ATC's - Midwest Premiere of 'Speech and Debate'

American Theater Company (ATC) announces a change to the final production of the 2007-2008 Season. Garson Kanin's Born Yesterday will be replaced by the Midwest Premiere of Speech and Debate by Stephen Karam. The production, directed by Artistic Director PJ Paparelli, will run April 24 – May 11, 2008 at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St,  Chicago, IL.

Currently in its second extension at NY's Roundabout Theatre, this quick-witted and timely comedy tells the story of three misfits who team up to expose their teacher's online secrets while forming their high school's first Speech and Debate club. With a script by columbinus co-writer Stephen Karam, Artistic Director PJ Paparelli makes his Chicago and ATC directorial debut with this hysterical yet touching tale of three teens' quest for fame and free speech.

"ATC is honored to be the first theatre in America to produce Stephen Karam's Speech and Debate outside of New York. Stephen and I spent four years together creating columbinus and we're thrilled to be working together again," says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. "In contrast to columbinus, Speech and Debate is a comic exploration of the adolescent world. It is witty, well-considered, uniquely human, and provides a rare opportunity for adults to be swept up into the complex world of today's teens."  

Speech and Debate features Jared McGuire (Solomon), Patrick Andrews (Howie), Sadieh Rifai (Diwata) and Cheryl Graeff (Teacher/Reporter). The designers are Keith Pitts (Set Designer), Myron Elliott (Costumes), Charles Cooper (Lighting Designer), Lindsay Jones and Scotty Iseri (Sound Designers), Chelsea Meyers (Props). Dana Nestrick is Stage Manager. Video installations by Marty Higginbotham and Bobby Richards.

Title:             Speech and Debate
Playwright:     Stephen Karam
Directed by:   Artistic Director PJ Paparelli
   
Dates:           Previews: Thursday, April 24 – Sunday, April 27, 2008
                    Press opening: Monday, April 28 2008, at 7:00 p.m.
                    Regular run: April 28 – May 11, 2008
Schedule:      Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00pm     
Saturdays:     4:00pm & 8:00pm       
Sundays:       3:00pm      
Location:       American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St., Chicago
Tickets:         Previews:    $20.00
Regular run:  Thurs & matinees $30; Fri & Sat evenings $35
Opening night: $50.00
Box Office:   The Box Office is located at 1909 W Byron St., Chicago; 773-409-4125; www.atcweb.org
 
 

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