Red Velvet
December 1, 2017
January 21, 2018
CST's Courtyard Theater
by Lolita Chakrabarti
directed by Gary Griffin
Production Sponsor
A fascinating character study…Johnstone’s performance is both accomplished and moving.
Chicago Tribune
Dion Johnstone was magnificent …his passionate presence captured the very essence of Ira Aldridge
Chicago Now
The Play
This multi-award winning play transports audiences to the turbulent backstage world of London’s Theatre Royal in the mid-1800s. Edmund Kean, the greatest Shakespearean actor of his age, collapses on stage while performing the lead in Othello. He is replaced by a young, black actor, Ira Aldridge—a first for the role on London’s West End. As a bill in Parliament promoting the abolition of slavery sends shock waves through the streets, how will London react to his performance? Gary Griffin, director of last fall’s “must-see” King Charles III, stages this fascinating true story of a pivotal figure in theater history, featuring Stratford Festival favorite and celebrated actor Dion Johnstone as Ira Aldridge.
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Critical Acclaim
“Stunning…an amazing and powerful interpretation. This one is a MUST SEE, in particular for theater-lovers and of course, those who adore Shakespeare.”
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A Conversation with the Director
Gary Griffin discusses his connection to the script, and how staging a script based in history is different than a fictional story.
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A Conversation with the Playwright
Red Velvet playwright Lolita Chakrabarti visited Chicago Shakespeare as the cast completed its five-week rehearsal period prior to Opening Night.
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The Players
Creative Team
Lolita Chakrabarti Playwright
Gary Griffin Director
Scott Davis Scenic Designer
Mara Blumenfeld Costume Designer
Christine Binder Lighting Designer
Chris Kriz Sound Designer
Richard Jarvie Wig and Make-up Designer
Jenny Giering Original Music
David Woolley Fight Choreographer
Eva Breneman Dialect Coach
Tyrone Phillips Associate Director
Cast
Greg Matthew Anderson Pierre LaPorte
Chaon Cross Ellen Tree
Michael Hayden Charles Kean
Jürgen Hooper Casimir/Henry Forester
Tiffany Renee Johnson Connie
Dion Johnstone Ira Aldridge
Roderick Peeples Bernard Ward/Terence
Annie Purcell Margaret Aldridge/Halina
Bri Sudia Betty Lovell