CHICAGO: A Red Orchid Theatre has announced its 2017-18 season, its 25th, featuring four mainstage productions.
“Our 25th anniversary season is full of landmark events for A Red Orchid,” said artistic director Kirsten Fitzgerald in a statement. “In 2017-18 we will see our first collaboration with an iconic playwright, our 10th world premiere with an ensemble member playwright, and a second collaboration with a local playwright. Ensemble is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re thrilled to present a 25th anniversary season packed with ensemble members both onstage and off.”
The season will start with Wallace Shawn’s Evening at the Talk House (Oct. 5-Nov. 19), a dark comedy about a reunion of friends at a legendary club. The cast will feature ensemble members Lance Baker, Kirsten Fitzgerald, and Natalie West. Ensemble member Shade Murray will direct.
Next up will be the world premiere of Traitor (Jan. 11-Feb. 25, 2018), adapted by Brett Neveu from Ibsen, about a charter school that opens in a North Chicago suburb that causes suspicion in the community.
Following will be 33 to Nothing (April 12-May 27, 2018), by Grant Varjas, that takes place during a real-time band practice and follows the band members as they discuss whether or not to break up. The show will feature ensemble member Steve Haggard.
Next will be Victims of Duty (July-Aug., 2018), by Eugene Ionesco, about a couple who are questioned by an inspector about the previous tenant of their apartment. Shira Piven will direct.
The company’s Incubator program will present a new play by the Roustabouts, founded by Ike Holter and Tony Santiago.
A Red Orchid Theatre, founded in 1993, is an ensemble-based company that produces plays and develops new work.
