University of Evansville Theatre Presents THE STEADFAST, by Mat SmartRead full article…

Posted: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
By: University Communications

Spanning eight American wars and more than two centuries of history, THE STEADFAST is a thrilling, time-shifting theatrical event about courage, conviction, and the cost of serving one's country.

The University of Evansville (UE) Theatre will present THE STEADFAST by Mat Smart '01, March 20-29 in Shanklin Theatre.

Inspired by Steve Alpert's acclaimed painting Legacy, THE STEADFAST connects the lives of eight soldiers-from the American Revolution to the aftermath of 9/11-through moments of bravery, resistance, grief, and hope. The play imagines what might happen if the figures depicted in the artwork could step out of the canvas and tell their own stories, revealing the deeply personal decisions behind America's military history.

A powerful tribute to those who serve-and those who dare to question the meaning of heroism itself-THE STEADFAST presents American history as audiences have never seen it: alive, fractured, and fiercely human. The play has been produced Off-Broadway and at theatres across the country, earning praise for its emotional depth and contemporary relevance.

The University of Evansville production is co-directed by Assistant Professor Wes Grantom '03 and William Cooper Sanders, a senior performance major from Jeffersonville, Ind. Steve Alpert, a New York-based fine art painter, created Legacy as part of his Contemporary American Military series. The painting depicts eight soldiers representing pivotal periods in U.S. Army history, honoring service, sacrifice, and the human experience behind military life.

Alpert's work has also supported charitable initiatives through partnerships with the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, which provides college scholarships and mentoring to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. During the University of Evansville's production, a print of Legacy will be displayed in conjunction with THE STEADFAST and available for bidding.

THE STEADFAST opens at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 20. Additional performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 21, 26, 27, and 28, with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 29.

The creative team includes Yvonne Miranda, guest artist, scenic designer; Don Hooper, guest artist, costume designer; Professor Stephen Boulmetis, lighting designer; Josh Stallings '13, guest artist, sound designer; Jasmine Hardin, a sophomore stage management major from Aurora, Colo., stage manager; Mia Lacey, a junior directing and dramaturgy major from Frisco, Texas, dramaturg; and Visiting Assistant Professor Andy Hammond '08, guest artist, technical director.

The cast features Quinn McGaugh, a senior performance major from McAlester, Okla., as Staff Sgt. Wesley Evers; Stella Clark-Kaczmarek, a sophomore theatre studies major from Omaha, Neb., as Gertrude Evers; Ethan Henry, a senior performance major from Salina, Kan., as Pete and Derek Brompton; Amoren Newton, a junior performance major from Denton, Texas, as Elmer Brompton and Vaclavik; Umbra Person, a senior performance major from Jonesboro, Ga., as Miller and Lawrence Montgomery; Alijah J. Roberson, a senior performance major from Marietta, Ga., as Nathaniel and Staff Sgt. Roy Montgomery; Kurt Sparks, a junior performance major from Millville, N.J., as Walcott's father, Thomas, and Mr. Walcott; Arturo Quepons, a senior performance major from San Antonio, Texas, as Aaron and George; Jacovia Young, a senior theatre management major from Houston, Texas, as Second Lt. Siyah Powell and Stevens; Daniel Perez, a senior performance major from San Antonio, Texas, as Grant and Andrew; Trace Levens, a senior performance major from Bryan, Texas, as Bob Osterman and Wenzel; Gavin Ramirez, a senior performance major from McKinney, Texas, as Kellar; Folarin Oyeleye, a junior performance major from Richmond, Texas, as Rouse and B.K. Bullins; James Scott, a senior performance major from Sugar Hill, Ga., as Smith; Daphne Wheeler, a junior performance major from Star, Idaho, as Phebe; Sydney Gepson, a sophomore theatre studies major from Queen Creek, Ariz., as Margaret; and Benjamin Lodge, a junior performance major from Overland Park, Kan., as Mark Powell.

Single tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for senior adults, UE faculty and staff, and non-UE students. UE students may obtain one free student rush ticket beginning at noon on the day of the performance they wish to attend. UE Theatre will also continue its "Pay What You Will" initiative; the Thursday evening performance is available at any price that best fits patrons' budgets.

Tickets may be purchased online at theatre.evansville.edu or by calling the UE ticket office at 812.488.2031, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Follow @uetheatre on Facebook and Instagram for updates.