PRESENTS:

THE NATIVITYBy: MCKINLEY JOHNSON

Ann Joseph DouglasExecutive Director

Daniel BryantArtistic Director

Sponsored by: Presented in cooperation with:

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.COMART I MUSIC I THEATER I DANCE I SPORTS I MORE

If it’s happening,It’s here.

“ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE,AND ALL THE MEN AND

WOMEN MERELY PLAYERS.”Open casting call for the Lead role (full time) of

ADVERTISING SALESMANSupporting roles (part time) are also being cast.

Show is open ended and has been running in Chicago since 1996.

Male or Female actors may apply. All ages will be considered. Candidates must be

comfortable in front of a live audience and be able to handle the physical demands of daily performances.

Please send bio and headshot(resume and cover letter) to:

SALESJOB@FOOTLIGHTS.COM

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staff

Director ....................................................................................................................................... Ilesa DuncanMusical Director/Composer/Arranger .............................................................................Jaret LandonCo-Choreographers .................................................................... Kevin Iega Jeff and Nicole SpringerStage Manager ............................................................................................................Razor Wintercastle*Scenic Design........................................................................................................................ Andrei OneginLighting Design ...........................................................................................................................Casey DiersCostume Coordinator ...........................................................................................................Sharlet WebbSound Design ................................................................................................................................ Ron WhiteProperties Design ...................................................................................................................Jesse GaffneyProduction Manager .............................................................................................................Dre Robinson

*Actor’s Equity Association

support staff

Assistant Stage Manager .....................................................................................................Sharlet WebbDance Coach ........................................................................................................ Kathleen Purcell TurnerPR and Marketing Consultant ................................................................................................Tanya WardInterns.............................................................................................................................. Nicole Cobb Oliver

special thanks

The Chicago Community TrustTrinity United Church of Christ (TUCC)Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III Rev. Aaron McLeodRev. Joan HarrellKennedy King CollegeChalkboard Restaurant

St. Luke’s Lutheran Church of Logan SquareActor’s Equity AssociationLeague of Chicago TheatresBronzeCommBeanSoupTimes.comKirkland Townsend

The 2012-2013 Season is graciously funded in part by: People’s Gas, Albert Pick Founda-tion and The MacArthur Fund for the Arts and Culture at Richard H. Drieshaus Foundation.

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

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the nativ it y

Mary ........................................................................................................................ Kathleen Purcell TurnerJoseph .....................................................................................................................................Kevin DircksonGabriel ...............................................................................................................................Alexis J. Rogers◊ *Herod/Ensemble ....................................................................................................John Steven Crowley*Johasheba ................................................................................................................... Candace C. EdwardsAthalia .................................................................................................................................Marketta Wilder*Father of Joseph..............................................................................................................Kelvin Roston, Jr*Friend of Mother/Ensemble ............................................................................................Victoria Brady*Mother of Mary/Ensemble ............................................................................................ Cynthia F. CarterAunt Elizabeth/Ensemble .................................................................................Deborah Lane SpencerWiseman/Ensemble ..................................................................................................................... Jon PierceWiseman/Ensemble ............................................................................................................ Steven PerkinsWiseman/Ensemble ...................................................................................................................... Eric LewisEnsemble/Male .....................................................................................................................David RobbinsEnsemble/Female .................................................................................................Tiffany Renee Johnson

*Member of Actor’s Equity Association◊ Congo Square Ensemble

congo square ensemble members

Will Sims II* Ann Joseph*Monifa Sims*Aaron Todd Douglas*TaRon Patton*Aimee K. Bryant*Javon Johnson*Derrick SandersAnthony Irons*Bakesta King*Daniel Bryant*Ericka Ratcliff*

Ron Conner*Alexis J. Rogers*Tracey Bonner*Allan Gilmore*Samuel Roberson*

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATESChad Boseman*Malkia Stampley*

*Member of Actor’s Equity Association

congo square board of d irectors

Ron DeNardAmina DickersonTony GlenSuzanne GriffithPerika Sampson

Veronica ThigpenDr. Jesse WardlowMichelle WashingtonHugh WilliamsJames Wooten

5The Nativity

song l ist

Scene 1Two Thousand Years Ago .......................................................................................................Gabriel/CastOnly You .................................................................................................................................. .Mary’s Mother

