A Red Orchid Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of The Moors January 6 – February 27, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

A RED ORCHID THEATRE WELCOMES AUDIENCES BACK WITH

THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF

THE MOORS

By JEN SILVERMAN

DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR KIRSTEN FITZGERALD

January 6 – February 27, 2022

A Red Orchid Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of The Moors, written by Jen Silverman and directed by Artistic Director Kirsten Fitzgerald. The Moors runs January 6 – February 27, 2022 at A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N Wells in Chicago. Single tickets for The Moors are on sale now at www.aredorchidtheatre.org. 

On the wind-blown desolate moors two spinster sisters and their mastiff scheme to wrest their destinies from the savage land around them. When a governess is summoned and a moor-hen drops in, all three are forced to ask what price they might pay for love. Inspired (perhaps) by certain 19th-century gothic romances, and the sisters who wrote them, this savage comedy disrupts the conventions of visibility. 

The cast of The Moors includes Ensemble Members Karen Aldridge, Dado, Jennifer Engstrom and Guy Van Swearingen, with Audrey Billings and Christina Gorman.

The creative team includes Milo Bue (scenic design), Myron Elliott-Cisneros (costume design), Kaili Story (lighting design), Jeffrey Levin (sound design), Therese Ritchie (props design), Elenna Sindler (vocal/music direction), and Christina Gorman (fight/intimacy direction), and Kathleen Dickinson (stage manager).

Dates:                       

Previews: January 6-15, 2022

I'll be out for the Press Performance Saturday, January 15th, so check back soon at ChiILLiveShows.com for my full review. 

Opening: Sunday, January 16, 2022

 

Schedule:                    

Thursdays:    7:30 p.m.

Fridays:          7:30 p.m. 

Saturdays:     3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.  

Sundays:        3:00 p.m.  

                       

Location: 

A Red Orchid Theatre, 1531 N. Wells Ave.

Tickets: $15-$25 previews, $30-$40 regular run. ($30 Thurs, $35 Fri & Sat Matinee, $40 Sat evening &Sun matinee) 

Box Office: Located at 1531 N. Wells Ave, Chicago, (312) 943-8722; or online www.aredorchidtheatre.org

Ticket Information

FLASHPASS subscribers enjoy ticket flexibility and exchanges, additional ticket discounts, and reserved seating. The Two-show FLASHPASS is $60 and includes one ticket to each of the 2 shows in our 29th Season, excluding Opening Night.  The Preview FLASHPASS is $40 and includes one ticket to a preview performance of each of the 2 shows in our 29th season. 

FLASHPASSES and individual tickets may be purchased online at www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

A Red Orchid Theatre remains grateful for the support of our board, donors, and loyal audience who continue to champion our ambitious and powerful storytelling. And we welcome you to join our Red League, Founders Circle, or Orchid Visionary members. These philanthropic leaders foster the development of raw and relevant work—creating a platform for our talented Ensemble to reach new audiences, and ensuring that we remain a source for honest, compassionate, and aesthetically rigorous theatre. To learn more, please contact Managing Director Abigail Madden at abigail@aredorchidtheatre.org or 312-943-8722.

 

Covid 19 Policies

A Red Orchid is part of a growing coalition of more than 70 performing arts venues and producers across Chicagoland who have agreed upon Covid-19 Vaccination and Mask Requirements for audiences. This unified COVID-19 protection protocol requires audience members to provide proof of vaccination or negative test certification upon entry and to wear masks.  

These venues and their performers, backstage crew and staff will comply with vaccination requirements and testing protocols to further ensure the safety of all guests and company members. The current protocols were developed by the coalition in consultation with public health officials. They will be reviewed regularly and may include an extension or relaxation of certain provisions if the science dictates. 

All patrons will need to be masked and fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine in order to attend a performance at A Red Orchid Theatre and must show proof of vaccination and identification at their time of entry into the venue with their valid ticket. “Fully vaccinated” means the performance date must be at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, or at least 14 days after a single-dose vaccine. Where negative tests are accepted, guests may provide proof of a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the performance start time, or a negative COVID-19 antigen test taken within 6 hours of the performance start time. This includes accommodations for children under 12 and people with a medical condition or closely held religious belief that prevents vaccination. All patrons will have to wear a mask throughout the performance and during their time in the theatre. Refreshments and all concessions will not be served this season at A Red Orchid.  

About A Red Orchid

A Red Orchid Theatre has served as an artistic focal point in the heart of the Old Town community of Chicago since 1993 and was honored with a 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. Over the past 29 years, its Resident Ensemble has welcomed into its fold an impressive array of award-winning actors, playwrights, and theatre artists with the firm belief that live theatre is the greatest sustenance for the human spirit. A Red Orchid is well known and highly acclaimed for its fearless approach to performance and design in the service of unflinchingly intimate stories.  

A Red Orchid Theatre is: Karen Aldridge, Lance Baker, Kamal Angelo Bolden, Dado, Mike Durst, Myron Elliott-Cisneros, Jennifer Engstrom, Kirsten Fitzgerald, Joseph Fosco, Steve Haggard, Levi Holloway, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, Karen Kawa, Karen Kessler, Travis A. Knight, Danny McCarthy, Shade Murray, Brett Neveu, Sadieh Rifai, Grant Sabin, Steve Schine, Michael Shannon, Guy Van Swearingen, Doug Vickers and Natalie West. 

