Circle Theatre Stages Midwest Premiere of DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, Now thru 5/26

Circle Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of DEATH TAKES A HOLIDAY, directed by Elizabeth Margolius. A romantic love story, written by a trio of musical theatre greats, Death Takes a Holiday will transport audiences to the post-war Italian countryside. The show feaures music & lyrics by Maury Yeston and book by Peter Stone and Thomas Meehan.

It's just after World War I, the loneliest of souls arrives at an Italian villa disguised as a handsome young Prince, and for the first time experiences the joys and heartbreaks of life. This Chicago premiere is based on the Frederick March film of the same name, with Brad Pitt taking the role of Death in the loosely based remake, Meet Joe Black.

Elizabeth Margolius is a stage director with a primary focus in the development and direction of new and rarely produced musical theatre and opera. Chicago directorial credits include: Chicago Folks Operetta (The Cousin From Nowhere), City Lit Theater (Opus 1861/Jeff Recommended), Bailiwick Chicago/Artistic Advisor (Violet, Five Joseph Jefferson nominations including Best Musical and Best Director/Musical), Silk Road Theatre Project (Broadway Sings the Silk Road), and Bohemian Theatre Ensemble (Bernarda Alba, Songs for a New World - Chicago Tribune's 'Hottest Ticket,' 2007). Elizabeth is an Associate Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and the Co-Founder/Artistic Director of DirectorsLabChicago.

CAST: Tommy Bullington * Erin Daly * Andrea DeCamp * Ryan Gaffney * Steve Greist * Kevin M. Grubb * Rosalind Hurwitz * Royen Kent * Nate Lewellyn * Laura McClain * Khaki Pixley * Rus Rainear * Stephanie Souza * Denise Tamburrino * Greg Zawada

ARTISTIC STAFF: Elizabeth Margolius, Director * Jon Landvick, Music Director * Kristen Gurbach-Jacobson, Choreographer * Peter O'Neill, Scenic Designer * Patti Roeder, Costume Designer * Julian Pike, Lighting Designer * Daren Leonard, Assistant Director * Jon Landvick, Artistic Director * Nick Reinhart, Production Director * Jessica Sophiea, Theatre Manager

Celebrating its 28th season, Circle Theatre is an artist-based company and the proud recipient of over 40 Jeff Awards. Circle has produced multiple world premieres, including Rebecca Gilman's The Glory of Living and The Crime of the Century, Jon Steinhagen's The Analytical Engine, the Midwest premiere of Michael John LaChiusa's The Wild Party, and the Chicago premieres of Marvin Hamlisch's Sweet Smell of Success, Jeff Daniels' Escanaba In Da Moonlight, Adam Rapp's Stone Cold Dead Serious, and the critically acclaimed When the Rain Stops Falling. After 27 seasons in the near western suburbs, Circle is proud to finally showcase their work in the city of Chicago.

Performances play Stage 773: 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL. The show opens on Wednesday, April 24 @ 8:00pm, with previews tonight, April 20 & Tuesday, April 23 @ 8:00pm. The regular run plays April 25 - May 26, Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm & Sundays at 3pm.

Box Office: 773.327.5252. All seats: $32 for adults, $30 for students/seniors; Group rates are available. Preview prices (April 20 & 23 only): $16. For more information, go to www.circle-theatre.org, or email circletheatre@gmail.com.