Writers' Theatre Announces ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, Opens 9/29

Writers' Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. The production runs September 29-December 6, 2009, at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe. The official press performance is Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.

Hamlet, Shakespeare's greatest drama, is retold from the perspective of his schoolmates, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, in Tom Stoppard's comedic masterpiece. Equal parts Laurel and Hardy, Waiting for Godot and classic Shakespeare, Stoppard's scintillating wit, far-reaching imagination and astonishing skill with words traces the journey of these fascinating characters as they struggle to avoid the inevitability of the Bard's tragic conclusion.

"Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead represents the quintessence of Writers' Theatre. Sean Fortunato, Timothy Edward Kane and Allen Gilmore lead an incredibly strong cast in the exploration of Stoppard's groundbreaking and innovative play. The intimacy of our space is further heightened by an essential and progressive design. It's an iconic launch to our 18th season," says Artistic Director Michael Halberstam.

The cast includes: Laura Coover (Ophelia), Sean Fortunato (Rosencrantz), Allen Gilmore (The Player), Terry Hamilton (Claudius), John Hoogenakker (Hamlet), Gregory Isaac (Tragedian 1), Timothy Edward Kane (Guildenstern), Joey Steakley (Alfred), Fredric Stone (Polonius), Jeff Trainor (Tragedian 2) and Karen Janes Woditsch (Gertrude).

The designers are Collette Pollard (scenic), Rachel Anne Healey (costume), Keith Parham (lighting) and Andy Hansen (sound).

TICKET INFORMATION

Performances are September 29- December 6, 2009. The press performance is on Thursday, October 8, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. The production runs through December 6, 2009. Curtain times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. There will be no performance on Thursday, November 26, 2009 and there will be no 6:00 p.m. performance on November 15 and December 6, 2009. Wednesday matinees will begin at 2 p.m. on November 11 and 25, 2009.

Tickets are $40-$65 and are available at the Box Office, 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe; 847-242-6000 or online at www.writerstheatre.org.

TWEET SEATS

Writers' introduces Tweet Seats, a day-of ticket discount program. Follow Writers' Theatre on Twitter (Twitter.com/WritersTheatre) and everyday by 3pm, Writers' will Tweet a code that can be used to purchase remaining seats for that day's performance at a discount. Tweet Seats are available for purchase only through the Writers' Theatre website at writerstheatre.org.

AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS

For Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, Writers' Theatre introduces a new audience enrichment program, "What to know before the show." Starting October 13, a quick pre-show discussion will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for the run of the production. Discussions begin 30 minutes before curtain.

Writers' Theatre and select North Shore libraries present the fifth annual From Page to Stage program in conjunction with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern. This comprehensive series of special events, lectures, readings and performances are designed to enhance and enrich the Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead experience. All events are FREE of charge and open to the public. For event listings and more information visit writerstheatre.org/FPTS.

WRITERS' PARTNERS

Harris Bank strengthens its ties to Writers' Theatre as the Corporate Production Sponsor for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Mary Pat Studdert returns as the Production Sponsor of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, after generously supporting last season's world premiere musical A Minister's Wife. Ms. Studdert also serves as the Writers' Theatre Board Secretary.

The Writers' Theatre season is underwritten, in part, by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

DiPescara is a 2009/10 Season Restaurant Partner. Patrons receive 10% off their guest check when they present their ticket stub when ordering. Di Pescara is one of the North Shore's top restaurants, named among the city's best new restaurants by Chicago magazine.This Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, conveniently located at 2124 Northbrook Court, just five minutes from the theater. Call 847-498-4321 to make your reservation.

Writers' Theatre introduces a new 2009/10 Season Restaurant Partner, Winnetka's award-winning, Restaurant Michael. Featuring impeccably crafted cuisine of the freshest local and organic ingredients, Restaurant Michael prepares classic, haute cuisine, in a unique and contemporary presentation with French country flair. Writers' Theatre patrons receive 10% off their guest check when they present their ticket stub when ordering. Just 10 minutes from the theater at 64 Green Bay Road, Restaurant Michael is the perfect fit for any dining occasion. Call 847-441-3100 to make your reservation.

For more information about Writers' 2009/10 Restaurant Partners and offer restrictions visit writerstheatre.org/visitus.

ABOUT WRITERS' THEATRE

Writers' Theatre is a professional company focusing on the Word and the Artist. Remaining true to the intention of the playwright and nurturing the artist stand at the center of the mission. Now in its 18th season, the company both revives classic scripts and cultivates new works and adaptations while invigorating them with fresh energy in the intimacy of its venues. Founded in 1992, Writers' Theatre performed exclusively at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue for the first 12 years. In the fall of 2003, the organization opened a new 108 seat performance venue at 325 Tudor Court. Today, Writers' Theatre continues to produce in both spaces, maintaining an intimate theatrical experience for audiences. Since 2000, the subscriber base has grown almost 250%, from 1,500 to more than 5,000 today. With an operating budget of $3.3 million, Writers' Theatre is supported by a staff of 18 full-time employees and a 31-member Board of Trustees.

You can find Writers' Theatre on Facebook or follow Writers' Theatre on Twitter at Twitter.com/WritersTheatre. For more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org.

 

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