says, “The sun is my
limit and I won’t stop reaching until I hold it in
my hands!”
ERIC A. LEWIS
(ENSEMBLE)
Eric Lewis is thrilled to
be returning to Congo
Square. Other Chicago area credits: In the
Heights (Paramount
Theatre) Once Upon a
People (Black Ensemble Theater) - Prince
Oba (BTAA nominee) Parade (Boho Theatre)The Nativity (Congo Square Theatre)
Women on the Verge... (TATC) Clara, Train is
Comin’ (Open Door Theatre) Regional credits include Solid Gold 60’s and Smokey Joe’s
Cafe (Fireside Playhouse) Eric would like to
thank God for all of His many blessings and
his family for their love and support.
JON PIERCE
(ENSEMBLE)
Jon Pierce is happy to
be returning to the
Congo Square stage for
theIr holiday tradition “A
Nativity Story”. A native
of Chicago’s south side,
his unique style and creativity delivers
lasting impressions that have made him
a permanent fixture on Chicago’s diverse
theatre scene. This has also catapulted
him globally, with tours and performances
across Germany, the UK and Japan. His
latest project is the poetic rhythms of
his EP: The Love Take Over, a vibrant and
up-tempo dance collection produced by
Chicago-based DJ Sean Ali for Sounds of
Ali Recordings. Already a fan favorite, this
project is a true testament to Jon’s vocal
capabilities and the authenticity of his
unique sound.
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Congo Square Theatre
CAMILLE ROBINSON
(ENSEMBLE)
Camille Robinson is simply ecstatic to be making
her Congo Square debut
in this timeless story of
love, forgiveness, and
the true meaning of
Christmas. Recent theater credits include:
Hair (American Theater Company), Once
Upon a People (Black Ensemble Theater),
Once on this Island (Broadway in Naperville),
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Goode Theater,
VA), and Kind of Blue (UNC Historic Playmakers). It has been a blessing for her to work
with so many beautifully talented individuals.
The biggest hugs and kisses got out to her
fabulous family and friends, for she would be
nothing without their unwavering love and
support. “Rejoice!”
KYLE SMITH
(ENSEMBLE)
Kyle Smith has been
performing for local
audiences for years and
has really enjoyed the
experience. He enjoys
singing and dancing and
has found the challenge of a live show thrilling. He would like to thank the theater family
for welcoming him and hopes to return for
future shows.
PRODUCTION TEA M
JARET LANDON
(Musical Direction)
Jaret Landon is a
composer/arranger,
vocalist, and educator.
He’s composed and
arranged music for film,
musicals, and recorded
albums. Theatre credits include: Nativity
and Sanctified (Congo Square Theatre), Eye
of the Storm and Clara (Open Door
Theatre), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and
Grill and Ain’t Misbehavin (Porchlight
Music Theatre), The Gospel of Lovingkindness (Victory Gardens Theatre) Crowns
(Goodman Theatre) Black Odyssey (Denver
Theatre Center.) Currently, he is working on
First Wives Club: The Musical, which opens
on Broadway - Fall 2015.
RUEBEN D. ECHOLES
(Co-Director/Choreographer) Rueben Echoles is
thrilled to be a part of
this amazing project. Mr.
Echoles is the Associate
Artistic Director of Black
Ensemble Theater, as
well as the resident choreographer, and
wig designer. He has directed and
choreographed such works as Dreamgirls,
The Wiz, Once on this Island (Cornerstone
Productions), The Marvelous Marvellettes,
The Howling Wolf Story, One Name Only,
(Black Ensemble) Bongo Baker, Black Fairy,
Ama and the Magic Toy Box (Eta creative
arts foundation.) Chronicles of A Fallen
Hero: A Hip Hop Opera (HoperaWorld). He
has also worked as a writer and director for
Studio One Dance Theater. Rueben would
like to thank his family for their continued
support, Alexis, and Congo Square for this
amazing opportunity. He would also like to
thank the Angels for being in the building!!
FLORENCE WALKER-HARRIS (Assistant
Choreographer) Florence Walker-Harris
Choreographer) is delighted to be making
a debut with Square Theatre Company.
