Shows On Our Radar: Enslaved, Pallbearer, Royal Thunder, Ancient VVisdom at Reggies 2/3/13 #metal

Spend your sabbath in a Winter Rite with some serious metal

ENSLAVED

Enslaved was formed in 1991 by Ivar Bjørnson and Grutle Kjellson, and did their first demo “Yggdrasill” in the summer of 1992. Enslaved released the legendary mini album “Hordanes Land” in 1993 (this was released also as a split-CD with Emperor’s s/t MLP). Enslaved’s debut album came during the spring of 1994, while the historically successful second album “Frost” was released already late 1994.

“Eld” in many ways marked the opening of a horizon-widening era for the band in 1997 – the following year saw the release of “Blodhemn”; perhaps surprising some with its fury and blacker edges. “Mardraum (Beyond the Within)” was released in 2000; this aural nightmare of an album sent shock waves through the Extreme Metal scene with its experimental, innovative approach. The band followed up with “Monumension” in 2001; and again the band was shocked to see the positive response to their “no rules” approach to Extreme Metal.

Many see an important, if not the important milestone being “Below the...[read more]

PALLBEARER

Pallbearer is a metal band from Central Arkansas, formed in 2008 after spending time playing in various bands around the Little Rock underground metal scene. Paying homage to doom metal of old while still looking wholly forward, the band built upon the underground success of their initial demo offering in 2010 and their debut full length “Sorrow and Extinction” was released in February, 2012 to virtually universal critical acclaim. Now the band slowly marches onward to deliver its progressively-tinged beautiful gloom on a global scale.

ROYAL THUNDER

Royal Thunder is an Atlanta based, four-piece, progressive rock/metal, alternative band founded by lead guitarist Josh Weaver in 2006. After going through some lineup changes, Mlny Parsonz (bass/vocals) joined the group in 2007. Together, the two added drummer Lee Smith whom Weaver and Parsonz had played with in a previous band, and then last but not least Josh Coleman (rhythm guitar) was added to the fold.

Royal Thunder self-recorded and released a seven song EP in late 2009 before signing with renowned independent label, Relapse Records, who re-issued the EP in 2010. The band quickly gained critical praise, being described as “Led Zeppelin astride a psychedelic unicorn” by NPR.org and “Black Math Horseman or Johnette Napolitano of Concrete Blonde, fronting Black Sabbath.” by Brooklyn Vegan.

Royal Thunder is set to release their proper full-length debut entitled ‘CVI’ via Relapse Records in the spring of 2011. ‘CVI’ is a sultry, southern, hard rock thinker of an album that is an... [read more]

ANCIENT VVISDOM

A dark, enlightening foresight into the future of humankind dictated by singer/songwriter Nathan Opposition.

Ancient VVisdom was founded in Austin, TX in late 2009 with the order consisting of Nathan Opposition , writer and vocalist, Justin “Ribs” Mason on acoustic guitar, and Nathan’s brother, Michael on electric guitar.

In 2010, they recorded and released a split 12” EP with Charles Manson entitled “Inner Earth Inferno” (Withdrawal Records), which garnished praise from critics and cultists alike.

The band spent the rest of the year sharpening their blackened craft, using acoustic guitars to give the music an organic connection to the nefarious rites they beget. Writing well over an albums-worth of material, they chose the most appropriate songs for their debut LP ” a godlike inferno” to record at The Bubble, a local, vvorld renowned studio in Austin, TX. For the recording , they... [read more]

Click here for Reggies main site for tickets, video clip, songs, band links and more.

Personal Is Political With Minsk Mates at Chicago Shakespeare #Review

Timeless, traditional Belarus folk songs stand in stark contrast, next to violent vignettes.  And Minsk 2011:   A Reply to Kathy Acker is all the more potent for it's risk.  The playwright left the country for what was supposed to be a few week trip and was banned from his homeland, and has been in exile in London, missing his wife and aging mother back in Belarus.  Members of the company have been blacklisted, beaten, fined, lost their jobs, and have been imprisoned.   Working with Belarus Free Theatre gives "taking risks" on stage a whole new depth of meaning. 

