TOPHER Jacob C Watson (He/Him)

Jacob Watson is a director, performer, deviser, educator, and facilitator. He creates plays, workshops, and experiences that bring people into deeper understanding of themselves and their communities. Jacob is a founding member of the FYI Performance Company at the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health and an organizer with Swarm Artist Residency. He has worked with theatre companies across Chicago including Lyric Opera, Theatre Unspeakable, Redmoon, Tellin' Tales Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Center, Piven Theatre, and Albany Park Theatre Project. He is currently co-writing a new play with songs called Daybreak about the experience of awe. Beyond his work in theatre, Jacob is an organizational strategist and learning designer with a wide variety of education and non-profit sector clients through his creative consultancy, The Practice. Jacob received his Ed.M. in Arts in Education from Harvard University and B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University. www.jacobcwatson.com @jacobcwatson

“It's said that the music you listen to between the ages of 18 and 22 becomes the music you love forever. The pop-punk-indie-rock score of SKQ nostalgizes that formative period in my own life during the early 2000s when, like the characters in this play, I was coming-of-age as a young, queer artist in Chicago. This was a sort of in-between time for gay rights/queer acceptance and a political moment with profound possibility and existential angst not unlike the one we're in now, in 2024. I am so thrilled to be part of telling this story and am moved by the radicality and diversity of queer experiences portrayed across these characters. We've come a long way, and the road continues to stretch on before us.”

BRODY Aaron Capello (He/Him) 

Aaron is so excited to be a part of the world premiere of Sofa King Queer the musical! Recent credits include Dan (Sunsets), Swing (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus), and Jack (Jack and the Beanstalk the musical). Enjoy the show!

“Something that I loves about SKQ is that it portrays queer perspectives that aren’t often depicted in media. Also being set in Chicago, these perspectives feel right at home.”

GRANGER Marquise De’Jahn (He, She, They)

After a year hiatus from the stage, Marquise is excited to make their return to the stage with this production! After attending the University of South Dakota majoring in Acting and Musical Theatre, Marquise shortly moved to Chicago, IL. You might have seen them in One in Two at Pride Arts or Passing Strange at Theo Ubique. 

“I has a connection to this show because it’s important to not only emphasize queer stories but queer artists as well. My work is based in the power collaboration as an art form in theatre. I enjoy being able to come together as queer artist and share new stories I would’ve loved to see when I were younger.”

NAO Alex Alontaga (She/They) 

Alex Alontaga (any pronouns) is sofa king excited to be working with Nothing Without a Company for the first time. Their most recent credits include Munroe Park Theatre Guild’s (MPTG) Carrie (Sue/Tommy) and The Plagiarists’ Valhalla (Hel) and I Build Giants (Monitor U/S). Other past credits include: Hookman (Jess), Sweeney Todd (Pirelli), and Jesus Christ Superstar (Pilate) with MPTG; Columbinus (Perfect) with MPTG and Random Acts Chicago; Spelling Bee (Marcy) with Summer Place Theatre; Edwin Drood (Ensemble/Helena U/S) with Blank Theatre Company. Alex has also done multiple readings and workshops for Nate Hall and Cody Linley’s Stabbed in the Heart and for Ghostlight Ensemble. When not doing theatre, Alex is a lead preschool teacher that crochets and spoils their two cats, Mabel and Squash. @sunlitsummers @sunshine.sideup

“From a performer’s point of view, there is a lot of fun to be had and creativity to be discovered when doing a role that’s so different from the real you. However, when a truly relatable role comes around it can be refreshing and exciting–especially when it includes embracing an identity that you sometimes shut off around other people. I see a lot of myself in Nao at that same age, and it has been both healing and affirming to approach this character with the tenderness that I desired at that time. If you see a version of your past self in this show, give them some love and let them know that they’ve gotten past every scary and sad moment they didn’t think they could survive.”

