Apple Tree Theatre Announces Its 27th Season Including The Chicago Premiere Of ALMOST, MAINE

Apple Tree Theatre is proud to announce its 27th season of plays and musicals -- some classics, some new - all with inspiring stories, exceptional directors and designers, and exciting casts of some of Chicago's favorite actors. Our 2009-2010 season features four productions of "Love and Laughter" that will move your heart and tickle your funny bone.

Apple Tree opens the season with the Chicago Premiere of John Cariani's Almost, Maine. Magical Realism abounds in this delightful new comedy, which The New York Times described as "a whimsical approach to the joys and perils of romance." On a Friday night in the middle of winter, residents of a small, mythical town in far northern Maine are falling in and out of love at an alarming rate. Knees are getting bruised; hearts are getting broken... but the bruises heal and hearts mend (almost). Almost, Maine will leave you spend from laughter and thoroughly warmed from the inside out.

Almost, Maine is directed by Matt Lyle. Performances run from October 7 to November 1, 2009; press opening is Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 pm.

For the holiday season, Apple Tree presents a newly revised musical adaptation of The Gift of the Magi. The creative team includes Apple Tree favorites Ross Lehman (book/lyrics), Mark Lococo (director) and Mark Weston (music) with Doug Frew (book/lyrics). The Gift of the Magi tells the poignant story of young, poor newly-weds who find themselves with no Christmas presents to share and little money to purchase that special gift each very, very much wants to buy for the other. In order to give their loved on the perfect gift, each sacrifices their most beloved treasure. O. Henry's classic short story of sacrifice and the enduring magic of love is transformed into a heart-warming musical treasure.

The Gift of the Magi runs from December 9, 2009 to January 3, 2010; press opening is Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 pm.

Apple Trees 2009-2010 season continues with John Patrick Shanley's Four Dogs and a Bone, directed by Kurt Johns. Four Dogs and a Bone is a satire on the Hollywood film industry that delves into the plight of a hapless writer, a sleazy movie producer, a seemingly guileless newcomer and a brash character actress. The play follows these four dogs as they chomp to get the biggest bite of the bone -- the film. Hilarity, as they say, ensues. "Four Dogs and a Bone [is] the funniest play in town, and the neatest, if kinda affectionate, evisceration of that ol' dream factory you will encounter in years." -New York Post
Four Dogs and a Bone runs from March 3-28, 2010; press opening is Saturday, March 6 at 7:30 pm.

Apple Tree's season finale is yet to be announced. Production dates are June 2-27, 2010; press opening is Saturday, June 5 at 7:30 pm.

Subscriptions for the 2009-2010 season on sale now; subscribers save up to 37% on tickets and receive additional benefits, including access to special events and discounts from dining partners. Apple Tree has rolled back season ticket prices to the year 2000 - four play subscriptions are currently available for $112-140. Discounts for seniors apply. For more subscription information, call the Apple Tree Theatre box office, (847) 432-4335 or visit www.appletreetheatre.com.

Apple Tree Theatre, the only not-for-profit professional Equity theatre in Lake County, is located in the Karger Center (1850 Green Bay Road) in Highland Park, IL. Apple Tree Theatre's intimate house seats 88 and is wheelchair accessible. For additional information, call the Apple Tree Theatre box office, (847) 432-4335.

The Apple Tree box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Students and senior citizens receive discounts of up to 25% off single tickets. Group discounts are available for parties of 12 or more. Apple Tree also offers gift certificates in any amount that can be redeemed for tickets and subscriptions. Free parking is available during performance times at the North Water Tower parking lot next to the Karger Center; additional parking in the lot under Renaissance Place (first 3 hours are free).

Apple Tree Theatre is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and by the city of Highland Park. Apple Tree Theatre is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, North Shore Live, the Theatre Communications Group, Producers Association of Chicago Area Theatres and the Illinois Arts Alliance.

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