Underscore Theatre to Present HAYMARKET: THE ANARCHIST'S SONGBOOK, 5/14- 6/12

The true story of Chicago's infamous Haymarket massacre comes to life in Underscore Theatre Company's world premiere musical HAYMARKET: THE ANARCHIST'S SONGBOOK, with book and lyrics by Alex Higgin-Houser, music by David Kornfeld, directed by Elizabeth Margolius with music direction by Robert Ollis and Tyler Thompson. Commemorating the 130th anniversary of the deadly bombing and riot at Haymarket Square, this stirring new musical will play May 14 - June 12, 2016 at Chicago new performance venue, the Edge Theatre at 5451 N. Broadway in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.underscoretheatre.org or by calling (312) 646-0975. The press opening is Tuesday, May 17 at 7:30 pm.

HAYMARKET: THE ANARCHIST'S SONGBOOK will feature LaKecia Harris, Summer Hofford, David Kaplinsky, Royen Kent, Mike Mazzocca, Victoria Olivier, Khaki Pixley, James Smart and Tyler Thompson.

HAYMARKET: THE ANARCHIST'S SONGBOOK is a true Chicago story - the story of Lucy Parsons, daughter of a slave and widow of anarchist martyr Albert Parsons who, on the last day of her life, revisits the Haymarket Affair and the unjust trial that followed it in an attempt to make peace with her past. Like Underscore's production of Borderlands, HAYMARKET is a folk musical in which the actors accompany themselves, with influences ranging from circus to protest songs to roots Americana.

"The Haymarket affair created America's first true Red Scare, setting the tone for global affairs that shaped the 20th century - and it happened right here in Chicago at Randolph and Desplaines," comments Alex Higgin-Houser. "The stories of these men and women, facing down police brutality, income inequality, a corrupt judiciary and a runaway media, offer a window into not only what came before, but what is and could be. By grounding the narrative in American folk traditions, and giving our actors the means of musical production, we're telling story of Chicago's most notorious labor battle in a way that moves past the tragedy and embraces the vibrancy of our city's history. Especially here, and especially now."

The production team for HAYMARKET: THE ANARCHIST'S SONGBOOK includes: Kurtis Boetcher (scenic designer), Carolyn Cristofani (costume designer), Erik Barry (lighting designer) Aaron Stephenson (sound designer) Mealah Heidenreich (props designer), Josh Prisching (technical director), Damian Wille (production manager), Taryn Wood (casting director) and JC Widman (stage manager).