'Six Degrees of Separation' to Open Nov. 17th at Chopin Theatre

On Monday, November 7th at 7pm at Chopin Theatre, the Signal Ensemble Theatre continues its sixth season with John Guare's "Six Degrees of Separation," directed by co-artistic director Ronan Marra.  Ouisa Kittredge read somewhere that "everybody on this planet is separated by only six other people."  When Paul, a young victim of a knife attack, seeks assistance at her family's upper-class New York home, she discovers how true that statement really is.  Claiming to be Sidney's Poitier's son, Paul connects to Ouisa and her husband Flan in a way not even their own children have.  But Paul May not be all he says he is, and his aggressive, far-reaching search for meaningful human contact creates a web of confusion and pain that - as Ouisa discovers - didn't start, nor end, within her family's walls.  A comic-tragedy loosely based on a true story, "Six Degrees of Separation," like a revolving Kandinsky, paints multiple sides on what drives and motivates us in the glare of money, greed, fame, lust and, finally, each other.  The production runs 90 minutes with no intermission.   

The cast includes company members Vincent Lonergan (Geoffrey), Simone Roos (Elizabeth) and AaRon Snook (Rick), with guest artists John Blick (Doug), Steven Camara (Detective), Tucker Curtis (Doorman/Policeman), Kevin D'Ambrosio (Hustler), Bryson Engelen (Paul), Katie Genualdi (Tess), Susie Griffith (Ouisa), Eric Lindahl (Trent), Joseph Mack (Dr. Fine), Tim Martin (Woody), Nick Mikula (Ben), Jon Steinhagen (Flan), Dan Taube (Larkin), and Heather Townsend (Kitty).  

 The crew consists of Ronan Marra (Production Director/ Co Artistic Director), Anthony Ingram (Sound Design), and artistic associates Melania Lancy (Scenic Design) and Laura M. Dana (Costume Design); with guest artists Barry Branford (Stage Manager), Mark Hurni (Lighting Design) and Sarah Elizabeth M. (no last name-Properties Design). 

The show opens Monday, November 17, 2008, 7 p.m. (reception following), closes December 20, 2008, runs Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.  and begins previews on November 15 at 8 p.m., and November 16 at 7 p.m. There is an added show on Monday, December 8 at 7 p.m.  along with a benefit for International Dravet Syndrome Epilepsy Action League (www.idea-league.org) - $5 from every ticket this show will be donated to the charity. There is no performance on Thanksgiving Day, November 27.

For tickets please call 773-347-1350; www.signalensemble.com

Ticket prices include the following: $15 on Thursdays and Sundays, $20 on Fridays and Saturdays, $10 for previews on November 15 and 16, $10 for industry members for all shows with resume/headshot/card, Student and senior (with ID) discounts available; also for groups of 15 or more     

The Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 W. Division Ave., Chicago, IL 60622-3337

Founded in 2003 by Ronan Marra, Christopher Prentice and Joseph Stearns, Signal Ensemble Theatre is known for its ensemble acting and producing a diverse slate of plays that range from classics to new works.  Signal uses the actor as the focal point to clearly execute the playwright's vision.