"It's lonesome in this house."
It’s Christmas, 1975, and the crawlspace is open in suburban Chicago. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. is a man with secrets beneath his floor, but when his wife and friends start asking questions, he withdraws into his own world and his late-night conversations with the smoking, swaggering Duke who shares his name. As ghosts begin crowding the household, the divide between dream and reality vanishes, and the smell just keeps on getting worse. Sideshow Theatre Company and playwright Calamity West delve deep into the mind of one of America’s most notorious killers in this World Premiere production and unearth an otherworldly meditation on masculinity and violence that hits all too close to home, even now.
Approximate run time: 90 minutes, without intermission
June 23 - July 29, 2012
Theater Wit
1229 West Belmont Avenue
This program is partially supported by a grant
from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
​
CAST
Andy Luther
Jim Farrell
Elizabeth B. Murphy
Andrew Goetten
Joe Mack
Deanna Boyd
Alex Ring
Andy Sheagren
Adam Shalzi
Andy Luther
John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
Andy most recently he appeared as Stanley in Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in an understudy performance. Some of his Chicago credits include: Lieutenant of Inishmore (Northlight Theatre), 9 Circles, The Gacy Play, Heddatron, and Theories of the Sun (Sideshow Theatre), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Hiding Place (Provision Theatre), As Fat as You Can (Next Theatre), Rhymes with Evil (Infusion Theatre), Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, Pericles, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and Henry VII (Illinois Shakespeare Festival). He studied Meisner with The Acting Studio, Inc. in NYC and holds a BA in theatre performance from Western Michigan University and an MFA in acting from Illinois State University.
Jim Farrell
John Wayne
Jim has performed throughout Chicago as a non equity actor since 2007. Examples of recent work include Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Circle Theatre) and Jack Jamison in Third (Apple Tree) and most recently Mother in the world premiere of Mother Bear by Jayme McGhan (Mortar Theatre). Jim is a member of the Dead Writers Theatre Collective where he serves both as an actor and on the advisory board. Additionally, Jim has worked at Chicago area theatres like First Folio, Timeline, Redtwist, Infamous Commonwealth, and The Right Brain Project. Originally from Washington DC, Jim received his start on stage in 1972 at the Trapier Theater on the campus of the National Cathedral. During the 1970s he appeared in the world premiere of John Updike's Buchanan Dying. He also performed roles like Biff in Death of a Salesman and Orestes in The Orestia (Green Room Theatre) and Thomas Jefferson in 1776 (Fulton Opera House). Jim is grateful for the opportunity to work with Sideshow Theatre to bring Calamity West’s The Gacy Play to the stage. And as always a special thank you to Barbara.
Elizabeth B. Murphy
Carol Gacy
Elizabeth is delighted to work for the first time with Sideshow Theatre Company. Chicago credits include The Berlin Circle and The Water Engine (Steppenwolf Theatre), Sis3ters (Roadworks Productions), Falling Apart (Wildclaw Theatre – Deathscribe 2011), and performing at Theater on the Lake, City Lit Theater (Art of Adaptation Festival), and Imagination Theater. Regional: The Epic of Gilgamesh (MN Fringe Festival). New York: Assassins (B.B. Productions). Elizabeth is a graduate of The University of Chicago and The School at Steppenwolf, and has studied at The William Esper Studio and Black Box Acting, where she now works as an instructor.
Andrew Goetten
Dave
Andrew is an artistic associate with Sideshow Theatre, where his credits include Give It All Back, Mai Dang Lao, and more. Other Chicago credits include: Prowess (Jackalope Theatre), Love & Human Remains (Cor Theatre), Dragons Love Tacos (Emerald City Theatre), Eat Your Heart Out (Rivendell Theatre), The Killing of Michael X ( Jackalope Theatre), The Drunken City (Steppenwolf's 2013 NEXT UP series), Hot 'N' Throbbing (Interrobang Theatre Project), Thirty Thousand One (Pursuit Productions), The Duchess of Malfi (Strawdog Theatre Company), Residue (Buzz22 Chicago), LOW (Slingshot Productions), The Big Meal (American Theatre Company), which won the 2010 Jeff Award for Best Ensemble, Roadkill Confidential (Dog & Pony Theatre Company) and She Loves Me (Writers’ Theatre). He is a graduate from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.
