Review: Lazy Susan Theatre Co's Moonwatchers Now Playing Through May 17, 2026

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

LAZY SUSAN THEATRE CO. PRESENTS THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF

MOONWATCHERS

APRIL 30 - MAY 17

AT THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER

A Puppet Filled Tale of a Moon Heist, a Lovelorn Cow, and The Night Everything Changes

Written by Corey Farrell & Nigel Berkeley. 

Directed by Co-Artistic Director Nealie Tinlin

The total running time is one hour, no intermission

 Please note, this production contains some mature language, humor, and the use of fog and strobe effects.

All Production Photography by Mollie Menuck

REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

Everyone knows what it's like to work a minimum wage job. You show up, give a short greeting to your coworker, then have to deal with the monotony of the same routine night after night. And it's no different watching the moon. It's especially harrowing when you and your only coworker don't quite get along. But, when the focal point of your job suddenly goes missing? Everything might just get a lot more exciting. 

I am not exaggerating when I say that Moonwatchers is an absolute masterpiece when it comes to whimsy. It packs all of the joy, silliness, action, and simple puns of a TYA show into a story that any adult can relate to. The performance prominently features a kazoo battle, sock puppet murder, and character sound effect gags that had the audience laughing the whole way through. 

Elijah J. Jones (Allen) and Renzo Vicente (Rocko) share incredible chemistry on stage, pulling off the "opposite personality coworker duo" dynamic with ease. They each also play over-the-top side characters, like Johnny Rumble - the Meanest Moon Rustler in the solar system, and Bessie - the Cow who jumps over the moon each night. Two characters who have a shared past that we get to witness reconnect on stage as well. Both actors are funny, charming, and good musicians, singing multiple hilarious songs throughout the 55 minute performance. 

As a theater designer myself I couldn't help notice a neat aesthetic that scenic designer Jon Yawn and props designer Pierce Julian Howard pulled together. The Supergraphic '70's stripes' across the set and the 50s 'Atomic star' designs presented a space age vibe, that reinforced the feeling of a repetative workday in need of some variety. The costumes by Ephraim Page, lighting by Emma Berry and sound by Matthew Masino did the opposite, infusing the fun back into the show, and leaving opportunity for the space to transform into a western-inspired space desert or a crazy comet-fishing area. And despite the limited playing space of the intimate theater, the designers were able to transport us on a grand space adventure. 

If you're in the mood for an adult show that makes you feel like a kid again, I would definitely recommend this one! 

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar. Four out of Four Stars. Highly Recommended ★★★★

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program.

It is Rocko and Allen’s job to watch the moon, and it is really quite boring. Night after night, they time the sequences exactly - the cow jumps, the comet soars, but NEVER the alien spaceship. This is until the dastardly space criminal Johnny Rumble steals the moon, taking it to the far-off space desert of the Midnight Sun. This course of events sends the moonwatchers on an intergalactic space odyssey filled with music, love, new friendships, and epic showdowns to win back the one, the only, the Moon.

For tickets click here: https://lazysusantheatreco.org/moonwatchers

Cast and Crew:

Elijah J. Jones

“Allen”

Renzo Vicente

“Rocko”

Nicholas Ford Kinney

“Allen” u/s

Jack Humphrey

“Rocko” u/s

Nigel Berkeley

Playwright

Corey Farrell

Playwright

Nealie Tinlin*

Director

Dominic Rincker*

Music Director

Jon Yawn*

Scenic Designer

Emma Berry

Lighting Designer

Ephraim Page

Costume Designer

Matthew Masino*

Sound Designer

Pierce Julian Howard*

Prop Designer

Jacob Sousley

Stage Manager

Maeve Carroll

Asst. Stage Manager

At Lazy Susan Theatre Co., we embrace the importance of the artistic process by creating a space that is celebratory of the art. From the early stages to the final performance, we work to cultivate an environment where both audience and artist feel a sense of home and humanness.  We believe the need to create is a reason to create.  We work to grow our theatrical community and foster a safe and inclusive place for artists to learn and explore.

We believe the need to create is a reason to create. As a theatre company rooted in the vibrant city of Chicago, we are dedicated to creating bold, inclusive, and thought-provoking productions. Your generosity keeps the light shining and the stories unfolding. Lazy Susan Theatre Co is a 501(c)(3) non-profit; your donation is fully tax deductible.

