REVIEW: World Premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies Via Raven Theatre Now Playing Through December 12, 2021

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Raven Theatre Presents the World Premiere of

THE LAST PAIR OF EARLIES

By Joshua Allen

Directed by Wardell Julius Clark

October 27 – December 12, 2021

(left to right) Jonny Morrison and Marcus D. Moore in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. All Photos by Michael Brosilow.

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Dozens of pairs of shoes line the walls and lay beneath the set of Raven Theatre's latest period piece drama, set in 1939, forming an apt foundation for this fabulous world premiere. Under the capable direction of Wardell Julius Clark, The Last Pair of Earlies gives us a glimpse into the quiet desperation of a forced relocation and the unresolved grief of losing a child. The fallout of systemic racism, sexism, and violence collides head-on with determination, desires, and conflicting life goals to make for a compelling storyline.

(left to right) Shadana Patterson and Marcus D. Moore in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Alhough the narrative is split between the present in 1939 and flashbacks to 1921, this is one of the easiest productions to follow through timeline jumps. Staging of the early Mississippi years takes place on ground level, closest to the audience, while the later years are all set on stage, inside Wayland and Della Rose Early's Southside Chicago apartment. 

(left to right) Demetra Dee and Jonny Morrison in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

We were particularly struck by the complicated dynamic and friendship between Tarina Bradshaw (Myrna Lee Franklin) and Shadana Patterson (Della Rose Early). The casting, set design, and production as a whole is excellent. Despite a good smattering of toxic masculinity, overwhelming loss, and a run of tough luck, this production and makes for an enlightening and entertaining evening. 

(left to right) Tarina Bradshaw and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies.

(left to right) Tarina Bradshaw and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

(left to right) Shadana Patterson and Tarina Bradshaw in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

Kudos to Raven Theatre for making space in their lineup to tell a more diverse variety of stories than the white male canon, with this stellar script by Joshua Allen, a black playwright raised in Chicago. Nineteen months after Raven Theatre's stage lights went dark as the pandemic raged, this indomitable company is back with an all too human tale of heartbreak, love, loss, betrayals, female friendship, entrepreneurial spirit, struggles, and strength. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we loved The Last Pair of Earlies. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theater critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

(left to right) Keith Illidge and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

Raven Theatre, Chicago’s newest Equity-affiliated theatre, is pleased to welcome back audiences this fall with the world premiere of Joshua Allen’s The Last Pair of Earlies, directed by Wardell Julius Clark. This new drama, which follows the hardships and hopes of Wayland and Della Rose Early as they chase a sweet Southern dream on the South Side of Chicago, will play October 27 – December 12, 2021 on Raven’s 85-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Single tickets and a variety of 2021-22 subscription packages are currently available at raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

 

(left to right) Jonny Morrison, Demetra Dee, Keith Illidge, Marcus D. Moore, Tarina Bradshaw and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

The production features Tarina Bradshaw, Demetra Dee, Keith Illidge, Marcus D. Moore, Jonny Morrison and Shadana Patterson.

Please note: Raven Theatre will require proof of vaccination and masking at all performances through the end of 2021. For all of Raven’s COVID-19 and vaccination information, visit raventheatre.com/covid-19.

 

Ever since he was a teenager in Mississippi, Wayland Early could count on two things – his talent for making handmade shoes, and the love of his bride, Della Rose. But danger forces them to flee north to Chicago. Before they know it, nearly two decades have passed, and both Wayland and Della find themselves increasingly unable to count on anything, including their marriage. As they each contend with the weight of their spent youth and unrealized dreams, a life-altering question comes to the surface: are we still enough for each other? Joshua Allen emerges from the award-winning writers’ room of Empire with a hometown world premiere. 

 

Comments Raven Artistic Director Cody Estle, “We are excited to welcome playwright Joshua Allen to our theater. Joshua is a Chicago native and will be joining us during the creative process and we look forward to introducing his work to Chicago's theater community and to our audiences. We are equally excited to open our doors and get back to doing what we do best – making plays!”

 

The production team includes Sydney Lynne (scenic design), Alex Rutherford (costume design), Sim Carpenter (lighting design), Christopher Kriz (sound design and original music), Caitlin McCarthy (props design), Jyreika Guest (intimacy director), Olivia Canaday (assistant director), Lorenzo Blackett (production manager), Alan Weusthoff (technical director), Liz Gomez (master electrician), Eileen Rozycki (charge artist) and Wilhelm Peters (stage manager).

Cast: Tarina Bradshaw (Myrna Lee Franklin), Demetra Dee (Young Della Rose), Keith Illidge (Jimmy Riley), Marcus D. Moore (Wayland Early), Jonny Morrison (Young Wayland) and Shadana Patterson (Della Rose Early).

 

Location: Raven Theatre East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

 

Regular run: Through Sunday, December 12, 2021

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Thursday, November 25 (Thanksgiving).

Tickets: Previews $30. Regular run $40. Students/active military and veterans $15. Tickets are currently available at raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

 

Touch Tour/Open Captioned performance: Sunday, November 28, 2021 at 3 pm. Touch tour begins at 1:45 pm.

 

Group tickets: Special group rates are available. For information, call (773) 338-2177 or e-mail info@raventheatre.com.

