Illinois Year Long Bicentennial Beginning Celebrated by Cast of Hamilton With Unveiling of The Bicentennial Flag of Illinois

The cast of Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago officially began the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration by unveiling the Bicentennial Flag from the stage. 

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're Illinois proud and excited for the bicentennial. Chi, IL isn't just part of my business name, it's home! We particularly love celebrating the world class arts and entertainment scene in our fabulous home town, and cover theatre/music/art/food and more daily. Chi, IL is an integral part of my family history too. My two children (now teens) were born and raised here in Chicago, as was my father and his 3 sibling, and his parents too. We're ready to celebrate all the amazing people and things Born-Built-Grown in Illinois over the past 200 years. 

Alexander Gemignani, who plays King George III, declared, “Today marks the birthdate and the kick off to the Illinois Bicentennial. We are honored to reveal to you the new bicentennial flag and celebrate 200 years of history with the Governor and all the people of Illinois.”

Governor Rauner greets 100 students at the performance who won the Bicentennial Countdown Video Contest featuring “Something to Learn About Illinois History”

In attendance were 100 Illinois high school and college students whose videos were chosen as part of the 100 Day Countdown to the start of the Bicentennial. The videos theme was ‘Something to Learn about Illinois History’.



Gemignani gave a special shout out to the students who distinguished themselves with winning videos, highlighting the people, places and things that make Illinois so great. "We are all Illinoisans today!" he decried.  

  

“What a great way to begin this very important year-long celebration of our 200 year history,” said Gov. Rauner. “I am so proud of the work these students have done. Let the Bicentennial begin.”



The 100 Day Countdown to the Bicentennial Celebration was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, who celebrated its 200th Birthday in 2017.  “We are excited to support the Illinois Bicentennial especially as we conclude celebrations for BMO Harris’ 200th birthday,” BMO Harris President & CEO Dave Casper said.  



Illinois was recognized as a state on Dec. 3, 1818, and the official Illinois Bicentennial will be celebrated in 2018 with events planned across the state on Constitution Day, Aug. 26, 2018, and the grand birthday celebration at the United Center on Dec. 3, 2018. Municipalities and organizations that are planning Bicentennial activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement by the Illinois Bicentennial. Visit the Participate page at www.illinois200.com for more information and to submit an application for endorsement.

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.

Hamilton Chicago $10 Day of Show Ticket Lottery

ANNOUNCES #HAM4HAM LOTTERY FOR

44 DAY-OF-SHOW TICKETS FOR $10 EACH

TO BEGIN SEPTEMBER 27

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago are pleased to announce the day-of-show digital lottery for HAMILTON, launching in Chicago on September 27, 2016 at The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe). The Chicago production will conduct a day-of-show lottery for every performance beginning on Tuesday, September 27. Forty-four day-of-show tickets will be sold for every performance for $10 each. Seat locations vary per performance; some seats will be located in the front row and the boxes.

HOW TO ENTER

Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/HamiltonLottery for available lottery performances.

Click the “Enter Now” button for the performance you want to attend.

Fill out the entry form including the number of tickets you would like (1 or 2). Patrons will receive a confirmation email once they have validated their email (one time only) and successfully entered the lottery.

After the lottery closes, patrons will be notified via email within minutes as to whether they have won or not.

Winners have 60 minutes to pay for tickets online via major credit card.

After payment has been received and a confirmation payment email has been received, patrons can pick up tickets at The PrivateBank Theatre Box Office (18 W Monroe) no sooner than 30 minutes before show time with a valid photo ID.

ADDITIONAL RULES

Limit 1 entry per person, per performance. Multiple entries will not be accepted. Patrons must be 18 years old and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the names used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. All lottery prices include a $3.00 facility fee. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final - no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. For more details, please visit BroadwayInChicago.com/HamiltonLotteryFAQ.

