The James Downing Theatre: 2010 Catch Me if You Can

2012 You're A Good Man Charlie Brown

In this heart-warming musical based on Charles M. Schultz’s “Peanuts” comic strip, you will see Charlie Brown come to life with pals Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Sally, and Snoopy as they face the challenges of life, kites, and ball games. This is just an average day in the life of Charlie Brown as he tries to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired girl. Will they finally come to terms with what Happiness is?

2010 The Fantasticks

The musical, with book and lyrics by Tom Jones and music by Harvey Schmidt, broke all records with a run of more than 41 years off-Broadway, between 1960 and 2002, and was revived almost immediately for Broadway. A timeless tale of young love, feuding families and the challenges of growing gardens and growing up, the show features a memorable score, from “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” to “Try to Remember.”

2009 Bang Bang You're Dead

The tool of drama has the power to lance, heal, and cleanse the soul. BANG BANG YOU’RE DEAD might not be the answer to gun violence by teenagers in our schools. But this play may lead to a discussion, an insight, a revelation that may lead to an answer. There is a hope that our awakened senses or heightened consciousness might see the tragedy before it happens. It is a slim hope, but it is all we have at this time.

2009 Arsenic and Old Lace- Photo Album

The enduring comedy classic, ARSENIC & OLD LACE is farcical genius. Poor Mortimer Brewster, a theatre-hating drama critic who must deal with his crazy, homicidal family and local police in Brooklyn, New York, while he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. Meanwhile his sweet spinster aunts have taken to murdering lonely old men by poisoning them with a glass of home-made elderberry wine laced with arsenic, strychnine, and "just a pinch" of cyanide. Add a sweet brother who believes he is Teddy Roosevelt and another brother who’s not so nice and is running from the law with his alcoholic accomplice, Dr. Einstein, and you’ve got one unforgettable show!

2008 Forever Plaid- Photo Album

FOREVER PLAID centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash in the 1950s on the way to their first big concert, and now miraculously revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. Singing in the closest of harmony, squabbling boyishly over the smallest intonations and executing their charmingly outlandish choreography with over-zealous precision, the “Plaids” are a guaranteed smash, with a program of beloved songs and delightful patter that keeps audiences rolling in the aisles when they're not humming along to some of the great nostalgic pop hits of the '50s, including Catch a Falling Star, Day-O, Sixteen Tons & Love is a Many Splendored Thing.

04/15/2010

The James Downing Theatre Presents: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 13, 2010

Press Contact: Anne Lunde @ jamesdowningtheatre@gmail.com / (773) 631-1104

A dramatic comedy thriller, “Catch Me If You Can,” will be the concluding entry in the 2009-2010 season of The James Downing Theatre on Chicago’s Northwest Side.

Performances will run the first four weekends of May, starting Saturday, May 1, and running through Sunday, May 23, at 6740 N. Oliphant Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631. Performance times will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 1:30 p.m. for Sunday matinees. The house opens one half hour before showtime.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for senior citizens and students. A Group Rate of $13 per ticket is available for reserved groups of 10 or more. Seating is limited, so reservations are strongly suggested. Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/108396, or reserved by phoning (224) 72-JDOWN or e-mailing jamesdowningtheatre@gmail.com. In your voice mail or e-mail message, please provide: your first and last name; the day and date of the performance you'd like to attend; the number of tickets you’d like reserved (specify how many adult and how many senior or student tickets); your complete phone number and/or your e-mail address. Only cash or checks are accepted at the Box Office.

“Catch Me If You Can” is a fast-paced tale of a young husband whose honeymoon takes a confusing turn when his wife disappears. As he reports her missing, a mysterious woman turns up, claiming to be his bride. The play, written by Robert Thomas, is presented in a translation from a French version by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert.

The production, directed by Mark Brewer, features cast members Brendan Siegfried, Krista Damico, Larry Filas, Valerie Heckman, Floyd A. May, Steve Mongulla and Lee Wichman. The production team also includes producer Joshua Dlouhy, lighting designer Steve Kedzierski, costume designer Valerie Heckman and stage manager Melissa Fox.

Subscription tickets for the 2010-2011 season, which will begin in September, will be available starting in May during the run of “Catch Me If You Can.” Advance subscribers can receive significant savings over purchasing single tickets.

The James Downing Theatre performances are held in the John Waldron Art Center in the Edison Park United Methodist Church.

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02/26/2010

Auditions for CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

The James Downing Theatre announces Auditions for their upcoming production of the comic thriller, "Catch Me if You Can," which runs Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, May 1st-23rd, 2010.

Auditions will be held on Tuesday, March 9th, and Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 from 7pm to 10pm at The John Waldron Arts Center housed at Edison Park United Methodist Church, 6740 North Oliphant Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631.

There are five primary roles:
    1 woman, 20s to mid-30s
    2 men, late 20s to 40
    1 man, 40+
    1 Man, 50+

Two smaller roles:
1 woman, 20-30s
1 man 40+

Cold readings from script. Actors will be paid a stipend.

Please note, “Catch Me if You Can” is the 1965 Broadway play and has nothing in common with the 2002 Leonardo DiCaprio film of the same name. Email jamesdowningtheatre@gmail.com or call 224-725-3696 for an audition spot and info.

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April 2013

The James Downing Theatre