Phillip Chavira, Producer
Click here for: Video Interview
"I love designers so much. I am always thrilled to see how someone can dream and create the physical world of the play. Watching directors with actors in rehearsal is also a super fun part of the job. Directors can say one word and actors will transform in seconds. We have a fabulous team that will make this experience real and meaningful. Go team Dolores!"
Click here for: Video Interview
"I love designers so much. I am always thrilled to see how someone can dream and create the physical world of the play. Watching directors with actors in rehearsal is also a super fun part of the job. Directors can say one word and actors will transform in seconds. We have a fabulous team that will make this experience real and meaningful. Go team Dolores!"
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Q: How did Partly Cloudy People come together?
A: Sarah Nedwek and I wanted to form a company that produced for a greater cause. This production will benefit Ackerman Institute for the Family, a phenomenal therapy community that helps thousands of individuals world wide. Not only can we employ a great staff, we can give back to our community. I am so thankful to have this opportunity. Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? A: I hope audiences will talk about violence and promote ways to make changes. Unfortunately, domestic violence is still an issue with relationships and the best defense we have against this problem is education. I hope Dolores and Sandra touch someone in the audience to make a change and join the battle. |
Q: Tell us what we can expect from the talk back following each show.
A: We have trained therapists who will join the cast after each show to talk about community help and places to find support. We will discuss how realistic the play is, what the process was like, and so much more. Q: Why is this show not to be missed? A: Dolores is not to be missed because the production is truly a group effort from artists and therapists banding together for a common goal; to end domestic violence. |
Summer Lee Jack, Costume Designer
"I think its a rare opportunity to see this caliber of acting, and this level of design in such a fantastic piece. People should come for the hair alone. That is not to be missed."
"I think its a rare opportunity to see this caliber of acting, and this level of design in such a fantastic piece. People should come for the hair alone. That is not to be missed."
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Q: What drew you to DOLORES?
A: Well, as a costume designer I don’t always get the opportunity to design shows about people in real life situations and that was something that was interesting about this script to me. These two women have a long history together and their relationship is complicated and I enjoy the challenge of showing that in their clothes. I also adore the fashion of the early nineteen eighties and I really enjoy bringing my knowledge and passion for the period to these characters. I also am really interested about the opportunity to help raise the topic of domestic violence in a way that engenders discussion and awareness to this cause. Q. What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? A: I hope that the audience will look at victims of domestic violence in a new way. I hope that we entertain them but we also teach them something. I hope that they look at these two characters and that they can also see themselves in their struggle and I hope that the costume will help tell that story. Q: What are you most looking forward to in this process of the production? |
A: We have had many fun discoveries working on this show so far. Bringing a period that is so close to our own to a production has some challenges. I really enjoyed the research of this piece and looking for the right research was a lot of fun. I really love looking at people’s personal family photo albums and looking for research that is based on actual real people and not just what was in fashion magazines of the time (which are also really helpful). I think that they are just little windows in the past and I love finding the perfect photo and the perfect thing for the piece I am working on. But my favorite process so far has been working with James Ruiz on hair styling of Dolores and Sandra. The hair is one of the most important parts of the 1980s and I think we came up with some really great looks for these characters. There is a lot of hairspray involved and its so fun to watch these actresses transform into these characters. I love the look on their faces when they see themselves transformed into a character.
Q: Tell us what we can expect from the talk back following each show. A: I am looking forward to hearing what the audience feels about what they have just seen and what their reactions are from their own experiences with domestic violence and how their point of view might have been expanded or changed by this piece. |
Feature of the Week: Sarah Cogan, Scenic Designer
"Recently, I realized that my goal with my body of work is to change the public conversations around women and our social context. When DOLORES was presented to me, I thought, Wow, what an amazing chance to start fulfilling my umbrella goal with a group of artists who feel the same way I do about creating social conversations through our art. After doing some research, it's become even more clear how important the subject of this play is. According to a TED speaker, 1 in 3 women experience abuse or stalking. The number is staggering and rarely talked about. It's great to be a part of this conversation."
"Recently, I realized that my goal with my body of work is to change the public conversations around women and our social context. When DOLORES was presented to me, I thought, Wow, what an amazing chance to start fulfilling my umbrella goal with a group of artists who feel the same way I do about creating social conversations through our art. After doing some research, it's become even more clear how important the subject of this play is. According to a TED speaker, 1 in 3 women experience abuse or stalking. The number is staggering and rarely talked about. It's great to be a part of this conversation."
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Q: How did you meet everyone in the production?
A: Fortunately, I was recommended to Phillip [Producer] by a former colleague and lucked out on being hired. Couldn't be more thrilled to be working with this passionate team of steller artists. Everyone is so passionate about the project, which is inspiring. Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? A: If people walk away with more compassion and understanding towards abuse victims, that would be great. If people walk away making a stand against abuse and raise awareness, that would be amazing. Q: What are you most looking forward to in this process of the production? |
A: My favorite part of my job is the research and developement process. I tend to spend a TON of energy on the psycological aspects of the world we are creating before looking at images. For example, I watched documenteries on domestic violence and its victims. This is evident in the set by the type of clean Sandra keeps her house. It is a nervous clean--something bad will happen to me if it's not right--rather than an OCD clean or I-love-myself clean.
Q: Why is this show not to be missed? A: DOLORES is a mustsee because it shares a slice of life expeinced by 1/3 of women. Now, add on top of that an overly passionate team of artists and you get a stellar show. Everyone is bringing thier A-game to this one. It's very exciting. |
Feature of the Week: Zina Wilde, Actor
"Personally I love stories that show strength, perseverance and bravery and Dolores has all that. Mr. Edward Alan Baker says "I write about people born to brick and asphalt, who don't have bad days they have bad years". Dolores is a play that when done right it can change a woman's life forever."
"Personally I love stories that show strength, perseverance and bravery and Dolores has all that. Mr. Edward Alan Baker says "I write about people born to brick and asphalt, who don't have bad days they have bad years". Dolores is a play that when done right it can change a woman's life forever."
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Q: What drew you to DOLORES?
A: I first heard of the play in Larry Moss' acting class and I fell in love with it. The reason why I was so drawn to it was because of the important themes that only the good plays address, plus it was a play about women. Q: How did you meet everyone in the production? A: Sarah Nedwek and I have worked together numerous times before in the past. I am thrilled to be working with her again on this fantastic play with this incredibly talented team. Sarah and I worked in the New York theater a while ago and it feels like home working with her again. It's the combination of hard work and love. When Sarah and Phil started Partly Cloudy People I was hoping they would ask me to work with them at some point and I'm very honored they did. They are both talented smart and hardworking artists with a great vision for their company. Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? A: I hope that audiences see that domestic abuse and violence are real issues. Abuse can be both physical and verbal. One thing I'm learning through the research for this play is that abuse is only passed down until one person in the family has the courage and the emotional maturity to look for help and stop the chain of abuse. I hope people see how important it is to speak out when they are in trouble. We all need help sometimes and there is no shame in that. |
Q: What are you most looking forward to in this process of the production?
A: I am looking forward to being in a room with these incredibly talented artists to tell this story. Tim is a wonderful Director and I can't wait to work with him. It's a wonderful gift to feel safe in the hands of your Director. It has also been a lot of fun working on the dialect. Q: Tell us what we can expect from the talk back following each show. A: The talkback is a very important component to our show. Our partner, The Ackerman Institute for the Family is one of the leading organizations in this country that provides innovative family therapy services to couples and families dealing with the same issues Sandra and Dolores face. They will be leading some of the discussions along with other mental health experts and I am interested in listening what they have to say. Their expertise and years of experience will definitely highlight and show us not only why this is happening but also how it can be prevented. Q: Why is this show not to be missed? A: Come and see the show! It's an important, entertaining and funny story of two sisters. Be part of the change and tell us what you think about it afterwords. We are looking forward to seeing you there. |
Feature of the Week: Sarah Nedwek, Actor/Producer
"My favorite plays explore people's deepest fears and desires while finding humor throughout the story. I love the characters in Dolores because they find laughter even in the darkest of times. Also, the women in the play are struggling with the same issues that many of Ackerman's clients face on a daily basis. This play truthfully portrays the complicated nature of family relationships and ties directly to Ackerman's mission."
"My favorite plays explore people's deepest fears and desires while finding humor throughout the story. I love the characters in Dolores because they find laughter even in the darkest of times. Also, the women in the play are struggling with the same issues that many of Ackerman's clients face on a daily basis. This play truthfully portrays the complicated nature of family relationships and ties directly to Ackerman's mission."
