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WHAT:
STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue

WHO:
Theatre UAF, directed by Flyn Ludington

WHERE:
Lee H. Salisbury Lab Theatre, UAF Fine Arts Complex

WHEN:
Friday, March 21 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, March 22 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, March 23 @ 2:00pm
Friday, March 28 @ 7:30pm
Saturday, March 29 @ 7:30pm
Sunday, March 30 @ 2:00pm

Cast

Production Crew

Flyn Ludington (Director)

For Flyn Ludington, STRIKE! is more than a production—it’s a deeply personal tribute to the power of collective action and resilience. “I am from a pro-union family,” she shares. “I grew up singing union songs, many of which were organized by the IWW into the Little Red Songbook, as they were known as a ‘singing union.’” Drawing from her lifelong connection to labor history, Ludington carefully curated scenes and songs that highlight both the struggles and triumphs of the working class. “I want the audience to get a sense of the power of the critical mass of human perseverance,” she explains. “To be reminded that the oppressed outnumber the oppressors by multitudes.” Above all, she hopes that STRIKE! will leave audiences moved and motivated, embodying the words of poet Cesar Cruz: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

Zaniyah Chestnut (Actor: Florrie/ Sally)

For Zaniyah Chestnut, portraying multiple characters in STRIKE! has been a journey of self-discovery and connection. “With learning these characters, I’ve found a way to see myself in all of them—Florrie’s optimism, Sally’s boldness,” she reflects. Through these roles, she’s come to appreciate how the experiences of women transcend time. One scene in particular resonates deeply with her: “I feel very strongly about the first scene that Sid and Florrie share together. It’s an introduction to their relationship dynamic but also to the strength of young resilient love in hard times.” More than anything, Chestnut hopes audiences leave the show feeling something real. “I hope that people will walk away from STRIKE! feeling inspired and empowered, the same as I feel performing it. If I can leave people with a mere feeling of empathy or anything else really, I’ll be satisfied.”

Phil Heilbron (Musical Director)

Music Director Phil Heilbron brings a rich historical perspective to STRIKE! A Musical and Dramatic Revue. His arrangements fuse protest songs and contemporary musical theater to highlight the role of music in labor movements. “Music makes it possible for the many to speak as one and for one idea to sing in harmony,” he explains. Inspired by the string band tradition of the 1930s and 40s, Phil’s work ensures the music resonates not just as entertainment but as a powerful storytelling force. He takes great care in shaping the score to fit the talents of the performers, working within a tight timeline to create something truly special. His passion for labor music and its impact on organizing efforts shines through in every note.

Hank Nuwer (Actor: Harry Fatt)

Hank Nuwer brings a wealth of experience to STRIKE!, stepping into the role of Harry Fatt, a brash and self-serving company man. “I wanted the part of Harry Fatt and tried out just for that role," Nuwer shares. "Symbolically, he’s a Fatt Cat, a plush bum with a supervisor’s title and men in his care whose lives and well-being he abuses.” With a background in both Shakespearean theatre and investigative journalism, Nuwer embraces the show’s themes of power, struggle, and resilience. His portrayal of Fatt offers a striking contrast to the hardworking characters fighting for justice, making STRIKE! a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience.