ICTRep to perform 'Red Velvet' by Lolita Chakrabarti

The play about race, art, betrayal, and social change opens November 13 at the Fisch Haus.

ICTRep to perform 'Red Velvet' by Lolita Chakrabarti

The following announcement is based on a press release from ICTRep.

WICHITA — The year is 1833 and the greatest actor of his generation has collapsed on stage while playing Othello. A young black American actor, Ira Aldridge, has been asked to take over the role, making him the first Black man to play Othello on a London stage. But as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place inside the theater? "Red Velvet" tells the true story of one of the greatest actors of the 19th century.

Torey Wilson stars as Ira Aldridge. Other cast members include Keeley Coon as Margaret Aldridge, James Earlywine as Casimir/Henry Forester, Jill Herbert as Ellen Tree, Jeneé Jenkins Saffold as Connie, Braden LaBrue-Layman as Charles Keen, Lydia Pirilli as Halina/Betty Lovell, Chris Sharkey as Pierre LaPorte, and Nick Wetta as Bernard Ward/Terence.

The play is directed by Julie Longhofer and Abby Lowe serves as stage manager. Costume design is by Julie Longhofer, lighting design is by Stan Longhofer, and sound design is by Kirk Longhofer.

Performances for "Red Velvet" run for two weekends: Friday, November 13 through Sunday, November 22 at the Fisch Haus, 525 S. Commerce St. in downtown Wichita.

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are $38 for general admission, $33 for seniors and veterans, $25 for people 30-and-under, and $15 for students. Ticket prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees. Tickets can be purchased on the ICTRep website.

"Red Velvet" is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Remaining shows in the 2026-27 ICTRep season:

Find more information about ICTRep on their website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.


Announcements are submissions from arts and cultural organizations and community members. They are published at the discretion of SHOUT editors and may be lightly edited. Send press releases and other announcements to emily@shoutwichita.com.

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