GIVEAWAY: WIN 4 Tickets ($260 Value) To Middletown at Chicago's Apollo Theatre Through March 22, 2020

MIDDLETOWN® 

Comes to Chicago with Star-Studded cast at the Apollo Theater

WIN 4 Tickets ($260 Value) To 

Middletown 

at Chicago's Apollo Theater Through March 22, 2020. 

Winners choice of date/time pending availability.

Enter through midnight, Wednesday March 4th 

for your Chance to WIN!

I'll be out for the Middletown press opening March 4th, so check back soon for my full review. I'll also be giving away 4 tickets to one lucky winner. Enter like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often, through midnight March 4th. It's Chicago's birthday, but you might get the best present with a big ticket win! 

GFour Productions, producers of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® and Tony-nominated FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, announced that they will present their new play MIDDLETOWN® at The Apollo Theater from February 27 - March 22, 2020. 

The cast will star SANDY DUNCAN, known for her portrayal of Peter in PETER PAN; DONNY MOST, known for his role as “Ralph Malph” in the hit TV show HAPPY DAYS; and ADRIAN ZMED, best known for his starring roles in the BACHELOR PARTY and TV’s T.J. HOOKER. 

The cast will also feature Chicago actress and multi Jeff Award winner KATE BUDDEKE (Broadway: Superior Donuts, Carousel, Death of a Salesman with Brian Dennehy, Gypsy with Bernadette Peters and A Streetcar Named Desire with Natasha Richardson).



An exhilarating and universal depiction of love and friendship, MIDDLETOWN® follows the story of two couples who endure the roller coaster of life together, including the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Staged without a set or props, the stars read directly from scripts, as if reading from the book of their own lives — and ours.

“I wanted to tell a relatable ‘every-person’s’ story in a direct and straightforward manner where human emotions are front and center – without bells, whistles, special effects, or props,” said writer Dan Clancy, best known for his play THE TIMEKEEPERS, which ran off-Broadway and in Israel for 13 years. “I wanted the words to speak for themselves.”

The initial workshop of MIDDLETOWN received a Carbonell nomination for “Best New Work” in 2017 and was originally presented at the Jan McArt Reading Series and West Boca Theatre Company. In 2019, MIDDLETOWN® premiered to critical acclaim in Las Vegas, Bucks County, Pa., and Wilmington, Del.

As the New Hope Free Press describes, “Like Love Letters, the ‘play’s the thing,’ as Shakespeare might say. The show has four podiums downstage where the actors stand with scripts before them. … For all intents and purposes, this is just the actor telling you their stories with no blocking. This only works if the stories are worth telling and the actors are good enough to tell them. And the answer is a resounding YES!”

Tickets are $65 and may be purchased at The Apollo Theatre, 2540 North Lincoln, or by phone at 773-935-6100 or online at www.apollochicago.com.  Visit the website for full performance schedule.

WIN 4 Tickets ($260 Value) To 

Middletown 

at Chicago's Apollo Theater Through March 22, 2020. 

Winners choice of date/time pending availability.

Enter through midnight, Wednesday March 4th 

for your Chance to WIN!

ENTER HERE

OPENING: 10th Anniversary Special, The Men and Their Music at Chicago's Apollo Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

This Sunday, ChiIL Live Shows will be ChiILin' old school, with Ron Hawking, at the press opening of the 10th Anniversary of The Men and Their Music. Check back soon for our full review.

Ron Hawking, dubbed "Chicago's Entertainer," first created His Way – A Tribune to the Man and His Music in 1998, which paid tribute to Frank Sinatra and his songbook. Expanding on the demand for the musical style of artists like Sinatra, Hawking developed The Men and Their Music, encompassing a variety of personalities and music styles with a refreshed repertoire of iconic numbers from some of the world’s most legendary male vocalists and songwriters, including Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Bobby Darin, Burt Bacharach and more. 