ChiIL Live Shows caught opening night last night and this show is highly recommend, for those who care about human rights and multicultural storytelling.   Tickets are only $20 for this short run, 6 show, limited engagement in the intimate upstairs space at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre at Navy Pier, so it's quite affordable and accessible.  Do note, there is nudity, violent subject matter, and monologue heavy subtitles, so this is one for mature audiences only.

Minsk 2011:   A Reply to Kathy Acker is a welcome wake up call and a compelling, unflinching look at modern day Minsk.  It's easy to get compassion fatigue and tune out the tough situations people face here at home and particularly half way around the world.  Theatre is a fantastic medium for the message.  If visual and visceral stories are the lifeblood of a city and a society, then Minsk 2011:   A Reply to Kathy Acker is akin to a blood transfusion.   You WILL leave the theatre with these tales firmly imbedded in your brain and in your heart.   

I'm still reeling from the imagery of spilled blood and sugar, of scars from heavy handed jackboot thugs coexisting next to average accidents, and the words "step on a body just to hear the crunch".   Some shows leave a mark.  Amid current police raids on underground performance spaces in the Belarus capital of Minsk last month, this brave band of actors still pushes the boundaries.   The heat and pressure isn't deterring them, instead it seems to be making diamonds...gems of truth about the uncrushable, independent human spirit, in the guise of theatre arts.    

In the Face of Police Raids Last Month in Minsk

Belarus Free Theatre Brings Newest Political Piece

Minsk, 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker

To Chicago Shakespeare Theater 

January 30–February 3, 2013 

All Tickets $20 to Foster Dialogue and Encourage Participation

Belarus Free Theatre has made its way to the United States, despite several police raids last month at underground performance spaces in the capital of Minsk. The raids came on the eve of the company bringing its newest political piece, Minsk, 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker, to Chicago Shakespeare Theater for performances now through February 3, 2013 in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. To foster dialogue and encourage participation, all tickets for this six-performance limited engagement are $20. The piece, which explores the sexual brutality and oppression by the totalitarian regime in Belarus, is one of many award-winning productions by the company, celebrated for creating art based upon the unjustly persecuted people of Belarus.

Belarus Free Theatre was formed in 2005 by Natalia Koliada and Nikolai Khalezin to provide an opportunity for commentary on conditions in their country—one of the last totalitarian governments in Europe. Enduring constant police interference, arrests, and violence under the authoritarian rule of President Lukashenko, the company must produce their work in Belarus in secret. Members of the company have lost their jobs, been imprisoned, blacklisted, and in some cases, exiled from their home. Yet Belarus Free Theatre continues to develop internationally acclaimed work with the support of artists and theater companies around the world.

Artists from London to Los Angeles have raised their voices in support of Belarus Free Theatre. In response to last month’s raids, several prominent English actors, including Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Joanna Lumley, Mark Rylance and Simon Callow, appealed to British Prime Minister David Cameron, urging him to use his political power to help free Belarusian political prisoners. The effort was organized through the Free Belarus Now project, a global campaign for the human rights of the Belarusian people. British playwright Tom Stoppard recently told The Guardian that “democracies ought to be trying to make democracy contagious,” noting his admiration for the campaigners. “They are trying to remind the world at large that the Belarus problem hasn’t gone away—it’s gotten worse.”

Belarus Free Theatre returns to Chicago for the first time since its American premiere of Being Harold Pinter at The Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival in January 2011, which earned the company an Obie Award. Following the New York premiere, the company would have been forced to return to Belarus without a subsequent U.S. engagement, placing its members at great risk. In an unprecedented Chicago theater initiative, Chicago Shakespeare Theater joined Goodman Theatre, Northwestern University, and the League of Chicago Theatres to present performances of

Being Harold Pinter in Chicago January 27–February 20, 2011, allowing Belarus Free Theatre to stay in the country while company members sought asylum from persecution at home.

