Big Noise Theatre Stages BORN YESTERDAY, Now thru 2/3

Big Noise Theatre Company will present Garson Kanin's Born Yesterday as their 2nd production of the company's 2012-13 season. Performances will be held at the Prairie Lake Theatre from tonight, January 18-February 3th, 2013. Catherine Davis returns to direct for the company, with Peter Rasey serving as producer.

Born Yesterday tells the story of wealthy and corrupt junk dealer Harry Brock, who brings his uneducated girlfriend, Billie, to Washington, D.C. During their stay, Harry realizes that Billie's social ignorance might get in the way of his "business dealings". Harry hires a tutor, journalist Paul Verrall, to give Billie an education in order to make her more presentable to Washington society. Blossoming under Paul's encouragement, Billie becomes wise to Harry's corrupt plans, and begins thinking for herself.

The original Broadway production opened in 1946, starring Judy Holliday as Billie-a role that she recreated in the 1950 film version, which also starred William Holden as Paul. The film, which was recently selected for the National Film Registry, scored Holliday an Oscar for Best Leading Actress. Two successful Broadway revivals were produced-in 1989, starring Madeleine Kahn as Billie and Ed Asner as Brock, and a most recently in 2011, starring Jim Belushi as Brock, Nina Arianda as Billie and Robert Sean Leonard as Paul.

The Big Noise cast includes Justine Klein (Chicago) as Billie, Jerome Marzullo (Des Plaines) as Brock and Ross Currie (Evanston) as Paul with BrIan Parry (Skokie), Lane Wheeler (Wheeling), Frank Murphy (Chicago), Mary Campbell (Northbrook), Erik Martin (Barrington), Ashley Gronek (Arlington Heights) and Peter Rasey (Chicago).

Director Catherine Davis has worked as a director and educator since earning a master's degree in theatre, accumulating over 110 full-length productions to her directing credit. Davis was a Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee member and served on the Advisory Board and as Suburban Coordinator for SEASON OF CONCERN.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm (except January 19th). The Prairie Lakes Theatre is located at 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines. Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for seniors/students, and can be ordered by calling 847-604-0275 or online at www.bignoise.org.

Big Noise Theatre Company, a division of Winnetka Theatre, strives to produce high-quality shows that stretch the creative talents of their actors and staff as well as surpass the expectations of their audience.

Pictured: Justine Klein as Billie in Big Noise Theatre Company's production of BORN YESTERDAY. Photo Credit: Amy Sumpter.