COURT THEATRE LAUNCHES CENTER FOR CLASSIC THEATRE WITH
THE MOLIÈRE FESTIVAL:
THE MISANTHROPE & TARTUFFE
DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC CHARLES NEWELL
ChiIL Live Shows adored The School for Lies based on The Misanthrope at Chicago Shakespeare earlier this year. Now you can immerse yourself in Moliere, thanks to Court Theatre.
Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present The Molière Festival: The Misanthrope & Tartuffe, written by Molière with a translation by Richard Wilbur, and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The Misanthrope will run May 9 – June 9, and Tartuffe will run June 20 –July 14 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.
This is a significant moment for Court Theatre. After a decade of aspiration, Court has finally achieved the creation of the Center for Classic Theatre. The Center combines the elements of innovative productions, international scholarship, interdisciplinary study and interactive community outreach, in short it allows Court to access the amazing intellectual resources here at the University of Chicago to deepen the work on our stages, as well as maximize the impact of these productions on our surrounding communities,” says Artistic Director Charles Newell.
The Molière Festival launches the Center for Classic Theatre at the University of Chicago campus, dedicated to the creation and curation of large-scale interdisciplinary theatrical experiences. With the production of The Misanthrope and Tartuffe during the International Molière Festival, Court Theatre is taking its place as a hub for intellectual activity that unites artists and scholars to foster collaboration between theatre and a myriad of other academic disciplines. The Center for Classic Theatre signals a new way for a professional theatre to be in residence at a major university: it is an approach to producing that fully accesses the resources that surround Court Theatre, enabling the Company to continue its work producing world premiere translations and adaptations of classic texts, turn its theatrical productions into interdisciplinary events with direct ties to University coursework, forge connections with international arts organizations and universities, and reach new audiences.
The Molière Festival was created from a longstanding collaboration between Artistic Director Charles Newell and University of Chicago Professor Larry Norman, who notably collaborated on the 2010 production of Tony Kushner’s adaptation of Pierre Cornielle’s The Illusion. Professor Norman is a leading French scholar and was planning to convene an international conference on Molière during the spring of 2013 in collaboration with The Sorbonne University and the University of Glasgow. This event inspired the decision to produce two Molière plays at Court, thus incorporating The Molière Festival as part of the company’s 2012-13 Season. Professor Norman developed a class on Molière which is being taught concurrently with Court’s rehearsal process, allowing scholarship and the artistic process to feed and influence each other – a hallmark of the Center for Classic Theatre. This interdisciplinary collaboration then inspired an additional class at the University of Chicago Graham School being offered to the general public, which also allows access to the artistic process surrounding the Molière Festival. Court Theatre has also partnered with the Alliance Francaise, Chicago’s center for French Culture, to engage their constituency with the unique opportunities afforded through the production of The Misanthrope and Tartuffe.
The Molière Festival: The Misanthrope & Tartuffe is sponsored by Boeing, Rita and John Canning, David and Marilyn Fatt Vitale, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Marion M. Lloyd Court Theatre Fund
The Misanthrope
In a society where social graces reign supreme, the cynical Alceste causes a scandal when he refuses to play his part in the charade. Torn between his love for the coquettish Célimène and the pretenses he so despises, Alceste finds himself alone in a world where words are brandished like weapons and status is defined by style. Unwilling to play the hypocrite any longer, Alceste must decide his destiny. Artistic Director Charles Newell returns to his roots in the French Baroque to give this wickedly funny and deliciously droll comedy of manners new life.
The cast of The Misanthrope includes Kamal Angelo Bolden (Philinte), Patrese D. McClain (Eliante), A.C. Smith (Oronte), Travis Turner (Acaste), Elizabeth Ledo (Basque/DuBoise/Guard), Michael Pogue (Clitandre), Grace Gealey (Celimene), Allen Gilmore (Arsinoe), and Erik Hellman (Alceste).
The creative team includes John Culbert (scenic design), Jacqueline Firkins (costume design), Keith Parham (lighting design), Andre Pluess (sound design), and Drew Dir (dramaturgy). Sara Gammage is the Production Stage Manager and William Collins is the Stage Manager.
The Misanthrope will run May 9 – June 9, 2013 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Previews are May 9 – May 17, 2013. The opening press performance is on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. Curtain times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are $35 to $45 for preview performances; $45 to $65 for regular run performances. Tickets are available at the Box Office, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or online at www.CourtTheatre.org. Student and senior discounts available. Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted tickets by calling Kate Vangeloff at 773-834-3243.
