A Red Orchid Presents IN A GARDEN, Opening 4/4-5/19

A Red Orchid Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of In a Garden, written by Howard Korder and directed by Lou Contey. The production will run April 4 - May 19, 2013 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells. Press Opening is Monday, April 8, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

What is the use of beauty? In 1989 an ambitious American architect is summoned to the fictitious Middle Eastern country of Aquaat where the Minister of Culture commissions him to build a thing of beauty; something to remind him of his happiest childhood memories. Architectural plans get sidelined as interest shifts to debates of politics, personal life and pop culture. One begins to wonder who is actually in charge and if beauty is even possible.

"Howard Korder, and his play Boy's Life have always seemed something of legendary theatre history to me and I am thrilled to be forging this new relationship with him through the Chicago Premiere of In a Garden," says Artistic Director Kristen Fitzgerald. "Each time I have come back to the script I find something new; beauty, control (or lack of), history, ambition, things touched by humans, and the fact that no matter how hard we try nothing ever turns out exactly as intended. I am so grateful to have Lou Contey in the room to focus and bring it all to life for our 20th Anniversary season."

In a Garden features A Red Orchid Founding Ensemble Member Larry Grimm (Hacket) with Rom Barkhordar (Othman), Shannon Parr (Prudhomme) and Emilio Robles (Najid).

The creative team includes Joe Schermoly (Set Designer), Myron Elliott (Costume Designer), Matt Gawryk (Lighting Designer), Joshua Horvath (Sound Designer), Toni Kendrick (Props Designer), and Alexis Jade Links (Dramaturg & Assistant Director). Stephanie G. Heller is the Production Stage Manager, Eva Breneman is the Dialect Coach and Ed Hayes the Arabic Consultant.