Eclipse Theatre's 2012 Eugene O'Neill Season Continues with AH, WILDERNESS, Opening 7/29

Eclipse Theatre Company (www.eclipsetheatre.com), the only theatre company in the Midwest to feature the works of one playwright in one season, continues their 2012 season featuring the works of legendary American playwright Eugene O'Neill with his romantic comedy, "Ah, Wilderness!" directed by Eclipse ensemble member Steve Scott. This will be the second of three productions by America's first great playwright.

Set at the turn of century during a time of America's innocence, the Connecticut-based Miller family is planning their traditional Fourth of July festivities. Their dreamy-eyed middle child, Richard, is wrestling with cultural conventions, political uncertainty, the power of literature, and the exquisite pain of love. O'Neill's affectionate comedy presents a young man's coming of age story during a summer in which he succumbs to his first romantic crush. Ensemble member and Goodman Theatre Associate Producer / Artistic Collective member Steve Scott directs Eugene O'Neill's love letter to a simpler time.

Ah, Wilderness! runs approximately two and a half hours with two intermissions. Post-show discussions with the cast and crew will be held following all Sunday matinees except opening and closing weekends (free with paid ticket).

WHERE: The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL 60657. Some street parking; Wellington El stop (Brown); Lincoln #11 Bus. Pay and Display parking at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church lots, on Southport and on Oakdale. Handicapped accessible.

WHEN: Press Opening is Sunday, July 29th, 2012 at 7 p.m. (reception following) with an official opening on Tuesday, July 31st, 2012 at 7 p.m. Runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Previews on July 26, 27, and 28, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. ($8 industry shows) Closes on Sunday, September 2, 2012

TICKETS: Call the Athenaeum Theatre Box Office at 773-935-6875, (open Wednesday - Sunday, noon to last curtain) or purchase online at www.eclipsetheatre.com.
$28 for all regular performances (half-price rush tickets available)
$18 for previews; $8 for industry members at all previews with headshot/card
$23 for each ticket in groups of ten or more, $23 for seniors with ID, $18 for students
Two-Show Subscription packages are available for the remaining season, starting at $48

CAST: Eclipse ensemble members Cheri Chenoweth (Essie Miller), Rebecca Prescott (Lily Miller), and Kevin Scott (Sid Davis), with guest artists Jerry Bloom (David McComber / Salesman), Rebecca Drew Emmerich (Nora), Margaret Grace (Belle), Rae Gray (Mildred), Benjamin Parkhill (Tommy), BrIan Parry (Nat Miller), Fiona Roberts (Muriel), Tony Rossi (Wint / Bartender), Nick Vidal (Arthur), and Alex Weisman (Richard).

STAFF: Eclipse ensemble members Sarah Moeller (Dramaturg), JP Pierson (Casting Director), Steve Scott (Director), Kevin Scott (Co-Producer), and Nathaniel Swift (Co-Producer). Guest artists Sara Carranza (Stage Manager), Rachael Gass (Assistant Stage Manager), Kevin Hagan (Set Design), Rachel Lambert (Costume Design), Ian Milliken (Sound Design), Zachary Roberts (Assistant Director), Heather Timmerman (Props Design), and Mike Winkelman (Lighting Design).

NEXT: Eclipse will conclude their 2012 Eugene O'Neill Season with "Long Day's Journey into Night" by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Eclipse Artistic Director Nathaniel Swift, running November 1st – December 9th, 2012, at the Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago. Tickets can currently be purchased online at www.eclipsetheatre.com

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