World Premiere of MARY ROSE Via Black Button Eyes Productions January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater

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Black Button Eyes Productions Presents the World Premiere of

MARY ROSE

January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater

Book & Lyrics by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford

Music & Lyrics by Jeff Bouthiette

Adapted from the Play by J.M. Barrie

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford

Music Direction by Nick Sula

Choreography by Derek Van Barham 

Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to conclude its 2021-22 season this winter with the world premiere musical Mary Rose, featuring book and lyrics by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford, music and lyrics by Jeff Bouthiette, adapted from play of the same name by J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), directed by Ed Rutherford with music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. The eerie musical faerie tale will play January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater (mainstage), 5451 N. Broadway Ave. in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at maryrosemusical.eventbrite.com. 

Please note: Black Button Eyes will require proof of vaccination and masking at all performances. The entire cast and crew is vaccinated.

Mary Rose features Stephanie Stockstill as Mary Rose with Rosalind Hurwitz, Michael Reyes, Maxel Schingen, Jonathan Schwart, Maiko Terazawa and Kevin Webb. Understudies: Quinn Corrigan, Jessica Lauren Fisher and Joey Harbert.

PHOTO CREDIT: The cast of Black Button Eyes Productions’ world premiere musical Mary Rose includes (top, l to r) Rosalind Hurwitz, Michael Reyes and Maxel Schingen (bottom, l to r) Jonathan Schwart, Stephanie Stockstill, Maiko Terazawa and Kevin Webb.

This world premiere musical spins the tale of a haunted young woman named Mary Rose, and the mysterious supernatural connection between her, a manor house in Sussex and a misty island in the Scottish Highlands.

The production team includes Jeremiah Barr (scenic and properties design, technical director), Beth Laske-Miller (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), Macy Kloville (sounds design), Elinor Keener (orchestrator) Carrie Hardin (dialect coach) and Cecilia Koloski (stage manager).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Location: The Edge Theater (mainstage), 5451 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, January 7 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, January 8 at 7:30 pm

Press performance: Sunday, January 9 at 3 pm

Regular run: Thursday, January 13 – Saturday, February 12, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets: $30. Tickets are currently available at maryrosemusical.eventbrite.com. 

 

About the Artists:

Ed Rutherford’s (Book & Lyrics, Director) directing credits for Black Button Eyes include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (Jeff Recommended), Whisper House, Ghost Quartet (Jeff Nomination: Best Director of a Musical), Evil Dead the Musical (Jeff Nomination: Best Director of a Musical), his script Nightmares & Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier, Nevermore, Shockheaded Peter, Amour, Goblin Market, and Coraline. He is an artistic associate with Promethean Theatre Ensemble, where he directed The Liar, his own adaptation of Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the company's inaugural production, Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy. Directing with Brown Paper Box Co: The Baltimore Waltz. As an actor, he's performed with Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight, Theater Wit and many others. A graduate of Northwestern's theater program, he also completed his MBA at Kellogg.

Jeff Bouthiette (Music & Lyrics) is a Chicago-based director, songwriter and performer, and currently serves as musical director for the Second City Mainstage. Jeff was also Head of the Music Program at the Second City Training Center for a decade. Jeff’s original musicals include Picture It! (MCL Chicago), Planted: A Song Cycle (Chicago Music Theatre Festival) and Miami Nice (Gorilla Tango). Previously with Black Button Eyes, Jeff has served as both actor (Mr. Bobo, Coraline) and musical director (Goblin Market).

Nick Sula (Music Director) is a pianist, arranger and award-winning music director for theater and cabaret. He is proud to return to Black Button Eyes Productions, where he was music director for Coraline, Amour, Nevermore and Jeff-nominated as music director for Ghost Quartet. Other music direction credits include productions with Porchlight Music Theatre, BoHo Theatre Ensemble, Pride Films and Plays, Chicago Theatre Workshop and Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Nick performs with vocalists at venues such as Davenport’s Piano Bar, Petterino’s, Drew’s on Halsted, Victory Gardens and the Park West. He is an instructor, music director and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Derek Van Barham (Choreographer) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. Recent directing credits: Head Over Heels (Kokandy), The View Upstairs (Circle), Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag) and Taylor Mac’s A Walk Across America for Mother Earth (CCPA/Roosevelt). Black Button credits include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Ghost Quartet, Evil Dead The Musical (Jeff nomination), Coraline the Musical, Goblin Market, Amour, Nevermore and Shockheaded Peter. He has also choreographed for The Plagiarists, Inappropriate Theatre, The Ruckus, Brain Surgeon Theatre and Salonathon. He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ community. www.derekvanbarham.com

About Black Button Eyes Productions

The 2021-22 season continues Black Button Eyes Productions' mission to bring to Chicago premieres and seldom-seen works containing elements of fantasy, in which the magical and surreal invade reality. The company was founded in 2014 with the acclaimed Midwest premiere of the musical Coraline, followed by Goblin Market, Amour, Shockheaded Peter, Nevermore-The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the world premiere Nightmares and Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier, the smash hit Chicago Storefront Premiere of Evil Dead the Musical, the Chicago premieres of the musicals Ghost Quartet and Whisper House, and most recently, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

 

WELLESLEY GIRL VIA COMPASS THEATRE JANUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 5, 2022 AT THEATER WIT

 ChiIL Live Shows on our radar 

COMPASS THEATRE ANNOUNCES ITS RETURN TO THE STAGE WITH BRENDAN PELSUE’S 

WELLESLEY GIRL

JANUARY 7 - FEBRUARY 5, 2022 AT THEATER WIT

Directed by James Fleming, this Timely Play About Politics that’s Much like Politics, 

Funny, Until it Suddenly Isn't

Compass Theatre is proud to announce its LIVE return to stage with the production of Wellesley Girl, written by playwright Brendan Pelsue and directed by James Fleming, Friday, Jan. 7 - Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave. After postponing the original 2020 run due to COVID, Compass Theatre is thrilled to bring this play that directly addresses so many of the issues we are grappling with right now as a result of COVID and the past election. I'll be out to catch the Press Opening on Friday, Jan. 7th, so check back soon for my full review. 

