Pages

Showing posts with label Lookingglass Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lookingglass Theatre. Show all posts

Monday, March 16, 2015

OPENING: LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE MIDWEST PREMIERE OF TITLE AND DEED

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar 
This Week:

TITLE AND DEED
BY WILL ENO
FEATURING MICHAEL PATRICK THORNTON

ChiIL Live Shows will be there for the press opening this Saturday, so check back soon for our full review. Continuing its 27th Season, Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the Midwest Premiere of Title and Deed, by Will Eno and directed by Marti Lyons. Title and Deed runs March 18 – May 3, 2015 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.Tickets can be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org.  



One man’s circuitous journey finds universal resonance in this compelling new travelogue by Pulitzer finalist Will Eno (Broadway’s The Realistic Joneses). Eno – hailed as the Samuel Beckett of the Jon Stewart generation – crafts a solo work that is both whimsical and lyrical, speaking directly to each of us. Title and Deed is a meditation on life, language, endless hope and our perennial search for home.

Chicago’s own Jeff Award winner Michael Patrick Thornton takes center stage, engaging us and posing soul-baring questions in what promises to be a most illuminating dialogue.

Title and Deed features Michael Patrick Thornton. The creative team for Title and Deed includes Ensemble Members Dan Ostling (scenic and lighting design) and Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Production Affiliate Andre Pluess (sound design), Mieka van der Ploeg (props), John Tovar (movement consultant) and Sara Gammage (stage manager).

About the Artists
Will Eno (Playwright) is a Residency Five Fellow at the Signature Theatre in New York, which presented Title and Deed in 2012, and The Open House, in 2014. His play The Realistic Joneses was on Broadway in 2014 and was named “Best Play on Broadway,” topped the The Guardian’s 2014 list of American plays, and was included in The N.Y. Times’ “Best Theatre of 2014.” Title and Deed was on The N.Y. Times and The New Yorker magazine’s Top Ten Plays of 2012. The Open House won the 2014 Obie Award, the Lortel Award, and a Drama Desk Award, and was included in both the Time Out New York and Time Magazine Top 10 Plays of the Year. His play Gnit, a loving but aggressive adaptation of Peer Gynt, premiered at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville in 2013. Middletown, winner of the Horton Foote Award, premiered at the Vineyard Theatre and subsequently at Steppenwolf Theater and many other American Theaters. His play Thom Pain (based on nothing) was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and has been translated into a dozen languages. He was recently awarded the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation Award.

Marti Lyons (Director) recently directed a reading of Dana Lynn Formby’s American Beauty Shop at Steppenwolf and a reading of Ike Holter’s Prowess at the Goodman Theatre where she received the 2015 Maggio directing fellowship. She also recently directed Laura Marks’ Bethany and Mine for The Gift Theatre, Catherine Trieschmann’s Hot Georgia Sunday and Theresa Rebeck’s Seminar for Haven Theatre, 9 Circles by Bill Cain, Maria/Stuart by Jason Grote, and co-directed The Golden Dragon for Sideshow Theatre, and The Peacock by Calamity West and The Last Duck by Lucas Neff for Jackalope Theatre. Next she will direct Will Nedved’s Body and Blood at the Gift Theatre.

Michael Patrick Thornton (Traveler) Co-founding Artistic Director of The Gift Theatre, Michael was recently seen in Colossal (Olney Theatre), Othello (The Gift), and in Our Town (Actors Theatre of Louisville) directed by Les Waters who directed Mike in Will Eno’s Middletown (Steppenwolf) which featured Molly Glynn, who is no longer with us. At The Gift, Michael directed Will’s Oh, the Humanity & appeared in Will’s Brief Study of An Endless Thing. Years ago, Michael won the Jeff Award for Solo Performance and gave it to his mom and dad.

Dates:              Previews:                    March 18 – 27, 2015
                        Press opening:            Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 7:30 PM
                        Regular run:                March 29 – May 3, 2015

TimesWednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 19 and 26; April 2 and 16)
7:30 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 21 and 28)
7:30 p.m. (except March 28)
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 29)
7:30 p.m. (except March 22 and 29; April 12 and 26)

Accessible
Performances: Touch tour/Audio described performance, April 26, 2015 at 3pm;
Open captioned performance, April 19, 2015 at 3pm. Partial support for open captioning provided by Theatre Development Fund.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Previews are $25 - $40
Regular Run is $40 - $60
                                   
A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.
Groups of 10 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

Box Office: Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
or by phone at (312) 337-0665
The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,
821 N. Michigan Ave.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  Now in its 27th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 62 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.


Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle and President John McGowan of CTC | myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group). For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

JUST ANNOUNCED! Lookingglass begins its 2015-2016 Season with Mary Zimmerman's Treasure Island

Here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows, we are long time admirers of Mary Zimmerman's work and can't wait to see her new collaboration with another top favorite of ours, Lookingglass Theatre. Save the dates! We've got this one on the October calendar already. Book your tickets as soon as possible.This classic is sure to be in demand! We can't wait to see this one come to fruition.


LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY WILL OPEN
2015-2016 SEASON WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATION OF
TREASURE ISLAND
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY MARY ZIMMERMAN
FROM THE NOVEL BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE

Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers a dreaded Black Spot to an aging sea captain, plunging an innkeeper’s son into a desperate race for buried treasure armed with only his wits against a dastardly crew of cutthroat pirates.

Set sail with young Jim Hawkins, the larger-than-life Long John Silver and a crew of swashbuckling rogues, as Treasure Island explodes like a cannon ball onto the stage regaling thrill-seekers of all ages with a story both epic and intimate, hilarious and harrowing.

Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses) returns to helm this glorious adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s most beloved work.


Lookingglass Theatre Company will open its 2015-2016 season with the World Premiere adaptation of Treasure Island, adapted and directed by Mary Zimmerman from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Treasure Island runs October 10, 2015 – January 17, 2016 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The production will premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in spring 2016. Tickets for Treasure Island are available as part of a Lookingglass 2015-2016 season subscription package. Subscriptions go on sale Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 12:00 pm, and may be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org. Single tickets to Treasure Island go on sale to the general public on August 12, 2015. The remaining productions in Lookingglass’ 2015-2016 season will be announced at a later date.

““The prospect of getting back into the rehearsal room with Mary as she creates a brand new piece of theater is just so exciting for all of us at Lookingglass," notes Artistic Director Andrew White, "We couldn't be more thrilled to bring her next world premiere to life, and we know she will cut a glorious swath through Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of terrifying pirates, hilarious seafarers, and one incredibly brave young man. This play will be a great, swashbuckling excursion for our audiences who have come to love going on a new adventure every time they enter our doors.”

Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers a dreaded Black Spot to an aging sea captain, plunging an innkeeper’s son into a desperate race for buried treasure armed with only his wits against a dastardly crew of cutthroat pirates.

Set sail with young Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and a crew of swashbuckling rogues, as Treasure Island explodes like a cannon ball onto the stage regaling thrill-seekers of all ages with a story both epic and intimate, hilarious and harrowing.

Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, Arabian Nights) returns to Lookingglass to helm this glorious adaptation.

*This swashbuckling adventure is recommended for pirates and seafarers age 10 and up.*

Dates: Previews: October 7 – October 16, 2015
Regular run: October 18, 2015 – January 17, 2016
TimesWednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Sundays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Previews are $35 - $45
Regular Run is $55 - $85
                                   
A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.
Groups of 10 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

Box Office: Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
or by phone at (312) 337-0665
The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,
821 N. Michigan Ave.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  Now in its 27th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 62 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle and President John McGowan of CTC | myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group). For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

ACT OUT EXTENDED: Rick Bayless in Cascabel: DINNER – DARING – DESIRE Now Through 8/31 #OriginalVideo #PhotoRecap

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE, FRONTERA GRILL,
AND SILVERGUY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT THE RETURN OF

RICK BAYLESS IN CASCABEL
DINNER – DARING – DESIRE
WITH NEW MENU ELEMENTS IN A NEW VENUE
In the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre
July 30 – August 31, 2014

**DUE TO DEMAND, CASCABEL IS EXTENDED THOUGH AUGUST 31, 2014
NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS ON SALE JULY 30!**

ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows were elated to be included in a private press breakfast at Frontera Grill with Co-Creators Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill) and Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, Hard Times) & flamenco dancer extraordinaire, Chiara Mangiameli when the Cascabel remount was first announced way back in October. We've been raving about what's sure to be the event of the season ever since.  We can't wait to see it! Check back early and often for our original content, video interviews, reviews, photos and more.





ChiIL Live Shows' 
Rick Bayless Expounds on 

The Cascabel Remount




October: Rick Bayless, celebrity chef/owner Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO Chicago and Heidi Stillman, Lookingglass Ensemble Member  and  Artistic Director of New Work announce the return of an extraordinary culinary and theatrical event at a special food-infused press conference held at Frontera Grill. Guests were treated to a sneak peak at the event while enjoying enchanting acts and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Frontera Grill.  

