DCA Theater Announces Spring 2012 Season

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, in partnership with the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, announces the Spring 2012 Season at both DCA Theater venues-the DCA Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph Street, and the DCA Studio Theater in the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington Street.

DCA Theater offers downtown audiences an off-Loop theater experience with an exciting look at the vibrant theater companies that call Chicago home. As an anchor of the downtown theater district, the DCA Storefront Theater season will feature a world premiere production by InFusion Theatre Company, two Chicago premieres (one by Vitalist Theatre and one by Chicago Fusion Theatre) and two dance premieres (one by Chicago Dance Crash and one by Khecari).

For the 2012 season, the DCA Theater expands its Incubator Series to present six companies in the Studio Theater of the Chicago Cultural Center: Prologue Theatre Company, Vintage Theater Collective, Strangeloop Theatre, Almost ATLANTA, Sour Mash Theatre Company and Jackalope Theatre Company. Additionally, DCA Theater will present the AFTRA/SAG Senior Radio Players and performances by the Vet Art Project.

All tickets are available by calling 312.742.TIXS (8497), visiting www.dcatheater.org, or stopping by the Chicago Cultural Center Ticket Office in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. and Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Tickets go on sale one hour before each performance at the Storefront Theater. Be sure to follow DCA Theater on Facebook for updates and information.

Discounted parking is once again available at Wabash/Randolph Self Park at 20 E. Randolph Street. Patrons can receive the $10 rate by validating their ticket at the Storefront Theater ticket office.

Each season, the DCA Theater accepts proposals from the city's itinerant theater and dance companies who wish to bring their innovative productions downtown. Presenting companies receive free performance space and resources, while theater-goers get an exciting glimpse into Chicago's world-renowned performing arts scene. For more information and to apply for either space, visit www.dcatheater.org/yourshow.

DCA STOREFRONT THEATER SPRING 2012 SEASON

The Ghost is Here by Kobo Abe, translated by Donald Keene

Chicago Premiere presented by Vitalist Theatre

Directed by Jaclynn Jutting

Media Opening: Friday, January 13, at 7:30 p.m.

January 12 - February 19, 2012

Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph Street

Tickets: $25 for general admission; $20 for seniors; $15 for students; $15 for preview (1/12)

www.dcatheater.org or (312) 742-TIXS (8497)

Kobo Abe's rarely-produced 1957 epic play, The Ghost is Here, examines the impact of war upon a culture and a nation. Set in the ruins of post-World War II Japan, at a moment in history when the nation was forced to redefine itself as a country, the play uses original music, stylized song and dance, and a multicultural cast to bring Abe's story to life with a "Tokyo boogie woogie" beat. As Japan's people reinvent themselves in the midst of monumental challenges, The Ghost is Here echoes in modern day America.

Related Program:

Thursday, January 19: Post-show discussion following the performance

Las Hermanas Padilla by Tony Meneses

Chicago Premiere presented by Chicago Fusion Theatre

Directed by Juan Castañeda

Media Opening: Thursday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m.

February 29 - April 1, 2012

Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph Street

Tickets: $25 for general admission; $15 for seniors and students; $15 for preview (2/29)

www.dcatheater.org or (312) 742-TIXS (8497)

An award-winning work by emerging New York playwright Tony Meneses, Las Hermanas Padilla is a poetic, humorous and fantastical vision of ten sisters-in-law who,

while the world is at war find solace, despair, humor and grace in their unexpected sisterhood. Chicago Fusion Theatre explores this Brechtian inspired script through storyboards and snapshots of the sisters as they discover their own paths, test the limits of their strength and find the true meaning of family.

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