Stage Left Theatre Presents ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL, Now thru 5/24

Stage Left Theatre announces their upcoming production of All's Well That Ends Well written by William Shakespeare and directed by ensemble member Drew Martin. All's Well That Ends Well is the third and final production of Stage Left's 33rd season. Press opening is tonight, April 23rd at 7:30 PM at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont. The show runs through May 24th.

When you're an orphaned woman in a man's world, there aren't too many options. But Helena won't be held back by expectations, and her beloved won't know what hit him. This mafia-set production of one of Shakespeare's prickliest comedies asks the question: how far is too far to get what we want?

This production will be set in the world of the American mafia in the late 1950's. Director Drew Martin says, "All's Well is all about power, dominance and gender dynamics - who's in charge, who's on top - and what happens when that turns upside down. It struck me that envisioning the characters as mobsters would immediately make those power structures clear - and exciting - for our audience. Setting it in the late fifties is a natural fit for shifting sex-power relations, while also being a perfect setting for the battle between old and young generations that also underscores the story." Artistic Director Vance Smith says, "I am always wary of gimmicky settings for Shakespeare, but reading this play with Drew's vision in mind, I felt that the mafia setting not only illuminates the script, but clarifies some of the infamous 'problem' elements."

In line with our mission to raise social and political debate, Stage Left offers patrons a Symposium Series for every production. Immediately following each Sunday matinee, we will invite the audience to stay for a discussion centered on questions raised by the performance. Admission to the Symposium Series is free, but it is recommended that attendees have seen the production in order to fully appreciate and participate in the discussion. All's Well That Ends Well raises debate about gender parity, and the consequences of male pride.

All's Well That Ends Well runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 3:00pm through 5/24/15. Tickets are $20-30 and will be available through the Theater Wit box office either online at www.theaterwit.org or by calling 773-975-8150. Press Opening is Thursday, April 23rd at 7:30pm. Previews are Saturday, April 18th at 7:30pm; Sunday, April 19th at 7:00pm; Tuesday, April 21st at 7:30pm; and Wednesday, April 22nd at 7:30pm. Preview tickets are $20. All's Well That Ends Well will be performed at Theater Wit at 1229 W. Belmont in Chicago. The theater is handicapped and CTA accessible via the Belmont El (Red & Brown).