Scene 4God is Good .......................................................................................................................Friend of MotherIn the Moment ..................................................................................................................................... Gabriel

Scene 5A World for Me and Mary ..........................................................................................................Carpenters

Scene 6Chosen .................................................................................................................................... Aunt Elizabeth

Scene 7You Didn’t Wait .......................................................................................................................................Angel

Scene 9Her Way’s Cloudy .................................................................................................................................Athalia

Scene 12There Was No Room ......................................................................................................................... WomanMary, What’s the Matter ...........................................................................................Johasheba/Women

Scene 13For Unto Us a Child is Born.................................................................................................................... CastWhat Child is This .............................................................................................................Father of JosephOh Come All Ye Faithful ................................................................................................................ Elisabeth

Scene 14Go Tell It on the Mountain .................................................................................. Father of Joseph, CastStir World ..................................................................................................................................................... CastWe Three Kings .................................................................................................................................... 3 Kings

Scene 15 O Holy Night ...........................................................................................................................Mary’s Mother

Scene 16There’s a Little Jew ............................................................................................................................... Herod

Scene 17 You Ought to Try the Lord .............................................................................................................. .3 Kings

Scene 18 We Declare War ............................................................................................................ Gabriel,Herod,Cast

Scene 21I Have Faith ............................................................................................................ Athalia and Johasheba

Scene 22 Only You ....................................................................................................................................................... Cast1st Noel ........................................................................................................................................................ CastJesus Oh What a Wonderful Child ..................................................................................................... .CastReprise: Go Tell It on the Mountain .................................................................................................... Cast

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inspired by

Langston Hughes (Writer) was one of the most important writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance, which was the African American artistic movement in the 1920s that celebrated black life and culture. Hughes’s creative genius was influenced by his life in New York City’s Harlem, a primarily African American neighborhood. His literary works helped shape American literature and politics. Hughes, like others active in the Harlem Renaissance, had a strong sense of racial pride. Through his poetry, novels, plays, essays, and children’s books, he promoted equality, condemned racism and injustice, and celebrated African American culture, humor, and spirituality.

author

MCKINLEY JOHNSON (Adaptor/Director) has been writing new musicals for over fifteen years. This year his latest musical contribution was as arranger/composer of Steppen-wolf’s Young Audiences production of Harriet Jacob’s ,Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, with playwright Lydia Diamond. Last year, he successfully produced his romantic musical comedy, Sunday Afternoon at Captain Hard Time Café introducing to the Southside of Chicago its first foray into dinner theatre. He directed the critically acclaimed Crowns at Open Door Repertory where it not only was extended but moved to another venue and was nominated for several BTAA awards including Best Direction. Some of his award-winning works include Train Is Comin produced twice at Chicago Theatre Company and around the country. His musical Being Beautiful was developed in part at the New Tuners Workshop with Joan Mazzonell and John Sparks and was produced at Chicago Theatre Company and Bailiwick Repertory. Georgia Tom: Thomas Andrew Dorsey, the Father of Gospel Music, for which he was given a 1998 NEA/TCG Residency for Playwrights Program Grant, was produced at the Bailiwick Theatre. McKinley will direct his latest musical, Eye of the Storm, the Bayard Rustin Musical, written with Marshall Titus and David Taylor, in the upcoming season of Open Door Repertory.

director

ILESa DuNCaN is a Chicago-based director and producer whose most recent credits include the Gimmick and Shape of a Girl (Pegasus Play-ers), Blue Shadow (Lifeline Theatre), Hope Six (Chicago Dramatists) and Crowns for the Contemporary American Theater Company in Colum-bus Ohio. Other direction at Pegasus includes Jeff Award nominated Tick,Tick Boom as well as Heatwave, Breath Boom, Ev’ry Time I Feel The Spirit, and four Young Playwrights Festivals (Dine & Hash, Blooming Flow-