Tartuffe
A devilish comedy about the art of deception and the price of misplaced faith, Molière’s Tartuffe reveals a tale as outrageous as it is insightful. When the cunning imposter Tartuffe wields a pretense of piety to capture the imagination of aging family-man Orgon, the scoundrel succeeds in insinuating himself into the patriarch’s home, throwing Orgon’s family into utter chaos. As Orgon’s foolish infatuation with Tartuffe’s fraudulent religious fervor grows, the depth of Tartuffe’s deception turns dangerous. Artistic Director Charles Newell directs the French classic Tartuffe with a provocative contemporary approach that will illicit deep laughter of recognition.
The cast of Tartuffe includes Philip Earl Johnson (Tartuffe), Kamal Angelo Bolden (Damis), Patrese D. McClain (Elmire), A.C. Smith (Orgon), Travis Turner (Valere), Elizabeth Ledo (Darine), Michael Pogue (Cleante), Grace Gealey (Mariane), Allen Gilmore (Mme Pernelle), and Erik Hellman (Laurant). Additional cast to be announced.
The creative team includes John Culbert (scenic design), Jacqueline Firkins (costume design), Keith Parham (lighting design), Joshua Horvath (sound design), Drew Dir (dramaturgy). Sara Gammage is the Production Stage Manager and William Collins is the Stage Manager.
Tartuffe will run June 20 – July 14, 2013 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Previews are June 20 – June 27, 2013. The opening press performance is on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. Curtain times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Ticket prices are $35 to $45 for preview performances; $45 to $65 for regular run performances. Tickets are available at the Box Office, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or online at www.CourtTheatre.org. Student and senior discounts available. Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted tickets by calling Kate Vangeloff at 773-834-3243.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Charles Newell (Artistic Director/Director) has been Artistic Director of Court Theatre since 1994, where he has directed over 30 productions. He made his Chicago directorial debut in 1993 with The Triumph of Love, which won the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Production. Directorial highlights at Court include James Joyce’s “The Dead,” Angels in America, An Iliad, Porgy and Bess, Three Tall Women, The Year of Magical Thinking, The Wild Duck, Caroline, Or Change, Titus Andronicus, Arcadia, Man of La Mancha, Uncle Vanya, Raisin, The Glass Menagerie, Travesties, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Hamlet, and The Invention of Love. Charlie has also directed at the Goodman Theatre (Rock ‘n’ Roll), the Guthrie Theater (Resident Director: The History Cycle, Cymbeline), Arena Stage, John Houseman’s The Acting Company (Staff Repertory Director), the California and Alabama Shakespeare Festivals, Juilliard, and New York University. He is the recipient of the 1992 TCG Alan Schneider Director Award. He has served on the Board of Theatre Communications Group, as well as on several panels for the National Endowment for the Arts. Opera directing credits include Marc Blitzstein’s Regina at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and Rigoletto at Opera Theatre of St. Louis. Charlie is a multiple Joseph Jefferson Award (Chicago’s highest theatrical honor) nominee and recipient.
Kamal Angelo Bolden (Philinte – The Misanthrope; Damis - Tartuffe) was most recently seen at Court Theatre as Youngblood in August Wilson's Jitney, at A Red Orchid Theatre as Donell in The Opponent, at the Goodman Theatre as Tony in Paul Oakley Stovall's Immediate Family, and as Black Man/Actor 2 in the world premiere of We Are Proud to Present... at Victory Gardens Theater. Since leaving Nashville for Chicago three years ago, Kamal has originated the roles of Jackie Robinson in the Chicago Children's Theatre's world premiere of Jackie and Me, and Chad Deity in Victory Gardens Theatre's world premiere of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity. He has also worked with Actors Theatre of Louisville (The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity) and won a Black Theatre Alliance Award for Best Leading Actor for his work in Athol Fugard’s The Island at Remy Bumppo Theatre. Kamal has appeared in many independent films and national commercials, and has made guest appearances on BOSS, Lights Out, and The Row. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration-Entrepreneurship from Bradley University and is a proud Artistic Associate of Erasing the Distance.
Grace Gealey (Celimene – The Misanthrope; Mariane - Tartuffe) recently appeared in American Theater Company’s production of Rent, directed by David Cromer. Regional credits include: “Delilah” (Venus Flytrap), “Rosalita” (Skippy Jon Jones Mini-Tour, Theaterworks USA), “Maggie” (Cat on a Hot Tin Roof), “Anita” (West Side Story), “Vera Charles” (Mame), “Jenny Diver” (The Threepenny Opera), “Olivia” (Twelfth Night).
Allen Gilmore (Arsinoe – The Misanthrope; Mme Pernelle - Tartuffe) was last seen at Court Theater as Tumbo in Jitney and as Sizwe Banzi in Sizwe Banzi is Dead, both directed by Ron OJ Parson. He has recently performed at Yale Repertory Theatre and Berkeley Repertory Theatre in A Doctor In Spite of Himself. He just completed the run of A Servant of Two Masters at The Shakespeare Theater in Washington, D.C., and following Jitney, he will perform A Servant of Two Masters at Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Allen returns to Court in the spring for the Moliere comedies The Misanthrope and Tartuffe. He is a proud artistic associate of Next Theater and a proud ensemble member of Congo Square Theater Company.
