Northwestern University News

How has Chicago theatre developed from a grassroots movement to a global phenomenon over the past 50 years? What is the current state of 'the beating heart of American theatre,' as British critic Michael Billington recently described Chicago? And what is the future of theatre in Chicago - in America and around the world - in a time of rapidly escalating technological innovation and globalization?

Goodman Theatre offers two more free opportunities for audiences to engage in dialogue inspired by the themes in Thomas Bradshaw's world-premiere Goodman commission MARY, directed by May Adrales. The Prince Prize- and Guggenheim Fellowship-winning playwright claims that his frequently provocative work is 'about stimulating thought and fostering a dialogue. I'm interested in presenting real human beings in all of their complexity.' Details about the two new audience events-February 15's 'Airing the Laundry: Stories We Cannot Tell' and February 21's 'God's Love is for All? Homophobia and the Church'-appear below.

'Peribanez,' a romantic tale of desire, honor and revenge, is a thought-provoking stage production one might consider sharing with one's own special Valentine in mid-February. Opening Friday, Feb. 11, the daring classic explores what a man will do for the love of a woman.

Court Theatre continues its 56th season with Sarah Ruhl's adaptation of Virginia Woolf's Orlando, directed by Jessica Thebus. The production will run March 10 - April 10, 2011 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Playwright Andrea J. Fulton's powerful One Drop will receive four performances, February 11-19, as part of the Midwinter Madness Festival of one-act plays at the Roy Arias Studios, 300 West 43rd Street.

The Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University will continue its 30th anniversary season with performances of Rebecca Gilman's controversial play "Spinning Into Butter" (Jan. 28 to Feb. 6) and "Peribanez" (Feb. 11 to 20), Lope de Vega's romantic tale of desire, honor and revenge.

Playwright Andrea J. Fulton's powerful One Drop will receive three performances, February 11-13, as part of the Midwinter Madness Festival of one-act plays at the Roy Arias Studios, 300 West 43rd Street.

Route 66 Theatre Company presents the second production of its 2010-2011 season with the world premiere of A Twist of Water, by Caitlin Montanye Parrish, co-created with and directed by Erica Weiss.

American choreographer Reggie Wilson's collaboration with Congolese choreographer Andréya Ouamba comes to The Dance Center of Columbia College Chicago, 1306 S. Michigan Ave., when Reggie Wilson/Fist & Heel Performance Group performs March 31, April 1 and 2.

THE WORKSHOP THEATER and ALVIN OUT PRODUCTIONS present the New York premiere of Lizzie Borden at Eight O'Clock at the WorkShop Jewel Box Theater March 24th-April 3rd. The WorkShop Theater is located at 312 West 36th Street, 4th floor. Subway: A, C, or E to Penn Station. General admission tickets to Lizzie Borden At Eight O'Clock are $18, $15 for students and seniors. Also limited number of TDF @ the $9 Off-Off-Broadway rate (2 per performance). For Information / Tickets visit: www.workshoptheater.org or call 866-811-4111. The play is directed by Kenneth Tigar.

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director) and Barry Grove (Executive Producer) are pleased to announce Manhattan Theatre Club's lineup for the Ernst C. Stiefel "7@7" Reading Series. The readings kick off Monday, February 28 and will be held on consecutive Mondays through April 11.

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, will present the World Premiere of Bordello, a Susan Smith Blackburn Prize nominee, by Resident Playwright Aline Lathrop. Bordello will preview January 27, open February 4 and 5, and run through March 6, 2011. Northlight Theatre Literary Manager and Chicago Dramatists Associate Artist Meghan Beals McCarthy will direct.

Route 66 Theatre Company presents the second production of its 2010-2011 season with the world premiere of A Twist of Water, by Caitlin Montanye Parrish, co-created with and directed by Erica Weiss.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, Lookingglass Theatre Company has created the Magnificent Gift Pass, which includes two tickets for any performance in Lookingglass' 2010-2011 season, a three-course dinner for two at by Executive Chef Mark Payne of deca RESTAURANT + BAR in The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel), and complimentary valet parking.

Set on a fictitious college campus, School of Communication faculty member Rebecca Gilman's award-winning play "Spinning Into Butter" explores race, racism and political correctness in a profound and, at times, amusing way.

Roger Kumble, David Elzer and Molly O'Keefe will present a world premiere play, GIRLS TALK, written and directed by Roger Kumble (turnaround, d girl) and starring Andréa Benewald ('Suddenly Susan'), Leslie Bibb ('Talledega Nights'), Brooke Shields ('Lipstick Jungle'), and Constance Zimmer ('Entourage'). GIRLS TALK will preview on Tuesday, March 15; Wednesday, March 16 & Thursday, March 17 at 8pm and will open on Friday, March 18 at 8pm and run through Sunday, April 24 at the Lee Strasberg Theatre, 7936 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood.

Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) presents the second full production of their 2010-2011 season for young audiences - Charles Way's adventure saga SINBAD: THE UNTOLD TALE, directed by Amanda Delheimer.

Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Avenue, will present the World Premiere of Bordello, a Susan Smith Blackburn Prize nominee, by Resident Playwright Aline Lathrop.

In conjunction with its upcoming stage production of Ethan Frome, Lookingglass Theatre will present a screening of the 1993 film Ethan Frome, featuring Patricia Arquette, Liam Neeson and Joan Allen.

SciCafe: How Games Can Change the World comes Wednesday, February 2, doors open at 7 pm