SHOW INFORMATION
BENEATH THE WILLOW TREE IS JEFF AWARDS RECOMMENDED
“Jeff Recommended” indicates at least one element of a production was deemed excellent by opening night judges. The entire production is then eligible for nomination at the end of the season.
L to R: Sierra Coachman, Monique Marshaun, Yahdina U-Deen. Photograph/ Graphic Design by Aaron Reese Boseman
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TEASER TRAILER FOR | BENEATH THE WILLOW TREE
Teaser credits : Director/ Director of Photography Aaron Reese Boseman, Original Music Composed by Ethan Korvne. Featuring: Jillian-Giselle, Aniyah Reese, Sierra Coachman, and Isis Elizabeth
PLAYWRIGHT | Isis Elizabeth (Interview)
Playwright, Isis Elizabeth, on her beautiful new work, Beneath The Willow Tree
DRAMATURG | Kenya A. Hall (Interview)
Production dramaturg, Kenya A. Hall on the importance of dramaturgy and the Beneath The Willow Tree Workshop
BENEATH THE WILLOW TREE | A WORLD PREMIERE
SEPTEMBER 6- SEPTEMBER 29, 2024
WRITTEN BY ISIS ELIZABETH | DIRECTED BY AARON REESE BOSEMAN
Set in New Orleans, Beneath The Willow Tree is a spiritual family dramedy about three generations of a Haitian-American Family, The Bordeauxs. When Willow Bordeaux returns home from NYU with a new love interest, uprooted family secrets send the family down a path of trampled traditions and unpacked trauma. The Bordeauxs must find a way back to each other through healing and acceptance- kicking and screaming!
Beneath The Willow Tree is part of Pulse Theatre Chicago's New Play Initiative. Partially Sponsored by The Michael and Mona Heath Fund, produced by Aaron Reese Boseman Productions LLC, Pulse Theatre Company Chicago.
SHOW DATES & TIMES: SEPTEMBER 6-29
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS AT 8:OOPM
SATURDAY & SUNDAY MATINEES AT 3:00PM
ALL PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD AT THE DEN THEATRE | 1331 N. MILWAUKEE AVENUE- CHICAGO, IL.
PLAN YOUR VISIT: The Den Theatre is located in the heart of The Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago! There is residential and metered parking. The theater is accessible from CTA Blueline: Division Stop. We highly recommend arriving at least 45 min to an hour early. Make it a trip! The Den Theatre is also surround by an array of restaurants, shops, bars. Come early! Enjoy some food! Have a drink at the bar at The Den Theatre and come watch this beautiful play!
SPECIAL POST-SHOW TALKBACK DATES: Sunday, September 15 & Sunday, September 22
with Isis Elizabeth (Playwright), Kenya A. Hall (Dramaturg), & Aaron Reese Boseman (Director)
GROUP RATES & STUDENT GROUP RATES AVAILABLE! Please email pulsetheatrepr@gmail.com
PREVIEWS | $25
GENERAL ADMISSION | $45
SENIORS/VETS/EDUCATORS | $35
INDUSTRY RATE | $30
STUDENTS | $25
(All tickets are subject to a convenience fee + facility fee)
FULL PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE CAN BE FOUND HERE : EVENTS CALENDAR
Save $15-$20 by purchasing through Hot Tix! Limited Supply
CREATIVE TEAM
AARON REESE BOSEMAN
DIRECTOR
ISIS ELIZABETH
PLAYWRIGHT
TERRI DEVINE FORD
COSTUME DESIGNER
GREG GEFFRARD
INTIMACY & VIOLENCE DIRECTOR
SUSAN GOSDICK
DIALECT COACH
KENYA A. HALL
DRAMATURG
LEWIS JONES
ARTISTIC CASTING ASSOCIATE
ETHAN KORVNE
SOUND DESIGNER | COMPOSER
WARREN LEVON
ASSOCIATE SOUND DESIGNER
KEVIN M. ROLFS
SCENIC DESIGNER/ TD
ENJOLI VALENTINE
PROPERTY & FOOD DESIGN
LEVI J. WILKINS
LIGHTING DESIGNER
CAST
ASH
REE
KENYATAH AUSTIN
REE u/s
MALIYAH BROWN
YOUNG GLORIA/ ALT.
