Photo Flash: First Look at EINSTEIN'S GIFT at Athenaeum Theatre

Elayne LeTraunik directs the Chicago premier of "Einstein's Gift" by Vern Thiessen featuring Chris Saunders, Guy Wicke, Nick Hodge, Glenn Garrabrant, James McGuire, Darryn Glass, Vered Hankin and Becky Lang. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Elayne LeTraunik is Associate Artistic Director of Genesis and brings to Chicago audiences a timely look at science and government, nationalism and war in what will undoubtedly be one of the most eagerly anticipated productions of the summer.

Based on a true story, German scientist Fritz Haber is renouncing his faith, fearing persecution from an increasingly oppressive and militaristic government. In this award winning play, Haber's friend, Albert Einstein, fears Haber's work has taken a dangerous turn. While Einstein sees science as a discipline which transcends national boundaries as a force for good, Haber's work has become a deadly tool of the state. Einstein makes a desperate and emotional appeal that will resonate for generations and define the course of history. With daunting forces arrayed against him, Einstein is prepared to risk everything; his life, his work and his reputation against a building storm threatening to engulf the world in war. Einstein's Gift begs the question, if you could return to a time and change everything, what would it be?"

In addition to the cast, the designers include Harrison Ornelas (Sets/Props), Jeremy Hollis (Lights), Paula Kenar (Costumes), JJ Porterfield (Sound), Brian LeTraunik (Fight Choreography) and Patrick Murphy (Stage Manager).

Performances are August 4-28 at the Athenaeum Theatre, Studio One, 2936 N. Southport, in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. Performance days and times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $30 with discounts for students, seniors and groups of 10 or more. Discounted tickets are also available on Goldstar and Hot Tix. For tickets call 773-935-6875 or go to www.athenaeumtheatre.org. For more information about Genesis Theatrical Productions, go to www.genesistheatricals.com.

Photo Credit: Ron Goldman