Production Team
Julisa Marcel (Director)
Julisa Marcel is a Caribbean-born, Toronto-based writer and director working across stage and screen. While much of her recent work has been in film, her creative foundation is in theater. She is an alumna of multiple playwright development workshops and spent several formative years working in community theatre in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, where she developed a deep respect for live performance and collaborative storytelling. Her work has screened
at multiple film festivals, and she brings
a cinematic sensibility to character-driven,
culturally specific work on stage.
Felicia P. Fields
(Creative Consultant & Associate Director)
Felicia P. Fields has mesmerized audiences for over four decades with her dynamic performances in musicals, both nationally and internationally. Her credits include unforgettable roles at the Goodman Theatre in productions such as "Crowns," "The Rose Tattoo," and "A Christmas Carol." In Chicago's vibrant theater scene, she's made her mark at esteemed venues like the Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Recent highlights include captivating performances in "Hairspray" and the inaugural tour of "Love, Loss, and What I Wore." Her diverse repertoire spans productions like "Nunsense," "Dreamgirls," and "Hello, Dolly!" Her portrayal of Sofia in "The Color Purple" earned her critical acclaim and a Tony Award nomination, among other prestigious honors. Off-stage, Felicia has showcased her talent on screen in shows like "Early Edition" and "Save the Last Dance." Behind her latest success in "Beyond The Door Play" is producer Denise Jones, who spent twenty-five years nurturing this remarkable project. We're deeply grateful for her added talent and dedication.
Juan Cortez
(Stage Manager)
Juan is delighted to work as the stage manager for Beyond The Door! Juan recently graduated from Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Drama and is beyond excited to continue his theater endeavors in Chicago. At WashU, Juan has served as the stage manager for The Performing Arts Department's productions of Little Shop of Horrors and The Thanksgiving Play, in addition to All Student Theater's productions of Next To Normal and First Date. Juan has also recently worked at the Union Avenue Opera as the assistant stage manager for their productions of My Fair Lady and a double billing of Josephine and Pagliacci. Juan would like to thank everyone who's mentored and supported him throughout the past years.
Maya Ruther
(Assistant Stage Manager)
My name is Maya, and I am the Assistant Stage Manager for this production. I am incredibly passionate about art and theatre, and I love being part of the creative process both on and off the stage. Contributing to productions like this allows me to express my talents while supporting the cast and crew in bringing a story to life. I enjoy working behind the scenes, staying organized, and helping ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible. Theatre has given me the opportunity to grow creatively, collaborate with amazing people, and be part of something bigger than myself. I believe the performing arts have the power to inspire, entertain, and connect people from all walks of life. I am grateful to be part of this production and appreciate everyone who has made this experience so rewarding. I look forward to continuing to grow as both an artist and a stage manager while creating meaningful
experiences through theatre.
Raine DeDominici (Production Manager)
Raine DeDominici (they/she) is a Chicago-based production manager and stage manager. Raine is the Managing Director at Redtwist Theatre and has production managed several of their shows, including How to Transcend a Happy Marriage and The Normal Heart. They also served as stage manager for Redtwist’s productions of Titus Andronicus and Wolves. Other stage management credits include Spamalot, Big Fish, A Chorus Line (The Theatre Lab; Washington, D.C.), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Ohio Valley Summer Theatre; Athens, OH). Educational: Krapp’s Last Tape, Angels in America Part One - Millennium Approaches, Pluto. Raine holds a BFA in Stage Management from Ohio University and an MLIS from Dominican University. They also live a double life
as a librarian at Chicago Public Library.
Eric Luchen
(Scenic Designer)
Eric is a Chicago-based designer who has collaborated on regional, national, and international productions. Recent and upcoming credits include: Evil Dead: The Musical (Australian Tour), The Producers (Ogunquit Playhouse), Guys and Dolls (Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre), Deserted (Redtwist Theatre). Annie (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), Frozen (Barbirra Music Theatre - Melbourne, AU). His work has been recognized by multiple award organizations, including the Joseph Jefferson Awards and the Lou Awards in Chicago. Most recently, he was awarded the Conda Award for Excellence in Scenic Design for his production of Mary Poppins in Newcastle, Australia. Eric is a member of USA 829. You can see more of his work
on his website: ericluchen.com or
Instagram: ericluchendesigns.
