Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Tickets on Sale Now for the World Premiere of VILLETTE February 8 – April 23, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Tickets on Sale Now  

for the World Premiere of 

VILLETTE  

Written by Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter 

From the Book by Charlotte Brontë, 

Directed by Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh 

 

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces tickets are on sale now for the World Premiere of Villette by Sara Gmitter. Adapted from the Charlotte Brontë novel, Villette is a deeply surprising story featuring Brontë’s most modern of heroines: a love story, a ghost story, and an adventurous odyssey, revealing and unraveling life’s mysteries. Directed by Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh, Villette runs February 8 – April 23, 2023, at Lookingglass Theatre located in the Water Tower Water Works building, 821 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611. 

“This is a story about the triumph of spirit,” says writer and Lookingglass Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter. “Villette is a gift to everyone who has ever felt misunderstood.” Artistic Director and Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman conveys that Lookingglass has been eager to produce this World Premiere since 2020. “We know how much this funny, exciting, moving and complex journey will resonate with audiences,” she says. “The show is an indelible and thoroughly unusual heroine, and one we don’t often see in stories: a shy and ‘plain’ woman, overlooked by most, living in the shadows. Yet, her inner life is vibrant and full of fire. It will be impossible for the audience not to fall in love with the clear-eyed, wry and soulful Lucy Snow.” 

You’ve never met a heroine like Lucy Snow. Suddenly bereft of family, friends, and funds, young Lucy journeys unaccompanied to an unfamiliar land armed only with determination, a fiercely dry sense of humor, and her prodigious brain. She soon finds herself entangled in romance and intrigue, as a vain debutante, quarrelsome teacher, and mysterious ghost draw her into a complicated maze. Will tenacious Lucy, and her wry wit, emerge intact? 

Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh directs Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter’s riveting adaptation of this novel by the author of Jane Eyre.  

Get tickets 

Online: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

Phone: (312) 337-0665 

In Person: 165 E Pearson, Chicago, IL 60611  

The box office is open (phone and in-person) Tuesday-Friday, 12PM-6PM. 

In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, the determined Lucy Snow travels alone to an unfamiliar land, encountering one ambitious debutante, one very cranky teacher, and at least one mysterious ghost along the way – can her wry humor and generous soul remain intact? Ensemble Member Tracy Walsh directs Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter’s riveting adaptation of this novel by the author of Jane Eyre. 

Villette Performance Schedule 

Previews  

February 8 – 17, 2023 

Wednesdays – Saturdays 7:30PM 

Sunday 2PM 

 

Regular Run 

February 18 – April 23, 2023 

Tuesdays 7PM 

Wednesdays 7PM 

Thursdays 2PM & 7PM 

Fridays 7PM 

Saturdays 2PM & 7PM 

Sundays 2PM 

 

Please see the performance calendar on the website for full calendar and details. 

Get tickets: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

About the Artists 

Sara Gmitter (she/her/hers) (Writer; Lookingglass Artistic Associate) is a longtime Artistic Associate with Lookingglass Theatre. She began her career at Lookingglass as an Assistant Stage Manager for The Idiot. She subsequently stage managed 42 productions and workshops for the company including multiple iterations of Lookingglass Alice. She counts 20 world premieres among the shows she helped to shepherd from first rehearsal to closing night. She has also served the company as a teaching artist, writer, and director for the Lookingglass Young Ensemble (Waging Peace, Mending the Peace). In 2014 she made her main stage debut as a playwright with In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story (Jeff Award Nomination for Best New Work). Previous playwriting credits include: Sizzle: A Global Warming Comedy (New Suit Theatre Company), co-written with Jason Burkett, adapted from the film by Dr. Randy Olson; and A Long Fatal Love Chase (Powerhouse Theatre Company) adapted from the novel by Louisa May Alcott. Her short story, Harold has been heard on WBEZ’s Stories On. 

She earned a B.A. in Theatre from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. in Peace Education from the UN mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. She currently serves as Program Assistant for Girls Inc. of Santa Fe and is also the co-clerk of the American Friends Service Committee’s Nobel Peace Prize Nominating Task Group. Sara is the recipient of the Adrienne Shelly Foundation Inaugural Playwrights Award.  

Tracy Walsh (she/her/hers) (Director; Lookingglass Ensemble Member) is an Ensemble Member of Lookingglass Theatre Company where she has choreographed, appeared in and directed many productions including: The Old Curiosity Shop (Director), Acts of God, Blood Wedding, Around the World in 80 Days (Choreography), and The North China Lover (Actor/choreographer). Most recently, she choreographed dances for all productions of The Steadfast Tin Soldier and appeared in Her Honor Jane Byrne (Lookingglass). She was Movement Consultant for The Notebooks of Leonardo DaVinci (Goodman Theatre/Shakespeare Theatre Company) and was also an original cast member (Goodman Theatre/Seattle Repertory Theatre/Lincoln Center). She choreographed and appeared in Electra and Iphigenia in Aulis (Court Theatre/The Getty Villa) and choreographed Agamemnon (Court Theatre). She choreographed Don Giovanni and The Jewel Box (Chicago Opera Theatre) and directed, adapted & choreographed the recorded, live, original show All Wigged Out featuring musicians Marcy Marxer and Cathy Fink. 

Become A gglasspass Member 

See yourself here, Chicago. In the Lookingglass.  

A partnership with one of this city’s leading Black theatre companies. A homegrown holiday hearth warmer. Two original CHI-made works each featuring unconventional central characters. A twirl around five extraordinary homespun districts (from Englewood to Edgewater to Avalon Park and more). And a transcendent summer sunset ritual that draws us all back waterside.   