ers in Weeds, In Your Dreams and Grace). Some favorites include the Jeff award-winning comedy LOVE CHILD (Theater on the Lake, Chicago Theater Co., and LiveBait Theater), Shakin’ The Mess Outta Misery, (CTC), Waiting to be Invited (Victory Gardens), Sarafina (Fleet-wood Jourdain at Next Theatre), A Rasin in the Sun (CATCO), F**king A (Theatre School at DePaul), and Red Rain at Lincoln Center Theatre/Here in New York. The new Artistic Direc-tor at Pegasus Players, Ilesa is ecstatic to debut with her long-time Congo Square friends with The Nativity. A member of the Lincoln Center Theatre Director’s Lab, Duncan is a NEA/TCG Directing Fellow. She is also Associate Artistic Director with PanAmerica Performance Works (formerly Latino Chicago) and an Associate Artist with Chicago Dramatists.

7The Nativity

profiles

KaTHLEEN PuRCELL 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 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 was honored to play the role of “Mary” in Karamu’s Black Nativity for its 89th and 90th Anniversary season. 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 and will be a first-time aunt this spring! She is presently a company member with Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and served as their Director of Education from 2009-2011. She recently completed her fourth season at Wylliams/Henry Contemporary Dance Company and is overjoyed to return the role of Mary in Congo Square’s The Nativity for her third season.

KEVIN DIRCKSON (Joseph) Born and raised in Lake Wales, Florida, Kevin trained in Scottish dance under the direction of the late Dennis Kusy for the Lake Wales

Highlander Band. In 2004, Kevin moved to Chicago to pursue higher education in the art of movement and dance. Kevin achieved that education through post-secondary work at Columbia College Chicago. While at Columbia, Kevin worked with several top choreographers including, Merce Cunningham, Emily Stein, and Gesel Mason. Also during his time there, Kevin created three original pieces titled: The Bible (2006), As One (2006), and Lala (2007). In May 2008, Kevin completed the curriculum to attain his Bachelor’s Degree. Upon graduation Kevin joined Cerqua Rivera Dance Theater, as a company member for two seasons, under the direction of Wilfred Rivera. He went on to dance for Momenta Dance Company under the brilliant leadership of Stephanie Clemens. While dancing for Momaneta Dance Company, he was picked up by Winifred Haun & Dancers and has danced for both companies for three years. While continuing to perform, he also finds time to be the Assistant Director and Choreographer for the dance company, Spiritual Feet. Additionally, Kevin serves his dance ministry Yielded Vessel as the Rehearsal Coordinator at New Life Covenant Oakwood Church under the vision and leadership of Pastor John F. Hannah, and under the careful guidance of dance ministry leader, Matthew Williams.

aLEXIS J ROGERS (Gabriel)Alexis J. Rogers is honored to be returning to this year’s Nativity as Gabriel once more. She proudly reps Chicago, though she obtained her

BFA at Howard University in Washington,

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DC. Chicago credits include DreamGirls (Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire), Charlaine Woodard in Ain’t Misbehavin’, Jeanette in Crowns (Goodman Theatre), Dynamite in Hairspray (Oakbrook Drury Lane Theatre), Leata in Hair (Paramount Theatre), Bess in Porgy and Bess, Blues Speak Woman in Spunk, Grace in The Piano Lesson (Court Theatre), Lou Bessie Preston in The Old Settler (Writer’s Theatre, 2010 BTAA Winner; Best Featured Actress In A Play), Ruby in Seven Guitars, Ethel/Mama/Topsy in The Colored Museum, Addaperle in The Wiz (Theatre At The Center), Sarah in Ragtime (Porchlight Theatre Company), and Dionne #3 in Don’t Make me Over: A Tribute To Dionne Warwick (Black Ensemble Theater). She is a proud ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre Company. “Thanks to God, and my support system. I couldn’t do this without You all.”

