ACT OUT EXTENDED: Completeness at Theater Wit Now Through May 4 #review

LONG LIVE GEEK LOVE! 

THEATER WIT ANNOUNCES  SIX WEEK EXTENSION OF 

HIT SHOW  COMPLETENESS;  SMART, SEXY NEW ROM-COM 

NOW RUNNING THROUGH MAY 4

ChiIL Live Shows finally caught Completeness last Friday, and we are elated to share that their run has been extended yet again!   The reasons are exponential.  Completeness gives emotional baggage it's own algorithm!   It's laugh out loud funny, painful, poignant and real.   The actors' adept portrayal of socially awkward, brilliantly flawed lovers is a joy to watch.  Catch this must see.   If you haven't gone yet, what are you waiting for?   Go already.  

We also completely geeked out on the set design.   The simple set pieces evoke student housing while serving as a giant computer.  This provides a visual and effective emersion in modern love, loss, and exploration, from the classroom to the bedroom...through break ups and break downs.

Theater Wit has announced a six-week extension of its current hit play, Completeness.  Wit's "Highly Recommended...knockout Chicago premiere" (Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times) of Itamar Moses's smart, sexy new romantic comedy will now run through May 4, 2013.

Jeff Recommended

*The designation of "Jeff Recommended" is given to a production when at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed outstanding by the opening night judges of The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.

Completeness "celebrates the seductive power of smarts!" (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune), while Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago assures  "If you don't find math and science sexy, Completeness might change your mind."  

And audiences agree, geek love is "in." Wits' easily relatable play about two brainy grad students toggling in and out of love has become a fast box office success for Theater Wit, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood at 1229 W. Belmont Avenue. Performances continue Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; and Sunday at 2 pm, through May 4. Tickets are $15-$36. For tickets and information, visit TheaterWit.org or call 773.975.8150. Note: Completeness contains adult situations and nudity.

Wit's Midwest premiere of Completeness, staged by artistic director Jeremy Wechsler, features universally acclaimed performances by Matt Holzfeind as computer science grad Elliot, who discovers a cerebral, physical and mutual attraction with molecular biologist Molly, played Kristina Valada-Viars. When Elliot and Molly strike up a conversation in the university library, they agree to collaborate on a cross-departmental experiment. But while unraveling the complexities of math and science, Elliot and Molly get tangled up in each other, and the unsolvable problems of love.

Fellow actors Rae Gray and Andrew Jessop equally shine in multiple roles in Wit's new rom-com about the surprisingly sexy intersection of passion and programming. Kudos also to the Completeness design team for the sleek, high tech set and rich, colorful multimedia effects: Joe Schermoly (set), Michael Rourke (lights), Janice Pytel(costumes), Joseph Fosco (sound/original music), Michael Stanfill (projections) andKaren LaCoursiere (props). Sarah J. Luse is stage manager. 

A romantic comedy so rich it can do without "I love you." Don't miss!

- Kelly Kleiman, WBEZ

RECOMMENDED! Sweet and universal!

- Lisa Buscani, New City 

Utterly compelling! Pointed and funny

- Clint May, Chicago Theatre Beat

Critic's Choice! Amazing! Enrapturing

- Tyler Gillespie, Gaper's Block

A Must See! Wechsler's winning production makes for a gripping spectacle

- Centerstage Chicago

More about Theater Wit

In addition to presenting its own productions in 2012-2013, including Completeness, Theater Wit's three 99-seat theaters are always booked with an eclectic slate of new plays and musicals by Chicago's most popular and accomplished off-Loop theater companies.

That's why Theater Wit has introduced Chicago's first live theater, Netflix-like membership program, to encourage cross-pollination among its own productions and those presented by resident and visiting companies. With a Theater Wit Membership, you can see as many plays as you want at Theater Wit, year round, for one low monthly fee of $36 ($22 for students). Traditional multi-play flex passes are also available. To purchase a Membership Program, flex pass, single tickets or for information about current and upcoming productions at Theater Wit, call 773.975.8150 or visit TheaterWit.org.

