THE JEFF AWARDS ANNOUNCES 2023 NON-EQUITY THEATER AWARD NOMINATIONS

Kicking off the new year, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announces its nominations for theater excellence among Non-Equity theater. The Non-Equity awards presented in 2023 spotlight 167 theater artists across 28 categories of excellence in theater production among shows from 30 companies. During the most recent season extended due to the pandemic, which ran from July 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, Jeff Awards members attended 106 Non-Equity productions. From these, 49 productions became “Jeff Recommended” and, therefore, eligible for award nominations.                                                           

Four theater companies were recognized for the upcoming Non-Equity awards with more than 10 nominations each. Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre garnered the most honors, with 19 from five productions. Kokandy Productions received 16 nominations, followed by Blank Theatre Company (14) and Invictus Theatre (13). “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” at Kokandy Productions drew the largest nominations for a single production (9).

Among New Work, seven world premiere plays and one new musical are in award consideration. In addition, the Jeff Awards expanded award categories this past season to include a new classification recognizing Short Run Productions (nine to 17 performances). Within this new category, the Jeff Awards recognize nominees for Best Production, Ensemble, Director, Performer – Principal Role, Performer – Supporting Role, Solo Performance, New Work, and Artistic Specialization.

 

2023 NON-EQUITY JEFF AWARD NOMINEES

Production - Play

"Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

"Malapert Love" - The Artistic Home

"Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

"Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

"The Pavilion" - The Artistic Home

"White" - Definition Theatre

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

 

Production - Musical or Revue

"8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

"Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

"She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

"The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

 

Production – Short Run

"Buried Child" - AstonRep Theatre Company

"Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

"Marie Antoinette & the Magical Negroes" - The Story Theatre

"Tebas Land" - Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art

"WILDCATS" - The Neo-Futurists

 

Ensemble - Play

"Medea Material" - Trap Door Theatre

"Refuge" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

"Ride or Die" - MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre

"The Secretaries: A Parable" - First Floor Theater

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

 

Ensemble - Musical or Revue

"8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

"Godspell" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

"She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

"Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

"The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

  

Ensemble -Short Run

"Boeing-Boeing" - Saint Sebastian Players

"Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

"Marie Antoinette & the Magical Negroes" - The Story Theatre

"Urinetown: The Musical" - Surging Films & Theatrics

 

New Work

Shepsu Aakhu - "Ride or Die" - MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre

Siah Berlatsky - "Malapert Love" - The Artistic Home

Tina Fakhrid-Deen - "Pulled Punches" - MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre

Karissa Murrell Myers - "On the Greenbelt" - Strawdog Theatre Company

Ed Rutherford & Jeff Bouthiette - "Mary Rose" - Black Button Eyes Productions

 

New Work - Short Run

Rachel Borgo - “Hertha Nova” – The Impostors Theatre Company

Ida Cuttler & Nick Hart - “WILDCATS” – The Neo-Futurists

Terry Guest - “Marie Antoinette & the Magical Negroes” – The Story Theatre

 

Director - Play

Charles Askenaizer - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

Rinska Carraso-Prestinary - "Isaac's Eye" - Redtwist Theatre

Bo Frazier - "Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

Julian Hester - "Malapert Love" - The Artistic Home

Ebby Offord - "Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

Ericka Ratcliff - "White" - Definition Theatre

Scott Weinstein - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

 

Director - Musical or Revue 

Adrian Abel Azevedo - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Jason A. Fleece - "The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

Landree Fleming - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Danny Kapinos - "She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

Derek Van Barham - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

 

Director - Short Run

Sean Michael Barrett - "Boeing-Boeing" - Saint Sebastian Players

Terry Guest - "Marie Antoinette & the Magical Negroes" - The Story Theatre

Halena Kays - "WILDCATS" - The Neo-Futurists

Juan Parodi - "Tebas Land" - Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art

Stefan Roseen - "Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

 

Performer in a Principal Role - Play 

Kim Boler (Anna) - "After the Blast" - Broken Nose Theatre

Kierra Bunch (Vanessa/St. Diana/Balkonae) - "White" - Definition Theatre

John Drea (Marc Chagall) - "Chagall in School" - Grippo Stage Company

Jacqueline Grandt (Ruth Steiner) - "Collected Stories" - Redtwist Theatre

Alex Benito Rodriguez (Sandro Botticelli) - "Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

Ana Santos-Sánchez (Ana Morgana) - "La gran tirana (descarga dramática)" - Aguijón Theater Company

James Turano (George) - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

Andrea Uppling (Martha) - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

Rosario Vargas (The Painter) - "Cintas de Seda" - Aguijón Theater Company

Melanie Victoria (Isis) - "Pulled Punches" - MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre

Tekeisha Yelton-Hunter (Mama Nadi) - "Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

 

Performer in a Principal Role - Musical or Revue 

Maddison Denault (Kathryn Merteuil) - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Sonia Goldberg (Princess Winnifred) - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Caitlin Jackson (Mrs. Lovett) - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

Joe Lewis (Will) - "Girlfriend" - PrideArts

Nikki Lynette (Nikki Lynette) - "Get Out Alive" - Haven Chicago

Brandy Miller (Amalia Balash) - "She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

David Moreland (Sebastian Valmont) - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Anne Sheridan Smith (Miss Mona) - "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Peter Stielstra (Mike) - "Girlfriend" - PrideArts

Stephanie Stockstill (Mary Rose) - "Mary Rose" - Black Button Eyes Productions

Karylin Veres (Queenie) - "The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

Kevin Webb (Sweeney Todd) - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

 

Performer in a Principal Role - Short Run 

Ida Cuttler (Ida Cuttler) - "WILDCATS" - The Neo-Futurists

Jim Morley (Dodge) - "Buried Child" - AstonRep Theatre Company

Tommy Rivera-Vega (Martín) - "Tebas Land" - Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art

Esteban Schemberg (S) - "Tebas Land" - Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art

Keaton Stewart (Eve) - "Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

Joshua Paul Wright (Robert) - "Boeing-Boeing" - Saint Sebastian Players

 

Performer in a Supporting Role - Play 

JoAnn Birt (Mary Anne) - "When We Were Young and Unafraid" - AstonRep Theatre Company

Carley Cornelius (Jane) - "White" - Definition Theatre

Emilie Rose Danno (Esperanza) - "Malapert Love" - The Artistic Home

John Drea (Ray) - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

Courtney Gardner (Salima) - "Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

Stanley King (Christian) - "Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

Arielle Leverett (Arthur/Sam) - "After the Blast" - Broken Nose Theatre

Rachel Livingston (Honey) - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

marssie Mencotti (Clara) - "Hay Fever" - City Lit Theater Company

Frank Nall (Phischbreath) - "Malapert Love" - The Artistic Home

Jackie Seijo (Actor/Dying Man Named Sam) - "Isaac's Eye" - Redtwist Theatre

Todd Wojcik (Narrator) - "The Pavilion" - The Artistic Home

 

Performer in a Supporting Role - Musical or Revue 

Bryce Ancil (Arpad Laszlo) - "She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

LJ Bullen (Kate) - "The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

August Forman (Prince Dauntless) - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Andrew Fortman (King Sextimus) - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Rachel Guth (Ilona Ritter) - "She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

Mia Nevarez (Lead Vocalist) - "8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Anabella Oddo (Cecile Caldwell) - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Patrick O'Keefe (Tobias Ragg) - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

Anne Sheridan Smith (Queen Aggravain) - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Kevin Webb (Chaplain) - "Mary Rose" - Black Button Eyes Productions

 

Performer in a Supporting Role - Short Run 

Valerie Gerlock (Gretchen) - "Boeing-Boeing" - Saint Sebastian Players

Samm Hilger (Guide/Professor Simpkins/Head Waiter/Objector) - "Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

Dakota Hughes (Hunchback) - "Frankenstreisand" - Hell in a Handbag Productions

Nolan Robinson (Reuben) - "St. Sebastian" - Refracted Theatre Company

Korinne Yonan (Little Sally) - "Urinetown: The Musical" - Surging Films & Theatrics

 

Solo Performance - Short Run 

Flaco Navaja (Flaco Navaja) - "Evolution of a Sonero" - UrbanTheater Company

 

Scenic Design 

Jeremiah Barr - "When We Were Young and Unafraid" - AstonRep Theatre Company

Jonathan Berg-Einhorn - "Isaac’s Eye" - Redtwist Theatre

Kevin Rolfs - "Ruined" - Invictus Theatre

Kevin Rolfs - "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" - Invictus Theatre

Joe Schermoly - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

 

Costume Design 

Uriel Gómez - "Once Upon a Mattress" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Jessie Gowens - "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" - Idle Muse Theatre Company

Beth Laske-Miller & Bill Morey - "A Fine Feathered Murder" - Hell in a Handbag Productions

Cindy Moon - "She Loves Me" - Blank Theatre Company

Hilary Rubio - "Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

Rachel Sypniewski - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

 

Sound Design  

Eric Backus - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

Danny Rockett - "Medea Material" - Trap Door Theatre

Willow James - "Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

L.J. Luthringer - "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" - Idle Muse Theatre Company

Petter Wahlbäck - "The Pavilion" - The Artistic Home

 

Lighting Design  

Benjamin Carne - "Botticelli in the Fire" - First Floor Theater

G. "Max" Maxin IV - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

Brandon Wardell - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

Hannah Wein - "Medea Material" – Trap Door Theatre

Levi J. Wilkins - "The Pavilion" - The Artistic Home

Marcela Muñoz & Augusto Yanacopulos - "Cintas de Seda" - Aguijón Theater Company

 

Choreography

Keeley B. Morris & Jacinda Ratcliffe - "Get Out Alive" - Haven Chicago

Laura Savage - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Lauryn Schmelzer - "The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

Jenna Schoppe - "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Jenna Schoppe - "Godspell" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

 

Original Music in a Play  

Eric Backus - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

Satya Jnani Chávez & Andrew Rosendorf - "Refuge" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Jonathan Guillen - "Medea Material" - Trap Door Theatre

L.J. Luthringer - "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" - Idle Muse Theatre Company

Danny Rockett - "The Martyrdom of Peter Ohey" - Trap Door Theatre

 

Music Direction 

Satya Jnani Chávez - "Refuge" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Isabella Isherwood - "Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical" - Kokandy Productions

Aaron Kaplan - "The Wild Party" - Blank Theatre Company

Jeremy Ramey - "8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Jeremy Ramey - "Godspell" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Nick Sula - "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street" - Kokandy Productions

 

Projection Design  

Yeaji Kim - "Solaris" - Griffin Theatre Company

Abboyé Lawrence - "Pulled Punches" - MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre

G. "Max" Maxin IV - "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" - Black Button Eyes Productions

Chris Owens - "Get Out Alive" - Haven Chicago

Erin Pleake - "Chagall in School" - Grippo Stage Company

  

Artistic Specialization 

The Ensemble (Movement) - "Medea Material" - Trap Door Theatre

Jabberwocky Marionettes (Puppet Design) - "After the Blast" - Broken Nose Theatre

Jabberwocky Marionettes (Puppet Design) - "A Fine Feathered Murder" - Hell in a Handbag Productions

Royen Kent (Wig Design) - "The Secretaries: A Parable" - First Floor Theater

Adolfo Romero (Puppet Design) - "Refuge" - Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre

Augusto Yanacopulos (Properties Design) - "La gran tirana (descarga dramática)" - Aguijón Theater Company

 

Artistic Specialization - Short Run  

Daphne Agosin (Lighting Design) - "Tebas Land" - Chicago Latino Theater Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art