Joe Mack
Tom
Joe was most recently seen in Clutter at The Greenhouse Theatre. He also appeared in Brilliant Traces, True West, Hamlet, A Walk in the Woods, and Days to Come. Joe has had the opportunity to work with Moving Stories Theatre (founding member), The Gift Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Signal Ensemble Theatre, and The Artistic Home. He is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Chicago. He is honored to be part of this Sideshow production and work with this talented ensemble. He is grateful for the support of his family and friends and for Kerry in his life.
Deanna Boyd
Peg
Deanna is very excited to be working on this world premiere play with Sideshow Theatre. Recent roles/productions include – Pastor Donna Christian in Cornservatory’s hit Jesus Camp the Musical; Countess Charlotte Malcolm in Circle Theatre’s A Little Night Music; with Boho Ensemble Theatre - Bernarda Alba in Bernarda Alba, the Musical and Clytemnestra in Electra. Other companies Deanna has worked with include The Hypocrites, Rendition Theatre, New Leaf Theatre, Bailiwick, Theatre at the Center (Munster, IN) Reverie Theatre, City Lit, Organic Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Deanna can currently be seen in commercials for Central DuPage Hospital, Indiana Business College (Indianpolis, IN) and St Mary’s Hospital (Evanston, IN). Deanna is proud to be represented by Gray Talent Group. Many thanks to Jonathan and Calamity for this wonderful opportunity. As always, much love to K. Also, a moment of silence for the 7 unidentified victims of JWG. We still remember you.
Alex Ring
Number 1
Alex Ring is pleased to be a part of his first production with Sideshow. Previous Chicago credits include The March at Steppenwolf, Urinetown at Circle Theater, Pinkalicious with Emerald City/B'way in Chicago, Cherrywood with Mary Arrchie, and The Suitcase with Chicago Opera Vanguard. Alex is a graduate of the Theater Conservatory at Roosevelt University. Thanks to Dad and awesome best friends!
Andy Sheagren
Number 2
Andy Sheagren is just real darned excited to be returning to the stage after a long hiatus. During his time away, he worked with the League of Chicago Theatres for several years as their Hot Tix associate manager and is now the audience services manager for Emerald City Theatre. He wants to thank Sideshow for the opportunity to act again with such a talented group of people. He would also like to thank all of his families for being real darned excited with him.
Adam Shalzi
Number 3
Adam Shalzi is happy to be working with Sideshow for the first time. Shalzi’s theatre credits include American Theater Company (The Original Grease), Next (End Days), Goodman (Teddy Ferrara reading), Strawdog (The Petrified Forest, The Good Soul of Szechuan), Profiles (Graceland), Redtwist (Waiting for Godot), Redmoon and Australia/Canada tour (Dr. Egg), Emerald City (Hansel and Gretel), The State (The World Over), and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Shalzi's film credits include Janie Jones, Lenny Morris vs. The Universe, Cheat Cheat Bang Bang, NightLights, and Educating Cooper. He is a member of The Playground Theater improv team, K.C. Redheart, and has studied improv at Second City and at The Annoyance. Shalzi holds a BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Much love to family, friends, and Paonessa Talent!
