Northlight Theatre Announces Its 45th Season
By: A.A. Cristi Feb. 28, 2019
Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces its 45th season, opening with Mother of the Maid by Jane Anderson, directed by BJ Jones and featuring Kate Fry. The season continues with the World Premiere of The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, a companion piece to Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, directed by Jessica Thebus; followed by the World Premiere of How A Boy Falls, by Steven Dietz, directed by BJ Jones; and Lynn Nottage's Intimate Apparel. Closing out the season is Songs for Nobodies by Joanna Murray-Smith, directed by Rob Lindley, featuring Bethany Thomas.
From fresh new work like Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon's The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley, and Steven Deitz's How A Boy Falls, to a classic like Intimate Apparel by Lynn Nottage, Northlight continues to bring our audiences the kind of work that earned their loyalty for 45 years, comments BJ Jones. We welcome back Northlight favorite Kate Fry in Mother of the Maid, the Joan of Arc story told thru the eyes of her mother. And Bethany Thomas stars in a tour de force performance performing music by Judy Garland, Billie Holiday and Maria Callas. Next season is both fresh and familiar, bold and brash, the kind of work we challenge ourselves and our audience with, season after season.
The 2019-20 Season includes:
MOTHER OF THE MAID
Directed by BJ Jones
Featuring Kate Fry
September 12 October 20, 2019
Press Opening: Friday, September 20, 2019 at 8pm
Isabelle Arc is a hard-working, pious peasant woman with an odd and extraordinary daughter. When adolescent Joan announces she's having visions, her mother isn't quite sure if she should credit the Holy Spirit or teen hormones. But with faith in God and her destiny, Joan sets off to lead the French at war. As she ascends from farm girl to holy martyr, we follow the unexpected perspective of her proud, fierce, and frightened mom in this deeply moving drama about the glories and challenges of raising an exceptional child.
The World Premiere of
THE WICKHAMS: CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLEY
By Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon
Directed by Jessica Thebus
November 7 December 15, 2019
Press Opening: Friday, November 15, 2019 at 8pm
From the authors of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley comes a charming new companion piece!
While the Bennets and Darcys are celebrating upstairs, the servants below stairs find themselves in the midst of a holiday scandal. Lydia's ne'er-do-well husband Mr. Wickham has arrived, and it's up to the loyal housekeeper, footman, and new maid to keep the festivities running smoothly without revealing the unwelcome guest. As old misunderstandings and new secrets start to spiral out of control, the residents of Pemberley prove that family, forgiveness, and the true spirit of giving always win the day.
The World Premiere of
HOW A BOY FALLS
By Steven Dietz
Directed by BJ Jones
January 23 March 1, 2020
Press Opening: Friday, January 31, 2020 at 8pm
This world premiere from one of America's essential playwrights will keep you on the edge of your seat!
A newly hired au pair is thrust into the midst of a mystery when the loss of a young boy casts suspicion on her and the boy's wealthy parents. The parents are each seeking answers and retribution while the au pair is hatching a dangerous scheme of her own, and no one is exactly who they seem to be in a new psychological thriller that asks who can we trust if we can trust anyone.
INTIMATE APPAREL
By Lynn Nottage
Director will be announced at a later date.
March 12 April 19, 2020
Press Opening: Friday, March 20, 2020 at 8pm
New York Drama Critics' Circle and Outer Critics Circle awards for Best Play!
In 1905, a black seamstress named Esther sews her way out of poverty stitch by delicate stitch, creating fine lingerie for her Manhattan clientele while longing for a husband and a future. She finds common ground with the Jewish merchant who sells her fabric, yet both know their relationship cannot be. So when correspondence with a lonesome Caribbean man leads to a marriage proposal, she accepts. But as her new marriage quickly turns to regret, Esther turns back to her sewing machine to rebuild her life and refashion her future.
SONGS FOR NOBODIES
Directed by Rob Lindley
Featuring Bethany Thomas
May 7 June 14, 2020
Press Opening: Friday, May 15 at 8pm
This one-woman tour-de-force celebrates the iconic work of Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. Share in the unexpected encounters between these legendary divas and the ordinary women whose lives were changed by their brush with fame. Featuring such favorites as Come Rain or Come Shine, Crazy, and Ain't Nobody's Business If I Do, Songs for Nobodies illuminates the power of song to share a story, heal a heartbreak, and inspire a dream.
Curtain times are: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Subscriptions to the 2019-20 Northlight Season are available through the box office, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, by phone at 847.673.6300 or online at northlight.org. Renewals are currently available. New subscriptions will be available beginning in May 2019.
Subscriptions range in price from $99-$250. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland.
Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.
Now in its 44th season, the organization has mounted over 200 productions, including nearly 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 207 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as ten Edgerton Foundation for New Play 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.
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