Theater Wit inaugurated its newly renovated, $1.3 million venue at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., the former home of the Bailiwick Arts Centre, in June 2010. The Chicago Tribunecalled the new Theater Wit "A thrilling addition to Chicago's roster of theaters"(Chicago Tribune) and New City agreed Wit is "a terrific place to see a show."

Today, Theater Wit boasts three intimate 99-seat performance spaces - the only theater in Chicago with such a configuration - plus a new box office, administrative offices, a beer, wine, spirits and coffee bar, and a cool, casual lobby.

In 2012, Theater Wit hosted 593 performances of 42 productions presented by 25 of Chicago's best small companies, entertaining a total audience of more than 33,000. Resident companies presenting their full seasons at Wit in 2012-2013 are New Millennium Theatre Company and Stage Left Theatre. Visiting companies include Book and Lyrics Theatricals, Griffin Theatre, Hell in a Handbag Productions, Pinebox Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Shattered Globe and Steep Theatre.

Founded in 2004, Theater Wit's mission is to explore contemporary issues with wit and wisdom through new works and Chicago premieres.  For more information, visit TheaterWit.org.

                                                                                                    

#   #  #

About the Playwright

  

Itamar Moses is the author of The Four of Us, which like Completeness had its Midwest debut under Jeremy Wechsler's direction at Theater Wit in 2011.  That production earned three-and-a-half stars from the Chicago Tribune, four stars from Time Out Chicago, and for Moses, the new designation "one hell of a playwright" from the Chicago Reader. His subsequent play Completeness has received east and west coast premieres at Playwrights Horizons and South Coast Repertory respectively. Moses' other plays include Bach at Leipzig, Outrage, Celebrity Row, Yellowjackets, Back Back Back,and an adaptation of Jonathan Lethem's The Fortress Of Solitude. 

His work has appeared Off-Broadway and elsewhere in New York, at regional theaters across the U.S. and Canada, and has been published by Faber & Faber, Vintage Heinemann Press, Playscripts Inc., and Samuel French, Inc. He has received commissions from The McCarter Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Wilma Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, and South Coast Rep. Moses holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and has taught playwriting at Yale and NYU. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, MCC Playwrights Coalition, Naked Angels Mag 7, and is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect. Moses has written for HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire and he was just featured in New York Magazine's "Reasons to Love New York 2012" issue. He was born in Berkeley, California, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

All Production Photos Credit: Charles Osgood

WICKED IS FLYING BACK TO CHICAGO OCTOBER 30, 2013 #BroadwayinChicago

BY STEPHEN SCHWARTZ AND WINNIE HOLZMAN

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY GREGORY MAGUIRE

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce WICKED, Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, will return to Chicago in celebration of its 10^th anniversary on Broadway and play the Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph) for a limited eight-week engagement, Oct. 30 to Dec. 21, 2013.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin, Academy Award®-winner for Pocahontas and The Prince of Egypt) and book by Winnie Holzman (“My So Called Life,” “Once And Again” and “thirtysomething”), WICKED, the untold story of the witches of Oz, is directed by two-time Tony® Award winner Joe Mantello (Take Me Out, Love! Valour! Compassion!, The Vagina Monologues) and features musical staging by Tony® Award winner Wayne Cilento (Aida, The Who’s Tommy, How To Succeed…).

Based on the best-selling 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, WICKED, winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy® and three Tony® Awards, is the untold story of the witches of Oz.  It is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Pictures, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

“We are thrilled to bring WICKED back home to Chicago,” said Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago. “To be part of WICKED’s 10^th anniversary celebration and once again share WICKED with Chicago audiences is a great honor.”

Long before Dorothy drops in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz.  One – born with emerald-green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood.  The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular.  WICKED tells the story of their remarkable odyssey, and how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

WICKED has “cast quite a spell” (Washington Post) throughout North America, breaking box office records in every city that it has played, including Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Philadelphia and Boston to name a few.

