A Red Orchid Theatre Presents A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN'S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT 11/12/09-1/3/10

A Red Orchid Theatre proudly continues its 2009-10 Season with the return of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant written by Kyle Jarrow from a concept by Alex Timbers and directed by StEve Wilson. The production will run November 12 - January 3, 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. 
 
"The energy that explodes into the theatre with the start of each rehearsal is palpable and impossible to deny, even from the office next door," says Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald.  "I am ecstatic and so very grateful to bring last year's smash-hit to audiences old and new.  The heart of last year's joyous and hilarious Chicago Premiere returns with plenty of surprises and new fun up our sleeves."
 
A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant features A Red Orchid Theatre Youth Ensemble. The Youth Ensemble, founded following the tremendous success of Pageant's inaugural A Red Orchid Theatre production in 2008, includes Chaz Allen, Najwa Brown, Jackson Chalinor, Jaiden Falllo, Paola Lehman, Melanie Nielan, Adam Rebora, Kara Ryan, Elenna Sindler and Aria Szalai-Raymond.
 
The design team includes John Wilson (scenic), Joseph Fosco (sound), Matt Gawryk (lights), Karen Kawa (costumes).  The stage manager is Kim Miller and the assistant director is Jack Tamburri.
 
First preview is Thursday, November 12, 2009. The production runs through January 3, 2010. Curtain times are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
 
All preview tickets are $15. Single tickets for all regular run performances are $25. Half prIce Tickets are available for children 16 yrs and under. Senior citizen and student tickets are $20 (with valid I.D.) for all regular run performances. Group rates are available by calling the box office.
 
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 and Tiffany Wilson.
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.