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Friday, March 29, 2013

Badfish Engagement on Stage at Cubby Bear #originalHDvideo



Romance is alive and well.   Check out this rockin' surprise wedding proposal ON STAGE the last time Badfish played Chi-town!!   Luckily Vanessa said yes.   Are you a bad fish too?   Come on out and rock out this Saturday at The House of Blues.


Wednesday, March 27, 2013

INCOMING: Badfish at HOB THIS Saturday 3/30 #originalphotos



Photo credit:  Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows.com    Badfish Cubby Bear, Chicago 11-16-2012

We've been promoting this show for months, but if you still haven't gotten your tickets for this Sat, what are you waiting for?!   Go already.   These boys put on a smokin' live show.   Doors 7/ Show 8pm 17+/ Shrub & Makeshift open.


Badfish - A Tribute to Sublime

, ChicagoIL

SatMar 30, 2013 07:00 PM
Details: Badfish - A Tribute To SublimeMakeshiftShrub
Please Note: Performance begins at 8PM.This show is for AGES 17 AND OLDER.






Dig Sublime?   Come on out and see Badfish rock all your fav Sublime tunes this Saturday at House of Blues.   Highly recommended.   We've shot them at House of Blues before and a few months back at Cubby Bear as well, where we even caught an on stage marriage proposal!!   























 





















 






Click here for Tickets and full show details.



Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have original footage of Badfish LIVE in concert leading up to their Sat show.









Click here for ChiIL Live Shows' past reviews and pit photos from Badfish, Scotty Don't, and Midwest Hype at House of Blues 2/4/12.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

ACT OUT EXTENDED: Writers’ Theatre adds two weeks to its hit production of Sweet Charity




Book by Neil Simon
With music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Musical direction by Doug Peck
Choreography by Jessica Redish
Directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam

Now playing through April 14, 2013


Writers’ Theatre Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Michael Halberstam announce the two-week extension of Writers’ Theatre production of Sweet Charity, book by Neil Simon with music by Cy Coleman and lyrics by Dorothy Fields, directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam with musical direction by Doug Peck and choreography by Jessica Redish. The production now runs through April 14, 2013, at Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe, IL.

How many times can a girl make the same mistakes? Charity Valentine’s problems aren’t unique—a dead end job, a string of dates with identically flawed men and a knack for making the wrong choices. Of course, in her case the job is as a dance hall “hostess” and her dates all seem to end with her being pushed into the lake— but that won’t shake her belief that great things lie just ahead. And perhaps they do…

Artistic Director Michael Halberstam gives Charity reasons to sing and dance on the gritty streets of New York, and Musical Director Doug Peck re-imagines the score for a live jazz combo.

The cast includes: Tiffany Topol (Charity), Jarrod Zimmerman (Oscar/Ensemble), JeffParker (Vittorio/Ensemble), Ericka Mac (Helene/Ensemble), Karen Burthwright (Nickie/Ensemble), James Earl Jones II (Daddy Brubeck/Herman/Ensemble), Katie Spelman (Rosie/Ensemble), Emily Ariel Rogers (Ursula/Ensemble), Adam Estes (Ensemble), Travis Porchia (Ensemble) and Liam Quealy (Ensemble).

The creative team includes: Collette Pollard (Scenic Designer), David Hyman (Costume Designer), John Culbert (Lighting Designer), Joshua Horvath (Sound Designer), Nick Heggestad, (Properties Designer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Tom Vendafreddo (Piano/Conductor), David Castellanos (Production Stage Manager) and Michael Holtzman, (Assistant Director).


TICKET INFORMATION
Performances began January 22, 2013.  The production is now running through April 14, 2013.  Curtain times are Tuesdays at 7:30pm; Wednesdays at 2:00pm (March 6, March 20 and March 27); and 7:30pm (except March 6); Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00pm; Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 2:00pm and 6:00pm (no 6:00pm show March 24 or March 31).  Tickets are $35-$75 and are available at the Box Office, 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe; 847-242-6000 or online at www.writerstheatre.org.

AUDIENCE ENRICHMENT
Writers’ Theatre is thrilled to announce the expansion of their post-show discussions. Throughout the season they will be offering post-show discussions on select Wednesday evenings following the performance in our Tudor Court space. In the Books on Vernon space they will be offering post-show discussions every other Wednesday evening.
Post-show discussions provide a forum for audience members to ask questions of the artists in the production and gain new insight into the work.
Post-show discussions for Sweet Charity are every Wednesday evening following the performance, excluding extension dates.
Visit writerstheatre.org/enrichment for more information.

