The Goodman Theatre to Hold Memorial Celebration for Russ Tutterow

The Goodman hosts "An Evening of Sharing" honoring the life and legacy of Russ Tutterow (1946-2015), Chicago Dramatists' Emeritus Artistic Director whose commitment to developing plays and playwrights for the American theater spanned three decades and hundreds of artists.

Industry professionals, friends and admirers of Tutterow are invited to share their thoughts, memories and stories of his impact on their lives/careers in the following ways: live on stage at the memorial, via a brief testimonial or song; in a recorded video message or pictures; with a "memorial artifact" to display at the service; or in written reflection, to be read aloud by on stage readers. Under Tutterow's leadership, Chicago Dramatists is home to 34 Resident Playwrights, a creative source to more than 150 Network Playwrights, and counts among its distinguished alumni Rebecca Gilman, Tina Fey, Sarah Ruhl, Keith Huff, Lydia R. Diamond, Tanya Saracho, Brett Neveu, Rick Cleveland, David Barr, Roger Rueff and many more. "An Evening of Sharing" takes place Monday, July 13 in the Goodman's Albert Theater (170 N. Dearborn); doors open at 6pm and the memorial service begins promptly at 6:30pm. For more information and detailed instructions about how to participate, visit ChicagoDramatists.org/Russ-Tutterow.

"Russ always wanted his memorial to be filled with laughter and friends and celebration of very happy times together," said Meghan Beals, Interim Artistic Director at Chicago Dramatists. "While his absence is felt very deeply, his spirt will always be with us in every new production, rehearsal, reading and class we provide. We look forward to honoring a great man and the incredible legacy he built at Chicago Dramatists."

Tutterow dedicated his life to bringing new work to the stage. His final production, which is anchoring Chicago Dramatists' 2014/2015 season, is A Work of Art by Elaine Romero. A world premiere directed by Henry Godinez and produced in association with Goodman Theatre, A Work of Art tells the story of a woman who lost her brother to the war in Vietnam-and how the course of her life was changed forever. Romero developed A Work of Art during her time in the Goodman's Playwrights Unit, and it is the second play of "The U.S. at War" trilogy; the first play of the trilogy, Graveyard of Empires (Blue Ink Playwriting Award/American Blues Theater, developed at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble) appeared at 16th Street Theatre earlier this season, and the final play, Rain of Ruin, is forthcoming. The cast includes Charin Alvarez (The Upstairs Concierge) Mario Moreno, Vic Kuligoski, Stephenie Park (The White Snake) and Jennifer Coombs (Rapture, Blister, Burn). The design team includes Regina Garcia (Set), Mike Hurst (Lighting), Janice Pytel (Costume) and Chris Kris (Sound). A Work of Art runs through July 19 only; for tickets ($18-40; group discounts available), visit ChicagoDramatists.org or call 312.633.0630.

During his three-decade tenure at Chicago Dramatists, Russ Tutterow directed hundreds of new play readings and nurtured the careers of many playwrights. World premiere productions included A Steady Rain by Keith Huff (subsequently on Broadway, starring Daniel Craig and Hugh Jackman); Blizzard '67 by Jon Steinhagen; Hickorydickory by Marisa Wegrzyn; Water by Alice Austen, Voyeurs de Venus by Lydia R. Diamond (Jeff Award for New Work); Heat by Marsha Estell; Drawing War by Brett Neveu; and Grande Hysterie by Roger Rueff. He directed, managed and taught at Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens, The Royal George, Mercury, Briar Street among many others. He received the 2007 Achievement in Theatre Award from the Illinois Theatre Association, and in 2010 he received the Actors' Equity Spirit Award for his commitment to non-traditional casting and diversity. To honor his 25th year as Chicago Dramatists Artistic Director and his contribution to the cultural life of Chicago, the City of Chicago proclaimed May Street (adjacent to Chicago Dramatists) as "Russ Tutterow Way."

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