MARJORIE PRIME, COMPANY and More to Launch Writers Theatre's 2015-16 Season at New Theatre Center

Writers Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce the Inaugural Season in the company's new theatre center, to include a season kick-off at Books on Vernon with Marjorie Prime by Jordan Harrison, directed by Kimberly Senior, followed by the Grand Opening of the state-of-the-art facility, designed by Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang Architects. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard, directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam will be the inaugural production in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre. A new collaboration with Chicago's The Second City entitled Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf-A Parody, by Tim Sniffen, with additional material by Tim Ryder, directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Stuart Carden, will open the Gillian Theatre. Company, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, directed by William Brown with musical direction by Tom Vendafreddo, will follow Arcadia in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre.

Writers Theatre will hold its Grand Opening and related events for the new theatre center, designed by internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, at 325 Tudor Court in early 2016. Arcadia will begin performances on March 16, 2016, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre, an intimate 250-seat thrust stage venue. The first performance in the Gillian Theatre, a 50 to 99-seat flexible theatre space, will be Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf-A Parody, beginning April 27, 2016.

"It was important to me that our first season reflected a sense of our history, while looking forward to a bright new future in our splendid facility," said Artistic Director Michael Halberstam. "Our audiences responded with overwhelming enthusiasm to last season's Isaac's Eye, which smashed box office expectations. We wanted to find a worthy successor, and are thrilled to have the opportunity to celebrate Marjorie Prime just prior to its launch in New York at Playwrights Horizons. Our production will be helmed by Kimberly Senior, back fresh from her recent triumph on Broadway. We will then open our gorgeous new theatre with Tom Stoppard's Arcadia - a play in which past and present collide to spectacular effect. Brilliantly written with a profoundly deep emotional center, I cannot think of a better representation of our mission. We will then inaugurate our jewel-box studio space with a hilarious parody of some the greatest American plays. This intelligent and highly accessible comedy was developed over the past two years by Stuart Carden during his tenure as WT Associate Artistic Director and created in collaboration with The Second City. Stuart and I will work hand in hand to give this exciting production a truly collaborative staging. Finally, long-time favorite William Brown, who gave us a breathtaking production of A Little Night Music, will lend his magic touch to Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's Company. It is fitting that the first musical in our new home should be penned by a true master of the form. All in all, next season will be one in which past, present and future come together and word and artist collect with thrilling potential, inviting all to lean forward and engage in a whole new vision of Writers Theatre."

Writers Theatre is pleased to announce that longstanding corporate partner, BMO Harris Bank, will serve in the distinguished capacity of Inaugural Season Sponsor for this exciting first season in the company's new theatre center.

From its very first year, Writers Theatre has brought quality and excellence to the stage while maintaining the company's hallmark intimacy. The last 23 years have been marked by unprecedented growth in both the artistic and business arenas and have garnered national acclaim and recognition. With a reputation for consistent artistic excellence and with strong ties to the community, Writers Theatre has built an award-winning repertoire and serves as a vital and highly regarded company in the Chicagoland theatre community.

Season packages ranging from $179 - $259 are available at the Box Office, 321 Park Avenue, Glencoe, 847-242-6000 and on writerstheatre.org.

For the 2015/16 Season, Writers Theatre will be performing in two separate locations in Glencoe - the 60-seat venue at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Ave, and in its new, two-theatre complex at 325 Tudor Court.

---

The inaugural season of the new theatre center includes:

Marjorie Prime

By Jordan Harrison

Directed by Kimberly Senior

October 21, 2015 - February 21, 2016

Performed at Books on Vernon: 664 Vernon Ave, Glencoe

It's the age of artificial intelligence, but 86-year old Marjorie is worried that her memory may be fading. That is, until the appearance of Walter, a mysterious and charming young visitor programmed to help Marjorie uncover the intricacies of her own past. As Walter's true nature is revealed, new levels of complexity emerge, leading to profound questions about the limits of technology and whether memory might be a purely human invention.

This clever and captivating new drama explores what it means to be human, the complicated nature of family relationships and the moments in life that we might choose to forget, if given the chance. Directed by Kimberly Senior in the Writers Theatre bookstore venue, Marjorie Prime will take audiences on a twisting journey into uncharted theatrical terrain.

Arcadia

By Tom Stoppard

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam

March 16, 2016 - April 17, 2016

Performed in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre: 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

In the heart of a 19th century English country estate awash in secret desires, illicit affairs and professional rivalries, a brilliant young student proposes an earthshaking scientific theory. Two hundred years later at that same estate, academic adversaries Hannah and Bernard race to unravel the enticing mysteries left behind in a heated battle for intellectual and sexual dominance.

Part detective story and part comedy of manners, Tom Stoppard's elegant, time-jumping masterpiece forges a complex comedy of wit, romance, poetry, sex and scientific theory, introducing characters whose lives and passions intersect across the centuries.

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, who previously helmed WT's hit productions of Stoppard's The Real Thing and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Arcadia serves as an ideal first production in Writers Theatre's new home, serving as bridge between the Theatre's celebrated past and its exciting future.

Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf-A Parody

By Tim Sniffen

With additional material by Tim Ryder

Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Stuart Carden

April 27, 2016 - June 12, 2016

Performed in the Gillian Theatre: 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

This hilarious result of a collaboration between Writers Theatre and Chicago's world-renowned comedy theatre, The Second City, asks the intriguing question: What happens when the most recognizable characters from some of the greatest American plays of the 20th century suddenly find themselves sharing the same stage?

