Eastland: An Original Musical (2020)

Plot Summary

Moored on the Chicago River between Clark St and LaSalle, The Eastland begins boarding and thousands of Western Electric employees and their families climb the ramp, excited for their annual company outing. Overflowing with passengers about to depart, the boat leans port – and doesn’t lean back. Within minutes, cries fill the air, families are torn apart and unexpected heroes emerge to rescue dozens of Chicagoans from a watery end. Artistic Director Andrew White (Of One Blood, 1984) resurrects the ghosts of America’s forgotten tragedy in this Lookingglass Original musical, with music by Artistic Associate Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman, the team behind the score of Lookingglass Alice, 1984, Metamorphoses, Hard Times, and The Secret in the Wings, as well as the acclaimed Winesburg, Ohio. Directed by Amanda Dehnert (Peter Pan: A Play). Inspired in part by Jay Bonansinga’s The Sinking of the Eastland: America’s Forgotten Tragedy

Full Cast & Characters

Jeanne T. Arrigo

Sister / Musician

Lawrence E. DiStasi

Otto / Olaf

Christine Mary Dunford

Marianne

Doug Hara

Reggie

Derek Hasenstab

Husband / Houdini

Erik Hellman

Grocer / Musician

Malcolm Ruhl

Musician

Michael Barrow Smith

Pedersen / Musician

Scott Stangland

Emie / Musician

Tiffany Topol

Solveig

Claire Wellin

Bobbie

Monica West

Ilse

Director & Crew

Where to Watch Eastland: An Original Musical Online

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