As an entertainer and vocalist, Hawking brings to life a treasure trove of hits from some of music’s greatest artists. Combined with a set list of over 15 songs and medleys, Hawking also surprises audiences with a few impersonations including Willie Nelson, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker and others, capturing the essence of these legendary stars. 





Click HERE for ticket purchasing and further information on show dates and times.

OPENING: Dylan Brody's DRIVING HOLLYWOOD Tour At Chicago's Apollo Theater 5/3-5/20

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

1st Stop CHICAGO!

Dylan Brody's DRIVING HOLLYWOOD Tour 

Pulls Into Apollo Theater May 3rd

"Dylan Brody is funny in ways that don't remind me of anyone... 
the voice is unique and unpredictable... funny and fascinating. I howled.”
-  David Sedaris

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we know Chicago's second to none when it comes to performing arts. Even touring acts often pick our city as ground zero to kick off national and international tours. Acclaimed comedian, Dylan Brody, is no exception. His latest show opens right here in Chi, IL tonight and we'll be out to review tomorrow. Chicago's Apollo Theater is an excellent Lincoln Park venue, with an intimate basement space, perfect for a standout solo show. Come grab a drink at the bar (my personal fav is New Orleans' infamous Abita Turbodog beer) and check out the musings of one of America's top humorists.




Blue Panther Productions presents award winning humorist Dylan Brody in his new solo show Dylan Brody's Driving Hollywood starting at Chicago's Apollo Theater May 3rd running thru May 20th. Nancy Carlin directs. The show's multi-city tour takes off in Chicago before traveling on to Barcelona's Tinta Roja Teatro May 25 thru 27, London's Canal Cafe Theatre June 9 thru 17 and NYC in July with venue TBA.

Driving into Hollywood to meet a big time player that could change the course of his career, Dylan Brody flashes back to his boyhood in Schuylerville New York recalling how he showed off his precociousness by carrying around Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment with a bunch of Marvel comics tucked inside. Continually raising his hand to challenge his teachers' assertions, he was a regular at the principal's office where his father, a professor at Skidmore College, was also called in ostensibly to reprimand his son but instead generously offered to “hear both sides of the story”. With his signature wit and playfulness he goes on to describe early misunderstandings working in the entertainment industry and his adult life as a comic and writer in Los Angeles. In a town where success and fame is constantly almost happening, Brody's uplifting and hilarious stories combine passion and heartbreak with unique humor to leave us with a spark of hope at the intersection of art and commerce.

Actor/comedian and award winning writer Dylan Brody is one of America's leading humorists. He's shared the stage with some of the comedy world's biggest stars including Adam Sandler, Richard Belzer and Jerry Seinfeld. His TV credits include A&E's Comedy on the Road, FOX TV'sComedy Express and Showtime's The Green Room with Paul Provenza. Brody opened three years running for fellow humorist David Sedaris who's said of his work, “Funny and fascinating...Unique and unpredictable”. He has been called “a funny storyteller in the tradition of Mark Twain” by legendary editor Paul Krassner and his writing has been referred to as “brilliant” by Robin Williams. With six comedy albums and four published books Brody's repertoire continues to expand along with his popularity as a live performer.



Nancy Carlin has directed and performed extensively in theaters that include American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Rep, Aurora Theater and San Francisco Playhouse, among others. She's co-author of the new musical Max Understood, which was developed at O'Neill National Music Theater Conference and premiered at San Francisco's Cowell Theater last spring. A member of SDC, AEA, SAG-AFTRA and the Dramatists Guild, she's a theater arts lecturer at UC Santa Cruz and San Jose State.

Laura Lundy is the founder and executive producer of Blue Panther Productions. Blue Panther's productions include award-winning comedienne Alicia Dattner's The Oy of Sex in New York, celebrated Toronto dancer/performance artist Sara Porter's Sara Does A Solo in S. F. and Scott Charles' 2015 drama Dinner with Augie in the S.F. Bay Area. She co-founded and was original artistic director of San Francisco's Virago Theatre Company where she produced and directed Candide, Three Penny Opera,A Taste of Honey and many original plays.She acted in Virago's AROUSAL paired with The Lover (2014) and The Singularity (2015), both of which were performed at NYC's Flea Theater to critical acclaim.

