Idle Muse Theatre Company to Close 10th Season with THE WOMAN WHO AMUSES HERSELF

Idle Muse Theatre Company will conclude its 10th season with the Chicago premiere of The Woman Who Amuses Herself, by Victor Lodato, directed by Idle Muse ensemble member Nathan Pease. In 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia, a worker at the Louvre, committed the crime of the century by walking out with the Mona Lisa hidden under his coat. Peruggia then spent two years in his Paris apartment alone with the mysteriously smiling woman as his muse. But was he an Italian patriot who believed "La Gioconda" should be returned to her native Italy? Or was he a not-so-common thief seeking his fortune? Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece has attracted, inspired, and perplexed millions of admirers across generations and continents but what makes the Mona Lisa so special? Was it her theft alone that brought her the world's attention? Meet Vincenzo and others affected by the smiling lady in this intriguing whydunnit. The Woman Who Amuses Herself is produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com). Nathan Pease directed last season's Jeff nominated production, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde for Idle Muse Theatre Company.

"Early in 2015, while we were searching for scripts to produce for our 10th Season, it was hard to escape the news that Chicago was bidding for the Obama Presidential Library along with New York and Hawaii. I thought it strange the amount of energy each location was investing into this contest. Not that it wouldn't be prestigious. Not that it wouldn't bring jobs and tourists and such- It's strange to think that one city can claim ownership over a person's legacy. Around that time I came across the script for The Woman Who Amuses Herself- another story which considers the idea of ownership. This is a play that speaks about the power of art. We're asking what it means to own art; does it necessitate physical possession or can it be something more subjective, something that's in the heart of each viewer? Great art is a mirror for getting to know oneself to the core and that's the common thread for all of the characters in this show. We get to experience this introspection not only within the narrative of Peruggia's frayed psyche, but through the lense of others who also feel a kinship with the mysterious smiling lady. I believe the audience will see something of themselves in these characters. Finding a way to make theatre that connects to the audience and reflects our world is a huge part of what Idle Muse attempts with all of our productions and what makes The Woman Who Amuses Herself the perfect show to end our 10th season," said Pease.

The Woman Who Amuses Herself will run June 25th through July 24th, 2016 with previews June 23rd and 24th and will be presented at Edge Theatre, a newly-renovated performance venue located at 5451 N Broadway Ave, Chicago, IL 60640

The Woman Who Amuses Herself are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. Tickets for previews are $10. Every Thursday is Industry Night with $10 tickets for industry members with headshot/resume. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.idlemuse.org or by calling 773-340-9438.

Idle Muse Theatre Company presents The Woman Who Amuses Herself, running June 23 - July 24, 2016 at Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway Ave. Street parking is available and the venues is handicapped and CTA accessible (Edge Theatre is CTA accessible by Red Line Berwyn/Bryn Mawr stop/ 36 Broadway Bus).

Press opening for the Chicago premiere of The Woman Who Amuses Herself is Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m. (Previews are June 23 and June 24 at 8:00 p.m.) Regular performance times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $20 for regular single tickets, $15 for seniors and students, and $10 for previews. Group rate for 10 or more upon request. Tickets may be purchased at 773-340-9438 or by visiting www.IdleMuse.org.

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