Announcing the Cast and Creative Team for DOCTOR DE SOTO

Cast Left to Right, Top to Bottom: Aretta Baumgartner, Ernaisja Curry, Shelli Delgado, Sarah Beth “EssBee” Hester, Bethany Anne Lind, Shaun MacLean, Kala Ross 
  
 

Atlanta’s Alliance Theatre Is Pleased To Announce The Cast And Creative Team Of Its Upcoming World Premiere

Adapted For The Stage From The Beloved, Newbery Award-Winning Picture Bookby William Steig

WRITTEN BY IDRIS GOODWIN
DIRECTED BY MARK VALDEZ
 

Rehearsals are underway for the Alliance Theatre’s world premiere DOCTOR DE SOTO, produced in partnership with Seattle Children’s Theatre. Written by award-winning playwright Idris Goodwin, Artistic Director of Seattle Children’s Theatre, and brought to life under the masterful direction of Mark Valdez, Artistic Director of Mix Blood Theatre in Minneapolis, DOCTOR DE SOTO will have its world premiere on the Hertz Stage at Alliance Theatre, January 18 – March 2, 2025.

Goodwin and Valdez bring William Steig's tale of wit, wisdom, and whimsy to the stage with an eye-popping blend of live-action, puppetry, music, and rhyme. Despite the sign outside stating that they do not treat predators, Doctor De Soto and Mrs. De Soto (at the persistent urging of Young De Soto), take pity on a suffering fox with a rotten tooth. But once he opens his jaws and they must step inside, they begin to rethink their decision. Full of excitement and laughter, this modern-day fable proves that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference with kindness and a little quick thinking.

“The book was published when I was around three years old and it quickly became a favorite,” said Goodwin. “Now that I’m a parent, I’ve had the joy of sharing it with my own kids, who also love it. The simplicity of the narrative, paired with its humor and cleverness translates beautifully to the stage and resonate deeply with audiences.”

The DOCTOR DE SOTO cast will feature Shelli Delgado (Alliance Theatre: Into the Burrow) as Young DeSoto, Bethany Anne Lind (Netflix: Ozark) as Fox, Shaun MacLean (Disney+: Wandavision) as Doctor De Soto, and Kala Ross (Broadway: For Colored Girls Revival; Alliance Theatre: Hands Up) as Mrs. De Soto. Aretta Baumgartner and Sarah Beth Hester join Lind, MacLean, and Ross as Patients. Production understudies include Hayden Rowe, Chris McKnight, Erin North, Maia Sanaa, and Brie Wolfe.

The creative team of DOCTOR DE SOTO includes Director Mark Valdez, Assistant Director Sam Provenzano, Composer Brandon Bush, Scenic Designer Kat Conley, Costume Designer Garry Lennon, Lighting Designer Ben Rawson, Sound Designer Bahar Royaee, and Puppet Designer Lynn Jeffries. 

Additional production support includes Stage Manager Barbara Gantt O’Haley, Stage Management Production Assistant Samantha Honeycutt, and Production Management Lead Haylee Scott.

“I want young audiences to reflect on what they would do in De Soto’s situation. The narrative presents complex, layered choices – not just right or wrong answers,” added Goodwin. “I hope kids leave considering the consequences of their actions and the nuances of making tough decisions. It’s about understanding that every choice has both benefits and drawbacks.”

Performances of Doctor De Soto will run on the Hertz Stage January 18 to March 2, 2025 – learn more.