JOHN STEVEN CROWLEY (Herod)John’s began his performances with Congo Square in 2010 when he was cast in the role of Gabriel, and is returning for a

second year in the role of Herod. He was also featured in Sanctified as the angel, Mister. Most recently, John appeared in productions of The Buddy Holly Story at Drury Lane Theatre, directed by Tammy Manner, Ain’t Misbehavin’ at the Goodman Theatre, and Elizabeth Wilder’s Gee’s Bend at Northlight Theatre, both directed by Chuck Smith. John began his theatrical training at the old Loop College (now Harold Washington College) in Of Mice and Men, directed by Ricardo Gutierrez. John has received three Jeff Awards and one Black Theatre Alliance Award. Regional theatres John has performed with include: San Diego Repertory Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, Huntington Theatre, Hartford Stage, and Alhambra Theatre. Favorite productions include: Jackie Taylor’s Doo Wop Shoo Bop (Jeff

Award), Regina Taylor’s Crowns (Helen Hays Nomination), The Wizard of Oz, August Wilson’s Fences, and, of course, Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Jeff Award). John has worked with such directors as Sean Graney, Eric Rosen, Henry Godinez, Todd Booth, Marc Robin, Dr.Ralph Green, Ron OJ Parson, and Peter Chatman. John is grateful to God for life and to his family and friends for their love and support over the years. Selah!

CaNDaCE C. EDWaRDS (Johasheba/Ensemble)Candace Ciara Edwards is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast

Journalism with an interdisciplinary major in Television. She has been in numerous shows displaying her talents. Her most recent stage credits include performing with The Goodman Theatre in Crowns She has also displayed her gifts with Theatre at the Center (TATC) in The Wiz; The Illinois Theatre Center in Intimate Apparel; Street Tempo Theatre Little Shop of Horrors. Candace made her television debut in the hit series BOSS this past summer, which airs on STARZ network. Candace is continuing to grow and perfect her craft. She thanks God every day for her God given talent and doesn’t take any of these precious moments for granted. This is Candace’s second performance with Congo Square and she is so excited and blessed beyond measure to be a part of this production. She loves, and thanks her family and friends for their undying love, support and truly believing in her dreams!

MaRKETTa P. WILDER (Athalia/Ensemble)Marketta P. Wilder is a proud native of Chicago, IL. She most recently appeared in the Goodman Theatre’s 2012 Production of

profiles c o n t.

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profiles c o n t.

Crowns, where she played the role of Yolanda. She was the recipient of a 2012 BTA award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical. Marketta is a graduate of Illinois State University where she received her B.S. in Theatre. Nominated for multiple Irene Ryan Awards for her performances as Hester in Susan Lori Parks In The Blood and Ruby in August Wilsons King Hedley II, she qualified to compete in the Kennedy Center National Theatre Competition where she placed first in her region. Marketta is thrilled to be returning to Congo Square for their 2012 production of Nativity.

CYNTHIa F. CaRTER (Mother of Mary)Cynthia Carter has been called a sensational singer by Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times for her role as Shirley in Memphis Soul [The Story

of Stax Records] (Black Ensemble Theatre). She has been named Best Featured Actress in a Play by the BTAAs and was nominated as Outstanding Actress by the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago. Her credits include: Tangled (ETA), Revered Lee, No Safe Words, My Soul Is A Witness, Teddy Pendergrass Story, The Other Cinderella, (Black Ensemble Theatre) Chronicles of Fallen Hero (Roosevelt University), Hopera and Crowns (Chicago State University).

KELVIN ROSTON, JR. (Father of Joseph)Kelvin Roston, Jr. is very pleased and excited to be a part of another production of The Nativity with Congo Square. He was one of

the three kings in the 2010 production. Kelvin was last seen as James ‘Thunder’ Early in the Marriott Theatre’s production of Dreamgirls. His other Chicago credits include: Crowns (Goodman Theater), The Jackie Wilson Story as Jackie Wilson (Jeff Award nominee, Best Actor in a

Musical, BTAA winner, Best Actor in a Musical, Black Excellence Award winner, Best Actor in a Musical, Black Ensemble Theater), Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Porgy and Bess (Court Theater), The Old Settler (Writers’ Theater), Pill Hill (BTAA winner, Best Actor in an Ensemble, eta Creative Arts Foundation) and others. Regional credits include: Ruined, Death and the King’s Horseman, Dreamgirls (The St. Louis Black Rep), The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (HotCity Theatre), Beowulf (Metro Theatre), Mama (Unity Theater Ensemble), Porgy and Bess (Union Avenue Opera) and others. Kelvin is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association. “We are the portals through which our story continues.”

