SKOKIE, ILL.: Northlight Theatre, under the direction of artistic director BJ Jones and executive director Timothy J. Evans, has announced its 2016–17, the company’s 42nd season, including three world premieres and two Midwest premieres. Said Jones in a statement, “Each play embodies a central part of Northlight’s mission: to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion. We’re proud to continue introducing new work and new voices to our audience, an important role in enhancing the increasingly rich landscape of Chicago theatre.”
The season kicks off with the Midwest premiere of Anthony Giardina’s political family drama The City of Conversation (Sept. 14–Oct. 23). Marti Lyons will direct this multigenerational play, currently in development as a miniseries for F/X.
Next is the world premiere of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley by Lauren Gunderson and Margaret Melcon (Nov. 10–Dec. 18). This new sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which follows discontented middle sister Mary, will be directed by Jessica Thebus.
Another world premiere follows with Selina Fillinger’s Faceless (Jan. 26–March 5, 2017), directed by BJ Jones. It follows the trial of an 18-year-old named Susie Glenn who is accused of acts of terrorism, with a Muslim female lawyer arguing for the prosecution.
Next is the Midwest premiere of Sharyn Rothstein’s By the Water, directed by Cody Estle and featuring Francis Guinan (March 16–April 23, 2017). The play deals with a Staten Island neighborhood ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.
Finally, Mark St. Germain’s Relativity makes its National New Play Network rolling world premiere (May 11–June 18, 2017). This drama about the mysterious “lost” child of Albert and Mileva Einstein will star Mike Nussbaum and be directed by BJ Jones.
