Menu
Give the gift of a year of great nights out.
A 4-ticket Holiday Flex Pass or a gift membership, wrapped with a card and candy. Shipped or held at the box office.
Holiday Gifts
From $150 · order by Dec 18 to ship
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Simpkins as Diane is beyond delightful.New City
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Hilarious!Reader
The cosmic clock is already at 11 f**king 45 and the flood waters are lapping Jersey Shore. Dionysus—in the guise of Diane, a lesbian permaculture landscape gardener—is staging a comeback to save the world from the ravages of climate change. And where better to begin igniting a Bacchanalian frenzy than in four housewives living on a cul-de-sac in Monmouth County, New Jersey?
Hurricane Diane, winner of the 2019 Best Play Obie Award, comes to Theater Wit under the direction of Artistic Director Jeremy Wechsler in a roof-raising evening about passion, lawns, pawpaw forests, Italian delis, curb appeal, hurricanes, and what happens when we are asked to go outside.
Understudies
Brie McClellan (u/s Diane)
Tatiana Pavela (u/s Carol, Pam)
LaKecia Harris (u/s Beth, Renee)
Wig DesignerMegan Pirtle
Assistant Stage ManagerSpencer Fritz
Technical DirectorJohnnie Schleyer
Master ElectricianMark Brown
Costume ConstructionCraftiga – Anna Wooden & Caitlin McLeod
Scenic Charge ArtistAltman Art Haus
Kelli Simpkinsshe/they
Diane
Off-Broadway: MCC: CHARM; EST: SPILL; Union Square Theatre: THE LARAMIE PROJECT (original creator and performer and Tectonic company member). Regionally, Kelli has worked at Court Theatre, About Face Theater, Shakespeare Theater Co., American Theater Co., Victory Gardens, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Timeline, Denver Center, Berkeley Rep., La Jolla Playhouse and The Guthrie. FILM: ROUNDING, 100 DAYS TO LIVE, SLICE, CHASING AMY and A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN. TV: 61ST STREET, WORK IN PROGRESS, CHICAGO PD, PROVEN INNOCENT, CHICAGO FIRE, PATRIOT, BETRAYAL, THE LARAMIE PROJECT (Emmy Nomination Ensemble Writing), LAW & ORDER CI. Kelli is a proud recipient of the 2013 3ARTS Award. They are a contributing writer to the book “Moment Work – Tectonic Theater Project’s Process of Devising Theater.” Kelli is represented by Gray Talent Group and is managed by Jodi Schoenbrun Carter at 1022 Management in NYC.
Carolyn Kruse
Carol
Carolyn Kruse is delighted to be working with Theater Wit! She was most recently seen in MOLLY SWEENEY with Irish Theatre of Chicago (ITC), where she is a proud Ensemble member. Carolyn resides in Chicago and has had the pleasure of working with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Next Theatre, The Artistic Home, The Hypocrites, Strawdog Theatre, Profiles, Remy Bumppo, Theo Ubique, Wildclaw, New Leaf Theatre, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Redtwist, Brown County Playhouse, Tibbits Opera House and the Strange Tree Group (Non-Equity Jeff Award – Best Ensemble for KING PHYCUS, where she originated the role of Macbetty/Nurse). Other credits include CHICAGO P.D. (NBC), THE ONION ELECTION SPECIAL (The Onion/Fusion), a principal role in the award-winning short film FERTILE MYRTLE and supporting roles in the short films SWEET CHILD and THE DAME WITH NO NAME (MoFest 48 Hour Film Festival 2011 Winner). Carolyn is also a director, a commercial voice-over artist and represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.
Lori Myers
Pam
Lori Myers is the co-founder of Not in Our House Chicago Theatre Community, and co-author of The Chicago Theatre Standards. Lori was awarded the Lily Award (NY), the Hallie Flanagan Humanitarian Award, Rivendell’s Wren Award, and the Illinois Association Professional Theatre Award for her work in NIOH/CTS. She has acted in every Chicago storefront theatre that you can ever imagine, and at Victory Gardens, Steppenwolf, Next, Northlight, Hypocrites, Vitalist, and others. Lori received a Jeff Award for her work as Maggie in Griffin Theatre’s MEN SHOULD WEEP directed by Robin Witt. Favorite roles include Julia Gibbs in David Cromer’s OUR TOWN in Chicago, NY & LA, Mother Courage in Vitalist’s MOTHER COURAGE AND HER CHILDREN directed by Liz Carlin Metz, Paula in London’s Mayday Theatre Company’s MRS KLEIN directed by Nesta White, and basically God in THE MOST FABULOUS STORY EVER TOLD directed by Jeremy Wechsler 20 (gasp) years ago right in this very building. For Mom, Doug, and Geoff.