TWEET SEATS
Follow Writers' Theatre on Twitter (Twitter.com/WritersTheatre) and by 3:00pm, when available, Writers' will Tweet a code that can be used to purchase remaining seats for that day’s performance at a discount. When available, Tweet Seats may be purchased only through the Writers' Theatre website at writerstheatre.org.  

WRITERS’ PARTNERS
Writers' Theatre is pleased to welcome back BMO Harris Bank as Season Sponsor of its 2012/13 Season.

Northern Trust joins as the Corporate Sponsor Partner of Sweet Charity

Writers' Theatre welcomes back Winnetka’s award-winning Restaurant Michael as Restaurant Partner and Event Sponsor. Writers' Theatre patrons receive 10% off their guest check when they present their ticket stub when ordering. Just 10 minutes from the theater at 64 Green Bay Road, Restaurant Michael is the perfect fit for any dining occasion. Call 847-441-3100 to make your reservation.

For more information about Writers' 2012/13 Season Restaurant Partners and offer restrictions visit writerstheatre.org/visitus.

ABOUT WRITERS’ THEATRE
Over the past twenty seasons, Writers' Theatre has become a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence. Under the artistic leadership of Michael Halberstam and the executive leadership of Kathryn M. Lipuma, Writers’ Theatre has been deemed the “best drama company in the nation” by the Wall Street Journal and achieved twenty years of surplus operations. The company, which plays to a sold-out and discerning audience of 35,000 patrons each season, has garnered critical praise for the consistent high quality and intimacy of its artistry. Prized for the finest interpretations of classic and contemporary theatre in its two intensely intimate venues, Writers’ Theatre’s acclaimed work includes Artistic Director Michael Halberstam’s world premiere in Glencoe and subsequent production of A Minister’s Wife at Lincoln Center Theater; David Cromer’s productions of A Streetcar Named Desire and Picnic; and the commissioning, world premiere and New York premiere of Crime and Punishment, which has received more than 30 subsequent regional theater productions.
In July, 2011, Writers’ Theatre announced the hiring of the award-winning, internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects, led by principle Jeanne Gang, FAIA to design a new home for the Theatre in downtown Glencoe which will once again allow the Theatre to grow to accommodate its audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy. The new facility will resonate with and complement the Theatre’s neighboring Glencoe community and will add tremendous value to Chicagoland and the North Shore as a premier cultural destination.
You can find Writers’ Theatre on Facebook or follow Writers' Theatre on Twitter at Twitter.com/WritersTheatre. For more information, visit www.writerstheatre.org.

Title:                             Sweet Charity
Book by:                      Neil Simon
Music by:                      Cy Coleman
Lyrics by:                      Dorothy Fields
Based on the Film by:   Federico Fellini, Tullio Pinelli and Ennio Flaiano
Produced for the
Broadway Stage by:      Fryer, Carr and Harris
Conceived, Staged
and Choreographed by: Bob Fosse

Creative Team:             Michael Halberstam, Director
                                    Doug Peck, Music Director
Jessica Redish, Choreographer
                                    Tom Vendafreddo, Piano/Conductor
                                    Collette Pollard, Scenic Designer
David Hyman, Costume Designer
John Culbert, Lighting Designer
Joshua Horvath, Sound Designer
Nick Heggestad, Properties Designer
Eva Breneman, Dialect Coach
David Castellanos, Production Stage Manager
Michael Holtzman, Assistant Director

                                                Dates:              First performance: January 22, 2013
                                                Closing performance: April 14, 2013
           
            Schedule:         Tuesdays: 7:30pm
                                    Wednesdays: 7:30pm (additional 2:00pm matinee March 6,
                                    March 20 and March 27; no 7:30pm show March 6)
            Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00pm
                                                Saturdays: 4:00pm and 8:00pm
            Sundays: 2:00pm and 6:00pm (no 6pm show March 24 and March 31)
           
                        Location:          Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe
                        Prices:              Prices for all performances range from $35 - $75
                                                Purchase early for best prices   
Box Office:       The Box Office is located at 376 Park Avenue, Glencoe;
            847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org

Notes of Interest:

