Commedia Beauregard to Present THE MANDRAKE, 1/11-2/9

Commedia Beauregard, a Chicago-based theatre company dedicated to producing plays in translation, continues its season of Sex and Sorcery with a new translation of Machiavelli's The Mandrake, presented at the Raven Theatre Complex this January 11 through February 9.

Sex, lies and cunning villainy abound in this manic modern translation of the classic satire! Wealthy playboy Callimaco will stop at nothing to bed the world's most beautiful woman, who is unfortunately both quite virtuous and quite married. The solution can only be chicanery! With the assistance of a manipulative schemer, a corrupt priest, and a certain aphrodisiacal plant, a plot to dupe the old and foolish husband is set in motion. Will the deception be revealed, or will Callimaco get his satisfaction? The ends obviously justify the means in Niccolò Machiavelli's The Mandrake!

"All of the characters are so fun, even when they are being awful, and this gorgeous cast of goofballs brings them to life," said Director Lisa Cantwell.

This modern interpretation of The Mandrake also incorporates original music with accompanying the narrative interludes, giving the show a grungy feel throughout.

"[It's] a play like nothing else out there at the moment," said Ellen Cribbs, a Commedia Beauregard veteran who portrays Liguria. "Kind of like Molière meets the 90s!"

Written by Niccolò Machiavelli, translated by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom, directed by Lisa Cantwell, and starring Matt Beard, Neil O'Callaghan, Brad Cantwell, Lina Chambers, Ellen Cribbs, Arin Mulvaney, Mike Newquist and Melissa Reeves. Music composed by Brian Torosian, with adaptation by Matt Beard, Lisa Cantwell, and Lina Chambers.

January 11 - February 9, 2014:
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 3:30pm.
Raven Theatre Complex, 6157 N Clark St (at Granville Ave), Chicago, IL 60660.
$25 tickets are available at 800.838.3006 or CBTheatre.org.

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