Writers Theatre to Present THE DANCE OF DEATH, 4/1-7/20

Writers Theatre presents The Dance of Death by August Strindberg, in a new version by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The production runs April 1 - July 20, 2014 at 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe.

August Strindberg's masterpiece tells the deliciously venomous story of a crumbling marriage-laced with black comedy and biting humor. As their 25th anniversary approaches, military captain, Edgar, and his wife, Alice, face off in a fierce battle of wills. Their sparring proves both harrowing and hilarious, amplified by the voice of celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (Port Authority, The Seafarer, Shining City, Dublin Carol). His adaptation brings lyricism and ferocity to the story of the tyrannical captain and his manipulative wife, and the "innocent" Kurt who stumbles into their midst and quickly finds himself ensnared in the couple's wicked game.

The cast includes Shannon Cochran (Alice), Philip Earl Johnson (Kurt) and Larry Yando (Edgar). The creative team includes Kevin Depinet (Scenic Designer), Rachel Laritz (Costume Designer), Keith Parham (Lighting Designer), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer), Julie Eberhardt (Props Designer), Greg Allen (Assistant Director) and Rebecca Pechter (Stage Manager).

The Dance of Death runs Tuesdays at 7:30pm, Wednesdays at 7:30pm (with select 2:00pm matinees), Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm, and Sundays at 2:00pm and 6:00pm.

Prices for all performances range from $35 - $70. Purchase easrly for the best prices. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe; by calling 847-242-6000, and online at www.writerstheatre.org.

Over the past twenty-one seasons, Writers Theatre has become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence. Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has been deemed the "best drama company in the nation" by The Wall Street Journal. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of 35,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry. Prized for the finest interpretations of classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues, Writers Theatre's acclaimed work includes Artistic Director Michael Halberstam's world premiere in Glencoe and subsequent productions of A Minister's Wife at Lincoln Center Theater and West Coast premiere at the San Jose Repertory Theatre; David Cromer's productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and Picnic; and the commissioning, world premiere and New York premiere of Crime and Punishment, which has received more than 30 subsequent regional theater productions.

In July, 2011, Writers Theatre announced the hiring of the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, to design a new home for the Theatre in downtown Glencoe which will once again allow the Theatre to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility will resonate with and complement the Theatre's neighboring Glencoe community and will add tremendous value to Chicagoland and the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.