The preview performance is Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Talk backs with the audience are scheduled for the Jan. 13, 20 and 30 performances. Tickets for Wellesley Girl are $40 for general admission, $35 for seniors and students and are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets please visit, CompassTheatre.org. 

It is 2465 and American politics hasn't changed much. Except that "America" is now only a handful of New England towns in a walled-in citadel and the population is so small that everyone is a member of Congress. There is an unidentified army encamping at the border and all members of Congress must move beyond personal agendas and petty bickering and decide the nation's fate. And it is snowing. 

Pelsue's Wellesley Girl examines the relationship between citizens and democracy and challenges the audience to consider whether it is wise or cowardly to refrain from voting when neither alternative is good. 

The cast for Wellesley Girl includes Brandon Boler (Max); Denise Hoeflich (Garth); Ted James (Hank); Darren Jones (RJ); Grant Lewis (Mick); Deanna Reed-Foster (Donna); Allyce Torres (Marie); Noah Villarreal (Donnie) and Todd Wojcik (Scott).

The Wellesley Girl production team includes James Fleming (director); Caitlin Body (stage manager); Cat Davis (lighting design); Rachel Sypniewski (costume designer); Sunniva Holmulund (assistant stage manager); Sotirios Livaditis (scenic design); Robert Salazar (production manager); Stefanie Senior (sound designer) and Evan Sposato (technical director).

POST-PERFORMANCE TALK BACKS CURRENTLY SCHEDULED:

Friday, Jan. 13

Envisioning A Post-Apocalyptic America with Chicago-based comics writer and artist Tim Seeley moderated by Robert Salazar

Join Chicago-based comics writer and artist Tim Seeley for a discussion about what a post-apocalyptic America might be like. Post-apocalyptic life is a popular theme in today's comic books. The storylines are often responses to changing socio-political landscapes and serve as both entertainment and warning of possible futures to come. Seeley leads this dynamic discussion and examines what parts, if any, are left of America after a catastrophic event devastates humanity. 

Thursday, Jan. 20

Leading During A Time of Crisis with Chicago Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar

Join us as Samir Mayekar, Chicago's deputy mayor for neighborhood & economic development shares his experiences leading the City of Chicago through the initial outbreak of Covid-19 and subsequent shut-down of the city. Hear about the leadership lessons learned from the pandemic and Mayekar's thoughts on Chicago's recovery in a post-Covid world. This talk-back will include a short Q&A. 

Sunday, Jan. 30

Civil Discourse and the Responsibility of Voice with Leila Brammer, director of the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse at the University of Chicago

How we talk about things matters. Director of the Parrhesia Program for Public Discourse at the University of Chicago Leila Brammer leads a discussion on one of the most important educational, political and social issues of today: how to have a civil conversation in a democratic society and leaving room for someone else's viewpoint. 

ABOUT BRENDAN PELSUE (playwright)

Brendan Pelsue is a playwright, librettist and translator whose work has been produced in New York and regionally. His play Wellesley Girl premiered at the 2016 Humana Festival of New American Plays. Hagoromo, a dance-opera piece for which he wrote the libretto, has appeared at the Brooklyn Academy of Music and the Pocantico Center. Other work includes New Domestic Architecture at the Yale Carlotta Festival, Read to Me at the 2015 Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Lost Weekend at the Actors Theatre of Louisville Professional Training Company, Parking Lot, Riverbank: a Noh Play for Northerly Americans and a translation of Moliere’s Don Juan at the Yale School of Drama, Visitors with Corkscrew Theatre Company, Petra and the Saints with the Telephonic Literary Union and Diagram of a Kidnapping with the Brown University New Play Festival. He has taught or mentored at Yale College, Wesleyan University and Lesley University. Originally from Newburyport, Massachusetts, he received his B.A. from Brown University, where he received the Weston Prize in Playwriting and his M.F. A. from Yale School of Drama.

ABOUT JAMES FLEMING (director)

James Fleming is a freelance director based in New York and Chicago. Fleming is currently pursuing his MFA in directing at Yale School of Drama and coming back to Chicago to direct for Compass Theatre.  Prior to Yale, he served as associate artistic director at Redtwist theatre and as director of New Works at The New Colony in Chicago. Recent credits include Grace McLeod's Scare Me (The New Colony) and Herland (Redtwist Theatre); Thornton Wilder's Our Town and MJ Kaufman's Sagittarius Ponderosa (Redtwist Theatre); Alexandra Matthews and Eric Shoemaker's adaptation of Kate Chopin's The Awakening (ArtsOnSite NYC). He has assistant directed at Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre and Greenhouse Theater Center. He holds a BA in Public Policy and Theatre & Performance Studies from the University of Chicago. 

