Topdog/Underdog: Pulitzer-Prize Winning Comic Drama of Two Brothers
American Theater Company (1909 W. Byron Chicago, IL 60613)
- Full Price:
- $35.00 - $40.00
- Our Price:
- $17.50 - $20.00*
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Topdog/Underdog have expired.
The last date listed for Topdog/Underdog was Sunday March 8, 2009 / 8:00pm.
Currently at American Theater Company:
Disgraced: World-Premiere Play From Ayad Akhtar (The War Within)
- Full Price:
- $35.00
- Our Price:
- SOLD OUT
American Theater Company presents the world-premiere of Disgraced, a drama penned by actor-playwright Ayad Akhtar (who co-wrote and starred in the award-winning 2005 film The War Within). This play, directed by Kimberly Senior and featuring ATC Ensemble member Usman Ally, centers around a Pakistani-American lawyer who's struggling to climb the slippery corporate ladder -- and to define his identity -- in the face of personal and professional betrayal. ATC teamed with the Broadway producers of Urinetown and last season's A View From the Bridge to present this penetrating examination of a modern Muslim-American experience. Learn More
Goldstar Member Reviews
Anemone
You should check out this show!Written on Feb 28 2009
I'm a big fan of Suzan-Lori Parks, so I was disappointed that more people weren't at this performance. However, it was a Sunday night and the Academy Awards were on.
I saw the black cast, and they were good but maybe overperforming for the small size of the theater. There are heated moments between the characters which warrant vocal projection, but sometimes I felt the dialogue was too loud for the small space.
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Goldstar Member
I like this theatre and the acting was very good, but I thought the story was missing a little something. I'm not sure I would recommend this play.Written on Feb 16 2009
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Emily
I thought the production was mediocre. Aside from the phenomenal script, I felt bored from the start by the actors performances. There were a few shining moments, but I wouldn't want to watch it again. It moved slowly and lacked a strong build. Also the seating was wacky - I often like seeing shows in the round but I hated it for this show because I never got to connect fully with the performances - half the time they were playing to the other side of the stage and I kept disengaging. The production was definitely missing something special.Written on Feb 16 2009
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DanielC
The theater seems a little sketchy, and the seating arrangement is interesting, but the play itself was terrific. Simple yet effective stage, lighting, and sound design, and the actors (I saw the black cast) were phenomenal.Written on Feb 16 2009
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More Information About Topdog/Underdog
Website
http://www.atcweb.org/work/season24/rep/rep.php
Description
ATC breaks ground with an unprecedented mid-run cast switch, offering audiences the rare chance to see two versions of each play
American Theater Company continues its ambitious Season 24 with the inauguration of the American Classic Repertory, which begins with Sam Shepard's most produced play, True West. True West tells the story of two brothers: Austin, an ambitious Hollywood screenwriter working on a potential million-dollar deal, and Lee, a vagabond thief with a compulsion for six-packs and toasters. Austin and Lee face off for control while venting demons from their dysfunctional past.
Suzan-Lori Parks' Topdog/Underdog then joins True West in repertory. Parks' Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece also explores two brothers: Lincoln, ex-"3-card" player turned legitimate entertainer, and Booth, a petty thief who wants to learn his brother's game. Lincoln and Booth struggle to make a new life that will finally lead them out of poverty.
"The inauguration of the American Classic Repertory with True West and Topdog/Underdog is historical simply in the pairing of the plays. That it goes on to break ground with the first ever nontraditional production of Topdog/Underdog is truly thrilling for us," says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. "The American Classic Repertory provides a unique theatre experience for both audiences and artists. We gather in a space to experience two stories about brotherhood from two radically different vantage points of American culture, and the goal is that we all come out of this experience with a greater respect for each other and a profound understanding and connection to that which unites all of us as Americans."
The original cast for True West features ATC Ensemble Members Matthew Brumlow as Austin and Suzanne Petri as Mom, Mike McNamara as Saul, and Stephen Louis Grush as Lee.
The original cast for Topdog/Underdog will feature Congo Square Ensemble Members Daniel Bryant as Booth and Anthony Irons as Lincoln.
When the casts are switched, Daniel Bryant will assume the role of Austin and Anthony Irons will play Lee in True West. In Topdog/Underdog Stephen Lois Grush will play Booth and Matthew Brumlow will play Lincoln.
About the Ticket Supplier: American Theater Company
American Theater Company is an ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic American stories that ask the question: "What does it mean to be an American?" ATC provide a truly intimate home for the community to experience meaningful stories. ATC fosters a nurturing environment for artists to take risks and create essential work.