Saint Sebastian Players Stage 'Chekhov's Shorts', 2/19-3/14

The Saint Sebastian Players invite Chicago audiences to experience the fun side of one of the world's most respected playwrights with its second production of the 2009-10 season, "Chekhov's Shorts." The performances, which include 10 short Chekhov comedies filled with farce, parody and slapstick, including one world premiere adaptation, run February 19-March 14, 2010.

On the program are a range of well-known and rarely performed Chekhov plays, including The Celebration, The Perils of Tobacco, The Power of Hypnotism, Swan Song, The Proposal, The Wedding, Drama, The Man in a Case, The Bear and a world premiere adaptation of a Chekhov short story, The Only Way Out, by Jack Phillips, who also directs.

SSP company member John Oster, who directed last season's The Real Thing, is producing artistic director for "Chekhov's Shorts." In addition to Phillips, directors include SSP company member Renae Stone and David Fehr, Aaron Henrickson, David Knoell, Elizabeth Lovelady, Steven Murray, James Palmer and Ryan Washabaugh. Cyd Smilie is set designer, Mansie O'Leary costume designer, Mike Ashenbach is lighting designer and Al Cerkan is stage manager.

SSP's 2009-10 season concludes with the musical Nunsense with book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, directed by SSP member Kelly Rhyne, April 30-May 23, 2010.

"Chekhov's Shorts" runs February 19-March 14, 2010 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with a preview performance on Thursday, February 18 at 8 p.m. Free parking is available in two lots.

Full-priced single tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Group rates also are available. SSP also is participating in the League of Chicago Theatres' Theater Thursdays with a special performance in celebration of Chekhov's 150th birthday on Thursday, February 25 at 6:30 p.m. Audience members will enjoy dinner, a presentation by producer John Oster, the performance and a post-show Q&A with the actors. Tickets for this special event are $25.

All programming is subject to change. For information and tickets, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

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