(From The National Black Church Initiative) 

  We Demand the Implementation of the Child Victim’s Act in Every State to Expose the Sexual Abuse of Catholic Priests and Other Predators.

Washington DC – The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, is outraged at the recent grand jury finding in Philadelphia that 37 Catholic priests in active duty have credible allegations of sexual abuse.  The Philadelphia archdiocese suspended 21 of the 37 Roman Catholic priests who were named as child molestation suspects on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. 

NBCI says, “too little, too late.”

Two grand juries – one in 2005 identifying 63 active duty Catholic priests with allegations of sexual abuse and this finding in 2011 identifying 37 – have found the Catholic Church’s response to child abuse within the church woefully inadequate.   The panel created by the Catholic Church in 2005 was found to have worked mostly to protect the church, not the victims – an unsettling realization after consistent reassurances from the Catholic Church that they are protecting children.  How many innocent lives have been forever tarnished?  It seems that the Catholic Church only responds to public, legal intervention and is incapable of independently protecting children and identifying abusers. NBCI seeks to eradicate sexual abuse within the Church – we call on all religious leaders to join us putting the protection of children first.

The Child Victim’s Act, which was authored by Delaware State Senator Karen Peterson, eliminated the civil statute of limitations for sexual abuse of children. It gives child victims of unspeakable sexual trauma the chance to speak up in a way that they were previously unable to.  It also allows those who cover up and enable predators to be exposed. It is clear that sexual abuse, especially when perpetrated by a trusted religious authority, leaves an indelible mark on a child.  These broken children must have the opportunity to address their abuser in whatever timeline facilitates positive mental and physical health for the victim – Catholic priests can no longer hide behind statues of limitations.  These children deserve justice now.

Rev. Anthony Evans, President of NBCI says, “Over the years we have expressed, in the strongest of terms, the position of the black church regarding the Catholic Church sexual abuse scandal.  We have made it very clear – we condemn the perpetuation of sexual abuse.  We condemn the Church’s lack of transparency.  We no longer believe that the Catholic Church is utilizing the necessary resources to end the evil abuse of God’s children.  Therefore, I have ordered our faith command leaders nationwide to advocate on the passage of the Child Victim’s Act in every state to ensure that Catholic and Protestant abusers are held accountable.  Similar bills are pending in other states, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii and they have NBCI’s full support.  Additionally, five years ago I asked our NBCI faith-based leaders to meet with their state attorney general’s to implement effective reporting and investigative channels to indentify and remove predators from positions within the Church.  I am happy to report the success of this collaboration and I am calling on the Catholic Church to follow our lead.”

Leaving hundreds of thousands of victims in its wake worldwide, this scandal has cost over $2.6 billion dollars, with physical and emotional costs impossible to calculate.  Abusers continue their insidious molestation under the protection of the Catholic Church and very few ever are tried in a court of law – according to the John Jay College of CriminalJustice only 6% of all priests against whom allegations were made were convicted and about 2% received prison sentences since 1950.  In fact, a 1997 letter from the Vatican warned Ireland’s Catholic bishops not to report all suspected child-abuse cases to police illustrating that the Catholic Church enforced a worldwide culture of covering up crimes by pedophile priests.  This can go on no longer – victims voices will be heard and with the power of the black church justice will be achieved.

Rev Mark McCleary, Chairman of NBCI Minister Alliance, says “We have very clear instructions from our denominational leaders and Rev Evans and we will move quickly to put them in place and support the passage of the Child Protection Act in New York, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. I will personally working with the faith based community to gain support for the passage of these bills to protect all children.”

Pope Benedict XVI has admitted that “the greatest persecution of the church doesn’t come from enemies on the outside but is born from the sin within the church.”  NBCI agrees that there is sin within the Catholic Church however; the Catholic Church is not being ‘persecuted’.  Rather, it is the innocent children, in their quest to strengthen their faith, who are persecuted by Catholic clergy.  We are simply asking that the Church take full responsibility for the lives irrevocably damaged. 

After nearly 60 years of abuse allegations and indictments it has become clear that the Catholic Church is a moral threat to the Christian faith.  Each child whose innocence is stolen represents a crack in the Catholic Church’s credibility – it is now very clear the Catholic Church is shattered.  We are dismayed that the damage the Catholic Church inflicts upon children weakens the global message of Christ.  The Catholic Church abuse scandal has not only affected Catholics worldwide, but Protestants as well.  The numbers are staggering and shake the very foundation of the Christian Church.  This is why we are issuing this statement – the numbers speak for themselves.