SIERRA COACHMAN
WILLOW
MONIQUE MARSHAUN
GLORIA
KEMATI J. PORTER
GRANDMA BETTY u/s
DYLAN ROGERS
DANTÈ/ MOSES
KARLI SCOTT
WILLOW u/s
DAVID TAYLOR
DANTÈ/ MOSES u/s
SHAY TURNER
GLORIA u/s
YAHDINA U-DEEN
GRANDMA BETTY
DEYANI WILSON
YOUNG GLORIA/ ALT.
CAST (in order of appearance)
DYLAN ROGERS | Moses Bordeaux/ Dantè Ri’chard/ Delivery Man
MALIYAH BROWN | Young Gloria Bordeaux (Alternate)
DEYANI WILSON | Young Gloria Bordeaux (Alternate)
YAHDINA U-DEEN | Beatrice Bordeaux
MONIQUE MARSHAUN | Gloria Bordeaux
SIERRA COACHMAN | Willow Lorraine Bordeaux
ASH | Zurie “Ree” Janelle Beauvais
SETTING: New Orleans, Louisiana. (Here & Now and Somewhere before and in-between. )
UNDERSTUDIES: Kenyatah Austin (Ree), Kemati J. Porter (Betty), Karli Scott (Willow), David Taylor (Dantè/Moses), Chartamia Turner (Gloria, Betty swing),
PRODUCTION TEAM
AARON REESE BOSEMAN | Director, Artistic Director
CLAUDIA EASTERWOOD| Bassist, Percussionist
ISIS ELIZABETH | Playwright, Asst. Director
TERRI DEVINE FORD | Costume Design
GREG GEFFRARD | Intimacy & Violence Design
SUSAN GOSDICK | Dialect Coach
KENYA ANN HALL | Dramaturg
ETHAN KORVNE | Sound Designer, Composer
WARREN LEVON | Associate Sound Designer
KEVIN ROLFS | Scenic Designer
ENJOLI VALENTINE | Property & Food Design
LEVI J. WILKINS | Lighting Designer
OLLIE VAN DEN HEUVEL | Production Stage Manager
BORDEAUX FAMILY PHOTO ALBUM
PLAYWRIGHT UNSCRIPTED: ISIS ELIZABETH- a candid in-depth look into the playwright’s mind and development process
PRODUCTION TEAM BIOS |
AARON REESE BOSEMAN, He/Him (Director/ Artistic Director/Producer) is a Chicago native and graduate of Columbia College Chicago. Reese-Boseman holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre-Direction and Acting. He is co-founder, artistic director, and resident director of Pulse Theatre Chicago and a company member of Invictus Theatre. Boseman also serves as an adjunct faculty member of Columbia College Chicago. Reese-Boseman is a Joseph Jefferson Award nominated actor and Black Theatre Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award Nominated theatre artist. Boseman directed Pulse’s Jeff Award Winning production of Once on This Island. Directing credits include : Topdog/Underdog (Invictus Theatre), Fairview (Theatre Cedar Rapids), Music Man (Metropolis Performing Arts), Once on This Island (PULSE Theatre), The Mountaintop, A Raisin in the Sun (Invictus Theatre Company), Chain (Goodman Theatre: Pearl Cleage Fest), Detroit ‘67 (Columbia College-Mainstage), American Son (Ghostlight Theatre), The Tiger Who Wore White Gloves (eta Creative Arts), In The Blood, The Colored Museum , Fabulation: or The Re-Education of Undine, A Streetcar Named Desire (PULSE), S'Kin and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot (CCC). Selected Acting Credits include : Blue Heaven (Black Ensemble Theater), Ragtime (Metropolis), Ruined (Invictus Theatre), Shrek the Musical (Windy City Performs), Violet (Griffin Theatre and Loyola University Chicago), Big River (Theatre at the Center), HAIR (Metropolis), Cinderella and the Theater of Potatoes (Hypocrites), Balm in Gilead (Griffin Theatre), 25th Annual Putnam Spelling Bee, In The Heights, and Ragtime. Rest In Power, Chad.