Distinct. Unique. Reflecting is our function.   

Become a member and come see yourself at Lookingglass. 

The 3-play package includes the beloved holiday tradition, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and two World Premiere productions, Villette and Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon. The 2-play package includes both World Premiere productions. Members also get the best seats at the best prices, and enjoy a bounty of benefits including priority seating, no ticket fees, unlimited ticket exchanges, savings when purchasing additional tickets for friends or family, a discount at our online store, and more!  

Visit lookingglasstheatre.org/flex-passes to learn how to book your 2022-23 membership! 

Thank You to Our Season Sponsors  

Allstate Insurance Company 

BMO  

Hearn  

HMS Media  

Shirley Ryan Ability Lab  

Waldorf Astoria Chicago  

 

Thank you to our Villette Sponsor 

The National Endowment for the Arts 

 

Become A Scene Maker 

Inside our 190-seat storycastle we work tirelessly to produce unique theatre that leaves YOU changed, charged, and empowered. Theatre making takes meticulous attention to detail and years of work, often unseen. We could not take that initial spark of an idea to the wonder we finally see on stage without you. While you might not be IN the room, you too are an artist and vital to the process. Through your support you play YOUR role in shaping a flourishing, arts-driven tomorrow. Become a Scene Maker, today. 

Become a Scene Maker and support Lookingglass at lookingglasstheatre.org/scene-maker 

 

About Health and Safety  

The health and safety of our audiences, artists, and staff are a top priority and we have invested our resources accordingly. As guidelines are constantly evolving, all policies are subject to change.  

As of September 1, 2022, Lookingglass Theatre Company will no longer require audiences to provide proof of vaccination.  

Facial coverings are currently recommended, but not required. 

We encourage you to confirm our current protocols prior to your visit to the theatre. Please refer to the health and safety page for more information about our current policies and safety measures regarding COVID-19. 

 

About Accessibility 

Lookingglass Theatre offers ground floor seats for all patrons who use a wheelchair or a scooter, or patrons who cannot walk stairs. Assisted listening devices are available at the patron's request. Dates for shows for hearing and visually impaired audiences to be announced. 

 

Groups of Ten or More 

Bring a group to Lookingglass and save up to 25% off regular ticket prices. 

A trip to Lookingglass is the perfect outing for your school group, office, in-town visit, retirement community, social group, book club, scout troop, religious group, or alumni organization! To book a group, email groups@lookingglasstheatre.org. 

For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org/groups. 

About Lookingglass Theatre Company   

Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 35th Season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company, located in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works, has staged 70 world premieres, received 161 Joseph Jefferson Award Nominations, and produced work all across the United States. In 2016, Lookingglass received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions and in 2017, was the recipient of the League of Chicago Theatres’ Artistic Achievement Award.    

Lookingglass continues to expand its artistic, financial, and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel L. Fink, a 29-member artistic ensemble, 22 artistic associates, an administrative staff, and a dedicated board of directors led by Chair Diane Whatton.   

For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.     

Engage with us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn. #LookingglassTheatre 

In Charlotte Brontë’s Villette, the determined Lucy Snow travels away from home to an unfamiliar land, her solitary journey full of romance and intrigue. Will her wry wit and generous spirit emerge intact? 

Previews  

February 8 – 17, 2023 

 

Regular Run 

February 19 – April 23, 2023 

Tuesdays 7PM 

Wednesdays 7PM 

Thursdays 1:30PM & 7PM 

Fridays 7PM 

Saturdays 2PM & 7PM 

Sundays 2PM 

Tickets start at $45. Please see the performance calendar on the website for full calendar and details. Get tickets: https://lookingglasstheatre.org/event/villette-2022/ 

Chicago's Renowned Lookingglass Theatre Searches for New Executive Director

Rachel Kraft to step down 
after 12 years as Executive Director

Lookingglass begins search to find partner 
as it approaches its 30th Anniversary

Photo Credit for all: Joe Mazza

We adore Lookingglass Theatre Company, and they have long been favorites of ours here at ChiILLiveShows.com & ChiILMama.com. In fact, both of my teens were cast in their Summer Theatre Intensive and are spending 96 hours in their Lab Ensemble through August! Rachel Kraft will be dearly missed, but we're eager to see what the future holds for both Lookingglass and for Rachel. 

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces that Rachel Kraft has decided to step down as Executive Director after 12 years with the company. She will remain at Lookingglass through the end of the calendar year as they search for a successor. Lookingglass is in the process of choosing a search firm and the search is anticipated to begin in July.

Rachel has been the Executive Director of Lookingglass Theatre since September 2005. During her tenure, the company and its ensemble were honored as the Recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award; with Best Production for Moby Dick from the Joseph Jefferson Awards in 2015; with one of the first Doris Duke Charitable Foundation’s grants for Commissioning and Playwriting Initiative in 2015; with the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions recognizing exceptional nonprofits in 2016 along with a one million dollar grant; and the Artistic Achievement Award from the League of Chicago Theatres in 2017. 



Under her leadership, the company created 29 world premieres, toured and/or co-produced nine original productions, including Lookingglass Alice, Clay, Around the World in 80 Days, Metamorphoses, The Last Act of Lilka Kadison, Treasure Island and Moby Dick; twice produced the story/circus/food extravaganza Cascabel with partners Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment; retired $500,000 in debt; had operating surpluses seven out of the past 11 years; and completed a Capacity Building Assessment (CBA) looking at critical business drivers of the company.        

