Chicago Dramatists' 2015-16 Season to Feature Pair of World Premieres

From an Autistic young man attempting to make friends in Wrigleyville bars to a single mother's desperate venture to realize the American Dream, Chicago Dramatists' 2015-2016 season features the world premieres of plays that aren't afraid to tackle complex, intense issues with bold story lines, sharp wit and emotional depth. Stocked with characters that challenge perceptions of people with developmental disabilities and uncover simple, poignant truths about family, BEAUTIFUL AUTISTIC by Scott Woldman will kick off the new season in February followed by AMERICAN BEAUTY SHOP by Dana Lynn Formby in May.

"Scott and Dana are writing from places of intense personal experience, crafting stories and characters that leave indelible impressions," said Meghan Beals, Artistic Director for Chicago Dramatists. "Scott's wickedly funny play provides a unique insight into the world of Autism, sparking conversation about how we can better support affected individuals and their families. Dana's heartfelt, brutally honest play illuminates the cycle of poverty and the limited choices many women have in this nation. I have no doubt their stories will resonate with many people."

As part of its 37-year-old mission to develop playwrights and plays and provide a stage for new work, Chicago Dramatists is announcing The Grafting Project, a new program that provides five weeks of rent-free theatre space once a year. Each fall, they will accept applications from theatre organizations interested in producing a world-premiere play written by one of Chicago Dramatists' Resident Playwrights. The winning company will operate independently while in residence, yet leverage Chicago Dramatists as an associate producer and promoter of the play. This inaugural year will feature Pegasus Theatre's production of FOR HER AS A PIANO by Chicago Dramatists' Resident Playwright Nambi E. Kelley, opening September 30, 2015. For more information about the program, visit chicagodramatists.org or call 312-633-0630.

"This is an exciting and pivotal season for us," said Cindy Jo Savitski-Lantz, Managing Director of Chicago Dramatists. "It speaks to the progressive moves Chicago Dramatists is making to grow our organization while giving a nod to the wonderful building blocks our dear departed Russ Tutterow provided."

BEAUTIFUL AUTISTIC by Resident Playwright Scott Woldman

Directed by Rachel Edwards Harvith, Associate Artistic Director at Chicago Dramatists

Running February 4 to March 14

It's the early 90s in Chicago, and 24-year-old Jimmy has a terrible time making friends. Despite his uncommonly good looks, casual banter in bars comes screeching to a halt when he begins to rattle off facts about ­­­­­­­­­­­­­nanotechnology or dark matter, topics about which he is deeply obsessed...due to his autism. Comedy ensues when Eric - a young man whose social graces are just as awkward - takes Jimmy on as his wingman and attempts to tutor him in the art of the pick-up. As each attempt to meet women goes more drastically awry, Eric's frustration mounts and Jimmy grows increasingly desperate to please him. The humor in the play takes a dark turn when Eric pushes Jimmy too far and Jimmy pushes back.

AMERICAN BEAUTY SHOP by Resident Playwright Dana Lynn Formby

Directed by Megan Shuchman

Running April 28 to June 5

It's hard to pull yourself up by your bootstraps in this economy-Sue should know. It's harder when you've got kids, even whip-smart, talented ones like Judy. Sue has big dreams for both her basement beauty shop and her daughter, who's anxiously waiting for a letter from Berkeley that could change her life. Armed with tough love, combative humor and an uncompromising work ethic, Sue is struggling to balance her own livelihood and Judy's future. A heartfelt play about the true cost of dreams.