ISIS ELIZABETH, She/Her (Playwright/ Associate Director) is a Jeff Award Wining theatre artist. She is also a resident playwright as part of Pulse’s New Play Initiative where the world premiere her new play, Beneath The Willow Tree will be produced. Born and raised on the city’s Southside, she studied musical theater at The Chicago High School for the Arts and began working professionally at 17. Isis has performed on many stages across the Chicagoland area, working with theaters such as Paramount Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Porchlight Music Theatre, Emerald City Theatre, Big Noise Theater and more. Isis was featured as Papa Ge in Pulse Theatre Chicago’s 2024 Jeff award winning Once on This Island, directed by Artistic Director, Aaron Reese Boseman. Selected Credits: Chicago Fire (TV-NBC), Family Values, Topdog/Underdog (Invictus Theatre-Assistant Director) ,Brighter Futures (Paramount Theater) , Once on This Island (Pulse Theatre Chicago), Chain (Goodman Theatre: Pearl Cleage Fest), Big River (Mercury Theater Chicago), Crystal in Little Shop of Horrors (Citadel Theater), Spring Awakening (Porchlight Music Theater). She is excited to break barriers of architypes and to continue challenging traditional theater one production at a time.
TERRI DEVINE, She/Her (Costume Designer) began costuming shows in 2011, dressing munchkins in Orland Park’s Wizard of Oz. Since then, she has designed and collaborated on dozens of shows. Combining sewing skills learned from her mother, creativity, and organization, what started as a fun hobby for this former attorney has evolved into opportunities to work in all facets of costume: design, construction, dresser, and wardrobe. Devine finds it rewarding to create pieces that transform actors in visual and expressive ways. Her favorite creations are built from thrifted or found and recycled items. Recent projects include the Jeff Award winning production of Once on This Island at Pulse Theatre Chicago, The Addams Family and Once on This Island for The Drama Group, Beauty and the Beast for Joliet Drama Guild, Something Rotten with Palos Village Players, and Jesus Christ Superstar with KVTA.
GREGORY GEFFRARD, He/Him (Intimacy & Violence Director ) is thrilled to be working on this beautiful production. He holds a BA in Theatre from the University of South Florida and an MFA in Theatre Performance from the University of Iowa. He is head of the BFA Acting and Associate Artistic Director at Brenau University.His credits include Chicago: Lyric Opera: Factorum, (Intimacy & Violence) Remy Bumppo: Galileo's Daughter and Routes; Court Theatre: (Intimacy & Violence) ; Chicago Shakespeare: Comedy of Errors; APO Cultural Center: The Wizards; regional: Opera Theater of St. Louis: Treemonisha; Denver Center of the Performing Arts: The Color Purple; Huntington Theatre (Boston): K-I-S-S-I-N-G and Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. He is an associate faculty member with Theatrical Intimacy Education.
KENYA ANN HALL, She/Her (Dramaturg) is an actress, writer and dramaturg based in Chicago, raised in Oakland, CA. Her dramaturgy credits include Alaiyo, Fairview, Judy’s Life’s Work (Definition Theatre Company), Tambo & Bones, Coronation (Refracted Theatre Company), Panther Women (Cleveland Public Theatre), Kill Move Paradise (asst./Timeline Theatre), Saint Joan (Poetic Forum Collective), The Good Fight and The Lady Demands Satisfaction (Babes with Blades). She has provided dramaturgy for new play development workshops at Broken Nose Theatre, Refracted Theatre Company and Definition Theatre Company. She is a graduate of Northwestern University where she completed the Playwriting Module and the Advanced Playwriting Sequence.