VICTORIa BRaDY (Friend of Mother/Ensemble)Victoria is the Founder and President of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts. She is a Minister, Arts Activist, Humanitarian,

Playwright, Singer, and Artistic Director. She attended Columbia College and holds a B.A. in Music/Theatre. She also holds a Masters of Business Administration Certificate from The University of Chicago at Illinois and B.A. in Biblical Studies from the International College of Bible Theology. She is a founding Board Member of ABJ Community Services, Inc, which is one of Chicago’s most effective social service organizations. ABJ was founded by her mother Dr. Vivian R. Jones, and named in memory of her grandmother, Annie B. Jones. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts degree in Applied Professional Studies at DePaul University. Victoria is a power house singer who has performed locally, nationally, and internationally. She has a special love and passion for theatre. She has appeared in, written and directed numerous plays including The Wiz, Dreamgirls (national tour), Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This, and Black Nativity as well as others. Among her directorial credits are “The

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Great Nitty Gritty, The Wiz, The Wiz Vs Scrooge, That’s Love, Pieces of a Shattered Dream, To Be Young Gifted and Black, and Blair’s Story – The Story of Blair Holt. Blair’s Story, which was written by Victoria and youth members of Ray of Hope Center of the Arts, is based on facts surrounding the murder of Blair Holt, a Chicago teen killed on a CTA bus while returning home from school. The story focuses on the need for stricter gun laws. Victoria is grateful for her husband and family’s support. She is thrilled to return to Congo Square Theatre’s The Nativity this year. To God Be the Glory, Forever.

DEBORaH LaNE SPENCER (Aunt Elisabeth/Ensemble)Deborah Lane Spencer is an accomplished singer and songwriter, who has theatre credits that include: When

It Rains, Unshaken Faith, Heart’s Desire (Lynne Parrott LP Productions), One Name Only (Black Ensemble Theatre) and she is thrilled to be a part of the Congo Square production of The Nativity. Film experience includes: Tribulations of Love (REP Productions). She plays keyboard and flute for several local jazz and hip hop bands, is an avid reader and interior decorator and she can get into a round of paint ball on occasion.

JON PIERCE (Wiseman/Soldier/Ensemble)Jon Pierce is excited to return to Congo Square’s production of The Nativity. Jon is a native of Chicago’s south side. He is also

a force in Chicago’s music and theater scene. His theater credits include: The Wiz, DreamGirls, Home: The Musical, Don’t Shed A Tear (The story of Billy Holiday), Get Ready and Memphis Soul. His most popular project is the poetic rhythm of My Words, a vibrant and up-tempo dance tune

produced by Chicago-based DJ Kenny Caravajal for Phuture Sole Recordings. Jon would like to send love to a wonderful cast and crew and to Congo Square for always producing extraordinary theater. To my family and friends, thank you for your love and support.

ERIC LEWIS (Wiseman/Soldier/Ensemble) Eric A. Lewis hails from Chicago, where he sang his first solo at the age of four; that was the beginning of his performance/ministry

career. Eric has sung with numerous choirs & groups including The Soul Children of Chicago. Learning gymnastics led to formal dance training and Eric has danced with Wave of Glory, Endure Productions, Studio One Dance Theater, Deeply Rooted and the Acrodramance Theatre Company.

STEVEN PERKINS (Wiseman/Soldier/Ensemble)Steven is thrilled to be returning to The Nativity with Congo Square Theatre. He was most recently seen in Passing

Strange with Bailiwick Chicago as Youth. Some of his other credits include Roger in Grease, Jesus in Godspell, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and he is currently an understudy for The South Side of Heaven at Second City. He would like to thank God for this opportunity, his mother for her continued support, and you for coming to support live theatre. “Merry Christmas Y’all!”

TIFFaNY RENEE JOHNSON (Ensemble/Understudy)Tiffany Renee Johnson is a Chicago native, and is so excited to be back and performing in her hometown. She is

profiles c o n t.

