A Chicago Shakespeare Theater World's Stage presentation
The National Theatre of Scotland's
Long Gone Lonesome
Performances February 2–4, 2012
at The Hideout
Chicago—January 25, 2012—Chicago Shakespeare Theater's (CST) World's Stagepresentation of the National Theatre of Scotland's Long Gone Lonesome is in performance February 2–4, 2012, at local music venue The Hideout in the industrial corridor along the North Branch of the Chicago River. The production marks the return of the National Theatre of Scotland to Chicago following their acclaimed production of Black Watch, presented by CST at the Chicago Park District's Broadway Armory in 2011. Directed by National Theatre of Scotland Artistic Director Vicky Featherstone and written by Duncan McLean, Long Gone Lonesome is a musical celebration of the life of Thomas Fraser, a fisherman from the remote island of Burra, Shetland, who was one of Scotland's least known but most fascinating musical heroes. Obsessed with country and the blues, Thomas mastered the styles of his idols—like Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Williams and Big Bill Broonzy—and made their songs his own, creating thousands of recordings in his home that he only shared with family and friends. Twenty-five years after his death, his fragile tape recordings were reissued on several CDs and his fame has spread to Nashville.
Long Gone Lonesome features the Lone Star Swing Band, with McLean on guitar and vocals, Dick Levens on lap steel guitar and mandolin, Iain Tait on electric bass andLynda Anderson on fiddle. The artists invite audience members to celebrate Fraser's life through music and a joyous post-performance dance party—not dissimilar to the unique concerts for which The Hideout is known.
Tickets for Chicago Shakespeare's presentation of Long Gone Lonesome at The Hideout, 1354 West Wabansia, are on sale now for $25–$35. Performances are February 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., and February 4 at 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Convenient public parking is available surrounding the The Hideout. 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.
Chicago Shakespeare's presentation of Long Gone Lonesome at The Hideout, a historic neighborhood bar and eclectic music venue, is emblematic of the wide scope of work presented through the Theater's World's Stage Series—which brings the world's most exciting theatrical events to Chicago audiences in addition to presenting Chicago Shakespeare's work abroad. Since the inception of the Series in 2000, CST has imported international productions ranging from pedestrian-based live art events (Australia's one step at a time like this) to grand aerial and water spectacles (France's Compagnie Transe Express and Ilotopie), and hosted iconic theaters such as Shakespeare's Globe Theatre (London), The Abbey Theatre (Dublin), the Chekhov International Theatre Festival (Moscow) and La Comédie-Française (Paris).
Supported by the Scottish Government, the National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 117 productions in 114 different locations since its launch in February 2006—many of which have played to great acclaim, including Black Watch, recipient of four Laurence Olivier Awards, and Beautiful Burnout, which received a Fringe First Award at the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe and transferred to St. Ann's Warehouse in New York.
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary this season, Chicago Shakespeare Theater 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.
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