Lookingglass Theatre Company Extends THE ARABIAN NIGHTS Through 8/9

Due to record-breaking box office demand, Lookingglass Theatre Company extends The Arabian Nights through August 9, 2009. The Lookingglass Original, adapted and directed by Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman, is now playing at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.

Tickets can be purchased online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the box office, Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave.

Tony Award-winning Ensemble Member Mary Zimmerman returns to the Water Tower Water Works with her Lookingglass Original adaptation of one of the world's most enduring works of literature. When he discovers his wife in the arms of another man, King Shahryar vows to ruthlessly murder every virgin in the kingdom. His brutality is interrupted only when he encounters the clever maiden Scheherezade, whose captivating stories may just save her life. This boldly re-imagined visual feast celebrates the redemptive power of storytelling.

The Arabian Nights is produced in association with Berkeley Repertory Theatre and Kansas City Repertory. The production at Berkeley was extended twice and played to sold-out houses in Kansas City. The Chicago production has been equally as successful; the Lookingglass box office experienced its highest-grossing week ever following the opening of The Arabian Nights.

Lookingglass Theatre Company's 21st season is marked by impressive Lookingglass Ensemble participation. The Arabian Nights is a notable platform for ensemble acting, one of the trademarks of Lookingglass Theatre Company. The production features Ensemble Members Andy White (Abu al-Hasan), Artistic Director David Catlin (The Robber), Artistic Associate Louise Lamson (Scheherezade) and Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman (Dunyazade).

The cast also includes Barzin Akhavan (Harun al-Rashid), Usman Ally (Mad Man), Ryan Artzberger (Shahryar), Minita Gandhi (The Other Woman), Emjoy Gavino (Boy/Slave Girl), Allen Gilmore (Ishak of Mosul), Susaan Jamshidi (Sympathy the Learned), Ronnie Malley (Musician), Ramiz Monsef (Sage), Nicole Shalhoub (Perfect Love), Louis Tucci (Musician).

Designers include company members Andre Pluess (composer/sound designer) and Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Daniel Ostling (scenic design), Alison Siple (associate costume designer); T.J. Gerckens is the lighting designer. The production stage manager is company member Sara Gmitter.

The Arabian Nights is an important part of Lookingglass' storied history. In 1992, Lookingglass first rehearsed and produced The Arabian Nights at the Kinnicutt Center in Islesboro, Maine, followed closely by productions at Chicago Filmmakers and an extended run at Remains Theatre that fall. The Arabian Nights was again produced by Lookingglass in 1997 at The Actors' Gang in Los Angeles and Brooklyn Academy Of Music, finally closing after critically-acclaimed run in the Steppenwolf Studio Theatre. The Arabian Nights garnered Jeff Citations for Best Production, Best Direction, Best Ensemble and Best Original Music. The 2009 production, featuring ensemble members David Catlin, Andy White and Heidi Stillman, all of whom appeared in the inaugural production, illustrates the continued relevance of these timeless stories when the world's relationship with the Middle East has become deeper and more complex.

Photo Credit: Sean Williams