TEDDY FERRARA Begins 2/2 at the Goodman Theatre

Rehearsals are underway for the world-premiere production of the Goodman-commissioned Teddy Ferrara by Pulitzer Prize finalist Christopher Shinn, praised as "among the most provocative and probing of American Playwrights today" (The New York Times). Evan Cabnet directs this stirring exploration of an on-campus tragedy with a cast that includes Liam Benzvi (Gabe), Patrick Clear (University President), Rashaad Hall (Nicky), Ryan Heindl (Teddy Ferrara), Christopher Imbrosciano (Jay), Jax Jackson (Jaq), Dev Kennedy and Fawzia Mirza (Campus Police), Paloma Nozicka (Jenny), Adam Poss (Drew), Josh Salt (Tim), Kelli Simpkins (Ellen) and Janet Ulrich Brooks (University Provost). The design team includes Jenny Mannis (Costume Designer), Keith Parham (Lighting Designer), Lee Savage (Set Designer) and Richard Woodbury (Sound Designer). Rehearsal photos, headshots and bio information can be found in the Press Room. Teddy Ferrara runs February 2 - March 3, 2013 in the Owen Theatre (opening night is Monday, February 11). Tickets ($14 - $45; subject to change) are now on sale and are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Teddy, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).

In conjunction with the production, Goodman Theatre hosts its first-ever student press conference including cast members from Teddy Ferrara on February 7 from 5:30 - 6:30pm. Chicagoland college and high school students are invited to join participants of the Goodman's Cindy Bandle Young Critics program (CBYC) in this unique opportunity to interview the cast. To make arrangements, student journalists should call 312.443.5152 or email Press@GoodmanTheatre.org. A joint venture between Goodman Theatre and the Association for Women Journalists-Chicago, CBYC introduces 11th grade young women to theater criticism and the world of professional writing. Offered free of charge, CBYC participants receive press tickets to every production in the Goodman's 2012/2013 Season, one-on-one mentoring from professional journalists and have the opportunity to interview artists associated with Goodman Theatre productions.

Students can also take advantage of "10Tix" tickets - $10 tickets exclusively for students, now available for advance purchase - at GoodmanTheatre.org using the promo "10Tix" or at the box office (170 N. Dearborn). Previously, 10Tix were only available day-of show. A valid Student ID must be presented upon pickup, and limit four tickets per student. All tickets are subject to availability and handling fees apply.

"I was teaching undergraduates just as I was beginning to work on Teddy Ferrara and really observing them and measuring my own experiences against that," says playwright Christopher Shinn. "It's an entirely different social world today as mediated through media and technology, and it's rare to see college students represented truthfully. I'll know I have achieved this if college-aged students respond to this play."

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is the Corporate Sponsor Partner for Teddy Ferrara. The Time Warner Foundation is the Major Supporter of New Play Development and The Glasser and Rosenthal Family and the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust are Supporters of New Work Development. The Davee Foundation is the Major Contributor to Research and Development for New Work. The Joyce Foundation is the Principal Supporter of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives