Greenhouse Theater Center Announces 2017-18 Season

The Greenhouse Theater Center is pleased to announce its 2017-18 Season, kicking off this summer with Artistic Director Jacob Harvey and Elizabeth Margolius’ bold reimagining of Sophie Treadwell's most celebrated play MACHINAL, inspired by the first woman to be executed by the electric chair. MACHINAL will be presented through an educational partnership with North Central College, allowing students to shadow professional actors as the production’s understudy cast. Students will be immersed in every facet of the production, in a program that serves as an extension of classroom work and a springboard into the Chicago theatre community.

Next winter, best-selling author Laurence Leamer's critically acclaimed drama ROSE is back by popular demand! Following a sold-out run during last season's Solo Celebration! Series, celebrated Chicago actress Linda Reiter reprises her role as matriarch Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in this intimate piece directed by Steve Scott. “Following the success of last year’s series, the Greenhouse is continuing its commitment to solo performance in both its production and education efforts,” comments Artistic Director Jacob Harvey. “We will offer a series of workshops and events throughout the run of Rose, as well as partner with solo artists whose work explores social justice themes to co-produce their work on our stages as supplements to our season.”

The Greenhouse's 2017-18 Season concludes next spring with the Chicago premiere of Marc Acito’s BIRDS OF A FEATHER, directed by Artistic Director Jacob Harvey. Based on one of America’s most banned books, Acito’s hit comedy brings to life the story of the Central Park Zoo’s gay penguins to tell a truly hilarious human story.

Season subscriptions packages are currently on-sale at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the Greenhouse box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Three-play assigned seating package: $93. Two-play flex pass: $63. Subscribers enjoy discounted tickets, unlimited ticket exchanges, first choice for seats and additional exclusive benefits. Single tickets will go on sale at a later date.

“As one of Chicago’s newest Equity companies, the Greenhouse is thrilled to bring audiences a consciously curated season of true stories. In times of great change, elevating the individual’s journey allows us a deeper understanding of the collective,” comments Artistic Director Jacob Harvey. “This concept also defines our new education and revitalized Trellis Residency Initiative. We are excited to begin growing tomorrow's artists and audiences today.”

The Greenhouse Theater Center’s 2017-18 Season:

August 11 – September 24, 2017

MACHINAL

By Sophie Treadwell

Directed by Jacob Harvey

Movement by Elizabeth Margolius

Presented in association with North Central College

How do you escape the machine? One young woman must break out in this exhilarating reimagining of MACHINAL, the American classic inspired by the first woman to face the electric chair. Trapped in an unhappy marriage, Helen finds a thrill in the arms of a flyby lover. But when reality returns, how far will her fight for freedom take her? And who will pay the ultimate price?

January 12 – March 11, 2018

ROSE

By Laurence Leamer

Directed by Steve Scott

Starring Linda Reiter

An intimate portrait of Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Camelot’s “queen mother,” as she retraces the rise and fall of her great family. A break-out hit during the 2016 Solo Celebration! Series follwing its successful Off-Broadway run, ROSE is based on never-before-heard interviews compiled by distinguished Kennedy biographer Laurence Leamer.

April 27 – June 10, 2018

BIRDS OF A FEATHER – Chicago Premiere!

By Marc Acito

Directed by Jacob Harvey

It takes two to Tango. Roy and Silo are your typical gay American dads with one noticeable exception: they’re penguins! No strangers to the spotlight, these two Central Park Zoo chinstrap penguins have partnered and adopted an egg, but will they be able to raise little Tango together? BIRDS OF A FEATHER is a heartwarming and surprising tale, based on the true story that became one of the most banned books in the U.S.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chicago actress Linda Reiter will reprise her role in the hit production of ROSE by Laurence Leamer, directed by Steve Scott, during the Greenhouse Theater Center’s 2017-18 Season. Photo by Johnny Knight.