  • Writers’ Theatre has produced its fifth musical with Sweet Charity. Previously, the company produced A Minister’s Wife, which Michael Halberstam later directed at Lincoln Center Theatre; She Loves Me, featuring Jessie Mueller; A Little Night Music and Oh Coward! 
  • With the exception of Adam Estes, who worked with Writers’ on A Minister’s Wife, the cast is new to Writers’ Theatre.  Writers’ is thrilled to have an opportunity to work with these talented artists for the first time.
  • Sweet Charity, based on Federico Fellini’s 1957 Italian romantic drama film Nights of Cabiria, premiered on Broadway in 1966, where it was nominated for 12 Tony Awards. The continuing popularity of the musical inspired Broadway revivals in both 1986 (when it won 4 out of the 5 Tony Awards it was nominated for) and 2005 (nominated for three Tony Awards).
  • The American film adaptation premiered in 1969 with Shirley MacLaine as Charity and John McMartin recreating his Broadway role as Oscar Lindquist. Bob Fosse directed and choreographed this film.

ACT OUT: Northlight Theatre announces the first selections of its 2013-14 season




 Northlight Theatre announces the first selections of its 2013-14 season

including a World Premiere by Christian O’Reilly, featuring John Mahoney,
Amy Herzog’s 4000 Miles and
Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize winner Lost in Yonkers

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces three of the five productions of the 2013-14 season: Amy Herzog’s award-winning play 4000 Miles; the World Premiere of Christian O’Reilly’s Chapatti, featuring John Mahoney; and Neil Simon’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play Lost in Yonkers. Two additional titles will be announced soon.

Northlight's connection to its audience is deep and powerful, and we hear, repeatedly, that one of the reasons for that strong relationship is the play choices,” says BJ Jones.  “Year after year our subscribers return to enjoy our work, joined by an increasing number of single ticket buyers from all over Chicagoland.  It is a season that examines intergenerational relationships with joy and keen insight, through fresh new work like 4000 Miles and Chapatti and classics like Lost in Yonkers.  And, of course, we are thrilled that our frequent collaborator John Mahoney joins us for the World Premiere of Chapatti.”

The 2012-13 season includes:
4000 Miles
by Amy Herzog
September 14 – October 20, 2013
At the end of an arduous cross-country bike trip, a rudderless 21 year-old seeks refuge in his elderly grandmother’s West Village apartment.  These two outsiders face ideological differences, but ultimately find their way together in “a beautifully rendered portrait” (The New York Times) of a cross-generational relationship.

4000 Miles was named Time Magazine's #1 Play of 2012; the winner of the Obie Award, Best New Play (2012) and received The New York Times Outstanding Playwright Award (2012).

The World Premiere of
Chapatti
by Christian O’Reilly
featuring John Mahoney
March 7 – April 13, 2014
Romance is a distant memory for two lonely animal-lovers living in Dublin.  When forlorn Dan and his dog Chapatti cross paths with amiable Betty and her nineteen cats, an unexpected spark begins a warm and gentle story about two people re-discovering the importance of human companionship. 

John Mahoney returns to Northlight for this World Premiere play by the acclaimed Irish playwright Christian O’Reilly.
Lost in Yonkers
by Neil Simon
May 2 – June 8, 2014
This nostalgic memory play takes us back to the summer of 1942 – WWII is on, and Eddie, flat broke, has no alternative but to leave his sons with their grandmother while he struggles to pay off his debts.  The boys are left to contend with an ill-tempered Grandma, the sweet but damaged Aunt Bella, and Uncle Louie, a small-time hoodlum in a strange new world called Yonkers.

Lost in Yonkers won the 1991 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Tony Award for Best Play.


Curtain times are: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.; Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Subscriptions to the 2013-14 Northlight Season are available through the box office, 9501 Skokie Boulevard in Skokie, by phone at 847.673.6300 or online at northlight.org.  Renewals are currently available.  New subscriptions will be available beginning in May 2013.  With its wide range of ticket prices, discounted subscription packages and complimentary parking, Northlight remains of one of the best theatrical values in Chicagoland. 

Subscriptions range in price from $105-$235.  A limited number of season subscriptions for the Opening Night performances (also includes a reception with the cast) are available for $300, subject to availability.  Northlight subscribers will have the first chance to purchase additional tickets before they go on sale to the general public. For more information, visit northlight.org.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 38th season, the organization has mounted nearly 200 productions, including over 40 world premieres.  Northlight has earned 151 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards.  As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from The Allyn Foundation; Arts Midwest; Blackman Kallick Bartelstein, LLP; BMO Harris Bank; Draft FCB; the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award; Ernst & Young; Evanston Community Foundation; Gand Music & Sound; The Homestead Hotel; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; The Irving Harris Foundation; The Joyce Foundation; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Madison Dearborn Partners; Melvoin Award for Playwriting; Modestus Bauer Foundation; North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation; Nuveen Investments; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; Pioneer Press; Quince at the Homestead; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Skokie Fine Arts Council; Sullivan Family Foundation; Target; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

ACT OUT EXTENDED: Columbinus at ATC #review




Columbinus aims a lens at teen behavior, from normal angst and achievement to the murderous, real life rampage of a budding psychopath and his accomplice.



