Stage Door Chicago: Interview with 'Sparrow's' Nathan Allen

Broadway In Chicago and The House Theatre of Chicago have announced the next flight of The Sparrow, returning to the stage by popular demand in a new production at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave). " Following the unprecedented success of two record-breaking initial mountings, this engagement is a new opportunity for Chicago audiences to experience a remarkable show that has soared beyond all expectations.  The new production of The Sparrow is a unique endeavor from a growing relationship between The House Theatre of Chicago and Broadway In Chicago," state press notes.

House Theatre's Artistic Director Nathan Allen discusses the three carnations of The Sparrow and the history of the House Theatre.  Underscored throughout the interview is the original music from The Sparrow

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From the award-winning The House Theatre of Chicago, The Sparrow first premiered on January 13, 2007 at The Viaduct Theatre, performing for seven weeks to sold-out houses and critical acclaim.  It has set new box office records in both locations as the fastest selling off-loop show.

"Intertwined with music and dance, the play tells the story of Emily Book, a small town girl returning home ten years after a tragic accident claimed the lives of her entire class.  As the town struggles to accept the strange girl who reminds them of what they lost, Emily attempts to hide special powers that make her different," state press notes.

Created and performed by The House Theatre of Chicago, The Sparrow is conceived and directed by Nathan Allen with script by Chris Matthews, Jake Minton and Nathan Allen.  The production dominated the 2007 Joseph Jefferson Citations and garnered seven awards including: Outstanding New Work, Production, Director, Ensemble, Original Music, Projection Design and Choreography. 

The play will perform at Chicago's Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave.)   The performance schedule through December 31 is as follows:  Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 5:30 & 8:30 p.m., Sundays at 3:30 & 6:30 p.m. Note:  There will not be a performance on: Wednesday, October 31; Wednesday, November 21; and Thursday, November 22.  There will be added performances on: Wednesday, November 14 at 2 p.m.; Friday, November 23 at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 24 at 2 p.m.; Wednesday, December 12 at 2 p.m.; and Monday, December 31 at 8:00 p.m.

Individual tickets range in price from $34.50 - $49.50 and will be available starting September 7 through the Apollo Theater Box Office (2540 N. Lincoln Ave.) by calling (773) 935-6100 as well as all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.), the Broadway In Chicago ticket line (312) 902-1400, all Ticketmaster ticket centers or online at ticketmaster.com.

Tickets are available now to groups of 20 or more by calling (312) 977-1710.

The Sparrow is an off-season special in the 2008 Walgreens Broadway In Chicago Season Series.  As an additional subscription benefit, any 2008 series package purchased with an American Express card will be automatically upgraded to include a ticket to The Sparrow for each package purchased at no additional charge.

For more information, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com or www.thehousetheatre.com.

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