Henry Godinez News

Goodman Theatre is the proud recipient of an unprecedented $275,000 gift from the Shubert Foundation, marking the largest annual general operating support grant in the theater's 84-year history. The grant, which represents a $35,000 increase for the Goodman over last season, is part of a record $17.6 million funding that the Shubert Foundation announced for not-for-profit companies in 2009.

Goodman Theatre is proud to participate in Science Chicago, a year-long program that is aimed at engaging the Chicago-land region in science and raising awareness of the importance of science education. Through three free readings from Tom Stoppard, Richard Rhodes, and Caryl Churchill, the Goodman and Science Chicago tap into the ?chemistry? between art and science, and explore the scientific themes that are resurrected through these modern plays. Readings take place on three consecutive Mondays, June 8, 15 and 22, beginning at 6pm. A post-play discussion, led by a member of the Goodman?s Artistic staff and noted experts in the fields of physics and bioengineering, follows each reading. Events are free but reservations are recommended by calling the Goodman box office at 312.443.3800.

For the fifth consecutive summer, Goodman Theatre welcomes young people from the Chicagoland area as participants in its General Theater Studies program (GTS), a free, six week intensive introduction to the theater arts.

Goodman Theatre proudly concludes its 2008/2009 season with José Rivera's newest play, Boleros for the Disenchanted.

Goodman Theatre proudly concludes its 2008/2009 season with José Rivera's newest play, Boleros for the Disenchanted, 'an epic study of wedded life that is simply?and not so simply?marvelous' (Variety). A true love story inspired by Rivera's parents' courtship and eventual migration from Puerto Rico to Alabama, Boleros for the Disenchanted makes its Chicago premiere directed by Henry Godinez?the Goodman's Resident Artistic Associate who was named 2008 Latino of the Year by the Chicago Latino Network. Chicago actors Elizabeth Ledo and Sandra Marquez command the stage in the role of Flora, based on Rivera's mother, at various points in her life. Godinez's cast also includes Liza Fernandez, Joe Minoso, Rene Rivera and Felix Solis. Boleros for the Disenchanted is performed in English in the Albert Theatre June 20 ? July 26, 2009. Tickets are $25 ? $70. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. Meet the playwright and director at a free post-performance discussion on Thursday, June 25, moderated by Myrna Salazar of the International Latino Cultural Center. Tickets and information: 312.443.3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org. The Chicago Community Trust is the Major Production Sponsor.

Two countries, three generations, 22 turbulent years?and a dynamic soundtrack ranging from Syd Barrett to The Plastic People of the Universe to U2?are at the heart of Rock 'n' Roll, a sweeping and passionate drama about love, music and revolution from Academy Award and four-time Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard. For the play?s Chicago premiere at Goodman Theatre, Artistic Director Robert Falls taps director Charles Newell, whose reputation for directing acclaimed Stoppard productions precedes him. Newell?s cast of 12 is led by Stephen Yoakam and Chicago favorites Timothy Edward Kane and Mary Beth Fisher, who explore the unique intersection of politics and art against the background of John Culbert?s rock concert-inspired set design?complete with a floor resembling the cover art of Barrett?s solo album, Madcap Laughs. Rock ?n? Roll will be performed in the Albert Theatre May 2 ? June 7, 2009. Tickets are $25 ? $75. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation and Goodman Theatre Women?s Board are the Major Production Sponsors for Rock ?n? Roll and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the Corporate Sponsor Partner. Additional support is provided by the Director?s Society Sponsors. WXRT is the Official Radio Sponsor of Rock ?n? Roll.

Goodman Theatre is proud to participate in Science Chicago, a year-long program that is aimed at engaging the Chicago-land region in science and raising awareness of the importance of science education. Through three free readings from Tom Stoppard, Richard Rhodes, and Caryl Churchill, the Goodman and Science Chicago tap into the ?chemistry? between art and science, and explore the scientific themes that are resurrected through these modern plays. Readings take place on three consecutive Mondays, June 8, 15 and 22, beginning at 6pm. A post-play discussion, led by a member of the Goodman?s Artistic staff and noted experts in the fields of physics and bioengineering, follows each reading. Events are free but reservations are recommended by calling the Goodman box office at 312.443.3800.

Artistic Director Robert Falls announced today the final production of Goodman Theatre's 2009/2010 season-The Good Negro, Tracey Scott Wilson's 'thunderous...stunning' (Variety) new play, comes to Chicago fresh from its off-Broadway run at The Public Theater. Resident Director Chuck Smith, who previously collaborated with Wilson on the Goodman's 2004/2005 Chicago-premiere production of The Story, will direct The Good Negro in the Albert Theatre in Spring 2010.

On behalf of Goodman Theatre and Artistic Director Robert Falls, Executive Director Roche Schulfer proudly accepted Actors Equity Association (AEA)'s 'Spirit Recognition Award,' honoring individuals and institutions that have made non-traditional casting a way of life. The award was presented at AEA's Central Region Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Committee's 'Spirit 2009 - A Celebration of Diversity' event held on Monday, March 30 at the Goodman, recognizing Central Region Members of Color and minority-focused theaters and producers.

