MEDEAMEDEAMEDEA Cast

"Mary Eliza Willingham (she/her) is an actor, producer and multi-hyphenated creative originally from Colorado. Recent Chicago acting credits include Back Room Shakespeare Project, Oak Park Festival Theatre, and Northlight Theatre, among others. Mary Eliza joined Theatre EVOLVE in 2019 and now proudly serves as the Director of Development. She loves to produce unapologetically theatrical shows, leading from a strong sense of service for the Chicago theatre community. Outside of the theatre, Mary Eliza is almost always at her garden or the Chicago Public Library. She is represented by Lori Lins, Ltd. Endless gratitude to my loving family, blood and chosen – I am me because of you. "

Riley is thrilled to be originating the role of Jason/Messenger in Olivia Buntaine’s new adaption of Medea. He’d like to thank his family and friends for their constant support. Redtwist Theatre: Twisted Playfest, The Normal Heart (Felix alternate). He graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2022 with his MFA in Acting and Directing and has been Chicago-based ever since. rileylucasactor.com

Amber Dow makes her Theatre Evolve debut with this phenomenal group of storytellers! A Northwestern University theatre graduate, Amber’s stage credits include: Paulina in THE WINTER’S TALE and Servant/Gentlewoman in MACBETH both with Invictus Theatre, Mrs. Bateman in AMERICAN PSYCHO (Kokandy -Jeff Award-Best Musical, Jeff-Nominated-Best Ensemble), Matron “Mama” Morton in CHICAGO, Lorraine Sheldon in THE MAN WHO CAME TO DINNER, Daria Chase in THE GAME’S AFOOT, Patsy Cline in ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, Donna Sheridan in MAMMA MIA! Screen credits: ABC’s ALL MY CHILDREN, the Oxygen Network, Nickelodeon, various short films. Amber seeks representation. Thanks to God, Anna, Mary, my Zoombies, Frankie, Chip, and Tiffany. Insta: @ambadow

Marley Doakes (she/her) is incredibly grateful to be joining Theatre Evolve and this amazing team for the world premiere of MeadaMeadaMeada. Marley is a Chicago-based actor, originally from Denver, Colorado and her previous credits include (W)rites of Summer (The Story Theatre) and Amplify New Play Festival (Definition Theatre). She is represented by Stewart Talent Agency.

Jennifer has been seen around town in projects at Lifeline, Silk Road Rising, Teatro Vista, and Oil Lamp Theater as well as on screens in Chicago Fire, Dynasty, and The Game. MEDEAMEDEAMEDEA is her Theatre Evolve debut and her first production since having a baby- Her therapist thinks this is very, very funny. Love and kisses to her husband Jim, who is not familiar with the premise of this show and has not been invited to attend.

An Iowa City native and graduate of the University of Iowa, Elijah has worked as an actor from coast to coast on the stage and screen. In Los Angeles, he worked on TV sets and interned with The Second City Hollywood. In Philadelphia, he directed professional actor and dancer Miryam Coppersmith in her one woman show Mirele Lernt Zich Yiddish which debuted at the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. In 2023, he made his Off Broadway debut in the original musical Scouts. Elijah moved to Chicago last summer, and lives with his wife, Allison Jones, Esq. and cat Seinfeld.

Emily Fernandez (she/her) is a Chicago-based actor, singer and teaching artist. Originally from Philly, she has been working professionally in theatres for over a decade. Favorite projects include Shrew (a devised, feminist adaptation of Taming of the Shrew) and Pay Up (a delightful performance piece that explores the concept of money and value). Working in Chicago has always been a dream of her’s and she couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this ensemble. Endless thanks to her loved ones, especially Maggie (her dog) for being both an angel and the cause of all her anxiety.

Emely Cuestas thrilled to be part of the world premiere of MEDEAMEDEAMEDEA! She is an actress, singer & songwriter from Miami, FL who recently moved to Chicago to further pursue her acting career. She graduated from Jacksonville University in 2021 with a BFA in Theater, and also received an AS Degree in Acting from Florida School of the Arts in 2019. Emely has starred in various productions, most notably as “Ariel” in The Tempest with Idle Muse and "Vanessa" in In the Heights. She would like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.