Aneisa Hicks
Beth
Aneisa Hicks is excited to be making her Theater Wit debut. Some past theatre credits include THE MOUNTAINTOP at TheatreSquared, GRAVEYARD SHIFT at the Goodman Theatre, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE at Long Wharf Theatre and HER PORTMANTEAU at American Conservatory Theater. Some past TV credits include A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN (Amazon Prime), THE CHI (Showtime) and CHICAGO MED (NBC). Enjoy the show!
Jazmín Corona
Renee
Chicago credits include ZULEMA (Goodman/Sones de Mexico); ROE (Goodman Theatre); SHREW’D and MACBETH (First Folio Theatre); I’M NOT YOUR PERFECT MEXICAN DAUGHTER and THE COMPASS (u/s, Steppenwolf Theatre); 1776 (Porchlight Music Theatre); WOMEN OF 4G (Babes With Blades Theatre Company); MARIPOSA NOCTURNA (16th St. Theatre and Physical Festival Chicago); TWO MILE HOLLOW (First Floor Theater); GENDER BREAKDOWN (Collaboraction); SHERLOCK HOLMES AND THE CASE OF THE CHRISTMAS GOOSE (Raven Theatre). TV credits: CHICAGO FIRE.
Brie McClellan
Understudy, Diane
Brie McClellan is elated to be a part of this incredible production! Previously, Brie starred in Kevin Hart’s LOL Network’s original series UNMASKED, performed in the worldwide theatrical debut of APOLLO 11: THE LIVE SHOW, and can currently be seen singing her heart out in a national commercial for Travel Illinois. She can also be seen on the most recent season of CHICAGO MED. She has lent her voice talents to commercial spots for Allstate, Rice Krispies Treats, Ty Beanie Boos, and GrubHub. Brie is a proud alum of iO and Second City in Hollywood, where she was a mainstage musical improviser for many years. She is represented by Gray Talent Group. She wants to thank Casey for all his love and his unwavering belief in her. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA. @briemcclellan
Tatiana Pavela
Understudy, Carol & Pam
Tatiana Pavela recently moved to Chicago after working in Seattle & NYC for a number of years. Tatiana tends to gravitate towards experimental theatre, new work and heightened language. Her solo show, BRANDI ALEXANDER, was the recipient of an Artist Trust Award and was a Week 1 Critic’s Pick (The List) at the 2019 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. MFA: University of Washington PATP; BFA: NYU Experimental Theatre Wing. She is repped by DDO Artists Agency. www.tatianapavela.com
LaKecia Harris
Understudy, Beth & Renee
LaKecia Harris is a Chicago native and is so happy to be making her Theater Wit debut with HURRICANE DIANE. She attended Ball State University and received her BFA in Acting. She moved back to the city to begin her career. You may have seen her in THE SECRETARIES (First Floor Theater), HERSHEL AND THE HANUKKAH GOBLINS (Strawdog Theatre), and FULFILLMENT CENTER (A Red Orchid). TV credits include CHICAGO MED and she is represented by Gray Talent Group.
Madeleine George
Playwright
Madeleine George’s plays include HURRICANE DIANE (Obie Award), THE (CURIOUS CASE OF THE) WATSON INTELLIGENCE (Pulitzer Prize finalist – Theater Wit 2015), SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND (Susan Smith Blackburn finalist – Theater Wit 2013), PRECIOUS LITTLE, and THE ZERO HOUR. Honors include a Whiting Award, the Princess Grace Award, and a Lilly Award. Madeleine’s translation of Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS premiered this season at Two River Theater in New Jersey, and her audio adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s comic strip DYKES TO WATCH OUT FOR is forthcoming from Audible Originals. Madeleine is a founding member of the Obie-Award-winning playwrights’ collective 13P, the Mellon Playwright in Residence at Two River Theater, and a writer on the Hulu mystery-comedy ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING. Since 2006, she has worked with the Bard Prison Initiative at Bard College, where she currently serves as Director of Admissions.
