Court Theatre to Stage World Premiere of MAN IN THE RING, 9/15-10/16

Court Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert, presents the World Premiere of Man in the Ring by Michael Cristofer, directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. Man in the Ring runs September 15 - October 16, 2016 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue in Chicago. The Press Opening is Saturday, September 24 at 8:00 p.m.

Based on the true story of six-time world champion boxer Emile Griffith, Man in the Ring charts Emile's humble beginnings in the U.S. Virgin Islands to his infamous match against his archrival Benny "Kid" Paret. When Benny challenges Emile's sexual identity, Griffith responds in the ring and leaves a mark that lingers long after their legendary encounter. Man in the Ring is a story of violence, love, and life under the public eye-and one man's fight to get the world back in his corner.

Man in the Ring is written by playwright Michael Cristofer, who received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play for The Shadow Box in 1977. The play is brought to Court Theatre under the thoughtful direction of Artistic Director Charles Newell. Casting to be announced at a later date.