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Northwestern University’s
Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts and Imagine U
proudly present 

THE WONG KIDS IN THE SECRET OF THE SPACE CHUPACABRA, GO!

Written by Lloyd Suh

Directed by Jamal Howard

Commissioned by Children’s Theatre Company, MN

Developed in the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, Ma-Yi Theater Company, NY

Originally Co-Produced in 2013/14 by Children’s Theatre Company, MN, Peter Brosius, Artistic Director, Tim Jennings, Managing Director and Ma-Yi Theater Company, NY, Ralph B. Peña, Artistic Director, Jorge Z. Ortoll, Executive Director.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

We are on sacred ground. Northwestern University is on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires—the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa—as well as the Menominee, Miami, and Ho-Chunk nations. Before it was stolen from them through colonization and forced removal, this land was a site of trade, travel, gathering, and healing for more than a dozen other native tribes. The state of Illinois is still home to more than 100,000 tribal members. In the spirit of healing and making amends for the harm that was done, we acknowledge the native and indigenous peoples who called this land home. We pledge ourselves as members of the Northwestern School of Communication to turn our statements into action and build better relationships with native and indigenous communities in Evanston, in Chicago, and throughout the region.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

Courage – the power to tell our own personal truths, our own stories, out loud and proud. Empathy- the ability to understand another person’s perspective, experiences, and feelings. Theatre for young audiences is a powerful tool in teaching courage and empathy. The Wong Kids… is a shining example of how conviction and courage in who you are and having empathy for the struggles of those around you can quite literally save the universe! With The Wong Kids… we meet Violet who is struggling to define who she is in a world that is hurtling insults and hate at her for being different. However, her brother, Bruce, is proud of his apparent nerdiness and fights to keep his own sense of courage. By going on an epic space adventure across the universe, both siblings learn that the world is a complicated place that is absolutely worth saving. This story is honest in its portrayal of the struggles that many young people go through when growing up. It also has a very nostalgic feel, and our production leans into this with retro-futuristic designs inspired by ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s science fiction- think Star Trek, Star Wars, and The Never Ending Story all rolled up into one with a whole lot of comedy mixed in. Many of the characters in this play feel ostracized from society because they are different- they have experienced bullying and in turn bully others. Violet and Bruce break this cycle of bullying through courage, empathy, and supporting each other in their journey to save the universe.

Jamal Howard, Director

CAST

Ryan Scott Cooke — Stinson/Prognosticator/Gyoza/Ensemble
Nya Lee Ku — Violet
Megan Liu — Nobody/Gimbop/Ensemble
Garraway Nance — U/S Stinson/Prognosticator/Gyoza/Ensemble
Grace Morley — U/S Nobody/Gimbop/Ensemble
Arran Kennedy Orive — Mars/Bandersnatch/Qweeguin/Ensemble
Esteban Ortiz-Villacorta — Mailman/Imperious Canute/Ensemble
Gavin Yi — Bruce

PRODUCTION TEAM

Jamal Howard — Director
Nathan Hiykel — Asst. Director
Wynn Lee — Scenic Designer
MacKenzie Mitchell — Costume Designer
Chelsea Strebe — Lighting Designer
Claude Wei Zhang — Asst. Lighting Designer
Justin Cavazos — Composer/Sound Designer
Zhuolin Wu — Asst. Sound Designer
Hannah Andruss — Wig Designer
Sierra Rosetta — Dramaturg
Micah Figueroa — Fight Director
JingXi Yap — Stage Manager
Aine Hynes — Asst. Stage Manager
Lynn Kelso — Imagine U Artistic Director
Aashna Rai, Nicholas Lam,  Sophie Zhang — Education and Engagement Directors
Jamel Booth — Run Crew Head
Arawen Alberg, Charlize Collado, Michah Kier, Angella Ma, Izzy Ornstein, Lola Pappas, Aidan Passaro — Run Crew

ARTIST BIOS

Justin Cavazos (Composer & Sound Designer, he/him) is a Latino composer, sound designer, and songwriter from Harlingen, Texas. He has written music for independent video game projects and short-form documentary films and recorded and produced local indie, rock, and jazz musicians. Justin received his BA in Music from Stanford University and his MA in Sound Arts and Industries from Northwestern University. Previous Northwestern University credits: The Tempest (Spring 2024–Composer), The Oregon Trail (Summer 2024–Sound Designer).

