Northlight Theatre's WOODY SEZ Opens 9/14

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 – October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs like "This Land is Your Land" and "The Ballad of Tom Joad." This musical portrait, featuring more than 30 of Woody's stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's great folk troubadour.

Northlight is proud to honor this American legend during his Centennial year.

Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, "In 1991, our audience enjoyed Woody Guthrie's American Song which won the Jeff Award for best musical. Now to celebrate his 100th birthday, we bring this fresh take on Woody Guthrie to the Northlight stage. Created by and starring world class artist David Lutken and directed by Broadway's Nick Corley, Woody Sez is a celebration of the musicality and social conscience of one of America's greatest troubadours. It resurrects Woody's spirit of hope and fierce American determination."

The cast includes Darcie Deaville, David Finch, David M. Lutken, and Helen Jean Russell.

Designers include Luke Hegel-Cantarella (Set Design), Jeffrey Meek (Costume Design), Chris Binder (Lighting Design), and Rick Sims (Sound Design). Rita Vreeland is the stage manager, and Kristin Leahey is the dramaturg.

David M. Lutken (Ensemble/Co-Creator) Originally from Dallas, Texas, David studied at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts and, as a boy, at the Royal School of Church Music. He has performed in Europe and the United Kingdom, at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall and in his adopted home state of Louisiana is the principal banjoist for the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra. Broadway: Inherit the Wind (2007 Revival), Ring of Fire, The Civil War, The Will Rogers Follies. NY City Opera: Paul Bunyan. Off-Broadway: Stars In Your Eyes, The Portable Pioneer and Prairie Show, Woody Guthrie's American Song, Winterman. Regional: Man of La Mancha, Elmer Gantry, Finian's Rainbow, Big River, Pump Boys and Dinettes, The Love List, Death in England, On Golden Pond, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Fire On The Mountain, Stand By Your Man, and In The Deep Heart's Core.

Darcie Deaville (Ensemble) Born in Toronto to bush helicopter/journalist parents, Darcie left home at 16, making her living as a Toronto street musician, and has since toured from the Yukon Territories to Central America, Europe and the Far East. Now based in Austin, Texas, Darcie is well-known for her fiery fiddling and singing her American roots based songs, and working with artists including Ani di Franco, Tom Paxton, Mary Gauthier, David Lindley, Eliza Gilkyson, and Slaid Cleaves. A multi-instrumentalist, Darcie's was the first woman (and first Canadian) to enter the National Flatpicking Championships in Windfiled KS, taking her place in the top 10. A writer, producer, musical director and coach, Darcie's theatre work includes multiple productions of Woody Guthrie's American Song, Back Bog Beast Bait, Cottonpatch Gospel, and Always, Patsy Cline. The latest of her five CDs is called Livin' on the Lucky Side (Taller Dog Music). Darcie is currently in a band called the Austin Lounge Lizards.

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