ABOUT COMPASS THEATRE

Compass Theatre’s mission is to discover the understanding and compassion for others through challenging contemporary storytelling and open discussions. Fundamental to human connection is the ability to see, hear, understand and empathize with experiences different than our own. There is no better medium for that than live theatre. We invite the modern audience to lean in, ask questions, and share emotions, experiences and insights. 

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE DECEMBER 14-19, 2021

 ChiIL Live Shows on our radar 

THE CURTAIN RISES AGAIN! 

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

OPENS DECEMBER 14!

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE

DECEMBER 14-19, 2021

After an incredible Pre-Broadway run in Chicago and on Broadway, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic stories of all time, returns to Chicago on tour! Starring Broadway superstar and Tony Award®-nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).

I was out of town on a travel feature back in 2018 when PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL made it's Pre-Broadway run in Chicago. So I'm elated to have another chance to catch opening night this time around. I'll be out to review on December 14th so check back soon for my take on this crowd pleasing new musical.

Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited engagement December 14-19, 2021. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is one of the first productions to open to a live audience in a Broadway In Chicago theatre in more than a year. It is the first of many shows to follow!

Brought to the stage by lead producer Paula Wagner, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance (“Summer of ‘69”, “Heaven”), and a book by the movie’s legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. “If you love the movie, you’ll love the musical!” (BuzzFeed News).

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee’s international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Now, 30 years later, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is “Big romance and big fun!” (Broadway.com). “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale,” says The Hollywood Reporter. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages.

Are you ready to fall in love all over again?

Atlantic Records’ PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSPs.

Visit PrettyWomanTheMusical.com for more information.

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, December 14 at 7:30PM

Wednesday, December 15 at 2:00PM & 7:30PM

Thursday, December 16 at 7:30PM

Friday, December 17 at 7:30PM

Saturday, December 18 at 2:00PM & 8:00PM

Sunday, December 19 at 2:00PM

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL are now on sale and range from $33 to $106 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more  information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 21 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

 

COVID-19 Protocol:  Audience members are required to be masked and show proof that they are fully vaccinated. Those with exemptions, including children, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccine cards and negative COVID-19 test must be shown along with a photo I.D. and valid ticket. No home tests are accepted and due to COVID-19 protocol, children under 2 are not allowed into the theatre. For further information including types of vaccines or testing details visit BroadwayInChicago.com/COVID19.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

SAVE THE DATES: The Lady from the Sea Via Court Theatre February 4 – March 6, 2022

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Court Theatre continues Season with

The Lady from the Sea

Chaon Cross, Samuel Taylor. Photo by Michael Brosilow 

By Henrik Ibsen

Translated by Richard Nelson

Directed by Shana Cooper

February 4 – March 6, 2022

Court Theatre, under the continuing leadership of Charles Newell, Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director, and Angel Ysaguirre, Executive Director, continues its 2021/22 season with The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen, translated by Richard Nelson, and directed by Shana Cooper. The Lady from the Sea runs February 4 – March 6, 2022 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave. The press opening is Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 7:30pm.

When a sailor returns to fulfill their promise, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter must choose between her landlocked marriage and the mesmerizing allure of the sea. Hailed as a watershed moment in Ibsen’s writing, The Lady from the Sea dissects issues of duty, marriage, and agency with raw emotion and disarming resonance.

Canceled in March of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, The Lady from the Sea makes a triumphant return to Court’s stage in a new translation from playwright Richard Nelson starring Chaon Cross. Director Shana Cooper injects Nelson’s text with a visceral physicality that thrillingly reflects and refracts Ibsen’s structure and characterization.

The cast of The Lady from the Sea includes Chaon Cross (Ellida), Gregory Linington (Dr. Wangel), Tanya Thai McBride (Bolette), Will Mobley (Lyngstrand), Angela Morris (Hilda), Kelli Simpkins (A Stranger), Samuel Taylor (Arnholm), and Dexter Zollicoffer (Ballested),

The creative team includes Erika Chong Shuch (Choreography), Andrew Boyce (Scenic Design), Linda Roethke (Costume Design), Paul Toben (Lighting Design), Andre Pluess (Sound Design), and Becca McCracken (Casting). Erin Albrecht is the production stage manager.

Individual tickets are on sale and available by calling (773) 753-4472, or online at www.CourtTheatre.org.

The Lady from the Sea is sponsored by Sidley Austin Foundation and Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

 

About the Artists

RICHARD NELSON (Translator) His plays include The Gabriel Plays (Women Of A Certain Age, What Did You Expect?, Hungry), Oblivion, Nikolai And The Others, The Apple Family Plays (That Hopey Changey Thing, Sweet And Sad, Regular Singing), Farewell To The Theatre, Conversations In Tusculum, Frank’s Home, How Shakespeare Won The West, Rodney’s Wife, Franny’s Way, Madame Melville, Goodnight Children Everywhere (Olivier Award Best Play), The General From America, New England, Two Shakespearean Actors (Tony Nomination, Best Play), Some Americans Abroad (Olivier Nomination, Best Comedy), and others. His musicals include James Joyce’s The Dead (with Shaun Davey, Tony Award Best Book of a Musical), and My Life With Albertine (with Ricky Ian Gordon). He has adapted and/or translated numerous classical and contemporary plays; his films include Hyde Park On Hudson (Roger Michell, director, Focus Features), Ethan Frome (Miramax Films) and Sensibility And Sense (American Playhouse). He is an honorary associate artist of the Royal Shakespeare Company, a recipient of the Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the PEN/Laura Pels “Master Playwright” Award.

