CONTACT: Denise Schneider/Jeffrey Fauver/Carly Leviton 312.443.5151 or Press@GoodmanTheatre.org IMAGERY: www.GoodmanTheatre.org/News/PressRoom
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 10, 2010
MARY ZIMMERMAN REIMAGINES BERNSTEIN’S CANDIDE IN A MAJOR FALL MUSICAL EVENT; ROBERT FALLS RE-EXAMINES CHEKHOV’S THE SEAGULL; PLUS WORLD PREMIERES BY SARAH RUHL, REGINA TAYLOR AND THOMAS BRADSHAW HEADLINE GOODMAN THEATRE’S NEW 2010/2011 SEASON ***THE GOODMAN CELEBRATES A DECADE OF ACHIEVEMENTS AS ANCHOR OF THE NORTH LOOP THEATRE DISTRICT, STARTING WITH A SEPT. 27 EVENT AT THE ART INSTITUTE’S MODERN WING*** (Chicago, IL) It’s “The Best of All Possible”! Artistic Director Robert Falls announces Goodman Theatre’s initial fiveplay line-up, including two reimagined classics and three world-premiere productions (two of which are Goodman commissions) that define the theater’s new 2010/2011 season; three plays are still to be announced. The new season marks the Goodman’s 10th in its home at 170 N. Dearborn and anchor of Chicago’s revitalized North Loop Theatre District—and its 85th year as the city’s largest not-for-profit producing theater. A major new revival of the Leonard Bernstein and Hugh Wheeler musical Candide is freely adapted from Voltaire’s classic by Tony Award-winner Mary Zimmerman—“a specialist in literary spectacle (from whom) theatrical fireworks are to be expected” (The New York Times)—and starts the season in September. In October/November, Artistic Director Robert Falls re-examines Anton Chekhov’s masterwork The Seagull—“no modern American director is better than Falls at making a play’s iconic moments pop with fresh irreverence” (Chicago Tribune). Next, director-playwrightactor Regina Taylor, whose work has been praised as “arresting and imaginative” (Chicago Tribune) brings her world premiere of Rain to the Goodman in February/March 2011 and rising star Thomas Bradshaw, whose work is “likely to leave you speechless!” (The New York Times) premieres his Goodman Theatre-commissioned world premiere of Mary in February/March 2011. Sarah Ruhl, “one of the most gifted and adventurous American playwrights to emerge in recent years” (The New York Times), returns to her hometown with her Goodman Theatre-commissioned world premiere Stage Kiss, in March/April 2011. Season subscriptions are now on sale: 312.443.3800. “Our 2010/2011 season showcases the artistic breadth and variety for which the Goodman is noted, and the quality and diversity that our state-of-the-art facility has helped us achieve over the past 10 years in this incredible new home,” said Artistic Director Robert Falls. ”I am particularly pleased to welcome back three of my favorite collaborators—Manilow Resident Director Mary Zimmerman, Artistic Associate Regina Taylor and playwright Sarah Ruhl—and excited to welcome Thomas Bradshaw to the Goodman for the first time.” Ten Years Leading the Loop! Now in its 85th year, Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit theater celebrates 10 years in its downtown home at 170 N. Dearborn, a facility that has led to record growth in all areas of the theater— from supporting its artists as they fulfill their artistic promise; to deepening the commitment to education, diversity and community; to exceeding fundraising expectations. Most importantly, the new facility has made it possible for the Goodman to provide productions and programs that enrich the quality of life in Chicago. This milestone anniversary marks 10 years of transforming the Loop into a hub of arts and culture, revitalizing Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods and positioning this city as one of this country’s leading theater communities. An Opening Benefit launches the milestone season on Monday, September 27 at the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing—the location of the theater’s former home of 75 years. Honored will be those who paved the way for the new Goodman and made possible its myriad artistic, economic and community engagement achievements over the past decade. The evening will culminate with a performance of Candide. For tickets and more information about the Season Opening Benefit, call 312.443.5564. This will be the first in a season-long series of commemorative happenings. — continued —