Victory Gardens Theater, Chicago's top presenter of new plays, will mark an unprecedented 25-year affiliation with playwright Jeffrey Sweet with its world premiere of his new drama, "Berlin '45," running March 18 - May 1.
Tandy Cronyn and Roderick Peeples will star in the story, set in the ruins of Hitler's Germany, Berlin '45. The story revolves around Ilse (Cronyn), a former dancer awaiting the arrival of Soviet troops to see what form their liberation of her city will take. Ilse's need to survive leads her to Gregor (Peeples), a Russian colonel who becomes her protector. Ilse is shocked to discover that the man she has chosen out of expedience is something of a soul mate. Both loathe their countries' leadership, both are horrified by the actions of their countrymen, and both are looking for hope of civilization in the heart of chaos.
"Berlin '45" will be staged at Victory Gardens Theater, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. Call the Victory Gardens box office, (773) 871-3000, for tickets and information, or buy tickets online at Ticketweb.com.
The cast of "Berlin '45" at Victory Gardens Theater also includes Chris Cantelmi, Melissa Carlson, Deborah Leydig and Gary Houston. Calvin MacLean directs. The design team is Jack Magaw (set), Judith Lundberg (costumes), Julie Mack (lights), and Andre Pluess (sound.) Tina Jach is production stage manager.
Low-priced previews are March 18-27, Tuesday through Saturday, at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Previews are $24-$28. The show runs through May 1: Tuesday through Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 5 and 8:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m. Regular performances are $33-$40. There is a 2 p.m. matinee on Wednesday, April 13. Tickets are $33; $5 off for seniors. Exceptions: No shows Tuesday, March 29; Tuesday, April 12; or 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 (matinee only.)
Ask the box office about Victory Gardens' "10 seats @ $20" discount promotion, subject to availability. Call (773) 549-5788, ext. 102 for group rates. With your VGT ticket stub, discounted parking is available one block north at Children's Memorial Hospital for all shows except weekday matinees, and Lincoln Park Hospital one block south on Webster, at all times. (No overnight parking is permitted.)
Special events
There will be an Open Rehearsal Thursday, March 10, at 6 p.m. Open rehearsals offer a rare look at how new plays are brought to life at Victory Gardens. Watch cast members rehearse on an unfinished set, then participate in a talkback with the director and cast.
Post-show discussions will take place every Wednesday during the regular run: March 30; April 6, 13 (matinee), 20, and 27. Share your thoughts and hear what others have to say during a talkback with members of the "Berlin '45" company, immediately following the show.
Kendall's Pub Night will be Friday, April 8, at 6:30 p.m. Join friends and fellow Victory Gardens theatergoers, right next door at Kendall's Pub. Dish about Chicago theater and enjoy cocktails and free appetizers before the 8 p.m. performance of "Berlin '45."
Theater Thursday at Victory Gardens will take place Thursday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy pre-show pizza and wine with the "Berlin '45" design team, then watch Victory Gardens' newest world premiere at Theater Thursday, sponsored by the League of Chicago Theatres. Mention Theater Thursday when ordering tickets. For more information, go to chicagoplays.com.
Through the Access Project, now in its 12th year, Victory Gardens presents barrier-free theater for patrons with special needs. Access dates for Berlin '45 follow.
Audio descriptions for patrons who are blind or have low vision will be Friday, April 15, 8 p.m.; and Sunday, April 24, 3 p.m.
Word for word captioning for patrons who are hearing impaired will be Wednesday, April 13, 2 p.m.; Friday, April 22, 8 p.m.; and Saturday, April 23, 5 p.m.
Sign language interpretation for patrons who are hearing impaired will be Friday, April 22, 8 p.m., interpreted by Lara Sviatko and Rob Russo. |
