THE BOOK OF DIONYSUS Begins at The Public House Theatre Today

Since mortals turned their backs on the Greek Gods of Mount Olympus, the Pantheon has become full of lazy, self-absorbed socialites who can barely keep their family together, much less restore their power over humanity. Only Dionysus, the God of Revelry, has the desire to win the humans back, seeing that they're miserable without the divine interference they once enjoyed.

Fed up with his mortal obsession, Zeus banishes Dionysus from Mount Olympus to Earth. Joyfully, Dionysus sets off for Chicago to throw a good, old-fashioned bawdy festival in his name, just like they used to have in 540 BC. He sets to work in Grant Park erecting Dionyroo: A Festival of Mythic Proportions, advertising door-to-door and even raising a few bands from the dead to perform. But while the rest of the Gods couldn't previously be bothered with humanity, they are determined to halt Dionysus, even if it means mixing with the Earthlings they've come to despise.

Written and directed by Beau Buccilli and produced by Byron Hatfield, THE BOOK OF DIONYSUS will star Joe Favia, Seth Kannof, Mal Marcus, Meg Palermo, Kit Rivers, Ryan Santa and Ashley Stein at The Public House Theatre this winter.

Beau Buccilli has always loved Greek mythology. "The stories are literally epic, and the characters are larger than life, and appropriately so considering they're Gods," muses Buccilli. The broad strokes of magic, intrigue and massive characters read like an "ancient fantasy novel," lending the myths naturally to comedy (see also: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.)

Buccilli has previously worked with the sketch comedy group Pretty/Windy, and directed their latest show, "The Winner's Club," at The Public House Theatre.

Of his most-loved Greek myths, Buccilli says, "Dionysus is my favorite God because he's the God of Revelry and Theatre, and I want the theatre I create to be a celebration of joy. In the show, Dionysus just wants the mortals to have a good time and be happy, and that is exactly what I aim to do with my comedy. Like Dionysus, I want us all to laugh together and share our joy."

The Book of Dionysus opens today, January 10th, 2015 and plays Saturdays at 10pm through Saturday, January 31st, 2015. Run time: 80 Min. For tickets, call 800.650.6449 or visit PubHouseTheatre.com. Tickets may also be purchased at the door. Price: $15, Includes Drink. The Public House Theatre is located at 3914 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60613.

Pictured (clockwise from top): Seth Kannof, Ashley Stein, Ryan Santa, Meg Palermo, Kit Rivers, Mal Marcus, Joe Favia. Photo by Stephen McClure.

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