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY Via Blank Theatre Company December 6th, 2024 - January 5th, 2025 at The Greenhouse Theatre Center

 Full Cast & Creative Team Set For 

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY 

At Blank Theatre Company

Blank Theatre Company presents the cast and creative team for the final show of their 2024 season, A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY by Tony Kushner. A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY was originally produced by the Heat and Light Company (New York) and is produced by special arrangement with Broadway Play Publishing Inc, NYC. I'll be catching it on opening night, December 10th, so check back soon for my full review. 

Set against the backdrop of 1930’s Germany, this gripping drama follows a group of artists and activists as they navigate the rise of fascism and the erosion of democracy. As their personal lives intertwine with the political upheaval of the time, they must confront the unfortunate parallels to our contemporary world. Kushner's poignant exploration of power, resistance, and the human spirit resonates more than ever in today's turbulent times, offering both a haunting reflection on history and a powerful call to action. 

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY will be directed by Blank’s co-Artistic Director Danny Kapinos and assistant directed by Sophie Murk. Jeff-nominated Cindy Moon returns to Blank to design costumes. Other creatives on the team include Ellie Humphries (Lighting Design), Marcus Klein (Scenic Design), James Allen (Composer), Alex J. Gendal (Projection Design), Reiley Duffy (Props Designer), and Line Bower (Technical Director).

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY features Katherine Schwartz (Agnes Eggling), Grant Carriker (Gregor Bazwald), Brandy Miller (Paulinka Erdnuss), Raúl Alonso (Vealtninc Husz), Shannon Bachelder (Annabella Gotchling),  Lilah Weisman (Zillah), Grayson Kennedy (Roland), Ann James (Die Alte), Hadar Zusman (Rosa Malek), Alex Levy (Emil Traum), and Ben Veatch (Gottfried Swetts). Alex Albrecht, Brice Baron, Peyton Hooks, Sonya Shea Robinson, Jeffrey David Thomas, and Natalie Younger will understudy.

"This beautiful play has been a favorite of ours for many years, and we are excited to continue our mission of presenting works from the recent past that we feel are worthy of being considered classics. While this piece is a departure from our typical musical theatre programming, we hope audiences will be dazzled by the language and compelled by the characters of this great piece of writing,” say Co-Artistic Directors Dustin Rothbart and Danny Kapinos.

A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY is the final mainstage production of Blank’s 2024 season and runs December 6th, 2024 - January 5th, 2025 at The Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N Lincoln Ave., in Lincoln Park.Tickets range from $15 - $35. Additional information is available at www.blanktheatrecompany.org.

Chicago Premiere of Perfect Pie Via The Gwydion Theatre Company November 1st-November 23rd, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Gwydion Theatre Company presents

Perfect Pie 

by Judith Thompson

Directed by Ensemble Member, Maddie Hillock

Running at The Greenhouse Theatre Center’s ‘Studio 44’ space 

Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 and Sundays at 2:30pm 

from November 1st-November 23rd

Content Advisory: mentions of sexual violence and abuse ; depictions of seizures

About the show: Set in rural Ontario, "Perfect Pie" follows the revisitation of the childhood friendship between two women; one who has chosen to stay on her
farm and the other who, driven by small town torment as a child, chose to
escape. While the adults are recollecting their past, the story of the girls at
both ten and fifteen drives inexorably forward to the same event which scarred
and shaped the lives of the adult women. When the past meets the present, realizations are made that will force these women to question everything they previously thought to be true. Click here for more show information and tickets.

