The world of groundbreaking architect Frank Lloyd Wright is brought to life in the work by Jeffrey Hatcher and Eric Simonson, revised since its earlier premiere in Milwaukee. Performances began Nov. 18 under the direction of Simonson. Sam Tsoutsouvas plays the architect, who ages from 20 to 90.
Work Song was commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and the world premiere was presented at Milwaukee Repertory Theater in 2000. Hatcher and Simonson reshaped their script last year in a workshop during City Theatre's "MOMENTUM: new plays at different stages."
Work Song features Morgan Hallett, Jeffrey Howell, Wali Jamal, Daniel Krell, John Shepard, Mark D. Staley and Robin Walsh.
The ensemble portrays more than a dozen people who were important in Wright's eventful life. The work is populated by architect Louis Sullivan, friends Ayn Rand and Alexander Woolcott, son John Lloyd Wright, wives Catherine and Olgivanna, and paramour Mamah Cheney. Also appearing in the ensemble are Tressa Glover, Shaun Cameron Hall, Nathan James and Mark August Spitznagel.
Wright's architectural style is incorporated into the staging of Work Song by Simonson and his designers, Kent Dorsey (scenic), Karen Kopischke (costume), Andrew David Ostrowski (lighting), Barry Funderberg (sound) and John Boesche (projection). For the performance schedule, visit www.citytheatrecompany.org.