Mary Beth Fisher News

Artistic Director Robert Falls trades epic for minimalistic in his actor-centric revival of Anton Chekhov's classic The Seagull, with a cast that includes some of Chicago's most celebrated talent. The culmination of two years of meticulous research and preparation, this production of The Seagull marks a departure from Falls' recent large-scale work-and a focus on the method of Konstantin Stanislavsky, the man often credited as 'the father of modern theater.' An ensemble of 14 brings this 19th century masterpiece to life, including Francis Guinan, making his Goodman debut as the retired judge Sorin, and Mary Beth Fisher as his sister, Arkadina, a beautiful, selfish actress. For this revival, Falls has tapped an acclaimed, award-winning design team-Todd Rosenthal (Set), Ana Kuzmanic (Costumes), Keith Parham (Lighting) and Richard Woodbury (Sound). Goodman Theatre continues to celebrate its 10th season in Chicago's North Loop Theatre District with The Seagull, which runs October 16 - November 14, 2010 in the Owen Theatre; tickets are $10 - $45. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is the Contributing Sponsor of The Seagull.

The Jeff Awards for Chicago Equity theater announced this year's nominees. Productions that opened between August 1, 2009 and July 31, 2010 were eligible for nominations.

The Jeff Awards announced 162 nominations in 31 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions which opened between August 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010.

Goodman Theatre announces the 12-member cast for Robert Fall's intimate new production of Anton Chekhov's The Seagull (rehearsals begin August 24, tickets go on sale August 13). This 19th century masterpiece is brought to life by a company including Francis Guinan (August: Osage County; The Grapes of Wrath) in his Goodman debut as the retired judge Peter Sorin and Mary Beth Fisher (Rock 'N' Roll; The Year of Magical Thinking) as his sister, Irina Arkadina, a beautiful, selfish actress. Also joining the cast are Janet Ulrich Brooks (Polina); Rebecca Buller (Maid); Cliff Chamberlain (Boris Trigorin, Irina's young lover), Dietrich Gray (Yakov); Stephen Louis Grush (Konstantin Trepliov, Irina's twenty-five year old playwright son); Scott Jaeck (Dr. Eugene Dorn); Kelly O'Sullivan (Masha); Steve Pickering (Ilia Shamrayev, Sorin's estate manager); Demetrios Troy (Simon Medvendenko); and Heather Wood (Nina Zarietchnaya). The Seagull runs October 16 - November 14, 2010 in the Owen Theatre; tickets are $10 - $45. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is the Contributing Sponsor of The Seagull.Artistic Director Robert Falls returns to the work of Anton Chekhov following previous productions of Three Sisters at the Goodman (1995, with a cast including Calista Flockhart, Susan Bruce and Jenny Bacon) and Orchards: Seven American Playwrights Present Stories by Chekhov (1986, adaptations by Maria Irene Fornes, Spalding Gray, John Guare, David Mamet, Wendy Wasserstein, Michael Weller and Samm-Art Williams-The Acting Company/New York, tour with off-Broadway opening).

Starting tomorrow, April 14, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) opens THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Shakespeare's comedy, running thru June 6, is staged by London's Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke, and incorporates new scenes written by one of America's leading dramatists, Neil LaBute.

?Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) on Navy Pier closes the 2010/11 Subscription Series with The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's spark-filled comedy of an unconventional courtship. Returning to CST to direct the production is London's Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke following her celebrated production of Twelfth Night last season. Rourke has assembled a top-notch ensemble, including some of Chicago's most highly regarded comedic actors and a world-class creative team for the production.

Starting tomorrow, April 14, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) opens THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Shakespeare's comedy, running thru June 6, is staged by London's Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke, and incorporates new scenes written by one of America's leading dramatists, Neil LaBute.

?Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) on Navy Pier closes the 2010/11 Subscription Series with The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's spark-filled comedy of an unconventional courtship. Returning to CST to direct the production is London's Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke following her celebrated production of Twelfth Night last season. Rourke has assembled a top-notch ensemble, including some of Chicago's most highly regarded comedic actors and a world-class creative team for the production.

?Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) on Navy Pier closes the 2010/11 Subscription Series with The Taming of the Shrew, Shakespeare's spark-filled comedy of an unconventional courtship. Returning to CST to direct the production is London's Bush Theatre Artistic Director Josie Rourke following her celebrated production of Twelfth Night last season. Rourke has assembled a top-notch ensemble, including some of Chicago's most highly regarded comedic actors and a world-class creative team for the production.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will close on February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 14 - February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press opening is Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 14- February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 14 - February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press opening is Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 14 - February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press opening is Saturday, January 23, 2010 at 8:00 PM.

Court Theatre continues its 55th season with the Chicago Premiere of The Year of Magical Thinking written by Joan Didion and directed by Artistic Director Charles Newell. The production will run January 14- February 14, 2010 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

The Jeff Awards have announced 179 nominations in 35 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions which opened between August 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009.

Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar today announced that About Face Theatre will present the groundbreaking LARAMIE PROJECT Epilogue in a historic event that joins over 100 theaters around the country.

Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar today announced that About Face Theatre will present the groundbreaking LARAMIE PROJECT Epilogue in a historic event that joins over 100 theaters around the country.

The Jeff Awards have announced 179 nominations in 35 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions which opened between August 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009.

Two countries, three generations, 22 turbulent years?and a dynamic soundtrack ranging from Syd Barrett to The Plastic People of the Universe to U2?are at the heart of Rock 'n' Roll, a sweeping and passionate drama about love, music and revolution from Academy Award and four-time Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard. For the play?s Chicago premiere at Goodman Theatre, Artistic Director Robert Falls taps director Charles Newell, whose reputation for directing acclaimed Stoppard productions precedes him. Newell?s cast of 12 is led by Stephen Yoakam and Chicago favorites Timothy Edward Kane and Mary Beth Fisher, who explore the unique intersection of politics and art against the background of John Culbert?s rock concert-inspired set design?complete with a floor resembling the cover art of Barrett?s solo album, Madcap Laughs. Rock ?n? Roll will be performed in the Albert Theatre May 2 ? June 7, 2009. Tickets are $25 ? $75. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation and Goodman Theatre Women?s Board are the Major Production Sponsors for Rock ?n? Roll and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the Corporate Sponsor Partner. Additional support is provided by the Director?s Society Sponsors. WXRT is the Official Radio Sponsor of Rock ?n? Roll.