House Theatre of Chicago Adds Performances for DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI, July Through August

The House Theatre of Chicago announces that the sold-out hit show, Death and Harry Houdini, will add performances in July and August at The Chopin Theatre.

The company’s dynamic production has been playing to sold-out crowds since opening on January 29, 2012. The already sold-out extension must close on April 15 as the production moves to The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami. After a short break, the cast will return to the Chicago stage for 30 more performances from July 7 through August 17, 2012.

Artistic Director Nathan Allen returned to his very first script having spent the last decade developing The House’s voice. The House’s original production in 2001 featured magic, music, dance, and film. Now Allen, along with The House’s incredibly diverse ensemble of artists, has brought their experience in creating ensemble theater and devising story to the life of history’s greatest magician.

Company Member, actor and award-winning magician Dennis Watkins brings a lifetime of creating magic to the character of Harry Houdini. Watkins has designed a magical landscape for The House to play in that includes many of Houdini’s original creations, as well as an onslaught of classic magic driving the story’s narrative.

Additionally, Watkins performs Houdini’s most infamous stage escape, The Water Torture Cell, in which he is locked upside down in a tank of water, with only as much time to escape as he has air in his lungs. The Water Torture Cell, as performed by Houdini, is a rarely-seen stage escape. Furthermore, The House boasts the first-ever recorded performance of The Water Torture Cell in the round. This escape gives the audience the one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness magical history from inches away!

All eight cast members will return for the summer extension. House Company Member Carolyn Defrin takes on the role of Houdini’s wife, Bess and Company Member Shawn Pfautsch (recently seen as Cyrano at The House) plays Houdini’s brother, Theo. Company Member Marika Mashburn plays Houdini’s mother, Cecilia. Visiting artists Abu Ansari, Kevin Stangler, Trista Smith also appear. The ensemble is led by Company Member Johnny Arena as The Ringmaster.

The show features the work of an all-star Company Member Design Team. Collette Pollard has designed a bold industrial set, which is lit by Ben Wilhelm. Composer Kevin O’Donnell brought a new sound to the show and Lee Keenan designed costumes.

Join The House for the epic story of Harry Houdini and his life-long battle against Death for the summer extension July 7 – August 17, 2012.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.THEHOUSETHEATRE.com

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