Photo Flash: First Look at Sideshow Theatre's CHALK at Victory Gardens Theater

Sideshow Theatre Company concludes its 2014-15 season with the sci-fi fable CHALK by ensemble member Walt McGough, directed by ensemble member Megan A. Smith, to be presented in a rolling world premiere with Boston''s Fresh Ink Theatre. CHALK will play May 24 - June 28, 2015 at Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in person at the Victory Gardens Box Office. The press opening is Thursday, May 28 at 7:30 pm.

CHALK will feature artistic associates Kathleen Akerley and Nina O'Keefe.

Maggie survived the end of the world, but it hasn't really ended, has it? Stuck in an abandoned building with nearly unlimited supplies, a broken radio and a book of spells, she bides her time and waits for the monsters to leave. But when her daughter reappears, Maggie can't celebrate because something is not quite right. The two women square off with both their lives hanging in the balance, and all that keeps them separate is a razor-thin chalk circle, hastily drawn by Maggie on the floor. The world premiere of ensemble member Walt McGough's intense sci-fi fable digs deep into issues of motherhood, responsibility and possession of all kinds.

Sideshow Theatre''s production of CHALK is the final leg of a two-city rolling world premiere of the play, in association with Boston''s Fresh Ink Productions, which produced which produced the first leg in January. Multiple productions of the play over the course of one theatrical season have allowed for it to develop and grow in a way that incorporates the artistic talents and input of multiple companies, casts and audience bases.

The production team for CHALK includes: Megan Truscott (scenic designer), Lauren Josef (costume designer), Eric Van Tassell (lighting designer), Michael Huey (sound designer), Mealah Heidenreich (props designer), Faith Noelle Hurley (fight choreographer), Aaron Shapiro (production manager), Ryan Milosevich (technical director), Sarah Illiatovitch-Goldman (assistant director), Tala Said (assistant stage manager) and Shannon Golden (stage manager). *Denotes Sideshow Artistic Associate

Photos by Jonathan L. Green