Catherine Weidner Directs THE RIVALS at DePaul University Theatre School, 4/13-4/22

The Theatre School at DePaul University's Showcase Series of Contemporary Plays and Classics presents THE RIVALS by Richard Brinsley Sheridan and directed by Catherine Weidner. The play premieres on Friday, April 13, and runs through Sunday, April 22, 2012, at DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on April 11 and 12, at 7:30 PM.

In Sheridan's 18th-century comedy of manners, deceit, and mistaken identities, two young lovers follow a misguided path to romance. When rival suitors, an overbearing father, and a busybody aunt complicate matters, only a proper duel can settle their questions of love and honor.

Tickets are $15. Subscriptions and group rates (6 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999. Seniors (over 60), DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Previews are free for any college student (with ID). Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, Chicago. There are several parking lots near the theatre, and the theatre is also accessible via numerous CTA bus and train routes. Please call the Box Office for more information, directions, and suggestions to help plan your trip.

In the summer of 2008, Catherine Weidner directed TAMING OF THE SHREW and TITUS ANDRONICUS for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Catherine Weidner was the Program Director of The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy for Classical Acting at George Washington University. Prior to that, she was head of the theatre program for five years at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She recently appeared in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE with Patricia Clarkson at The Kennedy Center, appeared as Susan Johnston in THE HEIDI CHRONICLES at Arena Stage, appeared in Mary Stuart and BLITHE SPIRIT at Centerstage in Baltimore and has worked at The Guthrie Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, the La Jolla Playhouse and Bread & Puppet. In New York, she has directed and performed at Soho Rep and New Dramatists. Her directing experience includes: RICHARD III, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, WAITING FOR GODOT, CALIGULA, OTHERWISE ENGAGED, ANIMAL FARM, RECKLESS, CLOUD 9, THE VISIT, and UBU. She also taught public speaking for the Smithsonian Associates program. She holds a BFA in Acting from Ithaca College and an MFA in Directing from the University of Minnesota, and she has trained at The Second City in Chicago and The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.

The cast features Cameron Benoit (Fag), Adam Brown (Faulkland), Michael Countryman (Bob Acres), Julian Hester (Jack Absolute), Adrienne Jones (Lydia Languish), Cory Kahane (Thomas/David), Katherine Kerman (Julia Melville), Grace Palmer (Mrs. Malaprop), Jean Saracino (Lucy), Noah Simon (Sir Anthony Absoulte), and Eric Staves (Sir Lucius O'Trigger).

The production staff includes Catherine Weidner (Director), Elizabeth G. Smith (Lighting Design), Jillian Rothman (Scenic Design), Karly Bergmann (Dramaturgy), Sarah Jo White (Costume Design), Scott Neilsen (Sound Design), and Todd Boger (Stage Management).

An Opening Night Party will be held after the performance on April 13. April 20 is Greater Chicago Food Depository Night; patrons will receive a $5 ticket for bringing 2 or more non-perishable goods to the theatre. Active U.S. Armed Forces Personnel and their families are invited to attend for free on April 21 for USO of Illinois Night. The performance on Sunday, April 22 (2 PM) will be interpreted in American Sign Language.

For details, photos, or more information visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (773) 922-1999.

Photo Credit: Anna Ables

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