Meet John Doe March 4, 2011

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. The production is Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry, Artistic Director at Timber Lake Playhouse.

MEET JOHN DOE had its workshop premiere at the New York Music Theater Festival (NYMF) in 2004 and was selected as part of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre convention in 2005. In 2006 it was presented in a limited production at the Goodspeed Opera House. In 2007, MEET JOHN DOE made its world premiere at the Ford's Theatre in Washington, D.C., where it was nominated for seven Helen Hayes Awards. The production features music by Andrew Gerle and lyrics by Eddie Sugarman with additional story by Matt August. Gerle and Sugarman also co-wrote the production’s book. The pair won a 2006 Jonathan Larson Award for MEET JOHN DOE and Gerle is creating new orchestrations specifically for the Porchlight Music Theatre production.

The New York Post said that MEET JOHN DOE is “Irresistibly catchy…sparkles with wit and irony….success is written all over it!” Theatermania.com raved, “A smart and feisty show wrapped in a big Broadway sound!” The Examiner called it “One of the best new musicals in years” and the Washington Post enthused “A promising American musical isn’t born every minute….filled with clever lyrics and supple melodies.”

Based on the classic 1941 film starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, MEET JOHN DOE follows plucky journalist Ann Mitchell, who loses her job in the middle of the Great Depression. Ann prints a phony letter from a "John Doe" who, protesting the state of society, promises to jump off the Brooklyn Bridge on Christmas Eve. Circulation goes through the roof and she convinces her editor to hire an out-of-work ballplayer, John Willoughby, to stand in while she ghost-writes the "John Doe" column. With her words and his down-home charm, John Doe quickly becomes a national sensation. As Ann, John and "John" tour the country, and when the paper's powerful owner reveals his true plans for John Doe, both Ann and John must confront the hoax they've created and decide what is best for their country.

MEET JOHN DOE begins previews March 4 and runs through April 17, 2011. The Press Opening is Tuesday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. The performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets are $38.00, and discounts for seniors, students and groups are available. Tickets may be purchased through the Stage 773 box office at 773.327.5252 or at www.stage773.com.. Group Sales Discounts are available through www.GroupTheaterTix.com or at 866.809.3075.