PerformInk
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Pictured: Ayanna Bria Bakari
The Story Theatre has announced the cast and design team for its inaugural production, LEAVE ME ALONE!, a contemporary, queer adaptation of Anton Chehkhov’s IVANOV, written by Paul Michael Thomson.
Directed by Matt Bowdren, the production features Sean Gallagher (Nik Ivanov), Ayanna Bria Bakari (Dr. Jean Love), Brenna Welsh (Anna), Jordan Dell Harris (Sam), Nicole Laurenzi (Aida), Randolph Johnson (Paul), Gabrielle Moldovan (MB), Michael Kingston (Matt), Chelsea Turner (Babs), Sarah Bartley (Gabrielle), Nadine Merheb (Female Swing), and Keenan Larson (Male Swing).
top row, left to right: Sean Gallagher, Gabrielle Moldovan, Nicole Laurenzi, Jordan Dell Harris, Ayanna Bria Bakari;
bottom row, left to right: Brenna Welsh, Michael Kingston, Chelsea Turner, Randolph Johnson, Sarah Bartley
The production team includes Lucy Whipp (lighting design), Stephanie K. Brownell (costume design), Jake Sorgen (original composition), David Hagen (sound design), Brian Hendricks (scenic/production design), and India Gurley (Head of Diversity and Inclusion).
From the press release: “Nik Ivanov is broke. His wife is dying. He’s losing his bid for reelection. And he might be gay. But at least he has his looks! Leave Me Alone! tells the story of a cry for help. It’s about labels, identity, advice, Chekhov’s gun, and how none of that matters when you’re depressed…except perhaps the gun.”
The 90-minute production runs July 26 – August 12 at the Heartland Studio in Rogers Park. For more information, visit thestorytheatre.org.