TV: First Look at Highlights of CST's ROAD SHOW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions illuminates the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Check out a first look at highlights of ROAD SHOW below!

Road Show, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by John Weidman, is based on the true story of colorful and charismatic Mizner brothers-the ambitious Addison Mizner, performed by Michael Aaron Lindner, and his squandering younger brother Wilson Mizner, performed by Andrew Rothenberg. Wheeling and dealing their way across North America, the brothers travel from the Alaskan gold Rush to the Florida real estate boom, all while reinventing themselves, separating and reuniting.

The cast of Road Show also features: Robert Lenzi (Hollis Bessemer), Anne Gunn (Mama Mizner) and Larry Adams(Papa Mizner). The ensemble includes McKinley Carter, Matt Deitchman, Jim DeSelm, Derek Hasenstab,Regina Leslie, Jake Mahler, and Bri Sudia. The creative team includes Music Director Michael Mahler, Scenic DesignerScott Davis, Costume Designer Mara Blumenfeld and Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann. In addition to lending their talents to Gypsy, Sound Designer Ray Nardelli and Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal also designs for Road Show.

Road Show features the same Sondheim-Weidman writing partnership behind Pacific Overtures (2001), the first Sondheim musical at CST directed by Griffin, which began the Theater's exploration of Sondheim's work more than a decade ago. That production went on to win the Joseph Jefferson Awards for Best Production and Best Director and transferred to the Donmar Warehouse in London where it was recognized with three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Outstanding Production of a Musical. Since that first, storied production, Griffin's interpretations of Sondheim at CST have included Sunday in the Park with George (2012, 2002), Follies (2011), Passion (2007) and A Little Night Music (2003).

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