Open Space Arts
David Zak, Director
Presents The Chicago Premiere of
DORIAN
by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley
Directed by Aaron Holland
Featuring
Luke Gerdes, Anthony Kayer, Brian Kulaga
Production Stage Manager Danny Mahr Assistant Stage Manager Alex Tuscanes
Lighting Design Lex Newman Set Design Phoebe Huggett
Intimacy Coordinator Greta Zandstra
Costume Design, Sound Design and Projections Aaron Holland
Props Marz Allswede Social Media Coordinator / Photography Tadhg Mitchel
Public Relations John Olson
DORIAN is presented through special arrangement with the United Agents Limited.
No Photography or Recording: Unauthorized video, photo, or audio recording is strictly prohibited and violates U.S. copyright law. All devices must be turned off and put away. Suspected use will stop the performance immediately—and it will not resume.
Advisory: This production includes sexual content, physical violence, and flashing lights.
Open Space Arts. 1411 W. Wilson, Chicago
Opening Night September 19, 2025
Support Open Space Arts openspacearts.org
Open Space Arts is a member of the League of Chicago Theaters, Chicago Alliance of Film Festivals, LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, and the Uptown Chamber of Commerce.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council.
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Program Note
Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) was an Irish poet, playwright, and novelist celebrated for his dazzling wit, theatrical flair, and fearless defiance of Victorian convention. A leading voice of the Aesthetic Movement, Wilde championed beauty and imagination as essential forces in life and art. His works—from The Importance of Being Earnest to An Ideal Husband—remain staples of the stage, admired for their sharp humor and incisive social critique. His personal life, marked by both triumphant artistic success and tragic persecution for his queerness, has made him an enduring symbol of creative brilliance and courageous authenticity.
The Picture of Dorian Gray, first published in 1890, was Wilde’s only novel—and one that scandalized critics with its unflinching look at desire, influence, and moral decay. The story follows the exquisite young Dorian Gray, whose portrait mysteriously bears the burden of his sins as he pursues a life of pleasure without consequence. While Dorian stays outwardly unaged, the portrait grows grotesque, revealing the true cost of a life devoted entirely to beauty and sensation.
This adaptation brings Wilde’s haunting fable into sharp contemporary focus. In an age shaped by curated identities, filtered images, and the relentless pursuit of youth, Dorian feels more relevant than ever. It invites us to consider how we present ourselves, what we choose to hide, and what happens when our public image no longer reflects who we truly are. Wilde’s work remains a shimmering mirror—challenging us, seducing us, and refusing to let us look away.
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. Graham- 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.
Share the magic of live performance with someone special. Choose an OSA StagePass for One ($30) or StagePass for Two ($60), and let your recipient enjoy admission to any Open Space Arts production. Passes can be emailed directly for an easy, thoughtful gift.
Cast
Creative Team
Phoebe Éclair-Powell
AARON HOLLAND
Owen Horsley
Danny J. Mahr
Tadhg Mitchel
Lex Newman
Alexander Tuscanes
Greta Zandstra
Meet the Company
Luke Gerdes
Luke Gerdes (ONE: NARRATOR, DORIAN, LORD ALFRED DOUGLAS (BOSIE), MRS. VANE, he/him) recently appeared in TANGO at PrideArts. When not onstage, he enjoys sleeping, spending time with loved ones, drinking ice cold Diet Coke, and confusing people.
Anthony Kayer
Anthony Kayer (he/they) (Henry Wotton, Oscar Wilde, et al) most recently appeared in the world premiere of WAR OF THE WORLDS at Lifeline Theatre, where he is a member of their artistic ensemble. You may have also seen him at Lifeline in: CAT’S CRADLE, JANE EYRE, and ARNIE THE DOUGHNUT, to name a few. Other Chicago credits include work with: Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakespeare, The Fly Honey Show, Lookingglass/Uniting Voices Chicago, Griffin Theatre, Next Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, inappropriate Theatre Company, and Lookingglass/Chicago Symphony Orchestra. @cosmicferni
Brian Kulaga
Brian Kulaga (Two/Clotho) choreographed a group number to Independent Woman Pt. 1 (Destiny’s Child) for his 5th Grade Boy Scout graduation, but walked across the stage to Eye of The Tiger (it might’ve been Rocky) with the other boys instead. This is for him.
