OPENING: Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter at The Actors Gymnasium With Chicago Theatre Week Discount Tickets

Actors Gymnasium joins the 100s of theatres participating in  Chicago Theatre Week

ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are long time fans of the phenomenal classes and shows produced at The Actors Gymnasium (AG). In fact, we'll be there on Sunday to shoot stills and review their latest, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter. We adore the circus arts genre and can't wait to catch this year's winter offering from AG. Check back soon for our full review. 

We've also been on board with promoting Chicago Theatre Week since it's inception 4 years ago and highly recommend checking out as many shows as possible. We're all about celebrating the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago and these ticket specials are hard to beat. Chicago Theatre Week 2016 will be held February 11-21 and will include specially-priced tickets to more than 100 shows. 

Visitors and residents will again have the opportunity to sample the extraordinary range of theatrical offerings throughout Chicagoland. The CTW ticket offers are listed on a centralized website - www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com. Book yours ASAP as many of these shows do sell out. Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres with support from Choose Chicago.

As part of the celebration of Chicago's theatre scene, The Actors Gymnasium will offer discounted tickets to the first two weekends of Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter, the latest production in its winter circus series.

Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter trailer - 

Actors Gym 2016 Winter Circus

Through the spectacular circus wizardry of The Actors Gymnasium, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter tells a time-spanning, multi-generational story that explores how our friendships stay with us over time, recede, and can come back to save us just when we need them to. Marnie and Phil met when they were just young circus students, and became instant friends.

But when the inevitable twists and turns of fate take them separate ways, they make a promise to always write to each other no matter where they are. As they each somersault through adventures of fame and heartache, and age begins to take its toll on their once nimble physiques, they seek each other out to perform one last show-their long-awaited debut! 

A new, original work of circus theatre, Marnie & Phil: A Circus Love Letter is written and directed by Chris Mathews (ensemble member of The House Theatre of Chicago), and features a cast of Actors Gymnasium and Lookingglass Theatre favorites including Lindsey Noel Whiting (Lookingglass Alice, Lost & Found, The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus), David Catlin (founding ensemble member of Lookingglass), Samuel Taylor (Lookingglass Alice, Back Room Shakespeare Project), and AG Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, as well as the premier students of the Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble. 

The show includes original songs by Lindsey Noel Whiting and music by award-winning Chicago composer Kevin O'Donnell (The House Theatre of Chicago, Andrew Bird), as well as lighting design from Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (The Hypocrites, The Ruffians). Jaw-dropping circus choreography will be led by Artistic Director Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. 

Beat the rush - Get your tickets today at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows 

February 13 - March 20, 2016 

Fridays at 7:30pm 

Saturdays 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm 

Sundays at 3:00 pm 

$25 for adult tickets! 

$15 for children, students and seniors! 

$25 At the Door

Location: 

The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. The Noyes Cultural Arts Center is owned by the City of Evanston and home to over 20 artists and arts organizations offering music, theater, and visual arts programs and studios. The galleries exhibit local artists, with exhibitions changing every two months.

About The Actors Gymnasium:

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience. At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. For more information, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.org

ON SALE: Circuscope Is Coming To Actors Gymnasium February 14th-March 22

Circuscope

February 14 - March 22, 2015 

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've been captivated by the stellar circus arts at Actors Gym for years. They're a ground breakingly creative collective featuring some of the top physical actors in the city. We'll be there to review opening night. In the meantime, get your tickets early for the best seats, and range of dates. Their seating area is small and fills fast! 

Enthralled by the extraordinary shapes and sizes of life, the creators of the Actors Gymnasium Winter Circus will explore a fascinating world on the other side of the microscopic lens. Directed by spectacle-theatre veteran Vanessa Stalling and featuring acclaimed Chicago clown Dean Evans, Circuscope will transport audiences through surprising acrobatics, mime, live music and other-worldly design. Circuscope also features Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins, Molly Plunk, and Leah Leor. 

Circuscope is written by Deans Evans and Vanessa Stalling with percussion choreography by Rick Kubes, musical composition by Ronnie Kuller, choral direction by Alex Balestrieri, lighting design by Nick Carroll, sound design by Connor Murray, video design by Asher White, costume design by Delia Ribenour, performance object design by Elizabeth Brietand circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi. 

Beat the rush - Get your tickets today at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows 

February 14 - March 22, 2015 

Fridays at 7:30pm 

Saturdays 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm 

Sundays at 3:00 pm 

$20 for adult tickets! 

$15 for children, students and seniors! 

The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. 

