A dark comedy by Inda Craig-Galván, WELCOME TO MATTESON! follows two Black couples over the course of a dinner party; one couple has lived in the Chicago suburb of Matteson for years, the other has just moved in after being forcibly relocated from the Cabrini-Green housing projects. A uniquely Chicago story, the play explores universal themes of gentrification, housing justice, and inter-class relationships.
Directed by Congo Square Theatre Artistic Director Ericka Ratcliff, the play features Congo Square Ensemble Members Ronald L. Conner, Anthony L. Irons, and Alexis J. Roston. Congo Square’s production of WELCOME TO MATTESON! is part of the National New Play Network’s Rolling World Premiere program in which a new play will be premiered by multiple companies over an 18-month period allowing the playwright to collaborate and make adjustments while working with unique perspectives from each company. WELCOME TO MATTESON! will receive its World Premiere at New Jersey Repertory Company, Long Branch, New Jersey (SuzAnne Barabas, Artistic Director; Gabor Barabas, Executive Producer).
CAST
Ronald L. Conner (GERALD), Anthony L. Irons (COREY), Alexis J. Roston (REGINA), Sydney Charles (PATRICIA)
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UNDERSTUDIES
Rita Wicks (PATRICIA u/s), April Lowery (RITA u/s), Stanley King (GERALD u/s, COREY u/s)
PRODUCTION TEAM
Ericka Ratcliff (Director), Justice Ford (Assistant Director), Lydia Moss (Dramaturg), Julie Jachym^ (Stage Manager), Jake Snell (Assistant Stage Manager), Victor Hugo Jaimes (Production Manager), Ariel Beller (Associate Production Manager), Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer), Gabrielle Strong (Lighting Designer), Jos N. Banks (Costume Designer), Willow James (Sound Designer), Mariah Bennett (Props Designer), Andy Cahoon (Technical Director), Kieran O'Connor (Master Electrician), Auden Granger (Wardrobe Supervisor), Lauren Peters (Production Assistant), Myles Teague (Production Assistant), Miranda Hernandez (PA Cover),
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CONGO SQUARE TEAM
Ericka Ratcliff (Artistic Director), Charlique Rolle (Executive Director)