
Presented by special permission of Concord Theatricals.

Sherry Jackson Thompson is a local theatre artist who has worked in the Lexington market for over 35 years acting, directing, and designing. Sherry studied theatre arts at Eastern Kentucky University before graduating with a bachelor’s in communications. Her most favorite directing credits include Harold and Maude for Balagula Theatre and The 39 Steps for Woodford Theatre. She was last seen onstage as “Ma” in ActOut’s production of Torch Song Trilogy. Sherry works in alumni engagement for the University of Kentucky and serves as a board member with ActOut Theatre Group, Inc. Sherry is most grateful and honored to put her brushstrokes on this wonderful piece, performed by this most amazing group of humans. Many thanks to each and every one for being here with us. Enjoy it!
Jeffrey was written in the shadow of a profound public health and social crisis. Opening off-Broadway to much success in 1992, the play emerged during the AIDS epidemic, when fear, stigma, misinformation, and political inaction shaped the lives of countless Americans. Although the circumstances are different, the parallels between then and now are disturbingly similar.
The early 1990s in America were marked by deep social and political divisions. Many people living with HIV and AIDS faced discrimination, isolation, and the loss of friends and loved ones while public institutions struggled to respond with the urgency the crisis demanded. The Reagan administration had been widely criticized for its delayed and inadequate public response during the early years of the epidemic, a failure that intensified the pain experienced by affected communities. These circumstances helped fuel activism and demanded that the public confront the human cost of silence.
Today, as we recognize disturbing parallels between now and then – we honor humor and heart as a means to a kinder day. Sadly, communities still confront social injustice, political polarization, and marginalization today. Advances in technology only seem to further alienate us and hinder our human connection – but you are here helping to bridge that gap and we thank you!
Our production invites audiences to look at the past without contempt, to the present without complacency, and to the future with steely determination and empathy. On behalf of Daniel, Wiley, Brad, Kyle, Greg, Brian, Tommy, and Marcus– welcome to the 1990’s and the world of “Jeffrey” as we see it, with humor and heart. Enjoy the show and remember – your vote is your voice in November!
Sherry Jackson Thompson, Director

Daniel Ellis(Jeffrey) has worked with many theatre companies in the central Kentucky region, including Woodford Theatre (where he serves as the Executive Artistic Director). His previous ActOut credits include Felix in The Normal Heart and Prior in Angels in America Parts 1 & 2. He hopes you enjoy the show!

Wylie Caudill (Steve) is making his third appearance with ActOut. Outside of theatre, Wylie serves at Lexington’s own cultural attaché to Greece. Wylie would like to dedicate his performance to his boyfriend, Seth. Thank you for being 6’ 2” with curly blonde hair. And to Daniel, “Bench, please!”

Marcus Roland (Sterling)has performed and directed throughout Central Kentucky with Woodford Theatre, ActOut Theatre Group, Studio Players, Actors Guild of Lexington, West T. Hill Community Theatre, Ragged Edge Community Theatre, Balagula Theatre, and the Lexington Shakespeare Festival. He is also co-host and executive producer of Kentucky Case Files, a Kentucky-centric true-crime podcast.

Brian Estes-Uecker(Gym Rat, Casting Director, Don, Tim, Dad, Father Dan, Chuck) is blessed to be working in the Lexington theater community alongside so many talented and creative friends. He hopes he is making his Bible college alma mater proud, and he dedicates his performance in Jeffrey to the memory of Father John Dews. Previous ActOut Theatre credits: Casa Valentina (Albert/Bessie)and A Very Sordid Wedding (Wilson). Other recent credits: Lucky Stiff(The Body) and The Diary of Anne Frank (Mr. Dussel), Studio Players; It’s a Wonderful Life (Mr. Potter), Leeds Center for the Arts; The Crucible (John Willard), Woodford Theatre; Romeo and Juliet (Friar John),Antagonist Productions.

Brad Ulery (Gym Rat, Skip, Waiter, Acolyte, Man in Jockstrap, Thug, Dave, Angelique) is thrilled to be returning to ActOut Theatre! Recent credits include ActOut's Casa Valentina(Gloria), Woodford Theatre's The Underpants (Theo), and The Lexington Theatre Company's A Christmas Story(Ensemble/Jean Sheppard u/s). Brad would like to thank his castmates and director for an incredible process and his wife, Meredith, for her support.

Gregory Bloom (Darius) is excited to make his return to ActOut Theatre Group as a performer! He performed as Ty in A Very Sordid Wedding and has since done plays at Woodford Theatre. Past roles there include the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz, Rooster in Annie, and Ensemble/Statue in The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Enjoy the show!

Tommy Gatton (Gym Rat, Salesman, Boss, Acolyte, Man in Chaps, Thug, Father Julian, Sean) is thrilled to join ActOut on stage for the first time since Standing on Ceremony in 2016. He last worked with ActOut building the set for their production of Five Lesbians Eating a Quiche in 2023. Tommy has been doing theatre in Lexington most of his life, having recently directed the 10-minute play Tech for Studio Players’ Ten-Minute Play Festival and designed sound for their production of Lucky Stiff.

Kyle Wade (Mother Teresa, Sharon, Ann, Debra, Mom, Mrs. Marcangelo) is thrilled to be back on stage with ActOut, where he previously appeared in Birds of a Feather, The Boys in the Band, The Normal Heart, and A Very Sordid Wedding. He has also performed with Woodford Theatre, Studio Players, and Bluegrass Mystery Theatre and is delighted to share the stage with this talented cast and crew. Thank you for supporting the arts, and enjoy the show!

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Kenny Bishop and The Bluegrass United Church of Christ
Sam Smarr
Rich Copley
Marty Wayman
Jeannie Hartman
Karyn Czar
Kevin Nance
Kate Savage
Studio Players
Woodford Theatre Company
Robert Rucker
Directed by Sherry Jackson Thompson
Jeffrey is a warm, hilarious, and deeply moving romantic comedy about finding love when life offers no guarantees. Set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, Paul Rudnick's celebrated play reminds us that fear may shape our choices, but love gives our lives meaning. With sparkling wit and an unforgettable heart, Jeffrey remains as relevant and life-affirming today as when it first premiered.