ABOUT HAMILTON

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton. HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now. 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 musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com,www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical,www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 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’s Loop including The PrivateBank Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

NEW BLOCK OF HAMILTON CHICAGO SEATS ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27, 2016

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Performances begin September 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago (18 W. Monroe).  For more information, visit www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've been promoting and excited about Hamilton for months. Now it's finally opening! Got your tickets yet? We have great news on that front. There's a daily $10 ticket lottery and a new block of tickets for performances through September 17, 2017. 

Producer Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago announced the addition of 26 more weeks for HAMILTON at The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe) putting tickets on sale for performances through September 17, 2017.   

Tickets for the new block will go on sale on Tuesday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m. and will be available at The PrivateBank Theatre Box Office, the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line (800-775-2000) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.  The PrivateBank Theatre Box Office will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

There is a maximum purchase limit of 6 tickets per household. Tickets range from $65 - $180 for regular performances with select number of premium seats available for all performances. There will be an online day of show lottery for forty-four (44) $10 seats for all performances. Lottery seat locations vary per performance but will always include seats in the first row.  Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com/HamiltonLotteryFAQ for more lottery information.

**BUYER BEWARE: There are many sites and people that are selling overpriced, and in some cases, fraudulent tickets. For the best seats, the best prices and to eliminate the risk of counterfeit tickets, all purchases should be made through authorized Broadway In Chicago outlets.**

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.

HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.  

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

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording is available everywhere nationwide.  The HAMILTON recording received a 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album. 

For information on HAMILTON, visit:

www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 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’s Loop including The PrivateBank Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

For more information and performance schedule, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

REVIEW: Porchlight's In The Heights Intimate and Excellent

ChiIL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

IN THE HEIGHTS 

NOW EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 23 
AT STAGE 773

ALL PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN KELLEY

(full cast) The cast of In The Heights

Chicago's got Lin-Manuel Miranda on the brain... and rightfully so. His work is brilliant! Tickets to Porchlight Music Theatre's In The Heights are selling out fast, but still available, and they won't break the bank like a certain historical hip-hop hit opening imminently at The PrivateBank Theatre. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we had the pleasure of catching the press opening of Porchlight's In The Heights and we can attest that this production makes for an excellently entertaining night out. Highly recommended.

Amid all the Hamilton mania, Porchlight Music Theatre has launched a stellar choice for a season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

You won't even have to break out a sleeping bag and wait all night in line for tickets. We do suggest you book in advance though. Porchlight is a perennial favorite and many dates are sold out or filling fast!

Lin-Manuel Miranda

 (L to R) Michelle Lauto, Missy Aguilar, Lucia Godinez and Leah Davis as "Vanessa," "Daniela," "Nina Rosario," and "Carla”

The women ruled the neighborhood and the show! We're completely enamored with Isabel Quintero's Abuela Claudia and the power vocals and charisma of the female leads. Lucia Godinez (Nina Rosario) and Michelle Lauto (Vanessa) were particular standouts.

 Isabel Quintero as "Abuela Claudia"

We caught the Broadway touring cast of In The Heights when they played Chicago a few years back, and they had nothing on Porchlight. The intimate space at Stage 773 lends a personal feel to this production that's nearly impossible to emulate in a giant theatre. In The Heights, with it's focus on community, family and relationships amid grinding New York poverty is well suited for a smaller audience. The set design is fun, and makes great use of multilevel spaces.

Jack DeCesare as "Usnavi" dances with Ensemble member Elena Romanowski 

(L to R) Lucia Godinez and Keely Vasquez as "Nina Rosario" and "Camila Rosario"

Porchlight has gotten some flack for casting white Italian, Jack DeCesare, as Usnavi, who is supposed to be from the Dominican Republic, but we found his performance to be endearing. Many Chicago companies have long been open minded about casting the best actor for a part, regardless of skin color or racial background. Audiences accept and even expect a cast of many colors, even in "white" classics like A Christmas Carol and much of Shakespeare's body of works. Limiting roles to an exact ethnic match with a script is unrealistic and unnecessary. It's a valuable debate to have, but acting is just that... pretending to be someone else, and we thoroughly enjoyed Jack DeCesare's portrayal of Usnavi. 

