Stage Left Theatre is thrilled to launch a new series of staged readings entitled (Up)Stage Left.   

 

Stage Left produces several reading series events a year. We seek out the best scripts (complete or in-progress), the most talented directors, and the finest performers from across the Chicago area. This July, we will share local playwright, Jillian Leff's PVT Molly, directed by Lauren Katz. 

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Pvt. Molly , by Jillian Leff, is a historical drama inspired by the true story of Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man to fight in the American Revolutionary War. Determined to serve her country on her own terms, Deborah enlists under the name Robert Shurtliff and joins the Continental Army's elite Light Infantry. As she navigates the physical and emotional tolls of war, the constant threat of discovery, and the complicated friendships she forms with fellow soldiers, Deborah must reconcile her private identity with her public duty. The play examines themes of gender, patriotism, sacrifice, and survival during the early years of our country.

 

Friday July 18th and Saturday July 19th 8:00pm

Chief O'Neil's Pub

3471 N. Elston Avenue

Chicago, IL 60618

2nd floor

PVT. Molly is directed by Lauren Katz. 

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Lauren Katz is a Chicago-based director and educator. Favorite directing credits include: Midsummer Night’s Dream and Women of 4G (Babes with Blades Theatre Company), The Prom (Highland Park Players), Marvelous Wonderettes and Mary's Wedding (Oil Lamp Theatre), Tick Tick Boom and A Grand Night for Singing (Dunes Summer Theatre), Grease and Legally Blonde the Musical (Beverly Theatre Guild), Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (Strawdog Theatre), This is a Chair (Haven Theatre), and Women of 4G (Babes with Blades Theatre). Other collaborations include: About Face Theatre, Firebrand Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Theater Wit, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Victory Gardens Theatre, Redtwist Theatre, Writers Theatre, and Windy City Playhouse. Lauren served as the 2016/2017 Artistic Apprentice at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and as a 2018/2019 Directors Inclusion Fellow at Victory Gardens Theatre. Lauren is the Education + Engagement Producer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. 

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Do you have a script (from one-act to full play) to submit that you would like to have read by (UP) Stage Left?  We would love to read it! ​Send to Rachel@stagelefttheatre.com

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Are you a performer or director who would like to join us? We would love to work with you!

Please send us your details and we'll add you to the conversation! ​Casting@stagelefttheatre.com

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Questions? Feel free to send us your questions, too. ​Look for more details on our next reading series soon!