Bramble Theatre Company presents the world premiere production of

ROOTED

by Ben F. Locke^

Directed by Carol Ann Tan

FEATURING

Kylie Anderson^, Haley Bolithon^, Gabriela Diaz, Aja Singletary^, & Stephanie Shum

CREATIVE TEAM

Scenic Designer | Delena Bradley

Associate Scenic Designer | Lucie Greene

Costume Co-Designer | Josephine Longo

Costume Co-Designer | Ophena De La Rosa

Lighting Designer | Henry Toohey

Sound Designer | Newt Schottelkotte

Props Designer | Isa Noe

Assistant Director | Ebby Offord

Dramaturg | Dan Washelesky^

Fights and Intimacy Designer | Tristin Hall

Artistic Producer | Caroline Michele Uy

Casting | Karissa Murrell Myers^

Production Manager | Jackson Mikkelsen

Technical Director | Juan Barrera Lopez

Stage Manager | Adriana Rodriguez-Hemphill

Asst. Stage Manager | Alishiana Uyao

Scenic Charge | Morgan Laszlo

Lead Electrician | Zachary Feuling

Understudies | Zhanna Albertini, Maggie Kryszyn, Lily Lourigan, Lori Navarrete, & Alexis Primus

^member of Bramble Theatre Company’s ensemble

The show runs 90 minutes with no intermission.

Please turn off your cell phones. The taking of photographs and the use of any type of recording device are not allowed in the theater during performances and is a violation of state and federal copyright laws; digital media will be deleted.

Entry and re-entry into the theater after the performance begins is not guaranteed due to the actors using all entrances into the space.

If you’d like to access our list of content advisories for this production, please go here.

A note from director Carol Ann Tan

What does “home” mean to you?

For me, this is the foundational question at the heart of Rooted, Ben F. Locke’s delightfully unserious, magic-infused meditation on the inevitable drama that ensues when a family just isn’t very good at talking to each other. Our story begins when a father informs his three daughters that he’s selling the house they live in, and therefore kicking them out, by writing them a brief business letter. Clearly, blood bonds do not necessarily make for top priorities.

But to Merna, Bailey, and Kassie, this is entirely normal. After all, they’ve never known a home outside of this physical space or (for that matter) outside of each other. By forcing the three sisters to consider what lies beyond the familiar, Rooted asks: What if a person’s current circumstances are not necessarily what’s best for them? What happens when they stop simply accepting what they’ve been given, and start choosing what they actually want?

Ultimately, what “home” means really depends on who you ask. It could be a place, a person, a cause, a feeling… or all of the above. In the case of Rooted, I want to highlight how its creation process underscores the story’s thematic drive. This text is the result of a close collaboration between Ben and several actors from Bramble’s ensemble; it was written by these specific artists, and for these specific artists to realize together. I am so grateful to Ben and Bramble for welcoming me into their process and entrusting me with their labor of love. It has been a unique gift to witness this company begin building their new artistic home—a space that invites you to bring your full self, and to find radical joy in making.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Here in the City of Chicago, we continue to occupy the traditional unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires - composed of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations - as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac, Fox, Kickapoo and Illinois Nations. Today, one of the largest urban Native communities in the United States resides in Chicago. Members of this diverse community continue to contribute to the life of this city and celebrate their heritage, practice traditions, and care for the land and waterways. 

Bramble Theatre Company recognizes and is grateful for the Original Peoples who laid the foundation for the City of Chicago, and we embrace our commitment to cultural equity and racial justice.

Meet the Cast

  • Kylie Anderson

    KASSIE

    Ky Rambo (professionally: Kylie Anderson) (they/them) is represented by Stewart Talent. Ky is a company member at Avalanche Theatre and a founding company member at Bramble Theatre Company but has worked with a medley of other theaters in Chicago including Redtwist, Remy Bumppo, Steppenwolf, and Lookingglass Theatre. Ky has studied at University of Oklahoma (BFA: Drama, Acting Emphasis), Stella Adler’s Studio in New York City, NY (Physical Theatre), The Actor’s Gymnasium in Evanston, IL (two years of Aerial Arts and Clown), and School at Steppenwolf (Class of 2019) in Chicago.