An extensive new survey by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life finds that the number of people who say they are unaffiliated with any particular faith today (16.1%) is more than double the number who say they were not affiliated with any particular religion as children. Among Americans ages 18-29, one-in-four say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion.

While those Americans who are unaffiliated with any particular religion have seen the greatest growth in numbers as a result of changes in affiliation, Catholicism has experienced the greatest net losses as a result of affiliation changes. While nearly one-in-three Americans (31%) were raised in the Catholic faith, today fewer than one-in-four (24%) describe themselves as Catholic.

The Catholic Church does not bear the full responsibility for the growing loss of religious affiliation or belief; however one can argue that the recent scandals have diminished faith and contributed to the falling numbers of those who identify themselves as Catholics or as believers.

Of all the major racial and ethnic groups in the United States, black Americans are the most likely to report a formal religious affiliation. Even among those blacks who are unaffiliated, three-in-four belong to the “religious unaffiliated” category (that is, they say that religion is either somewhat or very important in their lives), compared with slightly more than one-third of the unaffiliated population overall.  Our faith is strong.

The black church will not bend – abuse perpetrated by Catholic priests, or any religious authority, goes against the foundation of the Christian faith.  It is imperative that the black church, with a historically solid position as a guardian of justice and peace, stand to protect our children.  For Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. (King James Bible, Matthew 19:14)

About NBCI

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches and the public. The National Black Church Initiative’s methodology is utilizing faith and sound health science. The National Black Church Initiative’s purpose is to partner with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in the variety of areas cited above. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues. NBCI’s programs are governed by credible statistical analysis, science based strategies and techniques, and methods that work.  Visit our website at www.naltblackchurch.com.

Life of the beautiful, outspoken actress and former First Lady of the Turks and Caicos is filled with unexpected events and interesting characters, including appearances by Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tatyana Ali, Bobby Brown, Elise Neal, Nelly, Twista, Bishop T.D. Jakes, DeRay Davis, Chef G. Garvin and Jacque Reid.

 
TV One’s top-rated series,”LisaRaye: The Real McCoy,” returns for a new season Thursday, April 7 at 9 PM ET with back-to-back episodes.

Photo credit: Robert Kley/TV One

Silver Spring, MD (BlackNews.com) — LisaRaye: The Real McCoy, TV One’s top-rated series, returns to the network Thursday, April 7 at 9 PM ET with back-to-back episodes for its second season, with the former First Lady of the Turks and Caicos firmly established back in Hollywood, and she’s playing the game – her way. The talented actress with the face of a goddess, and the bearing of a diva, wrapped up with her refreshing, down-to-earth candor, is making waves this season wherever she goes, whether she’s furthering her career, letting loose her maternal instincts, searching for Mr. Right, or helping out a friend in need.

Filmed in Puerto Rico, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas, the nine-episode second season of LisaRaye: The Real McCoy finds the beautiful, outspoken star of film and television kicking her own acting career back into high gear with a new scripted series; burnishing her brand with a new line of jeans; raising money for charity to help friends; helping to get her daughter’s career off the ground, and looking for love – and spirituality.

The chic and elegant lady usually dressed in her trademark white came to Los Angeles from her native Chicago more than a decade ago, and got a taste of stardom and strong reviews in Ice Cube’s The Players Club and later leading roles in The Wood, Civil Brand and other films. More TV and film roles followed, including the role of Neesee in the popular sitcom All of Us.

In 2006, she left Hollywood behind for a role as a real princess… or rather First Lady, when she married the Premier of the Turks & Caicos, and lived a fairy tale life that was all too brief when rumors of infidelity and allegations of illegal behavior soon swirled around her husband and brought trouble to paradise.

In season one of LisaRaye: The Real McCoy, the actress returned to Hollywood to re-establish her critically acclaimed acting career, while balancing a far-flung and complex personal life. During the course of the season, she served notice to viewers and the entertainment community alike that she was back in the groove and hadn’t lost a step.

This season, from training for stunt fighting and military combat to organizing a fundraiser to help defray a close friend’s cancer bills to immersing herself in a T.D. Jakes spiritual conference to (micro) managing her daughter Kai’s budding career on the fashion runway, LisaRaye will always keep things interesting. One thing is for sure: viewers can always expect the unexpected, because that’s the real McCoy.