Cast:

Patsy: Tricia Rogers Francesca: Talia Langman Patsy (Young): Ellory Jezuit* Marie: Sydney Feldman

Directed by Maddie Hillock* Assistant Directed by Ellie Thomson* Lighting Design by Sam Bessler* Sound Design by Morgan Wilson* Set Design by Grayson Kennedy*+

* - Denotes Ensemble Member +- Denotes Artistic Director

About Gwydion: The Gwydion Theatre Company was formed in Los Angeles, CA by a group of actors following their completion of training in 2019. It started with doing Shakespeare in parking lots, apartments, parks, to then tackling full scale productions during the Hollywood Fringe Festival. Following the pandemic, a decision was made to move operations to Chicago, IL in order to connect with a more artistic theatre landscape. Since officially incorporating in Illinois, The Gwydion Theatre Company has committed its resources to producing a three show season, consisting of ‘The Zoo Story’, an original translation of Dario Fo’s ‘Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!’, and finishing with the American Classic ‘Waiting for Lefty’ by Clifford Odetts. Now a resident company of The Greenhouse Theater Center, Gwydion Theatre Company is proud to present the Chicago Premiere of Perfect Pie. 

REVIEW: The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© Now Playing Through December 31 at The Greenhouse Theater Center

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE©

CHICAGO’S FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE 

HOLIDAY SHOW, IS NOW PLAYING THROUGH DECEMBER 31 AT

THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER

Featuring the Best of Chicago’s Nightlife Entertainment; Highlighting the World of Burlesque, Boylesque, Magic, Sword Balancing, 

Circus, Dance and More

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R) Lilly Rascal, Elena Avila, Anghell, Yasmyne Williams, Mandyn Mueller, Claire Francescon, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Hannah Silverman and Jezzibel 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Sexy, sultry, silly... Alliteration aside, these belles slay! If you're looking for some adult holiday cheer, we highly recommend you shake a tail feather and get on over to see The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque©, now in their sixth season. We had a blast on opening night, our first time to see the show, but definitely not our last. 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Mandyn Mueller and Yasmyne Williams

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The two-hour experience begins with a cocktail hour which includes craft vendors from local artists (Thursday nights), special pre-show performances (Friday and Saturday nights), and brunch fare (Sunday matinees), followed by Tchaicovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite in a saucy, alternative and adult retelling of the holiday classic. 

Anghell (Chocolate) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

On opening night our cocktail hour included fabulous samples from Jeppson's & ch. Though we're not fans of their Chicago classic, Malört, we were pleased to discover Jeppson's also makes a much tastier bourbon, ch espresso martini, and more! We're all about supporting Chicago businesses and are happy to drink locally (as long as it's not Malört) and shop locally whenever possible. Check out our social media channels for more Malört Face selfies and other original photos from our adventures at the show. 

 

Bonnie's "Not Buzzed Enough To Drink Malört" Face

My handsome husband, Dug

The holiday drinks were flowing for the cocktail hour, with Greenhouse Theatre bars both in the lobby and upstairs in the theatre itself. And then there were those delicious non-Malört ch & Jeppson's jems. We'll be picking up at least a few bottles this holiday season. 

 Another Bonnie, slinging samples and making friends. 

Booze can be beneficial for hanging with friends and making those family gatherings more palatable. The celebration of drinks, both alcoholic and non, continued into the onstage shenanigans. 

Lilly Rascal (Vodka) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

We weren't sure quite what to expect of the show, given the corny title, and were pleasantly surprised at the level of talent and creativity. Of course there's a good bit of creative license and updates, but the plot and music follow the original Nutcracker more that I thought they would. I'm still geeking out on the costumes. And those Sugar Bum Fairy butt tassels were next level... 

Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy) Photo by Daf Miller 

(L to R) Autumn Christensen (Sugar Bum Fairy); Elena Avila (Clara) and Olivia Lindsay 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

There wasn't as much in the way of circus arts as we'd hoped, but the burlesque dances were much more fun than any traditional Nutcracker I've ever seen. In edition to the eye candy, we appreciate the show's mission statement, and we're thrilled that they are gaining quite the cult following for this cheeky, nontraditional take on a holiday staple.

"The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque."

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Mandyn Mueller, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Yasmyne Williams and Hannah Silverman 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

If you're 18 or over, get your butts in gear and get your tickets before they disappear. A friend of mine bravely took a first date she'd only "met" on a dating app and they both ended up loving the show, and digging each other. We adored this (dare I say) tongue in cheek, body positive, rendition of this holiday classic. I will never hear Tchaikovsky quite the same way again!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

More About The Buttcracker: 

A Nutcracker Burlesque© 

Members of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE ensemble including (L to R) Hannah Silverman,  Mandyn Mueller and Eilish Morse-O’Rourke

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© is proud to announce its return this holiday season with the sixth edition of Chicago’s favorite alternative holiday show, a twist on the original story and a live event not to be missed, directed by Miguel Long and choreographed by Dylan Kerr, now playing through December 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  

(L to R) Elena Avila (Clara), Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Claire Francescon (Drosselmeyer) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Each week features the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment in the roles of Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Vodka and Mother Ginger, featuring sword swallowing, belly dancing, classic burlesque and more. It’s holiday performance schedule is Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. with a special New Year’s Eve closing night performance Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. 

This New Year’s Eve special event includes a party following the show with cheese and charcuterie snacks, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and more. There are no performances Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Admission is available for those 18 years old and older (21+ to drink). 

Slightly Spitfire (Tea) Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis

Tickets are Industry/SRO, $20; house left general admission, $30/$40 at the door, house center general admission, $40/$50 at the door and VIP, $75/$100 at the door with New Year’s Eve tickets house left general admission, $60/$70 at the door, house center general admission $80/$90 at the door and VIP $150/$200 at the door. Tickets are now on sale at greenhousetheatre.org and TheButtcrackerBurlesque.com and, based on availability,  at the door one hour before the performance.

(L to R) Olivia Lindsay (Buttcracker) and Elena Avila (Clara)

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

The cast of THE BUTTCRACKER BURLESQUE including (L to R)Yasmyne Williams, Lilly Rascal, Darling Shear, Eilish Morse-O’Rourke, Baby Bagos Hood, Anghell, Jezzibel, Hannah Silverman, Autumn Christensen, Mandyn Mueller and Elena Avila 

Photo by Matthew Gregory Hollis 

Audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Buttcracker on a wild hallucinogenic trip from a boring-AF holiday party to the Land of Sweets where they battle rats, save the day and learn that body and sex positivity are to be celebrated. A combination of fairy tale and exotic trip down the rabbit hole with the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment. The Buttcracker highlights the world of burlesque, boylesque, magic, sword balancing, circus, dance and more.

Jezzibel (Chocolate) Photo by Daf Miller 

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© cast includes Elena Avila*/^ (Clara); Olivia Lindsay* (Buttcracker);  Claire Francescon* (Drosselmeyer); Autumn Christensen* (Sugar Bum Fairy);  Baby Bagos Hood*/^ (Boss/Rat King); Hannah Silverman* (ensemble); Mandyn Mueller+/^ (ensemble); Eilish Morse-O'Rourke* (ensemble);  Yasmyne Williams*/^  (ensemble); Savannah Sinclair*/^ (swing) and Sierra Buffum*/^ (ensemble understudy). Features soloists for the roles of Vodka, Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, and Mother Ginger rotate weekly. Every week includes a different kind of performance from the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment.

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© production team includes Miguel Long+ (director); Dylan Kerr* (choreographer); Brighid Martensen*/^ (costume designer); Gabrielle Strong* (set designer); Samuel Stephen+ (lighting designer);

Rowan Doe^ (props designer); Michael Bulaw+ (sound designer); Jake Snell+ (stage manager) and Carlie Rummel* (backstage manager); Kayla Drescher* (magic consultant). Jaq Seifert^/(sub)version productions (producer) and Caylei Hallberg* (producing assistant).

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)

Information on tickets:

New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Ticket prices: HOUSE LEFT GA $60/75 at the door, HOUSE CENTER GA $80/$100 at the door, VIP $150/$200 at the door.

This special closing performance of the 2022 run includes a make-your-own cheese and charcuterie board, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and other special guest performances. 

Darling Shear (Mother Ginger) Photo by Daf Miller 

Regular Performances:

VIP 

Ticket price: $75/$100 at the door

This upgraded ticket includes reserved seating at your own cafe table right on the theatre floor with early entrance to the theatre and a private VIP bar, meet and greet with cast members and official Buttcracker swag. 

General Admission

Ticket price: $40/$50 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the center section of the theater.

House Left General Admission

Ticket price: $30/$40 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the house left section of the theater.

Standing Room Only (SRO)

Ticket price:  $20

A limited number of standing room only tickets will be available at the door, based on availability.

ADA Accessible seating is available, email thebuttcrackerburlesque@gmail.com for more information or to make reservations.