SHANA COOPER (Director) is a company member at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., where her directing credits include The Nether and HIR by Taylor Mac. Other directing credits include The Unfortunates (A.C.T., San Francisco); American Night, Romeo and Juliet (Yale Repertory Theatre); Straight White Men (Studio Theater, Washington D.C.); The Unfortunates (World Premiere Musical), Julius Caesar, Love’s Labor’s Lost (Oregon Shakespeare Festival); Venus In Fur (Seattle Rep, Arizona Theatre Company), The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream (California Shakespeare Theater); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Playmakers Rep); Camino Real (New York University MFA Program); Three Sisters (The Studio/New York); and The Whale Play, Twelfth Night Parking Lot Project (New Theater House). Shana was the Associate Artistic Director of the California Shakespeare Theater (2000-2004), and also a Cofounder of New Theater House with Yale School of Drama alumni (2008-present). Awards include: 2014 U Grant (Funded by The Melon Foundation and administered by TCG), 2010 Princess Grace Award, Julian Milton Kaufman Memorial Prize in Directing (Yale School of Drama), Drama League Directing Fellow, TCG Observership Grant, OSF Phil Killian Directing Fellow, and G. Herbert Smith Presidential Scholarship. She is an Assistant Professor in the Theatre Department at Northwestern University.

CHAON CROSS (Ellida) returns to Court Theatre, where her credits include: The Hard Problem, One Man Two Guvnors, Proof , Uncle Vanya, The Glass Menagerie, Scapin, The Romance Cycle, and Phèdre. Other Chicago credits include: Macbeth, Red Velvet, As You Like It, Private Lives, Cymbeline, Troilus and Cressida, The Two Noble Kinsmen, and The Taming of the Shrew (Chicago Shakespeare); Macbeth (Lyric Opera of Chicago); Life Sucks, Brothers Karamazov (Lookingglass Theatre); Cyrano (Court Theatre and Redmoon Theatre); Grace (Northlight Theatre); The Wheel, The Cherry Orchard (Steppenwolf Theatre Company). Regional credits include Lady Windermere in Lady Windermere’s Fan(Milwaukee Repertory Theater) and Elizabeth Bennett in Pride and Prejudice (The Cleveland Playhouse). She has also appeared in productions with Frump Tucker, Shattered Globe Theatre, TimeLine Theatre Company, Theatre at the Center, First Folio Shakespeare Festival, and TheatreHikes. TV credits: The Exorcist (FOX), Chicago Fire (NBC), Boss (Starz), and Detroit 1-8-7 (ABC). Film: Widows, My Dog Skip (Warner Bros). Before moving to Chicago, Ms. Cross toured the US and Canada for two years with American Shakespeare Center.

GREGORY LININGTON (Dr. Wangel) Makes his Court Theatre debut. Chicago: Goodman Theatre, Northlight Theatre. New York: Brooklyn Academy of Music and Joe’s Pub. Regional: Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Yale Repertory Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Arena Stage, Shakespeare Theatre DC, Theater J, Kennedy Center, Shakespeare Center LA, CTG and PCPA. A 12-year company member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival he is also a five-year company member of Misery Loves Company in Prague. Film and television credits include Innocent Sleep, Harrison’s Flowers; Station Eleven, Chicago PD, Grey’s Anatomy, Shameless, Major Crimes, and The West Wing. 

TANYA THAI MCBRIDE (Bolette) is pleased to make her debut at Court Theatre. Chicago theater credits: Stop.Reset. (Goodman Theatre); The White Snake (Goodman Theatre); Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (The Other Theatre Co.); Yellow Face (Silk Road Rising); and punkplay (Pavement Group at Steppenwolf Garage), among others. Regional: The White Snake (The Old Globe, Guthrie Theater, McCarter Theatre, Berkeley Repertory and Oregon Shakespeare Festival), A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Heart of Robin Hood (Oregon Shakespeare Festival). TV: Chicago PD, Chicago Fire. Tanya holds an MFA from The Ohio State University.

WILL MOBLEY (Lyngstrand) is pleased to make his Court Theatre debut. Chicago credits include: The Wickham’s: Christmas at Pemberley (Northlight); The Winter’s Tale U/S (Goodman); Ragtime (Marriott); My Fair Lady (Lyric Opera); SS! Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Days Like Today, Antony and Cleopatra (Writers). Regional credits include: Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley (Theatre Squared); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Cardinal Stage Company); The Hound of the Baskervilles, A Christmas Carol, Other Desert Cities (Indiana Repertory Theater); Other Desert Cities (Arizona Theatre Company); A View From the Bridge, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Hamlet, Antony and Cleopatra, Twelfth Night, Richard III, The Admirable Crichton, The Taming of the Shrew, The Critic and Of Mice and Men (American Players Theatre); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (tour), Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice and Great Expectations (Utah Shakespeare Festival); and The Lieutenant of Inishmore (Artists Repertory Theatre). Will is also a member of the Chicago band The Winchesters.

