Profiles Theatre Extends KILLER JOE at the Royal George Theatre, Set To Close 7/18

Profiles Theatre announces the final extension of its hit production Killer Joe by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tracy Letts at Chicago's Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St. After 13 weeks at Profiles Theatre and 8 more weeks at The Royal George Theatre's Cabaret space, the acclaimed production will extend for an additional 6 weeks through July 18, 2010.

The production, directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder, played to continually sold-out houses at Profiles when it opened in January 2010. The production received rave critical reviews from Chicago's top critics and has broken Profiles' box office records. All cast members are continuing in their roles, including Profiles ensemble members Darrell W. Cox and Somer Benson along with Kevin Bigley, Howie Johnson and Claire Wellin.

"This was the first time in our history that transferred a show to a much larger theatre and have been extremely happy with the results," says Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. "This is a perfect theatre space for Killer Joe and we've feel we've reached a much broader audience at the Royal George."

In Killer Joe, the Smith family, a greedy and vindictive clan of Texans, hatch a plan to murder their estranged matriarch to cash in on her insurance policy. Unable to bring themselves to do the deed, they hire Killer Joe Cooper, a full-time cop and part-time contract killer. Once he steps into their trailer, their simple plan quickly spirals out of control.

The designers are Sotirious Livaditis (set), Jessica Harpenau (lights), Darcy McGill (costumes), and Kevin O'Donnell (sound). The assistant director is Jeremy Lee Cudd. The stage manager is Mary Ellen Rieck and the assistant stage manager is Corey Weinberg.

The production contains graphic violence, nudity and strong adult content, no one under seventeen will be admitted.

Now playing at the Royal George through July 18, 2010, tickets at the Royal George Theatre are $35 for Thursdays and $40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets at Royal George are available by phone at (312) 988-9000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5:00 and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 7:00 p.m.

Profiles Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre company founded in 1988 by five Eastern Illinois University alumni and has since been continually producing plays. Profiles brings new works to Chicago that illuminate the determination and resiliency of the human spirit. The company produces World, US and Midwest Premieres by new playwrights, as well as established writers whose work has been seen across the country and around the world. Profiles is particularly drawn to playwrights with a unique narrative style and use of language and the company takes pride in carefully selecting scripts that combine integrity with risk. Profiles Theatre is committed to producing plays that tell a story in a captivating way with productions that complement the ensemble and speak to its audience.

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