AIDA, BLOOM & More Set for Bailiwick's Spring/Summer Season

Bailiwick Chicago's Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced the final details for the theater company's 2010 Spring / Summer Season., which includes a concert reading of a new musical entitled BLOOM to be performed at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts on April 16th and 17th; f-ing MEN*, the Chicago premiere of a new play written by Joe DiPietro which will begin previews on June 18th at Theatre Building Chicago; and Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA, which will begin previews on July 1st at American Theatre Company.

"We are incredibly excited by the diversity of these projects, and are thrilled to be bringing them to Chicago audiences," said Mayes. "This is our opportunity as the new Bailiwick to demonstrate our commitment to to producing bold, adventurous programming and compelling stories with universal appeal, while nurturing new artistic partnerships."

BLOOM, an original musical comedy, written by Peter Foley, Matthew Heimer, Andy Siegel, and Kevin Mayes, explores history's first speculative financial bubble, the Dutch Tulip Mania. In the time of Rembrandt, rich and poor alike reach beyond their means to buy and sell tulips, bidding them up to ridiculous sums in a quest for wealth, power, fame and love. It's a 17th-century version of our modern-day housing bubble, set to a baroque pop score. Featuring a talented cast, directed by Bailiwick Chicago Artistic Advisor Elizabeth Margolius, with musical direction by Brett Rowe, Bailiwick Chicago will present three concert-style performances at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green Street on April 16 and April 17.

The Chicago premiere of Joe DiPietro's dark and compelling new play, f-ing MEN, will be directed by Bailiwick Chicago Artistic Advisor Tom Mullen. f-ing MEN observes the sex lives of the modern urban gay American male. Conceived as a noir-riff on Arthur Schnitzler's 19th century play, LA RONDE, the play examines ten men from all walks of life as they negotiate the before and after of lust, love, betrayal and the pursuit of sex and emotional connectivity. Funny, poignant, sometimes dramatic, always provocative and sexy, the show has been a runaway success in London and L.A. where it has been playing consistently for two years. The show will begin previews on June 18th at Theatre Building Chicago,1227 W. Belmont, with opening night scheduled for June 26.

The first Chicago production since its national tour, Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA will be directed by Bailiwick Chicago Collective member Scott Ferguson, with co-musical direction by Jimmy Morehead and Collective member Robert Ollis, and original choreography by Iega Jeff (Artistic Director of the Chicago dance company, Deeply Rooted Productions) and Gary Abbott (Associate Artistic Director, Deeply Rooted Productions). Featuring a large, multiracial cast, AIDA will begin previews on July 1st at American Theatre Company, 1707 W. Byron, with opening night scheduled for July 7th.

For more information, visit www.bailiwickchicago.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.

 

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