PERFORMANCES

Jan 25–Feb 11, 2024

WHERE

Studio Two, Riffe Center
GET TICKETS

Meet Wesley, a bright and curious kid who loves school, has great friends, and supportive parents. But sometimes, the world can feel overwhelming, especially for someone with anxiety. Join Wesley on a journey of self-discovery as they learn to listen to their brain, heart, and lungs in order to live with their worries. Because let’s face it, everyone has things to worry about! Through Wesley’s story, young people and their families will discover ways to better understand their own emotions and rely on the people around them when they need help. The Worries of Wesley is a heartwarming and uplifting experience that will leave young people and adults alike feeling empowered and ready to tackle life’s challenges with confidence.

Every performance includes a post-show conversation with the cast and resource materials from On Our Sleeves!

DETAILS:

  • Runtime: 60 minutes, no intermission
  • Content: Recommended for children ages 8 – 14 and their families
  • Location: Studio Two, Riffe Center
  • Tickets: $25 Adult/$15 Child (under 16)
  • Talkback: There will be a talkback after every performance

  • Content Warning: The Worries of Wesley contains moving and flashing lights, loud sounds, and discussions of mental health and anxiety.

  • Thursday, January 25, 7 pm
  • Friday, January 26, 7 pm
  • Saturday, January 27, 2 pm
  • Saturday, January 27, 7 pm
  • Sunday, January 28, 2 pm
  • Friday, February 2, 7 pm
  • Saturday, February 3, 2 pm
  • Saturday, February 3, 7 pm
  • Sunday, February 4, 2 pm
  • Friday, February 9, 7 pm
  • Saturday, February 10, 2 pm
  • Saturday, February 10, 7 pm
  • Sunday, February 11, 2 pm

Adult: $25
Child (under 16): $15

For all subscription/membership renewals and tickets purchased after July 1, 2019, and for events taking place in the City of Columbus, a 5% ticket fee will be applied. The Columbus arts and culture fee will be applied to for- and nonprofit arts, sports, and entertainment tickets and admissions in the City of Columbus. The Columbus Arts & Culture Fee helps make the arts available to all by funding free festivals and events, exemplary artists, arts organizations, and programs that educate and engage audiences throughout Greater Columbus.

Click here for information on ticket discounts including Student Rush and Pay What You Want.

  • Alan Tyson (he/him) – Director
  • Stephanie Gerkens (she/her) – Scenic Designer
  • Baylee Sheets (she/her) – Costume Designer
  • Amber Whatley (she/her) – Lighting Designer
  • Jesse Charles (he/him) – Sound Designer
  • Lonelle Yoder (she/her) – Props Designer
  • Nicholas Wilson (he/him) – Choreographer
  • Kaitlyn Pfeifer (she/her) – Stage Manager
  • Erin Flanagan (she/her) – Assistant Stage Manager

VIEW PROGRAM

   MEET THE CAST   

Brian C. Gray

Simone Dean

Justin King

Zeke Moses

Anisah Aziz

Brian C. Gray

Brian C. Gray (PAPA/MR. SNOOK/WESLEY’S LUNGS) is a singer/actor living on the East Side of Columbus. Brian carries two music degrees: a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Otterbein University, and a Master of Music in Music Theatre from Oklahoma City University. Post graduating Brian performed with various theatre companies including Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN, Lexington Children’s Theatre in Lexington, KY, and the Springer Opera House in Columbus, GA. Locally, Brian has performed in numerous theatre productions with several companies, including: The Contemporary (previously CATCO), Columbus Children’s Theatre, Available Light Theatre, Short North Stage, and more. Brian now teaches as part of the Adjunct Voice Faculty at Otterbein University and directs the OutLoud BIPOC Theatre Collective at Olentangy Orange High School in central Ohio.

Simone Dean

Simone Dean (WESLEY) [she/her] is thrilled to have the privilege of playing Wesley in The Worries of Wesley at The Contemporary. Most recently she was Sam in The Water Gun Song, Ginny in George and the Hidden Dragon, and Brigitta in her school’s production of The Sound of Music. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her dog, Anya, and participating in Power of the Pen, a statewide writing competition. She wants to thank her family for their love and support.

Justin King

JUSTIN KING (PAPA/WESLEY’S BRAIN) [he/him] is thrilled to be making his debut at The Contemporary! He was last seen in the world premiere immersive theatre production of The Sleepwalker of Holstenwall with Columbus Children’s Theatre. Next up, Justin returns to the Cincinnati Fringe Festival and travels to Lisbon for his group’s 48 Hour Film Project short film screening. An Ohio native, Justin received his BFA in Acting from Wright State University and has performed on stages all across the Midwest. Many thanks to his family, friends, and the Columbus theatre community for their support!

Zeke Moses

Zeke Moses (CAMERON/WESLEY’S SENSES) [he/him] is overjoyed to be making his debut at The Contemporary Theatre of Ohio in this incredible production! Some recent credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Reb Nahum), Ragtime (Ensemble), Descendants (Carlos), School of Rock (Lawrence), Newsies Jr. (Jack Kelly), and Newsies (Les), which earned him a Roundtable Award Nomination. When not onstage, Zeke is an 8th grader at Bexley Middle School. Zeke would like to thank the entire cast and creative team for making this show possible and for making this an incredible experience for him.

Anisah Aziz

Anisah Aziz (PARKER/WESLEY’S LUNGS) [she/her] is an adventure-loving 5th grader whose fearless spirit has helped her to climb mountain peaks and earn a gray-white belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Her previous performances include playing piano at local recitals and playing Middle Elsa in her school’s performance of Frozen. This will be her debut performance at The Contemporary Theater. With positivity as her superpower, she is set to illuminate stages and hearts alike with her infectious energy!

Funding provided by:

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Production Support Provided by:

Ellie Mental Health, Steven C Anderson Fund for New Work for Young Audiences