Full casting was announced today for PrideArts’ January 26 reading of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET. Curtain time will be 7 pm. Christian Helem, who recently directed Stage Left Theatre’s virtual production of THE PROJECT(S), is directing. The third of McCraney’s trilogy THE BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS, MARCUS is the coming-of-age story of a young gay man in rural Louisiana. Helem’s cast will include Juwon Tyrel Perry (Marcus Eshu), Risha Tenae Hill (Oba), Christian Prins Coen (Ogun Size), Taylor Elie Talhame (Osha), Danyelle Monson (Shaunta Iyun), RJW Mays (Shun), Renee Lockett (Elegua), Hunter Bryant (Shua or Joshua), and Noah Raheem (Terell).
Top Row L-R: Hunter Bryant, Christian Prins Coen, Risha Tenae Hill.
Middle Row L-R: Renee Lockett, RJW Mays, Danyell Monson.
Bottom Row L-R: Juwon Tyrell Perry, Noah Raheem, Taylor Elie Talhame.
Other upcoming live virtual readings announced by PrideArts include Christopher Shinn’s OTHER PEOPLE on January 19, a repeat live performance of TWELFTH NIGHT on February 2, the world premiere comedy/drama SHUT UP KISS ME on February 9, and LESBIAN SHORTS on February 16.
Tickets are $10.00 for each reading and are available at www.pridearts.com or by phone at 773-857-0222.
LISTING INFORMATION
MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET
By Tarell Alvin McCraney
Directed by Christian Helem
Tuesday, January 26, 7:00 pm
Tickets $10.00 available at pridearts.org or by phone at 773-857-0222
Marcus is sixteen and “sweet,” searching for his sexual and personal identity on a cultural landscape infused with mysterious family creeds. The provocative, poignant, and fiercely humorous coming-of-age story of a young gay man in the South, MARCUS is the stirring conclusion of Tarell Alvin McCraney’s trilogy, THE BROTHER/SISTER PLAYS.
BIOS
Christian Helem (Director, MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET) most recently directed Stage Left Theatre’s virtual production of THE PROJECT(S), by P.J. Paparelli and Joshua Jaeger. He’s also directed the musical 21 CHUMP STREET, THE GLASS MENAGERIE, and assistant directed for A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE and MIDDLE PASSAGE. He's an Alum of UIC where he wrote and produced his own play and was seen onstage for many projects. He is the Associate Director of the Chicago August Wilson Monologue Competition and teaches playwriting at ChiArts High School.
Tarell Alvin McCraney (Playwright, MARCUS; OR THE SECRET OF SWEET) is the Chair, and Professor in the Practice of Playwriting at the School of Drama; and is the Yale Repertory Theatre Playwright-in-Residence. He is also a member of Teo Castellanos/D-Projects Theater Company in Miami, a member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Ensemble, and co-wrote the 2016 film MOONLIGHT, based on his own work IN MOONLIGHT BLACK BOYS LOOK BLUE, for which he received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. Other plays include CHOIR BOY, HEAD OF PASSES, and MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT. His numerous awards include the Whiting Award, Steinberg Playwright Award, Doris Duke Artist Award, Windham-Campbell Prize, London Evening Standard Award for Most Promising Playwright, New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award, the Paula Vogel Award, and a 2013 MacArthur Fellowship.
ABOUT PRIDEARTS
PrideArts is working to produce year-round theater and film projects that change lives in normal (non-COVID) times, the company produces a season of full play and musical productions, as well as events including dance, cabaret, film, and more. It was recently honored with seven Jeff award nominations for the 2019-20 season. Events can be one-night or limited run productions or feature national treasures like Charles Busch. PAC occupies The Broadway at 4139 N. Broadway, which has 85 seats, and The Buena, which has 50 seats at 4147 N Broadway.
PrideArts is supported by The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, City of Chicago’s City Arts Fund, the Elliott Fredland Charitable Trust, Proud to Run, The Pauls Foundation, The Heath Fund, The Service Club of Chicago, the AmazonSmile Foundation, Arts and Business Foundation, Tap Root Foundation, Arts and Business Council, and Alphawood Foundation.
PrideArts is a member of the Smart Growth Program of the Chicago Community Trust. PrideArts is a member of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Northalsted Business Association, Uptown United, and The League of Chicago Theatres.
For more information and to donate, visit www.pridearts.org or call 1.773 857 0222.