tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32013800652004785522024-02-26T16:39:42.681-06:00ChiIL Live ShowsYour Ticket To Fun in Chi, IL and BeyondBonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.comBlogger2620125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-28818336098884742012024-02-26T15:01:00.000-06:002024-02-26T15:01:32.942-06:00Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness, a festival of works by Barrie Cole playing in repertory, May 2 - 19th, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>SWEETBACK PRODUCTIONS, IN COLLABORATION WITH LABYRINTH ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENTS </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">HAMBURGERS AND DISAPPOINTMENT: </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: large;">PLAYS ABOUT ENOUGHNESS </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>A FESTIVAL OF WORKS BY BARRIE COLE, MAY 2 - 19</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>AT LABYRINTH ARTS PERFORMANCE COLLECTIVE</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Cole’s Four Short Two-Character Plays, Including a World Premiere, Explore Relationships in all their Beautiful and Twisting Forms</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOZGf6m4hwb_ocr4iaYfQffLrtV2o2Au1OSV5C28sWyIPGlwU6vRez_uHQcupckEAYmj1vKWXqwAXCp0mP7ovcs4NDGD1WIed4Z2x53_WITlS23XQLRGWVcZlKF0tQa6kb9S_H44FdMt3ctcZ8OdN9XB_o4iny87s3gTJJwowmJy2mTSbyh6dzFMhkyk/s2355/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2355" data-original-width="1034" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOZGf6m4hwb_ocr4iaYfQffLrtV2o2Au1OSV5C28sWyIPGlwU6vRez_uHQcupckEAYmj1vKWXqwAXCp0mP7ovcs4NDGD1WIed4Z2x53_WITlS23XQLRGWVcZlKF0tQa6kb9S_H44FdMt3ctcZ8OdN9XB_o4iny87s3gTJJwowmJy2mTSbyh6dzFMhkyk/w281-h640/unnamed-1.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Top row: Barrie Cole, playwright; Jayita Bhattacharya, director, FRUIT TREE BACKPACK; Kristy Lockhart, actor, FRUIT TREE BACKPACK</b></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Second row: Julia Williams, actor FRUIT TREE BACKPACK; Jen Moniz, director, I LOVE YOU PERMANENTLY and MEANING IS TRICKY; Jeffrey Bivens, actor, I LOVE YOU PERMANENTLY</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Third Row: Vicki Walden, actor, I LOVE YOU PERMANENTLY, Kelly Anchors, actor, CAPACITY; KellyAnn Corcoran, actor, CAPACITY;</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Third row: David Isaacson and Diana Slickman, actors MEANING IS TRICKY; Carolyn Hoerdemann, actor, ELEVATOR TOURS</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Fourth Row: Colm O’Reilly, actor, ELEVATOR TOURS</b></i></p><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><p>Sweetback Productions, in collaboration with Labyrinth Arts, is proud to announce Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness, a festival of works by Barrie Cole playing in repertory, May 2 - 19 at 7:30 p.m., at Labyrinth Club, 3658 N. Pulaski Road. Performances of Schedule 1 includes I Love You Permanently and Fruit Tree Backpack runs on Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Schedule 2 that includes Capacity and Meaning is Tricky runs on Fridays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. In addition, for those who may not be able to attend, a digital play, Elevator Tours, will be available for digital download for $10. Press nights for Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness are Schedule 1, Saturday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m., and schedule 2, Sunday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are now on sale at <b><a href="http://SweetBackProductions.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SweetBackProductions.com</a></b>.</p><p>“All of us at Labyrinth are proud to be co-producing this festival of Barrie Cole’s works,” said Artistic Director and Founder Diane Hamm of Labyrinth Arts. “We look forward to welcoming audiences, both familiar with her work and those experiencing them for the first time, to experience the complete relationship cycle created by Barrie.” </p><p>Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness, is a new festival of four short, two-character plays by Chicago-based playwright, Barrie Cole. The festival includes performances in repertory:</p><p> </p><p>SCHEDULE 1</p><p>Performed on Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Fruit Tree Backpack</p><p>Written by Barrie Cole (she/her) </p><p>Directed by Jayita Bhattacharya (she/her)</p><p>Ceil (Kristy Lockhart, she/her) and Anna (Julia Williams, she/her) traverse the various rooms inside the exhausting, sweet, metaphorical mansion of love.</p><p> </p><p>I Love You Permanently</p><p>Written by Barrie Cole (she/her) </p><p>Directed by Jen Moniz (she/her) </p><p>Jay (Jeffrey Bivens, he/him) wants to be with Lee (Vicki Walden, she/her), but is unable to leave his abusive relationship. They meet one last time and try to find out if it is possible to have an entire relationship in the span of one cold night.</p><p> </p><p>SCHEDULE 2</p><p>Performed on Fridays and Sundays at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>WORLD PREMIERE</p><p>Capacity</p><p>Written by Barrie Cole (she/her) </p><p>Capacity is a world premiere and completes Cole’s collection of two-person plays about relationships. The play explores a thorny friendship between a playwright (Kelly Anchors, she/her) and an actor (KellyAnn Corcoran, she/her) who were both, at different times, married to the same man.</p><p><br /></p><p>Meaning is Tricky</p><p>Written by Barrie Cole (she/her) </p><p>Originally directed by Jen Moniz (she/her)</p><p>Roommates and former lovers Mark (David Isaacson, he/him) and Clare (Diana Slickman, she/her) navigate Clare's burgeoning new relationship with a TV-obsessed man in an open marriage whose wife operates a flower kiosk.</p><p> </p><p>AUDIO PLAY </p><p>Elevator Tours </p><p>Written by Barrie Cole (she/her) </p><p>Originally directed by Jen Moniz (she/her)</p><p>A special audio play with animation. Ruth (Carolyn Hoerdemann, she/her) has just moved into a new apartment when her recently divorced friend Will (Colm O’Reilly, he/him), comes to stay with her. They discuss life as a spectacle, art and sex.</p><p>The creative team for Hamburgers and Disappointment: Plays about Enoughness includes: Pamela L. Parker(set/props designer, she/her); Diane Hamm (producer/lighting designer, she/her); Kelly Anchors (producer/costume designer, she/her); Paul Brennan (film/sound designer, he/him); Charlotte Lastra (stage manager, she/her); Hannah Tymosko(stage manager, she/her); Timothy Hiatt (photographer, he/him) and Jules Darling (graphic designer, they/them).</p><p>ABOUT BARRIE COLE, playwright</p><p>Barrie Cole has written 14 plays, numerous monologue works, as well as essays, hybrid-works and more. Her plays have been produced by Theater Oobleck, Curious Theatre Branch and others.The Chicago Reader said about Cole: “Her ambiguously concrete work layers childlike simplicity over seasoned melancholy to produce piercing, wondrous images of charming, discomfiting transformation.” </p><p>ABOUT JEN MONIZ, director, I Love You Permanently</p><p>Jen Moniz is an immigration paralegal, artisan gelato maker and writer, performer, producer and director of fringe theater. She is originally from California and has called Chicago home for 17 years. She has previously directed Mexico, Room, Elevator Tours, On Loss, To Relax and Laugh, Meaning is Tricky and Reverse Gossip.</p><p>ABOUT JAYITA BHATTACHARYA, director, Fruit Tree Backpack</p><p>Jayita Bhattacharya is a multidisciplinary theatre artist originally from Southern California, who has made her home in Chicago as an ensemble member of Curious Theatre Branch. Directing credits include What Is Even Happening?!!! by Kristin Garrison, Lizzie Borden Is Smashing by Sue Cargill and The McGuffins Run the 440 by Beau O'Reilly. She wrote the plays To End to Seem to End, today like a kind of shivering and Should We Put It Out? (The Smoke). Bhattacharya has also appeared in numerous Curious and Rhinofest productions through the years, including The Skriker, 4:48 Psychosis, Evanston Which Is Over There, The Buzz that is the Buzz and most recently, the revival of Hit Me Like a Flower.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV420z4qCY-IRFc51OeM4CF0UVzdpAHNnCjHhU61sJFVXn6K8uUii-eL74U87GgRwt83sJSlaWmPe_jrt-7sAdzBqDgU1KlHSGEd095VunzOJSxhxHsucJ7rYPDDfaZTm-UQwPSQ1Kgwk_S7voVUGmKJWGKBu68gTQagXGe0E7lFQUOddBFL2jwQmtLp8/s1765/307770125_412308924344765_3920744761252424984_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1765" data-original-width="1765" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV420z4qCY-IRFc51OeM4CF0UVzdpAHNnCjHhU61sJFVXn6K8uUii-eL74U87GgRwt83sJSlaWmPe_jrt-7sAdzBqDgU1KlHSGEd095VunzOJSxhxHsucJ7rYPDDfaZTm-UQwPSQ1Kgwk_S7voVUGmKJWGKBu68gTQagXGe0E7lFQUOddBFL2jwQmtLp8/w200-h200/307770125_412308924344765_3920744761252424984_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>ABOUT SWEETBACK PRODUCTIONS</p><p>Sweetback Productions was founded in 1994 by Kelly Anchors and Mike McKune. They started with a string of hit late night parodies of cult films that includes; Plan 9 From Outer Space, Female Trouble, Super Pussy Vixen, Go Faster! Kill! Kill!, Scarrie, The Musical!, The Birds and Freaks. Sweetback now focuses on more obscure and original work, most recently, Deep Fried and Suck My Nose, which featured three generations of family actors weaving their love through their pain while tap dancing and singing hymns; Bipolar Bitch, a mystical ride into psychosis and Dorothy Mae and the 1978 Holiday Rambler Ramblette, an outdoor extravaganza detailing Kelly’s roadtrip across the southwest during the Trump re-election season. Sweetback is beyond thrilled to be producing this festival of Barrie Cole’s plays, a playwright that Anchors was lucky enough to work with in Clumsy Sublime. Find them on Facebook.</p><p>ABOUT LABYRINTH ARTS AND PERFORMANCE COLLECTIVE</p><p>Labyrinth Arts and Performance Collective, a 501 c 3 not for profit, is organized for the purpose of building the creative community and developing wisdom through art. The Collective believes that making and sharing meaning is key to being with artistic projects as a means of interactive exchange towards meaningful experience and encourages consciousness. Risk taking requires compassion and holding space for fearless, free self-expression, the Collective believes that joy is the highest expression of being and inherent in all creative acts. And believes in artistic autonomy where the artistic project takes precedence over a single executive's vision. </p><p>Recent past projects included the Labyrinth Film Fest 2024, variety shows 2023, music shows 2023, comedy showcases of John and Paul 2023 and play development in 2023. More information on their website or on Facebook. </p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-59496897833204769532024-02-21T12:21:00.003-06:002024-02-21T12:27:35.223-06:00EXTENDED: The Band’s Visit at Writers Theatre Now Playing Through March 24, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Writers Theatre adds a week of performances to the</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">critically acclaimed, hit production of</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Band’s Visit</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">MUST CLOSE MARCH 24, 2024</span></i></p><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjMsjd-dc37vCYKm0btkawYiza1nhqvOYQ-_W48idV4gKmViDE5syFFV-9Yd7mvx_33lqZU8MQ_FguGf-rqRKyJKsq8BRTGwi6d-iiP8fmRjdvn79t3UdEX89MO_B4H5wPpeDDDNKl_vEphP5yKCeURsj3xqiZD-hMCVg2Nvuakjbwsrsavrm-KzCzYY/s4812/Adam%20Qutaishat,%20Dana%20Saleh%20Omar,%20Dave%20Honigman.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3824" data-original-width="4812" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLjMsjd-dc37vCYKm0btkawYiza1nhqvOYQ-_W48idV4gKmViDE5syFFV-9Yd7mvx_33lqZU8MQ_FguGf-rqRKyJKsq8BRTGwi6d-iiP8fmRjdvn79t3UdEX89MO_B4H5wPpeDDDNKl_vEphP5yKCeURsj3xqiZD-hMCVg2Nvuakjbwsrsavrm-KzCzYY/w640-h508/Adam%20Qutaishat,%20Dana%20Saleh%20Omar,%20Dave%20Honigman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="dig-Text dig-Text--variant-paragraph dig-Text--size-large dig-Text--color-standard dig-Text--isBold _file-name__font-change_1i0vw_31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; line-height: var(--type__body__large--lineheight); padding: 0px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="dig-Text dig-Text--variant-paragraph dig-Text--size-large dig-Text--color-standard dig-Text--isBold _file-name__font-change_1i0vw_31" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; line-height: var(--type__body__large--lineheight); padding: 0px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times;">Adam Qutaishat, Dana Saleh Omar, Dave Honigman</span></b></i></span></div><h1 class="_sl-breadcrumb_1523p_56" style="caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; display: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: inherit; text-align: center; white-space: nowrap;"><i><span style="font-family: times; font-size: small;">All production photos by Michael Brosilow</span></i></h1><div><i><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></i></div><div>Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Artistic Director Braden Abraham, announces an additional week of performances to the run of The Band’s Visit, featuring music and lyrics by David Yazbek, book by Itamar Moses, and based on the screenplay by Eran Kolirin. The Writers Theatre production is directed by Zi Alikhan with music supervision by Andra Velis Simon and choreography by Sebastiani Romagnolo. The Band’s Visit will now run through March 24, 2024, in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.</div><p>Following the blockbuster success of Once, Writers Theatre ventures into another immersive and engaging musical production. This co-production with TheatreSquared, Fayetteville, AR, is directed by Zi Alikhan, who has previously helmed productions at Geva Theatre Center, Paper Mill Playhouse, Olney Theatre Center, Pasadena Playhouse, and Primary Stages. Music Supervisor Andra Velis Simon returns to WT after previously working on Next to Normal in the 2018/19 season.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekcBZ06xcI7Q1iMPDdSVwmRTDthc8rAxlQPk6anXsmfomEQwLK2zvGAWcwD-G7xST4k4WykQxrRRbLb6af9F6lShPWVXfiWve4mTf4XlbkFF5Yq3XKgRXTwfOxN85ZUF2HsWPzRc9g-wXhPhgXlcrpgMfE5xRGa8CDNVwNNL9d1MRkBKSrozBlh3D5rM/s4812/Armand%20Akbari,%20Adam%20Qutaishat,%20Jonathan%20Shaboo,%20Rom%20Barkhordar.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3640" data-original-width="4812" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekcBZ06xcI7Q1iMPDdSVwmRTDthc8rAxlQPk6anXsmfomEQwLK2zvGAWcwD-G7xST4k4WykQxrRRbLb6af9F6lShPWVXfiWve4mTf4XlbkFF5Yq3XKgRXTwfOxN85ZUF2HsWPzRc9g-wXhPhgXlcrpgMfE5xRGa8CDNVwNNL9d1MRkBKSrozBlh3D5rM/w640-h484/Armand%20Akbari,%20Adam%20Qutaishat,%20Jonathan%20Shaboo,%20Rom%20Barkhordar.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times;">Armand Akbari, Adam Qutaishat, Jonathan Shaboo, Rom Barkhordar</span></i></b></span></p><p>In a small Israeli desert town where every day feels the same, a lost bus arrives carrying an Egyptian Police Band. With no hotel and no buses until morning, the musicians are taken in for the night by the locals. Under the spell of the desert sky, these misplaced musicians bring everyone together in the way that only music can. Winner of ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Band’s Visit is a beautifully intimate show, perfectly suited for the Nichols Theatre, about the unifying power of music.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw0ylWX69HUy52n17R3OdIidSRFjK8QQ8ABTjeeda81G4jWYHmgMQk1SFX6qwl9KXC8FV6-_FwQAoQBVnMYI7YFf-tPBm72GjtWsJIuKmrgPI0JTpPLILQZj6ZE9TYiK29X-A0SGHPSHY1i4-wYAMrpdZkhJnb81jBwzRPzKW2f_yvK5EgwaxKrp8asg/s4812/Sophie%20Madorsky,%20Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Armand%20Akbari.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3751" data-original-width="4812" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvw0ylWX69HUy52n17R3OdIidSRFjK8QQ8ABTjeeda81G4jWYHmgMQk1SFX6qwl9KXC8FV6-_FwQAoQBVnMYI7YFf-tPBm72GjtWsJIuKmrgPI0JTpPLILQZj6ZE9TYiK29X-A0SGHPSHY1i4-wYAMrpdZkhJnb81jBwzRPzKW2f_yvK5EgwaxKrp8asg/w640-h498/Sophie%20Madorsky,%20Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Armand%20Akbari.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Sophie Madorsky, Rom Barkhordar, Armand Akbari</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT12lPQaNudWXA9Qtp5X7Gk6WjMmWusAaBNSpqMZgooUqr_7jEA_wIelu1JejL-b1pOdMVu52tvJ14SWpXASfFbrQq9m6LokVmUn-VzMNGOsvid2fW3jyOJygZFxsagFHMGqgpWxt_4WnmkS542CTTEel7Jn8WvfUyQz_LxehbOUUFmhrhPZGqH8OIio/s4812/Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Armand%20Akbari,%20Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3547" data-original-width="4812" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgT12lPQaNudWXA9Qtp5X7Gk6WjMmWusAaBNSpqMZgooUqr_7jEA_wIelu1JejL-b1pOdMVu52tvJ14SWpXASfFbrQq9m6LokVmUn-VzMNGOsvid2fW3jyOJygZFxsagFHMGqgpWxt_4WnmkS542CTTEel7Jn8WvfUyQz_LxehbOUUFmhrhPZGqH8OIio/w640-h472/Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Armand%20Akbari,%20Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>“The Band’s Visit is a warm and inviting piece that subverts our expectations about the kinds of stories musicals can tell. The emphasis is on individual connections between a group of strangers from different cultures over one enchanted night,” comments Artistic Director Braden Abraham. “The circumstances invite a more careful listening, and the result is a modicum of recognition and the beginning of a tenuous bond - one which allows for these characters to share their passions, quiet disappointments, and the longing for something more.”</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0M9OysxRLPtgFhEBcg2Uj2TNF-3bVuv2jXmyx2Wb0WhNLF-_KH27zUwLTparMsxP9k_m2bpxz8Xdg03HFYm8K41RBQUevduL-0NjECvkrTBct9UFRknKpylEGU8ULNs8NkDBQt6DmeQKk4BStEstxYX43TnO84YJFly2zmdw-kTlNK-CqeqNzPP81dg/s4812/Becky%20Keeshin%20and%20Sam%20Linda.%20Armand%20Akbari%20(back)%20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4812" data-original-width="3126" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0M9OysxRLPtgFhEBcg2Uj2TNF-3bVuv2jXmyx2Wb0WhNLF-_KH27zUwLTparMsxP9k_m2bpxz8Xdg03HFYm8K41RBQUevduL-0NjECvkrTBct9UFRknKpylEGU8ULNs8NkDBQt6DmeQKk4BStEstxYX43TnO84YJFly2zmdw-kTlNK-CqeqNzPP81dg/w416-h640/Becky%20Keeshin%20and%20Sam%20Linda.%20Armand%20Akbari%20(back)%20.jpg" width="416" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times;">Becky Keeshin and Sam Linda. Armand Akbari (back)</span></i></b></span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxN91amMz_FFFJT7eJCJSoOQOXvLUg8tW8nfIr6xco7OR4sGW35IPJ90boFpLR_nLQsxAmRCQ3C4SZ0M58QjWjTvTvxPfMoRqZmOJ41Ownb5WvNi4hyphenhyphenZp7N9_Z8rEWMfFCAo3WFGSYUGYqRgHr-ozJTc2UgQ_kXEH_3Ln-s8e16rNXda1jsu4cVoH-7Y/s4812/Sam%20Linda,%20Becky%20Keeshin.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3652" data-original-width="4812" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNxN91amMz_FFFJT7eJCJSoOQOXvLUg8tW8nfIr6xco7OR4sGW35IPJ90boFpLR_nLQsxAmRCQ3C4SZ0M58QjWjTvTvxPfMoRqZmOJ41Ownb5WvNi4hyphenhyphenZp7N9_Z8rEWMfFCAo3WFGSYUGYqRgHr-ozJTc2UgQ_kXEH_3Ln-s8e16rNXda1jsu4cVoH-7Y/w640-h486/Sam%20Linda,%20Becky%20Keeshin.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>The cast includes: Armand Akbari [he/him] as Haled, Jacob Baim [he/him] as Sammy, Rom Barkhordar [he/him] as Tewfiq, Harper Caruso [she/her] as Telephone Guy, Jordan Golding [he/him] as Zelger, Dave Honigman [he/him] as Itzik, Marielle Issa [she/her] as Anna, Becky Keeshin [she/her] as Julia, Sam Linda [he/him] as Papi, Sophie Madorsky [she/her] as Dina, Michael Joseph Mitchell [he/him] as Avrum, Dana Saleh Omar [she/her] as Iris, Adam Qutaishat [any/all] as Camal, and Jonathan Shaboo [he/him] as Simon. The understudies are Rae Robeson [she/her], David Sajewich [he/him] and Jordan Tannous [any/all].</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3cfSORx2_DWh0pzh6QUy5-NRiRHKZ1MpoQKEr9Nq41jWb1kSLonMMbEuViN6coMW3aR0PIJPHT-68KxR1FbCmVYcqVjw4HH3Wehp8RGDurF9tavhspdtnCJV8ly798faGh94w3giV09UrWQNXCi9bw3xMx3c1PUW84vFqFDKzE2YFhlzujEN6FXlkJI/s4812/Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3469" data-original-width="4812" height="462" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3cfSORx2_DWh0pzh6QUy5-NRiRHKZ1MpoQKEr9Nq41jWb1kSLonMMbEuViN6coMW3aR0PIJPHT-68KxR1FbCmVYcqVjw4HH3Wehp8RGDurF9tavhspdtnCJV8ly798faGh94w3giV09UrWQNXCi9bw3xMx3c1PUW84vFqFDKzE2YFhlzujEN6FXlkJI/w640-h462/Rom%20Barkhordar,%20Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times;">Rom Barkhordar, Sophie Madorsky</span></b></i></span></p><p>The band includes: Emily Beisel (they/them) reeds, Jocelyn Butler-Shoulders (she/her) cello, Lior Shragg (he/him) percussion, and Matt Ulery (he/him) bass.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianwkme2tGmxgoXp72Z2memcUDHxYGSpANP1I07HoDZNOzQL9sdA_d6sBniac_oYi74g60YPrXd9T8NJ7OuVX_2dAKyQt0mD2KhgJsbYLoJex8bvWW0VAatJU8z42pRtVPNCEX8A2FEuFzmvw_Zwt5RheZDj4KSuWx41NXgE5Ajju8KS5cCRkFqVDmw-s/s4812/Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="4812" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianwkme2tGmxgoXp72Z2memcUDHxYGSpANP1I07HoDZNOzQL9sdA_d6sBniac_oYi74g60YPrXd9T8NJ7OuVX_2dAKyQt0mD2KhgJsbYLoJex8bvWW0VAatJU8z42pRtVPNCEX8A2FEuFzmvw_Zwt5RheZDj4KSuWx41NXgE5Ajju8KS5cCRkFqVDmw-s/w640-h428/Sophie%20Madorsky.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Sophie Madorsky</i></b></p><p>The creative team includes: Zi Alikhan (Director), Andra Velis Simon (Music Supervisor & Additional Orchestrations), Sebastiani Romagnolo (Choreographer), Jason Burrow (Music Director), Afsoon Pajoufar (Scenic Designer), Raquel Adorno (Costume Designer), Solomon Weisbard (Lighting Designer), Willow James (Sound Designer), Smooch Medina (Projections Director), Greg Geffrard (Intimacy Director), Sammi Grant (Dialect Coach), Celia Villacres (Associate Music Director & Conductor), and Faith Hart (Assistant Director). The stage manager is Miranda Anderson and the assistant stage managers are Natalie Cohen and Zachary Crewse.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W2eULBOlQX_94mXsi3YGgbENcdu6JZOC0dqVFunGctNwBbTUcgPB4IvpAv1DJ5GQGJDiSFNE0u7jAYnGIPqSJWGGjBaR0x4T3q0YcjhA7ydsJab5xApg22jRj0LfK_6VT5DNqr4rlJ5YzJh43H6ZfQJjnxF07OtHcy6WqKm35JjJedIRkuAIJi2cFks/s4812/Dana%20Saleh%20Omar,%20Jonathan%20Shaboo,%20Dave%20Honigman,%20Michael%20Joseph%20Mitchell.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3202" data-original-width="4812" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W2eULBOlQX_94mXsi3YGgbENcdu6JZOC0dqVFunGctNwBbTUcgPB4IvpAv1DJ5GQGJDiSFNE0u7jAYnGIPqSJWGGjBaR0x4T3q0YcjhA7ydsJab5xApg22jRj0LfK_6VT5DNqr4rlJ5YzJh43H6ZfQJjnxF07OtHcy6WqKm35JjJedIRkuAIJi2cFks/w640-h426/Dana%20Saleh%20Omar,%20Jonathan%20Shaboo,%20Dave%20Honigman,%20Michael%20Joseph%20Mitchell.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><b><i><span style="font-family: times;">Dana Saleh Omar, Jonathan Shaboo, Dave Honigman, Michael Joseph Mitchell</span></i></b></span></p><p>Tickets are now on sale at Writers Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; <b><a href="http://www.writerstheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.writerstheatre.org</a></b>.</p><p>Dates: First performance: February 8, 2024</p><p>Press opening: Friday, February 16, 2024 at 7:30pm</p><p>Closing performance: March 24, 2024</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfktUuUFY6nL38OJF-ei6UujaEU1_R137F7eVBpcdk4eU0upkvhd7f4YmWD7goXMxeTqbibCQTjxhC0t4rulxa-S8k0Kbr9BoEM3Y8OWiBPT-_G2Nq0Pb5dTmzR2EK8ork-DZgL5UwXO4vSIpOx26Lu6cQuXvJPYnQB9kEIHU2m8j1ZVelJnhYRkCFa0o/s4812/Harper%20Caruso%20with%20Adam%20Qutaishat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3589" data-original-width="4812" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfktUuUFY6nL38OJF-ei6UujaEU1_R137F7eVBpcdk4eU0upkvhd7f4YmWD7goXMxeTqbibCQTjxhC0t4rulxa-S8k0Kbr9BoEM3Y8OWiBPT-_G2Nq0Pb5dTmzR2EK8ork-DZgL5UwXO4vSIpOx26Lu6cQuXvJPYnQB9kEIHU2m8j1ZVelJnhYRkCFa0o/w640-h478/Harper%20Caruso%20with%20Adam%20Qutaishat.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times;">Harper Caruso with Adam Qutaishat</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; white-space: nowrap;"><i><b><span style="font-family: times;"><br /></span></b></i></span></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Performance Schedule: </span></i></b></p><p>Wednesdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm,</p><p>except no matinee on March 20, 2024</p><p>Thursdays: 7:30pm</p><p>Fridays: 7:30pm</p><p>Saturdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm</p><p>Sundays: 2:00pm and 6:00pm</p><p><br /></p><p>Location: Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe</p><p>Prices: Prices for all performances range from $35 - $90</p><p>Purchase early for best prices. </p><p>Box Office: The Box Office is located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe; 847-242-6000; <b><a href="http://www.writerstheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.writerstheatre.org</a>.</b></p><p> </p><p>WRITERS THEATRE 2023/24 SEASON</p><p>The remainder of the season includes Monsieur Chopin, written by and starring Hershey Felder and directed by Joel Zwick; and The Hot Wing King, written by Katori Hall, directed by Lili-Anne Brown.</p><p>The 2023/24 Season will see the company now firmly at home in its award-winning building at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, designed by Studio Gang Architects. Productions will be presented in the 255-seat Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre. Masks are strongly encouraged, but not required, in all Theatre spaces. Please visit https://www.writerstheatre.org/covid-safety for full details.</p><p>Writers Theatre is pleased to welcome back BMO Harris Bank as a 2023/24 Season Sponsor, marking the Bank’s tenth consecutive year as season sponsor. Writers Theatre also acknowledges Capital Group Private Client Services as a Lead Production Sponsor.</p><p>Season Packages are available online at <b><a href="http://www.writerstheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.writerstheatre.org</a></b>, and at the Box Office by calling 847-242-6000.</p><p> </p><p>AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:</p><p>WT offers Open Captioning on select dates for each production. Please visit writerstheatre.org/accessibility for more information.</p><p>Writers Theatre is working with Erika Walker and Maylene Peña of the Walker Thomas Group on workplace culture and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additional information about this important and ongoing work can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt.</p><p><br /></p><p><i>ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE </i></p><p><i>Writers Theatre boldly looks to the future as it begins its 31st season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal.</i></p><p><i>Since 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: valuing the power of the written word and uplifting the artists who bring that word to life. The company has produced over 120 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to accommodate its growing audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy.</i></p><p><i>Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over two dozen world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage hundreds of students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word.</i></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXrVxJVI8fLWmxaP8WPXkPQ5vizggoSacXKDFs_n7fO5lSBKKP-0LrR-UMKqPhTjtACpT8EujJnpPq-r5aT9wstpHjkma0GEaGM7bOWMHutUdwdGY56Fbd7nbNOfNQLoaR9oixbFAfA162OtLoS94x_aQCSKoYI_ddEzpm39n1jRxoX-ZIJ3znTUpuxE/s4812/Rom%20Barkhordar%20as%20Tewfiq.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3512" data-original-width="4812" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXrVxJVI8fLWmxaP8WPXkPQ5vizggoSacXKDFs_n7fO5lSBKKP-0LrR-UMKqPhTjtACpT8EujJnpPq-r5aT9wstpHjkma0GEaGM7bOWMHutUdwdGY56Fbd7nbNOfNQLoaR9oixbFAfA162OtLoS94x_aQCSKoYI_ddEzpm39n1jRxoX-ZIJ3znTUpuxE/w640-h468/Rom%20Barkhordar%20as%20Tewfiq.jpg" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(26, 25, 24); color: #1a1918; font-size: 16px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap;"><i><span style="font-family: times;">Rom Barkhordar as Tewfiq</span></i></b></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-20464385814545621392024-02-13T17:34:00.000-06:002024-02-13T17:34:48.392-06:00Tony Award-Winning Girl From The North Country is now playing at the CIBC Theatre through February 25 Only<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">is the Tony Award-winning new musical</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">that the Chicago Tribune declares is “a Broadway revelation!”</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxCXU1eVlTsTm7s_1POnRhdRUB52Uqp_8YidqFk4TmJ-UI6EDcqpqYxskCfpnyqBBsoubV0zQ4E4zRDipZlvg0e_y-xTv1Hv5z7O_RWKaDRUXBZ1YUFoUxmKSwCFeZuQjWimlpNCHVEzIE7m3nfAWKIJUIz3vxhgBQbmUDxt61QbTdLNHNYvDWnJSJ1I/s4500/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4500" data-original-width="4500" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxCXU1eVlTsTm7s_1POnRhdRUB52Uqp_8YidqFk4TmJ-UI6EDcqpqYxskCfpnyqBBsoubV0zQ4E4zRDipZlvg0e_y-xTv1Hv5z7O_RWKaDRUXBZ1YUFoUxmKSwCFeZuQjWimlpNCHVEzIE7m3nfAWKIJUIz3vxhgBQbmUDxt61QbTdLNHNYvDWnJSJ1I/w640-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It’s 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. Experience this ‘profoundly beautiful' production (The New York Times) brought to vivid life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.</p><p>Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're excited to see Girl From The North Country. I'll be out with my husband for the press opening on Valentine's Day, celebrating our 29th first date anniversary. We were wayward travelers ourselves, at the time, on a road trip through Taos, NM. What better way to celebrate than with dinner and a Broadway play featuring 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan reimagined!</p><p>Broadway In Chicago and Runaway Entertainment are pleased to announce that Girl From The North Country is now playing at the CIBC Theatre through February 25 only. Ticket prices range from $35 - $129 with a select number of premium tickets available. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.</p><p>ABOUT GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY</p><p>Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they’ve never been heard before, including “Forever Young,” “All Along The Watchtower,” “Hurricane,” “Slow Train Coming,” and “Like A Rolling Stone.”</p><p>The Girl From The North Country acting company includes Alan Ariano (Dr. Walker), David Benoit (Mr. Burke), Ben Biggers (Gene Laine), Paul Blankenship (Offstage Cover), Jennifer Blood (Elizabeth Laine), Ashley D. Brooks (Ensemble), Justin Michael Duval (Ensemble), Rayla Garske (Swing), Matt Manuel (Joe Scott), Kelly McCormick (Ensemble), Sharaé Moultrie (Marianne Laine), Hosea Mundi (Ensemble) Warren Nolan Jr. (Swing), Ali Regan (Swing), Jay Russell (Mr. Perry), John Schiappa (Nick Laine), Chiara Trentalange (Kate Draper), Danny Vaccaro (Swing), Jill Van Velzer (Mrs. Burke), Jeremy Webb (Reverend Marlowe), Aidan Wharton (Elias Burke) and Carla Woods (Mrs. Neilsen). Casting subject to change.</p><p>Girl From The North Country features scenic and costume design by Rae Smith; orchestrations, arrangements, and music supervision by Simon Hale, with additional arrangements by Simon Hale and Conor McPherson; lighting design by Mark Henderson; sound design by Simon Baker; movement direction by Lucy Hind; associate direction by Barbara Rubin; and music direction by Timothy Splain.</p><p>Girl From The North Country’s Original Broadway Cast Album was a 2022 GRAMMY Award® nominee for “Best Musical Theater Album.”</p><p>For more information visit <b><a href="http://www.northcountrytour.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.northcountrytour.com</a></b></p><p><b><i>X: @NorthCountryBwy ● Facebook: @NorthCountryBroadway ● Instagram: @northcountrybroadway</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE</span></i> </p><p>WEEK ONE</p><p>Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Wednesday, Feb 14 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Thursday, Feb 15 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Friday, Feb 16 at 7:30 pm</p><p>Saturday, Feb 17 at 2 pm</p><p>Saturday, Feb 17 at 7:30 pm</p><p>Sunday, Feb 18 at 1 pm</p><p>Sunday, Feb 18 at 6:30 pm</p><p> </p><p>WEEK TWO</p><p>Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 1 pm</p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 pm</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm</p><p>Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1 pm</p><p> </p><p>TICKET INFORMATION</p><p>Ticket prices range from $35 - $129 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets are available by visiting <b><a href="http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BroadwayInChicago.com</a></b>, or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.</p><p>ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO</p><p>Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 up to 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, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.</p><p><b><i>For more information, visit </i></b><i><b><a href="http://www.BroadwayInChicago.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BroadwayInChicago.com</a></b></i><b><i>. Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok </i></b><b>#broadwayinchicago</b></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-9723009056854807092024-02-13T16:01:00.001-06:002024-02-22T00:48:38.656-06:00World Premiere of WIPEOUT Via Rivendell Theatre Ensemble February 23 – April 6, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span> </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Rivendell Theatre Ensemble announces the World Premiere of</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WIPEOUT</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">by Aurora Real de Asua</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xQwSL_J9TQ9RYnHlqBXFhKOgT-2UCbD_2-61_2igcbVkiJjwwGIDORitRDhcH2P9_JifGELYnZc9Wz5RYAl9VXAuJlsrrDK5E7k1hQmc1yr4rPi0WkROsGZfZwjzgT3CSyNcT9mOGIv9KI76d7mG14BH1Ii22YKTnGmQE2oAMFX7D2QLycQGirLo6R8/s1080/423862678_893499649448167_8592014913684197796_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2xQwSL_J9TQ9RYnHlqBXFhKOgT-2UCbD_2-61_2igcbVkiJjwwGIDORitRDhcH2P9_JifGELYnZc9Wz5RYAl9VXAuJlsrrDK5E7k1hQmc1yr4rPi0WkROsGZfZwjzgT3CSyNcT9mOGIv9KI76d7mG14BH1Ii22YKTnGmQE2oAMFX7D2QLycQGirLo6R8/w640-h640/423862678_893499649448167_8592014913684197796_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Directed by Rivendell Artistic Director Tara Mallen</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Movement Direction by Ensemble Member Devon de Mayo</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">February 23 – April 6, 2024</span></i></p><p>Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE), Chicago’s only Equity theatre dedicated to advancing the lives of women through the power of theatre, announces the world premiere of WIPEOUT by Aurora Real de Asua, directed by Rivendell Artistic Director Tara Mallen with movement direction by Ensemble Member Devon de Mayo. WIPEOUT runs February 23 – April 6, 2024. Tickets are now available at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago, (773) 334-7728 or <b><a href="http://www.RivendellTheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.RivendellTheatre.org</a>.</b></p><p>Three retired best friends. One hotrod surf instructor. The currents of the Pacific Ocean. What could possibly go wrong? Set on surfboards, WIPEOUT is a poignant comedy about friendship, grief, and the unpredictable tides of life.</p><p>WIPEOUT tells the story of three women staring down the mouth of 70, friends for decades, who throw themselves into their first-ever surfing lesson with the help of a young instructor. As the women learn how to paddle and navigate the currents of the Pacific Ocean, they also learn how to navigate their friendships, their fears, and just how hard it can be to let it all go.</p><p>The cast of WIPEOUT includes RTE members Glenn Obrero and Meg Thalken, with Cindy Gold and Celeste Williams. </p><p>The creative team includes RTE Members Regina Garcia (Scenic Design), Victoria DeIorio (Sound Design), Devon de Mayo± (Movement Director), with Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Michael Mahlum (Lighting Design) Angie Tillges (Surfboard Design), Andres Fiz (Projection Design), Tanya Palmer (Dramaturgy), Shannon Golden-Starr (Production Manager), Deya Friedman (Production Stage Manager) and Mia Maccarella (Assistant Stage Manager).</p><p>“As a young surfer, I'd be paddling hard, getting ready to catch my wave, only to find a blissed-out grandmother already hanging ten. That's what I love most about surfing. Anybody - any body - can do it. The ocean is our great equalizer,” comments playwright Aurora Real de Asua. “It has a way of revealing the truth, of disintegrating the boundaries we place around ourselves and each other. This play is my love letter to the joys of surfing, the power of the ocean, and the tenacity of female friendship. I am so thrilled to premiere this play with Rivendell and honored to be working with their fabulous, fearless artists.”</p><p>“In 2019, when Aurora first brought us WIPEOUT, we were immediately taken by the audaciousness of this young writer having so confidently penned a moving, thoughtful, and hilarious drama about a trio of first-time women surfers some forty years her senior,” comments Artistic Director Tara Mallen. “This production features the formidable talents of three powerhouse Chicago actors I have long admired. Bringing these dynamic actors together with our young and inspired playwright sets Aurora’s play on firm footing from the start as we launch this first stop on WIPEOUT's three-part Rolling World Premiere. I am deeply grateful to be in the room with this collective of absurdly talented artists, to have this wonderful opportunity to stretch, flex our creative muscles and grow as theater artists as we tackle the unique challenges this play brings.” </p><p>WIPEOUT is produced at Rivendell as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere. Other Partner Theaters are B Street Theatre, Sacramento, CA and The Gloucester Stage Company, Gloucester, MA. For more information, please visit nnpn.org</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">About the Artists</span></i></p><p>Aurora Real de Asua (playwright) is a playwright, filmmaker, and actor. Her plays have been workshopped at Williamstown Theatre Festival, the New Harmony Project, the Old Globe, the Playwright's Realm, Rivendell, the Chicago Children's Theatre, and Sideshow. She is currently working on a commission for South Coast Repertory Theatre. Her short film Heartsong debuted on Shorts of the Week and can be streamed at Mítu.tv. Acting credits include shows at Rivendell, Goodman, Court, Northlight, Victory Gardens, and American Players Theatre. She is also an ensemble member at Remy Bumppo. She holds a BA in theatre from Northwestern University and an MFA in film from Columbia University. In her spare time, you can find her surfing a longboard in Santa Cruz, California.</p><p>Tara Mallen (director) is an actor, director, producer and the founding Artistic Director at Rivendell. Most recently she was on stage as part of Rivendell’s Jeff Award-Winning Ensemble in Motherhouse. Other recent projects include Raven Theatre’s The Luckiest (Jeff nomination - supporting actor); RTE’s premiere productions of Spay, Laura and the Sea, The Cake (Jeff Award - Actor) Look, we are breathing, The Firebird’s Take the Field, Rasheeda Speaking, Crooked, Self Defense, and The Walls. Other credits include Sweat (Arena Stage), The Cake (Renaissance Theatreworks), and How Long Will I Cry (Steppenwolf), among others. She is the proud recipient of a 2017 3Arts Award for her work as a Chicago theatre artist. Screen credits include the upcoming feature film Ghostlight, premiering at Sundance Film Festival in January 2024; Dark Matter (Apple TV); Empire (Fox); Contagion (Warner Bros.); The Last Shift (Sony Pictures); Boss (Starz); Chicago Fire (NBC); Doubt (CBS/Sony Pictures); Chicago P.D. (NBC); and Sense8 (Netflix). For Rivendell, Tara co-conceived and directed the critically acclaimed World Premiere of Women At War, the Jeff-nominated Midwest premieres of The Electric Baby, 26 Miles (in co-production with Teatro Vista); Fighting Words by Sunil Kuruvilla; Psalms of a Questionable Nature ; the co-production of Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue with Stageworks/Hudson; and the brief and brilliant Shady Meadows by Lisa Dillman as part of the 2007 Chicago Humanities Festival. </p><p>Cindy Gold (Gary) Recent Chicago area appearances include The Most Spectacularly Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha Washington (Steppenwolf Theatre), Christmas Carol (Goodman), Household Spirits (Theatre Wit), Indecent (Victory Gardens), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Drury Lane), Measure for Measure (Goodman), Awake and Sing (Northlight), Taming of the Shrew (Chicago Shakespeare), and at The Lyric Opera in Showboat and My Fair Lady. Regionally, Cindy performed at Asolo Theatre in The Cake, The Kennedy Center in Showboat and Daughter of the Regiment (where she shared a role with RBG!), in The Music Man with Glimmerglass Opera, both in New York and at the Royal Opera House in Muscat. Cindy won a Jeff award for playing Gertrude Stein in Frank Galati and Stephen Flaherty’s Loving Repeating. Recent TV and film: Ghostlight, I Used to Go Here, Work in Progress, Empire, Chicago Fire, and the pilot episode of TNT's Leverage. Cindy is a Professor of Theatre at Northwestern University. </p><p>Glenn Obrero (Blaze) was last seen in Scientific Method at Rivendell Theatre and is stoked to back as an Ensemble Member. Select theatre credits include: The Great Leap (Steppenwolf and Asolo Repertory Theatre), The Chinese Lady (Timeline Theatre), 20K Leagues Under the Sea (Lookingglass), Edith Can Shoot Things And Hit Them (Kitchen Theatre) and Letters Home (Griffin Theatre). Television credits include Chicago Fire (NBC) and Next (FOX). Glenn is a graduate of Savannah College of Art and Design with a BFA in Acting and represented by Gray Talent Group.