Theatre School at DePaul University Stages LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, Now thru 3/2

The Theatre School at DePaul University proudly presents LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, based on the book by Gary D. Schmidt, adapted by Cheryl L. West, and directed by John Jenkins, as the second piece in the 2012-2013 Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences Series. This production opens today, January 19, and runs through Saturday, March 2, 2013, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 AM and Saturdays at 2 PM. There will be no performances on January 26, 29, 31, or February 2.

Celebrate Black History Month with LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY by learning more about the time, place, and community of 1912 coastal Maine, and our two extraordinary heroes. Reverend Buckminster's son Turner is the new kid in town. Lonely and having trouble fitting in, he meets Lizzie Bright, and African-American girl from nearby Malaga Island who becomes his best friend. They share everything: secrets, worries, and the courage to take a stand against greed and racial prejudices in their community. When the townspeople try to force the residents off of Malaga Island, Turner and Lizzie's friendship is tested, and they face life's greatest challenge of loss and allegiance.

Educational themes of LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY include: American History, Black History Month Celebrations, Community, Courage, Friendship, Geography, Leadership, Loss & Death, Legacy, and Understanding Differences. For more information about pre and post-show educational activities, as well as highlighted curriculum connections, please visit theatre.depaul.edu to download our free Teacher Guide. You can also request a Teacher Guide by calling the Box Office. The book LIZZIE BRIGHT AND THE BUCKMINSTER BOY, by Gary D. Schmidt, won both the Newbery Honor and the Printz Honor. This production is recommended for ages 10 and up.

Tickets are $10. Subscriptions and group rates (15 or more people) are available at (312) 922-0999. DePaul employees, alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Tickets are available online at http://theatre.depaul.edu or by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan Ave., in Chicago. For information about parking, please contact the Box Office. The theatre is accessible via CTA busses (3-King Drive, 29-State Street, 146-Michigan/ Museums and others), and CTA El stops (Red, Blue, Brown, Green, Orange, Purple and Pink).

For patrons who are blind or have low vision, the 2 PM performance on February 16th will include live audio description services by Robert Hines; as well as a pre-performance touch tour, which begins at 1:15 PM. Patrons participating in the audio-described programming may also receive the playbill in Braille, large print and audio formats. The performances on February 21st and 23rd will be interpreted in American Sign Language. Call 312.922.1999 or TTY for the Deaf: 773.325.7975. Discounted tickets of $5 are available for patrons who utilize our audio description or ASL interpretation services.

January 19th is USO of Illinois Day. U.S Armed forces personnel and their families can attend for free. Visit www.tixfortroops.org to reserve tickets, or call the Box Office for more information. A wide range of events will be held in conjunction with this production including Community Partner Days, as well as an Ice Cream Social, Opening Day Autographs, Post Show Discussions, and much more! For details visit theatre.depaul.edu or call (312) 922-1999.

The cast features Cameron Benoit (Deacon Hurd), Michael Countryman (Willis Hurd), Daniel Lewis (Sheriff), Maureen Mizener (Mrs. Cobb), Louie Rinaldi (Turner Buckminster), Tiffany T. Smith (Lizzie Bright Griffin), Joseff Stevenson (Reverend Buckminster), and Justin Wade Wilson (Reverend Griffin, Grandfather).

The production staff includes John Jenkins (Director), Michael David (Scenic Design), Lissa Lamona (Costume Design), Garvin Jellison (Lighting Design), Kami Siu (Sound Design), Francesco De Salvatore (Dramaturgy), and Belinda Bing (Stage Management).

John Jenkins (Director) has performed and directed professionally in England, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia; as well as throughout the United States. As a member of the San Quentin Drama Workshop, he worked with Samuel Beckett as an actor in Mr. Beckett's direction of WAITING FOR GODOT and ENDGAME and served as movement advisor for Mr. Beckett's production of KRAPP'S LAST TAPE. In Minneapolis, he worked for eight years as an actor, director, and teacher for The Children's Theatre Company. John's film credits include a starring role in the independent feature film PATTI ROCKS, which he co-wrote. He is a qualified teacher of the Alexander Technique.

The Theatre School at DePaul University educates, trains, and inspires students of theatre in a conservatory setting that is rigorous, disciplined, and culturally diverse. The school and its students strive for the highest level of professional skill and artistry. A commitment to diversity and equality in education is central to its mission. As an integral part of the training, The Theatre School produces public programs and performances from a wide repertoire of classic, contemporary, and original plays that challenge, entertain, and stimulate the imagination. We seek to enhance the intellectual and cultural life of the university community, the city, and the profession.

More Articles by This Author...