16th Street Theater has announced the cast and design team for the world premiere of playwright-in-residence J. Joseph Cox’s KOALAS, directed by Josh Sobel.

“We are thrilled to be featuring three artistic associates,” states Artistic Director Ann Filmer. “Ed Dzialo who leads the cast as Ray Slinger, Michele Di Maso who plays next-door neighbor Gabby and Esteban Andres Cruz as Theo the koala.” Newcomer Leo Sharkey plays 10-year old Nate (Natalie) as well as Young Ray, and Michael Holding takes on the role of Ray’s brother, John.

The design team includes José Manuel Díaz-Soto (scenic), Jacob Snodgrass (lights), Mike Przygoda (sound), and Izumi Inaba (costumes).

J. Joseph Cox’s tragi-comic play takes place over one week in Fresno, California in the spring of 1999, exploring the changing definition of what it means to be a man.

KOALAS runs  September 20th – October 27th at 16th Street Theater, 6420 16th Street in Berwyn, IL. For more information visit 16thstreettheater.org.