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Down the Street cast

Comedic Down the Street play debuts at Manchester University


The Manchester University Theatre Society presents Down the Street as its fall production.

The play is 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and 7 p.m. Oct. 26 in Cordier Auditorium on the North Manchester campus. It is free and open to the public.

Set in the 1950s, it follows Johnathan Giovanna on his New York City delivery route as he falls in love with Ava, is arrested and then goes undercover to help take down a mafia boss. Not all is what it seems, with wacky scenes, a cop chase, the tango of love and mystery. In the end, the police are left holding the bag.

It is for mature audiences.

Down the Street, written by a student who chooses to remain anonymous, is directed by Andy Vance and assistant directed by Diana Wilson. Vance, a sophomore, is a performing arts administration major from Portage, Ind. Also from Portage, Wilson is a first-year student majoring in environmental studies.

Cast members are:

  • Emily Tyler, a sophomore from Rochester, Ind.
  • Terri Roach, a first-year student from Wheatfield, Ind.
  • Jade Gourley, a first-year student from Evansville, Ind.
  • Tyler Dowd, first-year student from Hammond, Ind.
  • Lilyana Ortega, a sophomore from Warsaw, Ind.
  • Tejas Nair, a sophomore from Bangalore, India
  • Jeremiah Ford, a sophomore from Southport, Ind.
  • Brandon Gurrola, a sophomore from LaPorte, Ind.
  • Alexis Surma, a first-year student from Rolling Prairie, Ind.
  • Jacob Hamilton, a sophomore from Mulberry, Ind.
  • Emma Ayers, a junior from Auburn, Ind.
  • Elijah Phillips, a sophomore from Centerville, Ind.
  • Jared Bowman, a first-year student from South Bend, Ind.
  • Kennedy Watson-Haynes, a sophomore from Wabash, Ind.
  • Christian Poole, a senior from Anderson, Ind.
  • Omar Gadzhiev, a sophomore from Arcata, Calif., and Moscow, Russia
  • Mamie Hodges, a first-year student from Granger, Ind.
  • Jordan Napier, a junior from Indianapolis, Ind.
  • Austin Gowen, a junior from North Manchester, Ind.
  • Production crew members are Athaniel Whitmer from Freeport, Ill.; Christopher Carroll from Speedway, Ind.; Brandon Egolf from Larwill, Ind.; and Kaleigh Gabriel, from Rochester, Ill.

    The Theatre Society is the dramatics honorary and includes students who have excelled in acting, writing, directing and other technical aspects of university theater. 

    “This fall’s production is run completely by students – written, directed, and produced – cast and crew – by students,” Vance said.

    For the media
    For comment or more information, contact Andy Vance at APVance2022@manchester.edu

    About Manchester
    With campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., Manchester University offers more than 70 areas of academic study to 1,400 students in undergraduate programs,a Master of Accountancy, a Master of Science in pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu
Our mission
Manchester University respects the infinite worth of every individual and graduates persons of ability and conviction who draw upon their education and faith to lead principled, productive, and compassionate lives that improve the human condition.


October 2019