Chicago DCA Theater Presents ShawChicago's Arms and the Man 4/16-5/15

ShawChicago, in association with Chicago DCA Theater, returns to the Studio Theater with a concert reading of George Bernard Shaw's Arms and the Man. The production opens Saturday, April 16, and runs through Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the Studio Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street. Members of the press are invited to the performance on Sunday, April 17, at 2 pm.

Arms and the Man is George Bernard Shaw's tale about the ridiculous shams mythologized in romance and battle. Bluntschli, the pragmatic outsider, educates the accidental hero, Sergius, and the operatically inclined heroine, Raina, in the ways of the real world, and changes their Bulgarian social landscape at the same time. Life is not as it's portrayed in romantic novels. It's more serious, and also a lot funnier.

Performances are Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and Mondays at 7 pm. Post-show discussions with the cast will follow the April 23 & 30 performances.

Tickets for Arms and the Man are $22 for general admission, $20 for seniors, and $10 for students. All tickets are available through ShawChicago by calling 312.587.7390 or visiting www.shawchicago.org.

Cast and Production Team
Arms and the Man is directed by ShawChicago artistic director Robert Scogin. The cast includes Joseph Bowen, Kate Young, Jhenai Mootz, Christian Gray, Lydia Berger, Ian Novak and Jonathan Nichols.

Now celebrating its 17th season, ShawChicago Theater Company presents the plays of George Bernard Shaw and his contemporaries, particularly playwrights that he greatly admired. The company was established in 1994 when Lois Weisberg, former Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, initiated a series of concert readings as a foundation for ongoing theatrical programming at the Chicago Cultural Center. In January 2003, ShawChicago became the resident theater company at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts on Chicago's near north side and today, performs both there and at the Chicago Cultural Center. The company's Outreach Program brings Shaw to a wide audience in the Chicago area, including high schools, colleges, universities, retirement homes, libraries, clubs, and private events.

Attending a performance by ShawChicago is akin to attending an exquisitely performed symphonic or chamber music concert. The ensemble of actor/musicians has perfected the demanding art of the concert reading with a range of voices and facial expression that become the instruments bringing the plays to life. The play is "scored," finding the dynamics, the pitch, and the pace to create a brilliant experience. More information on ShawChicago is available at www.shawchicago.org.

The Storefront Theater and the Studio Theater, its companion theater located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, comprise Chicago DCA Theater, an anchor of the downtown theater district. Chicago DCA Theater offers downtown audiences an off-Loop theater experience with an exciting look at the vibrant theater companies that call Chicago home. Proposals for creative and innovative productions for the January to June 2012 season are being accepted now through May 15, 2011.

Discounted parking is available at Wabash Randolph Self Park at 20 E. Randolph. Patrons can receive the $10 rate by validating their ticket at the Studio Theater box office.

For more information about Chicago DCA Theater, call 312.742.TIXS (8497) or visit www.dcatheater.org. The enhanced website features more about DCA Theater performances and programs, including a blog, photo galleries, and visitor information.

Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to promoting an ongoing celebration of the arts; supporting the people who create and sustain them; and marketing the city's abundant cultural resources to a worldwide audience. DCASE, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, programs and promotes thousands of high-quality free festivals, exhibitions, performances and holiday celebrations presented each year at Millennium Park, Grant Park, the Chicago Cultural Center and other venues throughout the city.

Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture
The Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture (COTC) is dedicated to promoting Chicago as a premier cultural destination to domestic and international leisure travelers, providing innovative visitor programs and services, and presenting free world-class public programs. COTC supports local artists through grants and other resources and creates vital opportunities for artists of all levels. For more information please visit www.ExploreChicago.org.

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