Check out our full set of stills from the press conference here: 

Favorites are embedded below.


Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment announce an extension to the wildly popular return of Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner – Daring – Desire, the unforgettable theatrical adventure featuring a sumptuous feast, world-class circus acts, and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless that had Chicago audiences spellbound when it premiered in spring 2012. The extremely limited engagement is co-created by Rick Bayless, Lookingglass Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, The Brothers Karamazov, Hard Times), and Artistic Associate and founder of Silverguy Entertainment Tony Hernandez (Hephaestus, Lookingglass Alice). 



Cascabel runs at the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, now playing July 30 –August 31, 2014. 
Cascabel will feature the return of Rick Bayless in the role of Cook; Lookingglass Artistic Associate Tony Hernandez on the high wire as the Houseboy; Chiara Mangiameli as Señora of the Boardinghouse Cascabel; Lookingglass Ensemble Member Thomas J. Cox as Suitor and Artistic Associate Lindsey Noel Whiting as Daughter. Carlo Basile returns as Musician, with new cast members Heloise Bourgeois (Solitary Traveler), Genevieve Drolet (Bathing Chica), William Underwood (Solitary Traveler), Daniel Passer (Gardener), Lauren Katz (Gardener’s Wife), and J. Salome Martinez (Maitre d').


Cascabel's Coming:
This one-of-a-kind experience played to sold out houses in 2012 and had the Chicago Tribune exclaiming, “there’s nothing even remotely like it in Chicago!”  Now the unforgettable theatrical adventure is back for a limited engagement with a new menu, new circus elements, and at a new venue. Cascabel is sensory dining unlike anything you’ve ever experienced: it’s a sumptuous gourmet Mexican feast, world-class circus acts, exhilarating flamenco, hilarious comedy and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless.






Cascabel audiences will join the guests of the boardinghouse Cascabel at their courtyard table where they will enjoy the same meal the Chef is preparing for the boarding house residents. From his meager kitchen, the mysterious new cook conjures an enchanting cuisine, which seems to give those who eat it fantastic and magical abilities. But he is singularly focused on the proprietress of the house, a melancholy woman with no interest in his food, who barely ever leaves her room. Will she ever try a bite? And what will happen if she does?

Lookingglass season subscriptions and tickets to Rick Bayless in Cascabel are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays.  The lobby opens at 7:00pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, and at 5:00pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $215. Each ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, and wine and beer selected by Chef Bayless.  Prices may increase, based on demand. Information on wine pairings, food allergies and dietary restrictions is available at lookingglasstheatre.org/cascabel.



Lookingglass Artistic Director Andy White comments, "Cascabel really redefined what an evening at the theater could be.  This is an elemental fusion of gourmet dining, thrilling circus spectacle, and a hilarious and joyous evening of theater.  The 2012 production caught fire and sold out immediately, and we have little doubt that this production at the Goodman will be even more enthralling, breathtaking, and delicious."


Rick Bayless adds, “We had such a great time during the first production of Cascabel, a show that brings together a passion for dining, theatrical storytelling and circus.  These complementary elements will continue to give audiences an experience like never before.  I look forward to further collaboration with Lookingglass and Silverguy Entertainment as we share this thrilling experience—maybe even with a few new surprises.”

The Presenting Sponsors of Cascabel are Hillshire Brands, KPMG and PNC Bank.  In-Kind Sponsors of Cascabel include Badoit, Evian, Herraduna, Negra Modelo and Turlato Wines.

Season subscriptions and tickets to Rick Bayless in Cascabel are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.


Co-created by:  Rick Bayless, Tony Hernandez and Heidi Stillman
Co-directed by:  Tony Hernandez and Heidi Stillman

Dates:                               Previews:                     July 30 – August 1, 2014
                                   
                                    Run:                            August 2 – 31, 2014
Times:                          Tuesdays:                    7:00 p.m.
                                    Wednesdays:                7:00 p.m.
                                    Thursdays:                   7:00 p.m.
                                    Fridays:                        7:00 p.m.
                                    Saturdays:                    7:00 p.m.
                                    Sundays:                      5:00 p.m.

Location:          Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn
Prices:             Tickets are $215-$375
Box Office:       Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
or by phone at (312) 337-0665
The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,
821 N. Michigan Ave.

