Mourning Becomes Electra

By Eugene O’Neill
Adapted by Gordon Edelstein
Directed by Timothy Douglas
September 21 – October 30, 2011

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

 

Production

Director- Timothy Douglas
Assistant Director- Jim Manganello
Production Stage Manager- Amy M. Bertacini
Stage Manager- Baleigh Isaacs
Assistant Stage Manager- Alison Ramsey
Production Assistant- Kelly Montgomery
Scenic Designer- Tim Morrison, USA
Costume Designer- Samantha C. Jones
Assistant to the Costume Designer- Amanda Spaanstra
Lighting Designer- Stephen T. Sorenson
Composer and Sound Designer- Victoria (toy) DeIorio, USA
Properties Designer- Sally Weiss
Assistant Properties Designer- Cassy Shillo Fight
Director- Nick Sandys
Production Manager- Alison Ramsey
Sound Board Operator- Nick Gajary
Set Construction/Technical Direction- Left Wing
Scenic Wardrobe Supervisor- Lisa Tosti

Cast

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