Raven Theatre's THE BIRD FEEDER DOESN'T KNOW Begins Tonight

In Todd Bauer's world premiere play, The Bird Feeder Doesn't Know, an adult son living with cerebral palsy and dealing with the needs and demands of his aging parents learns that it's easier for birds to leave the nest than it is for humans to break away from their parents.. This tragicomic three-character play was developed by Raven Theatre Company [WORKING TITLE] New Play Development Series.

The cast for The Bird Feeder Doesn't Know will include Raven ensemble members Chuck Spencer and Joshua J. Volkers and Raven newcomer Sheila Landahl. Spencer was praised for his performance as Joe Keller in Raven's critically acclaimed All My Sons last fall and won a Jeff Award for his portrayal of Ken Carpenter in Redtwist Theater's production of Man from Nebraska. Joshua J. Volkers was most recently seen on the Raven stage in Bang the Drum Slowly and in the [WORKING TITLE] workshop productions of The Bird Feeder Doesn't Know and Floating and appeared in the Artistic Home's production of Watch on the Rhine. Sheila Landahl brings a wealth of experience to her role, having played Paulina in Winter's Tale, Gertrude in Hamlet, Ava in Party in the Kitchen and many other roles in theaters around the world.

The production will be directed by Jonathan Wilson, professor of Theatre and Drama at Loyola University of Chicago and well known as a freelancer director for his productions of Master Harold . . . and the Boys (TimeLine), Jitney, Pantomime, Two Trains Running and Fraternity (Pegasus Players)and Playland and A Raisin in the Sun. (Steppenwolf) as well as productions at Court Theater, Northlight Theater and the Goodman.

The creative team includes Megan Gallagher (stage manager), Timothy Mann (set designer), Mary O'Dowd (props/set dressing), Mary McDonald Badger (lighting designer), Alex Wren Meadows (costume designer), Christopher Kriz (original music and sound designer), Zhanna Albertini (scenic artist), Browyn Sherman (assistant director), Joshua Kirkpatrick (costume assistant), Conor Clark (technical director), Justin Castellano (master electrician), and Deborah Blumenthal (dramaturgy).

Raven's [WORKING TITLE] New Play Development Series has evolved into a vital aspect of Raven's artistic commitment to excellence. Started in 1992, our objective is to foster and present new voices of the American stage, with fully rehearsed, fully-staged presentations of new plays to the general public for three nights, with moderated post show discussions after each performance. Our [WORKING TITLE] Series provides the company with the opportunity to incubate new plays, while offering an invaluable laboratory for playwrights, directors and actors to experiment with and showcase new works.

Tickets and information are available at www.raventheatre.com or 773-338-2177.

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