The Revel at The House Theatre of Chicago

CHICAGO – The House Theatre of Chicago presents the The Revel at the Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Friday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Oct. 25. The play was adapted by returning guest artist Damon Kiely, with music by Chicago composer Jess McIntosh, and will be directed and choreographed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig of 500 Clown and dance-theatre company Lucky Plush Productions in her House Theatre debut. Previews begin Friday, Sept. 4 through Saturday, Sept.12 on Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30pm p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Press opening is Sunday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. Regular performances are Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Preview tickets are $15, regular run tickets range from $30 - $35, and $10 Student and Industry same-day discounted tickets available, based on availability. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call 773.769.3832.

Daddy died, the coal ran out, and the town went bust. His son’s new factory promises riches but when Deacon rolls in preaching salvation through song, spirit, and moonshine all the workers hightail it up the mountain. Foot-stomping, heart-shaping mountain music fills the air. But what happens when the search for light and love leads to fire and brimstone?

Damon Kiely (Thieves Like Us) pens a probing look at how music ignites a spiritual spark even in non-believers. Chicago composer and fiddler Jess McIntosh creates an all-new, old-time country gospel score for a unique chorus of women’s voices. Helmed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig (500 Clown, Lucky Plush Productions) dynamic and percussive choral movement fuels the world created for this powerful ensemble of actresses. With the driving forces of Greek tragedy at play, Kiely’s story races toward its bloody end.

The cast for The Revel includes: Chris Mathews+, Christine Mayland Perkins+, and Michael E. Smith+, with guest artists Jeanne Arrigo, Sarah Charipar*, Kamille Dawkins, Courtney Jones, Andy Lutz, Casey Morris, Bridget Rue, Alex Stage, and Eunice Woods.

The design team for The Revel includes: Damon Kiely (writer, co-lyricist), Jess McIntosh (composer, co-lyricist), Leslie Danzig (director), Grant Sabin (scenic designer), Lee Keenan+^ (lighting designer), Izumi Inaba (costume designer), Dan Carlyon (sound designer), Matt Hawkins+ (fight choreographer), and Brian DesGranges*+ (stage manager).

The Revel was commissioned and developed by The House Theatre of Chicago and the Chicago Performance Lab through the Theatre and Performance Studies Program at the University of Chicago.

Photograph is of Company Member Mayland Perkins by Michael Brosilow.