Court Theatre 5535
S. Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637

COURT THEATRE’S 2008 SEASON SPANS THE AGES

April 23, 2007 -- Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Dawn Helsing are pleased to announce plans for Court Theatre’s 53rd season, a bold line-up of signature classics that spans the history of theatre, including an innovative translation of a Roman epic, Shakespeare’s earliest tragedy, an overlooked African-American drama, and the quintessential American musical.

Acclaimed director JoAnne Akalaitis returns to launch Court’s season paired with a fellow titan of contemporary theatre, British playwright Caryl Churchill, in a recent translation of Seneca’s epic tragedy, Thyestes (September 20 – October 21, 2007). This mid-west premiere of Churchill’s work coincides with the issuing of Seneca’s complete works by the University of Chicago Press in new translations by members of the University of Chicago Classics Department. Following his innovative productions of Hamlet and The Romance Cycle Artistic Director Charles Newell will direct Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus in his signature provocative style (January 10 – February 10, 2008). Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel , named “best musical of the twentieth century” by TIME Magazine, will usher in the spring (March 6 – April 13, 2008). Charles Newell and Music Director Doug Peck reprise their award-winning partnership with an intimate, haunting and emotion-packed story of redemptive love. Following its run at Court, the production will travel to New Haven’s acclaimed Long Wharf Theatre where Newell and Peck recently remounted Court’s award-winning production of Man of La Mancha. Finally, Court Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson will rediscover a neglected jewel that paved the way for authors like August Wilson, Leslie Lee’s Tony nominated, First Breeze of Summer (May 15 – June 15, 2008). A fifth production slated for late 2007 will be announced shortly.

THYESTES (mid-west premiere)
By Lucius Annaeus Seneca, translated by Caryl Churchill
Directed by JoAnne Akalaitis
September 20 – October 21, 2007. (Press Opening September 29, 2007, 8 p.m.)

Two of the most exciting and innovative female artists of our time will join forces in a ground-breaking and canon expanding examination of male brutality. Seneca’s monumental tragedy depicts feuding brothers doomed by arrogance and an unbridled revenge that echoes through the centuries. Penned in the shadow of a jealous Caligula, the work of this eloquent philosopher-poet and tutor to Nero is revived by Churchill’s taut, gripping verse and Akalaitis’ bold style. In a year when the world shudders yet again at the brutality spawned by one man’s rage, audiences will understand why Seneca’s sometimes overlooked tale of Atreus and Thyestes inspired the greatest playwrights of every age.

TITUS ANDRONICUS
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Charles Newell
January 10 – February 10, 2008. (Press Opening January 19, 2008, 8 p.m.)

One of Shakespeare’s earliest works, this riveting tale of jealousy and revenge inspired by Ovid and Seneca is set against the backdrop of the Gothic conquests. Roman general Titus Andronicus returns home in triumph, but with a perilous war trophy — Tamora, queen of the Goths. Her presence in Rome sets in motion a cycle of envy and vengeance that ensnares slaves and emperors alike. Gritty and elemental, this powerful drama is uniquely suited to acclaimed Artistic Director Charles Newell's signature style, which will reveal the deep humanity of this timely classic, along with the futility and personal cost of revenge.

CAROUSEL
Music by Richard Rodgers Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein
Directed by Charles Newell
Music Direction by Doug Peck Choreography by Randy Duncan
Co-Produced with Long Wharf Theatre
March 6 – April 13, 2008. (Press Opening March 15, 2008, 8 p.m.)

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s adaptation of Ferenc Molnar’s Liliom reinvented musical theatre in its day with its lush score, depth and complexity of emotion, and seamless integration of song, story, and dance. Now one of America’s most beloved musical masterpieces will soar to new heights in Court’s intimate space, led by the award-winning team of Artistic Director Charles Newell and Music Director Doug Peck (Raisin, Man of La Mancha, James Joyce’s The Dead, Guys and Dolls). Set in a small New England town in the late 1800s, the story of impulsive, brash carnival barker Billy Bigelow and his bride, mill worker Julie Jordan, spans heaven and earth in its exploration of love, human frailty, and redemption.

FIRST BREEZE OF SUMMER
By Leslie Lee
Directed by Ron OJ Parson
May 15 – June 15, 2008. (Press Opening May 24, 2008, 8 p.m.)
Sponsored by Hyde Park Bank

Obie Award winner and Tony-nominated “Best Play,” Leslie Lee’s rarely seen, powerful drama reveals a turbulent time in three generations of an African-American family in the 1970s. One hot June weekend, the family matriarch reflects on the lessons of her own youth and the three lost love affairs that shaped her life and her family while the conflict comes to a head between her two discontented teenage grandsons and their stern, overworked father. The New York Times called the production, “wonderfully moving,...touching and terrifying.” Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson (Fences, Flyin’ West) directs this classic tale of growing up and growing old.

Court Theatre, the professional theatre in residence at the University of Chicago, is located at 5535 S. Ellis Ave. in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. Five, four and three play subscriptions to Court’s 2007/2008 season range from $87 to $230 and are on sale now. To purchase a subscription or to receive more information, call the Court Theatre Box Office at (773) 753-4472, or visit Court’s website at www.CourtTheatre.org. Individual tickets go on sale August 1, 2007. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets after May 1 by calling Diane Osolin in Court’s Group Sales Office at (773) 753-4472. Now in its 53rd season, Court Theatre is guided by its mission to discover the power of classic theatre. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. Court revives lost masterpieces, re-imagines and illuminates familiar texts, and distinguishes fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences. Court Theatre’s 53rd Season is generously supported by The Chicago Community Trust, Richard and Barbara Franke, Hyde Park Bank, The Joyce Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, and the University of Chicago. Court Theatre is also partially supported by grants from CityArts Program IV from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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