Goodman Theatre Artistic Director Robert Falls proudly announces four productions of the 2008/2009 season:
the world premiere musical Turn of the Century directed by nine-time Tony Award-winning director/choreographer Tommy Tune, written by Jersey Boys scribes Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice; Falls' new interpretation of Desire Under the Elms starring Brian Dennehy will be the centerpiece of a Eugene O'Neill showcase; the world premiere of the Goodman commission Ruined by MacArthur Foundation Fellow Lynn Nottage, directed by Kate Whoriskey; and a co-production with Chicago's Silk Road Theatre Project: Yohen by Philip Kan Gotanda, directed by Steve Scott.
"It's an honor to host these incredible artists in four amazing, vastly different projects in the same season at the Goodman," said Artistic Director Robert Falls. "Tommy Tune is among America's finest, most accomplished artists of our day-and a great match for the Tony Award-winning duo Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Turn of the Century is a trip through the American songbook, featuring some of the most popular music of the past 100 years.
"Next, I'm thrilled to welcome back my longtime collaborator Brian Dennehy for my production of Desire Under the Elms-which will be presented alongside other works of O'Neill in a celebration of the father of the American drama," Falls continued. "For this exploration of O'Neill's work, I turn to some of the foremost local, national and international companies who are delivering bold, inventive productions of his plays now, in the 21st century. O'Neill has been at the foundation in my work as a director; during my 21 years at the Goodman, I have directed four of his plays, each of which featured a towering performance by Brian. I am interested in expanding this relationship in the way that only the Goodman's festival celebrations enable.
"I'm also delighted to bring back Lynn Nottage for her first production since winning the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship this year. We proudly present the world premiere of her latest play, Ruined-a gutsy, complex piece of theater that we've commissioned and have been developing together for the past several years. In director Kate Whoriskey, Lynn has found a kindred spirit for this work, for which the pair traveled to across the world to create.
"Finally, we'll partner with Silk Road Theatre Project, one of Chicago's most accomplished emerging companies," Falls continued. "At Silk Road's theater space, we'll co-produce Philip Kan Gotanda's beautiful play Yohen, directed by Steve Scott." -- www.goodmantheatre.org
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