THE LIEUTENANT OF INISHMORE Runs 4/29-6/7 At Northlight Theater

Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce the Chicago Premiere of The Lieutenant of Inishmore by Martin McDonagh, directed by BJ Jones. The production runs April 29-June 7, 2009 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. The press opening is Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

"Wee Thomas" the cat has been killed. What's worse, he was the beloved pet of Padraic, a ruthless Irish hitman who considers the IRA "too soft." As the folks back home fight over who has to break the bad news, the violence escalates-recalling Shakespeare and Quentin Tarantino at their bloody best. A few murders, several dismemberments and a smattering of cow mutilations later, all is finally right with the world again. Or is it?

In this wickedly funny black comedy from the author of The Cripple of Inishmaan, A Skull in Connemara and the recent Oscar-nominated film In Bruges, McDonagh considers the implications of outrageous reactions to small misunderstandings.

"All of McDonagh's work sets up an initial conceit of character and plot, which are brilliantly conceived, and craftily constructed. But behind the fireworks of his craftsmanship, his thematic agenda emerges with canny wit and brutal force. In the case of Inishmore, he is examining the folly of violence, of resentment, of holding on to principal until all meaning and purpose are stripped from it," says BJ Jones. "This production might be a rough go for those in the audience who like their theatre like a weak tea. But for those who like theirs with a shot of Jameson in it, Northlight is the right place."

The cast includes: Jamie Abelson (Davey), Cliff Chamberlain (Padraic), Matt DeCaro (Donny), Keith Gallagher (James/Joey), John Judd (Christy), Andy Luther (Brendan), Kelly O'Sullivan (Mairead).

Tickets for The Lieutenant of Inishmore, $25- $55, are available by phone, (847) 673-6300, or online at www.northlight.org. Student tickets (one per student with valid ID) are $10. Tickets for the opening night of The Lieutenant of Inishmore (May 7) are $75 and will include a post-show reception with the company. The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. (except March 19).; Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. (except April 29 and May 6) and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. (except May 2) and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (except May 17, 31 and June 7).

Regular run: May 8-June 7, 2009

Schedule:

Tuesdays: 7:30 p.m. (except May 19)

Wednesdays: 1:00 p.m. (except April 29 and May 6);

7:30 p.m.

Thursdays: 7:30 p.m.

Fridays: 8:00 p.m.

Saturdays: 2:30 p.m. (except May 2);

8:00 p.m.

Sundays: 2:30 p.m.;

7:00 p.m. (except May 17, 31 and June 7)

Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.
Tickets: Previews: $25- $50
Regular run: $25- $55
Student tickets: $10 (one per student with valid ID)
Rush tickets: $20 (available day of show by phone or in-person; subject to availability)

Opening night May 7: $75, includes a post-show reception with the company
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. (847) 673-6300; www.northlight.org