                       

Board Chairman John McGowan comments, “Under Rachel’s steadfast leadership, the company has enjoyed the most stable and productive period in our history. She has built a strong staff, assisted by a very capable deputy in General Manager Michele Anderson. Rachel orchestrated a new board structure and responsibilities and was the chief architect of our CBA, which has led to critical changes and investments in our infrastructure. She has been a champion of our Ensemble and their vision while always considering that our ‘theatre without a net’ cannot be achieved by putting the company at risk. With her guidance, we look forward to identifying a new leader to guide us in our fourth decade.”



Artistic Director Heidi Stillman adds, “On the eve of our 30th Anniversary Season, I am very proud that our ‘great experiment’ begun at Northwestern University continues to create new work and partnerships with our community. Rachel has been a true collaborator to the Ensemble and me and we are so grateful to her fierce love of the art and her commitment to the health of our company. Rachel’s leadership has set a high bar as we look for an Executive Director who will allow us to build on the many accomplishments during her tenure.”

Rachel Kraft comments, “From a very young age, the arts, and specifically theatre, have been my greatest passion. After 12 years at the Goodman and 12 years at Lookingglass, I am convinced of the unique place Chicago theater occupies in our country. Lookingglass’ bold mission to develop new work, primarily from within its ensemble, while sharing with the community its values of innovation, transformation and collaboration, remains an inspiration to me. I am proud of the Lookingglass marriage of Artists, Board and Staff and how the company is not afraid to learn and change. As Lookingglass prepares for its 30th Anniversary, I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and taking a personal ‘intermission’ to consider what form my service will take in the future.”

About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 29th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 64 world premieres, received 143 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Louisville and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States. In 2016, Lookingglass received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Director Philip R. Smith, Connectivity and Engagement Director Andrew White, General Manager Michele Anderson, a 24 member artistic ensemble, 23 artistic associates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman John McGowan of CTC| myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group) and President Nancy Timmers, civic leader and philanthropist. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

OPENING: Award Winning Moby Dick Returns to Lookingglass 6/7-9/3

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we caught the initial run of Moby Dick at Lookingglass and were mesmerized! Moby Dick could easily be dry and pedantic, but not in the creative and capable hands of Lookingglass Theatre, with director David Catlin at the helm! The rhythm of the words is hypnotic, the integration of circus arts to advance the story line is captivating, and the action, adventure, sets, costumes and acting are nothing short of stunning. This production is an absolute must see! We loved it before and can't wait to return and see it again. 

Winner of four Jeff Awards, the critically-acclaimed Moby Dick returns to Lookingglass in this harrowing and intoxicating exploration of revenge, obsession, and destiny. Madness rages like the angry sea when man pits himself against leviathan in Herman Melville’s classic tale, furiously reimagined by director David Catlin (Lookingglass Alice).

Performances of Moby Dick begin today!

Don't miss your chance to experience this epic adventure. 

Best Availability:
Thursday, June 8, 7:30PM 
Thursday, June 15, 7:30PM
Friday, June 16, 7:30PM
Wednesday, June 21, 7:30PM

Written and Directed by 
Ensemble Member David Catlin
From the Book by Herman Melville
In Association with
The Actors Gymnasium

Group Discounts Available: bring a group of 8 or more and save up to 25%.
lookingglasstheatre.org/groups

Watch the cast of Moby Dick soar through the air during rehearsals at The Actors Gymnasium. 

OPENING: Beyond Caring and Jeff Award Winning Moby Dick at Lookingglass

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar;

Lookingglass Theatre Company Presents

the U.S. Premiere of 

Beyond Caring, 

written and directed by Alexander Zeldin

in association with Dark Harbor Stories

and the return of Lookingglass’ critically-acclaimed production of 

Moby Dick,

adapted from the novel by Herman Melville and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin,

in association with The Actors Gymnasium

Tickets On-Sale Now

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces casting for the final two shows of its 2016-2017 season, including the U.S. Premiere of Beyond Caring, written and directed by Alexander Zeldin in association with Dark Harbor Stories, a company led by Ensemble Member David Schwimmer and Tom Hodges, as well as the remount of the Jeff Award-winning Moby Dick, adapted from the novel by Herman Melville and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin. Single tickets for Beyond Caring and Moby Dick are currently on sale and may be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or lookingglasstheatre.org.

The cast of the U.S. Premiere of Beyond Caring includes Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Becky), Edwin Lee Gibson (Phil), Wendy Mateo (Susan), Caren Blackmore (Grace) and Keith Gallagher (Ian).

The creative team for Beyond Caring includes Ensemble Member Daniel Ostling (scenic and lighting design), Ensemble Member Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Josh Anio Grigg (sound design and composition) and Amanda Herman (props design). Tess Golden is the Production Stage Manager.

The cast of Moby Dick includes Ensemble Members Kareem Bandealy, Anthony Fleming III and Raymond Fox who return to reprise their roles as Starbuck, Queequeg and Stubb from the critically-acclaimed 2015 production. Also returning to the production is Artistic Associate Kasey Foster (Fate 2), along with Jamie Abelson (Ishmael) and Micah Figueroa (Cabaco). Joining the cast are Kelley Abell (Fate 3), Cordelia Dewdney (Fate 1) and Nathan Hosner (Ahab).

The creative team for Moby Dick includes Courtney O'Neill (scenic design), Sully Ratke (costume design), William C. Kirkman (lighting design), Artistic Associate Rick Sims (sound design), Isaac Schoepp (rigging design), Amanda Herrmann (props design) and Artistic Associate Sylvia Hernandez-Distasi (choreography).

About Beyond Caring and Moby Dick:

The U.S. Premiere of

Beyond Caring

March 22–May 7, 2017

Press opening:  Saturday, April 1 at 7:30 pm

Written and Directed by Alexander Zeldin

In Association with Dark Harbor Stories

Featuring Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks (Becky), Edwin Lee Gibson (Phil), Wendy Mateo (Susan), Caren Blackmore (Grace) and Keith Gallagher (Ian).

