For the first time in its storied history, the Auditorium Theatre will transform its stage into an intimate 200-seat black box-style theater, with all audience members seated on-stage with the performers in a unique new theatrical experience. Boasting an established 26-year history as one of the North Shore's premier performance venues, this is the first production Apple Tree Theatre will mount in Chicago's loop.

The Mistress Cycle, with music by Jenny Giering and lyrics by Beth Blatt, breaks the mold of the traditional book musical, instead offering audiences a "song cycle" that illuminates stories of passion, sacrifice and strength of spirit. The Mistress Cycle explores the lives and loves of five notorious mistresses: Tess Walker, a contemporary Manhattan photographer; Anais Nin, the famed sexual adventurer of the early 20th century; Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II of 16th century France; Lulu White, a turn-of-the-century New Orleans bordello Madame; and Ching, a 14-year-old concubine in 12th century China.