Event

Heist Play

by Mitch Vermeersch
directed by Allison Shoemaker

Originally produced in 2009, Heist Play marked The Ruckus' first foray into the Chicago storefront theater scene. Four years and a workshop process later, its twists and turns emerge from new and darker corners. When their world of cheap beer and empty wallets closes in on them, Nick , Tommy,and Marianne decide to plan the perfect heist, just like in the movies. It isn't long before they realize their perfect heist would make the perfect film. A black comedy that deconstructs the film noir formula and turns archetypes inside out, Heist Play follows three desperate misfits in their attempt to play the perfect angle, pull the perfect con, or find some way to force a plot twist - no matter the cost.

The Ruckus' production of HEIST PLAY by Mitch Vermeersch is part of Chicago Artists Month 2013, the 18th annual celebration of Chicago's vibrant art community presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information, visit www.chicagoartistsmonth.org.

CAST
Nick - Joshua Davis
Tommy - Neal Starbird
Marianne - Christine Vrem-Ydstie
Deitrich - Karie Miller
Murphy - Mike Steele
Ensemble - Catherine Bullard, Nick Freed, Dennis Frymire, Brian Hurst, Carmen Molina
Bandleader - Dan Caffrey

Mitch Vermeersch hails originally from Clinton Township, Michigan. He has a BA in Creative Writing from Western Michigan University and sometimes a beard. In 2007 he was a member of the National Theater Institute's Theatermakers Program at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, CT. His plays have been produced at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, The Black Hills Theater in Grand Rapids, MI, and The Hygienic Art Park in New London, CT. In addition to Heist Play, Mitch helped develop past Ruckus Theater productions Tell It, Speak It, Think It, Breathe It and 15 Minutes. He was around for the foundation of The Ruckus Theater and is thrilled to be working with his brave old buddies once again.