ACT OUT OPENING: The Last Voyage of Pirate Blackheart and More at Actors Gym #agyouthcircus #CircusinProgress

The Actors Gymnasium has one of the strongest circus arts programs in the region and they're a true treasure. We've been huge fans of their work for years. Their performances are stunningly well produced and there are few locations that teach circus arts for BOTH kids and adults. We highly recommend you check them out. All performances are held in their home space at: Noyes Cultural Arts Center | 927 Noyes Street, Suite 104 | Evanston, IL 60201  (847) 328-2795 | email@actorsgymnasium.com  Click here for loads of our past photo filled features on The Actors Gymnasium then go already! Spring Youth Circus  May 17 - 25, 2014 Saturdays at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm Sundays at 3:00 pm      $15 for adult tickets $12.50 for children, students and  seniors    Join the fearsome pirate Captain Blackheart as she sails her crew of brigands and scallywags through treacherous dark waters in pursuit of her most valuable treasure yet! Visit mysterious remote isles, and strange aquatic worlds! Hold your breath as Blackheart and her pirates battle fierce fellow pirates, giant sea creatures, and the fragility of their own sanity. Inhale the salty air and exhale sighs of awe as students of The Actors Gymnasium amaze you with aerial acrobatics and nautical know-how unparalleled by any seafaring sea dogs on the North Shore.     Coming Up Next (one day/2 shows only!) #CircusinProgress May 31, 2014 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm Tickets are $15 each Did you enjoy The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus? Come to our spring showcase of new work in development. Two Performances Only! Performances include: Spring & Tulga (duo acro), ETC Music School Ensemble (choral music),  Angela Loiacono of Aerial Dance Chicago (solo trapeze), Brett Schneider (magic), Jill Heyser (aerial silks), Regina Meirmanov (lyra), Destiny Vinley (Chinese pole), Mr. Spring (hand balancing), and advanced students from AG's own classes.  Watch the trailer! About The Actors Gymnasium The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.

REVIEW: The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus Through 3/23 #explodingcircus #OriginalPhotos #KidsReview #SageAndDusReviews #circus

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 

Best Family Friendly 

Theatre Productions 

Sage & Du's Reviews

(A Kids' Eye View)

The Magical Exploding Boy

and The Invisible Circus

at

The Actors Gymnasium

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

We thought that it was really fun. We liked it. But we don't think it should be called The Magical Exploding Boy. He only exploded once and it wasn't a big part of the overall plot. We would have renamed it Unique Boy.

Dean Evans was funny... he just is.  That's the kind of person he is. Dean's underwater stuff was really amazing like the manta ray, different sized jelly fish, and crab.  The baby head bit is a little disturbing but totally amusing. 

The invisible circus at the beginning was really awesome. The strong man was hilarious.  We like that the circus skills are in a plot, not just random, and the kids in the show play a wide variety of instruments too. 

We liked the big office scene drumming in particular.  The drumming on desks was one of our favorite parts. There were a ton of talented kids IN the show who were great. 

We thought that the big wrestling guy was really funny and one of our favorite characters.  The Chinese pole act was very good.  The alien contortion act was also very cool. 

The Basic Plot:

This one guy (Dean Evans) is like a little kid but he's a grown up. The show is about his point of view. Everyone tells him to grow up, but instead he just explodes.  He dreams he's in outer space and stuff.  We thought the business suits, ties & work world stuff was funny because the littlest kids were the bosses of the grownups.

The basic meaning of the show was be unique and to relax and be yourself.

After the show we were both begging mom to let us take classes and summer camp here at Actors Gymnasium and audition for the spring show. We wish we lived closer to Evanston.

This production is great for everyone of all ages, who likes circus, clowning, fantasy and being unique. Nothing scared either of us or creeped us out. Overall, we thought it was excellent, and highly recommend it. 

ChiIL Mama Says:

Quit hangin around the house and GO ALREADY!  The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus rocks. Hilarious, multifaceted and quirky just don't do this show justice.  We adored the deeper message of embracing individuality couched in stellar circus arts acts.  Actors Gym combines live instruments, catchy tunes with goofy lyrics, and circus arts galore, all within a fantastically fun story line.



Dean Evans has long been a favorite of ours with his physical comedy prowess and his child like, empathy inducing grins.  Dean is one weird dude with talent to spare.  We dare you not to laugh.



It was also a true treat to see so many Actors Gym regulars back again. We've admired the high caliber shows at Actors Gym for years, but the spring show is a particular favorite of ours because they seamlessly combine professionals with their teen ensemble and young artists.