Minsk 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker, devised, written and performed by Belarus Free Theatre, and conceived, directed and adapted by Vladimir Shcherban, combines the company’s distinctive mix of experimental theater with real-life testimony and biting satire. Revealing a sexually repressed society and lamenting for the city that has lost its way, the production and its artists pine for a beloved home that has turned ugly. Taking its inspiration from the late American postmodernist writer Kathy Acker, the work addresses Belarusian society through the prism of sexuality, telling the stories of a series of exploited individuals. Following the Fringe First Award-winning performances in Edinburgh in 2011, the production moved to a critically acclaimed run at London’s Young Vic in 2012, and made its U.S. premiere earlier this month in New York before continuing on to Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s limited six-performance World’s Stage presentation of Belarus Free Theatre’s Minsk, 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker runs now through February 3, 2013 in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Run time is 85 minutes with no intermission. Performed in Russian and Belarusian with projected English translations.

Committed to fostering dialogue on the important international issues explored in this production, Chicago Shakespeare is encouraging broad-based participation by offering all tickets for $20. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. Additionally, Navy Pier is offering $10 parking after 5 p.m. through March 17, 2013. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website here.   For more information on the Free Belarus Now project click here.

Audience Notice: The production includes some mature content and depictions of violence and brief nudity.

Check out ChiIL Live Shows prior feature on The World's Stage Series 2013

Social and Political Issues Take Center Stage Chicago Shakespeare Theater Announces 2013 World’s Stage Presentations Stories from Belarus, South Africa, Nigeria and Italy Come to Chicago

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare’s work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 70 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series.

ABOUT THE WORLD’S STAGE SERIES

Chicago Shakespeare’s presentation of Minsk, 2011: A Reply to Kathy Acker is emblematic of the wide scope of work presented through the World’s Stage Series—a program that brings the world’s most exciting theatrical events to Chicago audiences and presents Chicago Shakespeare’s work abroad. Chicago Shakespeare has collaborated with more than 600 international artists representing 16 countries on five continents, engaging audiences in a dialogue with the world’s established and emerging theater artists. Strengthening its reputation as a leader in cultural diplomacy, CST partners regularly with respected international affairs organizations, including the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Chicago Consular Corps, Chicago Sister Cities and World Business Chicago.

Since the inception of the World’s Stage Series in 2000, Chicago Shakespeare has imported international productions ranging from pedestrian-based live art events (Australia’s one step at a time like this) to grand aerial and water spectacles (France’s Compagnie Transe Express and Ilotopie); to iconic theaters such as Shakespeare’s Globe (London), the Maly Drama Theatre (St. Petersburg) and La Comédie-Française (Paris). As a leading cultural ambassador, Chicago Shakespeare has presented its work at the Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford-upon- Avon), The Donmar Warehouse (London), on tour in Germany and Australia, and this past spring, was among the 37 international companies that came together for an unprecedented 37-play “Globe to Globe” festival for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

ACT OUT REVIEW: Bud, Not Buddy #Authorvideo #Review #photofeature

Author, Christopher Paul Curtis, & Chicago Children's Theatre Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell

Bud, Not Buddy is a compelling period piece that gives families a feel for the desperation of the great depression and being orphaned at a young age, without being heavy handed.  The fabulously flawed characters are genuine and real, and it's magical to see them spring to life, off the page.  Bud, Not Buddy is full of wit and wisdom, and truly funny moments.   It was simultaneously chilling and heart warming to see how much Bud's dead mother still influenced him through her words, actions and love, even from beyond the grave.   

We highly recommend seeing the production.   Bud, Not Buddy is a stunningly well done piece with a poignant and piercing script.   I see a LOT of theatre and it's rare that something actually brings me to tears, and this show did.  Everyone should have a "family" as creative and caring as the jazz band surrogates who take Bud in and teach him what it means to be truly home, even while on the road.   The set design, backdrop projections, costumes, and acting are truly impressive.

