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Showing posts with label Derek Van Barham. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Derek Van Barham. Show all posts

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Kokandy Productions Opens the Chicago Premiere of AMÉLIE July 17 – September 28, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Kokandy Productions Opens the Chicago Premiere of

AMÉLIE

July 17 – September 28, 2025 at The Chopin Theatre

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

Directed and Choreographed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener

Pictured (center) Aurora Penepacker with the cast of Kokandy Productions’ 

Chicago premiere of Amélie. Photo by Michael Brosilow.


Kokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 Season with the Chicago premiere of Amélie, the charming tale of young woman and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her. Amélie will play July 17 – September 28, 2025 in the Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. The entire Chopin basement, including the lobby, bar and cafe, will envelop audiences in Amélie’s journey. Tickets are currently on sale at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago

Based on the 2001 film of the same name, Amélie is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, with music direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener, book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messé and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé. 

The Chicago premiere of this whimsical romance will be led by Aurora Penepacker as Amélie Poulain. The eccentric world that swirls around her includes Todd Aulwurm (Hipolito Jeunet, Elton John), Lucas Burr (Blind Beggar, Garden Gnome), Rachel Carreras (Amandine Poulain, Philomene de Noirpois), Joe Giovannetti (Nino Quincampoix), Sonia Goldberg (Gina Wells), Sam Hook (Lucien Villeparisis), Mizha Lee Overn (Georgette Cornuel, Sylvie Legrandin), Jon Patrick Penick (Collignon, Julien Dufayel), Quinn Rigg (Joseph Cottard, Fluffy Poulain), Samantha Ringor (Suzanne Sacripant) and Kelan M. Smith (Raphael Poulain, Bretodeau). This talented ensemble (many of whom play instruments in the show) will also portray a range of Parisians, tourists, customers and reporters who frequent the streets, cafes, sex shops and photo booths of Montmartre. Swings include Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna. 

About the Production: 

Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. Be inspired by this imaginative dreamer who finds her voice, discovers the power of connection, and sees possibility around every corner.

Director Derek Van Barham comments, “Get ready to fall head over heels for this charming jewel box of a musical! The world of this show is just so much fun, and so perfect for our eccentric and idiosyncratic space. Amélie Poulain reminds us to focus on goodness and to look for love wherever we can. Whether a fan of the beloved cult movie or coming to this whimsical tale for the first time, there's something tasty, touching and tantalizing for everyone in this wild and whimsical show.” 

The production team includes G “Max” Maxin IV (Scenic and Lighting Design), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Design), Matt Reich (Sound Design), Julian Weslander (Properties Design), Syd Genco (Make-up Design), Keith Ryan (Wig Design), Kirsten Baity (Intimacy Director), Carrie Hardin (Dialect Coach), Quinn Simmons (Associate Director/Choreographer), Stone TeSelle (Associate Scenic Design, Scenic Charge), Nicholas Reinhart (Production Manager), Lynsy Folckomer and Mackenzie Hahn (Sound Engineers), Kendyl Meyer (Stage Manager) and Ethan Colish (Assistant Stage Manager).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: Amélie

Book by Craig Lucas

Music by Daniel Messé

Lyrics by Nathan Tysen & Daniel Messé

Directed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener

Cast (in alphabetical order): Todd Aulwurm (Hipolito Jeunet, Elton John), Lucas Burr (Blind Beggar, Garden Gnome), Rachel Carreras (Amandine Poulain, Philomene de Noirpois), Joe Giovannetti (Nino Quincampoix), Sonia Goldberg (Gina Wells), Sam Hook (Lucien Villeparisis), Mizha Lee Overn (Georgette Cornuel, Sylvie Legrandin), Aurora Penepacker (Amélie Poulain), Jon Patrick Penick (Collignon, Julien Dufayel), Quinn Rigg (Joseph Cottard, Fluffy Poulain), Samantha Ringor (Suzanne Sacripant) and Kelan M. Smith (Raphael Poulain, Bretodeau). 

Swings: Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna. 

Location: The Chopin Studio Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., Chicago


Dates: Previews: Thursday, July 17 – Friday, August 1, 2025

Press performance: Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 7 pm

Regular run: Sunday, August 3 – Sunday, September 28, 2025

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 5 pm.