Unseen. Unheard. Unknown.

At the margins of society, on the knife-edge of survival, they work for low wages, in harsh conditions. No safety net. No insurance or protections. No guarantee of work tomorrow.

This critically-acclaimed piece, most recently produced at the UK’s National Theatre and re-imagined for Chicago by writer/director Alexander Zeldin, is a gritty portrait of those who cling precariously to the bottom rung of the ladder. Full of life, humor, and tenderness, it sheds light on America’s shadow economy and shines an unflinching spotlight on the incendiary intersection of race and class.

Beyond Caring will be produced in association with Dark Harbor Stories. Dark Harbor Stories is a company led by David Schwimmer and Tom Hodges dedicated to producing original stories with a social conscience in theatre, television and film. Lookingglass Ensemble Member David Schwimmer brought this project to Lookingglass, and is working closely with writer/director Alexander Zeldin on the production, and collaborating with Lookingglass to develop the necessary attention and funds for this exciting project.

ALEXANDER ZELDIN (Writer/Director) is a writer and director for theatre. He trained on the Jerwood Young Directors course at The Old Vic and has taken part in residencies at the Egyptian Centre for Culture and Art and at Studio Emad Eddin in Cairo. His critically-acclaimed play, Beyond Caring, which examined the effects of zero hours contracts had its World Premiere at The Yard Theatre in Hackney in 2014, before transferring to the Temporary Theatre at the National Theatre in London in 2015. In 2015, Alex was the recipient of The Quercus Trust Award and was appointed as Associate Director at The Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Beyond Caring toured the UK in 2016 and his new play LOVE just opened at the National Theatre in London.

CAREN BLACKMORE (Grace) is making her Lookingglass debut with Beyond Caring. She was last seen in Court Theatre's production of Electra. Her Chicago theatre credits include: a one woman show, The MLK Project: The Fight For Civil Rights (Writers Theatre), Spill (TimeLine Theatre), Jitney! (Court Theatre), The Joe Tex Story (Black Ensemble Theater), and she has also worked with Pegasus Players, Stockyards Theatre Project, Theater Wit, The Loop Players, Congo Square Theatre Company, eta Creative Arts Foundation and MPAACT. Caren has attended New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia and is a graduate of Oberlin College and the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Institute

J. NICOLE BROOKS (Becky/Lookingglass Ensemble Member) is an actor, wordsmith, and director. Recent stage credits include the acclaimed comedy Immediate Family directed by Phylicia Rashad (Goodman Theatre; Mark Taper Forum), and Lucas Hnath’s Death Tax (Lookingglass Theatre). She is author of Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Have Eaten (published by Methuen), Fedra Queen of Haiti (published University of Illinois Press) and has several plays in development. Directing credits include Thaddeus & Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure, Black Diamond, and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Lookingglass Theatre). Prized ribbons: TCG Fox Foundation Resident Actor Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts, LA Ovations, African American Theatre Alliance of Chicago, Jeff Award Nominations, and Black Theater Alliance Awards.

KEITH D. GALLAGHER (Ian) is making his Lookingglass debut. Chicago: Mary Page Marlowe, Marie Antoinette (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Gospel of Franklin, Man in Love (Steppenwolf First Look); Awake and Sing, The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Northlight Theatre); Shining City (Goodman Theatre); Tracks (TUTA Chicago); Arcadia (Court Theatre); The Real Thing (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company). Regional: A Raisin in the Sun (Geva Theatre Center); The Gospel According to James (Indiana Repertory Theatre); The Lieutenant of Inishmore (The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis); Shining City (Huntington Theatre Company). TV: Chicago Fire; Chicago P.D.; Detroit 187.

EDWIN LEE GIBSON (Phil) is making his Lookingglass debut. Off Broadway: Love and Information, U.S. premiere (The Minetta Lane Theatre/New York Theatre Workshop); The Seven (New York Theatre Workshop); The Bellagio Fountain Has Been Known To Make Me Cry (Concrete Temple Theatre, NYC); Turquoise (Dixon Place, NYC); The Death of Bessie Smith (New Brooklyn Theatre); The Diary of Black Men (Fairfield Halls, London). Chicago credits: The Royale (American Theater Company); St. James Infirmary (Congo Square Theatre Company). Awards: OBIE Award - Outstanding Performance. TV: recurring role as Orton Freeman on Law and Order: SVU (NBC); Shameless (Showtime). Film: Mom and Dad (Armory Films/Brian Taylor); Marshall (Chestnut Ridge Prods/ Reginald Hudlin); Blood First (NaRa Films).

WENDY MATEO (Susan) returns to the Lookingglass after last appearing as “Mother-in-Law” in Blood Wedding (2016) and “Maria” in Big Lake Big City (2013). Other Chicago credits include Tumbao: The Misadventures of la Familia Pilón at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s 1700 Theatre and Don Chipotle produced by The Playground Theater. Wendy can also be seen on the many comedy stages around Chicago and at Mas Mejor online with the comedy duo, Dominizuelan. TV credits include: Shameless (Showtime), Chicago P.D. (NBC), and The Exorcist (FOX).

Moby Dick

June 7–September 3, 2017

Press Opening: Saturday, June 17 at 7:30 pm

Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin

From the book by Herman Melville

In Association with The Actors Gymnasium

Featuring Ensemble Members Kareem Bandealy as Starbuck, Anthony Fleming III as Queequeg (2015 Jeff Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role) and Raymond Fox as Stubb, and Artistic Associate Kasey Foster (Fate 2), with Jamie Abelson (Ishmael), Micah Figueroa (Cabaco), Kelley Abell (Fate 3), Cordelia Dewdney (Fate 1) and Nathan Hosner (Ahab).

Winner of four Jeff Awards, including Best Production, fresh off a national tour to the Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage and South Coast Repertory, the critically-acclaimed Moby Dick returns to the Lookingglass stage in this harrowing and intoxicating exploration of revenge, obsession, and destiny.

Madness rages like the angry sea when man pits himself against leviathan in Herman Melville’s epic and poetic tale, furiously reimagined by director David Catlin (Lookingglass Alice).

Climb aboard the Pequod with Ishmael, Starbuck, and the intrepid crew on a voyage into the darkest reaches of the human psyche with an insatiably driven Captain Ahab at the helm in reckless pursuit of the legendary white whale.

David Catlin (Adaptor/Director/Ensemble Member) Lookingglass directing credits include: Lookingglass Alice and The Little Prince. Other regional directing credits include: McCarter Theatre (Princeton, NJ), Arden Theatre (Philadelphia), New Victory Theater (NYC), Syracuse Stage, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Alliance Theatre (Atlanta) and The Getty Villa (Los Angeles). Other recent directing credits include: The Phantom Tollbooth (DePaul) and Moby Dick (Northwestern University). David teaches acting with Northwestern University’s theatre department.

KELLEY ABELL (Fate/Innkeeper) returns to Lookingglass after previous appearances in Peter Pan (A Play) and Moby Dick. Other credits include: Moby Dick (Arena Stage, South Coast Repertory Theatre, and Alliance Theatre); 42nd Street and Fiddler on the Roof (Paramount Theatre); Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play (Theater Wit); Dorian (The House Theatre of Chicago); Bat Boy: The Musical and Titanic (Griffin Theatre). She has also worked with Goodman Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, and Chicago Children’s Theatre, and is a graduate of Northwestern University.

JAMIE ABELSON (Ishmael) previously appeared at Lookingglass in the initial run of Moby Dick, as well as Peter Pan (A Play) and Treasure Island (Understudy). Other recent projects include Red Kite Treasure Adventure and Red Kite Blue Sky (Chicago Children’s Theatre); The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Northlight Theatre); Eurydice (Victory Gardens Theater); Scenes from the Big Picture (Irish Theatre of Chicago); As Told by the Vivian Girls (Dog and Pony Theatre Co.); columbinus (Raven Theatre); and Hope Springs Infernal & Dorian (The House Theatre of Chicago). Regional credits include Moby Dick (Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, South Coast Repertory). Jamie holds a BFA in Drama from the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. 

KAREEM BANDEALY (Starbuck/Ensemble Member) has previously been seen at Lookingglass in Blood Wedding, Moby Dick, The Little Prince, Big Lake Big City, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Last Act of Lilka Kadison, and Peter Pan. Select Chicago credits: A Christmas Carol, Rock ‘N’ Roll, Gas For Less, King Lear (Goodman Theatre); The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Oklahoma! (Paramount Theatre); The Good Book, The Illusion (Court Theatre); Julius Caesar, Hamlet, The Caretaker, Heartbreak House (Writers Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Edward II, Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); A Disappearing Number, Blood and Gifts (TimeLine Theatre); Othello (The Gift Theatre). Regional: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Three Musketeers, The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare Festival); Love’s Labours Lost (Notre Dame Shakespeare Festival); Julius Caesar, Stuff Happens (PICT Classic Theatre), and four seasons at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Film: several credits including The Merry Gentleman (dir. Michael Keaton). TV: Chicago Fire (NBC). Kareem is a recipient of the 2011 3Arts Artist Award.

CORDELIA DEWDNEY (Fate) returns to Lookingglass with Moby Dick after the National Tour this past year to Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, and South Coast Repertory). Last summer she appeared on Chicago Med. Cordelia is a graduate of Northwestern University with degrees in Theatre and English and a proud alum of the British American Dramatic Academy.

MICAH FIGUEROA (Cabaco/Captain of New Bedford Whaling Ship) returns to Lookingglass after appearing in the original production of Moby Dick in 2015, and in Lookingglass Alice. Chicago theatre credits include: Tall Girl and the Lightning Parade (Walkabout Theater); The Winter Pageant (Redmoon Theater); Distance to the Moon (First Floor Theater). Regional theatre credits include: Moby Dick (Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, South Coast Repertory); In the Beginning, Henry IV (Dallas Theater Center); The Farnsworth Invention, Wild Oats (Theatre Three); Coriolanus, Cyrano de Bergerac, Macbeth (Shakespeare Dallas); Titus Andronicus (Kitchen Dog Theater); Sense and Sensibility (Stolen Shakespeare Guild). He earned a BFA from Southern Methodist University and the British American Drama Academy.

Anthony Fleming III (Queequeg/Ensemble Member) was last seen at Lookingglass in Moby Dick in 2015 and Lookingglass Alice in 2014, which marked his tenth production of the show and where he completed 555 total performances. Other Lookingglass productions include Big Lake, Big City, Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, Arabian Nights, 1984, Icarus, Fedra and Race. Select regional theater credits: Ma Rainey with Milwaukee Repertory Theater and Clybourne Park with Arizona Theatre Company. Anthony is a Chicagoan who has been working since 1997 on Chicago stages, including Victory Gardens Theater, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Chicago Theater Company, and Piven Theatre Workshop. 

