Toronto, Mississippi by Joan MacLeod

Directed by Carlo Lorenzo Garcia
Featuring: Daniel Behrendt, Eve Rydberg, Luke Renn, & Laura Sturm.

MEET THE CAST OF TORONTO, MISSISSIPPI

Designers include Bill Anderson (set), Stefin Steberl (costumes), Matt Gawryk (lighting design), Carlo Lorenzo Garcia (sound design), CoCo Ree Lemery (paint charge), Mary Patchell (stage mgmt.)

About:

While this is a play about the power of family and love, it is finally a play about self-destruction and creation. At its heart is Jhana, whose character begs the question whether the other characters - her mother, a boarder in her house, and her Elvis Impersonator father are any less handicapped than she is. She's good company-funny, driven, passionate and yearning for the same things those around her yearn for-if they can get over their preconceptions about the mentally handicapped and give her the space to achieve her dreams.

As part of his Living Philanthropic mission, director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia will be personally donating $1 to Marklund Children's Home for every ticket purchased for Toronto, Mississippi at Mary-Arrchie Theatre!

Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those they serve are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate, nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund is provides support to families faced with the difficult decision of finding quality care for their loved ones who have severe and profound developmental disabilities.
For more information about Marklund Children's Home, please visit: http://www.marklund.org

PRESS SNIPPETS:

"Director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia coaxes graceful, textured performances from an impressive cast." - Chicago Reader

"Tour de force performance by Eve Rydberg anchors Toronto, Mississippi.This lady gave one of the finest performances I’ve witnessed on a Chicago stage! Once you see this worthy play, you’ll have a new notion of the nature of mental disability." - ChicagoCritic.com (Recommended)

"Rydberg does an excellent job with this demanding role... over-all an excellent choice made by the Mary-Arrchie Theatre Company." - Steadstyle Chicago (Recommended)

"Rydberg’s performance elevates the play’s message about the unique beauty of every individual’s self-expression to lovingly brilliant heights. Jhana’s small victories make the grey drudgery in her world shrink away. Would that we faced each day with the same perspective." -Chicago Theatre Blog (3 STARS)