(left to right) Marcus D. Moore and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. 

 

Plan Your Visit:

 

Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line. Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

 

About the Artists

 

Joshua Allen (Playwright) is a Chicago native whose plays include The Last Pair of Earlies, The October Storm, Chrysalis and About Monday Morning. His work has been produced and developed at Hudson Stage, the Cape Cod Theater Project, Primary Stages, the Lark's Playwrights' Week and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. An alumnus of New Dramatists, he has also been a member of the Ars Nova Play Group and the Dorothy Strelsin New American Writers’ Group at Primary Stages. Joshua is a graduate of the University of Southern California and the Juilliard School. His television credits include In Treatment (HBO), Empire (FOX), Almost Family (FOX) and the upcoming From Scratch (Netflix).

 

Wardell Julius Clark (Director) is an award-winning actor, director, producer, activist who hails from Fairfield, Alabama but now calls Chicago home. He earned his BFA from The Theatre School at DePaul University. Wardell is a Company Member with TimeLine Theatre. He is also an Ensemble Member at Sideshow Theatre. Wardell recently returned from Williamstown Theatre Festival where he directed the world premieres of Black Moon Lilith, A Ghost in Satin and don't get got this summer a part of the Solo Play Festival Celebrating the Black Radical Imagination. Select Chicago directing credits include Michael Jackson and The Devil's Book, Whitney Houston and The Devil's Book (Jackalope Theatre Company), Kill Move Paradise (Timeline Theatre - 2020 Jeff Award Winner - Best Director (Large), Sheepdog (Shattered Globe), His Shadow (16th Street), The Shipment (Red Tape), Dutch Masters (Jackalope). Select acting credits include The Whisper's Apprentice and Once in a Bleu Moon (Sideshow Theatre), Flyin’ West (American Blues), Suddenly Last Summer (Raven), Silent Sky (First Folio), Othello (Theater at Monmouth) and The Gospel According to James (Victory Gardens). His television and film credits include Proven Innocent, Shameless and Chicago Fire seasons 1 & 4. wardelljuliusclark.com

 

About Raven Theatre

 

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays, as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

 

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity, and the Arts at Prince, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Polk Bros Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, Paul M. Angell Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

(left to right) Marcus D. Moore and Shadana Patterson in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of The Last Pair of Earlies. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

HELP OUT: Raven Theatre Presents THE BENGSONS: A Benefit Concert Wednesday, October 16, 2019

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One Night Only!

Raven Theatre Presents

THE BENGSONS: A Benefit Concert

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Raven Theatre is pleased to present THE BENGSONS: A Benefit Concert on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:30 pm on Raven’s 85-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Enjoy an evening of music with the award-winning folk duo who composed the music for Raven’s season opener SUNDOWN, YELLOW MOON (playing October 3 – November 17, 2019). The one-night-only event includes drinks, a buffet dinner and dessert.

Tickets ($125) are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. All proceeds benefit Raven’s mainstage plays and education program.

The Bengsons, married duo Shaun & Abigail Bengson, are composers and performers who have appeared at such venues as Joe’s Pub (NYC), MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) and the Market Theater (Johannesburg, South Africa). Their music has been featured on “So You Think You Can Dance” (FOX), and in Hundred Days (La Jolla Playhouse, New York Theatre Workshop, The Public Theater, Know Theater, Z Space, US Tour), The Lucky Ones (Ars Nova), Sundown, Yellow Moon (Ars Nova/WP), Anything That Gives Off Light (Edinburgh Theatre Festival, US Tour), Hurricane Diane (New York Theatre Workshop, Two River Theatre), You’ll Still Call Me By Name (New York Live Arts, Jacob's Pillow), The Place We Built (The Flea) and Iphigenia in Aulis (Classic Stage Company). They have been nominated for the Drama Desk, Drama League and Lucile Lortel awards. Abigail Nessen Bengson has toured as a member of tUnE-yArDs, including an appearance on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.” 

About Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Raven Theatre Dedicates The Sally & Mark Schwartz Stage

Raven Theatre is pleased to announce its intimate West Stage has been renamed 

“The Sally & Mark Schwartz Stage” 

in honor of donors 

Sally and Mark Schwartz.

Through the Schwartz’s generous support, Raven has replaced all 56 seats and updated the theater’s technical equipment, along with other improvements. The space was officially dedicated during a ceremony on Saturday, September 21, 2019.

Comments Raven Board President John Clum, “Thanks to the generosity of Mark and Sally Schwartz, our West Stage, now The Sally & Mark Schwartz Stage is an attractive, comfortable playhouse that is technically ‘state of the art.’ We are deeply grateful to Mark and Sally for this wonderful gift.”

Sally and Mark Schwartz are longtime supporters of Raven Theatre, where Sally has served on the board since 2013. Sally is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and retired as the Assistant General Counsel at Ford Motor Company, where she was responsible for legal aspects of buying and selling businesses, purchasing and real estate. Mark attended Columbia Law School and was part of Owens-Illinois before becoming the President and CEO of Fortune Personnel Consultants of Detroit, which placed lawyers nationally and internationally.

