Writers Theatre to Present ARCADIA, 3/16-5/1

Writers Theatre, under leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, presents the first production in their new home, Arcadia, written by Tom Stoppard, directed by Michael Halberstam. The production, which begins performances on March 16, 2016 has already been extended by one week, and will now play through May 1, 2016 in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre in Writers Theatre's new theater center at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The Press Opening is Wednesday, March 23 at 7:30 p.m.

In the heart of a 19th century English country estate awash in secret desires, illicit affairs and professional rivalries, a brilliant young student proposes an earthshaking scientific theory. Two hundred years later at that same estate, academic adversaries Hannah and Bernard race to unravel the enticing mysteries left behind in a heated battle for intellectual and sexual dominance.

Part detective story and part comedy of manners, Tom Stoppard's elegant, time-jumping masterpiece forges a complex comedy of wit, romance, poetry, sex and scientific theory, introducing characters whose lives and passions intersect across the centuries.

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, who previously helmed WT's hit productions of Stoppard's The Real Thing, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead and Rough Crossing Arcadia serves as an ideal first production in Writers Theatre's new home, serving as bridge between the Theatre's celebrated past and its exciting future.

"I cannot think of a more fitting way to embrace our new home than with a production of Tom Stoppard's beautiful ode to the past, the present and the future," said Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. "It is a play that stands at the core of our mission to focus on intimate engagements with text and artist. It takes advantage of the epic canvass that our beautiful new Nichols theatre can encompass while highlighting the intimate relationship that can be articulated between audience and actor. Our cast and production team is rooted firmly in Chicago and embodies the remarkable breadth of artistry that lies at the heart of our very unique and exciting community."

The cast of Arcadia includes Greg Matthew Anderson (Septimus Hodge), Chaon Cross (Lady Croom), Kate Fry (Hannah Jarvis), Torrey Hanson (Jellaby), Nathan Hosner (Capt. Brice, RN), Callie Johnson (Chloë Coverly), Scott Parkinson (Bernard Nightingale), Gabriel Ruiz (Richard Noakes), Alistair Sewell (Gus Coverly/Agustus Coverly), Christopher Sheard (Valentine Coverly), Elizabeth Stenholt (Thomasina Coverly) and Rod Thomas (Ezra Chater).

The designers are Collette Pollard (Scenic Designer), Rachel Anne Healy (Costume Designer), John Culbert (Lighting Designer), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer) and Scott Dickens (Properties Master). The Stage Manager is David Castellanos, and the Dialect Coach is Eva Breneman.