April 28 - May 15, 2022
A note from the playwright
We need to tell our stories. Now more than ever. The last two years have clearly been a very challenging time for all of us. Before the pandemic, some of us had never experienced anxiety or depression.
Personally, I am deeply inspired by the shift that seems to be taking place in dialogues about mental health. From famous athletes, to zoomed out parents and kids, to teens and young adults coming forward with their own mental health struggles - it does feel that perhaps we are at a turning point in our collective journey towards de-stigmatization.
Certainly, not everyone wants to tell their story publicly, like I am here tonight - but as a writer and actor, this is the language I speak. If you leave the theater and feel motivated to reach out to a friend or loved one, either to share your struggle with them, or to more directly ask them how they're doing - then this play will have made a difference.
Whether on stage in front of an audience, or over the phone to a friend - we need to tell our stories. When we tell our stories, we give others permission to do the same. This is how we break the stigma.
It means the world to me to have you here.
With Gratitude,
Adina
Personally, I am deeply inspired by the shift that seems to be taking place in dialogues about mental health. From famous athletes, to zoomed out parents and kids, to teens and young adults coming forward with their own mental health struggles - it does feel that perhaps we are at a turning point in our collective journey towards de-stigmatization.
Certainly, not everyone wants to tell their story publicly, like I am here tonight - but as a writer and actor, this is the language I speak. If you leave the theater and feel motivated to reach out to a friend or loved one, either to share your struggle with them, or to more directly ask them how they're doing - then this play will have made a difference.
Whether on stage in front of an audience, or over the phone to a friend - we need to tell our stories. When we tell our stories, we give others permission to do the same. This is how we break the stigma.
It means the world to me to have you here.
With Gratitude,
Adina
Special Thanks
Judy Gold and her Solo Performance class at ESPA at Primary Stages, Molly Pearson for her support and guidance, my upstairs neighbors, The Wilkes, for letting me use their empty apartment to rehearse when they're in Connecticut, Sean Gorski, Tory Masters and my MDSG family, Kimberly Dillon, Padraic, for another great collaboration, and my dear, sweet, strong husband, Michael and our two girls, Emma and Maddy--I love you to the moon and back.
spread the word about the show!
Follow us on Instagram: the_road_back_at and Facebook: ChrysalisTheatreCompany
the road back
Writer/Performer: Adina Taubman*
Director: Padraic Lillis
Co-Producer: Kimberly Dillon
Lighting and Set Design: Katy Atwell
Costume Designer: Natalie Loveland
Sound Designer: Nina Field
Assistant Lighting and Set Design: Shannon Clarke
Production Stage Manager: Leala Grindstaff
Associate Producer: Joana Tsuhlares
Box Office Assistant: Lucas Pasquier
Publicist: Emily Owens
Promotional Photographer: Daniel Rader
*Member Actors Equity
Director: Padraic Lillis
Co-Producer: Kimberly Dillon
Lighting and Set Design: Katy Atwell
Costume Designer: Natalie Loveland
Sound Designer: Nina Field
Assistant Lighting and Set Design: Shannon Clarke
Production Stage Manager: Leala Grindstaff
Associate Producer: Joana Tsuhlares
Box Office Assistant: Lucas Pasquier
Publicist: Emily Owens
Promotional Photographer: Daniel Rader
*Member Actors Equity
thank you so much to everyone who donated to the show.
YOUR GENEROSITY MADE THIS PRODUCTION POSSIBLE.
