In war-torn Congo, Mama Nadi keeps the peace between customers on both sides of the civil war by serving everything from cold beers to warm beds. This shrewd matriarch both protects and profits from the women whose bodies have become battlegrounds “ruined” by the brutality of government soldiers and rebel forces alike. Inspired by interviews conducted in Africa, this searing play is an engrossing and uncommonly human story told with humor and song, revealing the immeasurable loss and hopelessness of war, yet finding affirmation in life and hope.
The most wonderful time of the year is underway as rehearsals begin this week for Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, 'a joyous present for the entire family' (Chicago Sun-Times), in its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs tonight, November 16 - December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.
Goodman Theatre announces the complete line-up for its 2013 New Stages festival, this year celebrating Latino playwrights. Three staged readings-The Rooster Room by Pulitzer Prize winner Quiara Alegria Hudes, Feathers and Teeth by Charise Castro Smith and Another Word for Beauty by Jose Rivera-complement the previously-announced two fully-staged workshop productions, The Upstairs Concierge by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristoffer Diaz and The Solid Sand Below by former Goodman Theatre Playwrights Unit member Martin Zimmerman.
The question of who determines a child's fate amidst drug addiction, religion and child custody laws takes center stage in Rebecca Gilman's newest work, Luna Gale, directed by Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls.
Hampstead Theatre is delighted to announce its cast for the premiere of Howard Brenton's new play. Inspired by conversations he had during a visit to India in 2009, Drawing The Line examines the chaos of the Partition of India - an act that has shaped the modern world.
Goodman Theatre introduces a new subscription package for 2014, 'Great Women at Play,' featuring works written and directed by a handful of the most popular female playwrights working in the American theater today. This special package for women-and men-includes five plays for the price of four, a complimentary visit to the exclusive Goodman Lounge and the opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate from the Goodman's preferred restaurant partner, Petterino's. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/GreatWomen for more information, and check out a video of the artists involved below!
The most wonderful time of the year is underway as rehearsals begin this week for Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, 'a joyous present for the entire family' (Chicago Sun-Times), in its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs November 16 - December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.
Lifelong Chicagoan Roche Edward Schulfer's 40 years of distinguished service to Goodman Theatre-a rarely-exceeded tenure at a single American theater-will be celebrated with a star on the 'Walkway of Stars' beneath the iconic Goodman marquee, and at the 2013/2014 Season Opening Celebration today, September 24.
Now in its 10th year, Goodman Theatre's 2013 New Stages festival features five FREE new plays-two fully staged workshop productions performed in repertory plus three staged readings-in the Owen Theatre, December 7 - 22. All five plays celebrate Latino playwrights: The Upstairs Concierge, a contemporary farce about celebrity and baseball by Pulitzer Prize finalist (for The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity) Kristoffer Diaz; and The Solid Sand Below, an examination of the intoxicating nature of war which Martin Zimmerman developed during his time as a member of the Goodman's Playwrights Unit, and which was selected for the 2013 National Playwrights Conference at The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Connecticut. The three staged readings, which complement the two workshop productions over the December 13 - 15 "Industry Weekend," are TBA. Tickets are free, but reservations are required: 312.443.3800, GoodmanTheatre.org or visit the box office (170 N. Dearborn).
Lifelong Chicagoan Roche Edward Schulfer's 40 years of distinguished service to Goodman Theatre-a rarely-exceeded tenure at a single American theater-will be celebrated with a star on the 'Walkway of Stars' beneath the iconic Goodman marquee, and at the 2013/2014 Season Opening Celebration on September 24.
Goodman Theatre presents four free staged readings of new plays developed in the Playwrights Unit, a season-long residency program for local writers who meet twice monthly with members of the theater's artistic staff to discuss their plays in progress. Out of this process emerges four brand new plays, which appear in FREE staged readings: Sleeping with the Prince of Darkness: The Imagined Pillow Talk of FBI Agent John O'Neill by Greg Allen (July 20 at 7:30pm); F(law)less by christopher oscar peña (July 21 at 2:30pm); Prowess by Ike Holter (July 21 at 7:30pm); and Ninth Man Out by Alice Austen (August 16 at 7:30pm).
The newly-formed Goodman Innovation Group unites top-tier entrepreneurs with young theater leaders in a collective that injects the start-up mentality into the business of the theater. The 20-member group was developed by Patricia Cox, Goodman Life Trustee and Immediate Past Chairman, along with Chicago entrepreneur Genevieve Thiers, as an opportunity to share ideas between the established non-profit arts organization and Chicago's brand new companies. The goals of the group are to engage young entrepreneurs in the vision, values and programs of Goodman Theatre; create professional development opportunities for the next generation of theater leaders; and identify initiatives emphasizing new technologies and further insights that advance the Goodman's mission and priorities.
Vassar & New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater's second Mainstage production, Mozhan Marno's When The Lights Went Out, directed by Kate Whoriskey has its first performance tonight and will run through Sunday, July 28. Tickets are on sale through the Box Office: (845) 437-5599 orPHTBoxOffice@vassar.edu. The Box Office is located at Vassar in the Powerhouse Theater building. For online sales visit http://powerhouse.vassar.edu/boxoffice. For general season information call 845-437-5907 or visit powerhouse@vassar.edu.