Information on wine pairings, food allergies and dietary restrictions is available at lookingglasstheatre.org/cascabel.


About the Artists:
Rick Bayless (Co-Creator/Cook) Most people know him from his highly rated on-going public television series "Mexico - One Plate at a Time" and from his seven cookbooks. His side-by-side award-winning restaurants in Chicago were founded in 1987: the casual Frontera Grill and the 4-star Topolobampo.  In 2007, Frontera Grill won for Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Organization.  His award-winning Frontera line of salsas, grilling sauces and organic chips can be found coast to coast. Rick Bayless has won James Beard awards for Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year. "Mexico-One Plate at a Time" is currently in its ninth season on PBS and Rick’s book Mexican Everyday was nominated for a James Beard Award. XOCO, Rick's latest restaurant, is LEED certified and is known for house-ground chocolate. He was also recently crowned Bravo’s Top Chef Master. Rick’s seventh book, Fiesta at Rick’s spent the summer of 2011 on the New York Times Best Seller list. He has a total of eight cookbooks.

Tony Hernandez (Co-Creator/Artistic Associate/Houseboy) currently lives in New York where he serves as the Circus Artistic Director and Coach for the multi Tony award hit Pippin the Musical on Broadway in NYC. Tony recently finished performing over 1200 shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for their production Absinthe, where he wrote and created the final highwire act. Tony appeared in Anna Shapiro's Up at Steppenwolf, and is an Artistic Associate at Lookingglass where he has acted in numerous shows including Lookingglass Alice, Argonautica, Hard Times and others including Hephaestus, which he created, co-produced/wrote/directed and played the title role. Tony originated the role of Benito in Cascabel, which he also produced and co wrote/directed in 2012.

Heidi Stillman (Co-Creator/Artistic Director of New Work/Ensemble Member) most recently adapted and directed The North China Lover. She has both written and directed for Lookingglass: Cascabel, in collaboration with Tony Hernandez and Rick Bayless; Hephaestus, in collaboration with Tony Hernandez; The Brothers Karamazov (2009 Raven award); Hard Times (5 Jeff awards including director, new work, and production; also produced at the Arden in Philadelphia); The Master and Margarita (Jeff nominated). Additional writing credits with Lookingglass: The Last Act of Lilka Kadison with Nicola Behrman, David Kersnar, Abbie Phillips and Andy White; The Old Curiosity Shop with Laura Eason and Raymond Fox (Jeff award for adaptation), and The Baron in the Trees with Larry DiStasi (Jeff nominated). Directing work with Lookingglass includes Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Trust, The Wooden Breeks, and Hillbilly Antigone. Heidi’s adaptation of The Book Thief premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre. Additionally, Heidi has staged Laura Eason’s Around the World in 80 Days at Kansas City Repertory, and Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights at Berkeley Repertory.

Carlo Basile (Musician) has a Master's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from NEIU and he has also studied Spanish flamenco guitar in Andalusia (Spain). He has visited more than 30 countries to gather musical materials, perform, teach and collaborate. Carlo has taught guitar workshops in Hanoi, Vietnam; Chang Mai, Thailand; and Cebu, Philippines. He has collaborated with musicians in Cuba, India, Senegal, Morocco and Bali, Indonesia. Carlo founded the Spanish guitar-influenced ensemble Las Guitarras de España (The Guitars of Spain), and his latest projects include a Spanish guitar Otis Redding tribute called "King of Soul" along with a world fusion ensemble based around his "Spanish Guitar Duo" (with guitarist, Diego Alonso). Carlo has co-produced and co-written music for 5 CDs and he most recently recorded some traditional Spanish melodies and rhythms on a new CD with some of these works being featured in Cascabel. Info at: www.carlobasileguitar.com

Heloise Bourgeois (Solitary Traveler) was introduced to acrobatics at the age of five. After getting a University diploma, her dreams of travelling led her into the world of circus. Three years at the National circus school of Montreal, Canada, made her a Hand to Hand flyer with Will Underwood. She performed around the world with The 7 Fingers from 2005 to 2012 in the shows Traces and Psy.  During this time, she was introduced to Chinese Pole, Hoop Diving, and aerials. Now she works as a pair with Will on the pole and in hand-to-hand.  The pair received 4 gold medals for their Chinese pole duo in the last 3 years in various festivals (Festival de Demain, Paris; Solycirco, Germany; Vaudreuil, Canada). Over the years of travel and performances, Heloise’s experiences and encounters led her to create a touching universe on the frontier of dance, theater and contemporary circus.

