A new version of a rowdy classic comedy comes to a new theater space in downtown Elgin.
Janus Theatre Company opens its 28th season featuring Ben Jonson’s comedy “The Alchemist” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, directed by Artistic Director Sean Hargadon.
When a wealthy gentleman flees to the country, his trusted servant opens his house to a pair of con artists and sets up a den of criminal capitalism. Claiming alchemical powers, the quick-witted trio dupe the neighbors with their virtuosic ability to improvise amidst increasingly frantic comings and goings. It’s comic gold with dupes, double-dupes, duels, disguises, and a lucky flea named “Lewis.”
This production is part of this year’s Greed is Good: A Season of Corruption and features classic stories from the past brought to life for today’s audience. The production is sponsored in part by the City of Elgin and Elgin Cultural Arts Commission.
The Alchemist is produced and directed by Sean Hargadon, stage-managed by Elizabeth Dawson with costumes by Tiffany Jasinski, fight direction by Stetson Cross, intimacy coordination by Toria Hollyn and dialect assistance by Tracy Adams. The cast features Janus Theatre Company core members Aaron Hoge, Benedict L. Slabik II, Julie Bayer along with Steve Connell, Dustin Ayers, Dan Stromquist, Zachary Flax, Stephen Pickering, Matt Johnson, and Tessa Dougherty. Also featuring understudies Tiffany Jasinski, Danielle Spence, Richard Isemonger, Blake Piwowar, Paul Anderson, Christian Colucci, and Sean Unverzagt.
Performances take place at the New Elgin Art Showcase, 220 Dupage Street, downtown Elgin, IL. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