  • Haley Bolithon

    RYAN

    Haley Bolithon’s Chicago theatre credits: Daughter in Racecar Racecar Racecar and 2024-25 Festival of Unfinished Works at Bramble, Grey House, Haven Place, and Revolution (u/s) at A Red Orchid, Hatfield & McCoy, The Nutcracker, and Henry V at The House Theatre, Dogs (u/s) at Red Theatre, A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, and others. Film/TV: Somebody Somewhere (HBO), Work in Progress (Showtime), Knives & Skin (Chicago Film Project). Haley is an ensemble member at Bramble and Avalanche Theatre!

  • Gabriela Diaz

    ISOBEL

    Gabriela Diaz (she/her) is a Chicago-based actor, arts leader, and advocate for equitable creative spaces. As an artist, she has collaborated with companies including Teatro Vista, Steppenwolf, The Art Institute, Jackalope, Lifeline, Olde School Shakes, where she is an ensemble member and Avalanche Theatre, where she serves as the Artist Advocate. Gabriela holds a BFA from Webster Conservatory and could not be more excited to bring this work to life!

  • Stephanie Shum

    MERNA

    Chicago: The Crucible, You Will Get Sick, Bald Sisters, The Great Leap (Steppenwolf); Hummingbird (Goodman); Gorgeous (Raven/Rivendell); Revolution, The Moors (A Red Orchid Theatre); One Party Consent (First Floor); Dogs (Red); Mothers (Gift); Men on Boats (American Theater Company); A Story Told in 7 Fights (Neo-Futurists); Love in the Time of Jonestown, Small World, Kate and Sam Are Not Breaking Up (The New Coordinates, selected); among others. Regional: Christmas Carol, Tiger Style! (TheatreSquared). Stephanie is a 2023 3Arts Make a Wave grantee, a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf, and is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent. stephanieshum.com

  • Aja Singletary

    BAILEY

    Aja Singletary is excited to act on the Bramble stage. Chicago: Dontrell Who Kissed the Sea, Eclipsed (Pegasus); Nacierma Society (Goodman u/s); The Buddy Holly Story (Marriott u/s); Is God Is (A Red Orchid); Factotum (Lyric Opera u/s); Athena (Writers); Relentless (Timeline u/s), Dance Nation (Steppenwolf u/s); As You Like It (Eclectic Full Contact). Film: Saint Isaac, Rot, Edendale, Like What You Like. Education: BA, Fordham University; School at Steppenwolf 2019. Representation: Gray Talent Group. Offstage, you'll catch Aja quoting Spongebob, liking food and teaching dance. Aja thanks her family, friends and the Rooted team for their support!

  • Zhanna Albertini

    U/S RYAN

    Zhanna Albertini (She/her) is an actor based in Chicago. Some of her previous theatre credits include Farmers Alley, Broken Nose Theatre, Strawdog Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Steep Theatre, MPAACT and Silk Road Rising Theatre. You may also catch her on season 6 of Chicago P.D., Season 10 of Chicago Fire and Season 2 of Power Book IV: Force. Zhanna is represented by Stewart Talent Chicago.

  • Maggie Kryszyn

    U/S KASSIE

    Maggie Kryszyn is an actor and performer who graduated with a BFA from Ball State University in 2024. Recent credits include Sydney In Flex (Summit Performance Theatre), Meg March in Little Women, Evan in Sweat, and Belle in A Christmas Carol (Ball State University); and the short film Leftovers and Clichè (Radiance Cinema). Maggie is thankful for the unwavering love and support from God and those around her, which continue to inspire her journey in the world of theatre and film.

  • Lily Lourigan

    U/S MERNA

    Lily is beyond excited to make her Chicago debut with Bramble Theatre. She has most recently performed as Anna in LIFE CYCLE OF A STAR at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. Professional credits include Kitty in GEORGIANA & KITTY (Acacia Theatre Company). After having just graduated from Carthage College in May of 2025, she is excited to step into the professional world of theatre. Lily has received numerous Irene Ryan nominations for her roles at Carthage and is a two-time semi-finalist. She would like to thank her parents for being there no matter what. IG: @pandadinosaurs

  • Lori Navarrete

    U/S ISOBEL

    Lori Navarrete is a Mexican interdisciplinary actor based in Chicago, Illions. Her work is an exploration of identity, gender, race and sexuality that centers the experiences of women of color. Her recent acting credits include the Museum (The Wirtz Center), The Oregon Trail (The Wirtz Center), Mud (Northwestern), Yamel Cucuy (GHFT), Saving Salvador (Placid Productions), and Love & Death (HBO). Lori has also worked as a curator and an arts education administrator for The Smithsonian Institute, Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and Women and their Work. She graduated with a BA in Theatre Performance / Art History from St. Edwards University, and holds an MFA in Acting from Northwestern University. Lori is represented my BMG Talent. IG: @ohnavarrete

