Farragut North

a Chicago premiere by Beau Willimon directed by Artistic Director Vance Smith Cast Crew Press September 3nd – October 9th, 2011 Previews: September 3th at 8pm, 4th at 3pm, and 7th at 8:00pm Opening: September 8th at 8:00pm Regular Run: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm Sundays at 3:00pm Added performances: Saturday, October 1st at 4pm Sunday, October 9th at 6pm

“The question you gotta ask yourself is whether you want friends, or whether you want to work for the President.”

Stephen Bellamy is a wunderkind press secretary who has built a career that men twice his age would envy. During a tight presidential primary race, Stephen’s meteoric rise falls prey to the backroom politics of more seasoned operatives. Farragut North is a fast-paced drama about the lust for power and the costs one will endure to achieve it.

“whip-smart insider look at the soul-sucking world of political campaigns” —Variety

“supremely entertaining ” —Associated Press

“one of the top plays of 2008″ -Time

The designation of “Jeff Recommended” is given to a production when at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed outstanding by the opening night judges of The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.

Press

4 small theater companies open fall seasons with intriguing projects – Chicago Sun-Times

“Smart, fleet-footed and firing enough enthusiastic F-bombs to feel true-to-life, Beau Willimon’s 2008 behind-the-scenes look at wheeling and dealing on a presidential campaign is savvy enough to understand what audiences want to see …. this is fun ride, plain and simple — and Smith has pulled together a slick little production working with set designer Roger Wykes, who has created a deceptively simple environment with pinstripe wallpaper that evokes everything from a generic hotel room to an airport lobby. And this is quite a solid cast, with Sandy Elias as a wise, even-keeled political operative, Sarah Denison as a hungry New York Times reporter, plus some unforgettable and nuanced work from Melanie Derleth as the head-turning intern. The way she deploys a bit of post-coital pillow talk on Plocharczyk’s character, gradually wrapping him tightly around her little finger, is a brilliant piece of acting.” — Nina Metz, Chicago Tribune

“The fast-paced drama, already staged in New York and Los Angeles, and soon to be a film directed by George Clooney, is receiving its Chi­cago debut in a smartly realized Stage Left Theatre production sharply directed by Vance Smith. And while its particular story line and characters may be fictionalized, there is always a ring of truth to it… Recommended.” –Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

“Stage Left does justice to Beau Willimon’s electrifying political drama “Farragut North”…. Plocharczyk must carry this dazzling show on his shoulders and he does so very well. By turns he is ruthless, inspired, paranoid, vengeful and ambitious. Through it all he retains a core of likability and charm even as his actions grow progressively more despicable.  A major motion picture adaptation of this play is in the works, to be directed by George Clooney.  I can’t imagine it being any more thrilling or engrossing than this.” — Rory Leahy, Centerstage Chicago

“Vance Smith’s handsomely designed production is entertaining and at times arresting” –Justin Hayford, Chicago Reader

“Stage Left’s production deserves a full house every night. In a word, Farragut North i s solid. The actors shine. The script crackles and pops, but not at the expense of its characters. The direction is deceptively simple, leaving audiences questioning the players’ every word and move. After all, this is politics. What’s really sincere? But in Farragut North‘s galaxy of constellations, the shooting star of is Willimon’s spectacular dialogue in all its witty brutality.”  — Lauren Whalen,  Chicago Theater Beat

“plenty of thrilling details for political junkies and West Wing fans about the nitty-gritty of campaign work… fantastically entertaining.” –Kris Vire, TimeOut Chicago

“Stage Left deserves congratulations for kicking off its 30th season with new digs, renewed energy, and a handsome political thriller that is a terrific showcase for a great cast… The production looks great in Stage Left’s new home at Theatre Wit.  Set designer Roger Wykes has created a flexible rotunda where the players do battle…” David Zak, Chicago Stage Style

“…Plocharczyk… creates an indelible portrait of a soul caught in the crossfire with his Stephen. He is well matched by the forthright Melanie Derleth as Molly, an ambitious yet honest intern, and Mike Dailey, who combines charm and weary angst as the overworked mentor, Paul.” – Sheridan Road Magazine

“Willimon, a political campaign veteran and a former speechwriter for President Bill Clinton, creates a tension-filled drama… Stage Left Theatre’s Farragut North ultimately succeeds since it sheds some light on the frequently ugly underside of American politicking. Farragut North shows how sometimes a dose of jolting reality can be just as insightful and compelling as a serving of uplifting optimism.” –Scott Morgan, Windy City Times