Originally from Queens New York, Flo is
trained in the disciplines of Ballet, Horton,
Katherine Dunham Technique, Jazz (strongly influenced by Frank Hatchet), traditional
Haitian Folklore, West African, Tap and Hip
Hop. She holds a Bachelors of Science in
Sociology and Black and Latin Studies from
the State University College at Oneonta in
New York and a Master’s Degree in Human
Serves Administration of Program Development from National Lewis University. Since
2008, Flo has been the Artistic Director of
Studio One Dance Theatre. Her choreography experience ranges from theatre, music
videos, fashion shows and much more.
Her recent credits include teaching Master
Classes at the BCBD Black Dance College
Exchange, participating in the 2013 Deeply
Rooted Dance Theater’s Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and choreographing
for recording artists Yemi Marie, Tristan
Arnez and Franchika. Flo is also a Professor
at Chicago State University, where she
teaches the study of nutrition and fitness
and is an active member of Delta Sigma
Theta Sorority Inc. of the Chicago Alumnae
Chapter. As she continues to encourage,
motivate, and inspire her motto remains
the same “ Success is in the Journey not the
Destination.”
RAZOR WINTERCASTLE (Stage Manager)
Razor has worked in the Chicago area
for quite some time with various theatre,
dance, and production companies. Razor
has also worked in Europe, Asia, Africa,
Australia, South America, Central America, Canada and all over the place doing
everything from theatre, film dance, concerts, bands, you name it. It is a pleasure to
work with Congo Square. Stay Sharp.
LORI WATSON (Assistant Stage Manager)
Lori Clovetta Watson is delighted to be
working with Congo Square. Recently, she
just completed the limited run of ETA’s
Two-Twenty Seven. As a graduate fresh out
of Columbia College, Lori began her journey
as a stage manager in the professional
theatre community with The Chicago Theatre
Company. She has previous had the pleasure
of working with Black Ensemble, Pegasus
Players, and ETA with numerous production.
A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
9
PRODUCTION TEA M
NICOLE COBB OLIVER
(Assistant Stage Manager)
Nicole hails from the Chicagoland area and
attended Columbia College. After moving
to the city for school she began working
with many theaters but always has a soft
spot for Congo Square. She considers
their productions to be magnificent and is
looking forward to what they bring to life
in the future.
DRE ROBINSON (Production Manager)
Dre Robinson is proud to be working once
again with his Congo Square Family. A native Chicagoan, Dre has worked with some
of the city’s top theatre companies such as
The Goodman, Black Ensemble and Second
City. He has toured all over the world and
recently produced and directed the World
Basketball Festival with Nike and FIBA. In
his spare time he is an Executive Producer
at Studio One Dance Theatre on Chicago’s
South Side.
ANDREI ONEGIN (Scenic Design)
During the 33 years of Andrei’s theater career
he has participated in and accomplished
more than 120 productions, and worked for
such legendary companies as Moscow Art
Theater, Kabuki and Comédie-Française. He
received his MFA in 1992 from The Moscow
Art Theater School with a concentration on
set design, engineering and production.
Andrei has been successfully designing and
fabricating as a general contractor, developer, scene shop foreman and project manager
in the Chicagoland since 1998. He is currently
the owner of Seagull Works Chicago Scene
Shop, one of the construction resources
serving the Chicago theater community. Andrei’s work in the US has included designing
sets for The Playboy of the Western World, A
Soldier’s Play, Bang the Drum Slowly, Cherry
Orchard, Radio Golf, Death of a Salesman and
Hedda Gabler (Raven Theatre), Tigers Be Still
(Theatre Wit), Laramie Project: 10 Years After
(Redtwist), Clutter (MadKap Productions), The
Colored Museum, The Nativity and Brothers
of the Dust (2011 BTA Award nomination for
Best Set Design), Bulrusher, The Fall of Heaven
(Congo Square), Cat’s Cradle (Lifeline), Princess
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Congo Square Theatre
Club, The Balloon Man and The Golden Truffle
(Redmoon), The Day of Knowledge (Stage
Left), Hamlet (Yamaworks), Flood and Rosmersholm (Alchimia). He designed objects and
was technical director for the operas The Tales
of Hoffman, Cosi Fan Tutte, The Crucible and
the legendary Waa-Mu Shows in 1999 and
2000 (for Northwestern University). Andrei is
a 2013 Equity Wing Jeff Award nominee for
Best Midsize Set Design, the 2013-2014 Black
Excellence Award winner for Outstanding
Technical Support (set), the 2013 BTA Award
winner for Best Set Design for Bulrusher (Congo Square) and the 2014 BTA Award winner
for King Hedley II (Congo Square).