ETHAN KORVNE, He/Him (Composer/Sound Designer) is a composer and sound designer from Akron, OH and based in Chicago. Recent freelance composition/design credits include: Short Shakes! Romeo & Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and the Chicago premiere of Tambo & Bones at Refracted Theatre Company (2 Joseph Jefferson Awards – Original Music in a Play and Best Sound Design). Ethan graduated in 2024 from The Theatre School at DePaul University with a BFA in Sound Design. Listen to his work and more at: ethankorvne.com
WARREN LEVON, He/Him (Assoc. Sound Designer) is honored to participate in the world premiere production of Beneath the Willow Tree. His most recent endeavor was sound designing the critically acclaimed, Jeff award winning musical Once on This Island in Pulse's 2024 season. Other a Sound design credits include In The Blood, A Raisin in the Sun (Pulse Theatre Chicago), Mountain Top, Ruined (Invictus Theatre Company), The Reclamation of Madison Hemmings, just to name a few. Warren is a proud Artistic Associate of Pulse Theatre Chicago, ensemble member with American Blues Theatre and a proud member of SAG/Aftra. He would like to thank Ethan for being an amazing collaborator. Working alongside him has been enlightening and inspiring. He thanks Aaron and Isis for this opportunity. Warren thanks his wife for her devotion and support. 1 Corth 15:10
KEVIN ROLFS, He/Him is an award winning Chicago based theater designer, builder and painter. A graduate of Columbia College Chicago he's enjoyed many opportunities to work in Chicago's storefront theater scene both as a scenic and props designer as well as technical director and scenic painting. Kevin is delighted to be back working with Pulse Theatre on this amazing new work. Kevin most recently received The Non-Equity Jeff award for Best Scenic Design for his work on Invictus Theater Company’s production of Edward Albees Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Favorite Chicago credits include BUDDY: THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY with American Blues Theater, REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT with The Artistic Home, THE MOUNTAINTOP, RUINED and most recently TOPDOG/UNDERDOG with Invictus Theatre. A freelance designer, Kevin also serves as scene shop supervisor at Columbia College Chicago. Thanks to my amazing family and to Zac for his infinite love and support!
OLLIE VAN DEN HEUVEL, They/Them (Production Stage Manager) is a senior Stage Management and Creative Writing student at Columbia College Chicago. Some notable productions include: Requiem for Change (PSM), Singapore American School; Creating ARThur (PSM), Last Nerve Live; The Locusts (ASM), The Gift Theatre; On the Town (ASM), Columbia College Chicago; The Bluest Eye (PSM), Columbia College Chicago; and now the wonderful Beneath the Willow Tree (PSM), Pulse Theatre.
CAST BIOS
ASH, They/Them | Ree Beauvais is an actor, director, filmmaker and a graduate of the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Recently seen in A Raisin in the Sun (Invictus Theatre) and Ladog (CSSD). They are grateful and honored to collaborate and create with such a beautiful and talented group of artists! IG: @sugarchileash
KENYATAH AUSTIN, She/Her | Ree Beauvais U/S is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Filmmaking. Acting credits include award winning portrayals in The Wiz (Dorothy), Little Shop of Horrors (Ronette) and as a Tina Turner Impersonator (Timeless Gifts Youth and Young Adults Program). Austin has also been a background dancer for Choreographer, Kysha Simpson and a background vocalist for Jazz Singer, Joan Calloso. As a filmmaker, Kenyatah is a screenwriter/director for The Film Spot Productions. She has also directed various music videos for artist such as Kajahn Ari, Malik B, Dakiyah Pedraza, and Nine; and the web-series Dr. Black, created by Jalen L. Knight. Austin also serves a teaching artist for Free Lunch Academy, Village Leadership Academy, Arts in Motion Middle School, Timeless Gifts, and Bethel Community Family Facility.
MALIYAH BROWN, She/Her | Young Gloria Alternate is a member of the Jeff Award Winning ensemble of Once on This Island, present by Pulse Theatre Chicago for her portrayal of Little TiMoune. Acting credits include Once on This Island (Pulse Theatre Chicago and The Drama Group) Maliyah is a cheerleader when not on stage who enjoys singing and dancing as well. She would like to thank the cast for helping her through this learning experience. Maliyah would also like to thank her family for their constant support.
SIERRA COACHMAN, She/Her | Willow Bordeaux is a graduate of University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music with a B.F.A in Acting and a minor in Africana Studies. Theatre credits include: Relentless (Timeline Theatre, Goodman Theatre), Fen (Court Theatre), Marys Seacole (Griffin Theatre), The Prodigal Daughter (Raven Theatre), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (CCM). Coachman is represented by Gray Talent Group.
MONIQUE MARSHAUN, She/Her | Gloria Bordeaux is an actor, filmmaker and trauma-informed yoga instructor from the Southside of Chicago. She is so grateful and excited to make her debut at Pulse Theatre! Recent credits include Wolves (Redtwist), Babel (Redtwist) and The Mountaintop (Invictus). She is co-founder of The Front Porch Oracles, a performance collective that creates original work centered on the themes of healing, spirituality and collective liberation. Monique's original work has been featured in Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series, Chicago Onscreen: Local Film Showcase and Woman Made Gallery’s “Water Becomes Blood” exhibit. She is a graduate of Northwestern University and THE ACADEMY at Black Box Acting, where she now coaches actors. She is represented by Lily’s Talent Agency. Connect with her on IG: @thebarefootgriot.