</p><p>Meg Thalken (Wynn) is thrilled to be a recent new member of Rivendell! Upcoming credits: Judgement Day at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Spring 2024. Regional Credits include Becky Nurse of Salem at Trinity Rep, Steel Magnolias at Milwaukee Rep, Ripcord at Peninsula Players, Tribes at Actors Theatre of Louisville. Chicago credits include: Steep Theatre: Mosquitoes, The Den Theatre: Four Places* (Jeff nomination), Steppenwolf: Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Domesticated, Goodman: Soups, Stews, and Casseroles, Route 66: A Funny Thing Happened at the Gynecological Oncology Unit, Victory Gardens: A View of the Dome, Guide for the Perplexed, Symmetry, The Long Awaited, Next Theatre: The Metal Children, Chicago Dramatists: I Am Going to Change the World, Travel Light: Laundry & Bourbon, Wisdom Bridge: Bagtime, TV Credits: Chicago PD, Chicago Med, Chicago Justice, Chicago Fire, Paper Girls, 61st Street, Shameless, Empire, Easy Abby, Detroit 187, ER, The Joan Cusack Show, Turks, Chicago Hope, Early Edition, EZ Streets, The Untouchables, Chicago Story, Jack & Mike, The Richard Speck Case and Through Naked Eyes. Film: Christmas Again, This Day Forward, Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party, Bad Johnson, Hannah Free, Check Please, The Company, U.S. Marshals, Poltergeist III, A Family Thing, The Babe, Class. </p><p>Celeste Williams (Claudia) most recently performed in Court Theatre’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace. Some of her work includes performances at: Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Victory Gardens Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Next Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Writers Theatre, New American Theatre, Seattle Group Theatre, Onyx Theatre Ensemble, and Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. Celeste is a 4-time Jeff Award nominee; a 3-time Black Theatre Alliance Award winner; and received a 2023 Black Excellence nomination for Outstanding Theatre Artist from the Black Arts & Culture Alliance of Chicago for her performance as Martha in Arsenic and Old Lace. Celeste was co-founder of Onyx Theatre Ensemble. </p><p>Featuring: RTE Members Glenn Obrero+ and Meg Thalken*+, with Cindy Gold* and Celeste Williams*.</p><p>Creative Team: Regina Garcia± (Scenic Design), Evelyn Danner (Costume Design), Michael Mahlum (Lighting Design), Victoria DeIorio± (Sound Design), Devon de Mayo± (Movement Director), with Angie Tillges (Surfboard Design), Andres Fiz (Projection Design), Tanya Palmer (Dramaturgy), Shannon Golden-Starr (Production Manager), Deya Friedman* (Stage Manager) and Mia Maccarella (Assistant Stage Manager)</p><p>*= Member of Actors Equity Association</p><p>± = RTE Member</p><p> </p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Schedule:</span></i></p><p>Thursdays at 8:00pm</p><p>Fridays at 8:00pm</p><p>Saturdays at 4:00pm and 8:00pm</p><p>Special added performances include Sunday, March 10 at 3:00pm; Monday, March 25 at 8:00pm (Industry Night)</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Tickets:</span></i></p><p>$39 General Admission</p><p>$17 Student, Educators, Military/Veterans, Industry (Limited quantity, first-come, first-served)</p><p>$28 Seniors</p><p>$49 Sponsor Admission (to help us pay artists fair wages by covering the full cost of a seat at the performance)</p><p>$94 Angel Admission (1 Basic Admission, plus helping to cover discounted or free tickets to people who need them)</p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Membership / Subscription</span></i></p><p>RIV Pass: $95 (see Rivendell productions and other events as often as desired)</p><p>Box Office: (773) 334-7728 or <b><a href="http://www.RivendellTheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.RivendellTheatre.org</a></b></p><p>Parking and Transportation: There is limited paid and free street parking in the area. The theatre is easily accessible via the Clark (#22) or Broadway (#36) bus and is a short walk from the Bryn Mawr Red Line L station. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9u4H7pkJfs2muttBLhuPIzyV9hjCSLFvBEejJxcvmePM1pr4LrqyNaVxiYnxhLeuXguMlJjPurlNcpTeofiJbQ3NYW2jbNwYn_VGzCFvqIQK8hpqfCfA_0pPMkHpuMAi0icg_2_0FKYIdSKb9ftLaONMFaJUjASTl-1kHGvePmmq-PYRER7z2Ejgj5w/s674/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-13%20at%203.31.46%20PM.png" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="674" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU9u4H7pkJfs2muttBLhuPIzyV9hjCSLFvBEejJxcvmePM1pr4LrqyNaVxiYnxhLeuXguMlJjPurlNcpTeofiJbQ3NYW2jbNwYn_VGzCFvqIQK8hpqfCfA_0pPMkHpuMAi0icg_2_0FKYIdSKb9ftLaONMFaJUjASTl-1kHGvePmmq-PYRER7z2Ejgj5w/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-13%20at%203.31.46%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">About Rivendell Theatre Ensemble</span></i></p><p><i>Founded in 1994, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble advances the lives of women through theatre. Rivendell cultivates the talents of women artists—writers, actors, directors, designers and technicians—by seeking out innovative plays that explore unique female experiences and producing them in an intimate salon environment.</i></p><p><i>Rivendell employs women theatre artists, offers mind-expanding experiences with new voices and perspectives, and sparks dialogue and action on critical issues in the lives of women and their communities.</i></p><p><i>In our 25+ year history, Rivendell has earned 12 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nearly four dozen nominations. We are recognized as a national force in new play development and a home for women theatre artists. We engage about 200 artists and 3,000+ audience members each year through our mainstage season and new work development.</i></p><p><i>For more information about Rivendell Theater Ensemble, visit <b><a href="http://www.RivendellTheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.RivendellTheatre.org</a></b>. Follow Rivendell on Facebook at Facebook.com/rivendelltheatre, on Twitter @RivendellThtr, and on Instagram at @rivendelltheatre.</i></p><p><i>Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is supported by generous grants from: SIF Fund at The Chicago Community Trust; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust; Shubert Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Field Foundation of Illinois; League of Chicago Theatres; Sarah and the 2 C Dogs; Amazing Edibles; Actor’s Equity Association.</i></p><p><br /></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-14102893473407614822024-02-11T12:59:00.002-06:002024-02-26T13:29:53.299-06:00 Invictus Theatre’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG at Windy City Playhouse February 13- March 31, 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Invictus Theatre’s </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">TOPDOG/UNDERDOG </span></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">at Windy City Playhouse </span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">February 13- March 31, 2024</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEZAUQsDDSuh5BlBZPX-2RUG_kG-E892hRp-idkglTebEWXugblJVQzEG_whH5EuWHizvrY8AZh1DyJTk-m1Uc2PzzDF8WIFg7wnJfGFIWSI6bSchhE_tcLiCkuy1g0hblkGoDnPBRTvmvXXmdwmJj0WTF8iteH9un8PmcwdM1Kiv4R-DxU1rrwB7DhY/s640/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="445" data-original-width="640" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEZAUQsDDSuh5BlBZPX-2RUG_kG-E892hRp-idkglTebEWXugblJVQzEG_whH5EuWHizvrY8AZh1DyJTk-m1Uc2PzzDF8WIFg7wnJfGFIWSI6bSchhE_tcLiCkuy1g0hblkGoDnPBRTvmvXXmdwmJj0WTF8iteH9un8PmcwdM1Kiv4R-DxU1rrwB7DhY/w640-h446/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Full cast and crew have been announced for Invictus Theatre’s upcoming production of Suzan Lori-Parks’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, its first at the Windy City Playhouse, the company’s new home. Parks’s drama is a darkly comic fable of brotherly love, family identity and the way we are defined by history. Lincoln and Booth are two African American adult brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Aaron Reese Boseman (director of Invictus’s productions of THE MOUNTAINTOP and A RAISIN IN THE SUN) will direct the two-hander. His cast will include Mikha’el Amin (previously seen at Invictus as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in THE MOUNTAINTOP, Marc Antony in JULIUS CAESAR, Laertes in HAMLET, and Walter Lee Younger in A RAISIN IN THE SUN) as Lincoln, and DeMorris Burrows (of 1919 at Steppenwolf and the BET feature film INFIDELITY) as Booth. Understudies are Stanley King (u/s/ Lincoln) and Aaron McCloud (u/s Booth). TOPDOG/UNDERDOG will be performed at the Windy City Playhouse at 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvvq1cPjbG5GGpODu56W7SIn1XZI-FQ6nEznXVTnEg8wWyLC__4hG6QBqpIUG8SXFiTJCXKsUAD7MsjDcNmP4OmniSEIeguNaWIUlrql7wp8bhNeaL72VOVPzbWNS-W2pjG8uaSw6bICLMVy3wUk2xB4YfKS8WKYVWPdTQ-QW4Fp_tTbIOSFqAkOgzhk/s649/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="649" data-original-width="481" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvvq1cPjbG5GGpODu56W7SIn1XZI-FQ6nEznXVTnEg8wWyLC__4hG6QBqpIUG8SXFiTJCXKsUAD7MsjDcNmP4OmniSEIeguNaWIUlrql7wp8bhNeaL72VOVPzbWNS-W2pjG8uaSw6bICLMVy3wUk2xB4YfKS8WKYVWPdTQ-QW4Fp_tTbIOSFqAkOgzhk/w474-h640/unnamed-1.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Top row (l-r): Mikha'el Amin, DeMorris Burrows</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Second row (l-r):Stanley King, Aaron McCloud</i></b></p><p><br /></p><p>TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’S Lincoln and Booth cope with poverty, racism, work, women, and their troubled upbringings. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future. TOPDOG/UNDERDOG premiered off-Broadway at New York’s Public Theatre in a production directed by George C. Wolfe and starred Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright. It won the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Play and moved to Broadway the following year. Its 2022 Broadway revival won the Tony® Award for Best Revival of a Play.</p><p>Invictus Theatre Company has been one of the most notable success stories among Chicago’s storefront theatres in spite of the challenges facing the theater community in recent years. When the pandemic shut down in-person performances just three years after the company’s founding, they responded with a thrillingly intimate Zoom production of ‘NIGHT, MOTHER. They returned from the pandemic by acquiring their own space – the former Jackalope Frontier Theater – which they renamed in honor of the late founding company member Reginald Vaughn. In that space, they continued to build a reputation for intimate and honest interpretations of classics with fidelity to the original texts and close attention to character development. The company’s extraordinarily successful 2021-22 season netted the company five Jeff Awards for its 13 nominations.</p><p>The company continued its upward trajectory during its 2022-23 season. That season began with intimate, yet full-scale stagings of the epics JULIUS CAESAR and THE CRUCIBLE along with the two-hander THE MOUNTAINTOP. BUZZ CENTER STAGE’s Wesley David said in reviewing JULIUS CAESAR that “Invictus Theatre Company is quickly becoming one of my favorite venues in Chicago” and of THE MOUNTAINTOP said “They constantly exceed their reach. I have to remind myself this is a storefront theatre.” The CHICAGO READER’S Jack Helbig said of THE CRUCIBLE “This is a production that grabs an audience in the first seconds, pulls us in, and doesn’t let go until the final lights go out.”</p><p>Tickets for TOPDOG/UNDERDOG and the rest of Invictus's 2024 season will be available soon at <b><a href="http://www.invictustheatreco.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.invictustheatreco.com</a></b></p><p>February 13 – March 31, 2024</p><p>Previews: Tuesday 2/13/24, Friday 2/16/24, Saturday 2/17/24 at 7 p.m. Saturday 2/17/24 and Sunday 2/18/24 at 2 p.m.</p><p>Press Opening Monday 2/19/24 at 7 p.m.</p><p>Regular performances Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.</p><p>Performances at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago</p><p>Ticket prices: Previews $25. Monday $25. Friday through Sunday $45. Season subscriptions available. <b><a href="http://www.invictustheatreco.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.invictustheatreco.com</a></b></p><p>A darkly comic fable of brotherly love and family identity and the way we are defined by history. Lincoln and Booth are two brothers whose names were given to them as a joke, foretelling a lifetime of sibling rivalry and resentment. Haunted by the past, the brothers are forced to confront the shattering reality of their future.</p><p>BIOS</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwymyXOlwXIKxFprTZ2IM89j9YZu2iW4JnM0Zi39CWv83L0qtbkqHRLeabTl28p5nbysnuUirLRPYbIwpjrYtTXThu8ObckE08ipSs9R3qWhlPck1tIl_Qh9aTtWDrUEXSvs5rEoJdi920JmyGkIG4Ts9b1EvDTLaRdbxM5cRlUjP_mwX77BHH2mKxHE/s450/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtwymyXOlwXIKxFprTZ2IM89j9YZu2iW4JnM0Zi39CWv83L0qtbkqHRLeabTl28p5nbysnuUirLRPYbIwpjrYtTXThu8ObckE08ipSs9R3qWhlPck1tIl_Qh9aTtWDrUEXSvs5rEoJdi920JmyGkIG4Ts9b1EvDTLaRdbxM5cRlUjP_mwX77BHH2mKxHE/s320/unnamed-2.jpg" width="230" /></a>Charles Askenaizer (Artistic Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre. He won the 2023 Jeff Award (Non-Equity Wing) for his direction of the company’s WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, which also won Jeff Awards for Production of a Play, Scenic Design (Kevin Rolfs), and Performer in a Supporting Role – Play (Rachel Livingston). Other recent directing credits include THE CRUCIBLE, JULIUS CAESAR, and HAMLET (Invictus Theatre), readings with Chicago Dramatists, 'NIGHT, MOTHER (Associate Director-Invictus Theatre), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), OTHELLO: THE MOOR OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), TITUS ANDRONICUS (Bare Knuckles Theater), JULIUS CAESAR (Associate Director- Brown Paper Box), TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA (Reutan Collective), and THE DIFFERENCE (Reading-Piccolo Theatre). Charles has worked with Citadel Theatre, Teatro Vista, the Artistic Home, City Lit, Raven, Brown Paper Box, Chicago Dramatists, the Side Project and many more. Charles graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Theatre and Communications. In 2024, Charles was named one of Newcity Magazine’s “Players 50 2024: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts.”</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFztI4X35zO5P-UP_9SJZpfVWMlx9BzPCTOnd1PM2v5j9XViuJm-6cvt2W9pDT8TwPE-JYk0bIz87BFMobXOtnXOX6dqsbSuPlMge5jhQ4X9YT2Xc5Za11Of9738ZtbAcqf4jjfJDKVG0JWaJLQ2-YEZ0iVYlFzizGVSK_r54c6OIeNf3yZnkG_swqUU/s600/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="373" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUFztI4X35zO5P-UP_9SJZpfVWMlx9BzPCTOnd1PM2v5j9XViuJm-6cvt2W9pDT8TwPE-JYk0bIz87BFMobXOtnXOX6dqsbSuPlMge5jhQ4X9YT2Xc5Za11Of9738ZtbAcqf4jjfJDKVG0JWaJLQ2-YEZ0iVYlFzizGVSK_r54c6OIeNf3yZnkG_swqUU/s320/unnamed-3.jpg" width="199" /></a>Aaron Reese Boseman (Director) is a Chicago native and a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Direction and Acting. He directed Invictus’s acclaimed productions of THE MOUNTAINTOP and A RAISIN IN THE SUN and is a Jeff Award nominated actor, Black Excellence Award and Black Theatre Alliance Award nominated director and designer. He is also co-founder and artistic director of PULSE Theatre Chicago, where his directing credits include the critically acclaimed, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, IN THE BLOOD, THE COLORED MUSEUM, FABULATION, OR THE RE-EDUCATION OF UNDINE, and A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE. Other directing credits include THE TIGER WHO WORE WHITE GLOVES (eta Creative Arts Foundation), THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT, S'KIN, THE PHILADELPHIA (Columbia College Chicago), AMERICAN SON (Ghostlight Theatre), NETWORTH, ROOM FOR MORE (Film Series) and DETROIT '67 (Columbia College Chicago-Mainstage). Upcoming: THE MUSIC MAN (Metropolis Performing Arts) and FAIRVIEW (Theatre at Cedar Rapids). Recent Acting Credits include BLUE HEAVEN (Black Ensemble Theater), RAGTIME (Metropolis Performing Arts), RUINED (Invictus Theatre), BIG RIVER (TATC), SHREK THE MUSICAL (Windy City Performs), IN THE HEIGHTS (The Miracle Center, Slate), VIOLET, BALM IN GILEAD (Griffin Theatre and Loyola University), GOLDEN BOY, DO RE MI (Porchlight Music Theatre), RENT (CCC), and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Skylight Music Theatre and Citadel Theatre).</p><p>ABOUT INVICTUS THEATRE COMPANY</p><p><i>At Invictus Theatre Company, our mission is to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance; through diverse works by diverse artists. We respect the power of heightened language: spoken, written, sung; to express the breadth of the human condition. We work to harness the power of language: to promote diversity, to engender respect, to foster collaboration; and to empower our communities to share their voices.</i></p><p><i>Invictus Theatre Company incorporated in January 2017 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2017. A diverse group of Chicago actors and directors founded Invictus with the vision to empower their communities through theatrical productions of heightened language. We are committed to the idea that our productions should reflect the communities we represent, and, to that end, we are committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices. In working with local artists, designers, and production teams, Invictus Theatre Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, nationality, citizenship, religion, or any other status protected by law.</i></p><p><i>Invictus Theatre Company's 2024 season is generously sponsored by Michael and Mona Heath of The Heath Fund, with additional support from The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Untouchable Times Tours, Inc., and the Illinois Arts Council.</i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_5b1pJKw6CJ9s6ENUNh5SSGEuEJp4ADM7r7MvlD7awN9r-WyQ-pdlkaqKurgnojRUhG_0UYdtQgEFgJI3oD2RvA3TWwKu7UJEjqjKNXl_4fUH1-FU-WXes2uS4QmzT1coNJJdf1cyw4-UcFah8GzKC6E0SR4oqwQ9zQUHqJ6cCkaIO-y3RypLyyurI/s825/unnamed-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="545" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3p_5b1pJKw6CJ9s6ENUNh5SSGEuEJp4ADM7r7MvlD7awN9r-WyQ-pdlkaqKurgnojRUhG_0UYdtQgEFgJI3oD2RvA3TWwKu7UJEjqjKNXl_4fUH1-FU-WXes2uS4QmzT1coNJJdf1cyw4-UcFah8GzKC6E0SR4oqwQ9zQUHqJ6cCkaIO-y3RypLyyurI/w422-h640/unnamed-1.png" width="422" /></a></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-68564561517321853402024-02-09T14:05:00.001-06:002024-02-19T13:38:43.419-06:00Stoked for The Factory Theater's Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy February 11- March 23, 2024<p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">THE FACTORY THEATER ANNOUNCES </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PARTY AT THE PANTHEON: A MODERN GREEK STONER COMEDY</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 23 </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">WRITTEN BY MICHAEL JONES AND DIRECTED BY KAMILLE DAWKINS</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8ORgLnTL9if3hwIEgJclMp6DWTtLaezkBxPM5OZpQ2WgyYhMq6nSL7GmU3PRLsiBLnPXAfqCu-Juv7ikKNbJ0f4jaeZTIQtOmzuuT4hNxrfBZ14DDJb8NT-PjlHoYfFKwNYyJLm_4oMy4fmnClCg_0aed1qTc8W06nPK5gC7K_jx3eZC2nHB-C3-EtQ/s1350/patp_900x1350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj8ORgLnTL9if3hwIEgJclMp6DWTtLaezkBxPM5OZpQ2WgyYhMq6nSL7GmU3PRLsiBLnPXAfqCu-Juv7ikKNbJ0f4jaeZTIQtOmzuuT4hNxrfBZ14DDJb8NT-PjlHoYfFKwNYyJLm_4oMy4fmnClCg_0aed1qTc8W06nPK5gC7K_jx3eZC2nHB-C3-EtQ/w426-h640/patp_900x1350.jpg" width="426" /></a></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Running Time: 90 minutes</b></i></div><p></p><p>The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard St., is proud to announce the second production of The Factory’s 28th season, Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy, opening February 16 at 8 p.m.. The production runs through March 23 and was written by Michael Jones and directed by Kamille Dawkins. Previews for Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy are Friday, February 9 and Saturday, February 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, February 11 at 3 p.m. Press opening will be Saturday, February 16 at 8 p.m. The performance schedule includes Friday and Saturday performances at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. An understudy performance will occur on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. and there will be an accessibility performance on Sunday, February 25 at 3 p.m. Tickets for Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy are $25 and may be purchased through the Box Office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting <b><a href="http://TheFactoryTheater.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheFactoryTheater.com</a></b>. </p><p>Orpheus is still big mad after his girlfriend, Eurydice, died. It wasn’t his fault. Good thing his friend, Dionysus, can throw a sick party. Hopefully Sisyphus can keep these two on speaking terms long enough for the disco ball to drop. Now all they gotta do is find some food, some drink, and some music for this thing. Peep them and a cast of characters straight out of English Class, in this modern take on the ancient classics.</p><p>The Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy cast includes Jamaque Newberry+ (Orpheus); Malachi Marrero^ (Dionysus); Donovan Mullings+ (Sisyphus); Tierra Matthews* (Chorus #1); Tateonna Thompson*^ (Chorus #2/Dionysus u/s); Matt Chester+ (Chorus #3); Garrett Wiegel+ (Chorus #4); William Brown+ (Orpheus u/s/Chorus #3 u/s); Reginald Hemphill+ (Sisyphus u/s); Azi Akpan*^ (Chorus #1 u/s); Blythe Inanna* (Chorus #2 u/s) and Ethan Carlson+ (Chorus #4 u/s).</p><p>The Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy team includes Michael Jones~ (playwright); Kamille Dawkins (Director); Melissa Golden (Assistant Director); Alisa Resnick (Stage Manager); Shelby Burgus✝ (Production Manager); Rose Johnson (Scenic Design); Cat Davis (Light Design); Isaac Mandel (Sound Design); Henry Bender✝ (Props Design); Jill Frederickson (Puppets) and Carl Herzog (Tech Director).</p><p>~ denotes Factory Ensemble, ✝ denotes Factory Artistic Associate, </p><p> **Denotes Factory Theater Ensemble Emeritus</p><p>Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)</p><p>ABOUT MICHAEL JONES, playwright</p><p>Michael Jones is a proud ensemble member of the Factory Theater. Originally from New Orleans, Michael has been a Chicago resident for ten years. Michael loves spending his free time playing board games and watching wrestling, and takes major influences from the plays of Annie Baker, the cartoons of the 2010's, and his wacky loving family. Party at the Pantheon is his Factory playwriting debut.</p><p>ABOUT KAMILLE DAWKINS, director</p><p>Kamille Dawkins is a Chicago based theater artist and the Executive Artistic Director of Strawdog Theatre Company. Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Dawkins moved to Chicago in 2016 after completing their nine month Emerging Professional Residency at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Since moving to Chicago, Dawkins has worked at a plethora of Chicago theaters as an actor, musician, singer and director. This is their first time working at Factory Theater, despite watching their shows, being friends with Factory company members and being married to the Executive Director. </p><p><i>ABOUT THE FACTORY THEATER</i></p><p><i>For 30 years, the Factory has created its shows from scratch, doing exactly the kind of theater they wanted to do. From writing workshops to the closing night bash, Factory shows are a unique experience that fits its exacting standards: original, bold, and full-tilt. Its shameless ensemble are ambassadors of a good time, making certain that Chicago remains heartily entertained.</i></p><p>Tickets for Party at the Pantheon: A Modern Greek Stoner Comedy are $25 and may be purchased through the Box Office by calling 312-275-5757 or by visiting <b><a href="http://TheFactoryTheater.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">TheFactoryTheater.com</a></b>. </p><p><br /></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-12554371111023646822024-02-07T14:08:00.000-06:002024-02-07T14:08:00.008-06:00THE JEFF AWARDS ANNOUNCES THE 50th ANNIVERSARY NON-EQUITY THEATER AWARDS NOMINATIONS<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Celebrating its 50th anniversary </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">awarding recognition for </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">Non-Equity theater</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">the Joseph Jefferson Awards </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">announces its nominations for theater excellence </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">among Non-Equity theater during the 2023 season</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84EjnBydM3h2DXBnrvx8eAWHiALCIcO7kWqEDhvy3Zele_lc1lxgu205HZJSK8PNzDn_7WeN0d2QGixkvME8a4XFIM4-X75Og7bNzN6LpdtuMZAHI_unhL7qyGnuRl6CM7pTagEycqZ92tW93JLy7xjbisQAdbGFM5x7XFsjr6kr5XncY7mkAA82Dk5Y/s1916/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-07%20at%201.28.34%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1916" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84EjnBydM3h2DXBnrvx8eAWHiALCIcO7kWqEDhvy3Zele_lc1lxgu205HZJSK8PNzDn_7WeN0d2QGixkvME8a4XFIM4-X75Og7bNzN6LpdtuMZAHI_unhL7qyGnuRl6CM7pTagEycqZ92tW93JLy7xjbisQAdbGFM5x7XFsjr6kr5XncY7mkAA82Dk5Y/w640-h228/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-07%20at%201.28.34%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">A complete list of nominees can also be found online in the Non-Equity and News and Events sections at <a href="http://www.jeffawards.org." rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.jeffawards.org</a></span></i></b></p><p>Celebrate Chicago -- literally the best theatre town in the world. Kudos to all the nominees for the 50th Non-Equity Jeff Awards (AKA: Theatre Prom), March 25th at Park West. NYC may have Broadway, but Chicago has 250+ theaters including a plethora of tiny storefronts and non-equity companies doing stunning work. Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows I cover as many as humanly possible! <b>The nominees in bold below are ones I had the great pleasure to see.</b> Check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, for original reviews, theatre news, interviews, ticket giveaways, and more.</p><p>This year’s Non-Equity awards spotlight<b> 144 theater artists across 24 categories of excellence</b> in theater production among shows from <b>32 companies.</b> During the most recent season which ran from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, <b>Jeff Awards members attended 91 Non-Equity productions. From these, 46 productions became “Jeff Recommended” </b>and, therefore, eligible for award nominations. </p><p><b>Four theater companies are recognized for the upcoming Non-Equity awards with more than 10 nominations each</b>.<b> Kokandy Productions garnered the most honors, with 17 from two productions. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre received 16 nominations, followed by Invictus Theatre Company and Refracted Theatre Company which both received 10. “Tambo & Bones” from Refracted Theatre Company drew the largest nominations for a single production (10).</b></p><p>Among New Work,<b> eight world premiere plays are in award consideration. </b>In addition, the Jeff Awards recently expanded award categories to recognize Short Run Productions (nine to 17 performances). Within this category, nominees are announced for Production, Ensemble, Director and Performer.</p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">2024 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD NOMINEES</span></i></p><p>PRODUCTION – PLAY</p><p><b>"Cat's Cradle” - Lifeline Theatre </b></p><p>"The Crucible” - Invictus Theatre Company </p><p><b>"Dying For It” - The Artistic Home </b></p><p>"Indoor Cats” - Red Theater </p><p><b>"Right Now” - Facility Theatre </b></p><p><b>"Tambo & Bones” - Refracted Theatre Company</b> </p><p>"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915” - Theatre Y </p><p> </p><p>PRODUCTION – MUSICAL</p><p><b>"American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions </b></p><p><b>"Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre </b></p><p><b>"The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions </b></p><p><b>"The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre </b></p><p><b>"tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre </b></p><p> </p><p>ENSEMBLE – PLAY</p><p><b>"Cat's Cradle" - Lifeline Theatre </b></p><p>"The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company </p><p>"Jane: Abortion and the Underground" - Idle Muse Theatre Company </p><p>“Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation” – Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre)</p><p>"The Pragmatists" - Trap Door Theatre </p><p><b>"Right Now" - Facility Theatre </b></p><p>"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915" - Theatre Y </p><p> </p><p>ENSEMBLE – MUSICAL </p><p><b>"American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions </b></p><p><b>"Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre </b></p><p><b>"Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company </b></p><p><b>"The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions </b></p><p> </p><p>NEW WORK</p><p>India Nicole Burton – “Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation” – Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre)</p><p>Tina Fakhrid-Deen – “Dandelions” – MPAACT (Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theater)</p><p>Mora V. Harris – “Indoor Cats” – Red Theater</p><p><b>John Hildreth – “Cat’s Cradle” – Lifeline Theatre</b></p><p>Evan M. Jackson – “The Last Queen of Camelot” – Idle Muse Theatre Company</p><p><b>Shannon O’Neill – “The Kelly Girls” – The Factory Theater</b></p><p><b>Ed Rutherford & George Howe – “Murder, ReWrote” – Hell in a Handbag Productions</b></p><p><b>Micah Ariel Watson – “Alaiyo” – Definition Theatre</b></p><p><br /></p><p>DIRECTOR – PLAY</p><p>Charles Askenaizer - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><b>Mikael Burke - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Heather Currie - "Cat's Cradle" - Lifeline Theatre</b></p><p><b>Dado - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre</b></p><p>Wyatt Kent - "Indoor Cats" - Red Theater</p><p><b>Tyrone Phillips - "Fairview" - Definition Theatre</b></p><p>Kezia Waters - "We Are Proud to Present a Presentation About the Herero of Namibia, Formerly Known as Southwest Africa, from the German Südwestafrika, Between the Years 1884 - 1915" - Theatre Y</p><p> </p><p>DIRECTOR – MUSICAL</p><p><b>Fred Anzevino - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Derek Van Barham - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Daryl D. Brooks - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Bo Frazier - "tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre</b></p><p> </p><p>PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – PLAY</p><p><b>Brittney Brown (Regan Kelly) - "The Kelly Girls" - The Factory Theater</b></p><p><b>Laura Coover (The Woman) - "Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle" - Griffin Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Ny'ajai Ellison (Camae) - "The Mountaintop" - Invictus Theatre Company</b></p><p>Julian Hester (Scratch) - "Witch" - The Artistic Home</p><p><b>Patrick Newson Jr. (Bones) - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Felicia Oduh (Ariel) - "Alaiyo" - Definition Theatre</b></p><p><b>Aila Ayilam Peck (Layla) - "Hatefuck" - First Floor Theater</b></p><p><b>Soleil Pérez (Agnes) - "Agnes of God" - Redtwist Theatre</b></p><p>Mark Pracht (John Proctor) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><b>William Anthony Sebastian Rose II (Tambo) - "Tambo & Bones" - Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p> </p><p>PERFORMER IN A PRINCIPAL ROLE – MUSICAL</p><p><b>Neala Barron (John Wilkes Booth) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Frankie Leo Bennett (SpongeBob SquarePants) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Britain Gebhardt (Bessica Feltcher) - "Murder, ReWrote" - Hell in a Handbag Productions</b></p><p><b>Carl Herzog (Macheath) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Brandy Miller (Fran Kubelik) - "Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Patrick O'Keefe (Balladeer and Lee Harvey Oswald) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Kyle Patrick (Patrick Bateman) - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Alec Phan (Jonathan) - "tick, tick … BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre</b></p><p><b>Rory Schrobilgen (Chuck Baxter) - "Promises, Promises" - Blank Theatre Company</b></p><p> </p><p>PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – PLAY</p><p>Kristin Collins (Elizabeth Sawyer) - "Witch" - The Artistic Home</p><p><b>Shawna Franks (Juliette) - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre</b></p><p><b>Jada Jackson (Keisha) - "Fairview" - Definition Theatre</b></p><p><b>Patrick Newson Jr. (Kofi) - "Alaiyo" - Definition Theatre</b></p><p><b>Kathy Scambiaterra (Serafima) - "Dying For It" - The Artistic Home</b></p><p><b>Maria Stephens (Alice) - "Right Now" - Facility Theatre</b></p><p>James Turano (Deputy Governor Danforth) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company</p><p>Michaela Voit (Abigail Williams) - "The Crucible" - Invictus Theatre Company</p><p>Sarah Wisterman (Panda) - "Indoor Cats" - Red Theater</p><p>Korinne Yonan (Maleficunt) - "Sleeping with Beauty" – PrideArts</p><p><br /></p><p>PERFORMER IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – MUSICAL</p><p><b>Megan Elk (Mrs. Peachum) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Parker Guidry (Sheldon J. Plankton) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Luke Halpern (Susan) - "tick, tick… BOOM!" - BoHo Theatre</b></p><p><b>Jon Parker Jackson (Samuel Byck) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Chamaya Moody (Polly Peachum) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Caleigh Pan-Kita (Evelyn Williams) - "American Psycho" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Quinn Rigg (Squidward Q. Tentacles) - "The SpongeBob Musical" - Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Amanda Rodriguez (Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme) - "Assassins" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Nathe Rowbotham (Lucy Brown) - "The Threepenny Opera" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p> </p><p>PRODUCTION – SHORT RUN</p><p>"It's Only a Play” - Saint Sebastian Players </p><p>"The Minutes” - Edge of the Wood Theatre</p><p>"Once on This Island” - PULSE Theatre Company </p><p>"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” - Visión Latino Theatre Company </p><p> </p><p>ENSEMBLE – SHORT RUN</p><p>"It's Only a Play” - Saint Sebastian Players </p><p>"The Minutes” - Edge of the Wood Theatre</p><p>"Once on This Island” - PULSE Theatre Company </p><p>"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven” - Visión Latino Theatre Company </p><p> </p><p>DIRECTOR – SHORT RUN</p><p>Xavier M. Custodio - "That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven" - Visión Latino Theatre Company</p><p>Melanie McNulty - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law</p><p>Janet Rourke - "The Minutes" - Edge of the Wood Theatre</p><p>Iraida Tapias - "North & Sur" - Water People Theater</p><p> </p><p>PERFORMER – SHORT RUN</p><p>Manuel Duarte (Emcee) - "Lotería: Dichos, Proverbios, Albures" - Teatro Tariakuri</p><p>Jack Hradecky (Mr. Peel) - "The Minutes" - Edge of the Wood Theatre</p><p>Casey Huls (Frank Abagnale Jr.) - "Catch Me If You Can" - Surging Films and Theatrics</p><p>Gwen La Roka (Gwen La Roka) - "Mi Casa Es Tu Casa!" - UrbanTheater Company</p><p>Daniella Rukin (Lina) - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law</p><p>Carter Sherman (Amelia Carter) - "Miranda: A War-Torn Fable" - The Impostors Theatre Company</p><p>Billy Surges (Carl Hanratty) - "Catch Me If You Can" - Surging Films and Theatrics</p><p>Kris Tori (Alfonsina Storni) - "North & Sur" - Water People Theater</p><p>Allyson Womack (Jessie) - "Cry It Out" - Theatre Above the Law</p><p> </p><p>SCENIC DESIGN</p><p>Kirk Anderson – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre</p><p><b>Kevin Hogan – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home</b></p><p><b>Rose Johnson – “Agnes of God” – Redtwist Theatre</b></p><p><b>Sydney Lynne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p>Kevin Rolfs – “The Crucible” – Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><br /></p><p>COSTUME DESIGN</p><p><b>Jakob Abderhalden – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p>Natasha Vuchurovich Dukich – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre</p><p>Jessie Gowens – “The Crucible” – Invictus Theatre Company</p><p><b>Kotryna Hilko – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Beth Laske-Miller & Rachel Sypniewski – “I Promised Myself to Live Faster” – Hell in a Handbag Productions</b></p><p><b>Cindy Moon – “The Threepenny Opera” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p>Rachel Sypniewski – “Princess Ivona” – Trap Door Theatre</p><p> </p><p>SOUND DESIGN</p><p><b>Hannah Foerschler – “The Kelly Girls” – The Factory Theater</b></p><p><b>Ethan Korvne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p>Santiago Quintana – “Right Now” – Facility Theatre</p><p>Danny Rockett – “The Pragmatists” – Trap Door Theatre</p><p><b>Stefanie Senior – “Cat’s Cradle” – Lifeline Theatre</b></p><p>Sebby Woldt – “Indoor Cats” – Red Theater</p><p> </p><p>LIGHTING DESIGN</p><p><b>Mark Bracken Jr. – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home</b></p><p>Ellie Fey – “Witch” – The Artistic Home</p><p><b>Maggie Fullilove-Nugent – “The Threepenny Opera” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>G. “Max” Maxin IV – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Eric Watkins – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p> </p><p>PROJECTION DESIGN</p><p><b>DJ Douglass – “The Mountaintop” – Invictus Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Alex Gendal – “Alaiyo” – Definition Theatre </b></p><p><b>Eme Ospina-López – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>CHOREOGRAPHY</p><p><b>Breon Arzell – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Lauryn Schmelzer – “Promises, Promises” – Blank Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Jenna Schoppe – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p> </p><p>MUSIC DIRECTION</p><p><b>Harper Caruso – “tick, tick… BOOM!” – BoHo Theatre</b></p><p><b>Heidi Joosten – “American Psycho” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Heidi Joosten – “Assassins” – Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre</b></p><p><b>Aaron Kaplan – “Promises, Promises” – Blank Theatre Company</b></p><p> </p><p>ORIGINAL MUSIC IN A PLAY</p><p>Natasha Bogojevic – “The Pragmatists” – Trap Door Theatre</p><p>Przemysław Bosak – “Princess Ivona” – Trap Door Theatre</p><p><b>Ethan Korvne – “Tambo & Bones” – Refracted Theatre Company</b></p><p><b>Petter Wahlbäck – “Dying For It” – The Artistic Home</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p>ARTISTIC SPECIALIZATION</p><p><b>Henry Bender (Properties Design) – “Wise Guys: The First Christmas Story” – The Factory Theater</b></p><p>David Blixt (Fight Choreography) – “Witch” – The Artistic Home</p><p><b>Lolly Extract/Jabberwocky Marionettes (Puppet Design) – “I Promised Myself to Live Faster” – Hell in a Handbag Productions</b></p><p><b>Ele Matelan (Foley Design) – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><b>Patrick McGuire (Properties Design) – “The SpongeBob Musical” – Kokandy Productions</b></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS</span></i></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">By Theater Company</span></i></b></p><p>Kokandy Productions<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>17</p><p>Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>16</p><p>Invictus Theatre Company<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10</p><p>Refracted Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>10</p><p>The Artistic Home<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>9</p><p>Facility Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>8</p><p>Definition Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6</p><p>Blank Theatre Company<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5</p><p>BoHo Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5</p><p>Lifeline Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5</p><p>Red Theater<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5</p><p>Trap Door Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5</p><p>Edge of the Wood Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4</p><p>The Factory Theater<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4</p><p>Hell in a Handbag Productions<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4</p><p>Theatre Above the Law<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</p><p>Theatre Y<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</p><p>Vision Latino Theatre Company<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3</p><p>Idle Muse Theatre Company<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Prop Thtr (i/a/w Perceptions Theatre)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>PULSE Theatre Company<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Redtwist Theatre<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Saint Sebastian Players<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Surging Films & Theatrics<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Water People Theater<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p><br /></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">By Production</span></i></b></p><p><b>"Tambo & Bones"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 10</b></p><p><b>"The SpongeBob Musical" <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 9</b></p><p><b>"American Psycho"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8</b></p><p><b>"Assassins"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8</b></p><p>"The Crucible"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8</p><p><b>"Right Now"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8</b></p><p><b>"The Threepenny Opera"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 8</b></p><p><b>"Cat's Cradle"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5</b></p><p><b>"Dying For It"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5</b></p><p>"Indoor Cats"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5</p><p><b>"Promises, Promises"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5</b></p><p><b>"tick, tick… BOOM!"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 5</b></p><p><b>"Alaiyo"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4</b></p><p><b>"The Minutes"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4</b></p><p>"Witch"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 4</p><p>"Cry It Out"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</p><p><b>"The Kelly Girls"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</b></p><p>"The Pragmatists"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</p><p>"That Must Be the Entrance to Heaven"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</p><p>"We Are Proud to Present a Presentation …"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 3</p><p><b>"Agnes of God"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</b></p><p>"Catch Me If You Can"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p><b>"Fairview"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</b></p><p><b>"I Promised Myself to Live Faster"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</b></p><p>"It's Only a Play"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p><b>"The Mountaintop"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</b></p><p><b>"Murder, ReWrote"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</b></p><p>"North & Sur"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p>"Once on This Island" <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p>"Panther Women: An Army for the Liberation"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p>"Princess Ivona"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p> </p><p>By Individual</p><p>Heidi Joosten<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 2</p><p>Ethan Korvne<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Patrick Newson Jr.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p>Rachel Sypniewski<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2</p><p><br /></p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoClHBtIA_7VcGekiMn6oYd7e86km072wMd7mib_5Rovq0t1968m1A9YWXXkkz8xFBlNh4VlrRv0VMH-60ss9bspPVwuUiX83l4cw-qVf_IXP6tB7ZZW8BMIsh7ZzC6wMxl1wJDEXBnGKWrc3l9kCF6PLzelUBJoe8XxWDvcHL2q3kU0x7-xE_FW_GA/s317/JEFF-Awards-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="104" data-original-width="317" height="104" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoClHBtIA_7VcGekiMn6oYd7e86km072wMd7mib_5Rovq0t1968m1A9YWXXkkz8xFBlNh4VlrRv0VMH-60ss9bspPVwuUiX83l4cw-qVf_IXP6tB7ZZW8BMIsh7ZzC6wMxl1wJDEXBnGKWrc3l9kCF6PLzelUBJoe8XxWDvcHL2q3kU0x7-xE_FW_GA/s1600/JEFF-Awards-Logo.png" width="317" /></a></p><p><br /></p><p>ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS</p><p>The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through our recommendations, awards, and honors we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.</p><p>ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON NOMINATIONS AND THE AWARDS PROGRAM</p><p>The Jeff Awards website lists all current nominees, previous recipients and nominations, and other Jeff Awards information and news. Visit www.jeffawards.org.</p><p>The 50th Anniversary Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater will be held Monday, March 25, 2024, at Park West in Chicago, IL. Doors will open at 6:00pm with a cash bar available, and the awards will begin at 7:00pm. General Admission tickets are $71 (includes $55 ticket + required fees) and available now at www.jeffawards.org. A group rate of $60 (includes $45 ticket + required fees) is available for parties of 10 or more. Festive cocktail attire is suggested, and the public is cordially invited. An after-party will be held at Park West with light food and a cash bar. For more information, contact Johnny Buranosky, Non-Equity Wing Chair, at nonequitywing@jeffawards.org.</p><p>Names of award recipients will be released immediately following the program on March 25th on the Jeff Awards website under Non-Equity Awards at <b><a href="http://www.jeffawards.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.jeffawards.org</a></b>. </p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-44822162407803951302024-02-06T13:03:00.060-06:002024-02-21T15:15:08.400-06:00PROOF Via Bluebird Arts at Theater Wit March 2 to April 6, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">CASTING AND CREATIVES ANNOUNCED FOR</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">DAVID AUBURN’S </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PROOF </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">AT BLUEBIRD ARTS</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1DuiF59FKXvBN6JS8eBa3Cl3FVfrLLSs1ctiqTAqWQOs3zpa-2nRrPUYXmQ6UnwZRa1rlQSxzlNYddMnAAdmgSNKYduSOVrZqCZVCUwgwIa-lnNELAPUNBf4uC5XqIR7ohSTYCBNYtjEj0-mPjtsBt_uKAWVHuWWzBSTkTpBBUnYm9xbbcx2Ca0x94g/s2048/421640761_816469743616249_7008013479606814272_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-1DuiF59FKXvBN6JS8eBa3Cl3FVfrLLSs1ctiqTAqWQOs3zpa-2nRrPUYXmQ6UnwZRa1rlQSxzlNYddMnAAdmgSNKYduSOVrZqCZVCUwgwIa-lnNELAPUNBf4uC5XqIR7ohSTYCBNYtjEj0-mPjtsBt_uKAWVHuWWzBSTkTpBBUnYm9xbbcx2Ca0x94g/w480-h640/421640761_816469743616249_7008013479606814272_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">CASTING AND CREATIVES ANNOUNCED FOR DAVID AUBURN’S PROOF AT BLUEBIRD ARTS</span></i></p><p>Bluebird Arts, Chicago's only English–Russian Cross-Cultural Theatre is excited to announce their Cast and Creative Team for their upcoming production of PROOF by DAVID AUBURN, opening SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024 at THEATER WIT, 1229 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago. Directed by Bluebird Arts Artistic Director LUDA LOPATINA SOLOMON. SATURDAY, MARCH 2, 2024, to SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2024. Performances of the play are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 3pm, in Theater Three of Theater Wit.</p><p>Directed by Luda Lopatina Solomon, Bluebird Arts’ production will feature Dana Muelchi as Catherine, Geoff Isaac as Robert, Talia Langman as Claire, and Callahan Crnich as Hal, and Sarah Seidler at the Catherine/Claire Understudy. They will be joined by a Creative Team of Angela Kring (Stage Manager), Samantha Rausch (Set Design), Karina Osbourne (Lighting Design), Brandon Reed (Sound Design), Bisa (Costume Designer), Rachel Hartmann (Props Design), Laura Sturm (Intimacy Coordinator), Matt Ledajaks (Technical Designer), Kenny Behmer (Assistant T.D.), Dana Muelchi (Marketing and Media), Jaimelyn Gray (Press and Managing), and Emil Thomas (Production Manager).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePVJ-fMnLKC_OS87QyEir3A1nXSixrmMGMbXWNq0xTtwu7cjWslcqh_R0gp_M2SzD6Er5yqQHvjzSTdci5z0w6J7UP8eMDt_cKqx7c5r-KHf_b61R7dHvRQKBfwe9qiYfXX0CoJ5D3mmKKeAWugBz70YGhQrpt7ZcgMsHf2f9SEy_YUtbsup_a5ELRU/s1440/428027609_18227653084254761_7378795279245466083_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsePVJ-fMnLKC_OS87QyEir3A1nXSixrmMGMbXWNq0xTtwu7cjWslcqh_R0gp_M2SzD6Er5yqQHvjzSTdci5z0w6J7UP8eMDt_cKqx7c5r-KHf_b61R7dHvRQKBfwe9qiYfXX0CoJ5D3mmKKeAWugBz70YGhQrpt7ZcgMsHf2f9SEy_YUtbsup_a5ELRU/w640-h640/428027609_18227653084254761_7378795279245466083_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>ABOUT THE PLAY</p><p>Proof is the story of an enigmatic young woman, Catherine, her manipulative sister, their brilliant father, and an unexpected suitor. They are all pieces of the puzzle in the search for the truth behind a mysterious mathematical proof. In Proof, the young but guarded Catherine grieves over the loss of her father, a famous mathematician who had become a legend at the local university for solving complicated proofs, and for suffering from dementia. Just as Catherine begins to give in to her fear that she, too, might suffer from her father’s condition, Catherine’s older sister Claire returns home to help “settle” family affairs and Hal, one of the father’s old students, starts to poke around the house. What Hal discovers in an old speckle- bound notebook brings to light a buried family secret. It tests the sisters’ kinship as well as the romantic feelings growing between Catherine and Hal.</p><p>This poignant drama about love and reconciliation unfolds on the back porch of a house settled in a suburban university town, that is, like David Auburn’s writing, both simple and elegant. (pullizer .org)</p><p>Proof, by David Auburn runs Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 3pm, in Theater Three of Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave, Chicago, from Saturday, March 2, to Saturday, April 6, 2024. Tickets are $12 – $40 and can be found at <b><a href="http://bluebirdarts.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bluebirdarts.org</a></b>, or by calling the Theater Wit Box Office at 773-975-8150.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT9fl6vuR2v9GS7tOmm7bBNOr7SDjCfcbt13bz_FfbmHUKgRdXvDrnrJ-XY8Heh6SS6Th5MLAleUASE6SmCsHOJotNTFTlJfoPG0eommLiJZJ6KfWXjOfbUbo1fLoqSU3iXlp59KjIRhbI12pNCbG2W9alkCNDyvRkkFfkZ6ro6OneYib1Nhzx69Un7A/s480/307375328_529804992282727_8964717279042784996_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT9fl6vuR2v9GS7tOmm7bBNOr7SDjCfcbt13bz_FfbmHUKgRdXvDrnrJ-XY8Heh6SS6Th5MLAleUASE6SmCsHOJotNTFTlJfoPG0eommLiJZJ6KfWXjOfbUbo1fLoqSU3iXlp59KjIRhbI12pNCbG2W9alkCNDyvRkkFfkZ6ro6OneYib1Nhzx69Un7A/w200-h200/307375328_529804992282727_8964717279042784996_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><p><i>Bluebird Arts was founded in 2014 and is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is: “To enrich, educate and entertain our community by sharing intimate stories of the human condition, focusing on the genuine problems of real people.”</i></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-60087704384454695582024-02-05T19:26:00.000-06:002024-02-19T19:30:29.351-06:00Cast and Crew Announced for BrightSide Theatre's DEATHTRAP March 8 - 24, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Cast and production team announced for BrightSide Theatre production of Ira Levin’s comedic thriller </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DEATHTRAP</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">March 8 - 24</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theater</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTHNkQB3BV6XSnGlfyemLMYFhF8eWa20dSHgFKmmnPeplT06nG_6eWlgkjoxxTHdJFWXl8CT5Eb2BG7NmQcXDXs3qNLnmti8L_1RiSi5WF7j524rnhIXOrMSWvAg3e_M7QlP6NV62AB1U9XS48CWk1pfn_gIGJW-Obg8FolNTRg3yFH4jmzMBFcL-6u0/s420/ClientFile(491563).jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="420" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTHNkQB3BV6XSnGlfyemLMYFhF8eWa20dSHgFKmmnPeplT06nG_6eWlgkjoxxTHdJFWXl8CT5Eb2BG7NmQcXDXs3qNLnmti8L_1RiSi5WF7j524rnhIXOrMSWvAg3e_M7QlP6NV62AB1U9XS48CWk1pfn_gIGJW-Obg8FolNTRg3yFH4jmzMBFcL-6u0/w640-h310/ClientFile(491563).jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>BrightSide Theatre Youth Theatre to additionally perform MEAN GIRLS JR. Saturday matinees and Sunday evenings during the first two weekends of DEATHTRAP</i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Full cast and crew have been announced for BrightSide Theatre’s upcoming production of Ira Levin’s DEATHTRAP, the longest-running comedic thriller in Broadway history, and the fifth-longest-running Broadway play of all time. In it, a playwright and his much younger former student each attempt to kill the other, so that one of them can claim sole authorship of the mystery play on which they’ve been collaborating. The humor and the many plot twists devised by Levin, author of the thrillers ROSEMARY’S BABY, THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL, and THE STEPFORD WIVES, kept Broadway audiences laughing and on the edge of their seats for over four years. It was adapted as a successful feature film starring Michael Caine and Christopher Reeve and continues to be a hit with audiences to this day.</div><p></p><p>The cast directed by Jason Harrington will be led by Scott Kelley of Schaumburg as the older playwright, Sidney Bruhl; and Tyler Szarabajka of Vernon Hills as Bruhl’s younger mentee, Clifford Anderson. Lisa Braatz of Naperville has been cast as their neighbor Helga ten Dorp, a noted psychic whose suspicions are aroused by the strange activity in the Bruhls’ Connecticut home. Marianne Embree of Arlington Heights will play Bruhl’s wife, Myra; and John Zimmerman of Carol Stream will be Bruhl’s attorney, Porter Milgrim.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAvdfvKF4_KC_xt_zhTYdFYnw433hYyVQv-347rgT6_Yswfzd6gLl38Nr3vjq375Tzbu5CW8cgIkx1RqE_42cA3zhVTkllQicSLSS_iWABXrV68wfG3dOG8PIdv9eSQn-M_vegs7Iwpi0OJy-6Edd635KFLGxP_UVOOS8WFTykoOwTkSgLcFUOHRb0Ck/s920/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="920" data-original-width="913" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQAvdfvKF4_KC_xt_zhTYdFYnw433hYyVQv-347rgT6_Yswfzd6gLl38Nr3vjq375Tzbu5CW8cgIkx1RqE_42cA3zhVTkllQicSLSS_iWABXrV68wfG3dOG8PIdv9eSQn-M_vegs7Iwpi0OJy-6Edd635KFLGxP_UVOOS8WFTykoOwTkSgLcFUOHRb0Ck/w636-h640/unnamed-2.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Top row (l-r): Scott Kelley, Tyler Szarabajka</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Second row (l-r): Lisa Braatz, John Zimmerman, Marianne Embree</b></i></p><p>The production team for DEATHTRAP, in addition to Harrington as director, will include Jeff Award winner Eric Luchen (Set Designer), Jeff Award nominee Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Design), Cheryl Newman (Costume Design), Jim Heatherly (Prop Designer), RJ Cecott (Fight Choreographer), Jeff Sand (Technical Director), and JJ O’Connell (Stage Manager).</p><p>DEATHTRAP will be performed at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Tickets are on sale now at <b><a href="http://www.BrightSidetheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrightSidetheatre.com</a></b> or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTxd3raN_Qfz8kFcPOqPKdDBHiAYAuG-vUy5Snavy8cpnSZyCkze_d5sLVN_dQYw2pJqyM42k4DEiT3vMVjCdeOTRGjKbkNtV2KrMw0PkPjFMS66Q_SKo7zaOFB_Ctn4S8oKgs38x6URRJHaOV1ryilKb-dHtG7YU1A26-8lM9XqhvzTxoGSzuOheN8Y/s526/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="243" data-original-width="526" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheTxd3raN_Qfz8kFcPOqPKdDBHiAYAuG-vUy5Snavy8cpnSZyCkze_d5sLVN_dQYw2pJqyM42k4DEiT3vMVjCdeOTRGjKbkNtV2KrMw0PkPjFMS66Q_SKo7zaOFB_Ctn4S8oKgs38x6URRJHaOV1ryilKb-dHtG7YU1A26-8lM9XqhvzTxoGSzuOheN8Y/w640-h296/unnamed-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>BrightSide Theatre Youth Theatre to perform musical MEAN GIRLS JR. March 9-17</p><p>The BrightSide Theatre Youth Project, which provides a professional and educational learning experience for students aged 8-18 interested in exploring musical theater, will stage MEAN GIRLS, JR. from March 9-17 on Saturdays at 11 am and 2 pm and on Sundays at 6 pm in the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall of North Central College.</p><p>The musical MEAN GIRLS, based on the hit 2005 film written by Tina Fey and Rosalind Wiseman, was a hit on Broadway, running from 2018 to 2020. MEAN GIRLS JR. is a condensed, author-approved version of the full musical. </p><p><b>Special services and free admission for hearing or visually impaired patrons and their parties at selected performances of MEAN GIRLS, JR.</b></p><p>American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present for the 11 am performance on Saturday, March 9. Patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing and their parties can attend this ASL-interpreted performance free of charge. <b>For access to ASL seating, enter the promo code ASL when purchasing online or call the box office at 630.447.8497.=</b></p><p>The Saturday, March 16 performance at 2 pm will offer two services for the visually impaired – audio description and a touch tour. Throughout the performance, patrons can listen to an audio describer who will narrate all of the important visuals of the show (blocking, facial expressions, design choices, choreography) through a personal audio device. The performance will be preceded by a touch tour at 1 pm, in which patrons can explore, through touch, the costumes, props, and sets of a production to better experience the design of a show. It also gives tour attendees a chance to meet actors who will give physical descriptions of their characters and model a few lines of dialog to help patrons better identify the characters' voice during the show. For access to Audio-Described seating enter the promo code AUDIO when purchasing online or call the box office at 630.447.8497.</p><p><b>Free admission for hearing or visually impaired patrons and their parties to these performances is made possible through the generosity of the Naperville Lions Club.</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>BIOS</i></b></p><p>Jason Harrington (Director) is thrilled to be at BrightSide again after directing THE ODD COUPLE last season. He is a proud board member of Up and Coming Theatre where his directing credits include: SWEET CHARITY, Lippa's THE WILD PARTY, HAIR, FOOTLOOSE, and HEATHERS: THE MUSICAL (BroadwayWorld Award, best direction of a musical). Other directing credits include productions with: The Second City, Glenview Theatre Guild, Bailiwick, and the Library Theatre at Feltre. </p><p>Ira Levin (Author) became a best-selling author with his first novel, 1953's A KISS BEFORE DYING. More thrilling works followed, including 1968's ROSEMARY'S BABY, 1972’s THE STEPFORD WIVES, and 1976's THE BOYS FROM BRAZIL, all of which were later turned into feature films. Levin served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps from 1953 to 1955. After being discharged, he spent much of his time devoted to the theater. Levin enjoyed some success with his adaptation of Mac Hyman's humorous novel NO TIME FOR SERGEANTS. His own original works included the 1958 mystery INTERLOCK, the comedy CRITIC'S CHOICE, and the 1965 musical DRAT! THE CAT!, a comedy about a thief. He returned with another play, the mystery DR. COOK'S GARDEN, two years later in 1967.</p><p>March 8 – 24, 2024</p><p>Performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm, Sundays at 2 pm</p><p>Press Opening Friday, March 8 at 8 pm</p><p>Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville </p><p>Tickets $35 - $40, available at www.BrightSideTheatre.com or at 630-447-TIXS (8497) </p><p>Holding the record for the longest running comedic thriller on Broadway, DEATHTRAP is the story of the world-famous thriller playwright Sidney Bruhl who is suffering from a chronic case of writer’s block. When one of his former students shows up at his doorstep with what might be the next Broadway hit, Sidney and his wife concoct a deadly plan to make the manuscript their own. DEATHTRAP is filled with twists and turns in a series of shocking events that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last moment! </p><p>MEAN GIRLS, JR.</p><p>Book by Tina Fey, Lyrics by Nell Benjamin, Music by Jeff Richmond</p><p>Directed by De Haddad</p><p>Choreography by Amanda Vinson</p><p>Music Direction by Meghan Kessel</p><p>March 9-17, 2024</p><p>Saturdays at 11 am and 2 pm, Sundays at 6 pm</p><p>Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville </p><p>Tickets: $20 adults, $15 students, available online at www,brightsidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).</p><p><b>ASL-interpreted performance on Saturday, March 9 at 11 am. Admission to this performance is free for hearing impaired patrons and their parties with code ASL</b></p><p>Audio-described performance on Saturday, March 16 at 2 pm, preceded by a Touch Tour at 1 pm. Admission to this performance is free for hearing impaired patrons and their parties with code AUDIO.</p><p>A condensed, author-approved version of the Broadway musical based on the 2004 film. Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on the plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. Cady and her friends devise a "revenge party" to end Regina’s reign with Cady going undercover as an aspiring plastic. When the lines between the real Cady and her plastic-self get blurred, she must find her way back to herself and her true friends. </p><p><i>ABOUT BRIGHTSIDE THEATRE</i></p><p><i>BrightSide Theatre (Jeffrey Cass, Artistic Director and Julie Ann Kornak, Executive Director) is committed to Enlighten, Educate, and Entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe. A unique blend of award-winners, premieres, modern works and timeless classics meant to reflect upon and inform our community inhabit BrightSide’s stage. For more information on BrightSide Theatre, please visit <b><a href="http://www.BrightSidetheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.BrightSidetheatre.com</a></b>. </i></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZSuO2fv6QXHZeDi5cZrt6y2u3RNexsj0l16zQQR1vIEwjK58SrYaOOJcVzjMouwQKY4qEBna6HWpAN5GPMhPJRycbe7f_AEmn8xG3YxsyZt7LtsJ2tXF_CfeFE1JKKCw5kOLADwuF3s794Bjp2tWRhkeV4GPSPXB4DMp_L2gMTfdWIwrIUf2ZSI7GSY/s720/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="720" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZSuO2fv6QXHZeDi5cZrt6y2u3RNexsj0l16zQQR1vIEwjK58SrYaOOJcVzjMouwQKY4qEBna6HWpAN5GPMhPJRycbe7f_AEmn8xG3YxsyZt7LtsJ2tXF_CfeFE1JKKCw5kOLADwuF3s794Bjp2tWRhkeV4GPSPXB4DMp_L2gMTfdWIwrIUf2ZSI7GSY/w640-h142/unnamed-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-58179744724877863602024-02-05T17:17:00.000-06:002024-02-05T17:17:00.080-06:00World Premiere of What the Weird Sisters Saw Via Idle Muse Theatre Company March 14 - April 14, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">IDLE MUSE THEATRE COMPANY </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ANNOUNCES A NEW VERSION OF </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">WHAT THE WEIRD SISTERS SAW</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V-rrjrc-nG3e0Bl0V0HfXLXE7-Es5XnYa8Xwwpb1E1rHT354up9iBq768bv5ZODq3fIzvVmOcrh_PFsz0qeplnGVSGoMJlbdHYadFXC5osUZZPVFIK7Burog-w_lKp3LVLqCYIu66N0Z-_uxwoiNp3AoqzTQFYbEifhkARJ8Vr6GTcOpP-zZDYi18sg/s1920/424784943_906621474807715_2161523010753756330_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1920" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V-rrjrc-nG3e0Bl0V0HfXLXE7-Es5XnYa8Xwwpb1E1rHT354up9iBq768bv5ZODq3fIzvVmOcrh_PFsz0qeplnGVSGoMJlbdHYadFXC5osUZZPVFIK7Burog-w_lKp3LVLqCYIu66N0Z-_uxwoiNp3AoqzTQFYbEifhkARJ8Vr6GTcOpP-zZDYi18sg/w640-h336/424784943_906621474807715_2161523010753756330_n.png" width="640" /></a></span></b></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">PREMIERING AT THE EDGE OFF-BROADWAY THEATER </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">MARCH 14 - APRIL 14, 2024</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU4XublyML8Juu_IddobyuAp7noNnTtSW-TQz-Il0PvHxy_hiMbvR9L6AafWQrDyiYOF1DZYm_frlElTSo5tPVOWZ9pDCrFM3G_B-5aJHIyfWE2qeti0mn9aRXjv5EYUgaP04MnSLcMLjz2yyvc9vP2KX_L-ToY2sH8V-nVmoA8813Fg1xTHqwhVPjZo/s878/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="878" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoU4XublyML8Juu_IddobyuAp7noNnTtSW-TQz-Il0PvHxy_hiMbvR9L6AafWQrDyiYOF1DZYm_frlElTSo5tPVOWZ9pDCrFM3G_B-5aJHIyfWE2qeti0mn9aRXjv5EYUgaP04MnSLcMLjz2yyvc9vP2KX_L-ToY2sH8V-nVmoA8813Fg1xTHqwhVPjZo/w640-h452/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><p></p><p> <b style="text-align: center;"><i>Top row (L to R) Caty Gordon (she/her, Murron); Jennifer Mohr (she/her, Dana); Jamie Redwood (she/her, Alastriona), Elizabeth MacDougald (she/her, Hecate) and Joel Thompson (he/him, Macbeth)</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Second row (L to R) Mara Kovacevic (she/her, Lady Macbeth); Troy Schaeflein (he/him, Banquo); Brendan Hutt (he/him, Porter); Watson Swift (he/him, Macduff); Erik Schnitger (he/him, Duncan)</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Third row (L to R) Orion Lay-Sleeper (he/him, Malcolm) and understudies Merrick McWherter (she/her), Katy Crow (she/her), Boomer Lusink (he/him) and John Wilson (he/him).</i></b></p><p>After 15 years; Idle Muse Returns to the Mists and Blasted Heaths of Medieval Scotland with a Reimagined Tale Based on The Tragedy of Macbeth filled with Mystery, Dark Fantasy and Horror</p><p>Idle Muse Theatre Company’s 2023 - 2024 season continues with an all-new version of What the Weird Sisters Saw at the Edge Off-Broadway Theater, 1133 W. Catalpa Ave., March 14 - April 14. This world premiere based on Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth as told from the perspective of the three witches is adapted by Artistic Director Evan Jackson and Tristan Brandon and directed by Jackson. The performance schedule for What the Weird Sisters Saw includes two preview performances Thursday, March 14 and Friday, March 15 at 8 p.m. with the press night Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. General admission tickets are on sale now for $30, general admission; $20, students and seniors, and $20, industry, at <b><a href="http://IdleMuse.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">IdleMuse.org</a></b> or the Idle Muse Theatre Company Box Office, 773.340.9438. </p><p>In 2009, a three-year old Idle Muse Theatre Company produced its first adaptation of a Shakespeare text. Based on William Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Macbeth and reframed from the perspective of the three witches, What The Weird Sisters Saw told the story of three young druidesses as they followed visions of bloody deeds to uncover the prophecy of a tyrant's ambition. </p><p>From this small production at what is now the Jarvis Square Theater, the first ensemble of Idle Muse Theatre Company was born–as well as the company's long standing mission to create works of theater which transport audiences to worlds of magic and mystery. This year, the 15th anniversary of this landmark production, that same ensemble, now a broad collective of theater artists, returns to the stage in a new version.</p><p>“This is more than just a remount. The 2024 version of What The Weird Sisters Saw is a complete rewrite and workshop of the original text,” said Artistic Director Jackson. “The same creative team that produced Idle Muse's most beloved "graphic novels on stage" including The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde and The Last Queen Of Camelot are back together again for another tale of mystery and dark fantasy.”</p><p>The cast of What the Weird Sisters Saw includes Caty Gordon (she/her, Murron); Jennifer Mohr (she/her, Dana); Jamie Redwood (she/her, Alastriona); Elizabeth MacDougald(she/her, Hecate); Joel Thompson (he/him, Macbeth); Mara Kovacevic (she/her, Lady Macbeth); Troy Schaeflein (he/him, Banquo); Brendan Hutt (he/him, Porter); Watson Swift(he/him, Macduff); Erik Schnitger (he/him, Duncan); Orion Lay-Sleeper (he/him, Malcolm) and understudies Merrick McWherter (she/her), Katy Crow (she/her), Boomer Lusink(he/him) and John Wilson (he/him).</p><p>The creative team of What the Weird Sisters Saw includes Evan Jackson (he/him, director and co-adaptor); Tristan Brandon (he/him, co-adaptor; properties designer & health safety officer); Shellie DiSalvo (she/her, production manager); Libby Beyreis (she/her, assistant director and violence designer) Laura Wiley (she/her, lighting & projection designer); L.J. Luthringer (he/him, music & sound designer); Jennifer Mohr (she/her, costume designer); Stina Taylor (she/her, scenic designer); Breezy Snyder (she/her, scenic artist); Cori Lang (she/they, dramaturg); Becky Warner (she/her, stage manager); Line Bower (they/them, technical director); Lindsey Chidester (she/her, assistant stage manager); Michael Dalberg (he/him, iterary director); Mara Kovacevic (she/her, treasurer/box office manager); Kati Lechner(she/her, director of fundraising/health safety officer) and Jinni Barak (she/her, social media).</p><p>ABOUT EVAN JACKSON, ADAPTOR/DIRECTOR</p><p>Evan Jackson serves as the artistic director of Idle Muse Theatre Company, a position he has had the honor of holding since the company’s inception. He has directed 15 previous productions for Idle Muse Theatre Company, including last season's The Last Queen of Camelot and Upon this Shore: A Tale of Pericles and the Daughters of Tyre, Best for Winter, being a short Shakespeare adapted from the Winter’s Tale and other works and Equivocation,The Lion in Winter and Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure (both Jeff-Recommended), The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Talking Cure, Rites and Sacrifices, a world premiere by Chicago playwright Jennifer L. Mickelson, Enchanted April, The Scullery Maid. He was also director and co-adapter of Shotgun Shakespeare: What the Weird Sisters Saw with Idle Muse company member Tristan Brandon. Outside directing projects include several short plays in the Martin de Maat New Works Festival at Boxer Rebellion Theatre and two summers serving as assistant director for Shakespeare on the Green in Lake Forest. Jackson is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University, where he received his MFA in directing.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRPX1jl2ngI6W0FB6wexTBazwiwZcIhIGTEUa4im6xFfsDfzR3Bw9FCgykzr4Hkzk2WB5wHmdl0HWC6GvZMgoOgE0qr2S5EOHxPLQEZLgpzj3H_5iApyEFkgZiLAFeHJ40TiUyS1WM-r6Hmsh5h6RgccBBG1pV-HCk7dRXTbibE1CnRl5taNtZLpGufo/s1362/311169351_544557824347417_2816823500162479804_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1362" data-original-width="1362" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRPX1jl2ngI6W0FB6wexTBazwiwZcIhIGTEUa4im6xFfsDfzR3Bw9FCgykzr4Hkzk2WB5wHmdl0HWC6GvZMgoOgE0qr2S5EOHxPLQEZLgpzj3H_5iApyEFkgZiLAFeHJ40TiUyS1WM-r6Hmsh5h6RgccBBG1pV-HCk7dRXTbibE1CnRl5taNtZLpGufo/w200-h200/311169351_544557824347417_2816823500162479804_n.png" width="200" /></a></p><p>ABOUT IDLE MUSE THEATRE COMPANY</p><p>Idle Muse Theatre Company’s mission is to produce theatre that is transporting, timely and true. The company was established in 2006 by theatre artists interested in exploring the relationship between individuals and the worlds they inhabit. Seeking to create production opportunities for themselves and other artists, they established a modern ‘guild’ of players and environment where theatre artists of different experiences and backgrounds could develop their craft. Today, Idle Muse remains focused on the following core values: </p><p>Transporting: We believe that great theatre removes both audience members and artists from their respective reality and transports them to another world. </p><p>Timely: We believe that human connection can be accomplished through meaningful, relevant,and accessible storytelling here and now. </p><p>True: We believe in unflinching honesty in the playing and storytelling. </p><p>In 2022, Idle Muse Theatre Company also began a profit share model with artists and team members for each production. In addition to any stipend or payment for services, a full 50% of all box office revenue is reserved and divided evenly among the cast and production team.</p><p>COVID policy: At this time, Idle Muse is not requiring masks or proof of vaccination from audience members. However, Idle Muse is continuing to monitor the evolving public health situation and will update this guidance as necessary to protect the safety of our audience, cast and production team. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-48427804343965646382024-02-02T13:26:00.011-06:002024-02-21T13:38:55.630-06:00Chicago Premiere of The Reclamation of Madison Hemings Via American Blues Theater February 16 – March 24, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="text-align: left;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">American Blues Theater continues its 2023-24 Season</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">with the Chicago Premiere of</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Reclamation of Madison Hemings</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPuj2_VTaurWFTFg_l_mttfBFu0ZGMR83Vvy9AY9y9rAjPup89RocX_DibzdBrpEvV-kUr7G3jlN9nrkDnZzBq1JXEVOnLgGLyTRGSlwB-iVpjObRbDkVReFO0DHkVrG75UGrbK0IdAQyKle-wPbHOhs2g4ko1CG3hQXnpMyYUFFZloE1KIXxKD_N00E/s2048/424666187_865710835564778_618275841839610708_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="779" data-original-width="2048" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPuj2_VTaurWFTFg_l_mttfBFu0ZGMR83Vvy9AY9y9rAjPup89RocX_DibzdBrpEvV-kUr7G3jlN9nrkDnZzBq1JXEVOnLgGLyTRGSlwB-iVpjObRbDkVReFO0DHkVrG75UGrbK0IdAQyKle-wPbHOhs2g4ko1CG3hQXnpMyYUFFZloE1KIXxKD_N00E/w640-h244/424666187_865710835564778_618275841839610708_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Written by Charles Smith</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Directed by Ensemble Member Chuck Smith</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Featuring Ensemble Member Manny Buckley and Jon Hudson Odom</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">February 16 – March 24, 2024</span></i></span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>at American Blues Theater’s new home, 5627 N. Lincoln Ave.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Tickets on-sale now</i></p><p>American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents the Chicago premiere of The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, written by Charles Smith and directed by Ensemble Member Chuck Smith. The Reclamation of Madison Hemings will be presented in American Blues Theater’s new permanent home, located at 5627 N Lincoln Ave in Chicago, February 16 – March 24, 2024. The press opening is Thursday, February 22 at 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at <b><a href="http://www.americanbluestheater.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.americanbluestheater.com</a> </b>or by calling (773) 654-3103.</p><p>It’s 1866, and the Civil War has ended. Madison Hemings, son of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings, and Israel Jefferson, formerly enslaved footman, return to Monticello in search of Israel’s long-lost brother. Their search gets sidetracked when Madison decides to claim what’s left of his birthright as the son of an American president. Together, the two men must face their conflicting feelings about the man who wrote “All men are created equal.” Slavery has been abolished, but what has changed? What do we need to keep with us as we move through this world and what should we leave behind?</p><p>Executive Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside comments, “Ensemble member Chuck Smith brought this incredible project to us. We immediately connected the poignant themes to our mission. We’re thrilled to work with celebrated playwright Charles Smith, and we’re honored for the opportunity to premiere this script to Chicago audiences.”</p><p>The Reclamation of Madison Hemings will play in the new home of American Blues Theater. The new venue, which had its first public performance on December 8, 2023, includes two theaters (137-seat proscenium and 40-seat flexible studio); an inviting lobby with box office, bar, and concessions; gendered and all-gendered restrooms; dressing rooms and greenroom; administrative offices; production spaces for scenery, props, and costumes; a small on-site parking lot with ample street parking.</p><p>The cast of The Reclamation of Madison Hemings includes Jon Hudson Odom (Madison Hemings) and Manny Buckley* (Israel Jefferson).</p><p>The creative team includes Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (scenic/props), Jared Gooding* & Rachel West* (co-lighting), Lily Walls* (costumes), Rick Sims* (sound), Warren Levon* (associate sound), and Richard Lundy (stage management).</p><p>*Denotes Ensemble member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater.</p><p> </p><p>ABOUT THE ARTISTS</p><p>CHARLES SMITH (Playwright) – Charles Smith’s plays include The Reclamation of Madison Hemings, Objects in the Mirror, Free Man of Color, Knock Me a Kiss, The Golden Leaf Ragtime Blues, Freefall, The Gospel According to James, Jelly Belly, Pudd’nhead Wilson, Les Trois Dumas, Denmark, Sister Carrie, The Sutherland, Black Star Line, Takunda, Cane, and City of Gold. His plays have been produced by Indiana Repertory Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, The Acting Company, People’s Light, The New Federal Theatre, Penumbra, Crossroads Theatre Company, Shakespeare & Company, Penguin Repertory Theatre, Ujima Theatre Company, The Colony Theatre, St. Louis Black Rep, Weissberger Theater Group, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Jubilee Theatre, Ensemble Theatre in Houston, Pegasus Theatre Chicago, Westcoast Black Rep., Robey Theatre Company, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Ensemble Theatre in Cleveland, Independent Theatre in Adelaide, South Australia, the HBO New Writers Project, the International Children’s Theater Festival in Seattle, and The National Black Theatre Festival. He has been commissioned by Cleveland Play House and The Acting Company, and has received multiple commissions from Victory Gardens, Indiana Rep, and Goodman. His awards include a Joseph Jefferson Award, a John W. Schmid Award, two Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Awards, the Illinois Arts Council Governors Award, the Joyce Award, the Cornerstone National Playwriting Award, The National Black Theatre Festival’s August Wilson Playwriting Award, Princess Grace Fellowship, the Theodore Ward National Playwriting Award, two Black Theatre Alliance Awards for New Work, the NBC New Voices Award, and numerous other AUDELCO, Jeff, NAACP, and Black Theatre Alliance award nominations. He is an alumnus of New Dramatists, a graduate of the University of Iowa Playwrights Workshop, one of the founding members of the Playwrights Ensemble at the Tony Award-winning Victory Gardens Theatre in Chicago, Distinguished Professor Emeritus and Presidential Research Scholar in the Arts and Humanities at Ohio University and has taught playwriting at Northwestern University, for the Prague Summer Program in Creative Writing in the Czech Republic, and for the Center for Dramatic Art in Groznjan, Croatia. His plays may be obtained through Dramatic Publishing, Samuel French, Northwestern Press, Smith and Kraus, Swallow Press, and Alexander Street Press. </p><p>CHUCK SMITH (Director) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater where he directed Leroi Jones’ Dutchman and Flyin’ West. He is a member of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees and is a Goodman Theatre Resident Director. He is also a resident director at the Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe in Sarasota, Florida. Goodman credits include the Chicago premieres of Pullman Porter Blues; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Race; The Good Negro; Proof and The Story; the world premieres of By the Music of the Spheres and The Gift Horse; James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner, which transferred to Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company, where it won the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award for Best Direction; A Raisin in the Sun; Blues for an Alabama Sky; August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, Two Trains Running and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; Objects in the Mirror, Having Our Say, Ain’t Misbehavin’ the 1993 to 1995 productions of A Christmas Carol; Crumbs From the Table of Joy; Vivisections from a Blown Mind and The Meeting. He served as dramaturg for the Goodman’s world-premiere production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean. He directed the New York premiere of Knock Me a Kiss and The Hooch for the New Federal Theatre and the world premiere of Knock Me a Kiss at Chicago’s Victory Gardens Theater, where his other directing credits include Master Harold... and the Boys, Home, Dame Lorraine and Eden, for which he received a Jeff Award nomination. Regionally, Mr. Smith directed Death and the King’s Horseman (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Birdie Blue (Seattle Repertory Theatre), Jitney and Gem of the Ocean (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), The Story (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Blues for an Alabama Sky (Alabama Shakespeare Festival) and The Last Season (Robey Theatre Company). At Columbia College he was facilitator of the Theodore Ward Prize playwriting contest for 20 years and editor of the contest anthologies Seven Black Plays and Best Black Plays. He won a Chicago Emmy Award as associate producer/theatrical director for the NBC teleplay “Crime of Innocence” and was theatrical director for the Emmy-winning “Fast Break to Glory” and the Emmy-nominated “The Martin Luther King Suite”. He was a founding member of the Chicago Theatre Company, where he served as artistic director for four seasons and directed the Jeff-nominated Suspenders and the Jeff-winning musical Po’. His directing credits include productions at Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, Roosevelt University, Eclipse Theatre, ETA, Black Ensemble Theater, Northlight Theatre, MPAACT, Congo Square Theatre Company, The New Regal Theater, Kuumba Theatre Company, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Pegasus Players, the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois, the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, and the University of Wisconsin in Madison. In 2019 he received an Honorary Ph.D. from his alma mater Governors State University and has received lifetime achievement awards from The African-American Arts Alliance of Chicago, the League of Chicago Theaters and the Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. He is a 2003 inductee into the Chicago State University Gwendolyn Brooks Center’s Literary Hall of Fame and a 2001 Chicago Tribune Chicagoan of the Year. He is the proud recipient of the 1982 Paul Robeson Award and the 1997 Award of Merit presented by the Black Theater Alliance of Chicago.</p><p>JON HUDSON ODOM (Madison Hemings) previously appeared at American Blues Theater in On Clover Road. Other Chicago credits include No Man’s Land, Describe the Night, The Seagull, Ms. Black For President (Steppenwolf Theatre Company); Toni Stone, A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Witch (Writers Theatre). Regional credits include: Ain’t No Mo’, An Octoroon, Botticelli in the Fire, Shipwreck (Woolly Mammoth Theatre); Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); The Magic Play (Actors Theatre of Louisville); Angels in America (Round House Theatre & Olney Theatre Center). TV credits include: “Lovecraft Country “(HBO), “Somebody Somewhere” (HBO Max), “South Side” (HBO Max), “Chicago PD” (NBC). Film credits include: “The Year Between”, “A Savage Nature”, “Reporting for Christmas.” He is a five-time nominee and recipient of the Helen Hayes Awards & Jeff Award nominee. He attended University of North Carolina School of the Arts.</p><p>MANNY BUCKLEY (Israel Jefferson) is an Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. He is a Chicago based actor, director, and writer. Directing credits include Driving Miss Daisy, The Bad Seed (Jedlicka Performing Arts), Kingdom, an audio play (Broken Nose Theatre), Uhuru, Cane, Origin Story, Mother of Pearl and The Reapers On Woodbrook Avenue (Blue Ink Festival), multiple short plays in the Ripped: The Living Newspaper, #ENOUGH: Plays to End Gun Violence, and The One Minute Play Festival. Acting credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Court, Victory Gardens, Chicago Dramatists, Next Theater, House Theatre, Shattered Globe Theater, Cincinnati Children’s Theatre and Studio Theatre. Manny has numerous credits with American Blues Theater, including his critically-acclaimed, award-winning solo performance in Looking Over the President’s Shoulder. Film and TV credits include: Proven Innocent, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, The US Navy, Northwestern University, and The Onion. He has received nominations for the Joseph Jefferson Award, the Helen Hayes Award and the 3Arts Award; he is the recipient of both a Black Theater Alliance Award and Black Excellence Award. Mr. Buckley was recently seen in American Blues Theater’s sold-out production of Fences and annually in American Blues' annual production of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!</p><p>Dates: </p><p>February 16 – March 24, 2024</p><p>Previews: February 16, 71, 18 and 21</p><p>Opening: February 22 at 7:30pm</p><p>Regular Run: February 23 – March 24, 2024</p><p> </p><p>Schedule: </p><p>Thursdays: 7:30pm</p><p>Fridays: 7:30pm</p><p>Saturdays: 7:30pm</p><p>Sundays: 2:30pm</p><p> </p><p>Location: American Blues Theater, 5627 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago</p><p>Ticket prices: $25-$55, plus a $4.50 ticket fee</p><p>Box office: Buy online at <b><a href="http://www.americanbluestheater.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.americanbluestheater.com</a></b> or by calling (773) 654-3103.</p><p><i>About American Blues Theater</i></p><p><i>Winner of the prestigious National Theatre Company Award from American Theatre Wing (Tony Awards). American Blues Theater is an Ensemble of artists committed to producing new and classic American stories that ask the question: “What does it mean to be American?”</i></p><p><i>The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2023, the theater and artists received 232 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 44 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades. </i></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-59820147476449721092024-01-31T17:57:00.011-06:002024-02-07T18:15:50.936-06:00World Premiere of Judy’s Life’s Work Via Definition Theatre February 2–25, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <i style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Adult Shows With Family Themes On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Definition Theatre Presents the World Premiere of</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Judy’s Life’s Work </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW7ADc0J-oDiZdtCOT9LUkPLJSLbrosnRDuSJvBHpvI00xk6HAbrb9uXm5l1hbYI1CUxreyKFk2oTWyY7mHiBU_hsVK-hjLkIWDKOvrmJz3zP1tjYaRiefCytJzZ3EXMaTS0hdwWW4SsKd3R69juhAfdStmj3fStdCd0Qr7Tyjpu1ZLqIbf_NULr9XXs/s810/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-05%20at%206.12.31%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="810" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW7ADc0J-oDiZdtCOT9LUkPLJSLbrosnRDuSJvBHpvI00xk6HAbrb9uXm5l1hbYI1CUxreyKFk2oTWyY7mHiBU_hsVK-hjLkIWDKOvrmJz3zP1tjYaRiefCytJzZ3EXMaTS0hdwWW4SsKd3R69juhAfdStmj3fStdCd0Qr7Tyjpu1ZLqIbf_NULr9XXs/w640-h598/Screen%20Shot%202024-02-05%20at%206.12.31%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></b></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">by Loy A. Webb</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Directed by Michelle Renee Bester</span></i></p><p>Definition Theatre opens its 2024 season with the world premiere of Judy’s Life’s Work by Loy A. Webb, directed by Michelle Renee Bester, running February 2–25, 2024 at the company’s newly announced storefront theater called Definition @ 55th at 1160 E 55th in Hyde Park. I'll be out for the press opening February 8th, so check back soon for my full review.</p><p>“To say it is an absolute honor to work with Definition Theatre and Loy A. Webb, would be an understatement. Both are such impactive engines of knowledge, creativity, and empowerment,” comments Director Michelle Renee Bester. “Definition Theatre has done some incredible work already in the city of Chicago, more specifically, the Southside, where there is an obvious void. Loy Webb has done tremendous work bringing to light Black legacy and Black excellence, and always writing beautiful Black stories for all to enjoy and learn from. The opportunity to direct such a piece as Judy’s Life’s Work with both entities is such a fulfillment for me, and I’m beyond excited to breathe life into this project along with the fantastically talented cast! My mission as a director is to not only entertain but to educate, and thankfully this project is allowing me to do just that plus more!” </p><p>Loy Webb is a Chicago-born playwright, attorney, and theatre journalist. Her play The Light garnered an Outer Critics Circle nomination for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play and a Joseph Jefferson Award. </p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">ABOUT THE PLAY </span></i></p><p>February 2—25, 2024 </p><p>Tickets: Starting at $25</p><p>Only a month after their mother’s death, Xavier, a highly praised ex-boxer, and his sister Charli, a brilliant pre-med student, fight to determine the future of their mother’s groundbreaking medical notes. As they work through the grief, heartbreak, pain, and unresolved trauma of their childhoods, we discover a story of the healing power of sibling love. </p><p>Judy’s Life’s Work features actors Rashun Carter, Cereyna Jade Bougouneau, and Kenesha Kristine Reed. </p><p>The production team for Judy’s Life Work includes Jessica Moore (Assistant Director), Alyssa Moon Thompson (Scenic Design), Janelle Smith (Costume Design), David Goodman - Edberg (Lighting Design), Kyle Cortes (Co-Sound Design), ensemble member Willow James (Co-Sound Design), Mariah Bennett (Props Design), ensemble member Maya Vinice Prentiss (Intimacy & Fight Choreography), Kenya Hall (Dramaturg), ensemble member Julie Jachym (Production Manager), ensemble member Ariel Beller (Stage Manager), Octavio Montes De Oca (Assistant Stage Manager), Tesla Sokolin-Maimon (Technical Director), Louis Lothan (Lead Electrician), ensemble member, Devan Castle (Sound Engineer), Victor Hugo Jaimes (Scenic Painter), Megan O’Brien (Lighting Overhire), and PR Casting (Casting). </p><p><i>ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE</i></p><p><i>Definition Theatre is a culturally diverse theater dedicated to telling language-driven, relationship-oriented, socially relevant stories about and created with underrepresented communities in Chicago. Our ensemble is a collective of artists, art administrators, educators, and designers who prioritize working towards and representing a more equitable theatre industry. </i></p><p><i>Definition has built its reputation on work that reflects its unique voice. It shared the words of Academy Award- Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney in The Brothers Size; it grooved with Amiri Baraka’s whirlwind story of a chance meeting on a train in Dutchman. In partnership with, The New Colony staged the world premiere of Byhalia, Mississippi, which starred Academy Award nominee ensemble member Kiki Layne. In association with the Goodman Theatre, Definition staged the Chicago premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, a subversive take on race in America that captivated audiences. Definition sent us all to the moon with ensemble member James Ijames’s Moon Man Walk, explored the challenges of America’s public-school system through Nilaja Sun’s No Child… and highlighted the first- generation experience in the world premiere of Sam Kebede’s ETHIOPIANAMERICA. The company returned to the stage and inspected white privilege, racial politics and the fine line between appropriation and opportunity in ensemble member James Ijames’s WHITE. In 2023, they examined the dark and sweet spots of Black American identity with the choreopoem, ALAIYO and is a searing examination of families, drama, family dramas, and the insidiousness of white supremacy in FAIRVIEW. </i></p><p><i>Definition Ensemble members include: Adia Alli, Owais Ahmed, Ariel Beller, Jared Bellot, Carley Cornelius, Ari Craven, Danielle Davis, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Martasia Jones, Slick Jorgensen, Yeaji Kim, Kristy Hall, James Ijames, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Victor Musoni, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Karyn Oates, Alexandra Oparka, Julian Parker, Maya Vinice Prentiss, Tyrone Phillips, Ireon Roach, Jacqueline Rosas, Christopher Sheard, and Dujon Smith. </i></p><p><i>Definition Artistic Advisory Board members include: director May Adrales, Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, Erica Daniels, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, director Pam Mackinnon, Equity Quotient CEO Keryl McCord, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins, media producer and host Troy Osborne Pryor, Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, and Goodman Theatre director in residence Chuck Smith. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director and Neel McNeill is the Executive Director. </i></p><p><i><b><span style="font-size: medium;">For tickets and additional information, visit <a href="http://definitiontheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">definitiontheatre.org</a> and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit</span></b></i></p><p><br /></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-33201064107912649852024-01-31T10:44:00.001-06:002024-01-31T10:44:21.368-06:00Cast and Production Team for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George Saturday, May 11and Sunday, May 12 at the Studebaker Theater<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span> </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM FOR </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">PORCHLIGHT IN CONCERT: </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SUNDAY THE PARK WITH GEORGE </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE8ywp9WQg-lj6tc__LXxzz7gB_Wc_KFBzomrw5qVT_PD4hUSgvm7ze1YOxKsDdvP1hY9l8yzeDDjstCAY1OfwlXsU1Dgmvpuj_hNf5oiNaldunp-w2_EHC01RVxGQTlbkqvdf1Qcid7ICusHDNJ6qJXD0ZUlgI9WwWsyyaFaIcgJvVyeIqziwnQWYZc/s650/unnamed-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="650" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIE8ywp9WQg-lj6tc__LXxzz7gB_Wc_KFBzomrw5qVT_PD4hUSgvm7ze1YOxKsDdvP1hY9l8yzeDDjstCAY1OfwlXsU1Dgmvpuj_hNf5oiNaldunp-w2_EHC01RVxGQTlbkqvdf1Qcid7ICusHDNJ6qJXD0ZUlgI9WwWsyyaFaIcgJvVyeIqziwnQWYZc/w640-h394/unnamed-1.png" width="640" /></a></b></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">STARRING BROADWAY’S SEAN ALLAN KRILL AND KATHY VOYTKO, </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">MAY 11 AND 12, AT THE STUDEBAKER THEATER</span></i></p><p>Tickets on Sale Now for this Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of Stephen Sondheim’s Masterpiece Musical, Directed for Porchlight by Artistic Director Michael Weber and Music Directed by David Fiorello</p><p>Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and production team for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, starring Tony Award-nominated Sean Allan Krill and Broadway’s Kathy Voytko, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. This concert performance includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine and is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and music directed by David Fiorello. Tickets are now on sale with a $150 subscription to Porchlight’s 29th season that also includes Anything Goes starring Meghan Murphy, now playing through February 25. Single tickets for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George ($75 - $125, subject to change) are on sale at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by phone with the Studebaker Theater box office at 312-753-3210. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.</p><p>Porchlight celebrates the 40th Anniversary of one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved works with a new special event concert staging. Audiences will experience Sondheim and James Lapine’s Pulitzer-, Tony- and Oliver-winning musical masterpiece with the original Broadway orchestrations performed by musicians live on stage with an all-star cast at Chicago's historic and beautifully restored Studebaker Theater. Based on Georges Seurat's painting “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,” which is on display just down the street from the Studebaker Theatre at the Art Institute of Chicago, this limited engagement brings to life the rich score telling the story of the months leading to the completion of Seurat’s famous work in 1886 and the effects of the artist and the art on people over the following 100 years.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ26lYIUGDfmzwXAu_utVkWPHllNgJR0ZLhv_ftw9flwNmf5UupV9wlF4P6b9DFXaDrZjL24b0MkvSzMixXQPPJ-IFjfXXUvXeA_eAB6asE33VcCWLEXjZ-mZTzEpdGiOZm4hjr9t4p4vXVrBsu2tE6TQWTzW44cmrPS0kfh3K7gqOAc1jlD0TdcOtfYQ/s1048/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1048" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ26lYIUGDfmzwXAu_utVkWPHllNgJR0ZLhv_ftw9flwNmf5UupV9wlF4P6b9DFXaDrZjL24b0MkvSzMixXQPPJ-IFjfXXUvXeA_eAB6asE33VcCWLEXjZ-mZTzEpdGiOZm4hjr9t4p4vXVrBsu2tE6TQWTzW44cmrPS0kfh3K7gqOAc1jlD0TdcOtfYQ/w640-h354/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(L to R) Sean Allan Krill and Kathy Voytko star in Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George</i></b></p><p>The cast includes: Sean Allan Krill (he/him, Georges Seurat/George) and Kathy Voytko (she/hers, Dot/Marie) and in alphabetical order, Neala Barron (she/her, female ensemble swing); Bella Branshaw (she/her, Louise); Daniel de Cranie-Pierre (he/him, Boatman/Charles Redmond); Devin DeSantis (he/him, Jules/Bob Greenberg); Billy Dwyer (he/him, male ensemble swing; Andres Enriquez (he/him, Mr/Lee Randolph); Veronica Garza (she/her, Nurse/Mrs/Harriet Pawling); Tiyanna Gentry (she/her, Celeste #1 /Waitress); Cory Goodrich (she/her, Yvonne/Naomi Eisen); Cecilia Iole (she/her, Celeste #2/Elaine); Samuel B. Jackson (he/him, Franz /Dennis); Chris Khoshaba (he/him, Soldier/Alex); Iris Lieberman (she/her, Old Lady/Blair Daniels); Chamaya Moody (she/her, Frieda/Betty) and David Moreland (he/him, Louis/Billy Webster).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U9OdzMMpYYmkwyt7S9ogu_hklQxTXAmPFcprknAlntDdswSM07SLN84wnNZ_g0AmgEGxDuiSlKimmR8k6L0PupmYRQ901zxmrtPsJE5WP1HMn9QxVDHeDyH79xoUzlTj7TVu5FIiWIwa933JyTuL01KZkzaWul257Lkc4CHNnnbJQe3VE8nq2fLEJWY/s1028/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1028" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U9OdzMMpYYmkwyt7S9ogu_hklQxTXAmPFcprknAlntDdswSM07SLN84wnNZ_g0AmgEGxDuiSlKimmR8k6L0PupmYRQ901zxmrtPsJE5WP1HMn9QxVDHeDyH79xoUzlTj7TVu5FIiWIwa933JyTuL01KZkzaWul257Lkc4CHNnnbJQe3VE8nq2fLEJWY/w640-h330/unnamed-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(L to R) Artistic Director Michael Weber, director, and David Fiorello, music director, of Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George</i></b></p><p>The creative team includes: Michael Weber (he/him, director); David Fiorello (he/him, music director/conductor); Rachel West (she/her, lighting designer & lighting director); Matthew R. Chase (he/him, sound designer); Bill Walters (he/him, stage manager); Drew Donnelly (he/him, asst. stage manager); Taylor Stageberg (she/they, asst. stage manager); John McTaggart (he/him, technical director); Tina Stasny (she/her, costume director); Samantha Anderson (she/they, assistant lighting supervisor/spot 2); Matt Reich (he/him, audio/ video director); Jack Zanger (he/him, wardrobe supervisor); Amanda May (she/her, hair & makeup supervisor); Heather Lynn Gervasi (she/her, production manager); Majel Cuza (she/her, director of production) and Frankie Leo Bennett (he/him, producing artistic associate).</p><p> </p><p>PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S 29th SEASON</p><p>Porchlight’s 29th season includes Anything Goes, January 13 - February 25, at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. As well as the Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music and the return of Porchlight’s special fundraising event, Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II, Monday, April 15 at 6 p.m. at the House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St. Subscriptions are on sale now for $150 which includes Anything Goes and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George. Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II may be added to the subscription at <b><a href="http://PorchlightMusicTheatre.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PorchlightMusicTheatre.org</a></b> or 773.777.9884.</p><p>Performances, dates and participants are subject to change.</p><p><br /></p><p>ABOUT SEAN ALLAN KRILL, “Georges Seurat/George”</p><p>Sean Allan Krill was most recently seen on Broadway as “Governor Slaton” in the Tony-winning revival of Parade. In 2020, he was nominated for a Tony Award for his role as “Steve Healy” in Jagged Little Pill. The cast recording of the critically-acclaimed musical received the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. Other Broadway credits include Honeymoon in Vegas, On a Clear Day You Can See Forever and Mamma Mia!. Off-Broadway: Joan of Arc: Into the Fire and The Brother/Sister Plays (The Public), Civil War Christmas (NY Theatre Workshop), Hit the Wall (Barrow Street Theatre). Regional: Sunday in the Park with George (Chicago Shakespeare and Skylight), Sense and Sensibility (Chicago Shakespeare - Jeff Award nomination & Old Globe - Craig Noel Award), Sideways (La Jolla Playhouse), Hot L Baltimore (Steppenwolf), Hamlet and Comedy of Errors (Chicago Shakespeare), Brigadoon (Marriott - Jeff Award nomination). Tours: Thoroughly Modern Millie, Mamma Mia! TV: “Dopesick," “Godfather of Harlem,” “Search Party," “Dr. Death," “Mr. Robot,” “Blacklist," “Blue Bloods," "Jentry Chau vs. the Underworld." Film: “Intermedium.”</p><p>ABOUT KATHY VOYTKO, “Dot/Marie”</p><p>Kathy Voytko made national news when Hugh Jackman praised her in a curtain speech that went viral, for jumping into the lead role of "Marian Paroo" (played by Sutton Foster) with only a few hours’ notice on the fourth Broadway preview of The Music Man.</p><p>Her Broadway debut was in the original cast of the Oklahoma! revival, starring Andrea Martin and Patrick Wilson. She then performed in the Tony Award-winning Nine starring Antonio Banderas and Chita Rivera. Voytko originated the role of "Ariadne" in Stephen Sondheim’s The Frogs opposite Nathan Lane at Lincoln Center. She appeared on Broadway in The Pirate Queen, the Pulitzer Prize-winning Next to Normal, the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder and the original Broadway cast of Tuck Everlasting.</p><p>She toured the United States as "Christine" in The Phantom of the Opera and was chosen by the legendary Hal Prince to play "Eva Peron" in the 25th anniversary tour of Evita. She was a frequent soloist in Boublil and Schonberg’s dream concert Do You Hear The People Sing? on its international tour, alongside Lea Salonga and Terence Mann. She was also a soloist in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber on its USA tour.</p><p>At Carnegie Hall, Voytko sang in Oscar Hammerstein & Jerome Kern’s Showboat and also in the live concert recording of Kristina by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The company then reprised the concert live at the Royal Albert Hall in London.</p><p>She is a featured soloist with symphonies across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. She has portrayed "Clara" in Passion, "Fantine" in Les Miserables and Fiona in Brigadoon. She was honored with her first Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Actress in a Musical as “Polly” in Crazy for You and her second as "Francesca" in The Bridges of Madison County and considers beautiful Chicago her alternate hometown.</p><p>She earned a BFA in musical theatre from Shenandoah Conservatory and grew up in lovely Johnstown, PA. She is married to Broadway and opera singer John Cudia; they are the proud parents of Alena and Evelyn.</p><p>ABOUT MICHAEL WEBER, director</p><p>Michael Weber is a nationally recognized, award-winning director, producer, actor and educator. He recently directed the Off-Broadway and European premieres of Call Me Elizabeth written by and starring Kayla Boye as Elizabeth Taylor. Under his artistic leadership, Porchlight Music Theatre was awarded Chicago’s Jeff Award for “Best Production” six times for A Class Act, Ain’t Misbehavin’, Sondheim on Sondheim, The Scottsboro Boys, Dreamgirls and Blues in the Night. Porchlight productions that he directed, include Cabaret, Gypsy, End of the Rainbow, Sweeney Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pal Joey, Assassins and Side Show, as well as Grand Hotel at Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place and She Loves Me at Theatre at the Center were each nominated for the Jeff Award for Best Production. He previously served as artistic director for the inaugural season of Chicago’s Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse) and at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana (1998-2004). Directing credits include Living the History-125 Years of The Auditorium Theatre starring Patti LuPone and John Mahoney, Fifth of July and Talley’s Folly at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Petrified Forest at Theatre at the Center, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott Theatre, Over the River and Through the Woods at Mercury Theater, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Pheasant Run Theatre, and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena featuring stars of Cirque du Soleil with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he has been nominated for nine awards and he wrote and directed 14 Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2006-2018). Weber’s regional acting credits include The Merry Widow (starring Renée Fleming) at Lyric Opera, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia Festival, The Winter’s Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Around the World in 80 Days at Cleveland Playhouse, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio at First Stage Milwaukee, It Had To Be You (starring Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka) at Little Theatre on the Square, Angel Street at First Folio Shakespeare, and The Gifts of the Magi at Indiana Repertory. He is author of the play, WAR of the WELLeS (about Orson Welles’ infamous radio broadcast) and he is a longtime pledge host for PBS station WTTW channel 11.</p><p>ABOUT DAVID FIORELLO, music director</p><p>David Fiorello is a music director, performer, director, composer and arranger who’s no stranger to Porchlight. He is the music director for the upcoming Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II and has served as music director most recently for Chicago Sings Broadway Pop, New Faces Sing Broadway 1951, Porchlight Revisits The Apple Tree and previously for Porchlight’s Blues in the Night, Gypsy, Do Re Mi, Woman of the Year, several seasons of New Faces Sing Broadway as well as several Chicago Sings and ICONS Gala benefits. He also appeared onstage as “Joe” in Merrily We Roll Along. Fiorello currently serves as founder and artistic director of “The Beautiful City Project,” a theatre company committed to raising funds for local Chicago charities and nonprofits, using some of the city’s finest musical theatre talents. He’s music directed national and international tours, including John Doyle’s re-imagining of Sweeney Todd. He also served as music director for the Off-Broadway hit Danny & Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical. His orchestrations and arrangements have been heard across the nation, and on several albums. He’s taught and directed/music directed as part of the International Lyric Academy in Italy and is adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago. An in-demand vocal coach, Fiorello Studios has also provided unique cabaret programming featuring the music of The Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, Eva Cassidy, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat.</p><p><i>ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</i></p><p><i>Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.”</i></p><p><i>Porchlight's 29-year history includes more than 70 mainstage works with 16 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Porchlight’s commitment to the past, present and future of music theatre led the company to develop the Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway program series, both quickly becoming audience favorites.</i></p><p><i>Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations, most notably the ongoing collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form. </i></p><p><i>The company’s many honors include 192 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 48 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 12 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards, and was honored with eight nominations in both technical and artistic categories and won three awards in its inaugural year in this tier, most notably Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.</i></p><p><i>Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and production team for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, starring Tony Award-nominated Sean Allan Krill and Broadway’s Kathy Voytko, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m., at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. This concert performance includes music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine and is directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber and music directed by David Fiorello. Tickets are now on sale with a $150 subscription to Porchlight’s 29th season that also includes Anything Goes starring Meghan Murphy, now playing through February 25. Single tickets for Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George ($75 - $125, subject to change) are on sale at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by phone with the Studebaker Theater box office at 312-753-3210. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Sunday.</i></p><p><i>Porchlight’s 2023-2024 season is dedicated to Jim Jensen in recognition of his outstanding generosity and 12 years of dedicated board service to Porchlight Music Theatre.</i></p><p><i>Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from Allstate Foundation; Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation; Byline Bank; Chicago Park District/Night Out in the Parks; Comcast/Xfinity; ComEd; James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation; Hearty Boys; The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity and the Arts at Prince; Mesirow Financial; the Pritzker Traubert Foundation; Ryan and Spaeth, Inc.; Daniel and Genevieve Ratner Foundation; The Saints; Dr. Scholl Foundation; the Shulman-Rochambeau Foundation; the Shubert Foundation and Uvae Kitchen and Wine Bar</i></p><p><i>The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce, Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, and by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.</i></p><p><i>Porchlight Music Theatre wishes to thank members of the Matching Gift Corporate Program including Abbvie; Allstate; Baxter, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Peoples Gas; Pepsico; Polk Bros Foundation and The Saints. </i></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-78711893424602872372024-01-31T08:05:00.004-06:002024-01-31T09:42:08.448-06:00REVIEW: Peter Samelson’s Magic, Love, Mystery Now Playing at Chicago Magic Lounge Wednesdays Through March 27, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Chicago Magic Lounge Presents</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Peter Samelson’s</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Magic, Love, Mystery</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Wednesdays beginning January 10, 2024</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFjedGjnqFT-7J0I3Yxj2FXsOziED5OsV4fXojDdGBt0KGE-PCvf0geLxAEUzW39HQ9eClYJG9BJmuSWYkpUsq6Gxt1b0cSnhAhDzm1inQ5xJyW7uK75t-e8-7zIV2WDhwDwVZrw3qGuvY1VLb_mehuQv8OmpFChSk1NQqFcM7PjsiVxuZlai0c5trYE/s1042/Peter_SmokeGlass.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFjedGjnqFT-7J0I3Yxj2FXsOziED5OsV4fXojDdGBt0KGE-PCvf0geLxAEUzW39HQ9eClYJG9BJmuSWYkpUsq6Gxt1b0cSnhAhDzm1inQ5xJyW7uK75t-e8-7zIV2WDhwDwVZrw3qGuvY1VLb_mehuQv8OmpFChSk1NQqFcM7PjsiVxuZlai0c5trYE/w590-h640/Peter_SmokeGlass.jpeg" width="590" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Production Photos Courtesy of Chicago Magic Lounge unless otherwise noted.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Chicago Magic Lounge Also Announces Full Slate of </i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Winter Programming</i></span></p></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Review</i></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>By Guest Critic, </i><i>Dugan Kenaz-Mara </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Prepare yourself for a night of charm at Peter Samelson's Magic, Love, Mystery at The Magic Lounge. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEURR3awTOEp4q7mdM0ZLs2J5hOWXj_ppWpTqdDQ6ENz1RonCJyK2zbBsIyuaiwlHVpK021ahzFxgC9VVYel2WeofgSrAtsXrMeb1bkui8WcQR5FwdFbY-5LDbhzy7xo2s-BLR7dSFl8v6ITEzODhJQHdqP77aJiqASNJa_KFNGNf9kHr4GyNW3z0adQ/s1824/IMG_5025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEURR3awTOEp4q7mdM0ZLs2J5hOWXj_ppWpTqdDQ6ENz1RonCJyK2zbBsIyuaiwlHVpK021ahzFxgC9VVYel2WeofgSrAtsXrMeb1bkui8WcQR5FwdFbY-5LDbhzy7xo2s-BLR7dSFl8v6ITEzODhJQHdqP77aJiqASNJa_KFNGNf9kHr4GyNW3z0adQ/w480-h640/IMG_5025.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Dugan and Kit (photo by Kit)</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In typical Magic Lounge fashion, the night begins with pre-show table performances as magicians bring close-up tricks directly to your table. Despite arriving after the table magic started we still managed to catch 2 different magicians who completely wowed us. I was especially excited to see some of our favorites who have taken the main stage at previous performances. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXxcPrLiwDavZkRNrZLRNLD-J4u1lFQkaj7Ipc3m6A2PPlcw543DLf-jsWnkqkG9xEH-pqgzywPjfoBOGUwkcAVye2umLuObvMXovB-AtxoxkFvM9brRRtup5DTpbn29Nnh-zZSqss9qEq9Z6o2CF8a_VwrEP2vU2uKRnx3eHz4A4J7gq0GWsPpbY-HQ/s2016/IMG_5027.JPG" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBXxcPrLiwDavZkRNrZLRNLD-J4u1lFQkaj7Ipc3m6A2PPlcw543DLf-jsWnkqkG9xEH-pqgzywPjfoBOGUwkcAVye2umLuObvMXovB-AtxoxkFvM9brRRtup5DTpbn29Nnh-zZSqss9qEq9Z6o2CF8a_VwrEP2vU2uKRnx3eHz4A4J7gq0GWsPpbY-HQ/w480-h640/IMG_5027.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i> photo by Dugan Kenaz-Mara</i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Once Samelson took the stage the atmosphere completely transformed. With the help of slide projections, dim lights, and gentle jazz music, the audience was taken into a detective’s office straight out of a noir film. It was here that we got our role - the audience would be working together with the magician to solve a mystery throughout the course of the show.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkn9M0J3FZBO5tx6n1RO3C6s8Xnnj5gm9nIEz6RVMgvuz1pLfqA0wBny3uRO_xVFdylGMwx4Ogk5Pi4ccX3UkQ582HAQWETbjkkM7D7oXqMErva7NDWlK1vrF-t2syawPXfI5afar1PJe9mJ_nwGbTSJBixc6sW_p5T1C0jtQoSpG4LOeXY2WgpOps7Q/s4998/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(3).jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3332" data-original-width="4998" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWkn9M0J3FZBO5tx6n1RO3C6s8Xnnj5gm9nIEz6RVMgvuz1pLfqA0wBny3uRO_xVFdylGMwx4Ogk5Pi4ccX3UkQ582HAQWETbjkkM7D7oXqMErva7NDWlK1vrF-t2syawPXfI5afar1PJe9mJ_nwGbTSJBixc6sW_p5T1C0jtQoSpG4LOeXY2WgpOps7Q/w640-h424/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(3).jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Samelson does a great job of tying each of his tricks to the case we are collectively exploring. He sometimes introduces tangential ticks through voice-over narration and clever slides and uses the rest of the tricks to find clues, like names, dates, and locations relating to the case. While the narrative itself was difficult to follow it was still a useful tool, and what the magician lacked in storytelling ability he made up for with skill and experience as a magician.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Theatergoers who appreciate magic and have seen other magicians will recognize some of the tricks in this show but will be surprised at how he adds his own twist to them. Magic, Love, Mystery incorporates a good mix of old and new tricks, as well as variety within the tricks from card magic and restoration to mentalism and predictions. The show even includes props I’ve never seen in a magic show, like the prize inside a box of cracker jacks.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXplVRXPL_hvR3e-f2cY-pE4hzo5OGq6cW2g_UwJ9Eg1H1mb-VtmkKaE8YQwRZtSKA08jRO_NuQwyFBfIotu40TTyqL9cc4_z-taJ_OeCZwFqK7In-C9OHmPIHTgztjSzO9F00ed6AYmdviL_H16_n4Qo7Ul5Dq3Lk6BqngummRU8X8A9XbChzobVxiI/s4699/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(4).jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4699" data-original-width="3472" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtXplVRXPL_hvR3e-f2cY-pE4hzo5OGq6cW2g_UwJ9Eg1H1mb-VtmkKaE8YQwRZtSKA08jRO_NuQwyFBfIotu40TTyqL9cc4_z-taJ_OeCZwFqK7In-C9OHmPIHTgztjSzO9F00ed6AYmdviL_H16_n4Qo7Ul5Dq3Lk6BqngummRU8X8A9XbChzobVxiI/w472-h640/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(4).jpg" width="472" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The show does include a lot of audience participation (which is to be expected at a parlor magic show). I appreciate that Samelson brings some of his acts out to individual tables to demonstrate a few stage tricks up close, and I think he does a wonderful job of including as many people as possible. He takes care not to invite the same few people up to the stage and actively seeks willing participants. It is worth noting that his instructions are not always clear and some audience members were uncomfortable being asked to do things onstage (like dancing), but for the most part, everyone had a good time.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBT2hvAIhYix3ImmEZxvyvBzbyAXfEPiiXIxJseqKEmoj1G21IQMZqpSs_k2UMC7wtRhhfwf8tNd_L4GKzyANrWncHTS309I6543UvBQR1CoAzZNUnTu0DZlrtUXtjbCyw_Gvxf-phT2q_-oX_JU3vaXjlN2q4TLhXaQ-IrflvfBYoOA87cokm0AZtTY/s1824/IMG_5029.JPG" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRBT2hvAIhYix3ImmEZxvyvBzbyAXfEPiiXIxJseqKEmoj1G21IQMZqpSs_k2UMC7wtRhhfwf8tNd_L4GKzyANrWncHTS309I6543UvBQR1CoAzZNUnTu0DZlrtUXtjbCyw_Gvxf-phT2q_-oX_JU3vaXjlN2q4TLhXaQ-IrflvfBYoOA87cokm0AZtTY/w480-h640/IMG_5029.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Dugan and Kit (</i><i>photo by Dugan)</i></p><p><b><i>Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of Northwestern University.</i></b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_xJNMh9ergcvHdnf3wRXLGwb0vb2CeDOkd5IwQxWAD4dvlv1rIxetkqd1be0LIuaN4EFSu7gclDhZQKd_4uruyqplHCLVeO8skpT3G6AjtURzqbQydgPVPrPQTPffZItn-MzYhlJyCHZ-oSLVPr38CXhFSqbj_OBrBvHo3BqC4A9rvrvWkzajzWIS7c/s2035/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1914" data-original-width="2035" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_xJNMh9ergcvHdnf3wRXLGwb0vb2CeDOkd5IwQxWAD4dvlv1rIxetkqd1be0LIuaN4EFSu7gclDhZQKd_4uruyqplHCLVeO8skpT3G6AjtURzqbQydgPVPrPQTPffZItn-MzYhlJyCHZ-oSLVPr38CXhFSqbj_OBrBvHo3BqC4A9rvrvWkzajzWIS7c/w640-h602/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><p></p><p>Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic, kicks off its 2024 Artist-In-Residence series with Peter Samelson’s Magic, Love, Mystery. In this mesmerizing performance, Samelson takes you on a journey through the enigmatic world of love, exploring its many forms and revealing its secrets. Magic, Love, Mystery runs Wednesdays at 7:00pm, January 10 – March 27, 2024. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at <b><a href="http://chicagomagiclounge.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chicagomagiclounge.com</a></b>.</p><p>Experience the mystery of love through the eyes of a magician with Peter Samelson's one-man show, Magic, Love, Mystery.</p><p>Through his masterful storytelling, Peter explores how love can inspire us, transform us from the inside out, and even transcend death. Minds will be read, the imperceptible bond between soul mates will be revealed, and the boundaries of loss and mortality will be crossed, uncovering how memories shape our past and future.</p><p>Prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, entertainment, and wonder as Peter Samelson takes you on a whimsical journey through the mystery of love. Get ready to experience pure magic and unlock the secrets of love.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie06yN4kVT5SZr84w7WyqTT71j0XFHcZtUvfJxSsEbmyJ8xdSFOVe6xrOnhVk8eW0u1w-hQi00SuH7Z4oSqio4nFdy6W9wRsylM1IY0MCkSxQ9HbkI6xNNMYuoVwssBhKzCgrngtHtbP5l6F_Vr_Bd8BvwL-Pv7Vl-IlFssWTdgsZmcE2HPJcMvq9lTe0/s2650/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(1).jpg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1767" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie06yN4kVT5SZr84w7WyqTT71j0XFHcZtUvfJxSsEbmyJ8xdSFOVe6xrOnhVk8eW0u1w-hQi00SuH7Z4oSqio4nFdy6W9wRsylM1IY0MCkSxQ9HbkI6xNNMYuoVwssBhKzCgrngtHtbP5l6F_Vr_Bd8BvwL-Pv7Vl-IlFssWTdgsZmcE2HPJcMvq9lTe0/w424-h640/Peter%20Samelson%20in%20Magic,%20Love,%20Mystery.%20Photo%20by%20Sarah%20Elizabeth%20Larson%20(1).jpg" width="424" /></a></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">About the Artists</span></i></p><p>Peter Samelson insists he doesn’t do magic, he only helps people to see it. He is an illusionist/entertainer/philosopher, blending simplicity and sophistication as he provokes thought and inspires wonder.</p><p>Recently appearing on Penn & Teller's Fool Us, the pair praised Peter Samelson as "one of the greatest living magicians." Samelson, master magician and off -Broadway star, literally wrote the book on Theatrical Magic. Co-founder of New York City's longest running off -Broadway magic show Monday Night Magic and frequent performer at Speakeasy Magick, one of NY's hottest new shows at the McKittrick Hotel, Peter has been hailed as New York's most distinguished illusionist, entertainer, and philosopher. </p><p>Christened “the soft-spoken conceptualist of sorcery” by the New York Times, Peter Samelson is a recipient of the Merlin Award for Lifetime Achievement, Peter is one of the most sought-after theatrical wizards. He has created magic for some of Broadway's biggest plays and musicals including Leap of Faith, Harvey, The Cherry Orchard, The Winter’s Tale, the National Tour of Pippin, the musical Houdini, Carnival at the Papermill Playhouse, Tom Stoppard's Travesties, and the Menotti opera The Consul. Additionally, Peter has created and starred in three critically acclaimed one-man off -Broadway shows: The Magician, PaperWork, and Radnevsky's Real Magic.</p><p>What distinguishes Peter from other artists in the field of Illusion is his commitment to making Magic an Art. His performance is more than mere entertainment, touching the hearts of his audiences in a way few evenings can.</p><p><b>Magic, Love, Mystery will be presented on Wednesdays at 7:00pm, January 10 – March 27, 2024. Tickets are priced $42.50 (Main Floor) and $47.50 (Front Row).</b></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">Also Happening at Chicago Magic Lounge</span></i></p><p><b>Music & Magic</b></p><p><b>Mondays at 7:00pm</b></p><p><b>Tickets: General Admission $30</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>The Showcase</b></p><p><b>Tuesdays at 7:00pm</b></p><p><b>Tickets: Standard: $35 - $37.50; Front Row: $40 - $42</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The Signature Show</b></p><p><b>Thursdays-Sundays at 7:00pm, Fridays and Sundays at 10pm</b></p><p><b>Tickets: Front Row $85 - $96, Premium Main Floor (main floor banquette and main floor cabaret) $72.50 – $82.50, Standard (rail and elevated banquette) $65 - $75, Mezzanine $52.50 – 61.50. </b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Family Show</b></p><p><b>Sundays at 3:00pm, November 19, December 3 & 17, January 7 & 21</b></p><p><b>Tickets: Standard: $40; Front Row: $50</b></p><p>Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Ages 16+ allowed to ticketed evening shows with a legal guardian. Ages 5+ are allowed to The Family Show. Children must be supervised by an adult at all times. The staff and performers of the Chicago magic lounge are fully vaccinated for covid 19. Ticket holders must attest to being fully vaccinated against covid-19 or have tested negative within 48 hours prior to your visit to enter the premises.</p><p>For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, resident and guest performers, and more, please visit <b><a href="http://chicagomagiclounge.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chicagomagiclounge.com</a></b>.</p><p> </p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-48216816985485492622024-01-29T14:21:00.004-06:002024-01-29T14:34:17.974-06:00 Music Box Theatre to Play Wim Wenders’ 3-D Documentary ANSELM beginning February 2, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span>What We're Watching: </span></span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Wim Wenders’ 3-D Documentary </span></span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ANSELM </span></b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Shot in 6K Resolution</span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><i>Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKvfUI6Gk19gKXiAVvbLEukk-XPm3amn9q-dNcpoKFUqCjQyAwYqfnqVPtsMAokICtlrrqEiuhJ9cyuj91hItgaiuj8QJkaTphvmgM2a4JSAHQUKtbvX9LPC_2iUn2yjh4bZURWs3kCfLlB0eR75bMsDCBxJQFbtRL1OYhyeBjMKb9MbJ55pLgeVaOmc/s480/anslem-poster.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="325" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKvfUI6Gk19gKXiAVvbLEukk-XPm3amn9q-dNcpoKFUqCjQyAwYqfnqVPtsMAokICtlrrqEiuhJ9cyuj91hItgaiuj8QJkaTphvmgM2a4JSAHQUKtbvX9LPC_2iUn2yjh4bZURWs3kCfLlB0eR75bMsDCBxJQFbtRL1OYhyeBjMKb9MbJ55pLgeVaOmc/w432-h640/anslem-poster.jpeg" width="432" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Music Box Theatre & Janus Films present director Wim Wenders’ 3-D documentary ANSELM, beginning February 2, 2024!!! Shot at 6K resolution and in the 3D format. the film chronicles the art of German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefe. I'll be out January 30 for a press preview, so check back soon for my full review. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“Much as he did with his 2011 documentary, PINA, Wenders uses three dimensions in almost sculptural fashion, allowing us to take in the weight and texture of a work, or a movement.” — New York Magazine</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“As unique and thought-provoking as Kiefer’s own epic works.” — The Austin Chronicle</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“As Kiefer’s monumental art decays, “Anselm” can endure as his memorial.” — The Washington Post</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>“The director has fashioned a mesmerizing engagement with Kiefer’s art, including just enough face time with the subject to elevate the work’s immersive, bleak majesty, rather than give it an aggrandizing spin.” — Los Angeles Times</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLpmBDqKG18BdLqa24GstpQPqEPFd4MFyElmS7_pTmagUOVhZy01YXS-TE-6Roso6SEcnZJ2h2fExUGTTHWr6ZxRBFCHfVfIThYScZ9mOe61kEjPxmpM2mxx5TLNjtFb0lWDGp7ywcVJaFnhv_0LuP4NUg2i2S3Y47_6wLUHGCQv_qAipc4uSAaKgXGo/s468/unnamed.png" style="font-family: times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="468" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLpmBDqKG18BdLqa24GstpQPqEPFd4MFyElmS7_pTmagUOVhZy01YXS-TE-6Roso6SEcnZJ2h2fExUGTTHWr6ZxRBFCHfVfIThYScZ9mOe61kEjPxmpM2mxx5TLNjtFb0lWDGp7ywcVJaFnhv_0LuP4NUg2i2S3Y47_6wLUHGCQv_qAipc4uSAaKgXGo/w640-h424/unnamed.png" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">About ANSELM:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In ANSELM, Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. Shot in 3D and 6K resolution, the film presents a cinematic experience of the artist’s work which explores human existence and the cyclical nature of history, inspired by literature, poetry, philosophy, science, mythology and religion. For over two years, Wenders traced Kiefer’s path from his native Germany to his current home in France, connecting the stages of his life to the essential places of his career that spans more than five decades.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Pricing:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Ticket prices are $11 ($8 for Music Box members). </span><i style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://musicboxtheatre.com/films-and-events/anselm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">For showtimes and information, click here.</a></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Become a member: <b><a href="https://www.musicboxtheatre.com/membership/become-a-member" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.musicboxtheatre.com/membership/become-a-member</a></b></span></p><p><i>About Music Box Theatre:</i></p><p><i>Operating since 1929, the Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films for more than three decades, playing host to over 200,000 patrons annually. It currently has the largest theater space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD, and television markets throughout the United States; and through its Music Box Direct subsidiary, operates an online streaming service offering the best of foreign and independent films.</i></p><p><i>Regular events produced, presented and hosted at Music Box Theatre include the 70mm Film Festival; the annual 24-hour horror-movie marathon Music Box of Horrors; and Noir City: Chicago, co-presented by the Film Noir Foundation.</i></p><p><i><b>Follow the Music Box Theatre on Facebook (www.facebook.com/musicboxchicago/), Twitter (@musicboxtheatre), and Instagram (@musicboxchicago)</b></i></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-13771296732791075582024-01-27T12:40:00.003-06:002024-01-27T13:56:06.730-06:00LAST CALL: The Dolphin Show’s Highly Recommended 81st production: Kinky Boots! Ends Tonight! 1/27/24<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> The Dolphin Show</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>AMERICA’S LARGEST STUDENT PRODUCED MUSICAL PRESENTS…</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">WINNER OF 6 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL!</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">With Book by Harvey Fierstein and Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><i><b>Recommended for Ages 10+</b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVhGtjAT2UeAWBOLdIL93n_bAilK511Uqv-5swH1DkbFytWkQ_gUJTqAvFwg92wi6tcqei3Sb2PKA6CM2owgBj6KwcaqONUj4dy0Qg8bnQaQeP2HmfynrcKduNgR_Oci51JkRaWkAVKsRU-OwIrJPUWxN10HwEX2fCPn9IBCQYc2g_yPV79OWMNOJslM/s1080/421228782_18420133933011246_6860313503950534099_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVhGtjAT2UeAWBOLdIL93n_bAilK511Uqv-5swH1DkbFytWkQ_gUJTqAvFwg92wi6tcqei3Sb2PKA6CM2owgBj6KwcaqONUj4dy0Qg8bnQaQeP2HmfynrcKduNgR_Oci51JkRaWkAVKsRU-OwIrJPUWxN10HwEX2fCPn9IBCQYc2g_yPV79OWMNOJslM/w640-h640/421228782_18420133933011246_6860313503950534099_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></i></div><p></p><p><i><br /></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Review</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>By Guest Critic, </i><i>Dugan Kenaz-Mara </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes a two-and-a-half-hour show feels daunting, and you fear you may get tired and bored, wanting to leave before the second act is through. But fear not, you will find yourself completely immersed in every second of The Dolphin Show’s 81st production: Kinky Boots! I had the pleasure of catching it last night. O</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">verall, it is a stunning show, and I highly recommend you see the final performance tonight.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The show had many wonderful features, including:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Flashy costumes for all of the angels worthy of a runway show all to themselves.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dtkPdMhDcRjVesKeyZcQKfRgy3eklEi612LxxJk_BEMrVFckoIOBOGRWbMhtNUXEJH5SW5fJBFZlCwVE6Zf6CTEICr-wwedQCNzFyh5L5XfNjMkVyZfJtS4vOkDiIVN9yNPG0NOEZRDdT9T0wIq7O5vumUzLE_OEZVUYBfi0__N7jfdBcWDSmVJDp5k/s1080/422187271_18420501109011246_5348297709851500208_n.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dtkPdMhDcRjVesKeyZcQKfRgy3eklEi612LxxJk_BEMrVFckoIOBOGRWbMhtNUXEJH5SW5fJBFZlCwVE6Zf6CTEICr-wwedQCNzFyh5L5XfNjMkVyZfJtS4vOkDiIVN9yNPG0NOEZRDdT9T0wIq7O5vumUzLE_OEZVUYBfi0__N7jfdBcWDSmVJDp5k/w640-h640/422187271_18420501109011246_5348297709851500208_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over-the-top makeup that builds in intensity, resulting in an expressive explosion in the finale.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxaLRZkfpJKleiV7QYLkqKIZr9wsooaF4Ci-H_E7ZyDSW8Y03CCRTyVLlBl0hyphenhyphenVTMb9hyfwhs4QPR9th879b2X8zT3AJLzWUkOJstyWODcEZpVFddgsX0uyctZGCguQjG7bVN9RWx0xoN52XHoJ5iP0cA89MGiKD8MHDp0U5wTBkEokXpy-ROLoqmPH4/s1080/421307798_18420133951011246_1191457853328852553_n.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxaLRZkfpJKleiV7QYLkqKIZr9wsooaF4Ci-H_E7ZyDSW8Y03CCRTyVLlBl0hyphenhyphenVTMb9hyfwhs4QPR9th879b2X8zT3AJLzWUkOJstyWODcEZpVFddgsX0uyctZGCguQjG7bVN9RWx0xoN52XHoJ5iP0cA89MGiKD8MHDp0U5wTBkEokXpy-ROLoqmPH4/w640-h640/421307798_18420133951011246_1191457853328852553_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">An incredible versatile set with moving pieces that adapt easily to every scene.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dramatic lights and sound that pull the audience into the world of the show.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">And brilliant actors who shine on stage with their vocal talent, and guide the audience effortlessly through the highs and lows of the musical.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHUlJBYdsB_CZE-khCOkR-eFDk0MzJSKJt9zClNI2lfPQ5IfDENch2g_paZiVinRZcKBCPHqLFg3o_4qu0_q9bnx0wL5-v3VJNB3SZHSArbnodVAkkBgBdG4nIsHj05nadPhoZESTsOroJEUb6DH69aZ8RQ7qI-lPPZyNRZY9SgYPIjmgOCuPyC0xfF0/s1080/421242067_18420133942011246_648169975373290523_n.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoHUlJBYdsB_CZE-khCOkR-eFDk0MzJSKJt9zClNI2lfPQ5IfDENch2g_paZiVinRZcKBCPHqLFg3o_4qu0_q9bnx0wL5-v3VJNB3SZHSArbnodVAkkBgBdG4nIsHj05nadPhoZESTsOroJEUb6DH69aZ8RQ7qI-lPPZyNRZY9SgYPIjmgOCuPyC0xfF0/w640-h640/421242067_18420133942011246_648169975373290523_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You can tell by the cheers, gasps, and standing ovation that this production really touches the audience, and it is incredibly clear how much dedication went into the show from every producer, designer, actor, and other member of the Dolphin team.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CRiryMGu-3epG4t6USejNJJvkx_O-fWZpPpypzWokX-yDIAmUCRocuyyNSO_QxCM1CKPWb5czaHIOT0RaZomad1ywOMUncuHwdcq1zIKqLoyZY14RIQ3_HFCLGlYS6w6mGZLaTQlgvld2PKApD43D5HImk7I0KKLbR5Bk3_-bAC2KVp5GPCjZQDYhg/s1440/422959806_18421091923011246_2398577136843246079_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1440" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-CRiryMGu-3epG4t6USejNJJvkx_O-fWZpPpypzWokX-yDIAmUCRocuyyNSO_QxCM1CKPWb5czaHIOT0RaZomad1ywOMUncuHwdcq1zIKqLoyZY14RIQ3_HFCLGlYS6w6mGZLaTQlgvld2PKApD43D5HImk7I0KKLbR5Bk3_-bAC2KVp5GPCjZQDYhg/w640-h424/422959806_18421091923011246_2398577136843246079_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over 90% sold out for the closing performance. Only 100 tickets are left for the final show. Don't miss this! <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nudolphinshow/?hl=en" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click here for more information and photos on Instagram.</a></b></span></p><p><b><i>Dugan </i><i>Kenaz-Mara</i><i> is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of Northwestern University.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SIPwRDZhA_iZMiFB07LIDSKwpUO9jH7d2vWBVY6qI-dMoBnEw-O5U6pOGUnyaQVlccMczRPBdwvJ8_iQJ0MQ4-kJA6dwosDiqxbwBHVusfpm6-9GWnqasLUYqE7BBqWoY2KA2g0z3mpd2nLfHAL3yrmlnaaxM0iMXIlu-UFN3lZh5hpwi8HtUEaq0BYs/s2500/catalyzer++(2)-min.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="2500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SIPwRDZhA_iZMiFB07LIDSKwpUO9jH7d2vWBVY6qI-dMoBnEw-O5U6pOGUnyaQVlccMczRPBdwvJ8_iQJ0MQ4-kJA6dwosDiqxbwBHVusfpm6-9GWnqasLUYqE7BBqWoY2KA2g0z3mpd2nLfHAL3yrmlnaaxM0iMXIlu-UFN3lZh5hpwi8HtUEaq0BYs/w640-h320/catalyzer++(2)-min.png" width="640" /></a></i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><i>The 81st Annual Dolphin Show is gearing up to bring you an electrifying performance of Kinky Boots the Musical! </i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Get ready to be dazzled by this spectacular show filled with fabulous music, incredible designs, sensational choreography, and a heartwarming story that will leave you cheering for more. Our team of over 150 students cannot wait to bring this relevant and powerful narrative to Northwestern’s campus and continue our educational workshops, community outreach efforts, and more. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBUedS7oXLONyPBLZWui0zWPClKph0EbXNHeKxvz9hcpzwovTM7k7Vbs-FM9CrVXUHo2aQ0Qmsy_U3xPGo8BUFYbZovzuUlFfrrwhlTyrAFG5GCWkQENYP8ipi0ez7d64PnTUNJmSgPhsv00ZukaNCj2XObcvvoJqG1Uck6AhMSTIfvwptrvvGT-JC9E/s1080/422440789_18420852454011246_4987047710588408280_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBUedS7oXLONyPBLZWui0zWPClKph0EbXNHeKxvz9hcpzwovTM7k7Vbs-FM9CrVXUHo2aQ0Qmsy_U3xPGo8BUFYbZovzuUlFfrrwhlTyrAFG5GCWkQENYP8ipi0ez7d64PnTUNJmSgPhsv00ZukaNCj2XObcvvoJqG1Uck6AhMSTIfvwptrvvGT-JC9E/w640-h640/422440789_18420852454011246_4987047710588408280_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZZoUb76JKR6_OhOg-yxShS2I3Q8XUqxDhzccdH-lwRjoC1AtvC5c_XtMsrY8o3PHWXBMHKu2gP63TA-xr5pJNr2FG3AycoQAhijyHgMLuaWdkyfbNcIXauEwMeG7su99NRyApG-HsncyiHDEVZ9tBvRq9QLsyxbO3n782jPQTn5PyWjQqOki6EUer4w/s1080/421731044_18420501121011246_4097958679790073662_n.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoZZoUb76JKR6_OhOg-yxShS2I3Q8XUqxDhzccdH-lwRjoC1AtvC5c_XtMsrY8o3PHWXBMHKu2gP63TA-xr5pJNr2FG3AycoQAhijyHgMLuaWdkyfbNcIXauEwMeG7su99NRyApG-HsncyiHDEVZ9tBvRq9QLsyxbO3n782jPQTn5PyWjQqOki6EUer4w/w640-h640/421731044_18420501121011246_4097958679790073662_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whether you're a fan of musical theater or just looking for a night of pure entertainment, this is an event you won't want to miss. Save the date and join us for a night of unforgettable entertainment that's sure to knock your boots off!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg2RyH3wbqUV7hn6nF8KqFwgwpbsfGzAOfuomoFyVg7vPfHHYH9wduUg9CAlELaevDxImuaS4t-9FDBONcBU5yzbNdg3vtTfFI6jUFWnMZ0JzBVtqlqd9sjeXF4CBoqIulX21vYPDKqagM1pL-WRy_6u1qQm4zApZujWejt3MLxqlVj_H1cdfFIUagtU/s1080/421760909_18420852463011246_8048753969036895270_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQg2RyH3wbqUV7hn6nF8KqFwgwpbsfGzAOfuomoFyVg7vPfHHYH9wduUg9CAlELaevDxImuaS4t-9FDBONcBU5yzbNdg3vtTfFI6jUFWnMZ0JzBVtqlqd9sjeXF4CBoqIulX21vYPDKqagM1pL-WRy_6u1qQm4zApZujWejt3MLxqlVj_H1cdfFIUagtU/w640-h640/421760909_18420852463011246_8048753969036895270_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.nudolphinshow.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">GET TICKETS NOW</a></span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tickets can be purchased online from Northwestern Box Office or in person at the Norris University Center front desk at 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60201.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">How do I access my tickets?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tickets will be emailed to you after you make a purchase. Please present this PDF either on your screen or printed out when entering the theatre. Make sure to pull up the QR code.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuBkTCLAvbVns2vOoQymaRZ_CuAV_I7FhvD4Z5_g_RhRn1ARLtTTt4nkj70U2gRC8ZGa0nLVGh9Wr63W9UsbD6khC4Jr8NBhwPvx3621qo-OYSDhhxPPdRiGmRDSZrK12YkyF7eo2iGUl9Ic6jqOX8rF5Q43DPAYYAUEdg9LItv3IQElgFqlhf2j4NJg/s1080/421783604_18420852445011246_5772947860307754703_n.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuBkTCLAvbVns2vOoQymaRZ_CuAV_I7FhvD4Z5_g_RhRn1ARLtTTt4nkj70U2gRC8ZGa0nLVGh9Wr63W9UsbD6khC4Jr8NBhwPvx3621qo-OYSDhhxPPdRiGmRDSZrK12YkyF7eo2iGUl9Ic6jqOX8rF5Q43DPAYYAUEdg9LItv3IQElgFqlhf2j4NJg/w640-h640/421783604_18420852445011246_5772947860307754703_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">What age is the show recommended for?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kinky Boots is officially recommended for children ages 10 and older, but children younger than 10 may be suited for the production based on maturity levels and parental involvement. For more information, please visit our parent guide here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimkF4SfnxNPEL-whIah-xOl2tP9xuorGmOOpQQGRmsNVjFRKZK2XUFlq0BkYdwDiMUQE2ju0HCLVELydgp41oli7Jyw5qXqiiQVxybR9_Yk2kJckzRs5IzEbFb77bnWdOl5a2sOMnSz3qTK_EELCCKcMK6SlTx9Q_Wqmw3d6xs35IX06n4h_Yb4o8ED4/s1080/421108991_18419938744011246_4745204988463604972_n.jpg" style="font-family: -webkit-standard; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgimkF4SfnxNPEL-whIah-xOl2tP9xuorGmOOpQQGRmsNVjFRKZK2XUFlq0BkYdwDiMUQE2ju0HCLVELydgp41oli7Jyw5qXqiiQVxybR9_Yk2kJckzRs5IzEbFb77bnWdOl5a2sOMnSz3qTK_EELCCKcMK6SlTx9Q_Wqmw3d6xs35IX06n4h_Yb4o8ED4/s320/421108991_18419938744011246_4745204988463604972_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Are there special discounts available for tickets?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Northwestern Students can access $10 tickets to performances by logging in with their Northwestern email. Limit 2 tickets per performance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Northwestern Faculty can access $20 tickets to performances by logging in with their Northwestern email. Limit 2 tickets per performance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Children under age 18 can access $10 tickets by applying the code TDSstudent10 at checkout. Limit 2 tickets per order.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Seniors over age 65 can access $20 tickets by applying the code TDSsenior20 at checkout. Limit 2 tickets per order. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">How can I bring a group to see Kinky Boots?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Group tickets are available for purchase for all performances. Orders with 10 or more tickets will receive a 10% discount on the order. If you are interested in group booking, please reach out to sales@nudolphinshow.org for booking assistance. Group tickets can only be paid for via check (made out to “Northwestern University” with the memo line “Dolphin Show - Group Tix”) or in person with a credit card at the Norris Center front desk.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijF7Xz0YSACVDSBFhinKtM5acK5SFsEccdLzbU3MjWOY_YZE58UAHaCfF8b7b0DzI6excJy7gc7zmIe1W5UV1R8nuIkLsqkpoAW2MltKmwF-la-ClA8lmcweEYT8wTfYRl2ZIxmZ13Z7kYImbDDLvQhCduxLMEOGSPGS2_X5psrICrIPiFQLVgnskCrZH/s2278/PAY+WHAT+U+CAN.png" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="2278" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiijF7Xz0YSACVDSBFhinKtM5acK5SFsEccdLzbU3MjWOY_YZE58UAHaCfF8b7b0DzI6excJy7gc7zmIe1W5UV1R8nuIkLsqkpoAW2MltKmwF-la-ClA8lmcweEYT8wTfYRl2ZIxmZ13Z7kYImbDDLvQhCduxLMEOGSPGS2_X5psrICrIPiFQLVgnskCrZH/w640-h256/PAY+WHAT+U+CAN.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">What if purchasing tickets is a financial burden for me, as a Northwestern student?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The 81st Annual Dolphin Show has partnered with The Student Activities Assistance Fund to offer “pay what you can tickets” to financially support students in attending our upcoming production of Kinky Boots The Musical.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tickets for undergraduate and graduate Northwestern students are $10. If this is a financial burden, please email sales@nudolphinshow.org to access pay what you can tickets, where you will have the option to pay as little as $0.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnZlCT4obVcgNnRGtkD6olQGsBDHRPaoV58O0hB7WgmDKi09gokbMZvYpfwzBeVNx6SEMZxnnIeONLyCWF5suYSXwKUKa6iYNrGqDxXAWWxOaFjOqVMaruHp0ZO-Ghh5JFzcmpRdoN9OV-RkR5P0gwq08qJ6gAe3WQ2hBqAhp7tvW-rRnQQCaDqowo9st/s572/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-26%20at%204.19.25%20PM.png" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="306" data-original-width="572" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnZlCT4obVcgNnRGtkD6olQGsBDHRPaoV58O0hB7WgmDKi09gokbMZvYpfwzBeVNx6SEMZxnnIeONLyCWF5suYSXwKUKa6iYNrGqDxXAWWxOaFjOqVMaruHp0ZO-Ghh5JFzcmpRdoN9OV-RkR5P0gwq08qJ6gAe3WQ2hBqAhp7tvW-rRnQQCaDqowo9st/s320/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-26%20at%204.19.25%20PM.png" width="320" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is the Dolphin Show?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University is a non-profit student theatre organization that annually produces the largest student-produced musical in the country. It celebrates the diverse talents of the Northwestern undergraduate community by providing opportunities to learn and excel in all artistic and administrative fields. Every year, The Dolphin Show presents a professional-caliber production led by over 150 undergraduate students. Learn more about Dolphin’s mission on our About page.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where did the Dolphin Show get its name?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Dolphin Show was named after the Dolphin Swim Club, the Northwestern swim team who presented the first annual Dolphin Show in the Northwestern swimming pool as a fundraiser for their team to travel to competitions. Visit our About page for Dolphin Show’s full history. </span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who can get involved with The Dolphin Show?</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Northwestern University undergraduate students of all backgrounds, majors, and experience levels are welcome to work on the Dolphin Show. Students can work on the production in many capacities, including on the business team, the artistic team, the production team, in the cast, or in the orchestra. Dolphin Show’s annual productions are open to the public. </span></p><p><b><i><a href="https://www.nudolphinshow.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Click here for </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">information,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">show photos, tickets and more. </span></a></i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVf7Eh7sK94HSvYGWqXgO8yn-1yjrXC2dUSpngFECJg5QF5cpvYAhHJexKwPDzq2pum1MoP3StbZqJhdBPRweciIXmXAKpLKTRAAt89g9bpfJhTgdBuFJjD66QCbS2OcOyMQSFb7shsr__DTfGUxjA8nKRib2Cx1i-CIb9Pft9q5Bv5F8L4BuY68l3vY/s1440/423132238_18421067005011246_5391503919316974236_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVf7Eh7sK94HSvYGWqXgO8yn-1yjrXC2dUSpngFECJg5QF5cpvYAhHJexKwPDzq2pum1MoP3StbZqJhdBPRweciIXmXAKpLKTRAAt89g9bpfJhTgdBuFJjD66QCbS2OcOyMQSFb7shsr__DTfGUxjA8nKRib2Cx1i-CIb9Pft9q5Bv5F8L4BuY68l3vY/w640-h640/423132238_18421067005011246_5391503919316974236_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cXi-cpiMPj7K0TWgpwpJ8RDcDBeH6xa323OxXFKuucK-EbQR2lRlkYfsUaguiqEQEqI5oV0Lvr3JvJCFXAwnWJPzGskJQuIPbDwcBtc-QCTFgv1aaWJQQuyCqQcTYXGEXUf5wgLkgPoBh5UkiSv4JI-aa2bL7bu_Ur7mWF2YzyMH4K3Wn1sjqw4BRl8/s1080/422914234_18420891001011246_2657138237840922816_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5cXi-cpiMPj7K0TWgpwpJ8RDcDBeH6xa323OxXFKuucK-EbQR2lRlkYfsUaguiqEQEqI5oV0Lvr3JvJCFXAwnWJPzGskJQuIPbDwcBtc-QCTFgv1aaWJQQuyCqQcTYXGEXUf5wgLkgPoBh5UkiSv4JI-aa2bL7bu_Ur7mWF2YzyMH4K3Wn1sjqw4BRl8/w640-h640/422914234_18420891001011246_2657138237840922816_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsbRbOXjkFPzjdngvClGfjdlF2KoPWOPXk2zzI4pwMwxCzwi7q7hQPyDuL2Y-5OwPDq5NX_QOE2gGrQJMxPM5JRGmWeiPdN0BASOZSbNcHW45CT86W4JNBUEHMCW6oF-hLzpDG85fTbryXIIZFvft3DGqhNE7ZbHc0_gpujDSaC2dtsUontQg_9a6PFY/s1080/422921602_18420890878011246_1187528629534928348_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsbRbOXjkFPzjdngvClGfjdlF2KoPWOPXk2zzI4pwMwxCzwi7q7hQPyDuL2Y-5OwPDq5NX_QOE2gGrQJMxPM5JRGmWeiPdN0BASOZSbNcHW45CT86W4JNBUEHMCW6oF-hLzpDG85fTbryXIIZFvft3DGqhNE7ZbHc0_gpujDSaC2dtsUontQg_9a6PFY/w640-h640/422921602_18420890878011246_1187528629534928348_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T0JwtPXDYF_PTdWrhBFr7VZvR-xVFXVxYRUmXHUxntLqxoyQFaqVp3ahBvV-QLjDxhRQd2jrNulIniXiyFHEfddVB7Mbub5aqa4oDg3Pgk2c057tmONlwIbPlvCT8nOOedFvR_DRcZjz3zhSfB4KYhA7dG4tUH6JdMNCRoUGf8vxWLYLvPenBD9oFEA/s1080/422926948_18420889867011246_3133723011015526382_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9T0JwtPXDYF_PTdWrhBFr7VZvR-xVFXVxYRUmXHUxntLqxoyQFaqVp3ahBvV-QLjDxhRQd2jrNulIniXiyFHEfddVB7Mbub5aqa4oDg3Pgk2c057tmONlwIbPlvCT8nOOedFvR_DRcZjz3zhSfB4KYhA7dG4tUH6JdMNCRoUGf8vxWLYLvPenBD9oFEA/w640-h640/422926948_18420889867011246_3133723011015526382_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPGs9nJF13-gV925CMZKBuIaruA1JJNI7jrhL0v5KPlDkgeAnj8ISSBfADHz9CxbASGzUQFoiXiWS35BGv8HDqhBmM7TZRQPe-hoxPjU3fWuvzq0uqQBViHE4Z8uAC0KkkSAC-vIt5EeiEvFLbbU_xf2QsnmgsGtJJpyEm38MPSLPvXaKKDVei9qEcgw/s1080/422931722_18420890353011246_6115461291158163793_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRPGs9nJF13-gV925CMZKBuIaruA1JJNI7jrhL0v5KPlDkgeAnj8ISSBfADHz9CxbASGzUQFoiXiWS35BGv8HDqhBmM7TZRQPe-hoxPjU3fWuvzq0uqQBViHE4Z8uAC0KkkSAC-vIt5EeiEvFLbbU_xf2QsnmgsGtJJpyEm38MPSLPvXaKKDVei9qEcgw/w640-h640/422931722_18420890353011246_6115461291158163793_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HzTfFyse2pNr8iyAgmmI-byd5Gbsj4Gn9ezfxWLxRZj1q9EqNr6FrOLT7W7UlugE2gqQtkmiy_ZhcqFLCr25LUlYJqb9fsYqiBYbmVrafHvCD7NVbofSAk__5Kx_7IVu3D5nPtNCkWVEXT70zs1c-471IHoW2r_IheHRft9wv26FG0bk6elpp9cwnxw/s1080/422931851_18420890584011246_8244383336272007501_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2HzTfFyse2pNr8iyAgmmI-byd5Gbsj4Gn9ezfxWLxRZj1q9EqNr6FrOLT7W7UlugE2gqQtkmiy_ZhcqFLCr25LUlYJqb9fsYqiBYbmVrafHvCD7NVbofSAk__5Kx_7IVu3D5nPtNCkWVEXT70zs1c-471IHoW2r_IheHRft9wv26FG0bk6elpp9cwnxw/w640-h640/422931851_18420890584011246_8244383336272007501_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bM8lVarMQCPxGB1zIoUwdVpaL0hNnKG0S3Fp6hl-dJ-KIErjdaVYrAbF8F1I3UmwV9JjukqELUDr1vceohhhaUMgk0kDSvzY3uslhJZv6j6jr_Asz92USUxev7t-u6ToJqsBaLYkC8_lm-1eNfsvZxQHgPdMKVoL6RfI-0EnFUKEhBkGQwqEVCsTTu4/s1440/422952144_18421067041011246_1999131281869126544_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bM8lVarMQCPxGB1zIoUwdVpaL0hNnKG0S3Fp6hl-dJ-KIErjdaVYrAbF8F1I3UmwV9JjukqELUDr1vceohhhaUMgk0kDSvzY3uslhJZv6j6jr_Asz92USUxev7t-u6ToJqsBaLYkC8_lm-1eNfsvZxQHgPdMKVoL6RfI-0EnFUKEhBkGQwqEVCsTTu4/w640-h640/422952144_18421067041011246_1999131281869126544_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Z0THAXXfPpgwmdWidyTnIZstUTZ09RuWNv68oD6I4r6PWwvCZtLeWdZYKd-VmlKz4JnjPZripp8qW_WGOQJLjpBYgfia4rAC4cQc8ISCsjPe8FMgBT2YmuUr90K_7PbrZwxA1ZVPTbCm0E_vvqN8PEVJ9MNeLiL1Z8sI3RZp9zq61oDdcdI5Zs8ajw/s1440/422969878_18421066921011246_4228708602114394374_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Z0THAXXfPpgwmdWidyTnIZstUTZ09RuWNv68oD6I4r6PWwvCZtLeWdZYKd-VmlKz4JnjPZripp8qW_WGOQJLjpBYgfia4rAC4cQc8ISCsjPe8FMgBT2YmuUr90K_7PbrZwxA1ZVPTbCm0E_vvqN8PEVJ9MNeLiL1Z8sI3RZp9zq61oDdcdI5Zs8ajw/w640-h640/422969878_18421066921011246_4228708602114394374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-jgZ9CBkEgumQX9DRP7EggQ6lhIfiC4w4ud7LnYzYD1XFNa6uY2bePXVAKJbWCFfGDBH4XrI76KpV-ZrUz7jSQElY5lUXy-oO1MWR8QywWZsZtWNXld84ov3HQXHUxdLQLrHAHxWEwknJWsFmWrrXFaJTSnoBEkMbSHFVVwmbott2hSVwHfBduKrZB8/s1440/422973914_18421066975011246_4093108939756089907_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-jgZ9CBkEgumQX9DRP7EggQ6lhIfiC4w4ud7LnYzYD1XFNa6uY2bePXVAKJbWCFfGDBH4XrI76KpV-ZrUz7jSQElY5lUXy-oO1MWR8QywWZsZtWNXld84ov3HQXHUxdLQLrHAHxWEwknJWsFmWrrXFaJTSnoBEkMbSHFVVwmbott2hSVwHfBduKrZB8/w640-h640/422973914_18421066975011246_4093108939756089907_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-55875584734782719902024-01-25T14:00:00.246-06:002024-01-30T17:19:26.379-06:00Porchlight Music Theatre's Anything Goes Extended Through March 10, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE PRESENTS COLE PORTER’S </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">ANYTHING GOES</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">STARRING MEGHAN MURPHY </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrutRDOW9CA3aEELvek6KCVMCF24Wef92GfP2rRVH2rTdsvy_q-RZOyMB9NDjMWvVvj9Kp7zIeedV0obnMgT1S7-w-xKgWsynydofBzZR5RPm7IFNJ9nFTackI48YQAMQl9S9dhp2x_-RPkog90ZjWxSygkFVIcBCtfj2qudD40ZOCZekvI6uUQhVwU-8/s820/420252747_893862059406253_8563240488928070886_n.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="820" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrutRDOW9CA3aEELvek6KCVMCF24Wef92GfP2rRVH2rTdsvy_q-RZOyMB9NDjMWvVvj9Kp7zIeedV0obnMgT1S7-w-xKgWsynydofBzZR5RPm7IFNJ9nFTackI48YQAMQl9S9dhp2x_-RPkog90ZjWxSygkFVIcBCtfj2qudD40ZOCZekvI6uUQhVwU-8/w640-h244/420252747_893862059406253_8563240488928070886_n.png" width="640" /></a></i></p><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">NOW EXTENDED THROUGH </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">MARCH 10th </span></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">AT THE RUTH PAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS</span></i><i> </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>This 90th Anniversary Production of the Porter Classic with a New 2022 Libretto, Directed by Artistic Director Michael Weber, Choreographed by Tammy Mader and Music Directed by Nick Sula Must Close March 10</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8MAsNPU4X0r24WI4vFE-aMZueczknKXx0qPmhg2DRQzAHF79SJKSFAj550UqUwS8xp-h0QAMKTgAj7-dPXTm2TavKrqQe4NtZAS5-NNMJ48_hBWv6yb5W4m_K6DR-wuLMbuPhjI6JRliKAG8SmJlHl-HwgR4njPIyc8Hwe6yqqpei7BLnAutoiyCafs/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8MAsNPU4X0r24WI4vFE-aMZueczknKXx0qPmhg2DRQzAHF79SJKSFAj550UqUwS8xp-h0QAMKTgAj7-dPXTm2TavKrqQe4NtZAS5-NNMJ48_hBWv6yb5W4m_K6DR-wuLMbuPhjI6JRliKAG8SmJlHl-HwgR4njPIyc8Hwe6yqqpei7BLnAutoiyCafs/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(center) Meghan Murphy with the cast of ANYTHING GOES from Porchlight Music Theatre, now playing through March 10 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts. </i></b><b><i>All Production Photos by Liz Lauren</i></b></p><p>Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've been following Meghan Murphy's career for years and can't wait to catch her “Reno Sweeney” in Porchlight's Anything Goes! We enjoyed her talents on Chicago stages for ages and in recent years have traveled along vicariously on social media, as she's taken the world by storm. We may not have the weather of tropical resort destinations, or cruise ship chic, but Chicago will not be short on style this winter! We're beyond lucky to have "Big Red" back in town. Don't miss this! </p><p>Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce that due to popular demand, the 90th Anniversary production of Cole Porter’s crown jewel musical comedy, Anything Goes, music and lyrics by Cole Porter, original book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, is now extended through March 10 at the Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearborn St. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-GkZVbSPjzkGGs54kHC3tUTlkGRTrr-9Sb4Y4NaXevZIM6lxHq3kR-RxAc88JKq-KQWlphp7WmhuDhyphenhyphenFADU-eUi25mGY1AK02kUsutASvBBuQqEAgrYTtPjsD_f3H3A2TvHTpRCOJK7aJ4Sn08hxGKDk0ZNKcQU5Zz9sthtMTJr2vqvLwJ5Go6g_z9E/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="2100" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-GkZVbSPjzkGGs54kHC3tUTlkGRTrr-9Sb4Y4NaXevZIM6lxHq3kR-RxAc88JKq-KQWlphp7WmhuDhyphenhyphenFADU-eUi25mGY1AK02kUsutASvBBuQqEAgrYTtPjsD_f3H3A2TvHTpRCOJK7aJ4Sn08hxGKDk0ZNKcQU5Zz9sthtMTJr2vqvLwJ5Go6g_z9E/w640-h410/PMT_AnythingGoes_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Members of the cast of ANYTHING GOES</i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3cotCFyZwoX2PECVwlCocUHUYR7E-et_0NRjwS0j9hz0iSisUfOgoGZ_u5hx6Z9c3c9XW0JMZk1ZFd6ZXqT_PO0b52IpwezREfd401Y6g9UPL_rguKxoC9NuPi04mXGRP2wLuN7nmIEIdNG6xkmOnvs-3wnOdmGmFIwpFeD-Q0JRxqYVnlONOP0jNNc/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1694" data-original-width="2100" height="514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3cotCFyZwoX2PECVwlCocUHUYR7E-et_0NRjwS0j9hz0iSisUfOgoGZ_u5hx6Z9c3c9XW0JMZk1ZFd6ZXqT_PO0b52IpwezREfd401Y6g9UPL_rguKxoC9NuPi04mXGRP2wLuN7nmIEIdNG6xkmOnvs-3wnOdmGmFIwpFeD-Q0JRxqYVnlONOP0jNNc/w640-h514/PMT_AnythingGoes_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i> (L to R) Meghan Murphy and Jackson Evans</i></b></p><p>Starring internationally renowned powerhouse Meghan Murphy as “Reno Sweeney” and featuring the Chicago debut of a newly commissioned 2022 libretto, Anything Goes is Jeff Award Recommended and directed by Porchlight Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreographed by Tammy Mader and music directed by Nick Sula. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m, Fridays at 7:30 p.m, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Open caption performances are Saturday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. with post-show discussions immediately following the performances on Friday, Feb. 2 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Subscriptions and single tickets are currently available at <b><a href="http://PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes</a></b> or by calling 773.777.9884.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAuyfk1hkUKUdPFkcvIjTAiQuCD3WBERHXLY0vZAETc6nbYFg3EOEx4vqmWSychP2s8XaCatnwJq8mlN70FFYNavbGrFOrBBltc-o7_oh5NHgPw3KNBS4mwSTXaDCxffFKL8ukZflgjwlUhnKTKpN1htaUoNwjpcLk612wff_cGHc8JwV-KzM3jCE8So/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1839" data-original-width="2100" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisAuyfk1hkUKUdPFkcvIjTAiQuCD3WBERHXLY0vZAETc6nbYFg3EOEx4vqmWSychP2s8XaCatnwJq8mlN70FFYNavbGrFOrBBltc-o7_oh5NHgPw3KNBS4mwSTXaDCxffFKL8ukZflgjwlUhnKTKpN1htaUoNwjpcLk612wff_cGHc8JwV-KzM3jCE8So/w640-h560/PMT_AnythingGoes_4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i> (L to R) Luke Nowakowski and Meghan Murphy</i></b></div><p>Chicago will get a kick out of this 90th anniversary production of Cole Porter’s smash-hit musical comedy, Anything Goes starring the Chicago-based international sensation Meghan Murphy as “Reno Sweeney.” Launching Porchlight Music Theatre’s 29th season, this legendary toe-tapping voyage across the Atlantic is filled with laughs, romance and intrigue. Porter’s iconic score includes a shipload of tunes that built the Great American Songbook including "Anything Goes,” “Friendship,” "You're the Top" and "I Get a Kick Out of You.” </p><p>Anything Goes is the centerpiece of Chicago’s Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music, the recently launched live and digital, multi-partnered festival commemorating the career of one of America's greatest composers and songwriters. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwlqFKYuf8pwvfKqWr14CzWv3aTRAP4VIVFamp0eKZt01-ys2e2YWr4_wvfE_oiZGAgwRvBX0-7OpEJLa6NiUSAPeKr83nvTLMwkYkFIMFSBXbW78Pialw8Xs7qYE9GPE6bN9OjSQH26aPLF9QduLnILCIEDVecjHS9ZjkH9TFbFOyVzN8PP4ug-cS2A/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwlqFKYuf8pwvfKqWr14CzWv3aTRAP4VIVFamp0eKZt01-ys2e2YWr4_wvfE_oiZGAgwRvBX0-7OpEJLa6NiUSAPeKr83nvTLMwkYkFIMFSBXbW78Pialw8Xs7qYE9GPE6bN9OjSQH26aPLF9QduLnILCIEDVecjHS9ZjkH9TFbFOyVzN8PP4ug-cS2A/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_5.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i> (L to R) Steve McDonagh and Meghan Murphy </i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p><b>Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)</b></p><p>The cast of Anything Goes, in alphabetical order, includes Logan Becker+ (Ensemble); Tommy Bullington+ (Ship's Purser); Rachael Dec* (Charity); Tafadzwa Diener* (Erma); Nick Dorado+ (Ship’s Captain); Jackson Evans+ (Lord Evelyn Oakleigh); Josiah Haugen+ (Henry T. Dobson, Ensemble); Ciara Hickey^ (Dippy); J. Christian Hill+ (Ensemble); Kelsey MacDonald* (Ensemble); Steve McDonagh+ (Moonface Martin); Emily Ling Mei* (Chastity); Meghan Murphy* (Reno Sweeney); Luke Nowakowski= (Billy Crocker); Emma Ogea* (Hope Harcourt); Hannah Remian* (Virtue); Nataki Rennie* (Purity); Jenna Schoppe* (Ensemble, dance captain); Gabriel Solis+ (Spit); Mack Spotts^/+ (Ensemble); Jerod Turner+ (Ensemble); Genevieve VenJohnson* (Evangeline Harcourt), Anthony Whitaker+/^ (Elisha J. Whitney) and Noah Wood+ (swing).</p><p>The Anything Goes band includes Linda Madonia* (conductor/piano); Greg Strauss+ (trumpet); Cara Strauss* (reeds 1); Sophie Cruetz* (reeds 2); Justin Akira Kono+ (percussion); Marcel Bonfim+ (bass) and Stephanie Lebens* (trombone).</p><p>The creative team of Anything Goes includes Michael Weber+ (director, artistic director); Tammy Mader* (choreographer); Nick Sula+ (music director); Jeffrey D. Kmiec+ (scenic designer); Milo Bue+ (associate scenic designer); Rachel Boylan* (costume designer); Kevin Barthel+ (wig designer); G. Max Maxin IV+ (lighting designer, projection designer); Matthew R. Chase+ (sound designer); Patrick McGuire+ (properties designer); Kristi Martens* (production stage manager, AEA); Drew Donnelly+ (assistant stage manager); Andrea Enger= (assistant stage manager); John McTaggart+ (technical director); Danny Carraher+ (assistant technical director); Wendy Ann Huber* (scenic charge); Josh Derby+ (master carpenter/spot 1); Tina Stasny* (costume director); Rachel West* (lighting director); Samantha Anderson*/^ (assistant lighting supervisor / spot 2); Matt Reich+ (audio/video director); Joe Court+ (A1); Christine Burquest* (A2); Jack Zanger+ (wardrobe supervisor); Amanda May* (hair and makeup supervisor); Gabrielle Lux*/^ (wardrobe assistant); Heather Lynn Gervasi* (production manager); Majel Cuza* (director of production) and Frankie Leo Bennett+ (producing artistic associate).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnp_wI6TyfyDMUlrU-ax4tihFo8-ldxqgHas-ZfA2ObNGUDY3OTooSyNf4JL5KsDirieeU-f-Bszg84eJs3DWTSuWXV8sgJXa37cpO7fBYx9e06tZqHetjY9Nfk6QySrpxFRsQ5rp7j94oH7E-en_q7oZqSO4gPdM7aFQodBJ9UjeATQ5km0vkxXgp34/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1324" data-original-width="2100" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnp_wI6TyfyDMUlrU-ax4tihFo8-ldxqgHas-ZfA2ObNGUDY3OTooSyNf4JL5KsDirieeU-f-Bszg84eJs3DWTSuWXV8sgJXa37cpO7fBYx9e06tZqHetjY9Nfk6QySrpxFRsQ5rp7j94oH7E-en_q7oZqSO4gPdM7aFQodBJ9UjeATQ5km0vkxXgp34/w640-h404/PMT_AnythingGoes_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i> (center) Luke Nowakowski and Emma Ogea </i></b> </p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE’S 29th SEASON</span></i></p><p>Porchlight’s 29th season includes Anything Goes and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George, Saturday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., ass well as the Cole Porter Festival - A Celebration of the Man and his Music and the return of our special event, Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II, Monday, April 15, 2024 at 6 p.m. at the House of Blues Chicago, 329 N. Dearborn St. Subscriptions are on sale now for $150 which includes Anything Goes and Porchlight in Concert: Sunday in the Park with George. Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II may be added to the subscription at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or 773.777.9884. Sponsorship opportunities for Porchlight’s 29th Season are available by contacting Development Associate Kellie Buffington at kellie@porchlightmusictheatre.org.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dC4Z96Gngs7NTRHl9yhWCD-pXlBFve5r9tD4s-A24HdLyT5GFOV63FnDmWTWjuHmkx0FFHUCtjAjHae23QEcMGkr3JFEuU6R40vkGqaG-f41_9cnftIw9Z-Ke6Kk6XVW763DD03cWtCrsZO-Ml5QE7u57t8QLfR19kgKXU7R0D_wk8EC8zouIzR9kBU/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2100" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_dC4Z96Gngs7NTRHl9yhWCD-pXlBFve5r9tD4s-A24HdLyT5GFOV63FnDmWTWjuHmkx0FFHUCtjAjHae23QEcMGkr3JFEuU6R40vkGqaG-f41_9cnftIw9Z-Ke6Kk6XVW763DD03cWtCrsZO-Ml5QE7u57t8QLfR19kgKXU7R0D_wk8EC8zouIzR9kBU/w640-h458/PMT_AnythingGoes_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>(center) Meghan Murphy</i></b></p><p>ABOUT MEGHAN MURPHY, “Reno Sweeney”</p><p>Meghan Murphy is an actor/singer/producer/cabaret and recording artist currently based in Chicago. Her multifaceted talents have been showcased on many different stages in the worlds of theater, music, travel and cabaret. As an actor, she is a six-time Joseph Jefferson Award nominee for Chicago credits such as: Mamma Mia! (“Tanya,” Marriott Theater), Spamalot (“Lady of the Lake,” Mercury Theater Chicago), The Who's Tommy (“Acid Queen,” Paramount Theater), Smokey Joe's Cafe (“Patty,” Drury Lane Theater), City of Angels (“Oolie”/”Donna,” Marriott Theater) and And The World Goes Round (“Woman 3,” Marriott Theater). Film and TV credits: Honey Nut Cheerios (national commercial), “Captive State” (Focus Features). As a singer, you may have seen her in countless concerts and festivals throughout the country, including many appearances in the Chicago Humanities Festival and Chicago Sings. As a cabaret artist, she’s had sold out shows in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, London and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and has been touring her critically-acclaimed one woman show, The Big Red Show, around nationally and now internationally with Vacaya, Brand g Vacations, Azamara, RWS Entertainment and Blackburn International. As a recording artist, Murphy has two self titled EP albums of her Chicago-based blues/soul band Everybody Says Yes available on all streaming platforms and her holiday album “Big Red & The Boys, Live” at Feinstein’s/54 Below, available at bigredandtheboys.bandcamp.com.</p><p><br /></p><p>ABOUT MICHAEL WEBER, director</p><p>Michael Weber is Porchlight Music Theatre’s artistic director. Most recently, he directed Cabaret at Porchlight and this summer co-directed Broadway in your Backyard. Previously the artistic director of Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now The Broadway Playhouse) and Theatre at the Center, his Porchlight productions of Sweeney Todd, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Pal Joey, Assassins and Side Show as well as Grand Hotel at Drury Lane and She Loves Me at Theatre at the Center were each nominated for the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Production-Musical. Directing credits include Living the History-125 Years of The Auditorium Theatre starring Patti LuPone and John Mahoney, Fifth of July and Talley’s Folly at the Oak Park Festival Theatre, The Petrified Forest at Theatre at the Center, Beauty and the Beast at Marriott Theatre, Over the River and Through the Woods at The Mercury Theater, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum at Pheasant Run Theatre and Cirque du Symphony at Sears Center Arena. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he wrote and directed twelve Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2006-2018). Weber’s regional acting credits include Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia, Disney’s My Son Pinocchio at First Stage Milwaukee, Around the World in 80 Days at Cleveland Playhouse, The Winter’s Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, It Had To Be You (starring Cindy Williams and Eddie Mekka) at Little Theatre on the Square, Angel Street at First Folio Shakespeare and The Gifts of the Magi at Indiana Repertory. Weber is proud to serve as a pledge host on WTTW, Channel 11 and is author of the play, War of the Well(e)s.</p><p>ABOUT TAMMY MADER, choreographer</p><p>Tammy Mader is a proud member of SDC, the union of professional Stage Directors and Choreographers. Credits include: Bye Bye Birdie, Hairspray (Jeff Award), Next To Normal, Sunset Blvd., Gypsy, Spamalot, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers (Jeff Nomination), Buddy; The Buddy Holly Story, Thoroughly Modern Millie (Jeff Award), Meet Me In St. Louis, Kiss Me Kate (Jeff Nomination), Anything Goes (Jeff Nomination), and My One And Only (Jeff Award) at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace; Buddy; The Buddy Holly Story, Meet Me In St. Louis, Grand Hotel and The Full Monty at Drury Lane Water Tower Place; Guys & Dolls and Invisible Man at Court Theatre; Singin' In The Rain, My One And Only (Jeff Nomination) , 42nd St. (Jeff Award), Beauty and the Beast for Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre; Animal Crackers for Baltimore’s Center Stage, Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up? for Drury Lane Theater in Evergreen Park; She Loves Me, Singin’ In The Rain (Jeff Nomination), Grand Hotel, 42nd St., Meet Me In St. Louis, and Swingin’ On A Star: The Johnny Burke Musical at Theater at the Center, Elizabeth Rex at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and Porchlight Music Theatre’s Mack And Mabel and Assassins.</p><p>ABOUT NICK SULA, music director</p><p>Nick Sula is a pianist, arranger, and award-winning music director for theater and cabaret, and is thrilled to return to Porchlight. Music Direction credits include Sweeney Todd (Kokandy Productions, Jeff Award); Ghost Quartet (Jeff nomination), Nevermore, Amour, Coraline (Black Button Eyes); Myths & Hymns, The Glorious Ones (Jeff nomination), Pippin (BoHo Theatre), His & His, Broadway at the Broadway (Pride Films and Plays); Merrily We Roll Along, Head Over Heels, The Pajama Game, The Pirates of Penzance (CCPA). Sula can be seen performing with vocalists at theaters and cabaret venues around Chicagoland such as Davenport’s Piano Bar and the Skokie Theater. As a professor of musical theatre, he serves as a music director, instructor and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtJywg8jR13Yn16Cz0coUAbyEHngdHF1sB7O2v9hturqYp2ENZdRmwx7PNraP7wphf-YMjBoxSlOMM9_votFCVfDTd2jEK4L9sZG8yHq-ICGNkwGlxpC5CfaGUXeEBJwXIPmClqVGcDNlo7tZ7dyBrcwoQUnDN5hHxnhdRXxN5nbgckdif9shAkA0eXw/s1200/276037637_387267060065758_1932744296596533947_n.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtJywg8jR13Yn16Cz0coUAbyEHngdHF1sB7O2v9hturqYp2ENZdRmwx7PNraP7wphf-YMjBoxSlOMM9_votFCVfDTd2jEK4L9sZG8yHq-ICGNkwGlxpC5CfaGUXeEBJwXIPmClqVGcDNlo7tZ7dyBrcwoQUnDN5hHxnhdRXxN5nbgckdif9shAkA0eXw/w200-h200/276037637_387267060065758_1932744296596533947_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><p>ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE</p><p>Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.”</p><p>Porchlight's 29-year history includes more than 70 mainstage works with 16 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Porchlight’s commitment to the past, present and future of music theatre led the company to develop the Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway program series, both quickly becoming audience favorites.</p><p>Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations, most notably the ongoing collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form.</p><p>The company’s many honors include 192 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 48 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 12 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards, and was honored with eight nominations in both technical and artistic categories and won three awards in its inaugural year in this tier, most notably Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLuTLcHzdfYfR5nZP8DCd5dTb_VT7w9RWjn04U2s6z-0WzV16QqnLm6yXrbWEY49kmJWYoqCuNiH9lL4_DFOpl2RYdF7mJNtEfebmfCufBXalpLyBDQkrosJfB3hPEafdm9dzuls3p23HQL6Pzefb6M0sE-Grq4yEfuw8Ph6UmSiNUaDi9Ab7zaQKmrk/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="2100" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkLuTLcHzdfYfR5nZP8DCd5dTb_VT7w9RWjn04U2s6z-0WzV16QqnLm6yXrbWEY49kmJWYoqCuNiH9lL4_DFOpl2RYdF7mJNtEfebmfCufBXalpLyBDQkrosJfB3hPEafdm9dzuls3p23HQL6Pzefb6M0sE-Grq4yEfuw8Ph6UmSiNUaDi9Ab7zaQKmrk/w640-h456/PMT_AnythingGoes_8.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>The cast of ANYTHING GOES</i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbGhigwS72-X6A2I2O-tr1aSTtNkGSxAxVj1jxv8c5pPVTzNwE_qwhb7HKtFVawNwtUZ-mrWr7S6gw7aGUPA22mqmK403ksiah5QHMIrEKTzkl332XSnK1P7EhcivT-ETVf_zewstq8ZEWtUYgnrG9LbMme-4ZgTRyrGFEJhp_QoPTau-S6D0k0bpQLw/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="2100" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWbGhigwS72-X6A2I2O-tr1aSTtNkGSxAxVj1jxv8c5pPVTzNwE_qwhb7HKtFVawNwtUZ-mrWr7S6gw7aGUPA22mqmK403ksiah5QHMIrEKTzkl332XSnK1P7EhcivT-ETVf_zewstq8ZEWtUYgnrG9LbMme-4ZgTRyrGFEJhp_QoPTau-S6D0k0bpQLw/w640-h368/PMT_AnythingGoes_9.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Porchlight Music Theatre’s 90th Anniversary production of Cole Porter’s crown jewel musical comedy, Anything Goes, music and lyrics by Cole Porter, original book by P.G. Wodehouse and Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse and a new book by Timothy Crouse and John Weidman, is now playing through February 25, 2024, at the Ruth Page Center, 1016 N. Dearborn St. Starring internationally renowned powerhouse Meghan Murphy as “Reno Sweeney” and featuring the Chicago debut of a newly commissioned 2022 libretto, Anything Goes is directed by Porchlight Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Weber, choreographed by Tammy Mader and music directed by Nick Sula. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m, Thursdays at 7:30 p.m, Fridays at 7:30 p.m, Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Open caption performances are Saturday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. with post-show discussions immediately following the performances on Friday, Feb. 2 and Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Subscriptions and single tickets are currently available at <b><a href="http://PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes</a></b> or by calling 773.777.9884.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXNj0mireX0rvu5zGScS0T27wEcUuL78m2lTafdi4Jex7HIGKbetBh1_6rjEdIBLe1yx5CFAr7N9S0D_CKL1nmpj1Tl6QsLdGzPq0LchIs3aECulso9wvS3pRifxgZRJgMbf6rmJ1BEajIx9-4SABhLE7sDJJ8wclXgMdLk8ZGmAxt6dCl5IUnDHsVqQ/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXNj0mireX0rvu5zGScS0T27wEcUuL78m2lTafdi4Jex7HIGKbetBh1_6rjEdIBLe1yx5CFAr7N9S0D_CKL1nmpj1Tl6QsLdGzPq0LchIs3aECulso9wvS3pRifxgZRJgMbf6rmJ1BEajIx9-4SABhLE7sDJJ8wclXgMdLk8ZGmAxt6dCl5IUnDHsVqQ/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_10.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>(L to R) Gabriel Solis and Ciara Hickey</i></b></p><p><b>Ruth Page Center for the Arts</b></p><p><b>1016 N. Dearborn Ave., Chicago</b></p><p><b>Single Tickets start at $20</b></p><p><b>Running time including intermission is currently 2 hours and 45 minutes</b></p><p><b>Website: </b><b><a href="http://PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">PorchlightMusicTheatre.org/Anything-Goes</a></b></p><p><b>Box Office: 773.777.9884 </b></p><p><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIirge8FWJMC5TwdGw_KQjV-EB4a9pYlq3Fwts7P6B7LGyRGZEUAhodnryLL5PDN-qo50914Vq_pPG52DQbr8D0wtR_hLWkQ_qZ5SD3zQN-PTaW7yRhtFvjPp7IW7I_z9O8vKY9s8UcDvyQLrTN7ZaIlB4E_APfINLa5bRbJzx8knUURxpjIpILxrkcd8/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1262" data-original-width="2100" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIirge8FWJMC5TwdGw_KQjV-EB4a9pYlq3Fwts7P6B7LGyRGZEUAhodnryLL5PDN-qo50914Vq_pPG52DQbr8D0wtR_hLWkQ_qZ5SD3zQN-PTaW7yRhtFvjPp7IW7I_z9O8vKY9s8UcDvyQLrTN7ZaIlB4E_APfINLa5bRbJzx8knUURxpjIpILxrkcd8/w640-h382/PMT_AnythingGoes_11.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>(L to R) Emily Ling Mei, Rachael Dec, Hannah Remian and Nataki Rennie</i></b></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Performance Schedule:</span></b></p><p>Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, Jan. 20 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p>Sunday, Jan. 21 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0aI5LpCISLCHA0Pm5cgGoci6tJSkFROk48SagXO8KH35H2vtxT6Gxy4MbdBzwlsUvokUzRXNzwO6DUI4jLHIbPOyEvLyIylElCG3DxMWE4u3-ANKDMI7KNY2UGWAbqrBQhkvCGCqPOzikqL3MwSDql3wR5nBNn2Fglps7c-6XLGVZugWxQTGuCGk5Ys/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="2100" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN0aI5LpCISLCHA0Pm5cgGoci6tJSkFROk48SagXO8KH35H2vtxT6Gxy4MbdBzwlsUvokUzRXNzwO6DUI4jLHIbPOyEvLyIylElCG3DxMWE4u3-ANKDMI7KNY2UGWAbqrBQhkvCGCqPOzikqL3MwSDql3wR5nBNn2Fglps7c-6XLGVZugWxQTGuCGk5Ys/w640-h402/PMT_AnythingGoes_12.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>(center) Meghan Murphy and the cast in ANYTHING GOES </i></b></p><p>Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Friday, Jan. 26 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Saturday, Jan. 27 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p>Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Sunday, Jan. 28 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTt9AGwLKjsloEhrs47TUQO4PBkhfygsIHgMzFJOj3YBoe2J1Jnrnu69Gs0iV6TDO-2KQFXFZK8y2Y86nFFqWgFUdJkEvOdbOEcZWZ1SJ4BApXaX06eC3jrSU3LzeMRV9PBebULbeDpQ-nwzg2zooqvCLWoDGkSeAumcQx6icmmcVSDLaYqyuhuy5ms4/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTt9AGwLKjsloEhrs47TUQO4PBkhfygsIHgMzFJOj3YBoe2J1Jnrnu69Gs0iV6TDO-2KQFXFZK8y2Y86nFFqWgFUdJkEvOdbOEcZWZ1SJ4BApXaX06eC3jrSU3LzeMRV9PBebULbeDpQ-nwzg2zooqvCLWoDGkSeAumcQx6icmmcVSDLaYqyuhuy5ms4/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_13.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Luke Nowakowski</i></b></p><p>Thursday, Feb. 1 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p>Thursday, Feb. 1 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Friday, Feb. 2 at 7:30 p.m. (post-show discussion)</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 3 at 2:00 p.m. (open caption performance) </p><p>Saturday, Feb. 3 at 7:30p.m. </p><p>Sunday, Feb. 4 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OYC1MjHKDlGuF2dHf2ZdpUUl0FAFF1p5_Ox1gUrZQTtHEtczzOBlRReVHLwvOv8As8d2etUqAfVPCQP3HiPCeFdh5fQ27AbbTNyJF5fbiLR0HMTg-3gqx1HjbyS-8fLwV-cLnSulGgJ6Ahlcu7G74DDdVAmtWCkFTb2S8o6SSZoC2q-wxEASblQ86w0/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4OYC1MjHKDlGuF2dHf2ZdpUUl0FAFF1p5_Ox1gUrZQTtHEtczzOBlRReVHLwvOv8As8d2etUqAfVPCQP3HiPCeFdh5fQ27AbbTNyJF5fbiLR0HMTg-3gqx1HjbyS-8fLwV-cLnSulGgJ6Ahlcu7G74DDdVAmtWCkFTb2S8o6SSZoC2q-wxEASblQ86w0/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_14.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Emma Ogea</i></b></p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 7 at 7:30 p.m. (post-show discussion) </p><p>Thursday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Friday, Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Saturday, Feb. 10 at 2:00 p.m. (open caption performance) </p><p>Saturday, Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. </p><p>Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXS8SdJ_2Wko66ucB5Ol9jiBPfLxbMX0Wk0CdnJJX-U8ebTpynHjIatrngdjJpH-XcXNVmyN1yY7b_fsXQXjeNpNoVixfRtuHNx4ht4ZNUHFJVdE0-ofEIXamtVZ_qxvvHhr0ZwoIutKp9Q8fSUsGnMwnBVv1j48w_rykRZJkcShq_FcZwFPK0ftMuco/s5297/PMT_AnythingGoes_15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4023" data-original-width="5297" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXS8SdJ_2Wko66ucB5Ol9jiBPfLxbMX0Wk0CdnJJX-U8ebTpynHjIatrngdjJpH-XcXNVmyN1yY7b_fsXQXjeNpNoVixfRtuHNx4ht4ZNUHFJVdE0-ofEIXamtVZ_qxvvHhr0ZwoIutKp9Q8fSUsGnMwnBVv1j48w_rykRZJkcShq_FcZwFPK0ftMuco/w640-h486/PMT_AnythingGoes_15.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i> (L to R) Logan Becker, Jenna Schoppe, Geneiveve VenJohnson and Emma Ogea</i></b></p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Thursday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Friday, Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p>Saturday, Feb. 17 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Nx6xVQuINobc5TnfXhVA8A6iLUz6lrrnhtYeOAJL1p76ltiG-Y4wq4K45C_MRmPWgSxfqpaT61LgXL4hh27ZEAr6ckVfnAS1eXqijrGtsF9zBuKqvaoCXwXZPBVKmfxR5xiwnGudHkdPFU0HVSsrheIL1J7lpGmwwypeSRKjt5TxRmYNnGFq3NYTNYo/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1930" data-original-width="2100" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Nx6xVQuINobc5TnfXhVA8A6iLUz6lrrnhtYeOAJL1p76ltiG-Y4wq4K45C_MRmPWgSxfqpaT61LgXL4hh27ZEAr6ckVfnAS1eXqijrGtsF9zBuKqvaoCXwXZPBVKmfxR5xiwnGudHkdPFU0HVSsrheIL1J7lpGmwwypeSRKjt5TxRmYNnGFq3NYTNYo/w640-h588/PMT_AnythingGoes_16.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i>Anthony Whitaker</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></b></p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Sunday, Feb. 25 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOnYkS9TvtWC-3OUkFI8L3bgiCnXFjF9V4E55Bq5dZ4FV_Nv-OJnky4d2PY_-8dOsHKcYa56gRPYFSUMIJA1hMKEDF061YY1wDHBcWOFDZT9FmVMSUf1PT7A_l8i6LMfurjFf_g5m2QV6dSL6u_lS4bRSCh_uIcZZldO-D_uyeDVrtkA_h23UEVs7gog/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOnYkS9TvtWC-3OUkFI8L3bgiCnXFjF9V4E55Bq5dZ4FV_Nv-OJnky4d2PY_-8dOsHKcYa56gRPYFSUMIJA1hMKEDF061YY1wDHBcWOFDZT9FmVMSUf1PT7A_l8i6LMfurjFf_g5m2QV6dSL6u_lS4bRSCh_uIcZZldO-D_uyeDVrtkA_h23UEVs7gog/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_17.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(L to R) Luke Nowakowski and Steve McDonagh</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p>FINAL ADDED DATES</p><p>Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Thursday, Feb. 29 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Friday, March 1 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, March 2 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Sunday, March 3 at 2:00 p.m. </p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw6cYsVu7GrXyFrgZprpzLSvWDOzhMyjJnyQNyJ8KDF0t-mMEJRrlB5i6TD8WkUSplOf_JCXs7EaWpmIiihKrE1hyAII8nfaUgfnhyxMRijOoVSpy-Qv16x0pXT4u7587ubIxtpRiTr15eoz9J1_uyy4qw4Wo4z13I9Z1GgXBqnqN7hg2Al5YsqDY9eU/s2100/PMT_AnythingGoes_18.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2100" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw6cYsVu7GrXyFrgZprpzLSvWDOzhMyjJnyQNyJ8KDF0t-mMEJRrlB5i6TD8WkUSplOf_JCXs7EaWpmIiihKrE1hyAII8nfaUgfnhyxMRijOoVSpy-Qv16x0pXT4u7587ubIxtpRiTr15eoz9J1_uyy4qw4Wo4z13I9Z1GgXBqnqN7hg2Al5YsqDY9eU/w640-h424/PMT_AnythingGoes_18.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b><i>(L to R) Tafadzwa Diener, Mack Spotts, Logan Becker, Jerod Turner, J. Christian Hill and Josiah Haugen in ANYTHING GOES from Porchlight Music Theatre, now playing through March 10 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts.</i></b></p><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><p>Wednesday, March 6 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Thursday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Friday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p>Saturday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m.</p><p>Sunday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m.</p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgxph9iYLTEY9OAcqrUPuxHLYl5J0kUj85J0YZ-VMZWzBWC8O0NzyIZabdF1cbSDEwpHNt7tfJ_Wfza3n-ddIpt9Df-B8PBeLVaDXzfEsZGpYALLFBBI_8HUOd9BbtpOWstrxzZR2xjESyfOINNJfVgG1uATRO9rC5mHZsTFecUOI0hB8MEAPuCM5y34/s640/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-30%20at%204.20.08%20PM.png" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="640" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgxph9iYLTEY9OAcqrUPuxHLYl5J0kUj85J0YZ-VMZWzBWC8O0NzyIZabdF1cbSDEwpHNt7tfJ_Wfza3n-ddIpt9Df-B8PBeLVaDXzfEsZGpYALLFBBI_8HUOd9BbtpOWstrxzZR2xjESyfOINNJfVgG1uATRO9rC5mHZsTFecUOI0hB8MEAPuCM5y34/w640-h282/Screen%20Shot%202024-01-30%20at%204.20.08%20PM.png" width="640" /></a></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-67352206980148305732024-01-23T16:06:00.001-06:002024-01-31T07:49:01.072-06:00Peter Samelson's Magic, Love, Mystery at Chicago Magic Lounge Wednesdays January 10 – March 27, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Experience the mystery of love through the eyes of a magician with Peter Samelson's one-man show, </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Magic, Love, Mystery </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbZ_ehS0hC0-PPGzbJeG6gvytYb8V5ZsfojoU1qdkmJeX1ithoOxYzV6ry7U7xUtj2cIT6uRMJkZ4IDO1_BK8iwda9eGnI1_VTlpqi-RTmVF6d6CvYdc3mW3eLONhzl-u8O2JTtyGilD-qYMzzpKONKM-NHyHN4wcQ3MrQMCINVLIIA93Zn6nCevXLS0/s2048/419642610_864361042366429_6595576690011687026_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="2048" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbZ_ehS0hC0-PPGzbJeG6gvytYb8V5ZsfojoU1qdkmJeX1ithoOxYzV6ry7U7xUtj2cIT6uRMJkZ4IDO1_BK8iwda9eGnI1_VTlpqi-RTmVF6d6CvYdc3mW3eLONhzl-u8O2JTtyGilD-qYMzzpKONKM-NHyHN4wcQ3MrQMCINVLIIA93Zn6nCevXLS0/w640-h336/419642610_864361042366429_6595576690011687026_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></i></div><p></p><p>Through his masterful storytelling, Peter explores how love can inspire us, transform us from the inside out, and even transcend death. Minds will be read, the imperceptible bond between soul mates will be revealed, and the boundaries of loss and mortality will be crossed, uncovering how memories shape our past and future. One of my fabulous freelancers, Dugan will be out to review on January 24th, so check back soon for our take on the show. </p><p>Prepare for an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, entertainment, and wonder as Peter Samelson takes you on a whimsical journey through the mystery of love. Get ready to experience pure magic and unlock the secrets of love.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSaGEgXPcvcEuH0kpW7WfGLu1Sg8Q_xA0dllbB5ox6rJLHLtYZhFiu0EK507TSEpY3LQVJCvb1loIeGOWZg01VGbnqCrccV3quQ0pGMVbr_3roM-vhp9yH_4kCsj7hlTsq9awMLAd2B4ccISZTkpjA56dg00hq47qGwWcwD4crR85VAPuuQwLwYYnRFc/s2048/420188781_864361085699758_4144665888343781354_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="2048" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPSaGEgXPcvcEuH0kpW7WfGLu1Sg8Q_xA0dllbB5ox6rJLHLtYZhFiu0EK507TSEpY3LQVJCvb1loIeGOWZg01VGbnqCrccV3quQ0pGMVbr_3roM-vhp9yH_4kCsj7hlTsq9awMLAd2B4ccISZTkpjA56dg00hq47qGwWcwD4crR85VAPuuQwLwYYnRFc/w640-h338/420188781_864361085699758_4144665888343781354_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic, kicks off its 2024 Artist-In-Residence series with Peter Samelson’s Magic, Love, Mystery. In this mesmerizing performance, Samelson takes you on a journey through the enigmatic world of love, exploring its many forms and revealing its secrets. Magic, Love, Mystery runs Wednesdays at 7:00pm, January 10 – March 27, 2024. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at <b><a href="http://chicagomagiclounge.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chicagomagiclounge.com</a></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsLjmWATdZXwd3688YLqZGUckK5N3Z4oMOYZD4PTRmDnf3048Cl5NViOD8dZKQwrsg4gYSASrPqEOV63lqh17o-XvuJHs8hrNkFKAcH3ROlH3L6XnrqkZU4nFQ4HgKogL8_EJGcorP_BYB2EcBX6evglpcWp3WS1QY85XXAnBxPjd_ELsNd-dBqe5sTc/s2048/348901093_1664937223981663_5927964570126080199_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1413" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqsLjmWATdZXwd3688YLqZGUckK5N3Z4oMOYZD4PTRmDnf3048Cl5NViOD8dZKQwrsg4gYSASrPqEOV63lqh17o-XvuJHs8hrNkFKAcH3ROlH3L6XnrqkZU4nFQ4HgKogL8_EJGcorP_BYB2EcBX6evglpcWp3WS1QY85XXAnBxPjd_ELsNd-dBqe5sTc/w640-h442/348901093_1664937223981663_5927964570126080199_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-59902145960020253462024-01-23T10:05:00.041-06:002024-02-05T10:28:09.852-06:00The Midwest Premiere of The Brightest Thing in the World Via About Face Theatre March 14-April 13, 2024 <p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"> ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">About Face Theatre to produce</span></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">the Midwest premiere </span></i><i><span style="font-size: large;">of </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Brightest Thing in the World</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil0LamYGzGNfMo5o5Qac5T5SAXT6eIsSRb46qNkNR800HsnvU3c-BqMBL0aqXE-wPlsQGPBl3_kkktM2AYhUSTSIwr57C4P3wwaNSih0UXrzbZMdRqtaMXGcrQPvF3cZQ63uoXfF6-X5v3YVRZfSgOtVNWFTLxBH2rzLNWlX7igRbNS8idZs-8DKhows/s1200/424737457_916099023854201_1820289357448044741_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjil0LamYGzGNfMo5o5Qac5T5SAXT6eIsSRb46qNkNR800HsnvU3c-BqMBL0aqXE-wPlsQGPBl3_kkktM2AYhUSTSIwr57C4P3wwaNSih0UXrzbZMdRqtaMXGcrQPvF3cZQ63uoXfF6-X5v3YVRZfSgOtVNWFTLxBH2rzLNWlX7igRbNS8idZs-8DKhows/w640-h336/424737457_916099023854201_1820289357448044741_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">directed by Keira Fromm</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">March 14-April 13, 2024 </span></i></p><p>About Face Theatre continues its 29th season with the Midwest premiere of The Brightest Thing in the World by Leah Nanako Winkler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Keira Fromm. The show will run March 14 through April 13, 2024, at The Den Theatre. The Brightest Thing in the World starts as a bubbling romantic comedy between barista Lane and her regular Steph, charting their growing relationship as they encounter real-world challenges like teen pregnancy, parenting, and addiction. This play is a celebration of love, family, and the people in our lives who shine the brightest.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>THE BRIGHTEST THING IN THE WORLD</b></p><p><b>Written by Leah Nanako Winkler</b></p><p><b>Directed by AFT Artistic Associate Keira Fromm</b></p><p><br /></p><p>March 14 – April 13, 2024 | Press opening: Friday, March 22</p><p>All performances will take place at The Den Theatre, 1331 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago</p><p>Showtimes: Thurs and Fri at 8:00pm, Sat at 3:00pm and 8:00pm, Sun at 3:00pm</p><p>Please note: There is no matinee performance on Saturday, March 16</p><p>Open Captioning performances: Dates TBD.</p><p>Masks Required performances: Saturday matinees on March 30 and April 6 will require every attendee to wear a mask.</p><p>Pay-what-you-can tickets ($5 – $35) on sale now at The Den Theatre box office or About Face Theatre’s website.</p><p> </p><p>TICKETS</p><p>Tickets are on sale now online at <b><a href="http://AboutFaceTheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AboutFaceTheatre.com</a></b>, by calling 773.697.3830, or in-person at The Den Theatre box office. <b>Ticket prices range from $5 to $35. </b></p><p><b>AFT offers a ticket pricing system that allows each patron to decide the price that they can comfortably afford to pay for a ticket. Ultimately, About Face wants everyone who wants to attend a show to be able to do so. Please note: there are limited quantities available at each pricing level.</b></p><p>THE PLAY</p><p>Charmingly free-spirited barista Lane is determined to win over her new regular, the reserved and intellectual Steph. Delightful romantic comedy ensues with poetry, homemade desserts, and sparks flying. But both women are carrying life-changing secrets involving addiction, past relationships, and family. What happens when the giddy romance wears off and Lane and Steph must do the work of building a lasting relationship out of honesty, compassion, and courage? The Brightest Thing in the World is a funny, heartfelt new play delving into the people we think we know and the people we know we love.</p><p>“I love Leah Nanako Winkler’s use of language and the smart, messy, recognizable women at the center of the story,” says director Keira Fromm. “She has created a play that manages to be both a funny queer rom-com and a devastating portrait of addiction and the ways we’re all constantly in a state of recovery.”</p><p>The Brightest Thing in the World was commissioned by Yale Repertory Theatre in 2019, where it received its world premiere in 2022.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFNGC9Og7toXH6ZxJx3ge4g-Wzwobp8vFO2d-pFHuzEpWaDnt40JFmJovVsJiLayWxIB9G8IdpPl6P4hJ3VJfStwWtH_tw4LvH5Euuvhf_DHKgIBZs9HnAqi9PsubxAEIYTg-IS6JxA3dHiO2Wcwfy4n8A_gdi0kgCsxMjGv-MpkRAvdCTvicwLAL_ek/s1200/424889055_916099013854202_4070013432708129816_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFNGC9Og7toXH6ZxJx3ge4g-Wzwobp8vFO2d-pFHuzEpWaDnt40JFmJovVsJiLayWxIB9G8IdpPl6P4hJ3VJfStwWtH_tw4LvH5Euuvhf_DHKgIBZs9HnAqi9PsubxAEIYTg-IS6JxA3dHiO2Wcwfy4n8A_gdi0kgCsxMjGv-MpkRAvdCTvicwLAL_ek/w640-h336/424889055_916099013854202_4070013432708129816_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>CAST</b></p><p><b>Blakewell (Della)</b></p><p><b>Claire Kaplan (Lane)</b></p><p><b>Jojo Brown (Steph)</b></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>PRODUCTION TEAM</b></p><p><b>Dramaturg, Casting Director Catherine Miller</b></p><p><b>Choreographer Jenn Freeman</b></p><p><b>Intimacy & Violence Designer Sheryl Williams</b></p><p><b>Assistant Director Aimy Tien</b></p><p><b>Scenic Designer Sotirios Livaditis</b></p><p><b>Lighting Designer Conchita Avitia</b></p><p><b>Sound Designer Christopher Kriz</b></p><p><b>Costume Designer Gregory Graham</b></p><p><b>Properties Designer Amanda Herrmann</b></p><p><b>Technical Director Becca Venable</b></p><p><b>Stage Manager Jean Compton</b></p><p><b>Assistant Stage Manager B Valek</b></p><p><b>Production Manager Audrey Kleine</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Keira Fromm (she/her): director</p><p>Keira is a Chicago-based, Jeff-award nominated director. She is also an Artistic Associate with About Face Theatre where she directed Bull in a China Shop, Significant Other, Bright Half Life, and A Kid Like Jake. Other directing credits include: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf (Milwaukee Chamber Theatre), The Moors, A Phoenix Too Frequent, and A Doll’s House (American Players Theatre), The Last Match (Writers Theatre); At the Wedding and Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley (TheatreSquared); Top Girls and hang (Remy Bumppo); The Columnist (American Blues Theater); Charles Ives Take Me Home (Strawdog); The How and the Why (TimeLine Theatre); Broadsword (The Gift Theatre); and Fallow (Steep Theatre.) She received her MFA from DePaul University, her BFA from Boston University, is an alumna of Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab, and a member of SDC, the professional directors union. Keira will be directing The Liar at American Players Theatre this upcoming summer. www.keirafromm.com</p><p>Cyd Blakewell (she/her): “Della”</p><p>Cyd was most recently seen in Northlight Theatre’s Birthday Candles. She is a proud ensemble member of The Gift Theatre. Gift Theatre credits: The Locusts, Pillowman, Doubt, A Life Extra Ordinary, Good For Otto, Body + Blood, Broadsword, Mine, and TEN. Other Chicago credits: The Snare (Jackalope); Balm In Gilead and Port (Griffin); Buddy Cop 2, breaks & bikes, and Milk Milk Lemonade (Pavement Group); Sweet Confinement and Ivanov (SiNNERMAN Ensemble); Orange Flower Water (Interrobang); Lies & Liars and Mimesophobia (Theatre Seven); Rewind (The Side Project). Last summer she wrapped on a short film called Fairground and can also be seen in Jeri’s Grille. Next, you can see her in the World Premier of Obliterated by Andrew Hinderaker, co-starring Michael Patrick Thornton. Cyd got her BFA from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX and is a graduate of the School at Steppenwolf. She is represented by Promote Talent Agency.</p><p>Jojo Brown (she/her): “Steph”</p><p>Jojo Brown is a stage and screen actor who was born and raised in Chicago. Off-Broadway credits include CHARM and 7 Minutes. Television credits include her recurring role as Mindy on Freeform's “Single Drunk Female” and appearances on NBC, Showtime, Comedy Central, FX, and Paramount Plus. </p><p>Claire Kaplan (she/her): “Lane”</p><p>Claire is a theater-maker, actor, and teacher from Long Beach, CA. Regional credits include South Coast Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, and East West Players. Claire is co-artistic director of The West, an experimental theatre company formerly based in LA, now creating work in Chicago and Berlin. She is directing Theatre Unspeakable's touring show introducing Shakespeare to kids and is teaching devised theater at UIC. She recently helped create the musical world for Backroom Shakes' The Winter's Tale.</p><p>Leah Nanako Winkler (she/her): playwright</p><p>Leah Nanako Winkler is an award-winning playwright and TV writer from Kamakura, Japan, and Lexington, Kentucky. Her plays include God Said This, Two Mile Hollow, Kentucky, Hot Asian Doctor Husband, and The Brightest Thing in the World, as well as many short plays all produced Off-Broadway and regionally. Accolades and fellowships: Yale Drama Series Prize, Mark O’Donnell Prize from The Actors Fund and Playwrights Horizons, Audible’s Emerging Playwrights Fund, Jerome New York Fellow at the Lark, Francesca Primus Prize, and a 2020 Steinberg Playwright Award. She is published by American Theater Magazine, Nanjing University’s Stage and Screen Reviews, Yale University Press, Backstage, Smith and Krauss, Samuel French, and Dramatists Play Service. TV credits include Michael Moore’s TV NATION, New Amsterdam, A24’s Ramy on Hulu (where she along with the other writers won a Peabody Award), Love Life on HBO MAX, and currently on projects at Apple, Warner and Amazon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAdZNEOWmivPRcgYQJZd_K9T95yWZQYYmqiMf6YW6DeeyL1Dpny5gxLyaRr-tqLnW4vJeRinDqfixwhO6JlNcGk1G622uCj4tKarX3BdtUXo1OQbd0g0EzNaKXbfmQHiPh-pIs3fOqeG3WNGOboOYFfQLVhOIW5VsO6ZbyTADSzCIQJPeDCQlC84IjUg/s180/279035236_411508360979939_2420553720615577438_n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="180" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAdZNEOWmivPRcgYQJZd_K9T95yWZQYYmqiMf6YW6DeeyL1Dpny5gxLyaRr-tqLnW4vJeRinDqfixwhO6JlNcGk1G622uCj4tKarX3BdtUXo1OQbd0g0EzNaKXbfmQHiPh-pIs3fOqeG3WNGOboOYFfQLVhOIW5VsO6ZbyTADSzCIQJPeDCQlC84IjUg/s1600/279035236_411508360979939_2420553720615577438_n.png" width="180" /></a></div><p><i>ABOUT FACE THEATRE advances LGBTQ+ equity through community building, education, and performance. AFT envisions an affirming and equitable world in which all LGBTQ+ individuals are thriving and free from prejudice and discrimination. About Face Theatre is also dedicated to being an intentionally and increasingly anti-racist organization. Due to the intersectionality of our identities, we understand our work to advance LGBTQ+ equity as directly connected to movements for racial justice.</i></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEBgDAsxrTh1T2bz3kXeNh2ANkM-Hx7otPxCphJFa3gzGVddTKp_HCREfH8ShDhiXH9cJkROLyAovw0L5HW6HEsKILxsYK1m7bLXfXfSbbbEKMxe8mdGCbZ9O-THH8IvojHeaebvCs3Ji4ZToYSzDRjjtCaKseLdFKPMtb4ZJZ_HAD8XwuJQPVGk7KhE/s1080/square_brightestthing-announcement5_1080x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEBgDAsxrTh1T2bz3kXeNh2ANkM-Hx7otPxCphJFa3gzGVddTKp_HCREfH8ShDhiXH9cJkROLyAovw0L5HW6HEsKILxsYK1m7bLXfXfSbbbEKMxe8mdGCbZ9O-THH8IvojHeaebvCs3Ji4ZToYSzDRjjtCaKseLdFKPMtb4ZJZ_HAD8XwuJQPVGk7KhE/w400-h400/square_brightestthing-announcement5_1080x1080.jpg" width="400" /></a></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-17987527615980602112024-01-22T16:41:00.119-06:002024-02-09T14:41:42.681-06:00TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Anna Deavere Smith's Notes from the Field January 31 - March 24, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: </span></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;">Adult Shows With Family Themes On Our Radar</span> </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">TIMELINE THEATRE PRESENTS CHICAGO PREMIERE OF ANNA DEAVERE SMITH’S </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NOTES FROM THE FIELD</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">JANUARY 31 - MARCH 24, 2024</span></i></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDkyw7xQsaSs9cDSCY7-6NFu1mX_Ltqckbn11XINtWv-UbS9-n-pQ0JYOmmRQJ46nHHese-HwNvjcbyFpdxcqmmloAsRyIEiAs_yhzODs4ut-VVYTCRNrFp3rjm-KRnd66d2KXfDxT2ZLVYc6GwqwSoREPmrBXocIIQH_PRF_nutpr2CrMB6yMxZsz1E/s1174/unnamed-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="912" data-original-width="1174" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggDkyw7xQsaSs9cDSCY7-6NFu1mX_Ltqckbn11XINtWv-UbS9-n-pQ0JYOmmRQJ46nHHese-HwNvjcbyFpdxcqmmloAsRyIEiAs_yhzODs4ut-VVYTCRNrFp3rjm-KRnd66d2KXfDxT2ZLVYc6GwqwSoREPmrBXocIIQH_PRF_nutpr2CrMB6yMxZsz1E/w640-h498/unnamed-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Mildred Marie Langford, Shariba Rivers, and Adhana Reid give voice to 19 real-life people in director Mikael Burke’s staging of Smith’s searing indictment of America’s school-to-prison pipeline</span></i></p></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ-DIUFNmF-GdplHYIcA_6Dg8Fr2c47-7Mb4CTpErOecYAq0z__DpHzV9mRaN8aooKFbHv_pOTzd_jYqTWTgZkJLHGojv64Ox-86f6jSrjdet_oxmMAin9J7GNMd5jB7RarYv5MQT7tI-EKUgyU4eH8BvdB9DR4JmEdoZQay2ZIUDwZgwzFY2elvB6LQ/s1200/unnamed-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1200" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ-DIUFNmF-GdplHYIcA_6Dg8Fr2c47-7Mb4CTpErOecYAq0z__DpHzV9mRaN8aooKFbHv_pOTzd_jYqTWTgZkJLHGojv64Ox-86f6jSrjdet_oxmMAin9J7GNMd5jB7RarYv5MQT7tI-EKUgyU4eH8BvdB9DR4JmEdoZQay2ZIUDwZgwzFY2elvB6LQ/w640-h412/unnamed-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b> (From left) Mildred Marie Langford, Shariba Rivers, and Adhana Reid co-star in</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes From the Field.</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Credit for all preproduction photos: Joe Mazza/brave lux inc.