Pegasus Theatre Chicago to Premiere GHOST GARDENS, 5/1-31

Pegasus Theatre Chicago presents the World Premiere of Award-winning playwright Steven Simoncic's "Ghost Gardens", May 1 through May 31 at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Simoncic reunites with director Ilesa Duncan, Pegasus' Artistic Director, after working together on last year's "Broken Fences," and the world premiere of "Heat Wave" in 2008. "Ghost Gardens" runs Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Preview performances are April 24, 25, 26 and 30. Tickets are $18 to $30 and are available at www.PegasusTheatreChicago.org.

"I am so pleased to be working with Steven again," Duncan said. "From working together on 'Broken Fences' and the world premiere of 'Heat Wave' in the same capacities, we formed a strong team that creates powerful work. Steven always incorporates societal issues that are important conversation starters for how we, as humans, should live in a community. And 'Ghost Gardens' doesn't disappoint."

"Ghost Gardens" follows a dying-on-the-vine Detroit community withered by neglect, illness and infertility. When Lorelie announces her pregnancy, it sets in motion an entwined series of events that threaten to spiral out of control. Simoncic's new play is the gripping story of a pimp-turned- preacher looking for redemption, a stripper-turned nurse searching for justice and an ex-con-turned-social media maverick sowing the seeds of transformation.

"I think theatre is ultimately about community," said Simoncic."There is something wonderful about people coming together for a shared experience, an exchange of some kind. 'Ghost Gardens' is centered on the power of community and how communities struggle to survive and find hope in situations that at times appear hopeless."

Simoncic is a critically-acclaimed author and playwright. His plays have received productions, readings and workshops at The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Victory Gardens Theatre, The Second City, 16th Street Theatre, Pegasus Theatre Chicago, Ballybeg, The Branch Center for the Performing Arts, Stageplays Theatre New York, and Soho Theatre in London. His work has received numerous accolades including a Pushcart prize, the Arts & Letters Susan Atefat Prize, and an Emmy for short form comedy, among others. Last year, Simoncic had critically-acclaimed productions of "Broken Fences" in New York and 16th Street Theater in Chicago, which was featured in the Chicago Tribune's "Best of 2013." "Ghost Gardens", was a semi-finalist for the 2015 Global Age Project at Aurora Theatre. His play, "Heat Wave" is receiving a second production as part of Steppenwolf Theatre's 2015 Garage Rep season. Simoncic is also a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists Theatre and Writer in Residence at Pegasus Theatre, 16th Street Theater and Step Up Productions.

"Ghost Gardens" cast includes Elizabeth Birnkrant (Lorelie), Chris Cinereski (Tryg), Gilmary Doyle (Helen), Willie Goodson (Powder), Anna Maldonado (Myra) and Nathaniel Andrew (Lonnie). Costume designer is Raquel Adorno, lighting designer is Mike Durst, props designer is Mealah Heindenreich, scenic designer is Sarah Lewis and Mikey Moran is the sound designer. Dana Lynn Formby is the Dramaturg.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago has been a mainstay in the Chicago theater community for nearly 30 years. Its mission is to produce boldly imaginative theater and champion new and authentic voices that illuminate the human journey. It adheres to the core values of community engagement, social relevance, boldness, adventure and excellence.

Pegasus Theatre Chicago presents the World Premiere of Steven Simoncic's "Ghost Gardens", May 1 through May 31 at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave. Preview performances are April 24, 25 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. and April 26 at 3 p.m., April "Ghost Gardens" runs Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Tickets are $18 to $30 and are available at www.PegasusTheatreChicago.org or by calling the Ovation Tickets box office at 866-811-4111.

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