'Relatively Close' Directed by Dennis Zacek at VGT

Relatively Close World Premiere Approaches

Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago's #1 presenter of new work, heats up Chicago's summer theater scene with its 2007/08 season finale Relatively Close, a new family comedy by James Sherman, directed by VGT Artistic Director Dennis Zacek.

Relatively Close is James Sherman's twelfth world premiere production at Victory Gardens. Each was developed in collaboration with and directed by Zacek, who is culminating his 30th anniversary season at the artistic helm of Victory Gardens - the longest tenure of any Artistic Director in Chicago. As Sherman put it, "Dennis has been my director, collaborator, mentor, protector, counselor, advocate, faithful friend, and midwife to my plays for 24 years. Whatever success I've had in my life as a playwright is with thanks to him." Their 1989 smash hit collaboration Beau Jest remains Victory Gardens' biggest box office success ever.

For Relatively Close, Victory Gardens has cast Usman Ally as Yousef, Daniel Cantor as Ron, Laura T. Fisher as Beth, David Gonzales as Dylan, Penny Slusher as Jan, Wendi Weber as Marlene, and Dexter Zollicoffer as Arthur. Designers are John Stark (set); Julie Mack (lights); Christine Pascual (costumes); and Andre Pluess (sound). Tina M. Jach is production stage manager.

Penny Slusher, Wendi Weber and Laura T. Fisher

Relatively Close begins previews June 6, 2008 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.  Previews are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; and Sunday at 3 pm.  Previews are $20-$35.  Press opening is Monday, June 16 at 7:30 pm. Regular performances are June 18-July 13: Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 pm; Friday at 8 pm; Saturday at 5 and 8:30 pm; Sunday at 3 pm. Performances are $20-$45.  Additional matinees are Wednesday, July 2 and July 9 at 2 pm.  (Exceptions: No evening shows Tuesday, June 17 or July 1; Wednesday, July 2; or Friday, July 4.)

For tickets and information, call the Victory Gardens box office, (773) 871-3000, or purchase tickets online at http://www.VictoryGardens.org Call (773) 549-5788 ext. 2131 for group rates. Ask the box office about Victory Gardens' "20 @ $20" discount, subject to availability.

Photo credit:  Michael Brosilow