We asked award-winning Ensemble member DENNIS COCKRUM (Pompey) and STELLA COCKRUM (assistant stage manager) a few questions. Read the interview below:
What’s the first performance you ever saw of the other?
DC: The first time I saw Stella on stage was her third grade school play. It was a Christmas play that I helped direct. It involved Santa getting sick, along with Rudolph, on Christmas Eve and how the holiday was ultimately saved. She played one of the doctors who attended to old St. Nick. She had a partner and they were woefully inept at their chosen profession. Their scenes played like a vaudeville routine. (Imagine that?) They were delightful, as were the fairies, reindeer and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. But those elves…I swore never to work with elves again.
SC: The first performance I ever saw my dad in was an episode of the Disney show “Liv and Maddie”. I was about 8 years old at the time. He was playing a resident at a retirement home. He sang, he danced, he rapped, it was so fun. It was really exciting as a kid to see my dad on TV, especially because he’d often be working on set for shows and movies I wasn’t allowed to watch. “Liv and Maddie” was really great because I finally got to see him in something. It also gave me cool points at school. Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues is the first play I’ve ever seen my dad in, and it’s been so amazing to see him shine every night.
Have you ever worked together on stage or screen?
DC: This is the first time we have worked together professionally. The first time we acted together was probably in New York while living in Brooklyn. She was about 3 years old. I had bought her a “Wizard of Oz” costume kit from a local store. She loved the movie and insisted on playing Dorothy, while I played everyone else. We would re-enact the movie. Every day. I finally got it down to about 20 minutes. As soon as we would finish, she’d say “Again, daddy, again!” I miss that. But this has been an amazing experience. Now that she is in college, we don’t spend as much time together. Just reconnecting here has been very special. I joined the ensemble in 1988, and now my daughter is working here. Unbelievable.
SC: It’s been a really great experience. My favorite part about working together is getting to see his process. I know him as my dad, but it’s been so informative to see him work as a performer. To see how he works in rehearsals vs. shows and how he carries himself with grace and compassion.
What’s your favorite part of the Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues experience?
DC: I’ve really enjoyed being back in Chicago, where I began my career. Catching up with old friends and working in this beautiful theater is a joy. I’m so proud of what our company has created and achieved. And to share that with Stella has been remarkable. Thank you for having me back and for welcoming her. It really feels like my creative home.
SC: The knowledge and experience I’ve been gaining! This is the first professional, AEA theater production I’ve been apart of. I’ve been learning so much about how professional theaters and professional productions are run. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity and to soak up as much information as I can.
What do you wish people knew about the other one?
DC: Stella is a very fine actress. It’s been my pleasure to watch her grow from Dorothy to now. Always grounded and centered. But she is also a kind and caring person. And she’s funny. Really funny.
SC: I wish people knew how smart my dad is. Everyone knows he’s super funny and talented, but he’s also really intelligent. He’s very well versed in literature, history and politics. He’s taught me a lot. He’s also a great creative. He’s directed, written, and produced a lot of work.
What’s coming up next for you?
DC: Heading back to Los Angeles after the show closes. My wife Stephanie Workman is about to start a new job and could use my help. American Blues motto is, “We do our part.” Well, it’s time for me to do mine.
SC: In the fall I’ll be returning to California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) to begin my junior year of college, where I’m pursuing my BFA in Acting.
Pictured above – Dennis Cockrum, Stephanie Workman, & Stella Cockrum at Opening Night of Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues (May 29, 2025).