Goodman Theatre is proud to present José Rivera's Boleros for the Disenchanted-'an Eden of profound beauty' (Variety) and 'breathtakingly poetic' (The New York Times)-directed by Goodman Resident Artistic Associate Henry Godinez. Performances are June 20 - July 26, 2009 in the Albert Theatre. Tickets are $10 - $70.

Artistic Director Robert Falls proudly announces a diverse line-up-from musical hilarity and classic yarns, to memory pieces and family dramas, to stories with ethnic roots that reflect today's world-in Goodman Theatre's new 2009/2010 season.

Three countries, six theater companies, fourteen plays and programs, sixty-one days and an audience numbering nearly 50,000 defined 'A Global Exploration: Eugene O'Neill in the 21st Century' and marked an unprecedented success for Goodman Theatre. Artistic Director Robert Falls curated the ambitious eight-play selection of O'Neill's early works that appeared on both of the Goodman's stages January 7 - March 8: the 856-Albert and the 400-seat flexible Owen, which was transformed seven times, custom-designed for the visiting companies. The Exploration offerings performed at a grand total of 90% of capacity-alone, Falls' Broadway-bound production of Desire Under the Elms achieved 95% of capacity.

Robert Falls proudly names his longtime artistic collaborator Brian Dennehy-two-time Tony and Golden Globe Award winner and six-time Emmy Award nominee-the newest member of Goodman Theatre's Artistic Collective, a diverse group of outstanding American theater artists who make the Goodman their artistic home.

Strawdog Theatre Company completes their 21st season with Peter Barnes' dark comedy 'Red Noses,' directed by House Theatre's Matt Hawkins. In Barnes' 1985 Olivier Award-winning play, the Black Plague has wiped out half of Europe's 14th century population, so God gives the young priest Father Flote a special mission to save his suffering people ... make 'em laugh. Flote gathers a band of desperately untalented misfits, turns them into clowns and together they search for salvation with hilarity. Hawkins, who also directed House's hit production of 'Hatfield & McCoy,' makes his Strawdog directing debut with a 23-person cast. 'Red Noses' runs about two hours and ten minutes with one intermission, and includes free admittance to Strawdog Late Night following the Friday and Saturday shows (Late Night schedule available at www.strawdog.org).

The Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University will continue its 2008-09 season in January with Karen Zacar?as' drama 'The Sins of Sor Juana' (Jan. 30 to Feb. 8), the story of a feminist nun and poet in 17th century Mexico.

In his new role as artistic director of the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University, Henry Godinez will direct Karen Zacaras' compelling drama about a 17th century poet-nun and her quest for artistic freedom and social equality as the third production of the TIC 2008-09 mainstage season.

Today Goodman Theatre becomes the first cultural institution to receive the Joyce Award for a second time, after receiving its first award in 2004. The Joyce Foundation announced this morning that the Goodman will receive a grant of $50,000 to support a new play by Latin American playwright Quiara Alegr?a Hudes. Tentatively titled The Jibaro Play, Hudes' new work draws on the cultural heritage of traditional Jibaro music and is due to premier at the Goodman during the 2011 season. The Joyce Foundation encourages cultural organizations to serve and represent the Great Lakes region's diverse population and fosters the development of new works in dance, music, theater and visual arts by artists of color. Goodman Theatre received the 2004 Joyce Award in theatre in support of Naomi Iizuka's play Ghostwritten which will have its world premiere April 4 - May 3, 2009, as part of the Goodman's 'Strong Women, Strong Voices' Owen Theatre Series. Ghostwritten tells the story of Susan, an acclaimed chef specializing in Asian cuisine and the mother of an adopted Vietnamese-born daughter, whose life changes forever when a mysterious stranger from her past returns to collect on an old debt. 'We are honored and thrilled to receive this award to support a new work by visionary Latin American playwright Quiara Alegr?a Hudes,' said Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls. 'Diversity has long been at the core of our mission, and we are proud to welcome Quiara to the Goodman.' Other 2009 Joyce Award winners include Chicago's Ravinia Festival (Dance), the Detroit International Jazz Festival (Music) and the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (Visual Arts).

In his new role as artistic director of the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University, Henry Godinez will direct Karen Zacaras' compelling drama about a 17th century poet-nun and her quest for artistic freedom and social equality as the third production of the TIC 2008-09 mainstage season.

The Theatre and Interpretation Center at Northwestern University will continue its 2008-09 season in January with Karen Zacar?as' drama 'The Sins of Sor Juana' (Jan. 30 to Feb. 8), the story of a feminist nun and poet in 17th century Mexico.

Under the new leadership of Artistic Director Henry Godinez and Managing Director Barbara Butts, the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University will kick off its 28th season in October with the Tony Award-winning musical 'Sweeney Todd' by Hugh Wheeler and Stephen Sondheim.