CHRISTINE PASCUAL
(Costume Coordinator)
Christine is excited to be working with
Congo Square once again. Recently she designed the workshop productions of Feathers and Teeth, The Magic Play, and Carlyle
for New Stages at the Goodman, Tamer
of Horses for Teatro Vista, Ecstasy for Cole
Theatre, Eat Your Heart Out for Rivendell,
Pinkolandia at 16th Street, A View From
the Bridge at Teatro Vista, Seven Homeless
Mammoths Wander New England at Theater Wit, Seven Guitars at Court Theatre, Mr.
Chickee’s Funny Money, the workshop productions of Goodman New Stages Festivals
in 2013 and 2012, The Happiest Song Plays
Last, Fish Men, El Nogalar at the Goodman
as well. Other Chicago credits include
Boeing Boeing at Drury Lane, Disconnect,The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity,
Relatively Close, The Romance of Magno
Rubio, Hambone, Blackbird and We are
Proud to Present a Presentation...at Victory
Gardens Theater; Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money, Bud, Not Buddy at Chicago Children’s
Theatre; Trevor, Simpatico, Megacosm at A
Red Orchid Theatre; Four of Us at Theatre
Wit; Burn This at Shattered Globe Theatre;
Wrens with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble;
Madagascar at Next Theatre Company;
White Tie Ball for Teatro Vista; The House
on Mango Street at Steppenwolf Theater.
Other theater companies she designed for
include, Urban Theater, American Theatre
Company, Next Theatre, Shattered Globe,
PRODUCTION TEA M
Remy Bumpo, Congo Square, Apple Tree,
Chicago Dramatists, Defiant Theatre, Onyx
Theatre. Regional credits include: The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity at Second
Stage Theatre, NY, Fences at Virginia Stage
and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone at Centerstage, Baltimore. Ms. Pascual was a 2010
Henry Hewes Design Award nominee and
an exhibitor at the 2011 Prague Quadrennial and the 2012 United States Institute
for Theatre Technology conference. She is a
member of United Scenic Artists Local 829.
RON WHITE (Sound Designer)
Ron White is a multi-award winning sound
designer, recording engineer and front of
house audio engineer. Over the years he
has worked with a Who’s Who list of artists
and entertainers. Ron is also a gifted musician and plays a variety of instruments, as
well as a songwriter and producer, who has
written and produced numerous commercials and jingles. It is great to again work
on this production.
JARED GOODING (Lighting Design)
Jared Gooding is a graduate of The Theatre
School at DePaul University with a degree
in Lighting Design. A native of Houston
Texas his recent design credits include
Stickfly (Windy City Playhouse), Welcome
to America (Prologue Theater), Fleetwood
Jourdain’s 2014 and 2013 seasons, Without
Trace, Warm on the Cooling Board, and
Blackademics(MPAACT). Luck of the Irish
(Next Theatre), How We Got On (Citadel
Theatre), The Sammy Davis Jr Story, Gee’s
Bend, and Having Our Say (Fleetwood Jourdain),Florence, Wine in the Wilderness, and
Ceremonies in Dark Old Men (ETA). Jared is
the assistant light designer Lookingglass Alice (Lookingglass Theater) and has assisted
on Whipping Man (Northlight Theatre) and
Jitney (Court Theatre), He spends his free
time around Chicago as a DJ in area bars.
