Lookingglass Theatre Company announces a one-night watch party of Eastland: An Original Musical Watch Party, Thursday, August 20 at 7pm (Central), a free online public fundraiser of the acclaimed production in support of Lookingglass Theatre Company. As the next offering in the Chicago Stories initiative, Lookingglass invites audiences to revisit a relatively unknown piece of history that unfolded in the heart of the City. After the show, join creative team members Andrew White and Andre Pluess for a post-show conversation.
Since Eastland premiered on our stage in 2012, audiences have consistently expressed their desire to see this cathartic show again. Lookingglass is honored to revive, for one night only, this original musical about Chicagoans facing an historic challenge with tenacity, bravery, and hope. This virtual event will be streamed on Lookingglass Theatre’s YouTube and Facebook.
More information: www.lookingglasstheatre.org/event/eastland-watch-party
Moored on the Chicago River between Clark St and LaSalle on July 24, 1915, the Eastland began boarding as thousands of Western Electric employees and their families climbed the ramp, excited for their annual company outing. Overflowing with passengers, the boat leaned further and further to port – and was soon tipped entirely on its side. Within minutes, cries filled the air, families were torn apart and unexpected heroes emerged to rescue dozens of Chicagoans from a watery end.
Ensemble Member Andrew White resurrects the ghosts of America’s forgotten tragedy in this Lookingglass original musical, with music by Ensemble Member Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman, directed by Amanda Dehnert. Inspired in part by Jay Bonansinga’s The Sinking of the Eastland: America’s Forgotten Tragedy. Eastland: An Original Musical was the recipient of the Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award.
Playwright Andrew White says "Everyone knows about The Titanic, but comparatively few know of the Eastland disaster, even though it took place right downtown Chicago. One reason may be that the Eastland passengers were working-class, first-generation immigrants who, like today, kept the country going but were too easily overlooked, discarded, and forgotten.”
Lookingglass Artistic Director Heidi Stillman notes, "So much of the story of the Eastland disaster feels deeply resonant with the current moment: how ordinary people are swept up in an historic event with an uncertain future, how some respond with callousness and others with kindness and courage; and throughout it all, the need to preserve and tell our stories.”
As with Sunset 1919 , Eastland revisits a piece of Chicago history that is too often forgotten and untold. This public event will be offered to online viewers as a shared celebration of the human spirit—including the everyday heroes who emerge in times of tragedy.
Featuring
JOSHUA HORVATH - Co-sound Designer
JEANNE T. ARRIGO - Sister, Musician, and others
LAWRENCE E. DISTASI - Otto, Olaf, and others
CHRISTINE MARY DUNFORD - Marianne and others
DOUG HARA - Reggie
DEREK HASENSTAB - Husband, Houdini, and others
ERIK HELLMAN - Grocer, Musician, and others
MALCOLM RUHL - Musician and others
MICHAEL PETER SMITH - Pedersen, Musician, and others
SCOTT STANGLAND - Ernie, Musician, and others
TIFFANY TOPOL - Solveig and others
CLAIRE WELLIN - Bobbie
MONICA WEST - Ilse
Artists
ANDREW WHITE - Playwright
ANDRE PLUESS - Co-Composer
BEN SUSSMAN - Co-Composer
AMANDA DEHNERT - Director/Music Arranger
DANIEL OSTLING - Scenic Designer
MARA BLUMENFELD - Costume Designer
CHRISTINE A. BINDER - Lighting Designer
Like many theatres, Lookingglass’ doors are closed right now, and for the near future, to protect us all from the threat posed by COVID-19. As a non-profit, currently unable to produce live theatre in our space, now— more than ever— Lookingglass must rely on donations to survive this crisis. Proceeds from this event will directly support the Looking Forward Campaign, a fundraising effort to sustain Lookingglass Theatre Company and its artists through the pandemic. (Support the Looking Forward Campaign here)
Lead Event Sponsors: BMO Harris Bank, Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation
Additional event support provided by: Mary Jo and Doug Basler.
Lookingglass dedicates this broadcast of Eastland to the memory of Michael Smith, our Captain.
Eastland Cast and Creative Team Details and Biographies (Eastland show program)
About Chicago Stories
Diverse. Vibrant. Teeming with stories. This is Chicago. Lookingglass Theatre has called Big Shoulders home for over three decades. And as life is a process of perpetual self-discovery, we’re making this moment in the company’s life to find out who we are now. The Chicago Stories initiative will feature COVID-considerate events/expressions that plumb the depth of Chicago’s history and people, while inventing new Chicago traditions to carry us forward...together. More information: www.lookingglasstheatre.org/chicagostories
About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive. Collaborative. Transformative. Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students. Now in its 32nd Season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company, located in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works, has staged 70 world premieres, received 161 Joseph Jefferson Award Nominations, and produced work all across the United States. In 2016, Lookingglass received the MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions and in 2017, was the recipient of the League of Chicago Theatres’ Artistic Achievement Award.
Lookingglass continues to expand its artistic, financial, and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Heidi Stillman, Executive Director Rachel L. Fink, a 29-member artistic ensemble, 22 artistic associates, an administrative staff, and a dedicated board of directors led by Chair Nancy Timmers and President Richard Chapman. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.