ABOUT THIS PRODUCTION

Lumen Repertory Theatre is thrilled to welcome David Alford, a distinguished visiting guest artist, to Jacksonville for this production. Alford, an accomplished actor and director known for his role as Bucky Dawes on the ABC/CMT/Lionsgate series Nashville, brings a wealth of experience to this bold presentation. His extensive career includes notable screen credits such as The Blacklist (NBC), The Good Fight (CBS/Paramount), The Last Castle (Dreamworks) and a standout performance in Manhattan Theatre Club's Tony Award-winning revival of The Little Foxes.

The American Dream is directed by David Alford* with Josh Andrews as Assistant Director and Stage Manager. The cast includes Sam Cobean, Jackson Gloumeau, Katie Johnston, Kate McManus, and Jen Mercer. This dark comedy satirizes the American Dream and explores the disillusionment lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect life.

The Zoo Story is co-directed by David Alford* and Brian Niece*, with Josh Andrews as Stage Manager and Hayley Smith as Assistant Stage Manager. Featuring performances by David Alford* and Brian Niece*, this intense play examines human connection and isolation through a chance encounter in Central Park, delving into themes of loneliness, social alienation, and the struggle for dominance.

Both plays promise to deliver an unforgettable theatrical experience, challenging societal norms, evoking laughter, and provoking deep reflection on the human condition.

DATES/TIMES & LOCATION

All performances will be held at the historic San Marco Church, located at 1620 Naldo Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207. The dates and times are as follows:

Friday, July 12 at 8:00 p.m. (Opening Night)
Saturday, July 13 at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 19 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 20 at 8:00 p.m.
Thursday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m.
Friday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m.

CASTS

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Kate McManus
Sam Cobean
Jackson Gloumeau
Katie Johnston
Jen Mercer

THE ZOO STORY

David Alford*
Brian Niece*

DIRECTION

THE AMERICAN DREAM

David Alford*
Assistant Director, Josh Andrews

THE ZOO STORY

David Alford*
Brian Niece*

STAGE MANAGERS

THE AMERICAN DREAM

Josh Andrews

THE ZOO STORY

Josh Andrews
Asst. Stage Manager, Hayley Smith

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Mike Livingston

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Katie Swider

SCENIC & PROP DESIGN

Claire Cimino

LIGHTING DESIGNER

Daniel Dungan

COSTUME DESIGNER

Camala Pitts

SOUND DESIGNER

Brian Niece*

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER

Fulton Burns

* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.

SEASON PARTNERS

SHOW SPONSORS

A Note from the Directors

We've put together an evening of two very different Edward Albee plays, and embraced vastly dissimilar approaches to both pieces. Why on earth would we do that?

Well, it all starts with Albee himself: both the writer and the man. He was still developing his writing with these two early one-acts (he had yet to write a full-length play when these pieces debuted), and he was drawing very much on his personal history and finding his place in the world through his art.

Albee was an adopted only child. His parents never showed him much affection, and he wrote about dysfunctional families and alienation throughout his career. THE AMERICAN DREAM is his first effort in attacking these concepts head on. He sees the "traditional values" championed in popular culture – including the fledgling new medium of television – as absurd, and lampoons them with theatrical gusto. The play's also a love note to his grandmother, the only member of his family he was close to, who passed away before it was written. We've leaned into both of those elements in our production. (By the way, the piece was shockingly ahead of its time. Many critics were so offended by Albee's DREAM when it debuted in 1961 that they refused to review it. It hit a nerve then, and still does today.)

On the flip side, we agreed that THE ZOO STORY needed to be grounded. Yes, it is still absurdist theatre, but viewed through a naturalistic lens: a rendering of two very real and very different people that stumble into a chance encounter. Here, Albee takes a lovely, perfectly ordinary Sunday afternoon in New York's Central Park in the 1960s, and twists and turns it into something soul-baring and unforgettable. As the two strangers enter into a troubled intimacy, Albee challenges our perceptions of emotional reality and what it means to make a truly human connection. ZOO was a stunning debut by a gifted (and angry) young playwright, and it launched his career.

We very much intend for you to experience mixed reactions throughout this entire evening: perhaps you'll be delighted, a bit put off, maybe even wonder what the hell is happening, and (shooting for the moon here) possibly you'll even be moved. If you experience one or more of these, we think Mr. Albee would be pleased.

—David Alford and Brian Niece

WHO’S WHO | THE AMERICAN DREAM

SAM COBEAN

DADDY | THE AMERICAN DREAM
Sam Cobean was pod-hatched in Roswell, New Mexico and is overjoyed to finally return to Jacksonville theatre after performing in the 5 & Dime’s production of 'Silence! the Musical' in 2019.
Recent stage credits include Miss Trunchbull in 'Matilda the Musical', Truman Capote in 'Tru', and Charlie Brown in 'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown'. He has also performed on camera in numerous independent features and short films and is a cast member of Jacksonville's berserk musical comedy improv team, More Cowbell. Sam is ecstatic to be part of Lumen Rep's fiery second season!
JACKSON GLOUMEAU

YOUNG MAN | THE AMERICAN DREAM
Jackson is an actor based in Jacksonville, originally from Vancouver, Canada. He is currently pursuing his degree at Florida State College at Jacksonville, where he played Jonathan Harker in ‘Dracula Radio Show’ and Orcus in ‘She Kills Monsters’ both under the direction of Fulton Burns. He recently came in first place at the 37th Annual FSCJ talent competition.
KATIE JOHNSTON

MOMMY | THE AMERICAN DREAM
Katie is an active member of the Jacksonville film and theatre community. She has been seen recently on stage as Scarlet in Clue, Amanda in Private Lives, and The Queen of Hearts in Alice in a Christmas Wonderland. Katie was voted “Best Actress” by Folio’s Best of The Beaches 2020 and “Best Comedian” by Folio’s Best of Jax 2019. You can catch her in upcoming performances of Lumen Rep’s Shakesbeer: A Brewery Tour. Outside of rehearsals, Katie keeps busy by teaching yoga and running her own life coaching business. You can follow her adventures both on and offstage @katiejohnstonwellness.
KATE MCMANUS

GRANDMA | THE AMERICAN DREAM
Kate is excited to be joining the cast of "The American Dream" with Lumen Rep. This is her third production with Lumen, having acted in "No Exit" and the inaugural "Shakesbeer: A Brewery Tour." Kate has appeared in commercials, TV, independent films, and is a member of the sketch comedy troupe "Awkward Silence Jax." She also likes to draw people and make videos. This bio was written with the help of ChatGPT.
JEN MERCER

MRS. BARKER | THE AMERICAN DREAM
Jen Mercer is on fire to make her Lumen debut with this funny little play and this incredible group of actors. Jen has degrees in both Theatre and Vocal Performance and attended Circle in the Square Theatre School (NY). She has worked professionally for over 20 years performing regionally, as a commercial actor, and singer for Walt Disney World.

Jacksonville credits include Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey), Violet (Violet), The Prom (Dee Dee), and most recently Assassins (Sara Jane Moore). Other favorites: Into the Woods (Little Red), A Children’s Hour (Karen), and Father of the Bride (Kay). Jen discovered a love of teaching and Jen Mercer Studio was established about 10 years ago to encourage and grow the next generation of performers. Thank you to Brian and Josh for bringing me into the fold and the incredible David for making every minute of this process delightful! Thank you to my little family for leaning in and loving me well.

WHO’S WHO | THE ZOO STORY

DAVID ALFORD*

PETER | THE ZOO STORY
DIRECTOR | THE AMERICAN DREAM
David is an actor, director, writer, and teacher from Adams, Tennessee, a short drive from Nashville. He was founder and Artistic Director of Mockingbird Theatre, and later Executive Artistic Director of Tennessee Repertory Theatre (now Nashville Rep). He has directed over forty professional and academic productions.
David appeared as Bucky Dawes in the television series Nashville for its six seasons. Other screen credits include The Good Fight (CBS) The Blacklist (NBC), and The Last Castle (DreamWorks). His nearly seventy professional theatre roles include recent credits as Mr. Marshall in the Broadway revival of Little Foxes (Manhattan Theatre Club), and Billy in the premiere of Donald Margulies’ Long Lost (Illinois Theatre). His critically acclaimed one-man performance of Truman Capote’s A Christmas Memory has been a holiday staple in Nashville since 1995.
David currently serves as Visiting Professor of Acting at Baldwin Wallace University near Cleveland, Ohio. He is happy to be in Florida working with his longtime friend Brian Niece and the good people at Lumen Rep, even if the heat here is absurd.
BRIAN NIECE*

JERRY | THE ZOO STORY
SOUND DESIGN
Brian is a multidisciplinary creative hailing from Nashville, TN where he served as the founding Artistic Director of People’s Branch Theatre and enjoyed the career of fledgling artist.
In addition to being an actor, director, writer, designer, and producer in scores of professional theatre productions, Brian now serves as Artistic Director for Lumen Rep Theatre. He is also Professor of Humanities and Theatre at SJR State, and adjuncts in acting, philosophy, and theology at several other universities. He holds degrees in Theatre Arts & English Literature (BA), Theology (MA), and is a PhD Candidate in Humanities.

