Hedda Gabler May 3, 2009

Hedda Gabler

by Henrik Ibsen, adapted by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by Michael Menendian

Previews: Tuesday, April 28 through Saturday, May 2 at 8:00 p.m.

Opening Night: Sunday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m.

Opening night post-show reception sponsored by Trattoria D.O.C.

Performances continue through June 27, 2009:

Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

All performances take place on Raven Theatre’s East Stage, 6157 N. Clark

Tickets are $15 during previews and $25 during the regular run ($20 for students/seniors)

Free parking is provided in a lot adjacent to the theatre; additional street parking is available

Raven Theatre is handicapped accessible

Tickets/information: www.raventheatre.com or 773-338-2177

CHICAGO – Raven Theatre gets into Hedda's head in Ibsen's classic, Hedda Gabler, adapted by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by Michael Menendian. Opening is Sunday, May 3, at 7:00 p.m. at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark, with a reception following in the Raven lobby sponsored by Trattoria D.O.C. (www.trattoria-doc.com). Tickets and information are available at www.raventheatre.com or 773-338-2177.

Michael Menendian directs the story of Ibsen's ultimate socialite. Exploring the divide between expectation and reality, Hedda Gabler delves into a world dominated by jealousy and control. The motherless daughter of the controlling General Gabler, Hedda lives her life a prisoner bound by tedium and a lack of inspiration. Determined to live gloriously, Hedda will stop at nothing to ensure her security, rarely being true to anyone other than herself. A quick, biting wit and keen judge of character aid Hedda in her influence of the people around her, creating power struggles in which her opponents scarcely stand a chance. Hedda's manipulation of others eventually catches up to her, trapping her beyond her ability to escape. When this compelling drama ends in devastating loss, is it tragedy, or as Hedda would describe it, a drastic act of courage?

Menendian states, “Hedda is simultaneously a heroin to herself and a victim of herself. She reflects no real discernible talents beyond manipulating those around her for her own pleasure. She is, in a word, complicated.”

Henrik Ibsen, one of the founders of modernism in the theatre, is also known as the “father of modern drama”. Putting an emphasis on issues of morality, Ibsen's plays were often seen as scandalous and immoral. Through the 26 plays that he penned, Ibsen broke the rules of drama, inspiring other influential playwrights including Chekhov, Osborne and Pirandello.

Adaptor Jon Robin Baitz is a playwright, screenwriter, director and producer. He is the recipient of a Rockefeller Foundation Award, two Drama Desk Award nominations, and a Guggenheim Fellowship. In 1996, he was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for his semi-autobiographical play A Fair Country. Baitz also has written for television (The West Wing and Alias), and is the creator and former executive producer of ABC’s Brothers & Sisters .

Director Michael Menendian is a founding member and the Producing Artistic Director of Raven Theatre, where he has simultaneously directed and set designed many productions, earning multiple Joseph Jefferson and After Dark awards. His productions include Laughter on the 23rd Floor, The Night of the Iguana, The Sea Gull, American Buffalo, A Few Good Men, Dancing at Lughnasa, Golden Boy, Marvin’s Room, A Streetcar Named Desire, A View from the Bridge, You Can’t Take It with You, Glengarry Glen Ross, and others.

The cast is led by Mackenzie Kyle in the title role. Kyle returns to the Raven stage after last season's Laughter on the 23rd Floor. A stage, film and commercial actor, Kyle has performed with Chicago theatres including The Gift, Illinois Theatre Center, About Face and TimeLine Theatre. Ian Novak (George Tesman) plays Hedda's agreeable yet naïve husband. Novak , a Griffin Theatre company member, has performed with Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman Theatre, Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and the Stratford Festival. Ian Paul Custer (Eilert Lovborg) is a recent graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul and has also worked with TimeLine and Caffeine Theatre. Jon Steinhagen tackles the sinister and all-knowing role of Judge Brack. Steinhagen has received four Jeff Awards and six After Dark Awards for musical direction, writing, songwriting and acting. Symphony Sanders (Mrs. Elvsted) plays the devoted, adultering lover of Hedda's former flame. Sanders has worked with Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman Theatre and Pegasus Players. JoAnn Montemurro (Miss Tesman, Costume Designer), a founding member of Raven Theatre where she also serves as Co-Artistic Director, plays George's loving aunt. Claudia Garrison (Berta) has acted and taught in Hong Kong, Singapore and London before moving to Chicago where she has performed with A Red Orchid, Breadline and Collaboraction.

The design staff includes: Leif Olsen (Composer) Raven ensemble member and an award winning composer; Andrei Onegin (Scenic Designer, Tech Director); Christine Ferriter (Lighting Designer), Raven ensemble member; Katherine Chavez (Sound Designer); Mary O’Dowd (Props); and Kristen Williams (Assistant Director/Dramaturg). Terese Lauchaire serves as stage manager.

Official Website: http://www.raventheatre.com