Exit Strategy

by Ike Holter

January 18-February 4, 2018

Wisconsin Premiere

Directed by Marti Gobel

THE STORY

The no-holds-barred story of a Chicago public high school slated for closure at the end of the year. The impending shut-down causes tensions in the school's already volcanic neighborhood to rise to the breaking point, but a small group of teachers launch a last-minute battle to save their school. Over the course of the year, they put their careers, their future and their safety in the hands of a fast-talking administrator who comes on strong: but might actually have no clue what he's doing.

THE CAST

Jim Buske, Marques Causey, Sarah Day, Lachrisa Grandberry, Nicholas Harazin, Rana Roman, Daniel Torres-Rangel

PRODUCTION TEAM

Scenic Designer: Madelyn Yee
Lighting Designer: Ann Archbold
Costume Designer: Monica Kilkus
Composer & Sound Designer: Joe Cerqua
Props Designer: Pam Miles
Associate Director: Jake Penner
Stage Manager: Laura Karavitis
Technical Director: Kevin Zimmer

Sponsored by: ATC, CUNA Mutual Group, MG&E, The Cap Times

VIDEO

Interview with director Marti Gobel and the cast of Exit Strategy

OUTREACH

REVIEWS

"Did I mention that Ike Holter’s wrenching and poetic “Exit Strategy” is also among the funniest plays you’ll see all year? As staged by Madison’s Forward Theater under director Marti Gobel and her cast of go-for-broke actors, it’s also likely to be among the best."
- Mike Fischer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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"It’s safe to say that the ensemble cast brings polish and even depth to Holter’s script...the winning performances combine to boost Forward’s production of Exit Strategy into an instant audience favorite.
- Jay Rath, Isthmus
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"...under Marti Gobel’s swift, even-handed direction, the actors’ ease with each other feels real...Holter’s characters are fighters, and fighters make good theater."
- Lindsay Christians, The Cap Times
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QUICK READS AND PREVIEWS

In his dark comedy 'Exit Strategy,' Ike Holter finds drama in the teachers' lounge
Lindsay Christians, The Capital Times

Forward Theater gives educators their say in 'Exit Strategy'
Amanda Finn, Wisconsin State Journal

Chicago Public Schools 101: The Politics, Passion and Hopeless Financials Behind a System in Crisis