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Chicago Shakespeare Theater continues
25th Anniversary Season with acclaimed
contemporary drama set in Shakespeare's time

Elizabeth Rex

Directed by Barbara Gaines

Featuring Diane D'Aquila, Steven Sutcliffe and Kevin Gudahl

Now playing through January 22, 2012

Chicago—November 29, 2011—Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) continues its 25th Anniversary Season with a production of Elizabeth Rex, directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and playing now through January 22, 2012. Set in Shakespeare’s time,Timothy Findley’s Elizabeth Rex is a fictional drama based on an obscure historical fact: on the eve of the beheading of her court favorite and rumored lover, the Earl of Essex, Queen Elizabeth was entertained with a royal command performance by William Shakespeare and his company. Findley’s daring and original play imagines the troubled Queen’s impassioned confrontation with an ailing actor—who dares to reveal the woman buried beneath the role of the "Virgin Queen."

Stratford Shakespeare Festival veteran actor Diane D’Aquila is featured as Queen Elizabeth, the role she originated in the award-winning play’s first production. Performing the role of the Queen’s sparring partner Ned is Steven Sutcliffe, a frequent actor at Canada’s Shaw Festival who received a Theatre World Award for his Broadway debut inRagtime. Longtime CST collaborator Kevin Gudahl marks his 29th role at the Theater performing the role of William Shakespeare. Additional actors returning to Chicago Shakespeare for Elizabeth Rex are Bradley Armacost as Percy, Torrey Hanson as Lord Cecil, Eric Parks as Matt, Roderick Peeples as Luddy, Andrew Rothenberg as Jack andMary Ann Thebus as Tardy. Making their CST debuts are Brenda Barrie as Lady Mary andMatt Farabee as Harry.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Elizabeth Rex is now playing through January 22, 2012, in CST’s Courtyard Theater. Tickets are on sale now for $44—$75 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com/rex.

Gaines' creative team for Elizabeth Rex includes Scenic Designer Daniel Ostling, Costume Designer Mariann S. Verheyen, Lighting Designer Philip S. Rosenberg, Sound Designer Lindsay Jones, Wig and Makeup Designer Melissa Veal, Original Music byJenny Giering, Dialect Coach Eva Breneman, Choreographer Tammy Mader, Fight Director John McFarland, Bear Movement Coach Janet Louer and Properties MasterChelsea Meyers.

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare’s work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 55 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. At its permanent, state-of-the-art facility on Navy Pier, CST houses two intimate theater spaces: the 500-seat Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the 200-seat Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

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Hannah Kennedy
Director of Communications
hkennedy@chicagoshakes.com

Emma Perrin
Public Relations & Digital Media Manager
eperrin@chicagoshakes.com
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
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312.667.4957

Cathy Taylor
cathy@cathytaylorpr.com
Cathy Taylor Public Relations
773.564.9564

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
on Navy Pier
800 East Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

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