The Arsonists
by Max Frisch
translated by Alistair Beaton
directed by Matt Hawkins
Aug 15, 2014–Sep 27, 2014
3829 N. Broadway
Fires are breaking out all over the city, and to make matters worse for Biedermann, one of the town’s leading businessmen, two needy strangers have talked their way into his home. The evidence is piling up that these are the very arsonists that have brought the city to its knees. Can Biedermann use logic and philanthropy to dissuade these invaders from following through on their fiery intentions? Artistic Associate Matt Hawkins (Red Noses, Big Love) returns to helm this wickedly funny satire on our capacity to accommodate the very thing that destroys us.
Jeff Awards
Sound Design, Sarah Espinoza
“Highly Recommended…lights a blazing, provocative fire”
— Chicago Sun-Times
“★★★…many pungent moments of physical comedy…”
— Chicago Tribune
“…by turns funny and frightening…not to be missed.”
— Stage & Cinema
“…expertly, rewardingly brought to the Strawdog stage.”
— New City
Cast
Ira Amyx
as Eisenring
Scottie Caldwell
as Chorus, Mrs. K.
Scott Danielson*
as Schmitz
Jared Fernley
as Chorus
Sarah Goeden*
as Babette
Robert Kauzlaric
as Biedermann
Mike Ooi
as Chorus, Dr. Philosophy
Lea Pascal
as Chorus Leader
Blair Robertson
as Chorus
Neal Starbird
as Chorus, Cop
Rob Vignisson
as Chorus
Rebecca Wolfe
as Anna
Creative Team
Max Frisch
Author
Alistair Beaton
Translator
Matt Hawkins
Director
Sarah Espinoza
Assistant Director
Kenton Gott
Assistant Director
Mike Mroch
Set Design
Sean T. Mallary
Light Design
Brittany Dee Bodley*
Costume Design
Jamie Karas
Props Design
Sarah Espinoza
Sound Design
Ian Olsen
Technical Direction
Katie Adams
Stage Manager
Cypress Staelin
Master Electrician
Laura Barati
Production Manager
* Strawdog Theatre ensemble member