World Premiere of A NIGHT IN OLYMPUS Begins Tonight at Illusion Theater

In the newest work by the creators of the smash hit Glensheen, Chan Poling's rocking rhythms, Jeffrey Hatcher's wicked wit and Bill Corbett's zany imagination come together to create a headlong ride filled with silliness, surprises and good feeling fun. A NIGHT IN OLYMPUS, a fresh musical comedy and tale of transformation, opens tonight, May 7 at 8 p.m. at the Illusion Theater, located on the eighth floor of The Cowles Center for Dance & the Performing Arts, 528 Hennepin Ave. in downtown Minneapolis. Michael Robins directs the world premiere.

In this hysterical mash-up of myth, music and romance, it's Prom Night at Olympus High, and Maggie isn't going. She's too smart, too cool, and she'd rather watch zombie movies with her best friend, Harry (plus nobody asked her). Then Maggie makes a wish to be the world's most beautiful girl so she can score a date with Chad, the hottest guy at school. But is that what Maggie really wants? And is there a price to pay?

A NIGHT IN OLYMPUS is a smart and irresistible blend of supernatural fantasy, clever humor and true emotion brought to life by a cast of Twin Cities stars: Tyler Michaels as Harry and McKinnley Aitchison as Maggie, with Dieter Bierbrauer, Aimee K. Bryant, Norah Long, Adam Qualls, Mark Rosenwinkel and Randy Schmeling.

The musical theater piece was workshopped at Illusion's 2012 Fresh Ink series and marks a long-time partnership with the creators. Michael Robins says, "Producing this show allows us to put our values into practice: collaboration, transformation, serious work (even when it's entertaining) and down-to-earth storytelling - although A Night In Olympus definitely takes some amazing flights of fancy!"

A NIGHT IN OLYMPUS features orchestrations by Tony nominee and go-to Hollywood arranger Robert Elhai with music direction by Jason Hanson and choreography by Karis Sloss. In addition to Robins, the creative team includes Barb Portinger (costume design), Dean Holzman (set design) and Mike Wangen (lighting design).

Tickets to A NIGHT IN OLYMPUS are $25-$42. Group discounts are available for groups of 10 or more people. Tickets are available at the Illusion Theater Box Office at 612-339-4944 or online at www.illusiontheater.org.

Bill Corbett is a writer, performer, film writer, beloved as one of the writers and performers of Mystery Science Theater 3000. Bill makes his home in the Twin Cities.

Jeffrey Hatcher is an internationally sought after playwright who makes his home here in Minnesota. Illusion has worked with Hatcher since 1992. Hatcher's plays have been seen on Broadway, as well as every regional theater in America. His screenwriting credits include Mr. Holmes with Ian McKellen, The Duchess with Keira Knightley and Casanova with Heath Ledger.

Chan Poling is a legendary musician, known as one of the founding members of the Twin Cities favorite dance-rock bands, The Suburbs. He now tours with The New Standards, a trend-setting jazz trio. And as producer of their annual New Standards Holiday Show, is behind one of the Twin Cities most enduring musical treasures.

Since the Illusion Theater's beginning in 1974, Producing Directors Michael Robins and Bonnie Morris have used the power of theater to catalyze personal and social change, illuminating the illusions, myths, and realities of our times. In 41 years, Illusion has generated over 500 plays, developed thousands of artists and created ground-breaking educational works. Plays developed at Illusion have been produced in theaters throughout the world. Illusion's work has catalyzed conversations in living rooms, kitchens, coffee houses, schools and board rooms, and has led to transformations in policy, in organizations and in individuals.

Pictured: Maggie (McKinnley Aitchison) and her BFF, Harry (Tyler Michaels). Photo by Lauren B Photography.

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