PRODUCTION TEAM
Calamity West
Jonathan L. Green
Sara Brown
Jordan Kardasz
Angela Enos
Christopher M. LaPorte
Marissa Hughes
Taree Chadwick
Calamity West
playwright
Calamity West is a Chicago-based, award-winning playwright. Her plays have appeared at Williamstown Theatre Festival, Roundabout, Goodman, Jackalope Theatre, Steep Theatre, TimeLine, and Sideshow. In 2014 Calamity was recipient of the 3Arts Award. She teaches playwriting at the University of Chicago and Webster University. She is a company member at Jackalope Theatre Company and an ensemble member of Sideshow Theatre Company. Calamity holds a BA in dramatic writing from Webster University and an MFA in creative writing from California College of the Arts. She is represented by ICM Partners. Plays by Calamity include: The Retribution Play (2020); Christmas at Home (2019); Greetings from Moscow! A Love Story (2018); In the Canyon (2018); Hinter (2018); Engines and Instruments of Flight: A Fantasia in Three Acts (2016); Give It All Back (2016); Rolling (2016); Ibsen Is Dead (2014); The Peacock (2013); and The Gacy Play (2012).
Jonathan L. Green
director
Jonathan has been the artistic director of Sideshow Theatre since its founding in 2007. He has directed and assisted for Sideshow, Greenhouse Theater Center, Lookingglass, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Diversionary Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Theatre Seven of Chicago, Pavement Group and the Earl Hamner, Jr. Theatre. Recent projects include truth and reconciliation, The Happiest Place on Earth, Antigonick, Stupid Fucking Bird, Idomeneus (Jeff Award for ensemble), and others. Recent dramaturgy credits include Blind Date, Objects in the Mirror, Gloria, War Paint, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, and Disgraced, all at Goodman Theatre. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Virginia, currently serves on the board of directors of the League of Chicago Theatres, and is the literary manager for Goodman Theatre.
Sara Brown
scenic designer
Sara Brown is a scenic designer based in Cambridge, MA. Recent stage designs include The Temperamentals at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Bob: A Life in 5 Acts at the ART Institute in Cambridge, A House in Bali included in BAM's Next Wave series in 2010, and World of Wires at The Kitchen in New York City which will be featured in The Festival d'Automne in Paris later this year. She is an associated artist with DC based dance company Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. She holds and MFA in scenic design from the University of Virginia. She is the director of design for MIT Music and Theater Arts.
Jordan Kardasz
lighting designer
Jordan is a proud artistic associate of Sideshow Theatre. Around town, she has worked with Strawdog (where she is an ensemble member) Lifeline, Strange Tree, Factory, The Arc, and many more. Her most recent designs were Tyrant with Sideshow and Hey Dancin! Hey Musical! with Factory Theatre, and you can see more of her work next season at Strawdog. When not working in theatres around the city, Jordan works in the auditorium at Northeastern Illinois University. As always, love to the best two and four legged dudes in her life.
Angela Enos
costume designer
This is Angela's second production with Sideshow, having previously designed costumes for The Gacy Play. She is a company member of Organic Theater Co. and has designed locally with Kokandy Productions. Regional work: Springer Opera House, Central City Opera, Juniata College, American Players Theatre, Sacramento Opera Company, The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, and eight seasons with California Music Circus. Angela received her MFA from Northern Illinois University and studied design at the Moscow Art Theatre School.
Christopher M. LaPorte
sound designer
Christopher's recent design and composition collaborations include Life Sucks, Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth (Lookingglass Theatre Company), and Roof of the World (Kansas City Repertory). Chris has collaborated on projects with many local Chicago companies such as Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, 17 productions with Sideshow Theatre Company, Timeline, Porchlight, InFusion, Raven, University Of Illinois Chicago, Interrobang, Emerald City. Regional collaborations include Kansas City Repertory, Dallas Theatre Center, The Old Globe (San Diego), Center Stage (Baltimore), Arena Stage (Washington D.C.), Arsht Theatre Center (Miami), Denver Center for the Performing Arts, NY United Solo Festival.
Marissa Hughes
properties designer
Marissa is very excited to be working with Sideshow Theatre for the first time! Her most recent prop and set work has been seen in Remarcable Productions' Lips Together, Teeth Apart and Zombies Attack Chicago's Zombie Truth Now. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for all their support. Also thanks to the boys and Shawn for always making her laugh.
