MEET THE TEAM
ARTISTIC STAFF
Charlie O’Leary
Playwright
Charlie O'Leary is a playwright, librettist, and buffalo chicken enthusiast. His plays include Basically Children (O'Neill NPC finalist), Ridgway (Alliance/Kendeda finalist), and Humiliation Play (Seven Devils finalist). He has received a BA in Theatre from the University of Notre Dame, an MFA in Playwriting from the University of Iowa, a New York Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Original Short Script, and the Completionist Plus achievement in Balatro. Charlie is the son of Pam and Rob O’Leary, who raised him in Saint Marys, PA alongside his siblings Maddie and Connor.
David Díaz
Dramaturg
David Díaz, the working man’s Dakota Johnson, is a grad student, former consultant, and the Olive Garden’s biggest unofficial spokesperson. When you’re there, you’re family, and David is delighted to have dramaturged this play for all the family and friends gathered here! Currently pursuing a Masters in Library and Information Sciences from the University of Iowa, David’s previous credits include a Bachelors of Science in Marketing with a double major in Theatre and a Masters of Science in Business Administration, both from Notre Dame, go Irish! No really. Go away. Go. Raised by his parents David and Ivette Díaz in both Ohio and Puerto Rico depending on the year you’re asking about, David is survived by his older sister, Krystal. Wait, this wasn’t an obituary. Oops.
Lauren Palomino
Director
The Reverend Miss Lauren Palomino (VP, BA) has not directed a play since 2013's Other Apocalypses by Charlie O'Leary. She remains bossy and dictatorial. Lauren spends her time directing Microsoft Teams meetings, crafting midwest nice emails, and micromanaging her loved ones. Her other credits include She by Reneé Roden, The Lion in Winter, Dead Man Walking and a Frosh Four send up of 2001: A Space Odyssey where she never learned her lines. She is available to officiate any and all weddings that take place in her living room.
Joshua Whitaker
Stage Directions & Additional Text
Joshua Whitaker hasn’t read anything since 2013, especially directions—but his opinions continue to be extremely correct. When not slinging spreadsheets, he enjoys cozy board game nights and staring down the abyss bare chested in the north wind. Known for his previous roles as Murderer Rapist, Nightmare Prince, and Traitor to God, he’s excited for this opportunity to be no one at all. He is available to narrate any and all weddings that take place in Charlie’s imagination, and he thinks you should move to Chicago, too. Greatest city on earth.
Athena Hughes
Stage Manager
Kevin Long
Assistant Stage Manager
CAST
Mack Spotts
Chris
Mack Spotts (they/he) was last seen as Drew in Metropolis Performing Art Centre’s production of Rock of Ages. Past productions include Carousel with Music Theater Works, Anything Goes with Porchlight Music Theatre, Assassins with Theo Ubique (Jeff Award), St. Sebastian with Refracted Theatre Company, Merrily We Roll Along and She Loves Me both with Blank Theatre Company, Sister Act and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder with Highland Summer Theatre and more. BFA in Musical Theatre from MNSU. Proudly represented by TalentxAlexander. @mackspotts
Alex Carire
Danny
Alex Carire is a Chicago-based actor who has appeared in over thirty professional productions. Recent credits include Nicky in Blow the Man Down (Drift Theatre Company), Nurse Morales in Sicko (The Alliance Group), and Chip Tolentino in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Schaumburg Playhouse). Alex received a Jeff Award in 2023 for his performance as Teacher 1 in Common Time at Chicago Stages. Loving son of Jose and Victoria, devoted husband to Katy, and soon-to-be father. Proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. BFA: University of Southern California.
Artem Kreimer
Sean
Bio coming soon!