Our Future Metropolis: Mr. D.H. Burnham Presents a Plain Talk for the Development of Chicago

Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member John Musial, the production draws from the archives of the Burnham and Ryerson Library at the Art Institute of Chicago to recreate the initial presentation of Burnham's Plan to the public. These will be the first public performance of Burnham’s original speech since it was first delivered a century ago.

Lookingglass Ensemble Member Raymond Fox plays Daniel Burnham, who must win over a skeptical audience with a turn-of-the-century PowerPoint presentation using “magic lantern slides” paired with the enthusiastic belief that Chicago is destined for greatness. Musial's staging brings out the genius in Burnham’s project while visually linking his plan with today's Chicago through both authentic original slides and modern-day photography.

Performances will be followed by a discussion of Burnham's Plan with:

July 13, 2009
- Daniel Burnham V
- Carl Smith, author of The Plan of Chicago: Daniel Burnham and the Remaking of the American City
- Dennis McClendon of Chicago CartoGraphics
- Greg Dreicer, Vice President of Exhibitions and Programs, Chicago Architecture Foundation

July 14, 2009
- Special benefit performance to honor Lois Weisberg, Commissioner of Culural Affairs with a Reception, Silent Auction and Post-show party at Eve. Tickets start at $100.

July 20, 2009
- Bill Savage, Senior Lecturer at Northwestern University

July 21, 2009
- Adele Smith Simmons, Vice Chair of The Burnham Centennial Committee
- Bill Savage, Senior Lecturer at Northwestern University
- Erma Tranter, President, Friends of the Parks

Lookingglass Ensemble Member John Musial’s has created several Chicago history-specific theatrical experiences, including the adaptation and direction of Nelson Algren: For Keeps and A Single Day and The Great Fire. He most recently designed the set for Lookingglass’ acclaimed production of Our Town.

Ensemble Member Raymond Fox has worked with Lookingglass since 1989. In addition to numerous roles with Lookingglass, he has appeared at the Goodman, Remy Bumppo, Court, and off-Broadway (in Mary Zimmerman’s Metamorphoses). He was most recently seen in Lookingglass’ spring production of Our Town.

Please click here to purchase tickets to Our Future Metropolis.