He's thrilled to be partnering with David Alford once again. As a much younger artist he was able to collaborate with, and learn from, David in a number of theatrical ventures.

WHO’S WHO IN THE CREW

JOSH ANDREWS

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & STAGE MANAGER |
THE AMERICAN DREAM
Josh is an ardent proponent of professional arts in this region. In 2022, he cofounded Lumen Rep with Brian and Kristin, and they’ve been making professional theatre ever since. Josh would like to specifically extend his gratitude to the Lumen Rep Team as well as the various donors, patrons, designers, fellow artists, board members, and volunteers that make Lumen Repertory Theatre a reality for Northeast Florida. Finally, Josh would like to thank his close friends, his family, and his Lydia for their unyielding love and support. Offstage, Josh is a pro photographer and would love to do your headshots in exchange for money — visit his website at jaxheadshots.co, and follow him on social media — @joshrews @jaxheadshots #PayThePros
HAYLEY SMITH

STAGE MANAGER | THE ZOO STORY
Hayley Smith is incredibly excited to be working with Lumen Rep but this time as an assistant stage manager! Hayley is an actor born and raised in Palatka, Florida. She graduated from Florida School of the Arts with an AS in Musical Theatre and from Jacksonville University with a BFA in Acting. She would like to thank her family, friends and boyfriend Colton for their love and support!
KATIE SWIDER

PRODUCTION MANAGER
Katie is theatre artist originally from Chicago but has called Jacksonville home, artistically, for many years. She received her degree in Theatre from Florida State University. Katie has worked professionally as an actor, director, and roller skater all along the East coast and her writing has been featured at the Atlanta and Orlando fringe festivals.
Katie has performed or worked with almost every theatre in Jacksonville and is excited to be working with Lumen Rep.
MIKE LIVINGSTON

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
“Mikey” is Kristin's brother and happy to be helping out with this production. He is normally found running around at the Ponte Vedra concert hall where he's been for 12+ years rockin’ and rollin’ as the venue’s Production Coordinator.
Mikey graduated from JU in 2005 and began working professionally around town. He is also a proud member of IATSE LOCAL 115. He couldn't have done it without the love and support of his wife, Leanne. Love you, baby!
FULTON BURNS

FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHY
T. FULTON BURNS (Director & Professor of Theatre at FSCJ) - is a professional educator, performer, director and choreographer, and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He has worked as an assistant director with Moises Kaufman, collaborated & performed with the Living Theatre, danced with Charleston Ballet Theater & Greenville Ballet, and has worked with Cirque du Soleil’s production of Quidam.
Fulton attended Winthrop University where he earned his BA in Theatre Performance with a Minor in Dance and completed his graduate work at W.I.U. specializing in Performance & Directing for the Stage (MFA).
Burns is recognized by professional training institutions such as YogaFit & Yoga Alliance as a Registered Yoga Teacher (200 E-RYT, 500 RYT, & a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider), a Certified Teacher with the Expressive Actor Technique, an Associate Instructor with the Dueling Arts International, a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors, and as a Certified Teacher with the National Michael Chekhov Association.
CLAIRE CIMINO

SET DESIGN & PROPS
Claire is grateful she's able to continue to work with incredibly talented people in the many theaters throughout the city. Most recent productions: The Cake (Director - PBTS); VINCENT (Lumen Rep); The Royale (5 & Dime); Opposite of Normal & Lady Day (PBTS); Thurgood (Theater Jax); Alice in Wonderland and Radio Golf (ABET).
DANIEL DUNGAN

LIGHTING DESIGN
Daniel Dungan (Lighting Designer) grew up in Jacksonville and attended Douglas Anderson for theatre. Daniel studied theatre performance, design, and management at Boston University. After BU, he was a Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, Technical Director, and Production Manager in NY, Off Broadway and Off-Off Broadway.
Daniel is a Senior Software Consultant for UKG’s Workforce Management software. He and his wife, Savanah have four kids: Abi, Dillon, Amelia, and Everett.
CAMALA PITTS

COSTUME DESIGN
Camala is Co-Owner of The Costume Crew LLC. With a keen eye for innovation, impeccable construction skills, and a vibrant use of color, her work has become one of the most sought-after in the region. Her impressive portfolio includes a diverse range of productions. Recent local credits include Carmen (Jacksonville Symphony), No Exit (Lumen Rep), She Kills Monsters (FSCJ DramaWorks), and Disney's Beauty & the Beast (SMTE). In 2010, she joined Alhambra Theatre as a Resident Costume Designer. Memorable productions include Wizard of Oz, Elf the Musical, Hairspray, Suessical, Cinderella, and Legally Blonde. A special thanks to the creative team a Lumen Rep, for giving me the opportunity to be part of this thought-provoking production.