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Steppenwolf Theatre Company has announced the lineup for First Look Repertory of New Work, the 4th annual program featuring three developmental productions of new plays presented in rotation and accompanied by a series of readings, lectures and events around the development of new work. First Look Repertory of New Work runs in The Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St., July 23 – August 10, 2008.
First Look Repertory of New Work is a developmental process that culminates in performance before an audience, rather than in a staged reading or workshop presentation. Scripts undergo significant revision during the workshop/rehearsal process and may be revised even after being publicly presented during First Look Repertory of New Work. They are presented with full, if minimal, design support because in our view, the design process is an integral aspect of developing the play. The intent is to develop the plays for future production at Steppenwolf and other theaters across the country.
First Look has gained both local and national recognition since its inception in 2005. Six of the nine plays presented during First Look’s first three seasons have enjoyed subsequent productions at other theaters, including: Men of Tortuga by Jason Wells produced by Asolo Repertory Theatre in Florida; Butcher of Baraboo by Marisa Wegrzyn produced by 2econd Stage Theatre in New York; 100 Saints You Should Know by Kate Fodor produced by Playwrights Horizons in New York; Spare Change by Mia McCullough produced by Stage Left Theatre in Chicago; Gary by Melinda Lopez produced by Boston Playwrights’ Theatre in Massachusetts; and When The Messenger is Hot by Laura Eason produced by 59E59 Theaters in New York.
The First Look Repertory of New Work 2008 productions are:
Pursued by Happiness
by Keith Huff
Wednesday, July 23, 2008 – Sunday, August 10, 2008
An unexpected meeting between two 40-something biochemists touches off a whirlwind romance. But when it’s time to meet the parents, a series of shocking revelations test the new couple’s relationship in this dysfunctional dark comedy from the author of A Steady Rain.
Keith Huff, a resident playwright with Chicago Dramatists, is the author of A Steady Rain, currently running at The Royal George Theatre and slated to premiere Off-Broadway this fall.
Perfect Mendacity
by Jason Wells
Thursday, July 24, 2008 – Sunday, August 10, 2008
When a top secret, internal memo from a scientific research facility is leaked to the media, Dr. Walter Kreutzer is forced to take a lie detector test about its origins. With his career on the line, Walter gets tangled up in investigations of bioterrorism and racially motivated killings. As suspicions escalate that Walter’s wife is involved, the play’s riveting plot twists uncover the insidious hypocrisy of government sanctioned discrimination.
Jason Wells' previous play, Men Of Tortuga, was produced in First Look 2005, and subsequently at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, Florida.
Fair Use
by Sarah Gubbins
Friday, July 25, 2008 – Sunday, August 10, 2008
A plagiarism case involving a famous author is the backdrop for this romantic comedy set in a high-powered law firm. A series of questionable love letters fuel this breezy cross-examination of negotiating modern dating and relationships.
Sarah Gubbins recently completed her MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage at Northwestern University. Fair Use was named one of the Finalists in this year’s Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition.
Steppenwolf also announced the continuation of First Look 101, a three-month experience providing rare access to the new play development process leading up to the 4th annual First Look Repertory of New Work. First Look 101 runs May 19 – August 10, 2008.
First Look 101 will take enrolled members on a one-of-a-kind backstage journey through Steppenwolf’s new play development process. The program is open to anyone interested in, and wanting to know more about, creating new plays. Space is limited to 101 members.
Individual tickets to First Look Repertory of New Work cost $20. A First Look Pass to all three plays is available for $45. Tickets are available at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling Audience Services at 312-335-1650. First Look 101 costs $75 ($45 for students with valid ID) and includes access to all First Look 101 events, plus tickets to all three First Look Repertory productions. To enroll in First Look 101, contact Audience Services at 312-335-1650. Space is limited to 101 members.
Tickets for First Look Repertory of New Work and First Look 101 go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 5 at 11:00 am.