Writer William Nicholson was nominated for Oscars for his screenplays for Gladiator and Shadowlands, but his most intimate and personal writing is contained in his acclaimed play The Retreat from Moscow, which is based on the break-up of his own parents’ marriage of 30 plus years.

The Retreat from Moscow is the next production for Artists’ Ensemble, performing March 20–April 5 in the Cheek Theatre at Rockford College. Ensemble member Pat Staaf, last seen in AE’s Rabbit Hole, plays the mother, Alice. Ensemble member David A. Gingerich, last seen as the Bogart-wannabe detective in Murder Center Stage, plays her adult son, Jamie.

Guest artist Jack McLaughlin-Gray plays the father, Edward, whose decision to end his marriage throws the family into turmoil. “Jack and I first worked together many years ago at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival,” said AE Artistic Director Richard Raether. “We were thrilled to have him come to Rockford to perform in this wonderful play.”

Jack is a two-time recipient and four-time nominee of Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award. A thirty-year veteran of the regional theatre scene, Jack’s credits include the Guthrie, the Goodman, Steppenwolf, South Coast Repertory, Milwaukee Repertory, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Indiana Repertory, Victory Gardens, Northlight and Court Theatre among others. Performances of The Retreat from Moscow are Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 4 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Thursday tickets are $18. All other performances are $26, $24 for seniors, $10 for students. Tickets may be purchased online at www.artistsensemble.org or by calling the AE box office at 815-394-5004.