Step Up Productions Announces 2013-14 Season: BENCHMARK, HOLIDAZE, & DARLIN to Play Athenaeum Theatre!

Step Up Productions is pleased to announce its first full season, featuring three productions in residence at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. The 2013-14 Season kicks off this fall with Richard Roberts' poignant drama BenchMark, chronicling one man's touching story of survival on the streets of Chicago. Step Up rings in the holidays with HoliDAZE, a comedic round up of original, holiday-themed short works by some of the industry's most talented young playwrights. The season concludes next spring with the Midwest premiere of Darlin', the latest thriller from Joshua Rollins, author of the hit drama A Girl With Sun in Her Eyes. Single tickets for all productions will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.stepupproductions.org.

As part of its mission, Step Up Productions will donate a portion of its proceeds to organizations in and around Chicago that support issues often highlighted in its productions. "The need in our own backyard is tremendous," comments Founder and Artistic Director Elizabeth Antonucci. "We believe theatre is a medium that transcends generation, race, social status, ethnicity - and it is our hope that by presenting theatre that portrays authentic stories, we can inspire others to help too. Giving back to community organizations helps us do our part in helping creating equal opportunities for all," adds Antonucci.

Step Up Productions 2013/14 Season:

BenchMark
By Richard Roberts
September 13 - October 20, 2013

Based on a true story, this poignant play chronicles the life of Mark, a charming, eloquent homeless man who calls a lonely, little Chicago park bench his home. As he journeys through the summer, autumn and winter seasons, he seeks solace in alcohol and literature in order to escape the harsh realities of his life and the world around him. Combining social commentary, pathos and biting humor, this bittersweet satire is an elegy to the misfit in us.

Proceeds to benefit Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

HoliDAZE
Original works by Lisa Dillman, Tate Geborkoff, Nambi E. Kelley, Chris Mandia, Joshua Rollins and Steve Simoncic
November 29 - December 22, 2013

'Tis the season! This festive show features a series of original comedic one-acts showcasing the crazy, zany, dysfunctional chaos the holidays tend to bring to all of us. As we muddle our way through yet another holiday season, we whimsically explore the complexity of relationships, family, friends and gifts, as well as the true spirit and meaning behind this joyous time of year.

The Midwest Premiere of
Darlin'
By Joshua Rollins
March 7 - April 13, 2014

It's the middle of the night and Clementine just checked in to a no name motel off of I-80 in Iowa. There she meets a mixed bag of regulars with their own secrets - Smith the caretaker, Dee the cleaning lady, Troy the ex-quarterback, Kenny the drug dealer - who all want to know what she's running from and what the story is behind the two child seats in the back of her car.

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