Thomas J. Cox (Suitor/Ensemble Member) is a founding ensemble member of Lookingglass, with whom he has done more than thirty productions including The Odyssey, The Jungle, West, The Master and Margarita, Algren in For Keeps and a Single Day, Winston in 1984, Old Curiosity Shop, The Great Fire, and Big Lake, Big City. He has been seen at Victory Gardens, Court, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Milwaukee Rep, and Northlight (including Outgoing Tide with John Mahoney and Rondi Reed, which also traveled to the Galway Arts Festival). He serves as the Master Teacher for Lookingglass’ Education and Community Programs, and he has been adjunct faculty at Northwestern and UIC. Film/TV: Since You've Been Gone (Miramax) and "Brotherhood" (Showtime).

Genevieve Drolet (Bathing Chica) has been working in the circus for twenty years. She specializes in handbalancing and aerial techniques. Between tours, travel and shows, she also found the time to write a few novels that were very well received by critics and the public. She now works as a freelancer, performing all over the world with major circus companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Éloize, The 7 Fingers of the Hand, and many others.

Lauren Katz (Gardener's Wife) returns to work with Lookingglass Theatre after having last been seen on its stage in Wants and Needs and Great Men of Science Nos. 21 & 22.  Chicago/NY credits include Up (Steppenwolf Theatre), When The Messenger is Hot (Steppenwolf Theatre/59E59th Street Theatre), Filmdome (Victory Gardens), SKL (Steppenwolf), ED (Remains Theatre).  TV credits include "Arrested Development," "Parks & Recreation," "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Film credits include “Highball,” “Kicking and Screaming,” “Mr. Jealousy,” “Rudy,” “Women in Trouble” and the upcoming “Confessions of a Teenage Mormon.” Lauren studied and taught at The Piven Theatre Workshop and received her BFA from DePaul University.

Chiara Mangiameli (Señora) A native Italian, Chiara Mangiameli is the artistic director of Studio Mangiameli and Boutique Flamenca in Chicago's Logan Square. She has lived and studied in Seville, Spain, studying flamenco under the guidance of some of the great dancers and singers of the Andalusian art form. Ms. Mangiameli is the co-founder of the music trio Idilio, with which she released her debut album in 2009, and has collaborated with some of Chicago's most critically acclaimed groups including Las Guitarras De España, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Chicago Sinfonietta and Fulcrum Point. A graduate of The Theater School at De Paul University, Ms. Mangiameli appeared in Mary Zimmerman's The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci and A Time of the Cuckoo at New York's Lincoln Center.

J. Salome Martinez (Maitre d') has appeared previously at the Lookingglass Theatre in Big Lake Big City. Other theater credits include How Long Will I Cry? (Steppenwolf Theatre); After (Profiles Theatre); As You Like It, Man of La Mancha, The Seagull (Constans Theatre); and A Christmas Carol (Hippodrome State Theatre). Some of his television and film credits include “Law & Order,” “Castle,” “Generation Kill” (HBO, Emmy Award), “New York, I Love You” and the Oscar Award-nominated film “The Messenger.” He received his BA in theatre from Barat College and his MFA in acting from the University of Florida.

Daniel Passer (Gardener) For the past 10 years, he has been a lead clown and comedy conceptor with Cirque du Soleil and Franco Dragone (Zarkana – Radio City Music Hall & World Tour, Banana Shpeel – Beacon Theatre,  Le Reve – Wynn Las Vegas).  He has made several Film/Television appearances – most recently, "Boychoir" directed by Francois Girard.  He has taught Clowning and Commedia at Harvard, CalArts, The Moscow Art Theatre and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  Daniel is a graduate of the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard and was the U.S. Representative to the International Commedia dell’Arte Festival in Italy.

William Underwood (Solitary Traveler) was born and raised in San Francisco, California.  He trained with Chinese acrobatics from an early age under master trainer Mr. Lu Yi at the San Francisco Circus Center.  He continued his training at the National Circus School in Montreal, and graduated in 2005 specializing in Hand to Hand with his partner Heloise Bourgeois.  He participated in the creation and performance of Traces, and Psy by the company “The 7 Fingers” over the period of 7 years.  In 2012, he created a duo Chines Pole act with Heloise, and began freelancing in cabarets, events, and festivals around the world.  They have received recognition internationally for their work on the Pole, including the gold medal in “Cirque de Demain” in Paris, the silver medal in Nikulin Festival in Moscow, and the silver medal in “Deidogei” festival in Japan.  William continues to perform, collaborate on new projects, and create new material in an effort to push his limits as a performer, and share his work.