KASEY FOSTER (Fate/Artistic Associate) has been performing, producing, and directing in Chicago since 2004. She recently returned to Chicago after performing in the National Tour of Moby Dick and was newly named an Artistic Associate with Lookingglass. Kasey has appeared regionally at Arena Stage (Washington, D.C.), Alliance Theatre (Atlanta), Berkeley Repertory Theatre (CA), and most recently in Chicago with Lookingglass' Treasure Island, and Manual Cinema's Mementos Mori. She sings with Chicago bands: Grood, Babe-alon 5, Old Timey, and This Must be the Band. She has directed/choreographed over thirty original works, and produces an annual series called Dance Tribute. 

RAYMOND FOX (Mr. Stubb/Captain Boomer/Captain Gardiner/Ensemble Member) last appeared at Lookingglass in Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure. Off-Broadway/Broadway: Metamorphoses (Second Stage Theatre, Circle in the Square Theatre). Regional Credits: Goodman Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Arden Theatre, South Coast Repertory Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Route 66 Theatre, Hartford Stage, American Repertory Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Alliance Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Mark Taper Forum, Court Theatre, McCarter Theatre, Kansas City Repertory Theatre, First Folio Theatre, Canada’s Stratford Festival and TimeLine Theatre (Blood and Gifts, 2013 Equity Jeff Award for Supporting Actor). Education: Northwestern University and the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University.

NATHAN HOSNER (Captain Ahab) makes his Lookingglass debut. He recently played Lord Aster in the first national tour of Peter and the Starcatcher. Chicago credits include productions with Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Court Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Paramount Theatre, About Face Theatre, and First Folio Theatre. Regional credits include productions with American Players Theatre, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory Theatre, New Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, Door Shakespeare, and The BoarsHead Theater. Nathan is a graduate of The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. 

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 29^th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 66 world premieres, received 116 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States. In 2016, Lookingglass received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Director Philip R. Smith, Connectivity and Engagement Director Andrew White, General Manager Michele Anderson, a 25 member artistic ensemble, 23 artistic associates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman John McGowan of CTC| myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group) and President Nancy Timmers, civic leader and philanthropist. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org. 

OPENING: LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY'S THADDEUS AND SLOCUM: A VAUDEVILLE ADVENTURE 6/1

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

THADDEUS AND SLOCUM: 

A VAUDEVILLE ADVENTURE

WRITTEN BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER KEVIN DOUGLAS

CO-DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER J. NICOLE BROOKS AND KRISSY VANDERWARKER

June 1 – August 14, 2016



Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues its 28^th Season with Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure, written by Ensemble Member Kevin Douglas, and co-directed by Ensemble Member J. Nicole Brooks and Krissy Vanderwarker. Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure runs June 1 – August 14, 2016 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. 

It’s 1908 and Chicago’s Majestic Theatre is the jewel of the vaudeville circuit. The only thing stopping Thaddeus and Slocum from becoming the next great stage act is as simple – and complicated – as black and white. Will laughter triumph and friendship endure as racial boundaries threaten to destroy their dreams of making the “big time?” Lookingglass dives deep into the divided heart of American show biz for a daring cavalcade of slapstick, song and dance, and burlesque as two best friends risk everything to make it to the top together.

Times: 

Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. (June 23, 30; July 7, 21; Aug. 4 only) 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays: 2:00 p.m. (except June 4, 11) 7:30 p.m.

Sundays: 2:00 p.m. (except June 12)

7:30 p.m. (June 19, 26; July 3, 17, 31)

Accessible Performances: Touch Tour/Audio Described performance, July 7 at 7:30 p.m. (Tour begins at 6 p.m.)

Open Captioned performance, July 14 at 7:30 p.m. lookingglasstheatre.org/access

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic

Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

  

Prices: 

Previews are $20 - $40

Regular Run is $40 - $75

Cabaret Pit Seats are $20 for patrons under 35 years old

Cabaret Pit Seating: For this production, Lookingglass designers recreated a Vaudeville theater, complete with a “cabaret pit” surrounding the stage. Patrons in these seats will be part of the show, seated in wooden chairs with actors constantly moving around them. For the under 35 crowd, these seats are just $20. Patrons must present ID when picking up tickets.

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Groups of 8 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call 773-477-9257 X 125 or email groupsales@lookingglasstheatre.org for details.

Box Office: Buy online at lookingglasstheatre.org

or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,

821 N. Michigan Ave.

“Thaddeus and Slocum has been developed over the last few years at Lookingglass, and we have watched its growth with excitement and anticipation,” comments Artistic Director Heidi Stillman. “The play is both thoroughly relevant and an old-time show business adventure; at once a comedy and deadly serious. We’re so excited to see the singular voice of our Ensemble Member Kevin Douglas, his utterly unique and daring vision, and his bold tackling of subject matter that lies at the divided heart of American culture on our stage.”

“I grew up watching old comedies and movie musicals. As I got older, I began to realize that most of the people in these movies didn’t look like me, except for slaves, maids, butlers and Sidney Potier,” says playwright Kevin Douglas. “When I started to consider what it would look like to create a comedy, set in Chicago during the height of the Vaudeville era that featured a black lead (who wasn’t a slave or in a position of servitude), Thaddeus and Slocum was born. The play deals with provocative topics like racism, inequality and blackface. Blackface was common in the Vaudeville circuit in 1908. White people who wore blackface in the early 20th century wore it because they were imitating black people; it was an instance of appropriation. Many black entertainers of the period wore it because they wanted to take it back—re-appropriation. Many blacks didn’t want to wear it, but they dreamed of working in Vaudeville and that was one of the few ways into the industry. In writing these issues into the script, I wanted the play to be historically accurate and reflect social norms and the cultural climate of the era. I didn’t want to sugarcoat it.”

