Theatre News Wire

Writers' Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma, continues its 20th Anniversary Season with Hesperia by Randall Colburn, directed by Associate Artistic Director Stuart Carden. The production runs January 24, 2012 - March 18, 2012 at Writers' Theatre, 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe.

When Claudia left Ian and her old life in adult entertainment to return to her small-town roots, she found more than just a new start-she met her soon-to-be husband Trick, the local youth minister and a man of God. But when Ian shows up on her doorstep just weeks before her wedding, their past together comes roaring back to life, bringing doubt to Claudia's now moral and well-ordered existence. In this honest exploration, playwright Randall Colburn brings an original voice to the complicated topics of love, sexuality and religion.

"We are thrilled to share with our audience this provocative and penetrating new play by Randall Colburn. I find Randall's exploration of those twin lightening rods of the American experience-Sex and Religion-incredibly powerful and of the moment. While religion and sex are used today as polarizing issues by our politicians and as fodder for satire in most theater and film, Randall writes about these complex issues with tremendous wisdom, sensuality, humor, and an unflinching honesty" comments director Stuart Carden. "I'm excited to work with Randall and our wildly talented young cast on this intimate, sexy, and moving new play."

Writers' is committed to producing not only premieres of new plays but also giving vital second productions to plays still in process. Building upon his experience with the recent premiere of Hesperia at The Right Brain Project, Randall Colburn and Writers' have collaborated this past year on a series of intensive workshops and developmental readings to give Randall the time and resources to expand, deepen, and refine his storytelling.

The production features Rebecca Buller (Daisy), Erik Hellman (Trick), Nathan Hosner (Ian), Kelly O'Sullivan (Claudia) and Tyler Ross (Aaron).

The designers are Chelsea Warren (scenic), Heather Gilbert (lighting), Jacqueline Firkins (costumes), Mikhail Fiskel (sound) and Nick Heggestad (properties).