Big Noise Theatre's ENCHANTED APRIL Opens Tonight

Big Noise Theatre has announced the cast for the spellbinding, funny and heartwarming play, Enchanted April, written by Matthew Barber, based on the Elizabeth von Armin novel. Performances are weekends tonight, January 16-February 1, 2015, at Prairie Lakes Theatre in Des Plaines, IL.

Big Noise is thrilled to introduce the multi-talented Director Peter Rasey (Chicago) to our audiences. Rasey has directed and choreographed productions throughout the Chicagoland area, as well as performing in and supporting numerous Big Noise productions. He most recently choreographed the critically acclaimed A Chorus Line at Highland Park Players and performed in the Big Noise hit, Ragtime.

Enchanted April, which was also a well-received 1992 movie starring Miranda Richardson, Alfred Molina and other notables, features eight experienced and diverse Chicago-area actors. Bringing the character Rose Arnott to life (played by Molly Ringwald on Broadway) will be Cheryl Lynn Golemo of Wheeling. Caroline Zavislak of Chicago will play Lady Caroline Bramble, and Lauren Lichenstein of Deerfield plays the visionary Lotty Wilton. Nicola Howard of Glenview brings wit and wisdom to the role of Mrs Graves (played by Elizabeth Ashley on Broadway), and Wendy Parman of Chicago is the comical, insightful Costanza.

The men of Enchanted April are Aaron Stash (Northbrook) as Frederick Arnott, Brian Markham (Arlington Heights) as Mellersh, and Brian Mengler (Naperville) as Anthony Wilding.

Sets are by Tianyu Qiu (Chicago) and costumes are by Martha Shuford (Wilmette). Producers are Gail Soberski (Wilmette) and Daiva Paulis. Debbie Szczesniak (Des Plaines) is stage manager.

Rasey says, "This story will appeal to people who have experienced loss or change in their lives and bravely wish to reconnect with the optimism, humor and even love they once felt. In the adventures of these four very different women, they rediscover the very best part of themselves in a touching, funny and heartwarming story. And although the play is set in the 1920s, their problems -- and solutions -- will feel contemporary and meaningful to our audiences.

"We are also excited that Enchanted April gives us the chance to showcase our strong female actors in challenging and funny roles. As the driving forces of the story, Lotty and Rose plan an escape from the disappointments of life and are the architects of their eventual happiness, roles that are a joy to see and not seen nearly enough."

Tickets for Enchanted April are $28 for adults and $23 for seniors and students, and can be ordered by calling 846-604-0275 or online at www.bignoise.org.

Photo Credit: Riah Dunton

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