Sally was active in the Business Law Section of the American Bar Association, serving as the chair of its Pro Bono Committee. In 1998, she cofounded Community Legal Resources (now Michigan Community Resources), serving as its first chair and as a board member until 2012. The organization provides pro bono legal services from major Michigan law firms and other professional services and organizational assistance to non-profits throughout Michigan. Since moving to Chicago in 2012, Sally and Mark have continued giving back to the community. Sally is on the board of The Clare Charitable Foundation, which provides scholarships to Clare employees and their children. Mark volunteers with the Mended Hearts Program at Northwestern Hospital and is a member of the Resident Advisory Council at The Clare.

About Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

OPENING: Chicago Premiere of YEN at Raven Theatre March 21 – May 5, 2019

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Chicago Premiere!

Raven Theatre Presents

YEN

By Anna Jordan

Directed by Elly Green

March 21 – May 5, 2019

PHOTO CREDIT: Artwork by Jake Fruend.

I'll be out for the press opening March 25th so check back soon for my full review. 

Raven Theatre is pleased to continue its 2018-19 season with the Chicago premiere of Anna Jordan’s drama YEN directed by Elly Green. This savage, unrelenting play about growing up, opening the windows and letting in the light will play March 21 – May 5, 2019 on Raven’s intimate 55-seat West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

YEN will feature Jesse Aaronson, Tiffany Bedwell, Reed Lancaster and Netta Walker.

London, right now. Two practically feral teenage brothers live alone in their filthy flat with a dog named Taliban, perpetually bathed in the blue glow of their screens: playing video games, watching porn, waiting for the occasional visit from their detached mother, and surviving. But when a strange neighbor girl barges through the door, the boys’ little blue world begins to change color.

Comments Artistic Director Cody Estle, “Anna Jordan’s YEN has had successful productions in both London and New York. It is an intense drama of a dysfunctional family which explores the consequences of two teenage boys being forced to grow up on their own in a childhood essentially without boundaries. I’m looking forward to introducing Jordan’s writing to our audience and the overall Chicago theatre community. I think this will be a memorable production in our 2018-2019 season.”

The production team for YEN includes: Joe Schermoly (scenic design), Alexis Chaney (costume design), Claire Chrzan (lighting design), Aaron Stephenson (sound design), Leah Hummel (props design) Sam Hubbard (fight choreographer), Eva Breneman (dialect coach), Giulianna Marchese (dramaturg), Lynn Baber (casting director), A.J. Roy (assistant director), Cole von Glahn (production manager), Jeremiah Barr (technical director), Jessie Howe (scenic artist), Alex Beal (master electrician), Alex Meyer (stage manager) andAlyssa Maldonado (assistant stage manager).

Cast (in alphabetical order): Jesse Aaronson (Bobbie), Tiffany Bedwell (Maggie), Reed Lancaster (Hench) and Netta Walker (Jennifer).

Understudies: Lizzie Bourne, Nate Elfant, Anastacia Narrajos and Brandon Nelson.

Location: Raven Theatre West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, March 21 at 8 pm, Friday, March 22 at 8 pm, Saturday, March 23 at 8 pm and Sunday, March 24 at 3:30 pm
Press performances: Monday, March 25 and Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Friday, March 29 – Sunday, May 5, 2019
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3:30 pm.

Tickets: Previews $32 ($29 if purchased online). Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Touch Tour/Open Captioned performance: Sunday, April 21 at 3:30 pm. Touch tour begins at 2:15 pm.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

Plan Your Visit:

Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line. Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

About the Artists:

Anna Jordan (Playwright) is a London-based playwright, director and acting coach. Awards include the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting 2013 for YEN, Shortlist of Susan Smith Blackburn Prize for YEN, Best Fringe Production for Chicken Shop at Park Theatre (West End Frame Awards) and Overall Winner / Audience Choice Award for Closer To God (Off Cut Festival). Writing credits include: We Anchor In Hope (Royal Court Theatre – Beyond the Court), A Serious Case of the Fuckits (Royal Central School of Speech and Drama), YEN (Royal Exchange / Royal Court), Chicken Shop (Park Theatre London), Freak (Assembly Studios / Theatre503), Stay Happy Keep Smiling (Soho Theatre), Bender (Old Red Lion) and Fragments (Riverside Studios). Her plays have also been performed internationally. Anna is Artistic Director of Without a Paddle Theatre. As a director she has worked at the National Theatre on NT Connections play Tomorrow I’ll Be Happy, as well as directing numerous productions at new writing powerhouse Theatre503. She also directed Crystal Springs at Eureka Theatre in San Francisco. She works frequently at London drama schools including RADA, LAMDA, Central, Arts Ed and Italia Conti. Anna is currently working with Headlong, The Royal Exchange, The Royal Court and Frantic Assembly.

