The Gift Theatre to Present World Premiere of New Melissa Ross Play

The Gift Theatre, Chicago's most intimate and pioneering Equity ensemble theatre, presents the world premiere of Melissa Ross' haunting and heartfelt mystery A Life Extra Ordinary. Ensemble memberJohn Gawlik directs a cast featuring ensemble members Cyd Blakewell (Annabel), John Kelly Connolly (Bill), Paul D'Addario (Tom), Darci Nalepa (Polly), Lynda Newton (Grace), Jay Worthington (Jeff), and making his Gift Theatre debut, Rudy Galvan (Sam). A Life Extra Ordinary opens Thursday, October 6 at The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue. Press performance is on Monday, October 3 at 7:30pm.

Annabel Anderson McCafferty is an expectant mother who vanishes from her small Ohio town on Christmas Eve. Both mystery and memory play, A Life Extra Ordinary untangles and re-assembles the moments that make a life.

"Premiering Melissa's Thinner Than Water a couple seasons ago was a blast for our ensemble. I'm delighted that the collaboration between Melissa and ensemble member John Gawlik continues with A Life Extra Ordinary. Melissa's script, brought to life by these artists, will create an unforgettable experience for our beloved audience," shared Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton.

A Life Extra Ordinary's design team includes Sarah JHP Watkins (set), Alarie Hammock (costumes), Daniel Friedman (lights) and Christopher Kriz (sound).

A Life Extra Ordinary
Written by Melissa Ross

Directed by John Gawlik

Location
The Gift Theatre, 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Previews
Thursday, September 29 - Sunday, October 2

Opening
Thursday, October 6

Closing
Sunday, November 20

Press Performance
Monday, October 3

Curtain
Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30PM
Sundays at 2:30pm

Tickets
$35
Call 773-283-7071; or visit http://thegifttheatre.org/

About The Gift Theatre

TEN, The Gift's annual kickoff celebration of ten-minute plays curated by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton and associate artistic director Paul D'Addario took place in January. The season kicked off March 3with Richard III, directed by Jessica Thebus. Director and ensemble member Erica Weiss (Vigils) returned forThe Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, adapted by Frank Galati (June 16- August 14). The season closes with the world premiere of Melissa Ross' haunting A Life Extra Ordinary (September 29- November 20) directed by ensemble member John Gawlik (Good for Otto). Season subscriptions are available for as little as $75. The Gift subscribers ("Gifters") receive admission to three shows, free parking at Gale Street Inn, free admission to all Wednesday night "Natural Gas" improv shows and invitations to special subscriber-only special events. Subscribe at http://thegifttheatre.org/ or call 773-283-7071.

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