Chapatti
by Christian O’Reilly
Directed by Christopher Williams
February 2 – February 25, 2024
Preview performance: February 2
Opening Night: February 3
Industry Night: February 19
Chapatti is an Irish tale of two lonely hearts. When forlorn Dan and his dog Chapatti cross paths with the amiable Betty and her nineteen cats, an unexpected spark begins a warm and gentle narrative about two people rediscovering
the importance of human companionship.
Chapatti is a wonderfully charming story that is both hopeful and uplifting.
Content advisory – Please note, this production contains discussion of suicide and adult themes.
CAST
GRACE DELANEY
(Betty)
Grace is an actor, assistant director, dialect coach and dramaturg for many theaters in San Diego, Los Angeles and Dublin, Ireland. Originally from Dublin, Grace has been between Europe and San Diego for the past 23 years, acting in film and also acting, creating and teaching in theater. Some favorite roles include: Aunt Pat in The Ferryman, Maggie in Dancing at Lughnasa (NVA); Maggie in The Shadow Box (MCC); Nurse in Romeo and Juliet (PP) and many others. Thanks to Chris, Robert and everyone involved in Chapatti and to you, our wonderful audience!
ROBERT MAY
(Dan)
Robert holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Arizona and has appeared on stages around the country. Favorite roles include: Ned Newley in The Outsider, Mark Rothko in Red, Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire, Petruchio in Taming of the Shrew, Vershinin in Three Sisters, Jed Rowen in The Kentucky Cycle, and Scottie Templeton in Tribute. Robert is also an award-winning director, sound designer, woodworker, and handyman.
PRODUCTION TEAM
Christopher Williams
(Director)
Christopher is an actor, director, producer, fight director and stage manager. He is also the former Associate Artistic Director of North Coast Rep and founding Artistic Director of Oceanside Theatre Company. Directing credits include: The Outsider (SRT); Desperate Measures, Visiting Mr. Green, Last of the Red Hot Lovers, Gabriel (NCRT); Romeo & Juliet, MacBeth, Julius Caesar (Southwest Shakespeare); Julius Caesar (New Village Arts); I Hate Hamlet (Intrepid Theatre); Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Biloxi Blues, Light Falling Down, The Elephant Man (Oceanside Theatre). He was also a producer of the WWII feature film, WALKING WITH THE ENEMY, starring Sir Ben Kingsley and Jonas Armstrong.
Ruth Russell
(Producer)
Ruth is an actor and producer. Producing credits at SRT: The 39 Steps, Lost in Yonkers, Neat, Extreme Home Makeover, The Outsider, The Dining Room, and The Taming. Ruth studied acting at the University of St. Thomas and has trained locally with Jacquelyn Ritz, Justin Lang and Jo Anne Glover. Recent acting credits include: Myra Bruhl in Deathtrap, Arlene Moss in Rose and Walsh (Aubrey Award winner), and Jennifer in The Little Witch at The Conrad. Outside of theatre, Ruth is a communications professional and occasionally spends time with her husband and adorable dogs. IG: @theruthrussell and @citydoggossd.
Timothy Benson
(Stage Manager)
Timothy is ecstatic to be back at SRT managing the stage. A decorated combat veteran of the Marines, he has foregone the seasons of his native New England for the sunny locale of San Diego and continues to pursue his theatrical aspirations. He’s worked all over San Diego County in theaters such as the Welk Resort, Diversionary, and the Avo, just to name a few. As an actor, some favorite productions include Evil Dead: The Musical, Arsenic and Old Lace and Puffs. Now sit back, unwrap any Weetabix, and grab your tissues. Bain sult as an seó!
Tony Cucuzzella
(Set Design)
Tony is happy to be returning to SRT after playing Tito Mirelli in 2001’s Lend Me A Tenor, this time as set designer for Chapatti. Tony has designed for theaters throughout San Diego including Cygnet, Backyard
Renaissance, Roustabouts, Diversionary, The Welk, J*Company and Junior Theatre. Some of his favorite designs include West Side Story, Rent and Experiment With an Airpump (Backyard Renaissance at La Jolla Playhouse) for which he won a Craig Noel Award. He is currently resident designer and Technical Director at Palomer College Performing Arts Department.
Marcene Drysdale
(Costume Design)
Marcene has been designing costumes for theatre for over 16 years. Shows include Dido and Aeneas for Bodhi Tree Concerts, Lucky Stiff at Scripps Ranch Theatre, Good People at Oceanside Theatre, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Seussical the Musical, Sugar, 39 Steps, The Addams Family, A Man of No Importance, Guys and Dolls, The Winters’ Tale and Mamma Mia at the Coronado Playhouse. She has also costumed several shows throughout San Diego, such as, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof, Anything Goes, The Drowsey Chaperone and Spring Awakening.
Deanna Trethewey
(Lighting Design)
Recent Lighting Design credits at The Old Globe include the plaza design for the annual Tree Lighting Event during their production of Doctor Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Summer
Shakespeare Studio’s 2023 production of Comedy of Errors with the Arts Engagement Program. Deanna earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts: Design and Technology from SDSU where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. At SDSU, Deanna did the lighting design for their productions of Spring Awakening, The Effect of Gamma Rays …, and Two Lakes, Two Rivers. Deanna currently works in the Lighting Department at The Old Globe.
Ted Leib
(Sound Design)
Sound Design credits include: A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play, Lucky Stiff, Man of La Mancha, Barefoot in the Park, Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol, Foxfire, Dancing Lessons (OTC); The Fantasticks, Vanya & Sasha…, The Dark at the Top of the Stairs, Good People, The Heir Apparent, The Liar, Sleuth, Skin Deep, and Lettice and Lovage (SRT); One Flea Spare and Bug (Hunger Artists), among many others. Ted is also an actor, director and projection designer and served as artistic director for Oceanside Theatre Company from 2017 to 2023. His master’s thesis was on sound design for film, television, and new media.
John Owen
(Set Construction)
John is a retired construction Superintendent with over 40 years in the construction industry. This is John’s third project with SRT, following Lost in Yonkers and The 39 Steps. His hobbies include camping in the desert, playing board or card games, and enjoying time with friends and family.
D. CANDIS PAULE
(Sensitivity Director)
D. Candis has worked throughout San Diego as an advocate for actors, and a liaison between actors and production for stage or on-camera scenes that involve simulated sex acts, nudity/hyper-exposed work, and/or intimate physical contact. She offers expertise in order to support the director’s vision while working within the performer’s personal boundaries. In addition, she works to create a safe space for sensitive subject matter when the material presents content that is possibly triggering.
Miguel Garcia
(Scenic Painting)
Miguel is excited to be part of the creative production team for Chapatti. This is Miguel’s second production with Scripps Ranch Theatre and he has enjoyed working with everyone to create a transformative set for this beautiful story. He thanks his husband, Cody, for his support and love.
Morgan Zwonitzer
(Props Design & Set Dressing)
Morgan is excited to join the team for this touching piece. Other credits include Welcome To Sleepy Hollow and Billie Backstage with Lady Day at OTC, Lucky Stiff and Foxfire with Scripps Ranch Theatre. Enjoy the show!