Chicago's Victory Gardens Access Project will present the world premiere of Mike Ervin's The History of Bowling, April 15-May 9. Susan Nussbaum (Staring Back, Michuganismo) directs. The History of Bowling follows the comic romance between Chuck, a 30 year old quadriplegic who decides to finally attend college, and Lou, a 22 year old woman who has lived life hiding her epilepsy. Chuck falls for Lou in gym class and is spurred on by his blind and deaf Casanova-ish roommate Cornelius and Barnes, their demonic gym teacher.
A disability rights activist and freelance journalist, Ervin's plays include The Plucky and Spunky Show (co-written with Nussbaum) and contributions to Activities of Daily Living.
Cast for Bowling includes Robert Ness as Chuck, Doran Shrantz as Lou, James Joseph as Cornelius and Jeffrey Rogers as Barnes.
The design team includes Mary Griswold (set), Frances Maggio (costumes), Charles Jolls (lights) and Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (sound). Scott Heckman is stage manager.
Part of the Gardens' Access program, dedicated to making live theatre more accessible to persons with disabilities, Bowling will host several performances for blind and hearing impaired patrons. Call the theatre for details.
Tickets are $20. For reservations, call the Victory Gardens box office at (773) 871-0000. The Victory Gardens Theatre is located 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. The Victory Gardens is on the web at http://www.victorygardens.org.
-- By Christine Ehren
