Professional Theater Series Hosts Profiles Theatre Production of “After”

Contact: Grace Kuikman, 773-213-7531 or grace@beverlyartcenter.org

(CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2013) —  “After,” the Jeff Award- recommended drama by Chad Beckim, will be performed at the Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111^th St., Chicago, February 22 through 24. “After,” part of the BAC’s Professional Theater Series, was produced at Profiles Theatre in the fall, garnering critical and audience acclaim, and will be brought to the BAC stage through a grant from the Chicago Community Trust.
In the play, a wrongfully imprisoned man is exonerated by DNA evidence after serving 17 years in prison. He is forced to re-assimilate into a foreign world of toothbrush shopping, doggy day care, and a friendship with an anxious young woman with secrets of her own. “After” is described as a compassionate portrait of a man struggling with the challenges of socializing and the anger he still feels for having his youth unjustly destroyed.
“After” will be performed Fri.., Feb. 22 and Sat., Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., and Sun., Feb. 24, 3:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $26 ($23/Beverly Arts Center members), and discounts are available when purchased as part of the Professional Theater Series.

Other shows in the series include Porchlight Music Theatre’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” based on one of last performances of the great Miss Billie Holiday, Mar. 22 and 23, 7:30 p.m. and Mar. 24, 3:30 p.m.; “Tour Guides,” a Guild Literary Complex production, Apr. 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m., and Apr. 7, 3:30 p.m.; and Neil Simon’s “They’re Playing Our Song,” a Beverly Arts Center production,  June 7 and 8, 7:30 p.m., June 9, 3:30 p.m., June 14 and 15 7:30 p.m., and June 16, 3:30 p.m.

The series was made possible by a grant from the Chicago Community Trust program to Enhance Cultural Vibrancy, Access and Diversity and partnership with Chicago area theater groups. All shows will be performed at the BAC.

Tickets can be purchased individually, or in a four-show package for $75 ($68 for BAC members) or in a three-show package for a 10% discount.  For tickets or information, call 773-445-3838 or visit www.beverlyartcenter.org.
Chicago Community Trust

For 97 years, The Chicago Community Trust, our region’s community foundation, has connected the generosity of donors with community needs by making grants to organizations working to improve metropolitan Chicago. In 2011, the Trust, together with its donors, granted more than $130 million to nonprofit organizations. From strengthening schools to assisting local art programs, from building health centers to protecting the safety net for those hardest hit by the recession, the Trust continues to enhance our region. To learn more, please visit the Trust online at www.cct.org.
Beverly Arts Center
Located in Chicago’s historic Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood, the not-for-profit Beverly Arts Center is a multi-cultural, multi-discipline fine arts center that services Chicagoland with a focus on south and southwest regional audiences. It offers arts education, programming and entertainment for all ages. Classes encompass visual art, music, dance, film, literary arts and theater. Galleries display rotating exhibitions of art by established and emerging artists. Main stage performing arts are among the most dynamic in the city, and there’s free parking. www.beverlyartcenter.org.

-end-

Transportation: Metra Rock Island to 111^th Street/Beverly Hills; CTA 111^th Street from 95^th Street Red Line; PACE 349 and 49A Western Avenue.