Writers Theatre Adds Performances to THE DANCE OF DEATH; Runs thru 8/3

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kate Lipuma announce a two-week extension of The Dance of Death by August Strindberg, in a new version by Conor McPherson and directed by Henry Wishcamper. The production, featuring Shannon Cochran (Alice), Philip Earl Johnson (Kurt) and Larry Yando (Edgar) now runs through August 3, 2014 at 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe.

August Strindberg's masterpiece tells the deliciously venomous story of a crumbling marriage-laced with black comedy and biting humor. As their 25th anniversary approaches, military captain, Edgar, and his wife, Alice, face off in a fierce battle of wills. Their sparring proves both harrowing and hilarious, amplified by the voice of celebrated playwright Conor McPherson (Port Authority, The Seafarer, Shining City, Dublin Carol). His adaptation brings lyricism and ferocity to the story of the tyrannical captain and his manipulative wife, and the "innocent" Kurt who stumbles into their midst and quickly finds himself ensnared in the couple's wicked game.

The creative team includes Kevin Depinet (Scenic Designer), Rachel Laritz (Costume Designer), Keith Parham (Lighting Designer), Josh Schmidt (Sound Designer), Julie Eberhardt (Props Designer), Greg Allen (Assistant Director) and Rebecca Pechter (Stage Manager).

Performances are now through August 3, 2014 at 664 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe. Curtain times are Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 7:30pm; Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00pm and 6:00pm. Select Wednesday matinees are at 2pm. Tickets are $35-$70 and are available at the Box Office, 321 Park Avenue, Glencoe; 847-242-6000 or online at www.writerstheatre.org.

Throughout the season, Writers will be offering post-show discussions on select Wednesday evenings following the performance in our Tudor Court space. In the Books on Vernon space they will be offering post-show discussions every other Wednesday evening.

Post-show discussions provide a forum for audience members to ask questions of the artists in the production and gain new insight into the work.

Visit www.writerstheatre.org/events for more information.

In an effort to promote taking public transit to the Theatre, Writers Theatre launched a new promotion in 2013. Any audience member who purchases a ticket to a Writers Theatre production and rides Metra's Union Pacific North Line to the Theatre may snap a photo of themselves on the train and post it to their Facebook page or Twitter feed with a tag of @writerstheatre and #[title of the show you are seeing]. Upon showing the post at the Writers Theatre Box Office, the audience member receives $5 in cash (in essence, paying the cost of the train ride from downtown ($4.75).

This promotion is available for a limited time only, and may end without warning. Ticket must have been paid for in advance. Not valid on complimentary tickets. More information available at writerstheatre.org/metra.

The cast of The Dance of Death features Shannon Cochran (Alice), Philip Earl Johnson (Kurt) and Larry Yando (Edgar).

Over the past twenty-one seasons, Writers Theatre has become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence. Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has been deemed the "best drama company in the nation" by The Wall Street Journal. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of 35,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry. Prized for the finest interpretations of classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues, Writers Theatre's acclaimed work includes Artistic Director Michael Halberstam's world premiere in Glencoe and subsequent productions of A Minister's Wife at Lincoln Center Theater and West Coast premiere at the San Jose Repertory Theatre; David Cromer's productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and Picnic; and the commissioning, world premiere and New York premiere of Crime and Punishment, which has received more than 30 subsequent regional theater productions.

In July, 2011, Writers Theatre announced the hiring of the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by principal Jeanne Gang, FAIA, to design a new home for the Theatre in downtown Glencoe which will once again allow the Theatre to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility will resonate with and complement the Theatre's neighboring Glencoe community and will add tremendous value to Chicagoland and the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.

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