Victory Gardens Will Present the World Premiere of FAILURE: A LOVE STORY, Opening 11/26

Victory Gardens continues its 2012-13 season with the World Premiere of Failure: A Love Story, written by VG Ensemble Playwright Philip Dawkins and directed by Seth Bockley. The production runs November 16 – December 30, 2012 in the Richard Christiansen Theater at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue in Lincoln Park. The Press Opening is Monday, November 26, 2012 at 7:30 pm.

1928 was the last year of each of the Fail Sisters' lives. Nelly was the first to die, followed soon after by sisters, Jenny June and Gerty. As with many unforeseen circumstances in life-blunt objects, disappearances and consumption-they never saw death coming. Written by Chicago playwright Philip Dawkins, Failure: A Love Story is a magical, musical fable about the triumphs and aspirations of three sisters living in the rickety two-story building by the Chicago River which was the Fail family home and clock shop. This profoundly funny and moving holiday offering reminds us that in the end, all that remains is love.

"I'm extremely proud to present the world premiere of Failure: A Love Story by our new ensemble playwright Philip Dawkins," says Victory Gardens Artistic Director Chay Yew. "With exuberant wit and sumptuous theatricality, Philip has written a wise, whimsical fable about finding success in what others deem as failure, living outside society's margins, and embracing life's unpredictable journey and pursuing what you love. I'm also proud to have one of the most innovative and fearless off-Loop directors, Seth Bockley, a Victory Gardens Associate, direct this production. A valentine to our great city of Chicago, I can't think of a more perfect play for the holidays."

This World Premiere production will feature popular songs from the time period as well as original compositions by Philip Dawkins. The cast will accompany themselves on a variety of instruments including piano, oboe, accordion, and percussion. Elements of puppetry and object theater will also be woven into the show.

The cast of Failure: A Love Story includes Baize Buzan (Nelly Fail), Emjoy Gavino (Jenny June Fail), Mildred Marie Langford (Gertrude Fail), Michael Salinas (John N. Fail), Matt Fletcher (Mortimer Mortimer), Guy Massey (The Chorus), and Janet Ulrich Brooks (The Chorus).

The designers are Scott Davis (Set Designer), Mac Vaughey (Lighting Designer), Emily Tarleton (Costume Designer) and Charles Kim (Sound Designer). Will Bishop is the Assistant Director, Helen Lattyak is the Stage Manager.