Factory Theater to Launch 25th Season with CAPTAIN STEVE'S CARING KINGDOM

The Factory Theater presents the first production of its 25th anniversary season, the world premiere of Captain Steve's Caring Kingdom, playing at the Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St., October 27 - December 9. The new play is both written and directed by Company Member Mike Ooi.

Previews are Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 29 at 3 p.m. Opening night is Friday, Nov. 3 at 8 p.m. The regular run, November 3 - December 9, is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for previews, $18 for students and seniors and $25 for general admission. Tickets may be purchased through the Box Office by calling 866.811.4111 or by visiting TheFactoryTheater.com.

Everyone is familiar with the host of a children's show visiting a land filled with talking animals and puppets. What happens when the host isn't around? Do the animals also go to jobs they hate? Are they struggling to save their relationships? Do they have issues they can't seem to fix? The Factory Theater takes a glimpse into the lives of the residents of Captain Steve's caring kingdom, in a new story not suitable for children.

The cast for Captain Steve's Caring Kingdom includes: Christy Arington (Shakes and Frankie), Jennifer Betancourt (Meowser and Ronnie), Greg Caldwell (Dr. Stork), Blake Dalzin (Squeals), Brittany Ellis (Ellie Phant), Chris Hainsworth (Beaky), Dan Krall (The Fattie/Donnie), Topher Leon (Busby), Scott OKen (OK Bear), Michael Reyes (Turv the Perv), Sarah Scanlon (Allamis Morrison), Christopher M. Walsh (Mookie/The King) and Rebecca Wolfe (Nellie Phant/Grimby).

Understudies include Phil Claudnic, Morgan Gire, Lydie Hiller, (U/S Allamis, Shakes/Frankie, Meowser/Ronnie), Brian Kulaga, Andrew Rodriguez (Dr. Stork, Busby), Allie Romano (Ellie Phant), Anthony Tournis (Beaky) and Ashley Yates (The Fattie/Donnie).

The production team for Captain Steve's Caring Kingdom includes: Mike Ooi, director and playwright; Mandy Walsh, assistant director; Jeremy Hollis, scenic designer; Meghan Erxleben, lighting designer; Rachel Sypniewski, costume designer; Gary Nocco, co-costume designer; Caleb Awe, assistant costume designer; Chas Vrba, sound designer; Ann Sonneville, prop designer; Jill Frederickson, puppet designer; R&D Choreography: Rick Gilbert and Victor Bayona, violence design; Monica M. Brown, stage manager and Timothy C. Amos, production manager.

About Mike Ooi, playwright and director: For the Factory, Ooi directed Street Justice:Condition Red (2013) and wrote Dating & Dragons (2016). Ooi has also worked as an actor, stage manager, and in other aspects for Lifeline Theatre, AdventureStage, ETD, Strawdog, The House Theatre of Chicago, and The Hypocrites. TV credits include NBC's Chicago Fire. He is a proud company member of the Factory Theater and is represented by Paonessa Talent.

For almost 25 years, The Factory has created its shows from scratch, doing exactly the kind of theater they wanted to do. From writing workshops to the closing night bash, Factory shows are a unique experience that fits its exacting standards: original, bold, and full-tilt. Its shameless ensemble is ambassadors of a good time, making certain that Chicago remains heartily entertained.

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