ANGELA MORRIS (Hilda) is thrilled to make her Court debut. Chicago credits include Twilight Bowl – Jeff Nomination Best Ensemble (Goodman Theatre); Hang Man (The Gift Theatre); The Hamlet Project (The Collective); and Horatio (A Beautiful Fight Productions). Regional credits include The Comedy of Errors (John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts). Television/Film credits include Chicago Fire; Two in the Bush: A Love Story; and the award-winning shorts “SPACEMAN.,” “Trash,” and “My Best Girl,” which she also co-wrote. She voices the main character (and others) in the video game Perception. 

KELLI SIMPKINS (A Stranger) THEATER: Off Broadway: MCC Theater: Charm | Union Square Theater: The Laramie Project. REGIONAL: About Face Theater: The Gulf, Bull in a China Shop, The Secretaries, The Kid Thing (Jeff Award nomination), Pony | American Theater Company: We’re Gonna Be Okay, Men on Boats, T., Celebrity Row | Victory Gardens: Cocked | Goodman Theatre: Teddy Ferrara | Steppenwolf Theatre: Good Boys and True, Fair Use, One Arm | Denver Center: The Laramie Project | Berkeley Rep: The People’s Temple, The Laramie Project | Guthrie Theater: The People’s Temple | La Jolla Playhouse: Think Like Girls, The Laramie Project. FILM: Slice, Chasing Amy, A League of Their Own | TV: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Patriot, Betrayal, The Laramie Project (Emmy nomination– Ensemble Writing), Law & Order: CI. AWARDS: 3ARTS Award (2013). OTHER: Tectonic Theater Project: company member, teaching artist and original creator/performer – The Laramie Project | About Face Theater: Artistic Associate. 

SAMUEL TAYLOR (Arnholm) is co-founder of the Back Room Shakespeare Project and teaches Shakespeare at the University of Chicago. Samuel is also owner & operator of Long Table Pancakes. Chicago credits include Mr. & Mrs. Pennyworth, Thaddeus & Slocum, Lookingglass Alice, and Peter Pan at Lookingglass; The Hot L Baltimore at Steppenwolf Theatre Company; Marnie & Phil at The Actors Gymnasium; Hunchback at Redmoon; and 9 shows at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Regional credits include work at American Players Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Syracuse Stage, and the Guthrie Theater. On Camera credits include recurring roles on Boardwalk Empire and Crisis.

DEXTER ZOLLICOFFER (Ballested) appeared at Court Theatre in Electra, Water by the Spoonful, and The Mystery Cycle: Creation and Passion. Dexter appeared in Charm for Northlight Theatre (Jeff Award for Actor in a Principal Role and a nomination for Ensemble). Other theatre credits include: The Little Foxes, Dartmoor Prison, The Odyssey, Blues for an Alabama Sky, and A Christmas Carol at Goodman; To Kill a Mockingbird, A Lesson Before Dying, and Pudd’nhead Wilson at Steppenwolf; Relatively Close, Knock Me a Kiss and The Sutherland at Victory Gardens; and The Overwhelming at Next Theatre. Regionally, Mr. Zollicoffer appeared in Blues for an Alabama Sky at Alabama Shakespeare Festival, The Odyssey at McCarter Theatre Center, and Seattle Repertory Theatre, Our Country’s Good at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, The Recruiting Officer and Our Country’s Good at Madison Repertory Theatre, Voice of Good Hope at BoarsHead Theater, and Permanent Collection at Indiana University Northwest. On television, Mr. Zollicoffer has been seen on Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, Detroit 1-8-7, and the upcoming feature, Who Gets the Dog. He is an administrator at The Theatre School at DePaul University where he received best director, best ensemble, and Special Jury Prize nominations for his original work, Ma Fille, Ma Naturelle at the 6th annual International Theatre Festival of University Theatre in Tangier, Morocco. He is a 2011-12 recipient of the Spirit of DePaul award given by DePaul’s Office of Mission and Values.

Chaon Cross, Lady from the Sea, credit: Michael Brosilow

Dates:             Previews:            February 4 – 11, 2022

                       Press Opening:   Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 7:30pm

                       Regular Run:       February 13 – March 6, 2022

           

Schedule:        Wed/Thurs/Fri:    7:30 p.m.

Sat/Sun:              2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Location:         Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Ave.

Tickets:           $28.50-$66 previews

                    $37.50-$84 regular run

Box Office:      Located at 5535 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago; (773) 753-4472 or www.CourtTheatre.org.

 

Court Theatre  is the professional theatre of the University of Chicago, dedicated to innovation, inquiry, intellectual engagement, and community service. Court endeavors to make a lasting contribution to classic American theatre by expanding the canon of translations, adaptations, and classic texts. The theatre revives lost masterpieces; illuminates familiar texts; explores the African American theatrical canon; and discovers fresh, modern classics. Court engages and inspires its audience by providing artistically distinguished productions, audience enrichment activities, and student educational experiences.

NEW RELEASE: Acid Tongue - Arboretum Due December 3 via Freakout Records

New LP Out 12/3 via Freakout Records

featuring "Suffering For You" (ft. Shaina Shepherd) Single

Now Streaming

"Usually known for rolling out glam rock scorchers, 'Suffering For You' sees the band pull back on the theatrics to let the lyrics shine. The purposely strummed guitar keeps the energy high while hints of twinkling piano shimmer around Keltner’s gravelly admissions of continuing to come back to a person who treats them like absolute garbage."

- KEXP

"It channels hope for freedom and hope for change."

- Indie88

"This video is a retro time capsule that calls to mind old Frankenstein films."

