Next Theatre Premieres MAPLE AND VINE, 11/1

Next Theatre Company will present the Chicago premiere of Jordan Harrison's new play, Maple and Vine, directed by Damon Kiely, October 27 - December 4, at 927 Noyes Street. Previews are October 27 - 30 and the opening/press night is Tuesday, November 1 at 7 p.m.

The regular performance schedule is Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 12, 19, 26 and Dec. 3 have an added 4 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $25 - $40 with subscriber and student discounts available. Tickets may be purchased at nexttheatre.org or by calling 847-475-1875 x2.

Jordan Harrison's new play, the hit of the 2011 Humana Festival, Maple and Vine, examines the modern world of today and asks the question "Were the 'good ole days' that good?" Katha and Ryu have become allergic to their fast-paced modern lives and all its attachments. After they meet a charismatic man from a community of 1950's re-enactors, they forsake cell phones and sushi for cigarettes and Tupperware parties. In this meticulously recreated world, Katha and Ryu are surprised by how much they are willing to sacrifice for happiness.

Harrison interviewed members of various religious sects, tribes and cults, as well as technological engineers, media specialists and Civil War re-enactors to help create the fictional world found in Maple and Vine.

Maple and Vine's cast includes Larry Grimm, Jenny Avery, Peter Sipla, Paul D'Addario and Molly Glynn. The production team is made up of set design: Keith Pitts, lighting design: Diane Fairchild, costume design: Alex Meadows and sound design, Lindsay Jones.