Elly Green’s (Director) is a Chicago-based director, originally from the UK. She recently directed In the Canyon by Calamity West for Jackalope Theatre and You for Me for You by Mia Chung for Sideshow Theatre. Other credits include: The Woyzeck Experiment (Goodman Playwrights Unit), Pillars of the Community, The Night Season, After Miss Julie (Strawdog), The Woman in Black (Wildclaw), No More Sad Things (Sideshow), The Distance (Haven), The Woman Before (Trap Door), Happy (Redtwist) and Rabbit (Stage Left), Unwilling and Hostile Instruments (Theatre Seven) and The Tomkat Project (Playground & NY Fringe). Her Assistant Director credits include: Henry V (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), Proof (Court Theatre), Oedipus, Mrs Affleck, Her Naked Skin (Royal National Theatre, London). She is an ensemble member with Sideshow Theatre and Strawdog Theatre, and an Associate Artist with Stage Left Theatre. Elly trained in the UK at Birkbeck College, LAMDA and the National Theatre Studio. More info at www.ellygreendirector.com

About Raven Theatre

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation,S&C Electric Company Fund, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

OPENING: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE at Raven Theatre February 7 – March 24, 2019

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Raven Theatre Presents the Pulitzer Prize-Winning Drama

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE

By Paula Vogel

Directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle

February 7 – March 24, 2019

I'll be out for the press opening, February 11th, so check back soon for my full review.

Raven Theatre is pleased to continue its 2018-19 season with Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle. This artful, surprising and often-funny memory play that explores how we are shaped by the people who hurt us will play February 7 – March 24, 2019 on Raven’s 99-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE features Jeff Award-nominated actress Eliza Stoughton as Li’l Bit, with Kathryn Acosta, Julian Hester, Katherine Bourne Taylor and Mark Ulrich.

Rural Maryland, 1960s. From behind the wheel of a Chevy ’56, a woman named Li’l Bit navigates the tangled boulevards of her adolescence, reflecting on her complex and troubling relationship with her family. But old secrets and fresh discoveries abound as she struggles to accept her past and the demons that live there.

Comments Raven Theatre Artistic Director Cody Estle, “Paula Vogel’s Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned To Drive is as relevant today – if not regrettably more so – as it was in 1997 when the play premiered Off-Broadway. The play involves a woman looking back on a relationship with her uncle and her family during her adolescent years, which reveals a story all too common then and now. The #MeToo movement has shed light on the persistence of men using their positions of power to assault women sexually. This play is a reminder that this uncomfortable topic demands acknowledgment, conversation and action. Without such, how can we hope to stop the assault?  I’m looking forward to presenting this revival of a powerful piece of writing by a titan of the American theatre.”

The production team for HOW I LEARNED TO DRIVE includes: Jeffrey D. Kmiec (scenic design), Theresa Ham (costume design), Becca Jeffords (lighting design), Josh Schmidt (sound design), Abigail Cain (props design), Tony Churchill (projections design), Rachel Flesher (intimacy director), Kathy Logelin (dialect coach), Stephen Johnson (dramaturg), Lynn Baber (casting director), Chris Farrell (assistant director), Kristen Johnson (associate director), Chris Farrell, Jr. (assistant director), Ian Liberman (assistant costume designer), Colin Kovarik (assistant sound designer), Eileen Rozycki (scenic artist), Cole von Glahn (production manager), Brian Sprague (technical director), Andy Kloubec (master electrician), Mara Sagal (stage manager) and Wilhelm Peters (assistant stage manager).

Quill Reading Series
Raven Theatre will present a staged reading of THE MINEOLA TWINS by Paula Vogel, directed by Kristen Johnson on Wednesday, February 27 at 7:30 pm (reception at 7 pm). Quill is a series of four staged readings produced in tandem with each of the plays in Raven’s season. The readings provide an opportunity for audiences to engage further with the work of this season’s playwrights and explore their artistic voice on stage. Each Quill reading features a pre-show reception with complimentary wine provided by Income Tax Bar. Admission is a suggested donation of $10.

Location: Raven Theatre East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, February 7 at 7:30 pm, Friday, February 8 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, February 9 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 10 at 3 pm.
Press performance: Monday, February 11 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Thursday, February 14 – Sunday, March 24, 2019
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.
Tickets: Previews $32 ($29 if purchased online). Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Touch Tour/Open Captioned performance: Sunday, March 3 at 3 pm. Touch tour begins at 1:45 pm.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

Plan Your Visit:
Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line. Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

About the Artists:
Paula Vogel (Playwright) has written How I Learned to Drive (Pulitzer Prize, New York Drama Critics Award, Obie Award, Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and many more). Other plays include A Civil War Christmas, The Long Christmas Ride Home, The Mineola Twins, Hot ‘N’ Throbbing, The Baltimore Waltz, Desdemona, And Baby Makes Seven and The Oldest Profession. Her plays have been produced by Second Stage, New York Theatre Workshop, the Vineyard Theatre, Roundabout and Circle Repertory Company. Her plays have been produced regionally all over the country at the Center Stage, Intiman, Trinity Repertory, Woolly Mammoth, Huntington Theatre, Magic Theatre, The Goodman Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Dallas Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, and Alley Theatres to name a few. Harrogate Theatre and the Donmar Theatre have produced her work in England.

Cody Estle (Director) became the Artistic Director at Raven Theatre in November 2017 where he had previously served as the Associate Artistic Director. His directing credits include The Gentleman Caller, The Assembled Parties, A Loss of Roses (named by Chicago Tribune honorable mention as one of the Year’s Best in 2016), Dividing the Estate, Vieux Carré (named by Chicago Tribune as one of the Year’s Best in 2014), Good Boys and True, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Boy Gets Girl and Dating Walter Dante at Raven Theatre; Damascus at Strawdog Theatre; Five Mile Lake at Shattered Globe Theatre; By the Water (named by Chicago Sun-Times honorable mention as one of the Top Theatre Productions of 2017) at Northlight Theatre; American Hero at First Floor Theatre; Scarcity at Redtwist Theatre; The Seagull and Watch on the Rhine at The Artistic Home; Don’t Go Gentle at Haven Theatre; Uncle Bob at Mary-Arrchie Theatre and Hospitality Suite at Citadel Theatre. He’s had the pleasure of assistant directing at Steppenwolf Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Court Theatre and Writers Theatre. Estle is a proud member of SDC and an alumnus of Columbia College Chicago.



About Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, the Bayless Family Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros Foundation, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

OPENING: CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY at Raven Theatre East Stage October 4 – November 18, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Raven Theatre Presents 

CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY

By Lynn Nottage

Directed by Tyrone Phillips

October 4 – November 18, 2018

I'll be out for the press performance October 8th, so check back soon for my full review. We're eager to see two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner, Lynn Nottage's period piece set in 1950's Brooklyn.

Raven Theatre is pleased to launch its 2018-19 season with CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY by two-time Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynn Nottage, directed by Tyrone Phillips. This sharp and boisterous drama about family, faith and revolution will play October 4 – November 18, 2018 on Raven’s 99-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY will feature Chanell Bell, Brianna Buckley, Brandi Jiminez Lee, Terence Sims and Emily Tate.

Brooklyn, 1950. Ernestine and Ermina Crump have moved to New York with their father, Godfrey, who is seeking spiritual guidance from a man called Father Divine. In the swirling, glamorous commotion of this new city, with calls for equal rights and communist rebellion hanging in the air, the girls begin a turbulent journey toward independence and a challenging future.

Comments Raven Theatre Artistic Director Cody Estle, “Lynn Nottage is a prolific writer and her work is a gift to all who encounter it. This is the first time Raven Theatre has produced one of her plays. As a theatre known for producing the classics of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller, it seems only fitting to include Lynn’s voice among these greats. Set in 1950, Crumbs from the Table of Joy examines a family experiencing change in a country filled with racial and social turmoil. Audiences will connect with the struggles of this family, while getting a glimpse into a time in our past whose complexity resembles that of today.”

The production team for CRUMBS FROM THE TABLE OF JOY includes: Arnel Sancianco (scenic design), Christine Pascual (costume design), Kathy A. Perkins (lighting design), Matt Test (sound design), Mealah Heidenreich (props design), Jon Martinez (choreography), Eva Breneman (dialect coach), Megan Pirtle (wig design), Kanomé Jones (casting director), Alexis Taylor (assistant director), Cole von Glahn (production manager), Bobby Huggins (technical director), Wilhelm Peters (stage manager) and Sapier Weinglass (assistant stage manager).




Location: Raven Theatre East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

Dates: Previews: Thursday, October 4 at 7:30 pm, Friday, October 5 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, October 6 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, October 7 at 3 pm

Regular run: Thursday, October 11 – Sunday, November 18, 2018

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. 

Tickets: Previews $32 ($29 if purchased online). Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. 

Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Touch Tour/Open Captioned performance: Sunday, November 4 at 3 pm. Touch tour begins at 1:45 pm.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

Plan Your Visit: 
Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line. Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).



About the Artists:

Lynn Nottage (Playwright) received the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and three Tony Award nominations for her play Sweat. For her play Ruined, she received the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for drama, along with an Obie, the Lucille Lortel Award, New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Play (Manhattan Theatre Club, Goodman Theatre). Her other plays include Intimate Apparel (New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play; Roundabout Theatre, CENTERSTAGE, South Coast Repertory); Fabulation, Or the Re-Education of Undine (Obie Award; Playwrights Horizons, London’s Tricycle Theatre); Crumbs from the Table of Joy; Las Meninas; Mud, River, Stone; Por’Knockers and Poof! Nottage is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2007 MacArthur Foundation “Genius Grant,” the National Black Theatre Festival’s August Wilson Playwriting Award, the 2004 PEN/Laura Pels Award for Drama, and the 2005 Guggenheim Grant for Playwriting, as well as fellowships from the Lucille Lortel Foundation, Manhattan Theatre Club, New Dramatists, and New York Foundation for the Arts. She is a member of The Dramatists Guild, an alumna of New Dramatists and a graduate of Brown University and the Yale School of Drama, where she is a visiting lecturer. For additional information, visit www.lynnnottage.net.

Tyrone Phillips (Director) is the founding Artistic Director of Chicago's Definition Theatre Company. Named one of the Chicago Tribune's “Hot New Faces of 2015” and Newcity's “Players 2016: The Fifty People Who Really Perform for Chicago,” he is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he received his BFA with honors. Directing credits include the critically-acclaimed production of Byhalia, Mississippi (Joseph Jefferson Awards nomination), which remounted to open the Steppenwolf 1700 Theatre, Dutchman (Definition Theatre), The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights (Writers Theatre), 33 to Nothing (A Red Orchid Theatre), Dontrell, Who Kissed The Sea (Illinois Theatre), We the People, Our Town, Lord of the Flies, The Tempest (Niles North Theatre). You also may have seen his work as associate director for Red Velvet (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) and as the assistant director for Trevor the Musical, Parade and The Mystery of Love and Sex (Writers Theatre). Tyrone also studied abroad at Shakespeare’s Globe and was an emerging professional resident at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre where he worked on A Raisin in the Sun, The Mountaintop, and Clybourne Park. Tyrone is represented by Grossman and Jack Talent and was recently selected as one of Newcity's “Players—the 50 leaders of Chicago’s theater, dance, opera and comedy culture of 2018”. 

