LUCID To Have World Premiere Jan. 31

Tony Fiorentino's Lucid makes its world premiere at the Athenaeum Theatre on January 31, 2010. Lucid explores the mystery and enticement of lucid dreams, and their potential to transform, enrich, and empower our waking reality. Fiorentino, whose most recent work, All My Love, garnered a Jeff nomination for "Best New Work" of 2009, teams up with collaborator Braden LuBell, director of Diamante's acclaimed production. 

Lucid tells the story of Peter Moore, a discontented artist, saddled by the pressures of an unfulfilling relationship and a mercenary day job. Craving that freedom in his life that he lords over the canvass, he begins to experiment with the art of lucid dreaming, fulfilling his wildest fantasies with an imagined mistress. But soon his nightly trysts come to eclipse the demands of reality, and Peter discovers that he may have permanently blurred the line that separates dream from reality.

The four person cast for Lucid, directed by Braden LuBell, includes Daniel McEvilly (Peter), Jake Szczepaniak (Wally), Laura Shatkus (Becky), and Tracey Kaplan (Robin). The production team includes Robert Shoquist as scenic designer, Adam Smith as sound designer, Justin Wardell as lighting designer, Katherine Stebbins as costume designer, Lindsay Monahan as props designer, and Christian Vernon as stage manager. 

Diamante Productions, a non-profit theatre company, was founded in 2005, and is dedicated to the production and development of new plays. Diamante Productions has presented five world premieres since 2005: Lease on Love (Theatre Building Chicago, 2006), Cold Cold Feet (Theatre Building Chicago, 2006), Fraternal Instinct (Athenaeum Theatre, 2007), My Dinner with Amy (Theatre Building Chicago, 2008), and All My Love (Theatre Building Chicago, 2009), for which Fiorentino received a Jeff nomination for "Best New Work."

Lucid makes its world premiere at the Athenaeum Theatre (studio three), 2936 N. Southport Sunday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m and runs through Sunday, Feb. 28. Preview performances are Friday, January 29 and Saturday, January 30. Performance times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($18 for students, senior citizens and previews). To purchase tickets, call Ticketmaster at 800.982.2787 or go online at ticketmaster.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Athenaeum Theatre box office.