Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces its 44th season, opening with Curve of Departure by Rachel Bonds and directed by BJ Jones. The season continues with the World Premiere of Mansfield Park, Kate Hamill’s new adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic tale of social satire, directed by Stuart Carden; followed by Christina Ham’s Nina Simone: Four Women, directed by Kenneth L. Roberson; and the World Premiere of Landladies (previously titled The Janice), written by Sharyn Rothstein and directed by Jess McLeod. Closing out the season is Into the Breeches! by George Brant and directed by Jessica Thebus.
The 2018-19 Season with casting is as follows:
Curve of Departure
By Rachel Bonds
Directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones
September 13 – October 21, 2018
Featuring Mike Nussbaum (Rudy), Sean Parris (Felix), Danny Martinez (Jackson) and Penelope Walker (Linda)
In a cramped motel room in New Mexico, a “ragtag little group of humans” gathers in anticipation of the funeral of a man they loved but did not like. But the dearly departed is not their only concern, as they grapple with the demands of ordinary life and the decisions of an uncertain future. Northlight favorite Mike Nussbaum returns as the patriarch of an unconventional family in this delicate and gently comic drama.
The World Premiere of
Mansfield Park
By Kate Hamill
Based on the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Stuart Carden
November 8 – December 16, 2018
Featuring Anu Bhatt (Maria Bertram/Susan Price), Nate Burger (Henry Crawford/John Price), Kayla Carter (Fanny Price), Kate Hamill (Mary Crawford/Lady Bertram), Curtis Edward Jackson (Tom Bertram/Mr. Rushworth/William Price), Heidi Kettenring (Mrs. Norris/Mrs. Price), Mark Montgomery (Sir Thomas Bertram/Mr. Price) and Gabriel Ruiz (Edmund Bertram)
When shy but clever Fanny Price is sent away by her impoverished parents, she must adapt to life as the poor relation at her aunt and uncle’s wealthy estate. But Fanny soon learns that beneath the glitter of wealth and status, people aren’t always what they seem. Playwright Kate Hamill, known for her acclaimed adaptations of Sense and Sensibility and Vanity Fair, brings her unique sense of playfulness and theatricality to Austen’s classic tale of the clash between love and conscience.
Nina Simone: Four Women
By Christina Ham
Directed by Kenneth L. Roberson
January 24 – March 2, 2019
Featuring Melanie Brezill (Sweet Thing), Sydney Charles (Nina Simone), Deanna Reed Foster (Sarah), and Ariel Richardson (Sephronia). The role of Sam Waymon will be announced at a later date.
In the aftermath of 1963’s 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, Nina Simone rocked the nation with “Four Women,” her tribute in song to the four little girls lost in the tragedy. Powerful anthems such as “Mississippi Goddam,” “Old Jim Crow,” and “To Be Young, Gifted and Black” followed, fueling the Civil Rights movement and transforming her public persona from songstress to activist. Celebrate Ms. Simone’s lasting legacy in this provocative and personal musical journey.
The World Premiere of
Landladies
By Sharyn Rothstein
Directed by Jess McLeod
March 14 – April 20, 2019
Featuring Shanesia Davis (Marti), Leah Karpel (Christine) and Julian Parker (Poet).
Self-made landlord Marti and her new tenant Christine strike up a complicated relationship in this compelling world premiere. Despite a tentative friendship, neither can afford the luxury of forgetting her own best interests. Faced with impossible dilemmas of fairness versus kindness, honesty or eviction, these two women reveal the vulnerability as well as the ingenuity of people who know the value of having a home, and the threat of losing one.
Into the Breeches!
By George Brant
Directed by Jessica Thebus
May 9 – June 16, 2019
Featuring Mitchell Fain (Stuart Lasker), Molly Hernandez (June Bennett), Annie Munch (Grace Richards), Hollis Resnik (Celeste Fielding), Penny Slusher (Winifred Snow), Penelope Walker (Ida Green), and Fred Zimmerman (Ellsworth Snow). The role of Maggie Dalton will be announced at a later date.
It’s 1942 and with the men off at war, the Oberon Play House is lacking its director and leading men. The season will be canceled… until the director’s wife rallies the troops at home for an all-female production. With the opportunity to move from the sidelines to centerstage, the women forge ahead with a spirit of collaboration, dauntless enthusiasm, and a belief in the power of art to move us forward. This surprisingly modern comedy proves that the show not only must, but will go on.
Subscriptions to the 2018-19 Northlight Season are now available through the box office, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, by phone at 847.673.6300 or online at northlight.org/subscribe. With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland.
Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Bulley & Andrews; Henrietta Lange Burk Fund; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; ComEd, An Exelon Company; The Davee Foundation; Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award; Evanston Community Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Melvoin Award for Playwriting; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; The Northern Trust Charitable Trust; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.
