Men of Tortuga

In an undisclosed location, three men scheme with a weapons specialist to eliminate the opposition in Jason Wells' dark comedy of negotiation, conspiracy and assassination. Tom Avery, Jeff Kling and Kit Maxwell are three power-brokers who will stop at nothing to wreck an historic meeting with an elite political enemy. But when Maxwell takes a young idealist under his wing, his long-dormant conscience begins to reawaken. The cabal is forced to concoct even more outlandish scenarios of annihilation and ponder whether their ends justify their means.

The Profiles production marks the first time this play has been produced in the Midwest since its premiere production as part of Steppenwolf’s First Look Series. MEN OF TORTUGA was developed through the New Plays Initiative by Steppenwolf Theatre and was presented as part of the First Look Repertory of New Work in 2005. The show received rave reviews, enjoyed a popular run and was eventually nominated for the Steinberg New Play Award in November 2005. The Chicago Tribune raved, “Jason Wells’ new play is cleverly wrought, gripping and dramatically exciting. It’s a thriller and it’s thrilling!”

This is the first production of Profiles Theatre’s 20th Anniversary Season. The next production will be the Midwest premiere of THE THUGS by Adam Bock, which begins previews on October 25, 2008. THE THUGS will play in repertory with MEN OF TORTUGA. “We’re very excited to open our 20th Anniversary Season with these two productions,” says Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. “Both plays take a unique look at the people behind the scenes in the world of business, with MEN OF TORTUGA giving us a portrait of the ruthless leaders who pull the strings and seek to destroy all who oppose them. Meanwhile THE THUGS explores the lowly temps at a law firm who have lost their direction in life making gossip and rumor turn into paranoia and fear. These playwrights approach their subjects with their own distinct voice making them very unique experiences for the audience. Yet they will play together in rep beautifully.”

Profiles 20th Anniversary Season also includes the Midwest premiere of GREAT FALLS by Lee Blessing, the U.S. premiere of THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DISSOCIA by Anthony Neilson and the World premiere of GRACELAND by Ellen Fairey.

Jason Wells, originally from St. Louis, Missouri, is a Chicago-based actor with numerous stage, film and television credits. His first screenplay, “From Missouri”, was accepted for development by the New Harmony Project. MEN OF TORTUGA was his first play, produced at Steppenwolf Theatre’s First Look Repertory in 2005, and subsequently at Asolo Rep in Sarasota, Florida. His newest play, “Perfect Mendacity” was produced as part of Steppenwolf’s 4th Annual First Look Repertory of New Work and directed by David Cromer.  The play was commissioned by the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York and will open at Asolo Rep next May.

Profiles Theatre's production of MEN OF TORTUGA is directed by Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder. Rick most recently directed “The Lion in Winter” at Writers’ Theatre, “The Actor” at the Goodman Theatre and “Aristocrats” at Strawdog Theatre. He has also directed “Betrayal” at Steppenwolf, “Jolly” and “The Disappearance of the Jews” at the Goodman, “St. Scarlet” at ATC, “Bus Stop” at Writers’ Theatre and “Last of the Boys” at Steppenwolf. Other directing credits at Steppenwolf include “Tavern Story”, “Things Being What They Are”, “Orange Flower Water” (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and “The Fall to Earth”. This season he will also be directing “Art” at Steppenwolf and “Mauritius” at Northlight Theatre.

The designers are Wayne Kar (set), Jessica Harpenau (lighting) and Profiles’ company member Eric Burgher (sound). The assistant director is Brittany M. Covert and the stage manager is Maryann Carlson.

The cast of MEN OF TORTUGA will feature Profiles' Associate Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox as Taggart , the role he originated in Steppenwolf’s World Premiere production. Mr. Cox was most recently seen in the Chicago Premiere of Leigh Fondakowski's “The People's Temple” at American Theatre Company as Jim Jones and Stephan Jones. He was last seen at Profiles as Terry in the Midwest Premiere of “In a Dark Dark House”. He has been seen at Steppenwolf in the Midwest Premiere of “Orange Flower Water” (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and the World Premiere of “Wendall Greene”. Darrell has also appeared at the Goodman in “The Shawl” and “Home” as part of the David Mamet Festival and the World Premiere of “Martin Furey’s Shot” at TimeLine Theatre, among others. He has received three Jeff Awards for Principal Actor for his performances in Profiles’ productions of “Blackbird”, “Some Voices”, and “Eye of God”. In addition, he has received two After Dark Awards for Outstanding Performance for his work in Profiles’ “Popcorn” and “Carnal Knowledge”. Other recent performances at Profiles include “Some Girl(s)”, “Apple”, “Fat Pig” and “The Glory of Living”.

