20th Anniversary Season

Choosing a 20th Anniversary season was no easy task. Obtaining rights was a daunting task this year. In fact. our final production of the year changed just at the last minute. I was trying desperately to get the rights to a very popular novel, not worth mentioning NOW. A great story set in Chicago that mixes relationships, math and a crazy road trip to Kentucky. Of course a movie deal got in the way. SO luckily, we had also been trying at the same time to obtain the rights to another fantastic book--Cory Doctorow's LITTLE BROTHER. It seemed at first that "Brother" was going to be tougher to get the rights to because of its recent stay on the New York Times Best Seller list. And believe me it wasn't easy because it's a new book and the author has been getting some major press. Although "rights are still pending" we hopefully are going to be able to work things out with the author's agent and Dorothy Milne (who's directing) and I are just thrilled. I think we've in many ways we've achieved a great mix of challenging and exciting work for this year.

So here it is.....

ON THE SHORE OF THE WIDE WORLD (North American Premiere)
By Simon Stephens
Directed by Jonathan Berry
Theatre Building Chicago
September 27 – November 16, 2008

Simon Stephens powerful family drama focuses on three generations of the Holmes family in Stockport, England, as they deal with a tragedy that forces each of them to examine carefully their lives, the choices they’ve made and what they are leaving behind. The play deftly explores both the joys and fears that come from every day life, and the daunting task of making a mark in society. Winner of the prestigious 2006 Olivier Award for Best New Play.

THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (A Rare Revival)
Based on the novella by Eudora Welty
Book and Lyrics by Alfred Uhry
Music by Robert Waldman.
Directed by Paul Holmquist
Theatre Building Chicago
February 7 – March 29, 2009

Based on the novella by Eudora Welty, this jubilant, blue grass and folk infused Tony Award-winning musical focuses on Robin Hood-like Jamie Lockhart, a legendary character in Mississippi folklore, who rescues the wealthiest plantation owner in Natchez Trace from the Harp gang and attempts to woo and win his daughter Rosamund. Standing in his way is her conniving stepmother Salome, whose romantic designs on the gentleman robber lead her to plot the girl's murder. What ensues is a series of hilarious and dark escapades worthy of a Grimm fairy tale.

LITTLE BROTHER (World Premiere)
Based on the novel by Cory Doctorow
Adapted by William Massolia
Directed by Dorothy Milne
Venue to be Announced
May – June 2009

What would happen if the United States underwent another major terrorist attack? Would the government out of fear turn the country into a police state? Cory Doctorow gives us a vision of the future as seen through the eyes of Marcus, aka "wln5t0n, a seventeen year old hacker who decides to fight back against a government out of control. Will he succeed? Maybe, but only if he's really careful...and very, very smart.