Erik Hellman (Alceste – The Misanthrope; Laurant - Tartuffe) happily returns to Court after previously appearing in Comedy of Errors, The Mystery of Irma Vep (for which he received a Joseph Jefferson Award nomination for lead actor), Titus Andronicus, and Arcadia. His recent Chicago credits include Eastland (Lookingglass Theatre); Hesperia (Writers’ Theatre); Madness of King George III, Taming of the Shrew, and Macbeth and Edward II (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Honest, Elephant Man, and Huck Finn (Steppenwolf Theatre); All My Sons (Timeline); The Busy World is Hushed (Next Theatre); Tartuffe (Remy Bumppo); Hatfield, and McCoy (The House Theatre of Chicago); and multiple performances as an ensemble member of Strawdog Theatre Company. Outside of Chicago, Erik has appeared at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Geva Theatre, Syracuse Stage, Indianapolis Repertory Theatre, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Houston’s Stages Repertory Theatre and Off-Broadway at The Mirror Repertory Theatre. In film and on TV, he has appeared in The Dark Knight, The Chicago Code, and Boss.
Phillip Earl Johnson (Tartuffe - Tartuffe) returns to Court Theatre having just played Gabriel Conroy in James Joyce’s “The Dead” and Tom Sergeant in Skylight. Other credits include The Mystery Cycle (Jesus) at Court Theatre and the National tour of Angels in America (Joe). Other Chicago credits include Talking Pictures (Willis) at the Goodman Theatre, Old Glory (Peter) at Writers’ Theatre, The Big Meal (Man #2) at American Theater Company, Picasso at the Lapin Agile (Picasso) at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and The Herbal Bed (Rafe) at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Regional credits include Cyrano de Bergerac (Cyrano) at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Recent television credits include Chicago Fire (NBC) and Unemployed (MTV). Philip Earl Johnson has also performed for 23 years as MooNiE the Magnif’Cent.
Elizabeth Ledo (Basque/DuBoise/Guard – The Misanthrope; Darine - Tartuffe) previously appeared at Court in The Comedy of Errors, The Real Thing, Uncle Vanya, and Titus Andronicus. Chicago credits include: Boleros for the Disenchanted (Goodman Theatre), Amadeus, Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Funk It Up About Nothin’ (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Morningstar and Homebody/Kabul (Steppenwolf Theatre), The Old Curiosity Shop (Lookinglass Theatre), Arms and the Man (Writers’ Theatre), The Chalk Garden (Northlight Theatre), Barefoot in the Park and The Odd Couple (Drury Lane), Say You Love Satan (About Face Theatre), Pinocchio (Marriot Lincolnshire Theatre). Regional credits include: Romeo and Juliet and Comedy of Errors (Summer Shakespeare at Notre Dame), Arcadia (Indiana Repertory Theatre) and 20 productions with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre where some favorites include Almost Maine, Escape From Happiness, The Lonesome West, Wit, The Clean House, and The Crucible. Elizabeth is a voice talent with Stewart Talent Agency and has done numerous televisions and radio spots as well as a regular with The Twilight Zone Radio Dramas produced by The Falcon Picture Group. Elizabeth is a proud graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and has been a member of Actors Equity since 1999.
Patrese D. McClain (Eliante – The Misanthrope; Elmire - Tartuffe) previously appeared at Court Theatre in Spunk. She was recently seen in Ruined (St. Louis Black Repertory Company) and ABC’s Detroit 1-8-7. Chicago credits include Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, and CollaborAction Theatre, where she is a proud member. Regional credits include Two Trains Running (Geva Theatre Center, Rochester, NY) and a Kevin Kline-nominated performance in Crumbs from the Table of Joy (Mustard Seed Theatre, St. Louis). She received her B.F.A. from Howard University and her M.F.A. from Pennsylvania State University. Patrese is also the Executive Director of Pure ART, a non-profit organization that offers arts education outreach to inner city youth and produces events to showcase local artists.
Michael Pogue (Clitandre – The Misanthrope; Cleante - Tartuffe) returns to Court Theatre where he previously appeared in Angels in America and Spunk. His other credits include The Brother/Sister Plays and Carter’s Way at Steppenwolf Theatre Company; Radio Golf at Raven Theatre; Lobby Hero at Redtwist Theatre; Night and Day at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company; and Six Degrees of Separation at Eclipse Theatre Company.