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Q: How did Partly Cloudy People come together?
A: I attended an open house at The Ackerman Institute for the Family and was incredibly inspired by their mission and staff. Within the same week I auditioned for a wonderful play by Kim Rosenstock, Tigers Be Still and was deeply moved by the story and characters. The play's themes aligned with Ackerman's mission. I went to my dear friend Phillip Chavira who is a producer and said, what if we produce a play as an awareness campaign and fundraiser for Ackerman? He loved the idea and then we formed Partly Cloudy People, which produces plays as a means to raise awareness and funds for non-profits. Q: How did you meet everyone involved in the production? A: Phil and I did a children's theatre tour in Texas together. I played Nikki Neutron and he played The Electric Eel-stellar performances on both ends. Zina and I have been friends for over 10 years and have worked on many shows together with Josh Fox's International WOW Co. Tim and I met while I was in grad school and he was in undergrad at Case Western. We became friends and admirers of each others work very quickly and have wanted to work together for some time now. I'm so thankful we are making it happen! The rest of the creative team came from various sources and I'm thrilled to have everyone on board. |
Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production?
A: I hope people break the silence on domestic violence and spread the word on the available resources that are available, particularly at The Ackerman Institute for The Family. In addition, I hope it reminds people how fragile relationships can be and that family is a precious gift. Q: What are you most looking forward to in this process of the production? A: Being in a room with Tim and Zina exploring how to tell this powerful story in the most truthful way possible and sharing our work with audiences. Q: Tell us what we can expect from the talk back following each show. A: The cast will explain what they learned in researching domestic violence and the process of creating these characters. Also, there will be experts on domestic violence, resources and therapy who offer insight into relationship dynamics and rehabilitation. Playwright Edward Allan Baker and Director, Timothy Koch will also attend several shows. Q: Why is this show not to be missed? A: This is an incredibly powerful, funny and moving play that anyone with family drama can relate to. The entire creative team is extremely talented and dedicated to our mission. Audiences will walk away having been moved, entertained and enlightened. |
Feature of the Week: Timothy Koch, Director
"I was drawn to Dolores because of the realistic portrayal of the characters, the sharply written dialogue, and the important messages about love and family. Also, Partly Cloudy People is an incredible company with a mission which perfectly matches this play, and I’m thrilled to be working with them."
"I was drawn to Dolores because of the realistic portrayal of the characters, the sharply written dialogue, and the important messages about love and family. Also, Partly Cloudy People is an incredible company with a mission which perfectly matches this play, and I’m thrilled to be working with them."
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Q: How did you meet everyone involved in the production?
A: Sarah Nedwek and I overlapped for a year at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and during that year we became fast friends and fans of each other’s work. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch and kept up with the other’s projects. When Sarah and Phil Chavira started Partly Cloudy I knew I wanted to get involved. With Dolores, our schedules have finally aligned. Their work is so different from the other theaters I work with, and their mission is inspiring my process on this project. Q: What do you hope audiences will take away from this production? A: I hope audiences will take away the harsh realities of a person living with domestic violence. It is far more common than most of us think and acknowledge, and I hope this play helps to create dialogue, loving compassion, and action against this serious epidemic of violence. Q: What are you most looking forward to in this process of the production? A: In addition to the social importance of the production, I’m greatly looking forward to working with this excellent team of actors, producers and designers. They are all very intelligent, empathetic people with whom I’m excited to tell this story. |
Q: Tell us what we can expect from the talk back following each show.
A: If you’re able to join us for a talkback after a performance, you’ll be able to hear further insight from our partner, The Ackerman Institute, into current resources available for people living with domestic violence. Other nights, you’ll hear from members of the creative team, including myself, as we share our creative process in building the world, characters and story of Dolores. Q: Why is this show not to be missed? A: This show is not be missed because of the amazing young artists bringing this play to life. Some of the best actors and designers right now are working in these wonderful small theaters, and they will be undoubtedly be the important leaders of this next generation of artists. Furthermore, this is a beautiful, albeit deeply sad play, but through witnessing Dolores’ story I hope we will gain a greater understanding of domestic violence and most importantly find ways to use love as a tool to overcome it and support each other. |
