Theatre News Wire

Remy Bumppo Theatre Company's 2011/2012 season, The American Evolution, exploring transformational experiences in U.S. history, continues with Stephen Wadsworth's translation of Pierre de Marivaux's classic farce Changes of Heart (The Double Inconstancy). Changes of Heart is directed by Remy Bumppo's new artistic director Timothy Douglas and runs Nov. 23, 2011 through Jan. 8, 2012 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.

"Yes, I am astounding, am I not? I just came out that way... Every now and then I'd want to do as the gentlemen in our neck of the woods do: just give someone a good smack without worrying about who he is, or if he fears me, or if he's in a position to smack me back." --Harlequin, Changes of Heart

This winter, Remy Bumppo brings us another family-friendly classic that lovers of Chicago can share with their holiday guests. Silvia (Alana Arenas) is in love with her neighborhood sweetheart, Harlequin (Nicolas Gamboa). But the entitled Prince (Steve Wojtas) steals her away and tries to win her over with his life of luxury. Will their cultures clash or will love dance across class lines? Our production of this pre-French Revolution comedy is set in 1960s Chicago, revealing the timeless allure of sexy strangers.

Director Douglas explains the choice to set Changes of Heart in 1960s Chicago. "In Marivaux's 18th century France, it was a revolutionary act to place characters of different classes on the stage for his exploration of love. To approximate the jarring effect the interplay of class had on audiences of Marivaux's time, Remy Bumppo will borrow an American revolutionary parallel by setting our production in a North Shore/South Side culture-crossing 1960s Chicago."

The cast features Artistic Associates Shawn Douglas (as the Lord) and Linda Gillum (as Flaminia) along with guest artists Alana Arenas (as Silvia), Nicolas Gamboa (as Harlequin), Steve Wojtas (as the Prince), Jessica Maynard (as Lisette), D'Wayne Taylor (as Trivelin) and Jake Szczepaniak (Ensemble).

Changes of Heart is directed by Remy Bumppo Artistic Director Timothy Douglas with scenic design by Stephen Carmody, lighting by Lee Fiskness, costumes by Lena Sands, sound design by Nick Keenan and properties by Nick Heggestad. Stage Management is provided by Amy M.Bertacini.

Remy Bumppo's 2011/2012 Season is made possible in part by Prince Charitable Trusts, The Illinois Arts Council, by Terri Abruzzo Callahan and Dave Callahan, and by a City Arts Program 3 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Remy Bumppo's production of Changes of Heart is sponsored in part by Brenda and James Grusecki, Jane Ellen Murray and Ed Wentz, and Karen Randolph and Bill Linden.

Single tickets are on sale now at www.remybumppo.org or by calling the box office at 773-404-7336 (773-40-GREEN).