Step Up Productions to Present THE BENCHMARK, 9/13-10/20

Step Up Production will kick off its 2013-14 season with Richard A. Roberts' touching Chicago drama The BenchMark, directed by Tara Branham, playing September 13 - October 20, 2013 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago.

Tickets are available online at www.stepupproductions.org and www.athenaeumtheatre.org or by calling The Athenaeum Box Office at (773) 935-6875. The press performance is Tuesday, September 17 at 8 pm.

The BenchMark features AJ Froeber, Amy Geist, Daniel Houle, Raymond Jacquet, Annie Neal, Tricia Rodriguez, Andrew Sellar and Robert Wilson.

Based on a true story, this poignant play chronicles the life of Mark, a charming, eloquent homeless man who calls a lonely, little Chicago park bench his home. As he journeys through the summer, autumn and winter seasons, he seeks solace in alcohol and literature in order to escape the harsh realities of his life and the world around him. Combining social commentary, pathos and biting humor, this bittersweet satire is an elegy to the misfit in us.

"After Chicago's theater community and audiences alike embraced our inaugural production of Sweetest Swing in Baseball, we knew it was time to produce a full season - and we're excited to call The Athenaeum Theatre our resident home for 2013-14," comments Step Up Artistic Director and Founder Elizabeth Antonucci. "Mr. Roberts' beautiful and haunting play The BenchMark struck a powerful chord - it completely altered my perspective on the homeless people we, as Chicagoans, encounter nearly ever day. Similarly, I hope this production challenges and inspires our audiences to look further beyond what they see on the outside," adds Antonucci.

Proceeds from The BenchMark will also benefit the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness. 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.

Production team: Shaun Renfro (set design), Raquel Adorno (costume design), Mike Durst (lighting design), Steve Baldwin (sound design), Dori Walstrom (makeup design), Margaret Lebron (dramaturg) and Adrienne Bader (stage manager).

The show will play The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Previews: Friday, September 13 at 8 pm, Saturday, September 14 at 8 pm and Sunday, September 15 at 2 pm; Press performance: Tuesday, September 17 at 8 pm; Regular run: Thursday, September 19 - Sunday, October 20, 2013. Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. Please note: there will be an added Industry Night performance on Monday, September 30 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: Previews: $15. Regular run: $30. $17 students (with current ID), $25 seniors, $16 rush tickets (one hour before curtain). Industry Night: Monday, September 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets $15 with code "SPIND." Benefit Performance for Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness: Sunday, October 13 at 2 pm - includes appetizers, one drink and cash bar. Tickets $30 - no discounts for this performance.

$15 industry nights with code (Thursdays and Monday, September 30). 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.