Cast Announced for Pride Films and Plays' HOLDING THE MAN

Complete cast and crew have been announced for Pride Films and Plays' Chicago premiere of HOLDING THE MAN, a drama from Australia chronicling the 15-year relationship of a real-life gay male couple, based on Timothy Conigrave's celebrated memoir of the same name. In 1976, Tim and John meet as teenagers at their all-boys Catholic school in Melbourne and become boyfriends. The story follows them into adulthood as their relationship endures in spite of such obstacles as parental resistance, differing views on monogamy, separation, and finally HIV.

Conigrave's memoir won the 1995 UN Human Rights Award for Non-Fiction and was voted one of Australia's 100 favorite books. Tommy Murphy's stage adaptation faithfully captures the book's humorous and heart-wrenchingly honest portrayal of the relationship, but also succeeds in transforming it into a unique theatrical experience. It premiered in Sydney, Australia and has been performed across Australia, on London's West End, and in Los Angeles and San Francisco. A 2015 film version directed by Neil Armfield featured Guy Pearce and Geoffrey Rush.

Pride Films and Plays' production, one of five plays in its summer "PAC Pride Fest," will feature PFP company member Jude Hansen as John and Lifeline Theatre regular Micah Kronlokken as Tim. Hansen, coincidentally a native of Melbourne himself, has appeared with Pride Films and Plays in ANGRY FAGS by Topher Grace and SOME MEN by Terrence McNally. Kronlokken, an artistic associate with Akvavit Theatre, has also appeared in Lifeline Theatre's productions of MIDNIGHT COWBOY, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and SOMEBODY LOVES YOU, MR. HATCH. The ensemble of actors playing a variety of roles will include Cody Dericks, Alisha Fabbi, Mikey Gray, Bryson David Hoff, Alexander McRae and Jordan Moore.

HOLDING THE MAN will be directed by Michael D. Graham, Artistic Director of Piccolo Theatre in Evanston. His production and design team will include Evan Frank (scenic design), Cody Von Ruden (costume design), Becs Bartle (lighting design), Isaac Mandel (sound design), Hillarie Shockley (properties design) and Michael Starcher (stage manager).

Performances of HOLDING THE MAN will begin with a preview on August 5, 2018. It will be performed through August 26 in the Broadway, Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago, in repertory with HURRICANE DAMAGE.

Tickets for all events are on sale now at www.pridefilmsandplays.com or by phone at 866-411-4111 or 773-857-0222

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