- Indie Music

The members of Seattle rock'n'roll outfit Acid Tongue are quite literally bouncing off the walls. In fact, it’s hard to even call them a “Seattle band.” There’s the core duo of songwriter Keltner and drummer/vocalist Ian Cunningham —currently based in the Pacific Northwest — but with numerous touring and studio musicians scattered between Paris, New York, London, Mexico City, Los Angeles, & Austin, the rotating roster seems to grow larger by the day. The band’s forthcoming release, Arboretum (due December 3 via Freakout Records), takes things in the next logical direction. Part glam-rock opus, part mixtape, this LP from Acid Tongue marks a significant step forward for a band well-versed in straddling the line between psychedelia and power-pop.

"[One of the] Latin artists bridging scenes across the Pacific Northwest."

- Bandcamp Daily

"The songs of Blossom are a vibrant reflection on the past year"

- Big Takeover

"A potent dose of classic rock and roll soul, packaging the duo’s apocalyptic anxieties in a joyous ‘70s rock pastiche."

- Under The Radar

Acid Tongue has been productive over the past 18 months, self-producing the 10 new songs on their third album, Arboretum. Each song is a collaboration with some of the best and brightest in underground rock and roll. The laundry list of talent includes Los Angeles psych-garage staples Death Valley Girls on the hard rocking “Take Me To Your Leader;" Canadian singer-songwriter Calvin Love on the disco anthem “All Out Of Time;” Seattle freak-rockers Naked Giants on the introspective “Won’t Walk Back;” Freakout Records-siblings Shaina Shepherd and Smokey Brights on “Facts of Life,” “Rock & Roll Revelations,” and “Suffering For You;” and Brazilian artist Libra on the album opener “Home.” Beyond the credited collaborations, performers on the record include keyboardist Glenn Brigman of Triptides & Levitation Room, vocalist Matan KG (Paper Idol), bass guitarist Dustin Bookatz (Pearl Charles), and the band’s longtime string-arranger Philip Peterson (Haim, Taylor Swift, Portugal the Man). 

"Joyful in its tight embrace of ’70s rock, jangly keys and all, even though the state of things might urge you to learn towards doom and gloom"

- Alt Citizen

"Freak rock maestros Acid Tongue unite with band Smokey Brights to throw the party-to-end-all-parties and embrace the end of the world"

- Hollywood Life

"Good time rock & roll vibes [...] While the band is pushing the rock genre forward they’re also acutely aware of the past, combining classic rock sensabilities with the dynamicism of modern garage rock."

- MXDWN

"Soul-drenched"

- Psychedelic Baby

"Frothy"

- Variance

"A timeless rock & roll sound with a DIY mentality"

- Psychedelic Baby

Guy Keltner, the primary songwriter for Acid Tongue, took a rough couple of years and turned them into libretto. “I became incredibly depressed and started spending a lot of time at the Arboretum in Seattle. I had just moved home and was spending all day absorbing this diversity of plants and sounds at the park. I poured myself into writing some deeply personal songs, heavily influenced by the artists in my immediate orbit.” During the recording of Arboretum, Keltner was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and decided to get sober from alcohol. “Kicking booze helped me focus in the studio, but I needed help finishing this album. I was incredibly fortunate to work with musicians that I actually listened to and enjoyed. They individually elevated each song to be something beautiful and unique.”

"Danceable, poppy and oozes an almost effortless cool thanks to the string arrangements and guest vocalist Calvin Love's wistful croon"

- Punk Rock Theory

"One of the wildest duos on the West Coast."

- Rolling Stone (France)

"A more mature sound, while still retaining the '70's-influenced rock you've come to know them for."

- KEXP

"vibrates with a DIY punk ethos many artists shy away from these days,"

- NYLON 

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

ACID TONGUE TOUR DATES

December 31st - Seattle, WA - Substation (with Christian Bland & The Revelators)

January 7th - Brooklyn, NY - TV Eye

May 12th - Los Angeles, CA - Zebulon (with The Detroit Cobras)

September 9th-11th - Giverny, FR - Rock in the Barn Festival

"A real son-of-a-bitch [... Acid Tongue invokes] The Rolling Stones’ sympathetic Satan and all the irresistible power and destruction that follows in his wake.”

- Alt Citizen

"Seattle’s Acid Tongue is a fascinating combination of classic indie rock stylings and an unrelenting DIY spirit."

- Jersey Beat

"The band demonstrates both instrumental prowess and respect for their musical heritage as the sons of psychedelic forebears."

- All Things Go

"A soulful, stoney, honest approach to modern psychedelia."

- Impose

"I'm not sure the world deserves Acid Tongue, but we have them and won't give them back."

- When You Motor Away

 

CHECK OUT ACID TONGUE ON

Facebook | Twitter | Website | SoundCloud | Bandcamp | Instagram | YouTube

December's Delightful at Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret In Chicago

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Make the Yule-tide Gay

New Year’s Eve Special Event Nitz and Howe Experience

DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET’S DECEMBER INCLUDES HOLIDAY OFFERINGS AND MORE

The Wicker Park Venue Hosts Mr. Cooke for his Christmas Spectacular, Miriam Plotkin, Kim Grossman’s Holiday Spectacular and Much More During This December

Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret, Chicago’s premier location for enjoying music in an intimate setting, announces its roster of December performances including Holiday offerings in its Cabaret and Piano Bar. Davenport’s, 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, is open Thursdays from 7 - 11 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. and Sundays from 6 - 11 p.m. Performers, tickets and more are available at DavenportsPianoBar.com.

