Signal Ensemble Theater Concludes Season with THE NEXT THING, Begin. Tonight

Signal Ensemble Theatre presents the final production of their 11th Season with the world premiere of the Signal Ensemble Theatre original musical The Next Thing, playing at their home, 1802 W. Berenice Ave. Founded in 2003, award-winning Signal Ensemble Theatre uses a deeply collaborative method to produce work never-before-seen in Chicago. The Next Thing has its book by Signal Ensemble Member and Co-Artistic Director Ronan Marra and music and lyrics by Signal Ensemble Member Jon Steinhagen. The production is directed by Marra and features music direction by Jon Steinhagen. Preview performances are tonight, May 1 and Friday, May 2, both at 8 p.m. Opening/press night is Saturday, May. 3 at 8 p.m. Performances will run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. and ticket prices are $20 for single tickets, $15 for industry/students/seniors/groups and $10 for previews. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.698.7389 or by visiting www.signalensemble.com.

Kate and Conor, ambitious actors from opposite sides of the Atlantic, meet while co-starring in a Hollywood blockbuster and take an immediate disliking to each other. Naturally, they are paired together for more films. The Next Thing is a new musical that spans six years, five movies, four deals, three significant others, two Oscars, and one combustible relationship.

The cast and production team for The Next Thing includes:

CAST: Courtney Jones (Kate), Christopher Selefski (Conor), Eleanor Katz (Laura), Joseph Stearns*(Sam), Vincent Lonergan* (Herbert/Kate's Father), Elizabeth Bagby (Annika/Lexi/Elizabeth), Stephanie Wohar (Ensemble), and Taylor Okey (Ensemble)

*Indicates Signal Ensemble Theatre Member, ^Indicates Signal Ensemble Artistic Associate

CREW: Ronan Marra* (director), Jon Steinhagen* (musical director), Brigitte Ditmars^ (choreographer), Melania Lancy* (set designer), Elsa Hiltner^ (costume designer), Anthony Ingram* (sound designer), Julie Ballard^ (lighting designer), Mary O'Dowd^ (properties designer) Elise Kauzlaric (dialect coach) and Stephanie Ingram* (stage manager)

*Indicates Signal Ensemble Theatre Member, ^Indicates Signal Ensemble Artistic Associate