DUE TO TICKET DEMAND,
ATC EXTENDS ITS HIT PRODUCTION OF COLUMBINUS
THROUGH APRIL 7

LIMITED-ENGAGEMENT REMOUNT OF STEPHEN KARAM’S SPEECH & DEBATE
TO REPLACE HAIR IN SPRING ’13 SLOT


ChiIL Live shows caught opening night of Columbinus and highly recommend it.  This timely and timeless production is thought provoking and opens necessary dialogue about gun violence in our schools and our society.  Actual families of survivors of the Columbine massacre were there for the opening, insuring the actors made a tactful and truthful portrayal.   

We've seen a number of productions in this genre, regarding the twin towers tragedy and the beating death of a gay college student among others.  Unlike ad nauseum news reports and exposes, documentary tragedy theatre acts as a memorial, and art.   Mostly it makes people think instead of tuning out, because they've made a conscious choice to be there.

Columbinus is a tasteful and compelling must see.   The staging and acting combine into a powerful piece that will stay with you long after the  light come on.   Book your tickets now, before the final weeks of Columbinus sell out.

 

American Theater Company (ATC) announces new performance dates for its world premiere production of the revised version of columbinus, written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli, with dramaturgy by Patricia Hersch, and conceived and directed by Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. The production is now extended through Sunday, April 7, 2013 at American Theater Company, 1909 W Byron St, Chicago, IL. columbinus has garnered rave critical reviews of its new third act, which premieres material devised from recent interviews with survivors of the Columbine High School Shootings, families of victims and residents of Littleton, Colorado. The new material includes never-before-released information on the shooters and their families and first-hand accounts of both the Columbine and Aurora shootings. 


Production photo credit:   Michael Brosilow 


columbinus 
 
Written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli 
Directed by PJ Paparelli 
American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron (map) 
thru March 10  |  tickets: $33-$43   |  more info 
        
Check for half-price tickets  

Tickets for the extension are now on sale through the box office, www.atcweb.org and 773.409.4125.

Littleton, Colorado. 1999.  Two teenagers devastate a community and shock the country when they walk into their suburban high school and kill twelve students and one teacher.  Based on interviews with teenagers across the country and survivors and community members in Littleton, this haunting drama takes a hard look at modern teenagers through the lens of the most infamous high school shooting in American history. 


ATC further announces that its musical production, a restored & revised Hair, will be moved from its current position to the spring 2014 spot.  The ambitious revival, to be directed by Paparelli, will now close out the Company’s 29th season. In its place, a revised remount of Stephen Karam’sSpeech & Debate will run from May 13 – June 10, 2013, also directed by PJ Paparelli.  Speech & Debate made its Chicago Premiere at ATC in 2008 to critical and popular success; the limited-engagement production will feature original cast member Sadieh Rifai reprising her original role, as well asWill Allen in his ATC debut. 

“We are so pleased to offer Chicagoans a longer run of columbinus.  When looking at a shorter extension and a compromised production of Hair, we decided it was so important to run columbinus as long as possible and allow audience to experience this revised version of Hair as author Jim Rado and I envision it,” says Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. “Audience members have asked me so many times if we were ever going to remount Speech & Debate, and I always have said no.  However, this unique situation allows us to bring this show back to Chicago with some script revisions and a new production design.  I’m thrilled that Stephen and I will be working together again on this wickedly funny play.”

Speech & Debate is a quick-witted and timely comedy that tells the story of three misfits who team up to expose their teacher's online secrets while forming their high school's first Speech and Debate club.  With a searing script by columbinus co-writer Stephen Karam, Artistic Director PJ Paparelli remounts this hysterical yet touching tale of three teens' quest for fame and free speech.

AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY
American Theater Company is an ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic American stories that ask the question, “What does it mean to be an American?” We provide a truly intimate home for the community to experience meaningful stories.  We foster a nurturing environment for artists to take risks and create essential work. 

American Theater Company is supported by a CityArts Program 2 Grant and a Cultural Outreach Program Grant from the City of Chicago Office of Tourism & Culture, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, Illinois Humanities Council, Polk Bros. Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and Prince Charitable Trusts.

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