Bailiwick Chicago Welcomes Joe DiPietro, Author Of F*CKING MEN

Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced congratulations to playwright Joe DiPietro, author of their upcoming production of f-ing MEN, for the three Tony awards that he received at last night's ceremonies. Mr. DiPietro's awards for the musical MEMPHIS included Best Original Score (David Bryan, Music, and Joe DiPietro and David Bryan, Lyrics), Best Book of a Musical, and Best Musical. Mr. DiPietro will join the theater company this week to collaborate on f-ing MEN with director Tom Mullen, cast, and crew.

"This is quite an achievement," said Mayes, "and we look forward to working with Joe as we ready f-ing MEN for its first round of previews and its Chicago premiere. I hope he brings one of the statues with him for us all to see!"

Preview performances for this Chicago premiere begin June 18 at the Theatre Building Chicago, and Opening Night is scheduled at 8pm on Saturday June 26 during Chicago Pride weekend. Mr. DiPietro and director Tom Mullen will participate in audience talk-back sessions after both the June 18 and June 20 performances.

f-ing MEN observes the sex lives of the modern urban gay American male. Conceived as a noir-riff on Arthur Schnitzler's 19th century play, LA RONDE, the play examines ten men from all walks of life as they negotiate the before and after of lust, love, betrayal and the pursuit of sex and emotional connection. Funny, poignant, sometimes dramatic, always provocative and sexy, the show has been a runaway success in Los Angeles and London. The Los Angeles Times said, "Pungent insight infiltrates f-ing MEN." The Times (London) called it "genuinely provocative."

Bailiwick Chicago has launched a dedicated web site for the production with photos, videos, and additional information about the show at www.FMenChicago.com.

Joe DiPietro is the author of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! and ALL SHOOK UP. His most recent musical, MEMPHIS, was nominated for eight Tony awards, won three, and also received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

f-ing MEN will begin previews on June 18th at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, with press opening scheduled for June 26 at 8:00 pm. Preview performances are Friday June 18 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday June 19 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm, Sunday June 20 at 7 p.m., and Thursday June 24 and Friday June 25 at 8 p.m. Talkbacks with author Joe DiPietro and Director Tom Mullen will be held immediately after performances on Friday June 18 and Sunday, June 20. Press opening is Saturday, June 26 at 8 p.m. Regular run begins Sunday, June 27 and continues through July 25 is Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7 and 9 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. There is no performance Sunday, July 4.

General admission tickets are $25. Special Reserved seating is available for $30. All general admission tickets ordered before June 25 are $20 using the discount code PRESALE. Student and Industry rush tickets will be available at the door for $15 at every Sunday performance. Group (6+) tickets are $20.00. To purchase tickets, call the Theater Building Chicago / Stage 773 box office at 773-327-5252, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.