WICKED has been declared “A Cultural Phenomenon” by Variety and “The Best Musical of the Decade” by Entertainment Weekly.  There are currently 7 productions worldwide: New York, London, Holland, Japan, Australia/New Zealand, and two concurrent North American Tours.  Globally, WICKED has amassed nearly $2.9 billion in ticket sales and has been seen by 36 million people worldwide in its 9-year history.

WICKED features set design by Tony® Award winner Eugene Lee (Ragtime, Show Boat, Candide, Sweeney Todd), costume design by Tony® winner Susan Hilferty (Into the Woods, Assassins), lighting design by Tony® nominee Kenneth Posner (The Coast of Utopia, Hairspray) and sound design by Tony Meola (The Lion King).  Stephen Oremus is the show’s musical director.  Orchestrations are by William David Brohn, with dance arrangements by James Lynn Abbott.

Grammy Award-Winning Cast recording available on Decca Broadway.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for WICKED will go on-sale at a later date.  

For more information about WICKED, please visit www.wickedthemusical.com or www.BroadwayInChicago.com

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2013 FALL SEASON: BUDDY, FLASHDANCE, TO MASTER THE ART, EVITA, ONCE and ELF

ACT OUT INCOMING:   ChiIL Live Shows is excited about Broadway in Chicago's upcoming lineup.   Come chiIL out with us at world class touring shows.   As always, we'll give you the heads up, and the low down with theatre news and original reviews.   Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for photo and video filled features.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2013 fall season line-up.  Broadway In Chicago’s 2013 fall season will include BUDDY, FLASHDANCE, TO MASTER THE ART, EVITA, ONCE and ELF.  The 2013 fall off-season specials include Emerald City Theatre’s production of THE CAT IN THE HAT, WE WILL ROCK YOU and the return of Broadway’s biggest blockbuster, WICKED.

Off-season specials include: THE CAT IN THE HAT, WE WILL ROCK YOU and WICKED

The complete fall season line-up, including performances dates and venues, is as follows:

BUDDY

(Ah, Buddy Holly.   This is a great bet for multigenerational appeal.) 

June 18 – 30, 2013

Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph St.)

Before The Beatles, The Beach Boys or The Rolling Stones ever played a note, Rock ’n’ Roll was forever changed by Buddy Holly, a 19-year-old kid from Texas.  BUDDY – The Buddy Holly Story tells the true story of Buddy’s meteoric rise to fame, from the moment in 1957 when “That’ll Be the Day” hit the airwaves until his tragic death less than two years later.  The show features more than 20 hits including “That'll Be The Day,” “Peggy Sue,” and “Oh, Boy!”   Buddy will have you on your feet and “send you out of the theater on an unstoppable high” (The Boston Globe)!

FLASHDANCE

(This one takes me back to my own teen years...am I dating myself?!   Wonder if the audience will eschew opera dress up for leg warmers and torn tee's over leo's?!   Flashdance fashion was all the rage back in the day.)

   

August 6 – 18, 2013

Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph St.)

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the pop culture phenomenon of FLASHDANCE is now live on stage. With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a score that includes the biggest hit songs from the movie, including the Academy Award-winning title song "Flashdance - What a Feeling," "Maniac," "Gloria," "Manhunt," and "I Love Rock & Roll." In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the musical with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.  FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL features a book by Tom Hedley (co-writer of the original screenplay), and Robert Cary with direction and choreography by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis).

TO MASTER THE ART                                                                                   

Sep. 10 – Oct. 6, 2013                                                                    

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 East Chestnut)

TimeLine Theatre Company’s 2008 World Premiere hit, receiving more than 20 rave reviews and five Jeff Award nominations, including New Work and Production, TO MASTER THE ART by William Brown and Doug Frew comes to the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.  The play recalls the adventure and romance of Julia and Paul Child’s journey of discovery to Paris during the 1950s.  From the bistro where Julia fell in love with food, to the kitchen table where she recreated everything learned during cooking class, to a room where Paul was grilled by U.S. agents about alleged Communist contact, this is the story of a larger-than-life culinary icon and her remarkable husband as they struggle to find themselves as Americans abroad.  The Chicago Tribune raved that TO MASTER THE ART was one of the “toughest tickets in Chicago” and called the show “an excellent, intimate, foodie-friendly staging, resonant with atmosphere.” And Talkin’ Broadway called it “a total delight—funny, touching, charming and as enjoyable as an exquisite meal enjoyed together with good company.” TO MASTER THE ART will be produced by Chicago Commercial Collective.