Lindsey Noel Whiting (Daughter) Previous Lookingglass credits include The Great Fire, Icarus and Lookingglass Alice. Regionally, Lindsey has performed at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Alliance Theatre and Syracuse Stage. Chicago credits include: The Snow Queen (Victory Gardens); Once Upon A Time (or The Secret Language of Birds), The Golden Truffle, The Cabinet, and Sink, Sank, Sunk (Redmoon); as well as several circus at Actors Gymnasium. Lindsey is also a member of Barrel of Monkeys and performs with Mucca Pazza, a circus punk marching band.



About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Lookingglass Theatre Company is the recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. The company is home to a multi-disciplined collective of artists who create original, story-centered theatre through a physical and improvisational rehearsal process centered on ensemble. Now in its 26th Season, the company has staged more than sixty world premieres and garnered numerous awards. Lookingglass productions have toured to more than a dozen cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Louisville, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Lookingglass is located in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works on the Magnificent Mile.


About Frontera Grill
Frontera Grill was named “Outstanding Restaurant” by the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards. Frontera Grill uses beautiful ingredients to bring to you the bold flavors and immediate freshness that jump off the tongue just as it does in Mexico. Visit www.rickbayless.com to learn more.

About Silverguy Entertainment
Founded in 1998 by Tony Hernandez and Lijana Wallenda Hernandez, Silverguy is a live action theatrical circus company that consists of members of the world-famous Wallenda family and former members of Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group. Tony created Lookingglass’ smash hit circus odyssey Hephaestus, in which he and Lijana (along with daredevil Nik Wallenda) participated in the death-defying, seven-person highwire pyramid.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

ACT OUT CLOSING: The Little Prince at Lookingglass Must Close 3/16 #review #KidsReview

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 
Best Family Friendly 
Theatre Productions 

It's been Extended & Highly Recommended, 
but now it's days are numbered. Don't miss out. Go already! 

Make your reservation today!
The Little Prince has been extended twice by popular demand, but must close March 16, 2014. Don't miss the chance to experience the story based on the classic French novella highly recommended by the Chicago Sun-Times.


**Written for adults, but fine for savvy 6+/95 minutes--no intermission, soooooo leave the littlest littles at home for this one. There's nothing scary or wildly inappropriate for all ages, but make sure your child is mature enough to sit for an hour and a half without a break when considering this show.**




The Little PrinceBy Rick Cummins and John Scoullar
Based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin

"a wonderful place to get lost in this winter season" –TimeOut Chicago 


Sage & Du's Reviews
(A Kids' Eye View)
The Little Prince
at
Lookingglass Theatre


Review by Sage and/or Dugan (ages 10 & 12)

We liked the set a lot because it was basically a giant, 3 dimensional piece of paper, like a slide & the actors drew on it & played under and over it.

   
The Little Prince is really written for adults, but good for all ages, except very little kids who can’t sit still that long without an intermission.  There was a huge mix of ages from kids to grandparent aged people on opening night and there was a lot of smiling.   We thought there could have been more circus arts incorporated, but the drunk on the globe was great and we really liked the strap aerialist.    

Our Take
The theme is accept differences.  The guy with the plane that crashed thought it was all about him, then he met all kinds of other people and places in the universe.  The Little Prince learned lessons about love and caring through his flower.   

We liked it a LOT and recommend checkin it out. 

  
The Little Prince was a shoe in for ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List for Best Family Friendly Theatre Productions.  We adore circus arts, particularly when they advance and enhance a plot. We also love book based theatrical adaptations.  Lookingglass Theatre consistently impresses and we've long been fans of David Catlin's work on stage and pulling the strings as director.  So, to say we had high expectations for The Little Prince would be an understatement.  I'm thrilled to say we were more than impressed.  This production gets it right.

The content and depth is there, but the playful overtones, and visually stunning costumes, sets, and props keep the production from being heavy handed and make it amusing and entertaining. This is one of our current favorites for creative set design as well as stellar acting, creative use of aerial and circus arts.  Click here for our prior coverage.



The Little Prince must close March 16, 2014!

Tickets are going fast! Best availability March 5, 6 and 7 at at 7:30pm.
Call the box office at 312.337.0665

Lookingglass Theatre Company's hit production of The Little Prince, is produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium, by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin. The show now runs through Sunday, March 16, 2014 due to overwhelming demand. 

