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January 29, 2014 by

Rough Crossing ‡

by Tom Stoppard, with music by Christopher Kriz, lyrics by Tom Stoppard
(Based on “Play at the Castle” by Ferenc Molnár)
Directed by Alison C. Vesely
Featuring Christian Gray, Kevin McKillip, Gail Rastorfer, David Rice, René Ruelas, and Alex Weisman

Previews Jan. 29, 30, 31
Feb. 1 ~ March 2

Humor on the High Seas!

If you liked Bertie and Jeeves, you’ll love Rough Crossing!

“inspired lunacy handled with master clownery…laugh-out-loud hysterical!” – Highly Recommended – Chicago Sun-Times

“Alison C. Vesely’s sharply timed staging boasts a first-rate cast of clowns…a welcome comedic voyage.” ★★★½ – Chicago Tribune

“Deliciously madcap…this funny, fast, physical production comes with some terrific special effects!” ★★★½ – Daily Herald

The Story

Aboard the S.S. Italian Castle on its way to New York, two playwrights struggle to finish their latest musical hit as they maneuver around a jealous composer, the screen star he loves, and her lothario leading man. Aided by the most inept steward ever to tread the deck of a cruise ship, the trio must save both their show and their stars from disaster.

Gail Rastorfer and Christian Gray (as film stars Natasha Navratilova and Ivor Fish)
Gail Rastorfer. Christian Gray, and Alex Weisman (as film stars Natasha Navratilova and Ivor Fish and composer Adam Adám)
David Rice, René Ruelas, and Kevin McKillip (as playwrights Sandor Turai and Alex Gal and steward Dvnornicek)

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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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