"The American Evolution: Civil War"

Mourning Becomes Electra

By Eugene O'Neill, Adapted by Gordon Edelstein

Directed by Timothy Douglas

Presented September 21 - October 30, 2011 

Staged for just 130 seats, this fast moving revision lands you at the EPICENTER of O'Neill's raw power.

We plunge into the season with O’Neill’s classic American tragedy based on the Oresteia. Desperate to free herself from her marriage and the clutches of the Mannon family curse, Christine takes a lover and murders her husband. Deeply wounded by her mother’s betrayal, young Lavinia crusades to reveal the truth and reclaim the family honor. She discovers her strength in beauty and revenge, striving for the unlikely place at the head of her family.

This shortened, action-packed revision of O’Neill’s epic, set at the end of the Civil War, hurtles us through the Mannons’ cycle of murder, vengeance, and reinvention.

Reviews

"Douglas presides over a crisp, crystal-clear and quite compelling production that is honest, insightful and exceedingly well-spoken. ...you certainly get gravitas." 
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"A BRACING REVIVAL!. Brennan and Armour share some electrifying scenes, both actors impressively navigating the whirlwind emotional journeys of O’Neill’s women. 4 STARS"
- Time Out Chicago

"The end result more than lives up to the drama's passionate promise."
-Windy City Times

"Mourning Becomes Electra is a warhorse and a powerhouse. ...the emotions were so raw, so real. The play is an epic, and it deserves an audience." 
- Will Fink, Chicago Critic

"This gutsy debut by incoming artistic director Timothy Douglas is fast-paced and compelling throughout." RECOMMENDED
- Zach Freeman, New City

"This family intrigued me right into the finale."
- Katy Walsh, Chicago Now

"A dignified, full-throated piece of work that reveals Douglas' craft and his impressive skills at humanistic storytelling." 3 Stars
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune 

Multimedia

Visit www.remybumppofieldguide.org, featuring research, study tools, and snippets about the production.

Download a printable Field Guide.

Sponsors

Cast

Annabel Armour as Christine Mannon	David Darlow as Ezra Mannon	Nick Sandys as Cpt. Adam Brant	Scott Stangland as Orin Mannon
Kelsey Brennan as Lavinia Mannon	Stephanie Chavara as Hazel Niles	Luke Daigle as Peter Niles	Veronda G. Carey as Seth Beckwith