cast
Adina Taubman (Writer/Performer) is an actor, a playwright, and a teaching artist. In 2019, Adina performed The Road Back in a workshop production, directed by Padraic Lillis (The Farm Theater) at TADA and The Tank. She has performed her solo docudrama, A Line in the Sand, about the Columbine High School massacre, in nine theater festivals, including the Planet Connections Theatre Festival in NYC (Outstanding Production of a Solo Show Award), the Midtown International Theatre Festival (Outstanding Production of a Solo Show), United Solo Festival, the New York International Fringe Festival, the Edinburgh Fringe, PortFringe in Portland, Maine, and in many high schools across the U.S. and in Tangier, Morocco. Adina is the Artistic Director of Chrysalis Theatre Company. For their inaugural production, Barking Girl by Susan Bernfield, Adina played the main character, Rae. She has worked at a number of theaters in New York, including Ensemble Studio Theatre, Manhattan Theater Source, and The Gallery Players. https://adinataubman.com/
creative
Padraic Lillis (Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of The Farm Theater. He is a director, playwright, and educator. Padraic was The Humana Visiting Scholar and Artist in Residence at Centre College. As a director Padraic has been awarded: New York Innovative Theatre Outstanding Director, NY International Fringe Festival’s Overall Excellence in directing, and Best Short film at the Milan International Film Festival for his film Hand Over Hand which he wrote and directed. He has directed over twenty solo shows, including Adina Taubman’s A Line In The Sand, which was awarded best solo show at Planet Connections Theatre Festival, and Douglas Taurel’s The American Soldier, which played at The Kennedy Center. His plays are published with Dramatists Play Services. Padraic is the host of The Farm Theater’s Bullpen Sessions podcast. He is a member of the LAByrinth Theater Company and a lifelong Yankee fan. thefarmtheater.org
Kimberly Dillon (Co-Producer) is a New York City-based actress, producer, and writer originally from Ohio. Recent Producing: Associate Producer “Between the Threads-Jewish Women Project” at HERE Arts Center, Co-Producer “Warriors of Education” short film documentary (Official selection, Block Island Film Festival/Best short doc, Indiedance) Recent Acting: Terry in the short film “Hair Trigger” (Best Supporting Actress, New Visions and Voices Festival). Writing: The Sensitive Flower Blog on Substack. Proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. More at: www.kimberlydillon.net
Katy Atwell (Lighting and Set Design) is a Lighting Designer and Technical Theater Consultant based out of New York City. She has spent the last 6 years on staff with New York City Ballet as the Assistant Lighting Director and is the Assistant Lighting Designer for Moulin Rouge! on Broadway (and the National Tour). Other NYC credits include: MTC's The Perplexed (ALD), City Center Encore's Evita! (ALD), Wild Parrots of Campbell (LD), and various projects with Titan Theater Company. BFA: Millikin University, MFA: Boston University. To learn more, visit KatwellDesign.com
Natalie Loveland (Costume Designer) is pleased to join this production of The Road Back. In New York, her designs have been seen at The New Amsterdam Theatre, Classic Stage Company, Lincoln Center Education, Park Avenue Armory, Theatre Row, and NYTW’s Fourth Street Theatre, among many others. Outside the city, Natalie has designed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and has served as a guest artist and designer at multiple universities across the country. She has also served as an assistant on the Broadway tours of Elf The Musical, Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage, and most recently, Waitress. Natalie is a proud member of USA Local 829. In addition to her work as an artist, Natalie explores the human experience on foot as a backpacker with her husband, Jess Prichard. www.nataliemarieloveland.com
Nina Field (Sound Designer) Recent Productions: Regional: Our Town, (Dallas Theater Center; Dallas, TX), Beyond the Fourth Wall (WMPAC; Big Sky, MT), Ms. Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley (Playhouse On Park; West Hartford, CT). New York: Motel Andromeda (Waterwell), House of American Activities (The After-Image), The View (Columbia U. School of the Arts). Virtual: Murder, We Spoke (Tantrum East). Associate Design: Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Designer: Lindsay Jones), Hamlet on the Radio (The Old Globe, Designer: Lindsay Jones).
Leala Grindstaff (Production Stage Manager) is an actor, stage manager, and director originally from Gaffney, SC. She was trained at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. Her most recent work includes Fluffy the Pine (SUPA Entertainment, “Dr. Birch”), The Murder Play with Jack & Melissa (NOW Collective, Stage Manager), and Dying Awake (Vainglorious Media Co., Asst. Director/Producer.)
Joana Tsuhlares (Associate Producer) is an Actor/Director based in NYC but originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. She has a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory, and most recently helped develop and acted in the new work Rift by Rita Welch at The Tank and held an Directorial Observership with Eric Tucker for Bedlam’s Persuasion. She is very excited to be working on The Road Back and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Lucas Pasquier (Box Office Assistant) is an Actor living in NYC that is originally from Tampa, Florida. He most recently graduated with a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory, and is excited to be joining the Chain Theatre for this production of The Road Back!
