The Theatre School at DePaul University Announces 2011-2012 Season

The Theatre School at DePaul University (John Culbert, Dean) is pleased to announce upcoming productions for its 2011-2012 Season. Throughout its history, the school has provided Chicago audiences with affordable and meaningful theatrical experiences. Students are involved in all aspects of production - as actors, designers, dramaturgs, technicians, directors, and production staff; and are fully supported by the professional faculty and staff of The Theatre School.

THE THEATRE SCHOOL SHOWCASE OF CONTEMPORARY PLAYS & CLASSICS, Dexter Bullard, Artistic Director

The Showcase Series opens with the celebrated play INTIMATE APPAREL (by Lynn Nottage) directed by Phyllis E. Griffin. Join the company to celebrate the official beginning of the season on opening night, September 30. INTIMATE APPAREL will run through October 9, 2011. In turn-of-the century Manhattan, Esther, an African-American seamstress, creates lingerie for a diverse clientele, ranging from a socialite wife to a prostitute. She continues to dream of a better future - and falls headlong into a bittersweet romance with a Caribbean man, sight unseen, while her heart secretly lies with the Jewish shopkeeper from whom she buys beautiful fabrics. Join The Theatre School for this thoughtful and poignant tale, and see if Esther's dream of a better life can become a reality.

The second installment of the Showcase Series will open on February 3, 2012. A LIE OF THE MIND, (by Sam Shepard) directed by award-winning playwright Carlos Murillo, will run through February 12, 2012. When a horrifying act of abuse tears their marriage apart, Beth and Jake struggle to find their separate ways in the American West. A darkly comic and tragic love story, A Lie of the Mind blurs reality and fantasy revealing the darkest heart of the American family. This production is recommended for mature audiences.

In the spring, the Showcase Series will feature THE RIVALS, (by Richard Brinsley Sheridan) directed by Catherine Weidner. THE RIVALS will open on April 13 and run through April 22, 2012. In Sheridan's 18th century comedy of manners, deceit, and mistaken identities, two young lovers follow a misguided path to romance. When rival suitors, an overbearing father, and a busybody aunt complicate matters, only a proper duel can settle their questions of love and honor.

Concluding the 2011-2012 Showcase Series will be the MFA12 production. The Theatre School is pleased to present an exciting new play, penned by award-winning Chicago playwright Sarah Gubbins, and directed by special guest Geoff Button. This play will be written specifically for the 2012 Master of Fine Arts in Acting candidates. The production will open on May 11, and run through May 20, 2012.

CHICAGO PLAYWORKS FOR FAMILIES AND YOUNG AUDIENCES, Lisa Portes, Artistic Director

Chicago Playworks will offer a highly imaginative season starting with THE WITCHES (by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood) directed by Ernie Nolan, running October 25 - December 3, 2011. Do you know how to spot a real witch? Identify a real mouse? Join The Theatre School for Roald Dahl's beloved children's tale of a boy and his grandmother who find themselves in wild adventures while putting a stop to the witches at work. By scheming to bring down the Grand High Witch and her troop, Boy and his grandmother discover the power of using mind over matter and the strength of love. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Next, Chicago Playworks will present NANCY DREW AND THE SIGN OF THE TWISTED CANDLES (based on the book by Carolyn Keene), adapted and directed by Damon Kiely, opening on January 14, and running through February 28, 2012. Nancy Drew must search every corner of a spooky mansion to solve the mystery of a 100-year-old man's disappearing fortune. Will solving the case jeopardize her friendship with best pals Bess and George? Will the fortune be taken by the bad guys, or will Nancy use her brainpower (and some luck) to save the day? Don't miss the world premiere! Recommended for ages 7 and up.

The Chicago Playworks season will conclude with BARRIO GRRRL! A MUSICAL (book and lyrics by Quiara Alegría Hudes, music by Bill Sherman, musical direction by Mark Elliott) directed by Lisa Portes. The production will open on March 27 and run through May 19, 2012. Join spunky heroine Ana Ortiz and her friends for exciting adventures in their barrio! In this urban pop musical Ana uses her superpowers as Barrio Grrrl to preserve justice in her neighborhood by drawing from the strength of her culture, her song, and her family. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

All Chicago Playworks & Showcase Series performances are held at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive. Performances interpreted in American Sign Language are scheduled for each production. TYY (773) 325-7975. Tickets to all performances are available online at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999. Single tickets for the Showcase Series are $15. For Chicago Playworks, single tickets are $8. Subscribers to either series are entitled to complimentary exchanges, parking coupons, and other benefits. For complete details or to purchase a subscription, call DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre Box Office at (312) 922-1999. For more information about special events held in conjunction with these performances, including Community Partner Days and Opening Night Parties, contact the Box Office.

THE NEW DIRECTORS SERIES

The New Directors Series will feature the work of MFA Directors Krissy Vanderwarker and Reshmi Hazra. These productions are directed in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Fine Arts in Directing.

The series opens with Vanderwarker's production of FAUSTUS (by Christopher Marlowe, adapted by Rupert Gould and Ben Power). The production opens November 4 and runs through November 13, 2011, at Theatre Wit, located at 1229 W Belmont Ave.. Wittenberg, Germany: 1509: John Faustus, doctor and scholar, vows to conjure the devil. London, England, 2001: Jake and Dinos Chapman attempt the ultimate art taboo - meddling with a set of Goya etchings. From the Gothic cathedrals of the 16th century to the lair of the seven deadly sins - Faustus challenges the limits of life and art in pursuit of immortality.

Reshmi Hazra will direct VENUS (by Suzan-Lori Parks) which opens on February 10 and runs through February 19, 2012, at the Greenhouse Theater Center, located at 2257 N Lincoln Ave.. In 1810, Sarah Baartman leaves her African home in search of respect, love, and "streets paved with gold." Instead, she is exhibited in England as the sideshow act Venus Hottentot and is acclaimed for "having the biggest bottom in the world." Based on a true story, Suzan Lori-Parks' Venus asks if the doors of opportunity are truly open to all. This production is recommended for mature audiences.

THE NEW PLAYWRIGHTS SERIES

The New Playwrights Series will feature THE DEATH OF GAIA DIVINE, by Jacob Schuler, BFA Playwriting, Class of 2012. This production will open May 4 and run through May 13, 2012 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, located at 2257 N Lincoln Ave. In a post-apocalyptic reality, a has-been drag queen God is ready to write the end of her life's story-but it would mean the end of the world. Will Benji and Tallulah compel their deity Gaia Divine to give them time to start their new life together, or will she pull the plug? A dark and inspired tale of loss and love - Schuler's new play infuses poetry and kisses with heartbreak and devastation.

To post a comment, you must register and login.