This provocative drama follows its characters through two related stories involving a train wreck, a ghost and a family murder. Like the original medieval mystery plays, Aguirre-Sacasa’s play wrestles with the most profound of human ideas: the mysteries of death, the afterlife, religion, faith, and forgiveness—in a uniquely American way.
“stylish and spine-tingling… and irresistible.” The New York Times
MEET THE CAST
with Nick Birren, Petrea Burchard, Sara Ceballos, Justin Dew, Dariean Henderson, Michael Pfaff and Chad C. Wood
Scenic Design: Nadia Morgan Lighting Design: Brandon Stirling Baker Stage Manager: Eric Stimes
Nick Birren - Having recently worked in Primetime Development at NBC and Sony Pictures Television, Nick Birren is thrilled to be a part of Stillspeaking Theatre and to be returning to his first passion - acting. He is a student of the Beverly Hills Playhouse and has gained invaluable experience acting in numerous short films in addition to working inside the studio system. Playing the role of "Nathan" in The Mystery Plays has been truly amazing as it has allowed Nick to work with really great material, alongside some even better actors, while under Mr. Shenk's terrific direction. Of course, none of this would even matter if one person hadn't pushed him and supported him in this lofty endeavor. To this end, he dedicates this amazing experience to his love, Emily Gan. I promise...this is just the beginning.
Petrea Burchard - Petrea Burchard began her career on the Chicago stage at The Second City and Victory Gardens Theaters. In Los Angeles she has continued to work in theatre, playing many Shakespeare roles including Cleopatra, Tamora and even Julius Caesar. Film credits include Fracture with Anthony Hopkins and Ryan Gosling, and Callback, the award-winning indie favorite. Recent TV work includes roles on How I Met Your Mother, Las Vegas, Dexter and Greek. She's been a recurring guest star on ER, a recurring principal on The Young and the Restless, and has appeared on many other TV shows. Petrea was the original English voice of Ryoko the space pirate in the animé classic, Tenchi, and is currently the familiar voice of Stater Brothers Markets. She's glad to be returning to the stage at Stillspeaking Theatre.
Sara Ceballos - Sara Ceballos grew up in Redlands, California. When she was five she found herself on a stage and decided that she was going to be a performer. Sara attended New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she earned a B.F.A. in Drama, with a second major in English and American Literature. After graduation she returned to the southern California sunshine. Since living in L.A., she has worked in theater as well as various film and television productions. Sara is a member of Teatro Nueva Alma and Will and Company, and recently appeared in the web series, The Library. She is thankful for the opportunity to work at the Stillspeaking Theatre, and super excited to be a part of The Mystery Plays. Sara is forever grateful for her family and friends, whose love and support are everything.
Justin Dew - Justin Dew would like to thank everyone at the Stillspeaking Theatre, including the cast of The Mystery Plays for this amazing experience! It's been a true pleasure to work with this great material and such a wonderful group of people. Born and raised in Arizona, Justin has had his heart set on pursuing a career in acting since he can remember. Now in California, he is thrilled to be moving in the right direction. Alongside his acting endeavors, he is involved with Peace Action West, supporting the peace movement in America. He is enjoying every step of his life’s journey through all kinds of sets and stages. He is grateful for the chance to grow as an actor and to take risks in such a wonderful environment as the Stillspeaking Theatre. This is an experience he will always cherish. He would also like to thank his best friends in the world - his mom and dad, for being better parents than a guy could ever wish for. Justin is currently looking for representation, and with that being said... enjoy the show!!!
Dariean Henderson - Dariean Patrick Henderson was born in Los Angeles and is the son of Gayle, a licensed vocational nurse and Reginald Roberts, a hospital sanitary technician. He had a Christian/Baptist upbringing and is deeply rooted in the Lord. He is a very talented up and coming young actor who’s steadily forging his way into the industry. Dariean first discovered his love for the arts in high school where he performed in a few small plays and one-acts. He later reconnected with his passion in 2007, which is when he broke into the commercial industry. In addition to appearing in several commercial spots, he has also been cast in various features and short films. He continues to hone his craft by staying involved in theater and enrolling in various acting classes and workshops. He is very proud and delighted to be a part of this wonderful ensemble; grateful to have the privilege of working with such a talented and disciplined director as Donald Shenk and to be associated with Stillspeaking Theater.
Michael Pfaff - Mike is thrilled to be working with the cast and crew at the Stillspeaking Theatre. He recently performed in Scotland at the Fringe Festival in the hit comedy, The Boys Next Door (also performed in Manhattan and Boston). Other theatre credits include Dead Again (in Beverly Hills), Gary’s Gold, Over the River, and Waiting for Lefty. He recently moved to LA from the east coast and regularly performed in the Mystery Café at The Elephant and Castle in downtown Boston. Mike works in film and T.V. and can be seen on the History Channel, XY TV’s Comm. Ave (series regular), No Signal (On Demand Cable), and several local and national commercials. Mike was a NCAA division one scholarship athlete in track, and athletics, physical comedy, and improv are his strengths. He holds a master’s degree from Suffolk University, a BS from Penn State University, is a graduate of the Improv Asylum, and is a member of both SAG and AFTRA.
Chad C. Wood - Chad is honored and terribly excited to be a part of this production. His journey has taken him onto many stages, a few sets and currently through a number of creative ventures with writing, music and massage. He currently practices therapeutic massage at Equinox in Pasadena. Chad has served as a volunteer for Project Angel Food and The Heart Touch Project. He would like to thank his support system---because you are his rocks and because you rock! Chad is open to creative artistic collaborations of various sorts.
