The Wish:
a manual for a last ditch effort to save abortion in the united states
Reverie Theatre Group presents THE WISH: A MANUAL FOR A LAST-DITCH EFFORT TO SAVE ABORTION IN THE UNITED STATES THROUGH THEATER, a play originally developed by Justice Hehir, Dena Igusti, Phanesia Pharel, Nia Akilah Robinson, and Julia Specht, but it is meant to be evolved and adapted over time by the groups that choose to produce the work. The play aims to spark conversation about abortion rights and encourage pro-choice programming. The play was created in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022 and the fallout of that event, including statewide abortion bans.
It is a cathartic, collective rage that is meant to hold community at the core and keep us grounded in the fight ahead. Through visceral storytelling, stirring monologues, and healing visions, we are able to move forward into uncertainty together.
CONTENT WARNING: This script addresses issues related to sex and abortion and uses emotionally charged language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Meet the cast
Rey Billups – Claire/You Know Me
Divina Hernandez – Dean/One/Aurora
Kerstyn Leigh – Annie/Julia
Daria Lyric-Montaquila – Phanesia/Dena/Two
Cynthia Mendes – Justice/Stage Directions/Grief
Paige DeGirolamo – Nurse/Witch
Cynthia Mendes (She/Her) – Justice/Grief Interlude
Cynthia is an East Providence-based political strategist and director of an environmental advocacy organization. She is new to theater, but she has done poetry, spoken word, politics (which is dripping with theater), and participated in a small production at this year’s Providence Fringe Festival. Additionally, she is also a social justice/anti-oppression activist, poet, and mother of an artist, as well as a former state senator of Cape Verdean and Puerto Rican descent. Cynthia would like to thank Francesca, for making her the brave woman she is today and for showing her the power of art and love.
Daria-Lyric Montaquila (She/Her) – Phanesia/Dena/Two
Daria is an actress and community organizer based in North Providence. Previous roles include Betty 3 in Collective Rage, Octavia in BLKS (Burbage Theatre Co.), and Leticia DeSantiago/Niya Kenny/Denise Dodson in Notes from the Field (Mixed Magic Theatre). For Daria, it’s important to blend her backgrounds in both theatre and community organizing to use art as a means of exploring identity, history, and the pursuit of equity, bodily autonomy, and self-determination.
Divina Jania Hernandez (She/They) – Dean/Aurora/One
Divina is an actress and scenic designer based in Gardner, MA. Previous roles include Renfield in Dracula and Heather Duke in Heathers: The Musical (Bridgewater State). Recent design credits include Scenic & Properties Design for The Insanity of Mary Girard (Bridgewater State). Off-stage, Divina is a community engagement coordinator. She would like to thank her village for their constant love and support.
Kerstyn Leigh (She/They) – Annie/Julia
Kerstyn is a Providence-based actress. Previous roles include Kip in Wonder of the World, Susy in Wait Until Dark (The Barker Playhouse), and Elizabeth Condell/Emilia Bassano Lanier in Book of Will (Contemporary Theatre Co.). When not on stage, Kerstyn enjoys horror movies and hanging out with their kid. She would like to thank her wonderfully supportive friends, family, and partner.
Rey Billups (She/Her) – You Know Me/Claire
Rey is an actress based in East Providence. Previous roles include Ferdinand in The Tempest (Reverie Theatre Group), Sandy Cheeks in Spongebob the Musical, and Mrs. Andrew in Mary Poppins (Stadium Theatre). Rey is also studying Cyber Security. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her creative ambitions.
Paige DeGirolamo (She/Her) – The Nurse/The Witch
Paige is a performer, stage manager, and director based in Swansea, MA. Previous roles include Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins (Plymouth State), Beth in String Can Theory (Pandemic Plays Festival), and Sally in Viva Las Vegas (Blue Cow Group). Most recently, she has been wearing her stage manager hat a great deal, but she is thrilled to step back on stage. Big thanks to her husband, friends, and family for endless support!
CREW
Director – Cyrus Orion Busteed
Stage Manager – Megan M. Ruggiero
Asst. Stage Manager – Marita Hurn
Technical Directors – Alexander Sprague & Jeremy Drolet
Lighting Design – Alexander Sprague
Set Design – Jeremy Drolet
Sound Design – Taylor K. Corbett
Costume Design – Ricci Mann
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