Photo Flash: Collective Theatre Presents Inaugural Production HOODOO LOVE thru 10/22

The Collective Theatre presents its inaugural production: the Chicago premiere of HooDoo Love by Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall, directed by Nelsan Ellis, star of HBO's hit series True Blood. HooDoo Love plays now through October 21, 2012 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Avenue in Chicago. The production features Toni Lynice Fountain, LaRoyce Hawkins, Mark Smith and Lynn Wactor with Sam Bailey, Mark Hood, Opal Demetria Staples and Greg Williams. Musicians include Leon Q. Allen, Giles Corey and Thomas Lowery. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Set in the 1930s, HooDoo Love is a moving tale of love, magic, jealousy and secrets. Toulou escapes from the Mississippi cotton fields to pursue her dream of singing the blues in Memphis. When she meets a rambling blues man, the notorious Ace of Spades, her dreams are realized in a way she never could have imagined. Written in vivid language that captures the blues, HooDoo Love is a not-to-be missed work by one of theatre's most critically acclaimed new American voices.

The production team for HooDoo Love includes: Henry Behel (Set Designer/Production Manager), Noël Huntzinger (Costume Designer), Cat Wilson (Lighting Designer), Daniel Carlyon (Sound Designer), Julie Ritchey (Props Designer), Veronda Carey (Assistant Director) and Mallory Raven-Ellen Backstrom (Stage Manager).

Tickets are currently available online at www.athenaeumtheatre.org or by calling the Athenaeum Theatre Box Office at (773) 935-6875.

Photo Credit: Michael Brosilow

HOODOO LOVE

HOODOO LOVE

HOODOO LOVE

Lynn Wactor and LaRoyce Hawkins

LaRoyce Hawkins and Mark Smith

Opal Demetria Staples