Griffin Theatre Company recently launched its 2016-17 Season as an exploration of the American Dream with a rare revival of Maxwell Anderson’s 1930s drama “Winterset,” directed by Ensemble Member Jonathan Berry (Pocatello, Balm in Gilead). The production is playing now through December 23, 2016 at The Den Theatre’s Upstairs Main Stage, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood.
“Winterset” is a rare revival in keeping with Griffin’s work to explore lost plays like London Wall and Men Should Weep. Inspired by the infamous murder case of the 1920s when the Italian anarchists and immigrants, Nicola Sacco and Bartolomeo Vanzetti, were arrested, convicted and electrocuted despite the insubstantial evidence against them. Anderson’s 1935 poetic verse play follows a young man’s quest to prove his father’s innocence years after he was executed for a murder he may not have committed. Winner of the first New York Drama Critic’s Circle Award for Best Play.
The Director, Jonathan Berry, is an ensemble member at Griffin Theatre where his credits include Pocatello, Balm in Gilead, Golden Boy, Spring Awakening, Punk Rock, Port and On the Shore of the Wide World. He is an Artistic Producer at Steppenwolf and a director and teacher in Chicago. His Steppenwolf credits include Gary and A Separate Peace for Steppenwolf for Young Adults. Jonathan is also an ensemble member at Steep Theatre, where credits include Posh, If There Is I Haven’t Found It Yet, The Knowledge, Festen and Moment. He pursued his MFA in directing from Northwestern University. He has taught at University of Michigan, Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Columbia College and The School at Steppenwolf.
The production of “Winterset” features Maurice Demus as Mio and Kiayla Jackson as Miriamne with Chris Acevedo, Larry Baldacci, Johnny Moran, Josh Odor, Matt Rockwood, Skylar Schrempp, Londen Shannon, Bradford Stevens and Norm Woodel. “Winterset” is playing at the Griffin Theatre with regular Curtain Times on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m. There will be added performances on Saturday, December 17 at 3 p.m., Tuesday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday, December 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets for “Winterset” are available at www.griffintheatre.com or by calling (866) 811-4111. The costs for tickets are: Previews $28. Regular run $36. Students, seniors & veterans $31 ($20 previews). Group discount are available for groups of ten or more.
The Griffin Theatre’s 2016/2017 Premiere Season Sponsor is Brenda and James Grusecki with additional season sponsor support from Jeff Graves Realtor @properties, Kassie Davis & Bruce Beatus, Claire Conley & Joan Mazzonelli.
The Griffin Theatre Company is a Blue Star Theater and is proud to support the military enlisted and veterans.
About Griffin Theatre Company
Established in 1988 and celebrating its 29th season, the mission of the Griffin Theatre Company is to create extraordinary and meaningful theatrical experiences for both children and adults by building bridges of understanding between generations that instill in its audience an appreciation of the performing arts. Through artistic collaboration the Griffin Theatre Company produces literary adaptations, original work and classic plays that challenge and inspire, with wit, style and compassion for the audience.
The Griffin Theatre Company is the recipient of 105 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for theater excellence in Chicago. The Griffin was the repeat winner of the 2016 Jeff Award for “Best Production of a Play” for London Wall having won the same award in 2015 for its production of Men Should Weep.
The Griffin Theatre is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
