The Gift Theatre Company

Santa’s Great American Depression Holiday Show! America 2:
Son of Santa’s Great American Depression Holiday Show! America

Featuring: Jillian Burfete, Ethan Dubin, Arieanne Ellison, Amy Speckien,
Thomas Whittington and Kyle Zornes.

Featuring: Ensemble members Danny Ahlfeld and Lynda Newton with guest artists Rob Belushi, Justin James Farley, Minita Gandhi, Rae Gray, and Grace Goble.

"This sweet and honest tale of a fractured family, a returning young soldier, and a good-hearted Vietnam vet falls easily on the eye and ear at the Gift Theatre in Jefferson Park."
      Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

"I truly commend The Gift Theatre for doing a world premiere in this economic climate."
      Chris Arnold, ChicagoCritic.com

"The acting is very strong..."
      Al Bresloff, SteadstyleChicago.com

Featuring: Gift Ensemble Members John Kelly Connolly, Alexandra Main, Artistic Director, Michael Patrick Thornton (Jeff Award Winner), with Brenda Barrie, Jennifer Betancourt, Nick Bonges, Patrick De Nicola, Caitlin Emmons, Katie Genualdi, Maura Kidwell and Raymond Shoemaker.

Recommended. "Real turn-ons in Gift Theatre play about TV... the production is a hoot...all snap and vinegar and retro charisma..."
CHICAGO TRIBUNE by Nina Metz

Recommended. "Vibrant...transcendent...electric...first rate...transmitted with perfect clarity."
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES by Hedy Weiss

Featuring: Gift Ensemble Members: Paul D'Addario (Non-Eq Jeff Award winner), Hillary Clemens, and John Kelly Connolly.

With Guest Artists: Ed Flynn, Evan Lee, Lucas Neff,
John Ruhaak, Justine Serino, Laura Shatkus, and Kyle Zornes.

"Acting pyrotechnics...
D'Addario is never less than riveting."
Zac Thompson, Time Out Chicago

STOP/KISS
by Diana Son

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton
Assistant Directed by: Tom Blandford

Performed: January 15 – March 14, 2009 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members Anna Carini, Paul D'Addario, James D. Farruggio, Alexandra Main, Amy Speckien and Kyle Zornes.

“Critics’ Choice! The chemistry is palpable, the actors invest with thrilling pathos, the love story between two women comes to life…Simply glows.’
John Beer, Time Out Magazine

“The show is another example of why Gift is one of the city’s best storefront companies.”
Web Behrens, Chicago Free Press

“Beautifully observed, fine ensemble…Anna Carini and Amy Speckien are superb.”
Fabrizio O. Almeida, New City

Santa’s Great American Depression Holiday Show! America
Sketch comedy and improv at The Gift.

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton

Performed: October 30 – December 13, 2008 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Dan Aho, Allyson Brown, Ed Flynn, Kirby O’Connell, Carly Olson, John Pantlind, and Kyle Zornes. Lighting design is by Scott Pillsbury. Sound Design by Jeff Award Nominee Miles Polaski.

Streamers
by David Rabe

Directed by: Daniel J. Ahlfeld

Performed: September 18 – November 16, 2008 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members John Kelly Connolly, Brendan Donaldson, John Gawlik, Kenny Mihlfried. With Emanueal Buckley, Jim Faraggio, Austin Cornett, Evan Lee, Raymond Shoemaker, Ron Skoske.

"Here was a classic Off-Loop theater experience: a small storefront containing a powerhouse production." --Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune Critic Emeritus/Chicago Theatre Historian.

"The competent ensemble handles Rabe's poetry with an appealing naturalism...Donaldson shines as wide-eyed protagonist Billy." --Lisa Buscani, Time Out Chicago

"An outstanding cast of veteran actors. Yet another powerful drama from The Gift Theatre." --Randy Hardwick, Chicagocritic

W;t
by Margaret Edson

Directed by: John Gawlik

Performed: May 29 – July 27, 2008 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble Members Alexandra Main, Kenneth Mihlfried. With Anna Carini, Patricia Donegan, Ted Jonas, Nick Miickula, Caroline Rau, Chuck Spencer, Eliza Stoughton

The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
by Steven Adly Guirgis

Directed by: Kevin Fox

Performed: March 20 – May 18, 2008 at The Gift Theatre and June 12-July 20, 2008 at Victory Gardens Greenhouse

Featuring: Ensemble members Daniel J. Ahlfeld, John Kelly Connolly, Paul D’Addario, Kenny Mihlfried, and Michael Patrick Thornton. With Emanueal Buckley, Mark Czoske, Melissa diLeonardo, Liza Fernandez, Evan Lee, Kathy Logelin, Lindsey Pearlman, Laura Shaktus, Deborah Smith, Syler Thomas