Ryan Scott Cooke (Stinson/Prognosticator/Gyoza/Ensemble, she/her) is a sophomore Theatre major and is delighted to be making her debut with the Wirtz Center. Favorite credits include Dead Man Walking (The Boston Conservatory), The Visit (The Cambridge School of Weston), and Richard II (Commonwealth Shakespeare Company). Ryan has also worked with The Broadway Collective, The Carnegie Mellon PreCollege Program, and Blue Man Group Boston. Big thanks to Victor, Lace, Sarah, and her moms!

Esteban Ortiz-Villacorta (Mailman/Imperious Canute/Ensemble, he/him) is a senior Theatre major and History minor. He was last seen as Michael in How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map. Some of his other favorite shows have been Blood Wedding and Cabaret. He would like to thank his family and friends for their support and hopes you enjoy the show.

Jamal Howard (Director, he/him) is a director and choreographer. He is the 2023/24 Goodman Theatre Maggio Directing Fellow, TCG’s 2024 Rising Leaders of Color Cohort, Co-Artistic Director of New American Folk Theatre, and an Associate Company Member with TUTA Theatre. Select Goodman credits include “The Lizard y El Sol” (co-director), “English,” “Highway Patrol,” “A Christmas Carol” (assistant director). Select credits include “The Great Khan” (Redtwist Theatre); “8-Track: The Sounds of the 70s,” “Songs for A New World” (Theo Ubique); “tick, tick… Boom!” (Boho Theatre); “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (Right Angle Entertainment/National Tour); “The Apple Tree” (Porchlight Music Theatre); “Think Fast, Jordan Chase” (Filament Theatre).

Nathan Hiykel (Assistant Director, he/him) is a senior studying Theater and Cognitive Science. He is an Actor, Director, and Playwright. He is super excited to help bring this story to life for you. Select credits include “Project NU” (Spectrum Theater Company) and “Once on this Island” (Arts Alliance Theater Company). He would like to thank his friends and family for all of their love and support.

Nya Lee Ku (Violet, they/she) is a junior Theatre major and Performance Studies and Creative Writing double minor. Recent/Favorite credits include: Wonder Boy (AMTP), Falsettos (Jewish Theatre Ensemble), School of Rock (Cain Park), and Merrily We Roll Along (Mercury Theatre Company). Nya is so grateful to be a part of “The Wong Kids” and can’t wait to share this story with you. Special thanks to family & friends for their love and support!

Megan Liu (Nobody/Gimbop/Ensemble, she/her) is a second-year theater and psychology major at Northwestern University. Originally from Dallas, Texas, she has previously studied with Heather Biddle, Laura Mittlesteadt, and Clyde Sheets. Her past credits include: Sherlock Holmes from The Hounds of Baskerville, Chris Hargensen from Carrie, and Roberta Victor from Working. Megan would like to thank her parents, Mrs. Petropoulos, DZ, and friends for their unconditional support.

Mackenzie Mitchell (Costume Designer, she/her) grew up in Encinitas, California. She received her BA in Theatre from UCLA and is currently in her second year at Northwestern, working to earn her MFA in Stage Design. Her recent costume design credits include “Mean Girls,” at the Actors Training Center, “Freaky Friday,” and Dance Showcase 2023 at Harvard Westlake Middle School, as well as “Grease,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Once on This Island” for The Color Box Productions.

