A Red Orchid Theatre's ABIGAIL'S PARTY Extends For A 2nd Time, Now Thru 5/23

A Red Orchid Theatre Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald announces the record, second extension of Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party, directed by Shade Murray and featuring A Red Orchid Ensemble Members Kirsten Fitzgerald, Mierka Girten and Larry Grimm, with Natalie West and Ryan Bollettino. The smash-hit production now runs through May 23, 2010 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells.

Abigail is having a party and none of us are invited, but do not miss the cocktail party just down the block. Beverly and Lawrence are having the "grown-ups" over and this party promises hilarity and horror the likes of which you cannot imagine. The petty competition is fierce as social relationships are laid bare exposing the obsessions, prejudices, dreams and aspirations of the guests. A sort-of comedy of manners, Abigail's Party was developed through lengthy improvisations in which Mike Leigh and his actors explored characters and the realities of day-to-day life in all their beautiful, terrible glory.

Title: Abigail's Party
Directed by: Shade Murray
Written by: Mike Leigh
Featuring: Ensemble members Kirsten Fitzgerald, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm; with Natalie West and Ryan Bollettino.
Dates: Regular Run: February 18, 2010 - March 28, 2010
Extended Run: Through Sunday, May 23, 2010
Schedule: Thurs: 8:00 p.m.
Fri: 8:00 p.m.
Sat: 8:00 p.m.
Sun: 3:00 p.m. (no performance on Easter Sunday, April 4)
Location: A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells Ave.
Tickets: $25 Thurs, $30 Fri-Sun
Box Office: Located at 1531 N. Wells Ave, Chicago, (312) 943-8722; or online www.aredorchidtheatre.org

About A Red Orchid
Since 1993 A Red Orchid Theatre has been an artistic mainstay of the Chicago theatre community; known and praised for its powerful ensemble, creative design and its gripping, intimate productions. The resident Ensemble maintains the conviction that passionately committed theatre will draw passionately committed audiences, and the 2009-2010 subscription season promises to bring Ensemble and audience even closer together.

A Red Orchid Theatre is: Lance Baker, Dado, Jennifer Engstrom, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Joseph Fosco, Steve Haggard, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, Karen Kawa, Karen Kessler, Danny McCarthy, Brett Neveu, Michael Shannon, Guy Van Swearingen, Doug Vickers, Tiffany Wilson and Craig Wright.
The 2009-2010 Season is dedicated in loving memory of, and with many thanks to, Donald Shannon, who has provided invaluable guidance and energy as an Advisory Board member since the beginning.