Quill Reading Series
Raven Theatre will present a staged reading of POOF! by Lynn Nottage, directed by Wardell Julius Clark on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:30 pm (reception at 7 pm). Quill is a series of four staged readings produced in tandem with each of the plays in Raven’s season. The readings provide an opportunity for audiences to engage further with the work of this season’s playwrights and explore their artistic voice on stage. Each Quill reading features a pre-show reception with complimentary wine provided by Income Tax. Admission is a suggested donation of $10.



About Raven Theatre

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, Bayless Family Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros. Foundation, S&C Electric Company Fund, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the PAV Fund and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

OPENING: Tennessee Williams' SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER Via Raven Theatre 5/2-6/17/18

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Raven Theatre Presents 

SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER

By Tennessee Williams

Directed by Jason Gerace

May 2 – June 17, 2018

Raven Theatre is pleased to conclude its 35th anniversary season with Tennessee Williams’ stark and intriguing drama SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER directed by Jason Gerace, playing May 2 – June 17, 2018 on Raven’s 105-seat East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. I'll be out for the press opening on May 8th so check back shortly for my full review.

The cast of Raven Theatre's SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER includes (top, l to r) Ayanna Bakari, Grayson Heyl, Wardell Julius Clark, Mary Nigohosian, (bottom, l to r) Ann James, Janyce Caraballo and Andrew Rathgeber.

In 1930s New Orleans, wealthy socialite widow Violet Venable has summoned a brain surgeon to her home. Her niece Catherine has been crazed and traumatized since witnessing the horrifyingly violent death of Violet’s son. Enraged by Catherine’s claims, and unwilling to accept other facts about her son’s life, Mrs. Venable pursues extraordinary measures to keep Catherine silent. 

SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER originally opened on Broadway in 1958, toward the end of a 15-year period in which Williams produced his greatest and most popular works, from The Glass Menagerie (1944) to Sweet Bird of Youth (1959). The 1959 film adaptation starring Katharine Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor and Montgomery Clift was a box office hit and earned Academy Award nominations for Hepburn and Taylor.

The production team for SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER includes: Joanna Iwanicka (scenic design), Brittany Bodley (costume design), Claire Chrzan (lighting design), Christopher Kriz (sound design), Mary O'Dowd (props design), Kathy Logelin (dialect coach), Lynn Baber (casting), Lindsey Marsland (assistant director), Cole von Glahn (production manager), Alex Meyer (stage manager) and Hannah Siglin (assistant stage manager).

Location: Raven Theatre East Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

Dates: Previews: Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 pm, Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 pm, Friday, May 4 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, May 5 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, May 6 at 3 pm and Monday, May 7 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Friday, May 11 – Sunday, June 17, 2018

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Thursday, May 10.

Tickets: Previews $32 ($29 if purchased online). Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

Plan Your Visit: 

Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line. Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

About the Director:

Jason Gerace (Director) is a freelance director in Chicago, and is so thrilled to be directing for Raven Theatre for the first time. He was the recipient of the 2014 Non-Equity Jeff Award in Outstanding Direction for Great Expectations with Strawdog Theatre Company, which broke box office records, was twice remounted, and led to the adaptation’s first publication. His production of Last Train to Nibroc for Haven Theatre was hailed as “an exquisitely acted and generally gorgeous little show” by the Chicago

Tribune. Regional directing credits include the world premiere of Gabe McKinley's The Source (Route 66 Theatre), the Chicago Premiere of Yussef El Guindi’s Threesome (Other Theatre), Wrecks (with John Judd; Chicago), Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Opus (RedTwist Theatre, Chicago). Jason originally hails from Anchorage, Alaska and holds an MFA in Directing from The University of Oklahoma. He is an associate member of SDC, and served as Artistic Associate of American Theater Company from 2008 – 2018.

About Raven Theatre

Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, S&C Electric, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the PAV Fund and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

REVIEW: Pre-Famous Playwrights Disturb and Delight in Raven's Gentleman Caller

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

EXTENDED: Two Additional Weeks of Performances!

THE GENTLEMAN CALLER features Rudy Galvan as Tennessee Williams and Curtis Edward Jackson as William Inge. 

 

(left to right) Curtis Edward Jackson and Rudy Galvan. 
All Photos by Michael Brosilow.

Review:
It's a rare treat to catch a glimpse into the lives of the pre-famous. THE GENTLEMAN CALLER does just that, inviting the audience into the 1944 lives of two struggling artists who were soon to change the face of American theatre, Tennessee Williams and William Inge. 

We're privy to the future greats' first meeting, a botched interview slash seduction by unfulfilled teacher turned critic, Inge, and his subject, up and coming playwright Williams, who is at present still a starving artist and virtual unknown, blowing his meager earnings on binge drinking benders. Though seeming opposites in personality, as they get to know one another, the two sense a rare connection and depth of camaraderie in their respective works, and an undeniable sexual spark. The writing is at once playful and powerful, and Galvan and Jackson are a joy to see, embodying the iconic playwrights, as they battle their respective demons and embrace their destinies. 



There's an enticing sense of history and back story playing out in this production, along with spot on universal truths about the artistic temperament, the downside of success, and the intensity of introspection, addiction and self loathing. It's a heady mix and a must see. Highly recommended. 

In the microcosm of Chicago's theatre scene, accidental coincidences in programming and intentional themes happen. Either way, we're elated that productions Tennessee Williams' Suddenly Last Summer at Raven in May and an entire season of William Inge at Eclipse, are so closely following the opening of Raven's excellent world premiere of THE GENTLEMAN CALLER. Check out the details at Raven Theatre's site and at Eclipse Theatre. 

Raven Theatre’s World Premiere of

THE GENTLEMAN CALLER

By Philip Dawkins

Directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle

Extends Through May 27, 2018 

After selling out more than half its run prior to opening, Raven Theatre is pleased to announce a two week extension for its world premiere of Philip Dawkins’ provocative drama THE GENTLEMAN CALLER, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle, now playing through May 27, 2018 in Raven’s intimate 55-seat West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets for all performances are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

PHOTO CREDIT: (left to right) Curtis Edward Jackson and Rudy Galvan in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of THE GENTLEMAN CALLER by Philip Dawkins, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Although now regarded as two of history's finest American playwrights, back in 1944, William Inge and Tennessee Williams had yet to experience anything close to success. Before the Chicago premiere of The Glass Menagerie, Inge, a dissatisfied newspaper critic, invites Williams to his St. Louis apartment for an interview. This fraught, sexy rendezvous sparks a relationship which radically alters the course of their lives and the American Theatre.

Comments Raven Artistic Director Cody Estle, “I am thrilled to bring Raven Theatre its first commissioned play in 35 years, and even more excited to be working with the exceptionally talented Philip Dawkins. The Gentleman Caller is based on the true story of the meeting, friendship and sexual tryst of Tennessee Williams and William Inge. Philip has written a play that poignantly depicts two writers struggling to find their purpose and grappling with the consequences of that purpose. It’s both intoxicating and harrowing – much like the lives of Williams and Inge. Philip’s writing is a gift, and I’m delighted to have this phenomenal team bring his play to life.”

The production team for THE GENTLEMAN CALLER includes: Jeffrey D. Kmiec (scenic design), Melissa Ng (costume design), Michelle E. Benda (lighting design), Kevin O’Donnell (sound design), Claire Stone (properties design), David Woolley (fight choreography), Elise Kauzlaric (dialect coach), Eli Newell (assistant director), Isabel Thompson (assistant to the playwright), Tara Malpass (stage manager) and Destiney Higgins (assistant stage manager).

Location: Raven Theatre West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago
Regular run: Friday, April 6 – Sunday, May 27, 2018

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3:30 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Thursday, April 5.

Tickets: Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and season subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

About the Artists
Philip Dawkins (Playwright) is a Chicago playwright whose plays have been produced throughout the country and the world. His works Miss Marx: or The Involuntary Side Effect of Living (Strawdog Theatre) and Charm (Northlight Theatre at the Steppenwolf Garage) both won the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work. His critically-acclaimed plays The Homosexuals, Le Switch (both produced by About Face Theatre) and Failure: A Love Story (Victory Gardens Theater), all received Joseph Jefferson Nominations for New Work, and he is the recipient of Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Solo Performance for his play, The Happiest Place On Earth (Side Show Theatre). His play, Charm, received its extended New York premiere with MCC this last year. Philip is an artistic associate at About Face Theatre, Side Show Theatre and MC-10 as well as an ensemble playwright at Victory Gardens Theater. He teaches playwriting at Northwestern University as well as at his alma mater, Loyola University Chicago.

Cody Estle (Director) is the newly appointed Artistic Director of Raven Theatre. Directing credits include Five Mile Lake at Shattered Globe Theatre; By The Water at Northlight Theatre; The Assembled Parties, A Loss of Roses, Dividing the Estate, Vieux Carré (named by Chicago Tribune as one of the Year's Best in 2014), Good Boys and True, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Boy Gets Girl and Dating Walter Dante at Raven Theatre; American Hero at First Floor Theatre; Scarcity at Redtwist Theatre; The Seagull and Watch on the Rhine at The Artistic Home; Don't Go Gentle at Haven Theatre; Uncle Bob at Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company and Hospitality Suite at Citadel Theatre. He’s had the pleasure of assistant directing at Steppenwolf Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Court Theatre, Writers Theatre, Next Theatre and Strawdog Theatre. Estle is an associate member of SDC and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.

Plan Your Visit: 
Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line, Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

About Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, S&C Electric, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the PAV Fund and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

OPENING: World Premiere of THE GENTLEMAN CALLER Via Raven Theatre Now Extended Through May 27th

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

EXTENDED: Two Additional Weeks of Performances!

Raven Theatre’s World Premiere of

THE GENTLEMAN CALLER

By Philip Dawkins

Directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle

Extends Through May 27, 2018 

I'll be ChiILin' at Chi, IL's Raven Theatre for the press opening on Monday, April 2nd. Check back soon for my full review.

