Lookingglass Theatre Company Announces Our Future Metropolis 7/13-7/21

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces the limited run of Our Future Metropolis: Mr. D.H. Burnham Presents a Plain Talk for the Development of Chicago, adapted and directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, featuring Ensemble Member Raymond Fox. The production will play at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson on Monday, July 13, Monday, July 20 and Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.

A special benefit performance honoring Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Lois Weisberg will be held in the theater on Tuesday, July 14, 2009. Event highlights will include a pre-show reception in the Lookingglass Lobby, gala performance of Our Future Metropolis, and post-show party hosted by EVE at 840 N Wabash.

Lookingglass, the only theater company participating in the region-wide Burnham Plan Centennial, is proud to pay tribute to this important part of Chicago's history. The limited run production celebrates the anniversary of Burnham's groundbreaking plan that led to Chicago's sweeping lakefront, the "emerald necklace" of County Forest Preserves, and a tradition of bold plans and big dreams.

Chicago author, historian and preeminent Burnham scholar Carl Smith will lead a post-show discussion on Monday, July 13, 2009. Bill Savage, senior lecturer at Northwestern University will host the post-discussion on July 20 and 21, 2009, and Adele Smith Simmons, Vice Chair of The Burnham Centennial Committee will also participate on July 21, 2009.

Adapted and directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, Our Future Metropolis draws from the archives of the Burnham Library at the Art Institute of Chicago to recreate the initial presentation of Burnham's Plan for The City of Chicago given 100 years ago. Lookingglass Ensemble Member Raymond Fox plays Daniel Burnham as he struggles to win over a skeptical audience using nothing more than early "magic lantern" slides and his own conviction in Chicago's greatness.

"It is exciting to be looking backward to Burnham's original vision for the development of the city, at a time when Chicago looks forward to a new century's growth with the 2040 plan and as we contemplate an Olympic bid," says John Musial. "The themes Burnham set forth 100 years ago have tangible continuity to our present-so many issues he wrestled with remain with us today. The scale of his approach remains a gauntlet thrown to the future. Burnham challenges us to dream big."

Lookingglass Ensemble Member John Musial has created several theatrical productions celebrating Chicago's history and culture, including the adaptation and direction of Nelson Algren: For Keeps and A Single Day and The Great Fire. He most recently designed the set for Lookingglass' acclaimed production of Our Town.

Ensemble Member Raymond Fox has worked with Lookingglass since 1989. In addition to numerous roles with Lookingglass, he has appeared at the Goodman, Remy Bumppo, Court, and off-Broadway in Mary Zimmerman's Metamorphoses. He was most recently seen in Lookingglass' spring production of Our Town.

Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at nearby Olympia Centre Garage (161 E. Chicago Ave.).

Tickets are $25 and are available by calling the Lookingglass Theatre box office at

(312) 337-0665 or by visiting lookingglasstheatre.org. Student tickets are available for $10.00 at the box office with a valid student ID. Tickets include a post-show discussion with a Burnham scholar.

Our Future Metropolis Benefit

On July 14, 2009, 100 years to the day that Daniel Burnham delivered his famous "make no little plans" address, in which he outlined his enduring vision for The City of Chicago, there will be a benefit performance honoring Lois Weisberg, City of Chicago Commissioner of Cultural Affairs. The benefit will include a pre-show reception in the Lookingglass Lobby at 5:30 p.m., a gala performance of Our Future Metropolis, and post-show celebration hosted by EVE at 840 N Wabash.

The event will be co-chaired by board member Leigh Bienen and Dr. Henry Bienen, President of Northwestern University.

Profits from the benefit performance and celebration will go toward advancing Lookingglass's commitment to new theatrical works, and enhancing its educational and community programs, which currently reach more than 15,000 Chicago-area community members annually.

Gala singe tickets are $100 and include admission to the pre-show reception, a ticket to the production and after-party at EVE.

Supporter tickets are $250, and include 2 tickets, premium seating, listing as a Donor and admission to the pre-show reception and after-party at EVE.

Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. 2007-2008 marked the company's 20th anniversary season. Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. Lookingglass has staged 50 world premieres at 23 venues across Chicago, and garnered 41 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations.

Work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C. and St. Louis. In the coming year, touring productions include Lookingglass Alice at The ALLIANCE THEATRE in Georgia and The Actors Theatre of Louisville in Kentucky as well as Around The World in 80 Days at Centerstage in Baltimore, Maryland. Lookingglass Originals have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003. In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with more than 15,000 community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Artistic Director David Catlin, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 22-member artistic ensemble,

14 artistic associates, 13 production affiliates and administrative staff a dedicated board of directors led by Lisa Green. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

Lookingglass Theatre is one of 250 Burnham Plan Centennial Partner Institutions offering hundreds of ways for the people of Chicago's three-state metropolitan region to dream big and plan boldly. This 100th anniversary of the Plan of Chicago is once again stirring a diverse community to action on a grand scale-building the best possible quality of life for all. For more information, visit www.burnhamplan100.org.

 

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