*Please note: All patrons must be vaccinated. For entry, patrons must provide proof of vaccination, such as a Vaccination Cardand a valid photo ID. Masks will be required upon entry and when not seated.

All performances In The Cabaret are ticketed events with a two-drink minimum on the night of the performance. 

In The Cabaret this December are:

Jefferey Cooke

Holly and Berries and Everything Merry - My Christmas Spectacular!

Friday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum

Join us for a fun, lighthearted tribute to the Christmas specials of yester-year. Packed with audience participation (including games and fabulous prizes), there will be a mix of old holiday classics and some songs that you may have never heard before; along with a surprise guest star.

Miriam Plotkin

Anxiety Tonight! (Pigtails are Kosher)

Saturday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 11 at 8 p.m.

These performances are sold out - encore performance added Saturday, Jan. 22 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $25 with a two-drink minimum 

After missing last year because of the pandemic, Miriam Plotkin returns with her hit show Anxiety Tonight! (Pigtails are Kosher), a Jewish themed parody song filled cabaret in true Allan Sherman fashion. Extra shpilkes! Masks! New material! Get ready to laugh your “OY” off and “shed” the neurosis, not the virus!

Kim Grossman

Kim Grossman’s Holiday Spectacular

Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum

It’s been quite a while since we’ve been together and I’ve missed you all oh so dearly. So put on your coziest sweater, grab a friend and join us for an evening of holiday tunes both old and new. Featuring Kim Grossman, Kimi Arquines and Ben Hebert, with a special visit from your friendly neighborhood elf! Let's raise a glass and celebrate the season!

Las Tinas

Fa-la-la Las Tinas: A Christmas Special

Friday, Dec. 10 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $10 with a two-drink minimum

‘Tis the season to be DRAMATIC! Come see Fa-la-la Las Tinas: A Christmas Special, a show where your favorite telenovela stars will reward all who’ve been nice with a steamy kiss, punish the naughty with a treacherous slap and gift everyone with plenty of laughs.

Michael Joseph Mitchell

“Reclaiming the [Musical] High Ground”

Sunday, Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum

Us! In pants! In a room! Together! We’ll shake the rafters with some jubilant music, some exuberant harmonies, plus a few quiet moments to contemplate what the heck just happened. Pop, showtunes, unexpected mashups, mushy stuff, you name it. We’ve been holding it in for 18 months, so step back and give us some room. Or better yet, pipe up and chime in! Michael is joined by the amazing singers Devri Chism, Emily Goldberg and Valerie Jonkoff, plus Adam Whiteman on drums and Andrew Hollander-Urbach on piano.

Michael Joseph Mitchell is a Chicago-based actor and singer, who has performed at The Lyric Opera, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane Oakbrook, Victory Gardens, and many regional theaters. This is his fourth new act at Davenport’s.

 

Sarah Christine w/ Special Guest Taylor Tuke

The Festive Vibes Tour

Thursday, Dec. 16 at 8 p.m. 

Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum

The wonderfully talented Sarah Christine is bringing her Holiday Tour to Chicago on the Davenport's stage! She will be singing favorite carols and, wait…WHAT?!? Yes! Some original holiday songs as well as requests of originals! Oh, but there’s more! The amazing Taylor Tuke is making his way from Nashville to join in the festivities! Missing this spirited show would be like missing Christmas morning itself. In other words - get your tickets now!

 

Jennifer Blades and John Bowen

Dear Santa, a Christmas Cabaret

Saturday, Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 with a 2-drink minimum

Join the dynamic cabaret duo of Jennifer Blades and John Bowen for a musical letter to the North Pole's most famous resident. This holiday romp will offer perspectives on the fat man in the red suit ranging from the traditional to the surprising to the downright shocking. So whether you're naughty or nice, check your schedule and check it twice, because if you don't see this show, not only do you not know Santa, you don't know Jack. . . Frost!

 

New Year’s Eve Special Event

Nitz and Howe Experience

Friday, Dec. 31 - doors open at 8:30 p.m. - show from 9:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.

Tickets are $25 

Davenport’s favorites celebrate the start of 2022 with a special New Year’s Eve performance. Ring in the new year at Davenport’s with song and laughter and a countdown to midnight with a champagne toast and party favors. The New Year’s Eve performance is limited to only 50 tickets.

 

December performances in The Piano Bar include: 

Sundays 8 - 10 p.m.

Every Sunday: Sunday Night Social Lounge. hosted by Micky York

Mondays 8 - 10 p.m.

December 13: George Howe Holiday Sing-Along

Thursday 8 - 10 p.m.

December 2: Julie Merchant

December 9: Mark and Anne Burrell

December 16: Mark and Anne Burnell

December 23: Closed

December 30: Closed

Fridays 8:30 - 11:30 p.m.

Every Friday: George Howe

Saturdays 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.

Every Saturday: The Nitz & Howe Experience+

Please note: Davenport’s will be closed from December 20 - 30.

+All Saturday appearances have a $5 cover, with no drink minimum and is limited to 50 guests.  

ABOUT DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET

Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret is Chicago's premier location for enjoying music in an intimate setting. With two performance spaces, visitors may enjoy performances by national and local talent. The cabaret room has performances most nights showcasing a variety of types of music. The piano bar provides music from an accomplished roster of musicians and a talented serving staff that can both make a drink and sing you a Broadway-caliber song.