Two world premieres, a romantic comedy, and a little Dickensian magic make up the sixth season of
professional theater at Artists’ Ensemble, the professional theater in residence at Rockford College.

Jeeves in Bloom
by Margaret Raether
September 11–20 in the Maddox Theatre
Ah, the English countryside… so tranquil, so peaceful. And then Bertie Wooster and Jeeves arrive for a visit. So much for peace… Now Bertie is dodging an enraged chef wielding a meat cleaver,
hiding from a starry-eyed ingenue, and helping Aunt Dahlia to commit a felony. Thank heaven for Jeeves. This premiere of a new adaptation of P.G. Wodehouse will feature Ensemble members David A. Gingerich, Stephen F. Vrtol III, and Linda Abronski in the cast.

Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol
by Tom Mula
December 4–20 in the Cheek Theatre
“Scrooge? I have to redeem old Scrooge? Impossible!” So begins the untold story behind Dickens’ A Christmas Carol — the story of Jacob Marley’s heroic behind-the-scenes efforts to save the soul
of his old partner, Ebeneezer Scrooge, and in the process, redeem himself. Ensemble member Stephen F. Vrtol plays Marley in this fresh, re-imagining of a holiday classic.

Might Have Gone Fishing
by Rufus Cadigan
March 12 – 28, 2010 in the Cheek Theatre
Life dealt Jason a double whammy. He stutters and his parents have split up. Jason’s dad, Pat, promised to take him fishing but how’s that supposed to happen now that Pat has left town?
This new play is, by turns, funny, serious, and heart-wrenching. The second of AE’s world premieres this season, this script written by Ensemble member Rufus Cadigan, won the Edward Albee Excellence in Playwriting Award.

Italian American Reconciliation
by John Patrick Shanley
May 14 – May 30 in the Cheek Theatre
Huey Maximilian Bonfigliano has a problem. He’s still in love with his ex-wife, Janice. Yeah, so she killed his dog and tried to shoot him. Hey, she was upset. Now he’s on a mission to win her back
and he has forced a reluctant promise of help from his best friend, Aldo. AE concludes its season with this hilarious fable about love and friendship written by the Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winning author of Moonstruck.

“AE has wonderful actors in the Ensemble, but we are delighted to also showcase the writing talent within the group with two premieres this season,” says AE Artistic Director Richard Raether.

This season, AE expands its popular pre-performance Theater Talk. This informal pre-show chat led by an Ensemble member, will be part of both the first Saturday and first Sunday matinees.

AE subscription prices remain the same: four great plays for $85, $80 for seniors, $40 for students.

Single tickets are $26, $24 for seniors, and only $10 for students. AE shows frequently sell out, so the best way to guarantee a seat and save over $20 is to subscribe.

Season tickets may be purchased through the AE web site, www.artistsensemble.org, or through the AE box office, 815-394-5004.