Tickets: Previews $25 general admission, $33 reserved seating. Regular run $45 general admission, $55 reserved seating. Students/Seniors $35. There will be a limited number of $15 tickets (with code ARTIST) available to artists for each performance. Tickets are currently on sale at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago.

About the Artists

Derek Van Barham (Director/Choreographer, he/him) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. Directing credits include Children of Eden in Concert (Broadway In Chicago), Into the Woods, Alice by Heart, Sweeney Todd, American Psycho, Head Over Heels (3 Jeff Awards and 2 Jeff nominations, Kokandy); Spring Awakening (Flint Rep); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag). Choreography credits include Evil Dead (Jeff nomination), Ghost Quartet, Shockheaded Peter and Coraline the Musical (Black Button Eyes). He was previously named one of Windy City Times’ 30 Under 30, and one of Newcity Magazine's 50 Players 2024. MFA: CCPA/Roosevelt University. | derekvanbarham.com | IG @dvbarham

T.J. Anderson (Music Director, he/him) is a Chicago-based actor, music director and musician. Recent productions he has music directed include The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Ragtime in Concert and Kinky Boots (Highland Park Players); Little Women and [title of show] (Brown Paper Box Co); Night Tide (Towle Theater); and Shockheaded Peter (Black Button Eyes Productions). As an actor, he recently appeared in Whisper House and Ghost Quartet (Black Button Eyes Productions); as well as Haymarket (Underscore Theater). He would like to thank all his friends, family, and you, kind audience member, for supporting live theater!

Anna Wegener (Music Director, she/her) returns to Kokandy after last season’s Alice By Heart as Associate Music Director/Conductor. She is a performer and educator in the Chicago area, often acting as orchestrator and sound designer. Recently, she music directed, orchestrated and conducted Into the Woods with CCPA/Roosevelt University, directed by Heather Currie. Last summer, she joined Chicago Musical Theater Festival with Eric Matthew Richardson’s ei hytte (the cabin): an a capella musical, directed by Noah Watkins, as well as performing with the band for The Brass Teapot: A New Musical, words and music by Chaz Cardigan and directed by Landree Fleming. Other notable shows as music director and conductor: Young Frankenstein (Wheaton Drama, Lou Nomination), Sleeping With Beauty (Pride Arts), Assassins (Wee Productions), Xanadu! (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). A proud collaborator, Anna plays piano throughout the year in musical pits, alongside school choirs, and for cabarets and auditions while maintaining a studio of over 25 students with Piano Power. www.88keysacc.com | IG @88keysacc

Quinn Simmons (Associate Director/Choreographer, they/he/she) is a Chicago-based musical theatre performer and choreographer. Recent choreography credits include 9 to 5 and Rock of Ages (Metropolis, Associate Choreographer). Recently onstage: Spring Awakening (Flint Repertory), The SpongeBob Musical and American Psycho (Kokandy), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Marriott), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas and Godspell (Theo Ubique). Quinn is a proud Filipino-American, a graduate of Chicago College of Performing Arts’ (BFA Musical Theatre) and a 2024 Windy City Times 30 Under 30 honoree. Huge thanks to my family, always. Mahal ko kayo! 

About Kokandy Productions

Founded in 2010, Kokandy Productions seeks to leverage the heightened reality of musical theatre to tell complex and challenging stories, with a focus on contributing to the development of Chicago-based musical theatre artists, and raising the profile of Chicago's non-Equity musical theatre community.

The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Adrian Abel Azevedo & Leda Hoffman (Artistic Associates). The Board of Directors includes Preston Cropp, Scot T. Kokandy, Danielle Sparklin and Katie Svaicer. 

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com


Thursday, August 9, 2018

OPENING: World Premiere of NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS: The Stories of John Collier Via Black Button Eyes Productions August 17 – September 15, 2018

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

World Premiere!
Black Button Eyes Productions Presents
NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS: 
The Stories of John Collier


Adapted and Directed by Ed Rutherford
Choreography by Derek Van Barham 
August 17 – September 15, 2018 at The Athenaeum Theatre

Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to launch its 2018-19 season with the world premiere of NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS: The Stories of John Collier, a non-musical adaption of British author and screenwriter John Collier’s phantasmagoric short stories, written and directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford with choreography by Derek Van Barham. NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS will play August 17 – September 15, 2018 at The Athenaeum Theatre (Studio Two), 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at athenaeumtheatre.org, by calling (773) 935-6875 or in person at The Athenaeum Theatre Box Office. 

NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS will feature Kevin Webb with Megan DeLay, Ellen DeSitter, Kat Evans, Caitlin Jackson, Shane Roberie, Joshua Servantez, Maiko Terazawa and Lee Wichman.

Before the Twilight Zone, there was British expatriate John Collier, writing humorous stories about the bizarre and fantastical for The New Yorker and sardonic screenplays in Hollywood throughout the first half of the 20th century. In this world premiere adaptation, an ominous host weaves together Collier's comic tales of love, loss and the mysterious for the audience's delight.

The production team for NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS includes: Jeremiah Barr (scenic design, props design, puppet design, technical director) Beth Laske-Miller (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), Robert Hornbostel (sound design) and Kyle Bricker (stage manager).


Cast (in alphabetical order): Megan DeLay, Ellen DeSitter, Kat Evans, Jessica Lauren Fisher, Caitlin Jackson, Shane Roberie, Joshua Servantez, Maiko Terazawa, Kevin Webb and Lee Wichman.

Understudies: Jessica Lauren Fisher and Paul Gene Miller.

Location: The Athenaeum Theatre (Studio Two), 2936 N. Southport Ave., Chicago
Dates: Preview: Friday, August 17 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Sunday, August 19 – Saturday, September 15, 2018
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be an added performance on Tuesday, August 21 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: $30. Students $15. Tickets are currently available at athenaeumtheatre.org, by calling (773) 935-6875 or in person at The Athenaeum Theatre Box Office.

About the Artists:
Ed Rutherford (Adapter/Director) For Black Button Eyes, Ed most recently directed the Jeff-Recommended production of Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe (Chicago premiere), preceded by Shockheaded Peter (Chicago storefront premiere), Amour (Chicago premiere), Goblin Market and Stephin Merrit's musical adaptation of Coraline (Midwest premiere). Recent directing credits elsewhere include the Jeff-Recommended productions of The Liar with Promethean Theatre Ensemble and Paula Vogel’s The Baltimore Waltz at Brown Paper Box Co. He is an artistic associate at Promethean, where he staged his own world premiere adaptation of the Peter S. Beagle fantasy novel The Last Unicorn, Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the company's inaugural production, Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy. As an actor, he has performed with Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight, Theater Wit and many others. A graduate of Northwestern's theater program, he is currently completing his MBA at Kellogg. 

Derek Van Barham (Choreographer) is the Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays, a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble, and a former Artistic Director of The Ruckus. For PFP, he has directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage Repertory), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert: The Musical (co-directed with David Zak). He also wrote, directed and choreographed BITE: A Pucking Queer Cabaret and Kill Your Boyfriends. Other directing credits include Three Days of Rain (Boho), The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Miracle! by Dan Savage and Skooby Don't (Hell in a Handbag), Trash and HOT PINK (New American Folk Theatre) and From These Fatal Loins (The Ruckus). Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier (Permoveo/PFP), Nevermore, Shockheaded Peter, Amour, Coraline, Goblin Market (Black Button Eyes). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ+ community. MFA: Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Up next: Homos, or Everyone in America with PFP. 

NIGHTMARES AND NIGHTCAPS was made possible in part by a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events’ (DCASE) Individual Artist Program.

About Black Button Eyes Productions

The 2018-19 season continues Black Button Eyes Productions' mission to bring to Chicago premieres and seldom-seen works containing elements of fantasy, in which the magical and surreal invade reality. The company was founded in 2014 with the acclaimed Midwest premiere of the musical Coraline, and continued in 2015 by producing the musical Goblin Market in its first Chicago production in over 15 years, attended by the author, Chicago native Polly Pen. In the past few seasons, the company has produced the Chicago premiere of the musical Amour, the Chicago storefront premiere of Shockheaded Peter, and the Chicago premiere of the musical Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe.

Thursday, March 8, 2018

OPENING: Midwest Premiere! of HOT PINK, OR READY TO BLOW Via New American Folk Theatre Through 4/7/18 at The Den

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar: 

Midwest Premiere!
New American Folk Theatre Announces
HOT PINK, OR READY TO BLOW
By Johnny Drago 
Directed by Derek Van Barham
March 10 – April 7, 2018 at The Den Theatre

It’s Pompeii meets Heathers as New American Folk Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of Johnny Drago’s 1980s-infused comedy HOT PINK, OR READY TO BLOW, directed by Derek Van Barham, playing March 10 – April 7, 2018 at The Den Theatre (2A), 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. 



Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission.

I'll be out for the press opening on 3/12, reviewing for ChiIL Live Shows. Check back soon for my full review.

Tickets on sale at newamericanfolktheatre.org or by calling (773) 697- 3830. The press opening is Monday, March 12 at 7:30 pm.

HOT PINK, OR READY TO BLOW will feature New American Folk Theatre Company Members Charlie Irving*, Caitlin Jackson*, Kirk Jackson* and Anthony Whitaker* with Brittney Brown, Tommy Bullington, Janyce Caraballo, Elise Marie Davis, Will Kazda and Josh Kemper.

When New Pompeii’s annual sacrifice fails to satisfy the local volcano’s appetite for virgins, three totally ‘80s teenage girls concoct a brilliant plan to save themselves. This fearless twist on the classic, horny high school comedy incinerates double standards, as our heroines take control of their destiny by following one simple rule: get laid or die trying!

The production team for HOT PINK, OR READY TO BLOW includes: Roger Wykes (scenic design), Kate Setzer Kamphausen (costume design), G. "Max" Maxin IV (lighting design), Kallie Rolison (sound design) and Keith Ryan (wig design).



Cast (in alphabetical order): Brittney Brown (Tatanya), Tommy Bullington (Lenny, Mr. Kowalczyk), Janyce Caraballo (Brichelle), Elise Marie Davis (News Reporter, Coach Dykeman, Tour Guide), Charlie Irving* (Cadence), Caitlin Jackson* (Bangs), Kirk Jackson* (Duff McStraddlin), Will Kazda (Brace Face, Bruce), Josh Kemper (Mayor, Chadwick Throbhard) and Anthony Whitaker* (Mother).
Understudies: Don Baiocchi, Jean Burr, Grant Drager* and Kendra Verhage

Location: The Den Theatre (2A), 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago 
Dates: Previews: Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 11 at 6 pm
Press performance: Monday, March 12 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Thursday, March 15 – Saturday, April 7, 2018
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 6 pm. 
Tickets: Previews: $10. Regular run: $25. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, February 14 at newamericanfolktheatre.org or by calling (773) 697- 3830

* Denotes New American Folk Theatre Company Members

About the Artists
Johnny Drago (Playwright) is a queer, Brooklyn-based Southern playwright and performer, who makes comedies and tragedies about sex, death and the occult – all his favorite social taboos! He's a narrative structure junkie with genre fiction on the brain, but has begun exploring ideas of autobiography, intimacy and more relaxed modes of storytelling in his plays. His work has been produced and/or developed by Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Lark, Pig Iron Theatre Company, the HOT! Festival at Dixon Place, The Barter Theatre, New American Folk Theatre, 7 Stages, The Weird Sisters Theatre Project, The Process Theatre Co. and Actor's Express. As Dismantle Theater (with contemporary choreographer Erik Thurmond), Drago also makes experimental performance essays that tiptoe along the line between theatre and dance. His MFA is from Indiana University.

Derek Van Barham (Director) is the Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays, a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble and a former Artistic Director of The Ruckus. For PFP, he has directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage Repertory), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination: Best Director of a Musical or Revue) and PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert: The Musical. He also wrote, directed and choreographed BITE: A Pucking Queer Cabaret and Kill Your Boyfriends. Other directing credits include Three Days of Rain (Boho), Miracle! by Dan Savage and Skooby Don't (Hell in a Handbag) Trash and Deep in the Heart of Tuna (New American Folk Theatre) and From These Fatal Loins (The Ruckus). He was recently named one of Windy City Times “30 Under 30,” recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ+ community. MFA: Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.


 About New American Folk Theatre
New American Folk Theatre is dedicated to folk theatre, music, education, and stories that shine a new light on the American tale. We strive to educate the public on works worthy of inclusion to the American theatrical canon. Using the resources around us, we create art that often dives into a mix of magical realism, southern gothic, pop culture, and the irreverent. We produce impactful theatre and artistic projects that help us learn and grow as a society. For additional information, visit www.newamericanfolktheatre.org.

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