Rueben D. Echoles (Costume Designer)
Rueben is an accomplished playwright, director, choreographer, illustrator, costume, wig and makeup designer. He has had the pleasure of working with many theater companies across the country and in the Chicagoland area, such as ETA, Black Ensemble, Mmpact, Congo Square, Refuge, Porchlight Music Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Writers Theatre, Theo Ubique, Invictus, Goodman Theatre, Phoenix Theatre Company and Studio One Dance Theatre. His most recent projects include Associate Wig Design for Covenant at Goodman Theatre, Wig Design for Tartuffe at Cleveland Playhouse, Director of A Lot To Unpack at ETA, Wig Design for Lion in Winter at Court Theatre, and Director of Timon for Obsidian Theatre Festival. Costume and Wig design for Fela at Olney Theatre (DC), Directing and Choreographing In the Heights at UAC Theatre, Choreography and Costume Design for The Color Purple with Phoenix Theatre Company. Wig design for Rent at The Muny; Wig Design for Dreamgirls at Paramount Aurora and North Carolina Theatre Company; and Costume Design for You Can’t Fake the Funk, which was featured at The National Black Theater Festival and earned Rueben a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Costume Design in a Large Theater. Rueben has also designed costumes for 4 episodes of WTTW’s Chicago Stories docu-series, two of which (“Ida B. Wells” and “The History of Gospel") have won Emmys for best production. Rueben would like to thank
Christ his Savior for Everything!
Leo Bassow
(Props Designer)
Leo Bassow is a Chicago-based props designer and a designer ensemble member of Redtwist Theater. Theater credits include James and the Giant Peach, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Magic School Bus, Arthur & Friends, Heartbreak Hotel (Marriott Theater), The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (Northlight Theater), Side by Side (Oil Lamp), Akira Kurosawa Explains His Films…(Woolly Mammoth), Matilda, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Theatre Lab), A Year With Frog & Toad (Young People’s Theater), 12 Ophelias (Strawdog), Bottlefly, Titus Andronicus, Chicago, ‘Night Mother (Redtwist) and scenic carpentry across the city. In addition to theater, Leo is an avid TTRPG player, printmaker, and cat dad to two orange gremlins.
Leo is currently pursuing an MEd in
Visual Arts at DePaul University.
Harper Justus
(Sound Designer)
Harper Justus (she/her) is a sound designer and engineer based in Chicago. She holds an MFA in Sound Design from UC San Diego. Selected Credits: Sisters (Writers Theatre), Primary Trust (Boise Contemporary Theatre), ‘night Mother, Chicago, How To Transcend A Happy Marriage (Redtwist Theatre), MEDEAMEDEAMEDEA (Theatre Evolve), Vinegar Tom, Romeo & Juliet, The Promise, The Winter's Tale, Dance Nation (UC San Diego), The Half-Life of Marie Curie, The Ferryman (New Village Arts), CLYDE's (Moxie Theatre), The Great Comet of 1812
(Tantrum Theatre). Instagram: @harperjustus
.jpg)
Seth Eggenschwiller (Violence Director)
Seth Eggenschwiller is a Chicago-based actor and violence designer known for his work with The Backroom Shakespeare Project and Redtwist Theatre.
Pablo Ponce
(Media Production)
Pablo Ponce, born and raised in The southside of Chicago, Graduated from Columbia College Chicago. He started exploring the design field with a variety of projects. Such projects include what do you want from me, a music video from Cody Vavrik, Not Your Girl, music video from Physic Nurse, En Algun Lugar, a Latino independent Film directed by Tadeo Garcia. In Theatre no project is too small as he set designed Rocky Road, at Columbia College, Robin Hood, at Metropolis theatre, Graham cracker with BSP films, the Colored Museum, Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf, and In The Blood with Pulse theatre Company, In The Heights, with The Miracle Center. He was honored with an outstanding achievement in Scenic Design Award for The Colored Museum. Apart from designing sets, He keeps busy with photography and Graphics Design Mediums such as prints, digital graphics and promotional videos. This is his second time
spreading his creativity with Denise Jones for
Beyond the Door Play.