Worlds Collide Alert:
The pros in this show include Dean Evans (AKA: Honeybuns) who has rocked our world in loads of shows with other big time favorites of our like 500 Clown, IO, Second City, The Goodman, The Ruffians (We LOVE Burning Bluebeard), Redmoon and Chicago Childrens Theatre

My own 2 kids have studied circus arts for 3 years, so we know Will Howard from CircEsteem.  He also works with our friends over at Aloft--who put on The Contemporary Circus Festival and are renowned for their monthly El Circo Cheapo shows as well as adult classes.



Simone and Lindsey bring strength, grace and girl power to the shows.  We've also utterly enjoyed Lindsey's work with our friends over at Lookingglass, Victory Gardens, Redmoon and punk rock marching band, Mucca Pazza!



It was also a treat to see the talented teen ensemble and young artists. Emerson and Saylor Catlin are back again--talented sisters who are the daughters of David & Kerry Catlin.  Their mom is a professor with an acting/writing/directing background and their dad is an actor/director currently directing the Jeff recommended smash hit, The Little Prince at Lookingglass.  
We've known Saylor since she was in preschool with our daughter Sage and we've enjoyed Saylor and Emerson's on stage antics (with their dad, too) in Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus and in Skooled.

The Actors Gymnasium presents The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. Celebrated Chicago clown, Dean Evans returns to The Actors Gymnasium to headline this wild, circus adventure into the imagination. A simple creature who longs to be someone else, the Magical Exploding Boy learns that he cannot escape his unique destiny. This Actors Gymnasium main stage circus event features original live music, aerial acrobatics, and the birth of a clown. Most shows are selling out so advanced tickets are strongly suggested.  Beat the rush - Get your tickets today at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows Through March 23, 2014 Fridays at 7:30pm  Saturdays 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm  Sundays at 3:00 pm $20 for adult tickets! $15 for children, students and seniors! #explodingcircus About The Actors Gymnasium The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively.

Help Out:

REVIEW: A'Musing Myths at Actors Gymnasium Highly Recommended #ChiILPicksList #agyouthcircus

A'Musing Myths

Fall Youth Circus

Closing THIS WEEKEND!

ChiIL Mama, Du-Jay and Sagezilla caught opening night and highly recommend checking out A'Musing Myths at Actors Gymnasium.   It's a great, family friendly, all ages show, with a cast completely comprised of kids. The plot does work better if the audience has at least a rudimentary knowledge of Greek Mythology, so young kids might be a bit lost on the story line.   But the colorful, creative circus arts make this a fun production for the whole family.

We're huge fans of shows that have a fleshed out plot instead of just free standing circus skills demos, and The Actors Gym excels at productions like that. A'Musing Myths doesn't have quite as much live music as past shows we've seen there, but it's still well worth checking out.   We were particularly impressed with the multiple simultaneous silks and Spanish Web ropes in some of the bigger group aerial acts!   Don't be surprised if your kids are inspired to enroll in Actors Gym classes once they see how much fun these kids are having and what stellar skills they've developed.

We love the melding of the classics and these familiar character archetypes with circus skills.  The Greek Myths are given a vibrant, new twist with the introduction of aerial arts, unicycle and more.   It's a small space so we highly suggest you get tickets in advance to guarantee seats.   These show are very likely to sell out!

For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795.  If online sales are sold out, a limited number of tickets will be available at the door.

  

Final 2 days! 

November 16 & 17, 2013

Saturdays at 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm

Sundays at 3:00 pm  

$15 for adult tickets!

$12.50 for children, students and seniors!  

Have you bought your tickets yet? 

  

A young girl who sacrifices love for the sake of the world.  A fierce seamstress who dares flaunt her talents before the goddess of Arts & Crafts. That angry one with the snakes for hair.  The gift of fire and the origin of man himself. Join us as Prometheus, our favorite Titan, recounts the origins of some of his favorite characters from mythic Greece. 

The Members of The Actors Gymnasium's Fall Youth Circus Ensemble combine skills in circus, dance, clowning, and drama to delight us on adventures that span the heights of Mount Olympus, the depths of the Underworld, and every strange and imaginary place in between.  

  

A'Musing Myths: Fall Youth Circus is written and directed by Chris Mathews with circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, dance choreography by Topeka Ellis, and assistant directed by David Corlew. Tickets will go quickly - so get yours today!

Tickets are available ONLINE only.  Once online sales are closed, 1.5 hours prior to the show start time, the on-location box office will be open.

Go early.   Things are a bit confusing due to building construction.   Actors Gym tickets are on the far left side of the lobby as you enter and their performance space is on the far right.   They have simplified things with actual tickets now.

