Ann Davis News

Considered one of the Midwest's leading, professional equity theaters that presents both regional and world premieres featuring the area's finest artists, Theatre at the Center kicks off its 25th Anniversary 2015 season with the beloved classic, Ernest Thompson's ON GOLDEN POND.

First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) will present Neil Simon's witty modern classic LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR, previewing January 28, opening Saturday, January 31 at 8 p.m. and running through March 1, 2015. The production stars First Folio Artistic Associate Rene Ruelas (Rough Crossing, The Rainmaker, Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Design for Living at First Folio Theatre) as "Max Prince," First Folio Artistic Associate Kevin McKillip (Jeeves Takes A Bow, The Merchant of Venice, The Turn of the Screw and Unnecessary Farce at First Folio Theatre, Making God Laugh at Theatre at the Center) as "Ira," Callie Johnson (National Tour of Evil Dead The Musical and Next to Normal at Drury Lane Theatre) as "Helen," First Folio Artistic Associate Hayley L. Rice (The Rainmaker, The Merchant of Venice, Blithe Spirit, The Castle of Otranto at First Folio Theatre) as "Carol," and First Folio Artistic Associate Joe Foust (The Merry Wives of Windsor, Unnecessary Farce and the Woman in Black at First Folio Theatre, A Christmas Carol and Measure for Measure at Goodman Theatre) as "Val." LAUGHTER ON THE 23rd FLOOR is directed by Jeff Award nominee and First Folio Theatre Co-Founder, Alison C. Vesely (First Folio's A Moon for the Misbegotten). The production is dedicated to the memory of Molly Glynn.

DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre is partnering with York County Libraries in 2015 to encourage local families to engage their children more frequently in reading and live theatre entertainment. Many of DreamWrights upcoming performances are derived from classic stories in literature, which led to the 2015 partnership designed to increase awareness for both parties in the community.

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages. To round out their current season, they will be making no exception, and are thrilled to present the regional debut of the musical adaptation of Truman Capote's A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, November 13 through December 14, with a press opening on Sunday, November 16 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Directed by William Pullinsi, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY is a labor of love for its Broadway veteran team, written by Duane Poole, with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics by Carol Hall. Based on Capote's touching memoir of his own childhood, this wistful Southern Christmas tale is a tender portrait of a rare friendship across generations with a joyous score that will bring love and light to everyone's hearts this holiday season. Sure to delight the entire family, Capote's masterpiece springs to life in this heartfelt musical treat. Check out a first look at highlights below!

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages. To round out their current season, they will be making no exception and present the regional debut of the musical adaptation of Truman Capote's A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, through December 14, with a press opening last night, Sunday, November 16 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Directed by William Pullinsi, A CHRISTMAS MEMORY is a labor of love for its Broadway veteran team, written by Duane Poole, with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics by Carol Hall. Based on Capote's touching memoir of his own childhood, this wistful Southern Christmas tale is a tender portrait of a rare friendship across generations with a joyous score that will bring love and light to everyone's hearts this holiday season. Sure to delight the entire family, Capote's masterpiece springs to life in this heartfelt musical treat.

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages. To round out their current season, they will be making no exception, and are thrilled to present the regional debut of the musical adaptation of Truman Capote's A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, November 13 through December 14, with a press opening on Sunday, November 16 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster.

DreamWrights has joined #GivingTuesday, a first of its kind effort that harnesses the collective power of charities, families, businesses and individuals in transforming how people think about and participate in the giving season. Coinciding with the Thanksgiving Holiday and the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, #GivingTuesday inspires people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities by giving back to the causes they love thereby helping to create a better world.

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages. To round out their current season, they will be making no exception, and are thrilled to present the regional debut of the musical adaptation of Truman Capote's A CHRISTMAS MEMORY, tonight, November 13 through December 14, with a press opening on Sunday, November 16 at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster.

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, presents Theater at the Center's production of RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH, a thrilling musical celebration of 'The Man in Black', running from April 30 through June 28, 2015.

Bill Rinesmith, president of ForSight Vision, attended the September board meeting at DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre to give thanks and recognition for the work DreamWrights does for visually impaired individuals over the past four years. Rinesmith presented an engraved plaque, also inscribed in braille that recognizes the efforts made toward accessibility.

Over the course of their 2014 season, Theatre at the Center, a major equity player on the Chicago theater scene, has introduced audiences to never-before-seen productions on Chicagoland stages.

?Andy Klinger, Business Banking Executive (left) and Lonny Trovinger (right), Business Banking Relationship Manager at Susquehanna Bank present a check for $2,000 to Ann Davis (center), Executive Director of DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre.

Shattered Globe Theatre launched its 24th season with the Midwest premiere of the nautical drama THE WHALESHIP ESSEX by Founding Ensemble Member Joe Forbrich, directed by Lou Contey, playing through October 11, 2014 at its resident home, Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150.

In its first professional production since its Broadway debut, the musical comedy WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN makes its Chicago area premiere in a brand new production at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, now through October 12, with a press opening on September 21. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

In the wake of the tragic loss of Actor Bernie Yvon, 50, in a car accident on his way to rehearsal of WOMEN ON THE VERGE, Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, IN the theater has moved its press opening to Sunday, Sept. 21 at 2:30pm. Previews begin Saturday, Sept. 13, with George Andrew Wolff assuming the role of the taxi driver that Mr. Yvon had been scheduled to play. After the opening, a small tribute reception will take place at the theater for attendees of the performance.

In Season One of our webseries THE RESIDUALS, my wife and I managed to learn countless skills on the fly. One thing that we were able to postpone learning was the skill of crowd-funding. Until now! It's on, BWW. And here's what I've learned so far.

Shattered Globe Theatre launches its 24th season with the Midwest premiere of the nautical drama THE WHALESHIP ESSEX by Founding Ensemble Member Joe Forbrich, directed by Lou Contey, playing through October 11, 2014 at its resident home, Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press performance is Wednesday, September 3 at 7:30 pm.