Casting announced for Swing State at Goodman Theatre
Pulitzer Prize-nominated playwright Rebecca Gilman marks her 10th production at Goodman Theatre, her longtime creative home, with Swing State-directed by Tony Award-winner Robert Falls in their 6th collaboration over 35 years. Hailed as "one of Chicago's hottest playwrights" (Chicago Tribune), Gilman is the most-produced contemporary playwright in Goodman history with nine world premieres out of 10, including five commissions. A cast of Chicago powerhouses-Mary Beth Fisher (Peg), Kirsten Fitzgerald (Sheriff Kris), Anne E. Thompson (Dani) and Chicago native Bubba Weiler (Ryan)-appear in Gilman's contemporary portrait of America's heartland in a time when it feels like everyone's way of life is in danger of disappearing. Swing State appears October 7 - November 13 in the 350-seat flexible Owen Theatre.
"I'm beyond delighted to be back at the Goodman, working with Bob and this amazing cast-all artists I love and respect. I can't imagine a better homecoming," said playwright Rebecca Gilman, whose previous collaborations with Falls include Blue Surge (2001), Dollhouse (2005), the Goodman commission A True History of the Johnstown Flood (2010), the world premiere of Luna Gale (2014) and Soups, Stews and Casseroles: 1976 (2016).
The Goodman's current 2022/2023 Season is the final line-up of plays that Robert Falls selected as Artistic Director. After 35 years leading creative operations for one of America's largest theaters, he steps down from that position this month. In this season, he will also direct Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard in Spring 2023.
"I'm excited to once again work with Rebecca, one of my favorite longtime collaborators, on her fantastic new play," said director Robert Falls. "We've assembled an extraordinary company of actors-including the great Mary Beth Fisher, who has been a muse of Rebecca's for more than two decades. It's a perfect work to kick off the new 2022/2023 Season in the Owen Theatre."
Understudies for this production include Jennifer Engstrom (Sheriff Kris), Jessica Ervin (Dani), Laura T. Fisher (Peg) and Jack Lancaster (Ryan). The creative team includes Todd Rosenthal (Set Design); Evelyn Danner (Costume Design); Eric Southern (Lighting Design); Richard Woodbury (Original Music and Sound Design). Casting is by Rachael Jimenez, CSA and Lauren Port, CSA. Patrick Fries is the Production Stage Manager and Neena Arndt is the Dramaturg.