</b></i></p><p>Witness the stories of 19 individuals fighting to overcome and transform America’s education and criminal justice systems in TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Notes from the Field by Anna Deavere Smith. Performances are January 31 - March 24, 2024 at TimeLine’s longtime home, 615 W. Wellington Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. </p><p>I'll be out for the press opening February 7th, so check back soon for my full review. We're excited to see director Mikael Burke, making his TimeLine debut. Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, he's been a favorite of ours for years. We caught both of his recent critically acclaimed stagings, Blues for an Alabama Sky for Remy Bumppo and Tambo & Bones for Refracted Theatre Company, and we were wowed. With Mikael Burke at the helm, and three top Chicago actors—TimeLine Company Member Mildred Marie Langford, Adhana Reid and Shariba Rivers on stage, TimeLine Theatre’s Notes from the Field is in great hands. I'm sure this will be eye opening storytelling on a serious problem. </p><p>Notes from the Field is a strikingly intimate evening of theater unlike anything you’ve experienced before, presenting snapshots from a variety of real people, documenting their intersections with the American dream and the obstacles that work to block them from it. Utilizing verbatim dialogue pulled from more than 250 accounts from students, faculty, prisoners, activists, politicians, and victims’ families, Notes from the Field takes audiences on an emotional journey through the faults and injustices of an American criminal justice system that seems more focused on incarceration over education.</p><p>Deeply human, profoundly moving, and full of moments of humor, compassion, and resilience, Notes from the Field is a masterful work by one of the most accomplished theater artists of our time that asks audiences to observe, be present, and join the call for urgent and necessary change. The New York Times called it "a searing and urgent work that confronts some of the most pressing issues of our time with honesty, intelligence, and compassion.” </p><p>Originally performed by creator Anna Deavere Smith as a one-woman show, TimeLine’s Chicago premiere features TimeLine Company Member Mildred Marie Langford, Adhana Reid and Shariba Rivers to weave together narratives of change makers, activists, and those caught within and trying to change the school-to-prison pipeline.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyyoGRVRD5ggGRjq6nsN7SrpZ8vfzfNJzIih576KKL6g2dNEyFComuy1mYAb_YXnO9eWavhI0XtCq7FuYQQRdfmzQo4i5kutRCWsB1kMcTnnZoRvik0G0eNnm_kBKdNo0Fp0rxlOLSK36byX_YS3xI_bCZSFXdRiGXnj2HH4nv_KLTnJevkNi9gCmbLs/s1200/unnamed-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1200" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyyoGRVRD5ggGRjq6nsN7SrpZ8vfzfNJzIih576KKL6g2dNEyFComuy1mYAb_YXnO9eWavhI0XtCq7FuYQQRdfmzQo4i5kutRCWsB1kMcTnnZoRvik0G0eNnm_kBKdNo0Fp0rxlOLSK36byX_YS3xI_bCZSFXdRiGXnj2HH4nv_KLTnJevkNi9gCmbLs/w640-h412/unnamed-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>(From left) Mildred Marie Langford, Adhana Reid and Shariba Rivers co-star in TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Anna Deavere Smith’s Notes From the Field.</i></b></p><p>In sum, Smith gives voice to 19 real-life instigators of change, from household names to brave Americans who were unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight of history, including Sherrilyn Ifill, president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund; Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant, who eulogized Freddie Gray in Baltimore; Niya Kenny, the high school student who confronted a violent police deputy—all caught on film; activist Bree Newsome, who took the Confederate flag down from the South Carolina State House grounds; and many others. She ends the play with the late Congressman John Lewis, who personifies both a violent time in American history with the civil rights movement, and the promise of what American character is all about.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdTMNjiYBGXJhXK1i-CLg_3uOlL-ZDIu8Yxtb7eSJtfQTbkmQ4TVM060nU6_9049Hp2juGFnKl8873u9F2iv6xia-G_AnKSmLpWzELfd6VtiUNCKzjDOMYV1om1tZEnjS2RBgW739xJ35wrG5coU5GHSwJR9AykuAoGptWwvtfgNDHchCRsFBnXGEi5I/s1200/unnamed-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrdTMNjiYBGXJhXK1i-CLg_3uOlL-ZDIu8Yxtb7eSJtfQTbkmQ4TVM060nU6_9049Hp2juGFnKl8873u9F2iv6xia-G_AnKSmLpWzELfd6VtiUNCKzjDOMYV1om1tZEnjS2RBgW739xJ35wrG5coU5GHSwJR9AykuAoGptWwvtfgNDHchCRsFBnXGEi5I/w640-h360/unnamed-6.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Director Mikael Burke at first rehearsal for TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of Notes from the Field. Credit: Emma Schoenfelner</i></b></p><p>TimeLine’s production team includes Eleanor Kahn (Scenic Designer, she/her), Christine Pascual (Costume Designer, she/her), Eric Watkins (Lighting Designer), Ellie Terrell (Properties Designer, she/her), Rasean Davonté Johnson (Projections Designer, he/him), Christie Chiles Twillie (Sound Designer, she/her), DeRon S. Williams (Dramaturg, he/him), Dina Spoerl (Dramaturgical Display Designer, she/her), Sammi Grant (Dialect Coach, she/her), Regina Victor (Associate Director, pharaoh/they/them) and Katie Klemme (Stage Manager, she/her). Understudies are Ashli Rene Funches (any pronoun), Stephanie Mattos (she/her) and Jenese Upton (she/her).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBl2clPZErtNFw816wYqDyKYL6AcpltCuHx5dQUDwA9PLDOLf9CVXLnDBHdmTmMSNqRgFjIY4FM-hGCdnV8Y-JMeWdQ84UUkbNMNG3IXI5rqNpXoFU8vDgk7fD5mPG0kHKrmpA0lt6d_cCKQusOBIFF5fgLmjRbPN_J5Gc63tTupHKmmGPSZeHgzTmnk/s1200/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="1200" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBl2clPZErtNFw816wYqDyKYL6AcpltCuHx5dQUDwA9PLDOLf9CVXLnDBHdmTmMSNqRgFjIY4FM-hGCdnV8Y-JMeWdQ84UUkbNMNG3IXI5rqNpXoFU8vDgk7fD5mPG0kHKrmpA0lt6d_cCKQusOBIFF5fgLmjRbPN_J5Gc63tTupHKmmGPSZeHgzTmnk/w640-h246/unnamed.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>NOTES FROM THE FIELD: “EVERYONE SHOULD WATCH IT, AT LEAST ONCE” </b></p><p>Originally performed as a one-woman show by creator Anna Deavere Smith, this 2017 Obie Award-winning production was hailed by The Guardian as “captivating political theatre, a devastating document of racial inequality and the most rousing of rallying calls. Everyone should watch it, at least once.” Deeply human, profoundly moving, and full of moments of humor, compassion, and resilience, it’s a masterful work that makes it impossible to look away from the urgent need for change.</p><p>Said TimeLine Artistic Director PJ Powers, “Notes from the Field is the latest installment of what Anna Deavere Smith has referred to as her life’s work: a series of plays she calls On the Road: A Search for American Character. It’s a provocation, highlighting on-the-ground difference-makers who, in their own way, are instigators of change, from household names to a few brave Americans who were unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight of history as outspoken voices for change.”</p><p></p><p><b>NOTES FROM THE FIELD PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE</b></p><p>Previews are Wednesday, January 31 through Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m.; Saturday, February 3 at 4 p.m.; Sunday, February 4 at 2 p.m.; and Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. Press Night is Wednesday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. Opening Night is Thursday, February 8 at 7:30 p.m. (sold out). Regular performances continue through March 24: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. Exceptions: No 4 p.m. show Saturday, February 10; and no performances on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17. There are three added performances: Tuesday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. and matinees on Wednesday, March 13 at 2 p.m. and Thursday, March 14 at 2 p.m.</p><p><b>BUYING TICKETS</b></p><p>Single tickets to Notes from the Field are $35-$67. For tickets and information, visit <b><a href="http://timelinetheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">timelinetheatre.com</a> </b>or call the TimeLine Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6.</p><p>Preview tickets are $35. Single tickets to regular performances are $52 (all evening performances) and $67 (all matinee performances). <b>Student discount is 35% off regular price with valid ID.</b> TimeLine is also a member of TCG’s <b>Blue Star Theatre Program and is offering $25 tickets to U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their spouses and family.</b></p><p><b>Ticket buyers ages 18-35 may join TimeLine’s free MyLine program</b> to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit <b><a href="http://timelinetheatre.com/discounts" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">timelinetheatre.com/discounts</a></b> for more about available discounts.</p><p><b>LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING</b></p><p>Notes from the Field will take place at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood, near the corner of Wellington and Broadway, inside Chabad East Lakeview, the former Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ building. TimeLine is served by multiple CTA trains and buses. There are multiple paid parking options nearby, plus limited free and metered street parking. Visit timelinetheatre.com/timeline-theatre for details and available discounts.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>DISCUSSIONS</b></p><p>Post-Show Discussions: A brief, informal post-show discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the dramaturg and members of the production team on Thursday, February 15; Sunday, February 18; Thursday, March 7; and Wednesday, March 13 (2 p.m. matinee).</p><p>Pre-Show Discussions: Starting one hour before the performance, a 25-minute introductory conversation hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and the dramaturg on Thursday, February 22, and Sunday, March 10.</p><p>Company Member Discussion: A post-show discussion with the collaborative team of artists who choose TimeLine’s programming and guide the company’s mission on Sunday, February 25.</p><p>Sunday Scholars Panel Discussion: A one-hour panel discussion featuring experts on the themes and issues of the play alongside a member of the production team in a moderated discussion, following the performance on Sunday, March 3.</p><p>All discussions are free and open to the public. For details, visit <b><a href="http://timelinetheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">timelinetheatre.com</a>. </b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>HEALTH AND SAFETY</b></p><p>Mask-wearing is no longer required at TimeLine performances. Exception: One scheduled Distanced Performance for each production. Anyone is welcome to attend the Distanced Performance, but due to very limited capacity, we ask that immunocompromised patrons be given the first chance to reserve. </p><p>While masking is no longer required at most performances, TimeLine supports an individual’s choice to mask and will continue to make good quality masks available upon request. Protocols are subject to change based on current public health recommendations; for the most current information, visit timelinetheatre.com/health-and-safety.</p><p><b>UPCOMING PERFORMANCES</b></p><p>Following Notes from the Field, TimeLine’s 2023-24 subscription season finale is another riveting play that links past, present and future, the world premiere of Black Sunday by Dolores Díaz. Developed through TimeLine’s Playwrights Collective and directed by Sandra Marquez, Black Sunday is a startling look at conflicts of climate change, race, and gender in the days leading up to an infamous dust storm in 1930s Texas. Previews start May 8, 2024. Press opening is Wednesday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. Performances run through June 29.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJREQ5m9n1Exz2FZP3M6kfWqsqlNJYNIyAXaaT7sEDzw9lXvuouWCiTnBZySGwGd1bc6fpzSad0zrP_gkpJ0zr39mlCTAAnAoLMS8Cdb-R1UYUv86877jQS2YKX_H95hUjpDFqpgo6FEIPDTM6GQVqIsV-jteTNL-ovMaqE04GSw-L9OF8y85e43Y-Sc/s500/unnamed-7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJREQ5m9n1Exz2FZP3M6kfWqsqlNJYNIyAXaaT7sEDzw9lXvuouWCiTnBZySGwGd1bc6fpzSad0zrP_gkpJ0zr39mlCTAAnAoLMS8Cdb-R1UYUv86877jQS2YKX_H95hUjpDFqpgo6FEIPDTM6GQVqIsV-jteTNL-ovMaqE04GSw-L9OF8y85e43Y-Sc/w200-h200/unnamed-7.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><p><b>ABOUT TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY</b></p><p><i>TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today's social and political issues. Currently celebrating its 27th season, TimeLine has presented 90 productions, including 13 world premieres and 41 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program and TimeLine South summer arts program, which bring the company's mission to life for students in Chicago Public Schools and beyond. Recipient of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 60 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production 11 times.</i></p><p><i>The company has long been bursting at the seams of its current leased home located at 615 W. Wellington Avenue in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood, where the theatre has been in residence since 1999. The company is currently working to develop its new home, located at 5035 North Broadway in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood. Plans feature an intimate black box theater seating up to 250 audience members, expanded area for the immersive lobby experiences that are a TimeLine hallmark, new opportunities for education and engagement, room to allow audience members to arrive early and stay late for theatergoing experiences that extend far beyond the stage, and more.</i></p><p><i>TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Executive Director Mica Cole, and Board President John Sterling. TimeLine Company members are Tyla Abercrumbie, Will Allan, Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Behzad Dabu, Charles Andrew Gardner, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Anish Jethmalani, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, and Maren Robinson.</i></p><p><i>Major corporate, government and foundation donors providing season support via TimeLine’s Annual Fund include: Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation; Crown Family Philanthropies; Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation; Laughing Acres Family Foundation; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity, and the Arts at Prince; Polk Bros. Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; Van Dam Charitable Foundation; and Walder Foundation. TimeLine also acknowledges the support of a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.</i></p><p><b>BIOGRAPHIES </b> </p><p>Anna Deavere Smith (Playwright) is an actress, teacher, playwright, and the creator of the acclaimed On the Road series of one-woman plays, which are based on her interviews with diverse voices from communities in crisis. A recipient of the National Humanities Medal from President Obama and two Obie Awards, her work has also been nominated for a Pulitzer and two Tonys. Onscreen, she has appeared in many films and television shows, including Philadelphia, The West Wing, Black-ish, and Nurse Jackie. She is University Professor in the department of Art & Public Policy at New York University, where she also directs the Institute on the Arts and Civic Dialogue. In 2019, she was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.</p><p>Mikael Burke (Director) is a Chicago-based director, deviser, and educator, making his TimeLine directing debut. A Princess Grace Award-winner in Theatre and Jeff Award-nominated director, Burke has worked with Goodman, Chicago Shakespeare, Remy Bumppo, Victory Gardens, Northlight, Raven, Jackalope, First Floor, The Story, and Refracted in Chicago, and regionally with Yale Rep, Forward Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Indiana Rep, Theatreworks Hartford, Urbanite, Theatreworks Colorado Springs, Asolo Rep, Geva, Phoenix Theatre Indianapolis, and Third Avenue Playworks. Burke previously served as Associate Artistic Director at both About Face Theatre and First Floor Theater, and adjuncts at DePaul and Roosevelt universities. Recent directing credits include the world premiere of The Salvagers by Harrison David Rivers (Yale Rep); Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage (Remy Bumppo); the Chicago premiere of Tambo & Bones by Dave Harris (Refracted); Clyde’s by Lynn Nottage (Theatreworks Hartford); and The Magnolia Ballet by Terry Guest (About Face; 2022 Jeff Award – Production, Short Run). He holds an MFA in Directing from The Theatre School at DePaul University. mklburke.com.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufTbwvbIbcYY0jVzXTU2eVky-PBbzrzQtponjCSbP4f5pVFFIQ-XqLxzkcDX4-eoVepdgOlxK8AC3Kkh7GCwmvUEjLV7r0AuxXRcxY4LNrmvB-LAQRGxH7iNw2_mb2ei3PN99f8-Pzc9dyN_3QUVI0iQEtsZCLdeuzO7NK8zprZDyQDkEvylfvl8UYwI/s1200/unnamed-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1200" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgufTbwvbIbcYY0jVzXTU2eVky-PBbzrzQtponjCSbP4f5pVFFIQ-XqLxzkcDX4-eoVepdgOlxK8AC3Kkh7GCwmvUEjLV7r0AuxXRcxY4LNrmvB-LAQRGxH7iNw2_mb2ei3PN99f8-Pzc9dyN_3QUVI0iQEtsZCLdeuzO7NK8zprZDyQDkEvylfvl8UYwI/w640-h412/unnamed-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Mildred Marie Langford has been a TimeLine Company Member since 2012. She was last seen last season at TimeLine in the world premiere of Boulevard of Bold Dreams, as well as in A Raisin in the Sun (BTAA nomination), My Kind of Town and In Darfur (Black Excellence Award nomination). Other credits include The Bluest Eye (A Noise Within Theatre, Los Angeles), The Great Jheri Curl Debate (East West Players, Los Angeles), Intimate Apparel (Northlight; BTAA, Equity Jeff, and Black Excellence award nominations–Best Actress), Gunshot Medley: Part 1 (CAB/Rogue Machine Theatre, Los Angeles; Ovation award nomination–Lead Actress), Native Son (Antaeus Theatre Company/Kirk Douglas Theatre 2019 Block Party, Los Angeles), Domesticated, Animal Farm, Venus and The Crucible (Steppenwolf), The Royale (American Theater Company, BTAA winner–Best Featured Actress), Luck of the Irish (Next), A Raisin in the Sun (Milwaukee Rep) and Failure: A Love Story (Victory Gardens). TV and film credits include Grey’s Anatomy, Bosch, Delilah, Chicago Med, Masters of Sex, Magic Funhouse, and the indie film projects Cotton Candy Bubble Gum, Morning Steep, The Three Phases of Isa, Upload, Dignity, Your Beautiful Baby, Concrete Rose and Analysis Paralysis.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA7UXw2wOG7uLYbBmhtoDzYTrmkB6kDwd40dhsOJk8M_-8TeArdAl-mKJbm0rJeopWYsMjd2Akb4Z6mju0568rQ_4iQndNGhsy0TdV1qxZQpchFPId3p3PFmnFjUDVLJBTtNI3a_Kkz627MYVuFWEGOgrfX5NTwzAFhER0_fNuc13lUPzxY1S0BjnpIY/s1200/unnamed-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1200" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA7UXw2wOG7uLYbBmhtoDzYTrmkB6kDwd40dhsOJk8M_-8TeArdAl-mKJbm0rJeopWYsMjd2Akb4Z6mju0568rQ_4iQndNGhsy0TdV1qxZQpchFPId3p3PFmnFjUDVLJBTtNI3a_Kkz627MYVuFWEGOgrfX5NTwzAFhER0_fNuc13lUPzxY1S0BjnpIY/w640-h412/unnamed-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Adhana Reid is making her Timeline Theatre debut. Her Chicago credits include School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (Goodman Theatre), Rocky Horror Picture Show (Haven Theatre), The MLK Project (Writers Theatre), Sheepdog (Shattered Globe), A Christmas Carol and The Color Purple (Drury Lane Theatre); Little Shop of Horrors (Mercury Theatre), Eclipsed (Pegasus), Big River (Theatre at the Center) and Spring Awakening (Marriott Theatre). adhanareid.com</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBWTdJMpLrCJN6GHTS9ZT-kGHuC8DaLxfDAR-VJu2Nu7GCbEyI-9GrZkuq1B04L3p_soDO3f9X0hqcI5e52NetezYbgo4GzysDBYPfNjGiP46LeYWtBZaOmEIrOzgR6a_S5eZ5BU1WGG2HDNKXFuIOigwxbm7PnsVgim1-grTF07uxZhYO9MqdXjlxmY/s1200/unnamed-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1200" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBWTdJMpLrCJN6GHTS9ZT-kGHuC8DaLxfDAR-VJu2Nu7GCbEyI-9GrZkuq1B04L3p_soDO3f9X0hqcI5e52NetezYbgo4GzysDBYPfNjGiP46LeYWtBZaOmEIrOzgR6a_S5eZ5BU1WGG2HDNKXFuIOigwxbm7PnsVgim1-grTF07uxZhYO9MqdXjlxmY/w640-h412/unnamed-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Shariba Rivers had her TimeLine debut last season with her critically acclaimed portrayal of Wiletta Mayer in Alice Childress’ Trouble in Mind. Other Chicago credits include The Nacirema Society (Goodman), The October Storm and Hoodoo Love (Raven), Sweat (Paramount), Small Jokes about Monsters (16th Street), The Tasters (Rivendell) and In the Canyon (Jackalope). Regional credits include Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (Arts Center of Coastal Carolina), School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (TheatreSquared, Fayetteville, AK) and We are Continuous (Geva Theatre, Rochester, NY). Film/TV credits include Smoking Gun!, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. (NBC), The Chi (Showtime) and Empire (Fox). sharibatheactor.com</p><p><b><i>For more information, visit <a href="http://timelinetheatre.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">timelinetheatre.com</a> or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@TimeLineTheatre on all platforms).</i></b></p><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-17013268142750720132024-01-20T12:40:00.273-06:002024-01-25T17:24:20.828-06:00Germany's Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel Bring Baudelaire to The 21st Century With Surreal "Spleen"<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><i><b>Spleen </b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">by Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel </span><span style="font-size: large;">From Germany</span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><i> at The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival </i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Ages: 16+</i></span></b><i><span> </span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pDyk-uXDu1AnFnd-GmSZ2ZBoUuzpoX2lOb160oZoqlRXdfvxARBsre35Sz82YsXkOc3HQ4r8lk-PGnC9sH3cvQ4VD9n7rn7VhtGNFmw2HEm-1x-OMdEa2MSrREDD7IGZGV4LSR0tNcI6lLLSCHpWO0wvECZTc7C0hvxAugMCR2jhvkPnlYMr95Ux7sI/s1200/unnamed-8.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6pDyk-uXDu1AnFnd-GmSZ2ZBoUuzpoX2lOb160oZoqlRXdfvxARBsre35Sz82YsXkOc3HQ4r8lk-PGnC9sH3cvQ4VD9n7rn7VhtGNFmw2HEm-1x-OMdEa2MSrREDD7IGZGV4LSR0tNcI6lLLSCHpWO0wvECZTc7C0hvxAugMCR2jhvkPnlYMr95Ux7sI/w640-h426/unnamed-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">REVIEW:</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If dissonant, amplified violin, brutally loud electric guitar, creepy puppets, and esoteric 19th century poetry recorded by children is your jam, you have found your happy place! Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel's Spleen is wonderfully weird. This dynamic duo melds puppetry and an original score to breath new life into text well over a century old, and completely relevant today. Spleen is inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s collection of poems “Le Spleen de Paris,” published posthumously in 1869. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Baudelaire's words, paired with an eerie assortment of puppets, is the show you never knew you needed to see. Charlotte Wilde arranges, composes and plays the music (violin, guitar and keyboard instruments) and brings compelling emotion and punctuation to the performance. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIsDMbE5sJTw7AChR8pdBf5tvMDjvjH01-N7yyvIDClHy9izxhGVC6vTZfaSG3oVvtOoqyMhCJKCDgaZi4YDESX_nrOL24iGCRobmuSShrKTF0ncqgMwop6qtALpJheURWdPf3kqbOeHgEm1suXS_4aDI5H4jfcALUx_Zn7wuiROjAZut-evP_z7h9N0/s1800/unnamed-9.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlIsDMbE5sJTw7AChR8pdBf5tvMDjvjH01-N7yyvIDClHy9izxhGVC6vTZfaSG3oVvtOoqyMhCJKCDgaZi4YDESX_nrOL24iGCRobmuSShrKTF0ncqgMwop6qtALpJheURWdPf3kqbOeHgEm1suXS_4aDI5H4jfcALUx_Zn7wuiROjAZut-evP_z7h9N0/w426-h640/unnamed-9.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We couldn't look away from the demonic, little creature that seemed self propelled, and others that moved unaided. We also adored the puppets animated by the shockingly limber and talented puppeteer and puppet maker, Michael Vogel. The craft and design of these puppets is fabulous and leaves a lasting impression. The plot may be too baffling and esoteric to ever be mainstream, but we enjoyed it immensely. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We'll be back out to catch opening night of Krabat, featuring Wilde & Vogel once again, with Grupa Coincidentia.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.chiilmama.com/2023/11/save-dates-6th-chicago-international.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Full Puppet Fest Schedule, including video clips of the productions HERE</a>. </span></b></p><p><i><b>Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). </b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTqks7Pzk0QbKf4T74xGxA7izl0KZYQKT485unUh9XHidi1TfQD2Qtbq8gghmYQZ9G6xLlzGbuZTCzF1Rp2IhdR4aq0y6ROF3JluE0qZMP0ej46bU77uroPcTL1WVUDZdNWLN0i8SnYU85OrVLznb_QW-FeC9sILD5E4RQ9kNvTStj3l3NRsrhyGg7GY/s1800/unnamed-7.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLTqks7Pzk0QbKf4T74xGxA7izl0KZYQKT485unUh9XHidi1TfQD2Qtbq8gghmYQZ9G6xLlzGbuZTCzF1Rp2IhdR4aq0y6ROF3JluE0qZMP0ej46bU77uroPcTL1WVUDZdNWLN0i8SnYU85OrVLznb_QW-FeC9sILD5E4RQ9kNvTStj3l3NRsrhyGg7GY/w426-h640/unnamed-7.jpg" width="426" /></a><i><br /><b><br /></b></i><p></p><p><b><i>Spleen</i></b></p><p><b><i>The Biograph's Richard Christiansen Theatre, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park</i></b></p><p><b><i>January 19-21</i></b></p><p><b><i>Four shows: Friday, January 19 at 9 p.m., Saturday, January 20 at 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.; Sunday, January 21 at 5 p.m.</i></b></p><p><b><i>70 minutes</i></b></p><p><b><i>16 and up</i></b></p><p><b><i>Tickets: $20-$30</i></b></p><p>Spleen is a kaleidoscope of pictures, songs and miniatures, inspired by Charles Baudelaire’s collection of poems “Le Spleen de Paris,” published posthumously in 1869. Mankind on the threshold to modernity is described in scenes played out between thirst for life and longing for death, between a romantic search for infinity and a brutal triviality. The performers are on the stage with puppets and musical instruments, while Baudelaire’s texts are spoken by children recorded on tape. The magic of this kaleidoscope develops in the imagination between actors, material and audience - a sequence of pictures and live music that wants to counterpoint Baudelaire’s vision of the world and open it for a new understanding for the present.</p><p>Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel was founded in 1997 by musician Charlotte Wilde and puppeteer and puppet maker Michael Vogel, first in Stuttgart, from 2003 in Leipzig, where Wilde and Vogel are co-founders of the International Centre for Animated Theatre Westflügel. Wilde, who studied music, English and history in Karlsruhe, arranges, composes and plays the music (violin, guitar and keyboard instruments). Vogel studied in Prague with Milos Kirschner and the Spejbl & Hurvinek Theatre, and studied puppet theater in Stuttgart at the University of Music and Performing Arts. Today, puppetry and live music are the artistic means of Wilde & Vogel’s theater, with a repertoire including classical drama, adaptations of novels, poetry and original works. Themes and dramatic material for the productions are manifold, and are always reduced to the essence, to open space for imagination beyond the visible for the audience. <b><a href="http://figurentheater-wildevogel.de" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">figurentheater-wildevogel.de</a></b></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span>More Fabulous Puppet Fun From </span></i><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel </i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>and Grupa Coincidentia from </i></span><span style="text-align: left;"><i>Germany/Poland</i></span><i><span>:</span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Krabat</span></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp3ab8lHxWeAN7t5cnlwsRFpP1vxf0Fs9OkoaTXLWW5rvrxSSqUa0tAPz8SHB4ugGjb5HH18qpdwsBFZdcOMVnvs6D_eeqJNj3Th36IdQ6U9i-ilO8bhQYKnhJbgRkaQujUX-98Sryrg1bCJHyOJmV1tFJanGDcbcVFd_3ZIntElOHWA9xTx4ID8FCm4/s1000/unnamed-11.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp3ab8lHxWeAN7t5cnlwsRFpP1vxf0Fs9OkoaTXLWW5rvrxSSqUa0tAPz8SHB4ugGjb5HH18qpdwsBFZdcOMVnvs6D_eeqJNj3Th36IdQ6U9i-ilO8bhQYKnhJbgRkaQujUX-98Sryrg1bCJHyOJmV1tFJanGDcbcVFd_3ZIntElOHWA9xTx4ID8FCm4/w640-h640/unnamed-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b><i>Krabat</i></b></p><p><b><i>Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel and Grupa Coincidentia</i></b></p><p><b><i>Germany/Poland</i></b></p><p><b><i>The Biograph Theater's Začek-McVay Mainstage, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park</i></b></p><p><b><i>January 25-28</i></b></p><p><b><i>Four shows: Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, January 26 and 27 at 9 p.m.; Sunday, January 28 at 3 p.m.</i></b></p><p><b><i>70 minutes</i></b></p><p><b><i>13 and up</i></b></p><p><b><i>Tickets: $35-$45</i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgsHOauN7E2EiiIMcvCV87E2dEdVVjQVSMIP34B7kcW8sYxiQtIs8NnASmPYRIUkoj5DQYwwno8XVrh6yfYEC4gSRTpIgMsC7CoNcYISdAAfsewc3Lta_REASgpv36Ku4FB4KELa_mqKGF38Zc3BYHbH3snv9oNSE2sSYVclNVJY9slbkSx5sUKztWS8/s720/unnamed-10.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgsHOauN7E2EiiIMcvCV87E2dEdVVjQVSMIP34B7kcW8sYxiQtIs8NnASmPYRIUkoj5DQYwwno8XVrh6yfYEC4gSRTpIgMsC7CoNcYISdAAfsewc3Lta_REASgpv36Ku4FB4KELa_mqKGF38Zc3BYHbH3snv9oNSE2sSYVclNVJY9slbkSx5sUKztWS8/w426-h640/unnamed-10.jpg" width="426" /></a></p><p>Based on the classic German children's book “Krabat and the Sorcerer's Mill,” a stray war orphan finds shelter with eleven millers and their Master. Strict rules, dark practices, black magic…anything can be endured as long as the bowl is full and the bed is dry. Krabat grows closer and closer to the Master. Finally, it is not heroism, but disobedience - the motive of gaining a friend and a girl who loves him - that breaks the power of the spell. A play about hard times, human falls and the power of first love, Krabat goes straight to the heart with penetrating clarity, power of image, stage humor and a minimum of words. Dark, bold and at the same time incredibly light, it’s a carousel of feelings spinning among great musical landscapes.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwx5BD4XDK2C8wNkwnMpawiwdSXH7vc5IyeL28yk93RCiyBtF2pDGawKC7BaBgogjR8Px6mk7-lNgVTi2OadWZbbeGCqMIzMmDQevXsmsVKG-ZjdZGo_TJfN4osXgSpvyVTML4JXkuvnuBj6djPOoSyAtvoWS68w671DnOobd6AbaxPTGODaahJMyMU/s1200/unnamed-12.jpg" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOPwx5BD4XDK2C8wNkwnMpawiwdSXH7vc5IyeL28yk93RCiyBtF2pDGawKC7BaBgogjR8Px6mk7-lNgVTi2OadWZbbeGCqMIzMmDQevXsmsVKG-ZjdZGo_TJfN4osXgSpvyVTML4JXkuvnuBj6djPOoSyAtvoWS68w671DnOobd6AbaxPTGODaahJMyMU/w640-h640/unnamed-12.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p>Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel was founded in 1997 by musician Charlotte Wilde and puppeteer and puppet maker Michael Vogel, first in Stuttgart, from 2003 in Leipzig, where Wilde and Vogel are co-founders of the International Centre for Animated Theatre Westflügel. Their repertoire includes classical drama, adaptations of novels, poetry and original works. <b><a href="http://Figurentheater-wildevogel.de" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Figurentheater-wildevogel.de</a></b> </p><p>Grupa Coincidentia was founded in 2009 by Dagmara Sowa and Pawel Chomczyk, graduates of the Bialystok Puppet Art Department of the Theater Academy. Coincidentia has produced over a dozen performances in collaboration with artists such as Michael Vogel, Lukasz Kos, Christiane Zanger, Pawel Aigner, Michal Walczak, Robert Jarosz, Christoph Bochdansky, Pawel Passini, Robert Drobniuch and Konrad Dworakowski. Coincidentia's shows have been presented at numerous festivals in Europe, Asia and North America and have been honored with many awards (including The Bank of Scotland Herald Angel, Total Theater Award Edinburgh, Grand Prix of the Konteksty Festival, the Grand Prix of the MFTL in Torun). Coincidentia collaborates on a permanent basis with the German independent scene Lindenfels Westfluegel in Leipzig and the Figurentheater Wilde & Vogel. In 2016, Grupa Coincidentia established Siedlisko Kultury Solniki 44 - an independent cultural center located in the forest in Podlasie region, which has hosted dozens of theatrical performances, artistic and educational workshops, works in progress, concerts and panel discussions. In 2018, the center initiated LasFest - International Theater Festival in the Forest, and in 2020, LasKids - a festival addressed to children's audiences. Both include independent theaters, laboratory works, concerts, student shows, meetings with artists, film screenings and unconventional events combining art with nature. <b><a href="http://grupacoincidentia.pl" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">grupacoincidentia.pl</a></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTprdUKKER7snNImttxXegYRPsuGZlhXEY5cTtjlM2vzljO1BSQxsPWtfHTw8v2aYaoPb0r12YmLEMIgjcOgAt3V-VJ8cfJUtgswHRmW1YLTIx1PqMF4j97GH5yZ4L9J9iYeEwK9pQ8aq6X-E4ofkD56Edv9H4rnmJszRgDOU57pi7moxHe47sQT4lEw/s640/unnamed-2-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTprdUKKER7snNImttxXegYRPsuGZlhXEY5cTtjlM2vzljO1BSQxsPWtfHTw8v2aYaoPb0r12YmLEMIgjcOgAt3V-VJ8cfJUtgswHRmW1YLTIx1PqMF4j97GH5yZ4L9J9iYeEwK9pQ8aq6X-E4ofkD56Edv9H4rnmJszRgDOU57pi7moxHe47sQT4lEw/w640-h640/unnamed-2-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Everything you need to know about the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival January 18-28, 2024</span></i></p><p>January in Chicago isn't all dreary, cold, and grey. Puppet fest is back to put some color and joy into your January. Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've covered the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival every year since it's inception. We're elated that they're now an annual fest instead of every other year, and we'll be out to review as much of the fest as possible once again in 2024. Check out the schedule below to save the dates. There'll be plentiful family friendly and adult puppet fun and we'll have the scoop right here. </p><p>Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest of its kind in North America, returning January 18-28, 2024, at venues large and small throughout the city. </p><p>The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is the largest event dedicated to the art form in North America. In the heart of winter, the Festival spans 11 days and dozens of Chicago venues, sharing 100+ puppetry activities with 14,000+ guests. The festival includes performances, the Free Neighborhood Tour, a Puppet Hub open throughout the festival on the fourth floor of the Fine Arts Building, a symposium, the Catapult Artist Intensive, workshops, and more. </p><p><b><i>Visit <a href="http://chicagopuppetfest.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chicagopuppetfest.org</a> for tickets and information about the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, and sign up for the festival’s e-news.</i></b></p><p><b><i>Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, hashtag #ChiPuppetFest.</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRgYmNXha8bp7V9uZIeIHpb5DrmpYxrHjJaTLkTvdqDldfhA8L-obwMeU15VQYRn8vuts5cPqFncJ82uR59tof3G1_VPh0c2S0LbcbricocMGmr-QoGDn5AgXvc7Kr192A-PQmfz8e4wJJfqCqm0mCDrUQHY7RbVLgAOhMBJnDRpWVRqekVlYFx2zFx8/s426/unnamed-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRgYmNXha8bp7V9uZIeIHpb5DrmpYxrHjJaTLkTvdqDldfhA8L-obwMeU15VQYRn8vuts5cPqFncJ82uR59tof3G1_VPh0c2S0LbcbricocMGmr-QoGDn5AgXvc7Kr192A-PQmfz8e4wJJfqCqm0mCDrUQHY7RbVLgAOhMBJnDRpWVRqekVlYFx2zFx8/s320/unnamed-6.jpg" width="207" /></a></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-29526742778411365182024-01-19T14:15:00.179-06:002024-01-25T10:06:56.728-06:00Electrifying Immortal Jellyfish Girl A Must-See at The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">The </span></i><span style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Immortal Jellyfish Girl</span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">Suggested for Ages 10+ </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwmsrcLvg3W6aujccp_TsaIiTOV7RwRaEeCtZqO7sT9xXLgIOmhL80M_xViwiwqnbV-_q3gmT60dngRMakMy5xE3DoOJ5A8t1II_JD008wmBHxE5mF1_It35d_ArCY6rXrt-q-AOe18F3qFK311mNowQiugg5DUgH7Pd7YAoIfQhyphenhyphenM-KK_SWTsHu7UO4/s1500/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibwmsrcLvg3W6aujccp_TsaIiTOV7RwRaEeCtZqO7sT9xXLgIOmhL80M_xViwiwqnbV-_q3gmT60dngRMakMy5xE3DoOJ5A8t1II_JD008wmBHxE5mF1_It35d_ArCY6rXrt-q-AOe18F3qFK311mNowQiugg5DUgH7Pd7YAoIfQhyphenhyphenM-KK_SWTsHu7UO4/w512-h640/unnamed.jpg" width="512" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's something compelling in puppetry. Instead of actors pontificating front and center, people on stage hide in plain sight, while inanimate objects drive the action. What other form of theatre so skillfully and gorgeously melds light and shadows, artistry and craftsmanship, spoken word, multimedia elements, and object manipulation, all in the service of storytelling. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For the 2024 fest, Wakka Wakka, based in Oslo, Norway and NYC, claim the coveted opening night spot, and bring not one but 3 very different, yet interrelated shows, to Chicago's Steppenwolf and Biograph Theatres January 18-23rd. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EywMyeUJeMsZC89rBWQLxM_W-CJSlHybhC3jzb-Lzucd_iAvayNFsotjYrtwzwPgneE1_RCnW6P8Y23MiUuBSlADp9HV8ksFB8MjxOx7AaW8mAFtL9GnXu_ctaD9eCJq8Kl8DyjIBziunDG0pHXDblXcFMQMFOueozslR3J7SW7C-5gApRRYcap67L4/s1200/unnamed-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EywMyeUJeMsZC89rBWQLxM_W-CJSlHybhC3jzb-Lzucd_iAvayNFsotjYrtwzwPgneE1_RCnW6P8Y23MiUuBSlADp9HV8ksFB8MjxOx7AaW8mAFtL9GnXu_ctaD9eCJq8Kl8DyjIBziunDG0pHXDblXcFMQMFOueozslR3J7SW7C-5gApRRYcap67L4/w640-h640/unnamed-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Immortal Jellyfish Girl is epic story telling for our time. This dystopian yet hopeful love story is a visual and auditory delight. We were awestruck at the world class artistry, design work, puppeteering, multimedia, and the original score. Wakka Wakka sounds the alarm on our global doomsday clock, offering a much needed eco-friendly reminder in a way that's not heavy handed. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Do note, some of the storyline and characters may be frightening and too intense for young children. This show is recommended for ages 10+ and is truly more of an adult offering. The Immortal Jellyfish Girl engaged all our senses and left us wanting more. I'll be out to review Wakka Wakka's other 2 puppet fest offerings, Dead as a Dodo on January 20th and Animal R.I.O.T. on January 22nd, so check out my further coverage at ChiILMama.com. After catching this insanely talented troupe, we'll be on the lookout for more from Wakka Wakka in the future. Highly recommended!</span></p><p><b><i>Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). </i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThP1oX-GXDluq_a9TYbQHqCdJuY909XnG4v4sTCnd_RAGjURcIdU3FmHs3zt1jTyv6sVCkSpemHxCYCthmuIRXfOwrG_ZHes9k7y29vlB_00aGDTRZW8-HyeP6AUBbX5wo4fcNUJv5YNThL-JUP3AjFWL0dvgHsqrMT-BlTrCCP615icVifBFTq7LPeg/s1200/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="1200" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThP1oX-GXDluq_a9TYbQHqCdJuY909XnG4v4sTCnd_RAGjURcIdU3FmHs3zt1jTyv6sVCkSpemHxCYCthmuIRXfOwrG_ZHes9k7y29vlB_00aGDTRZW8-HyeP6AUBbX5wo4fcNUJv5YNThL-JUP3AjFWL0dvgHsqrMT-BlTrCCP615icVifBFTq7LPeg/w640-h430/unnamed.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>Wakka Wakka's Animalia Trilogy</b></p><p><b>Wakka Wakka</b></p><p><b>U.S./Norway</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The Immortal Jellyfish Girl</b></p><p><b>Steppenwolf's Downstairs Mainstage Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park</b></p><p><b>January 18-21</b></p><p><b>Four shows: Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday January 19 at 1:30 p.m.; Saturday, January 20 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, January 21 at 1:30 p.m. </b></p><p><b>80 minutes</b></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ages: 10 and up</span></b></p><p><b>Tickets: $40-$45</b></p><p><b>Free events: Come make your own masks at free Wakka Wakka drop-in mask making workshops, Saturday and Sunday, January 20 and 21 at 2:45 p.m.