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* * 2011 - 2012
Season * * * NEW BEGINNINGS |
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 EllingBased on a novel by Ingvar Ambjornsen, in adaptation by Axel Hellstenius in collaboration with Petter Naess. English adaptation by Simon Bent Sep. 24 thru Oct. 30, 2011 Directed by Steve
Scott (Artistic Associate, Goodman Theatre)
Elling is the story of two simple young men, just released from an institution, who are trying to acclimate to the complexities of modern society. Redtwist's leading young actors, Andrew Jessop (2-time Jeff nominee) and Peter Oyloe (2-time Jeff winner), portray Elling and his friend, Kjell, respectively, both of whom struggle to handle the challenges of the outside world. Their attempts parallel the difficulties that are faced by all of us, and their mental "illness" becomes a metaphor for the fact that it is maddening to deal with modern life on a rapidly changing planet. Both deeply moving and charmingly funny, Elling is a triumphant real-life fairy tale for the "new normal" in the post-modern age. The cast also includes Redtwist company member and Jeff Award-winner, Brian Parry, Cameron Feagin, Michael Sherwin, Marssie Mencotti, Melissa Walker, and Redtwister, Scott Butler. This is the Chicago premiere. Back to top |
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Opus
by Michael Hollinger Dec. 10, 2011 thru Jan. 29, 2012 Directed by Jason W. Gerace (Artistic Associate, ATC) Opus is the fascinating story of a world-class string quartet. The musical ensemble is in the midst of a clash of wills between the two leaders of the group—one the artistic genius, and the other, the business guru. One stays as the group leader and ousts the other. The replacement is a young woman, fresh out of school, and the evolution of the group takes several unexpected turns en route to a riveting conclusion. Featuring a bedrock of compelling "family" dynamics, Opus is a gripping piece of drama punctuated by a brilliant musical score. It was the most produced play in the U.S. in 2009, and Redtwist has the Chicago premiere. The cast includes Redtwist company member and Jeff Award-winner Brian Parry, along with Paul Dunckel, John Ferrick, Michael Sherwin, and Emily Tate. Back to top |
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The Laramie
Project: Ten Years Later  by Moises Kaufman, Leigh Fondakowski, Greg Pierotti, Andy Paris, and Stephen Belber AND Staged Readings of the original Laramie Project by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project beginning February 17, 2012 Mar. 4 thru Apr. 7, 2012 Directed by Greg Kolack (3-time Jeff Award-winner for Best Director) The epilogue is the terrific follow-up to the legendary work produced by the Tectonic Theater Project in 1998 in the immediate aftermath of the Matthew Shepard murder in Laramie, Wyoming. Since that watershed hate crime, Tectonic has reconnected with nearly all the people whom they interviewed (and who appeared as characters in the original play) to assess how they have changed. The results are startling, regarding both growth and stasis. The United States passed an Act of Congress called The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, on Oct 22, 2009. This play documents the incredible journey of, well, the tectonic shift in the U.S. in the past ten years culminating in that landmark legislation. Featuring breathtaking interviews with both incarcerated killers, as well as a right-wing Wyoming legislator who rises to the occasion in support of a gay rights bill. It is riveting and life-affirming theatre. This is the Chicago premiere. Back to top |
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 The Cripple of
Inishmaan by Martin McDonaghMay 13 thru July 1, 2012 Directed by Kimberly Senior (Director of Bug and The Pillowman) The moving, poignant, and darkly funny story of a physically-challenged young man, the small town target of cruel jokes, who becomes starry-eyed when an American film crew comes to a rural outpost near his community to shoot a major motion picture. "Cripple Billy" leaves the town to find a better life through this golden "movie star" opportunity. Eventually he finds some respect and affection from among those who were the genesis of the ridicule. Lastly, in the hands of master dramatist Martin McDonagh, when Billy finds redemption among the townsfolk, a final twist of fate turns the tables again, in true mythic fashion. Pastoral and lyrical, cruel and savage, hilarious and heartwarming, this is McDonagh at his twisted, compassionate best. Featuring company members Jan Ellen Graves, Brian Parry, and Debra Rodkin. Back to top |
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 The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee WilliamsJuly 28 thru Sep 2, 2012 Directed by Josh Altman A searing family drama and very likely the autobiography of Tennessee Williams, this legendary play unfolds as a flashback via the recollections of the character, Tom Wingfield, as he recounts the inexorable disintegration of his family and the shattered life of his beloved sister, Laura, whose memory haunts him after he finally extricates himself from the emotional debris of his well-intentioned, but distraught and damaged mother who was abandoned by her husband. Featuring Redtwist company member and Jeff Award-winner, Jacqueline Grandt, in the role of Amanda. Back to top |
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Call 773/728-7529 *Shows subject to rights and availability. Space is limited. Reservations 48 hours in advance and ticket purchase are required to guarantee seating. Credit cards accepted. |
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