Jeremy Wechslerhe/him
Director
Jeremy Wechsler is the founding Artistic Director of Theater Wit which has grown into an essential hub of the artistic community in Chicago. Under Jeremy’s leadership over the last fifteen years, Theater Wit has emerged as the go to destination for cutting edge contemporary work, gaining national recognition for excellence. During his tenure, he has directed the Chicago premieres of THE REALISTIC JONESES, THE ANTELOPE PARTY, 10 OUT OF 12, NAPERVILLE (Jeff Award), THIS WAY OUT OF SANTALAND, THE NEW SINCERITY, THE (CURIOUS CASE OF THE) WATSON INTELLIGENCE (Best of 2015 – Sun Times), BAD JEWS (Best of 2015 – New City), MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY (Time Out Peoples’ Choice Award for Direction, Best of 2015), SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND (Sun Times Best of Year 2014), COMPLETENESS, TIGERS BE STILL, THIS, THE FOUR OF US, FEYDEAU-SI-DEAU, MEN OF STEEL, THOM PAIN (BASED ON NOTHING) (Jeff Award – Best Solo Performance), TWO FOR THE SHOW and many many productions of THE SANTALAND DIARIES. He has directed over seventy shows in the last thirty years at various theaters. His productions have been nominated for and won multiple awards for design, performance, adaptation and best new work.
Tony Kunst
Assistant Director
Tony Kunst is a director, educator, scholar, and multi-disciplinary artist. Recently, they directed LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center and were a visiting director at Governors State University. Additionally, their work has been seen at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Chicago, Bay Street Theatre, First Stage Theatre, The Chicago Physical Theatre Festival, Illinois Humanities Council, and several other locations. They have a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Carolina University, studied at The Theatre School at DePaul University within the MFA in Acting program, and The School of the Art Institute of Chicago within the MFA Performance Art program. Currently, they are a Ph.D. in Performance Studies candidate at Northwestern University.
Brigitte Ditmars
Choreographer
Brigitte Ditmars returns to Theater Wit having choreographed last season’s remount as well as the 2015 production of MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY. She is a Chicago based director/choreographer whose credits include THE SECRET COUNCIL (First Folio Theatre), ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE and CAROLINE, OR CHANGE (Firebrand Theatre), XANADU (American Theatre Company), SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE and CINDERELLA (Birmingham Children’s Theatre), ROCK OF AGES (Timberlake Playhouse), THE PRODUCERS (Mercury Theatre), REEFER MADNESS (Circle Theatre), NUNSENSE and FOREVER PLAID (Fox Valley Repertory), ALL SHOOK UP (Clinton Area Showboat Theatre), POSEIDON! AN UPSIDE-DOWN MUSICAL (Hell in a Handbag Productions), IN TROUSERS (Porchlight Music Theatre) and AMERICAN IDIOT (Northwestern University). She has received two Joseph Jefferson Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography, as well as four additional nominations.