Phoebe Éclair-Powell
Phoebe Éclair-Powell is a London-based playwright and screenwriter from south-east London. Her debut play WINK (Theatre 503) received four Off-West End nominations, including Most Promising New Playwright. Her subsequent works include FURY (Soho Theatre, 2016) — a modern take on mythology and motherhood — which was a finalist for the Verity Bargate Award and won the Soho Young Writers’ Award. In 2019 she won the prestigious Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting for SHED: EXPLODED VIEW, which explores themes of love, loss, and violence. Her credits span theatre and television: she has written for shows such as HOLLYOAKS and TWO WEEKS TO LIVE (Sky/HBO Max) and is developing new projects for the BBC. She co-adapted Oscar Wilde’s THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY into DORIAN with Owen Horsley, first produced at Reading Rep in 2021.
AARON HOLLAND
Aaron has been making theatre in Chicagoland for over 21 years, producing several of their own shows, cabarets in drag as Shalita Cake, and acting with myriad theatre companies around Chicagoland: from The Goodman, Marriott and Steppenwolf to All of the Bailiwick iterations, Hell in a Handbag and Chicago Children's Theatre. You may recognize Aaron from nightlife as well- having worked as a door person at Berlin (rip) and Jackhammer. Aaron was diagnosed with Chronic Pancreatitis in 2020 and continues to be a warrior against that illness - creating The Janky Panky Jam: A fundraiser gala/ concert reading series to promote the advocacy and cure of rare Pancreatic diseases. In the free hours, Aaron actually enjoys doing administrative work and loving on his animals, Beans and Cash. Long Live the Queer Safe Spaces. Aaron is a VCU alum and a KCACTF partner winner, 2003.
Owen Horsley
Owen Horsley is a British theatre director and writer whose work spans classical and modern texts. He trained at Drama Centre London and is an Associate Artist at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) as well as Associate Director of Cheek by Jowl. His recent directing credits include TROILUS AND CRESSIDA at Shakespeare’s Globe, TWELFTH NIGHT at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and HENRY VI: REBELLION and THE WARS OF THE ROSES for the RSC. Horsley has a particular interest in exploring queer narratives in classical and historical texts, often re-examining traditional works through a contemporary and inclusive lens. He co-adapted THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY into DORIAN with Phoebe Éclair-Powell, first staged at Reading Rep in 2021.
Danny J. Mahr
Danny J. Mahr (he/they) is a transmasc theatre maker and arts educator. He is a 2025 graduate of New York University’s Playwrights Horizons Theatre School, but is delighted to be back in his hometown of Chicago! From 2022-2025 he held the position of Resident Stage Manager for Broke People Play Festival. In June of 2025, he served as the Assistant Stage Manager for Proboscis Theatre’s Infernal. He recently produced and directed a stage adaptation of his original one-act comedy, A Ketamine Induced Elizabeth Banks Hallucination, which premiered at Playwrights Horizons Theatre School. As a performer, he most recently originated the role of ‘Two’ in Susan Ferrera’s Interior, dir. Jessi Hill. He currently co-teaches high school theatre through Chicago Public Schools’ RE:ALIZE all-city arts program. Danny is passionate about living life with relentless candor and hopes our show inspires you to do the same!
Tadhg Mitchel
Tadhg Mitchel (Social Media Director, he/him) is excited to continue with Open Space Arts as the Social Media Director for a second season! His previous OSA shows include LIGHT SWITCH, MR. PARKER, SCANDALOUS BOY, and GANGSTA BABY. He has a master’s degree in Communication from DePaul University and a background in theater, filmmaking, and digital production. Alongside his work at OSA, he is the Director of Communications and Marketing for Gender Fucked Productions. Outside of work, he enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, scrapbooking, writing, and spending time with his husband and five cats.
Lex Newman
Lex (Lighting Design) is excited to work on their sixth production with OSA. Previous lighting design credits with Open Space Arts include GANGSTA BABY, SCANDALOUS BOY, IT'S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE EVERYONE DIED, MR PARKER, and MERCY KILLING. When they're not doing theatre, Lex can be found reading, working on collage art, or lifting heavy things for fun.
Alexander Tuscanes
Alex Tuscanes has a wide range of creative experience. He has done everything from construction and house painting, to prop design with Open Space Arts, to digital art as a videographer, editor and graphic artist with Rocky Mountain PBS, where he was nominated for a Heartland Emmy for his segment with the show Arts District.
Greta Zandstra
Greta Zandstra (intimacy) is delighted to return to Open Space Arts for another project. She is a Chicago-based director, actor, and intimacy professional. Recent favorite projects include intimacy direction for ANGELS IN AMERICA at Eastline Theatre (NY) and BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY at Blank Theatre (Chicago), playing Eliza in THE GÜT LIFE CHRISTMAS with Blue Gate Musicals (KY) and Annabella/Margaret/Pamela in THE 39 STEPS (Chicago), and directing HENRY V at Viroqua Shakespeare Festival (WI) and MERCY KILLING right here at OSA. Thanks to the cast, crew, and you–the audience!
