Factory Theater Presents 1985 at DCA Storefront Theater 10/5-11/7

Factory Theater, in association with Chicago DCA Theater, presents the Orwellian interpretation of Chicago sports history in 1985. The production, written by Factory Theater Managing Director Chas Vrba, comes to Chicago DCA's Storefront Theater at 66 E. Randolph Street, from October 5 to November 7, 2010. Members of the press are invited to the opening performance on Thursday, October 7, at 7:30 pm.

Winston Smith is sick of losing. His Chicago sports teams let him down time and again, and he's through. Or is he? Is it even possible to disavow himself of his team loyalty? Bear down, Chicago, and discover what happened to the Cubs in '84; what treachery existed behind the ‘79 Disco Demolition; how the Eastland Disaster saved the NFL; and why the '85 Bears lost that game in Miami. On this 25th anniversary of the celebrated Super Bowl Shuffle season, Factory Theater imagines an Orwellian Chicago where winning isn't everything, it just might be the only thing. Remember, Papa Bear is watching YOU!

Performances of 1985 are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm. and Sunday afternoons at 3 pm. A post-show discussion will follow the performance on Thursday, October 14.

Tickets are $25 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors. The preview performances on October 5 and 6 cost $10. Discounts are available for Chicago Cultural Center Mosaic Members, theater industry affiliates, military personnel, ADA companions, and large groups. All tickets are available by calling 312.742.TIXS (8497), visiting www.dcatheater.org, or stopping by the DCA Box Office in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 pm and Sundays, noon to 4 pm. When available, tickets go on sale one hour before each performance at the Storefront Theater.

Cast and Production Team
The cast features Timothy C. Amos, Christy Arington, Ernie Deak, Scott Oken, Mike Ooi, Anthony Tournis, Stacie Barra Tournis, Lindsay Verstegen, and Chas Vrba.

Eric Roach directs the performance. The show's set design is by Angelina Martinez, with lighting by Gary Echelmeyer, sound by Nick Booth, and costumes by Rachel Sypniewski. Production Manager is Carrie Sullivan and Stage Manager is Chloe Honeyman-Bloede.

Playwright Chas Vrba is a native Chicagoan who has worked in various capacities in the Chicago theatre scene for nearly twenty years. 1985 is Chas' first full-length play, previous writing credits include co-writing efforts for Cathode Raygun with Vanishing Assemblage, ChicagoStyle with the Factory Theater as well as the 10 minute play Nice Ones. As an actor he has worked with a number of local companies (Steppenwolf, The Journeymen, European Rep, Raven Theatre, among others) and works frequently as a sound designer as well. Chas serves as the Managing Director of the Factory Theater where the vast majority of his artistic endeavors take place.

Founded in Chicago in 1992, Factory Theater is a theater organization dedicated to the writing, directing, performance, and production of original works written by ensemble members that are accessible to inexperienced as well as seasoned theatergoers. The company has produced over 75 original plays that have been enjoyed by both critics and audience members, including Siskel & Ebert Save Chicago, Hey! Dancin'! and most recently The League of Awesome.

The Storefront Theater and the Studio Theater, its companion theater located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, comprise Chicago DCA Theater, an anchor of the downtown theater district. Chicago DCA Theater offers downtown audiences an off-Loop theater experience with an exciting look at the vibrant emerging theater companies that call Chicago home. Proposals for creative and innovative productions for the July to December 2011 season are being accepted now through October 15, 2010.

Discounted parking is available at Wabash Randolph Self Park at 20 E. Randolph. Patrons can receive the $10 rate by validating their ticket at the Storefront Theater box office.

For more information about Factory Theater's 1985 and Chicago DCA Theater, call 312.742.TIXS (8497) or visit www.dcatheater.org. The enhanced website features more about DCA Theater performances and programs, including a blog, photo galleries, and visitor information. More information on Factory Theater is available at www.thefactorytheater.com.

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