SIL Amy Delgado (They/She)

Amy Delgado (Sil; they/she) is excited to make their Nothing Without a Company debut! An EMC actor and stage manager,  Amy's goal as a theatre artist is to elevate queer and BIPOC voices and create space for their stories. Amy has recently become a Conspirator, beginning to delve into "The Style" while being an ensemble swing in Viva La Mort. She also recently celebrated with Vision Latino Theatre Company on their collective Non-Equity Jeff Award win for Best Production - Short Run, of which Amy stage managed. Other recent performing credits: Airport Time, Yellow Rose Theatre, Swing; Native Gardens, Williams Street Repertory Theatre, Ens/Tania US, Working the Musical, JPAC, "Housewife/Cleaning Women" soloist track. Amy would like to thank her husband, family, puppy Kovu, and close friends for their continued love and support. Keep up with Amy @missamypilar amypdelgado.com

 “Early 2000s pop-punk music has always been so near and dear to my heart, so being able to bring that kind of music to life and reviving that era in this show is so special. It's also so important to see how the way we're socialized and brought up really does have a huge impact on how we feel about ourselves and the world around us - especially when we discover we're different or weird or, one might say, queer.”

PATTY Jacqui Touchet (They/She/He) 

Jacqui Touchet (they/she/he) is an actor, writer, costumer, and nanny who moved to Chicago after graduating from Northwestern University and the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, Texas. Jacqui has been lucky to work with amazing theaters in Chicago and beyond, including Factory Theater, City Lit Theatre, Edge of the Wood Theatre, Rec Room, and Theatre Above The Law where they are an ensemble member. Jacqui would like to thank their friends, family, enemies, lovers, collaborators, teachers, and everyone involved in this incredible production :) Social media: @alphacomet3009. Rep: Big Mouth Talent.

“As an artist, I am always interested in telling stories that highlight the expansiveness of queer experience, and show how our community will never be made up of just one type of person. I think this show has levity and joy and excitement, as well as depth and vulnerability, and I am so excited to help bring it to life.”

TOPHER Jordan Albano (He/Him)

After a trip in heels through the world of drag and a pandemic sized hiatus, Jordan is proud to be making their return to the stage.

“Joining this team has been sofa king special. I really appreciate that this show highlights how wonderful, scary, and queer change can be. After all, what good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play!”

BRODY Sean McGlynn [he/she/they] 

Sean is a Chicago-based actor originally from Wisconsin, and is making their Nothing Without a Company debut! Sean just recently moved to Chicago after graduating with their BFA from Ohio University. When they're not on the stage, you can find them wandering around being a gay little freak . They would like to thank their friends and family for all the support, they wouldn’t be where they are without it.

“SKQ sits in a world that is both really accessible and nostalgic as well as campy and ridiculous. I feel it embraces the attitude of the pop punk attitude of the early 2000s and shows you this queer underbelly that's just as messy.”

GRANGER Donyae Asante (He/She/They) until 11/17/24

Donyae Asante is a singer-songwriter, actor and playwright based in Chicago, IL. The R&B and hip-hop artist, who just returned to Chicago after working in the New Orleans theater industry. His recent credits include The View Upstairs (Jefferson Performing Arts Society) Vanya & Sonia & Masha and Spike (Crescent City Stage), Where The Suga Still Sweet (No Dream Deferred), Drapetomania: A Negro Carol (No Dream Deferred), The Exorcist Files (IHeartRadio), Craigslisted (The Nola Project) and his playwriting debut Inner Child (The Actors Apothecary). Asante has one goal in his artistry: to show peace is possible when you step within and focus on your divine power. 

“This show is important to me because growing up I needed stories like these to make me feel I was normal and not alone. As an artist it is my duty to be the representation my younger self needed.”

NAO`Devin Jeong Wright (She/They)

Devin Jeong Wright is a musician, comedian, writer, producer, and performer based out of Chicago! Earlier this year Devin participated in the Victor Wong Fellowship at the Second City, where they put up a one month revue on the theaters main stage. Since then, Devin’s network has grown immensely, and you can find them performing at notable comedy shows at the Lincoln Lodge and IO theater every month! 

“What makes me so excited about sofa king queer is not JUST the identities that are being portrayed and represented, but the TIME in which they are living through. While it’s common to encounter thriving queer communities today, queer identities and bodies have been existing long before we started to properly representing and uplifting them!”

