 Catherine Hermes Therese |
 Brian Plocharczyk Brian |
 Lindsey Pearlman Maria |
 Nick Lake Anthony |
 Kristin Danko Kathleen |
 Steve Pringle Elmer |
 Daria Harper Doris |
Catherine Hermes Therese |
Brian Plocharczyk Brian |
Lindsey Pearlman Maria |
Nick Lake Anthony |
Kristin Danko Kathleen |
Steve Pringle Elmer |
Daria Harper Doris |
 Nick Lake, Lindsey Pearlman |
by Bill Jepsen Directed by Richard Shavzin February 26 - April 7, 2013 |
 Best Actress in a Principal Role |
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A World Premiere Event! Polarity presented the world premiere of Never the Bridesmaid, a sweet, funny, life-affirming comedy by Chicago playwright Bill Jepsen, directed by Jeff award-winning director Richard Shavzin. Maria and Anthony are twins who've been damaged by love. Widowed once and divorced twice, Maria longs for a relationship but feels the stigma of a "three-time loser." Dumped by his fiancé four years earlier, Anthony hasn't dated since. Each has a lot to say about the other's love life, but both are floundering in their own—while preparing for the 40th anniversary of their parents' perfect marriage. Will they find love with the willing partners that surround them? With a stellar cast, an award-winning director and a hilarious script, Never the Bridesmaid promises to be a great night out.  Lindsey Pearlman, Daria Harper, Steve Pringle Bill Jepsen's last play, Cadillac, set all-time sales records at Chicago Dramatists in 2008, eclipsing even the premiere of Keith Huff's A Steady Rain. It also proved to be one of the most critically acclaimed shows of Chicago's 2008 winter season, being “Highly Recommended” by nearly all the critics and nominated for five Joseph Jefferson Awards including Best Original Work. Hedy Weiss of the Sun-Times said: “…Jepsen has a fine feel for his characters, a sharp ear for dialogue and a snappy way with unspooling his plot.…” Kelly Kleinman on WBEZ said: “…it will warm your heart… a lovely, life affirming piece.” Recently Russ Tutterow, Artistic Director of Chicago Dramatists said: "Chicago Dramatists produced Bill Jepsen's wonderful play Cadillac a few years ago, with great success. Bill writes accessible, thoughtful and thoroughly enjoyable plays." He added: "Polarity Ensemble has earned a respected place in Chicago theatre for its development of new plays and playwrights over the years." "The process of bringing Never the Bridesmaid to the stage exemplifies what I love about Polarity," said Artistic Director Richard Engling. "The script was delightful when we selected it for our 2011 Dionysos Cup Festival of New Plays. It has gone through two cycles of development that have made it that much better. Seeing the creative partnerships come together to perfect a home-grown piece of theatre art like this is a real inspiration. And then it's such a pleasure to bring the finished work to the audience." Likewise, director Richard Shavizin said: "An enormous part of what makes Chicago the best theatre town in the country--acknowledged both from within the US and abroad--is the contribution to the vast and growing library of American plays. Polarity is quickly becoming an important part of that Chicago tapestry by focusing on the development and production of new plays. I'm delighted to once again be able to contribute to the birth of a new play by a talented Chicago writer." |
More Fun Stuff: Read the reviews Preview Videos Birth of a Hit Show  Never the Bridesmaid performed at 1500 N. Bell Street in Wicker Park through April 7, 2013. Tickets were $10 for previews, $19 for regular run. Senior discount tickets (age 65 and older) are $15, and student discount tickets are $10 with valid ID. Showtimes Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Richard Engling, Artistic Director Richard Shavzin, Director Bill Jepsen, Playwright Jamie Crothers, Stage Manager Charles C. Palia, Jr., Set Designer Benjamin L. White, USAA, Lighting Designer Brenda Winstead, Costume Designer Andrew Dallas, Sound Designer Vivian Knouse, Props Designer Kim Boler, Casting Coordinator Dustin Pettegrew, Technical Director Rosie Newton, Assistant Director Melanie Messig, Running Crew Cathleen Ann, Poster Designer Lisa Mallo, Program Designer Samantha Stelmack, Business Manager  |