Photo Flash: First Look at Step Up Productions' HOLIDAZE

'Tis the season! Step Up Productions presents HoliDaze, a gift-wrapped line-up of original Christmas one-acts showcasing the dysfunctional chaos and joyous celebration the holidays bring. HoliDaze features works by Lisa Dillman, Tate Geborkoff, Nambi E. Kelley, Joshua Rollins and Steve Simoncic and plays now through December 22, 2013 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Five talented playwrights explore the holiday season and the experiences of love, happiness, craziness, sadness, magic, anger, loss and disappointment. Join a fool and wench for a light hearted Christmas in a royal palace; an engaged couple wanting to have the best Christmas ever; a family's experience of loss and larger-than-life love; a first date over coffee with a special gift; and an unexpected visitor on Christmas Eve for this festive line-up that truly reveals the difficulties and joys of relationships during the holiday season.

HoliDaze is directed by Tara Branham, Daniel Bryant, Adrianne Cury, Laura Hooper and Vincent Teninty and features Elizabeth Antonucci, Nadirah Bost, Jake Carr, Greg Geffrard, Jennifer Glasse, David Goodloe, Andy Luther, Eric Lynch, Connor McNamara, Ashley Neal, Nick Polus, Amanda Powell and Gina Taliaferro.

Step Up Productions will be collecting donations and non-perishable goods for Lakeview Pantry at each performance. Proceeds from HoliDaze will also help provide counseling for Seasonal Affective Disorder through Dr. Jacqueline Duke, PsyD, LLC. As part of its mission, Step Up Productions donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations in and around Chicago that support issues often highlighted in its productions.

The full HoliDaze line-Up includes:

The Space Behind Your Heart by Steve Simoncic

Directed by Vincent Teninty

Featuring Andy Luther and Amanda Powell

The story of Connor and Sloan, two 40-somethings on a first date brokered by the online dating service, Christian Mingle. A gift is exchanged, an understanding is achieved, and there is a moment of possibility for people simply trying to find a moment of dignity and genuine human connection after life has convinced them that might not be possible.

And The Snow Came Down by Tate Geborkoff

Directed by Tara Branham

Featuring Jake Carr, Greg Geffrard and Gina Taliaferro

Recently engaged, Stuart and Phillip are busy trying to unite their families during "the best Christmas ever." In a moment's reprieve, Stuart and his future mother-in-law, Karen, escape the party and their slow-burning hostility comes to blows over love, marriage, family and Phillip. And the Snow Came Down reflects on how families can lovingly be at each other's throats with charming rancor and razor wit.

For My Brothers Whenever I May Find Them by Nambi E. Kelley

Directed by Daniel Bryant

Featuring Nadirah Bost, Jennifer Glasse, David Goodloe and Eric Lynch

What happens to a family when it loses its matriarch just before the holidays? Will they come together in love or allow their loss to separate them? For My Brothers Whenever I May Find Them tells the story of family and asks the question: will love triumph over fear in the face of loss?

The Intruder by Joshua Rollins

Directed by Laura Hooper

Featuring Elizabeth Antonucci and Connor McNamara

The holidays are a time for family to come together - but what happens when all flights are cancelled and a couple is left to spend the time together - whether their relationship is ready for it or not? Oh, and there's a squirrel loose in the apartment. And he's hungry. And evil.

Christmas is Made for Fools by Lisa Dillman

Directed by Adrianne Cury
Featuring Eric Lynch, Ashley Neal and Nick Polus

A depressed court jester, tasked with creating a holiday pageant for the king, gets a lesson in love and the art of merrymaking from a quick-witted palace wench.

The production team for HoliDaze includes: Sarah JHP Watkins (set design), Raquel Adorno (costume design), Becca Jeffords (lighting design), Steve Baldwin (sound design), Haley Borodine (props design), Jon Martinez (choreography), Dorthea Walstrom (makeup design), Corinne Bass (technical director), Megan Snowder (master electrician), Megan Kowalsky and Alyson Kulin (assistant stage managers), Adrienne Bader (stage manager) and Catherine Allen (production manager).

Performances run at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Regular run: Thursday, December 5 - Sunday, December 22, 2013. Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets: Previews: $15. Regular run: $30. Discounts: $17 students (with current ID), $25 seniors, $16 rush tickets (one hour before curtain). Industry Night: Monday, December 16 at 8 pm. $15 with code "SPIND." Tickets are available online at www.stepupproductions.org and www.athenaeumtheatre.org or by calling The Athenaeum Box Office at (773) 935-6875. Group rates available.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow