Writers Theatre to Continue Season with DEATH OF A STREETCAR NAMED VIRGINIA WOOLF

Writers Theatre, under leadership of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, continues its 2015/16 season with Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody created by Tim Ryder and Tim Sniffen, written by Tim Sniffen and directed by Stuart Carden and Michael Halberstam. The production has been extended by two weeks, and runs April 27, 2016 - July 31, 2016 in the Gillian Theatre at Writers Theatre's new theater center at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. The Press Opening is May 4 at 7:30 p.m.

This hilarious result of a collaboration between Writers Theatre and Chicago's world-renowned comedy theatre The Second City, asks the intriguing question: What happens when the most recognizable characters from some of the greatest American plays of the 20th century suddenly find themselves sharing the same stage?

When a mysterious invitation brings Blanche DuBois back to New Orleans, she finds herself once again face-to-face with the smoldering Stanley Kowalski. That would be challenge enough, but they are soon joined by luckless salesman Willy Loman and hard-drinking, hard-fighting couple George and Martha, and suddenly all bets are off. Add a folksy Stage Manager and the comic genius of The Second City team, and the question quickly becomes: Will the American Theatre ever be the same?

Co-directed by former Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden and Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, this deliciously satirical mash-up of A Streetcar Named Desire, Death of a Salesman, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and Our Town opens the Gillian Theatre with a tongue-in-cheek salute to the celebrated icons of American drama.

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam comments, "When I first read the script, I laughed out loud. Actually, I laughed out loud at the title. I laughed heartily during the two developmental readings and I'm still laughing during rehearsals. After the wrenching emotional journey of Marjorie Prime and the intricate complexities and devastating ending of Arcadia, it seemed to me that laughter was going to be very much a necessary part of our conversation with our audiences. Furthermore, the idea of a collaboration with The Second City, one of Chicago's most respected and venerable institutions as a part of our opening season was irresistible. We've ALL had an emotional year and what with the madness raging in the headlines I think it is hard to undervalue the importance of laughter as a necessary ingredient for our souls. We opened our building in February with joy and we are taking it forward with laughter. Coming next? Music!"

Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody was commissioned by The Second City and developed in partnership with Writers Theatre, under the guidance of co-director Stuart Carden and featuring a cast of veteran Writers Theatre actors.

The cast of Death of a Streetcar Named Virginia Woolf: A Parody includes Greg Matthew Anderson (George beginning 7/19), Jennifer Engstrom (Blanche DuBois), Sean Fortunato (The Stage Manager), Marc Grapey (Willy Loman), John Hoogenakker (George through 7/17), Michael Perez (Stanley Kowalski) and Karen Janes Woditsch (Martha).

The designers are Linda Buchanan (Scenic Designer), Jenny Mannis (Costume Designer), Jesse Klug (Lighting Designer) and Josh Horvath (Sound Designer). The Stage Manager is Rebecca Pechter, and the Assistant Stage Manager is Mallory Bass.

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