We're looking forward to playing the "same different game" with the book and the stage adaptation.   We'll be reading the book together and comparing and contrasting the different ways to tell the same story using different medium.   It's a family game we all enjoy, and so much fun, the kids hardly notice they're learning. 

It was ChiIL Mama and Sagezilla's great pleasure to meet award winning author, Christopher Paul Curtis at the opening of Bud, Not Buddy at Chicago Children's Theatre.  This gifted author went from hanging Buick doors to winning multiple Newbery Awards and Coretta Scott King Awards!   


We do a number of author interviews and frequently cover book signings.   I'm always impressed when authors are genuine and personable, even after hours of autographs!  Christopher Paul Curtis was was down to earth, friendly, and truly a joy to meet.  Even at the tail end of a sizable book signing line, he took time to chat with each child.


This week, Sagezilla came home from school all excited and she exclaimed "Our class just started reading about the wacky Watsons out loud with the whole class (The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963).   And I got to share that I just met the author and got that book signed and saw Bud, Not Buddy!"   It's those moments that make me LOVE being a mom.  Her enthusiasm was contagious. 










At Bud, Not Buddy, we splurged on the 4 book/bookbag combo from Chicago Children's Theatre, as we're always more than happy to support the arts, and we dig getting books signed by their authors.   





CCT is also selling retro candy and kids games as well as individual books at the shows.




ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama's opening night photo filled recap right here

Click here to check out our past Bud, Not Buddy coverage.

Look for show specials like different high school jazz musicians playing before the Friday shows, and pizza party nights!

School and public performances of Bud, Not Buddy run Jan. 12-Feb. 24, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.  Single tickets start at $20. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.   

 Recommended for ages 8+ to adult.

Curtis was visiting Chicago for the opening weekend of Chicago Children's Theatre's newest production, a live stage adaptation of his book Bud, Not Buddy. The production is directed by Derrick Sanders, director of CCT's 2011 smash hit Jackie and Me. 

About Christopher Paul Curtis

Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis was always a great reader, but as a youth he could not find books "that were about me." He spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint's historic Fisher Body Plant #1, hanging 80-pound car doors on Buicks. He wrote during his breaks to escape the noise of the factory, while attending college at night. Curtis made an outstanding debut in children's s literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. 

Curtis' writing - and his dedication to it - has been greatly influenced by his family members. He modeled characters in Bud, Not Buddy after his two amazing grandfathers - Earl "Lefty" Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.  For more information, visit his website nobodybutcurtis.com

ACT OUT OPENING: Boobs and Goombas, A Super Mario Bros Burlesque Returns to Bucktown!

The mustache craze isn't just for hipsters....

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque"

Top row: Ruby Bourbon

Middle row (L-R): Lucita Bonita, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Bonnie Cupcakes, Henrietta Heartbreak

Bottom row (kneeling/seated, L-R): Paly Flames, Devyn Deviante, Inara Rose

Gamers, geeks and girlie burlesque lovers 18+.   Oh-a-YES! After voyaging far and wide (including an ongoing stint in New Orleans!) Gorilla Tango Theatre is proud to announce that the show that started it all - BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE – is back at its Bucktown venue! 

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE will perform Saturdays at 11:59pm, beginning February 2, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.  Tickets are $35; group rates (8 or more) available – see website for details. To purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com. Ages 18 and over.

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Mario (Paly Flames) and the Princess (Zatanna Zor-Elle)

Mario and Luigi have become so perpetually frustrated by their endless pursuit of the Princess that everything they see has started to look like a beautiful, sexy woman-- even their most dangerous enemies! This sexy burlesque romp is a send-up of the  famous Mario Bros. video games. Join us to discover whether the world's most adventurous plumbers will finally rescue the Princess and consummate years of amorous toil, or be seduced along the way by their alluring enemies. Don't forget to bring a few "coins" (or dollars) for tips... If the cast collects enough coins along the way, the audience will unlock the alternate ending!!!

Photo by K Leo, www.mirthandbeauty.com

"Mario and Luigi on the run in Level 2."

