It is the heart of the political season and the University of Illinois’ Department of Theatre will get into the spirit of the season with their production of 44 Plays for 44 Presidents. Running from October 4–14 on a weekend schedule in Krannert’s Studio Theater, this series of changing scenes made up of many elements will survey all of our presidents in one rapid-fire evening of entertainment. During this production, which is presented in a variety of formats like a variety show, each of the 44 presidents gets a few minutes on stage to his story.
Stories, song, and dance take the place of textbook paragraphs, and one can only imagine how the song of Millard Fillmore might bring him to life. And the choreographic potential of Rutherford B. Hayes stretches the limits of the imagination to what history might look like on stage.
Guest director Robert Quinlan will guide Krannert’s thespians through this phantasmagoria of American history, and coordinated series of video clips from productions across the country have a plan for election night.
Listen to Quinlan’s interview with WDWS radio about 44 Plays for 44 Presidents here.
For more information, and to purchase tickets, go here.