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ASOLO REP LAUNCHES 2024 REPERTORY SEASON WITH INHERIT THE WIND

Posted: December 19 / 2023
ASOLO REP LAUNCHES 2024 REPERTORY SEASON WITH 

INHERIT THE WIND 

 

 

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(SARASOTA, FLA) — Asolo Repertory Theatre kicks off its 2024 repertory season with the riveting American classic INHERIT THE WIND by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. Directed by Asolo Rep’s new Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein, this compelling drama transports audiences to a pivotal moment in American history. INHERIT THE WIND begins previews on January 17, opens on January 19 and runs through February 24, 2024, in the Mertz Theatre, located in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. 

This explosive courtroom drama draws inspiration from the notorious Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. As a media circus descends upon a small American town, two of the largest figures of their time engage in a battle of wits and wills, all while shaping the trajectory of education for generations to come. 

Asolo Rep brings a fresh perspective to this iconic play that resonates with contemporary themes. Rothstein’s singular vision and dynamic approach to storytelling will breathe new life into this classic drama, creating an unforgettable theatrical experience. Asolo Rep’s 65th season marks Rothstein’s inaugural season as Producing Artistic Director and INHERIT THE WIND stands as his fourth directorial endeavor at Asolo Rep. Rothstein's previous directorial works, including Man of La Mancha, Sweeny Todd and Ragtime, have garnered acclaim and recognition. 

“I first saw INHERIT THE WIND on a high school field trip; it remains one of my most cherished experiences in the theater”, says Rothstein, INHERIT THE WIND Director.” I am thrilled to finally have the chance to direct this truly great American drama that is as timely today as when it premiered in 1955.”

Asolo Rep, known for its commitment to artistic excellence, is thrilled to present this timeless drama inspired by a vital moment in American theatre history. The cast and creative team, carefully curated for their exceptional talents, will deliver a production that sparks conversation and reflection.

The cast features Sasha Andreev (E.K. Hornbeck), Curtis Bannister (Reverend Jeremiah Brown), Mark Benninghofen (Henry Drummond), Danny Bolero (Meeker), David Breitbarth(Goodfellow/Judge), Jaliyah Campbell (Melinda Loomis), Trezure B. Coles (Mrs. Loomis), Brielle Rivera Headrington (Rachel), Andrew Long (Matthew Harrison Brady), Jay Lusteck (Mayor/Dr. Amos Keller), Finn MacBeth (Howard Blair), Rebecca Rose Mims (Mrs. Krebs), Falcian Page(Organ Grinder/Bannister), Sharon Pearlman (Mrs. Bollinger/Reuters Reporter), Jackson Purdy(Elijah/Sillers), Jordan Sam Rich (Hot Dog Man/Tom Davenport), Mikhail Roberts (Bertram Cates), Ryan Schmidt (Dunlap), Brooke Turner (Mrs. McLain), Danielle Vivcharenko (Mrs. Blair/Margaret Aaronson), Rueben Wakefield (Cooper/Dr. Allen Page) Rickey Watson, Jr (Harry Esterbrook/Phil/Photographer), and Sally Wingert (Mrs. Brady).

Rounding out the cast are Riley Aparicio-Jerro, Luke HoonMin Choi, Calee Gardner, Lorenzo Gonzalez, Zach Harris, Jason Hedges, Amara Kali, Billy Lyons, Michelle McCord, Angelle Mishon, Yaala Muller, Ashley Brooke Raymond, Will Westray and Yueying Zhang.

The creative team features Peter Rothstein (Director), Kate Sutton Johnson (Scenic Design),Fabian Aguilar (Costume Design), Philip Rosenberg (Lighting Design), Matt Parker (Sound Design) Michelle Hart (Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design), Jenny Kim-Godfrey (Music Director), Jonathan Godfrey (Music Supervisor), DeWanda Smith Soeder (Cultural Competency Consultant), Drayton Alexander (Dramaturg), Summer Dawn Wallace (Intimacy Consultant), Claire Simon Casting (Chicago Casting), Binder Casting, Chad Eric Murnane, CSA (New York Casting), Céline Rosenthal (Resident Casting Director), Nia Sciarretta (Production Stage Manager), Jacqueline Singleton (Stage Manager), and Kristin Loughry (Assistant Stage Manager). 

Don't miss the chance to experience the passion and intensity of INHERIT THE WIND, under the direction of Peter Rothstein. This timeless and thought-provoking drama will be a highlight of Asolo Rep’s 65th anniversary season. 

INHERIT THE WIND runs Jan. 19 – Feb. 24, 2024. Previews are Jan. 17-18, with opening night on Jan. 19, 2024. Visit asolorep.org for a full performance schedule. Tickets start at $35 and are available now in person at Asolo Rep's Box Office at 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, by phone at 941.351.8000 or 800.361.8388, or online at asolorep.org.

