Michael Maggio News

The 16th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program, honoring world class scenic designer Todd Rosenthal (August: Osage County), will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a viewing of the third annual ?Theater Design Expo' showcasing the works of over 20 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a student portfolio review. Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, will moderate an inclusive discussion, 'Moving Chicago Productions to New York and Beyond' with the awardees, Director Anna Shapiro and Joshua Schmidt, composer and librettist, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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. PricewaterhouseCoopers is the Corporate Sponsor Partner for Rock ?n? Roll.

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.

The 16th Annual Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration program, honoring world class scenic designer Todd Rosenthal (August: Osage County), will take place on Monday, April 27, at the Steppenwolf Merle Reskin Garage Theatre. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. with a viewing of the third annual ?Theater Design Expo' showcasing the works of over 20 Chicago-area emerging theatrical designers and a student portfolio review. Martha Lavey, Artistic Director of Steppenwolf Theatre Company, will moderate an inclusive discussion, 'Moving Chicago Productions to New York and Beyond' with the awardees, Director Anna Shapiro and Joshua Schmidt, composer and librettist, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Goodman Theatre is proud to present the Midwest premiere of Rock 'n' Roll by four-time Tony Award winner Tom Stoppard. 'Triumphant...arguably Stoppard's finest play' (The New York Times), Rock 'n' Roll is directed by Charles Newell, artistic director of Chicago's Court Theatre and runs May 2 - June 7, 2009 in the Albert Ivar Theatre. Tickets are $25 - $70. The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation is the Major Production Sponsor, Northern Trust is the Major Corporate Sponsor and PriceWaterhouseCoopers is the Corporate Sponsor Partner for Rock 'n' Roll.

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.

Theatre Design Expo to Set the Stage for the 15th Annual National'Michael Merritt Design Awards' Program hosted by Steppenwolf Theatre Company on Monday, April 21st