The Theatre School at DePaul University Presents THE WITCHES, 10/25-12/3

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present THE WITCHES, by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood, and directed by Ernie Nolan, as the first installment of the 2011-2012 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This production opens Tuesday, October 25, and runs through Saturday, December 3, 2011, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on November 11, 22, 24, 25, 26, or 29. An additional performance will be held on November 30 at 10AM.

Do you know how to spot a real witch? Identify a real mouse? Join us 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.

Tickets are $8. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available at (312) 922-0999. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Ave., in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the Box Office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/ Museums and others), and CTA El stops (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

A wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including Community Partner Days, as well as an Ice Cream Social, Opening Day Autographs, Post Show Discussions, and much more! For details or a free Teacher Guide highlighting curriculum connections visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (312) 922-1999.

The cast features Daniela Colucci (Second Chef/Passerby/Passenger/Nurse/Meeting Witch/Frog Girl), Trent Eisfeller (Doorman/Fater/Sailor/Meeting Witch/Waiter), Julian Hester (Bruno/Passerby/Sailor), Steven Burruano (Mr. Jenkins/ Passerby/Passenger/Meeting Witch), Moira O'Neill (Edith the Acolyte Witch #1/Passerby/Passenger), Allison Martone (Mrs. Jenkins/Passerby/Passenger/Meeting Witch), Sophia Reppert (Boy), Alex Seeley (Grand High Witch), Sam Tank (Chef/Passerby/Lawyer/Late Passenger/Meeting Witch 2), Autumn Teague (Tree House Witch/Mother/Meeting Witch/Maid/Hostess), and Ann Wakefield (Grandma). Ensemble includes students from The Theatre Studies department at The Theatre School.

The production staff includes Ernie Nolan (Director), Tierra G. Novy (Scenic Design), Molly C.V. Ryan (Costume Design), Elizabeth G. Smith (Lighting Design), M.E. Moran (Sound Design), Jacob C. Shuler (Dramaturgy), and Rebecca Rowlett (Stage Management).

Ernie Nolan (Director) is a proud graduate of both the University of Michigan Musical Theatre Program (BFA Musical Theatre) and The Theatre School at DePaul University (MFA Directing). He is a director and playwright dedicated to new works and re-imagining classic stories for young audiences. As the Associate Artistic Director of Emerald City Theatre in Chicago, he has created The PlayGround, a process for the development of new works for ages 0-10. His work, featured both nationally and internationally, includes A FAIRY TALE LIFE: THE STORY OF YOUNG Hans Christian Andersen; SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS AS PERFORMED BY PROFESSOR TJ BARKER'S TROUPE OF THEATRICALS; IF YOU TAKE A MOUSE TO SCHOOL; DON'T LET THE PIGEON DRIVE THE BUS!; THE ADVENTURES OF DOCTOR DOLITTLE; TREASURE TRUNK: AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 STORIES, and the upcoming FIVE LITTLE MONKEYS. Nolan currently serves as the Vice President of Theatre for Young Audiences USA, the national service organization promoting the power of professional theatre for young audiences. He is also a visiting faculty member in the Theatre Studies Department at The Theatre School at DePaul University.