The Shakespeare Project of Chicago Presents Free Theatrical Readings of THE CHANGELING

The Shakespeare Project of Chicago continues its 22nd Theatrical Reading Season with free performances of Thomas Middleton and William Rowley's Jacobean masterpiece, The Changeling, running Feb. 24-28, 2017, at six Chicago-area venues.

Lady Beatrice has a problem: She is unhappy about the husband her father has selected for her to marry. With her wedding looming, she devises a solution with the help of Deflores, her father's servant. The price for murder is never cheap—and never higher than what is revealed in this Jacobean classic from Middleton (The Revenger's Tragedy) and William Rowley.

The Goodman Theatre's Steve Scott makes his Shakespeare Project directing debut.

The cast includes Gary Alexander (Pedro), Theo Allyn (Isabella), Jordan Brodess (Antonio), Tony Dobrowolski (Alibius), Kurt Ehrmann (Tomazo de Piracquo), José Antonio García (Jasperino), John Green (Narrator), Torrey Hanson (Lollio), Andrew Jessop (Franciscus), Patty Malaney (Diaphanta), Jeff Parker (Alonzo de Piracquo), Matt Penn (Deflores), Christopher Prentice (Alsemero), Rebecca Spence (Beatrice) and Randy Steinmeyer (Vermandero).

Music and sound design is by George Zahora and Angi Feak and Dani Weiner are the dramaturgs.

Admission is free and seating is limited. All performances are preceded by an introduction to the play that commences 15 minutes prior to curtain.

Performance schedule

-Fri, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m., Niles Public Library, 6960 W. Oakton St., Niles (registration required, 847?663?1234)

-Sat, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m., The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., Chicago

-Sat, Feb. 25 at 2 p.m., Wilmette Public Library, 1242 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette

-Sun, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m., Highland Park Public Library, 494 Laurel Ave., Highland Park

-Mon, Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m., Vernon Area Public Library, 300 Olde Half Day Road, Lincolnshire (registration required, 847-634-3650)

-Tue, Feb. 28 at 7:15 p.m., Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 S. Emerson St., Mount Prospect (registration required, 847-253-5675)

The Shakespeare Projects's 2016/17 Theatrical Reading Season kicked off in September with Henry V, directed by J.R. Sullivan; followed in January by King John, directed by Peter Garino; and will conclude with Love's Labours Lost, directed by Barbara Zahora (May 5-9).

For more information, visit www.shakespeareprojectchicago.org and www.facebook.com/shakespeareprojectchicago.