The Neo-Futurists Extend 44 PLAYS FOR 44 PRESIDENTS thru Nov 17

The Neo-Futurists announce a one week extension of 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, directed by Halena Kays. Three shows have been added beyond the original closing date of November 10: Thursday, November 15; Friday, November 16; and Saturday, November 17. All extension performances start at 7:30 p.m.

44 Plays for 44 Presidents is a chronological, biographical survey of the lives and presidencies of each of the 44 men who have held the office so far. The 2012 production is a remount of one of the biggest prime-time blockbusters in Neo history, 43 Plays for 43 Presidents, originally produced in 2002. This year's incarnation comes with a shiny new cast, live musicians and video under the direction of Halena Kays, Artistic Director of The Hypocrites. In 44 Plays... mistakes and successes of our presidents are celebrated by a company of performers who take turns donning a star-spangled coat that symbolizes the presidency.

Beginning with George Washington's almost Eden-like perfection, the scenes shift frequently between the comic and the tragic, from Ben Franklin giving Thomas Jefferson a Borscht Belt-style roast, to a polarized America in both the George W. Bush and Barack Obama plays. 44 Plays for 44 Presidents not only gives a second chance to audiences who missed the first production, but it gives existing fans an opportunity to experience the show in a new way after the original has been produced around the country and is now a part of the Plays for Presidents Festival 2012. Arrive early to shoot hoops and flex your political savvy in the "Electoral College Prep Academy", where The Neo-Futurarium's State Park is transformed into a basketball court, complete with political trivia and tributes to the current POTUS.

The Plays for Presidents Festival 2012 is a national collaboration of theatre and educational artists interested in elevating political discourse and highlighting the impact of history through the production of 44 Plays for 44 Presidents. The Festival team has met its goal, set by Neo-Futurist alumnus, Andy Bayiates, to see that no fewer than 44 theatres, colleges, and high schools are producing the play in conjunction with the 2012 Presidential Election. Each participating group selects a different presidential play to perform on video, with the Chicago Neo-Futurists taping their piece on President Barack Obama. The festival culminates in simultaneous election night events and an online composite video production of 44 Plays for 44 Presidents made up of contributions from all 44 Productions. More information can be found at www.playsforpresidents.com.

44 Plays for 44 Presidents, written by Andy Bayiates, SEan Benjamin, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Chloe Johnston and Karen Weinberg, directed by Halena Kays, continues regular performances continue through November 10: Thurs/Fri/Sat at 7:30 p.m. and select Sunday performances on October 14, 21, 28 and November 4 at 3:00 p.m. Extension performances continue through November 17. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. for "Electoral College Prep Academy" political trivia/basketball.

Tickets are $20, $10 for students/seniors with ID, or pay-what-you-can on Thursdays. All performances take place at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. For tickets or information, visit www.neofuturists.org or call 773-275-5255.

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