Courtney Abbottshe/they
Intimacy Director
Courtney Abbott makes their Theater Wit debut. Other Chicago credits include IN EVERY GENERATION (Victory Gardens); WIFE OF A SALESMAN (Writers Theatre); SOLARIS (Griffin); THE JIGSAW BRIDE (First Folio); PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE (Citadel); WATER BY THE SPOONFUL (NU) and BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO (NU). Courtney is a proud alum of Northwestern and Ohio University. Next up: DANCE NATION (NU); MARISOL (NU); CHOIR BOY (Steppenwolf); and SISTER ACT (Metropolis). www.courtneyabbott.com
Joe Schermoly
Scenic Designer
Joe Schermoly returns to Theater Wit and the work of Madeleine George having previously designed SEVEN HOMELESS MAMMOTHS WANDER NEW ENGLAND and THE (CURIOUS CASE OF THE) WATSON INTELLIGENCE, as well as MR BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY, NAPERVILLE, and COMPLETENESS. Other Chicago credits include YASMINA’S NECKLACE (Goodman Theatre), CONSTELLATIONS (Steppenwolf Theatre), HAND TO GOD, SAMSARA (Victory Gardens); FRANKENSTEIN, PUFF: BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PIRANDELLO’S HENRY IV, TRAVESTIES (Remy Bumppo); POMONA, RED REX, LINDA, BIRDLAND, WASTWATER AND LELA & CO. (Steep); THE GULF, THIS BITTER EARTH, THE TEMPERAMENTALS, LE SWITCH (About Face Theatre); POCATELLO, TITANIC, SPELLING BEE, FLARE PATH, PUNK ROCK (Griffin). Joe studied scenic design at Northwestern University, has received two Equity Jeff Awards, two After Dark Awards and six Jeff Nominations. www.joeschermoly.com
Piper Kirchhofer
Lighting Designer
Chicago: ONCE UPON A MATTRESS (Lighting Designer), 8-TRACK (Lighting Designer), SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD (Asst. Lighting Designer). Ohio University: MACBETH (Lighting Designer and Colorist), ROMEO AND JULIET (Lighting Designer). Indiana: A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Assist. Lighting Designer). Atlanta: BUDDY! THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY (Lighting Designer), MORNINGSIDE (Lighting Designer), SHREK JR. (Lighting Designer). Thank you for supporting live theatre. www.piperlighting.com
Mara Blumenfeld
Co-Costume Designer
Mara Blumenfeld is happy to return to Theater Wit, after co-designing the recent revival of MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY. Chicago credits include numerous productions at Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Writers Theatre, and Lookingglass Theatre Company, where she is an ensemble member. Her work has been seen at regional theaters around the country and internationally. Current and upcoming projects include the return of LOOKINGGLASS ALICE at Lookingglass Theatre Company and a new musical adaptation of THE NUTTY PROFESSOR, premiering at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine. Mara is the recipient of four Jeff Awards and the Michael Merritt Award.
Maddy Low
Co-Costume Designer
Maddy Low is a costumer, puppeteer and performer from Illinois. Past costume work includes Theater Wit’s MR. BURNS: A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY, CHRISTMAS CAROL, FRANKENSTEIN, LEONARDO AND SAM (Manual Cinema), CICADA SUMMER, UBU THE KING (Rough House), THE WIZARD OF OZ (The House Theatre of Chicago), THE SKIN OF OUR TEETH, BLOOMSDAY (Remy Bumppo), THE SECRETARIES (About Face), and ALL OUR TRAGIC (The Hypocrites). Maddy is a graduate of Northwestern University.
AnnaMae Durham
Properties Designer
AnnaMae Durham is thrilled to be on the design team for her first show with Theater Wit. She recently designed the props for Citadel Theatre’s productions OUTSIDE MULLINGAR and BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS, and worked as the props supervisor on the POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE this past December. She has a BFA in Theater Performance from Baylor University. You can find out more about her previous and upcoming work at www.annamaedurham.com.
Sarah Collins
Properties Assistant
Sarah Collins is a Texas born theatre artist who has been working in Chicago since 2016. She attended The Theatre School at DePaul University where she studied acting and wig and makeup design. Since graduating in 2020 she has continued to work in both fields and expanded her skill set into props construction. Her design and tech credits include DePaul productions of SHE KILLS MONSTERS, A DYBBUK, FUR, THE ROVER, and Drury Lane’s production of THE KING AND I. She is very excited to be making her professional props assistant debut with HURRICANE DIANE.
Joyce Ciesil
Sound Designer
Joyce Ciesil is a Chicago based Sound Designer and Engineer. Her recent design credits include SPAY (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble) and SEVEN DAYS AT SEA (Light and Sound Productions). In addition to her freelance work, Joyce is also the Audio Manager for Theater and Performance Studies at the University of Chicago.
Andre Pluess
Composer
Projects include the Broadway productions of THE MINUTES, 33 VARIATIONS, I AM MY OWN WIFE and METAMORPHOSES, as well as the Lincoln Center production of THE CLEAN HOUSE. His designs/compositions have been featured at regional theaters throughout the country including the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, McCarter Theatre, Center Theatre Group, Seattle Repertory, Yale Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Steppenwolf Theatre, the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Williamstown Theatre Festival, La Jolla Playhouse, The Huntington, South Coast Repertory and Playwrights Horizons. He has received numerous awards for composition and sound design including multiple Joseph Jefferson Awards, an Ovation Award, a Barrymore Award, a Helen Hayes Award, and Lortel and Drama Critics Circle Award Nominations. Based in Chicago, André is an ensemble member of Lookingglass Theatre Company.