3½ STARS
...(Guirgis) combines philosophical musings and Christian tenets with legalese and urban slang in a heady, fiercely written tragi-comedy, the hard edges of which don't entirely obscure its tender heart. As for the acting, it has intensity and candor. Moreover, in a 15-person cast made up of veterans...there's not a weak link to be found. FULL STORY
Barbara Vitello, The Daily Herald

White People
by J.T. Rogers

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton
Assistant Directed by: Daniel J. Ahlfeld

Performed: January 3 – March 1, 2008 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members John Kelly Connolly and Paul D’Addario, with Anna Carini

“Beautifully performed. Astutely directed. What we get from The Gift Theatre is what we’ve come to almost shrug and expect, which is absolutely top-notch performances...a first-rate production.” -- Kelly Kleinman, Chicago Public Radio

Three Sisters
by Anton Chekhov

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton

Performed: August 23 – September 30, 2007 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members Jenny Connell, John Kelley Connolly, Paul D’Addario, Brendan Donaldson, and Kenny Mihlfried as well as Michael Booth, Hillary Clemens, Margaret Katch, Margaret Kusterman, Jack McCabe, Kirby O’Connell, Calliope Porter, Michael Quinn, Ava Raddatz, Kevin Smith, and Norm Tobin.

“The performance bursts with phenomenal acting. Lead actors exude purely powerful and eccentric characteristics while supporting cast members exhibit equally potent, punchy and memorable performances. You won't regret making the journey out to Jefferson Park to see it.” -- Adam Feldberg, Centerstage

Beauty Queen of Leenane
by Martin McDonagh

Directed by: Ensemble member Sheldon Patinkin

Performed: June 14, 2007 - July 29, 2007 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members John Gawlik and Lynda Newton, with Mary Ann Thebus*, Brian Deneen, and Kevin Fox.

“Very satisfying…dripping with craft and complexities.” Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Blithe Spirit
by Noel Coward

Directed by: Ensemble member John Gawlik

Performed: January 18, 2007 - March 11, 2007 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members Alexandra Main and Hillary Clemens, with Brendan Averett, Mackenzie Kyle, Elizabeth Hipwell, Bill Watt, and Lauren Sharpe.

“A newlywed couple receives an unwelcome visit from the ghost of the husband’s first wife, in Noel Coward’s classic comedy. John Gawlik’s surefire staging is well paced and well cast.” Lawrence Bommer, Reader

365 Days/365 Plays

Directed by: Daniel J. Ahlfeld, Frank Cermak, Jr., Gina LoPiccolo, Alexandra Main, and Michael Patrick Thornton

Performed: November 20, 2006 - November 26, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

The Halloween Show

Directed by: Gina LoPiccolo and Frank Cermak, Jr.

Performed: October 26, 2006 - November 5, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Ensemble members Daniel J. Ahlfeld, Kenny Mihlfried, and Michael Patrick Thornton, as well as Hilary Hensler, Kyle Harmon, Megan Householter, Toni Machi, Steven Misetic, and Norm Tobin.

Long Day's Journey Into Night
By: Eugene O'Neill

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton
Assistant Director: Frank Cermak, Jr.

Performed: August 24, 2006 - Ocotber 15, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: John Kelly Connally, Brendan Donaldson, Alexandra Main, Susan Redman, and Gary Wingert as James Tyrone

"Fascinating...so real and immediate that they make you forget time."
Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times

"Seldom has the suffocating atmosphere of the Tyrone summer home been so convincingly evoked." Kerry Reid, Chicago Reader

The Good Thief
By: Conor McPherson

Directed by: John Gawlik
Assistant Director: Mary Ann Thebus

Performed: May 18, 2006 -July 1, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Michael Patrick Thornton*

“This performance is one of the most riveting hours on a local stage this season" Kerry Reid - Chicago Tribune

*Jeff Award for Solo Performance

The Clearing
By: Helen Edmundson

Directed by: Brendan Donaldson

Performed: March 16, 2006 - April 30, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Daniel J. Ahlfeld, John Connolly, Alexandra Main, Kenneth Mihlfried, Benjamin Montague, Lindsay Schmidt, Maria Stephens, and Fredric Stone.

“Powerful simplicity...The ensemble cast is convincing at every turn, precisely capturing the desperate hopes and fears of a people forced into a lesser reality." Mary Houlihan - Chicago Sun-Times

"The cast gives the story a warm, conversational tone...An intimate storefront space intensifies the emotion.” Mary Shen Barnidge - Chicago Reader

Hurlyburly
By: David Rabe

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton
Assistant Director: Frank Cermak, Jr.

