Writers' Theatre Presents THE OLD SETTLER 2/2-3/28/2010

Writers' Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma announce its production of The Old Settler by John Henry Redwood, directed by Ron OJ Parson. The production runs February 2 - March 28, 2010 at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.

It's Harlem in the spring of 1943. Elizabeth and Quilly are sisters of a certain age sharing their quiet lives together, but when they take in Husband Witherspoon, a handsome young boarder, their entire world changes abruptly. Husband, fresh from the country and adjusting to live in the big city, is on a desperate search for his missing fiancée, but ends up finding love in the most unlikely of places. Told with heartwarming sincerity, humor and a touch of poetry, The Old Settler paints a poignant picture of two women testing the bonds of sisterhood and finding the strength and forgiveness only family can offer.

Title: The Old Settler
Written by: John Henry Redwood
Directed by: Ron OJ Parson

Featuring: Cheryl Lynn Bruce (Elizabeth), Alexis J. Rogers (Lou Bessie), Kelvin Roston, Jr.
(Husband) and Wandachristine (Quilly).

Dates: First performance: February 2, 2010
Press opening: February 11, 2010
Closing performance: March 28, 2010.

Schedule: Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
There will be no 6:00 p.m. performance on February 28 or March 28
Wednesday Matinees: 2:00 p.m., February 24 and March 24 only

Special events: Pre-show lectures: Sundays, February 21 and March 7 at 5:00 p.m.
Post-show discussions: Wednesdays February 10, 16, March 17 and 23

Location: Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe
Prices: Prices for all performances range from $40 - $65.
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe;
847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org

Ron OJ Parson (Director) is a native of Buffalo, New York, and a graduate of the University of Michigan's professional theatre program. He is the co-founder and former Artistic Director of the Onyx Theatre Ensemble of Chicago, and a co-founder and co-director of Ripe ManGo Productions Film and Television Production Company. Parson currently resides in Chicago and is a Resident Artist at Court Theatre where he has directed Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, The First Breeze of Summer, Flyin' West and the highly acclaimed, Jeff Award-winning production of Fences. Since moving to Chicago from New York in 1994, Ron has worked as both actor and director. Some of the theatres Parson has worked with in Chicago include The Chicago Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theater, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater Company, Chicago Dramatists, Northlight Theatre, Court Theatre, Black Ensemble Theatre, ETA Creative Arts Foundation and Writers' Theatre. Some of the regional theatres include Virginia Stage Company, Portland Stage Company, Studio Arena Theatre, Studio Theatre, Roundabout Theatre, Wilshire Theatre, The Mechanic, Center Stage and most recently, The Actors Theatre of Louisville. Alson an accomplished actor, some of Parson's TV and film credits include ER, Early Edition, Turks, American Playhouse, Vamping, Ali, Barbershop 2, Primal Fear and Drop Squad.

ABOUT WRITERS' THEATRE
Writers' Theatre is a professional company focusing on the Word and the Artist. Remaining true to the intention of the playwright and nurturing the artist stand at the center of the mission. Now in its 18th season, the company both revives classic scripts and cultivates new works and adaptations while invigorating them with fresh energy in the intimacy of its venues. Founded in 1992, Writers' Theatre performed exclusively at Books on Vernon, 664 Vernon Avenue for the first 12 years. In the fall of 2003, the organization opened a new 108-seat performance venue at 325 Tudor Court. Today, Writers' Theatre continues to produce in both spaces, maintaining an intimate theatrical experience for audiences. Since 2000, the subscriber base has grown almost 250%, from 1,500 to more than 5,000 today. With an operating budget of $3.3 million, Writers' Theatre is supported by a staff of 18 full-time employees and a 31-member Board of Trustees.

You can find Writers' Theatre on Facebook or follow Writers' Theatre on Twitter at Twitter.com/WritersTheatre. For more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org.

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