Lisle Native Cast in Emerald City Theatre's "Corduroy"

Ellen DeSitter, Lisle native, was cast in Emerald City Theatre's Corduroy. DeSitter is the understudy to the leading role of "Corduroy."

Emerald City Theatre (ECT) concludes its 2018 – 2019 Season this spring with the Chicago premiere of Corduroy, a new stage adaptation by Barry Kornhauser of Don Freeman’s classic books, directed by ECT Artistic Associate Jamal Howard. Corduroy runs Friday, March 1 – Saturday, April 20 at the Athenaeum Theatre Main Stage, 2936 N Southport Ave. Previews are Friday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday, March 2 at 10:30 a.m. The press opening is Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. Regular performance times post opening are Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. with additional performances on Sunday, April 14 at 2 p m. and Friday, April 19 at 10:30 a.m. prices are $22-$29. Tickets may be purchased at AthenaeumTheatre.org or through the Athenaeum
Theatre box office at 773.935.6875. Visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com for more information. Educators may visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com or call 773.529.2690 to book a field trip that includes a performance and companion study guide.

“A bear. A button. A place to belong.” A small bear’s quest for a missing button leads to the friendship of a lifetime. The department store comes to life with circus elements and physical comedy as Corduroy must stay a step ahead of the Night Watchman to be ready for Lisa when she returns to the store. Learn the importance of empathy and unconditional love along with a young girl and her mother in this sweet adaptation of the beloved book by Don Freeman. Corduroy is a Chicago premiere and a playful adventure that will delight ages three years and older. “I am delighted to present this wonderfully talented group of performers for our production of Corduroy,” says Mr.Howard, ECT Artistic Associate. “This cast will use clowning, physical comedy, and other circus elements to bring Don Freeman’s iconic book to life for our youngest audiences in this ambitious Chicago premiere.”

The cast of Corduroy includes: Jean Claudio (Corduroy), Matt Miles (The Night Watchman), Tia Pinson (Lisa), Michelle Renee Thompson (Mother), Averis I. Anderson (Clown 1), Kelsey Shipley (Clown 2), Kirk Osgood (The Night Watchman/Clown 1 Understudy), Ellen DeSitter (Corduroy/Clown 2 Understudy), and Kianna Rose (Lisa/Mother Understudy).

The creative team also includes: Amanda Crockett, movement and circus director; Jeffrey Kmiec, scenic designer; Jazmin Aurora Medina, costume designer; Cat Wilson, lighting designer; Eric Backus, sound designer; Letitia Guillaud, props designer; Marika Mashburn , casting director and Marcus Carroll, stage manager.