Taree Chadwick
stage manager
Taree graduated with a BFA in theatre from Columbia College Chicago. Since graduation she has worked in many theatres around the city including The Gift Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Moving Stories Theatre, Promethean, Silent Theatre, Raven Theatre, and many more. She currently works backstage on the crew at Blue Man. Most recent credits include Northwest Highway and Absolute Hell (The Gift Theatre), and The Ugly One (Sideshow). She is extremely happy to return to Sideshow and excited for the opportunity work with these amazing artists. A special thanks to all those who support and nurture the arts.
Jeffrey Gardner
dramaturg
Jeffrey Gardner is a freelance director and dramaturg based in Chicago, and the co-creator and director of Our Fair City, an audio-drama web series (ourfaircity.com). Sideshow dramaturgical credits include Maria/Stuart, The Gacy Play, Heddatron and Medea with Child. Other recent dramaturgical and directing credits include Arcadia (New Leaf Theatre), One Flea Spare (Eclipse Theatre), and G.I.F.T. (Collaboraction). In addition, Jeffrey is an operations manager for the Museum of Science and Industry of Chicago.
Benjamin W. Dawson
production manager
Ben is an artistic associate with Sideshow and is overjoyed to be working with this talented group of miscreants once again. He has worked with the likes of the Goodman, the Santa Fe Opera and The History Channel, to name a few. He is currently the associate technical director at Lookingglass Theatre and the production manager at Lifeline Theatre. In his spare time he produces shows in his living room, for aliens and dogs, using only Lego bricks and mini figures.
Shawn Rutledge
technical director
This is Shawn's second technical direction credit with Sideshow Theatre Company, though he has worked with them before in a construction capacity on several projects. Previous Chicago credits also include work with Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, and other small venues throughout the years. He is, as always, joyful to help bring the visions of the creative to life, so as to brighten our own reality from time to time.
PHOTOS
PRESS
"Rich and well-crafted... a truly fascinating performance."
Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago
"A creepily compelling performance... well-acted, inventively designed."
Albert Williams, Chicago Reader
"Luther's intensely haunting portrayal will stick with you!"
Zach Freeman, New City
Janna Dons, Gapers Block
"A thoughtful, occasionally gripping meditation on the banality of evil."
Rory Leahy, Centerstage
"Navigates this convoluted and frightful territory with psychological dexterity and olympian empathy."
Johnny Oleksinski, Podunk Critic
by Calamity West
directed by Jonathan L. Green
June 23 - July 29, 2012
Theater Wit
1229 W Belmont Avenue
Run time: 90 minutes, without intermission
It’s Christmas, 1975, and the crawlspace is open in suburban Chicago. John Wayne Gacy, Jr. is a man with secrets beneath his floor, but when his wife and friends start asking questions, he withdraws into his own world and his late-night conversations with the smoking, swaggering Duke who shares his name. As ghosts begin crowding the household, the divide between dream and reality vanishes, and the smell just keeps on getting worse. Sideshow Theatre Company and playwright Calamity West delve deep into the mind of one of America’s most notorious killers in this World Premiere production and unearth an otherworldly meditation on masculinity and violence that hits all too close to home, even now.
​
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Andy Luther
John Wayne Gacy, Jr.
Andy most recently he appeared as Stanley in Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, at Steppenwolf Theatre Company in an understudy performance. Some of his Chicago credits include: Lieutenant of Inishmore (Northlight Theatre), 9 Circles, The Gacy Play, Heddatron, and Theories of the Sun (Sideshow Theatre), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever and The Hiding Place (Provision Theatre), As Fat as You Can (Next Theatre), Rhymes with Evil (Infusion Theatre), Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, Pericles, Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and Henry VII (Illinois Shakespeare Festival). He studied Meisner with The Acting Studio, Inc. in NYC and holds a BA in theatre performance from Western Michigan University and an MFA in acting from Illinois State University.