The cast of Thaddeus and Slocum features Ensemble Members Lawrence E. DiStasi and Raymond Fox, with Molly Brennan (Lookingglass Alice), Adam Brown (ONCE on Broadway), Sharriese Hamilton, Tosin Morohunfola, Christina Nieves, Monica Raymund (NBC’s Chicago Fire), Samuel Taylor (Lookingglass Alice) and Travis Turner (Steppenwolf’s The Flick).

The creative team includes Collette Pollard (scenic design), Samantha Jones (costume design), Christine A. Binder (lighting design), Josh Horvath (sound design), Rick Sims (composer), Katie Spelman (choreographer), Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (circus choreographer), Ryan Bourque (fight choreographer) and Sarah Burnham (properties design). Narda Alcorn is the stage manager and Tess Golden is the assistant stage manager.

About the Artists

KEVIN DOUGLAS (Playwright/Ensemble Member) has been a Lookingglass Theatre Company Ensemble Member since 2013. He has performed in numerous Lookingglass productions, including: Black Diamond, Lookingglass Alice, Around the World in 80 Days (Jeff Nomination for Best Supporting Actor), Our Town (Co-Directed by Anna D. Shapiro and Jessica Thebus), The Great Fire, and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting (Jeff Nomination for Best Ensemble). Kevin has written a number of sketch comedy shows, including: Blaxploitation: The Remix and Blaxploitation 2: You know how we deux!, No Experience Necessary, and Reality Check, which he also co-directed. Kevin co-wrote an independent film that is in post-production, titled Call Center.

J. NICOLE BROOKS (Director/Ensemble Member) directs this new work for Lookingglass alongside Krissy Vanderwarker and Kevin Douglas. As a director Nicky has staged critically-acclaimed productions of Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Have Eaten and Mr. Rickey Calls a Meeting, and was associate director to David Schwimmer for Laura Eason’s Sex With Strangers. She is a published author (Black Diamond; Bloomsbury Publishing and recently Fedra; University of Wisconsin–Madison) with several commissions in development, including the untitled Yuri Kochiyama project, Her Honor Jane Byrne, and Brer Rabbit. Recent acting credits include: Tina in Death Tax at Lookingglass Theatre with Deanna Dunagan, and Nina in Immediate Family directed by Phylicia Rashad. Nicky is native to Chicago, but also lives in Los Angeles and Brooklyn.

KRISSY VANDERWARKER (Director) is a freelance director and the Co-Artistic Director of Dog & Pony Theatre Co. (D&P). D&P directing credits include Breach, Counterfeiters, The Dinner Party Project, God’s Ear, As Told by the Vivian Girls, Mr. Marmalade, Ape, Osama the Hero, Crumble (Lay Me Down, Justin Timberlake) and As Much As You Can. Other professional directing credits include: Harry & The Thief (Pavement Group); The Grown-Up (Shattered Globe Theatre); Bethany (First Look/Steppenwolf Theatre Company); As Fat As You Can (Next Theatre Company); CLEAR, What Once We Felt (About Face Theatre); and As Much As You Can (Hendel Productions West). She graduated with her MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is currently on faculty.

MOLLY BRENNAN (Abby/Sarah) is an actor, singer and clown. She returns to Lookingglass where previously she has played a Red Queen and a Pirate. In addition to performing Off-Broadway in NYC, she has worked at Second City, Lyric Opera, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Red Tape Theatre, About Face Theatre, Factory Theater, House Theatre and 500 Clown. She was most recently seen in the Neo-futurists’ Pop Waits, an original devised CLQWN MUTINY piece with pARTner Malic White. She performs at Salonathon, co-curates the Kinky Butch Witching Hour and sings with Mainstream Velour.

ADAM WESLEY BROWN (Rufus/Johnny/Musician) makes his Lookingglass debut. Chicago: The Tempest, Henry VIII, Julius Caesar (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Long Way Go Down (Jackalope Theatre, Jeff Award Best Actor Nominee). Regional: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Helen Hayes Best Actor Nominee), A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Folger Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville). Broadway: Once. Film: Keith Urban’s 30 Song in 30 Days. Adam’s debut album is available on iTunes—Adam Wesley Brown: Live at Bowery Poetry.

LAWRENCE E. DISTASI (Frank/Ensemble Member) last appeared onstage at Lookingglass as Long John Silver in Mary Zimmerman’s Treasure Island. He is a co-founder of The Actors Gymnasium Circus and Performing Arts School as well as an Ensemble Member and co-founder of Lookingglass Theatre Company. Larry has performed in over 30 Lookingglass productions, among them the Tony Award-winning production Metamorphoses, and the Jeff Award-winning productions Lookingglass Alice, The Arabian Nights and Hard Times. He directed and adapted The Baron in the Trees, for which he received a Jeff Nomination in Adaptation. Larry has appeared on television, in film and in a Philip Glass Opera called Galileo Galilei. He received his B.A. in Theatre from Northwestern University.

RAYMOND FOX (Gerry/Ensemble Member) recently appeared in The Hammer Trinity with The House Theatre of Chicago in Miami, FL (Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami). His many Lookingglass credits include Moby Dick and Metamorphoses, a play he performed across the country including Off and on Broadway (Second Stage Theatre and Circle in the Square Theatre). Additional regional credits: TimeLine Theatre (Equity Jeff Award, Supporting Actor- Play for Blood and Gifts), Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Tectonic Theater Project/About Face Theatre, Route 66 Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Next Theatre Company, First Folio Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, Arden Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, McCarter Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, American Repertory Theater, Hartford Stage, and Canada’s Stratford Festival.