A.C. Smith (Oronte – The Misanthrope; Orgon - Tartuffe) makes his seventh appearance at Court Theatre. Past productions include, Jitney, the world premiere of Invisible Man, Fences (Jeff Award – Actor in a Principal Role – Play), The First Breeze of Summer, The Piano Lesson, and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. Smith, a Chicago native, has performed in many theaters here, including Victory Gardens Theatre, Timeline Theatre Company, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, Illinois Theatre Center, Second City, and Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Smith has also performed in many regional theatres all across the country. When not in Chicago, he can often be seen performing at the St. Louis Black Repertory Company, where he has been a member for over seventeen years, and is a nine time Woody King Jr. Award winner.
Travis Turner (Acaste – The Misanthrope; Valere - Tartuffe) returns to Court Theatre where his credits include The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess, Carousel (also Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, CT) and Raisin (Black Theatre Alliance Award Nomination, Best Featured Actor). Other credits include: Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Loving Repeating: A Musical of Gertrude Stein (About Face); Ragtime and High School Musical (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Hairspray, The 25th Annual Putnam Co. Spelling Bee, High School Musical and Footloose (Marriott Lincolnshire); Willy Wonka, Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew, Seussical and The Princess and the Pea (Chicago Shakespeare). Education/ Training: Northwestern and the School at Steppenwolf.
Now in its 58th season, Court Theatre is guided by its mission to discover the power of classic theatre. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. Court revives lost masterpieces, illuminates familiar texts, and distinguishes fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences.
Court Theatre is the professional theatre in residence at the University of Chicago continuing to discover the power of classic theatre. Court Theatre operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States. Productions are made possible in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and by a City Arts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Court Theatre is a constituent of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the American Theatre; the League of Resident Theatres; the Illinois Humanities Council; the Arts Alliance Illinois; the League of Chicago Theatres; and Hyde Park Cultural Alliance.
FACT SHEET
The Misanthrope
In a society where social graces reign supreme, the cynical Alceste causes a scandal when he refuses to play his part in the charade. Torn between his love for the coquettish Célimène and the pretenses he so despises, Alceste finds himself alone in a world where words are brandished like weapons and status is defined by style. Unwilling to play the hypocrite any longer, Alceste must decide his destiny. Artistic Director Charles Newell returns to his roots in the French Baroque to give this wickedly funny and deliciously droll comedy of manners new life.
Title: The Misanthrope
Written by: Molière
Adaptation by: Richard Wilbur
Directed by: Charles Newell
Featuring: Kamal Angelo Bolden (Philinte), Patrese D. McClain (Eliante), A.C. Smith (Oronte), Travis Turner (Acaste), Elizabeth Ledo (Basque/DuBoise/Guard), Michael Pogue (Clitandre), Grace Gealey (Celimene), Allen Gilmore (Arsinoe), and Erik Hellman (Alceste)
Dates: Previews: May 9 – May 17, 2013
Press opening: Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 8:00PM
Regular run: May 22 - June 9, 2013
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 PM
Fridays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sundays: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Location: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Tickets: $35-$45 previews
$45-$65 regular run
Box Office: Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or online www.CourtTheatre.org
Tartuffe
A devilish comedy about the art of deception and the price of misplaced faith, Molière’s Tartuffe reveals a tale as outrageous as it is insightful. When the cunning imposter Tartuffe wields a pretense of piety to capture the imagination of aging family-man Orgon, the scoundrel succeeds in insinuating himself into the patriarch’s home, throwing Orgon’s family into utter chaos. As Orgon’s foolish infatuation with Tartuffe’s fraudulent religious fervor grows, the depth of Tartuffe’s deception turns dangerous. Artistic Director Charles Newell directs the French classic Tartuffe with a provocative contemporary approach that will illicit deep laughter of recognition.
Title: Tartuffe
Written by: Molière
Adaptation by: Richard Wilbur
Directed by: Charles Newell
Featuring: Philip Earl Johnson (Tartuffe), Kamal Angelo Bolden (Damis), Patrese D. McClain (Elmire), A.C. Smith (Orgon), Travis Turner (Valere), Elizabeth Ledo (Darine), Michael Pogue (Cleante), Grace Gealey (Mariane), Allen Gilmore (Mme Pernelle), and Erik Hellman (Laurant). Additional cast to be announced.
Dates: Previews: June 20 – June 27, 2013
Press opening: Friday, June 28 at 8:00PM
Regular run: July 3 – July 14, 2013 (no performance on July 4)
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 PM
Fridays: 8:00 PM
Saturdays: 3:00 PM & 8:00 PM
Sundays: 2:30 PM & 7:30 PM
Location: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.
Tickets: $35-$45 previews
$45-$65 regular run
Box Office: Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or online www.CourtTheatre.org
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