Dylan Brody's Driving Hollywood begins at the Apollo Theater (2540 N Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL) on Wed. May 3 and plays thruSat. May 20. All shows are Wed. thru Sat. at 8PM. Tickets are $25 and $35 for VIP front row seats plus post show meeting and photo op. 

For tickets call the box office at (773) 935-6100 or purchase online at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Apollo-Theater-tickets-Chicago/venue/57346. Also go to http://www.dylanbrodysdrivinghollywood.com for tickets and information.

Hamilton Spoof "Shamilton" Playing Apollo Theater In Chicago Through 3/31

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

“SHAMILTON,” THE NEWEST IMPROVISED MUSICAL VIA "BABY WANTS CANDY", IS PLAYING CHICAGO'S APOLLO THEATER THROUGH 3/31

The Latest Production from the Producers of “Baby Wants Candy” Runs January 20, 2017 – March 31, 2017

The producers of the Chicago-based “Baby Wants Candy” announce the debut of their newest improvised musical, “Shamilton,” inspired by hit musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, at Apollo Theater Chicago (2540 N. Lincoln Ave). Directed by one of the founding members of “Baby Wants Candy” and Emmy Award-winner Peter Gwinn, the improvised musical features a 75-minute live-performance musical written on-the-spot about a historic figure of the audiences’ choosing. With a cast made up of ensemble members from “Baby Wants Candy” and some of Chicago’s top musical improvisors, “Shamilton” begins at the Apollo Theater January 20, 2017 (opening night is set for January 27) and runs every Friday at 10:30 p.m. through March 31. 

Tickets ($15-$20) are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Apollo Theater Box Office by calling 773.935.6100 or visiting ApolloChicago.com.

“Baby Wants Candy’ has long been known for our ensemble’s incredible talent and world-class improvisation, and we can’t wait to explore a new genre-busting show at the Apollo,” said Producer Al Samuels. “We’re so excited to bring some of the spectacle of a production like ‘Hamilton’ into an improv show, including improvised hip-hop, historical costumes and overwhelming historic significance, no matter who the hero. Now we can finally see the ‘Hamilton’ treatment of Sarah Palin or Steve Bartman we’ve all been waiting for.”

From the minds behind “Baby Wants Candy,” “Thrones! The Musical Parody” and “Fifty Shades! The Musical Parody,” “Shamilton” invites audiences to call out any famous historic figure—from Leonardo da Vinci to Genghis Khan to Paris Hilton—and watch an improvised musical unfold in real time before their eyes and ears, complete with gorgeous solos, sweeping chorus numbers and hilarious on-the-fly choreography. The production features a Chicago-based ensemble and a full band, including electronic musical enhancements with looping and percussion. 

To learn more about “Shamilton,” follow along on Facebook and Twitter.

Under Gwinn’s direction, the cast for “Shamilton” includes: Jen Connor, Erica Elam, Colette Gregory, Nathan Jansen, Chanse McCrary, Saliha Muttalib, Angela Oliver, Maria Randazzo, Bobby Richards, Patrick Rowland, Sophie Scanlon, Sean Sullivan, Ross Taylor, Nelson Velazquez, Rob Wilson and Shira Wilson.

