Williams Street Repertory's 2016-17 Season to Feature ART, FIRST DATE & More

Williams Street Repertory has announced its 2016/2017 Season and the launching of the Williams Street TheatreFest. It's a momentous time for the independent company, now in its 6th season, having just entered into a contract with Actors Equity Association. In doing so, Williams Street Rep will be made a part of the most distinguished body of professional actors and stage managers in the United States and is now the only professional theatre company in McHenry County in the NW suburb of Chicago.

"It has been a tremendous experience to be an active part of Williams Street Rep's growth over the last few years," shares producing director, Mike Vandercook, "and I could not be happier to have the opportunity to be able to join the company in this exciting and substantial step in embracing and solidifying its artistic and professional identity."

Founding artistic director Richard Kuranda is also excited about the company's growth. "After 6 years of hard work, it's amazing to see an in-house program which started as a series of stage readings grow into a fully developed professional theatre. I'm proud of, and for, the artists, the board, and the more than 40,000 patrons that have participated! The company is made up of some tremendous talent-not just from the world of theatre but also from film and television."

WSR's new season kicks off with The Williams Street TheatreFest in July. The WS TheatreFest features Yasmina Reza's Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning comedy, "ART" (directed by Michele Vazquez) playing together with the hit Broadway musical "[title of show]" (directed by Regina Belt-Daniels.) The Williams Street TheatreFest will also feature award-winning playwright Jeff Sweet in "You Only Shoot the Ones You Love," a 75-minute solo show in which Sweet shares an anecdotal, often first-hand history of Chicago comedy in the 20th century. (Purchase a Summer TheatreFest ticket package and get up to 25% off regular ticket prices. Become a RaueNOW Member and purchase your package by 8/17/2016 and get 55% OFF regular ticket prices!)

Two geniuses walk into a bar in comedian Steve Martin's wacky hit comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile in September. In October, WSR Ensemble Members get you into the groove with their rendition of "The Time Warp" during a special screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," complete with participation goodie bags and lots of fun.... just in time for Halloween!

Then, get ready to destress your holiday with a, "A Christmas Survival Guide," featuring premiere local talent performing your holiday favorites!

In 2017, WSR explores the pitfalls of dating with the romantic musical comedy, "First Date." In March, WSR presents the World Premiere of a new play by award-winning playwright George Brant entitled "Any Other Name," a dark comedy (or light tragedy) about poetry, madness, and identity theft in Victorian England. The play first appeared as a part of WSR's LAB new play reading series in 2016. Finally, WSR closes its 2016/2017 Season with Frank Loesser's hit Broadway musical, "Guys and Dolls," opening April 21, 2017.

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