FEBRUARY 17 — APRIL 1, 2017
THE COLUMNIST
CHICAGO PREMIERE
Written by: David Auburn
Directed by: Keira Fromm
From the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning author of Proof, a drama about power, the press, sex, and betrayal. At the height of the Cold War, Joe Alsop is the nation’s most influential journalist—beloved, feared, and courted by the Washington world. But as the 60s dawn and America undergoes dizzying change, the intense political dramas Joe is embroiled in become deeply personal as well. Read the Producing Artistic Director’s note.
PERFORMANCE INFO
This production must close April 1, 2017.
(773) 327-5252 box office
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
- Sunday: 2:30pm
Added shows on 3/6 @ 7:30pm & 3/29 @ 2:30pm.
No 3pm show on 2/18, 2/25, or 3/11.
No 7:30pm show on 4/1.
- Duration: 2 hours & 20 min; one intermission
- Location: Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago
- Ticket Price: $19-$49
- Recommended for ages 14+
- Town Halls: We offer free post-show discussions on Sundays (2/19-3/26).
REVIEWS
Joseph Jefferson Award recommended.
“3 stars (out of 4). Vital, present, & telling.” – Chicago Tribune
“Johnson brings intense volatility to a marathon role.” – Chicago Sun-Times
“Exhilarating! Precise, impassioned, and deeply affecting.” – Chicago Reader
“Admirably acted and seamlessly produced.” – Newcity
“Cast is first rate!” – Chicagoland Theater Reviews
“Character development is flawless.” – Chicago Theatre Review
“Relevant Chicago premiere.” – Stage & Cinema
“Highly recommended. Keenly directed.” – Around the Town
Read full reviews here.
ARTISTS
CAST: Philip Earl Johnson (Joe Alsop), Coburn Goss (Stewart Alsop), Kymberly Mellen (Susan Mary Alsop), Ian Paul Custer* (Halberstam), Tyler Meredith (Abigail), and Christopher Sheard (Andrei/Philip).
PRODUCTION TEAM: Keira Fromm (director), David Auburn (playwright), Joe Schermoly (scenic), Jared Gooding (lighting) Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Christopher Kriz (sound & original music), Alec Long (props), Sarah E. Ross* (production manager), Eva Breneman (dialect coach), Sarah Illiatovitch-Goldman (dramaturg), and Dana M. Nestrick (stage manager).
*Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We raise awareness of other non-profit organizations’ great causes through creative collaborations. We’re proud to collaborate with Medill’s School of Journalism and Northwestern University’s The Family Institute. We continue our “Pink Previews” to donate proceeds to The Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.
MORE INFORMATION ON “THE COLUMNIST”
About the FIVE PRESIDENTS Artists
Read the cast and creative team’s biographies for FIVE PRESIDENTS.
read more
Backstage Guide for FIVE PRESIDENTS
Download PDF | Open in browser
read moreRead moreLearn about audience engagement events.
Community Service for FIVE PRESIDENTS
Read about our free events for audiences of FIVE PRESIDENTS.
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Artistic Director’s Note for FIVE PRESIDENTS
Rick Cleveland brilliantly dramatizes this imagined once-in-a-lifetime conversation. Written during #44’s tenure, today’s 2019 America represents a different political, ideological, and cultural awareness than even four years ago. Cleveland returned to the play with a sharpened pencil and tongue.
read more
Rave Reviews for THE SPITFIRE GRILL
Read the incredible critical response to our Chicago revival of THE SPITFIRE GRILL.
read moreGUITARS AT THE GRILL – Benefit concert for American Blues Theater
Featuring company from The Spitfire Grill - Dara Cameron, Ian Paul Custer, Karl Hamilton, Greg Hirte, Donterrio Johnson, Jacquelyne Jones, Gabrielle Lott-Rogers, Malcolm Ruhl, Scott Sedlacek, Catherine Smitko, and Magdalena Sustere. With special guests - Dawn Bach,...
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