ANNOUNCING OUR 2008-2009 26TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON!

Written by Henrik Ibsen, Adapted by Jon Robin Baitz
Directed by Michael Menendian

How far would you go to ESCAPE?

A contemporary woman trapped in conventional times relieves her intense boredom by constructing a dangerous game of wreaking disaster on the lives of others. As Hedda resists the predictable world she has chosen, she unleashes a sequence of unfortunate events that brings her story to a shocking conclusion.

Michael Menendian's electrifying interpretation brings Hedda Gabler from the script to the stage with roaring tenacity and proves that the life of Hedda Gabler is still relevant to audiences today.

Now extended through July 25, 2009:
Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.

Buy Tickets Now!

“Highly Recommended!” - Chicago Sun-Times

“Many famous actresses have played the wonderfully juicy, neuroses-driven title role in Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" -- from the legendary Eleanora Duse and Ingrid Bergman to Diana Rigg, Isabelle Huppert, Maggie Smith, Annette Bening and Cate Blanchett. But I would wager that Mackenzie Kyle, who is now starring in director Michael Menendian's Raven Theatre production of this terrifically twisted play, could hold her own against any of them.” - Chicago Sun-Times

“[I]n Raven Theatre's superb revival, she is not just difficult -- she's funny. Destructive, yes. But funny? I mean, who knew Henrik Ibsen's "Hedda Gabler" contained wells of sardonic humor?... This is a very impressive effort from Raven.” - Chicago Tribune

“[T]errific new production… Raven’s perfectly calibrated production, using Jon Robin Baitz’s muscular adaptation, is also an impressive feat of emotional engineering. Menendian’s directorial eye may be conventional, but it’s anything but staid, and the performances he elicits from his spot-on cast puts many more conceptually adventurous productions to shame.” - Chicago Reader

Opening night post-show reception sponsored by:

 

PAST 2008-2009 SEASON PRODUCTIONS!

A world premiere by Tom Patrick
directed by Greg Kolack

Somewhere in the Mid-east, in the near future, an entrepreneurial American corporation is ready to tackle the next big market. Basic supplies are hard to come by and dangerous fighting continues throughout the area, but Starbucks and McDonald’s are popping up everywhere, and the Operation American Sole sandal company isn’t about to miss out. A darkly humorous tale of Amercian hubris, Misamerica takes an unapologetic look at our country’s policies and priorities.

Opening night sponsored by:

 

by Stephen Adly Guirgis
directed by Michael Menendian

Stephen Adley Guirgis' Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train, is a powerful modern tale of crime, punishment and redemption, all centered around New York's infamous Riker's Island Prison Colony. Laced with gritty urban humor it unfolds like “Law and Order” – uncensored. Angel Cruz, a young bicycle messenger, sits in jail awaiting trial for attempted murder. His fate is placed in the hands of an overly aggressive public defender who worries about Angel's growing friendship with a serial killer with whom who he shares the exercise yard for an hour each day, and what impact this relationship may have on Angel's trial.

Jeff-Recommended production that the Daily Herald called a “bracing, fiercely acted production!”

3 ½ STARS “Its tough tale is underscored by a chilling inevitability subtly expressed by Michael Menendian, director of Raven Theatre's bracing, fiercely acted production." -The Daily Herald

4 STARS “[The] central performances of Cruz and Stevens… wring complex combinations of humor and pathos from impossible situations. There are no easy answers here, but the questions are well considered." - Time Out Chicago

“…the actors are brilliant. They, each and every one, offer nuanced performances that are believable, uncomfortable and engaging.” - EDGE

“the relationship between Angel and his fellow inmate, serial killer Lucius bursts with pent-up rage, confusion, and dollops of genuine wit”- The Chicago Reader

“…sheer entertainment with superb performances.” - Stead Style

Opening night sponsored by:

Click Here to Buy Tickets to any Raven Theatre Production! No Service Fees!

Read more in our SEASON BROCHURE.

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Stuffed
Presented by Esteban Cruz

Monday, June 1st- One Night Only!
7:00pm
Reception will follow in the Raven Theatre lobby.
For information on this production
Please call (312) 671-1515

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THE WORKSHOP SERIES MISSION

Raven Theatre's Workshop Series is a semi-annual event which provides Raven the chance to see the work of promising Chicago-area playwrights and directors through a fully-realized, 3-day workshop of their project. Raven provides both rehearsal space and performance space, as well as cast and crew. The performances take place on Raven's 70-seat West Stage, on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night at 8:00pm. The Workshop Series is a pay-what-you can event.

Since the Workshop Series depends on the discovery of new scripts which fit both Raven's mission and space, the Series dates and times are to be determined. Submit your project today, following the guidelines below!

Raven Theater is now accepting submissions of full-length plays from Chicago-area playwrights for their 2007-2008 Raven Theatre Workshop Series. Please submit the following by mail only (digital scripts will not be reviewed):

Query letter
1 page script synopsis
10-page sample of the play
SASE for response letter

We will respond to your synopsis and sample pages within 6 months. Please note, we are unable to supply critical feedback of submitted plays.

Please send materials to:

Jennifer Dobby
Raven Theatre Literary Office
6157 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60660