“We’ve come a long way since we first started taping season one of this show,” said LisaRaye. “I am very excited to be back with TV One for season two, and to share with viewers the many exciting developments and blessings in my life over the past year,” said LisaRaye. “I’ve had to fight for what I want and deserve, and I hope in some small way I can help inspire people – women especially – to go after what they want and fight for the life they deserve.”

In addition to LisaRaye, her daughter Kai, her assistant Quincy, and her business associate Tom add to the eclectic array of interesting characters. The show will also include celebrity appearances by Sheryl Lee Ralph, DeRay Davis, Tatyana Ali, Bobby Brown, Elise Neal, Nelly, Twista, Rev. Bishop T.D. Jakes, Chef G. Garvin and Jacque Reid.

In the premiere episode April 7 at 9 PM, LisaRaye’s trip to Puerto Rico for her “Back to Business” networking event takes a turn for the worse after her assistant Stacy loses some of her most prized possessions. In the episode that premieres at 9:30 PM, LisaRaye decides to take on stunt fighting and military combat training to prove she has what it takes to be the next best action hero. As part of her brand expansion plans, she auditions models for her new line of denim jeans.

To kick off premiere week, TV One will re-air all eight episodes from the first season of LisaRaye: The Real McCoy in a special primetime marathon on Sunday, April 3 from 8 PM – 12:30 AM.

LisaRaye: The Real McCoy is produced for TV One by Evolution Media. Executive producers are Douglas Ross, Gregory Stewart, Kathleen French, LisaRaye McCoy and Datari Turner. Co-executive producers are Alex Baskin, Susan Seide and Larry Kennar, and the series is directed by Oji Singeltary. The show was created by Datari Turner. Executive in charge of production for TV One is Jubba Seyyid.

The half-hour series (except for the season finale, which is an hour) settles into its regular schedule on Thursday, April 14, with a premiere episode airing at 9 PM and a repeat from the previous week airing at 9:30 PM (all times ET). The episodes repeat at midnight. For a sneak peek of season two, visit http://lisaraye.tvoneonline.com/category/season-two-sneak.

Launched in January 2004, TV One (www.tvoneonline.com) serves more than 52.1 million households, offering a broad range of real-life and entertainment-focused original programming, classic series, movies, and music designed to entertain, inform and inspire a diverse audience of adult African American viewers. In December 2008, the company launched TV One High Def, which now serves more than 9 million households. TV One’s investors include Radio One [NASDAQ: ROIA and ROIAK; www.radio-one.com], the largest radio company that primarily targets African American and urban listeners; Comcast Corporation [NASDAQ: CMCSA and CMCSK; www.comcast.com], the leading cable television company in the country; and The DirecTV Group.
Photos for press use can be downloaded at http://tvonepress.com/photos/LisaRaye_Season_2_Photos/. Photo credit: Robert Kley/TV One.

National Healthy Homes Conference to address serious health and safety concerns in housing

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) — Millions of U.S. families face health and safety hazards like mold, lead, pest infestation and the physical deterioration of their homes. These problems are particularly common among some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations: children, seniors, the disabled and low-income families.

To address these widespread issues, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Department of Agriculture will host more than 3,000 national health and safety experts in Denver from June 20 – 23 at the National Healthy Homes Conference (NHHC). Under the theme, Leading the Nation to Healthy Homes, Families and Communities, this is the most comprehensive forum ever held on the issue.

“It’s time that we move from talk to action,” said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. “Our goal is to ensure that every home is designed, built, rehabbed and maintained in a manner that protects the health and safety of American families. This conference encourages the exchange of critical information and presents innovative approaches and solutions to reduce home-related hazards.”

The Conference will feature more than 150 educational sessions and workshops, allowing officials from the public health, housing, safety and environmental communities to collaborate and share ideas. Presentations will be made by representatives from more than 200 organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, American Lung Association, National Center for Healthy Housing, AARP, National Association of Homebuilders and the Harvard School of Public Health.

“Building a Healthy Neighborhood” Volunteer Event Kicks-Off Conference Activities June 18-19

One of the highlights of NHHC takes place prior to the official start, when HUD and Rebuilding Together rehabilitate 25 homes in a Denver neighborhood on June 18 and 19. The event, called Building a Healthy Neighborhood, will bring together more than 300 volunteers to make the homes of local families safer and healthier. Volunteers may register at www.hud.gov/news/index.cfm.
About the 2011 National Healthy Homes Conference
NHHC is the housing industry’s most comprehensive, progressive and educational forum on the issue of healthy, safe and sustainable homes. The conference is a federally-sponsored event, bringing together a wide range of health, housing and environmental professionals to work toward making housing healthy, safe and environmentally sustainable. For more information about NHHC, including plenary speakers, session topics and presenters, please contact Stephanie Blaine at (703) 683-7742.

