l-r: Chicago Dramatists Artistic Director Meghan Beals, Pegasus Theatre Chicago Artistic Director and Rutherford’s Travels co-adapter Ilesa Duncan, author Charles Johnson, and co-adapter David Barr, III. Photo from Pegasus Theatre Chicago Archive

Pegasus Theatre Chicago recently became the recipient of The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation grant for the production of Pegasus’s world premiere RUTHERFORD’S TRAVELS slated to open in November at their resident home, Chicago Dramatist. The Grant will match the funds already received from the Chicago Community Trust.

RUTHERFORD’s TRAVELS, an adaptation of Charles Johnson’s National Book Award-winning story is told through Rutherford Calhoun’s 1830s journal log entries. The adaptation is co-written by Pegasus producing artistic director Ilesa Duncan and Chicago Dramatists resident playwright David Barr III, with original music by American Idol choreographer Jaret Landon and choreography by Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre’s Nicole Clarke-Springer.

RUTHERFORDS’S TRAVELS is the perfect fit for Pegasus’s season because it’s a journey that forever changes its protagonist. Rutherford makes choices that force him to face consequences,” says Pegasus producing artistic director Ilesa Duncan. “The adaptation of Dr Johnson’s seminal work has been a loving, long process for David Barr and I. We are thrilled that Pegasus is producing it.”