From One Bank to Another, Broadway in Chicago Announces The Renaming of One of Chicago’s Marquee Theatres To PrivateBank Theatre

Performances Begin at The PrivateBank Theatre September 27, 2016

Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank today proudly announced a new long-run strategic partnership that will rename what many refer to as a crown jewel of the Chicago Theatre District, at 18 W. Monroe, to THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  Beginning with the production of CABARET, on Tuesday, February 9, the theatre will transform with a new marquee and signage to unveil THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  

At a press conference on December 8, 2015, Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank announced this dynamic partnership, a partnership that is committed to bring the best of Broadway to our Chicago Theatre District including the breathtaking announcement of Broadway’s biggest hit, HAMILTON, which will make THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE its new home beginning in September of 2016.

Producer Jeffrey Seller today announced the blockbuster Broadway musical HAMILTON – with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda – will play its first engagement outside New York this fall in Chicago.  Performances begin September 27, 2016, at Broadway In Chicago's newly named The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe).

HAMILTON will anchor the Broadway In Chicago subscription season that will be sold in the Spring of 2016.  Group tickets for 20 or more for HAMILTON at The PrivateBank Theatre will go on sale on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Single ticket on-sale for HAMILTON will be announced at a later date.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  A thoroughly inventive, wildly entertaining musical about the birth of our nation – with a score that blends hip-hop, pop, blues, jazz and Broadway –HAMILTON opened on Broadway earlier this year to enthusiastic reception from critics and audiences of all ages. 

HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS. 

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.

The new musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

HAMILTON (ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING) is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording received a 2016 GRAMMY^® nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.  The album made a stunning arrival on the charts upon its digital release in August, coming in at #1 on the “Top Broadway Albums” chart, #3 on the “Top Rap Albums” chart, #5 on “Top Digital Albums” chart and #9 on the “Top Current Albums” chart.  The cast recording was recently selected as #8 on Rolling Stone’s TOP 50 ALBUMS OF 2015.  The album’s debut stands as the second biggest first week sales ever for a cast recording, behind only RENT in the Nielsen SoundScan era.

For more information on HAMILTON, 

visit www.hamiltononbroadway.com, www.facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

This partnership brings together two Chicago institutions that have an unprecedented commitment to Chicago, the arts and an ongoing drive to position Chicago as a cultural hub of the country. 

“The PrivateBank and Broadway In Chicago share a belief that a strong arts and culture community is one of the things that makes Chicago such a great city,” Larry D. Richman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The PrivateBank, said. “We are proud to put our name on this beautiful and treasured venue.  At the same time, we plan to partner with Broadway In Chicago to make the theater experience accessible to youth throughout the city.”

Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago, said, “This partnership allows Broadway In Chicago to attract the best shows like HAMILTON. The naming of this theatre demonstrates The PrivateBank’s commitment to build a legacy of community support and will further integrate The PrivateBank into the cultural fabric of Chicago.  The PrivateBank will be celebrating 25 years in Chicago in 2016, aligning its great work with the over 100-year-old iconic venue that lights up the Chicago Theatre District and Broadway In Chicago.” 

ABOUT THE PRIVATEBANK

The PrivateBank is proud to help make our city more vibrant through partnerships with organizations such as Broadway In Chicago. At The PrivateBank, our mission is to advance the goals of our clients by delivering compelling commercial, personal and private banking solutions as well as to promote the stability of our communities through financial literacy and banking services. The PrivateBank is part of PrivateBancorp, Inc., a Chicago-based company with $16.9 billion in assets as of September 30, 2015.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 15 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 well 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 including its new THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

OPENING: STOMP at the Bank of America Theatre #BroadwayInChicago

THE INTERNATIONAL PERCUSSION SENSATION

 RETURNS TO CHICAGO FOR ONE WEEK ONLY

AT BANK OF AMERICA THEATRE 

FROM JANUARY 20 – 25

CHICAGO 

Get your rhythm on with STOMP. This rockin', world famous show will thaw your frozen soul and provide the perfect excuse to brave the chill and get out of the house. Here at ChiIL Mama, we can't wait to check out this infamous recycled object band gone Broadway touring extravaganza.

Chicago's Bank of America Theatre hosts the international smash hit STOMP. This famed high-energy show features a cast of eight performers, creating wildly rhythmic sounds with unconventional instruments — everything from brooms and garbage cans to matchboxes and hubcaps and more — and also features plenty of unexpected comedy and audience interaction. A true worldwide phenomenon, STOMP has won both Obie and Drama Desk Awards. Since the first performance in 1991, this thrilling production's played in over 350 cities, earning praise as one of this generation's most mesmerizing theatrical events.

STOMP returns to Chicago by popular demand for a limited one-week engagement at the Bank of America Theatre (18 W. Monroe) January 20 – 25, 2015.  From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 20 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 24 million people.

Chicago critics and audiences have raved: “A phenomenal show!  Bashing, crashing, smashing, swishing, banging and kicking – a joyous invention!” says Chris Jones with the Chicago Tribune. “A show-stopping, thrillingly dangerous, heartbeat-hiking percussive spectacle.  Full of sound and fury and fabulous fun!” exclaims Hedy Weiss with the Chicago Sun-Times.

Created by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas, STOMP continues its phenomenal run with four global productions: the ongoing sell-out production at New York's Orpheum Theatre, a permanent London company, and North American and European tours.  Throughout its life, the show has continued to change by creating new material; next year, it will incorporate two new pieces.  It is safe to say you will never again look at supermarket carts  or plumbing fixtures the same way… or paint cans, or kitchen sinks or…

STOMP, an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, and sell-out engagements, is the winner of an Olivier Award for Best Choreography (London's Tony Award), a New York Obie Award, a Drama Desk Award for Unique Theatre Experience, and a Special Citation from Best Plays.

In addition to the stage shows, STOMP has been an overwhelming success marked by rave reviews, numerous awards, an Academy Award nomination, four Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award for their acclaimed HBO special Stomp Out Loud, noteworthy TV appearances including The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony, The Academy Awards (produced by Quincy Jones), Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, and a series of award-winning international commercials. 

The performers “make a rhythm out of anything we can get our hands on that makes a sound,” says co-founder/director Luke Cresswell.  A unique combination of percussion, movement and visual comedy, STOMP has created its own inimitable, contemporary form of rhythmic expression: both household and industrial objects find new life as musical instruments in the hands of an idiosyncratic band of body percussionists.  It is a journey through sound, a celebration of the everyday and a comic interplay of characters wordlessly communicating through dance and drum.

Synchronized stiff-bristle brooms become a sweeping orchestra, eight Zippo lighters flip open and closed to create a fiery fugue; wooden poles thump and clack in a rhythmic explosion.  STOMP uses everything but conventional percussion instruments - dustbins, tea chests, radiator hoses, boots, hub caps - to fill the stage with a compelling and unique act that is often imitated but never duplicated.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or www.stomponline.com.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday at 7:30 PM

Wednesday at 7:30 PM

Thursday at 7:30 PM

Friday at 7:30 PM

Saturday at 2 PM and 8 PM

Sunday at 2 PM and 7:30 PM

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets to STOMP range from $20-$65. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances.  Tickets are available now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ACT OUT OPENING: The Last Ship Begins TONIGHT #BroadwayInChicago

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE OF 

THE LAST SHIP

ANNOUNCES RUSH SEATING

20 SEATS AT $25. AVAILABLE THE MORNING OF EACH PERFORMANCE DAY

Here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama we've been eagerly anticipating the opening of Sting's show for months!  At last it's HERE. Got your tickets yet?  We can not wait to check it out!

PERFORMANCES BEGIN TUESDAY, JUNE 10

The producers of the Pre-Broadway World Premiere of THE LAST SHIP will offer special rush tickets for all performances.  Ten pairs, 20 tickets, will be available to patrons, on the day-of-show, for $25.  These rush tickets will be available at the box office only, on the day of the performance, when the box office opens at 10:00 a.m. except for Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  

THE LAST SHIP, the new musical with music and lyrics by 17-time Grammy winner Sting, and book by Tony winner John Logan and Pulitzer Prize-winner Brian Yorkey – will begin previews on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. 52 St.) on September 30 prior to opening night on October 26, according to producers Jeffrey Seller and Kathryn Schenker.  THE LAST SHIP is directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello and has choreography by Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Steven Hoggett.

THE LAST SHIP will travel to New York following a pre-Broadway tryout June 10 to July 13 in Chicago at Bank of America Theatre.  Inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences, THE LAST SHIP marks the renowned musician's Broadway debut as a composer. 

THE LAST SHIP is set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, a close-knit community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard and the hardworking men construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride.  But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future.  He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind.  When Gideon returns home 14 years later, he finds the shipyard's future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else.  As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that defines their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.

THE LAST SHIP is a portrait of a community so bound together by passion, faith and tradition, they'll stop at nothing to preserve the only life they've ever known.

Performances of THE LAST SHIP will begin at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street) on June 10, 2014 for a five-week-only limited engagement through July 13, 2014.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

ACT OUT OPENING: Rock Of Ages at Bank of America Theatre #BroadwayInChicago

FIVE-TIME TONY AWARD® NOMINATED

SMASH-HIT MUSICAL

RETURNS TO ROCK CHICAGO!

Get your 80's arena rock and hairband fix.  Break out those concert tees (yes, the audience does like to play dress up and we don't mean tuxes and little black dresses).  Here at ChiIL Live Shows we've seen the Broadway touring version of Rock of Ages twice and it's always a rockin' good time!  Yes, Rock of Ages is STILL rollin', but they'll be rollin' through Chicago for one week only, so get your tickets now, while you can.

My tweens still have their lighter shaped Rock of Ages flashlights, that everyone waved in the air, from the last run at Chicago Playhouse. They both totally dug the show.  It's sincere enough to be sweet and kitschy enough to be great fun.  This is the perfect play for rockers who are non-theatre goers, as it's less traditional musical and more of a melding of concert and storyline.  The characters are all too familiar archetypes and the fight the power, gentrification theme makes this a HAIR for the next generation... the children of the flower children.

If you're thinking of bringing the kids, do note there is language and some mature situations (pole dancing, mild sexual content) but it's all fairly tame and appropriate for tweens and up.  

Click here to check out some of our past Rock of Ages reviews and coverage.

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to present the smash-hit ROCK OF AGES. The show returns to Chicago for a limited one-week engagement at the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe) from March 11 – March 16, 2014.

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80’s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more.  Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

ROCK OF AGES is a worldwide phenomenon with smash hit productions in Stockholm, London, Las Vegas and still rockin' on Broadway, featuring 28 classic rock tunes including “Don't Stop Believin'”, “We Built This City”, “The Final Countdown”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “Here I Go Again”, “Harden My Heart”, “Can't Fight this Feeling”, “Renegade” and “I Want To Know What Love Is”.

ROCK OF AGES is directed by Tony Award Nominee Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys – Associate Choreographer).  With a book by Chris D’Arienzo (writer and director of the film Barry Munday), original arrangements by David Gibbs (Counting Crows, Film: That Thing You Do) and the Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp (Tarzan; Europe: We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia).

ROCK OF AGES  features set design by Beowulf Boritt (Spelling Bee, LoveMusik), costume design by Tony Nominee Gregory Gale (Cyrano, The Wedding Singer), lighting design by Jason Lyons (The Threepenny Opera), sound design by Craig Cassidy (Phantom, Mamma Mia), and projection design is by Zachary Borovay (A Catered Affair).

ROCK OF AGES is produced by PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT. 

For more information on ROCK OF AGES: www.rockofagesontour.com

PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) is an established international theatrical producing and management enterprise founded by long time colleagues Stephen Kane and Michael McFadden. Its mission is to develop, produce and present the very finest in touring Broadway musicals and family entertainment. Throughout their three decades of theatrical success and industry partnership, the Phoenix team has delivered thousands of performances of more than 80 live productions on four continents. Phoenix is currently launching Rock of Ages and all new seasons of their critically acclaimed touring productions of Monty Python's Spamalot and The Color Purple, which follow on the proud touring heels of Gypsy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Pajama Game.  Team Phoenix also represents the Korean language productions of Grease and Fame, both enjoying open-ended runs in Seoul. Under the direction of colleague Ellie Chung, their Singapore based affiliate Phoenix Asia Group brings international booking, producing, presenting, classical-artist management and theatrical investment to the collective production and management capabilities of Phoenix Entertainment. www.phoenix-ent.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for ROCK OF AGES is as follows:

Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

Thursday at 7:30 p.m.

Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.

Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for ROCK OF AGES at the Bank of America Theatre range from $18-$85.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances.  Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

Play Locally: Shows On Our Hot List TONIGHT! #Giveaway

 Last day of 5th grade and 3rd grade for the punk kin

Today's THE Last Day of School for CPS (except for that odd, optional ONE hour on Thurs morning?!).   Du-Jay & Sagezilla Rock the Wear Anything (Non Uniform) Day.   Buh bye blue polo shirts till August 13th!!

School's out for summer..........If school's also out forever for you, you're likely old enough for our hot 21+ shows.   If not...we've got funky, family friendly recommendations, too.

We adore our kids, but love to get out with AND without them.

Tonight-Tuesday 6/12/12

First for the With:

Act Out-Theatre Opening Tonight

The Nanning Art Theatre-Legend of the Sun at Auditorium Theatre

We've been promoting this one and now it's here, for two days only!!   Don't miss this one.   Du-Jay, Sagezilla and ChiIL Mama will be there for opening night tonight.  Highly recommended.  Get your tickets now, if you haven't already.   Family friendly.



Here are the basics from Auditorium Theatre's site:

The Nanning Art Theatre - Legend of the Sun

Presented by the China Arts & Entertainment Group in
association with Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Chicago Chinese
Cultural Institute

Venue: Auditorium Theatre

Dates: Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Times: 7:30 pm

Price: $55-$17.50

Legend of the Sun, a unique, large-scale dance drama
based on a centuries-old Chinese folk tale, makes its U.S. debut at the
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Both exquisitely beautiful
and joyously uplifting, this inspired work features more than 60 dancers
while showcasing the songs, dances and traditions of China�s Zhuang
ethnic minority. The piece also incorporates elements of Western modern
dance and music.

Now for the Without:  

Act Out-Theatre Opening Tonight

Henson Alternative Stuffed and Unstrung

Leave the littles at home for this puppet show.   This raunchy improv show is rated R and recommended for 17+ or mature underagers accompanied by an adult.   We can't wait to check it out.    Get your tixs today.   This is a short one week run.   Here's the poop on these potty mouthed puppeteers from our friends at Broadway in Chicago.

 
Stuffed and Unstrung
Theatre : Bank of America Theatre, Chicago Illinois


Dates : June 12, 2012 - June 17, 2012


Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission
 
*This show is rated R and contains language and themes that are not intended for unaccompanied children under the age of 17.

**JUST ANNOUNCED! BRIAN HENSON to perform at Tuesday June 12, Wednesday June 13, and Thursday June 14 shows!**

STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG, a live uncensored show that lets loose the perilous and provocative elements of comedic improvisation on stage with a bunch of puppets. Produced by WestBeth Entertainment and Henson Alternative, STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG was created by award-winning director, producer, and writer Brian Henson and actor and improvisational guru Patrick Bristow and features the Miskreant puppets and The Jim Henson Company's renowned puppeteers.

STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG is a wild romp in which the skilled art of puppetry and spontaneous comedy collide. Unpredictable and irreverent, it's never the same show twice. Expert puppeteers create twisted scenes and songs on the fly, as suggestions from the audience prompt the improvised storylines unfolding on stage. This production delivers "two shows in one" as the hilarious puppet action is projected live on large screens flanking the stage, while the puppeteers race around below - displaying their skills in full view of the audience. With live musical accompaniment and Bristow as host, STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG boasts a cast of six world-class puppeteers in an uninhibited live puppet performance. 

STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG evolved from Henson's production "Puppet Up! -Uncensored," which made its debut at the 2006 HBO Comedy Festival (Aspen, CO) and later toured to the 2006 Edinburgh Festival (Edinburgh, Scotland), The 2007 Comedy Festival (Las Vegas, NV), and Australia's Sydney Big Laugh Comedy Festival and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (both 2007). The 2010 Off Broadway engagement of STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG marked the debut of this completely revamped production featuring all new technical wizardry with original music and staging. STUFFED AND UNSTRUNG appeared alongside Cee-Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow at the 2011 Grammy Awards and was featured on NBC's Celebrity Apprentice in 2012.

*This show is part of the TBS Just For Laughs Chicago festival all over our city this week.   Chi-Town will be funny ha-ha and funny weird all week long.     Click the link above for all the venues, shows, and details and see your fav TV shows come to life with the dynamic of LIVE comedy.

**You still have till midnight tonight to enter to win one of 5 pairs of tixs to see Kevin Smith (AKA:   Silent Bob) in a not so silent show at The Chicago Theatre.   Click here to enter.**

photo credit:   8 Eyes Photography




Mucca Pazza CD Sneak Peek Party at Hideout 21+(sold out)   If you had the foresight to snag a ticket, I'll see you there.   If you were a punk slacker and did not, check out ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows in the very near future for our photo filled recap.  We also have some amazing original live video footage and stills from March Fourth, Portland's version of Mucca Pazza.   We'll be reviewing Mucca Pazza's upcoming release, Safety Fifth and March Fourth's newest as well!


Here's the secret scoop about tonight from Hideout:

Mucca Pazza

• Links

Mucca
Pazza has been called a lot of things in its day - abnormal,
discordant, uncouth, indecorous, malodorous, %$@# crazy - but one word
that's never popped up in any description of those voluminous marching
freaks is 'sneaky'...

...until now!

MUCCA PAZZA is inviting you to the official

SNEAK PEAK RELEASE PARTY

for their new record SAFETY FIFTH
available NOW for PRE-ORDER through Electric Cowbell Records!

You're invited to a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime event at the Hideout, in
celebration of our new record, Safety Fifth, which will be performed in
its entirety! You've never been this intimate with a marching band
before! There will be brassy spaz-outs, there will be guitar freak-outs,
there will be obscure drum rudiments, there will be absurd cheers,
there will be an accordion, a sousaphone, fish on the wall, beer, there
might even be music stands!

Venue Information:
The Hideout
1354 W. Wabansia Ave
Chicago, IL, 60642
http://www.hideoutchicago.com