Theatre School at DePaul University Presents HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES, 3/30-5/22

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Presents HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES Rushdie's Award-Winning Children's Novel Comes to the Stage in Chicago

The Theatre School at DePaul University presents HAROUN AND THE SEA OF STORIES, written by Salman Rushdie, adapted by Tim Supple and David Tushingham, and directed by Damon Kiely, as the final installment of the 2009-2010 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series.

This production opens Tuesday, March 30, and runs through Saturday, May 22, 2010, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on April 3, 6, 8, 10, or May 1, 4, 6, or 8.

Based on Salman Rushdie's award-winning children's novel, this fantastical tale follows Haroun to the mythical moon of Kahani. He joins forces with shadow warriors, mechanical flying birds, talking fish, and water genies in his quest to recover his father's magical storytelling powers. 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 Chris Boykin (Mudra), Jessica Erin Bennett (Hoopoe), Luke Couzens (Rashid), Kristin Ellis (Soraya), James Gasber (Haroun), Elan Maier (Khattam Shud/Sengupta/Snooty Buttoo), Jessica Marks (Blabbermouth), Aram Monisoff (General Kitab), Sean Parris (Mali), Eve Rydberg (Princess Batcheat), Logan Sandridge (Oneeta), Bridget Schreiber (Iff), Jordan Shappell (Prince Bolo), and Kristy Staky (Ambassador/Mudra's Shadow/Walrus).

The production staff includes Damon Kiely (Director), Patrice Egleston (Movement Coach), Amy C. Gilman (Scenic Design), Christine Callan (Costume Design), Eric Peterson (Lighting Design), Christina DeRisi (Sound Design), Dana Coffey (Dramaturgy), and Luke Ricca (Stage
Management).

DAMON KIELY (Director) serves as an Assistant Professor of Directing and Acting for The Theatre School at DePaul University. He served as the Artistic Director of American Theater Company from 2002 to 2007. Directing credits at American Theater Company include OKLAHOMA! (Nominated for 6 Jeff Awards including Best Musical and Best Direction of a Musical), THE DARK AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS, ORPHEUS DESCENDING, KID-SIMPLE, A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, STRICTLY DISHONORABLE, and THE HAIRY APE. He's directed WEEKEND by Gore Vidal for TimeLine Theatre and WELL by Lisa Kron for Next Theatre. At The Theatre School he has directed THERE'S A BOY IN THE GIRLS BATHROOM, HURRAH FOR THE NEXT WHO DIES, and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Prior to moving back to Chicago he produced, directed, and taught in New York City. In New York he directed for the Public Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, the Ontological Theater, Adobe Theater Company, PS122, Ensemble Studio Theater, and New Dramatists. He is a winner of the 2000-02 NEA/TCG Career Directing Program, the 2000 Drama League Fall Directing Program, and the 1997 Princess Grace Award.

For more information, visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu/showmain.php