  • Alexis Primus

    U/S BAILEY

    Alexis Primus (she/they) is a DC born, VA, MD, PA, MI bred, and Chicago, IL based actor. She is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University and is currently crying/raging over the fact that Ferrari's F1 team can't get their act together. At least Lewis Hamilton looks good in red. Anyway, Alexis is a singer who needs more on-camera classes and is grateful to Bramble and the team of Rooted for bringing her back into theatre.

MEET THE CREATIVE TEAM

BEN F. LOCKE (PLAYWRIGHT) is a Black, Queer and Nonbinary Chicago Writer, Actor, Director, Casting Director and Producer. Most of my work focuses on Black/Queer experiences and tries to focus on joy rather than trauma, as a way to expand how this industry sees us and what stories we're allowed to be part of. More stories for us, by us. Ben is a Chicago actor, director, writer, and casting director. They have worked with theatres such as Steppenwolf, Court, Drury Lane, Music Theatre Works, House Theatre and more. They are forever grateful for all the support of family, friends and loved ones! You can find Ben’s plays at The New Play Exchange.

CAROL ANN TAN (DIRECTOR) ("Cat") is a Singapore-born director and dramaturg. She has worked with Court Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Writers Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, Victory Gardens, Silk Road Cultural Center, The Gift Theatre, Sideshow Theatre, First Floor Theater, Haven Theatre, Theater at Monmouth, New Harmony Project, Seven Devils Playwrights Conference, Kennedy Center, Ma-Yi Theater, NYTW, and more. She is an artistic associate at Silk Road Cultural Center and a core faculty member at the National Theater Institute at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. MFA Directing: Brown/Trinity. carolanntan.com

DELENA BRADLEY (SCENIC DESIGNER) is a costume and scenic designer currently based out of Chicago, IL. Recent credits: scenic design for Evil Perfect at Bramble, Fizz And Ginger with Chicago Fringe Opera at Theater Wit, Fefu and Her Friends and Yerma at University of Illinois Chicago, assistant scenic designer for Describe The Night at Steppenwolf Theatre and Inherit The Wind at Goodman Theatre (scenic designer-Collette Pollard), costume design for Orlando and The Importance of Being Earnest at North Central College. Delena received her M.F.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, and bachelor’s degree from Ball State University.

LUCIE GREENE (ASSOCIATE SCENIC DESIGNER)

JOSEPHINE LONGO (COSTUME CO-DESIGNER) (she/her) is a Chicago based costume technician who wears various hats within the department. She works in theatre, film, and variety entertainment. Her most recent contract took her to The Old Globe (San Diego) to act as Costume Associate to Izumi Inaba on Noises Off. Toronto credits: Fellow Travelers (Showtime, Costume Assistant), Rock of Ages (More Entertainment, Wardrobe), Curse Words proof of concept (ElliFilms, Costume Designer). Selected Chicago credits: A Christmas Carol 2023 (Goodman, Wardrobe), Noises Off (Steppenwolf, Costume Assistant), Translations (Writers, Costume Assistant).

OPHENA DE LA ROSA (COSTUME CO-DESIGNER) (she/they) is a Chicago-based costume designer originally. She has designed for universities in California and the Chicagoland area. Additionally, Ophena has assisted at Court Theatre, TimeLine Theatre, and Writers Theatre on productions such as The Lion in Winter, East Texas Hot Links, Berlin, Notes from the Field, and Dhaba on Devon Avenue. She enjoys bringing complex characters and their stories to life through costume design and collaboration.

HENRY TOOHEY (LIGHTING DESIGNER) is excited to return to Bramble! His lighting design and technical work have been seen at theaters around the greater Chicago area, including Paramount, Greenhouse, the Den, and the Marriott. He is a proud member of IATSE local 2, and received his BA from Kenyon College.

