The unique experience of theater is that it is a live event: this day, this group of individuals, this story, will never happen again.That is the essence of the Botanic Gardens Experience. We meet people before the play, shake their hands, seek to discover a little of who they are. We stay afterwards and share more stories that the play may have evoked. We share the experience of life, of living each day with appreciation, courage and love.
-Carmen & Jim
CARMEN & JIM
Married in real life, veteran equity actors, Carmen Roman and James Leaming are Chicago treasures. For over 30 years, their work has graced the city’s best theaters, including Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Garden, Northlight, Court, and American Blues. They’ve also performed in dozens of premier regional theaters and have been featured in film and television. Ms. Roman received Chicago Jeff awards for best actress in Master Class and Wit. Mr. Leaming has enthralled audiences nationwide with his one man show, It’s a Wonderful Life.
Carmen and Jim are available to attend receptions either before or after the show. They are also available to participate in theater classes, and do promotional outreach.
TODD LOGAN
playwright, producer
Todd Logan’s plays have been performed throughout the United States. They include the nationally acclaimed interactive courtroom drama, Defamation, which has been touring the United States for the last four years, Tops or Bottoms, Fallout, and Persistence of Vision. Mr. Logan also wrote the independent film With A Family Like Mine, which appeared in film festivals and theaters. He is especially excited to have Ms. Roman and Mr. Leaming reprising their roles of Kate and Jake in newest run of Botanic Garden. “It’s so touching to see their backstage dressing room intimacy a nd so deeply moving watching them on stage sharing that intimacy with the audience.”
KIMM BEAVERS
managing producer
Kimm Beavers has toured with Canamac Productions’ DEFAMATION for the past 5 years. From her artistry onstage to managing tours and producing, she brings integrity to her roles at Canamac Productions.
"At the end of the day this is a business that has to run effectively on the highest professional level. However, this business impacts lives on a very human level that stays with people forever."
Kimm Beavers was last seen on Stage in Immediate Family at The Goodman Theater directed by Phylicia Rashad and the world premiere of Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man at Court Theater as well as The Trip at ETA Theater (BTA award, Best Ensemble). Film Credits include: Lost Ones, Molly’s Gift, Love Shorts, & Til Death Do Us Part. Kimm received her B.A. in Speech and Theater Arts at Clark Atlanta University. Always excited to share the stage with great performers, Kimm believes the best way to grow is to “surround yourself with people you can learn from and evolve with”.