Dominick Vincent Alesia (Original Music in a Play) - "Hertha Nova" - The Impostors Theatre Company

Tim Huggenberger (Choreography) - "Urinetown: The Musical" - Surging Films & Theatrics

Darwin Noguera (Music Direction) - "Evolution of a Sonero" - UrbanTheater Company

Emil Zbella (Set Design) - "Boeing-Boeing" - Saint Sebastian Players

 

MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS  

By Company  

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre 19

Kokandy Productions 16

Blank Theatre Company 14

Invictus Theatre 13

The Artistic Home 8

Griffin Theatre Company 8

First Floor Theater 7

The Impostors Theatre Company 7

AstonRep Theatre Company 5

Chicago Latino Theatre Alliance in partnership with the National Museum of Mexican Art 5

MPAACT - Ma'at Production Association of Afrikan Centered Theatre 5

Redtwist Theatre 5

Saint Sebastian Players 5

Trap Door Theatre 5

Aguijón Theater Company 4

Black Button Eyes Productions 4

Definition Theatre 4

The Neo-Futurists 4

The Story Theatre 4

Broken Nose Theatre 3

Haven Chicago 3

Hell in a Handbag Productions 3

Surging Films & Theatrics 3

Grippo Stage Company 2

Idle Muse Theatre Company 2

PrideArts 2

UrbanTheater Company 2

   

By Production  

“Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” 9

“Solaris” 8

“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” 8

“Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical” 7

“Hertha Nova” 7

“Ruined” 7

“She Loves Me” 7

“The Wild Party” 7

“Once Upon a Mattress” 6

“Boeing-Boeing” 5

“Botticelli in the Fire” 5

“Malapert Love” 5

“Tebas Land” 5

“8-Track: The Sounds of the ‘70s” 4

“Isaac's Eye” 4

“Madea Material” 4

“Marie Antoinette & the Magical Negroes” 4

“The Pavilion" 4

"Refuge" 4

“White” 4

“WILDCATS” 4

“After the Blast” 3

"Get Out Alive” 3

"Godspell" 3

"Mary Rose" 3

“Pulled Punches” 3

“Urinetown: The Musical” 3

“When We Were Young and Unafraid” 3

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” 2

“Buried Child” 2

“Chagall in School” 2

“Cintas de Seda” 2

“Evolution of a Sonero” 2

“A Fine Feathered Murder” 2

“Girlfriend” 2

“La gran tirana (descarga dramática)" 2

“Ride or Die” 2

“The Secretaries: A Parable” 2

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” 2

   

   

By Individual  

Eric Backus 2

Satya Jnani Chávez 2

Ida Cuttler 2

John Drea 2

Terry Guest 2

L.J. Luthringer 2

Jabberwocky Marionettes 2

G. “Max” Maxin IV 2

Jeremy Ramey 2

Danny Rockett 2

Kevin Rolfs 2

Jenna Schoppe 2

Anne Sheridan Smith 2

Kevin Webb 2

Augusto Yanacopulous 2

 

ABOUT THE JEFF AWARDS

The Jeff Awards is one of the most active and engaged theater awards organizations in the country evaluating hundreds of theatrical productions annually and holding two awards ceremonies highlighting work over the past Equity and Non-Equity seasons. Through our recommendations, awards, and honors we help foster the growth of companies, encourage artists, bring new appreciation for diverse storytelling, and cultivate civic pride in the achievements of the Chicago theater community. Originally chartered in 1968 to recognize Equity productions, the Jeff Awards Non-Equity Wing was established in 1973 to celebrate outstanding achievement in non-union theatre. For more information, visit www.jeffawards.org.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON NOMINATIONS AND THE AWARDS PROGRAM 

The Jeff Awards website lists all current nominees, previous recipients and nominations, and other Jeff Awards information and news. Visit www.jeffawards.org.

The 2023 Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater will be held Monday, March 27, 2023, at Park West in Chicago, IL.  Doors will open at 6:00pm with light food and a cash bar available, and the awards program will begin at 7:30pm. General Admission tickets are $65 (includes $50 ticket + required fees) and available now at www.jeffawards.org. A group rate of $54 (includes $40 ticket + required fees) is available for parties of 10. Festive cocktail attire is suggested, and the public is cordially invited. For more information, contact AJ Wright, Non-Equity Wing Chair, at nonequitywing@jeffawards.org.

Names of award recipients will be released immediately following the program on March 27th by e-mail and on our website under Non-Equity Awards at www.jeffawards.org. 

SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street Via Kokandy Productions September 8 – November 6, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

  ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Kokandy Productions Presents

SWEENEY TODD: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street 

Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler

Directed and Choreographed by

Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by Nick Sula

September 8 – November 6, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

 

Kokandy Productions is thrilled to continue its 10th anniversary season with an intimate, in-the-round revival of Stephen Sondheim’s macabre masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, featuring music and lyrics by Sondheim, book by Hugh Wheeler, direction and choreography by Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham (he/him) and music direction by Nick Sula (he/him). Just in time for Halloween, the already atmospheric Chopin Theatre basement will be transformed into 19th century London, daring audiences to attend this haunting, harrowing tale playing September 8 – November 6, 2022 at 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are now on sale at bit.ly/SweeneyChicago. 

The cast includes Kevin Webb and Caitlin Jackson as Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett, partners in coiffed and culinary crime. They are joined by Quinn Rigg (Adolfo Pirell/Jonas Fogg), Isabel Cecilia García (Beggar Woman), Christopher Johnson (Judge Turpin), Josiah Haugen (Beadle Bamford), Chamaya Moody (Johanna),Patrick O’Keefe (Tobias Ragg) and Ryan Stajmiger (Anthony Hope). The Fleet Street ensemble includes Joel Arreola, Brittney Brown, Ethan Carlson, Stephanie Chiodras, Christopher Johnson, Nikki Krzebiot, Charlie Mann and Daniel Rausch. Swings include Tyler DeLoatch, Nathan Kabara and Angela Yu.

Sweeney Todd has become a bloody, worldwide success since being awarded eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical for its Broadway premiere. An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London hungry for more. Stephen Sondheim's and Hugh Wheeler's tasty, thrilling, theatrical treat has simultaneously shocked, awed and delighted audiences around the world.

Kokandy Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham comments, “For our 10thanniversary season, it felt important to celebrate with a master of the musical form–and it doesn’t get much better than Sondheim. It will be fun to take on another tale of revenge, but this time with a twist on class. Whereas Cruel Intentions allows the elite to wreak havoc, no one is safe in Sweeney Todd, where those above will serve those down below. Another show of the flesh, this will be a dark delight for the Halloween season, a Sweeney you can smell and taste and feel.”

The production team includes G "Max" Maxin IV (he/him, Scenic and Lighting Designer), Rachel Sypniewski (she/her, Costume Designer), Mike Patrick (he/him, Sound Designer), Kirsten Baity (they/them, Intimacy Choreographer), Drew Donnelly (he/him, Stage Manager), Andrew Lund (he/they, Assistant Director), Vivica Powell (she/her, Assistant Choreographer), Roman Sanchez (he/him, Casting Associate), Scot Kokandy (he/him, Executive Producer) and Derek Van Barham (he/him, Producing Artistic Director).

COVID-19 safety: Patrons are required to wear a face mask when not actively eating or drinking. The theatre will no longer require proof of vaccination to attend a production.

 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Cast (in alphabetical order): Joel Arreola (he/him, ensemble, Toby u/s), Brittney Brown (she/her, ensemble, Lovett u/s), Ethan Carlson (he/him, ensemble, u/s Turpin), Stephanie Chiodras (she/her, ensemble, Beggar Woman u/s), Isabel Cecilia García (they/them, Beggar Woman), Josiah Haugen (he/him, Beadle Bamford), Caitlin Jackson (she/her, Mrs. Lovett), Christopher Johnson (he/him, Judge Turpin, Sweeney u/s), Nikki Krzebiot (she/her, ensemble, Johanna u/s), Charlie Mann (he/him, ensemble, Beadle u/s), Chamaya Moody (she/her, Johanna), Patrick O'Keefe (he/him, Tobias Rigg),  Daniel Rausch (he/him, ensemble, Anthony u/s), Quinn Rigg (he/him, Adolfo Pirelli, Jonas Fogg), Ryan Stajmiger (he/him, Anthony Hope) and Kevin Webb (he/him, Sweeney Todd).

Swings: Tyler DeLoatch (he/him, u/s ensemble), Nathan Kabara (he/they, ensemble u/s) and Angela Yu (she/her, ensemble u/s). 

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

Dates: Previews: Thursday, September 8 at 7 pm, Friday, September 9 at 7 pm, Saturday, September 10 at 7 pm, Sunday, September 11 at 5 pm and Thursday, September 15 at 7 pm

Regular run: Saturday, September 17 – Sunday, November 6, 2022

Curtain Times: Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm; Sundays at 5 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Wednesday, October 5.

Industry Night; Monday, October 24 at 7 pm

Tickets: Previews $25 (with code “PREVIEW). Regular run $40. Students/senior $30. There will be a limited number of $15 tickets available for students and artists for each performance. Tickets are now on sale at bit.ly/SweeneyChicago.

 

About the Artists

Derek Van Barham (Director/Choreographer, he/him) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays and Artistic Director of The Ruckus. Directing credits include Head Over Heels (Kokandy); The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre); Three Days of Rain(BoHo Theatre); Miracle by Dan Savage, Poseidon, Skooby Don’t (Hell in a Handbag); Hot Pink, TRASH (New American Folk); Taylor Mac’s A Walk Across America for Mother Earth (CCPA); From These Fatal Loins (The Ruckus); Homos, or Everyone in America, Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags in Steppenwolf Garage Rep, Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination) and PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert (PFP). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ community. MFA: Chicago College of the Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University. www.derekvanbarham.com IG: @dvbarham 

Nick Sula (Music Director, he/him) is a pianist, arranger and award-winning music director for theater and cabaret. Music Direction credits include Ghost Quartet (Jeff nomination), Nevermore, Amour, Coraline (Black Button Eyes); Myths & Hymns, The Glorious Ones (Jeff nomination), Pippin (BoHo Theatre), His & His, Boys in Briefs, Broadway at the Broadway (Pride Films and Plays); Head Over Heels, The Pajama Game, The Pirates of Penzance (CCPA). He performs with vocalists at venues such as Davenport’s Piano Bar, Skokie Theatre, Drew’s on Halsted and the Park West, and teaches as a music director, instructor and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts (CCPA) at Roosevelt University.

 

About Kokandy Productions

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

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

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com. 

OPENING: Return of the Chicago Premiere of HUNDRED DAYS November 7, 2021 – January 9, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Kokandy Productions Presents the Return of the Chicago Premiere of

HUNDRED DAYS

Music & Lyrics by The Bengsons

Book by The Bengsons & Sarah Gancher

Directed by Lucky Stiff

Music Direction by Matthew Muñiz

Choreography by Collin Quinn Rice

November 7, 2021 – January 9, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

 

HUNDRED DAYS was first presented by Kokandy Productions in March 2020. Due to the pandemic, the original run was shut down on opening night. The original cast (featured in the above photo) included Abigail Cline, Chris Farrell Jr., Lucas "Looch" Johnson, Royen Kent, Emilie Modaff and Melanie Vitaterna.

Kokandy Productions is proud to present the Chicago premiere of the bold new musical Hundred Days, featuring music and lyrics by The Bengsons, and book by The Bengsons and Sarah Gancher. After the pandemic forced the original Kokandy run to close on opening night, Hundred Days returns to make its Chicago debut, having enjoyed successful runs at La Jolla Playhouse and New York Theatre Workshop, Hundred Days will be helmed by director Lucky Stiff with music direction by Matthew Muñiz and choreography by Collin Quinn Rice. Hundred Days will playNovember 7, 2021 – January 9, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, or in person at The Chopin Theatre box office. The press opening is Monday, November 15 at 8 pm.

 

Please note: Kokandy Productions will require proof of vaccination and masking at all performance.

 

The cast is led by Emilie Modaff as Abigail Bengson with Royen Kent and Alec Phan alternating in the role of Shaun Bengson, with Grace Bobber, David Gordon-Johnson, Lucas “Looch” Johnson, Brennan Urbi and Melanie Vitaterna. 

Hundred Days is an uncensored, exhilarating and heartrending true story about embracing uncertainty, taking a leap and loving as if you only had 100 days to live. With magnetic chemistry and anthemic folk-punk music, creators Abigail and Shaun Bengson explore a fundamental question: how do we make the most of the time that we have?

 A New York Times Critics’ Pick, Hundred Days was hailed as “a luminous musical memoir that celebrates and laments the elusive radiance of a shared life.” New York Magazine called the show “a series of ecstatic songs that make the case for living and loving. Hundred Days shines a light in the darkness. There’s something about that way of moving through the world – chest up, heart open, irony pushed firmly aside – that feels downright daring right now.”

Comments Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, “Hundred Days is a celebration of life. The communal, ritualistic aspects of the show will invite us all to come together, to rejoin the living, and to be human again. It’s an invitation, a celebration, a well-earned reunion – closing the circle on a very trying time. The energy, the humor, the love and the care innate in the show are what I want to share with our audience.”

The production team includes Jackie Fox (scenic and original lighting design), Virginia Varland (original costume design), Mike J. Patrick (sound design), Patrick O'Brien (sound design, engineer), Noah Watkins(associate director), Abby Teel (stage manager), Irena Hadzi Dordevic (associate scenic designer),Nicholas Reinhart (production manager), Henry Muller (lighting design), Scot Kokandy (executive producer) and Derek Van Barham (producing artistic director). 

Cast (in alphabetical order): Grace Bobber (ensemble) David Gordon-Johnson (ensemble), Lucas Looch Johnson (ensemble), Royen Kent (Shaun Bengson, Saturdays & Sundays), Emilie Modaff (Abigail Bengson), Alec Phan (Shaun Bengson, Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays), Brennan Urbi (ensemble) and Melanie Vitaterna (ensemble).

Location: The Chopin Theater, 1543 W Division St. in Chicago

Dates: Previews: Sunday, November 7 at 5 pm, Monday, November 8 at 8 pm, Friday, November 12 at 8 pm, Saturday, November 13 at 8 pm and Sunday, November 14 at 5 pm

Press performance: Monday, November 15 at 8 pm

Regular run: Thursday, November 18, 2021 – Sunday, January 9, 2022

Curtain Times: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 5 pm.

Tickets: Previews $25. Regular run $38. Students/senior $30. There will be a limited number of $15 tickets available for students and artists for each performance. Tickets are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, or in person at the Chopin Theatre box office.

About the Artists

The Bengsons (Book, Music, and Lyrics) have appeared at such venues as Joe’s Pub (NYC), MASS MoCA (North Adams, MA) and the Market Theater (Johannesburg, South Africa). Their music has been featured onSo You Think You Can Dance (FOX) and in The Lucky Ones (Ars Nova); Anything that Gives Off Light (National Theatre of Scotland/The Team); Sundown, Yellow Moon (Ars Nova/WP); Hurricane Diane(NYTW/WP, Two River Theatre); you’ll still call me by name (New York Live Arts, Jacob’s Pillow) andIphigenia in Aulis (Classic Stage Company). They have been nominated for the Drama Desk, Drama League and Lucille Lortel Awards. Abigail Nessen Bengson has toured as a member of tUnE-yArDs, including an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

Sarah Gancher’s (Book) writing has been seen on such stages as London’s National Theatre, Edinburgh’s Traverse Theatre, The Public Theater, New York Theatre Workshop, Steppenwolf, Seattle Rep, Hartford Stage, RoundHouse, Ars Nova and The Flea. Honors include New York Stage and Film Founder’s Award, Edgerton Foundation New Play Award, AR Gurney Prize, Lortel and Drama League nominations. With The Bengsons, she also wrote The Lucky Ones. co-writer of The TEAM’s Mission Drift (Edinburgh International Festival Fringe Prize, Scotsman Fringe First, Herald Angel; international tour to Europe, Asia and Australia). Alumna: P73, Playwrights Realm Writing Fellows, Women’s Project Lab and Ars Nova Play Group. Resident playwright at New Dramatists. M.F.A.: NYU.

Lucky Stiff (Director) is a director and performer working in Chicago and New York. They build original experiences that often combine nightclub culture with performance art as well as classic stories, and their work takes inspiration from Weimar, Germany, Pierrot clowns and golden age musicals. They have been featured at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Disco Dining Club (Los Angeles), Boy Friday Dance Company and Bushwig Festival of Drag, among many others. They are a co-producer of the monthly shows GODDESS at Berlin Nightclub and Delirium: A Bohemian CabaRave at The Newport Theater, and they are a cohost of The Tea Podcast. They hold an MFA in Directing for Theater from Northwestern University.

Matthew Muñiz (Music Director) is a pianist, composer, songwriter and teacher. He's a company member with The House Theatre of Chicago, where his music direction and performance credits include The Nutcracker (2010-2018), Verböten (2020), United Flight 232 (2016), The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz (2017) and Hatfield & McCoy (2018). As a composer, he most recently created music for The House Theatre’s production of Pinocchio (2019). His work has appeared in two short films and in one feature-length zombie horror flick, and in plays and podcasts. In 2013, he produced and released a full-length album of his songs with his band, The Live Debate! (available on all streaming services). His music can be heard in The Last Defender, an Escape created with Cards Against Humanity, and in the upcoming Escape, Nova to Lodestar. When Matthew isn’t making music, he’s probably making (or playing) games himself.www.matthewmunizmusic.com

Collin Quinn Rice (Choreographer) is a queer actor, dancer and multi-media artist based in Chicago. Recent movement credits include The Hilary Duff Project (2017 & 2020); The Dog, The Night, and The Knife; Disco Pigs (Silencio); and Big Love (Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts). They were most recently seen as an actor in The Tasters (Rivendell), All Quiet on the Western Front (Red Tape Theatre), Mike Pence Sex Dream (First Floor Theater), The Harvest (Griffin Theatre Co.), Hatfield & McCoy (The House), Le Switch (About Face Theatre), Masque Macabre (Strawdog Theatre Company), Going to a Place… (Redtwist Theatre) and The Ode at Pint's End (Birch House Immersive). Film credits include The Right Swipe and The Play Cycle. Collin is a graduate of Northwestern University, and they are represented by Big Mouth Talent. Collin also moonlights as a headshot photographer – their comprehensive work can be found at www.collinquinnrice.com.

About Kokandy Productions

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

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

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com.

REVIEW: Kokandy Productions Head Over Heels Now Extended through September 8, 2019 at Theater Wit

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Kokandy Productions Presents the Chicago Premiere of Hit Musical

HEAD OVER HEELS

Songs by The Go-Go’s

Based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney

Conceived & Original Book by Jeff Whitty

Adapted by James Magruder

Co-Directed by Derek Van Barham & Elizabeth Swanson

Music Direction by Kyra Leigh

Choreography by Breon Arzell

(left to right) Roy Samra, Caitlyn Cerza, Marco Tzunux, Jeremiah Alsop, Tiffany T. Taylor, Deanalís Resto, Caitlin Dobbins, Bridget Adams-King and Britain Gebhardt in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

EXTENDED!

Extended through September 8, 2019 

at Theater Wit

 Two added weeks of performances!

Review

by bonnie kenaz-mara

When I walked into HEAD OVER HEELS, 80's music blared amid colored lights, and the audience was already singing along, dancing in their seats and grinning in anticipation. The festive, party atmosphere was palpable and the good vibes were contagious. With catchy, familiar songs by The Go-Go’s and a surreal plot based on a prose romance work from the 16th century, HEAD OVER HEELS is a visual feast and hella fun. This convoluted and far fetched plot could have easily devolved into campy chaos, but Kokandy's delightfully diverse cast keeps the audience enthralled as they bring this tale to life on stage. Parker Guidry is a particular standout. They have charisma and stage presence to spare and they're one to watch. I've seen Parker in other productions, and this kid is going places. Liz Norton and Jeremiah Alsop were also a delight to see in action.

(left to right) Parker Guidry, Caitlyn Cerza and Jeremiah Alsop in Kokandy Productions’Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

(front, l to r) Liz Norton, Jeremiah Alsop and Caitlyn Cerza with (back, l to r) Frankie Leo Bennett, Shane Roberie, Kaimana Neil, Marco Tzunux, Tiffany T. Taylor and Roy Samra in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Kudos to Kokandy for pushing the boundaries with a compelling range of ethnicities, ages, genders, shapes and sizes in this talented cast.

(front right) Liz Norton with the cast of Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Breon Arzell killed it with the choreography. And though the costumes, props and set are shoestring chic, with a solid thrift store aesthetic, they don't detract from this imaginative and highly entertaining romp. 

(center) Parker Guidry and the cast of in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

HEAD OVER HEELS is one of summer's must see shows. Don't miss this! Extended and highly recommended. 


Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she has published frequently since 2008: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

(left to right) Bridget Adams-King, Deanalís Resto, Shane Roberie and Parker Guidry inKokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Kokandy Productions is pleased to present the Chicago premiere of the bold new musical comedy HEAD OVER HEELS, featuring songs by The Go-Go’s, based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney, conceived and original book by Jeff Whitty and adapted by James Magruder. Making its Chicago debut just six months after concluding its Broadway run, HEAD OVER HEELS is co-directed by Kokandy’s new Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham (he/him/his) and Elizabeth Swanson (she/her/hers/they/them/theirs), with music direction by Kyra Leigh (she/her/hers) and choreography by Breon Arzell (he/him/his). HEAD OVER HEELS will play July 1 – August 25, 2019 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office.

The cast includes Bridget Adams-King (she/her/hers), Jeremiah Alsop (he/him/his), Emily Barnash(she/her/hers), Frankie Leo Bennett (he/him/his), Caitlyn Cerza (she/her/hers), Caitlin Dobbins (she/her/hers), Britain Gebhardt (she/her/hers), Connor Giles (he/him/his), Parker Guidry (they/them/theirs), Kaimana Neil(he/him/his), Liz Norton (she/her/hers), Deanalís Resto (she/her/hers/they/them/theirs), Shane Roberie (he/him/his), Roy Samra (he/him/his), Tiffany T. Taylor (she/her/hers) and Marco Tzunux (he/him/his)

Swings:Courtney Dane Mize (she/her/hers) and Patrick O’Keefe (he/him/his).

(front left) Liz Norton with the cast of Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

From the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, HEAD OVER HEELS is a laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, featuring the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.”

A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, HEAD OVER HEELS follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction – only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

Comments Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, “A celebratory pop musical about self-love and acceptance? I can’t imagine a better way to spend the summer!  Whether you’re looking for escape or sanctuary, the world of Head Over Heels has something for everyone. There’s a universal journey of self-discovery at the pulse of this show, and I am so proud to be able to share it with Chicago!”

The production team includes Chris Rhoton (scenic design), Uriel Gomez (costume design) G. “Max” Maxin IV(lighting design), Mike Patrick (sound design) Adam Borchers (props design), Sarah Scanlon (intimacy design),Kate Booth (fight choreography), Nicholas Reinhart (production manager), Johnnie Schleyer (technical director),Abby Letscher (master electrician), Patrick O’Brien (sound engineer), Emily Boyd (scenic painter), Hannah Cremin (stage manager) and Rachel Caffey (assistant stage manager).

Location: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago
Dates: Previews: Monday, July 1 at 7 pm, Tuesday, July 2 at 7 pm, Wednesday, July 3 at 7 pm and Friday, July 5 at 8 pm
Press performance: Saturday, July 6 at 8 pm
Regular run: Sunday, July 7 – Sunday, August 25, 2019
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Saturday, July 27 at 3 pm, Wednesday, July 31 at 8 pm, Saturday, August 10 at 3 pm, Wednesday, August 14 at 8 pm, Wednesday, August 21 at 8pm and Saturday, August 24 at 3 pm.
Tickets: Previews $25. Regular run $40. Students/seniors $35. Tickets are available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office.

Rush tickets: Kokandy Productions will partner with TodayTix to offer $15 mobile Rush tickets beginning at 9 am each performance day. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis exclusively through the TodayTix app.

(left to right) Caitlyn Cerza, Tiffany T. Taylor, Bridget Adams-King, Kaimana Neil, Liz Norton, Shane Roberie, Marco Tzunux and Frankie Leo Bennett in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

About the Artists

Derek Van Barham (Co-Director) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays. For PFP, he directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and (co-directing) PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert. Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier and BITE (PFP), all Black Button Eyes productions, and Salonathon. Other directing credits includeThe View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Boho) and Miracle! by Dan Savage and Skooby Don't! (Hell in a Handbag). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing Chicago's LGBTQ+ community.

Elizabeth Swanson (Co-Director) is a Chicago-based theater director. Recent credits include I Know My Own Heart (Pride Films & Plays), Hildegard: A New Musical (With a Machete Productions), Where All the White Sneakers At? (Second City) and Lungs (Granary Theatre, Cork, Ireland). Assistant directing credits include Fun Home (Victory Gardens Theater), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) and Vardo for the Dublin Theatre Festival (Anu Productions). Elizabeth has also directed for Stage 773’s Artists Lab, as well as festival shows and readings with About Face Theater, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago Theater Marathon, The New Colony and Waltzing Mechanics, among others. Elizabeth holds an MFA from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at the University of Dublin. elizabethswansondirector.com

Kyra Leigh (Music Director) is active as both a musician and actor. She’s composed and performed for the prestigious Stewart Ostrow Musical Theatre Lab, Prop Thtr, and released a full length album, “Transfigure.” She’s acted with the Jeff Award-winning Theo Ubique, The National Pastime Theatre, and is making her debut with Pride Films & Plays. She’s performed as a solo artist at venues such at Mary's Attic, Park West, The Abbey Pub and Davenport’s. She also directs shows at the Chicago School of Rock and is an active church musician with North Shore Baptist. She is a passionate advocate for trans visibility in the worlds of pop music, classical music and theatre. She is currently represented by DDO Artists.

Breon Arzell (Choreographer) Most commonly known as an actor, Arzell's breakout, and award-winning, premiere as a Chicago choreographer came with Oracle Productions' The Hairy Ape. The Detroit native received his first training while at Miami University. In Chicago, he has worked as a dancer, choreographer and instructor at Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Porchlight Music Theatre, Vagabond School and The Goodman Theatre (for their Musical Theater Program). Developing his own style of dance (hip-hop, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary and body percussion) and storytelling, movement credits include: We Are Proud to Present (Steppenwolf Theatre), Poseidon!(Hell in a Handbag), The Total Bent (Haven Theatre/About Face), Rightlynd, The House That Will Not Stand(Victory Gardens Theater), Night Runner, Wig Out (DePaul University); Julius Caesar (Writers Theatre), Marie Christine  (BoHo Theatre), The Wiz  (Kokandy), Scottsboro Boys (Porchlight Music Theatre), and more. His talents have allowed him to work all across the U.S., Canada, England, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Singapore and Malaysia.

(left to right) Bridget Adams-King and Caitlyn Cerza in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

About Kokandy Productions

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

The company's artistic staff is comprised of Derek Van Barham (Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer), Adrian Abel Azevedo (Artistic Associate) and Leda Hoffmann (Artistic Associate).

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com.

(left to right) Bridget Adams-King, Deanalís Resto, Jeremiah Alsop and Caitlyn Cerza in Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

SAVE THE DATES: Chicago Premiere of Head Over Heels Via Kokandy Productions July 1 – August 25, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Kokandy Productions Announces the Chicago Premiere of

HEAD OVER HEELS

Songs by The Go-Go’s

 The creative team for Kokandy Productions’ Chicago premiere of HEAD OVER HEELS includes (left to right) Co-Directors Derek Van Barham and Elizabeth Swanson, music director Kyra Leigh and choreographer Breon Arzell.

Based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney

Conceived & Original Book by Jeff Whitty

Adapted by James Magruder

Co-Directed by Derek Van Barham & Elizabeth Swanson

Music Direction by Kyra Leigh

Choreography by Breon Arzell

July 1 – August 25, 2019 
at Theater Wit

Kokandy Productions is pleased to announce the Chicago premiere of
the bold new musical comedy HEAD OVER HEELS, featuring songs by The Go-Go’s, based on The Arcadia by Sir Phillip Sidney, conceived and original book by Jeff Whitty and adapted by James Magruder. Making its Chicago debut just six months after concluding its Broadway run, HEAD OVER HEELS is co-directed by Kokandy’s new Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham and Elizabeth Swanson, with music direction by Kyra Leigh and choreography by Breon Arzell. Casting will be announced shortly. 

HEAD OVER HEELS will play July 1 – August 25, 2019 at Theater Wit,
1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office. I'll be out for the press opening July 6th, so check back shortly after for my full review.

From the visionaries that rocked Broadway with Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Avenue Q and Spring Awakening, HEAD OVER HEELS is a laugh-out-loud love story is set to the music of the iconic 1980’s all-female rock band The Go-Go’s, featuring the hit songs, “We Got the Beat,” “Our Lips Are Sealed,” “Vacation,” Belinda Carlisle’s “Heaven is a Place on Earth” and “Mad About You.” A hilarious, exuberant celebration of love, HEAD OVER HEELS follows the escapades of a royal family on an outrageous journey to save their beloved kingdom from extinction – only to discover the key to their realm’s survival lies within each of their own hearts.

Comments Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, “A celebratory pop musical about self-love and acceptance? I can’t imagine a better way to spend the summer!  Whether you’re looking for escape or sanctuary, the world of Head Over Heels has something for everyone. There’s a universal journey of self-discovery at the pulse of this show, and I am so proud to be able to share it with Chicago!”

Board President Scot Kokandy comments, “I also wanted to take this opportunity to share some updates to our staff and board. In January, we welcomed new board member Katherine Smith to fill the vacancy that occurred due to the passing of Gitta Jacobs. We know Gitta will always be with us in
spirit cheering us on and we thank her for her wisdom and guidance while working with us. Nik Whitcomb has left as one of our Artistic Associate – we wish him well on all his artistic endeavors. Lastly, founding member John D. Glover retired from the organization last year and I want to acknowledge his contributions. Not only did John contribute to the artistic formation and ongoing
vision of the company by directing sixs shows over six years, but he made significant contributions financially, both personally and through his fundraising efforts. If it wasn’t for John’s efforts and support early on, the company wouldn’t be here today.”

Location: Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago
Dates: Previews: Monday, July 1 at 7 pm, Tuesday, July 2 at 7 pm, Wednesday, July 3 at 7 pm and Friday, July 5 at 8 pm
Press performance: Saturday, July 6 at 8 pm
Regular run: Sunday, July 7 – Sunday, August 25, 2019

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Saturday, July 27 at 3 pm, Saturday, August 10 at 3 pm and Saturday,
August 24 at 3 pm.

Tickets: Previews $25. Regular run $40. Students/seniors $35. Tickets are available at www.kokandyproductions.com, by calling (773) 975-8150 or in person at the Theater Wit Box Office.

About the Artists
Derek Van Barham (Co-Director) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. He previously served as Associate Artistic Director of Pride Films & Plays. For PFP, he directed Perfect Arrangement, Angry Fags (Steppenwolf Garage), Songs from an Unmade Bed (Jeff nomination), and (co-directing) PRISCILLA, Queen of the Desert. Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier and BITE (PFP), all Black Button Eyes productions, and Salonathon. Other directing credits include The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Boho) and Miracle! by Dan Savage and Skooby Don't! (Hell in a Handbag). He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing Chicago's LGBTQ+ community.

Elizabeth Swanson (Co-Director) is a Chicago-based theater director. Recent credits include I Know My Own Heart (Pride Films & Plays), Hildegard: A New Musical (With a Machete Productions), Where All the White Sneakers At? (Second City) and Lungs (Granary Theatre, Cork, Ireland). Assistant directing credits include Fun Home (Victory Gardens Theater), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Chicago Shakespeare Theater) and Vardo for the Dublin Theatre Festival (Anu Productions). Elizabeth has also directed for Stage 773’s Artists Lab, as well as festival shows and readings with About Face Theater, Chicago Dramatists, Chicago Theater Marathon, The New Colony and Waltzing Mechanics,
among others. Elizabeth holds an MFA from the Lir National Academy of Dramatic Arts at the University of Dublin. elizabethswansondirector.com
Kyra Leigh (Music Director, she/her/hers) is active as both a musician and actor. She’s composed and performed for the prestigious Stewart Ostrow Musical Theatre Lab, Prop Thtr, and released a full length album, “Transfigure.” She’s acted with the Jeff Award-winning Theo Ubique, The National Pastime Theatre, and is making her debut with Pride Films & Plays. She’s performed as a solo artist at venues such at Mary's Attic, Park West, The Abbey Pub and Davenport’s. She also directs shows at the Chicago School of Rock and is an active church musician with North Shore Baptist. She is a passionate advocate for trans visibility in the worlds of pop music, classical music and theatre. She is
currently represented by DDO Artists.

Breon Arzell (Choreographer) Most commonly known as an actor, Arzell's breakout, and award-winning, premiere as a Chicago choreographer came with Oracle Productions' The Hairy Ape. The Detroit native received his first training while at Miami University. In Chicago, he has worked as a dancer, choreographer and instructor at Joel Hall Dancers & Center, Porchlight Music Theatre, Vagabond School and The Goodman Theatre (for their Musical Theater Program). Developing his own style of dance (hip-hop, jazz, modern, lyrical, contemporary and body percussion) and storytelling, movement credits include: We Are Proud to Present (Steppenwolf Theatre), Poseidon! (Hell in a Handbag), The Total Bent (Haven Theatre/About Face), Rightlynd, The House That Will Not Stand (Victory Gardens Theater), Night Runner, Wig Out (DePaul University); Julius Caesar (Writers Theatre), Marie Christine  (BoHo Theatre), The Wiz  (Kokandy), Scottsboro Boys (Porchlight Music Theatre), and more. His talents have allowed him to work all across the U.S., Canada, England, Italy,
Germany, Denmark, Singapore and Malaysia.

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

The company's artistic staff is comprised of John D. Glover (Artistic Producer), Allison Hendrix
(Producing Artistic Director), Scot T. Kokandy (Executive Producer) and Kory Danielson (Resident
Music Director).

For additional information, visit www.kokandyproductions.com.