TJ O’Neil

DETECTIVE BEN SINCLAIR

TJ is thrilled to be joining the cast of The Ambush at The Cat Theatre. He is ecstatic to be back in the acting scene after a 2-year hiatus filled with pandemics, moving back to Indy from Washington D.C., and just plain adulting ’n stuff. He was a very active member of Marian University’s theatre program prior to graduating in May of 2020. Some prior credits include Peter Stockman in Enemy of the People, Simeon in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Mr. Cladwell in Urinetown and Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof. TJ regularly attends scene nights with the Indiana Playwright Circle where he cold reads new plays from writers across the country to scratch his acting itch. He is honored to be performing an original play by Dr. L Jan Eira and is eager to be back on stage!

Stephanie Riley

DR. AMY SINCLAIR

Stephanie Riley is a local based actor, writer, producer, and film director. Stephanie originated the role of Amy in the workshop production of The Ambush and is delighted to be returning to this production.

Other past theater credits include Susan in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Mary Magdalene in The Gospel of John, and supporting roles in the Q Artistry productions of Scary Mary, Treasure Island; Rockin the Ocean, and Al in Boogie Wunderland.

Her recent film credits include Lady Vic in Luke: A Batwing Series, Marirose in the horror film He Knows, Emma in the thriller Obsession, and has worked with shows like Redline and Empire.

Stephanie is the founder of She Says Productions and recently premiered her company’s first film, Road Vindictae. She is currently developing new shows and films set to release in early 2024.

Adam K. Allen

DR. JACK STEVENSON

Adam K. Allen is excited to be back on stage again as part of another new work. A professional actor, director, writer, and video producer, Adam graduated from Ball State University in 2016 with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Theatrical Studies, Digital Video Production, and French. He began performing as a child, and since then his talents have been utilized on stage, screen, and radio across the Midwest. Some of his past roles include “Miles Clark” (Trigger Finger), “Skip” (Tire Discounters Skip the Shop campaign), “Captain” (Anything Goes, Booth Tarkington Civic Theatre), and “Charlie Brown” (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, Shelby County Players). An advocate for new works, Adam has also been proud to be a part of several original pieces around central Indiana, most recently performing in Actors’ Theatre of Indiana’s LAB Series reading of Mr. Confidential (“Bill Coveny/Ensemble”). Other original roles and productions include “Julien Levy/Ensemble” (La Casa Azul, Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre) and “Griswold” (Ten Pin Alli, Nickel Plate Players). When he isn’t performing, Adam is busy running his production company, Fierce Little Bird Productions LLC, a full-service video production company that provides quality creative content creation services to both local and international clients. Adam wants to send a special thanks to his family and friends for all their support over the years, his mentors for their wisdom and teachings, and to God for guidance along the way. IG: @broke_actor / adamkallen.com

Jessica (Crum) Hawkins

LIEUTENANT LELA ROSE

Jessica (Crum) Hawkins has recently portrayed “Bea Bottom” in Something Rotten at Footlite Musicals (May 6th – 22nd). Some other favorite roles for her include: “Gabriella” in Boeing, Boeing (CCP), “Jackie Noelle” in Disaster: The Musical (BCP), “Clara” in Stephen Sondheim’s Passion (TOTS), “Frida Kahlo” in Gregory Hancock’s World Premiere La Casa Azul (GHDT), “Paulette Bonafonte” in Legally Blonde the Musical and “Betty Haynes” in White Christmas (Footlite Musicals). Jessica is a sci-fi/horror fan, and enjoys being a vocalist in the Bigger is Better Band. She resides in Fishers with her amazing husband, JP, and is grateful to be able share the gifts God has given her. Jessica is thrilled to get to perform an original work of Dr. Janeira; and appreciates being able to work with this wonderful cast, staff, and crew.