 Jack DeCesare as "Usnavi" performs "Finale”

Porchlight's In The Heights features a diverse cast and celebrates the multicultural melting pot that is urban America. The tragedies, triumphs, love and loss of this community make for great theatre. The score is irresistible and Porchlight's energetic and enthusiastic production is a must see.

 Frankie Leo Bennett as "Sonny" performs "96,000" with the cast of In The Heights

Frankie Leo Bennett was a hoot as Sonny. He's quite the charmer with skills. 

Extended And Highly Recommended:

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce an extension of Porchlight’s 22^nd season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, now playing through Sunday, Oct. 23, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed and co-choreographed by Brenda Didier, co-choreographed by Chris Carter, music directed by Diana Lawrence and assistant directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

The regular performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an added Thursday matinee, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. There are no 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6 and no 4 p.m. performance Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets for previews are $38 and for the regular run $43 - $51. Single tickets may be purchased at 773.327.5252 or at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. 

Subscriptions to the entire Mainstage season or Porchlight’s series, Porchlight Revisits, are currently on sale as well as single tickets for the entire season.  Subscriptions are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling 773.777.9884. Groups of ten or more may receive discounts on tickets purchased via Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612 or grouptheatertix.com.

From the creator of the current Broadway juggernaut Hamilton, and winner of Tony Awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Original Score,” In The Heights tells the universal story of a tight-knit community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes and dreams, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

 Missy Aguilar as "Daniela" and the cast of In The Heights perform "Carnaval Del Barrio"

The Porchlight Music Theatre In The Heights acting company includes: Missy Aguilar as “Daniela;” Stephen Allen as “Benny;” Frankie Leo Bennett as “Sonny,” Leah Davis as “Carla;” Jordan DeBose as “Kevin Rosario;” Jack DeCesare as “Usnavi De La Vega;” Stan DeCwikel, Jr. as “El Piraguero;” Lucia Godinez as “Nina;” Kristopher Knighton as “Graffiti Pete;” Michelle Lauto as “Vanessa;” Isabel Quintero as “Abuela Claudia” and Keely Vasquez as “Camila Rosario” with Nicole Lambert, Cisco Lopez, Yando Lopez, Elena Romanowski, Travis Austin Wright and Demi Zaino in the ensemble. The artistic and production staff of In The Heights includes:

Brenda Didier, direction and co-choreography; Chris Carter, co-choreography; Diana Lawrence, music direction; Adrian Abel Azevedo, assistant direction/dramaturgy; Jose Clair, dramaturgy; Isabel Quintero, dialect coach; Diana Martinez, artistic advisor; Gregory Pinsoneault, scenic design; Kate Setzer Kamphausen, costume design; Denise Karczewski, lighting design, Robert Hornbostel, sound design; Mealah Heidenreich, properties design; Jessica Forella, stage management and Aaron Shapiro, production management. 

ABOUT LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, music and lyrics

Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American actor, composer, rapper and writer, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In The Heights. A MacArthur “Genius” award recipient, Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In The Heights, which earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and the 2009 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.”  Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of “Usnavi” also earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” and the show won “Best Musical.” Miranda created the lead role of “Alexander Hamilton” in Hamilton, a musical for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics—and which earned the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.” Miranda received the 2016 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award for his work in the role. Hamilton was nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards of which it won 11, including “Best Musical.” Miranda also won the Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and “Best Book of a Musical” for Hamilton and earned a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.” Miranda will next star in the Mary Poppins sequel Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall.

ABOUT QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES, Book

Quiara Alegría Hudes is the author of a trilogy of plays including Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue (a 2007 Pulitzer finalist); Water by the Spoonful (winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama); and The Happiest Song Plays Last, which premiered at The Goodman Theatre in April 2013 and is now playing Off-Broadway in New York. Hudes wrote the book for the Broadway musical In The Heights, which received the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical, and was a 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist. In its original Off-Broadway incarnation In The Heights received the Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. Hudes’ honors include a United States Artists Fontanals Fellowship, the Aetna New Voices Fellowship at Hartford Stage Company, a Joyce Foundation Award, a residency at New Dramatists, and a resolution from the City of Philadelphia. Hudes sits on the Dramatists Guild Council and serves on the board of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, which produced her first play in the tenth grade. She lives in New York with her husband, daughter and son.

ABOUT BRENDA DIDER, director and co- choreographer

Brenda Didier, recently named one of the “major musical theater forces” working in the Chicago area, is a multi-award-winning director/choreographer having received Joseph Jefferson Awards for both direction and choreography, After Dark Awards for choreography, the National Youth Theatre Award for choreography and the 2010 Broadway World Chicago Fan Favorite Award for choreography. Didier has collaborated with Porchlight Music Theatre on eleven productions, including the recently Jeff Award-nominated Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin' (Jeff Award Best Production and Direction) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as well as How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Pal Joey, Putting It Together, Ragtime and Once on this Island, all of which earned her Jeff nominations. Her additional credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Second City mainstage and etc., Mercury Theater Chicago, Cirque Shanghai, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Bailiwick Chicago, BoHo Theatre, City Lit, Silk Road Rising, House of Blues, Leo Burnett Worldwide and many industrials and special events. Didier is the owner and director of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance where her students have completed programs with American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet Milwaukee Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, The Rock School, River North, Giordano and Hubbard Street summer intensives. She is most proud of her scholarship program, including the Matt Gunnels scholarship, to help struggling families keep their children in dance classes.

(L to R) Jordan DeBose and Lucia Godinez as "Kevin Rosario" and "Nina Rosario”

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 22^nd season, is nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions and showcasing musical theatre’s noted veterans and rising stars. Porchlight elevates the genre in Chicago by providing intimate and powerful theatrical experiences for its growing and diverse audiences. With the vision of Artistic Director Michael Weber, Porchlight builds on its role as Chicago’s only Equity not-for-profit company exclusively specializing in music theatre. Porchlight’s rich history includes the staging of more than 60 productions with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Through Porchlight’s “Off the Porch” new works program, the musicals of the next generation are developed and given a first audience. The School at Porchlight is Chicago’s new center for music theatre training in the areas of performance, writing and appreciation. The company’s many accolades include 15 Black Theatre Alliance nominations and two awards, as well as a total of 126 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 35 Jeff Awards including three consecutive Best Production awards for Sondheim on Sondheim (2015), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2014) and A Class Act (2013) as well as Sondheim on Sondheim being named one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Best Theatre of 2015.”

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from the Actors’ Equity Foundation, the Arts Work Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Cooper’s: A Neighborhood Eatery, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation,  James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Prince Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, The Saints and the Service Club of Chicago. The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.

Chicago cast of HAMILTON To Include Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO MIGUEL CERVANTES and ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO

MIGUEL CERVANTES

and

ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI

head the Chicago cast of

HAMILTON

This looks like a stellar cast for the Chicago run! Got your tickets yet?

OLIVO, who electrified audiences with her Tony Award-winning portrayal of Anita in the 2009 Broadway revival of WEST SIDE STORY, returns to the stage as the brilliant and beautiful Angelica Schuyler in the Chicago production of HAMILTON, it has been announced by producer Jeffrey Seller.  Joining Ms. Olivo in Chicago are Broadway veterans MIGUEL CERVANTES as Alexander Hamilton, and ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI as King George III. 

 Tony Award-winner KAREN OLIVO as the brilliant and beautiful Angelica Schuyler

MIGUEL CERVANTES as Alexander Hamilton

 ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI as King George III. 

Mr. Cervantes’ Broadway roles include in the musicals IF/THEN, AMERICAN IDIOT and THE 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE.  Mr. Gemignani starred as Jean Valjean in the 2006 revival of LES MISERABLES, and performed in Stephen Sondheim’s ASSASSINS, SWEENEY TODD and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, all on Broadway. 

Other principal roles in HAMILTON in Chicago will be played by a talented young company comprised of ARI AFSAR as Eliza Hamilton; CHRIS LEE as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; JOSEPH MORALES as Mr. Cervantes’ alternate; JOSE RAMOS as John Laurens/Phillip Hamilton; WALLACE SMITH as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison, and SAMANTHA MARIE WARE as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds. 

Performances begin September 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre in Chicago (18 W. Monroe).  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, music direction/orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  The musical won eleven 2016 Tony Awards including Best Musical, Score, Book of a Musical, Direction of a Musical, Choreography and Orchestrations.  Mr. Miranda received the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for HAMILTON.

Karen Olivo won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical in WEST SIDE STORY, having created the role of Vanessa both on and Off-Broadway in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS in 2008.  She also appeared on Broadway in RENT and BROOKLYN.  She performed Off-Broadway in Lynn Nottage’s play BY THE WAY, MEET VERA STARK, had a recurring role in the hit television series THE GOOD WIFE, and was a series regular on HARRY’S LAW. 

Miguel Cervantes previously performed on Broadway in IF/THEN, AMERICAN IDIOT and THE 25^th ANNUAL PUTNAM SPELLING BEE, and Off-Broadway in HAPPINESS at Lincoln Center and as Angel in GIANT at the Public Theatre.  He has also been seen on Television in:  MADAM SECRETARY, PERSON OF INTEREST, ROYAL PAINS & THE BLACK LIST.  He holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Emerson College.

(In preparation for his Chicago debut as Alexander Hamilton, Mr. Cervantes will play the role on Broadway on July 13 matinee, July 18 and July 25.) 

Alexander Gemignani’s Broadway credits: VIOLET, CHICAGO, LES MISERABLES, SWEENEY TODD, ASSASSINS, THE PEOPLE IN THE PICTURE and SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE.  Off-Broadway:  ROAD SHOW, 1776 and AVENUE Q.  Concerts: The N.Y. Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall, The N.Y. Pops at Carnegie Hall, and The L.A. Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl and the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center.  Mr. Gemignani is a graduate of the University of Michigan.  

Ari Afsar is a former AMERICAN IDOL 8 contestant, and placed in the top 10 finalists as Miss California in the 2010 Miss America Pageant.  A native of San Diego, she attended UCLA. 

Chris Lee has performed in regional theatre productions of TARZAN, THE WIZ and IN THE HEIGHTS. 

Joseph Morales appeared in the national touring productions of IN THE HEIGHTS (in the leading role of Usnavi), IF/THEN and BOMBAY DREAMS.  He performed in the original Los Angeles cast of ROCK OF AGES. 

Jose Ramos is a songwriter/singer.  HAMILTON marks his professional stage debut.  In New York he performed in BROADWAY’S RISING STARS at Town Hall, and in THE TRAVELS at the New York Musical Theatre Festival. 

Wallace Smith made his Broadway debut as Simba in THE LION KING, followed by the revival of RAGTIME, AMERICAN IDIOT, GODSPELL and ROCKY: THE MUSICAL.  He recently completed a year’s run on Broadway as Enjoras in LES MISERABLES. 

Samantha Marie Ware portrayed Nabulungi on Broadway and in the national tour of THE BOOK OF MORMON.  She had a recurring role as the smart and sassy Jane Hayward in the 6th season of GLEE.

HAMILTON is the story of America’s Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington’s right-hand man during the Revolutionary War, and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now.

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

The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording – recipient of the 2016 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album and a regular on numerous Billboard top 10 lists – is available everywhere nationwide.

HAMILTON: The Revolution, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeremy McCarter’s book about the making of the musical, is on sale and has been a selection on The New York Times Best Seller List. 

The musical celebrates its 1^st anniversary on Broadway at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6.  A touring production begins a 21-week run in San Francisco in March 2017, followed by a 21-week engagement in Los Angeles.  A London production will be mounted, also in 2017.   For further information about the Chicago production which begins September 27 at The PrivateBank Theatre, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Get Social:

For information on HAMILTON, visit www.HamiltonOnBroadway.com, www.Facebook.com/HamiltonMusical, www.Instagram.com/HamiltonMusical and www.Twitter.com/HamiltonMusical.  

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 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’s Loop including its newly named 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.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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