Complete Casting Announced For Chicago Premiere of Tony Award® Best Play Winner OSLO

TimeLine Theatre Company and Broadway In Chicago are pleased to announce complete casting for Tony Award® Best Play Winner OSLO which will make its Chicago premiere with TimeLine Theatre’s production at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut) for a limited six-week engagement from Sept. 10 – Oct. 20, 2019.  Individual tickets for OSLO will go on-sale Friday, July 12.

The cast will star Scott Parkinson as Terje Larsen and Bri Sudia as Mona Juul, with TimeLine Company Member Anish Jethmalani as Ahmed Qurie and Jed Feder as Uri Savir, and Bernard Balbot, Ron E. Rains, Amro Salama, Stef Tovar, Bassam Abdelfattah, Tom Hickey, Victor Holstein, and TimeLine Company Members Juliet Hart and David Parkes.

The creative team includes J.T. Rogers (Playwright), Nick Bowling (Director), Jeffrey D. Kmiec (Scenic Designer), Jesse Klug (Lighting Designer), Christine Pascual (Costume Designer), Katie Cordts (Wig and Hair Designer), André Pluess (Sound Designer), Mike Tutaj (Projections Designer), Amy Peter(Properties Designer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Designer), Deborah Blumenthal (Co-Dramaturg), Maren Robinson (Co-Dramaturg), Jonathan Nook (Stage Manager) and Mary Zanger (Assistant Stage Manager).

OSLO is a remarkable story about the unlikely friendships, quiet heroics, and sheer determination that pushed two foes to reach something neither thought truly possible—peace. When the Israeli prime minister and the chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization shook hands on the White House lawn in 1993, the world had no idea what it took to orchestrate that momentous occasion. Behind the scenes, a Norwegian diplomat and her social scientist husband hatched an intricate, top secret, and sometimes comical scheme to gather an unexpected assortment of players at an idyllic estate just outside Oslo. Far from any international glare, mortal enemies were able to face each other not as adversaries, but as fellow human beings.  J.T. Rogers’ OSLO is a humorous, surprising, and inspiring true story about the people inside politics, and the incredible progress that is possible when we focus on what makes us human—together.         

TimeLine’s Chicago production of OSLO is the Chicago premiere. It premiered in fall 2016 in a sold-out run at New York’s Lincoln Center and opened on Broadway in April 2017. It then played at London’s Royal National Theatre in September 2017 before transferring to the West End in October 2017.

OSLO received the 2017 Tony Award for Best Play, as well as New York Critics, Outer Critics, Drama Desk, Drama League, Lucille Lortel, and Obie awards—a sweep of the 2016-17 New York awards season—and was nominated for the Olivier and Evening Standard awards.

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

SCOTT PARKINSON (Terje Larsen) is making his TimeLine debut. His Chicago appearances include 16 productions with Chicago Shakespeare Theater (including the title role in RICHARD II); appearances at the Goodman, Court, Northlight; and in HAMLET (title role), HEDDA GABLER, ARCADIA, TWELFTH NIGHT and JULIUS CAESAR (also co-directed and adapted, Writers Theatre). Broadway credits include THE COAST OF UTOPIA (Lincoln Center) and the national tour of THE 39 STEPS. Other New York appearances include HAMLET (Classic Stage Company), David Cromer’s productions of ORSON’S SHADOW and OUR TOWN (Barrow Street Theatricals), THE THIRD STORY (MCC theater), ROSE RAGE (CST at the Duke), and in Writers Theatre’s CRIME & PUNISHMENT at 59E59. He appeared most recently in THE THANKSGIVING PLAY (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park). Other regional appearances include the Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Hartford Stage and the Mark Taper Forum. He was interviewed for the books The World Only Spins Forward and North American Players of Shakespeare. For more, follow @thelegitscottparkinson.

BRI SUDIA (Mona Juul) returns to TimeLine, where she previously appeared in A SHAYNA MAIDEL. Chicago credits include THE MUSIC MAN; WONDERFUL TOWN; and AH, WILDERNESS (Goodman Theatre), BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Drury Lane); SWEENEY TODD (Paramount Theatre); and MISS BENNET and SHINING LIVES (Northlight), as well as productions at Steppenwolf, Porchlight and Chicago Shakespeare. Regional credits include the Utah, Arkansas and Texas Shakespeare Festivals, Asolo Repertory Theatre and Milwaukee Rep. She holds an MFA in Acting from the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. 

