When I think "storefront," I think Profiles. There is no less glamorous theater space in the world, sitting on the cusp of Uptown on Broadway, few parking options, with plays that often involve a lot of sweating. It's the kind of muscular, manly theater that most folks associate with Chicago theater from way back in the 70's and Profiles is celebrating its 20th season in 2008-2009 with a series of five plays.It's a hell of an ambitious slate, really. I haven't heard of any of these plays and that ALONE earns them many plaudits. They're stepping it up, folks. Now, a formal slate of five plays means they'll have less opportunity to extend a show for months a la Adam Rapp's Blackbird, but plenty of off-Loop companies have learned recently they can always move a show.
The following is reproduced from their website:
MEN OF TORTUGA
By Jason Wells
Directed by Rick Snyder
Featuring ensemble members Darrell W. Cox and Eric Burgher with Jack McCabe and Fred Wellisch
Previews October 3 - October 8, 2008
Runs October 9 - December 7, 2008
In an undisclosed location, three men scheme with a weapons specialist to eliminate the opposition in Jason Wells' dark comedy of negotiation, conspiracy and assassination.
THE THUGS
Midwest Premiere
By Adam Bock
Directed by ensemble member Joe Jahraus
Featuring ensemble members Somer Benson and Tyler Gray
Previews October 25 - October 28, 2008
Runs October 29 - December 14, 2008
A dark comedy about the mysterious things that are happening on the 9th floor of a big law firm. When a group of temps try to discover the secrets that lurk in the hidden crevices of their workplace, they realize they would rather believe in gossip and rumors than face dangerous realities.
GREAT FALLS
Midwest Premiere
By Lee Blessing
Directed by ensemble member Joe Jahraus
Featuring ensemble member Darrell W. Cox with Allison Torem
Previews: January 9 - January 14, 2009
Runs January 15 - March 1, 2009
Follows a stepfather and teenage stepdaughter on a road trip across the American West. Mr. Blessing reveals the strained nature of their relationship as they attempt to make sense of who they are to one another now. The realities of their shattered connection unfold in this acclaimed new play.
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA
U.S. Premiere
By Anthony Neilson
Directed by ensemble member Darrell W. Cox
Assistant Directed by ensemble member Tyler Gray
Featuring ensemble members Eric Burgher, Joe Jahraus and Somer Benson
Previews March 20 - March 25, 2009
Runs March 26 - May 10, 2009
This colorful and exciting off-kilter trip follows Lisa Jones in search of one lost hour that has tipped the balance of her life. The inhabitants of the wonderful world she finds herself in - Dissocia - are a curious blend of the funny, the friendly and the brutal. This is a hugely original play, both magical and moving, that confirmed Anthony Neilson as one of the major voices in contemporary British theatre.
GRACELAND
World Premiere
By Ellen Fairey
Directed by Matt Miller
Previews May 22 - May 27, 2009
Runs May 28 - June 28, 2009
Profiles Theatre will conclude the season by presenting the World Premiere of this comedy/drama by Chicago playwright, Ellen Fairey. Everybody's self destructing in this Chicago tale of loss, longing and high-speed fighter jets.
1 comments:
"Sons of Tortuga" was one of the plays in the first Steppenwolf First Look Repertory series a few years ago. I believe it's the first play from this series to get a full production in Chicago (although some have been produced elsewhere).
Post a Comment