Step Up Production Announces Full 2014-15 Season

Step Up Productions is pleased to announce its full 2014-15 Season - its first Jeff Awards eligible season! The season kicks off this fall with the Chicago premiere of Theresa Rebeck's new comedy DEAD ACCOUNTS directed by Jason Gerace (2014 Jeff Award, Best Director, Great Expectations). Then, Step Up rings in the holidays with the return of HOLIDAZE, a hilarious and heartfelt round up of original, holiday-themed short works by some of the industry's most talented young playwrights. Winter also brings the bold two-man show, HANDICAP THIS!, an honest and comedic exploration of living with disabilities. The season concludes next spring with Beth Henley's Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning dark comedy CRIMES OF THE HEART. Single tickets for all productions will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.stepupproductions.org.

"As part of our mission, Step Up Productions will continue to donate a portion proceeds from the upcoming season to organizations in and around Chicago that support issues often highlighted in our productions," comments Founder and Artistic Director Elizabeth Antonucci. "It is our hope that by presenting theater that portrays authentic stories, we can inspire others to help too. Last season, we donated to four organizations doing outstanding work in the community including: Taste The Nation/No Kid Hungry, All Chicago, Seasonal Affective Disorder via Dr. Jacqueline Duke and The House of Good Shepherd," adds Antonucci.

Step Up Productions 2014-15 Season:

The Chicago Premiere of

DEAD ACCOUNTS

October 3 - November 2, 2014

By Theresa Rebeck, Directed by Jason Gerace

Featuring Elizabeth Antonucci, Millie Hurley, Bradford Lund and Emily Tate

at The Den Theatre - Mainstage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago

Jack's unexpected return to Cincinnati after spending several years in New York throws his family into a frenzy - and his sister Lorna and mother Barbara want answers! Is he in some sort of trouble? Where's that wife everyone hates? And how did he get all that money? Theresa Rebeck's new comedy, which opened on Broadway in 2012, tackles the timely issues of corporate greed, small town values and whether or not your family will always welcome you back.

The 2nd Annual HOLIDAZE

Original works by Kristiana Colon, Dana Lynn Fromby, Aline Lathrop, Steve Peterson, Joshua Rollins and Steve Simoncic

Directed by Tara Branham, Audrey Francis, Vincent Teninty, Patrick Thornton and Kristen Johnson

November 21 - December 21, 2014

at Chicago Dramatists, 1105 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago

Partner Charity: Season Affective Disorder, Dr. Jacqueline Duke, PsyD

Due to popular demand, Step Up's popular holiday round up returns for its second year! This series of original one-acts showcases the crazy, zany, dysfunctional chaos of the holiday season. HOLIDAZE puts relationships, family and friends in the holiday pressure cooker for an unforgettable evening!

Special Collaboration!

HANDICAP THIS!

Original script by Molly Mulcrone (2009), adapted by Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach

Directed by Denis Berkson

Performed by Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach

January 21 - 25, 2015

at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

Partner Charity: Keep On Keeping On Foundation

Part theatre, part stand-up comedy and part insight on living with disabilities, HANDICAP THIS! is an all-real two-man show. Local heroes and daring envelope-pushers Mike Berkson and Tim Wambach demonstrate the value of inclusion and celebrate the power of diversity as they raise awareness for people living with different abilities and motivate any individual to go after their own goals and dreams. With music, humor and honesty, this true story of friendship and breaking down barriers will stir your senses, challenge your thinking and waken your attitude.

CRIMES OF THE HEART

By Beth Henley

May 1 - May 31, 2015

at The Athenaeum Theatre, Studio One, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago

Life hasn't been easy for the three MaGrath sisters: their father abandoned them and their mother hanged herself - along with her cat. Now, they've reunited at Old Grandaddy's home in Hazlehurst, Mississippi as the family patriarch lies on his deathbed. Lenny is still unmarried at 30, Meg's singing career has flopped and Babe is out on bail after shooting her abusive husband. Forced to confront assorted relatives and past relationships, the three manage to find meaning and happiness in their lives - even if it is just momentary.

About Step Up Productions

Step Up Productions is a non-profit theater company with a mission to communicate stories authentically, inspiring audiences to identify and embrace their own personal truths.

Step Up became a non-profit, in part, to better serve other non-profit organizations in and around Chicago that are committed to helping others become self sufficient. Step Up donates a portion of its proceeds to organizations that support issues often highlighted in its productions.

For additional information, visit www.stepupproductions.org.

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