Looking Over Presidents Shoulder - American Blues Theater

FEBRUARY 5 – MARCH 6, 2016

LOOKING OVER THE PRESIDENT’S SHOULDER

CHICAGO PREMIERE

Written by: James Still*
Directed by: Timothy Douglas

Before Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Emmy-Award winning writer James Still wrote the real-life story of Alonzo Fields, the grandson of a freed slave, who was forced by the Depression to give up his dreams of becoming an opera singer. Fields accepted the job at the White House and served 21 years. The tour-de-force solo play tells the unique perspective of serving four U.S. presidents and their families: Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Dwight Eisenhower. The Washington Post wrote, “the appeal is its peeking through the keyhole quality.” Featuring Black Theater Alliance Award winner Manny Buckley*. To learn more about Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, read our Backstage Guide.

* Denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

PERFORMANCE INFO

This performance must close on March 6, 2016.
(773) 404-7336 box office

Thursday: 7:30pm
Friday: 7:30pm
Saturday: 7:30pm
Sunday: 2:30pm

Special Note: Additional performances on 2/15 @ 7:30; 2/27 & 3/5 @ 3:00pm.

Duration: Runs 90 minutes with no intermission.
Location: Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Ticket Price: $19 – $49
Town Halls: We offer free post-show events on Sundays (Feb 7 – 28).

Looking Over the Presidents Shoulder 2015

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REVIEWS

Joseph Jefferson Award recommended.

“Luminous Buckley effortlessly suggests a man of easy grace and authority…winningly understated and convincing performance.” – Chicago Sun Times Read full review>>

“Invaluable 80 min tour of the White House. This is a discovery-rich, impeccably presented journey through our political past. Masterful performance – [Buckley’s] narration displays the same grace, gravity, and assurance that Alonzo Fields displayed.” – Stage & Cinema Read full review >>

“James Still’s play is a simple one, full of poise and grace…full of humor and wry observations. In its subtle avoidance of antagonism it favors being a character study rather than morality play.” – Newcity Read full review >>

“5 out of 5 stars. Played to perfection. Mr. Buckley captures the heart and soul of [Alonzo Fields].” – Around the Town Chicago Read full review >>

“Impeccable direction!” – Chicago Reader Read full review>>

“Buckley’s performance and Timothy Douglas’s direction present us with an intriguing, fully-performed character.” – Chicago Critic Read full review >>

“For history buffs! Manny Buckley’s performance makes us care about the man in the tuxedo.” – Chicago Tribune

ARTISTS

CAST: Manny Buckley* (Alonzo Fields).

PRODUCTION TEAM: James Still* (playwright), Timothy Douglas (director), Brian Sidney Bembridge (scenic), Mike Durst (lighting), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Rick Sims* (sound), Amanda Herrmann (props), Jaclyn Holsey* (stage manager), Pat Fries (production manager), Charlie Marie McGrath (asst. director), Michael Trudeau (technical director), Jason Shivers (master electrician), & Eileen Rozycki (scenic painter).

*Denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes though creative collaborations. We’re proud to continue our Pink Previews. Proceeds from our preview performances will be donated to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research. We also support DuSable Museum of African American History and The Family Institute at Northwestern University.