Circle Theatre is proud to enter its twenty-fifth year of providing world class theatrical productions to audiences from Chicago and the suburbs. The company, considering relocation options for the future, will remain at its current location, 7300 W. Madison St., through the end of 2010.
Mission Statement Circle Theatre is an artist-based company whose mission is to produce exciting and innovative theatre accessible to a diverse suburban and city audience. Through variety-filled seasons, which include drama, comedy, musicals, and new works, Circle Theatre challenges, entertains, and educates audiences and artists of all ages.
Little Women
Adapted by Bob Knuth & Rani Blair-O’Brien from Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women.
World Premiere Adaptation!
Directed by Bob Knuth
Previews November 6, 7 & 10
November 11, 2009 through January 24, 2010
(No performances 12/25/09 – 01/03/10)
The Analytical Engine
written by Jon Steinhagen
World Premiere!
Directed by Bob Knuth
Previews February 5, 6 & 9
February 10 through March 28, 2010
The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
Book by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson. Music and Lyrics by Carol Hall
Directed & Choreographed by Kevin Bellie
Previews April 2, 3 & 6
April 7 through June 20, 2010
The Philadelphia Story
written by Philip Barry
directed by Jim Schneider
Previews July 9, 10 & 13
July 14th through September 5th, 2010
The Wedding Singer
Music by Matthew Sklar, book by Chad Bequelin and Tim Herlihy, lyrics by Chad Bequelin
Based on the New Line Cinema film by Tim Herlihy
Directed & choreographed by Kevin Bellie
Previews September 17, 18 & 21
September 22 through October 31, 2010
Holiday Show (TBA)
Previews November 12, 13 & 16
November 17 through December 19, 2010
(No show on Thanksgiving November 25)
With their father fighting in the Civil War, The March daughters grow up under the care of their mother in somewhat trying circumstances. Through trials and tribulations the sisters learn time and again that the love within their family is superior to material wealth. They persevere through squabbles and tragedies, but their bond only strengthens as marriages and new families emerge. This heart-warming tale of the endurance of family is perfect for the holidays and beyond.
Bob Knuth, Circle Theatre’s Producing Director, has directed/scenic designed Enchanted April,Jane Eyre, She Loves Me, The Secret Garden (nominated for ten Jeff Citations) and Meet Me InSt. Louis, among others too numerous to list. His design credits include About Face, Red Hen Productions, Emerald City, Noble Fool Theatricals and the Chicago Children’s Theatre. He has been nominated for eleven Joseph Jefferson Awards (winning for scenic design twice) and is currently the art director for Second City.
In 1850 Connecticut, Hippolyta Powell has actually built the world’s first computer, an analytical engine. Rather than use the machine to solve complex mathematical equations, she has used it to find her “perfect match,” much to the consternation of her family, the chosen suitor, Lord Byron’s daughter, and the man who truly loves her. Multiple Jeff Award winner Jon Steinhagen penned this period-perfect World Premiere with a wink to Match.com and eHarmony.
Bob Knuth, Circle Theatre’s Producing Director, has directed/scenic designed Enchanted April,Jane Eyre, She Loves Me, The Secret Garden (nominated for ten Jeff Citations) and Meet Me InSt. Louis, among others too numerous to list. His design credits include About Face, Red Hen Productions, Emerald City, Noble Fool Theatricals and the Chicago Children’s Theatre. He has been nominated for eleven Joseph Jefferson Awards (winning for scenic design twice) and is currently the art director for Second City.
Yee haw! Circle presents this Broadway blockbuster of small town vice and political side stepping recounting the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better “pleasure palaces” in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequented Miss Mona’s bordello until puritanical hypocrites focus righteousness on the landmark. Religious zealots dictating decency and morality—sound familiar? Stomp your feet and holler out loud, this down home charmer will thrill audiences.
Kevin Bellie, Circle Theatre Artistic Director, has helmed productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Can-Can, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sweet Smell of Success and more on Circle’s mainstage. In addition, his choreography has been seen in Meet Me in St. Louis, Tommy, The Secret Garden and more. He has choreographed for Light Opera Works, Porchlight Music Theatre, Nobel Fool Theatricals and many others. He is a multiple Jeff Award and After Dark Award winner.
Divorcee Tracy Lord is engaged to a successful young snob. Her brother invites a gossip columnist to invade her home to divert attention from their father’s romance with a Broadway dancer. At a pre-wedding party, worlds collide as Tracy, her ex-husband, the reporter, the new fiancé and the eccentric family all land in the same spot at once. Twists and turns are never far off as this group of rich, spoiled brats careens from one scheme to the next. In today’s age of TMZ and Perez Hilton, this fame-obsessed comedy seems more relevant than ever.
Jim Schneider’s most recent production for Circle Theatre, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, received rave reviews and large crowds. His earlier effort, An Ideal Husband, was one of the best-selling productions in Circle history, as well as a Jeff Award winner. In addition, his direction of Noel Coward’s Design for Living not only received multiple Jeff nominations but was selected by Sun-Times’ theatre critic Hedy Weiss as one of the best 10 productions in Chicago for 2005.
It’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Can love find Robbie’s “heart?” Grab your parachute pants, lace gloves and acid washed jeans. Just say Yes! Fans of the hit film and musical theatre lovers alike will enjoy this charming look at the era of big hair and bigger laughs.
Kevin Bellie, Circle Theatre Artistic Director, has helmed productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Can-Can, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sweet Smell of Success and more on Circle’s mainstage. In addition, his choreography has been seen in Meet Me in St. Louis, Tommy, The Secret Garden and more. He has choreographed for Light Opera Works, Porchlight Music Theatre, Nobel Fool Theatricals and many others. He is a multiple Jeff Award and After Dark Award winner.
In the tradition of favorites like The Secret Garden, Meet Me in St. Louis and She Loves Me, Circle will present a treat for all ages sprinkled with just a touch of holiday spirit. Currently in negotiations for several options, Circle will celebrate this wonderful time of year in grand style for the entire family.
