A Red Orchid Extends A VERY UNMERRY SCIENTOLOGY PEAGENT Through 1/17/2010

A Red Orchid Theatre announces the extension of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant written by Kyle Jarrow from a concept by Alex Timbers and directed by StEve Wilson with musical direction by Brandon Magid. The production, extended by two weeks, is now playing through January 17, 2010 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 North Wells St.

A Red Orchid's first holiday offering and smash hit returns! Based on the tremendous critical and artistic success of last year's Chicago Premiere, A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant is back. With many of the original cast members, as well as new faces on stage, this year's production promises to be "hugely entertaining, surprisingly enlightening and just a bit disturbing". An anonymous company of merry children gather on a cold winter night to rejoice in telling the story of Scientology founder and hero L. Ron Hubbard. This satirical musical explores the magic of Dianetics, the fascinating E-meter, the immortal Thetans, and the entrancing story of Xenu - all with the straightest of faces.

Title: A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant
Written by: Kyle Jarrow from a concept by Alex Timbers
Directed by: StEve Wilson
Featuring: A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant features A Red Orchid Theatre Youth Ensemble members Chaz Allen, Najwa Brown, Jaiden Fallo, Paola Lehman, Adam Rebora, Kara Ryan, Elenna Sindler and Aria Szalai-Raymond; as well as newcomers Elita Ernsteen, Katherine Jordan, and Alex Turner.

Designers: John Wilson (scenic), Joseph Fosco (sound and musical arrangement) Matt Gawryk (lights), Karen Kawa (costumes). The stage manager is Kim Miller and the assistant director is Jack Tamburri. The choreographer is Ann Filmer.

Dates: now through January 17, 2010

Extension Schedule (Jan 3 -Jan 17): Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 3:00 p.m.

Location: A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 North Wells St.
Tickets: $25 regular run performances; $20 for students and senior citizens with valid ID.
Box Office: 1531 North Wells St., Chicago
(312) 943-8722
www.aredorchidtheatre.org

About A Red Orchid
Since 1993 A Red Orchid Theatre has been an artistic mainstay of the Chicago theatre community; known and praised for its powerful ensemble, creative design and its gripping, intimate productions. The resident Ensemble maintains the conviction that passionately committed theatre will draw passionately committed audiences, and the 2009-2010 subscription season promises to bring Ensemble and audience even closer together.

A Red Orchid Theatre is: Lance Baker, Dado, Jennifer Engstrom, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Joseph Fosco, Steve Haggard, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, Karen Kawa, Karen Kessler, Danny McCarthy, Brett Neveu, Michael Shannon, Guy Van Swearingen, Doug Vickers, Tiffany Wilson and Craig Wright.
The A Red Orchid Youth Ensemble includes: Chaz Allen, Najwa Brown, Jackson Chalinor, Jaiden Falllo, Paola Lehman, Melanie Nielan, Adam Rebora, Kara Ryan, Elenna Sindler and Aria Szalai-Raymond.

The 2009-2010 Season is dedicated in loving memory of, and with many thanks to, Donald Shannon, who has provided invaluable guidance and energy as an Advisory Board member since the beginning.