The House Theatre Of Chicago Announces 17th Season

The House Theatre of Chicago announces its 17th season of creating "Amazing Feats of Storytelling" with productions taking place at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. The 2018 - 19 Season features three world premiere titles, and two returning audience favorites, creating a diverse slate of epic stories and stagecraft. The season opens with a brand-new work written by guest artist Bennett Fisher, and helmed by guest artist Monty Cole. Borealis is a brother/sister adventure story offering a heartfelt look at the way we fail each other by building narratives to support our pre-existing worldviews. Borealis plays at the Chopin August 30 to October 21. In the spring, The House will premiere Pinocchio adapted for the stage by Company Members Joseph Steakely and Ben Lobpries, and directed by Company Member Chris Mathews. Pinocchio's wish to become a "real boy" invites us to reconsider definitions of identity. Pinocchio plays at the Chopin from March 28 to May 19, 2019.

Presented in partnership with Chicago-based Cards Against Humanity and premiering in early 2019, the creative team behind 2016's hit The Last Defender creates a new interactive experience where audiences become the heroes of the tale. Nova to Lodestar will be housed in a new, custom facility (details to come!) and will offer 12 game-times every week.

The Magic Parlour continues its open run at the historic Palmer House Hilton Hotel with 220 planned performances and The Nutcracker (November 8 - December 30) returns for its ninth magical year.

Artistic Director, Nathan Allen, remarked "I am so happy to celebrate and share the work of our Company Members in The House's 17th Season! These tales of family, community, and adventure invite audiences of all ages to play in the spectacular storytelling sandbox The House is known for."

Memberships for the 17th season include tickets to all or some of the productions for the year, and are now available. To purchases memberships or for more information, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call the box office at 773.769.3832. Single tickets for Season 17 productions go on sale June 30.

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO SEASON 17 (2018 - 2019)

Borealis

By Bennett Fisher

Directed by Monty Cole

Featuring Company Members Johnny Arena, Paige Hoffman, and Ben Hertel with work from Matthew Muñiz and Lee Keenan

August 30 - October 21

Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street

When a redacted and ominous letter arrives from her brother on the oil fields, thirteen-year-old Cozbi sets off for Anwar, Alaska to find him. Armed with a book on corporate communication strategy and a sharp axe, Cozbi battles her way through an Arctic wilderness in pursuit of her missing brother, squaring off against a host of monstrous Ass-Hats on each rung of the corporate ladder. Part mythic journey, part workplace satire, the play is a darkly comic adventure about family obligation, career aspiration, and what we leave behind to make our way to the top.

The Nutcracker

Created by Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O'Donnell, and Tommy Rapley

Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann

Direction and Choreography by Tommy Rapley

November 8 - December 30

Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street

The House brings this wholly original, ballet-free show back year after year because it truly has something for everyone. The show is fast-paced, beautifully choreographed, family-friendly, and moving for even those of us that might be on the Grinch's side from time to time.

This fantastical expansion of the holiday classic centers on young Clara's journey to save Christmas in the face of grief. With the help of a magical nutcracker, the brave girl risks the darkness, fights the Rat King and saves her family! A modern holiday tradition weaving together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original songs and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope -- a fun outing fit for the whole family.

Nova to Lodestar

Written and Directed by Nathan Allen

Game Design by Sandor Weisz

Production Design by Lee Keenan

Presented in partnership with Cards Against Humanity

A brand new live-action game from the creators of The Last Defender!

Premiering in early 2019

A unique and exciting custom venue is being created to house this interactive event.

Set in the far future and at the far reaches of our solar system, audience players in Nova to Lodestar will execute a harrowing rescue mission. 16 crew members are split into two separate ships, one disabled, and one functional. Players will need strong Communication and Resource Management skills as they attempt to locate, communicate with, and finally reach each other across the deadly vacuum of space. Watch that fuel tank though! Success is measured in how many of your teammates can get home safe!

Pinocchio

Adapted for the stage by Joseph Steakley and Ben Lobpries

Based on the works of Carlo Collodi

Directed by Chris Mathews

March 28 to May 19, 2019

Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division Street

The House brings to life the classic fairy tale of a wooden boy who wishes to become real. Funny, imaginative, and moving, Pinocchio explores how the lies we tell ourselves hurt those we love. The House employs its savvy and heartfelt storytelling to the boy with no strings, and his toymaker father, learning to accept each other for who they are.

The Magic Parlour

Starring Dennis Watkins

OPEN RUN

Fridays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Tickets: $79 (and includes wine, beer or soft drink selections)

www.themagicparlourchicago.com

The Palmer House Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St.

Now in its seventh year, this intimate evening of classic magic with third generation magician Dennis Watkins continues its runaway success, with 220 planned public performances at The Palmer House this season.

*Schedule varies weekly, check website for updated performance days and times.

AND PLAYING OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO

United Flight 232

Adapted and directed by Vanessa Stalling

From the book Flight 232 by Laurence Gonzales

May 4 to May 19, 2019
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami, FL

Following two successful Chicago runs in 2016 and 2017, this Jeff Award winner for Best Production travels to Miami, FL for a May 2019 production for a ninth year of partnership with the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts.

"I love you, hurry home. I love you." On July 19, 1989, a DC-10 headed for O'Hare with 296 aboard is paralyzed mid-air. For 44 minutes, the aircraft descended towards an emergency landing and crashed at Sioux City Gateway airport. To the astonishment of all who witnessed the event, 184 of 296 passengers and crew survived. Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, this brand new play, United Flight 232, is a reflection on how to comprehend tragedy and celebrate human ingenuity in the face of overwhelming challenges.

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (22 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago's Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 17th season of original work will begin September 2018 and The House will continue its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

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