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August 6, 2016 by

Design for Living

Writen by Noel Coward
Directed by Alison C. Vesely

Starring

Kevin McKillip & Melanie Keller
Guest Starring David Kovac

Performed January 28, 2009 ~ March 1, 2009

“Noel Coward is the master of impudence and tart whimsy, of plain words that leap out of the dialogue like shafts of laughter.” – The New York Times

The Story

Two men with a passion for the same woman equals fireworks, love, laughter, and society bedlam in Noel Coward’s classic comedy.

The Cast

  • Kevin McKillip*+ as Leo
  • Melanie Keller*+ as Gilda
  • David Kovac as Otto
  • Rene Ruelas as Ernest
  • Jeannie Affelder as Miss Hodge/Grace Torrence
  • Sarah Loveland as Helen Carver
  • Tyler Rich as Mr. Birbeck/Matthew
  • Conor Woods as Henry Carver

The Artists

  • Stage Manager – David M. Rice*
  • Asst. Stage Manager – Carol Alleman
  • Set Design – Chris Jensen+
  • Lighting – Casey Diers
  • Costumes – Elsa Hiltner+

* indicates member of Actors Equity Association + indicates First Folio Artistic Associate

watch full screen

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The Photos

Click on the thumbnails below to view full images from Design for Living.

Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Kevin McKillip (Leo), Melanie Keller (Gilda) and David Kovac (Otto)
Melanie Keller (Gilda)

Find Other People

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Announcing the Retirement of Founding Executive Director David Rice & Ceasing Operations in 2023

Over two-and-a-half decades we have mounted over 80 productions, produced 14 world premieres, and 6 commissions. We have had more shows directed by women in the past 25 years than almost any other Equity theater in the Chicago area. We also led the way in opportunities for women designers, resulting in multiple Jeff Nominations and Awards for the many women who have worked here. Thank you all for your steadfast support through all these years. We will miss you!

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What the Critics Say…

"A perfect storm of theatre!”

"…as rich an emotional payoff as I’ve seen on stage this year.”

“As delightful a respite as one could hope for in the gloom days of winter!”

"...stays with you long after you leave the theatre ”

"Clever, intelligent, charming and entertaining!"

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The 2021-22 Season is sponsored by Susan & Alan Becker and Daniel Nowaczynski & Nancy Ziegler.

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