Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Incredible 2008/09 Season!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson announced today CST's 2008/09 Season. In 10 newly-imagined and classic works throughout the coming year, fierce rivals and witty fools collide on stage in the Theater's ninth season on Navy Pier.

This summer, a hip-hop re-imagining of Much Ado About Nothing, by the creators of The Bomb-itty of Errors, revels in a modern take on Shakespeare's wit and wordplay. CST will also stage Willy Wonka, the delightful family musical based on Roald Dahl's much-loved novel, where children discover the fantastical world in the mysterious candy maker's factory. Then on stage this fall, envy erupts into a fatal struggle between Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Viennese court composer Antonio Salieri in Peter Shaffer's Amadeus, staged by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. For the first time, Shakespeare's contemporary rival Christopher Marlowe infiltrates Shakespeare's home in Chicago as Sean Graney directs a promenade production of The Troublesome Reign and Lamentable Death of Edward II, King of England, with the Tragical Fall of Proud Mortimer. From India, CST presents A Midsummer Night's Dream, in a lush celebration of converging cultures performed in eight languages (including English) by actors, dancers, street musicians and acrobats from across India and Sri Lanka.

In the New Year, an ambitious Scottish warrior and his Lady clash with their kingdom's nobles and their own consciences in a deadly contest for the crown as Barbara Gaines directs William Shakespeare's Macbeth. CST presents the Chicago premiere of Michael Pennington's one-man homage to the Bard—Sweet William—a large-spirited celebration of William Shakespeare's life and work. In the spring, with Short Shakespeare! directed by Amanda Dehnert, CST invites audiences new to Shakespeare to engage in a lively, accessible production of his dramatic work. Finally, lovers confuse their passions amid a conspiracy to make a fool out of a brooding steward in William Shakespeare's comedy Twelfth Night directed by Josie Rourke, Artistic Director of The Bush Theatre, in London. 

For further information on Chicago Shakespeare Theater productions and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (312) 595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com. 

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