Oleanna, by David Mamet, is a controversial play that explores the murky territory of power dynamics and communication breakdowns. Professor John, known for his challenging teaching style, meets with Carol, a struggling student seeking help with his course material. Their initial conversation starts tense but seemingly manageable. However, as the play progresses, a misunderstanding snowballs into a horrifying accusation. John's attempts to clarify his words and intentions are misinterpreted, and Carol, feeling increasingly isolated and unheard, seeks retribution. The play utilizes sharp dialogue and a rapid-fire back-and-forth, leaving the audience questioning the truth and the motives of both characters. Oleanna is a thought-provoking exploration of power imbalances, the dangers of miscommunication, and the devastating consequences when good intentions go awry.
Cast and Creative team for Oleanna at Florida Repertory Theatre
Cast
Ella Olesen
Carol
Ella Olesen is thrilled to be back at the Florida Repertory Theatre. She made her Florida Rep debut last season as Cecily in The Importance of Being Earnest and loved every second. Other credits include Fiddler on the Roof (Philadelphia Orchestra), The Wild Party, Broadway Our Way Concert (University of Michigan), Young Frankenstein, Rock of Ages, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (The Barn Theatre), and Sister Act (Italy). Ella is a Canadian actress, her hometown on Vancouver Island. She grew up as a competitive dancer and now holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from the University of Michigan and a certificate in Shakespeare from the University of Oxford (British American Drama Academy). She is also an associate director to Brendan Stackhouse (Broadway’s Fun Home). Ella is extremely grateful for the opportunity to share the provocative story of Oleanna with Fort Myers, and would like to thank Chris, Jason, Greg, Henderson Hogan Agency, and her family and friends for believing in and supporting her through thick and thin. www.ellaolesen.com
Denis Lambert
John
Florida Rep debut. Denis most recently appeared as Sir Bors in the Broadway revival of Spamalot, where he also understudied and performed the role of King Arthur. Other Broadway/Tours: Doctor Zhivago, A Chorus Line, White Christmas, The Producers. His New York and regional credits include three shows at City Center Encores!, Kennedy Center, Hollywood Bowl, Carnegie Hall, York Theatre, Dallas Theater Center, Asolo Rep, Paper Mill Playhouse, Berkshire Theatre Group, Riverside Theatre, Walnut Street Theatre, Theatre Calgary, Princeton Festival, Syracuse Stage and Pittsburgh CLO. He plays Jeff in the upcoming feature film Ponyboi which recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Denis holds a MA in Classical Acting from LAMDA.
SUBMIT UPDATES
Florida Repertory Theatre Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Florida Repertory Theatre is at 2268 Bay St, Fort Myers, FL.
Oleanna (4/16/24-4/16/24)
Hank Williams: Lost Highway (3/19/24-3/19/24)
The Mountaintop (12/12/23-12/12/23)
A Sherlock Carol (11/28/23-11/28/23)
The Legend of Georgia McBride (10/24/23-10/24/23)
Lobby Hero (4/21/23-5/21/23)
Ripcord (3/14/23-4/9/23)
Freud's Last Session (12/16/22-1/15/23)
The Musical Adventures Of Flat Stanley Tya (9/5/22-5/19/23)
A Doll's House, Part 2 (2/25/22-3/27/22)
Florida Rep is one of Lee County and Southwest Florida’s most important cultural and educational institutions and has been named “Best Performing Arts Group” numerous times by Gulfshore Life Magazine and Florida Weekly, and its work was featured in the New York Times and covered in American Theatre Magazine. In addition to its work on stage as a regional theatre company, Florida Rep has very active and vital Education & Outreach arm that includes Theatre for Young Audiences & Lunchbox Theatre, Camp Florida Rep, an audition-only Theatre Conservatory Program, classes for youth and adults, and artist in residency programs.
Ben Butler (10/22/24-10/22/24)
Fully Committed (12/10/24-12/10/24)
Bloomsday (1/28/25-1/28/25)
Venus in Fur (4/15/25-4/15/25)
Videos
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An Evening with Josh Gad: In Gad We Trust
Broward Center (1/22 - 1/22) | |
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POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive
Adrienne Arsht Center (1/9 - 1/26) | |
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Spamilton: An American Parody
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (1/24 - 1/26) | |
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SAW the Musical: The Unauthorized Parody of Saw
Broward Center (1/12 - 1/14) | |
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9to5 The Musical
Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (1/16 - 2/2) | |
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South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s “Glitter and Be Gay Gala”
Broward Center for the Performing Arts (1/16 - 1/16) | |
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HALF BAKED
Broadway Palm (4/18 - 5/24) | |
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Jerry's Girls
Pompano Beach Cultural Center (1/10 - 1/19) | |
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John Oliveira Winner's Concert
Lynn University - Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall (1/26 - 1/26) | |
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Dazzling Divas
The Parker (6/21 - 6/21) | |
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