Profiles’ ensemble member Eric Burgher appears as Allan Fletcher. Eric most recently appeared in “This is How it Goes” by Neil LaBute and "Land of the Dead" as part of Profiles' Midwest Premiere of LaBute shorts, “Things We Said Today”. Prior to that, he appeared as Carter in the Midwest Premiere of “Fat Pig” by Neil LaBute. Eric received an After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble in "Bench Seat" as part of Profiles' Midwest Premiere of “autobahn”. He was also seen as Steve in “The Glory of Living”, Steve Enloe in “The Radiant Abyss”, and as Dan in “Noise”. Fred Wellish is featured as Tom Avery. Fred has previously appeared at Profiles in “True West” as Sol Kimmer, “Glengarry Glen Ross” as Shelley Levene and “Popcorn” as Karl Brezner. Most recently, he played Shylock in Bohemian Theatre Company’s “Merchant of Venice” and Alan Bennett in “The Lady in the Van” at Lincoln Square. He played Frosch in Lyric Opera’s 2006-07 production of “Die Fledermaus”. He has also appeared as King Lear at Chase Park and Skelley Mannor in Eclipse Theatre’s Jeff-recommended production of “The Rimers of Eldritch”.

Jack McCabe appears as Kit Maxwell. Jack previously appeared at Profiles in the award-winning “autobahn” by Neil LaBute. Last season he appeared in Strawdog’s “Aristocrats”, directed by Rick Snyder and “Richard !!”, The Gift Theatre Company’s “Three Sisters”, Promethean’s “Six Characters In Search of An Author” and appearances in Collaboraction’s Sketchbook Festival and The Abbie Hoffman Festival.

Todd Lahrman is featured as Jeff Kling. Todd is returning for his fourth production at Profiles, where he has appeared in "Things We Said Today", "autobahn" and "The Glory of Living". He most recently performed in "The Jenkins Farm Project" with Bessera Dance Theatre. Other Chicago credits include "The Caretaker" with Mary Arrchie Theater Company, "Jolly" at the Goodman Theatre, "Communicating Doors" with the Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, "Line" at Oracle Theatre, "The Search for Odysseus" with the Simple Theatre Company, and "The Giver" at Apple Tree Theatre.

"Jason Wells' new play is cleverly wrought, gripping and dramatically exciting. It’s a thriller and it’s thrilling."

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“Rick Snyder's well-paced and consistently involving production for Profiles Theatre reminds you of Wells' talents and the play's taut sophistication. I was mightily impressed by this script and the play works well in this intimate setting!”

Chris Jones, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

“Highly Recommended! Wells has crafted a taut, cleverly orchestrated piece about power, personal psychosis, game-playing and the terror of failure. A sharp parable for our time!"

Hedy Weiss, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"Highly Recommended! MEN OF TORTUGA is miles ahead of most of the year's plays. With a roundly gifted acting quintet and a grand sense of humor, Profiles does right by this tale of absurd savages in suits plotting destruction!"

Christopher Piatt, TIMEOUT CHICAGO

"Highly Recommended! Eric Burgher is especially good and Wells serves up dialogue so sweet!"

Nina Metz, NEW CITY

“The assassination plot provides a powerful dramatic vehicle for five very powerful actors as well as some of the sharpest humor you will see this season. Director Rick Snyder scores a major hit with this production. MEN OF TORTUGA is a must-see!"

Randy Hardwick, CHICAGOCRITIC.COM

"Rick Snyder utilizes the Profiles Theatre space perfectly. Darrell W. Cox handles his character with a great comic touch and at the same time, makes him a man to fear!"

Al Bresloff, EPOCH TIMES

JEFF RECOMMENDED!