Chicago Tap Theatre to Premiere TIGHTWIRE, 3/20-27

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) will present the world premiere production of TightWire, written by Marc Kelly Smith and original music by CTT Music Director Kurt Schweitz, playing at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, March 20 - 29. A press preview is Sunday, March 15 at 3 p.m. at the Joel Hall Dance Center, 5965 N. Clark. Regular performance times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be an additional show Saturday, March 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $27 for seniors, $22 for students and dancers and group discounts are available. Tickets available at Stage773.com or 773.327.5252. For more information go to www.chicagotaptheatre.com or call the Chicago Tap Theatre office at 773.655.1175.

Chicago Tap Theatre takes a dark and sinister turn in its latest story show, TightWire, an exploration of the behind-the-scenes happenings and relationships of a traveling Italian circus troupe in the 1930s. Clowns, animal trainers, tightrope walkers, jealous sisters, the taciturn ringmaster and a mysterious vagabond clown, whose shrouded past threatens to catch up with him, greet the audience with their tales of jealousy, heartache and suspicion in a unique experience featuring CTT's fusion of tap and live music.

"The circus setting is perfect for the heightened drama found in Marc's script which is dark, funny and sad, all at once," said Artistic Director Mark Yonally. "And Kurt's music captures a certain demented feel that this circus atmosphere inspires. We are also looking forward to working with, for the first time, a clown consultant, who will assist us in creating an authentic world in TightWire."

Yonally went on to say that audiences of TightWire will be privy to a few "Easter eggs" while enjoying CTT's final show of their season, Circo Tap. "While the plot doesn't directly play into the next show, the Circo Tap audiences will recognize certain characters and perhaps even find some resolution in our final show that impacts the heightened action of TightWire."

The cast in TightWire is comprised of Marc Kelly Smith, Mark Yonally, Jennifer Pfaff Yonally, Rich Ashworth and Kirsten Uttich as well as the ensemble dancers of Chicago Tap Theatre and the live musicians.

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