SIL Chloe Sand (They/Them)

Chloe Beth is an actor from Rapid City, South Dakota who made Chicago their home a few years ago. When they aren't performing, they are taking cool pictures of their queer friends (follow on IG @ queerzonfilm). They would like to thank their family and friends for always supporting them and their wonderful partner for being their number one fan. They can't wait for everyone to watch this beautiful queer show! 

“I relate to this show so much as a non-binary individual. I have felt very similar to Sil in the way of feeling like you are navigating identity alone. But with the help of my friends and community, I was able to fully be myself and live an authentically queer life.”

PATTY Laila Malak (She/Her) until 11/30/24

Laila Malak is a Chicago-based actor who earned her BFA in acting from Ball State University. Credits include: Our Town (Emily), The Polar Express (Steward), Macbeth (Witch 3/Young Duff/Seyton), The Children’s Hour (Mary), and An Enemy of the People (Townsperson/U.S. Mrs. Stockmann). Laila is ecstatic to be a part of this exciting pop-punk musical! 

“Understudying Patty has made me reflect on my own experiences as a naive 16-year old; wanting to make something of myself instead of getting stuck in the same place. Many of us can relate to the desire to take charge of our own story and not let anyone steal that right away.” 

PATTY Makenna Van Raalte (She/They) Starting 12/1/24 - 12/14/24

Makenna (she/they) is so excited to be jumping into the world of Sofa King Queer! She is a writer and performer in the city, a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, and the founder of Essential Invisible Productions (@essentialinvisible), a new theatre company getting its start. They are a founding ensemble member of Municipal Hole Theatre Company and a Junior Board member here at NWAC! Recent credits include Dr. Faustus, The Tempest, and Midsummer Mayhem. Special thanks to their queer family here in the city for their love and support.

Key Board Ron Attreau (He/Him)

Ron Attreau (Music Director) (he, him) is a Lakeview Chicago-based pianist, multi-woodwind instrumentalist, music teacher, and conductor. Some favorite music directing experiences include Urinetown (University of Illinois-Chicago), Young Frankenstein (Covedale Center), and Reefer Madness (Towle). Ron recently graduated with a Master of Music from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, with a focus on conducting and repertoire. Thanks for supporting queer (particularly trans and non-binary) artists by seeing TVC, and I hope you enjoy the show!

Guitar / Bass Eric Gronkiewicz (He/Him) 

Eric Gronkiewicz is a musician and actor born and raised in Chicago. Sofa King Queer marks his first full theatrical production since 2020! He can be seen playing all over Chicago with his Irish band, The Donnybrooks. He has been working with Kevin and Ron on the music for this show since its early stages, and could not be more proud to bring it out into the world with this amazing cast and incredible production team.

This show is a reminder that, not so long ago, the landscape and vocabulary surrounding the queer experience in the US was very different and a lot less hospitable. As a queer person who has struggled with labels and was himself a young adult during the time period of the show, Eric identifies strongly with Topher and Brody, for better or worse. He hopes that this show allows people to see themselves in these characters or perhaps gain some insight into the queer experience and walk away with a new perspective. 

Drums Maddi Vogel (They/Them) 

Maddi graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in Music+ Business. In addition to playing in musical theatre settings, they can be found teaching at School of Rock or drumming with Too Much Molly Band. During their free time Maddi enjoys gaming with friends and talking about sharks.

“Sofa King Queer has a special place in my heart because it realistically depicts the many facets of the queer experience. As a nonbinary person myself, I absolutely love the gender inclusivity that's incorporated into the show, and I feel so privileged to help bring a wonderful story to life.”

Bass Chris Felo (He/Him)

My name is Chris Felo and I’m a well versed, seasoned musician with over 15 years of educational and performance experience. I started learning how to play the drums at age 8, and by 18 I had picked up bass, piano, and even guitar. Since then I’ve played in numerous musical pits, gone on tour, and graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Sound Design and Music Composition. My time at SCAD taught me the technical side of audio, and gave me the skills and drive to apply my knowledge of music in new and creative ways. I intend on always playing music, and will find ways to implement my musical talents into whatever job I may have.

What I like most about the show is it’s diverse cast and a story that showcases the dynamics and complexities of life as queer people, not only showing struggles but triumphs and growth.