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TimeLine Theatre Company, dedicated to presenting plays inspired by history that connect to today’s social and political issues, has announced its four-play 2007-08 season, which will include a great American playwright’s favorite work, two Chicago premieres by award-winning contemporary playwrights, and a remount of one of the company’s most acclaimed productions.
“As a company devoted to exploring history we’re often drawn to stories about legendary figures who defined their times and claimed their chapters in history books,” said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers. “But as Time magazine recently pointed out in their ‘Person of the Year’ issue for 2006, it’s equally important to tell the stories of how average individuals — you, me, us — influence history.”
“With that in mind, this season showcases average people reacting to extraordinary times,” he said. “These plays are filled with probing questions, refreshing humor and the notion that history is made not only in government buildings and at conference tables, but in our homes, classrooms, coffee shops, places of worship and, of course, artistic venues such as our theater. That idea infused our discussions and led us to these four stories.”
The plays for Timeline’s 2007-2008 season include:
PARADISE LOST
by Clifford Odets
directed by Louis Contey
August 25 – October 21, 2007
Reportedly considered by Odets himself to be his best and most significant work, “Paradise Lost” is an intense family drama set amid the vast landscape of social and economic challenges faced during the Great Depression. How will financial misfortune affect the values, personalities, relationships and aspirations of the well-educated, middle-class Gordons and their close circle of friends? Odets’ passionate characters speak with a fast-talking language that sings with big dreams and optimism for the future, despite daunting odds. “It is my hope,” wrote the playwright, “that when people see Paradise Lost, they’re going to be glad they’re alive.”
TESLA’S LETTERS
A Chicago premiere
by Jeffrey Stanley
directed by Nick Bowling
November 10 – December 23, 2007
In 1997 in the conflict-torn Balkans, an American student arrives in Yugoslavia to research the life of Nikola Tesla, the Croatian-born Serbian scientist who immigrated to the United States in 1884 and, although lost in the wake of Thomas Edison’s fame, gave the world electricity as we use it today. Intent on her own work, she isn’t ready for the world of turmoil and suffering that greets her and, ultimately, forces her to decide if and how she should get involved. Ideas about war and peace, the uses of science and the exercise of humanity reverberate in this witty, suspenseful, intellectual puzzle of a drama.
DOLLY WEST’S KITCHEN
A Chicago premiere
by Frank McGuinness
directed by Kimberly Senior
January 26 – March 22, 2008
During World War II in Ireland’s County Donegal, the close-knit West family has love and laughter in the safety of Dolly’s kitchen to distract itself from fears of the war nearby. But their plan to escape involvement is shattered when one of their own brings a British and two American soldiers across the border and into their midst. Soon clashes over issues of loyalty, jealousy, sexual identity and love invade the neutrality of Dolly West’s kitchen. This hilarious and poignant play invites us to feel the souls of its characters and reflect on the uncharted paths we’re led to by our choices.
FIORELLO!
A remount of TimeLine’s 2006 production
book by Jerome Weidman and George Abbott, music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick
directed by Nick Bowling, musical direction by Doug Peck
April 19 – June 15, 2008
In May 2006, TimeLine’s production of the musical “Fiorello!” became the fastest-selling show in the company’s history. Now it’s back by popular demand, as TimeLine presents the return of this sold-out and critically acclaimed production. Ahead of its time when it premiered in 1959 and often called a neglected masterpiece, “Fiorello!” Is a classic Broadway musical that features heartbreaking ballads (“When Did I Fall in Love”), rousing chorus numbers (“Politics and Poker”) and melodic showstoppers (“Little Tin Box”) to tell the story of one small, honest man’s struggle against corruption in big-city politics. With guts and perseverance, Fiorello H. LaGuardia put a bright, new shine on “The Big Apple” and became one of the most enduring figures of the 20th century. This remount will feature most of the original cast and production staff, including TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers as the title character.
In addition, lyricist Sheldon Harnick, who contributed new lyrics to the song reprise of “The Name’s LaGuardia” for TimeLine’s original production and attended a performance, is expected to be involved again with this remount. “We’re thrilled to reunite with such a Broadway legend,” said Powers. “Mr. Harnick has expressed interest in reviewing other lyrics in the piece and we look forward to working with him to present a truly unique version of this classic musical.”
Four-admission FlexPass Subscriptions for the 2007-08 season are on sale through June 30, 2007 for the discounted price of $80. After June 30, FlexPass subscriptions are $96. Single ticket prices for TimeLine’s 2007-08 season are $25 for performances on Wednesday through Friday; $30 for performances on Saturday and Sunday; preview tickets are $15. To order or for more information, call (773) 281-TIME (8463) or visit the company online at timelinetheatre.com.