Strawdog Theatre Company completes their 21st season with Peter Barnes' dark comedy "Red Noses," directed by House Theatre's Matt Hawkins. In Barnes' 1985 Olivier Award-winning play, the Black Plague has wiped out half of Europe's 14th century population, so God gives the young priest Father Flote a special mission to save his suffering people ... make 'em laugh. Flote gathers a band of desperately untalented misfits, turns them into clowns and together they search for salvation with hilarity. Hawkins, who also directed House's hit production of "Hatfield & McCoy," makes his Strawdog directing debut with a 23-person cast. "Red Noses" runs about two hours and ten minutes with one intermission, and includes free admittance to Strawdog Late Night following the Friday and Saturday shows (Late Night schedule available at www.strawdog.org).
Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60613
Red Line Sheridan stop; 36-Broadway and 80-Irving Park buses
$6 honor parking at Greeley School, 832 W. Sheridan, weekends after 5 p.m.
Opens Sunday, April 19, 2009, 7 p.m. (reception following)
Closes on Saturday, May 23, 2009
Runs Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 7 p.m.
Previews on April 16 and April 17 at 8 p.m.
Special gala benefit performance on Saturday, April 18 at 7 p.m. ($40 ticket)
Added industry show on Monday, April 27 at 8 p.m. ($5 industry/$20 regular)
Added Thursday shows on May 14 and 21 at 8 p.m. ($20 ticket)
TICKETS: 773-528-9696, or visit www.strawdog.org
$20 for all regular performances
$15 for students and seniors (with ID), and for groups of ten or more
$10 for previews
$40 for Gala Benefit on April 18, including cocktails and appetizers
$5 for industry show on April 27 (with resume/headshot/card); $20 otherwise
Regular ticket purchase also includes admittance to Strawdog Late Nights (improv, comedy, music, etc.) directly after Friday and Saturday night shows
Strawdog ensemble members Nic Dimond (Scenic Design), Aly Renee Greaves (Costume Design) and Cortney Hurley (Production Manager), with guest artists Heather Gilbert (Lighting Design), Matt Hawkins (Director), Mike Pryzgoda (Sound Design) and Clare Roche (Stage Manager).
Strawdog ensemble members John Ferrick (Father Flote), Carmine Grisolia (Rochfort), Kyle Hamman (Brodin), Shannon Hoag (Marguerite), Anderson Lawfer (Le Grue), and Michaela Petro (Scarron), with guest artists Christy Arrington (Flagellant), Paul Fagen (Toulon), Kyle Gibson (Player), Sarah Goeden (Sonnerie), Matt Kahler (Boutros Brother), Allison Latta (Flagellant), Rob McLean (Archbishop Monselet), Marika Mashburn (Druce), Tom Mondala (Player), John Moran (Player), Chelsea Paice (Player), Eric Pogrelis (Boutros Brother), Eric Roach (Grez), Michael E. Smith (Frapper), Stephen Taylor (Pope/Master Pestilence), Andrew Trygstad (Bembo) and Justine C. Turner (Player).
British screenwriter and playwright Peter Barnes' (1931-2004) work includes the Academy Award-nominated films "The Ruling Class" (1972) and "Enchanted April" (1992). His stage work includes "Leonardo's Last Supper" (1969), "The Bewitched" (1974), "Laughter!" (1978), "Sunsets and Glories" (1990), "Dreaming" (1999), and "Jubilee" (2001).
Strawdog's Late Night Schedule for Winter 2009
Fridays and Saturdays Begin at 11 p.m.; Sundays at 10 p.m.
Strawdog Theatre Company continues Late Night offerings as part of their 21st anniversary season, with free or low-cost shows following Friday and Saturday performances of "Cherry Orchard" (which runs February 22-March 28, 2009), as well as on Sunday nights (plus Thursday, March 19). Late Night patrons must be 21 or over. The Friday Late Night is "Strawdog Welcomes," featuring guest artists and companies with various entertainment acts. Saturdays bring "Strawdog Presents," showcasing Strawdog ensemble members and their programming, including "The Game Show Show and Stuff," "The Mic," "The Direct-Off," and "Kyle's Basement," as well as live music, improvisation and the like. The "Strawdog Sunday Showcase" presents live music, stand-up comedy, improv, and variety acts (musical group Butterscotch on the Rocks is featured throughout March). Winter 2009 schedule listed below (subject to change - visit www.strawdog.org for details).
Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60613
Red Line Sheridan stop; 36-Broadway and 80-Irving Park buses
$6 honor parking at Greeley School, 832 W. Sheridan, weekends after 5 p.m.
February 21 to March 28, 2009
Fridays and Saturdays at 11 p.m.; Sundays at 10 p.m.
Thursday, March 19, 10 p.m.
Publish this number: 773-528-9696
Free with Strawdog mainstage ticket purchase (same night only)
$5-$10 cover for certain events - see below or visit www.strawdog.org for details
February 2009 Late Night Events:
Saturday, February 21, "Cherry Orchard" gala opening ($40) with DJ Gregor Mortis. Ensemble member, Jeff Award-winning sound designer and Charybdis arts organization founder Mortis has been a deejay for over 15 years. Admission includes complimentary beer, wine and hors d'oeuvres.