HUD’s mission is to create strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality affordable homes for all. HUD is working to strengthen the housing market to bolster the economy and protect consumers; meet the need for quality affordable rental homes: utilize housing as a platform for improving quality of life; build inclusive and sustainable communities free from discrimination; and transform the way HUD does business. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet at www.hud.gov and espanol.hud.gov.

(A Message from Tom Sharpe, 46th Ward Democratic Committeeman)

I wanted to make sure you knew that you could vote early for 46th Ward Alderman any day except Sunday between now and March 31st.  The 46th ward’s early voting location is Truman College at 1145 W. Wilson in Chicago — voting hours are 9 AM to 5 PM. Please bring a government issued photo ID with you to vote early.

As we prepare to elect a new Alderman, the stakes have never been higher for the 46th ward.  James Cappleman is the only progressive candidate in this race and the clear choice to fight crime and create businesses and jobs.

James was recently endorsed by IVI-IPO, one of Illinois’ largest and most respected clean government groups, Equality Illinois PAC, an organization championing equal rights for LGBT residents, and the Chicago Teachers Union, representing our city’s educators.  He also received a stirring endorsement from the Chicago Sun-Times:

“In the runoff, we’re backing James Cappleman, a former teacher and social worker with deep roots in this fiercely independent ward. Cappleman has a broad and detailed vision for attracting businesses to the ward, fighting crime and giving residents a greater say in ward decisions. Cappleman and opponent Mary Anne “Molly” Phelan, a real estate and tax attorney, don’t differ significantly on the issues but do in experience…we prefer Cappleman because we believe he would be more independent. Cappleman already has many long-standing, constructive relationships in the ward and has displayed a willingness to reach out to those with whom he disagrees.”

James also has the endorsements of the 46th Ward Democrats, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, State Senator Heather Steans and other respected Democratic leaders.

As a testament to the fact that James can build bridges with many communities, a number of James’ former competitors from the first round of voting are hosting a fundraiser for him on Sunday:

You’re Invited To A Unity Fundraiser For James Cappleman
When:  Sunday, March 20, 2011
Where: Holiday Club, 4000 North Sheridan Road
Time: 6:30 PM
Suggested Contribution: $50

The Unity Fundraiser is being hosted by former aldermanic candidates Scott Baskin, Emily Stewart, Andy Lam, Befekadu Retta, Caitlin McIntyre and Diane Shapiro. 

The Host Committee has pledged to match dollar for dollar the first $1250 raised to support James Cappleman in his bid to become the next Alderman of the 46th Ward. 

Come out and learn why James has garnered the respect and support of so many former aldermanic candidates.

To learn more about James, visit www.JamesForChange.com, call 312-725-8683, or e-mail Info@JamesForChange.com

Thank you for your time – and please remember to vote early!

Approve Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements

Washington, D.C. – As President Obama embarks on a trip to Latin America, United States Senators Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Marco Rubio (R-FL), along with 5 other Senate colleagues, are requesting the President submit to Congress for approval the Colombia and Panama Free Trade Agreements and to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) with willing partners to open additional export markets for the United States.

“By opening up a bold trade agenda encompassing the Western Hemisphere, you will create opportunities for higher incomes in the U.S. and foreign policy stability and growth in our own hemisphere, the Senators wrote. “In these times of international instability, our mission and this free trade initiative would go a long way towards ensuring peace and economic growth in our region of the planet.”

Illinois exported a total of $8.98 billion in products to Mexico and Latin American countries in 2010. The Top 10 export categories are:

1. Machinery, Except Electrical ($2,942,618,350)
2. Chemicals ($1,051,024,531)
3. Transportation Equipment ($1,023,099,182)
4. Computer And Electronic Products ($864,510,643)
5. Electrical Equipment, Appliances, And Component ($561,349,712)
6. Food And Kindred Products ($500,157,000)
7. Fabricated Metal Products, Nesoi ($456,981,444)
8. Plastics And Rubber Products ($311,959,693)
9. Miscellaneous Manufactured Commodities ($257,790,501)
10. Paper ($249,140,214)

Florida had $24.759 billion in exports to Mexico and Latin American countries in 2010. The top ten export categories are:

