Photo Flash: Chekhov's IVANOV Hits The SiNNERMAN Ensemble On 10/1; Previews Begin 9/30

SiNNERMAN Ensemble presents Anton Chekhov's "Ivanov," in the first professional production of a contemporary American language adaptation by Sheldon Patinkin, who also directs, featuring eight ensemble members in a passion-filled production of this classic story that swings wildly from comedy to tragedy.  In a community obsessed with gossip and greed, the brilliant Ivanov has fallen out of love with his wife and his friends and bankrupted his land, only to be dangerously attracted to the beautiful young daughter of his creditor.  Chekhov's most accessible play asks the burning question "How do you live without hope?"  Patinkin is Chair Emeritus of the Theater Department of Columbia College, and Artistic Consultant to The Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre.  "Ivanov" runs about two hours and thirty minutes with one intermission.  SiNNERMAN, formed out of a Steppenwolf Theatre summer program, is spelled with all caps except for the "i", and is named after the Nina Simone song.

Ivanov will be held at the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N. Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60618.

The show opens Thursday, October 1, 2009, 7:30 p.m. Runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. Preview on September 30 at 7:30 p.m.; Daylight Saving ends November 1.

For tickets, phone: 773-296-6024. Tickets are also available at www.viaducttheatre.com and www.goldstar.com.

Tickets cost: $20 general admission – please note that the Viaduct Box Office adds a $1 phone and $4 on-line service charge to the below listed prices.

Ticket prices:

$30 on Saturday, October 3 for Wine, Cheese and Chat Opening Celebration

$15 student/industry Thursdays and Sundays (with ID, door purchase only)

$15 special tickets (door purchase only) for these special shows:

Sunday, October 11 "I'd rather see a play than run 26 miles" Marathon Show

Halloween weekend, Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31

"Theatre is the original costume party" (costumes encouraged)                 

Pay-what-you-can for September 30th preview

Group rates for eight or more available – call 773-296-6024

Staff:

Sheldon Patinkin (Adaptor and Director), Jacqueline Penrod (Set Design), Frances Maggio (Costume Design), Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Design), Jill Bowarchuck (Lighting Design), Matt Cummings (Props Design), Brea Hayes (Assistant Director), Bill Paton (Stage Manager), nk [sic] Mooneyham (Photography, Graphic Design), with SiNNERMAN ensemble members Stefin Steberl (Production Manager), Ricky Lurie (Assistant Costume Design), Dominica Fisher and Levi Petree (Creative Consultants).

Cast:SiNNERMAN ensemble members Cyd Blakewell (Anna), Anna Carini (Zinaida), Jeremy Fisher (Ivanov), Ryan Martin (Borkin), Calliope Porter (Babakina), Sue Redman (Sasha), Johnny Russell (Lvov), and Ebony Wimbs (Avdotya), with guest artists Sean Bolger (Shabyelski), Howie Johnson (Lyebedev), Brian Kavanaugh (Kosich), including Jason Boat, Lila Collins, Alexander Lane, Jeffrey Charles Marcus, Rakisha Pollard, Melinda Stefanski and Jay Worthington as ensemble.

Photos by nk [sic] Mooneyham

Jeremy Fisher, Sue Redman and Anna Carini

Anna Carini and Johnny Russell

Jeremy Fisher and Cyd Blakewell

Jeremy Fisher and Ryan Martin