Win:

Take part in our hashtag contest!  Whoever has the most #agyouthcircus comments on Facebook and/or Twitter before November 19 will win a free black AG jacket OR $50 off their next session of classes (Your choice!).  Posts must be relevant and on-topic. 

ACT OUT OPENING: The Actors Gymnasium Circus in Progress 5/18 Only #circus

The Actors Gymnasium Announces Circus in Progress Performers

The Actors Gymnasium announces performance acts for its May 18th show, Circus in Progress: An Evening of Daring New Work. We've long been fans of the fantastic circus work and aerial arts at The Actors Gymnasium.   Their two show only spring showcase looks to be stellar.   Check out some of our highly recommended favs in the circus arts world--Dean Evans (solo clown), Jill Heyser (trapeze), Willem McGowan (diabolo juggling).      Chicago theatre and circus lovers of all ages delight in this popular sneak peek at some of Chicago's most exciting new works of circus art.  This cabaret style performance series focuses on the development of new acts, showcasing many Chicagoland area circus and variety arts professionals as well as advanced students from The Actors Gymnasium's classes.    Further performer announcements will continue throughout May through the company's social media, but the following acts are confirmed: Dean Evans (solo clown), Anna Hartje (contortion), Jill Heyser (trapeze), Willem McGowan (diabolo juggling), Rackim Ramsey (lyra),  The Actors Gymnasium Intermediate Aerial Class (rope & harness w/ silks), The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble (silks w/ straps), Vox 3 (acapella choral song), Andi Wywiorski (lyra), Aerial Dance Chicago (sling), Kevin Brown and Jason Hanggi of Be The Groove (percussion). Tickets can be purchased through event's facebook page or through www.actorsgymnasium.com. There are a limited number of tickets available for each performance and tickets are first come, first served. Check early for the best selection. Tickets are available online only.  Once online sales are closed, 1.5 hours prior to the show start time, the on location box office will be open.  For group reservations and general questions call 847-328-2795.     Two Performances Only!  This one day only event performs on May 18, 2013 with shows at 4:30 & 7:30 pm.    The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, Illinois - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.com or call (847)328-2795.

Circus in Progress Spring 2013 trailer About The Actors Gymnasium The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, intellectually and creatively.

The Actors Gymnasium  at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center 927 Noyes Street ~ Evanston, Illinois 60201~ (p) 847-328-2795 ~ (f) 847-328-3495

ACT OUT: Get Skooled by Actors Gym Through 3/23 #Review

Dean Evans gives  "class clown" a whole new level of meaning!   With a talented cast of Chi-town's best and brightest circus pros and protégées, Skooled shines.

All photography by Ellen Prather of 8 Eyes Photography. 

Skooled:  A Study in Circus  Feb 16 - March 23  Opens this Weekend!  Life's lessons come in many forms and some people always end up in detention. This year's winter circus spectacular takes audiences on a journey of eccentric clowning, aerial acrobatics, live music, and devilish pranks.   Featuring the work of Dean Evans, Co-Artistic Directors Larry DiStasi, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi and an amazing team of designers and performers, this circus production explores the school of hard knocks. Last year's winter circus shows sold-out, so don't wait!   Fridays @ 7:30pm  Saturdays 4:30pm & 7:30pm Sundays @ 3pm ChiIL Mama had a chance to check out Skooled on opening night and we were wowed and amazed.   Highly recommended family friendly fun for all ages!    Du-Jay & Sagezilla (11 & 9) adored it, and as students of circus arts at CircEsteem for over 2 years, they're well versed in what makes for a good show, and they're harsher critics than I am.   Actor's Gym has a small performance space and shows do tend to sell out, so don't miss out.

Actors Gym excells in couching excellent examples of circus arts within' compelling plot lines.   Their choice of songs and use of live instruments add depth and layers to elevate performances from showcase to full on show.

Performances run February 16 - March 23, with shows at 7:30 pm on Fridays, 4:30 and 7:30 pm on Saturdays and 3:00 pm on Sundays (No 4:30 show on 2/16). Ticket prices range from $15-20. Tickets can be purchased online through www.actorsgymnasium.com or by calling the office at 847-328-2795. Please call the office for group ticket pricing and availability.   The Actors Gymnasium is located at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston, IL - just off of the Noyes purple line 'L' stop. For additional information on The Actors Gymnasium's innovative programming, please visit www.actorsgymnasium.com or call 847-328-2795. About The Actors Gymnasium The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, intellectually and creatively.