NEWTON “NEWT” SCHOTTELKOTTE (SOUND DESIGNER) (they/she) is a sound designer, engineer, and composer based in Chicago by way of Appalachia. Recent design work includes 'Elephant and Piggie: We Are In A Play!' (Young People's Theatre of Chicago), 'Om Mission' (About Face), 'Neighborhood Watch' and 'Dummy In Diaspora' (Jackalope Theatre), and 'the love object' (the story theatre). In addition, Newt is a staff composer for multiple podcasts with Bloody Disgusting, a member of IATSE Local 2, and produces their original audio work under Caldera Studios. They are the proud owner of a very lucky black cat.

ISA NOE (PROPS DESIGNER) is a Chicago-based artist, designer, and fabricator, who is delighted to work with Bramble for the first time. Recent Chicago theatrical design credits include Black Bone (Definition Theatre), Dear Elizabeth (Remy Bumppo Theatre), Skunk and Badger (Lifeline Theatre), and Rooted (Oil Lamp Theatre). Isa received their Bachelor of Arts from Northwestern University with a focus in scenic design. They would like to thank their family, mentors, and partner for their loving encouragement and unwavering support. www.ign-design.com

EBBY OFFORD (ASSISTANT DIRECTOR) (she/they) is a proud South Side Chicagoan who received her B.A. in Drama from Washington University in St. Louis. Since returning to Chicago, Ebby has been fortunate to have directed and acted around the city. Previous (selected) credits: Love's Labour's Lost (Assistant Director - Midsommer Flight), Evil Perfect (Bramble Theatre Company), Romeo and Juliet, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night's Dream (Midsommer Flight), ABORT: The Mission and Millennial Church (Director - Bramble Festival of Unfinished Work), and Ruined (Director - Reginald Vaughn Theater). She is excited to have worked on this deliciously complex play and to share this story with all of you!

DAN WASHELESKY (DRAMATURG) (they/he) is a director, dramaturg, playwright, and Managing Director of Bramble Theatre Company. Credits include: Manhattan Theatre Club (Dakar 2000), Steppenwolf Theatre (Describe the Night, The Children, The Rembrandt, Lindiwe), Paramount Theatre (An Act of God), Bramble Theatre Company (Evil Perfect), Silk Road Cultural Center/Stage Center Theatre (Black Bear Island), The Passage Theatre (The Miscellany, Happy Birthday Mars Rover, Spirits to Enforce), Valiant Theatre (First Called, The Reverend Dr. Paul(i) Murray), PrideArts (Dex & Abby, Afterglow), Eclectic Full Contact Theatre (Richard III), St. Louis Actors’ Studio (Blackbird), First Run Theatre (Prometheus’ Dream, Dreaming in Black & White, Bird’s Nest).

TRISTIN HALL (FIGHTS & INTIMACY DESIGNER) (they/them) is over the moon to join the team of Rooted. Tristin is Chicago born and raised actor, Intimacy and Fight Choreographer trained with IDC, SAFD, and BASSC. They have choreographed at Northlight, Steep, Strawdog, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Writers, Bramble Theater, Jackalope, Theater Evolve, and Citadel to name a few. Tristin is a proud founding member of Point Theatre Project and of Gladiator Fight Night. All the love to their family for their constant support!

CAROLINE MICHELE UY (ARTISTIC PRODUCER) is a Chicago-based theater artist, working as a dramaturg, stage manager, and producer. They have worked at Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Steep Theatre, Northwestern University, and other Chicago theaters. Credits include Mr. Wolf (Steppenwolf, PA), You Will Get Sick (Steppenwolf, PA), Gorgeous (Raven, Dramaturg), Fresh Produce Festival 2024 (Producer, Rivendell), Purpose (Steppenwolf, Script Supervisor), The Writer (Steep, Dramaturg), New Stages 2023 (Goodman, Line Producer), Swing State (Goodman, Asst. Dramaturg). BFA Design & Production (Stage Management), BA Cognitive Science (Language & Cognition; Minor in Germanic Languages and Literature) – University of Michigan.

KARISSA MURRELL MYERS (CASTING) (she/her) is a Chicago-based Filipino American theatre maker who serves as the Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Bramble Theatre Company. Winner of the 2023 Maxim Mazumdar New Play Award and O’Neill NPC Finalist for her play Black Bear Island. She was featured in American Theatre Magazine’s “Theatre Workers You Should Know”, and in Newcity Stage's "Players 2023: Who Really Performs in Chicago Right Now". Resident Casting Director at Strawdog Theatre, Karissa also does freelance casting and consultations for theatre companies in the Chicago-land area and around the US. She is an acting coach and teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Illinois Chicago. MFA from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. Member of SAG-AFTRA and The Dramatist Guild. More at www.kmurrellmyers.com. All my love to Mark and Sibby.