KEMATI JANICE PORTER, She/Her | Beatrice Bordeaux U/S is Native of Memphis, TN. She earned an MFA from The Theatre School of DePaul University with an MFA in Directing and a BS from Columbia College Chicago. She is the former Producing Artistic Director and Executive Director of eta Creative Arts Foundation. She has received awards and nominations for her directing and producing work. She is the manager of FirstVoiceWorks, LLC., a play development initiative.
DYLAN ROGERS, He/Him | Dantè Ri’Chard/ Moses Bordeaux is a native of the Chicagoland area. He graduated from Aurora University and has trained at Acting Studio Chicago and Second City. His theater credits include An Educated Guess, Letters Home, Defacing Michael Jackson, and Relentless. He has also appeared in the romantic comedies, Take Me to Banaue and Crshd. Upcoming projects include WTTW’s Chicago Stories (TV series) and Frame of Reference, now streaming on Roku TV and Amazon Prime.
KARLI SCOTT, She/Her | Willow Bordeaux U/S is a Chicago based actor trained at Acting Studio Chicago. Theatre credits include: The Faith Healer (Riverfront Playhouse) and Ghost (Riverfront Playhouse). Film credits include: Class Act (Short Film) and Manuscript (Short Film). Scott is ecstatic to be a part of this special production and thanks her friends and family for their love and support.
DAVID TAYLOR, He/Him | Dantè Ri’Chard/ Moses Bordeaux U/S, was most recently seen in the Jeff-Award winning production of Once on This Island with Pulse Theatre Chicago. David is so happy he can come back to work with this amazing company for a second time. To be getting to work with this insanely talented cast is a blessing. His previous credits include: Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey II), Once on this Island (Daniel), The Outsider (Dave). He would like to thank his family, friends and partner for their continuous love and support on his projects. IG: @thedavidomari
CHARTAMIA SHAY TURNER (She/Her) | Gloria U/S, Grandma Betty Swing- is a native of Central, IL, and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of the Arts in Dance and a graduate of Loyola University Chicago MEd in Elementary Education. Turner is a performing artist, choreographer, and dance educator in Chicago. Turner is a performer and teaching artist with Chicago-based dance company Synapse Arts. As a dancer, Turner has worked as a performer and teaching artist for dance companies in Washington, DC having performed twice at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts.Turner has also performed abroad. Turner’s choreographic credits include setting work on DC’s company Errant Movement “SenseLess Pt.II (Hamlin Park Blackbox, Chicago, 2019), Dance Center of Evanston Performance Group “Closer” (Dance Center Evanston, 2023), Synapse Arts Co-choreographer “Crosswalk Dances” (Synapse Arts, 2023), and numerous dance festivals (DC and Chicago). Turner is excited to be joining her first professional theater experience.
YAHDINA U-DEEN, She/Her | Beatrice Bordeaux is a Jeff nominated actor and professional singer. U-Deen values family and is a widow and mother of three sons. You may recognize U-Deen from several hit plays around the Chicagoland area such as Adventure Stage, Black Ensemble Theater, Gary Comer Center, eta Creative Arts, Goodman Theatre, Hot House, and Victory Gardens. Somebody Say Amen (Great Women of Gospel), The Marvin Gaye Story, A Tribute to Etta James, Me & Mr. B (Black Ensemble Theatre), Between The Keys (Fleetwood-Jourdain) The High Priestess Speaks, , Club Sassy and TILL (Pride Films & Plays), Forever My Darling (eta Creative Arts). Yahdina is also featured on The Chi (Showtime), Moody Bible Radio, This House of Power Featured Vocalist. Black Excellence, The Chicago Teacher's College, Outstanding Achievements In The Arts and The Black Theatre Alliance awards. This cast and staff are AWESOME!!! Many thanks to Mr. Boseman, Ms. Elizabeth and supporters! "Love is the answer to all that I am" says, U-Deen.
DEYANI WILSON, She/Her | Young Gloria Alternate is excited to be joining the cast! At school, she has performed in numerous Black History and Christmas programs. She enjoys a variety of activities including cheer, tumbling and dance. Deyani would like to thank her family, friends and talent agency for the support.