SHARRIESE HAMILTON (Nellie) makes her Lookingglass Theatre debut. Sharriese hails from Okemos, MI with a B.A. in Theatre from Michigan State University. Chicago credits include: Sister Act (The Marriott Theatre); Pericles (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); How To Succeed, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Pal Joey, A Class Act (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Wild Party, See What I Wanna See, and Passing Strange (Bailiwick Chicago); All Shook Up (Theatre at the Center); Jesus Christ Superstar (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre); We Three Lizas (About Face Theatre); and various roles with the Chicago based children’s theatre, GreatWorks Theatre Company. Regional credits include: HAIR (McLeod Summer Playhouse); Spamalot, Working, The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Timber Lake Playhouse).

TOSIN MOROHUNFOLA (Zeke) is the founder of the Multicultural Theatre Initiative, where he served as Artistic Director for two years, including producing four of his own original plays. His stage appearances include Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre, New Victory Theater (Off-Broadway), Court Theatre, Unicorn Theatre, Creede Repertory Theatre, Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and the Coterie Theatre, where he was Resident Artist for two years. In 2014, Tosin was honored with “Best Supporting Actor” from the Black Theater Alliance for his role in The Gospel of Lovingkindness at Victory Gardens Theater. In 2015 he wrote and directed his own film, On Sight. Other films include: Destination Planet Negro and If Night Comes. On television, he’s appeared on Chicago Med (NBC), Empire (FOX) and Chicago Fire (NBC). Tosin’s also a member of Those People Comedy, and represented by Stewart Talent Chicago.

CHRISTINA NIEVES (Isabella beginning 7/20) makes her Lookingglass debut. Christina has recently relocated to New York City, where she did the Off-Broadway premiere of Exit Strategy at Primary Stages. Chicago theatrical credits include: The House on Mango Street (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); El Nogalar, The Sins of Sor Juana (Goodman Theatre); West Side Story, Les Miserables (Drury Lane Theatre); In The Heights (Paramount Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Dee Snider’s Rock & Roll Christmas Tale (Broadway Playhouse), Depraved New World (The Second City), Welcome to Arroyo’s (American Theater Company). Christina is an Ensemble Member with Teatro Vista and a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University.

MONICA RAYMUND (Isabella through 7/17) stars as Gabrielle Dawson in NBC’s Chicago Fire. A graduate of The Juilliard School, she starred for three seasons on the FOX drama Lie to Me. Other notable credits include Happy Baby and Arbitrage, as well as a recurring role on The Good Wife. Monica starred in the musical Like Water for Chocolate (Sundance Theatre Lab) and Boleros for the Disenchanted (Huntington Theatre Company). Monica is the founder and president of SISU Theatrical Productions, a director for the upcoming campaign The Hidden Tears Project, and is also on the board of MOGUL, an online news aggregator and publishing platform for women.

SAMUEL TAYLOR (Slocum) returns to Lookingglass, where he last appeared in Lookingglass Alice. He is a Stakeholding Partner in the Back Room Shakespeare Project. Chicago credits include: The Feast: An Intimate Tempest and Hunchback (Redmoon Theater); Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); and several productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Regional credits include: Doctor’s Dilemma (American Players Theatre); Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville); The Boys Next Door (Syracuse Stage), and Henry V on tour with The Acting Company. TV Credits include appearances on Boardwalk Empire, Chicago PD, Mob Doctor, and Crisis.

TRAVIS TURNER (Thaddeus) makes his Lookingglass debut with Thaddeus and Slocum. Recent Chicago credits: The Flick (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); The Upstairs Concierge (Goodman Theatre); Twist Your Dickens (The Second City/Goodman Theatre); Tartuffe and The Misanthrope (Court Theatre); Bud, Not Buddy (Chicago Children’s Theatre). Second City credits include the Hubbard Street Dance Chicago collaboration The Art of Falling, seen at the Harris Theater and also the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles, as well as revues at La Jolla Playhouse, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park. Travis is a graduate of Northwestern University.

Audience Engagement and Public Programs

Lookingglass has put together a coalition of individuals and organizations to design programming and content that will explore the racial and social issues presented in Thaddeus and Slocum and expand our understanding of the world of 1908 and our current realities of 2016. 

These include:

Facilitated post-show discussions with the audience after every performance;

The REFLECT series of Sunday panel-discussions, featuring a wide array of topics, including the history of vaudeville, Chicago’s segregated history, the role of blackface in American entertainment, and others. These panel discussions are free and open to the public, and take place directly following the 2 p.m. matinee at Lookingglass Theatre. REFLECT panels will take place June 19 and 26; July 10, 17, 24, and 31; and August 7, 2016. 

Community partners for Thaddeus and Slocum include the Chicago History Museum, the DuSable Museum of African-American History, Facing History and Ourselves, the Rebuild Foundation, and WBEZ 91.5 Chicago. 

Click here for dramaturgical resources available on the Lookingglass website.

  

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 28^th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 62 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis. Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Director Philip R. Smith, Connectivity and Engagement Director Andrew White, General Manager Michele Anderson, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman John McGowan of CTC| myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group) and President Nancy Timmers, civic leader and philanthropist. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org. 

Kudos to Lookingglass Theatre For Their 2016 MacArthur Award

Lookingglass Theatre is honored to have been awarded a 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions! Lookingglass is the one of 14 Chicago arts nonprofits to receive this prestigious award and is receiving a grant of $1 million. The MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions has been presented annually since 2006 to organizations across the country and around the world that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness. This year’s 14 recipients are drawn exclusively from Chicago’s diverse arts and culture community in order to strengthen the city’s vibrant cultural life and underscore the Foundation’s commitment to its hometown. Each year, MacArthur supports more than 300 arts and culture group in Chicago, awarding more than $10 million in grants, mostly through general operating support.