Work Song
Three Views of Frank Lloyd Wright
by Jeffrey Hatcher and Eric Simonson
EXTENDED THROUGH JANUARY 9, 2005
The world of vanguard architect Frank Lloyd Wright is brought to life in
City Theatre’s innovative production of this epic play.
City Theatre presents Work Song from November 18 to January 9, 2005 on it 272-seat mainstage. Work Song is written by Jeffrey Hatcher (author of the new movie Stage Beauty, which began at City Theatre as the play Compleat Female Stage Beauty) and Eric Simonson (who directed City Theatre’s production last season of String of Pearls). Simonson also directs Work Song, which stars New York-based actor Sam Tsoutsouvas, who will take complex architect Frank Lloyd Wright from age 20 to 90 during the course of this epic play.
Work Song was commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the world premiere was presented at Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 2000. Hatcher and Simonson last year reshaped their script in a workshop during City Theatre’s MOMENTUM: new plays at different stages.
Work Song features Morgan Hallett, Jeffrey Howell, Wali Jamal, Daniel Krell, John Shepard, Mark D. Staley, and Robin Walsh. This ensemble will portray more than a dozen people who were important in Wright’s dramatic life, such as architect Louis Sullivan, friends Ayn Rand and Alexander Woolcott, son John Lloyd Wright, wives Catherine and Olgivanna, and paramour Mamah Cheney. Also appearing in the ensemble are: Tressa Glover, Shaun Cameron Hall, Nathan James, and Mark August Spitznagel.
While Wright’s relationships are fascinating, it is his architecture for which he is revered. The unique creativity and individualism of Wright’s style will be incorporated into the staging of Work Song by Simonson and his design team: Kent Dorsey, Scenic Design; Karen Kopischke, Costume Design; Andrew David Ostrowski, Lighting Design; Barry Funderberg, Sound Design; and John Boesche, Projection Design.
Wright designed innovative American homes to human proportion, but his own life was filled with large-scale triumph and tragedy. Work Song illuminates the man behind the vanguard architecture and his life-long pursuit of the meaning of “home.”
Work Song is sponsored by The Morby Family Charitable Foundation.
EXTRA: HOLIDAY SHOPPING AT CITY THEATRE
All the Wright Stuff will be available at City Theatre during the production of Work Song, a new play about
the life of Frank Lloyd Wright. City Theatre is partnering with Taliesin Preservation, Inc. to offer furnishings,
jewelry, table top and other fine gifts. All the items for sale are authorized reproductions and adaptations of
the famed architect’s designs. Sale proceeds benefit both City Theatre and Taliesin Preservation, Inc., the
Wisconsin group charged with restoring Wright’s landmark home, Taliesin.
Preview Week Performance Schedule:
Thurs. & Fri. Nov. 18 & 19 at 8 pm
Sat. Nov. 20 at 5:30 pm
Sun. Nov. 21 & Tues. Nov. 23 at 7 pm
Press/Opening Night is Weds., Nov. 24 at 8 pm.
Regular Run Schedule (Through December 19):
Tues. at 7 pm
Weds. thru Fri. at 8 pm
Sat. at 5:30 & 9 pm
Sun. at 2 pm
Extension Schedule
Tues. 12/21 – 7 pm; Wed. 12/22 – 8 pm; Tues. 12/28 – 7 pm; Wed. 12/29 – 8 pm; Thurs. 12/30 – 8 pm; Sunday 1/2 – 2 pm; Thurs. 1/6 – 8 pm; Fri. 1/7 – 8 pm; Sat. 1/8 – 5:30 pm; Sun. 1/9 – 2 pm.
Tickets:
$15 to $45
Students and age 25 and younger can reserve $15 tickets in advance.
Senior rush (age 60 and older) begins at the Box Office 2 hours before showtime.