</b></p><p>A gripping tale of humanity on the brink of annihilation and the unlikely hero who might just save them all. The year is 2555. Large swaths of earth’s surface are considered dead zones, and mass extinction has begun. There is a war (there is always a war). As both sides grow desperate, their thirst for destruction becomes more and more volatile. An improbable meeting between an orphan and a jellyfish girl threatens to tip the balance forever, but in whose favor, and at what cost? A mysterious man in a homemade fox costume has seen this all before, has lived this tragedy too many times, but he is determined it will end differently. Hilarious, ridiculous and virtuosic, this puppet show blends innovative projection, original music and puppetry that soars through dimensions, unconfined by time, gravity or biology. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The New York Times called it "A 26th-century love story." </b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>The New Yorker called it "stunning."</b></i></p><p><br /></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">More Fabulous Puppet Fun From Wakka Wakka:</span></i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1V5PYviEp2pRh6teWHu8OrsKZPhGQAEfzjE0Q4lhvC-f1oLQe7wSVbHb4QqYlbRY8a1DB-ldu8NE30ViX0pUGVrBHfw4PWU7JUd0sx0-jvWhia7cAXE0EuTNTg2MYek3jdz2QEtKWPv_5ncnaa9Pzzvbb3z7ALXoGz0LkXUAGtTjDpBUyd_v4jx1iWA/s1200/unnamed-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1V5PYviEp2pRh6teWHu8OrsKZPhGQAEfzjE0Q4lhvC-f1oLQe7wSVbHb4QqYlbRY8a1DB-ldu8NE30ViX0pUGVrBHfw4PWU7JUd0sx0-jvWhia7cAXE0EuTNTg2MYek3jdz2QEtKWPv_5ncnaa9Pzzvbb3z7ALXoGz0LkXUAGtTjDpBUyd_v4jx1iWA/w640-h480/unnamed-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>World Premiere</b></p><p><b>Dead as a Dodo </b></p><p><b>The Biograph Theater’s Začek-McVay Mainstage, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln Park</b></p><p><b>January 19-21</b></p><p><b>Three shows: Friday, January 19 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, January 20 at 1:30 p.m.; Sunday, January 21 at 7 p.m.</b></p><p><b>75 minutes</b></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ages: 8 and up</span></b></p><p><b>Tickets: $40-$45</b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSp6H3QCZUJFHBelZOYkso2oNrkpcWFM-s0CzOdu-0ycEqybcPEsCMYv4LvSOz03NZDHb0p0-tySLn9muIMZJKlVvsHjxLCGS_ag4fQjR9A5TxPffQB6avVBeWt0BH-f5zLA1taLJsaU9B4vZCwiET3Y89Hl5XOD6plQX-dw8RfTCfk6UpAzm_KIcqg/s720/unnamed-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="528" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMSp6H3QCZUJFHBelZOYkso2oNrkpcWFM-s0CzOdu-0ycEqybcPEsCMYv4LvSOz03NZDHb0p0-tySLn9muIMZJKlVvsHjxLCGS_ag4fQjR9A5TxPffQB6avVBeWt0BH-f5zLA1taLJsaU9B4vZCwiET3Y89Hl5XOD6plQX-dw8RfTCfk6UpAzm_KIcqg/w470-h640/unnamed-2.jpg" width="470" /></a></p><p>Deep within the underworld, a skeleton Dodo and a skeleton Neanderthal are tirelessly digging for fresh bones; their ancient skeletal forms are quickly deteriorating and they are afraid of disappearing completely. One day, a peculiar occurrence disrupts their routine...without warning, the Dodo miraculously sprouts a new bone! A maelstrom of transformation begins to unravel within the realm of bones, shattering the established order. The great reversal has begun. Infused with a blend of puppetry, projections, and humor, Dead as a Dodo offers a fantastical glimpse into a future that harkens back to the distant past.</p><p><b></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmsiuULauCCp6r0_Mor814AVDLFefpurFpKIg_RijiXO6gs5U6g-wTCUEv3o4BUd3IYHprX2Vzw-ENzpVfcg9S_e-U_8dJl7YvWmfcBGceR-5MSlhZvh2XUK9rKjB4Yj2hYEwAzivmgiBGMrGPkXOu3pZcKP9I4Q2wOR0Xuwhqx8BrGVPzP4-CcIHcLU/s1200/unnamed-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="699" data-original-width="1200" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmsiuULauCCp6r0_Mor814AVDLFefpurFpKIg_RijiXO6gs5U6g-wTCUEv3o4BUd3IYHprX2Vzw-ENzpVfcg9S_e-U_8dJl7YvWmfcBGceR-5MSlhZvh2XUK9rKjB4Yj2hYEwAzivmgiBGMrGPkXOu3pZcKP9I4Q2wOR0Xuwhqx8BrGVPzP4-CcIHcLU/w640-h372/unnamed-5.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><b>Animal R.I.O.T.</b></p><p><b>Steppenwolf's 1700 Theater, 1650 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park</b></p><p><b>January 19-23</b></p><p><b>Five shows: Friday, Saturday and Sunday, January 19-21 at 9:30 p.m.; </b></p><p><b>Monday and Tuesday, January 22 and 23 at 7:30 p.m. </b></p><p><b>75 minutes</b></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ages: 13 and up</span></b></p><p>Tickets: $30-$40</p><p>Animal R.I.O.T (Animal Resurgence In Our Time) is an anonymous anthropomorphic organization, founded by the Fantastic Mr. Fox (the non-fictional one). Can you believe it? The human species will come together and save all animals from extinction (including ourselves)! Become a real life masked avenger answering the CALL of the WILD and join the BIO-ECCENTRIC PACIFIST FIGHT CLUB! Join us or die out! animalriot.org </p><p>Wakka Wakka Productions, Inc. is a non-profit visual theater company based in New York City and Oslo. Its mission is to push the boundaries of the imagination by creating works that are bold, unique and unpredictable. The company is led by Gabrielle Brechner, Kirjan Waage and Gwendolyn Warnock and supported by company members Andrew Manjuck and Peter Russo.</p><p>Since 2001 Wakka Wakka has created and produced 11 original works which have toured extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad. All of Wakka Wakka’s productions have been highly physical, overlapping in a wide range of styles and incorporating elements such as puppetry, object manipulation, masks and original music. Wakka Wakka has been honored with a Drama Desk Award, an Obie Award and two UNIMA Citations of Excellence, and nominated for four Drama Desk Awards, a Helen Hayes Award and a Hawes Design Award. wakkawakka.org</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTprdUKKER7snNImttxXegYRPsuGZlhXEY5cTtjlM2vzljO1BSQxsPWtfHTw8v2aYaoPb0r12YmLEMIgjcOgAt3V-VJ8cfJUtgswHRmW1YLTIx1PqMF4j97GH5yZ4L9J9iYeEwK9pQ8aq6X-E4ofkD56Edv9H4rnmJszRgDOU57pi7moxHe47sQT4lEw/s640/unnamed-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUTprdUKKER7snNImttxXegYRPsuGZlhXEY5cTtjlM2vzljO1BSQxsPWtfHTw8v2aYaoPb0r12YmLEMIgjcOgAt3V-VJ8cfJUtgswHRmW1YLTIx1PqMF4j97GH5yZ4L9J9iYeEwK9pQ8aq6X-E4ofkD56Edv9H4rnmJszRgDOU57pi7moxHe47sQT4lEw/w640-h640/unnamed-2-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p><i><span style="font-size: large;">Everything you need to know about the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival January 18-28, 2024</span></i></p><p>January in Chicago isn't all dreary, cold, and grey. Puppet fest is back to put some color and joy into your January. Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've covered the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival every year since it's inception. We're elated that they're now an annual fest instead of every other year, and we'll be out to review as much of the fest as possible once again in 2024. Check out the schedule below to save the dates. There'll be plentiful family friendly and adult puppet fun and we'll have the scoop right here. </p><p>Check back with us at ChiILMama.com and ChiILLiveShows.com like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. <b>Full Puppet Fest Schedule, including video clips of the productions HERE: <a href="https://www.chiilmama.com/2023/11/save-dates-6th-chicago-international.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.chiilmama.com/2023/11/save-dates-6th-chicago-international.html</a></b></p><p>Tickets are now on sale for the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, the largest of its kind in North America, returning January 18-28, 2024, at venues large and small throughout the city. </p><p>The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival is the largest event dedicated to the art form in North America. In the heart of winter, the Festival spans 11 days and dozens of Chicago venues, sharing 100+ puppetry activities with 14,000+ guests. The festival includes performances, the Free Neighborhood Tour, a Puppet Hub open throughout the festival on the fourth floor of the Fine Arts Building, a symposium, the Catapult Artist Intensive, workshops, and more. </p><p><b><i>Visit <a href="http://chicagopuppetfest.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">chicagopuppetfest.org</a> for tickets and information about the 6th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, and sign up for the festival’s e-news.</i></b></p><p><b><i>Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo, hashtag #ChiPuppetFest.</i></b></p><p><b><i><br /></i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRgYmNXha8bp7V9uZIeIHpb5DrmpYxrHjJaTLkTvdqDldfhA8L-obwMeU15VQYRn8vuts5cPqFncJ82uR59tof3G1_VPh0c2S0LbcbricocMGmr-QoGDn5AgXvc7Kr192A-PQmfz8e4wJJfqCqm0mCDrUQHY7RbVLgAOhMBJnDRpWVRqekVlYFx2zFx8/s426/unnamed-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="276" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaRgYmNXha8bp7V9uZIeIHpb5DrmpYxrHjJaTLkTvdqDldfhA8L-obwMeU15VQYRn8vuts5cPqFncJ82uR59tof3G1_VPh0c2S0LbcbricocMGmr-QoGDn5AgXvc7Kr192A-PQmfz8e4wJJfqCqm0mCDrUQHY7RbVLgAOhMBJnDRpWVRqekVlYFx2zFx8/s320/unnamed-6.jpg" width="207" /></a></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-69517858172667802162024-01-18T16:26:00.041-06:002024-02-26T16:38:48.430-06:00Sondheim Tribute Revue Via Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre March 8-April 28, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">THEO UBIQUE CABARET THEATRE ANNOUNCES CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM OF NEVER-BEFORE-SEEN </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1alnWsAlYPwhc7AxXkOolyMVBvF48vQ1zyqZkiYCIChfwtiqCKeP8mbh34KXXbTECiEuqdmHybOTSiC-UkGAerhOilUHuB0CGIxJwb4tV2kMoNNnpXi1yHOmZSxLRPMmUivFRFVRU1nPKfPcT9yKkGnjQoQngwEWVVypfwnklM8yvrRyuFnF-1yPiFFA/s1080/SCL-1080x1080_THEO-2324SEA_2304-23.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1alnWsAlYPwhc7AxXkOolyMVBvF48vQ1zyqZkiYCIChfwtiqCKeP8mbh34KXXbTECiEuqdmHybOTSiC-UkGAerhOilUHuB0CGIxJwb4tV2kMoNNnpXi1yHOmZSxLRPMmUivFRFVRU1nPKfPcT9yKkGnjQoQngwEWVVypfwnklM8yvrRyuFnF-1yPiFFA/w640-h640/SCL-1080x1080_THEO-2324SEA_2304-23.png" width="640" /></a></b></i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>A specially curated evening of Sondheim favorites will run March 8-April 28, 2024.</b></span></i></p><p>Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre announced today the cast and production team of Sondheim Tribute Revue playing March 8-April 28, 2024 at Theo’s home on Howard Street in Evanston. In celebration and honor of Sondheim’s passing through a collaboration with MTI and The Estate of Stephen Sondheim, theater companies have been invited to produce their own customizable Sondheim tributes. The tributes are curated from a selection of songs in which Sondheim wrote for the stage as solo composer and lyricist. Theo’s production will feature personal salutes to the late Broadway giant from the actors themselves along with performances from Anyone Can Whistle, Frogs, Saturday Night, Sweeney Todd, Company, and more!</p><p>“Stephen Sondheim is one of the greatest minds to ever write in the musical theater landscape,” says Artistic Director Fred Anzevino. “Ultimately, this is the story of Sondheim. You’ll be able to watch the evolution of his work and gain a sense of how he grew as a composer. We wanted the opportunity to honor his work through our work and this is really Theo coming back to itself. We started as a cabaret company, and we are thrilled for this unique opportunity to utilize Sondheim’s music and create something for our audiences that truly won’t be seen anywhere else.”</p><p>The Creative team is helmed by Jeff Award winners Fred Anzevino (he/him) as Director, and Jenna Schoppe (she/her) as Co-Choreographer/Associate Director. J Alan (J/she) returns to Theo as Co- Choreographer and Assistant Director, Carolyn Brady (she/they) makes their Theo debut as Music Director and Evelyn Ryan (she/her) joins the team as Assistant Music Director.</p><p>The cast welcomes the return of two Theo Jeff-nominated performers, Max DeTogne (he/him; Jesus Christ Superstar) and Joe Giovannetti (he/him; The Most Happy Fella). Elya Bottiger (she/her) and Maliha Sayed (she/her) make their Theo debuts with Isa Garcia (they/he; The Threepenny Opera) taking on a featured role for the first time at the company. Rounding out the cast are J Alan (J/she) and Melody Murray (she/her) as Swings.</p><p>Creating the design story will be Set Designer Manuel Ortiz (he/him), Co-Lighting Designers Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (she/her) and Josiah Croegaert (he/him), along with Robert S. Kuhn (he/him) as Costume Designer, and Matthew R. Chase (he/him) as Sound Designer and Director of Production. Completing the production team is Shelby Burgus (she/her) as Stage Manager, Carl Herzog (he/him) as Technical Director, Jackson Mikkelsen (he/him) as Production Electrician, Rose Johnson (they/them) as Scenic Charge, Jose Martinez (he/him) as Scenic Painter, and Isaac Mandel (he/him) as Audio Engineer.</p><p>Tickets can be purchased online at <b><a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35352/production/1164238" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sondheim Tribute Revue</a></b> or via phone at 773-939-4101. Ticket prices range from $30-$59. Box office hours are Wednesday-Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Theo continues to offer its one stop dinner and a show experience, offering a pre-fixed dinner menu before performances courtesy of a local Evanston restaurant for an additional $33. All performances take place at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre located at 721 Howard Street in Evanston.</p><p><i>Special thanks to production sponsors Michael and Mona Heath.</i></p><p><i>Licensed by special arrangement with Music Theatre International with the permission of The Estate of Stephen Sondheim.</i></p><p>ABOUT SONDHEIM TRIBUTE REVUE</p><p>Sondheim Tribute Revue is a customizable revue featuring the work of the incomparable Stephen Sondheim.</p><p>Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. In the tradition of Theo’s acclaimed cabaret revues, and with special permission from Music Theatre International, Artistic Director Fred Anzevino will helm a one-of-a-kind tribute evening, created especially for our audiences with performances from Anyone Can Whistle, Frogs, Saturday Night, Sweeney Todd, Company, and more!</p><p>ABOUT THEO UBIQUE CABARET THEATRE</p><p>Theo was founded in 1997 by Artistic Director Fred Anzevino. Productions were first staged at the Heartland Studio Theatre, and from 2004 to May 2018, at No Exit Café, where the company began focusing on musicals and revues, reigniting the cabaret theatre trend in Chicago. The company moved to the Howard Street Theatre, a venue owned and developed for Theo by the City of Evanston, in fall of 2018. Theo has produced more than 60 shows and won 68 Jeff Awards, having received 173 nominations. Learn more at <b><a href="http://www.theo-u.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.theo-u.com</a>.</b></p><p>March 8-April 28, 2024</p><p>Tickets are $30-$59, with pre-fixe dinner available for an additional $33.</p><p>Performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 6:00pm</p><p>Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Directed by Fred Anzevino</p><p>Stephen Sondheim is widely acknowledged as the most innovative, most influential, and most important composer and lyricist in modern Broadway history. For more than 50 years, he set an unsurpassed standard of brilliance and artistic integrity in musical theatre. In the tradition of Theo’s acclaimed cabaret revues, and with special permission from Music Theatre International, Artistic Director Fred Anzevino will helm a one-of-a-kind tribute evening, created especially for our audiences with performances from performances from Anyone Can Whistle, Frogs, Saturday Night, Sweeney Todd, Company, and more!</p><p>All performances will be held at the Howard Street Theatre, 721 Howard Street, Evanston, IL 60602. More information at <b><a href="http://www.theo-u.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.theo-u.com</a></b> or by phone at 773-939-4101 Wed.– Sun. Noon – 5 p.m.</p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-61489857800999644742024-01-17T13:49:00.001-06:002024-01-17T13:49:21.333-06:00Cast Announced for Open Space Arts' SUNSETS: TWO ACTS ON A BEACH, Opening February 2, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Cast announced for Open Space Arts production of the classic gay play </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">SUNSETS: TWO ACTS ON A BEACH</span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">opening February 2nd</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Open Space Arts will additionally screen the Greek feature film </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">at Facets on January 31st</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo23D2aLAgWdWFVKwZBMN3AMNxFpWzxWxSw-LmjF6Kfb73ahp4bMW2xi4e4hMgnT7h5OCo_0odKAPgpJtNM8fq0JdHEE9hUvzXVtff9eh3KMJVBg_gJhGLQwObs3IdKSBkVn4xTl8wMPjzjLKaYiwSqO16PF-EEQRTKY7pS0msoJHa9DMtcazgWPmKu8/s421/unnamed-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="421" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIo23D2aLAgWdWFVKwZBMN3AMNxFpWzxWxSw-LmjF6Kfb73ahp4bMW2xi4e4hMgnT7h5OCo_0odKAPgpJtNM8fq0JdHEE9hUvzXVtff9eh3KMJVBg_gJhGLQwObs3IdKSBkVn4xTl8wMPjzjLKaYiwSqO16PF-EEQRTKY7pS0msoJHa9DMtcazgWPmKu8/w400-h356/unnamed-8.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></div><p></p><p>Open Space Arts has announced its cast for SUNSETS: TWO ACTS ON A BEACH by Cal Yeomans, a long-lost drama by an early pioneer of gay theater. Kevin Wood will direct this evening of two one-act plays, which was last performed at the 1982 American Gay Arts Festival in Chicago and offers an intimate exploration of human sexuality and relationships from an era before AIDS era and before online hookups. Both plays are set next to a men’s room on a Florida gulf coast beach – the sort of place where seaside frolics take a different turn when the sun goes down.</p><p>John Cardone will appear in Act One: “The Line Forms to the Rear,” as Henry, a former drag performer who finds a new life purpose in a most unusual type of social service. This one-act play is a monologue that delves into the complexities of gay life with heavy yet authentic language. Christopher Sylvie and Aaron Cappello will perform in Act Two: “At the End of the Road,” which explores the developing relationship – physical and emotional - between Dan (Cappello), a young, bi-curious, and married construction worker; and John (Sylvie), a forty-something realtor who is a regular visitor to this particular stretch of beach. Cardone also appear in Act Two as Henry’s drag persona Henrietta. Curen Feliciana is the understudy for all three roles. The production team includes Rick Paul (Set Design), Zahrah Aga (Costume Design), Justin Walker (Lighting Design), Zach Stinnet (Sound Design), and Greta Zanstra (Intimacy Design). The production contains nudity. Opening night is Friday, February 2 at 7:30 pm and the play will run through Sunday, February 19, 2024. All performances will be in the intimate 20-seat theatre at Open Space Arts, 1411 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyVd7kbCjz71nXifBQplFU1BH3Qa_fPckKG8aMHVtmKd3fv0l-ezEDs-sauuF-Qj2OmBuq_Ecvx09w0ARpCk70SkvJEMvNNxvilreS_lXVXVLPRHVWjeqDFrgtaPdTAxjCLS9w3aVYDLbNODOqLYc4-owvqpYDRUZm5tLBixBHpGn2bp-5MEh467QXj8/s1041/unnamed-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="1041" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifyVd7kbCjz71nXifBQplFU1BH3Qa_fPckKG8aMHVtmKd3fv0l-ezEDs-sauuF-Qj2OmBuq_Ecvx09w0ARpCk70SkvJEMvNNxvilreS_lXVXVLPRHVWjeqDFrgtaPdTAxjCLS9w3aVYDLbNODOqLYc4-owvqpYDRUZm5tLBixBHpGn2bp-5MEh467QXj8/w400-h174/unnamed-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>L-R: John Cardone, Aaron Cappello, Christopher Sylvie. </i></b></p><p>Cal Yeomans was an award-winning trailblazer in post-Stonewall gay theater, who had critically acclaimed plays produced on both coasts and in Chicago in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He burst the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in legitimate theater. A native of Crystal River, Florida, a small Gulf Coast town, Yeomans attended Florida State University, designed sets and acted in summer stock before moving to New York, where he studied acting under William Hickey at the famed HB Studio and enrolled in a fashion course at the Parsons School of Design. In 1981, Yeoman's SUNSETS was produced by both the Stonewall Repertory Theater in New York and the 544 Natoma Performance Gallery in San Francisco. The New York production was selected to play at the Third National Gay Arts Festival in Chicago in 1982.</p><p>Performances are at Open Space Arts, 1411 W Wilson, in Chicago. Opening night is February 2, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. to Feb 18. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for students or seniors, and $15 for OSA Members.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK-lNgvd_3RygWfgxRjBoAC76xVk0AAi4up9UKQd0wVY3VOBspQGXAk2tDGFMdAe_YpXOGTxkSSl7lzRy1DjLx-Yb9_LHlSd74MBLhPp2Y5cwjie6Oq_60_-k1eWCZcWUTZm3pP9-Xop-eKTZc73JJ7z_kqz2tKw-YKvCuKnf_1NDCHhx7porWl9Hpjg/s1200/unnamed-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="1200" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQK-lNgvd_3RygWfgxRjBoAC76xVk0AAi4up9UKQd0wVY3VOBspQGXAk2tDGFMdAe_YpXOGTxkSSl7lzRy1DjLx-Yb9_LHlSd74MBLhPp2Y5cwjie6Oq_60_-k1eWCZcWUTZm3pP9-Xop-eKTZc73JJ7z_kqz2tKw-YKvCuKnf_1NDCHhx7porWl9Hpjg/w400-h199/unnamed-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Film screening at Facets on January 31.</span></i></b></p><p>Open Space Arts is also presenting a screening of THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN, is a 2023 film from Greece, directed by Zacharias Mavroeidis. The film has been described as “a reconfiguration of the traditional romantic comedy through a proudly queer lens.” While having a day-long swim at Athens' queer beach, best friends Demos and Nikitas recall the events of a recent summer in the prospect of turning them into a screenplay for Nikitas' feature debut. This frank portrayal of friendships, hookups, and breakups was a stand-out hit at Venice Film Festival this past September, earning several nominations for their Queer Lion Award.</p><p>THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN screens on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:00 at Facets, 1517 W Fullerton. Tickets are $15, or $10 for OSA Members.</p><p>Find information on all Open Space Arts events at https://openspacearts.com, and Pride Film Fest events at https://openspacearts.com/category/film-fest/ . Tickets for all events can be purchased at <b><a href="https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search</a></b>.</p><p><i>OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating homophobia and antisemitism through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes. OSA has produced ROSENBERG, MASSAGE THERAPY, and THE KRAMER PROJECT in live performances, and produces the Pride Film Fest, a hybrid fest of streaming and in-person events, which runs from November 1 to July 1 annually. Open Space Arts is led by Directors Elayne LeTraunik and David Zak.</i></p><p><br /></p><p>February 2-18, 2024</p><p>Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays 2 pm</p><p>Press opening Friday, February 2, 2024, at 7:30 pm</p><p>Open Space Arts</p><p>1411 W. Wilson Ave.,</p><p>Tickets $25.00 ($20 for seniors and students, $15 for OSA members),</p><p>Tickets available at <b><a href="https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.goelevent.com/OpenSpaceArts/e/Search</a></b></p><p>Website: <b><a href="http://www.openspacearts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.openspacearts.com</a></b></p><p> </p><p>SUNSETS: Two Acts On A Beach by Cal Yeomans, a long-lost drama by an early pioneer, was last performed at the 1982 American Gay Arts Festival in Chicago and offers an intimate exploration of human sexuality and relationships from the pre-AIDS era. The plays are funny and touching and a great reminder of how life has changed - or not - in the last 40 years!</p><p>Act One is a monologue featuring Henry, a man whose life has been turbulent. Act Two explores the relationship between Dan, a married construction worker on a quest for self-discovery, and John, who prefers anonymous hookups.</p><p><br /></p><p>THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN (Greece, 2023, 1:46)</p><p>Directed by Zacharias Mavroeidis</p><p>Wednesday, January 31 at 7:00 pm</p><p>Facets, 1517 W Fullerton.</p><p>Tickets are $15, or $10 for OSA Members</p><p><br /></p><p>A new film from Greece, directed by Zacharias Mavroeidis. While having a day-long swim at Athens' queer beach, best friends Demos and Nikitas recall the events of a recent summer in the prospect of turning them into a screenplay for Nikitas' feature debut. This frank portrayal of friendships, hookups, and breakups was a stand-out hit at Venice Film Festival, earning several nominations for their Queer Lion Award.</p><p>BIOS</p><p>Cal Yeomans (Playwright) was an award-winning playwright, poet, actor, artist, educator, lecturer, photographer, real estate investor, land developer, and philanthropist who is considered a key contributor to the gay theater movement of the 1970s and 1980s 12. He was born on June 13, 1938, in Crystal River, Florida, and passed away on October 31, 2001. His critically acclaimed plays were produced on both coasts and in Chicago in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Robert Schanke’s book, QUEER THEATRE AND THE LEGACY OF CAL YEOMANS, explores his life and legacy, allowing a rare exploration into this pivotal moment of gay American history.</p><p>David Zak (Director) has won seven Jeff Awards in Chicago, including four for Directing (ANIMAL FARM, DR. SEX, PARADE, POPE JOAN), two for writing (THE HIROSHIMA PROJECT, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO) and a special Jeff for “Fostering Diversity in Chicago Theater.” In his 27-year stint as Artistic Director of Bailiwick Repertory, he directed the world premiere production of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, the US premieres of Sir Peter Hall’s ANIMAL FARM and JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA, and many original works including the political dramas THE HIROSHIMA PROJECT and SIN: A CARDINAL DEPOSED. He has directed in London (THE IRISH CURSE), Seoul (DOLLHOUSE, FANTA STICK, THE GHOST’S COOKBOOK), Dublin (OH, HOLY ALLEN GINSBERG, AT THE FLASH), Boston (SIN: A CARDINAL DEPOSED), Los Angeles (DR. SEX, AT THE FLASH) and New York (MARLOWE and POSEIDON: AN UPSIDE-DOWN MUSICAL). His productions of the American Premieres of JERRY SPRINGER – THE OPERA, Sir Peter Hall’s ANIMAL FARM, PARADE, POPE JOAN, and Dennis DeYoung’s HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME all won the Jeff Award for best musical. His most recent Chicago productions have included: THE BOY FROM OZ, Terrence McNally’s SOME MEN, AFTERGLOW, PRISCILLA: QUEEN OF THE DESERT, THE BOOK OF MERMAN, HIS GREATNESS, and UNDER THE RAINBOW FLAG. He was inducted into Chicago’s Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2013</p><p>Zacharias Mavroeidis (Director, THE SUMMER WITH CARMEN). Born in Athens, Greece, Zacharias Mavroeidis studied architecture and theater before turning to filmmaking. His debut feature, the comedy THE GUIDE (2011) screened in more than twenty film festivals around the world. In 2014 he had his first novel, NINE LIVES LEFT, published in Greece. In 2018 he completed ACROSS HER BODY, a highly acclaimed documentary that follows a fading religious tradition on the island of Thirassia. His sophomore feature, Defunct premiered at the International Competition of the 60th Thessaloniki International Film Festival.</p><p><i>About Open Space Arts </i></p><p><i>OPEN SPACE ARTS, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to combating homophobia and antisemitism through the transformative power of creativity and cultural expression. Our mission is to foster inclusivity, promote understanding, and empower marginalized communities by utilizing various artistic mediums to challenge discriminatory beliefs and attitudes.</i></p><p><i>Open Space Arts illuminates contemporary and historical issues through film and live performances. OSA will perform where the arts can have the most impact. With the freedom to perform anywhere, from libraries, theaters, empty storefronts, and online, OSA can respond quickly to bring important issues to life. <b><a href="http://www.openspacearts.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.openspacearts.com</a></b></i></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSajan9ZyphlzXN8i9FYVnxVtY8mTw4K5N6CJSE-caYy6ibZrIQUG4B8LYatv3UucyxRNsmnBGfHnoO6sO0PaxNdcR3v9LFGueWdKx9OW6kMLwtoyAtf9Ilu1FyXuvfnCBDbT-DeaFHdvGGOglVCQxnAJ7VjT8HJdSP4FcO3AC5o47mhGl1jT15e2SJUA/s1200/unnamed-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="938" data-original-width="1200" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSajan9ZyphlzXN8i9FYVnxVtY8mTw4K5N6CJSE-caYy6ibZrIQUG4B8LYatv3UucyxRNsmnBGfHnoO6sO0PaxNdcR3v9LFGueWdKx9OW6kMLwtoyAtf9Ilu1FyXuvfnCBDbT-DeaFHdvGGOglVCQxnAJ7VjT8HJdSP4FcO3AC5o47mhGl1jT15e2SJUA/s320/unnamed-7.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3201380065200478552.post-37140920579337124512024-01-15T15:37:00.000-06:002024-01-15T15:37:07.344-06:00 Cast and New Director Announced for PrideArts’ All-Female Production of SHAKESPEARE’S R & J February 26-March 24, 2024<p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Amber Mandley to direct Joe Calarco’s reimagining of </span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">ROMEO AND JULIET</span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">SHAKESPEARE’S R & J</span></i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rP0CSGtBh6OJMznGpZnJX6MSwtkzx9Emr-SRiJuiFDrjn_BkUKk1w_OCpFcdsg8FZsZAW8IgiBDi-fpzDIHDwJZwJ18f_FyX6kJJHDkHHodsB9ls-VUu_IJsLDX48XDfYGsDPE1tL9ni2p_Nk4vYH-cuo9tDvt2DGIjzhUODGmjWTC9qjls9A_xjd1M/s522/unnamed-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="352" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rP0CSGtBh6OJMznGpZnJX6MSwtkzx9Emr-SRiJuiFDrjn_BkUKk1w_OCpFcdsg8FZsZAW8IgiBDi-fpzDIHDwJZwJ18f_FyX6kJJHDkHHodsB9ls-VUu_IJsLDX48XDfYGsDPE1tL9ni2p_Nk4vYH-cuo9tDvt2DGIjzhUODGmjWTC9qjls9A_xjd1M/w432-h640/unnamed-11.jpg" width="432" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>Full casting has been announced for PrideArts’ production of SHAKESPEARE’S R & J with an all-female cast. Though Joe Calarco’s reimagining of the Bard’s tragedy ROMEO AND JULIET was originally set within an exclusive boys’ prep school, it has sometimes been played with an all-female cast, including productions at London’s Globe Theatre and the Classic Stage Company in New York, directed by Calarco. It has additionally been performed with mixed-gender casts by the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C., and the Reading Rep Theatre in the United Kingdom. PrideArts had previously announced the production with all-male casting, but the concept was changed to all-female when the previously announced director became unavailable and PrideArts Managing Director Amber Mandley assumed directorial responsibilities. The production will open to the press on Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7:30 pm, following previews from February 22-25, 2024, and play through March 24, 2024.</p><p>In SHAKESPEARE’S R & J, the young students secretly act out the play at night, eventually getting caught up in the passion and eroticism of the text. Originally produced off-Broadway in New York in 1999, where it won the Lucille Lortel Award, SHAKESPEARE’S R & J has been a favorite throughout the United States and the UK ever since. PrideArts’ staging will be the first fully staged professional production of the play in Chicago in 14 years.</p><p>Mandley’s cast will include Madelyn Strasma (Student #1), Luz Espinoza (Student #2), Hannah Eisendrath (Student #3), and Isabel Roden (Student #4). Understudies are Ava Pirie (u/s Student #1), Annemarie Andaleon (u/s Student #2), Elise Blanchard (u/s Student #3), and Fran Bixby (u/s Student #4). The production team will include Shawn Quinlan (Costume Design), Brett Baleskie (Scenic Design), Val Gardner (Sound Design), August Tiemeyer (Lighting Design), Cecilia Chen (Props Design), James Stone (Fight Choreographer), Grace Goodyear (Intimacy Director), Elijah McTiernan (Stage Manager), Elissa Wolf (Dramaturg and Co-Assistant Director), and Magdiel Carmona (Co-Assistant Director).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTuYc4BAUS2-mZMmkiKg_I4SlYsAV3sSK_cJaL4hFOa2L_J1aBfMY5LlLPt5xKGN0LxDcLXMHI9bq32heemLMmb6z-1eSW1AE89xPy4tp1YJFYGAXuB0_Wca7E1C87ZhaNLwA_FFtxgiLbzapf8MYo8M5WrkaYjZhKBnmbW2ofXGFGARoYJ_w9lgD9g0/s1182/unnamed-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1182" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaTuYc4BAUS2-mZMmkiKg_I4SlYsAV3sSK_cJaL4hFOa2L_J1aBfMY5LlLPt5xKGN0LxDcLXMHI9bq32heemLMmb6z-1eSW1AE89xPy4tp1YJFYGAXuB0_Wca7E1C87ZhaNLwA_FFtxgiLbzapf8MYo8M5WrkaYjZhKBnmbW2ofXGFGARoYJ_w9lgD9g0/w640-h362/unnamed-10.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Top row L-R: Hannah Eisendrath, Luz Espinoza, Isabel Roden, Madelyn Strasma</b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Lower row L-R: Annemarie Andeleon, Fran Bixby, Elise Blanchard, Ava Pirie</b></i></p><p>THE NEW YORK TIMES called SHAKESPEARE’S R & J “Hot-blooded…Wrenching…[It] pulsates with an adolescent abandon and electricity of which Romeo himself might approve,” while THE WALL STREET JOURNAL said, “R&J is a gem, the most inventive reimagining of a classic in years.” London’s THE TELEGRAPH said “This is one of the most electrifying adaptations of Shakespeare I have ever seen. When it comes to originality, sexiness, and daring, it is right up there with WEST SIDE STORY.”</p><p>Performances will be at Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago. Tickets $35 for regular performances, $25 for previews. Seniors and students receive a $5 discount off all performance prices. Tickets and more information are available shortly at <b><a href="http://www.pridearts.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pridearts.org</a></b>.</p><p>February 22 – March 24, 2024</p><p>Previews Thursday, February 22 through Saturday, February 24 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 25 at 3 pm</p><p>Press Opening Monday, February 26, 2024, at 7:30 pm</p><p>Regular run February 29-March 24, 2024</p><p>Curtain times Thursdays–Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3 pm, plus Industry Night Wednesday, March 20 @ 7:30 pm</p><p>Pride Arts Center, 4139 N. Broadway, Chicago</p><p>Tickets $35 for regular performances, $25 for previews. Seniors and students receive a $5 discount off all performance prices. Tickets and more information at <b><a href="http://www.pridearts.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pridearts.org</a></b>.</p><p>773-857-0222</p><p>Four young female prep school students, tired of going through the usual drill of conjugating Latin and other tedious school routines, decide to vary their very governed lives. After school, one breaks out a copy of William Shakespeare’s ROMEO AND JULIET, and they all take turns reading the play aloud. The Bard’s words and the story itself are thrilling to the girls, and they become swept away, enmeshed in the emotion so much so that they break school rules in order to continue their readings. Perceptions and understanding are turned upside-down as the fun of play-acting turns serious, and the words and meanings begin to hit home and universal truths emerge.</p><p><br /></p><p>BIOS </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9JD-cLrxKwoSWuNAF2wxkDXyk2xDWYCGkbextIUCmvO66Y7OQTIpLo-d3ZZnMBjt86-VaqYTbMiwjuZ0zAeLHnvOEz-_rwyWUue-ObVfId3KgDhas-xvSjArhNleFHQQY-6s4dWmk3ok8b7UkqOMwnzVaZ86o3F1x6jzTPvgJm9tssRWH8uJSl19QpE/s423/unnamed-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="347" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9JD-cLrxKwoSWuNAF2wxkDXyk2xDWYCGkbextIUCmvO66Y7OQTIpLo-d3ZZnMBjt86-VaqYTbMiwjuZ0zAeLHnvOEz-_rwyWUue-ObVfId3KgDhas-xvSjArhNleFHQQY-6s4dWmk3ok8b7UkqOMwnzVaZ86o3F1x6jzTPvgJm9tssRWH8uJSl19QpE/s320/unnamed-12.jpg" width="263" /></a>Amber Mandley (Director) most recently directed during Rhinofest in Chicago. Other directing experiences include Violet Fest, Clock Productions, school productions for CICS-Bucktown, City Lit Adaptation Festival, Abbie Hoffman Festival, Milwaukee Avenue Arts Festival, On the Spot Theatre Company, and Hass Ben Productions. Amber is the Managing Director for PrideArts. She will be directing WELLS AND WELLES for Lucid Theatre in summer 2024. Amber believes in a collaborative process of directing and finding the heart of a piece with the cast.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw84schjHWydcp3bL8IfWuXP_AtymL8FVEB_mf73oNdLTvfqhyphenhyphenIJ2Ow1aqmuW0CpjNQSNloQl6Lgijo44QHWT4J3Wd5lofJsuo4RlwIXABpZ2CN3NJ5wSl3BGNlZGGSp8Uz2zRxBpDwyu1T-zTIcnbtTp71Mxf05H76KiR841fuC-2ZbINEv9ZLVVpMLk/s359/unnamed-13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="314" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw84schjHWydcp3bL8IfWuXP_AtymL8FVEB_mf73oNdLTvfqhyphenhyphenIJ2Ow1aqmuW0CpjNQSNloQl6Lgijo44QHWT4J3Wd5lofJsuo4RlwIXABpZ2CN3NJ5wSl3BGNlZGGSp8Uz2zRxBpDwyu1T-zTIcnbtTp71Mxf05H76KiR841fuC-2ZbINEv9ZLVVpMLk/s320/unnamed-13.jpg" width="280" /></a>Jay Españo (PrideArts Artistic Director). Born in Manila, The Philippines, he joined the prestigious Tanghalang Pilipino’s Actors Company in 1998, where he trained with acclaimed Filipino director Nonon Padilla. He acted in several commercials, television series and films. Notably, he was a regular cast member of Koko KwikKwak - a spin-off of Batibot (Philippine SESAME STREET). He toured The Philippines with that show’s mascots, performing for kids throughout the country. In 2000, Jay was one of many Filipino actors who were cast in the Action Theater Singapore’s hit musical CHANG AND ENG, which toured Asia for several years.</p><p>Since moving to the Chicago area, Jay has worked with storefront theater companies such as Silk Road Rising, Prologue, Ghostlight, Halcyon, City Lit, and PrideArts. Most recently, he directed the musical GAY CARD for PrideArts, and City Lit Theater’s world premiere musical AZTEC HUMAN SACRIFICE. He has played the role of the King in Rodgers and Hammerstein’s THE KING AND I with various theater companies in the US and in Canada.</p><p>JOE CALARCO (Writer). Joe Calarco’s published work, in addition to SHAKESPEARE’S R&J (Lucille Lortel Award), includes WALTER CRONKITE IS DEAD (included in “The Best Stage Monologues of 2013”); IN THE ABSENCE OF SPRING (inaugural production of Second Stage’s Uptown Series and included in “The Best Stage Scenes of 2004”); his short plays JUST A LITTLE SNIFFLE and PARTING GIFTS; and two collections of his plays for teens, SIGNATURE IN THE SCHOOLS, Volumes 1 & 2, which include the plays MY VACATION IN PARIS, SALAT, CIVIL WARS, AFTERSHOCK, SHAKESPEARE, WILL, IMAGE IS EVERYTHING, REVOLUTION, HERO WORSHIP, and VENI, VIDI, VICI.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYpELwqd23biOrpAlG3aQ0D4uCYWmLEDN7tumxO-Hexc9-ro_sC5faMOYtSTp-bCDSJsdbusiwbTg1dYx9YwCslxtzRHKvTP6kRo9JNIj3qTJqKKYfqffWOsKS6RZS1_ULdW28izjUvoRYI84nK7DauYXY4STL7ZFZU82y6fnoxPc6FDAIZ6mkNAODFI/s440/unnamed-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="440" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYpELwqd23biOrpAlG3aQ0D4uCYWmLEDN7tumxO-Hexc9-ro_sC5faMOYtSTp-bCDSJsdbusiwbTg1dYx9YwCslxtzRHKvTP6kRo9JNIj3qTJqKKYfqffWOsKS6RZS1_ULdW28izjUvoRYI84nK7DauYXY4STL7ZFZU82y6fnoxPc6FDAIZ6mkNAODFI/w200-h194/unnamed-9.jpg" width="200" /></a></p><p><i>ABOUT PRIDEARTS</i></p><p><i>PrideArts tells queer stories on a variety of platforms, including both live and virtual performances. Since its founding in 2010, PrideArts has had several chapters, including operating as an itinerant theater for their first six seasons, and as the developer and primary tenant in the Pride Arts Center from 2016 to the present.</i></p><p><i>The company produces full seasons of plays and musicals, as well as events including cabaret, and more. The company has earned 39 Jeff Awards and nominations, and six nominations in the 2019 ALTA Awards from the Alliance of Latinx Theater Artists of Chicago. Programming has reflected the diversity of queer communities by including work made by and illuminating the experiences of women, gay men, transgender people, and BIPOC.</i></p><p><i>PrideArts is supported by Illinois Arts Council, a State Agency; City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Alphawood Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Arts Work Fund, Driehaus Foundation, The Saints.</i></p><p><i>PrideArts is a member of Buena Park Neighborhood Association, Uptown United, Northalsted Merchants Association, League of Chicago Theaters, Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Lakeview East Merchants Association.</i></p><p><i>For more information and to donate, visit <b><a href="http://www.pridearts.org" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.pridearts.org</a></b> or call 1.773 857 0222.</i></p><div><br /></div>Bonnie Kenaz-Marahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05141662039871081535noreply@blogger.com0