CAST 

in alphabetical order 

Sasha Andreev*........................................................................................................E.K.Hornbeck

Curtis Bannister*................................................................................Reverend Jeremiah Brown

Mark Benninghofen*.........................................................................................Henry Drummond

Danny Bolero*.................................................................................................................Meeker

David Breitbarth*..............................................................................................Goodfellow/Judge

Jaliyah Campbell.................................................................................................Melinda Loomis

Trezure B. Coles.......................................................................................................Mrs. Loomis

Brielle Rivera Headrington.................................................................................................Rachel

Andrew Long*.........................................................................................Matthew Harrison Brady

Jay Lusteck*..............................................................................................Mayor/Dr. Amos Keller

Finn MacBeth............................................................................................................Howard Blair

Rebecca Rose Mims....................................................................................................Mrs. Krebs

Falcian Page..........................................................................................Organ Grinder/Bannister

Sharon Pearlman........................................................................Mrs. Bollinger/Reuters Reporter

Jackson Purdy............................................................................................................Elijah/Sillers

Jordan Sam Rich............................................................................Hot Dog Man/Tom Davenport

Mikhail Roberts≠ ....................................................................................................Bertram Cates

Ryan Schmidt....................................................................................................................Dunlap

Brooke Turner............................................................................................................Mrs. McLain

Danielle Vivcharenko.....................................................................Mrs. Blair/Margaret Aaronson

Rueben Wakefield......................................................................................Cooper/Dr. Allen Page

Rickey Watson, Jr................................................................Harry Esterbrook/Phil/Photographer

Sally Wingert*..............................................................................................................Mrs. Brady

 

 

 

 

*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

 

≠ Appears courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association

 

Directors are members of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society; Designers are members of the United Scenic Artists Local USA-829; Backstage and Scene Shop Crew are members of IATSE Local 412.

 

SELECT CREATIVE TEAM

 

Director……………………………………………...……..Peter Rothstein

Scenic Design……………………………………….Kate Sutton Johnson

Costume Design…………………………………………….Fabian Aguilar 

Lighting Design…………………………………………...Philip Rosenberg

Sound Design…………………………………………………...Matt Parker

Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design………………………………Michelle Hart 

Music Director…………………………………………..Jenny Kim-Godfrey

Music Supervisor………………………………………...Jonathan Godfrey

Production Stage Manager………………………………….Nia Sciarretta*

Stage Manager……………………………………….Jacqueline Singleton*

Assistant Stage Manager……………..……………………Kristin Loughry*

            

 

 

ENHANCED EXPERIENCES

Asolo Rep Talkbacks (FREE)

Tuesday Jan. 30, 2024, 7pm and Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2024, 2pm performances

Attendees can enhance their experience with this post-show conversations that are facilitated between the audience and members of the production team or cast. 

OUT@AsoloRep

Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, 7:30pm performance

OUT@AsoloRep is Sarasota’s premier cultural event connecting local LGBTQIA+ communities with fantastic theatre. This subscription comes with a pre-show reception for each production. For subscription and ticket information, contact the box office.

OUT@AsoloRep is sponsored by Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Morton's Gourmet Market, CAN Community Health, Joe Arena & Dr. Thomas D’Eletto, ALSO Youth and Project Pride. 

IllumiNation Series

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, 2pm performance

Promotes robust, post-show conversations on race, gender and culture. For series package information and single performance tickets, contact the box office.

The IllumiNation series is made possible, in part, with support from the Koski Family Foundation. 

PlayDate (FREE) 

Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, 2pm performances

These show-based workshops for young people offer a FREE childcare option for adults attending a mainstage performance.

 

SPONSORS

Asolo Rep is able to present INHERIT THE WIND because of the generosity of its sponsors. The corporate sponsors for INHERIT THE WIND are Morton’s Gourmet Market, Cool Today, Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, Sarasota Scene Magazine, and Asolo Rep’s Artistic Excellence Society. 

 

Asolo Rep’s 2023-24 Major Season Sponsors are Florida State University, the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Sarasota County, the Huisking Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, the Koski Family Foundation, Designing Women Boutique/Groundworks and The Exchange. Asolo Rep is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the National Endowment for the Arts. Asolo Rep’s artistic programs are paid for in part by Sarasota County Tourist Development Tax revenues.

 

 

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ABOUT ASOLO REP

 

Now in its 65th season, Asolo Repertory Theatre is recognized as one of the premier professional theatres in America and one of the largest in the Southeastern United States. One of the few select theatres in the nation that performs in true rotating repertory, Asolo Rep’s highly skilled acting company and extensive craftsmanship bring to life this unique performance method that gives audiences the opportunity to see multiple productions in the span of a few days. Asolo Rep presents up to 6 productions each season, including contemporary and classic works and provocative musical theatre experiences. A theatre district in and of itself, Asolo Rep is committed to expanding its reach into the community, furthering its collaboration with the best theatre artists working in the industry today and cultivating new artists through its affiliation with the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training. Under the new leadership of Producing Artistic Director Peter Rothstein and Managing Director Ross Egan, Asolo Rep’s ambitious theatrical offerings and ground-breaking education and community programming engage audiences and ensure its lasting legacy for future generations. Visit asolorep.org to learn more.