Performed: January 5, 2006 - February 18, 2006 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Hillary Clemens, John Kelly Connolly, Paul D'Addario*, Brendan Donaldson, Mary Fons, Steven Misetic, Lynda Newton

“The show contains the best acting I've seen so far this year, and I suspect it will be some of the best on view all year.” Kerry Reid - Chicago Tribune

*Jeff Citation Award for Actor in a Leading Role

The Glass Menagerie
By: Tennessee Williams

Directed by: Sheldon Patinkin

Performed: October 20, 2005 - December 11, 2005 at The Gift Theatre

Featuring: Dina Connolly, Brendan Donaldson, Jayce Ryan, Mary Ann Thebus

"Deeply felt…raw, real…as good as this gets...A glowing production."
Lawrence Bommer - Chicago Reader

The Pavilion
By: Craig Wright

Directed by: John Gawlik

Performed: August 8, 2004 - September 5, 2004 at the Victory Gardens Theater

A Young Man in Pieces
By: William Nedved

Directed by: Michael Patrick Thornton

Performed: May 20, 2004 - June 27, 2004 at the National Pastime Theatre

Featuring: Maggie Andersen, Jenny Connell, Paul D'Addario, Brendan Donaldson, Hilary Hensler, Lester Keefe, Alexandra Main, Benjamin Montague, Melina Paez, Lauren Sharpe, Erinn Strain and Daniel J. Ahlfeld.

"...always polished Gift Theatre Company ... clever, funny and fresh ... solid date-night entertainment." Hedy Weiss - Chicago Sun-Times

Language of Angels
By: Naomi Iizuka (Midwest Premiere)

Directed by: Michael P. Thornton

Performed: August 23 - September 28, 2003 at Victory Gardens

Featuring: Maggie Andersen, Lynda Newton, Kenny Mihlfried, Paul D'Addario, Brendan Donaldson, John Gawlik, Carrie Layne, Hilary Hensler, Mary Fons and Daniel J. Ahlfeld.

"Under Michael Patrick Thornton's superb direction, the acting is some of the richest I've seen all year" Kerry Reid - Chicago Reader

6
Adapted by William Nedved from 6 Characters in Search of An Author by Luigi Pirandello, from a literal translation by Edward Storer.

By: William Nedved (World Premiere)

Directed by: Jon Berry

Performed: April 2003 at Raven Theatre

Featuring: Maureen Payne-Hahner, Tom Lally, Alexandra Main, Luke Hatton, Mary Fons, Seth Stein, Erinn Strain, Daniel J. Ahlfeld, Paul D'Addario, John Connally, Hilary Hensler, Jaque Lueken, Benjamin Montague

"even when her character is just sitting . . . Mary Fons throws so much emotion into her performance that she's riveting" Jack Helbig - Chicago Reader

County Fair
Directed by: Michael P. Thornton

Performed: January 17, 2003 - Februrary 23, 2003
At the National Pastime Theatre

Featuring: Maggie Andersen, Benjamin Montague, Alexandra Main, Brendan Donaldson, Erinn Strain, Tim Goldich, Angela Bullard, Lynda Newton, Daniel J. Ahlfeld, John Connolly

"Thornton and his cast reject the temptation to mock, portraying
potential stereotypes with a natural respect and compassion"
Mary Shen Barnidge - Chicago Reader

The Countess
Directed by: Maureen Payne-Hahner
Performed: August 11, 2002 - September 1, 2002
At the Victory Gardens Theater Studio

Featuring: Benjamin Montague, Alexandra Main, Brendan Donaldson, Jenny Connell, Nigel Patterson, Morgan McCabe, Kenny Mihlfried

"a young and enterprising company . . . a gem of a play" Hedy Weiss - Chicago Sun-Times

"[Director] Payne-Hahner . . . knows how to coach her actors, resulting in rich, nuanced relationships between them" Justin Hayford - Chicago Reader

Orestes 2.0
Written by: Charles M. Mee
Directed by: Michael P. Thornton
Performed: June 21, 2002 - July 14, 2002 at the Chopin Theatre

Featuring: Maggie Andersen, Lynda Newton, Kenny Mihlfried, Brendan Donaldson, Benjamin Montague, Mary Fons, Luke Hatton, Jenny Connell, John Connolly, Kyle Harmon, Brian Cicirello, James Aiden McCaffrey, Daniel J. Ahlfeld, Maureen Payne-Hahner

"Thornton's assured ensemble delivers" Kerry Reid - Chicago Reader

Boys' Life
Written by: Howard Korder
Directed by: Sheldon Patinkin
Performed: Dec 6, 2001 - Dec 16, 2001
At the Kinahan Theater University of Chicago

Featuring: Michael Patrick Thornton, Brendan Donaldson, Brian Cicirello, Mary Fons, Maggie Andersen, Lynda Newton, Maureen Payne-Hahner, John Connolly, Jenny Connell