American Blues Theater to Open 'Legends and Legacies' Season with HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY, 8/30-10/6

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, are proud to announce the first production in American Blues Theater's "Legends and Legacies" season, Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as "Hank Williams," August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstage Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $19 for previews, $29 Thursdays and Fridays and $39 Saturdays and Sundays and $49 for opening night. Previews are Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Press/opening night is Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There are post-show Town Hall discussions following Sunday performances beginning September 8. Tickets are on sale now at 773.404.7336 or americanbluestheater.com.

Hank Williams: Lost Highway is the musical biography of one America's legendary singer-songwriters. The tribute chronicles Williams' rise from humble beginnings in Louisiana to his triumphs on the Grand Ole Opry stage and becoming one of the great innovators of American music to his self-destruction at the age of twenty-nine. Hank Williams: Lost Highway includes more than 20 Williams' classics, including "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," "Move It on Over," "Hey, Good Lookin'" and "Jambalaya." The production has been hailed as "A profound emotional journey...forceful, clear-eyed, moving, impressive!" by Rolling Stone and "The best example of a musician's bio put on stage that I've seen!" by The New York Post.

In addition to Brumlow as "Williams" the production features American Blues Ensemble members Laura Coover, "Audrey;" Jim Leaming, "Fred 'Pap';" Michael Mahler, "Jimmy" on electric guitar and Suzanne Petri, "Mama" with guest artists Dana Black, "Waitress;" John Crowley, "Tee Tot;" Greg Hirte, "Leon" on fiddle and Jon Foley, "Shag" on console steel" and Artistic Associate Austin Cook as "Hoss" on upright bass.

The Hank Williams: Lost Highway production team includes American Blues Ensemble members Michael Mahler, associate music director and Sarah E. Ross, costumes design with Jackie and Rick Penrod, scenic design; Nick Belley, lighting design; Grant Sabin and Arianna Soloway, co-properties design, and Rick Sims, sound design.

American Blues Theater offers a free opportunity for audiences and fans of American Blues to learn more about the current presentation. All Town Halls are held immediately following that Sunday's 2:30 p.m. performance.

Sept. 8 - Meet the "Hank Williams: Lost Highway" cast!
Sept. 15 - Performance stress with Dr. Michele Kerulis (Adler Professional School of Psychology).
Sept. 22 - "Hank Williams' Musical Influence" with Malcolm Ruhl (music director) and Chris Walz (Old Town School of Folk Music instructor).
Sept. 29 - Discussion with the live band, Hank Williams and the Drifting Cowboys.
Oct. 6 - Meet the "Hank Williams: Lost Highway" company - Director Damon Kiely and full cast.

Hank Williams: Lost Highway, by Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, music director Malcolm Ruhl and starring Matt Brumlow as "Hank Williams," August 30 - October 6, at the Greenhouse Theater Center's Downstairs Mainstage Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $19 for previews, $29 Thursdays and Fridays and $39 Saturdays and Sundays and $49 for opening night. Previews are Friday, Aug. 30 and Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday Sept. 1 at 2:30 p.m. Press/opening night is Thursday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. There are post-show discussions following Sunday performances beginning September 8. Tickets are on sale now at 773.404.7336 or americanbluestheater.com.

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