By William Shakespeare
This Shakespearean classic follows a king whose wild jealousy shatters his family and kingdom—until time, love, and a little bit of magic spring forth a chance for redemption. Part tragedy, part comedy, and entirely human, this is a story all about second chances and the power of forgiveness.
DCP is proud to co-produce The Winter’s Tale with Charlotte’s Shepherd Shakespeare Company!
Note from Director Chester Shepherd
The Winter's Tale is a collaboration between Davidson Community Players and Shepherd Shakespeare Company. Founded by Chester and Katy Shepherd, SSCo exists to make the timeless works of Shakespeare accessible and available for all. SSCo is thrilled to collaborate with DCP for this production, and invites you to join them for their annual free outdoor production, Bard at the Barn, this fall.
Tickets $15-$27 plus NC state taxes and fees
Meet the Cast
Brandon Dawson (Leontes)
Brandon Dawson is so excited to be joining DCP and Shepherd Shakespeare for this production. Brandon is a faculty member at Winthrop University in Rock Hill where he teaches Shakespeare, improv, acting, and stage combat. He received his BA in Theatre Performance from West Texas A&M University and his MFA in Acting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Previous credits include EUREKA DAY (Eli) at Three Bone Theatre, THE TEMPEST (Antonio/Caliban) with Shepherd Shakespeare, MIDSUMMER NIGHTS’ DREAM (Oberon, Theseus) with Shakespeare in the Canyon, RICHARD II (Duke of York) with Palm Beach Shakespeare, and DISGRACED (Isaac) with Nevada Conservatory Theatre. Brandon wants to thank Chet and Katy for bringing him along for this new chapter in Shepherd Shakespeare’s journey. And of course, he would not be able to undertake a story of such magnitude without the endless love and support of his wife, Rachel.
Rachel Dawson (Hermione)
Rachel Dawson is grateful to make her Davidson Players debut and to return to Shepherd Shakespeare. Originally from San Antonio, Texas, Rachel relocated to the Carolinas upon joining the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Winthrop University. Recent credits include Shepherd Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST (Miranda/Sebastian), COMEDY OF ERRORS (Dromio of Ephesus), AS YOU LIKE IT (Rosalind), Queen City Concert’s ANGELS IN AMERICA (Harper Pitt), Theatre Charlotte’s STICK FLY (Kimberly), and Florida Atlantic’s HEDDA GABLER (Hedda), and RICHARD III (Queen Margaret). Rachel extends her gratitude to Katy and Chet for their dedicated and generous leadership, and to her partner in life and onstage, Brandon, whose presence brings joy to every endeavor.
Jeremy Cartee (Polixenes/Mariner)
Jeremy Cartee is excited to work with Shepherd Shakespeare for the first time! Most recently he has worked with Theatre Charlotte in A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Bob Cratchit), RUMORS (Ken Gorman) with Davidson Community Players in THE MINUTES (Breeding) with Matthews Playhouse in CLUE (Colonel Mustard), as well as YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Paul Sycamore) at CPCC. Jeremy has a BA in Theatre from Winthrop University. He has lived in Charlotte for over twenty years and is the proud father of two amazing kids who share his love of theatre.
Savannah Deal (Camillo)
Savannah Deal is an arts administrator and performer from Charlotte, NC. A Davidson College graduate, she studied Shakespeare at the British American Drama Academy in London and Oxford. She was last seen on stage as Winifred in Charlotte Conservatory Theatre's WITCH. While this is her DCP acting debut, she has worked behind the scenes with recent productions A SMALL AND HUMBLE ERASURE and THE HUMANS. She is grateful to DCP and the creative team for their hard work!
Andre Braza (Antigonus/Autolycus)
Andre Braza is a proud Filipino-American performer and musician who is excited for his debut at Davidson Community Players! You may have seen him last fall playing Ferdinand in THE TEMPEST with Shepherd Shakespeare's Bard at the Barn. Some of his favorite roles include TOMMER'S EARTHLY FRIENDS (Tommer) at the New London Barn Playhouse, DIARY OF A WIMPY KID THE MUSICAL (Chirag Gupta) at the Children's Theatre of Charlotte, THE MAGIC PAINTBRUSH (Artist/Chen) at The REV Theater Co, KINKYBOOTS (Swing/Ens) and HENRY V (Duke of Bedford U/S Dauphin) at the Orlando Shakes, and INDECENT (Ens/Accordion) at Theater UCF. He graduated from Appalachian State University with a BA in Theater and the University of Central Florida with an MFA in Acting. In his free time, he loves to make music, game, and explore the outdoors!
