Abigail’s Party

Chicago Premiere

Abigail is having a party and none of you are invited, but do not miss the cocktail party just down the block. Beverly and Lawrence are having the “grown-ups” over and this party promises hilarity and horror the likes of which you can not imagine. The petty competition is fierce as social relationships are laid bare exposing the obsessions, prejudices, dreams and aspirations of the guests. A sort-of comedy of manners developed through lengthy improvisations in which Mike Leigh and his actors explored characters and the realities of day-to-day life in all their beautiful, terrible glory.
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Description

Show Information

WRITTEN BY
Mike Leigh

DIRECTED BY
Ensemble Member Shade Murray

PERFORMANCE RUN
February 4 – March 21, 2010

SEASON
Season 17

A domestic cocktail party goes hilariously and horrifically awry, exposing the obsessions, prejudices, and petty competitiveness of the party-goers. A suburban comedy of manners and a satire on the aspirations and tastes of the new middle class that emerged in Britain in the 1970s. The play, developed in lengthy improvisations during which Mike Leigh explored the characters with the actors, provides a tremendous opportunity for the entire creative team to really sink their teeth in. Five Orchids on stage at once!

CAST
Beverly | Ensemble Member Kirsten Fitzgerald
Angela | Ensemble Member Mierka Girten
Lawrence | Ensemble Member Lawrence Grimm
Tony | Ensemble Member Danny McCarthy
Sue | Ensemble Member Natalie West

CREATIVE TEAM
Scenic Design | Daniel Stratton
Costume Design | Melissa Torchia
Lighting Design | Samantha Szigeti
Sound Design | Joe Court
Properties Design/ Production Manager | Alice Magelssen
Dialect Coach | Eva Breneman
Stage Manager | S. G. Heller
Assistant Director | Benno Nelson