1. Computer And Electronic Products ($9,544,014,239)
2. Machinery, Except Electrical ($3,214,235,843)
3. Transportation Equipment ($3,181,928,778)
4. Chemicals ($2,462,367,690)
5. Miscellaneous Manufactured Commodities ($1,461,122,184)
6. Electrical Equipment, Appliances, And Component ($1,033,753,589)
7. Fabricated Metal Products, Nesoi ($594,475,258)
8. Paper ($477,721,704)
9. FoodAnd Kindred Products ($433,191,850)
10. Plastics And Rubber Products ($425,673,532)

Text of letter below:

March 17, 2011
 

The President of the United States
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500

Dear Mr. President:

On the eve of your mission to Latin America, we ask you to prioritize the Western Hemisphere in our trade policy.

Specifically, we urge you to immediately submit both the Colombia and Panama free trade agreements to Congress, so that they can achieve Congressional approval and we can begin to reap the benefits of these important agreements. We believe these agreements are an important and necessary first step towards a broader trade policy.

We urge you to then engage willing partners in the hemisphere to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) to open additional export markets for the United States.

As you know, the United States established a North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico in 1994. At the time, this agreement unified the largest trading market in the world, now encompassing a GDP of around $17 trillion.

The Free Trade Agreement of the Americas (FTAA) was first proposed under President Clinton in 1994 and would open markets in 34 countries.

Mr. President, we look forward to working with you on this issue. By opening up a bold trade agenda encompassing theWestern Hemisphere, you will create opportunities for higher incomes in theU.S. and foreign policy stability and growth in our own hemisphere. In these times of international instability, our mission and this free trade initiative would go a long way towards ensuring peace and economic growth in our region of the planet.

Very truly yours,

Mark Kirk                               Marco Rubio
United States Senator        United States Senator                 Roy Blunt
United States Senator        United States Senator

Lamar Alexander

Charles E. Grassley            Mike Johanns
United States Senator         United States Senator

Ronald H. Johnson
United States Senator

In this landmark comedy set inside the crowded pressroom at Chicago’s Criminal Courts Building during the 1920s, a group of reporters covers a controversial execution and exposes the rampant corruption, scandal and hi-jinx associated with Windy City politics and journalism. In reviving this quintessential Chicago classic, TimeLine will highlight the wealth of local history embedded in Hecht and MacArthur’s semi-autobiographical script and bring to life the toughness and grittiness inherent in its tale of rough-and-tumble reporters and politicians jockeying for control of a story and the city.

“I am so excited to be bringing The Front Page to TimeLine’s stage, a play we have been talking about for a long time,” said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers. “It’s a treasure trove of Chicago history with extraordinary — and often hilarious — insight into the political and media machines of 1920s Chicago.”

“This play has characters who are beautiful and ugly at the same time,” said director Nick Bowling. “The beauty comes through in the ways that they love their jobs and the ugliness sometimes in the ways that they do their jobs. This production goes back to the original text of the script so it can live in the real and sometimes dark place that Hecht and MacArthur wanted to expose when they wrote it.”

The 18-member cast of The Front Page features TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers as Hildy Johnson and TimeLine Associate Artist Terry Hamilton as Walter Burns, with Bill McGough, Rob Riley, Larry Baldacci, Don Blair, Angela Bullard, Malcolm Callan, Rob Fagin, Alex Goodrich, John Gray, Michael Kingston, Laurie Larson, Loren Lazerine, Mike McNamara, Mechelle Moe, Bridgette Pechman Clarno and Mark Richard.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call the TimeLine Theatre Box Office at 773.281.8463 x6 or buy online via timelinetheatre.com.

Sponsor

The Front Page is supported in part by The Pauls Foundation.

Performance Schedule/Events

Preview performances of The Front Page are Tuesday, April 12 through Friday, April 15 at 8 p.m. The play opens on Saturday, April 16 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 17 at 2 p.m. and then runs Wednesdays (5/25, 6/1 and 6/8 only) and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through June 12, 2011. Note that the performance on Thursday, April 21 will start at 8:30 p.m.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS: Free post-show discussions led by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the production dramaturg and members of the cast on Thursdays, April 21, 28, and May 5, 12, 19; Sundays, April 24 and May 8 and 15; and Wednesday, May 25.

SUNDAY SCHOLARS SERIES: A free hour-long post-show panel discussion with experts on the themes and issues of the play on Sunday, May 1.