11The Nativity

profiles c o n t.

a recent 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 Ira Aldridge Theatre: The Bluest Eye (Frieda/Darlene), The Sirens (Pepper); Historical Perspectives for Children: The Story of Wilma Rudolph (Wilma Rudolph); Drury Lane Theatre: Hairspray. Recent television/film credits include Dhoom 3 (Dancer) and True Crime with Aphrodite Jones (Cateresa). She gives an incredible amount of thanks to God, whom without, she’d be nothing. She would also like to thank her mother for the love and introducing her to the beauty of the arts, her grandmother for being a beautiful example of a woman, her aunt and uncle for instilling invaluable things in her, and her boyfriend for being the best and keeping her on her toes! She always says, “The sun is my limit and I won’t stop reaching until I hold it in my hands!”

DaVID ROBBINS (Ensemble/Understudy)David Robbins is happy to return to Congo Square in this production of the Nativity. This makes David’s 2nd year with

the production! Credits include: Chicago Premiere of Avenue Q (Gary Coleman), Regional Premier of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera (M. Reyer), and Parade (Newt Lee). David would like to thank his mom and family for their continued support.

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 DVD’s to his credit, he also is President of Spoonfed Productions and is excited to be back for his 4th run with Congo Square’s The 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 Player)This is Kory’s third year with The 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.

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production tea m

JaRET LaNDON WILLIaMS (Musical Director/Composer) Jaret Landon Williams (Music Director/Composer and Arranger) is excited to be working with

Congo Square Theatre Company again. The winner of the BTAA Duke Ellington Award for Best Musical Direction in 2009, his compositions and arrangements have been performed and recorded by artist in multiple genres throughout the world. Landon has Bachelor and Master degrees in both Music Performance and Music Education. He wishes to congratulate the cast and production team on a wonderful show.

KEVIN IEGa JEFF (Choreographer) Choreographer, Director, Community

Builder, Co-Founder/Artistic Director Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

Kevin Iega Jeff began studying dance formally at age thirteen. He trained at the Bernice Johnson Cultural Arts Center, New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts, Darvash Ballet School, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center before matriculating into The Juilliard School. As a dancer he has been praised for his technical brilliance and rigor, his dramatic power, and the singular ability to perform and bridge different dance forms in a seamless manner, whether it be ballet, modern, contemporary, or African American dance. At the age of twenty one, Iega founded his first company, JUBILATION! Dance Company in New York City. JUBILATION! was created out of a need to provide a forum for African-American artists to be nurtured holistically through the arts. For ten years the company toured nationally and internationally, helping to bring the stories, histories, and art of the African American people as well as his unique approach to contemporary dance to a global audience.

While continuing to perform as a dancer, it was at JUBILATION! that Iega began his lifelong pursuit of both choreographing new work and directing a company that would train a new generation of dancers and choreographers. In 1994, he left New York to take up an appointment as Artistic Director of the Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theater. In 1995, he co-founded Deeply Rooted Productions in Chicago where he continues to serve today as Artistic Director. As a choreographer, Iega has created more than fifty works, ranging from solos to large-scale company dances, where he pushes contemporary dance to take cognizance of different voices and aesthetics. He primarily creates for Deeply Rooted, but also continuously receives commissions by other companies to create new works for them, such as the Alvin Ailey Dance Ensemble, River North Dance Company, Dallas Black Dance Theater, the Cleveland Contemporary Dance Theater, Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and the Wylliams/Henry Danse Theatre.

