CIRCUS CIRCUS DEBUTS AT THE DEN THEATER IN CHICAGO PREMIERE JUNE 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eric Welch
Telephone: 502.921.6534
Play Website: www.facebook.com/circus.circustheplay

CIRCUS CIRCUS DEBUTS AT THE DEN THEATER IN CHICAGO PREMIERE JUNE 7
A Uniquely Contemporary Look at the State of American Prisons

Circus Circus takes place in a world within our world. One that society is barely aware of, and one in which, even if you’ve never been there, have heard stories about. You will gain access to this world through our main character, Robert, immersed deep within the system.

Circus Circus follows Robert as he is arrested for marijuana and sent to Circus Circus State Penitentiary. Through Robert you will be exposed to the loss, degradation, and chaos that he is faced with on a daily basis, under the tight control of the spectacularly extravagant and wonderfully sinister, Warden Gordon. He allows you access because like any good ringmaster, Warden Gordon enjoys showing off. Robert sits patiently, locked up alongside violent offenders, child molesters, and rapists. Some of these offenders even have a shorter prison sentence than him, and it’s all because he was arrested for marijuana. This is the crux of the piece. The characters negotiate this tension, struggling against the realization that a non-violent offense may receive more time than a violent crime. The play explores what happens every day, though few understand its pervasiveness in the prison system. Every day this continues, our prison system continues to become over-crowded with non-violent marijuana offenders.

This is not a political, soap-box preaching, prison play or one heralding marijuana. This is Circus Circus. Based entirely on a true story, what makes this story even more compelling is how the story is told. Original music and video imagery complements the strong performances by writer Eric Welch, Robert Hatfield, Amber Hargroder. Marcus Funches, Craig James Jr., and Sean Childress. This talented group is joined by Inappropriate Theater Company members Jordan Shomer, Margaret Cook, Jaci Kay and Joey Galizia round out the cast in Chicago director’s George Robert Bailey’s first Chicago production.

This idiosyncratic and impressive Chicago debut premieres June 7th and will continue to run June 8th-9th, as well as the 14th-16th. The theater will host 7:30 p.m. showtimes and 3 p.m. matinees. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/369755.

Critics and fans are already buzzing about Circus Circus. Yale University Professor and Alumni Sarah Lasley say’s “Circus Circus is entertaining, honest, and raw. It’s a one-of-a-kind play.” Like a true circus, the ladies and gentleman of Circus Circus have prepared a night full of entertainment, promising to dazzle, titillate, and captivate the audience. Are you going to the Circus?

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For more information about Circus Circus, The Den Theater 1339 N Milwaukee Ave, or co-writers Eric Welch and Brian Walker, please contact Eric Welch at 502.921.6534.

youtube video link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3jo4kGK4Do