Garraway Nance (U/S Stinson/Prognosticator/Gyoza/Ensemble, he/him) is a sophomore living in Willard pursuing a double major in Theatre and Computer Science in the School Of Communications. He is from Sallisaw, Oklahoma, and graduated high school from Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. He is a member of Griffin’s Tale, which is a theater group that adapts stories written by children in the Chicago area into songs or sketches and then performs it back to them. He has also worked with the Chicago theater company, The Conspirators, who works with a neo-commedia form of theater called The Style.

Arran Kennedy Orive (Mars/Bandersnatch/Qweeguin/Ensemble, he/him) is excited to be making his Wirtz Center debut. Some of Arran’s recent/favorite credits include Liam in Hometown at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, as well as Mr. Hawkins in The Prom and The Black Stache in Peter and The Starcatcher, both with the Lawrence Arts Center. A sophomore theatre major at Northwestern, Arran currently works at the Wirtz Box Office, so there’s a chance some audience members bought tickets from him.

Chelsea Strebe (Lighting Designer, she/they) graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts from University of Wisconsin-Parkside. Her educational credits from Northwestern include Heroes of the Fourth Turning by Will Arbery (Lighting Designer), The Clean House by Sarah Ruhl (Lighting Designer), and How to Know the Wildflowers: A Map by Julie Marie Myatt and Jessica Thebus (Lighting Designer). Her educational credits from UW-Parkside include Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson (Lighting Designer), and Love’s Labour’s Lost by William Shakespeare (Lighting Designer). Professional Credits include staff electrician at Gateway Playhouse, and lighting designer/master electrician at Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre where she designed both Our Town by Thornton Wilder and Charley’s Aunt by Brandon Thomas.

JingXi Yap (Stage Manager, she/her) is a junior who is excited to be stage managing “Wong Kids and the Secret of the Space Chupacabra, Go!” Previously, she stage managed “The Aliens” in the Wallis Theatre and the 82nd Annual Dolphin Show, Kinky Boots. Outside of the theatre, JingXi is double-majoring in biology and spends her time working in labs. She would like to thank Barbara and Aine for all of their support during this process!

Gavin Yi (Bruce, he/him) is a junior Theatre major at Northwestern University. He is in the Set Design Module and has a Segal Design Certificate from the McCormick School of Engineering. He attended Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas, TX.

THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS

We thank our donors who make it possible to develop and sustain the quality of productions at Northwestern University. The following individuals and institutions have made gifts to one or more of the following areas: the Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, American Music Theatre Project and the Music Theatre Funds. All gifts were made between September 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023.

$20,000 and Above

  • Elaine Cohen Rubin and Arlen D. Rubin
  • James R. andd Abbe S. McCracken
  • Robert E. and Charlene J. Shaw

$1,000-$19,999

  • David H. Zarefsky, PhD
  • Dr. Henry S. Bienen and Leigh Buchanan Bienen
  • Graber Family Foundation
  • Eileen and Stephen Howard
  • Elizabeth Schlecht Murrill and Stephen R. Murrill
  • Ellen W. and John William Stuckenberg
  • Mary Jane Alt Wilson and Jeremy Robert Wilson, PhD
  • Russell A. Koplin and Eric Friel
  • President Michael H. Schill
  • Professor Steven S. and Deborah L. Duke

$250-$999

  • Amber Gainey Meade and Drew W. Palin
  • Dee Prola Beaubien
  • Elaine Eisen Heuberger and Richard Heuberger
  • Edith G. Fessler
  • Earl W. and Cindi Rachowicz
  • Fran Faller and John H. Dunn
  • John Randolph Labbe and Claire Elizabeth Labbe
  • Judith L. and Thomas A. Monroe
  • Mark E. Kishler and Patricia Denise Acha
  • Reed and Ronna Glick
  • Randi F. and Mark Seffinger
  • Sadhna Govindarajulu True and Michael V. True
  • Steven and Donna Dauterman
  • Thomas P. Mizer and Matthew Travis McGhie
  • Tiffany W. and Miles C. Pondelik

Donate online at giving.northwestern.edu.

Thank you for supporting Northwestern University Theatre and Dance!