Emily Owens (PR) is a press agent specializing in new work premiering Off and Off-Off Broadway. EOPR's clients include performing arts venues, theatre festivals, indie theatre companies, self-producing artists, and early career playwrights. www.emilyowenspr.com
Kimberly Dillon (Co-Producer) is a New York City-based actress, producer, and writer originally from Ohio. Recent Producing: Associate Producer “Between the Threads-Jewish Women Project” at HERE Arts Center, Co-Producer “Warriors of Education” short film documentary (Official selection, Block Island Film Festival/Best short doc, Indiedance) Recent Acting: Terry in the short film “Hair Trigger” (Best Supporting Actress, New Visions and Voices Festival). Writing: The Sensitive Flower Blog on Substack. Proud member of AEA and SAG/AFTRA. More at: www.kimberlydillon.net
Katy Atwell (Lighting and Set Design) is a Lighting Designer and Technical Theater Consultant based out of New York City. She has spent the last 6 years on staff with New York City Ballet as the Assistant Lighting Director and is the Assistant Lighting Designer for Moulin Rouge! on Broadway (and the National Tour). Other NYC credits include: MTC's The Perplexed (ALD), City Center Encore's Evita! (ALD), Wild Parrots of Campbell (LD), and various projects with Titan Theater Company. BFA: Millikin University, MFA: Boston University. To learn more, visit KatwellDesign.com
Natalie Loveland (Costume Designer) is pleased to join this production of The Road Back. In New York, her designs have been seen at The New Amsterdam Theatre, Classic Stage Company, Lincoln Center Education, Park Avenue Armory, Theatre Row, and NYTW’s Fourth Street Theatre, among many others. Outside the city, Natalie has designed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Hoboken’s Mile Square Theatre, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre and has served as a guest artist and designer at multiple universities across the country. She has also served as an assistant on the Broadway tours of Elf The Musical, Dirty Dancing: The Classic Story on Stage, and most recently, Waitress. Natalie is a proud member of USA Local 829. In addition to her work as an artist, Natalie explores the human experience on foot as a backpacker with her husband, Jess Prichard. www.nataliemarieloveland.com
Nina Field (Sound Designer) Recent Productions: Regional: Our Town, (Dallas Theater Center; Dallas, TX), Beyond the Fourth Wall (WMPAC; Big Sky, MT), Ms. Bennet, Christmas at Pemberley (Playhouse On Park; West Hartford, CT). New York: Motel Andromeda (Waterwell), House of American Activities (The After-Image), The View (Columbia U. School of the Arts). Virtual: Murder, We Spoke (Tantrum East). Associate Design: Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Designer: Lindsay Jones), Hamlet on the Radio (The Old Globe, Designer: Lindsay Jones).
Leala Grindstaff (Production Stage Manager) is an actor, stage manager, and director originally from Gaffney, SC. She was trained at the College of Charleston in Charleston, SC, and the Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. Her most recent work includes Fluffy the Pine (SUPA Entertainment, “Dr. Birch”), The Murder Play with Jack & Melissa (NOW Collective, Stage Manager), and Dying Awake (Vainglorious Media Co., Asst. Director/Producer.)
Joana Tsuhlares (Associate Producer) is an Actor/Director based in NYC but originally from Wheeling, West Virginia. She has a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory, and most recently helped develop and acted in the new work Rift by Rita Welch at The Tank and held an Directorial Observership with Eric Tucker for Bedlam’s Persuasion. She is very excited to be working on The Road Back and she hopes you enjoy the show!
Lucas Pasquier (Box Office Assistant) is an Actor living in NYC that is originally from Tampa, Florida. He most recently graduated with a BFA in Acting from Shenandoah Conservatory, and is excited to be joining the Chain Theatre for this production of The Road Back!
Emily Owens (PR) is a press agent specializing in new work premiering Off and Off-Off Broadway. EOPR's clients include performing arts venues, theatre festivals, indie theatre companies, self-producing artists, and early career playwrights. www.emilyowenspr.com
Actors' Equity Association (AEA), founded in 1913, represents more than 50,000 actors and
stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live
theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions,
providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the
AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The
Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org
stage managers in the United States. Equity seeks to advance, promote and foster the art of live
theatre as an essential component of our society. Equity negotiates wages and working conditions,
providing a wide range of benefits, including health and pension plans. AEA is a member of the
AFL-CIO, and is affiliated with FIA, an international organization of performing arts unions. The
Equity emblem is our mark of excellence. www.actorsequity.org
The Chain Theatre is a not for profit 501(C)3 production company whose goal is to create artistic work that is accessible, relatable, and invokes a visceral response in the audience through the mediums of theatre and film. We provide opportunities for New York based artists to experience challenging subject matters and universal themes. A deep respect for the narrative is the driving force behind the cultivation of original texts, the further investigation of recently produced work, and the reclaiming of existing classics for a modern audience. The material chosen focuses on the cyclical nature of history and complexity of the human spirit. The Chain provides professional platforms for new artists and true independent filmmakers to showcase their work and to share their personal stories and original ideas in our communities.