Cast Announced For THE BALLAD OF LYDIA PINKHAM'S MAGICAL, MIRACLE, SURE-CURE FOR ALL FEMALE WEAKNESSES

The cast has been announced for the World Premier of THE BALLAD OF LYDIA PINKHAM'S MAGICAL, MIRACLE, SURE-CURE FOR ALL FEMALE WEAKNESSES, being produced by The Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.

THE BALLAD OF LYDIA PINKHAM was written by Jenilee Houghton in collaboration with the production's director, Chris Causer. This will be a true ensemble piece where every artist will not only play multiple roles, but also serve as the narrators and musicians as well. The cast includes Linsey Belics, Jenilee Houghton, Tim Huggenberger, Kelly Lohrenz, Max McKune, Todd Risenmay, Michaela Shapiro, Elana Weiner-Kaplow and Jack Wright.

THE BALLAD OF LYDIA PINKHAM is the hilarious, somewhat disturbing, (mostly) true tale of the first woman to ever be "trolled" through the media. With an eclectic mix of storytelling techniques including original blue-grass music, movement and dance, this play shines a comedic yet poignant light on how little things have changed for women in the limelight today.

The year was 1873 and all Lydia Pinkham wanted to do was to help the women in her community in a time when getting quality medical advice was nearly possible. Testimonials called her Vegetable Compound a miracle cure, but when her well-intentioned, dim-witted sons decided to use their mother's face on all the products and ads, it lit a firestorm of criticism and cruelty from the public. Berating her "cast-iron smile" and "nightmare face," these anonymous trolls would send letters to their local newspapers as well as the Pinkham home. Despite the success she was able to bring to the family, Lydia had to face a question that seems as relevant today as it did 150 years ago: Am I brave enough to put myself out there and am I strong enough to withstand the harsh backlash of the public?

Jen Houghton and Chris Causer chose to take on this heartbreaking, timeless dilemma through the lens of comedy, absurdity and above all else, heart. THE BALLAD OF LYDIA PINKHAM'S MAGICAL, MIRACLE, SURE-CURE FOR ALL FEMALE WEAKNESSES runs every Thursday at 8pm from March 21 through April 18 at The Annoyance Theatre, 851 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL. Visit theannoyance.com for tickets and more information.

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