The Theatre School at DePaul University's Showcase Series of Contemporary Plays and Classics presents INTIMATE APPAREL, by Lynn Nottage, and directed by Phyllis E. Griffin. This play premieres on Friday, September 30, and runs through Sunday, October 9, 2011, at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on September 28 and 29, at 7:30 PM.
In turn-of-the-century Manhattan, Esther, an African-American seamstress, creates lingerie for a diverse clientele, ranging from a socialite wife to a prostitute. She continues to dream of a better future - and falls headlong into a bittersweet romance with a Caribbean man, sight unseen, while her heart secretly lies with the Jewish shopkeeper from whom she buys beautiful fabrics. Will Esther's dream of a better life become a reality?
Tickets are $15. Subscriptions and group rates (6 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999. Seniors (over 60), DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Previews are FREE for any college student (with ID). Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.
DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, Chicago. There are several parking lots near the theatre, and the theatre is also accessible via numerous CTA bus and train routes. Please call the Box Office for more information, directions, and suggestions to help plan your trip.
Phyllis E. Griffin (Director) is an Associate Professor of Voice and Speech at The Theatre School, and is a Certified Feldenkrais Practioner® and Certified Lessac Teacher. In addition, she has studied with Richard Armstrong of the Roy HArt Theatre Method, Patsy Rodenburg, Catherine Fitzmaurice, Dudley Knight and Kristin Linklater. She has served as vocal coach for The Goodman Theatre, assisting on GEM OF THE OCEAN, DROWNING CROW, KING HEDLEY II, BLUES FOR AN ALABAMA SKY, and I AM A MAN. She has also been the vocal coach for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, working with Barbara Gaines on HENRY IV, Part I&II, CYMBELINE, and OTHELLO. She has previously worked for Disney Productions as the vocal coach to prospective actors for THE LION KING. She was also dialect coach for Joan Plowright on the feature film DENNIS THE MENACE and has provided vocal instruction to several private business leaders and narrated documentaries for PBS and NPR. She most recently directed for ETA, where the two one acts became Jeff-Recommended. In addition to her work as a voice and speech professor, Phyllis has directed several plays for The Theatre School including A RAISIN IN THE SUN, BUD, NOT BUDDY, EINSTEIN IS A DUMMY, TWO TRAINS RUNNING, INSURRECTION: HOLDING HISTORY, FLYIN'WEST, STAMPING, SHOUTING AND SINGING HOME, SLEEP DEPRIVATION CHAMBER, FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE/WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUF, and CURSE OF THE STARVING CLASS.
The cast features Dan Cobbler (George), Celeste M. Cooper (Mrs. Dickson), Alexander Koch (Mr. Marks), Anne Prichard (Mrs. Van Buren), Kelly Erin Sloan (Mayme), and Krenee Alisha (Esther).
The production staff includes Phyllis E. Griffin (Director), Ellie Humphrys (Lighting Design), Jack Magaw (Scenic Design), Tiffany Wilson (Dramaturgy), Kara Dent (Costume Design), Scott Leigh Neilsen (Sound Design), and Liz Fiala (Stage Management).
SPECIAL EVENTS: An Opening Night Party will be held after the performance on September 30. October 7 is Greater Chicago Food Depository Night; patrons will receive a $5 ticket for bringing 2 or more non-perishable goods to the theatre. Active U.S. Armed Forces Personnel and their families are invited to attend for free on October 8 for USO Night. The performance on Sunday, October 9 (2 PM) will be interpreted in American Sign Language. TYY call (773) 325-7975. For details, photos, or more information visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (773) 922-1999.
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