Chicago Shakespeare Theatre News

A Red Orchid Theatre closes its 2010-2011 Season with Machiavelli's The Mandrake, translated by Peter Constantine and directed by Steve Scott.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present its 2010-2011 season finale, the beloved musical THE KING AND I, previewing April 22 and running through June 5. The Press Opening is on Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) premieres Murder for Two-A Killer Musical, created by Joe Kinosian (music/book) and Kellen Blair (lyrics/book), May 12-June 19, 2011, Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. This comedic Agatha Christie-like whodunit musical comes with a surprising twist: one actor plays the inspector, the other plays all 10 suspects, and both play the piano. Staged by CST veteran director David H. Bell, this 75-minute premiere features the show's co-creator Joe Kinosian playing the slew of hilarious would-be criminals and Chicago favorite Alan Schmuckler performing the role of the inspector. Tickets for Murder for Two-A Killer Musical Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare May 12-June 19, 2011, are $25-$30, with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com

Porchlight Music Theatre will present its 2010-2011 season finale, the beloved musical THE KING AND I, previewing April 22 and running through June 5.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present its 2010-2011 season finale, the beloved musical THE KING AND I, previewing April 22 and running through June 5. The Press Opening is on Friday, April 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

First Folio continues its Season of Suspense with the British thriller The Woman in Black. Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill, this tale of the supernatural has been electrifying audiences in London for over two decades.

Academy Award-winner (Amadeus) F. Murray Abraham stars as Shylock in Theatre for a New Audience's widely acclaimed 2007 production of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Darko Tresnjak.

A Red Orchid Theatre closes its 2010-2011 Season with Machiavelli's The Mandrake, translated by Peter Constantine and directed by Steve Scott.

Starting next fall, the Paramount will join the ranks of Chicago's top Equity houses by self-producing and presenting a spectacular, four-show Broadway series including My Fair Lady (September 14-October 2, 2011), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (November 2-November 20, 2011), A Chorus Line (January 18-February 5, 2012) and Hair (March 14-April 2, 2012).

Episode 18 of Michael Cyril Creighton's award winning online sitcom "JACK IN A BOX", now in its third season, reunites two cast members from Broadway's Enron, Jeff Skowron ("Greg & Donny", Beauty & The Beast) and Lusia Strus (Gus Van Sant's upcoming "Restless", The Retributionists).

A Red Orchid Theatre closes its 2010-2011 Season with Machiavelli's The Mandrake, translated by Peter Constantine and directed by Steve Scott.

First Folio continues its Season of Suspense with the British thriller The Woman in Black. Adapted by Stephen Mallatratt from the novel by Susan Hill, this tale of the supernatural has been electrifying audiences in London for over two decades.

The newly named Fox Valley Repertory, formerlyNoble Fool Theatricals, proudly presents Leaving Iowa, a touching comedy about recounting youth and family vacations, directed by Chicago's award-winning Rachel Rockwell, at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; admin telephone 630-443-0438).

The Donmar Warehouse today announces the appointment of Josie Rourke as the company's new Artistic Director. Rourke takes up the position on 1 January 2012, taking over from Michael Grandage who steps down as Artistic Director at the end of this year after a decade in the role.

Shakespeare Festival St. Louis has announced the cast of its May 25-June 19 production, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. 'Once again the Festival has attracted top-tier talent from across the country, and we are in for a fantastic season,' says Executive Director Rick Dildine. As previously announced Sean Graney will direct the production with a design team that includes Scott C. Neale (Scenic Designer), Alison Siple (Costume Designer), John Wylie (Lighting Designer) and Robin Weatherall (Sound Designer).

Gary Griffin is set to direct Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's first production of the 2011-12 season, FOLLIES. The production will play October 4 through November 6. For additional information, visit: www.chicagoshakes.com.

The Fulton Theatre has announced the casting for its upcoming production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, the popular musical by Stephen Sondheim, which will be directed and choreographed by the Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin with music direction by Ray Fellman.

Sixteen-time Jeff Nominee Paula Scrofano is currently delighting audiences as the flamboyant medium Madame Arcati in First Folio's production of Blithe Spirit.

Academy Award-winner (Amadeus) F. Murray Abraham stars as Shylock in Theatre for a New Audience's widely acclaimed 2007 production of The Merchant of Venice, directed by Darko Tresnjak.

American Theater Company (ATC) continues its 26th season with the World Premiere of The Big Meal, written by New York Times 2010 Outstanding Playwright Award-winner Dan LeFranc and directed by Dexter Bullard.