Joanna Gerdy (Paulina/Mopsa)
Joanna Gerdy is an actor, director, educator, playwright, and Shakespeare geek working in the Charlotte theatre community since 1994. She’s so happy that the stars finally aligned to allow her to play with this fabulous company! Favorite Shakespeariences - Director: MIDSUMMER ABRIDGED, SHAKESPEARE’S R&J, HAMLET, TWELFTH NIGHT, COMEDY OF ERRORS, HENRY IV, MACBETH, and QUICKSPEARE. Actor: RICHARD III (Queen Elizabeth), AS YOU LIKE IT (Jaques), COMEDY OF ERRORS (Amelia), MIDSUMMER (Hippolyta & Puck), TWELFTH NIGHT (Olivia), and JULIUS CAESAR (Antony). Previous fun with Shepherd Shakespeare: one-night-stands in Unrehearsed Shakespeare: TWELFTH NIGHT (Maria), A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM (Puck), ROMEO & JULIET (Nurse), and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Dogberry). As an Artistic Associate at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, she developed and directed Shakespeare in School, an adult professional touring company and educational residency program. Gerdy has attended actor, director and teacher training professional development programs at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (London, UK), Shakespeare’s Birthplace Trust / Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford Upon Avon, UK), The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (Ashland, OR), Shakespeare & Company (Lenox, MA), and La Mama Experimental Theatre’s La Mama Umbria International Theatre Directors’ Symposium in Spoleto, Italy. She’s currently in the middle of her 19th year as the Director of Theatre at Davidson Day School.
Jake McGraw (First Lord/Florizel)
Jake McGraw is thrilled to be bringing his love of Shakespeare to his Davidson Community Players and Shepherd Shakespeare Company debut! Originally from Jacksonville, FL, Jake graduated with a honors degree in theatre from Davidson College in May. There he performed in such works as BRIGHT STAR (Jimmy Ray), TWELVE OPHELIAS (Rude Boy), THE PROM (Barry Glickman), THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (William Barfee), as well as writing, directing, and starring in HOMECOMING, an autobiographical solo performance. He has also participated in a summer residency with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford Upon Avon.
Emma Brand (Servant/Cleomenes/Perdita)
Emma Brand is thrilled to make her debut with both Shepherd Shakespeare and Davison Community Players! Originally from the Bay Area of California, her very first theatre experience was in American Youth Shakespeare's production of THE WINTERS TALE as a dancing shepherdess. She went on to study English and Theatre Arts at Belmont Abbey College, appearing in productions of KING LEAR (Cordelia / The Fool), THE LARK (Agnes Sorel), and THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (Cecily Cardew). Most recently, she featured in Matthews Playhouse's PETER AND THE STARCATCHER (Molly Aster) and YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (Ensemble), as well as Theatre Charlotte's MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS (Greta Ohlsson). She dedicates this performance to her ever-supportive husband Joshua. "A sad tale's best for winter." I.G. @emmabrandactor
Iesha Nyree (Emilia/Old Shepherd)
Iesha Nyree is so happy to be back with Davidson Community Players and Shepherd Shakespeare Company. A graduate of Rutgers University, she has performed in theatres throughout the Charlotte area for over twenty years. She also does work as a professional voiceover talent. Iesha was most recently seen in Theatre Charlotte’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Marley) and Shepherd Shakespeare Company’s THE TEMPEST (Ariel). She would like to thank her kids for taking care of the critters during rehearsals, for the cast and crew for being amazing, and her boyfriend for always keeping her smiling.
Spencer Addison (Gaoler/Dion/Clown)
Spencer Addison is excited to make his return to Shepherd Shakespeare Company, and his first DCP appearance. Born in New Jersey, his family came down to the Carolina’s in 2010 and have been here since. He has been lucky enough to receive training from Film Actors Studio of Charlotte, Shepherd Shakespeare Company Coaching, and other local theater companies. You may have seen him in UNCC’s THE PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD (Jimmy), or in the COB’s BY ANY OTHER NAME (Lucien), as well as in Shepherd Shakespeare Company’s AS YOU LIKE IT(Dennis/Jaques De Boys/William). He is grateful to his family, friends, and boyfriends everlasting love and support. He couldn’t do what he loves without each and every one of them.
George Tracey (Mamillius)
Meet the Production Team
Chester Shepherd, Director/Lighting and Sound Designer Jake McGraw, Production Assistant
Katy Shepherd, Costume Design and Construction/SSCO Cheryl Wade, Box Office
Production Manager
Chip Decker, Scenic Designer/Resident Designer Brandi Gaeta, Stage Manager
Kathryn Harding, Director of Production Kyara Miranda, Assistant Stage Manager
Carrie Cranford, Production Manager