Northlight Theatre Announces Casting For The Remainder Of Its 35th Anniversary Season

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, is pleased to announce casting for the remainder of its 35th Anniversary Season.

"The secret of Northlight's success for 35 seasons is the relationship between its artists and its audience," says Artistic Director BJ Jones. "In celebration of that relationship we are thrilled to welcome back John Mahoney, Mike Nussbaum (Northlight's first Artistic Director), and Felicia Fields in her first Chicago appearance since her Tony nomination for The Color Purple. This reunites her with Jeff Award winner and Northlight favorite Mississippi Charles Bevel in Low Down Dirty Blues, created by Randal Myler. In addition, Robert Belushi, who recently appeared in Chicago with his father Jim Belushi in the Second City 50th Anniversary Celebration, joins Mr. Mahoney in A Life."

Awake and Sing!
Written by Clifford Odets
Directed by Amy Morton
Featuring Audrey Francis, Keith Gallagher, Tim Gittings, Cindy Gold, Peter Kevoian, Loren Lazerine, Mike Nussbaum, Demetrios Troy and Jay Whittaker

Previews: January 21 - January 30, 2010
Press opening: Sunday, January 31, 6:00pm
Regular run: February 2 - February 28, 2010

In a cramped Bronx tenement during the Great Depression, a working-class Jewish family copes with financial hardship even as they dream of a brighter future. Bessie Berger's fierce determination keeps her family afloat, whatever the cost. Gritty, passionate, funny and heartbreaking, Odets' 1935 masterpiece (and Tony Award winner for best revival in 2006) beautifully captures both the hopes and the struggles of an unforgettable American family.

Awake and Sing! is sponsored in part by The Lehman Family American Experience Series and Harris Bank.

A Life
Written by Hugh Leonard
Directed by BJ Jones
Featuring: Bradley Armacost, Robert Belushi, Joanne Dubach, Melanie Keller, Linda Kimbrough, John Mahoney, Matt Schwader and Penny Slusher

Previews: March 18- March 26, 2010
Press opening: Saturday, March 27, 2:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Regular run: March 28 - April 25, 2010

John Mahoney stars in A Life, an evocative play about the evolution of friendships in a small Irish town, and the sequel to the late Hugh Leonard's most celebrated work, Da.

As Desmond Drumm nears retirement his memories come to life, reminding him of the triumphs and tragedies of his youth and prompting him to mend relationships with a childhood friend and the love interest that had charmed them both. But as scenes from the past shed light on the misunderstandings of today, Desmond must realize that his lifelong ability to use his great intellect and acerbic wit as a means of self-defense has come at a cost.

Low Down Dirty Blues
Written by Randal Myler and Dan Wheetman
Directed by Randal Myler
Musical Direction by Dan Wheetman
Featuring Mississippi Charles Bevel and Felicia P. Fields
Additional casting TBA.

Previews: May 27- June 4, 2010
Press opening: Saturday, June 5, 2:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Regular run: June 6 - July 3, 2010

From the very birth of the Blues, great musicians have captivated audiences with their Dirty Blues-music filled with passion, soul and a love of life, as well as innuendo, insinuation and sly wit. Featuring the very best of the style made (in)famous by the likes of Mae West, Muddy Waters, Ma Rainey, Sophie Tucker, Howlin' Wolf, Pearl Bailey and many others, Low Down Dirty Blues is a look at life and sex in all its fascinating and painful expressions, and a rousing, raucous musical event!
The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-6:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from The Allyn Foundation; the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Ernst & Young; First Bank & Trust of Evanston; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The Lehman Family American Experience Series; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; McKinsey & Company; National Endowment for the Arts; The Pauls Foundation; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; the Skokie Fine Arts Commission; the Sullivan Family Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

Northlight continues its 35th season in 2009-2010 as one of the largest non-profit theatres in Chicago. Dedicated to enhancing the cultural life of the North Shore and Chicago, Northlight presents theatrical works which reflect and challenge the values and beliefs of the community it serves while continuing to grow its reputation for launching world premieres, new musicals, classic plays and intelligent dramas.
In its 35-year history, the organization has mounted over 160 productions, including over 33 world premieres, and garnered 145 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 27 Awards. As one of the area's premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality. For more information on Northlight Theatre, visit northlight.org.

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