The Saint Sebastian Players Present LEFTIES, 2/15-3/10

The Saint Sebastian Players present the world premiere of the drama Lefties by Chicago-area playwright Leigh Johnson February 15-March 10, 2013.

In Lefties, a Russian born father, an avowed Communist who loves baseball, clashes with his son, a gifted semi-professional pitcher who has become entranced by capitalism and its prospects. Set in McCarthy-era America, this play is about family pride, fathers and sons and the damage done by the secrets we keep from each other.

Directing Lefties is Jamie Prahl, who directed The Adventures of Nervous Boy at Gorilla Tango Theatre and Bedtime and Ransomed Soul for The Side Project/Cut to the Quick fest. The cast features SSP company members Robert Dean, Ned Ricks and Steven Walanka, along with Jacob Abbas, Matthew Beard, Megan Faye Izzo, Derrick Marshall, Daniel Pass, Reginald Vaughn and Evan Voboril. The production team includes Lauren Angelopoulos as set designer, Jerica Hucke as costume designer, Eric Vigo as lighting designer, SSP company member Jim Masini as properties manager, Tom Jasek as sound designer, Beth E. Bruins as production stage manager and SSP company member Jonathan "Rocky" Hagloch as producer.

SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago's North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During its history, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation mysteries for special events; and the Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. A complete list of mainstage productions are available on SSP's website.

SSP's 32nd season concludes with Shakespeare's Measure for Measure April 26-May 19, 2013.

Lefties runs February 15-March 10, 2013, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. There will be a talkback with the playwright and members of the cast and production team following each Sunday matinee. Free parking is available in two lots. Full-priced single tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.