Bailiwick Chicago will open its first full season with the new musical DEPARTURE LOUNGE. This coming-of-age high-energy show with a progressive pop score, close four-part harmonies, and a wicked sense of humor was a hit at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and The Public Theatre's SPF Festival. Directed and choreographed by Artistic Advisor Tom Mullen with Musical Direction by Executive Director Kevin Mayes, the show will begin previews on October 28 at the Royal George's Cabaret Theater, with the opening scheduled for Sunday November 7 at 7 p.m.

With book, music & lyrics by Dougal Irvine, DEPARTURE LOUNGE, developed in association with Perfect Pitch (UK) and produced in association with Andy Barnes, Joseph Smith & Hilary A. Williams, had its London premiere on September 28, 2010. The musical follows four less-than-innocent 18-year old Brits caught between adolescence and adulthood who are delayed at Malaga Airport after a week in the sun to celebrate their graduation from school. As they reminisce about their time together, it soon becomes clear that their individual memories of the holiday are at odds, particularly when it comes to romance and the girl on all their minds. Is she as innocent as we're led to think, and will the boys' friendships hold firm as they all face a coming of age?

In its first fully staged production at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival, the musical earned raves, with the Edinburgh Evening News calling it a "musical gem that is set to take off in a big way." The review went on to say ... "the interactions between the boys are relaxed and authentic. It is almost as if you're sitting in on one of your little brother's conversations. In many ways, the tale brings back all the nostalgia and affection we have for the friends who are forever sworn to secrecy about our darkest teenage secrets, and most of the adult ones too. Who doesn't remember that last lazy summer spent with your pals before heading off to face the big bad world alone? Completely unpretentious in its nature, DEPARTURE LOUNGE is one of those rare gems that an audience can relate to, no matter their class, education or age."

Bailiwick Chicago's production will feature Devin Archer, Dan Beno, Jay W. Cullen, Erik Kaiko, and Andrea Larson. The Flight Crew includes Rus Rainear, Abby Sammons, and Brittany Townsley. Jeremy Cohn, Mario Mazzetti and Brittany Townsley are understudies.

In addition to Mullen and Mayes, the creative team includes Lighting Design by Jared Moore, Set Design by John Rotonda, Costume Design by William Morey, Sound Design by Joe Fosco, and Prop Design by Nathalie Ayala. Kim Dooley is Associate Choreographer, Brian LaDuca is Associate Producer, Jessica Cook is Stage Manager, Lindsay Bartlett is Dialect Coach, Mike Dunbar is Production Manager, and Casting by Lili-Anne Brown and Kate Garassino.