The Heir Apparent Set to Play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's presentation of The Heir Apparent starts its run this evening.

The show centers on Eraste, a young man on the brink of a sizable inheritance from an ailing uncle and marriage to a beautiful woman. Much to his dismay, however, his uncle, Geronte, won’t die and, in the meantime, has bequeathed his entire estate to someone else. Worse yet, Geronte is determined to marry Eraste’s fiancée, Isabelle, himself. With every turn of fortune, Eraste must work to maintain both his inheritance and his lover.

John Rando directs the play, written by David Ives. Paxton Whitehead and Nate Burger lead the cast as Geronte and Eraste respectively. Rounding out the cast is Emily Peterson as Isabelle, Linda Kimbrough as Madame Argante, Jessie Fisher as Crispin, Cliff Saunders as Lisette, and Patrick Kerr as Scruple.

"I feel that this piece is a treasure — a beautifully wrapped golden box of a play. I’m so eager to share this gift of the American theater with Chicago Shakespeare audiences," said Rando. "The Heir Apparent is a play to hear and enjoy — to marvel at the wit, dexterity and music of the language."

The creative team includes Christine Binder (light design), Kevin Depinet (set design), David C. Woolard (costume design), Richard Woodbury (sound design), and Melissa Veal (wig and makeup design).

Performances will run through January 17.

For tickets and more information, click here.