BoHo Theatre to Close 2017 Season with MARIE CHRISTINE

BoHo Theatre closes out its successful 2017 season with the passionate musical MARIE CHRISTINE by Michael John LaChiusa at the Theater Wit, directed by Lili-Anne Brown. Previews begin October 21; opening on October 28.

Taking inspiration from the life of Marie Laveau, the famed Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, MARIE CHRISTINE is a visceral reimagining of the Greek myth of Medea. LaChiusa is the acclaimed writer and composer of THE WILD PARTY and HELLO AGAIN.

Set in the twilight years of the 19th century, this dark musical chronicles the journey of Marie Christine, a racially mixed woman imprisoned without a trial to face death. From her jail cell, she recounts her journey, beginning with a genteel life of privilege in New Orleans Creole society. There, she falls madly in love with a white ship captain named Dante. When the relationship comes to light, Marie and Dante flee to Chicago, where Dante abandons her for a career in politics. Betrayed and alone, Marie undertakes the darkest vengeance, which leads her to her tragic fate.MARIE CHRISTINE received Tony Award nominations for Best Book of a Musical and Best Score.

This explosive play highlights the timely themes of a race and feminism in America. BoHo Theatre's production is directed by former Bailiwick Chicago artistic director Lili-Anne Brown, who is also a former BoHo company membeR. Brown's directorial accomplishments include the Chicago premiere of the Ahrens & Flaherty musical Dessa Rose (Jeff Award - Best Director of a Musical), the world premiere of PRINCESS MARY DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION by Aaron Holland, and PASSING STRANGE (BTA Award - Best Director of a Musical, Jeff Award nomination - Best Director of a Musical) at Bailiwick Chicago.

Brown's other local directing credits include XANADU with American Theatre Company, JABARI DREAMS OF FREEDOM by Nambi Kelley with Chicago Children's Theatre, and Michael John LaChiusa's SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE.

"This is going to be a fascinating journey, seeing where the Medea and Marie Laveau myths can intersect," says Brown. "I'm excited to dig into a strong, unapologetic woman's story. The music is beautiful and challenging. It's Michael John LaChiusa at his best."

Her cast will include Kyrie Courter (LITTLE FISH, Kokandy Productions) in the title role and Ken Singleton (THE MOST HAPPY FELLA, Theo Ubique) as her lover Dante.

Also in the cast are Averis I. Anderson, Curtis Bannister, Neala Barron, Katherine Bourne, Patrick Byrnes, Shantel Cribbs, Emily Goldberg, Nicole Michelle Haskins, Teressa LaGamba, Pavi Proczko, and Kevin Webb. The production team includes Meg Love (producer), Arnel Sancianco (scenic design), Heather Gilbert (lighting design),Izumi Inaba (costume design), Karli Blalock (sound design), Lacle Hexom (properties design), Lindsay Brown (production manager),J.C. Widman (stage manager).

IF YOU GO:

MARIE CHRISTINE
Words and music by Michael John LaChiusa
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
Music direction by Aaron Benham
Choreography by Breon Arzell

October 21 - December 10, 2017
At Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, Chicago

PERFORMANCE TIMES:
Previews: Saturday, October 21, at 8:00pm
Sunday, October 22, at 2:00pm
Thursday, October 26, at 8:00pm
Friday, October 27, at 8:00pm
Press Opening / Opening Night: Saturday, October 28, at 8:00 pm
Performance run: October 29 - December 10
Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.

General Tickets on sale at www.BoHoTheatre.com or (773) 975-8150. Tickets are $33 for Thursdays and Fridays, $35 for Saturdays and Sundays.

BoHo Theatre's mission is to create bold theatre that challenges convention through innovative storytelling and unites artist and audience in the examination of Truth, Beauty, Freedom and Love through the lens of human relationships. Its vision is to create a shared community of artists and patrons in which all members are moved through art to make thoughtful, well-examined, caring relationships the highest priority in their lives.

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