Photo Flash: New Production Shots from Step Up's THE BENCHMARK

Step Up Productions kicks off its 2013-14 season with Richard A. Roberts' touching Chicago drama The BenchMark, directed by Tara Branham, playing now through October 20, 2013 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. The BenchMark features AJ Froeber, Amy Geist, Daniel Houle, Raymond Jacquet, Heather L. Jencks, Annie Neal, Tricia Rodriguez, Andrew Sellar and Robert Wilson. BroadwayWorld has new photos of the cast onstage below!

Based on a true story, this poignant play chronicles the life of Mark, a charming, eloquent homeless man who calls a lonely, little Chicago park bench his home. As he journeys through the summer, autumn and winter seasons, he seeks solace in alcohol and literature in order to escape the harsh realities of his life and the world around him. Combining social commentary, pathos and biting humor, this bittersweet satire is an elegy to the misfit in us.

"After Chicago's theater community and audiences alike embraced our inaugural production of Sweetest Swing in Baseball, we knew it was time to produce a full season - and we're excited to call The Athenaeum Theatre our resident home for 2013-14," comments Step Up Artistic Director and Founder Elizabeth Antonucci. "Mr. Roberts' beautiful and haunting play The BenchMark struck a powerful chord - it completely altered my perspective on the homeless people we, as Chicagoans, encounter nearly ever day. Similarly, I hope this production challenges and inspires our audiences to look further beyond what they see on the outside," adds Antonucci.

Proceeds from The BenchMark will also benefit the Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness. As part of its mission, Step Up Productions donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations in and around Chicago that support issues often highlighted in its productions.

The production team for The BenchMark includes: Shaun Renfro (set design), Raquel Adorno (costume design), Mike Durst (lighting design), Steve Baldwin (sound design), Haley Borodine (props design), Dori Walstrom (makeup design), Margaret Lebron (dramaturg), Adrienne Bader (stage manager) and Gabriella Welsh (asst. stage manager).

Cast: AJ Froeber (Chorus), Amy Geist (Bag Lady), Daniel Houle (Mark), Raymond Jacquet (Chorus), Heather L. Jencks (Chorus), Annie Neal (Chorus), Tricia Rodriguez (Chorus), Andrew Sellar (Chorus) and Robert Wilson (Cop).

The show will run The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago through Sunday, October 20, 2013. Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. Please note: there will be an added Industry Night performance on Monday, September 30 at 7:30 pm. Tickets: Previews: $15. Regular run: $30. $17 students (with current ID), $25 seniors, $16 rush tickets (one hour before curtain). Benefit Performance for Chicago Alliance to End Homelessness: Sunday, October 13 at 2 pm - includes appetizers, one drink and cash bar. Tickets $30 - no discounts for this performance. $15 industry nights with code (Thursdays and Monday, September 30) Tickets are available online at www.stepupproductions.org and www.athenaeumtheatre.org or by calling The Athenaeum Box Office at (773) 935-6875. Group rates available.

For additional information, visit www.stepupproductions.org.

Photo Credit: Liz Lauren

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