Thomas Gibson (GENE)
Thomas Gibson hails from Charleston, South Carolina. At a young age, Thomas became interested in theater, and later moved to NY to become a member of Group 14 at Juilliard’s Drama Division. He has worked extensively on stage in NY, including Shakespeare in the Park, Molière and Noel Coward on Broadway, as well as last year’s premiere of Ibsen’s “Ghost” by Charles Busch at Primary Stages. Thomas has also created roles in premieres by Romulus Linney, Anna Cascio, David Hare, and Howard Brenton, among others. Thomas’ work in films and television includes the beloved “Tales of the City” series, as well as Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut,” Whit Stillman’s “Barcelona,” Scorcese’s “Age of Innocence,” as well as “Love and Human Remains” and “Stardom,” both with Denys Arcand. He starred with Jenna Elfman in “Dharma and Greg,” for which he was twice nominated for a Golden Globe. He is also known for playing Aaron Hotchner on the series “Criminal Minds.” Thomas is an accomplished director both in the theater and on television, and recently produced and starred in “The Writer’s Bible,” a short film which he co-wrote with his son, JP, and which JP directed and produced.

Keith Kupferer (JERRY)
Keith Kupferer delivered a widely praised, powerhouse performance in “Ghostlight,” directed by Alex Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan, which premiered to critical acclaim at Sundance in 2024 and was later released nationwide by IFC Films. His work in the film earned him multiple prestigious end-of-year nominations, including recognition from the Gothams and Independent Spirit Awards. He was awarded Best Actor in a Comedy by the Satellite Awards and named the “2025 Chicagoan of the Year in Film” by the Chicago Tribune. A veteran of Chicago’s theater scene, Kupferer has performed at many of the city’s most esteemed institutions, including Steppenwolf, Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens, Writers Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Northlight Theatre, A Red Orchid and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. A founding member of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble—now celebrating its 30th anniversary—he has starred in critically acclaimed productions such as “A Mile in the Dark,” “The Cake,” “American Wee-Pie” and “Cal in Camo” (for which he won a Jeff Award for Supporting Actor). His other notable credits include “Support Group for Men,” “God of Carnage” and “Sweat” (Goodman); “The Seagull,” “The Great Leap,” “The Qualms,” “Good People” and “Middletown” (Steppenwolf); “Hillary and Clinton,” “Never the Sinner” and “Appropriate” (Victory Gardens); “West Side Story” (Lyric Opera) and the world premiere of “The Humans” (American Theater Company). He has also appeared in numerous films and television shows.

Al’Jaleel McGhee (MR BARNES)
Al’Jaleel McGhee is a dynamic actor whose work spans stage and screen. He recently toured nationally with the Broadway production of “A Soldier’s Play” and has performed extensively in Chicago’s top theaters. His credits include “Noises Off” at Steppenwolf, “Intimate Apparel” and “Fireflies” at Northlight Theatre, “Hamlet” at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, “Graveyard Shift” at the Goodman Theatre’s New Stages Festival, “Paradise Blue” at TimeLine Theatre, and “Blues for an Alabama Sky” at Court Theatre. Beyond Chicago, Al’Jaleel has appeared in regional productions such as “Noises Off” at the Geffen Playhouse and “Toni Stone” at the Huntington Theatre. On screen, he can currently be seen in “Lady in the Lake” and “Shining Girls” (Apple TV+), “61st Street” (AMC), and “POWER Book IV: FORCE” (Starz). Al’Jaleel holds an MFA from Northwestern University and studied at the University of Illinois Chicago and North Carolina Central University. He is represented by Gray Talent Group. Love to the tribe! @AntwonChekhov

Daniil Krimer (HENRY JOHNSON)
Daniil Krimer is an actor and theatermaker whose work spans stage and screen. In New York, he appeared in “Really Really” with Normal Ave Productions. His regional credits include “Sherlock Holmes” at West Virginia Public Theatre, while in Chicago he has performed in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Twelfth Night” at Kane Repertory Theatre. On television, Daniil has been seen in “FBI” and “Chicago P.D.” He holds an MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University and is the co-founder and former Artistic Director of Kane Repertory Theatre. Daniil Krimer holds is MFA in Acting from Northern Illinois University. He is represented by Stewart Talent. Daniil is grateful to David Mamet for the opportunity to bring his work to his hometown and to his family for their unwavering support.

