Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory presents passionate, provocative and political spring season
CHICAGO, IL – Passion and politics are the key elements of the provocative Spring Season presented by the artists of Bailiwick Repertory, 1229 West Belmont, Chicago. Building on the momentum of the recent mega-hit musical "Dr. Sex", Bailiwick continues its 22 year tradition of daring new works and potent regional premieres which ruminate on the key issues of our day – religion, gender, history, politics and passion.
The Spring Season opens with "Moscow," a new musical in which three actors are trapped in a theater with nothing to do but rehearse Chekhov's "The Three Sisters." Are they in heaven? Hell? Purgatory? Like the young women in Chekhov's classic drama, will they escape their personal confinement and find their dreams? (Runs in repertory now through Feb. 22 on the Mainstage. Tickets: $22 – $25.)
"108 Waverly" is a passionate musical contrasting two gay couples sharing the same New York Apartment. However, one couple reads Jane Austen and lives in the 1920's, while the other heads to gyms and clubs in the 1990's. (Runs in repertory Feb. 7 to March 7 on the Mainstage. Tickets: $18 – $25.)
In "Sin: A Cardinal Deposed," Michael Murphy uses the text of Cardinal Bernard Law's deposition in the sex scandals of the Boston diocese to present a fascinating portrait of power and deception. (Runs March 1 to April 11 in the Studio. Tickets: $15 – $25.)
"Cry Havoc" is a fiercely political play set in Egypt that challenges its audience to consider the scope of differences between cultures, nations and lovers. Two men, one British and the other Egyptian, struggle to make sense of their respective worlds as the rising forces of terrorism surge around them. (Runs April 4 to May 16 in the Loft Theater. Tickets: $15 – $25.)
Performance artist Tim Miller continues his long relationship with Bailiwick with the Chicago premiere of "US." Fast, funny and furious, "US" ricochets between Miller's love affair since childhood with Broadway musicals to an exploration of home, exile and the injustices lesbian and gay people face in the good old USA. (Runs April 9 and 10 only. Tickets: $25.)
Finally, "Parade," which won two Tony Awards – for Jason Robert Brown's score and Alfred Uhry's book – is an explosive view of American history, centered on the trial of Leo Frank in Atlanta in 1913. With soaring melodies sung by a cast of 30, "Parade" is a love story set against the panoramic background of Anti-Semitism, racism, and the changing American South. (Runs April 22 through June 29 on the Mainstage. Tickets: $20 – $30.)
Individual tickets and flex pass subscriptions are available by calling 773-883-1090 or online at www.bailiwick.org. Flex passes for 2004 cost $275 for 16 admissions, $230 for 12 or $165 for 8. Bailiwick is happy to introduce new Six Pack Passes which allow for 1 admission to each of the above shows for $95.
