Opened: March 9, 2006 - Closed: May 28, 2006
autobahn is a tantalizing cycle of short plays full of edgy humor and shocking revelations all set in automobiles, which explores the confines of this truly American space. What other locale hosts as much human drama as the front seat of the American automobile? Critically acclaimed playwright and filmmaker Neil LaBute offers a brutally honest and voyeuristic peek at the things we say - and the things we leave unsaid - from behind the steering wheel. Each encounter is a startlingly accurate portrayal of life and relationships in Middle America.
Neil
LaBute is an acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and film director.
He studied Theatre at Brigham Young University and did graduate work at
the University of Kansas, New York University and the Royal Academy of
London. In 1993, he returned to Brigham Young University to premiere his
play "In The Company of Men". Afterward, he taught drama and
film at IPFW in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he adapted and filmed the play,
launching his career as a film director. The film won the Filmmakers Trophy
at the Sundance Film Festival and several other major awards at various
film festivals, as well as the New York Film Critics Circle. His next
film, "Your Friends and Neighbors", was based on his earlier
play, "Lepers", which received its World Premiere in Chicago
in 1992. In 2000, Mr. LaBute refocused his attentions to the stage with
"Bash: Latter-Day Plays", followed by "The Shape of Things"
in 2001 (which he also made into a film), and "The Distance from
Here" in 2002. His 2002 play, "The Mercy Seat", was one
of the first major theatrical responses to the September 11 terrorist
attack. Mr. LaBute's 2004 play, "Fat Pig", won the Outer Critics
Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Play. His 2005 plays include
"Some Girls", "Wrecks" and "This is How it Goes".
Profiles Theatre's production of autobahn is directed by Associate Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox. Mr. Cox is most often associated with his work as an actor onstage and is currently appearing in "Home" and "The Shawl", as part of the David Mamet Festival at the Goodman. He most recently was seen at Profiles as Clint in "The Glory of Living". He has appeared at Steppenwolf in the World Premiere of "Men of Tortuga", the Midwest Premiere of "Orange Flower Water" (which also traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and the World Premiere of "Wendall Greene". Mr. Cox has received three Joseph Jefferson Citations for Principal Actor for his performances in Profiles' productions of "Blackbird", "Some Voices", and "Eye of God". He has also received two After Dark Awards for Outstanding Performance for his work in Profiles' "Popcorn" and "Carnal Knowledge".
As a director, Mr. Cox has staged numerous productions at Profiles over the years including the Midwest Premieres of "The Radiant Abyss" and "Wonder of the World", "The Water Engine", "How the Other Half Loves", and "The Twilight Zone: The Series", among others. The production team for autobahn includes: Annette Olszewski (Assistant Director); John Zuiker (Set Design); Joe Jahraus (Light Design); Eric Burgher (Sound Design); Sal V. Armano (Costume Design); Paul Jaquith (Stage Manager).
The ensemble cast of autobahn features Profiles' Company Members: Eric Burgher ("The Glory of Living", "The Radiant Abyss" and "Noise"); Artistic Director, Joe Jahraus ("The Glory of Living", "Reparation" and "Noise", among others); Annette Olszewski ("The Glory of Living"); Julie Zarlenga (making her Profiles' stage debut). Returning to the Profiles' stage are the following: Bill Hyland ("The Glory of Living"); Veronica Sheaffer ("The Glory of Living"); Amy Speckien ("The Glory of Living" and Noise"). Making their Profiles' debuts, and completing the ensemble are: Katie Crawford, Tyler Gray, Brian Kavanaugh, Jack McCabe and David Earl White.
*Won After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble
*Won After Dark Award for Outstanding Sound Design - Eric Burgher
"Critics'
Pick! 'autobahn' is subtly wrought and very cleverly crafted. Profiles'
production is engaging and compelling in the best Chicago storefront tradition!"
"Recommended!
Deceit, confession and betrayal are all at work here under the finely
calibrated direction of Darrell W. Cox. Wholly mesmerizing!"
" Edgy
laughs, effective and chilling! LaBute is a master of evoking a sinister
ambience out of the commonplace. A stunner!"
"An
unsparing look at the difficulty of communication, 'autobahn' is absolutely
brilliant!"
"An
altogether excellent execution of LaBute's new play under Darrell W. Cox's
game, sure-handed direction. Downright riveting!"
"Neil
LaBute's often unflinching portraits of toxic relationships are provocative,
funny and more truthful than we like to admit. Profiles' trim, unpretentious
production deftly conveys LaBute's dark, wry sense of humor and the performances
are solid and unaffected!"
"Classic,
intense LaBute with terrific performances, 'autobahn' is a work of art
as a journey inward fueled with emotion and insight. Take the ride!"
"Neil
LaBute skillfully varies the scenes and 'autobahn' is in sure hands under
director Darrell W. Cox, whose cast of twelve is well on top of its game!
Very funny!"
" The
provocative Neil LaBute's newest offering is the perfect piece for Profiles
Theatre. The pacing is terse and rhythmically on target, with performances
that are alluring and captivating!"
Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article "Profiles Theatre Not Afraid to Push the Envelope"