Butterflies Are Free
Butterflies Are Free
A Romantic Comedy
By Leonard Gershe
Don Baker, a blind young man, moves into his own apartment against the wishes of his overprotective mother. Jill Tanner, the freethinking young woman next door, takes a liking to him and his meticulously kept apartment. As they begin a closer relationship, Don’s mother, Mrs. Baker, enters to “help” her son navigate his new life. Butterflies are Free is a funny, touching and emotional play about the risks that go with loving someone.
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Reviews
“While it may not be the big-name musical with which Riverside usually launches a season, it’s a frothy of-its-time favorite with appealing characters and plenty of laughs.” Read more at: VERO NEWS/32963
“The performances, setting, lighting and sound are perfect, and in the end, it makes for a perfect afternoon or evening at the theater.” Read more at: INDIAN RIVER GUARDIAN
Cast
*Members of the Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
Allison Elaine* (Jill) is a New York City based actress and playwright. Past credits include: Pittsburgh CLO’s PUFFS (where she played 9 different characters), Netflix’s “The Stranger Things Experience” (Eleven), SheNYC’s Intentions Off-Broadway (Girl), A Christmas Carol (Belle), and The Scarlet Letter (Hester Prynne). Allison received her BFA in Acting from Point Park University. Keep an eye out for her premiere in the film Beyond the Lake this upcoming Christmas. IG: @alli_laine
Alec Nevin (Don) Riverside debut! National Tours: A Bronx Tale (Calogero) Select Regional: XANADU (Sonny), RENT (Roger), Peter and the Starcatcher (Ted), Othello (Cassio), Bonnie and Clyde (Clyde), Some Girl(s) (Guy), Réveillon Branco (Mr. Green). TV/FILM: “Drowning In Secrets” (Lifetime). Thank you to Scott, Michael, and Allen for the opportunity and privilege of telling this story. Special thanks to my mother for always believing in me. Dad, you’re the reason I do what I do. I dedicate every performance to you.@alecnevin
Laurie Carter Rose* (Mrs. Baker) is thrilled to make her Riverside debut. Laurie is a Chicago-based actor, singer, and voice talent. Originally from Cincinnati, she is a 30-year member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. Laurie has been fortunate to live and perform in NYC, LA, Tokyo and London before landing in Chicago and calling it home for the last 25 years. Regionally, Laurie has appeared in productions of The Lifespan of a Fact, Calendar Girls, The Cake, Good People, The Roommate, Menopause the Musical, Light Up The Sky, It Shoulda Been You, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, Follies, and Bedfull of Foreigners. London’s West End and US National Tours: Sunset Boulevard and Jesus Christ Superstar. TV/Film credits include “Chicago Med,” “Power Book: FORCE,” “Early Edition,” and “The Tonight Show.” Favorite role: MOM to three beautiful sons with husband Scott. www.LaurieCarterRose.com
Alec Ricardo Ruiz (Ralph) is thrilled to be performing in Butterflies are Free at Riverside Theatre. He is originally from Wellington, FL and based in New York. He was most recently seen in the 1st National Tour of Tootsie as Carl the Stage Manager and understudied the roles of Michael, Jeff, Stan, and Ron. Alec has also appeared in “Modern Love” on Amazon Prime as Maddie’s Bar Friend. Other credits include The Addams Family (Gomez), Ybor City The Musical (Catalino), and Mamma Mia! (Father Alexandrios). Alec received his BA in Theatre from The Florida State University. Website: alecruiz.com Instagram: @alecricardo95
Creative Team
Director, Scenic Designer: Allen D. Cornell
Costume Designer: Anna Hillbery
Lighting Designer: William Gibbons-Brown
Sound Designer: Ryan Gravett
Casting: Wojcik Casting Team
Stage Manager: Ingrid Olson*
Assistant Stage Manager: Jason Weixelman*
*Members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.