By popular demand, Albany Park Theater Project (APTP) remounts its smash hit production, Home/Land, in a limited summer run at Goodman Theatre, concluding the 2013 Latino Theatre Festival.
"Remixing the March," Goodman Theatre's year-long commemoration of the historic March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, continues this summer: youth participants in General Theater Studies (GTS) combine talents with senior citizens of the GeNarrations writing program to create a performance piece that views the historic event through a contemporary lens. As part of the annual GTS six-week summer program (through August 12), 80 teenage participants initiate discussions with GeNarrations participants about their recollections of the March, including Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech. From these interviews, the students blend their own stories into an original performance piece to be presented almost 50 years to the day.
Goodman Theatre continues its partnership with Chicago Public Library by presenting Stage Chemistry lessons at select branches, as part of each location's ongoing programming. These sessions are a part of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's "Summer of Learning" (through August 10), which encourages young people to participate in activities focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM). The Stage Chemistry lessons focus on the physics of lighting in the Goodman's production of The Jungle Book (now through August 18).
Playing at 99% of capacity and poised to become the best selling musical in Goodman Theatre history, The
Jungle Book extends by popular demand through August 18-marking the first time that three extension weeks have been added to a production in the Goodman's home on Dearborn Street. "A colorful, musically vibrant, family friendly show" (Variety), Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman's world premiere stage musical adaptation was critically hailed "eversurprising, winningly whimsical" (Chicago Sun-Times), "classy, sophisticated, visually beautiful" (Chicago Tribune) and "breathlessly entertaining" (Daily Herald). The full 31-member company-19 cast and 12-member band-remains intact for the seven additional performances. Family friendly pricing for The Jungle Book starts at $27, with tickets ranging to $125
(subject to change); discounts available for subscribers, students and military. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org, call312.443.3800, or come to the Goodman box office (170 N. Dearborn). The production runs approximately two hours (including one 15-minute intermission) and is for adults and families with children 6+.
Berkeley's acclaimed Aurora Theatre Company presents the final Aurora Script Club meeting of the season with Lynn Nottage's RUINED today, July 15, 2013.
Goodman Theatre presents four free staged readings of new plays developed in the Playwrights Unit, a season-long residency program for local writers who meet twice monthly with members of the theater's artistic staff to discuss their plays in progress. Out of this process emerges four brand new plays, which appear in FREE staged readings: Sleeping with the Prince of Darkness: The Imagined Pillow Talk of FBI Agent John O'Neill by Greg Allen (July 20 at 7:30pm); F(law)less by christopher oscar peña (July 21 at 2:30pm); Prowess by Ike Holter (July 21 at 7:30pm); and Ninth Man Out by Alice Austen (August 16 at 7:30pm).
By popular demand, Albany Park Theater Project (APTP) remounts its smash hit production, Home/Land, in a limited summer run at Goodman Theatre, concluding the 2013 Latino Theatre Festival.
Casting highlights for Vassar & New York Stage and Film Powerhouse Theater's second Mainstage production, Mozhan Marno's When The Lights Went Out, and the Martel Musical workshop of the new Simon Rich/Peter Lerman musical inspired by The Brooklyn Hero Supply Company, have been announced. In addition, casting highlights for the season's Inside Look Workshops, Found and Mother of Invention have also been announced. Tickets are on sale through the Box Office: (845) 437-5599 or PHTBoxOffice@vassar.edu. The Box Office is located at Vassar in the Powerhouse Theater building. For online sales visit http://powerhouse.vassar.edu/boxoffice. For general season information call 845-437-5907 or visitpowerhouse@vassar.edu
Berkeley's acclaimed Aurora Theatre Company presents the final Aurora Script Club meeting of the season with Lynn Nottage's RUINED on July 15, 2013.
The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston hosted Jaston Williams, of GREATER TUNA fame, on Saturday, June 15, 2013 for two command performances of BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS. BLAME IT ON VALENTINE, TEXAS, one of four one-man shows crafted by Jaston Williams, had its World Premiere on February 14, 2009 at the Lubbock Civic Center Theater as a benefit for Lubbock Community Theater. To create the show, he pulled several of his autobiographical vignettes from I'M NOT LYING and COWBOY NOISES. He also wrote a new piece, "The Screaming Part of China."
Goodman Theatre presents four free staged readings of new plays developed in the Playwrights Unit, a season-long residency program for local writers who meet twice monthly with members of the theater's artistic staff to discuss their plays in progress. Out of this process emerges four brand new plays, which appear in FREE staged readings: Prowess by Ike Holter (July 20 at 2pm); Sleeping with the Prince of Darkness: The Imagined Pillow Talk of FBI Agent John O'Neill by Greg Allen (July 20 at 7:30pm); F(law)less by christopher oscar peña (July 21 at 2:30pm); and Ninth Man Outby Alice Austen (August 16 at 7:30pm).
In conjunction with Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman's world-premiere stage musical adaptation of The Jungle Book (June 21 - August 4) this summer, Goodman Theatre teams up with community partners to present show-related events and activities at venues throughout Chicago-many free of charge.
The REP, Point Park University's professional theatre company, will produce four works, including a world premiere and a Pittsburgh premiere, in the 2013-2014 season. The season begins Sept. 6 and runs through April 6, 2014, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
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