This Random World, by Steven Dietz
Theater for the New City
Played September 21-23 2023
We want to believe that serendipity brings us together, but is that just a myth? This Random World asks the serious question of how often we travel parallel paths through the world without noticing. From an ailing woman who plans one final trip, to her daughter planning one great escape and her son falling prey to a prank gone wrong, this funny, intimate, and heartbreaking play explores the lives that may be happening just out of reach of our own. Michael Luggio directs.
Premiered in 2016 as part of the Humana Festival of New American Plays at Actors Theater of Louisville.
THIS RANDOM WORLD CAST AND CREATIVE:
Playwright Steven Dietz Director Michael Luggio
Scottie Paula Loud
Tim Ward Brian Loud
Beth Ward Lindsay Van Norman*
Bernadette Samantha Gorjanc
Rhonda Aisling Sheahan *
Claire René Henry
Gary Brian Jacobs
Man Sean Connelly
* Actors appearing courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association
GET TO KNOW THE CAST:
Samantha is thrilled to be returning to the stage at Theater for the New City. She appeared as Mary Devlin in AD & NED in January. Recently, she understudied the role of Mother (Kelli O'Hara) in the 25th Anniversary Concert of RAGTIME on Broadway and played Adonia in the 29-hour reading of the new musical ATLANTIS. Many thanks to Michael and Lindsay for the opportunity to work with them again.
Brian Loud is a Los Angeles based actor originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Brian’s career started as a signed model in New York City under Wilhelmina Models. He then transitioned into acting where he developed his passion for the craft. Brian is part of the Screen Actors Guild and is a signed actor with Maggie Inc. He continues to further his craft by studying at Michael Luggio Coaching under Michael Luggio.
Aisling Sheahan is a New York based actor and singer originally from Scituate, Massachusetts. Aisling graduated from Providence College with a B.A. in Theater in 2019 and has been pursuing her acting career professionally ever since. She would like to thank Michael Luggio and Lindsay Van Norman for this opportunity, and her friends and family for always supporting her!
Contact: www.aislingsheahan.com or follow on Instagram (@atsheahan)!
Paula entered the world of acting in 2019, in the Boston area. Film credits include: SOMEWHERE QUIET, GODMOTHERED, THE MOTH, and the TV Movie FOUR OF A KIND. Paula is a member of SAG-AFTRA and a lifestyle model represented by Maggie Inc. Currently training with Michael Luggio at Michael Luggio Coaching.
Looking forward to being back onstage at TNC! Credits include BRILLIANT TRACES (Theater for the New City), DOG SEES GOD, LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, and INTO THE WOODS. Can be seen in the upcoming independent film LOOSE CHANGE (Sultana Film, Dir. Richie Ellis). Studied Musical Theater at the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse. Lindsay is also a headshot photographer and acting teacher; currently teaching On-Camera at Michael Luggio Coaching. Proud member of AEA. Thank you to this excellent cast who have made this show come alive!
René Henry, who plays the role of Claire, is extremely proud to be a cast member of This Random World. René, a graduate of Radford University, is an actress/singer/songwriter who has performed with cover bands across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. She has appeared in Off-Broadways shows such as LOVE IN A DIFFERENT KEY, DONNA AND DARILYN’S PITBULL LOUNGE, and RUNNING SCARED/RUNNING FREE. René is grateful to her family and friends for their love and continued support. She would also like to thank the entire cast of This Random World for a most rewarding experience.
Brian is extremely excited to be part of the cast of THIS RANDOM WORLD. He thanks Michael Luggio for the opportunity to bring the character Gary to life. Michael has been Brian’s acting coach for twelve years. In that time he has grown immensely learning from Michael’s acting acumen. Brian is pursuing his dream of becoming an actor because he loves creating the lives of new characters. He dedicates his performance to his wife and two children. They are his reason to never give up. “Anything worth having is worth working hard to acheive.”
Sean Connelly (Other Tim Ward) is delighted to be performing again at Theater for the New City. For many years, Sean directed his acting towards the courtroom where he acted – er-- argued cases for 32 years in New Jersey and New York. When a chance appearance in a film occurred in 2016, Sean's love of acting was rekindled. Sean studied with several instructors until good fortune led him to Michael Luggio in 2017. He most recently appeared in ORPHANS (Theatre for the New City). An accomplished horseman, Sean sang with the Metro-Lyric Opera for 10 years, plays the piano and harp, enjoys dancing, reading, good company and, of course, any spirited debate.