Profiles Theatre Announces Final Extensions For MERCY SEAT And GRACELAND

Profiles Theatre announces the final extension of its two hit productions-the world premiere of Ellen Fairey's Graceland and the Midwest premiere of Neil LaBute's The Mercy Seat. Graceland was recently moved to the theatre space three doors down from Profiles (National Pastime Theater) to make way for Profiles' Midwest premiere of Neil LaBute's The Mercy Seat, playing at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway. The Mercy Seat will play through December 13, 2009 and Graceland will run through December 20, 2009.

About Graceland

Graceland received its World Premiere at Profiles in May 2009 and has quickly become one of the theatre's most successful runs ever, playing to consistently sold-out houses and critical acclaim. Directed by Matthew Miller, Profiles' record-breaking production has been extended for an additional five weeks, through December 20, 2009.

Chicago's oldest cemetery is the backdrop for Graceland, the story of four lonely Chicagoans whose lives collide one August weekend while the Blue Angels airshow is in town. As fighter jets buzz the skies from dusk till dawn, estranged brother and sister Sam and Sara try to make sense of their father's recent suicide. Sara's one night stand with Joe, an aging lothario, brings further trouble in the form of Joe's mercurial teenage son, Miles. Graceland is a World premiere comedic drama about the loneliness of family, the tenderness of strangers and the unexpected benefits of bad decisions. Lincoln Center recently announced the inclusion of Graceland in its LCT3 Festival.

Cast members Eric Burgher, Sarah Wellington, David Vogel and Emily Vajda will continue their roles. Vic Kuligoski will continue as Miles and will alternate the role with Bubba Weiler.

The designers are William Anderson (set), Jessica Harpenau (lights), Ricky Lurie (costumes), Mikhail Fiksel (sound and original music) and the stage manager is Maryann Carlson.

About The Mercy Seat

The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute opened Profiles Theatre's 21st Anniversary Season with the Midwest premiere, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The critically acclaimed production has sold out much of its initial run since its October opening and will be extended for a limited time only through December 13, 2009, at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway.

In a time of national tragedy, the world changes overnight. On September 12, 2001, Ben Harcourt finds himself in the downtown apartment of his lover, Abby Prescott. Over the course of the night, Ben and Abby explore the choices now available to them in an existence different from the one they knew just The Day Before. LaBute presents the brutal realities of their relationship and explores whether one can be truly opportunistic in a time of universal selflessness.

Darrell W. Cox and Cheryl Graeff will continue in the roles of Ben and Abby.

The designers are Sotirious Livaditis (set), Jessica Harpenau (lights), Ricky Lurie (costumes), and Stephanie Sherline (sound and original music). The assistant director is Darcy McGill and the stage manager is Amanda Reader.

Tickets for both productions are $30-$35. Graceland tickets are available at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway, www.profilestheatre.org or (773) 549-1815. Graceland patrons should purchase and/or pick-up tickets at Profiles before proceeding to the venue three doors down. The Mercy Seat continues its run at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway.

Title: Graceland

Playwright: Ellen Fairey

Directed by: Matthew Miller

Featuring: Featuring Vic Kuligoski (alternating with Bubba Weiler), Emily Vajda, David Vogel, Sarah Wellington and Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher

Dates: extended through December 20, 2009

Schedule: Thursday-Friday: 7:30 p.m.

Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Ticket box office: Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway

Performances held at: 4139 N. Broadway (National Pastime Theater)

Title: The Mercy Seat

Playwright: Neil LaBute

Directed by: Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus

Featuring: Featuring Profiles ensemble member Darrell W. Cox and Cheryl Graeff

Dates: extended through December 13, 2009

Schedule: Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 8:00 p.m.

Sunday: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway

Parking: Parking is available for $10-$12 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)

Ticket prices: Thursdays are $30, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $35; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office: Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org

or call (773) 549-1815

The box office is located at Profiles Theatre, 4147 N. Broadway

Tickets must be picked up at Profiles Theatre

Profiles Theatre is a not-for-profit professional theatre company founded in 1988 by five Eastern Illinois University alumni and has since been continually producing plays. Profiles brings new works to Chicago that illuminate the determination and resiliency of the human spirit. The company produces World, US and Midwest Premieres by new playwrights, as well as established writers whose work has been seen across the country and around the world. Profiles is particularly drawn to playwrights with a unique narrative style and use of language and the company takes pride in carefully selecting scripts that combine integrity with risk. Profiles Theatre is committed to producing plays that tell a story in a captivating way with productions that complement the ensemble and speak to its audience.

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