JACKSON MIKKELSEN (PRODUCTION MANAGER) (he/him) is excited to be back at the Bramble! He’s the Resident Lighting Assistant for Roosevelt University’s CCPA Theatre Conservatory, and for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre in Evanston. He’s also a freelance performer with recent Chicago credits like The Snow Queen (Marriott), Ragtime (Metropolis), Diana (Theo), Into the Woods (Kokandy), The Wild Party (Blank Theatre Company), and The Tempest (Oak Park Festival Theatre). Love to Brian :) www.jacksonmikkelsen.com

JUAN BARRERA LOPEZ (TECHNICAL DIRECTOR) (he/him) is a Chicago based Director and Technical Director. Originally from Colombia, he graduated from Northwestern University with a Physics and Theatre degree. This is his first production with Bramble! Other recent credits include Technical Direction of Neighborhood Watch and Dummy in Diaspora at Jackalope Theatre, and Assistant Direction of Antigone (Wirtz Center) and Selling Kabul (Northlight Theatre).

ADRIANA RODRIGUEZ-HEMPHILL (STAGE MANAGER) is a Chicago-based stage manager and is so happy to be working with Bramble again on this stunning production! Selected credits include Racecar Racecar Racecar and Festival of Unfinished Work 2025 (Bramble Theatre Company), The Lightning Thief (MadKap Productions), Cancelina (Bramble Theatre Company), The Cleanup (Prop Thtr) and After The Blast (Broken Nose Theatre). She's had a blast working with this incredible group of artists! When not color-coding a script, she's busy balancing a spreadsheet, bullying her cat and ordering emotional support pizza. Thanks to Reggie!

ALISHIANA UYAO (ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER) (she/her) is a Chicago-based multi-hyphenate artist. She has a BA in Theatre Performance and Women’s Studies from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Aside from Rooted, Ali’s an SM Cover for GreatWorks Theatre Company and a Production Assistant for AlphaBet Soup Productions. Select credits include The Two Noble Kinsmen, On The Verge (SM, FTC), Endgame (SM, Facility Theatre), Racecar Racecar Racecar (ASM, Bramble), Blood of My Mother’s (SM, Bramble), and Fefu and Her Friends (Christina, UIC). Ali’s ecstatic to be part of the Rooted team and can’t wait for you to see this magical show. Love to all!

MORGAN LASZLO (SCENIC CHARGE) (they/them) Scenic Charge: Matilda Jr, Tuck Everlasting (Actors Training Center), Gold Leaf Ragtime Blues (American Blues Theater), Diana, Tell me on Sunday (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre), House of the Exquisite Corpse (Rough House), Arcadia (University of Chicago). Scenic Designer: Young People’s Company (Piven Theatre Workshop). Graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a BA in Technical Theatre and Design and a concentration in Scenic Design.

ZACHARY FEULING (LEAD ELECTRICIAN) (he/him) is so excited to be working with the Bramble team on this show! Originally from Texas, he is a recent grad from Roosevelt University and has been working in lighting for over six years. His previous lighting design credits includes: Jenny & Sequential Chaos (Boaz Productions) Antistrophe (Rivendell Theatre) Pippin, FPP, Our Town, Dreamsters (Roosevelt University).

BRAMBLE THEATRE COMPANY LEADERSHIP & STAFF

Karissa Murrell Myers, Artistic Director and Co-Founder

Matthew Lunt, Executive Producer and Co-Founder

Dan Washelesky, Managing Director

Gabriela Diaz, Director of Development

Matthew Reddin, Marketing Director

Ky Anderson, Social Media Manager

Jonathan Shaboo and Hilary Williams, Education Co-Directors

Rasheeda Denise, Company Manager

ENSEMBLE

Aja Singletary

Alex Morales

Ben F. Locke

Brandon Burns

Dan Washelesky

Danny Breslin

Haley Bolithon

Hilary Williams

Jay Hobson

Johnard Washington

Jonathan Shaboo

Karissa Murrell Myers

Ky Anderson

Matthew Lunt

Rasheeda Denise

Sebastien Heins

Spencer Huffman

Suzy Krueckeberg

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