Refugee
By Eric Coble
Based on the novel by Alan Gratz
Three stories. Three continents. One unbreakable human spirit.
Florida Repertory Theatre’s production of Refugee brings to life the journeys of three young people forced from their homes by war, violence, and persecution.
Josef, a Jewish boy in 1930s Nazi Germany, boards a ship hoping to find safety in Cuba.
Isabel, a Cuban girl in 1994, sets out on a handmade raft toward America during the economic crisis.
Mahmoud, a Syrian boy in 2015, flees Aleppo with his family, searching for peace in an unfamiliar world.
Though they live decades apart, their paths cross in ways that remind us how courage, hope, and humanity transcend borders and time.
Adapted by Eric Coble from Alan Gratz’s award-winning novel, Refugee travels across Southwest Florida as part of Florida Rep’s Theatre for Young Audiences tour. Bringing this story directly into schools allows students to see history, empathy, and survival unfold live before their eyes — making the lessons of the past immediate and deeply personal.
This production is more than a play. It’s a shared act of compassion and understanding — a reminder that behind every headline and statistic is a person with dreams, fears, and the will to survive. At Florida Rep Education, we believe theatre has the power to connect communities, spark conversation, and build bridges through storytelling.
CAST
Ethan Antonio León – Mahmoud
Cody Klimek – Josef
Jana Denning – Isabel
Patrice Eakman – Young Woman
Hannah Easton – Woman
Gabriel Hunyor – Man
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Megan Leonard
Tour/Stage Manager: DJ Kelly
Scenic Designer: Jordan Moore
Costume Designer: Amanda Miller
Sound Designer: Braden Downing
Props Artisans: Miranda White
Production Manager: Charles Clark
ABOUT THE ACTING INTERNS
Jana Denning (they/them) – is thrilled to be spending the season at Florida Rep! Born and raised in Middle Tennessee, but usually based in Orlando, Jana has toured and performed professionally in 13 states. Recent credits include Cabaret (Sally Bowles), Fun Home (Medium Alison), The Prom (Emma Nolan), and Ride the Cyclone (Constance Blackwood).
Patrice Eakman – originally from northern Minnesota, is ecstatic to join Florida Rep as an acting intern for the ’25–’26 season. She’s a recent graduate of Concordia College and is passionate about bringing high-quality theatre to children across Southwest Florida.
Hannah Easton – is a passionate storyteller and advocate for representation in the arts. She trained in London, performed at the Globe Theatre, and earned certification in stage combat.
Gabriel Hunyor – is thrilled to make his debut at Florida Rep as an Acting Intern for the youth theatre tours and is grateful for the opportunity to perform for students throughout the region.
Cody Klimek – a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University, joins Florida Rep with credits including The Life of Galileo, Letters to Sala, and Radium Girls.
Ethan Antonio León – has been performing since he was seven and has appeared in productions including Anastasia, Eurydice, and Waitress. He’s also directed and choreographed several shows, including Ride the Cyclone and Zombie Prom!