After beginning in Chicago at Improv Olympic and moving to the Apollo Theater in 2005, “Baby Wants Candy” has expanded with performing companies in Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, as well as an international touring company. Since its inception, “Baby Wants Candy” has performed more than 3,000 completely improvised musicals to sold-out crowds all over the world. In addition to the run at the Apollo Theater, they also perform weekly at Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) in LA and are debuting a weekly run Second City’s Judy’s Beat Lounge Theater. Their show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival enjoys a perennially fully sold-out run, and in February 2017 the group will travel to Australia to perform a month long run at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. The producing team behind “Baby Wants Candy” debuted “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” in 2012, playing to sold-out crowds off-Broadway, nationally and internationally. “50 Shades” still runs in Las Vegas and Japan, and has been translated into over 12 languages. In 2015, Baby Wants Candy also produced “Thrones! The Musical Parody,” opening to sold-out performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a twice-extended run at the Apollo Theater in Chicago as well as the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles.

About the Creative Team
Jesse Case (Musical Director) serves as musical director for “Baby Wants Candy,” and recently finished musical directing, composing and starring as Richard Wagner in Second City and Lyric Opera Chicago’s "Longer! Louder! Wagner! The Second City Wagner Companion". At Second City, he’s served as musical director for five original revues on both e.t.c. and Mainstage.

Emily Dorezas (Co-Producer) is co-producer of “Thrones! The Musical Parody” as well as co-producer/writer for “50 Shades! The Musical Parody.” She is executive producer of “Baby Wants Candy” and Spark Creative and served as producer/writer for Second City’s Business Theater. Dorezas has performed stand-up comedy across the U.S. and appeared on Comedy Central’s Tosh.0 and Stand Up Live, and NBC’s Sports Action Team.

Peter Gwinn (Director) is a founding member of “Baby Wants Candy.” Regional productions include “Twist Your Dickens” (Goodman Theatre; Centre Theater Group, Los Angeles; Portland Center Stage, Portland) and “Moulin Scrooge” (WreckingBall Theater Lab, Denver). He also performs in multiple improv shows at iO and the UCB Theater in New York. He has won two Emmy Awards as a writer for “The Colbert Report” on Comedy Central, and also wrote for the Amazon original series “Alpha House,” starring John Goodman.

Albert Samuels (Co-Producer) is a founding member of “Baby Wants Candy” (with whom he currently performs at Upright Citizens Brigade (LA)), toured with Second City’s National Touring Company, and co-wrote and performed in two critically acclaimed reviews on Second City’s Mainstage. He also serves as the co-producer/writer for both “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” and “Thrones! The Musical Parody.” He co-created and starred in NBC’s Sports Action Team and The Venue, which won best pilot in the Comedy Central Pilot Competition. Samuels starred in the LA preview run of “Shamilton” last spring.  

About Baby Wants Candy

“Baby Wants Candy” has performed more than 3,000 completely improvised musicals to thousands of fans from Chicago to New York to Singapore to Scotland. Currently, “Baby Wants Candy” runs in Chicago at the Apollo Theater, in Los Angeles at UCB Sunset and tours internationally.  A cutting edge theatrical experience, the performance features a revolving cast of A-list comedic performers and a full band.

“Baby Wants Candy” begins with the cast asking the audience for a suggestion of a musical that has never been performed before. Accompanied by a full band, the first title that the group hears becomes the title and theme for that evening’s 60-minute show, featuring a roller coaster ride of spontaneously choreographed dance numbers, rhyming verses and witty, jaw-dropping comedy.  Each performance is its own opening and closing night, and by design every show is completely unique and a once–in a lifetime premiere.

“Baby Wants Candy” has received rave reviews in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Onion, Chicago Sun-Times, TimeOut New York and more, and has received numerous awards including the winner of FringeNYC’s Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience, Best Improv Ensemble by Chicago Magazine, the Best Visiting Comedy Ensemble by TimeOut New York, the recipient of the Ensemble of the Year Award at the Chicago Improv Festival, and a rare Sixth Star Award Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