In 2005, Iega was named as one of the Juilliard School’s 100 Outstanding Alumni in celebration of the school’s centenary anniversary. Among his other awards are those from the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Council for Culture and Arts, and the BTAA Best Choreography award for Church of Nations. He received a Merit Award from the International Association of Blacks in Dance, and joined their Board in January 2006. Most recently, Iega was awarded the 2009 Chicago Dance Makers Forum Grant to support the creation of I Am Deeply Rooted, which premiered in the Spring of 2010. Iega has served as artist-in-residence at Howard University, the University of Las Vegas, Goucher College, SUNY Purchase and at Purdue University’s Black Cultural Center. His work has been featured in several films, including Spike Lee’s She’s Gotta Have It, and in the Broadway shows Comin’ Uptown and The Wiz. Iega’s Walls premiered at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA. In 2003, Iega and Deeply Rooted Dance Theater Associate Artistic Director Gary Abbott co-

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production tea m c o n t.

choreographed Jagged Ledges, featuring Tony Award-winning spoken word artist Staceyann Chin. In 2006, he and Abbott were commissioned to choreograph Three Brazilian Dances for the Chicago Sinfonietta, which premiered at Chicago’s Symphony Hall.

As Iega reflects on fifteen years at Deeply Rooted, he states: “I want my work to grow truer, more focused, and relevant over time. My art is born out of human examination, and my desire to communicate authentically informs what I create. For me dance is a perfect catalyst. It reveals the inner voice, reflecting who we are and who we strive to become.”

NICOLE SPRINGER (Co-Choreographer)Nicole Clarke Springer began her training under the guidance of Claudette Soltis (Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo) of the Joliet Ballet Society, Indianapolis Ballet Theater, Milwaukee Ballet and Western Michigan University. After studying under Soltis, Nicole then received her B.S. in Arts Administration-Dance from Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. As a member of Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre, Nicole had the opportunity to perform with artists such as Roberta Flack and Jennifer Holiday, as well as to perform in the Minnesota-based Penumbra Theatre’s production of Black Nativity. She is the Summer Intensive Program Director for Deeply Rooted and has had the honor of setting two pieces (Nine and Dounia) for the company, as well as ballet instructor for Studio One Children’s Dance Theatre. As an instructor and choreographer, Nicole works to create an environment that is challenging, yet inspiring, helping each dancer find their spiritual connection with the work and most importantly, themselves. Many of her pieces are from the female perspective and the empowerment of women.

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. SHaRLET WEBB (Assistant Stage Manager/ Costume Coordinator)Sharlet Webb is delighted to return to her extended family for this production of The Nativity. Other Congo Square credits are: Bulrusher (Pegagus Players), Brothers of The Dust (CCPA), The Nativity (Goodman Theatre), and Colored Museum (CCPA). Ms. Webb is an Artistic Associate with MPAACT (Maa’t Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theater). Ms. Webb has worked as a stage manager with City Lit Theater, Absolute Shakespeare, The Theatre Building of Chicago, eta Creative Arts foundation, Pegagus Players, Live Bait Theater, Metamorphosis Theater, DuSable Museum Ivanhoe Theater, Reflections Theater and many other non- equity theaters in the Chicago land area for over two decades. She has also stage managed Train Is Coming at Open Door Theater in Oak Park, IL. Ms. Webb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia College, Chicago in technical theater. Ms. Webb is also a member of the tech team for the National Black Theater Festival in Winston Salem North Carolina. To my daughter Jennifer, my son Dale II and grandchildren Tymon II and Kaliyah continue to dream big and pursue your passion.

DRE ROBINSON (Production Manager) Dre Robinson is very happy to work with Congo Square again. “It’s like visiting old friends”, the native Chicagoan says. A veteran of theatre, Dre has been blessed to have worked all over the world, doing what he loves to do. He has toured with Second City and Black Ensemble Theatre and has worked with some of the top theatrical companies in Chicago, including,

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The Goodman Theater. In his spare time he is busy writing, directing, and producing with his company Studio One Productions. aNDREI ONEGIN (Set Design)Andrei is happy to be back and design the set for The Nativity. Andrei recently received critical acclaim for his set design skills for the production of Bulrusher, and has designed the set for August Wilson’s Radio Golf at Raven Theater. In previous seasons, he designed Brothers of the Dust, The Nativity, and Colored Museum at the Congo Square. His other work in Chicago has included designing sets for Death of a Salesman and Hedda Gabler (Raven), Cat’s Cradle (Lifeline), Princess Club, The Balloon Man and The Golden Truffle (Redmoon), Unsung Stars (Moving Dock), The Day of Knowledge (Stage Left), Hamlet (Yamaworks), Flood and Rosmersholm (Alchimia). During the last 30 years of Andrei’s theater career he has participated in and accomplished more than 110 productions, and worked for such legendary companies as Moscow Art Theater, Kabuky and Comédie-Française. He received his MFA in 1992 from The Moscow Art Theater School. 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’d Who list of artist and entertainers. Ron is also a gifted musician and plays a variety of Instruments and a song writer and producer, who has written and produced numerous commercials and jingles. It is great to work on this production.

