Brenda Barrie & Blake Montgomery Join House Theatre of Chicago's THE CROWNLESS KING; Full Cast Announced

The House Theatre of Chicago launches its 12th Season with a fantasy action-adventure on the high seas. This second installment of the trilogy began last fall with The Iron Stag King and comes from Artistic Director Nathan Allen and collaborator and Company Member Chris Mathews. The Crownless King begins performances August 30, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division St.) Today, it was announced that Brenda Barrie and Blake Montgomery have joined the cast from the previous installments.

The cast now features company member Cliff Chamberlain, with guest artists Barrie, Paige Collins, Kara Davidson, Ben Hertel, Kay Kron, Morgan Maher, Montgomery, John Henry Roberts, Brandon Ruiter, and Christopher Walsh. Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Tracy Letts* lends his voice as the villain, Irek Obsidian.

Artistic Director Nathan Allen and frequent collaborator and Company Member Chris Mathews embark on the darkest chapter of their three-play journey in the continuing saga of Casper Kent and the kingdom he builds. Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, hero myths, and the rich tapestry of early American history, the trilogy explores themes of American identity, including the nature of leadership, governance, and the struggle to balance personal liberty with sacrifice for a greater good.

In the first installment last fall (The Iron Stag King), young Casper Kent (Brandon Ruiter) discovers he is heir to a magical hammer. Once lifted, the Hammer proves him King and unites the Land. But in achieving this destiny he learns he is ruler of all but his own story.

In this second installment, the Golden Age of the Iron Stag King has taken root. Yet King Casper soon finds himself buffeted by forces on all sides. Grappling for control, the exiled black dragon, Irek Obsidian (voiced once again by Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner Tracy Letts,) cunningly lures Casper away from the throne. Our band of heroes ventures to the sea where the hooded pirate Davy Boone (Blake Montgomery) commands a fleet of Crownless rebels. All the while, Hap the Golden (as reprised by company member Cliff Chamberlain) fights to maintain his hold over the royal tale. As storytellers Hap the Golden and Irek Obsidian each seek to impose their versions of the story, who will step forth to rule as the Crownless King?

This trilogy marks The House's first foray into the genre of High Fantasy. Most defined by Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons gaming, and lately revived by the work of R.R. Martin, these tales are often set in a mythic, medieval world of European influence. But Allen and Mathews have aligned their story with our own evolving nation at the turn of the nineteenth century. Writers and ensemble alike have created a rich world with its own unique, deep history. Replete with magic, dragons, quests, and team-building, The Crownless King continues The House's work exploring the hero's journey through original, engaging myth.

Tickets for previews (Aug 30 - Sept 7) are $15. Regular run (Sept 8 - Oct 20) $20-$40. Tickets are on sale now at www.thehousetheatre.com or by phone at 773.769.3832, $10 Student and Industry Same-Day tickets available at all performances if seats are available.

Photo by Janna Giacoppo Photography