EVITA

Sep. 17 – Oct. 6, 2013

Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)

TIM RICE and ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER's Tony Award®-winning musical returns at last!

Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Adored by her people as a champion for the poor, she became one of the most powerful women in the world — while her greed, outsized ambition and fragile health made her one of the most tragic. EVITA tells Eva's passionate and unforgettable true story, and features some of theater's most beautiful songs, including "Don't Cry for Me Argentina," "Another Suitcase in Another Hall" and "High Flying, Adored."  Don't miss the stunning new production of EVITA, directed by MICHAEL GRANDAGE and choreographed by ROB ASHFORD, that Channel 4 New York calls “THE HOTTEST TICKET IN TOWN!” 

ONCE

Oct. 9 – 27, 2013

Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)

Winner of eight 2012 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, ONCE is a truly original Broadway experience. Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who's about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance. Emotionally captivating and theatrically breathtaking, ONCE draws you in from the very first note and never lets go. It's an unforgettable story about going for your dreams... not living in fear... and the power of music to connect all of us. 

ELF the Musical

Nov. 26 – Dec. 15, 2013

Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)                    

 ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. The New York Times says that ELF is “SPLASHY, PEPPY, SUGAR-SPRINKLED HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT!” USA Today calls ELF, “ENDEARINGLY GOOFY!” Variety proclaims, “ELF is happy enough for families, savvy enough for city kids and plenty smart for adults!”

OFF-SEASON SPECIALS:

THE CAT IN THE HAT

(You can't beat Theodor Seuss Geisel...AKA:  Dr.  Seuss, for fanciful fam friendly fun.) 

June 15 – Sep. 1, 2013

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 East Chestnut)

Emerald City Theatre’s production of THE CAT IN THE HAT, based on the book by Dr. Seuss and adaptation by Katie Mitchell, is the perfect friend for a boring rainy afternoon. From games and mischief to Thing One and Thing Two, The Cat brings all sorts of trouble to this grey day— but will Sally and her brother be able to explain the mess to Mother? This Dr. Seuss classic leaps onto the stage with chaotic exuberance in this adaptation from the National Theatre in London. Best suited for ages 3+.

WE WILL ROCK YOU

(Both of my kids are completely obsessed with Queen as their all time favorite band, so we're super stoked for this one!!)

Oct. 22 – 27, 2013

Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)                    

From London’s West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Chicago for a limited engagement! WE WILL ROCK YOU features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can't resist singing along to, such as Another One Bites The Dust, Crazy Little Thing Called Love, We Are The Champions, Bohemian Rhapsody and of course, We Will Rock You.  It's the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don't miss the party – book your tickets now!

WICKED

(I caught Wicked years ago, but my 10 & 12 year olds have never seen it and would dig it.  Highly recommended...and particularly timely with all the Oz mania)

Oct. 30 – Dec. 21, 2013

Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)

Back by “Popular” demand in celebration of its 10^th anniversary on Broadway. Variety calls WICKED "a cultural phenomenon.” Winner of 35 major awards, including a Grammy and three Tony Awards, WICKED is “Broadway’s biggest blockbuster” (The New York Times).  Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One - born with emerald green skin - is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good makes for "the most complete - and completely satisfying - new musical in a long time" (USA Today).

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Current Broadway In Chicago subscribers can renew now at BroadwayInChicago.com.  New subscribers will be able to purchase the 2013 Fall Season on March 22, 2013. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.  

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO                                                                                                                                                                            

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 13 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Bank of America Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ACT OUT OPENING: Catch Me If You Can & Big Fish #BroadwayinChicago

Catch Me If You Can

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois

Dates : April 02, 2013 - April 14, 2013

Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is the high-flying, splashy new Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer - living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. But when Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Carl chases Frank to the end...and finds something he never expected. This delightfully entertaining musical has been created by a Tony Award®-winning "dream team," with a book by Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Ragtime), a swinging score by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (Hairspray), choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and direction by Jack O'Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). 

