"One of the best shows of 2005!"

Chicago Tribune, Copley News Service, Time Out, New City

THE GLORY OF LIVING was Ms. Gilman’s first produced play, which premiered at Circle Theatre in Chicago. It was subsequently produced at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1999, and received its New York premiere at the Manhattan Class Company in 2001, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman and starring Anna Paquin. THE GLORY OF LIVING won The American Theatre Critics Association Osborn Award, the London Evening Standard Award for "Best New Play", a Joseph Jefferson Citation for "Best New Work", an After Dark Award for “Outstanding New Work”, and was a Pulitzer Prize Nominee in 2001.

Profiles Theatre’s production of THE GLORY OF LIVING is directed by Carla Russell. Ms. Russell returns to Profiles having directed last season’s critically-acclaimed Midwest Premiere of “Noise” by Alex Jones. Ms. Russell is a recent transplant to Chicago by way of Seattle. While in Seattle, she directed numerous plays, including the celebrated productions of “Saved” by Edward Bond and “The Caretaker” by Harold Pinter for Gemini Theatre Company, and “Viewing Habits” by Christopher Keane for Grass Roots Theatre. Ms. Russell received her MFA in directing from the University of Pittsburgh, where she directed productions of “The Shape of Things” by Neil LaBute and “Search and Destroy” by Howard Korder. The production team includes: Annette Olszewski (Assistant Director); Keith Pitts (Set Design); Aimee Whitmore (Light Design); Stephanie Sherline (Original Music); Eric Burgher (Sound Design/Live Music); Sal V. Armano (Costume Design); Erica Daniels (Casting Director); Julie Zarlenga (Stage Manager).

The cast of THE GLORY OF LIVING features Kelly O’Sullivan as Lisa. Ms. O’Sullivan is making her professional theatre debut at Profiles. She is currently a Senior at Northwestern University studying theatre, where she has appeared in "The Elephant Man" and "Much Ado About Nothing", as well as student theatre productions of "Children of a Lesser God" and "Oleanna.” She is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf, where she trained in 2004.

Profiles’ Associate Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox is featured as Clint. Mr. Cox was most recently seen as Taggart in the World Premiere of “Men of Tortuga” at Steppenwolf, as part of the First Look Repertory. Prior to that, he was seen as Martin Furey in the World Premiere of “Martin Furey's Shot” at TimeLine Theatre. He has also appeared at Steppenwolf in the Midwest Premiere of “Orange Flower Water” (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and the World Premiere of “Wendall Greene”. Mr. Cox has won 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 “Popcorn” and “Carnal Knowledge”.

Profiles’ Artistic Director Joe Jahraus is featured as Carl. Mr. Jahraus has appeared in numerous productions at Profiles, including the Joseph Jefferson Citation-winning productions of “Some Voices”, "Eye of God", "The Baby Dance" and “Stray Dogs”, for which he received a 1999 Joseph Jefferson Citation nomination for Ensemble. Profiles’ Company Member Eric Burgher is featured as Steve. He most recently appeared as Steve Enloe in Profiles’ Midwest Premiere of “The Radiant Abyss”, having first appeared at Profiles as Dan in the Midwest Premiere of “Noise”. Amy Speckien returns to Profiles in the role of Girl having recently been seen as Becky in Profiles’ Midwest Premiere of “Noise”. Bill Hyland plays Jim/Policeman #1/Detective Burrows and Veronica Sheaffer makes her Profiles’ debut in the role of Carol. Appearing at Profiles for the first time and completing the ensemble are: Todd Lahrman, Meredith Rae Lyons, Annette Olszewski .

Recommended! Profiles Theatre is now staging a fascinating, no-holds-barred production directed with an ideal mix of creepiness and pathos!"

- Hedy Weiss, CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

 

"Critic's Pick! Profiles' THE GLORY OF LIVING is savvy, sure-footed and laudably intense with gutsy, courageous performances!"

- Chris Jones, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

 

"In this potent production at Profiles Theatre, Kelly O'Sullivan has a stunning professional debut and Darrell W. Cox solidifies his position as one of the area's best actors. The talented supporting ensemble offer excellent and persuasive performances!"

- Dan Zeff, COPLEY NEWS SERVICE

 

"Recommended! Director Russell has staged Gilman's graphic play with surprising delicacy, placing the action directly in front of us. When Profiles selects material to match their considerable talent, they're unbeatable. This is one of those matches!"

- Christopher Piatt, TIME OUT CHICAGO

 

"THE GLORY OF LIVING is an exhilarating and disturbingly timeless piece of must-see theater! The ever-edgy Profiles Theatre has unleashed a ferocious production with a super-attractive and talented cast!"

- Scott Morgan, WINDY CITY TIMES

 

"Tip of the Week! Rebecca Gilman's potent crime-spree drama is a relentless and expert assault!

- John Beer, NEW CITY

 

"It's hard to picture a better production of this piece, and the result is a vivid and haunting story with finely detailed and impressive performances!"

- John Olson, TALKIN' BROADWAY

 

"Rebecca Gilman's THE GLORY OF LIVING, under the taut direction of Carla Russell, is a spellbinding look at the heart of darkness. The superb cast soars to the challenge of this complex, exciting and disturbing play!"

- Ruth Smerling, THEATREWORLD

 

"Recommended! This riveting, raw drama is an intense character study that keeps you guessing and totally engaged!"

- Tom Williams, CHICAGOCRITIC.COM