Bailiwick Chicago's F*CKING MEN, Opens 6/26

Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced today that tickets are now on sale for Bailiwick Chicago's production of Tony-nominated writer Joe DiPietro's play, f-ing MEN (www.FMenChicago.com). Preview performances for this Chicago premiere begin June 18 at the Theatre Building Chicago, and Opening Night is scheduled at 8pm on Saturday June 26 during Chicago Pride weekend. Mr. DiPietro and director Tom Mullen will participate in an audience talk-back session after both the June 18 and June 20 performances.

"After extended runs in both London's West End and LA's Celebration Theatre, we are proud to bring Joe's newest work to Chicago," said Mayes. "This is a stellar cast under the expert direction of Tom Mullen, and the creative team is brilliant. We believe the show will surprise and delight audiences, and we can hardly wait to share it this summer."

f-ing MEN observes the sex lives of the modern urban gay American male. Conceived as a noir-riff on Arthur Schnitzler's 19th century play, LA RONDE, the play examines ten men from all walks of life as they negotiate the before and after of lust, love, betrayal and the pursuit of sex and emotional connection. Funny, poignant, sometimes dramatic, always provocative and sexy, the show has been a runaway success in Los Angeles and London. The Los Angeles Times said, "Pungent insight infiltrates f-ing MEN." The Times (London) called it "genuinely provocative."

Bailiwick Chicago has launched a dedicated web site for the production with photos, videos, and additional information about the show at www.FMenChicago.com.

Joe DiPietro is the author of I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE! and ALL SHOOK UP. His most recent musical, MEMPHIS, was recently nominated for 8 Tony awards, was received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical.

Director Tom Mullen was the director of the Jeff-Award winning musical TOMORROW MORNING, the acclaimed production of URINETOWN at Chicago's Mercury Theater, and DiPietro's I LOVE YOU, YOU'RE PERFECT NOW CHANGE for Noble Fool Theatricals.

The cast includes Thad Anzur, Karmann Bajuyo, Christian Kain Blackburn, Armand Fields, Beau Forbes, Cameron Harms, CameRon Johnson, Ryan Lanning, Arthur Luis Soria, and Norman Woodel. Understudies are Tom Chiola, Michael Harnichar, and Jake Szczepaniak.

The design team includes John Rotonda (Set), Jared B. Moore (Lights), Bill Morey (Costumes), Mike Dunbar (Sound), and Lee Strausberg (Props), with original music by Laurence Mark Wythe. Christopher Pazdernik assistant directs, with stage management by Chris Rader, and casting by Lili-Anne Brown.

f-ing MEN will begin previews on June 18th at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 W. Belmont, with press opening scheduled for June 26 at 8:00 pm. Performances are Fridays at 8:00 pm, Saturdays at 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm, and Sundays at 7 pm through July 25. A talkback with author Joe DiPietro and director Tom Mullen will be held immediately after performances on Friday, June 18 and Sunday, June 20.

General admission tickets are $25. Special Reserved seating is available for $30. All general admission tickets ordered before June 25 are $20 using the discount code PRESALE. Student and Industry rush tickets will be available at the door for $15 at every Sunday performance. Group (6+) tickets are $20.00. To purchase tickets, call the Theater Building box office at 773-327-5252, or go to www.ticketmaster.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.

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