OPEN SPACE ARTS PRESENTS Greta Marie Zandstra’s New Holiday Monologue CHRISTMAS, FL
A sun-kissed elf, a North Pole scandal, and a hilariously offbeat escape to Florida.
Open Space Arts is delighted to present CHRISTMAS, FL, a sharp, irreverent, and big-hearted new holiday monologue written and performed by Greta Marie Zandstra, and directed by Jim Yost. This is the first in a series of programs for The Writing Room, a new play-development series at Open Space Arts. Performances run December 15, 16, 17, and 18 at 7:30pm, with tickets offered at $20 or pay-what-you-can.
ABOUT CHRISTMAS, FL
The piece opens with a breezy greeting from an elf who has escaped the frozen monotony of the North Pole for warm weather, cocktails, and a drama-free (or so she hopes) holiday in Christmas, Florida.
As she wraps gifts, battles hopelessly tangled lights, and pours increasingly festive drinks, our runaway elf reveals the absurdities of elf culture — downhill-skiing dating rituals, the overhyped Santa suit, and a scandalous secret about Mrs. Claus that ultimately gets her exiled. Under the direction of Jim Yost, the monologue blends brisk comedic pacing with moments of genuine warmth and reflection.
Performed by the playwright herself, CHRISTMAS, FL sparkles with humor, honesty, and the wicked charm only its creator can deliver.
Fittingly, the actual town of Christmas, Florida is unexpectedly iconic — best known for its year-round holiday displays, festive street names, and the flood of people who visit its tiny post office every December so their cards can be sent with the coveted “Christmas, FL” postmark.
PERFORMANCE
DETAILS
Title: CHRISTMAS, FL
Writer & Performer: Greta Marie Zandstra
Director: Jim Yost
Presented by: Open Space Arts
Program: The Writing Room (new OSA series)
Dates: December 15, 16, 17, and 18
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 or pay-what-you-can
MY LIFE AS A COWBOY
A queer coming-of-age comedy by Hugo Timbrell
Open Space Arts proudly continues its momentum of introducing Chicago audiences to powerful new queer stories with another American premiere—building on our Jeff Award–recognized tradition of bold, contemporary, boundary-pushing theatre. In our intimate 25-seat storefront space, innovative new work comes to life just inches from the audience, creating an immediacy and emotional impact that few venues can replicate.
With My Life as a Cowboy, OSA once again brings an exciting international voice to the city, championing playwrights whose stories radiate humor, heart, and the complexity of queer identity. This production continues our mission to uplift new playwrights, celebrate queer joy, and offer Chicago fresh, adventurous theatre that can’t be found anywhere else.
About the Play
Seventeen-year-old Conor is restless in Croydon and craving something—anything—that feels bigger than his life so far. When he impulsively decides to enter a country-and-western dance competition, two unlikely allies jump in with him: Michael, his fellow lifeguard at the local leisure centre, and Zainab, razor-sharp, big-hearted, and never short on opinions.
What begins as a half-joke turns into a joyful, chaotic, and deeply human journey of reinvention. As the trio rehearse and collide, they discover trust, courage, and the unexpected power of leaning on one another. Their path to the stage is messy, hilarious, and full of heart—proving that even the smallest dreams can transform a life when shared with the right people.
Rooted in humor, queer joy, and a celebration of chosen family, My Life as a Cowboy is a vibrant new play about identity, community, and daring to dance toward the life you imagine for yourself.
Critical Praise for the Original Production
“A highly amusing feel-good story… You’ll leave the theatre with a smile on your face and feeling a little bit better about the world.”
— Jack The Lad Magazine
“Light-hearted and funny, with strong performances and real charm.”
— A Youngish Perspective
“Touching, charming and heart-warming… Their lives get better.”
— ReviewsGate
“A fun show with witty and laughable moments.”
— The Spy in the Stalls
We’re delighted to announce that our next film at FACETS Film Forum is Bedtime Stories, screening on January 26 at 7:00 p.m. at 1517 West Fullerton. This beautifully intimate work comes from filmmaker Noel Alejandro—and audiences will have the rare chance to meet him in person, as he joins us from Berlin for this special event.
Alejandro, an independent director from Barcelona known for his artful, emotionally honest approach to queer erotic cinema, continues to captivate audiences with Bedtime Stories, a series that blends lush cinematography with sensual, introspective storytelling. This newest chapter offers an erotic treat that invites viewers into the tender, vulnerable moments of connection he captures so well.
Stay after the screening to meet Noel Alejandro and explore the creative world behind Bedtime Stories.
