Northlight Theatre to Stage World Premiere at Steppenwolf Garage

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces the World Premiere of Charm by Philip Dawkins. Directed by BJ Jones, Charm was developed through Northlight's Interplay Series and will be presented in Steppenwolf's Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted, from October 14 - November 8, 2015. Tickets are on sale now at 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org.

Charm depicts the colorful inner workings of an etiquette class taught by Mama Darleena Andrews, an African-American transgender woman, in an LGBTQ organization known as The Center. Mama attempts to share her rules of proper behavior with a youth group ranging in sexuality, race and gender identity from a Latina transwoman to a cisgendered straight black couple to a gay suburban teen. Though her students initially struggle to see how etiquette relates to their daily battles with identity, poverty and prejudice, Mama's powerful love and unapologetic attitude eventually win them over.

Inspired by the true story of Miss Gloria Allen at Center on Halsted, Charm carries a message of peace and dignity, as Mama and her students must ultimately find a new way to respect each other and to redefine what "having charm" means.

BJ Jones comments, "After 3 years of writing and development with Philip this feels like the exact time to bring this indigenous Chicago story to life. Charm is a compassionate, uplifting and ultimately human story, promoting inclusion and dignity."

The cast features Armand Fields (Jonelle), Elizabeth Ledo (D), Monica Lopez Orozco (Ariela), Julian Parker (Donnie), Awate Serequeberhan (Logan), Matt Sherbach (Lady/Emily Post), Namir Smallwood (Beta), Brittney Love Smith (Victoria), and Dexter Zollicoffer (Mama).

The artistic team is BJ Jones (Director), Alan E. Schwanke (Set Design), Izumi Inaba (Costume Design), JR Lederle (Lighting Design), and Lindsay Jones (Sound Design). The stage manager is Jonathan Nook.