ANISH JETHMALANI (Ahmed Qurie) returns to TimeLine, where he is a Company Member and appeared in IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY; A DISAPPEARING NUMBER; INANA; and BLOOD AND GIFTS. Selected Chicago stage credits include WIT and A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Goodman); WATER BY THE SPOONFUL, TITUS ANDRONICUS, MARY STUART, THE INVENTION OF LOVE, and LIFE’S A DREAM (Court); ROMEO AND JULIET (Chicago Shakespeare); RIGHTLYND (Victory Gardens); BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO, AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, and SITA RAM (Lookingglass); THE CARETAKER and TO THE GREEN FIELDS BEYOND (Writers); HATFIELD & MCCOY (House); THE FATHER and GREAT EXPECTATIONS (Remy Bumppo); THE ROOM (A Red Orchid); TWELFTH NIGHT (First Folio); MERCHANT ON VENICE (Silk Road Rising); OMNIUM GATHERUM (Next). Regionally, he appeared in HENRY VIII and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). Film credits include BATMAN V. SUPERMAN. Television credits include EMPIRE, CHICAGO MED, APB, BOSS, LEVERAGE and EARLY EDITION. 

JED FEDER (Uri Savir) is making his TimeLine debut. Recent credits include the North American Tour of Disney’s ALADDIN. In Chicago, he has worked as both an actor and musician at Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Drury Lane, Writers, and Chicago Children’s Theatre, and regionally at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., and Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota, Florida. Jed received his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and the American Federation of Musicians.

BERNARD BALBOT (Pundak/Egeland) is making his TimeLine debut. Chicago credits include COMPANY and SHE LOVES ME (Writers), Shakespeare in the Parks A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and Short Shakespeare MACBETH (Chicago Shakespeare), YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Northlight), WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT A PRESENTATION… (Victory Gardens), and THE ORIGINAL GREASE and YEAST NATION (American Theater Company), among others. Regional credits include American Conservatory Theatre, Asolo Repertory, Milwaukee Repertory, Arizona Theatre Company, Utah Shakespeare Festival, and Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre. He holds a BFA from Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama and attended NTI’s Moscow Art Theatre Program.

RON E. RAINS (Hirschfeld/Peres) returns to TimeLine, where he was last seen in JUNO. Other Chicago credits include productions at Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Drury Lane, Northlight, Paramount and Writers theatres.  Ron has appeared on CHICAGO JUSTICE and CHICAGO MED, as well as in numerous independent films. He is also known as Peter Rosenthal, Head Film Critic for The Onion. Ron is represented by Paonessa Talent and is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA. For more, visitronrains.com.

AMRO SALAMA (Hassan Asfour) is making his TimeLine debut. Recent credits include UNRELIABLE (Kansas City Rep), OSLO (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis) and REFUGE*MALJA (Portland Stage Company). Chicago theatrical credits include 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEAS (Lookingglass), YASMINA’S NECKLACE (16th Street Theater, Goodman Theatre), and ALIAS GRACE (Rivendell Theatre). Los Angeles theatre credits include OMNIUM GATHERUM (Theatricum Botanicum), ON CARING FOR THE BEAST (Cornerstone Theatre) and SARAH’S WAR (Hudson Theatre). Television credits include a recurring role on THE CHI and roles on CHICAGO P.D., MODERN FAMILY, SHAMELESS, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, LAW & ORDER, SUITE LIFE ON DECK, and PROVEN INNOCENT. Film credits include THE SIEGE, GOOD FRIDAY, and the short film WHAT REMAINS. Amro is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA.

STEF TOVAR (Yossi Beilin) returns to TimeLine, where he appeared in BOY and ENRON. This season, Stef was seen in MAMMA MIA! (Drury Lane) and THE ADVENTURES OF AUGIE MARCH (Court). Chicago credits include APPROPRIATE (Victory Gardens); THE MUSIC MAN (Paramount); SOUTH PACIFIC (Jeff Award nomination – Supporting Actor in a Musical; Marriott) and A TWIST OF WATER for Route 66 Theatre Company, where he is the founder and co-artistic director. Film and television credits include PROVEN INNOCENT, CHICAGO FIRE , CONTAGION, and WIDOWS. Stef is also a professional on-camera acting coach. For more, visit steftovar.com.

