Writers' Theatre Opens Season With ROSENCRANTZ & GUILDENSTERN And From Page To Stage Series 9/29 Thru 12/6

Writers' Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, opens its 2009-10 season with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard, directed by Michael Halberstam. The production runs September 29 through December 6, 2009, at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.

Hamlet, Shakespeare's greatest drama, is retold from the perspective of his schoolmates, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, in Tom Stoppard's comedic masterpiece. Equal parts Laurel and Hardy, Waiting for Godot and classic Shakespeare, Stoppard's scintillating wit, far-reaching imagination and astonishing skill with words traces the journey of these fascinating characters as they struggle to avoid the inevitability of the Bard's tragic conclusion.

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. Featuring Laura Coover (Ophelia), Sean Fortunato (Rosencrantz), Allen Gilmore (The Player), Gregory Isaac (Tragedian 1), Timothy Edward Kane (Guildenstern), Joey Steakley (Alfred) and Karen Janes Woditsch (Gertrude). First performance is September 29, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Press opening is October 8, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. Closing performance is December 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m. There will be no performance on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00 p.m. There will be no performance on Thursday, November 26, 2009. Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. There will be no 6:00 p.m. performance on November 15, 2009. Wednesday Matinees: 2:00 p.m., November 4, 11 and 25 only.

Join us before performances every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for a 15-minute discussion, giving audiences an inside look and helpful background information to get the most of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead.

At the Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. Prices for all performances range from $40 - $65. The Box Office is located at 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org.

Writers' Theatre is a professional company focusing on the Word and the Artist. Remaining true to the intention of the playwright and nurturing the artist stand at the center of the mission. Now in its 17th season, The company both revives classic scripts and cultivates new works and adaptations while invigorating them with fresh energy in the intimacy of its venues. Founded in 1992, Writers' Theatre performed exclusively at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue for the first 12 years. In the fall of 2003, the organization opened a new 108 seat performance venue at 325 Tudor Court. Today, Writers' theatre continues to produce in both spaces, maintaining an intimate theatrical experience for audiences. Since 2000, the subscriber base has grown almost 250%, from 1,500 to more than 5,400 today. With an operating budget of $3.2 million, Writers' Theatre is supported by a staff of 18 full-time employees and a 33-member Board of Trustees.

2009/10 Season FROM PAGE TO STAGE: Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. From Page to Stage takes you inside the world of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead!

Writers' Theatre and select North Shore libraries present the fifth annual From Page to Stage program. This comprehensive series of special events, lectures, readings and performances are designed to enhance and enrich your understanding of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead-Tom Stopperd's comedic twist on Shakespeare's great tragedy, Hamlet.

All events are FREE of charge and open to the public. For event listings and more information visit writerstheatre.org/FPTS.

Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m.
FROM PAGE TO STAGE KICK-OFF EVENT
Glencoe Public Library
847-835-5056 | www.glencoepubliclibrary.org
This event will take place at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.

From Page to Stage kicks off with director Michael Halberstam, actors Timothy Edward Kane and Sean Fortunato discussing how Tom Stoppard uses William Shakespeare's Hamlet to create the world of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Stay after the discussion to enjoy coffee and desserts to celebrate our annual literary event!

Tuesday, September 22, 6:30 p.m.
FILM VIEWING: ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD
Deerfield Public Library
920 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
847-234-2540| www.deerfieldlibrary.org

In Tom Stoppard's cleverly inspired twist on Shakespeare's Hamlet, Gary Oldman and Tim Roth are brilliant as unwitting players of a dazzling game of illusion and reality. Their tennis-match debates on probability, identity and death crackle with wit. This movie was also Stoppard's debut as a film director.

Tuesday, September 22, 7 p.m.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE? READINGS FROM HAMLET
Lake Bluff/Lake Forest Public Library
123 Scranton Avenue, Lake Bluff
847-234-2540| www.lakeblufflibrary.org

Enjoy select scenes from William Shakespeare's Hamlet, directed by Jimmy McDermott.

Tuesday, September 29, 6 p.m.
FILM VIEWING: HAMLET
Deerfield Public Library
920 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
847-234-2540| www.deerfieldlibrary.org

Winner of four Academy Awards, Sir Laurence Olivier's Hamlet continues to be the most compelling screen version of Shakespeare's beloved play. Experience "the other side of the curtain" of Writers' Theatre's presentation of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead, through this classic film adaptation of Shakespeare's great tragedy.

Thursday, October 1, 7 p.m.
HAMLET REVISITED
Northbrook Public Library
1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
847-272-6224 | www.northbrook.info/lib_index.php

Dorothy Andries will discuss how Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are treated in various film adaptations through and show film clips and insightful commentary. She is former classical music critic for the Pioneer Press and a special studies instructor at the Chautauqua Institution in New York state.

Sunday, October 4, 2 p.m.
ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD AS HAMLET INSIDE OUT
Winnetka-Northfield Public Library
768 Oak Street, Winnetka
847-446-7220 | www.winnetkalibrary.org

David Bevington, The University of Chicago Phyllis Fay Horton Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus, will focus on aspects of Hamlet as told from the perspective of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, asking what the play would be like without them and looking at these two great plays as obverse sides of the same coin.

Wednesday, October 7, 7 p.m.
RE-IMAGINING SHAKESPEARE: FROM THE BARD TO THE ABSURD
Glenview Public Library
1930 Glenview Road, Glenview
847-729-7500| www.glenviewpl.org

Writing for the people and endlessly re-imagined through the ages, Shakespeare's work endures again with the fall production of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead. Through the Page to Stage partnership, the Glenview Public Library hosts Robert Coscarelli, Professor Emeritus, College of Lake County, who will bring the Bard to life in lively and imaginative ways.

Tuesday, October 13, 6:30 p.m.
FILM VIEWING: SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE
Deerfield Public Library
920 Waukegan Road, Deerfield
847-234-2540| www.deerfieldlibrary.org

Tom Stoppard wrote this Oscar winning motion picture that stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Judy Dench, Geoffrey Rush, Joseph Fiennes and Ben Affleck. This witty, sexy romp through 16th Century London has Will carrying on a passionate affair with Lady Viola who is secretly and successfully impersonating a man in order to play the lead in Will's latest production!

Tuesday, October 20, 7 p.m.
EXPLORING 50 MINUTE HAMLET
Highland Park Public Library
494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park
847-432-0216 | www.hplibrary.org

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago has adapted Shakespeare's masterpiece into a 50 minute, two-actor production. Artistic Director Jeff Christian, (who adapted and directed the production), is joined by fellow actors to discuss the adaptation and rehearsal process, the resonant themes of the play and their experiences performing the piece. Select scenes from the play will be performed, focusing on Hamlet's relationship with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.