Photo Flash: New World Rep's PHEDRA

Robert David MacDonald's translation captures the dramatic beauty and power of Racine's original French poetry. Based on ancient myths, the tragedy examines how love and unabated passions can destroy us all. "Phèdra" is cursed by the gods to love her step-son, Hippolytus, who hides a secret love affair of his own. Emotional, turbulent and sexy, Phèdra is a mythical soap opera for the contemporary audience. Directed by theater movement specialist Alison Henderson, the production will be based on movement theorist Rudolf Laban's movement analysis. Henderson explained, "Laban did not create a movement technique, rather he created a universal language of movement which provides artists with the tools of creation. In this production, we are exploring how Laban's tools can be utilized to create a thrilling theatrical experience for both the actor and audience." The play runs about 90 minutes with one intermission.

New World Rep's production of "Phèdra" will also be performed at Theatre Building Chicago following the initial Downers Grove run (details below). Director Henderson said, "Our company decided to impart our vision of this production with Chicago audiences too. The actors trained Laban Movement Analysis for more than six months prior to rehearsals, and we wanted to offer this unique approach to the script a wider audience." Founding Artistic Director Jean Adamak Gottlieb added, "I produced and directed shows in Chicago for years with Footsteps Theatre Company, and have wanted to bring my suburban company, New World Repertory, back to the city for some time. ‘Phèdra's' timeless themes and powerful female lead, coupled with the Laban style, made this piece the perfect choice."

CAST: BrIan Barber (Hippolytus), Maggie Clennon-Reberg (Oenone), JarEd Graham (Theseus), Stephanie Limesand (Aricia), Laura Merchut (Venus) and Sean Wesslund (Theramenes). Sarah Pinkham is now playing the role of Phèdra, and the cast will be the same for both Downers Grove and Chicago runs.

STAFF: Alison Henderson (Director), Meghan Gallagher (Stage Manager), and Cal
Turner (Lighting Design).

"Phèdra" Downers Grove Run:
WHEN: Opens in Downers Grove on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at 7:30 p.m.
(reception preceding - not opening 11/13 as previously listed)
Closes Saturday, December 5
Runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Preview November 6, 7:30 p.m. (no previews on 11/7 & 8 as previously listed)

TICKETS: Publish this number: 630-663-1489, www.newworldrep.org
$20 for adults on Friday and Saturday nights
$15 for previews, Sunday matinees, and seniors/students (with ID)
$12 for each ticket in groups of ten or more

New World Repertory Theater (NWRT), 923 Curtiss St. in Downers Grove, IL (handicapped accessible with chair lift), with street and lot parking availability. The Metra line from downtown Chicago is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Suburban Chicago to Aurora (Main St. Downers Grove stop).

"Phèdra" Chicago Run:
WHEN: Opens in Chicago on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at 8:30 p.m.
Closes Sunday, February 14
Runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

TICKETS: Publish this number: 773-327-5252 TBC Box Office (open Wednesdays noon - 6
p.m.; Thursdays-Sundays noon - showtime; closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
$25 for adults
$20 for Sunday matinees, and seniors/students (with ID)
$15 for each ticket in groups of ten or more
$10 for industry members (with ID) for all shows opening weekend, January 21-24

Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60657; West Theatre
$8 valet parking; Belmont El stop (Red, Brown, Purple)
Metered parking lot on Greenview (enter south of Belmont)
Handicapped accessible

Also List These 2009 NWRT Events (performed at 923 Curtiss St. in Downers Grove, IL):
10/9 & 10/10: "New Words," readings on Friday, October 9, and Saturday October 10, 2009, at
7:30 p.m. Staged readings of original new plays "Thy Will Be Done" by Michael Burgan on Friday, and "In the Latter Days" by Ann Magaha on Saturday, including audience feedback sessions. Suggested donation $5.

10/24: NWRT's Family Theater Series presents "Spooky Tales" on Saturday, October 24,
2009, at 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. - tickets are $5 at 630-663-1489 and www.newworldrep.org A hauntingly delightful, audience interactive performance by NWRT's Youth Ensemble; just creepy and spine-tingling enough for younger audience members who aren't quite ready for a true haunted house - for ages 2 to 12 and their families.

12/13: "Songs on Stage," a concert to benefit the "Phèdra" Chicago run, includes works written for, about, and in spite of, the performing arts by Bernstein, Convery, Korngold, Pasatieri and more, featuring mezzo soprano Maggie Clennon-Reberg, with piano by Robert Holst, on Sunday, December 13, 2009, at 2 p.m. - tickets are $25 at 630-663-1489 and www.newworldrep.org

Photo credit Jean Gottlieb

Sarah Pinkham

Sarah Pinkham and BrIan Barber

Sarah Pinkham and BrIan Barber

Sarah Pinkham and BrIan Barber