Featuring Chicago favorites Paly Flames as Mario and Inara Rose as Luigi, and includes the talents of Bonnie Cupcakes, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Lucita Bonita, Crystal Paradise, Devyn Deviante, and introducing GTB newcomer, Henrietta Heartbreak.

Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan on September 13, 1985 and went onto sell over 40 million copies. The plumber has gone on to star in numerous critically acclaimed platformers and his Super Mario Bros. series is still the most popular of all time with 240 million units sold globally. The Mario character has appeared in more than 200 video games, and now, one burlesque show.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Mario and Luigi - perplexed."

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE was originally created and directed by MsPixy. The remount is directed by Jeremy Eden, with choreography by Ruby Bourban, based in part on original choreography by MsPixy. Produced by Gorilla Tango Burlesque.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Koopa Troopa!"

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We're reviewing Gorilla Tango's Dr. Who Burlesque opening this Friday 1/1 and we'll be reviewing Boobs and Goombas after Saturday.

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) is a year-round theatrical venue where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Second City- and IO-Chicago-trained Dan Abbate and boasts an 80-seat performance space. GTT Chicago is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for rating information, tickets, and details.

www.gorillatango.com

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647  #773.598.4549

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS ON OUR RADAR: Red Wanting Blue & Van Ghost at Lincoln Hall on 2/1

Just a reminder that Red Wanting Blue will be in Chicago on 2/1 at Lincoln Hall with local Chi town favs Van Ghost opening.

Red Wanting Blue

Van Ghost

Poor Young Things

$15.00

Friday, February 01 2013

8:30 PM | 18+

ChiIL Live Shows has shot Van Ghost a zillion times over the years, everywhere from Summer Camp Music Festival, to Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest, Northcoast Music Fest, The House of Blues and local street fests.   

ChiIL out with some of ChiIL Live Shows past Van Ghost show shots here.

More on Red Wanting Blue

Check out their recent features with Chicago friends at WBEZ and Audiotree:

• WBEZ
• Audiotree

 They've also been rockin' the national scene:

Late Show with David Letterman 

• Daytrotter 
• NPR’s Mountain Stage 

Want more info?   Check out Red Wanting Blue's main site here.

ACT OUT OPENING: The Magnificents at The House Theatre #originalvideointerview

Dennis Watkins speaks with ChiIL Live Shows on his multigenerational, magical family history and the art of being Harry Houdini. We published this interview with Dennis Watkins, back during The House Theatre's latest remount of smash hit, Death and Harry Houdini. It was our great pleasure to be invited to Dennis' lovely northside home.  His passion for magic extends from the stage to his after hours, where he surrounds himself with vintage magic props that have been in the family, collector posters of renowned magicians, and even a Houdini coffee table volume.   Check out our mini photo tour of "the magician's lair" here. We got a rare peek into the home of magic man, Dennis Watkins, star of Death and Harry Houdini, The House Theatre's smash, sell out hit. His love of magic goes beyond his roles in Magic Parlour and Death and Harry Houdini. He's a 3rd generation magician whose home decor includes vintage tricks from his Grandfather's shop and sweet magic show posters, for his own endeavors and others. A big show banner from The House Theatre's first incarnation of Death and Harry Houdini 10 years ago, hangs just inside his front door. AN AMBITIOUS ALL-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE MAGNIFICENTS REUNITES TEAM FROM DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI Dennis Watkins’ personal script is led anew by Artistic Director Nathan Allen

The House Theatre of Chicago creates the magical world of a by-gone era in The Magnificents. This vivid and deeply personal play by Company Member Dennis Watkins begins performances January 18, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St). The Magnificents will run through March 10. ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows will be there for the press opening with the kids (9 & 11) this Sunday, and we'll have a full review up shortly thereafter.   We're all beyond excited and can NOT wait to see this show!