CaSEY DIERS (Lighting Design)Recent Congo Square lighting design credits include Brothers of the Dust and Black Nativity 2011. Other recent credits include Speaking in Tongues (MPAACT) [Black Theatre Alliance Award – Best Lighting Design, Ghosts of Atwood (MPAACT) [Black Theatre Alliance Award – Best Lighting Design], Black Nativity (Congo Square Theatre), Pretty Ballet (Joffrey Ballet), and What Once We Felt (About Face Theatre). Casey recently returned from relighting Northlight Theatre’s Outgoing Tide at the Galway Arts Festival in Galway, Ireland. Associate designs include Chesapeake Bay (Remy Bumppo), The Farnsworth Invention (Timeline) and War With the Newts (Next). Other credits include The Lincoln Center, Madison Square Garden, Steppenwolf, the TV shows The Playboy Club, Mob Doctor, and others.

JESSE GaFFNEY (Prop Design)Jesse has been creating props in the Chicago area for over three years and is a proud to be back at Congo Square after working on Brothers of the Dust, and the most recent version of The Black Nativity. Elsewhere in the Chicago area she has worked with Silk Road Rising (Resident Designer), Immediate Family, 16th Street (Artistic Associate), Lifeline, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Apple Tree and Notre Dame Shakespeare Company among others. Outside of Chicago Jesse worked for Allenberry Playhouse in Pennsylvania, Stages St. Louis, and The Arrow Rock Lyceum. Thanks and love to her new husband Warwick.

production tea m c o n t.

15The Nativity

2012-2013 donors

Legacy Supporters$1-$74

Alice WheelerAlisa SingletaryAlexis J. RogersAmos EllisAndrien WillisAngela FosterAnthony CreglerArch BryantAsha EapenB. EdwardsBarbara BrownBarbara J. KellyBelinda SmithBeth WeissBeti GrenengoeaBetty IvyBetty PalmoreBruce BonecutterCamille HollettCarol RiceCarolyn WilsonCathy O. TaylorCecilia HaasisCharles DumasCharles ReddingCharlotte BlackmanCharlotte WilliamsCheryl MonroeChristopher HurnsCoretta JacksonDan HoytDana R. TurnerDavid GillDavid Watkins

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PompeyMs. Karen PageNadine A. PettiesNancy NyheimNicole ThompsonOliver A. RuffP. McPhearson Davis

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donors c o n t.

Pat FinneganPat SmithPellou ChoudPenelope WalkerRandall Van SchepeaReginald McKamieRena NeighborsRhonda Wilson-VealRobbie ColemanRobert BiekmanRoy McKayRueben EcholesSara KarpShalanda GreeneShanna GillSharnita JohnsonShirley RichSusan WardSylvia Hopkins HarrisSylvia MaxwellTai DavisTamberla PerryTheodore DavisTracey BonnerVanessa LanierVelma Austin-MasseyVera KatzVerett MimsWayne KeelsYolanda DudleyYvonne SingleyKathleen BethelDemetria ThomasDeonne WrightAndrew WhiteJanelle JonesGloria ClunieChristine Ferriter

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GreeneMr. and Mrs. Maurice

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Legacy Builders$150 - $249

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RobersonBecky TouseySteven Tousey

Legacy Maker$250 and above

Alan HindsAlice MullenAllen GilmoreAmi McReynoldsAmina DickersonBlue Cross Blue Shield of

IllinoisCharles JamesDaniel BryantDouglas R. BrownDr. Jesse WardlowDwain DotyHugh K. WilliamsJackie TaylorJames and Mary Bell Mr. and Mrs. James WootenKathy PerkinsKevann Cooke

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ThigpenYolanda Daniel