A new play in development by Abby Thompson.
Based on research & experience working alongside youth in Chicago’s foster care system.
Alex in Windyland is a new play in development created alongside Chicago’s foster care youth at Lydia Home. Abby Thompson is the 4th recipient of the League of Chicago Theatres Samuel G. Roberson Jr. Fellowship in Artivism, supporting this project's launch.
Alex in Windyland is a new play about the complexities of the foster care system. The day before her 12th birthday, Alex is taken from her sister and transported onto a train called Windyland. Windyland is a magical liminal space where Alex faces new challenges, finds new friends, and goes on adventures. Will Alex be reunited with her sister? Will she find a forever home? The clock is ticking, and the train keeps running. As the train speeds forward, the urgency of her situation becomes clear, just as it does for thousands of foster youth navigating an unpredictable system.
Team
Abby Thompson Playwright/Director
Ellie Levine Director
Michael Huey Sound Designer
Liz Gomez Lighting Designer
Lonnae Hickman Set/Props Designer & Costume Stylist
Rae Smith Assistant Stage Manager/House Manager
Leiny Vega Production Manager/ Stage Manager
Cast
Shenise Brown Alex
Jazz Jabulani Pillar
Jade Gray Ari/Hope/Carry
Octavio Montes de Oca Angel
Alyssa Vera Ramos Carson
James Crumb Conductor
Robert Mosby Jr. Understudy
Tyra Bullock Understudy
In The News
Support The Show
With your help, we are looking to match residency funds to bring Alex and Windyland to life more fully! There are many moving parts to a project like this! There’s going into Lydia Home to continue community engagement with youth, adult artists bringing the characters to life, understudies who bring creativity to the room and provide security that all arts spaces need, designers to bring the youth’s visions to life, marketing, stage managing, props, costumes, and so much more! The play also has the opportunity to be brought to foster youth in Milwaukee in July 2025! All extra funds beyond production costs will go directly towards supporting Lydia Home.
