Alison Vesely

Alison C. Vesely, Artistic Director and Co-Founder of First Folio Theatre, passed away Friday at the age of 59 of ovarian cancer.

First Folio Theatre, known for presenting acclaimed musicals, plays and classic and reimagined works of Shakespeare to the Chicagoland stage, announces its 2014-2015 season. The season begins with the World Premiere of the riveting drama THE GRAVEDIGGER, which previews October 1, opens October 4 and runs through November 2, 2014. Neil Simon's whimsical comedy LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR previews January 28, opens January 31 and runs through March 1, 2015; Nora Ephron's poignant play LOVE, LOSS, AND WHAT I WORE previews March 25, opens March 28 and runs through April 26, 2014; and Shakespeare's masterpiece THE WINTER'S TALE, First Folio Theatre's annual Shakespeare Under the Stars production, previews July 8, opens July 11, and runs through August 9.

First Folio Theatre, at Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83, now in its 15th season of bringing performances of Shakespeare and other classics to the Chicagoland suburbs presents the Chicago Premiere of Paul Slade Smith's side-splitting and bawdy comedy UNNECESSARY FARCE directed by Alison C. Vesely.

Last year, BroadwayWorld.com, the largest theater website on the Internet, launched a comprehensive Student Database listing college and university performing arts programs across the country. This free service makes it easier for prospective students by showcasing programs searchable by schools, location, degrees and concentrations.

First Folio Theatre is happy to announce that Megan Schutt has been hired as Director of Educational Outreach. "She's a perfect fit for First Folio," said First Folio Artistic Director Alison Vesely. "She's got a wealth of experience and training in both theater performance and theater education. She's got all the tools necessary to integrate our live touring shows and our teacher training programs."

First Folio Theatre will offer a special Halloween fundraising performances of The Castle of Otranto at the historic Mayslake mansion October 31 that will include a post-show cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception with members of the cast, as well as a silent auction.

First Folio Theatre will offer a special Halloween fundraising performances of The Castle of Otranto at the historic Mayslake mansion October 31 that will include a post-show cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception with members of the cast, as well as a silent auction.