Court Theatre to Conclude 2017-2018 Season with THE ORIGINALIST

Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, concludes its 2017/18 season with the Asolo Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage, Pasadena Playhouse production of The Originalist by John Strand, directed by Molly Smith with Associate Director Seema Sueko, and featuring Edward Gero as Antonin Scalia. The Originalist runs May 10 - June 10, 2018 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. The press opening is Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 8:00pm.

When a Harvard Law School graduate with decidedly different views takes on a clerkship with Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, one of America's most brilliant and polarizing figures, she discovers in him an infuriating opponent and an unexpected mentor. Their relationship faces the ultimate test as they confront one of the most polarizing cases to reach the nation's highest court.

Written by Charles MacArthur Award winner John Strand, this daring new work shows just how much passion for the law and risk it takes to defend one's version of the truth. Court is thrilled to introduce this brilliant play to Chicago, with Edward Gero at its center. Molly Smith's production is a sensation in Washington, D.C., where it premiered and has been revived twice.

The cast of The Originalist includes Edward Gero (Justice Antonin Scalia), Jade Wheeler (Cat), and Brett Mack (Brad).

The creative team includes Misha Kachman (scenic design), Joseph P. Salasovich (costume design), Collin K. Bills (lighting design), Eric Shimelonis (sound design), and Susan White (original stage manager). The production stage manager is Amanda Weener-Frederick.

Fact Sheet / The Originalist

Title: The Originalist

By: John Strand

Directed by: Molly Smith

with Associate Director Seema Sueko

Featuring: Edward Gero (Justice Antonin Scalia), Jade Wheeler (Cat), and Brett Mack (Brad)

Creative Team: Misha Kachman (scenic design), Joseph P. Salasovich (costume design), Collin K. Bills (lighting design), Eric Shimelonis (sound design), and Susan White (original stage manager). The production stage manager is Amanda Weener-Frederick.

Dates: Previews: May 10 - 18, 2018

Opening: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 8:00pm

Regular Run: May 20 - June 10, 2018

Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Sundays: 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Location: Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

Tickets: $38-$48 previews

$44-$74 regular run

Box Office: Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org.

The Originalist is sponsored by The University of Chicago Women's Board.

Court Theatre is guided by its mission to discover the power of classic theatre. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. Court revives lost masterpieces, illuminates familiar texts, and distinguishes fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences.

Photo of Edward Gero (by C. Stanley) and Jade Wheeler (by Gary W. Sweetman)

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