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‘See What I Wanna See’ coming to ITC


Illinois Theater Center

The Illinois Theater Center presents SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)

Park Forest, IL–(ENEWSPF)– The Illinois Theatre Center of Park Forest will end its 32nd Season with the Chicago area premiere of the new musical SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, written and composed by Michael John LaChiusa. The show, which premiered at New York’s Public Theatre in 2005, was praised by the Associated Press as “A highly original, innovative journey”, and the New York Times praised LaChiusa’s “Songs that strike at the heart.” The ITC production runs for three weeks, opening Friday, April 25th.

Based on stories by Ryonosuke Akutagawa, this unique theatre piece takes us from ancient Japan to modern day New York City with three tales that are sensual, suspenseful, and inspiring. “Kesa & Morito” is the tale of two lovers who secretly plan to kill each other. R_shomon” takes the story that inspired the classic Japanese film “Rashomon” and transforms it to a gritty, jazzy tale of 1950’s New York. Finally, “Glory Day” takes us to 21st Century New York, where a priest who has lost his faith following the tragedy of 9/11 posts a bogus message announcing the Second Coming.

Michael John LaChiusa has been acclaimed as one of the most versatile of the new generation of theatre composers. His other musicals include FIRST LADY SUITE (1993), HELLO AGAIN (1994 – Drama Desk nominee), MARIE CHRISTINE (1999 – Tony nominee), THE WILD PARTY (2000 – Tony nominee), LITTLE FISH (2003), and BERNARDA ALBA (2006). In 2009, the Signature Theatre Company of Arlington, Virginia will premiere GIANT, a musical adaptation of Edna Ferber’s novel. LaChiusa is a professor at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at New York University.

In SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE, LaChiusa takes the opportunity to explore a variety of musical styles. The music for “Kesa and Morito” features the sound of traditional Japanese woodwinds and percussion. “R_shomon” combines the styles of a “film noir” score and bebop jazz. “Glory Day” brings together Latin, Caribbean, and American pop music to invoke the contemporary urban landscape.

The production is directed by David Perkovich, who has acted in and directed numerous productions at ITC, Theatre at the Center (Munster, Indiana) Drury Lane Oakbrook, and numerous other theatres. He has assembled a talented cast of ITC veterans and newcomers. Marilynn Bogetich, a Jeff Award winner, has appeared in numerous productions at the Goodman, Court, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Steppenwolf, and ITC, among others. Alan Ball has made numerous ITC appearances, as well as productions at Theatre at the Center, Marriott Lincolnshire, the Royal George, and many others.

Jeff Max is making his ITC debut. His credits include shows at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theatre at the Center, Apple Tree, Pegasus, and others. He played The Pharaoh in the Donny Osmond tour of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. Lauren Creel has numerous stage credits, including Chicago Shakespeare, Light Opera Works, Theatre at the Center, Metropolis Theatre, and others. Matthew Sean Callahan recently played the male lead in the national tour of “Wonderful Town”. His other credits include Chicago Shakespeare, Light Opera Works, Noble Fool, The Theatre Building, and Timberlake Playhouse.

SEE WHAT I WANNA SEE runs Friday, April 25 through Sunday, May 11. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8 PM, and Sundays at 2:30 & 7:30 PM. Tickets are priced at $21 on Fri. & Sat., $19 all other times. There is a $1 discount for seniors & students. The Illinois Theatre Center is located at 371 Artists Walk in Downtown Park Forest (off Indianwood Blvd., adjacent to Village Hall). For tickets, call (708) 481-3510.

Source: ITC Press Release


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