DISCUSSION WITH TIMELINE COMPANY MEMBERS: Free post-show discussion with TimeLine Company members on Sunday, May 22.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are $28 (Wednesday – Friday) or $38 (Saturday & Sunday). Preview tickets are $18. Student discount is $10 off the regular ticket price with valid ID. Group rates for groups of 10 or more are available. Advance purchase is recommended as performances may sell out. To purchase tickets or for more information, call the TimeLine Theatre Box Office at 773.281.8463 or buy online via timelinetheatre.com.

Location/Transportation/Parking/Accessibility

TimeLine Theatre is located at 615 W. Wellington Ave., inside the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ building, near the corner of Wellington and Broadway in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. CTA El stops at Wellington (Brown/Purple lines) and Belmont (Red/Brown/Purple lines) are nearby. CTA busses #36-Broadway, #76-Diversey, #77-Belmont, #22-Clark and #8-Halsted stop nearby. TimeLine offers parking for $8 with validation at the Standard Parking garages at Broadway Center (2846 N. Broadway, at Surf) or the Century Mall (2836 N. Clark), both within two blocks of TimeLine. There is also limited street parking and other paid parking lots nearby. Visit timelinetheatre.com for complete directions and parking information. There are two flights of stairs totaling 18 steps between the street and the theater space, with no elevator.

Production Staff

The production staff for The Front Page includes Collette Pollard (Scenic Design), Lindsey Pate (Costume Design), Heather Gilbert (Lighting Design), Andrew Hansen (Sound Design), Julia Eberhardt (Properties Design), Aaron Carter (Dramaturg), Ana Espinosa (Stage Manager), Brittainy Barattia (Production Assistant), John Kearns (Productions Manager), Bridget Dehl (Assistant Director), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Dina Spoerl (Lobby Designer), Caleb McAndrew (Technical Director) and Mac Vaughey (Master Electrician).

Biographies

Ben Hecht (Playwright) was an American screenwriter, director, producer, playwright and novelist who during his prolific career is credited with writing more than 70 films, 35 books and numerous other works. Called “one of the most successful screenwriters in the history of motion pictures,” Hecht was the first to receive an Academy Award for Original Screenplay, for Underworld in 1927. Films that he wrote or worked on include many of the great classics, including Scarface, Twentieth Century, Stagecoach, Some Like It Hot, Gone with the Wind, His Girl Friday, Notorious, Angels Over Broadway and Mutiny on the Bounty, among others. He began his career as a journalist in Chicago, writing for the Chicago Journal and later the Chicago Daily News. It was from these early experiences that Hecht drew inspiration for The Front Page. Other works include the books 1001 Afternoons in Chicago, Erik Dorn and his autobiography A Child of the Century. Hecht died in 1964, at the age of 70.

Charles MacArthur (Playwright) was an American playwright and screenwriter best known for his collaboration with Ben Hecht on plays such as Ladies and Gentlemen, Twentieth Century and The Front Page. Like Hecht, he spent part of his career as a journalist, including at the City News Bureau of Chicago. With Edward Sheldon, he also co-wrote the play Lulu Belle. His credits as a screenwriter include Wuthering Heights, Gunga Din, Angels with Dirty Faces and Barbary Coast, among others. MacArthur was married to the stage and screen actress Helen Hayes from 1928 until his death in 1956.

Nick Bowling (Director) was the founding Artistic Director and is now a Company member and Associate Artistic Director of TimeLine Theatre. He is the recipient of an Equity Jeff Award for Outstanding Direction (The History Boys at TimeLine) and four Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Direction (Fiorello!, This Happy Breed and The Crucible at TimeLine, Another Part of the Forest at Eclipse Theatre) and also received Jeff Award nominations for The Farnsworth Invention, Hauptmann and The Lion in Winter at TimeLine and for Closer Than Ever at Porchlight Music Theatre. Recent credits at TimeLine include In Darfur, The Farnsworth Invention, When She Danced, Not Enough Air, and Fiorello! Other Chicago credits include Writers’ Theatre’s Bach at Leipzig, Shattered Globe Theatre’s Time of the Cuckoo and Frozen Assets and Rivendell Theatre’s Factory Girls, among others.

About TimeLine Theatre Company

Founded in April 1997, TimeLine Theatre Company’s mission is to present stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues. During its first 13 seasons, TimeLine has presented 45 productions, including seven world premieres and 13 Chicago premieres. Recipient of the 2006 Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the 2009 Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 43 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production eight times.

TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers and Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman. Company members are Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, David Parkes, PJ Powers and Benjamin Thiem. TimeLine is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, Theatre Communications Group and the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce.