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Showing posts with label Invictus Theatre Company. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Invictus Theatre Company. Show all posts

Sunday, March 23, 2025

REVIEW: The Winters Tale Via Invictus Theatre Now Playing Through April 20, 2025 at Windy City Playhouse

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Invictus Theatre Company Presents

THE WINTER’S TALE

Playing March 11 – April 20 at Windy City Playhouse

Modern dress production to feature original music and choreography


GUEST REVIEW

By D'Arcy Mies

As a lover of Shakespeare, The Winter’s Tale has always intrigued me. One of Shakespeare’s

last plays, it has many of the tried-and-true features we expect from The Bard’s work - there are

star-crossed lovers, mad kings, and plenty of bawdy fun. But Invictus Theatre’s new production

reminds us that it is always worth another viewing!


(L-R): Jennifer Agather, Robert Hunter Bry

(L-R): Fred A. Wellisch, Diego Rivera-Rodriguez

Time is a major theme in The Winter’s tale. This is reflected in the set itself, which mirrors a

clock, and the play starts with a New Years Party. This opening scene is immersive and feels

truly like you are a fly on the wall, especially as Leontes and his queen Hermione exchange a

tender moment! The seating arrangement in the theatre also contributes to the feeling that the

audience has been transported “out of time”.

(L-R): (Sam Nachison background), Sydney René Cox, Kyle Quinlivan, Carolyn Waldee


Although The Winter’s Tale is truly quite dramatic and intense, there are many cheerful and

humorous parts. The latter half of the play brings us to Bohemia, full of brightly colored

costumes, singing and dancing and a goodly amount of humor. The ensemble worked well

together, and the many physical bits well timed.. To me, the acting that stood out, and most

particularly moving were the performances of Queen Herminone (Andrea Uppling) and wise

Paulina (Amber Dow).


(L-R): Raúl Alonso, Andrea Uppling


(L-R): Carolyn Waldee, Sydney René Cox, Andrea Uppling, Michael Stejskal

D'Arcy Mies is a Montessori educator, theatre lover, and lifelong Chicagoan.



(L-R): Diego Rivera-Rodriguez, George Dougherty, Robert Hunter Bry

Invictus Theatre Company – who, with twelve 2024 Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations, earned more than any other company primarily producing non-musicals – has announced the cast and production team for its 2025 season-opening production of Shakespeare’s THE WINTER’S TALE. Artistic Director Charles Askenaizer will direct this full-scale modern dress interpretation featuring a cast of 16 and an original musical score by Jeff Award winner (and current nominee) Petter Wahlbäck performed by live vocalists and a five-piece instrumental ensemble. THE WINTER’S TALE will be presented at the company’s home at the Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. It will open to the press on Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m., following previews from March 11, and will play through April 20.

One of the Bard’s later plays, THE WINTER’S TALE has been termed by some critics as a comedy, and by others, a romance. In Sicily, King Leontes suspects his pregnant wife Hermione of infidelity with his best friend Polixenes, and when the child is born, has her banished from the kingdom. The baby girl is adopted by a shepherd, who names her Perdita. With the help of some magic, King Leontes’ suspicions are eventually proven to be groundless and the family is put back together. The first three acts of this story of jealousy are filled with intense psychological drama, while the last two acts are comical and supply a happy ending. Askenaizer says, “while the story begins as a fable of some rather dark emotions, it is ultimately hopeful, showing the healing power of time and the possibility for forgiveness and rebirth. Shakespeare acknowledges, though, that the good things one might hope for do not come easily or quickly, but come after some struggles and the passage of time.”


(L-R): Michael Stejskal

Askenaizer’s cast will be led by Michael Stejskal (David Lewis in GODS AND MONSTERS at Theatre Wit) as the jealous King Leontes. Andrea Uppling (Jeff-nominated for her Martha in Invictus’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?) will play Hermione. Completing the suspected love triangle as Polixenes will be Raúl Alonso (A BRIGHT ROOM CALLED DAY with Blank Theatre Company). Florizel, the prince who becomes betrothed to Perdita, will be played by Robert Hunter Bry, who had the title role in City Lit Theatre’s THE VIRGINIAN, and has twice played Mr. Darcy in CHRISTMAS AT PEMBERLY (for Buffalo Theatre Ensemble and St. Sebastian Players). Amber Dow (of Invictus’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH and Kokandy’s AMERICAN PSYCHO) will be Hermione’s devoted friend Paulina.

(L-R): Kyle Quinlivan, Sam Nachison

Also in the 16-person cast are Jennifer Agather (Perdita/Maximillus), Kim Pereira (Camillo), Fred A. Wellisch (Antigonus/Bohemian Ensemble/Musician), Carolyn Waldee (Emilia, Mopsa, Lord/Musician), Sam Nachison (Autolycus/Lord), Chuck Munro (Shepherd/Lord), Kyle Quinlivan (Clown/Lord/Musician/Archidamus), Sydney René Cox (Lady 3/Lord/Servant/Dorcas/Musician), George Dougherty (Ensemble/Officer/Lord/Time), Megan Erin Lai (Ensemble/Lady 2/Shepherdess (Musician), Diego Rivera-Rodriguez (Mariner/Lord/Bohemian Ensemble), and Jose Yantin Jr. (Ensemble/The Bear, U/S: Autolycus/Florizel).

(L-R): Kyle Quinlivan, Sam Nachison

Understudies are Adam Schulmerich (Leontes/Polixenes), Anne Trodden (Hermione/Paulina), Mary Margaret McCormack (Perdita/Emilia/Others), Whitney Minarik (Camillo, Hermione 2nd Cover), Arabella DeLucco (Clown/Paulina 2nd Cover), Rory Jobst (Shepherd/Antigonus), and Chase Wheaton-Werle (Leontes 2nd Cover).

Top row (l-r): Jennifer Agather, Raúl Alonso, Robert Hunter Bry, Sydney René Cox

Second row (l-r): George Dougherty, Amber Dow, Megan Erin Lai, Chuck Munro

Third row (l-r): Sam Nachison, Kim Pereira, Kyle Quinlivan, Diego Rivera-Rodriguez

Fourth row (l-r): Michael Stejskal, Andrea Uppling, Carolyn Waldee, Fred A. Wellisch

Fifth row (l-r): Arabella DeLucco, Rory Jobst, Mary Margaret McCormack, Whitney Minarik

Bottom row (l-r): Adam Schulmerich, Anne Trodden, Chase Wheaton-Werle, Jose Yantin Jr.

The production team includes Jeff Award winning scenic designer Kevin Rolfs, who scored two nominations in the recently announced 2024 Jeff Awards for his scenic design of Invictus’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG and NETWORK. Rolfs previously won the award for his design of Invictus’s WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?. Another Jeff Award winner is sound designer and composer Petter Wahlbäck, a 2024 nominee for his sound design of Invictus’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH. Jessie Gowens, a Jeff nominee for her costume design of Invictus’s THE CRUCIBLE, is designing costumes for this production. The design team also includes Trey Brazeal (Lighting Designer), Randy Rozler (Properties Design), and Jay Donley (Fight/Intimacy Designer). Jen Cupani is Choreographer.

Completing the production team are Todd Henry Faulstich (Executive Producer), Stacy Scapino (Production Manager), Desiree Stypinski (Stage Manager), Beep Trefts (Assistant Stage Manager), Tom McNelis (Technical Director), Hannah Bolstad (Master Electrician), and Becca Holloway (Casting Director). MC Dougherty is Marketing Manager and Ana Schedler is Graphic Designer.


(L-R): Amber Dow

(L-R): Kyle Quinlivan, Chuck Munro

“In THE WINTER’S TALE, Leontes waits 16 years before finding his redemption and regeneration given at the hand of the one he most wronged.  Though the characters in this play must endure immense trials, the promise of regeneration and renewal—often through mystical, almost miraculous means—guides them toward brighter days ahead. THE WINTER’S TALE reminds us that, though the path may be long and fraught with difficulty; progress, redemption, and salvation await.” 

Invictus Theatre Company has been one of the most notable success stories among Chicago’s storefront theatres in spite of the challenges facing the theatre community in recent years. Founded in 2017, they were an itinerant company until the fall of 2021, when they established residency in the former Jackalope Frontier Theatre in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, renaming it the Reginald Vaughn Theatre in honor of a deceased founding member. In that space, they continued to build a reputation for intimate and honest interpretations of classics with fidelity to the original texts and close attention to character development. The company’s extraordinarily successful 2021-22 season netted the company five Jeff Awards for its 13 nominations. When a fire gutted the Thorndale Avenue building housing the Reginald Vaughn Theatre in July 2023, the company was again homeless until early 2024, when they took up residence in the Windy City Playhouse on Irving Park Road. The company’s inaugural season in that space included highly regarded productions of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, Chekhov’s THREE SISTERS, the Chicago premiere of NETWORK, and Shakespeare’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH. The company was recently honored with twelve 2024 Jeff Award nominations – the most of any company primarily producing non-musical plays.

TALKIN BROADWAY’s Christine Malcom said of TOPDOG/UNDERDOG, Invictus’s first production in the Windy City Playhouse, “In its new, much larger home at the Windy City Playhouse, Invictus Theatre Company loses none of the company's trademark intimacy or power…” The CHICAGO READER said of THREE SISTERS, “the performances are universally first-rate.“ Hugh Iglarsh of NEW CITY said Invictus’s NETWORK was a “smart, deeply felt, absorbing production.” Wesley David, writing for BUZZ CENTER STAGE, said THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH was “a potent, intense experience.” 


(L-R): Michael Stejskal, Kim Pereira

Ticket prices for THE WINTER’S TALE are $38.00 for regular performances Fridays through Sundays, $25.00 for previews and Monday evenings. Season Flex Passes are available in three options: eight admissions for $200.00, four admissions for $120.00, or four admissions on Monday nights for $80.00. Individual show tickets and Flex Passes are on sale now at www.invictustheatreco.com.

Performances Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays at 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m.Performances at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago. Closing: Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 1 p.m.

Ticket prices: Previews $25. Monday $25. Friday through Sunday $38. Season subscriptions available. www.invictustheatreco.com.

One of Shakespeare’s final plays, THE WINTER’S TALE is a romantic comedy with elements of tragedy. King Leontes of Sicilia falsely accuses his wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his best friend, the King of Bohemia. Inflamed by jealousy and convinced that he is right, Leontes’ torment causes a storm of loss that only the next generation can heal. Shakespeare’s THE WINTER’S TALE is a captivating parable of betrayals, renewed hope, and the transformative power of time.

DIRECTOR BIO

Charles Askenaizer (Artistic Director, Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre. He won the 2023 Jeff Award (Non-Equity Wing) for his direction of the company’s WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, which also won Jeff Awards for Production of a Play, Scenic Design (Kevin Rolfs), and Performer in a Supporting Role – Play (Rachel Livingston). Other recent Invictus directing credits include: NETWORK, THREE SISTERS, THE CRUCIBLE (Jeff Award Nominations-Director, Production), JULIUS CAESAR, HAMLET, 'NIGHT, MOTHER (Associate Director), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, and OTHELLO: THE MOOR OF VENICE. Directing credits outside of Invictus include TITUS ANDRONICUS (Bare Knuckles Theater), JULIUS CAESAR (Associate Director- Brown Paper Box), THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA (Reutan Collective) and readings with Chicago Dramatists and Piccolo Theater. Since 2018, Charles has also directed several productions for Invictus's outreach programming in partnership with the Cook County Juvenile Justice System and Lawrence Hall.  In 2024, Charles was named one of New City Magazine’s “Players 50 2024: The Rising Stars and Storefront Stalwarts.”

ABOUT INVICTUS THEATRE COMPANY

At Invictus Theatre Company, our mission is to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance; through diverse works by diverse artists. We respect the power of heightened language: spoken, written, sung; to express the breadth of the human condition. We work to harness the power of language: to promote diversity, to engender respect, to foster collaboration; and to empower our communities to share their voices.

Invictus Theatre Company incorporated in January 2017 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2017. A diverse group of Chicago actors and directors founded Invictus with the vision to empower their communities through theatrical productions of heightened language. We are committed to the idea that our productions should reflect the communities we represent, and, to that end, we are committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices. In working with local artists, designers, and production teams, Invictus Theatre Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, nationality, citizenship, religion, or any other status protected by law.

Invictus Theatre Company is generously supported by Michael and Mona Heath of The Heath Fund, The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), Untouchable Times Tours, Inc., and the Illinois Arts Council. 

Friday, October 4, 2024

Invictus Theatre Company’s THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH Playing at the Windy City Playhouse October 29 – December 15, 2024

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Invictus Theatre Company’s Cast announced for 

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

playing October 29 – December 15


Invictus Theatre Company today announced the cast and production team for its season-closing presentation of THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, Shakespeare’s tale of the seductive nature of power that combines Scottish history with magical realism. The tragedy’s three witches who warn Macbeth about his future will make their first appearance just before Halloween, with previews beginning on October 29,  leading up to an opening on Monday, November 4 at 7 pm and playing through December 15. 

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH will be directed by Sarafina Vecchio, a Chicago-based actor and director, an educator with Acting Studio Chicago, and an adjunct professor at Chicago College of the Performing Arts. Vecchio earned a Post-Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from The University of Warwick (UK, in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company) and has been a guest instructor to Ontario, Canada's Stratford Festival. CHICAGO STAGE AND SCREEN’s Angela Allyn praised Vecchio’s text coaching for Invictus’ JULIUS CAESAR for being “as modern sounding as your favorite political podcast. You have heard these speeches before but never like this. This is a Caesar for everyone.” I'll be out for the press opening November 4th, so check back shortly after for my full review.

Vecchio’s cast will be led by Mikha’el Amin as Macbeth, seen most recently in the title role of Lincoln in Invictus’s TOPDOG/UNDERDOG. His previous roles with Invictus include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in THE MOUNTAINTOP and Marc Antony in JULIUS CAESAR. Lady Macbeth will be played by Carolyn Kruse, whose experience in playing wicked women includes her role as Madame Defarge in Lifeline’s A TALE OF TWO CITIES, along with many other roles for such Chicago companies as The Artistic Home, Irish Theater of Chicago, and Redtwist Theatre. Also in the cast are Christy Arington  (Witch 1), Tessa Dougherty (Witch 2), Julia Rowley (Witch 3), Michael B. Woods (Macduff), Diego Longoria (Malcolm), Joshua Razavi (Lennox), Aimee Kleiman (Rosse), Charlie Diaz (Banquo), Amber Dow (Servant), Joseph Beal (Seyton), Robert Koon (Actor 1: Duncan/Murderer 2/Old Siward), Michaela Shapiro (Actor 2: Kid Macduff/Young Siward/Lord/Soldier), Whitney Minarik (Actor 3: Captain/Lady Macduff/Doctor/Lord), and Layke Fowler (Actor 4: Lords/Soldiers/Fleance). Understudies are Steve Peebles (Macbeth), Laura Resinger (Lady Macbeth/Actor 3/Servant), Joshua Razavi (Banquo), Charlie Diaz (Macduff), Amber Dow (Rosse/Witch Swing), Layke Fowler (Malcolm), Alexandria Bressette (Actor 2/Actor 4/Witch Swing), and Craig Duff (Actor 1/Seyton/Lennox).

Top row (I-r): Mikha’el Amin, Christy Arington, Joseph Beal, Charlie Diaz, 

Second row (I-r): Tessa Dougherty, Amber Dow, Layke Fowler, Aimee Kleiman, 

Third row (l-r): Robert Koon, Carolyn Kruse, Diego Longoria, Whitney Minarik

Fourth row (l-r): Joshua Razavi, Julia Rowley, Michaela Shapiro, Michael B. Woods

Bottom row (l-r): Alexandria Bressette, Craig Duff, Steve Peebles, Laura Reisinger

The production team includes Jeff Award winner Petter Wahlbäck (Sound Designer), Cindy Moon (Costume Designer), Grace Weir (Stitcher), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Hannah Bolstad (Master Electrician), Manuel Ortiz (Scenic Designer), Barbie Brown (Props Designer), Jay Donley and Amber Wuttke of Violent Delights (Fight/Intimacy Designers), Brandon Boler (Assistant Director), Rooney G. (Production Manager), Desiree Stypinski (Stage Manager), Becca Holloway (Casting Director), Mary Carroll Dougherty (Marketing Manager) and Ana Schedler (Graphic Designer). Charles Askenaizer is Artistic Director and Todd Henry Faulstich is Executive Producer.

Vecchio says, “Even though the production is set 1000 years in the past, the play’s many themes are still very current; especially the theme of unchecked ambition. My hope is this production will spark a rich conversation about what might drive a person to make dangerous choices in the name of success; and how we may avoid these events in the future.”

Invictus Theatre Company has been one of the most notable success stories among Chicago’s storefront theatres in spite of the challenges facing the theater community in recent years, When the pandemic shut down in-person performances just three years after the company’s founding, they responded with a thrillingly intimate Zoom production of ‘NIGHT, MOTHER. They returned from the pandemic by acquiring their own space – the former Frontier Theater, which they renamed in honor of the late founding company member Reginald Vaughn. In that space, they continued to build a reputation for intimate and honest interpretations of classics with fidelity to the original texts and close attention to character development. The company’s extraordinarily successful 2021-22 season netted the company five Jeff Awards for its 13 nominations.

The company continued its upward trajectory with its 2022-23 season. That season began with intimate, yet full-scale, stagings of the epics JULIUS CAESAR and THE CRUCIBLE along with the two-hander THE MOUNTAINTOP. After a fire in July 2023 made the Reginald Vaughn Theatre unusable, the company relocated in 2024 to the Windy City Playhouse, where it has produced the critically acclaimed and popular hits TOPDOG/UNDERDOG (“…intense, grueling, and hilarious” – TALKIN’ BROADWAY), THREE SISTERS (“performances are universally first-rate” – CHICAGO READER) and the Chicago premiere of NETWORK (“a memorable production of an important and illuminating play” – NEW CITY).

Tickets for Invictus's THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH are $25 for previews October 29 - November 3, and all Mondays (except opening night November 4); and $38 for general admission opening night and Fridays through Sundays for the regular run. Tickets are on sale now at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/invictus-theatre-company/.

THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH

by William Shakespeare

Adapted and Directed by Sarafina Vecchio

October 29 – December 15, 2024

Previews: Tuesday 10/29/24, Friday 11/1/24, Saturday 11/2/24 @ 7pm; and Saturday 11/2/24, Sunday 11/3/24 @ 2pm.

Press Opening Monday 11/4/24 @ 7pm

Regular performances Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays @ 7pm and Saturdays, Sundays @ 2pm through 12/15/24

Performances at Windy City Playhouse, 3014 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago

Ticket prices: $25 for previews and Mondays (except opening night November 4), and $38 for general admission opening night November 4 and Fridays through Sundays for the regular run.

Info at www.invictustheatreco.com

Tickets at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/invictus-theatre-company/


One of Shakespeare's most popular and enduring tragedies. A brave Scottish general named Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become King of Scotland. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the Scottish throne for himself. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect himself from enmity and suspicion, he soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.

BIOS

Sarafina Vecchio (Director) is an actor, director, and educator who has worked in Chicago and the surrounding area for over 25 years. She holds a Post-Graduate Award in Teaching Shakespeare from The University of Warwick in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company in Coventry, England. She earned her Bachelor's in Theatre from Roosevelt University and studied classical acting at Richmond College in London. She is a long time faculty member with Acting Studio Chicago and is also an adjunct professor at Chicago College of the Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She is also honored to have been invited as a guest instructor to Ontario, Canada's Stratford Festival, where she taught their acting company techniques in Shakespeare instruction. As a performer and creative, Sarafina has worked locally with many companies, including: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Shattered Globe, Lakeside Shakespeare, Drury Lane, TimeLine, Remy Bumppo, Irish Theatre of Chicago, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Invictus, Speaking Ring, The Other Theatre Company, Steel Beam, and Janus. She is a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.




Charles Askenaizer (Artistic Director) is the Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre. He won the 2022 Jeff Award (Non-Equity Wing) for his direction of the company’s WHO'S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF?, which also won Jeff Awards for Production of a Play, Scenic Design (Kevin Rolfs), and Performer in a Supporting Role – Play (Rachel Livingston). Other recent directing credits include THREE SISTERS, NETWORK, THE CRUCIBLE, JULIUS CAESAR, and HAMLET (Invictus Theatre), readings with Chicago Dramatists, 'NIGHT, MOTHER (Associate Director-Invictus Theatre), THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), OTHELLO: THE MOOR OF VENICE (Invictus Theatre), TITUS ANDRONICUS (Bare Knuckles Theater), JULIUS CAESAR (Associate Director- Brown Paper Box) , TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA (Reutan Collective), and THE DIFFERENCE (Reading-Piccolo Theatre). Charles has worked with Citadel Theatre, Teatro Vista, the Artistic Home, City Lit, Raven, Brown Paper Box, Chicago Dramatists, the Side Project and many more.

Charles graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Theatre and Communications. He has worked professionally in Chicago as an actor, director, and teacher for over 10 years.

ABOUT INVICTUS THEATRE COMPANY

At Invictus Theatre Company, our mission is to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance; through diverse works by diverse artists. We respect the power of heightened language: spoken, written, sung; to express the breadth of the human condition. We work to harness the power of language: to promote diversity, to engender respect, to foster collaboration; and to empower our communities to share their voices.

Invictus Theatre Company incorporated in January 2017 and received its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status in February 2017. A diverse group of Chicago actors and directors founded Invictus with the vision to empower their communities through theatrical productions of heightened language. We are committed to the idea that our productions should reflect the communities we represent, and, to that end, we are committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices. In working with local artists, designers, and production teams, Invictus Theatre Company does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, nationality, citizenship, religion, or any other status protected by law.


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