“Baby Wants Candy” has included several notable performers including Peter Gwinn of “Colbert Report;” Rachel Dratch and Aidy Bryant of “Saturday Night Live;” Stephnie Weir of “MadTV;” Nicole Parker of “MadTV” and Elphaba in “Wicked” on Broadway; Jack McBrayer of “30 Rock;” Al Samuels and Kevin Fleming of “Sports Action Team;” Thomas Middleditch of “Silicon Valley;” Garry W. Tallent of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; Mark Pender of The Max Weinberg 7 and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band; and Johnny Pisano of the Jesse Malin Band and The Marky Ramone Band. Members of “Baby Wants Candy” have recently written the hit off-Broadway show “50 Shades! The Musical Parody”

About Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including the recent Million Dollar Quartet, which holds the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

OPENING: GAME OF THRONES MUSICAL PARODY AT APOLLO THEATER IN CHICAGO

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

“THRONES! THE MUSICAL PARODY” ASCENDS THE WALL THIS SUMMER 

AT APOLLO THEATER IN CHICAGO

Created By the Team Behind “Baby Wants Candy” and “50 Shades! The Musical Parody,” “Thrones!” Makes its United States Debut July 21 – August 21

Suffering from GOT withdrawal? I didn't watch for the first few seasons, but once I started I was hooked. I binge watched everything up until the past two seasons, which we watched in real time. We've even had weekly Game of Thrones watching parties complete with drinks and appetizers. I felt a hollow emptiness when the season ended yet again and the long waiting game began. Now there's something to fill the void, “Thrones! The Musical Parody”. 

This Summer, Winter is coming. “Thrones! The Musical Parody” arrives at the Apollo Theater (2540 N. Lincoln Ave) in July with its United States and Chicago preview, running July 21 through August 21. Scripted by members of the “Baby Wants Candy” and “50 Shades! The Musical Parody” creative team, “Thrones! The Musical Parody” debuted to completely sold-out performances in August 2015 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, followed by a sold-out, limited run at London’s Leicester Square Theatre. Hailed as “darkly humorous and beautifully vulgar” (Edinburgh Festival Magazine) and “A resounding success!” (Sunday Times Scotland), the production features a Chicago-based cast and creative team in its run at the Apollo Theater.

“Chicago is the perfect place for the US premiere of ‘Thrones! The Musical Parody,’ where audiences are smart, funny and receptive,” said Executive Producer Emily Dorezas. “This parody combines everything you want in a great musical—with a hilarious story line and incredible music—and includes something for both the avid 'Game of Thrones' fan and musical theater fan alike.”

A send-up of HBO’s phenomenally successful “Game of Thrones,” “Thrones! The Musical Parody” asks audiences: Will Tyrion’s accent ever improve? Can Jon Snow possibly know more than nothing? Just how red can the Red Wedding get? With Game of Thrones plot twists through Season 6 (read: spoilers), audiences can expect dashing men battling White Walkers, ravishing women riding fire-breathing dragons, and the infamous Walk of Shame—all set to a catchy, original score. 

The performance schedule is as follows: Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. (excluding August 13; performance at 10 p.m. that day) and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets ($29 - $44) are on sale now, and can be purchased at the Apollo Theater Box Office by calling 773.935.6100 or visiting ApolloChicago.com. For ticket inquiries for groups of 10 or more, call Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612.

Get Social

To learn more about “Thrones!” visit the website, and follow along on Facebook and Twitter. 

 “Thrones! The Musical Parody” is written by Chris Grace, Zach Reino, Al Samuels and Dan Wessels. The production is directed by Hannah Todd, choreographed by Tyler Sawyer Smith and produced by Emily Dorezas, Rob Kolson, and Al Samuels. The cast and creative team will be announced at a later date. 

About Baby Wants Candy

“Baby Wants Candy” has performed over 2,000 completely improvised musicals to thousands of fans from Chicago to New York to Singapore to Scotland. Currently, “Baby Wants Candy” runs in Chicago at the Apollo Theater, in Los Angeles at UCB Sunset and tours internationally.  A cutting edge theatrical experience, the performance features a revolving cast of A-list comedic performers and a full band.