ABOUT THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque. This performance would not be possible without the generous support of individuals and companies who understand the value of having alternative adult entertainment during the holiday season, as well as supporting our mission of subverting audience’s expectations of what live entertainment looks and feels like. 

THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE RETURNS TO THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER, DECEMBER 1 - 31

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE©,

CHICAGO’S FAVORITE ALTERNATIVE 

HOLIDAY SHOW, RETURNS TO 

THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER, DECEMBER 1 - 31

Featuring the Best of Chicago’s Nightlife Entertainment; 

Highlighting the World of Burlesque, Boylesque, Magic, Sword Balancing, 

Circus, Dance and More

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© is proud to announce its return this holiday season with the sixth edition of Chicago’s favorite alternative holiday show, a twist on the original story and a live event not to be missed, directed by Miguel Long and choreographed by Dylan Kerr, December 1 - 31 at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  The two-hour experience begins with a cocktail hour which includes craft vendors from local artists (Thursday nights), special pre-show performances (Friday and Saturday nights), and brunch fare (Sunday matinees), followed by Tchaicovsky’s The Nutcracker Suite in a saucy, alternative and adult retelling of the holiday classic. Each week features the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment in the roles of Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Vodka and Mother Ginger, featuring sword swallowing, belly dancing, classic burlesque and more. 

I'll be out for the press opening Dec. 1st so check back soon for my full review. Holiday performance schedule includes Thursdays at 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. with a special New Year’s Eve closing night performance Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. This New Year’s Eve special event includes a party following the show with cheese and charcuterie snacks, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and more. 

There are no performances Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25. Admission is available for those 18 years old and older (21+ to drink). Tickets are Industry/SRO, $20; house left general admission, $30/$40 at the door, house center general admission, $40/$50 at the door and VIP, $75/$100 at the door with New Year’s Eve tickets house left general admission, $60/$70 at the door, house center general admission $80/$90 at the door and VIP $150/$200 at the door. Tickets are now on sale at greenhousetheatre.org and TheButtcrackerBurlesque.com and, based on availability,  at the door one hour before the performance.

Audiences are invited to follow Clara and her Buttcracker on a wild hallucinogenic trip from a boring-AF holiday party to the Land of Sweets where they battle rats, save the day and learn that body and sex positivity are to be celebrated. A combination of fairy tale and exotic trip down the rabbit hole with the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment. The Buttcracker highlights the world of burlesque, boylesque, magic, sword balancing, circus, dance and more.

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© cast includes Elena Avila*/^ (Clara); Olivia Lindsay* (Buttcracker);  Claire Francescon* (Drosselmeyer); Autumn Christensen* (Sugar Bum Fairy);  Baby Bagos Hood*/^ (Boss/Rat King); Hannah Silverman* (ensemble); Mandyn Mueller+/^ (ensemble); Eilish Morse-O'Rourke* (ensemble);  Yasmyne Williams*/^  (ensemble); Savannah Sinclair*/^ (swing) and Sierra Buffum*/^ (ensemble understudy). Features soloists for the roles of Vodka, Tea, Chocolate, Coffee, and Mother Ginger rotate weekly. Every week includes a different kind of performance from the best of Chicago’s nightlife entertainment.

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© production team includes Miguel Long+ (director); Dylan Kerr* (choreographer); Brighid Martensen*/^ (costume designer); Gabrielle Strong* (set designer); Samuel Stephen+ (lighting designer);

Rowan Doe^ (props designer); Jake Snell+ (stage manager) and Carlie Rummel* (backstage manager); Kayla Drescher* (magic consultant). Jaq Seifert^/(sub)version productions (producer) and Caylei Hallberg* (producing assistant).

Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)

Information on tickets:

New Year’s Eve

Saturday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.

Ticket prices: HOUSE LEFT GA $60/75 at the door, HOUSE CENTER GA $80/$100 at the door, VIP $150/$200 at the door.

This special closing performance of the 2022 run includes a make-your-own cheese and charcuterie board, two drink tickets for after the show, a midnight “pole dancer booty drop” countdown with balloons and prizes, a DJ and other special guest performances. 

