Photo Flash: First Look at Ronald Keaton in CHURCHILL at New World Stages

CHURCHILL, a new play adapted and performed by Ronald Keaton, will receive its Off-Broadway premiere at New World Stages, with performances beginning this Friday, February 6th following an acclaimed 2014 sellout world premiere engagement in Chicago. Under the direction of Kurt Johns, this limited engagement of CHURCHILL is based on the life and writings of one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th Century. The official opening night is set for Wednesday, February 18th.

Experience the man who famously proclaimed, "I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter." Winston Churchill made his mark in history as a Nobel Prize winner, respected politician and one of the greatest leaders the world has seen. But in March of 1946, he has just shockingly been defeated for re-election as Prime Minister, is in forced retirement and everything he has fought for is threatening to slip through his fingers. When he receives an invitation from United States President Harry S. Truman to speak in Fulton, Missouri, he rediscovers his strength in a speech that impacts the world forever.

In this highly charged new play, Churchill discusses his failures and his successes; his love of art, liquor and women; and the bravery of Britain's finest hour.

Over the past four decades, Ronald Keaton has established himself as one of Chicago's most dependable and versatile character actors at the Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace, First Folio Theatre, Theater at the Center, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, and Mercury Theatre, among many others. His regional credits include roles at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Houston's Alley Theatre and the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami. Keaton recently entered the producer's trade through his new entity SoloChicago Theatre, the only Equity theatre in the country devoted to solo performance.

Director Kurt Johns has numerous credits including The Mistress Cycle (by Jenny Giering & Beth Blatt), Iron, The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, and Vincent in Brixton at Chicago's Apple Tree Theatre, Iolanthe at Light Opera Works as well as directing at Chicago College of Performing Arts. As an actor, Kurt appeared in the Broadway productions of Aspects of Love and Chess. He played Enjolras in the First National Tour of Les Miserables, starred Off-Broadway in Sharon directed by Geraldine Fitzgerald and performed in Chicago at the Goodman, the Court Theatre, Marriott Lincolnshire, and Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace.

Scenic and Lighting Design for CHURCHILL are by Jason Epperson, with Projection Design by Paul Deziel and Sound Design by Eric Backus.

CHURCHILL is a joint production of the Greenhouse Theater Center, SoloChicago, and the Wendy & William Spatz Charitable Foundation, with the support and permission of The Churchill Centre.

Performances will be Mondays at 7pm, Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8pm, with matinees Thursday and Saturday at 2:30pm and Sunday at 3pm at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street. Tickets are $65 and are available at www.Telecharge.com or by calling 212-239-6200.

Photos: Jason Epperson

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