After selling out more than half its run prior to opening, Raven Theatre is pleased to announce a two week extension for its world premiere of Philip Dawkins’ provocative drama THE GENTLEMAN CALLER, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle, now playing through May 27, 2018 in Raven’s intimate 55-seat West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville) in Chicago. Tickets for all performances are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

PHOTO CREDIT: (left to right) Curtis Edward Jackson and Rudy Galvan in Raven Theatre’s world premiere of THE GENTLEMAN CALLER by Philip Dawkins, directed by Artistic Director Cody Estle. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

THE GENTLEMAN CALLER features Rudy Galvan as Tennessee Williams and Curtis Edward Jackson as William Inge. 

Although now regarded as two of history's finest American playwrights, back in 1944, William Inge and Tennessee Williams had yet to experience anything close to success. Before the Chicago premiere of The Glass Menagerie, Inge, a dissatisfied newspaper critic, invites Williams to his St. Louis apartment for an interview. This fraught, sexy rendezvous sparks a relationship which radically alters the course of their lives and the American Theatre.

Comments Raven Artistic Director Cody Estle, “I am thrilled to bring Raven Theatre its first commissioned play in 35 years, and even more excited to be working with the exceptionally talented Philip Dawkins. The Gentleman Caller is based on the true story of the meeting, friendship and sexual tryst of Tennessee Williams and William Inge. Philip has written a play that poignantly depicts two writers struggling to find their purpose and grappling with the consequences of that purpose. It’s both intoxicating and harrowing – much like the lives of Williams and Inge. Philip’s writing is a gift, and I’m delighted to have this phenomenal team bring his play to life.”

The production team for THE GENTLEMAN CALLER includes: Jeffrey D. Kmiec (scenic design), Melissa Ng (costume design), Michelle E. Benda (lighting design), Kevin O’Donnell (sound design), Claire Stone (properties design), David Woolley (fight choreography), Elise Kauzlaric (dialect coach), Eli Newell (assistant director), Isabel Thompson (assistant to the playwright), Tara Malpass (stage manager) and Destiney Higgins (assistant stage manager).


Location: Raven Theatre West Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. (at Granville), Chicago

Dates: Previews: Wednesday, March 28 at 8 pm, Thursday, March 29 at 8 pm, Friday, March 30 at 8 pm, Saturday, March 31 at 8 pm and Sunday, April 1 at 3:30 pm 

Regular run: Friday, April 6 – Sunday, May 27, 2018

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3:30 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Thursday, April 5.

Tickets: Previews $32 ($29 if purchased online). Regular run $46 ($43 if purchased online). Seniors/teachers $41 ($38 if purchased online). Students/active military and veterans $15. Every Thursday is “Under 30 Thursday,” when patrons under age 30 can purchase tickets for $15. Single tickets and season subscriptions for the 2018-19 Season are currently available at www.raventheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

Group tickets: Groups of 10 or more are $30 per person for Thursday and Friday performances and $35 per person for Saturday and Sunday performances. Student groups are $15 per person.

About the Artists
Philip Dawkins (Playwright) is a Chicago playwright whose plays have been produced throughout the country and the world. His works Miss Marx: or The Involuntary Side Effect of Living (Strawdog Theatre) and Charm (Northlight Theatre at the Steppenwolf Garage) both won the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Work. His critically-acclaimed plays The Homosexuals, Le Switch (both produced by About Face Theatre) and Failure: A Love Story (Victory Gardens Theater), all received Joseph Jefferson Nominations for New Work, and he is the recipient of Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Solo Performance for his play, The Happiest Place On Earth (Side Show Theatre). His play, Charm, received its extended New York premiere with MCC this last year. Philip is an artistic associate at About Face Theatre, Side Show Theatre and MC-10 as well as an ensemble playwright at Victory Gardens Theater. He teaches playwriting at Northwestern University as well as at his alma mater, Loyola University Chicago.

Cody Estle (Director) is the newly appointed Artistic Director of Raven Theatre. Directing credits include Five Mile Lake at Shattered Globe Theatre; By The Water at Northlight Theatre; The Assembled Parties, A Loss of Roses, Dividing the Estate, Vieux Carré (named by Chicago Tribune as one of the Year's Best in 2014), Good Boys and True, Brighton Beach Memoirs, Boy Gets Girl and Dating Walter Dante at Raven Theatre; American Hero at First Floor Theatre; Scarcity at Redtwist Theatre; The Seagull and Watch on the Rhine at The Artistic Home; Don't Go Gentle at Haven Theatre; Uncle Bob at Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company and Hospitality Suite at Citadel Theatre. He’s had the pleasure of assistant directing at Steppenwolf Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Goodspeed Musicals, Court Theatre, Writers Theatre, Next Theatre and Strawdog Theatre. Estle is an associate member of SDC and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago.

Plan Your Visit: 
Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre – additional street parking is available. Nearest El station: Granville Red Line, Buses: #22 (Clark), #36 (Broadway), #151 (Sheridan), #155 (Devon), #84 (Peterson).

About Raven Theatre
Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Through its plays as well as its educational programming, Raven is committed to serving our communities’ needs through the arts.

Raven Theatre Company is funded in part by the Alphawood Foundation, Dramatists Guild Fund, Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Arts Work Fund for Organizational Development, S&C Electric, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the PAV Fund and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.