Brian Koester (Understudy Henry Johnson / Jerry)
Brian Koester is thankful to be working with this exceptional group of artists. Past work includes Measure for Measure, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet , On an Average Day, God of Carnage (Kane Repertory Theater) and What the Butler Saw (Noble Fool). Other favorite credits include Wake Up Mrs. Moore, Good People (iambe Theatre), Job Opportunity (Bailiwick Theater), Saved (Oblivion Theater), The Oresteia (Stage Actors Ensemble) and The Tempest (Marin Shakespeare Company). Brian is a graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University. He would like to thank his family for their love and support.

Steve McDonagh (Understudy Mr. Barnes / Gene)
Recent credits include Anything Goes (Porchlight Music Theatre; Jeff Nomination), What Will Happen to All That Beauty (Contemporary American Theatre Festival), The Music Man (Goodman Theatre), Judgment Day, The Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare), Every Brilliant Thing (Farmer’s Alley; Wilde Award), Arsenic and Old Lace (Court Theatre), The Elephant Man, Native Gardens (Williams Street Rep), The Producers (Music Theatre Works) and productions at Drury Lane, Royal George and Marriott Theatre. Off-Broadway credits include Lamb’s Theatre and regional work at The Kennedy Center. Television credits include Chicago Fire, multiple appearances on Chicago Med, American Greed, PBS Chicago Stories and Twisted Little Lies as well as numerous ‘exasperated dad’ commercials. In his life as celebrity chef, Steve was the season one winner of Next Food Network Star, co-host of Food Network’s Party Line With The Hearty Boys and co-author of “Talk With Your Mouth Full” and “The New Old Bar.”

Edward Torres (Director)
Edward Torres is a director and performer whose work has been seen on stages across the country. As an actor, he most recently appeared in Bruce Norris’s "Downstate" at Playwrights Horizons, following acclaimed productions at the National Theatre in London and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. He also received a Lucille Lortel nomination for Featured Outstanding Performance 2023 for his role in Downstate. As a director, Edward has led productions at The Old Globe, including "El Borracho," "Familiar," "Native Gardens" and "Water by the Spoonful." He was named one of The Old Globe’s Classical Directing Fellows in 2021 and directed the podcast adaptation of "Macbeth" for NEXT Chapter Podcasts and Play On Shakespeare. He helmed the world premiere of Kristoffer Diaz’s "The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" at Victory Gardens Theater and Teatro Vista, a production that was named Best Play of 2009 by the Chicago Tribune and won five Joseph Jefferson Awards, including Best Production and Best Director. Torres has also directed at several other prominent theaters, including Geffen Playhouse, Second Stage Theatre, Goodman Theatre, The Public Theater and Repertorio Español. His work has earned him accolades such as the Latin ACE Award for Best Musical and the Artistas de Teatro Independiente Award for Best Director. He is an associate Professor at University of Illinois -Chicago and serves as Artistic Director Emeritus at Teatro Vista

David Mamet (Playwright )
David Mamet is the author of various plays. His films include The Postman Always Rings Twice, Wag the Dog, The Verdict, Hoffa, Ronin, The Untouchables, House of Games (writer/director), Oleanna (writer/director), Homicide (writer/director), The Spanish Prisoner (writer/director), State and Main (writer/director), Heist (writer/director), Spartan (writer/director), and Redbelt (writer/director). His most recent books are True and False, Three Uses of the Knife, The Wicked Son, Bambi vs. Godzilla, The Secret Knowledge, Chicago, The Diary of a Porn Star, Recessional: On the Death of Free Speech and the Cost of a Free Lunch, and the upcoming The Disenlightenment: Politics, Horror, and Entertainment. He directed the world premieres of his most recent plays, Bitter Wheat, starring John Malkovich, on the West End in 2019, and The Christopher Boy’s Communion at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles in February, 2020. He recently wrote and directed the film Henry Johnson, available soon at HenryJohnsonMovie.com.