BASSAM ABDELFATTAH (Trond/German Husband) has worked with local theaters such as Silk Road Rising, Remy Bumppo, Stage Left, Steep, and Broken Nose. Television credits include THE CHI (Showtime) and PHILIP K. DICK’S ELECTRIC DREAMS (Amazon). He is also in three independent feature films that will be released this year. Currently, Bassam is writing a television show that you will hopefully be able to watch on Netflix or Amazon in the near future.

JULIET HART (Marianne Heiberg/Toril Grandal/German Wife/Swedish Hostess) is a founding CompanyMember of TimeLine, where she has appeared in A DISAPPEARING NUMBER, THE APPLE FAMILY PLAYS: THAT HOPEY CHANGEY THING and SORRY (Jeff Award nomination – Ensemble), 33VARIATIONS (Jeff Award – Production of a Play, Mid-Size), TO MASTER THE ART, ALL MY SONS, WEEKEND, HARMLESS, MARTIN FUREY’S SHOT, IT’S ALL TRUE (Jeff Award nomination – Supporting Actress) and many others. Recent television credits include CHICAGO FIRE and PROVEN INNOCENT. Film credits include ONE YEAR LATER, written and directed by Lucia Mauro. Juliet serves as Director of TimeLine’s Living History Education Program. She holds an MFA degree in Acting from The TheatreSchool at DePaul University and is represented by Gray Talent Group.

TOM HICKEY (Joel Singer) returns to TimeLine, where he appeared previously in CHIMERICA. Chicago credits include FRANKLINLAND (Jackalope), SEMINAR (Haven), THE PILLOWMAN (Redtwist), A BRIGHT NEW BOISE (LiveWire), YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU (Northlight), THE KILLER ANGELS (Lifeline) and many productions at Strawdog Theatre where he was a long-time company member, including FAIL/SAFE, THE MASTER AND MARGARITA, UNCLE VANYA, and THE CHERRY ORCHARD. Television credits include CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO FIRE and THE CHI. He is represented by Gray Talent Group.

VICTOR HOLSTEIN (Thor/American Diplomat) returns to TimeLine, having previously understudied A

DISAPPEARING NUMBER and IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY. Recent credits include BELLBOYS, BEARS & BAGGAGE (Redmoon), THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (First Folio), SOUTHERN GOTHIC (Windy City Playhouse), OTHER PEOPLE’S CHILDREN (Lion & Mouse Productions), and CHICAGO MED and CHICAGO P.D. (NBC). Victor will also be appearing in Silent Theatre Company’s new work INCOMPLETE CONVERSATIONS opening in late fall. 

DAVID PARKES (Jonah Jorgen Holst/Finn Grandal) is a TimeLine Company Member, where he has appeared in BOY, BLOOD AND GIFTS, A WALK IN THE WOODS, FROST/NIXON, NOT ENOUGH AIR, TRUMBO, WIDOWERS’ HOUSES, HARMLESS, THE GENERAL FROM AMERICA, A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS, PRAVDA, THE LION IN WINTER, HANNAH AND MARTIN, AWAKE AND SING!, THE CRUCIBLE, HALCYON DAYS, NOT ABOUT NIGHTINGALES, and GASLIGHT. Other Chicago credits include work with Steppenwolf Theatre, American Theatre Company, Northlight, The House, Eclipse, Apple Tree, Streetsigns, Footsteps, Greasy Joan & Co. and the Piven Theatre Workshop. His recent television credits include PROVEN INNOCENT, CHICAGO MED, CHICAGO FIRE, THE BEAST, THE CHICAGO CODE and BOSS.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for OLSO will go on sale on Friday, July 12 and will range in price from $30 – $75 with a select number of premium seats available.  Tickets are available now for groups 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.  For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com or www.timelinetheatre.com.

ABOUT TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY

TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues. Now looking ahead to its 23^rd season, to date TimeLine has presented 79 productions, including 10 world premieres and 35 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program, now in its 12th year of bringing the company’s mission to life for students in Chicago Public Schools. Recipient of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 54 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production 11 times.

TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman and Board President Eileen LaCario. Company Members are Tyla Abercrumbie, Will Allan, Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Wardell Julius Clark, Behzad Dabu, Charles Andrew Gardner, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Anish Jethmalani, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, Maren Robinson and Benjamin Thiem.

Major corporate, government and foundation supporters of TimeLine Theatre include Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Crown Family, Forum Fund, The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Laughing Acres Family Foundation, A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Pauls Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, and The Shubert Foundation.

For more information, visit timelinetheatre.com or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@TimeLineTheatre).

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago