Photo Flash: First Look at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's ELIZABETH REX

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's (CST) 25th Anniversary Season includes Elizabeth Rex, directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and playing in CST's Courtyard Theater now through January 22, 2012. Set in Shakespeare's time, Timothy Findley's Elizabeth Rex is a fictional drama based on an obscure historical fact: on the eve of the beheading of her court favorite and rumored lover, the Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth was entertained with a royal command performance by William Shakespeare and his company. Findley's daring and original play imagines the troubled Queen's impassioned confrontation with an ailing actor-who dares to reveal the woman buried beneath the role of the "Virgin Queen."

Stratford Shakespeare Festival veteran actor Diane D'Aquila is featured as Queen Elizabeth, the role she originated in the award-winning play's premiere. Performing the role of the Queen's sparring partner Ned is Steven Sutcliffe, a frequent actor at Canada's Shaw Festival who received a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut in Ragtime. Longtime CST collaborator Kevin Gudahl marks his 29th role at the Theater performing the role of William Shakespeare. Additional actors returning to Chicago Shakespeare for Elizabeth Rex are Bradley Armacost as Percy, Torrey Hanson as Lord Cecil, Eric Parks as Matt, Roderick Peeples as Luddy, Andrew Rothenberg as Jack and Mary Ann Thebus as Tardy. Making their CST debuts are Brenda Barrie as Lady Mary and Matt Farabee as Harry.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Elizabeth Rex runs today through January 22, 2012, in CST's Courtyard Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $44-$75 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in 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/rex.

Gaines' creative team for Elizabeth Rex includes Scenic Designer Daniel Ostling, Costume Designer Mariann S. Verheyen, Lighting Designer Philip S. Rosenberg, Sound Designer Lindsay Jones, Wig and Makeup Designer Melissa Veal, Original Music by Jenny Giering, Dialect Coach Eva Breneman, Choreographer Tammy Mader, Fight Director John McFarland, Bear Movement Coach Janet Louer and Properties Master Chelsea Meyers.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare's genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare's work has been recognized internationally with three of London's prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 55 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare's work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago's cultural ambassador through its World's Stage Series. At its permanent, state-of-the-art facility on Navy Pier, CST houses two intimate theater spaces: the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren