Committed at Broom Street Theatre
Dates: 4/17/2026 - 5/3/2026
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📍 Theatre: |
1119 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53703
Phone: (608) 244-8338
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Committed is a memory play set in segregated Oklahoma during the early 1960s, told through the eyes of Joe Gilchrist as he revisits the defining trauma of his youth. After Joe’s mother, Rosie, survives a catastrophic house fire that leaves her permanently disfigured, she rebuilds her life as a single parent with the help of a Black nurse and church community. When Rosie begins participating in civil-rights protests and opens her home to NAACP youth meetings, local authorities quietly mark her as a problem. Their true breaking point comes when she attempts to sell her house to a Black family. Manipulated by church leaders and police, Joe—overwhelmed by poverty, fear, and exhaustion—makes a devastating choice that leads to Rosie’s arrest and forced commitment to a state mental institution. Years later, Joe confronts his guilt and follows his mother’s example, discovering that resistance, even when delayed, can still set truth free.
Cast and Creative Team for Committed at Broom Street Theatre
Cast
Sam White
Storyteller
A long-time member of the Madison theater community, Sam’s (Storyteller) thrilled to work at BST again and especially on the world premiere of his friend Coleman’s beautiful play. New plays are the best plays! He’s grateful for the hard work of the entire company – a truly wonderful gathering of theater artists.
Abigail Hindle
Rosie Gilchrist
This is Abigail’s (Rosie) first show with Broom Street and they are so excited to be here. Some of their more recent theatrical adventures include “Merrily We Roll Along” (SVP), “9 to 5” (Aligning Stars), “POTUS” (Strollers), and other fantastical works. They are eager and honored to step into Rosie’s shoes and tell Coleman's incredibly moving story. Abigail wants to thank their Husband for being so supportive during this process.
Keys Edmond
Joe Gilchrist
Keys (Joe) is humbled and honored to be playing the role of Joe Gilchrist in a play he considers to be very important, and especially relevant in these times. He hopes you feel as he has felt throughout this production and leave with a renewed fire in your heart. We shall overcome.
Trey Danis III
John Gilchrist / judge Theus
Trey (John/Theus) is honored to be a part of the world premier of Committed. This is his second show at Broom Street and second world premier show in a row, having just finished Midwestern Goodbyes at Madison College. He is looking forward to taking the summer off and thanks his family, Matt, and the production team for their support.
Chris Soth
Rev. Dunn
Chris Soth (Dunn) dedicates this performance to his Dad, who marched with Dr. King, and mom, who struck with mine workers as a babe in arms. Chris is screenwriter of the movie Firestorm, director of the film SafeWord and performer of stand up comedy all over the world.
William Buchanan
Sheriff Beckett
Bill Buchanan (Chief Beckett) has been doing theatre since his elementary days in Idaho and his love of it has only grown with age. He has recently appeared as Aetos and Dionysus (Prometheus Rex), Dromio of Syracuse (Comedy of Errors), and Steve (She Kills Monsters), among others. He would like to thank Mom and Jase for raising him to be the man he is and always supporting his theatrical pursuits.
Joel Davidson
Mayor Lawson
Joel (Lawson) has been active in theater for over 50 years. A Drama and Speech major at Northeastern University in Boston, he acted, stage managed and built sets. He last appeared at Broom Street Theater in fall 2025 as Mayor Tobias Worthington in Head on a Platter. Having grown up during the times of Committed, he is honored to help tell this very gripping story. He thanks his family, friends, and the BST audience for their support.
Katie Taylor rice
Mrs. Fullbright
Katie Taylor Rice (Fullbright) returns to the stage after a 15-year hiatus as Mrs. Fulbright in Committed, making her debut at Broom Street Theater. She’s grateful to the entire team for the warm welcome and is thrilled to be part of this production.
Justin Benz
Fr. Daniel Berrigan
Justin Benz (Berrigan) is excited to be performing in Committed. This is his first role in community theatre and his first performance after a seven-year hiatus from acting. He studied Computer Engineering at the University of Wisconsin and chose to pursue acting alongside his work as a software engineer. Justin would like to thank his friends and family for their constant support.
Samson Akwenuke
Sen. E. Melvin Porter
Samson Akwenuke (Porter) most recently appeared as Lord Tolloller in Iolanthe. Previous roles include Gomez Addams (The Addams Family), The Phantom (The Phantom of the Opera), and Big Jule (Guys and Dolls). Samson is thrilled to be performing at Broom Street Theater and enjoys bringing bold characters to life on stage.
Creative Team
Coleman
Playwright
Coleman’s (Playwright) plays have been produced in Madison by Broom Street (Class, A Contest of Wills, Doed Koecks); Madison Public Theatre, previously Strollers (Infamous Mothers); and Forward Theatre (Butterfly Wings, Cuban Poetry, Enough Trouble in the World). He holds an MFA in Writing for Screen and Stage and is a member of thetheaterproject.org. More info at colemanspoke.com.
Matt Korda
Director
This is Matthew’s (Director) second time directing at Broom St, and second time directing a play written by Coleman. The first was A Contest Of Wills back in the pre-pandemic times. Matthew is so grateful to Coleman for trusting him with this very personal and important work and incredibly lucky to have assembled this amazing cast and crew to collaborate on this production. He hopes you find it as inspiring and touching as he does.
Theresa Sarkela
Scenic Designer
Teresa Sarkela (Set and Projections Design) paints, designs, and enjoys whiskey. Originally from Montana, her work has been seen on professional and community stages across Madison for the past decade...ish. THANK YOU for being here to support local art and artists: It's an honor to share this story.
Liz Mael
Stage Manager
Liz Mael (Stage Manager) has been involved with BST for 20 years and is on BST’s Board. She recently produced and acted in BST’s Head on a Silver Platter: In Defense of Salome. She is honored to have worked on Committed with this outstanding cast to tell an extraordinary story. She thanks Todd Peterson for his loving support.
Stephanie Albrecht
Asst. Stage Manager
Stephanie Albrecht (Assistant Stage Manager) currently performs in The Dinner Detective. Her previous performances include Bloody Aftermath and Doed Koecks at BST, Dr. Ride’s American Beach House, and The Untold Story of the Collyer Brothers at the Bartell. This is her second Coleman production and her first time working in stage management.
Courtney Fine
Lighting Design
Courtney Fine (Light Design) is excited to light their first full-length play at Broom Street Theater. Though new to lighting design, they bring technical experience from ten high school productions. They’re thrilled to learn and work alongside the cast and crew of Committed and stay creatively engaged in the Madison community.
Nathan Vescio
Sound Design
Nathan (Sound Design) is a sound designer currently pursuing an MA at Northwestern University. His previous design credits include Wintertime and A House Not Meant to Stand at Madison Public Theatre. Other recent work includes NU's Danceworks and Lookingglass Theatre's White Rooster. He is very excited to make his Broom Street Debut.
Zoe Zimmer
Props Design
Zoe (Props Design) is stoked to be a part of this amazing work. When not doing Broom Street production/tech, Zoe can be seen at their day job as a Registered Emotional Support Friend.
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