Charlie Newell Directs THE ILLUSION At The Court Theater

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with Pierre Corneille's The Illusion, freely adapted by Tony Kushner and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run March 11 - April 11, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press opening is Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 8:00PM.

Tony Kushner brings his sophisticated style and breathtaking language to the French Baroque's most powerful romance. A father's attempt to find his estranged son raises the curtain on a world of theatrical magic, outrageous humor, and true, complicated love.
"Since directing Marivaux's The Triumph of Love at Court in 1993, I have been a passionate student of the French Baroque," explains Artistic Director Charles Newell. "Tony Kushner's brilliant adaptation of Corneille's masterpiece, L'Illusion comique affords me the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combine my love of Baroque metatheatricality with Tony's unique sensibility. In some ways, everything I have ever directed at Court has led to this production - I am thrilled to bring The lllusion to Court audiences."

Artistic Director Charles Newell is teaching at the University of Chicago this semester. He is a guest lecturer for The Theatrical Illusion: Corneille, Kushner, and the Baroque, together with University of Chicago Deputy Provost for the Arts & Baroque Literature professor, Larry Norman. The course explores the "Baroque" interest in meta-theatricality ("the play in the play") by concentrating on Pierre Corneille's 1636 L'illusion comique and the contemporary adaptation of baroque theatre through Court Theatre's preparation for production of Tony Kushner's version of Corneille's play. Students will engage in the dramaturgical process with Director Charles Newell while observing and participating in The Illusion rehearsals and creative team meetings.

The Illusion features Kevin Gudahl (Amanuensis/Geronte), Timothy Edward Kane (Matamore), Elizabeth Ledo (Elicia/Lyse/Clarina), John Reeger (Pridamant), Kareem Bandealy (Pleribo/Adraste/Prince Florilame), Michael Mahler (Calisto/Clindor/Theogenes), Chris Sullivan (Alcandre) and Hillary Clemens (Melibea/Isabelle/Hippolyta).

The creative team includes Collette Pollard (scenic design), Jacqueline Firkins (costume design), John Culbert (lighting design), Joshua Horvath (sound design). The production stage manager is William Collins.

Previews are March 11-19, 2010. The opening press performance is on Saturday, March 20, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. Curtain times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices are $32 to $40 for preview performances; $38 to $56 for regular run performances. Tickets are available at the Box Office, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or online at www.CourtTheatre.org. Student and senior discounts available. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets by calling Milan Pejnovich at (773) 834-3243.