Ticket prices are $18 to $85. Groups of 10+ are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at 312-977-1710.

Click here for more of ChiIL Live Shows past Broadway in Chicago news, original reviews, and photo and video filled features.

Two weeks only--Chi Town, so catch it if you can!   ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?!   We're catching the Wednesday night performance and we'll have a full review up for our readers shortly.



Click here for the production's main site to book your advanced tickets, check out video footage and more.

Big Fish - World Premiere!

Theatre : Oriental Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : April 02, 2013 - May 05, 2013


PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE!

BIG FISH is a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton. It features direction and choreography by 5-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), who also penned the screenplay for the film version.

Two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Giant, Finian's Rainbow) and Tony nominee Bobby Steggert (Giant, Ragtime) lead a cast of twenty-seven in this rollicking fantasy set in the American South.

BIG FISH centers on the charismatic Edward Bloom, whose impossible stories of his epic adventures frustrate his son Will. As Edward's final chapter approaches, Will embarks on his own journey to find out who his father really is, unraveling the man from the myth, the truth from the tall tales.

Overflowing with heart, humor and imagination, BIG FISH is a tribute to the power of dreaming big... and the unpredictable adventure of life itself.


Ticket prices are $33.00 to $100.00.

Groups of 15 or more, now on sale! Call 312-977-1710!

ACT OUT OPENING: The Dream of the Burning Boy at Profiles Theatre

Profiles Theatre to open

the Midwest premiere of 

The Dream of the Burning Boy 

by David West Read, 

Directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus

Now through April 28, 2013

New opening performance: Monday, April 1 at 8pm

ChiIL Live Shows will be there tonight and we'll have a full review up shortly.   This hotly anticipated opening is finally here.

Profiles Theatre continues its 2012-2013 Season with the Midwest Premiere of The Dream of Burning Boy by West Read, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production, which was postponed due to a cast health matter, will now open on April 1, 2013.  The production runs through April 14, 2013 at Profiles Theatre’s Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway.  

Since the sudden death of his favorite student, high-school teacher Larry Morrow has been falling asleep at his desk and dreaming. Steve, the school's guidance counselor, hangs inspirational posters designed to help everyone "process their emotions” while the student's sister and friends find little solace in their schoolwork. The Dream of the Burning Boy is a bittersweet story of choices made, opportunities lost, and finding the strength to move on.

The Dream of the Burning Boy received its World premiere in March 2011 as part of Roundabout Underground, Roundabout Theatre's initiative to nurture new plays by emerging writers. Playwright David West Read, a native of Toronto, currently resides as a Lila Acheson Wallace Playwriting Fellow at The Juilliard School, and a recent graduate of the MFA program in Dramatic Writing at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. The Dream of the Burning Boy was developed at the 2010 National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. Mr. Read currently works on a commission for South Coast Repertory.

Directed by Profiles Co-Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, the cast of The Dream of the Burning Boy  features Co-Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox as Larry and Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher as Steve. Also featured are guest artists Marilyn Bass, Sarah Chalcroft, Joel Collins, Vic Kuligoski and Alaina Stacey.

The Dream of the Burning Boy was my first fully-produced play in New York, and I am thrilled to be making my Midwest premiere with the same play just two years later,” says playwright David West Read. “Profiles Theatre has been home to many great plays and playwrights in recent years, and with this company at the helm, I am confident that my work is in very good hands.”

The designers are Shaun Renfro (set), Mike Durst (lights), Jeffrey Levin (sound and original music), and Raquel Adorno (costumes). Jessica Winn is the stage manager and Harmony France serves as assistant director.

The Dream of the Burning Boy is the fourth production of Profiles Theatre’s 24th season.The final show of the season, the World premiere of Resident Artist Neil LaBute’s revised stage version of In the Company of Men, opens May 16, 2013 at Profiles newest venue, The Main Stage.