 “Baby Wants Candy” begins with the cast asking the audience for a suggestion of a musical that has never been performed before. Accompanied by a full band, the first title that the group hears becomes the title and theme for that evening’s 60-minute show, featuring a roller coaster ride of spontaneously choreographed dance numbers, rhyming verses, and witty jaw-dropping comedy.  Each performance is its own opening and closing night, and by design every show is completely unique and a once–in a lifetime premiere.

 “Baby Wants Candy” has received rave reviews in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, The Onion, the Chicago Sun-Times, TimeOut New York and more and has received numerous awards and was the Winner of FringeNYC’s Outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience, Best Improv Ensemble by Chicago Magazine, the Best Visiting Comedy Ensemble by TimeOut New York, the recipient of the Ensemble of the Year Award at the Chicago Improv Festival, a rare Sixth Star Award Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

 “Baby Wants Candy” has included several notable performers including Peter Gwinn of Colbert Report, Rachel Dratch and Aidy Bryant of Saturday Night Live; Stephnie Weir of MadTV; Nicole Parker of MadTV and Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway; Jack McBrayer of 30 Rock; Al Samuels and Kevin Fleming of Sports Action Team; Thomas Middleditch of Silicon Valley; Garry W. Tallent of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band; Mark Pender of The Max Weinberg 7 and Bruce Springsteen and the Seeger Sessions Band; and Johnny Pisano of the Jesse Malin Band and The Marky Ramone Band. Members of Baby Wants Candy have recently written the hit Off Broadway show “50 Shades! The Musical Parody”

 

About Apollo Theater

The Apollo Theater, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including the recent Million Dollar Quartet, which holds the record for the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

ACT OUT EXTENDED: Million Dollar Quartet Ticket Deals

EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!

                                                               

Million Dollar Quartet

now in its fifth year in Chicago

Tickets on sale through April 28

Yesterday would have been Elvis' 78th birthday.   If you haven't seen the wildly popular tribute to Elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and more....come catch multiple Tony nominated Million Dollar Quartet.

Million Dollar Quartet, now in its fifth year in Chicago, continues performances through April 28, 2013 with cast members Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley), Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins), Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), Chris Damiano (Johnny Cash), Tim Decker (Sam Phillips), Whitney Kraus Jones (Dyanne), Marc Edelstein (Jay Perkins/Bass player) and Dan Leali (Fluke/Drummer). 

The Tony-nominated musical inspired by the famed 1956 recording session that brought together legendary rock ‘n’ roll icons Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley, celebrates its long run in Chicago, a multiple Tony-nominated New York run, a long-running London production and a national tour that kicked-off in October 2011. 

FAMILY NIGHTS

Million Dollar Quartet will offer special family discounts on select Sundays.  Family nights are currently scheduled for January 13, February 3, March 17 and April 14  at 6:30 p.m. 

Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet Family Nights are buy one, get one free.  (One child under 17 will be admitted free with each adult ticket purchase.)  The evenings will feature giveaways with special gifts from Million Dollar Quartet.  

Check www.milliondoallarquartetlive.com/family for information about upcoming Family Nights.

The Chicago production continues to break box office records at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.  Tickets are now on sale through April 28, 2013 at the Apollo box office, phone (773) 935-6100,and online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com.   For more information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.

Producer Gigi Pritzker comments, “It’s a thrill to celebrate our fifth year in Chicago.  Since the beginning, Chicago has embraced Million Dollar Quartet and we are grateful for the continued and enthusiastic support of Chicago audiences.  It’s been a hit in Chicago, New York, London, Japan and on the national tour.  The show remains as fresh, energetic and engaging as always—partially due to the more than 20 rock ‘n’ roll hits in the show and the tremendous talent on stage.”

TICKETS

Million Dollar Quartet tickets are on sale through April 28, 2013.  Tickets to Million Dollar Quartet at the Apollo Theater are available through the Apollo Theater box office, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, (773) 935-6100.  Tickets are available online through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com. 