The Little Prince runs at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  

Stuck, thirsty and alone. A pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets an enigmatic, charismatic young prince fallen from the sky who regales him with tales of life among the stars: tales with earthly importance.  In this visually arresting, fully immersive theatrical interpretation of the beloved French novella, director David Catlin (creator of Lookingglass Alice) illustrates the story with fantastic characters and gravity-defying, awe-inspiring physical feats.

The Little Prince speaks – in breathtaking splendor – to the castaway in all of us: challenging our perspective, opening our eyes and bringing us back to the heart of what truly matters.


"Everyone who saw and thrilled to David's Lookingglass Alice will remember his penchant for creating stories that are full to bursting with spectacles of pure delight and inventiveness, “ says Artistic Director Andrew White. “He brings all of that unmatched creativity and passion to this internationally beloved story, creating a show that truly will appeal to audiences of all ages -- to parents as well as their kids, to grandparents and grandchildren, to anyone who, as David puts it, has found themselves at some point in their lives stuck, thirsty and alone - and who hasn't?"

“I love The Little Prince because it has something for all ages.  Kids will dig the strange characters and the intergalactic story.  Teens and college kids will connect with the impending responsibility of becoming a grown-up.  And grown-ups will identify with our lonely Aviator who crashes in the Sahara Desert a thousand miles from anyone and anywhere with barely enough water for a week,” comments director David Catlin. “In this crisis, our Aviator needs the wisdom of a child—a Little Prince—to remember that ‘what is essential is invisible to the eye’ and the importance of cultivating ties with others.”  

The cast includes Ensemble Member Raymond Fox (King), Artistic Associates Lauren Hirte (Desert Rose) and Louise Lamson (Rose) with Ian Barford (Aviator), Amelia Hefferon (Little Prince), Kareem Bandealy (Snake), Adeoye (Lamp Lighter) and Kasey Foster (Fox).
The design team includes Artistic Associates Rick Sims (sound) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (acrobatic/circus choreography) with Courtney O’Neill (set), Salley Dolembo (costumes), William Kirkham (lighting), Maria DeFabo (Properties), Lee Brasuell (rigger), Tess Golden (Stage Manager) and Kelsey Lamm (Assistant Stage Manager).
The production sponsor for The Little Prince is Allstate, which is also the sponsor of the Education Programs for the production.
Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at both the nearby John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park (161 E. Chicago Ave.).

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
David Catlin (Director/Ensemble Member) Recent Lookingglass directing credits include:  Icarus, Lookingglass Alice, and Black Diamond (with Nicky Brooks).  Regional directing credits include: McCarter (Princeton, NJ),  Arden (Philadelphia), The New Victory (NYC), Syracuse Stage, Actors Theater of Louisville, the Alliance (Atlanta) and the Getty Villa (Los Angeles).  Other recent directing credits include:  The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (NU), The Little Prince (NU), and The Monster Under the Bed (Depaul).  David teaches acting with Northwestern University’s theatre department and will direct Moby Dick there in April 2014. David lives in Chicago with his wife Kerry and their two daughters Emerson and Saylor.

Adeoye (Lamp Lighter) returns home to Chicago and to Lookingglass with The Little Prince. He most recently appeared in Optimism! Or Voltaire’s Candide at Spooky Action Theater in Washington DC. Other DC credits: All’s Well That Ends Well and The Atheist’s Tragedy at The Academy for Classical Acting at The Shakespeare Theatre and The George Washington University, where he earned his MFA.  Previous Lookingglass credits: Peter Pan, Lookingglass Alice, Icarus and Black Diamond. Other Chicago credits: The Unmentionables (Steppenwolf Theatre), The Lost Boys of Sudan (Victory Gardens Theater). Regional credits: A Raisin in the Sun (Guthrie Theatre/Penumbra Theatre,) Intimate Apparel (Clarence Brown Theatre). Television credits: “Detroit 1-8-7,” “Leverage,” “Prison Break.” Film credits: #Vengeance is Mine.

Kareem Bandealy (Snake) has appeared previously at Lookingglass in Big Lake Big City, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Last Act of Lilka Kadison, and Peter Pan (A Play). Chicago: Rock ‘N’ Roll, Gas For Less, King Lear (Goodman Theatre), The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Edward II, Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Illusion (Court Theatre), Hamlet, The Caretaker, Heartbreak House (Writers’ Theatre), Blood and Gifts (TimeLine Theatre), and The Real Thing (Remy Bumppo). Regional: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Three Musketeers, The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Stuff Happens, Julius Caesar (Pittsburgh Irish & Classical), and four seasons at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Film credits include The Merry Gentleman (Michael Keaton, director). In 2011, he received a 3Arts Artist Award.