Tickets for The Dream of the Burning Boy are $35 for Thursdays, $40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 549-1815, or online. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 5:00pm and 8:00pm and Sundays at 7:00pm.

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway

Parking is available for $11 - $12 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine) 

Ticket prices:

Regular Run:  Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office: Buy online

or call (773) 549-1815

    ABOUT THE ARTISTS

DAVID WEST READ (Playwright) is a New York-based playwright and screenwriter. His romantic comedy The Performers received its World premiere on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre in the fall of 2012, starring Henry Winkler, Alicia Silverstone, Cheyenne Jackson, and Ari Graynor. In addition to The Dream of the Burning Boy (O’Neill Theater Conference, Roundabout Underground; John Gassner Award nomination, Drama League Award nomination), David's other plays include The Dark Pines(Cape Cod Theatre Project) and Happy Face (Pacific Playwrights Conference). He has been commissioned to write plays for Roundabout Theatre Company, Burnt Umber Productions (both upcoming), and South Coast Repertory, as well as screenplays for  B-Spoke Entertainment and Bunce Media. David is a graduate of the Lila Acheson Wallace Playwrights Program at The Juilliard School and the MFA program in Dramatic Writing at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and a native of Toronto, Canada.

JOE JAHRAUS (Director) is the founder and Co-Artistic Director of Profiles Theatre. He most recently directed Profiles’ Midwest Premiere of Sweet and Sad by Richard Nelson and the American Premiere of In a Forest, Dark and Deep by Neil LaBute. Previously, he directed the World Premiere of Assisted Living by Deirdre O’Connor, the Midwest Premiere of Fifty Words by Michael Weller, the World Premiere of Kid Sister by Will Kern, and the Midwest Premieres of Jailbait by Deirdre O’Connor, The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute, Great Falls by Lee Blessing and The Thugs by Adam Bock. Joe also directed the Midwest Premieres of Neil LaBute’s In a Dark Dark House, Some Girl(s) and Fat Pig, for which he received a Jeff Award Nomination for Outstanding Director. Other directing credits for Profiles include the American Premiere of Apple by Vern Thiessen, the award-winning Midwest Premiere of Blackbird by Adam Rapp, Babylon Gardens by Timothy Mason, The Water Engine and Sexual Perversity in Chicago by David Mamet, and the award-winning Midwest Premiere of Carnal Knowledge by Jules Fieffer, among others.

MARILYN BASS (Chelsea) is making her first appearance at Profiles Theatre. She was most recently seen in Voices in the Dark at Fury Theatre Company and Wolf at Brikenbrak Theatre Project. Marilyn received her training at Piven Theatre Workshop, the Actors Training Center and Profiles Theatre's Advanced Scene Study Intensive. Marilyn will soon be appearing in a BMO Harris Bank commercial and will be reprising her role in a film adaptation of Voices in the Dark shooting this Spring. Marilyn is a freshman theatre major at Loyola University Chicago and is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.

ERIC BURGHER (Steve) was most recently seen in Profiles' Midwest Premiere of Sweet and Sad by Richard Nelson, as well as Profiles' Midwest Premiere of Bachelorette by Leslye Headland. Prior to that he appeared in Profiles' Midwest Premiere of A Behanding in Spokane by Martin McDonagh, for which he received a Jeff Award Nomination for Supporting Actor. Eric also appeared in the World Premiere of A Beautiful Spell by Greg Kalleres, with Rare Terra Theatre at the Royal George. Other appearances at Profiles include Jailbait, Fat Pig, Graceland, This is How It Goes, Body Awareness, Kid Sister, "Land of the Dead" as part of Profiles' Midwest Premiere of LaBute shorts, Things We Said Today, autobahn, The Glory of Living, The Radiant Abyss and Noise. Eric is an Adjunct Faculty member at Columbia College Chicago where he teaches acting. 