ABOUT THE PLAY First staged in 2007, The Magnificents is writer Dennis Watkins’ homage to his grandfather, Ed Watkins, the iconic and pioneering American illusionist who trained Dennis at a young age in the arts of prestidigitation and showmanship. The House and playwright Dennis Watkins revisit this deeply personal script with renewed vision and expanded skill including aerial circus arts and the poignant, magic-based storytelling witnessed in Death and Harry Houdini. Artistic Director Nathan Allen now steps fully into the 2013 development of the play as its Director. Company Member Tommy Rapley revisits his role as the Boy, performing astounding magical feats all designed by Watkins. In addition to writing and designing magic, Watkins (last seen as Harry Houdini) will star in the play. An extraordinary family, The Magnificents, delights in bringing magical entertainment to the crowds. But time has taken its toll on the family as our aging magician quietly accepts a wayward young boy as his protégé, imparting far more than the tricks up his sleeve. This touching story of what we must pass on before we can let go is told with spectacular classic magic, including Robert Houdin's legendary Blooming Orange Tree illusion. This is a delicate feast for the heart and senses. ABOUT THE ARTISTS THE MAGNIFICENTS is written by Dennis Watkins who also designs magic for the production. Watkins received a Joseph Jefferson Award earlier this year for his Magic Design of Death and Harry Houdini. The new production is directed by Nathan Allen and features original music by Kevin O’Donnell. Dennis Watkins will star in the role of the Old Man, and Company Member Tommy Rapley (also well known at The House for his extensive work as a director and choreographer) will revisit his role as the Boy, learning and performing extraordinary magic throughout the story. Company Member Michael E. Smith also returns to the cast in the role of Chase, the family’s clown. Guests artists include Lucy Carapetyan (Rose and the Rime, Lofty Deeds) in the role of Honeydew who will be flying through the Chopin on aerial silks, Jeff Trainor (company member with Barrel of Monkeys) appears as the strong man Harley, and Tien Doman (company member with The Hypocrites) rounds out the cast as Rosie, wife to the Old Man and mother-figure to the traveling troupe. Company Member Lee Keenan brings us all inside the creaking and crumbling tent with an intimate scenic and lighting design. With seating on two sides, audiences are in full view of the illusions and one another. Costume Designer Melissa Torchia (The Iron Stag King: Part One) crafts a darkly playful world where the on-stage and off-stage lives of The Magnificents’ troupe is blurred. Video Designer Jack Mayer’s (HBO’s Single Long) creations reveal the secret past of the traveling show and invite the audience even closer to many magic tricks. Company Member and Composer Kevin O’Donnell fills the space with a haunting score. Join The House for an extraordinarily magical production, The Magnificents.

Story and Magic by Dennis Watkins Directed by Nathan Allen January 18 – March 10, 2013 PREVIEWS: January 18 – 26, 2013 at 7:30pm REGULAR RUN: January 31 – March 10, 2013 SHOWTIMES: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm ADDITIONAL SHOWS: 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/3, 3/9, 3/10 all at 3:00pm LOCATION: The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre (1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL) TICKETS: All tickets are $25 at www.thehousetheatre.com or by phone at 773.769.3832, $10 Student and Industry rush tickets available at all performances. Tickets are now on sale. ARTISTS Featuring: Company Members Dennis Watkins, Tommy Rapley, and Michael E. Smith with guest artists Lucy Carapetyan, Tien Doman, and Jeff Trainor. Production Team: Lee Keenan (Scenic and Lighting), Melissa Torchia (Costumes), Kevin O’Donnell (Composer), Jack Mayer (Video), Nathan Allen (Director) and Amanda Frechette (Stage Management).

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO The House is Chicago's premier home for original works of physical and spectacle storytelling. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. In 2002 The House was hailed by the Chicago press as “The Next Big Thing.” In early 2007, following dozens of world premiere productions, and national attention from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Variety, and American Theatre Magazine, The House achieved even greater success with “The Sparrow,” which Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones called, “Among the very best original theater pieces I’ve ever seen.”

Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 56 Joseph Jefferson Awards (19 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007. Now entering its 11th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.THEHOUSETHEATRE.com