Regular Performances:

VIP 

Ticket price: $75/$100 at the door

This upgraded ticket includes reserved seating at your own cafe table right on the theatre floor with early entrance to the theatre and a private VIP bar, meet and greet with cast members and official Buttcracker swag. 

General Admission

Ticket price: $40/$50 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the center section of the theater.

House Left General Admission

Ticket price: $30/$40 at the door

General Admission tickets include first come, first served seating in the house left section of the theater.

Standing Room Only (SRO)

Ticket price:  $20

A limited number of standing room only tickets will be available at the door, based on availability.

ADA Accessible seating is available, email thebuttcrackerburlesque@gmail.com for more information or to make reservations.

ABOUT THE BUTTCRACKER: A NUTCRACKER BURLESQUE

The Buttcracker: A Nutcracker Burlesque© subverts the classic holiday ballet to promote diversity in body, gender expression, sexuality and race. The show utilizes the platform of parody to encourage audiences to imagine a more inclusive world, redefining the art of the tease through an alternative take on burlesque. This performance would not be possible without the generous support of individuals and companies who understand the value of having alternative adult entertainment during the holiday season, as well as supporting our mission of subverting audience’s expectations of what live entertainment looks and feels like. 

Cast Announced for Chicago Premiere of SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN at The Greenhouse Theater Center April 8 Through July 2, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR 

“SEX TIPS FOR STRAIGHT WOMEN FROM A GAY MAN”

AHEAD OF CHICAGO PREMIERE

Following smash-hit runs in Las Vegas and New York, this inventive and wildly entertaining show announces its cast as it prepares to hit the stage in Chicago!

Voted Best Comedy for Couples, Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man, presented by Matt Murphy and Shawn Nightingale, has announced the cast for its Chicago debut. Starring Adam Fane as Dan, Emma Jo Boyden as Robyn, and Bradley Allen Meyer as Stefan, Sex Tips will preview April 8th and open April 23st for a limited engagement at the Greenhouse Theater Center, located 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue. Becoming Off-Broadway's Longest-Running Comedy in New York and launching a national tour before making its Las Vegas debut, this “uproariously funny” show is finally bringing its "big laughs and naughty fun,” taking the audience on a hilarious and wild ride where no topic is taboo and the insider ‘tips’ come straight from the source: a gay man. 

“I feel incredibly blessed to get to work with such a talented and group of actors for our Chicago premiere,” said Matt Murphy, Playwright and Producer of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man. “I have no doubt Adam, Emma, and Bradley are going to have the audience in stitches throughout our run and I can't wait to see them shine on the stage!”

The play is set at a local university auditorium where the English department holds its monthly meet the authors event. Robyn is the shy and studious moderator of the event and this month's featured author is Dan Anderson of Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man.  With the help of a hunky stage assistant named Stefan, Dan aims to turn this meet the authors event upside down with a highly theatrical, audience interactive sex tip seminar.

Written and directed by Matt Murphy, Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man is produced by Murphy and Shawn Nightingale. The cast features Adam Fane as seen in Rock of Ages (National Tour); Ms. Blakk for President (Steppenwolf) and Jersey Boys (Norwegian), Emma Jo Boyden, as seen in A Recipe for Disaster (Windy City Playhouse), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Drury Lane); and Hamlet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), and Bradley Allen Meyer, an actor who studied at the Atlantic Theater Company known for Chicago Fire (2012), Soundtrack (2019), and Black and Blue (2018). The production features Scenic Design by Luke Cantarella, Lighting Design by Brian Tovar, Costume Design by Tilly Grimes, and Projection and Sound Design by Randy Blair. 

 

Hailed by critics as “one of the best date-night shows of the year,” SexTips has recently been showcased on television in three different reality series whose stars performed in the show, including Kendra On Top, Real Housewives of New York, and Shahs of Sunset. The popularity of this production is no surprise given its source material is the international best-selling book of the same title, which has been published in over 50 different countries and translated into 17 different languages.  

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man will run at the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago previewing April 8 and opening April 23 for a limited engagement through July 2, 2022. The performance schedule is as follows: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 pm. The running time is 1 hour and 15 minutes with no intermission. Tickets range from $49.95 to $79.95 plus processing fees. For tickets and more information, visit SexTipsPlay.com or call the Greenhouse Theater Center Box Office at 773-404-7336.