Production Team
E. Faye’s career spans over 40 years. performing and directing both musicals and
plays nationally, and internationally. After years of standing in front of the footlights
she now enjoys passing forward all the pearls of wisdom given to her during her
fruitful acting career. Directing credits include: Ain’t Misbehavin Drury Lane Theatre,
One Mo’ Time Anacostia Playhouse, Marie and Rosetta Northlight Theatre which
will transfer to Milwaukee Rep. (Fall 24’), The Wiz Fulton Theatre, The Color Purple
Maine State Music Theatre, (Best Direction) BroadwayWorld, and Vickie Award,
Goods Artemisia Theatre (nomination Best Direction Stream) BroadwayWorld,
Ain’t Misbehavin Portland Stage and Michigan Ensemble Theatre, Five Guys Named Moe Beverly Arts Center, E. Faye cultivates new works and directs solo performances, cabarets, staged readings. Recipient of nine Jeff Awards, two Helen Hayes, Barrymore, After Dark, three Black Theatre Alliance, Ovation, R.A.M.I., Sarah Siddons, Excellence in Arts, Kathy, Rosetta LeNoire, Guy Atkins, Heller&Hover, two Black Excellence, E.P.I.C. awards. Accommodations Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, inducted into Women in The Arts Museum in Washington D.C., RPS Fine Arts Hall of Fine, Chicagoan of the Year, NewCity Stage Player. For upcoming projects www.e-fayebutler.com
E. Faye Butler / Director
Felicia P. Fields
Artistic Music
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.
Mary Q. Angel
Production Manager
With a relentless drive for storytelling, Mary has worked in
pre-production for boutique Hollywood production companies since 2006; Lighthouse Productions, Cindy Cowan Entertainment, and Aloe Entertainment. A graduate of Hollywood's AMDA, she also studied film and theater production at Columbia College Chicago. A notable team player, she navigates several phases of theater and film production and actively supports the overall vision of the creative team. Mary’s outstanding ability to
multi-task has placed her on various media platforms as a personality, content creator, and producer. As a Writer, Mary supports the advancement of anomalous talent. She also encapsulates ten plus years of experience in pre-development work as a script analyst. Mary understands the unique value of empowering creatives to break “Hollywood” norms. As a story enthusiast, she executes diverse narratives that capture an array
of audience sentiment. Mary is honored to take part in this prolific venture of the “Beyond the Door” stage play!
Creative Team
Pablo Ponce
Scenic Designer
Pablo Ponce, originally 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, In The Blood with Pulse theatre Company, and 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 variety of Media.
Laquita Williams
Lighting Designer
Originally from Northwest Indiana, Laquita studied technical theater at Indiana University Northwest. She has a Bachelor of arts degree, as well as an Associates degree . She is the former master electrician at Theatre at the Center. Laquita has designed costumes for the production of Macbeth ( Gary Shakespeare Company), which she was nominated for a Jeff award, and IUN dance company. Laquita is thrilled to be a part of Beyond the Door, and is excited to see what the future holds for her career. She would like to thank her family for their love and support.
Alexis J. Roston
Costume Designer
Alexis J Roston is a Chicago native and proud ensemble member of Congo Square Theatre Company. She naturally gravitates toward the world of costume being a lover of a ‘lewk’. She credits Rueben D Echols for mentoring her and Black Ensemble Theater for granting the playground to learn in. It was there she costume assisted on many main stage and theatre for young audiences shows including two of her favs, Women Of Soul and Last Dancer Standing. But her awakening was being to take the lead as designer on The ‘Sex and The City Summer Series’ production of Divine Destiny. The bug had bitten. Her design credits go on to include several episodes of the WTTW series Chicago Stories: The Race To Reverse The River; Pullman And The Railroad Rebellion and; The Rise And Fall Of The Mail Order Giants. Roston was also Wardrobe Supervisor on Collaboraction’s NBC televised The Lost Story Of Emmett Till: Trial In The Delta, which won a Regional Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in “Human Interest – Long Form”.
Barbie Brown
Props Designer
Barbie Brown (they/them) is an LGBTQ+ Chicagoland-based theater designer and technician, originally from Deerfield IL. After they fell in love with backstage theater in high school, Barbie went on to study at Bradley University, where they earned their bachelor of arts degree in theatre production. Since then, Barbie has had the pleasure of working for a variety of theaters in the Chicagoland area including Music Theater Works, Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, Northlight Theatre, Oil Lamp Theater, and the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Some recent/current credits include: Mary’s Wedding at the Oil Lamp Theater (Technical Direction), the Jeff recommended Topdog/Underdog at Invictus Theatre Company (Props Design), and Shrek the Musical at Music Theater Works (Props Design). Barbie has also worked as the props designer/assistant technical director at Niles North High School since 2022. They are honored to have the opportunity to be a part of telling this powerful story. They
would like to thank their family, friends, and mentors who
have helped them get to where they are today.
Tiara Bullock
Stage Manager
Tiara Bullock is a young stage manager from Chicago, Illinois, with a background in stage managing for the Central State University theater program and various original productions. Her experience includes shows such as "The Wiz," "It Ain't Nothin' But The Blues," "Healing Through Expression," and more. In addition to stage managing, Tiara has also worked in assistant directing and acting. She starred as Evilene in "The Wiz" and appeared as a background in "Spicy Steppers." Tiara is currently pursuing a major in Media Studies with a certificate in Arts Management at Wright State University.
Tammy McDowell
Front House Manager
Tammy McDowell is new to the theatre world but not to the arts, she’s a true (Thespian). Tammy attended Second City for Improv and Columbia School of Broadcasting. Tammy recently appeared in a stage play by Richard Gallion Entertainment called “I Cancer-Vive”. Tammy’s role as Dr. Kim has allowed her to be chosen to return and play Dr. Kim again in the stage play, “I Cancer-Vive” in other cities this upcoming year. One fun fact about Tammy is she a natural comedian/mc, her soothing voice brings a room to a halt while her story telling, and side jokes keeps everyone laughing. Tammy also has a passion for working with the youth, being a true advocate for them, while inspiring them to “always be better then what is expected of you”. Tammy’s brand T.M.A.C. (Together Making A Change) is one of her greatest achievements
in the making.