The Hypocrites End Run of CABARET at the Chicago DCA Storefront Theater 5/23

The Hypocrites, in association with Chicago DCA Theater, will close their run of the Broadway classic Cabaret on May 23. The production, directed by Matt Hawkins, played Chicago DCA Theater's Storefront Theater at 66 E. Randolph Street.

Known for sexy, witty, and politically-charged numbers, Cabaret is also a backdrop for one of the darkest moments in world history. Set in Weimar Berlin just prior to Nazi rule, the play highlights the impact of global conflicts on the lives of everyday people. The Hypocrites, with guest director Matt Hawkins, circumvent the sometimes indulgent tradition of musicals, staging a more intimate production and depicting people in crisis struggling with the moments that define them.

With book by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and music by John Kander, Cabaret originally hit Broadway in 1966, followed by the film version in 1972 and numerous revivals and subsequent productions. The play follows the unlikely romance between cabaret performer Sally Bowles and the American writer Cliff Bradshaw at the seedy Kit Kat Klub, while documenting Berlin's dramatic political and social transformation in the early 1930s.

Cast and Production Team
The cast features Laura Ewing, Jessie Fisher, Kate Harris, Jim Heatherly, Lindsay Leopold, Michael Peters, and The Hypocrites company member Robert McLean, as well as Kyle Erkonen, John Ferrick, Nikki Klix, John Moran, Dana Omar, Chelsea Paice, Doug Pawlik, Erik Schroeder, Britni Tozzi, Dana Tretta, and Shannon Welling

Music is performed by BranDon Campbell, Kristina Lee, The Hypocrites artistic associate Kevin O'Donnell, and Mike Przygoda.

Matt Hawkins directs the performance. and Michael Smallwood serves as Technical Director. The Musical Director is Mike Przygoda, and the Dance Choreographer is Marissa Moritz. The show's set design is by Marianna Csaszar, with lighting by Heather Gilbert, sound by The Hypocrites artistic associate Michael Griggs, and costumes by The Hypocrites artistic associate Alison Siple. Master Electrician is Jacob Snodgrass. Prop design is by Maria DeFabo. The Stage Manager is Clare Roche.

Director Matt Hawkins has worked with The Hypocrites, The Royal Shakespeare Company, The Kennedy Center, the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, Chicago Shakespeare, Lookingglass Theatre, 500 Clown, Court Theatre, Writers' Theatre, and Redmoon Theater. He is a founding member of The House Theatre, an artistic associate and resident director with Strawdog Theatre, and the recipient of two non-equity Jeff Awards.

Founded in 1997, The Hypocrites create bold productions that defy expectations. By turning theater inside out and redefining the traditional role of the audience, The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers in the world's premiere theater city of Chicago. The company has grown significantly in the past few years, receiving acclaim for The Threepenny Opera at the Garage Space at Steppenwolf, The Hairy Ape produced in association with Goodman Theatre as part of its O'Neill Festival, and Oedipus at The Building Stage. The Hypocrites most recent sold-out show, Frankenstein, was co-produced with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). The company's smash-hit Chicago production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, transferred to Off-Broadway in February 2009 where it has received rave reviews and currently runs open-ended. The Hypocrites welcomed Megan Wildebour as their Managing Director in 2009 directly from Lincoln Center Theater. The company's season features three mainstage productions, often presenting classics in a new light through innovative interpretation and staging.

The Storefront Theater and the Studio Theater, its companion theater located in the Chicago Cultural Center at 78 E. Washington Street, comprise Chicago DCA Theater, an anchor of the downtown theater district. Chicago DCA Theater offers downtown audiences an off-Loop theater experience with an exciting look at the vibrant emerging theater companies that call Chicago home. Proposals for creative and innovative productions for the January to June 2011 season are now being accepTed May 15, 2010.

For more information about The Hypocrites' Cabaret and Chicago DCA Theater, call 312.742.TIXS (8497) or visit www.dcatheater.org. The enhanced website features more about DCA Theater performances and programs, including a blog, photo galleries, and visitor information. More information on The Hypocrites is available at www.the-hypocrites.com.

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