World Premiere

May 9 - August 29, 2014

 

Written by Ike Holter

Directed by Gus Menary
Featuring: Pat Whalen, Andrew Saenz, HB Ward, Lucy Sandy, Barbara Figgins, Paloma Nozicka, and Jerry McKinnon

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From the acclaimed writer of Hit the Wall and Loom, comes the story of a Chicago public high school slated for closure at the end of the year.  The impending shut-down causes tensions in the school’s already volcanic neighborhood to rise to the breaking point, but a small group of teachers launch a last minute battle to save the school.  Over the course of the year, they put their careers, their future and their safety in the hands of a fast talking administrator who comes on strong: but might actually have no clue what he’s doing.

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★★★★! (out of 4) "At once poetic, political, sad, funny, timely, complex and compassionate, Ike Holter's thrilling, beautiful new play "Exit Strategy" is the story of the desperate final days of a condemned, crumbling Chicago public school... With the help of director Gus Menary, Ike Holter has forged a riveting 90 minutes"

Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

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★★★★ (out of 5) "Gus Menary’s smartly paced production hugs the comic and tragic curves in Holter’s tightly packed plot, and his appealing ensemble sells it with style."

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"I can safely say it is the best thing I’ve seen this year so far."

Theatre by Numbers

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"Jolting and provocative...I highly recommend Exit Strategy... Gus Menary’s direction is sharp and flows beautifully."

Chicago Theatre Beat

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"This drama might make you rethink your stance.  Here's hoping that the Jackalope Theatre Company reserves a seat for the mayor."

LA Splash