Tickets are $25-$85. (Standard ticketing fees apply.)

  

Rush student tickets for select performances (Wed-Fri and Sun evenings only) are available 2 hours prior to curtain at the box office with valid Student ID. Student rush tickets are subject to availability.

The Apollo performance schedule is as follows: Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 3:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Million Dollar Quartet is a 90-minute, family-friendly production.  Audience members of all ages are invited to laugh, clap—and even dance—during the show. 

For more show information, visit www.milliondollarquartetlive.com.

* * * * * *

ABOUT THE CAST

Brandon Bennett (Elvis Presley) a native of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, has performed with legendary stars like The Jordanaires, DJ Fontana and The Sweet Inspirations. Brandon has been honored with several international awards, including prestigious honors from Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.  He joins the cast of MDQ after performing for the past two years with the stage production The Elvis Story in Quebec, Canada.

Shaun Whitley (Carl Perkins) is a musician, actor, composer, and Jeff nominated music director. Some Chicago credits include: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Flute/Thisbe) with Chicago Shakespeare Theater;PumpBoys and Dinettes (Jim) with Drury Lane Theater; Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Tommy, u/s Buddy Holly) with Drury Lane Theater; Uncle Vanya (Telegin) with TUTA; and Cotton Patch Gospel(Bass/Mandolin) with Provision Theater. He studied acting at RADA in London.

Lance Lipinsky (Jerry Lee Lewis), a Texas native, grew up studying his dad’s record collection of Elvis, Roy Orbison, and his hero, Jerry Lee Lewis.  These influences never left him and now, at age 24, he combines these styles in his own original music similar to early Rock & Roll, classic Country and even a touch of 1960’s pop.  His energetic live shows have led him all over the world, even to making his national television debut at the original Ryman Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN.  

Chris Damiano (Johnny Cash) is an Atlanta native, whose Chicago credits include Sugar at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Theo Ubique’s productions of Evita (Che, Jeff Award Non-Equity) and Jacques Brel’s Lonesome Losers of the Night (Man 1, Jeff Award Non-Equity). Damiano played guitar for Lil’ Buds Children’s Theatre productions of Those Silly Reindeer and Still Life with Iris. He currently plays with the bluegrass band Groundspeed and with the Italian folk/jazz group I Monelli monelli.

Tim Decker (Sam Phillips), a longtime Chicago actor, has appeared at Chicago Shakespeare, Goodman, Next, Milwaukee Rep, Touchstone, Shattered Globe, Stage Left, Famous Door, American Theatre Company, and American Blues (where he received a Principal Actor Jeff Award for his work in Toys in the Attic), among others.

Whitney Kraus Jones (Dyanne) is making her Chicago debut in Million Dollar Quartet. Jones recently graduated from Ball State University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Past credits include Syncope (Short Film), Brighton Beach Memoirs, Beauty and the Beast, Dancing at Lughnasa, and Godspell.

Dan Leali (Fluke, Drummer) a native of the Chicago area, has performed with jazz trumpeter Randy Brecker; songwriters Jewel, Liz Phair, Peter Himmelman and Robbie Fulks; Poi Dog Pondering; Fareed Haque; bluesman John Primer; and Liquid Soul. He has performed on television and radio jingles, as well as arcade and video game soundtracks, and maintains a private teaching practice. Dan is also a founding member of the band Tributosaurus.

Marc Edelestein (Jay Perkins, Bassist) Devoted to American roots music, Marc has avidly promoted and

performed internationally in rockabilly, bluegrass, country, and folk projects. Performances include altcountry’s Robby Fulks Band; 7 years with Special Consensus Bluegrass Band; musical revue Women In My Lifewith singer-songwriters Bob Gibson and Michael Smith; Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s country & western auxiliary CSOakies; and numerous recordings. Marc made his theatrical debut as string bassist and vocalist in the Jeff Award winning Woody Guthrie’s American Song (Northlight, Briar Street Theater), and performed in Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Goodman Theater).