Tonya Rave

DR. MIRANDA PHILLIPS

Tonya is pleased to return to The Cat, having previously appeared as Sheryl and Older Sheryl in the 2021 production of Stay Small and to once again play a part in bringing an intriguing story penned by Dr. L. Jan Eira to life. Tonya adores all aspects of theatre and has participated in more than 40 productions throughout central Indiana over the past decade. Most recently, Tonya served as assistant director and stage manager for Of Mice and Men at Main Street Productions. Tonya has also presented original prose and poetry pieces for Voice Box Indy and the Indianapolis offerings of Listen to Your Mother. A handful of Tonya’s favorite roles include Mary in Nightingale, Maggie in Jake’s Women, Jean Louise Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, Actress 1 in The Dining Room, and Alain in Talking With . . . . A former high school theatre teacher, Tonya’s behind-the-scenes work has also included teaching improvisation classes and penning several original sketch comedies that have been brought to life by her student actors. Tonya would like to thank her family – especially her husband Toby – and all of the theatre lovers who have supported this production.

Wendy Brown

DR. TERRI PHILLIPS

Following thirty-eight years working in the thoroughbred industry, Wendy reentered theater, with roles in Indianapolis’ Civic Theater, Epilogue Theater, Westfield Playhouse, Hendricks Civic Theater, Center Stage, Buck Creek Players, Theatre at the Fort, Indy Fringe and Diva Fest. She stays connected to the racing world by serving on the board of Friends of Ferdinand, a thoroughbred aftercare organization. Wendy is happy to be on the Cat stage for the first time. And she is excited to work with this talented cast and crew, in our local playwright, Dr L. Jan Eira’s, The Ambush.

Josh Rooks

DETECTIVE RUBIN

Josh Rooks is excited to be making his debut at The Cat in The Ambush. Most recently, Josh had the privilege of being a part of Fly Babies as Sergeant “Louie” Lewis at Buck Creek Players, which told the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASPs) during World War II. Other credits include Stevie in Good People, Tommy in Rosie the Riveter, Rob in The Book Club Play, Captain Robert Falcon Scott in Peter and the Starcatcher, Munchkin Mayor and Props in Oz, Clayhorn in And Then There Was One, FBI Agent Bill Cod in Catch Me If You Can, Reuben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Doctor and Ensemble in Chicago. Josh is a graduate of IUPUI with a degree in health sciences, certificate in nutrition, and minor in theatre. When not on stage, Josh can be seen adding more vinyl records to his growing collection, playing his guitars, and singing his heart out at concerts around Indy. Josh would like to thank writer, Dr. L. Jan Eira, and director, Aaron Henze, for the opportunity to showcase his talents as Detective Rubin. “The stage can be a wonderful partner in the journey of self-discovery.”

Miranda Lila Jean Nickerson

DR. JENNER

Miranda is from Connecticut. This is her first performance in 7 years. In high school, she performed in and directed The Wizard of Oz and also directed Alice in Wonderland in 2015, after starring as Annie in Annie in 2012. She is excited to be a part of this production. Miranda moved to Indiana last year after graduating from UConn with her bachelor’s degree in Speech Pathology. After moving, she wanted to rekindle her love for theater and performing arts.

Aaron Henze

DIRECTOR

Aaron Henze is honored to collaborate with Dr L Jan Eira for the fourth time (Critical Recall at the Cat, The Curse of Count Dicky and The Last Man at IndyFringe Fest) and is thrilled for the opportunity to work with this cast. A full-time actor and part-time drink-slinger, Aaron is proud to work with the social issue interactive theatre troupe ACT Out and as a simulated patient for IU Health. He can next be seen onstage in Bigfoot Saves America as part of the IndyFringe Festival, or in the real world at Taxman Fortville or a wedding near you. FB: @AaronHenze

Kristin Montgomery

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

She has loved being involved in theatre and musical theatre for over 20 years. She has also been acting in, directing, and editing local films for more than 10 years.

Dr. L. Jan Eira

PLAYWRIGHT

Louis Janeira, pen name L. Jan Eira, is a medical doctor who was born in Portugal (Europe). His family immigrated to the US when he was 15. He pursued his first dream of becoming a physician and now works as a cardiologist at St. Francis Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Given his lifelong love of the performing arts, he is now pursuing his second dream of becoming a playwright. His writing began in 2010, when he commuted 3.5 to 4 hours to work between Zionsville and Terre Haute, Indiana. He hired a driver allowing him to sit in the back seat with what he called “Me Time.” He put that time to good use writing and publishing medical murder mystery and thriller novels then plays. His plays have been staged in central Indiana and elsewhere. He is most proud of a contest he won where one of his plays was staged Off-Off Broadway.
Like his artistic page on Facebook to stay informed: Facebook.com/theMDwriter.