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION DEANS

E. Patrick Johnson, Dean of the School of Communication and Annenberg University Professor
Lori Barcliff Baptista, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Advising
Roderick Hawkins, Associate Dean of External Affairs and Chief of Staff
Molly Losh, Associate Dean for Research
Bonnie Martin-Harris, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs
Rick Morris, Associate Dean for Finance and Administration
Rayvon Fouche’, Associate Dean for Graduate Education
Tanya Palmer, Assistant Dean & Executive Artistic Director

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION CHAIRS

Thomas Bradshaw, Radio/Television/Film
Leslie DeChurch, Communication Studies
Joshua Chambers-Letson, Performance Studies
Henry Godinez, Theatre
Bharath Chandrasekaran, Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders
Melissa Blanco Borelli, Head of Dance
Tracy Davis, Associate Chair of Theatre
James Schwoch, Associate Chair of Communication Studies
Jacob Smith, Associate Chair of Radio/Television/ Film

WIRTZ CENTER STAFF

Jorge Silva – – – Managing Director
Michael Constantino – – – Associate Managing Director
Pete Brace – – -Marketing & Development Manager
Heather Basarab – – -Production Manager
Valerie Tu – – – Production Manager, Chicago
Gianna Carter – – -Production Coordinator
Aziza Macklin – – – Audience Experience Manager
Jamie L. Mayhew – – – Box Office Manager
Lynn Kelso – – – Imagine U Artistic Mentor
Ryan T. Nelson – – – Music Supervisor
Dylan Reyno – – – Technical Coordinator
Shannon Perry – – – Technical Supervisor
Emily Baker – – – Assistant Technical Supervisor
Dylan Jost – – – Scenic Carpenter
Micah Hoffert  – – – Scenic Carpenter
James Weber – – – Scenic Artist
Eileen Rozycki – – – Assistant Scenic Artist
Chris Wych – – – Properties Supervisor
Kathy Beach Parsons  – – – Properties Assistant
Eileen Clancy – – – Costume Shop Supervisor
Jessica Donaldson – – – Assistant Costume Shop Supervisor
Kristy White – – – Cutter/Draper
Pamela Brailey – – – Cutter/Draper
Renee Werth – – – Stitcher/Crafts Supervisor
Eli Hunstad – – – First Hand
Peter Anderson – – – Lighting & Sound Supervisor
Michael Trudeau – – – Associate Lighting & Sound Supervisor
Stephen J. Lewis – – – OGMC Arts and Media Producer
Stephanie Kulke  – – – OGMC Fine Arts Editor

AMERICAN MUSIC THEATRE PROJECT

Alexander Gemignani– – – AMTP Artistic Director
Brannon Bowers – – – AMTP Producing Director
Denise McGillicuddy – – – AMTP Program Assistant

WORK STUDY STUDENTS AND VOLUNTEERS

Arawen Alberg, Crom Amaya, Maya Avery, Sarah Bock, Alex Branka, Josaphina Brinkerhoff, Aydn Calhoun, Sydney Chan, Daniel Cho, Gemma Cohen, Ryan Cooke, Olivia Czyz, Ciara Farris, Nora Fox, Yui Ginther, Zoryah Gray, Jessica Guo, Alena Haney, Kiara Hill, Baz Holifield, Nicholas Hollenbeck, Katherine Horton, Miracle Idowu, Yelim Kim, Ghino Lee, Sarah Lewis, Morgan Marin, Owen Meehan-Egan, Sophia Mitton-Fry, Mario Montes, Alexander Myres, Ezra Osburn, Yooha Park, Michael Peterson, Seidy Pichardo, Elle Pierre, Haley Randall, Ayla Richardson, Henry Rohrback, Ava Romero, Jack Shadden, Anah Shaikh, Louise Sims, Poseybelle Stoeffler, Amelia Sullivan, Amanda Swickle, Millie Rose Taub, Walter Todd, Mariah Waters, Alex Yang, Gavin Yi, Yehuda Zilberstein