SARAH CHALCROFT (Andrea) is making both her Profiles Theatre and Chicago debut having recently relocated from London. Her UK credits include Purgatorio at The Chocolate Factory; 4:48 Psychosis for Stonecrabs Theatre; Queen Margaret, The Merchant of Venice, Lear, Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, The Tempest and As You Like It for Bard in the Botanics, Glagsow; R & J and Infinite Variety for Cumbernauld Theatre, Scotland; Hedda Gabler with Theatre Babel; Blind Mouth Singing and Transmissions for Birmingham Rep; Vivienne Grout’s Adventure In Another Metropolis for Sparkledark Theatre which toured venues around Scotland and appeared in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival; The Vagina Monologues for Cottiers Theatre;  Love’s Labour’s Lost, Twelfth Night, Hamlet and As You Like It for British Touring Shakespeare. She also appeared in Taggart, for Scottish Television.  Sarah is a member of Actors Equity.

JOEL COLLINS (Kyle) is making his Profiles debut. His past credits include Woyzeck at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Xanadu with the District Theatre, and the World premiere of Honor at Columbia College Chicago. Joel is a BFA theatre performance major at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

DARRELL W. COX (Larry) is Co-Artistic Director of Profiles Theatre where he most recently appeared in the Midwest Premiere of Sweet and Sad by Richard Nelson and the American Premiere of In a Forest Dark and Deep by Neil LaBute. Darrell received his fourth Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role for his performance as Joe Cooper in Profiles' production of Killer Joe by Tracy Letts. He has appeared at Steppenwolf in the World Premiere of Men of Tortuga (where he originated the role of Taggart), the Midwest Premiere of Orange Flower Water (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and the World Premiere of Wendall Greene. He has also been seen at the Goodman in The Shawl and Home as part of the David Mamet Festival, American Theatre Company's Speed the Plow and Oleanna as part of the Mamet Repertory, as well as Jim Jones in the Midwest Premiere of The People's Temple, and the World Premiere of Martin Furey's Shot at TimeLine, among others. In addition to Killer Joe, Darrell received Joseph Jefferson Awards for Principal Actor for his work in Profiles' productions of Blackbird, Some Voices, and Eye of God. He has also received two After Dark Awards for Outstanding Performance for Profiles' productions of Popcorn, and Carnal Knowledge.

VIC KULIGOSKI (Dane) returns to Profiles after appearing in their World premiere production of Graceland by Ellen Fairey. Vic is from the Chicago area and attends Columbia College Chicago majoring in theatre. Most recently, he has performed at Columbia College in their production of Columbinus and Spotlight Theatre’s production of Talk Radio.  This past summer, Vic appeared in the independent film, Maydays. 

ALAINA STACEY (Rachel) is joining Profiles Theatre for her first professional production. She is a senior at Whitney Young High School and has been participating in theater since her freshman year, appearing in productions of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Women and Wallace, Jugger’s Rain, and The Mystery of Edwin Drood, as well as working backstage for several school productions. Outside of theater Alaina is a singer/songwriter involved with many groups around the city, performing at various venues such as Schuba’s Tavern and Uncommon Ground. 

ABOUT PROFILES THEATRE

Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, joined shortly thereafter by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, was formed as an actor-driven theatre ensemble dedicated to creating provocative and emotionally truthful productions. Passionate about shaping an original vision for new works, they focused on performing World, American and Midwest premieres as well as rarely performed plays. Critically acclaimed hits, such as BLACKBIRD, FAT PIG, GRACELAND and the multiple Jeff Award-winning KILLER JOE, established Profiles as a destination for challenging and edgy theatre. Their unique collaboration with playwright Neil LaBute led the ensemble to perform an entire season of his plays in 2007-2008. Now a Resident Artist at Profiles, LaBute remains an unequivocal artistic influence on the ensemble.

After performing at 4147 North Broadway for more than two decades, Profiles acquired an adjacent theatre at 4139 North Broadway in 2012. Profiles’ new theatre, The Main Stage, with its larger seating capacity, increased performance space and higher ceilings, accommodates more ambitious and technically demanding productions. Their long-time venue, renamed The Alley Stage, continues as the home for plays strengthened by a more intimate staging. Driven by an undiminished appetite for creating honest and resonant theatre, Profiles still seeks to present work that illuminates the determination and resiliency of the human spirit.