Keira Frommshe/her
Casting Director
Keira is a Chicago-based casting director, stage director and teacher. She is an artistic associate with About Face Theatre and has been their resident casting director since 2015, casting more than a dozen productions. Recent productions she’s cast include LACED and MAGNOLIA BALLET (both in collaboration with Chicago Inclusion Project) at the Den Theatre. Keira is also a freelance director whose work has been seen at Chicago area theaters such as Writers Theatre, TimeLine, About Face, The Gift, Steep, Strawdog, Remy Bumppo, and American Blues Theater. Keira received her MFA from DePaul University, is an alumna of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, and a member of SDC, the professional directors union. www.keirafromm.com
Matthew R. Chase
Production Manager
Matthew R. Chase is a Chicago-based Theatrical Production Manager & Sound Designer. Recent credits include Sound Design of NUNSENSE, SPRING AWAKENING, PASSING STRANGE & CLEAR (Porchlight Music Theatre), WHO’S HOLIDAY (Theater Wit), ANYONE CAN WHISTLE, COOKING WITH BUBBIE & VERONICA’S ROOM (Skokie Theatre), GIGI’S PARTY (Yellow Rose Theatre), URINETOWN & XANADU (Columbia College Chicago), 9 TO 5 & MAMMA MIA (Golden Ticket Productions); Assistant Sound Designer for SOPHISTICATED LADIES, SUNSET BOULEVARD, A CHORUS LINE & A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER (Porchlight Music Theatre), HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Theo Ubique), THE BALLAD OF LEFTY & CRABBE (Underscore Theatre Company). Matthew is the resident Production Manager at Theater Wit for MR. BURNS A POST-ELECTRIC PLAY!, WHO’S HOLIDAY and SPRING AWAKENING (Porchlight Music Theatre).
Andrew “Ashley” Alexanderthey/them
Production Stage Manager
Andrew “Ashley” Alexander is an interdisciplinary artist, collaborator and technician based in Chicago. Recent works include SoloCrowd’s Pride Show; WHIM at Stage 773; HAUNTED DINING IN THE DARK and THE LITTLE MERMAID COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE with Fever Originals; MIDSUMMER at Greenhouse Theater; NOISES OFF and BECKY SHAW at Windy City Playhouse; GYPSY, MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG, and MEMPHIS with Porchlight Music Theatre; SEX WITH STRANGERS at Citadel Theatre; FROST/NIXON at Redtwist Theatre, and many intimate/exclusive events at Chicago Theater Works. Ashley is a company member of Salvage Vanguard Theater, and a member of ScriptWorks – both in Austin, TX. Other ATX credits include numerous award-winning productions with Austin Playhouse, Doctuh Mistuh Productions, FronteraFest, Fusebox Festival, HeckleHer, Tex-Arts, Texas Performing Arts, Breaking String Theater, OUTsider Fest, Mary Moody Northen Theatre, Trouble Puppet Theater, and Zilker Theatre Productions. They received a BA in Theater Management from St. Edward’s University. Outside the theater, they can be found hiking or in/near any source of water. Follow them: @theyaaalexander
Jessie Gowens
Wardrobe Supervisor
Jessie Gowens is an independent Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor. She received her Bachelor of Science in Technical Theater and Design with an emphasis in Costume design. Afterwards she packed up her life and made the drive from Arizona to Chicago where she settled in and began jumping into the theater scene. Since then she has been working as the Wardrobe Supervisor at DePaul University Theater School and designing freelance around the city. Most recently she designed UPON THIS SHORE with Idle Muse Theater at The Edge Off Broadway and will be returning in the fall to work on their next production. In the past she designed for productions such as HENCHPEOPLE and GRIMM for Theatre Above The Law and is returning this Fall. Her most recent Wardrobe Supervising role, aside from DePaul University, was the large production of LOVE ACTUALLY: THE UNAUTHORIZED PARODY MUSICAL put on by Right Angle Theater at the Apollo Theater.