The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Presents "Clyde’s"

St. Louis, MO – (January 13, 2025) – The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is delighted to present the St. Louis premiere of Clyde’s, the Tony-nominated hit by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, running February 5 – March 3, 2025, at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University.

Described by Variety as a “flavor-bomb of a comedy” and Chicago Sun Times as “a spicy feast for the senses, Clyde’s is set in a struggling sandwich shop where a group of ex-cons face the fiery critiques of their tough-as-nails boss, Clyde. Yet, when a mystic chef throws down the gauntlet—craft the ultimate sandwich—the team ignites with newfound zeal. Fueled by this savory challenge, they transform their past into a recipe for triumphant fresh starts. Clyde’s combines uproarious humor, fulsome heart, and generous hospitality into a delicious theatrical meal that shows why Nottage is among America’s greatest living playwrights. Clyde’s dynamic cast features some familiar faces including The Black Rep’s Founder and

Producing Director Ron Himes who returns to the LHC after last appearing in Stick Fly in 2022as Montrellous, legendary film and TV star Phyllis Yvonne Stickney as Clyde, and Essence Tyler who played Puss in The Rep’s Imaginary Theater Company 2021 production of Puss in Boots as Letitia. Joining them and making their Rep debut are Alfredo Antillion as Rafael and Brendan Hickey as Jason.

Clyde’s is directed by Josiah Davis with set designer Jean Kim, costume designer Haydee Zelideth, lighting designer Christina Watanabe, sound designer Michael Costagliola, wig designer Shevare Perry and stage manager Emilee Buchheit. 

The Rep is proud to partner with Prison Performing Arts (PPA), a groundbreaking organization celebrating its 25th year that empowers incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through the arts for Clyde’s. PPA Alumni Theatre Company Members, Eric Satterfield and LaWanda Jackson, will consult on Clyde’s, bringing invaluable insights to the production by infusing it with artistic perspective and experiences of re-entry. With support from a New Growth Horizon sponsorship grant, The Rep and PPA will present a special reading of Clyde’s at correctional facilities, amplifying the play’s themes of second chances. A RepresentSTL talkback following the performance on February 15 will further engage audiences in meaningful dialogue.

The Rep has also partnered with Laughing Bear Bakery, which supports re-entry opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. The bakery will host conversations between its team and Clyde’s cast and crew, with their goods available at concessions during the run of the show. “Lynn Nottage’s Clyde’s is a masterful blend of wit, heart, and humanity that reminds us all of the power of community and second chances,” said Kate Bergstrom, Augustin Family Artistic Director.

“This play invites us into a world where creativity and resilience shine through adversity, making it a perfect fit for our stage and our community. We’re thrilled to bring this vibrant story to life with such a talented cast and creative team, and to collaborate with incredible partners like Prison Performing Arts to deepen the impact of this production on and off the stage.”

Don’t miss rest of season at The Rep with Athena, by Gracie Gardner now running through February 9, 2025 in the Studio and the uproarious retelling of Ken Ludwig’s Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood, directed by Augustin Family Artistic Director Kate Bergstrom, March 19 - April 13, 2025 all performed at the Loretto-Hilton Center on the campus of Webster University.

Clyde’s is made possible in part by the generous support of the Whitaker Foundation.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.repstl.org.

 

FACT SHEET

Clyde’s

By Lynn Nottage

Directed by Josiah Davis

February 5 - March 2, 2025 4 at The Loretto-Hilton Center (130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO)

From two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage comes the Tony-nominated-play, Clyde’s.

In a small run-down sandwich joint, ex-cons endure Clyde’s fiery critiques and a scorching kitchen. Yet, when a mystic chef throws down the gauntlet—craft the ultimate sandwich—the team ignites with newfound zeal. Fueled by this savory challenge, they transform their past into a recipe for triumphant fresh starts. Join this spirited culinary quest where second chances are as vibrant as the flavors sizzling in the pan!

TICKET INFORMATION:

Tickets: Purchase tickets online at Repstl.org, by phone at 314-968-4925, or The Rep Box Office will also be available for in-person support at the Loretto-Hilton Center(130 Edgar Rd, Webster Groves), Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m.

- 5:00 p.m, and 2 hours before curtain.

Rush Tickets: Available for students, seniors, educators, and theatre professionals by calling the Box Office at 314-968-4925, 1 - 2 hours prior to curtain time.

Student Tickets: Students can purchase $20 tickets available by calling the Box Office at 314-986-4925

35 & Under: Select $30 tickets available to those 35 and under by calling the Box Office 314-968-4925

Group Sales: Discounted tickets available for parties of 10+, Call 314-968-4925 or email mdorn@repstl.org.

ACCESS SERVICES:

Audio-Described Performance: Thursday, February 20 at 7pm – the show will be described for patrons who are blind or of low vision.

Open-Captioned Performance: Sunday, February 23 at 2pm - an electronic text ticker displays words being spoken or sung onstage.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:

Press night for critics is Friday, February 7 @ 7 PM, please RSVP at this link. Photos, bios and headshots are available in The Rep Press Room.

ABOUT THE REPERTORY THEATRE OF ST. LOUIS

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) is the region’s premiere theatre for compelling, award-winning theatrical experiences that entertain, engage, and illuminate audiences’ sharedhumanity. Founded in 1966, for more than five decades The Rep has sustained and built upon its commitment to artistic excellence by creating, developing, and curating adventurous new works and beloved classics from the most exciting emerging and established American voices. The Rep builds bridges within the St. Louis community and beyond by offering productions that allow audiences to see themselves and the stories that matter to them represented on stage, through the organization’s robust community engagement programs, and across its educational initiatives.

The Rep welcomes audiences with inspiring and expansive productions at several inviting stages across St. Louis including the Virginia Jackson Browning Theatre at the Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts and other venues around the St. Louis area. A thought leader in the national theatre landscape, The Rep is a dedicated partner with arts organizations in St. Louis and across the country, expanding audiences’ appreciation and understanding of the world through theatre. In December 2023, The Rep was named a Missouri Historical Theatre, which is awarded to theaters that contribute to tourism in Missouri, promote arts in its community and throughout Missouri, and has been operational for a minimum of 50 years. For more information, please visit repstl.org and follow @repstl.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Frances White, Public Relations

fwhite@repstl.org

414-803-7657