CFT closed its 2009-2010 season with Archibald MacLeish’s rarely staged verse play, J.B., that previewed March 11, 2010 and ran through April 18, 2010 at Oracle Theatre in Chicago.

As darkness descends upon the circus world, two spirited vendors reenact the story of Job. In this play-within-a-play, a wealthy banker goes from prosperity to hopelessness and despair before eventually turning to love as the only solace for his suffering. In our own lives often filled with disappointment, we can find comfort in MacLeish’s gripping drama where one man’s faith is put to the ultimate test. The production, influenced by circus style movement and Apache dance (fight dance with roots in early 20th century Parisian street culture) also used physical movement to enhance the high emotional stakes.

The J.B. ensemble featured Austin Campion, Stevie Chaddock, Erica Hernandez, Jennifer LaTurner, Amanda Eaton, Ellen Kate Finley, Josh Marcotte, Charles Gardner, and Alex C. Moore; with Jason Economus as J.B., Natalie DiCristofano as Sarah, Sandy Elias as Zuss and Virginia Marie as Nickles. Production Staff: Director Emma Peterson, Sound Designer Christopher Kriz, Composer Nathan Jatcko, Lighting Designer Lindsey Lyddan, Set Designer Scott Schoonover, Props Designer and Assistant Stage Manager Bridget Marcotte, Costume Designer Valerie VanderKolk and Production Stage Manager Noel Dominique.