WAITING FOR PIERROT Opens at Vittum Theater Tonight, 11/13

The World Premiere of "Waiting for Pierrot" marks the end of a nearly ten year hiatus of commedia dell'arte artists Allison Latta and Noel Williams as they resurrect their beloved commedia dell'arte characters in a two person show that brings a refreshing twist of a classic tale of nothingness. Inspired by lawsuits, gender wars, and Rita Hayworth these two ladies create an evening of masks, improvisation, audience participation, and physicality that will leave their audience laughing, crying, and wondering why you aren't supposed to say vagina. "Waiting for Pierrot" premieres at the Vittum Theatre, tonight, November 13th -28th, 2012.

Creators Allison Latta and Noel Williams were the drivingforce behind the Commedia Dell'arte Ensemble of former Chicago theatre company, TriArts,Inc. The two began their commedia dell'arte journey by studying with Master Commedia Dell'Arte Instructor Antonio Fava in Italy. After both graduated from Virginia Tech, Noel went on to the Dell'Arte School International School of Physical Theatre, where she met Anthony Courser, to study with master teachers Joan Schirle, Carlo Mazzone-Clementi, and Pochinko clown instructor Sue Morrison. Allison moved up to Chicago and began creating TriArts,Inc Theatre company with other Virginia Tech alumni. After Williams graduated from Dell'Arte, she moved to Chicago, and reunited with Latta in TriArts,Inc. The pair led the creation of four original contemporary commedia dell'arte shows with TriArts,Inc. Hfob-n-Ffos, their first projecttoured to the Winnipeg Fringe Festival in 2000, making the Winnipeg Sun's "Best in Fringe" list. The pair were hailed as "two of the most dynamic and inventive actors at the Fringe" and given four stars by Winnipeg Sun reviewer John Scoles. Chicago reviewer Lucia Mauro would later applaud them in future productions as "the most versatile" and Mary Shen Barnidge as "a stalwart pair."

As leaders of the ensemble, Latta and Williams maintained that each performer keep the same characters for each show. Audiences got to know their characters over the course of the productions. Over the past several years,Williams has toured her award winning solo show "Party of One," while Latta, now Associate Artistic Director of Adventure Stage Chicago, has been working on independent films such as the award winning "Harmony and Me."

Now, with the assistance of the Illinois Arts Council, the dynamic duo is gracing the stage once again, performing the same characters that audiences came to know and love in the world premiere, two person, original commedia dell'arte performance of "Waiting for Pierrot." Under the direction of Anthony Courser, former member of the TriArts Commedia Dell'Arte Ensemble, the duo jumps off of Beckett's classic tale.Their old lady characters Ruby and Gert, along with their younger counterparts Grace and Chastity, explore aging, dying, friendship, dementia, love and a variety of alternate names for their feminine parts.

Courser will be making his directing debut with this production of "Waiting for Pierrot." The project began under the creative directorial guidance of The Hypocrites Artistic Director Halena Kays. While Anthony Courser is best known for his work onstage, which he has shared with Latta and Williams, the NeoFuturists, Flying Griffin Circus, Sprung, and Barrel of Monkeys, he is excited to bring his talents to "Waiting for Pierrot" from the director's chair.

"Waiting for Pierrot" will open tonight, November 13th at 7:30pm at the Vittum Theater on 1012 N Noble St., Chicago, IL 60642. Additional performances will be at 7:30pm on November 14th, November 19th, November 22nd, November 26th, November 27th, and November 28th. Advanced tickets through October 31st are only $5.00. Tickets purchased November 1st through the run are $10. Tickets are available at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/280757.

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