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Open Space Arts

presents a reading of 

NOCTURNAL ADMISSIONS

a screenplay by Christian Reda

Directed by David Zak

Featuring 

Ryan Bond, Mary Anne Bowman, Declan Crocker, Naomi Zhanel Kalter, Nika Mavrody, Raymond Nicholas, David Niemeyer, Rodrigo Perez, Doug Self, Leela Watts, and Peter-Manuel Young

 

Joe Kowalski                                Raymond Nicholas

Angel Cruz                                  Rodrigo Perez

Uri Vadim                                    Ryan Bond

Leigh Hunter                                Naomi Zhanel Kalter

Bruno Calabrese                              Douglas Self

Ambassador Vanlden / Senator Tate  David Niemeyer

Lorena Vanalden                               Mary Anne Bowman

Victor Dominguez                              Peter-Manuel Young

Carmen, Angel’s Mother                     Nika Mavrody

Joan Tate / Dee Dee                          Leela Watts

Narrator      Declan Crocke

 
 

Unauthorized videotaping, photographing, or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited, constituting a violation of the author's rights and actionable under US copyright law. Please ensure your cameras are turned off completely and stored away. Any suspicion of a patron engaging in photography will result in an immediate halt of the production, and it will not resume.

Open Space Arts. 1411 W Wilson, Chicago   May 10, 2025
Support Open Space Arts openspacearts.org

Open Space Arts is a member of the League of Chicago Theaters, the Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals,
LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce.

 

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Join the Conversation at Open Space Arts!

 OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is  dedicated to combating homophobia and transphobia through the  transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission  is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower  marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to  challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes. 

 

OSA won some of the top  honors in the Joseph Jefferson Awards for work produced in 2024,  including Production of a Play – Short Run (COCK), Direction of a Play –  Short Run (Michael D. Weber- LIGHT SWITCH), Performer in a Principal  Role – Short Run  (Philip Andrew Monnett – LIGHT SWITCH), and Performer  in a Supporting Role – Short Run (Sonya Robinson – COCK) . 

 

OSA showcases powerful LGBTQ+ storytelling through five exciting components:

 

  • Full productions of bold and innovative plays.
  • Staged readings of classic and new plays.
  • Staged readings of winners from our QUEER EXPRESSION WRITING CONTEST FOR STAGE AND SCREEN.
  • In-person screenings of feature films at FACETS in Chicago.
  • A virtual selection of short and mid-length films, available for streaming anywhere.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Cast

Ryan Bond

Yuri
Mary Anne Bowman

Lenora
Declan Crocker

Ensemble
Naomi Zhanel Kalter

Leigh
Raymond Nicholas

Joe
Νίκα Мавроди

Carmen
David Niemeyer

Jonathan Vanalden / Senator Tate and others
Rodrigo Perez

Hector "Angel" Cruz
Douglas Self

Bruno and others
Leela Watts

Joan Tate / Dee Dee Cochran
Peter Manuel Young

Victor and others

Creative Team

Christian Reda

Writer

Meet the Company


Ryan Bond (Yuri)
Ryan Bond is a versatile Chicago-area actor passionate about bringing depth to both dramatic and musical theatre. His stage work showcases a range of compelling characters, fueled by a commitment to dramaturgy and impactful storytelling. Ryan has performed with companies like Deerfield Theatre, Skokie Devonshire Playhouse, and Winnetka Community House. Notable roles include Simon Stimson in "Our Town," Jonathan Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace," Reverend Parris in "The Crucible," Mayor Shinn in "The Music Man," and Man in Chair in "The Drowsy Chaperone."   Beyond performing, Ryan contributes to theatre as a production team member and advisor, demonstrating skills in stage management and stagecraft. He is a dedicated artist focused on the power of collaboration and the magic of theatre.
nightpearl
Mary Anne Bowman (Lenora)
Mary Anne Bowman has been an actor in Chicago since 1991, appearing with a number of theaters, including The Gift, City Lit, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Griffin Theatre, and Babes with Blades. She was last seen onstage in Open Space Arts’ production of Mr. Parker and is thrilled to be collaborating with David and Tara on 100 Days. She is extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the ongoing effort to preserve and defend one of our most precious gifts – a Democratic process that consists Of the People, is guided By the People and, most importantly, remains For the People.
Declan Crocker (Ensemble )
Declan Crocker is excited to be a part of the reading of Nocturnal Admissions and grateful for the opportunity. He looks forward to bringing this story to life and sharing with the audience.
Declan_crocker
Naomi Zhanel Kalter (Leigh )
Naomi Zhanel Kalter is a Chicago-based actress and thrilled to be part of this project. Her acting credits include American Players Theatre (Acting Apprenticeship 2023), where she performed as Anne Page in Merry Wives of Windsor and as an ensemble member in Romeo and Juliet; Milwaukee Rep (Emerging Professional Residency 2022), where she played Fan in A Christmas Carol and Hero in Much Ado About Nothing (u/s performance), as well as understudying Jules in Nativity Variations; and Kingsmen Shakespeare Company, where she was part of the ensemble in Macbeth and performed as Hymen in As YouLike It. Education: BA Acting Performance Studies at Saint Mary’s College of California.
naomi__9
Raymond Nicholas (Joe)
Raymond Nicholas is an emerging stage actor based in Chicago, bringing fresh energy and passion to the local theater scene. He recently made his debut in Massage Therapy at Open Space Arts, where his performance was praised for its authenticity and heart. With a deep love for storytelling Raymond is excited to continue growing his craft and collaborating with Chicago’s vibrant theater community. Outside of acting, he enjoys golf, staying active with fitness, playing video games, and spending time with friends.
Νίκα Мавроди (Carmen)
A performance artist, Nika Mavrody's past trade of literary scholarship meets dance training – not only in Chicago where family greeted her return during pandemic scaries. Detoxing from conferencing in 2022-2024, last year she stepped on stage for iO Theater, On the Spot Productions, and YippieFest. This week, on Friday, she will also debut improv choreography at High-Concept Labs for their last hurrah in Mana Contemporary. I blog in HTML on [isbn{dot}]neocities.
David Niemeyer (Jonathan Vanalden / Senator Tate and others)
Dave has had several acting roles in the Chicago theater scene, including Juror 10 in 12 Angry Jurors at Governor's State University, Father in Luna Park at Act One Studios, and Limping Man in Fuddy Mears at Act One Studios. He has taken a number of classes at Act One Studios, Annoyance Theater, and Sarantos Studios. He is a retired City Manager and is getting back to his love of theater in retirement.
Rodrigo Perez (Hector "Angel" Cruz )
Born and Raised in Colorado, Rodrigo Perez is freshly new to the Chicago theatre scene. He has a Bachelors of Theatre Performance From Colorado State University and an Associate of Theatre Arts from Colorado Mountain College. His most recent role was playing Sir. Studley in Once Upon a Mattress for Aspen Community Theatre. Playing The Lover (Mr. Roe) the lead from Machinal was his proudest achievement. He loves to workout and dances.
rigo_perez16
Douglas Self (Bruno and others)
Douglas Self is a father, military/combat veteran, poet, and an actor who's excited to join the cast of the staged reading of 'Nocturnal Admissions'. His curiosity to delve into the realm of acting was a natural progression from writing poetry and screenplays. Whether it's in an acting class at Piven Theater, a featured background role in a feature film, or on stage in a play he is dedicated to help bring your creative project to life.
soy_el_poeta_del_metal
Leela Watts (Joan Tate / Dee Dee Cochran)
Leela Watts (she/her) is incredibly excited to be making her Open Space Arts debut! Recent Chicago credits include Factory Roulette (The Factory Theatre), Kitty James and Destiny’s Trail to Oregon (The Factory Theatre), Tales of the Ten (Laughing Stock Theatre), and The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley (Buffalo Theatre Ensemble). She'd like to thank you for coming to see Nocturnal Admissions!
@inleelaland
Peter Manuel Young (Victor and others)
Peter is a Chicago based actor who is returning to Open Space Arts. He graduated from Colorado State University with a BA in theatre performance. His credits include Joseph in Light Switch at Open Space Arts, Micheal in Tick Tick Boom at Little Theatre of the Rockies, and Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie at Colorado State University.
young_pm_
Christian Reda (Writer)
I'm a screenwriter with four completed scripts in various genres. My screenplay NOCTURNAL ADMISSIONS was chosen by Open Space Arts in Chicago to be performed in their theater on Saturday evening. Tonight I will watch by Zoom a rehearsal. This LGBTQ+ script was inspired by one of my favorite filmmakers, Pedro Almodovar. I also have a romantic thriller with a time travel element, SIX NIGHT TO DESTINY currently in competition at Packed House Pictures where the winning script will be filmed. In addition, I have a romantic, action thriller, LADY IN A JAM, a modern day Neo-Noir and a PSYCHO inspired, horror/thriller THE ISLAND HOUSE. I am currently looking for representation.
ChristianReda@BuyMyScript

 Upcoming theater events at Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, include: 

  • SCANDALOUS BOY by David Atfield, the international premiere of this award-winning new play from Australia, about Emperor Hadrian and his great love for Antinous,  May 23 to June 7

History. Passion. Power. A Love That Changed an Empire.

Be among the first in the world to experience the International Premiere of SCANDALOUS BOY — a bold, contemporary take on one of history’s most legendary love stories.

Written by acclaimed Australian playwright David Atfield, Scandalous Boy brings the intoxicating relationship between Roman Emperor Hadrian and the beautiful Antinous into a provocative, 21st-century light — where a statue comes to life and secrets from the past echo into today.

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Films Screenings in-person at Facets

IN ASHES from Denmark, May 21 at 7:00

 

 

Streaming Films

Upcoming streaming films are the BEST OF THE FEST for spring 2025, including: 

Upcoming streaming films are the BEST OF THE FEST for spring 2025, including: 

  • BEST OF FEST FEATURE IT'S ALWAYS BEEN ME April 30 to May 13