When a mysterious invitation brings Blanche DuBois back to New Orleans, she finds herself once again face-to-face with the smoldering Stanley Kowalski. That would be challenge enough, but they are soon joined by luckless salesman Willy Lohman and hard-drinking, hard-fighting couple George and Martha, and suddenly all bets are off. Add a folksy Stage Manager and the comic genius of The Second City team, and the question quickly becomes: Will the American Theatre ever be the same?

Co-directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and former Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden, this deliciously satirical mash-up of A Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Our Town opens the Gillian Theatre with a tongue-in-cheek salute to the celebrated icons of American drama.

Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf-A Parody was commissioned by The Second City and developed in partnership with Writers Theatre, under the guidance of director Stuart Carden and featuring a cast of veteran WT actors.

Company

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by George Furth

Originally Produced and Directed on Broadway by Harold Prince

Original Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Directed by William Brown

Musical Direction by Tom Vendafreddo

June 15, 2016 - July 17, 2016

Performed in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre: 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe

It's Bobby's 35th birthday and he's still single, trying to find a way to have a serious relationship, without a serious commitment. But as his friends-all couples at different stages in their marriages-impose their unique perspectives of relationship function and dysfunction on him over the course of a hilarious series of dinners and cocktail hours, Bobby is forced to consider relaxing his determined grip on bachelorhood and begin exploring one of life's greatest questions-what does it mean to be alive?

Winner of seven Tony Awards, Company is a witty, sophisticated and deeply honest look at contemporary relationships. Featuring some of Stephen Sondheim's best known songs, including "Side by Side by Side," "Marry Me a Little" and "Being Alive," this brilliant musical comedy is considered a true masterpiece by one of the finest composers of our time.

Directed by Writers Theatre favorite William Brown, who previously helmed WT's hit production of Sondheim's A Little Night Music, Company will continue the Theatre's tradition of breathing fresh life into great American musicals.

SPECIAL SERIES:

From Page to Stage Series

Writers Theatre and select North Shore libraries present the 11th annual From Page to Stage Series. This comprehensive series of special events, lectures, readings and film viewings are designed to enhance and enrich the audience experience of one of the plays during each Writers Theatre season. All events are FREE of charge and open to the public. For more information about Writers Theatre's From Page to Stage Series, visit writerstheatre.org/from-page-to-stage-series. From Page to Stage is generously sponsored by Randy L. and Melvin R. Berlin, who have been supporting the program since its inception 11 years ago.

Writers Weekdays

Pre and post-show discussions will be held weekly before and after select evening performances, starting after the opening performance. Join the artistic staff before the performance for preparatory remarks about the production, or stay after the performance for an in-depth conversation with members of the cast. Please check our calendar for specific dates: writerstheatre.org/calendar-tickets. For more information about Writers Theatre Audience Enrichment programs visit writerstheatre.org/events

Making of... Series

Writers Theatre will once again host its popular Making of... Series. For each production, Writers Theatre offers insight into a different aspect of creating the productions seen on our stages. Enjoy a short and lively presentation by designers and other experts, who walk through the process of preparing for and executing a show. Making of... events are FREE and open to the public. For dates and more information, go to writerstheatre.org/events

Audience Enrichment

Special artistic and engagement events will be offered in conjunction with each show in the season, offering patrons a deeper look at the contextual word of the art on our stages. Audience enrichment events, including lectures, discussions, and artistic programs extend the conversation started by the artists beyond our stages.

---

Writers Theatre season ticket packages provide a convenient theatergoing experience and guarantee access to all of Writers' highly anticipated productions throughout the season. Four-play subscription packages are available, ranging in price from $179 to $259.

Season package subscribers receive exclusive benefits including complimentary ticket exchanges (upgrade fees may apply), show reminders by email before each scheduled performance, a one-year subscription to The Brief Chronicle newsmagazine and more. For a complete list of benefits visit writerstheatre.org/subscriber-benefits.

Season Packages are available at the Box Office, 321 Park Avenue, Glencoe, 847-242-6000 and writerstheatre.org.

Over the past twenty-three seasons, Writers Theatre has become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence. Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers Theatre has been deemed the "best drama company in the nation" by The Wall Street Journal. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of 40,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry. Prized for the finest interpretations of classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues, Writers Theatre's acclaimed work includes Artistic Director Michael Halberstam's world premiere in Glencoe and subsequent productions of A Minister's Wife at Lincoln Center Theater and West Coast premiere at the San Jose Repertory Theatre; David Cromer's productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and Picnic; and the commissioning, world premiere and New York premiere of Crime and Punishment, which has received more than 30 subsequent regional theater productions.

Writers Theatre continues with the $34 million On to a New Stage Campaign, which includes a cash reserve. The campaign has raised $28.6 million to date and will establish the company's first permanent home in a new theatre center in downtown Glencoe, designed by the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by Founder and Design Principal Jeanne Gang, in collaboration with Theatre Consultant Auerbach Pollock Friedlander. This will allow the Theatre to continue to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility will resonate with and complement the Theatre's neighboring Glencoe community, adding tremendous value to Chicagoland and helping to establish the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.

Find Writers Theatre on Facebook at Facebook.com/WritersTheatre or follow @WritersTheatre on Twitter. For more information, visit writerstheatre.org.

Pictured: Theatre Center & Grand Gallery Walk - Principal Jeanne Gang and Studio Gang Architect's rendering of Writers Theatre's new theatre center (East View of the Litowitz Family Lobby) as seen from Green Bay Road in Glencoe, IL. The Grand Gallery Walk, a timber construction, is envisioned as a lantern that announces the center and is poised to become Writers Theatre's marquee.

To post a comment, you must register and login.