Bailiwick Chicago Announces Closing Date for Joe DiPietro's F**KING MEN, Ends 8/29

Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced today that after a critically-acclaimed, twice extended run, Bailiwick Chicago's hit production of Joe DiPietro's f-ing MEN will play its final performance on Sunday, August 29 at 7pm at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont.

" .... Superb Performances....." (Hedy Weiss, Sun-Times)
"...f-ing MEN is pretty f-ing solid." (Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago)
"...the entire cast is hot AND talented." (Katy Walsh, The Fourth Walsh blog)
"Tom Mullen elicits smart, nuanced performances..." (Jonathan Abarbanel, Windy City Times)
"And did I mention that Christian Kain Blackburn is very good looking, as in 'worth the price of admission' handsome?" (Lawrence Bommer, Steadstyle Chicago)
"All the critics love f-ing MEN" (Norm Woodel, Facebook Post)
"You've been waiting a long time to say that haven't you." (Norm's Friend, Facebook Post Response)
"Aren't you supposed to be on stage taking a picture of your ass right now?" (actor Ryan Lanning, to actor CameRon Johnson, Backstage)

f-ing MEN observes the sex lives of the modern urban gay American male. Conceived as a noir-riff on Arthur Schnitzler's 19th century play, LA RONDE, the play examines ten men from all walks of life as they negotiate the before and after of lust, love, betrayal and the pursuit of sex and emotional connection. Funny, poignant, sometimes dramatic, always provocative and sexy, the show has been critically acclaimed by Chicago critics. Additional information about the show can be found at www.FMenChicago.com.

Joe DiPietro is the author of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! and ALL SHOOK UP. His most recent musical, MEMPHIS, was nominated for eight Tony awards, won three, and also received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Director Tom Mullen was the director of the Jeff-Award winning musical TOMORROW MORNING, the acclaimed production of URINETOWN at Chicago's Mercury Theater, and DiPietro's I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE for Noble Fool Theatricals.

The cast includes Thad Anzur, Karmann Bajuyo, Christian Kain Blackburn, Armand Fields, Beau Forbes, Cameron Harms, CameRon Johnson, Ryan Lanning, Arthur Luis Soría, and Norman Woodel. Understudies are Tom Chiola, Michael Harnichar, Aaron Holland, and Jake Szczepaniak.

The design team includes John Rotonda (Set), Jared B. Moore (Lights), Bill Morey (Costumes), Mike Dunbar (Sound), and Lee Strausberg (Props), with original music by composer Laurence Mark Wythe. Christopher Pazdernik assistant directs, with stage management by Mitch Thomas, and casting by Lili-Anne Brown.

Remaining performances are Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m. General admission tickets are $25. Special Reserved seating is available for $30. Student and Industry rush tickets will be available at the door for $15 at every Sunday performance. Group (6+) tickets are $20.00. To purchase tickets, call the Stage 773 box office at 773-327-5252, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.