Jim Farrell
John Wayne
Jim has performed throughout Chicago as a non equity actor since 2007. Examples of recent work include Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Circle Theatre) and Jack Jamison in Third (Apple Tree) and most recently Mother in the world premiere of Mother Bear by Jayme McGhan (Mortar Theatre). Jim is a member of the Dead Writers Theatre Collective where he serves both as an actor and on the advisory board. Additionally, Jim has worked at Chicago area theatres like First Folio, Timeline, Redtwist, Infamous Commonwealth, and The Right Brain Project. Originally from Washington DC, Jim received his start on stage in 1972 at the Trapier Theater on the campus of the National Cathedral. During the 1970s he appeared in the world premiere of John Updike's Buchanan Dying. He also performed roles like Biff in Death of a Salesman and Orestes in The Orestia (Green Room Theatre) and Thomas Jefferson in 1776 (Fulton Opera House). Jim is grateful for the opportunity to work with Sideshow Theatre to bring Calamity West’s The Gacy Play to the stage. And as always a special thank you to Barbara.
Elizabeth B. Murphy
Carol Gacy
Elizabeth is delighted to work for the first time with Sideshow Theatre Company. Chicago credits include The Berlin Circle and The Water Engine (Steppenwolf Theatre), Sis3ters (Roadworks Productions), Falling Apart (Wildclaw Theatre – Deathscribe 2011), and performing at Theater on the Lake, City Lit Theater (Art of Adaptation Festival), and Imagination Theater. Regional: The Epic of Gilgamesh (MN Fringe Festival). New York: Assassins (B.B. Productions). Elizabeth is a graduate of The University of Chicago and The School at Steppenwolf, and has studied at The William Esper Studio and Black Box Acting, where she now works as an instructor.
Andrew Goetten
Dave
Andrew is an artistic associate with Sideshow Theatre, where his credits include Give It All Back, Mai Dang Lao, and more. Other Chicago credits include: Prowess (Jackalope Theatre), Love & Human Remains (Cor Theatre), Dragons Love Tacos (Emerald City Theatre), Eat Your Heart Out (Rivendell Theatre), The Killing of Michael X ( Jackalope Theatre), The Drunken City (Steppenwolf's 2013 NEXT UP series), Hot 'N' Throbbing (Interrobang Theatre Project), Thirty Thousand One (Pursuit Productions), The Duchess of Malfi (Strawdog Theatre Company), Residue (Buzz22 Chicago), LOW (Slingshot Productions), The Big Meal (American Theatre Company), which won the 2010 Jeff Award for Best Ensemble, Roadkill Confidential (Dog & Pony Theatre Company) and She Loves Me (Writers’ Theatre). He is a graduate from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.
Joe Mack
Tom
Joe was most recently seen in Clutter at The Greenhouse Theatre. He also appeared in Brilliant Traces, True West, Hamlet, A Walk in the Woods, and Days to Come. Joe has had the opportunity to work with Moving Stories Theatre (founding member), The Gift Theatre, Eclipse Theatre, Signal Ensemble Theatre, and The Artistic Home. He is a graduate of Brown University and the University of Chicago. He is honored to be part of this Sideshow production and work with this talented ensemble. He is grateful for the support of his family and friends and for Kerry in his life.
Deanna Boyd
Peg
Deanna is very excited to be working on this world premiere play with Sideshow Theatre. Recent roles/productions include – Pastor Donna Christian in Cornservatory’s hit Jesus Camp the Musical; Countess Charlotte Malcolm in Circle Theatre’s A Little Night Music; with Boho Ensemble Theatre - Bernarda Alba in Bernarda Alba, the Musical and Clytemnestra in Electra. Other companies Deanna has worked with include The Hypocrites, Rendition Theatre, New Leaf Theatre, Bailiwick, Theatre at the Center (Munster, IN) Reverie Theatre, City Lit, Organic Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Deanna can currently be seen in commercials for Central DuPage Hospital, Indiana Business College (Indianpolis, IN) and St Mary’s Hospital (Evanston, IN). Deanna is proud to be represented by Gray Talent Group. Many thanks to Jonathan and Calamity for this wonderful opportunity. As always, much love to K. Also, a moment of silence for the 7 unidentified victims of JWG. We still remember you.
Alex Ring
Number 1
Alex Ring is pleased to be a part of his first production with Sideshow. Previous Chicago credits include The March at Steppenwolf, Urinetown at Circle Theater, Pinkalicious with Emerald City/B'way in Chicago, Cherrywood with Mary Arrchie, and The Suitcase with Chicago Opera Vanguard. Alex is a graduate of the Theater Conservatory at Roosevelt University. Thanks to Dad and awesome best friends!
Andy Sheagren
Number 2
Andy Sheagren is just real darned excited to be returning to the stage after a long hiatus. During his time away, he worked with the League of Chicago Theatres for several years as their Hot Tix associate manager and is now the audience services manager for Emerald City Theatre. He wants to thank Sideshow for the opportunity to act again with such a talented group of people. He would also like to thank all of his families for being real darned excited with him.
Adam Shalzi
Number 3
Adam Shalzi is happy to be working with Sideshow for the first time. Shalzi’s theatre credits include American Theater Company (The Original Grease), Next (End Days), Goodman (Teddy Ferrara reading), Strawdog (The Petrified Forest, The Good Soul of Szechuan), Profiles (Graceland), Redtwist (Waiting for Godot), Redmoon and Australia/Canada tour (Dr. Egg), Emerald City (Hansel and Gretel), The State (The World Over), and Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Shalzi's film credits include Janie Jones, Lenny Morris vs. The Universe, Cheat Cheat Bang Bang, NightLights, and Educating Cooper. He is a member of The Playground Theater improv team, K.C. Redheart, and has studied improv at Second City and at The Annoyance. Shalzi holds a BFA in acting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Much love to family, friends, and Paonessa Talent!
Calamity West
playwright
Calamity West is a Chicago-based, award-winning playwright. Her plays have appeared at Williamstown Theatre Festival, Roundabout, Goodman, Jackalope Theatre, Steep Theatre, TimeLine, and Sideshow. In 2014 Calamity was recipient of the 3Arts Award. She teaches playwriting at the University of Chicago and Webster University. She is a company member at Jackalope Theatre Company and an ensemble member of Sideshow Theatre Company. Calamity holds a BA in dramatic writing from Webster University and an MFA in creative writing from California College of the Arts. She is represented by ICM Partners. Plays by Calamity include: The Retribution Play (2020); Christmas at Home (2019); Greetings from Moscow! A Love Story (2018); In the Canyon (2018); Hinter (2018); Engines and Instruments of Flight: A Fantasia in Three Acts (2016); Give It All Back (2016); Rolling (2016); Ibsen Is Dead (2014); The Peacock (2013); and The Gacy Play (2012).
Jonathan L. Green
director
Jonathan has been the artistic director of Sideshow Theatre since its founding in 2007. He has directed and assisted for Sideshow, Greenhouse Theater Center, Lookingglass, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Diversionary Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Theatre Seven of Chicago, Pavement Group and the Earl Hamner, Jr. Theatre. Recent projects include truth and reconciliation, The Happiest Place on Earth, Antigonick, Stupid Fucking Bird, Idomeneus (Jeff Award for ensemble), and others. Recent dramaturgy credits include Blind Date, Objects in the Mirror, Gloria, War Paint, The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window, and Disgraced, all at Goodman Theatre. Jonathan is a graduate of the University of Virginia, currently serves on the board of directors of the League of Chicago Theatres, and is the literary manager for Goodman Theatre.
Sara Brown
scenic designer
Sara Brown is a scenic designer based in Cambridge, MA. Recent stage designs include The Temperamentals at Lyric Stage Company in Boston, Bob: A Life in 5 Acts at the ART Institute in Cambridge, A House in Bali included in BAM's Next Wave series in 2010, and World of Wires at The Kitchen in New York City which will be featured in The Festival d'Automne in Paris later this year. She is an associated artist with DC based dance company Dana Tai Soon Burgess & Co. She holds and MFA in scenic design from the University of Virginia. She is the director of design for MIT Music and Theater Arts.
Jordan Kardasz
lighting designer
Jordan is a proud artistic associate of Sideshow Theatre. Around town, she has worked with Strawdog (where she is an ensemble member) Lifeline, Strange Tree, Factory, The Arc, and many more. Her most recent designs were Tyrant with Sideshow and Hey Dancin! Hey Musical! with Factory Theatre, and you can see more of her work next season at Strawdog. When not working in theatres around the city, Jordan works in the auditorium at Northeastern Illinois University. As always, love to the best two and four legged dudes in her life.
Angela Enos
costume designer
This is Angela's second production with Sideshow, having previously designed costumes for The Gacy Play. She is a company member of Organic Theater Co. and has designed locally with Kokandy Productions. Regional work: Springer Opera House, Central City Opera, Juniata College, American Players Theatre, Sacramento Opera Company, The Cosmopolitan Cabaret, and eight seasons with California Music Circus. Angela received her MFA from Northern Illinois University and studied design at the Moscow Art Theatre School.
Christopher M. LaPorte
sound designer / composer
Christopher's recent design and composition collaborations include Life Sucks, Mr. and Mrs. Pennyworth (Lookingglass Theatre Company), and Roof of the World (Kansas City Repertory). Chris has collaborated on projects with many local Chicago companies such as Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, 17 productions with Sideshow Theatre Company, Timeline, Porchlight, InFusion, Raven, University Of Illinois Chicago, Interrobang, Emerald City. Regional collaborations include Kansas City Repertory, Dallas Theatre Center, The Old Globe (San Diego), Center Stage (Baltimore), Arena Stage (Washington D.C.), Arsht Theatre Center (Miami), Denver Center for the Performing Arts, NY United Solo Festival.
Marissa Hughes
properties designer
Marissa is very excited to be working with Sideshow Theatre for the first time! Her most recent prop and set work has been seen in Remarcable Productions' Lips Together, Teeth Apart and Zombies Attack Chicago's Zombie Truth Now. She would like to thank all of her friends and family for all their support. Also thanks to the boys and Shawn for always making her laugh.
Taree Chadwick
stage manager
Taree graduated with a BFA in theatre from Columbia College Chicago. Since graduation she has worked in many theatres around the city including The Gift Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Moving Stories Theatre, Promethean, Silent Theatre, Raven Theatre, and many more. She currently works backstage on the crew at Blue Man. Most recent credits include Northwest Highway and Absolute Hell (The Gift Theatre), and The Ugly One (Sideshow). She is extremely happy to return to Sideshow and excited for the opportunity work with these amazing artists. A special thanks to all those who support and nurture the arts.
Jeffrey Gardner
dramaturg
Jeffrey Gardner is a freelance director and dramaturg based in Chicago, and the co-creator and director of Our Fair City, an audio-drama web series (ourfaircity.com). Sideshow dramaturgical credits include Maria/Stuart, The Gacy Play, Heddatron and Medea with Child. Other recent dramaturgical and directing credits include Arcadia (New Leaf Theatre), One Flea Spare (Eclipse Theatre), and G.I.F.T. (Collaboraction). In addition, Jeffrey is an operations manager for the Museum of Science and Industry of Chicago.
Benjamin W. Dawson
production manager
Ben is an artistic associate with Sideshow and is overjoyed to be working with this talented group of miscreants once again. He has worked with the likes of the Goodman, the Santa Fe Opera and The History Channel, to name a few. He is currently the associate technical director at Lookingglass Theatre and the production manager at Lifeline Theatre. In his spare time he produces shows in his living room, for aliens and dogs, using only Lego bricks and mini figures.
Shawn Rutledge
technical director
This is Shawn's second technical direction credit with Sideshow Theatre Company, though he has worked with them before in a construction capacity on several projects. Previous Chicago credits also include work with Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, and other small venues throughout the years. He is, as always, joyful to help bring the visions of the creative to life, so as to brighten our own reality from time to time.