by Ben F. Locke
Directed by Carol Ann Tan
A world premiere production
Faced with the prospect of losing their ancestral home, a trio of BIPOC modern-day witches resurrect a witch from their coven to help them grapple with rapid change, surprising discoveries, and the newest neighbor in their home. This queer romantic comedy is about sisterhood, what we hold on to, and what’s worth our sacrifices and magic.
Show will run October 9 to November 2, 2025.
ROOTED
THE ARTISTS
Playwright | Ben F. Locke*
Director | Carol Ann Tan
Scenic Designer | Delena Bradley
Associate Scenic Designer | Lucie Greene
Costume Designer | Ophena de la Rosa
Lighting Designer | Henry Toohey
Sound Designer | Newt Schottelkotte
Props Designer | Isa Noe
Fights and Intimacy Designer | Tristin Hall
Asst. Director | Ebby Offord
Dramaturg | Dan Washelesky*
Artistic Producer | Caroline Uy
Production Manager | Jackson Mikkelson
Technical Director | Juan Barrera Lopez
Stage Manager | Adriana Rodriguez-Hemphill
Asst. Stage Manager | Alishiana Uyao
Casting | Karissa Murrell Myers*
CAST
MERNA - Stephanie Shum
KASSIE - Kylie Anderson*
BAILEY - Aja Singletary*
ISOBEL - Gabriela Diaz
RYAN - Haley Bolithon*
Understudies - Christin Prince, Maggie Kryszyn, Ahlora Victoria Smith, and Zhanna Albertini
*denotes Bramble ensemble member
The show runs around 90 minutes with no intermission.
If you’d like to access our list of content advisories for this production, please go here.
Community Events
Monday, Oct 13 - Opening night! We will have a post-show reception to celebrate. Please join us in the lobby after the show for some refreshments.
Friday, Oct 24 - Student night! Free pizza, plus a post-show discussion with the artists.
Sunday, Oct 26 - Masked performance. On this date, masks will be required for attendees, so our immunocompromised patrons and others who prefer to wear masks in public have a welcoming environment in which to see our show.
MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT
My name is Ben F. Locke and I'm 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.