David Woolley (Fight Choreographer - SDC, SAFD )
David Woolley is a free-lance fight director with over 400 productions staged over the past 40 years in Chicago (with side trips to New York, LA, Texas, Minnesota and Maine!. His began his career with David Mamet’s Edmond at the Goodman Theater in Chicago and the Provincetown Playhouse in New York. With Eddie Torres, he created the fights for Teatro Vista’s The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity here at Victory Gardens (New York, 2 nd Stage; LA, Geffen Theatre.) He is a Fight Master with the Society of American Fight Directors; a Professor of Instruction at Columbia College of Chicago teaching stage combat and overseeing the violence in the theater department as well as the stage combat minor. He performs as Guido Crescendo in Dirk and Guido: the Swordsmen! – a Swashbuckling Comedy -Swordfighting duo - now in their 36th season at the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin and the Ohio Renaissance Faire in Harveysburg Ohio!

Tina M. Jach (Production Stage Manager)
Tina M. Jach (She/Her) is happy to be returning to Victory Gardens Theater in association with Relentless Theatre Group. Chicago credits include Lobby Hero, Becky Nurse Of Salem, Flood, A View From the Bridge, London Road, Stew, Rasheeda Speaking, This Wide Night, Sheepdog, Be Here Now, Crime And Punishment, How to Use a Knife and Peter Pan on her 70th Birthday (Shattered Globe Theatre); Four Places (Den Theatre); The Father (Remy Bumppo Theatre); Fade (Teatro Vista & Victory Gardens Theater), Hand To God, Eurydice, The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity and Anna in the Tropics (Victory Gardens Theater), Confessions of a P. I. M. P. (Grippo Stage Company, Inc.), Race (Goodman Theatre). Tina is as an ensemble member of Shattered Globe Theatre. Ms. Jach holds an MFA in Stage Management from Rutgers University, and is a proud member of AEA.

Jayce Lewis (Assistant Stage Manager)
Jayce Lewis (He/They) is beyond excited to be working with Relentless Theatre Group on Henry Johnson! Selected Chicago Credits: We Are Here: Songs From The Holocaust (The Salt Shed), House of the Exquisite Corpse III + IV (Rough House Theatre), Junie B Jones, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (YPT), Same Sects, Rocky Horror Picture Party (Haven), Jungle Jim, and Sentinels (CPA Theatricals). Selected Regional Credits: Tipi Tales From The Stoop, Airness, Danceworks 2024/25, The Tempest, Lyle the Crocodile, Everybody, (Wirtz Center) La Boheme (Cahn Auditorium) and 5&Dime (AMTP). Thank you Madz for all of your love and support! www.JayceLewisSM.com

Jeff Brain (Props Designer)
Jeff Brain is a Chicago-area designer and performer that is excited to work with Victory Gardens. His work as a props designer in Chicago has been seen at City Lit Theatre, Redtwist Theatre, Nonsense Theatre Company, and more. He is currently the Assistant Technical Director at the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, and a Scenic Carpenter / Props Artisan at American Players Theatre (Spring Green, WI). He is also an ensemble member with Redtwist Theatre, and Nonsense Theatre Company, where he recently appeared in Bloodshot (Stage Directions / Additional Music). Upcoming projects include Gary: a Sequel to Titus Andronicus with Redtwist (Technical Director), Macbeth at UW-P (Assistant Technical Director), and performing in an upcoming short film. Thanks for supporting live theatre!

CODESIGN STUDIOS (Scenic Design)
CODESIGN STUDIOS is based in Chicago and started in 2015, bringing design professionals together to empower and encourage creative solutions through vision, collaboration, technology and storytelling. CODESIGN STUDIOS' team is made up of Collette Pollard (owner), Lucie Greene (Co-Designer) and Delena Bradley (Co-Designer). Upcoming work includes NEW GHOST for Era Footwork Collective at Hairpin Art Center in Chicago. Other work includes DENNIS WATKIN'S MAGIC PARLOUR Downtown Chicago, JOURNEY WORLD for Girl Scouts, COMMUNITY CONVERSATION for Obama Foundation and WONDER a private party.

Stephanie Cluggish (Costume Designer)
Stephanie Cluggish is a Chicago based designer, Stephanie specializes in theatre and opera. Chicago credits: Haymarket Opera Company, Paramount Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, A Red Orchid, The Gift, Northlight Theatres and many more. Regional: Penobscot Theatre, Theatreworks Colorado, Wolf Trap Opera, Charlottesville Opera, Theatre Raleigh, and the Music Academy of the West. She is a Clinical Associate Professor of costume design and technology at the University of Illinois Chicago and a proud member of USA829, where she is Co-Chair of the Costume Department United Best Practices Committee. See more at stephanie-cluggish.com.

Jared Gooding (Lighting Design)
Jared's design credits include shows for theaters all over the country. Designs for, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Goodman Theater, Writers Theater, Court Theater, Asolo Repertory Theater, Chicago Children's Theater, TimeLine Theatre, Madison Children’s Theater, MPAACT, Syracuse Stage, The Acting Company, Fulton Theater, Bristol Riverside Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater, Indiana Repertory Theater, First Stage Milwaukee, Florentine Opera Company, American Blues Theater, and Steep Theater. He was the lighting assistant for The Wiz Live on NBC, and has associate designed at the Kennedy Center in DC. He is an Ensemble Member with American Blues and MPAACT theaters, a lighting designer at Mor Lights,, and was named the 2023 emerging artist at the Michael Merritt Awards in Chicago. His work is featured at goodingdesigns.com

Dennis Zacek (Executive Producer)
Dennis Zacek is Artistic Director Emeritus of Victory Gardens Theater where he held the position of Artistic Director for 34 years. He, his wife Marcelle McVay, and Sandy Shinner accepted Victory Gardens’ 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. He also accepted the Actors Equity Association (AEA) Spirit Recognition Award on behalf of Victory Gardens. The Spirit Award is given to institutions that “have made nontraditional casting a way of life.” Among other awards are a Jeff Award for Outstanding Achievement in Chicago Equity Theatre, an Artistic Leadership Award from the League of Chicago Theatres, the Rosetta Lenoire Award from AEA and the Sidney R. Yates Arts Advocacy Award from the Illinois Arts Alliance (now Arts Alliance Illinois). Zacek is Professor Emeritus at Loyola University and was included on Utne Reader’s list of “Artists Who Will Shake the World.” Currently he works at The Studios of Key West as a teacher during the winter. He has directed more than 250 productions in his career.

About Relentless Theatre
Relentless Theatre Group believes great theater challenges the mind. Our mission is to offer a theatrical home for public discourse, freedom of expression, and brilliant creation.

About Victory Gardens Theater
The Victory Gardens Theater, established in 1974, stands as a beacon of innovation and artistry in the theater community. With a record of producing more world and Chicago premieres, collaborating with more living playwrights, and exporting new plays for production elsewhere than any other theater in the region, we are proud to lead the way in the evolution of contemporary theater. Our mission is to cultivate and present powerful, new works that capture the diverse narratives of our world, enriching the American theater landscape. Through our productions, we ignite important conversations that drive meaningful civic change and foster an inclusive theater experience that invites everyone to partake. Our achievements over the past 50 years were recognized in 2001 when we received the prestigious Tony Award® for Outstanding Regional Theatre at New York's Radio City Music Hall. This esteemed award honors our unwavering commitment to artistic excellence and our significant contribution to the growth of theater on a national scale. As we celebrate our past, we look forward with determination to the next 50 years, remaining steadfast in our values of integrity, diversity, innovation, and excellence. Together, we will continue to inspire and transform the theater experience for audiences everywhere. Please visit victorygardens.org/mission-history to learn more about our history or victorygardens.org/donate/ to donate to our cause.