ABOUT MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

On December 4, 1956, an auspicious twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley together. The place was Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis.  The man who made it happen was Sam Phillips, the “Father of Rock ’n’ Roll,” who discovered them all. The four legends-to-be united for the only time in their careers for an impromptu recording that has come to be known as one of the greatest rock jam sessions of all time. 

Million Dollar Quartet features a treasure trove of the greatest rock ’n’ roll, gospel, R&B and country hits from these music legends, including “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Who Do You Love?,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Riders in the Sky,” “Whole Lotta’ Shakin’ Goin’ On,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line,” and “Hound Dog.”  Million Dollar Quartet captures the infectious spirit, freewheeling excitement and thrilling sounds of a singular moment when four of the music industry’s most extraordinary talents, all in their creative prime, came together for one of the most memorable nights in music history. 

Directed by Eric Schaeffer and Floyd Mutrux, with a book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux. Million Dollar Quartet is produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions and Northern Lights Inc.

Million Dollar Quartet had its world premiere at Florida’s Seaside Music Theatre, and was subsequently staged at the Village Theatre in Washington, breaking box office records.  In Chicago, the production moved to the Apollo on November 5, 2008, following its sold-out, limited engagement at the Goodman’s Owen Theatre.  The Broadway production garnered three Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Featured Actor in a Musical, Levi Kreis; three Drama League Award nominations; and an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination.  Million Dollar Quartet is currently playing in New York at New World Stages, London at the Noel Coward Theatre and it recently began a national tour.

CREATIVE TEAM OF MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET

Director Eric Schaeffer is the acclaimed co-founder and artistic director of the Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA, where his work has been honored with numerous Helen Hayes Awards including Outstanding Direction.  He directed Putting it Together and Glory Days on Broadway, the first national tour of big, The Musical, and the West End debut of The Witches of Eastwick.  He also served as artistic director for the Kennedy Center’s recent Sondheim Celebration.

Floyd Mutrux is also the co-author of the book to Million Dollar Quartet, sharing writing credits with noted Grammy® Award-winning author and music historian Colin Escott.  Mutrux has written, directed or produced numerous films, including the classic biopic of early rock ’n’ roll American Hot Wax, Dick Tracy and Mulholland Falls.  Escott, the author of numerous books including Good Rockin’ Tonight – Sun Records and the Birth of Rock ’n’ Roll, was awarded a Grammy® for producing The Complete Hank Williams, and was nominated for a Grammy for producing B.B. King – King of the Blues.

Musical Director Chuck Mead, with multiple hit records, has stood at the forefront of the alternative country music explosion as founder and lead singer of BR549, the three-time Grammy® Award nominated country band.

Relevant Theatricals (Producer) is a commercial production company headed by Gigi Pritzker and Ted

Rawlins, dedicated to developing new work for the stage. Current projects include: Snapshots, a new musical with book by David Stern and music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, creator of Wicked, Pippin andGodspell; and a new musical version of Dennis The Menace, scheduled to open in Seattle later this year.  Relevant’s sister company, Odd Lot Entertainment, develops and produces outstanding new film properties. Current productions include the feature Rabbit Hole, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by David Lindsay-Abaire, starring Nicole Kidman and Dianne Wiest, and directed by John Cameron Mitchell.  Relevant Theatricals is proud to be part of the producing team that developed Million Dollar Quartet.

John Cossette Productions (Producer) was founded by John Cossette whose 30 year career in the music industry as an innovative producer of large scale events was legendary.  John produced the Grammy’s, the BET awards, the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta and a star-studded concert in Central Park.  He was deeply involved with MusiCares and the EJ Jackson Foundation which helps to feed the homeless in Los Angeles. Under the direction of Rita Cossette the company will continue to develop and produce music related entertainment.