KAILEE TOMASIC (Prop Design)
Kailee Tomasic graduated from Ball State
University and has been working in Chicago
for about a year. Since graduating she has
worked with several theatre companies in
Chicago. Her most recent include the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, Deluge Theatre
Co., and the Cave Painting Theatre Co. She
has a broad range of experiences from scenic designer to master carpenter. Over this
past summer, she worked as a set designer
and carpenter for the Buck’s Rock of Creative and Performing Arts camp. This is her
first show with Congo Square and hopes for
more opportunities with the company.
A NATIVITY STORY: More Than a Miracle
11
BAND
MICHAEL WEATHERSPOON (Percussionist)
Michael Weatherspoon
has been a concert, session and touring drummer
for over 20 years performing with such artists as
Ben Tankard, Kirk Whalum,
George Duke Phil Tarver, Donald Lawrence,
Daniel Weatherspoon, Kim Burrell and Yolanda
Adams, to name a few. With over 80 albums
and DVDs to his credit, he is also President of
Spoonfed Productions and is excited to be
back for his 5th run with Congo Square and
“Nativity”. Michael states, “working with this
company and cast is always a great way to cap
off my year musically and personally, couldn’t
imagine not doing this.”
KORY NERO (Bass)
This is Kory’s fourth year with Congo Square’s
“Nativity”. He is known for innovative bass
playing at Valley Kingdom (Universal Music
Group), Ministry International, and for his
work with the 2009 Stellar Award-winning
Shekinah Glory Ministry. His distinct bass
sound enhances the Gold Status CD Shekinah
Glory Live and Shekinah Glory Ministry’s third
project, Jesus. In addition to his personal
studies including a semester at Columbia
College Chicago, Nero studied the works of
Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, John Patitucci,
and other world-renowned bass players.
Countless hours spent learning theory
and perfecting his gift, bred a high level of
creativity and a sound all his own. His unique
style created opportunity to travel the United
States and abroad; including Sao Paulo, Brazil.
TRAMAINE LOVE
(Keyboard)
Tremaine Love is the
walking embodiment of
talent, skill and humility.
A graduate of the prestigious Vandercook College
of Music, he has taken
his classical training and diverse musicianship and sows it into other young budding
musicians. In addition to his teaching ability
and experience, he has toured as Pianist and
Music Director with numerous artists and
continues to use his talents to glorify God as
the Minister of Music for Kizer Ministries, and
as Band Director for The Lighthouse Church
of Chicago.
2 014 - 2 015 D O N O R S
The Parti
($2,500 and above)
Alan Hinds
Mr. and Mrs. James Wooten
The Krewe
($1,000 to $2,499)
Barbara Bowles
Cheryl Lynn Bruce
Amina Dickerson
Dr. Alvin Goldfarb
Samuel Roberson
Perika Sampson
Kirk Townsend
The Partisans ($1 to $999)
Michelle Adams
Angela Ashley
Robert Barclay
Robin Beaman
Debbie R. Beauchamp
Kathleen Bethel
Colostine Boatwright
Yannick Boccovi
12
Congo Square Theatre
Kamal Bolden
Raymond Bonner
Barbara Bowles
Alma Buckner
Ray Carter
Lemont Change
Eleanor Chatman
Gloria Clunie
Cecil and Lana Coleman
Philip Craft
Paula Dempsey
Mr. and Mrs. Dawson
Shanesia Davis
Tai Davis
Emilie Hall
Marsha L. Evans
Christine Ferriter
Felecia Fields
Nora Fiffer
Michael Fonda
Byron K. Freelon
Phillip Gant
Ronald Giles
Gerald Gilmore
Daniel Goldring
Michael Greenwald
Ed Halaburt
Michael Halberstam
Theodosia Harris
Redessa Harris
LaRoyce Hawkins
Sarah Hoagland
Andrew Hendren
Kimberly Hobson
Kermit Holland
Lawrence Hollins
Aina Holmes
Loretta Honore
Octavia Hooks
Sheldon House
Anthony Irons
Lois J. Bryant
Shirley Coney Memoriam
Patricia Cox
Linda Johnson Rice