Cast Announced for IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY at Stage 773

TimeLine Theatre Company announces casting and details for the second production of its 2017-2018 season-the Chicago premiere of IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY by Sarah Ruhl, directed by TimeLine Company Member Mechelle Moe. The production runs October 26 - December 16, 2017 (previews 10/20 - 10/25) at the company's alternate location, Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago. Press Night is Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call the Stage 773 Box Office at (773) 327-5252.

The cast for IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY features TimeLine Associate Artist Anish Jethmalani (Dr. Givings), Edgar Sanchez (Leo Irving), Dana Tretta (Annie),Melissa Canciller (Sabrina Daldry), Joel Ewing (Mr. Daldry), Krystel McNeil (Elizabeth) andRochelle Therrien (Catherine Givings).

Sarah Ruhl-a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, a Tony Award nominee, and a 2006 recipient of the MacArthur Fellowship-has written a story of awakening, equality, and the need for connection that offers a "rare and savvy premise that manages to be titillating and amusing"(Chicago Tribune).

It is the 1880s and Thomas Edison's invention of the electric light has begun to change the fabric of daily life. Inspired by Edison's discovery, scientist and inventor Dr. Givings experiments with a piece of machinery to treat the increasingly common affliction of female hysteria. When he starts to see a new patient regularly, his wife's curiosity with the invention and what occurs "in the next room" grows, leading to discoveries of her own. This intimate and humorous story of self-discovery reveals that human connection is not simply a means to an end, but a vital part of life itself.

Inspired by the book The Technology of org*sm by Rachel P. Maines, IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY is insightful, relatable, and an "enticing blend of irreverent humor and skewed realism" (San Francisco Chronicle). Previously featured at TimeLine in 2016 in a staged reading in collaboration with The Chicago Inclusion Project, TimeLine looks forward to re-examining this play that illuminates "how much control men had over women's lives, bodies and thoughts, even their most intimate sensations" (The New York Times).

"During the Victorian era when this play is set, women weren't supposed to exercise their desires or their thoughts, and a diagnosis of 'hysteria' was often used to silence them," said director Mechelle Moe, who is making her TimeLine directorial debut with this production. "Now, in our current political and social climate, women are still fighting for their voice. This smartly written play-a comedy that deals so thoughtfully with complex issues around intimacy in relationships of all kinds-provides a platform for the female voice, helping women be heard."

The production team includes Sarah JHP Watkins (Scenic Designer), Alison Siple(Costume Designer), Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer), Andrew Hansen (Original Music / Sound Designer), Vivian Knouse (Properties Designer), Katie Cordts (Wig Designer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Designer), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg), Jared Bellot (Assistant Director), Daniel Parsons (Production Assistant), and Miranda Anderson (Stage Manager).

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE/EVENTS

PREVIEWS: Friday 10/20 and Saturday 10/21 at 8 p.m.; Sunday 10/22 at 2 p.m.; Tuesday 10/24 and Wednesday 10/25 at 8 p.m.

PRESS NIGHT / OPENING NIGHT: Thursday 10/26 at 7:30 p.m.

REGULAR RUN: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through December 16, 2017. EXCEPTIONS: No performance on Saturday, October 28 at 4 p.m.; no performance on Thursday, November 23; additional performances on Friday, November 24 at 4 p.m. and Tuesday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m.

DISCUSSION & ACCESSIBILITY EVENTS:

- Post-Show Discussions: A brief, informal post-show discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the production dramaturg and members of the cast onWednesday 11/1, Sunday 11/5, Thursday 11/9, Thursday 11/30, Wednesday 12/6, andTuesday 12/12.

- Pre-Show Discussions: Starting one hour before these performances, a 30-minute introductory conversation hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and the production dramaturg with members of the production team on Wednesday 11/15 and Sunday 12/3.

- Captioned Performance: An open-captioned performance with a text display of words and sounds heard during the performance on Saturday 11/18 at 4 p.m. Partial support of open captioning is provided by Theatre Development Fund.

- Company Member Discussion: A post-show discussion with the collaborative team of artists who choose TimeLine's programming and guide the company's mission on Sunday 11/19.

- Sunday Scholars Panel Discussion: A one-hour post-show discussion eaturing experts on the themes and issues of the play on Sunday 12/10.

All discussions are free and open to the public. For further details about all planned discussions and events, visit timelinetheatre.com.

BUYING TICKETS

Only TimeLine FlexPass Subscribers enjoy priority access to tickets to IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY. FlexPass Subscriptions for TimeLine's 2017-18 season are now on sale, priced from $66 to $204. For more information and to purchase FlexPass Subscriptions, call (773) 281-TIME (8463) or visit timelinetheatre.com.

Single ticket prices are $42.50 (Wednesday through Friday), $51.50 (Saturday evenings) and $56.50 (Saturday and Sunday matinees). Preview tickets are $27.50. Student discount is 35% off regular price with valid ID. TimeLine is also a member of TCG's Blue Star Theatre Program and is offering $25 tickets to U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their spouses and family.

Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Ticket buyers age 18-35 may join TimeLine's free MyLine program to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Visit timelinetheatre.com/discounts for more about Blue Star, MyLine and other available discounts.

Advance purchase is recommended as performances may sell out. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call the Stage 773 Box Office at (773) 327-5252.

LOCATION / TRANSPORTATION / PARKING / ACCESSIBILITY

IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY will take place at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Stage 773 is located one-half block west of the corner of Belmont and Racine and immediately east of Theater Wit in Chicago's Lakeview East neighborhood. The theater is accessible via the CTA El stop at Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple lines). CTA bus #77-Belmont stops at Racine. Valet parking is available for $12 and there is also limited free and metered street parking nearby. Visit timelinetheatre.com for complete directions and parking information. Stage 773 is accessible for people with disabilities.