Goodman Theatre

For Immediate Release

(Chicago, IL) Goodman Theatre proudly introduces ExploreTheGoodman.org, a unique digital microsite designed to offer patrons an in-depth and behind-the-scenes look at the plays, personalities and subscription packages that comprise the 2009/2010 season (beginning September 18 with a new production of the classic Marx Brothers' musical Animal Crackers). This multimedia, one-stop source of information can be accessed at the address ExploreTheGoodman.org, or via the Goodman Theatre's homepage, GoodmanTheatre.org.

"We're thrilled that the Goodman can now offer patrons and subscribers an innovative way to go online and learn as much as possible about everything that we're producing next season," said Lori Kleinerman, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. "With exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, insider information and interactive components, the microsite is teeming with information that is available in one accessible, visually dynamic place."

As the theater transitions into the new 2009/2010 season, ExploreTheGoodman.org provides a rich source of information on all eight plays (five Albert Theatre and three Owen Theatre shows) including: play synopses; casting details; video interviews with artists and biographies; related articles; ticket information including subscription packages, benefits and subscriber testimonials; and links to the Goodman's blog and Facebook page.

"Subscribing has been long considered the single most cost-efficient way to see theater—and it guarantees seats to sold-out productions, such as our recent Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Lynn Nottage, Ruined," said Kleinerman, who noted that the idea to create an all-in-one information source stemmed from patron feedback. "The Goodman is proud and fortunate to have as many loyal subscribers as we do, and we are pleased to provide greater context and information about the plays in the entire season at one time."

ExploreTheGoodman.org went live on Monday, May 11 and will be introduced to local and national theater patrons though banner advertising on The New York Times and Chicago Tribune online, tags in subscription advertising and direct mail. An aggressive e-marketing campaign includes prominent placement in the theater's two e-newsletters (Front Row and Stage Notes), subscription e-blasts and more. Designed by the Goodman's in-house Graphic Design Director Kelly Rickert in collaboration with Andrew Ortolano, Creative Services Partner of Workhorse Interactive, ExploreTheGoodman.org will expand to accommodate additional information as season details are finalized in months to come.

Goodman Theatre's 2009/2010 season in the 856-seat Albert Theatre includes Animal Crackers, book by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby, directed by Henry Wishcamper (September 18 - October 25); Brian Dennehy in the Broadway-bound double-bill of Hughie by Eugene O'Neill, directed by Robert Falls and Krapp's Last Tape by Samuel Beckett, directed by Jennifer Tarver (January 16 - February 21, 2010); the world premiere of A True History of the Johnstown Flood by Rebecca Gilman, directed by Robert Falls (March 13 - April 18, 2010); The Good Negro by Tracey Scott Wilson, directed by Chuck Smith (May 1 - June 6, 2010); The Sins of Sor Juana by Karen Zararías, directed by Henry Godinez (June 19 - July 25, 2010) which launches the Goodman's 5th Latino Theatre Festival (offerings TBA). Offerings in the 400-seat flexible Owen Theatre include Stoop Stories written and performed by Dael Orlandersmith (September 12 - October 11); High Holidays, by Alan Gross, directed by Steven Robman (October 31 - November 29); and The Long Red Road by Brett C. Leonard, directed by Philip Seymour Hoffman (February 13 - March 14, 2010).

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