Ian Barford (Aviator) makes his debut with Lookingglass Theatre.  Most Chicago appearances have been with Steppenwolf where he is an ensemble member.  Some favorites there include: August: Osage County (original company, Broadway and the National Theater in London), The March (Jeff nom. for best supporting actor), Endgame, The Libertine, As I Lay Dying and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Broadway, Outer Circle critics nom.) and many others. Love Song at 59E59 in NYC.  Originated the role of Dr. Khassan Baiev, a Chechen surgeon, in The Oath based upon his autobiography.   In Los Angeles, The Weir, God’s Man in Texas and Take Me Out at the Geffen Playhouse. Dead End at the Ahmanson. All The Rage and Design for Living at the Goodman. Othello at Chicago Shakes. National Tour of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.  Soon to be released films include: Shreveport, Return to Sender. Other Films: Road to Perdition, 13 Going on 30 and others. Numerous TV appearances.

Kasey Foster (Fox) has performed with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Redmoon, Dog n Pony, Trap Door, Theater Wit, Red Tape, and Collaboraction. She sings with local bands: This Must be the Band, Grood, and Old Timey. Foster co-produces The Monthly Visit with Kevin O’Donnell, and has choreographed and directed over thirty original works since her Chicago arrival in 2004. One of her favorite projects to produce and choreograph is a series called Dance Tribute, which takes place twice a year at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Ave.

Raymond Fox (King) is a Lookingglass Ensemble Member and recently appeared as Simon Craig in Blood and Gifts with TimeLine Theatre.  His numerous Lookingglass credits include Metamorphoses (original 1998-1999 premiere and 2012-2013 revival), a play he originally performed across the country including its Off Broadway and Broadway productions. Additional regional credits: Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Tectonic Theatre Project/About Face Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Next Theatre, First Folio, Meadow Brook Theatre, Arden Theatre, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, McCarter Theatre, Berkeley Rep., Seattle Rep., American Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, and Canada’s Stratford Festival. Mr. Fox is a graduate of Northwestern University and the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University.


Amelia Hefferon (Little Prince) makes her professional debut with The Little Prince. Amelia is a Michigan native and a recent graduate of Northwestern University where she studied theatre and art history.

Lauren Hirte (Desert Rose) is an Artistic Associate returning to Lookingglass with The Little Prince, where her credits also include: Alice in Lookingglass Alice, Icarus, Fedra, Hephaestus, and Hard Times. Regional credits: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arden Theatre, McCarter Theatre, The New Victory, and most recently as the title character in Milwaukee Rep’s The Diary of Anne Frank. She has studied, taught and performed at the Piven Theatre, and at the Actors Gymnasium. Recently, Lauren has been living in LA, and spent the summer with Steppenwolf West at CSU Summer Arts in Monterey Bay, CA.

Louise Lamson (Rose) is an Artistic Associate of Lookingglass Theatre where she has been seen in The Idiot, Hard Times, The Secret in the Wings, The Wooden Breeks, Icarus (at the Getty Villa, L.A.), The Brothers Karamazov, Our Town, The Arabian Nights, Ethan Frome, and most recently Metamorphoses. Some other Chicago credits include: About Face Theatre’s Bash (After Dark award and Jeff nomination); The Odyssey (Goodman); and The Adventures of Herculina (Next Theatre). New York credits include: Metamorphoses (Second Stage and Broadway) and The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (Second Stage). Louise is a graduate of Northwestern University.


About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  Now in its 26th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The company has staged 61 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle and President John McGowan of Northern Trust Chicago. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.


Title:                The Little Prince
Written by:      Rick Cummings and John Scoullar
Based on the
Book by:          Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Directed by:     Ensemble Member David Catlin
Produced in Association with The Actors Gymnasium

Dates:              
Regular run: December 15, 2013 – February 2, 2014
EXTENSION:   Through Sunday, March 16, 2014

TimesTuesdays: 7:30 p.m. (except March 4)
Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. (except Feb 6, 13 & 27 and March 13); 7:30 p.m. (except Feb 6)
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except March 8)
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Regular Run is $45 - $75
Prices are subject to change.
                                    
Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all.

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Groups of 8 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

Box Office: Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,
821 N. Michigan Ave.

Google Analytics