Provision Theater Is Set To Produce 2009-2010 Season In Their New Permanent Space

Provision Theater Company is thrilled to announce that the 2009-10 season will be produced in their brand new home, located at 1001 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago. To celebrate the space, the theater company will host a gala reception on Saturday, September 12; a date that also marks the official opening of the season with a bigger and bolder version of one of Provision's all time smash hit productions, Harry Chapin's COTTON PATCH GOSPEL. Provision Theater Company is devoted to producing works of hope, reconciliation and redemption; works that challenge us to explore a life of meaning and purpose. Harry Chapin's COTTON PATCH GOSPEL will run September 10 through November 8. Following will be a new take on William Shakespeare's TAMING OF THE SHREW from January 27 through March 7, starring Tim Gregory and Susan Moniz. Rounding out the season will be a World Premiere production of THE HIDING PLACE, based on the autobiography of Corrie ten Boom, from April 7 through May 23.

In March 2004, Provision Theater Company produced a Jeff nominated, critically acclaimed production of Harry Chapin's off-Broadway smash hit COTTON PATCH GOSPEL. The production played to packed houses and unanimous critical praise from the Chicagoland media. A bigger and bolder version of Provision's production will preview September 10 and run through November 8, with a gala opening night reception on September 12, highlighted with a champagne toast to Provision's new space. The production features the reverential retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and John in a contemporary southern setting, set to bluegrass music. The award winning musical is based on the book "The Cotton Patch Gospels of Matthew and John" by Clarence Jordan, a Bible scholar and Civil Rights activist. Tom Key and Russel Trevz adapTed Jordan's writings and worked with the late Harry Chapin to create this musical stage version.

Provision's season will continue with a new take on William Shakespeare's early comedy TAMING OF THE SHREW. The production will preview January 27, open January 30 and run through March 7. In this play, starring Chicago favorites Tim Gregory and Susan Moniz, Petruchio has come to Padua wife hunting, and the object of his eye is none other than Katherina, also known as Kate the Curst- whom he vows to tame. Thus begins one of Shakespeare's most popular romantic farces. The clash of an almost irresistible force with a nearly immovable object produces explosive, and madcap, results in this bold and fresh look at the battle of the sexes.

The final show of the season will be Provision Theater Company's World Premiere production of THE HIDING PLACE, written by Artistic Director Tim Gregory, based on the best-selling autobiography by Corrie ten Boom. This true story of a family that fought the Nazi madness with the only weapon they had- love, will preview April 7, open April 10 and run through May 23. The story tells the inspiring tale of Holocaust survivor Corrie ten Boom. With the World War II invasion of Holland, the ten Boom family joined the underground resistance to help save Jewish families. Their lives were turned upside down when they were arrested and imprisoned in concentration camps themselves. The play tells the dramatic tale of survival and hope as the ten Boom family is left with nothing to cling to but their faith.

In addition to the 2004 hit COTTON PATCH GOSPEL, Provision Theater Company has celebrated two more Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for their critically-acclaimed production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Other highly praised and Joseph Jefferson nominated productions include: C.S. Lewis ON STAGE, SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY & THE THANKSGIVING VISITOR, THE BOYS NEXT DOOR, THE SPITFIRE GRILL, THE GOSPEL OF JOHN and BEAST ON THE MOON.

The performance schedule for the season is as follows: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($28) and Sundays at 3 p.m. ($25). Select Wednesday and Thursday preview performances will be held at 8 p.m. ($22). Ticket prices include free parking. Groups of 10 or more are 10% off. For reservations, phone 866.811.4111. You may also visit www.provisiontheater.org.