BoHo Theatre’s All-Trans and Gender Nonconforming Cast Presents TICK, TICK…BOOM! January 12 – February 5, 2023 at The Edge Theater

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

BoHo Theatre will close out its 2022/2023 season with 

TICK, TICK…BOOM!

‘Queer joy and success as revolution’

BoHo Theatre’s all-trans and gender nonconforming cast brings new depth to Jonathan Larson’s tick, tick . . . BOOM!

Tickets are $35 for general admission, $20 for seniors, military, and first responders, and 

$12 for transgender and gender non-conforming audience members, students, and educational professionals.

BoHo Theatre will close out its 2022/2023 season with TICK, TICK…BOOM!, with music, lyrics, and book by the late Jonathan Larson, and directed by Bo Frazier. This production marks the company’s first musical since BIG FISH in 2019, and the first under the leadership of BoHo’s new Artistic Director, Elizabeth Swanson. TICK, TICK…BOOM! was nominated for seven Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, and received an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical. TICK, TICK…BOOM! was originally produced off-Broadway in June 2001 by Victoria Leacock, Robyn Goodman, Dede Harris, Lorie Cowen Levy, and Beth Smith. BoHo’s production will play January 12 – February 5, 2023 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N Broadway, Chicago. I'll be out for the press opening January 14th, so check back shortly for my full review.

 

THE PLAY 

Before RENT, there was TICK, TICK…BOOM!

Written by the late Jonathan Larson and directed by BoHo Artistic Associate Bo Frazier, TICK, TICK…BOOM! tells the autobiographical story of Jonathan, a struggling New York composer entering his 30s. The year is 1990, the AIDS crisis is escalating, and Jonathan is growing increasingly desperate to leave his dead-end job and write the next great American musical. Jonathan's girlfriend Susan and his best friend Michael announce major life changes, and Jonathan begins to wonder if the ticking clock is running out on his Broadway dreams. In BoHo Theatre’s groundbreaking production, Director Bo Frazier reimagines this gripping rock musical as a celebration of trans joy, love, and creativity.

“I am so incredibly excited to be creating this important production of Jonathan Larson's beloved musical with BoHo Theatre and this phenomenal cast of trans and gender non-conforming performers,” said director Bo Frazier. “Our production is inspired by grunge rock concerts as well as the queer and trans counterculture of downtown 1990's New York City. With the hundreds of anti-trans bills being introduced across the country, it is now more important than ever to normalize TGNC representation on stage and amplify trans joy.”

CAST

Alec Phan (he/they) as Jonathan

Crystal Claros (they/he/she) as Michael

Luke Halpern (they/he/she) as Susan

 

UNDERSTUDY CAST

Lizzie Mowry (they/them) (U/S Jonathan) 

Larry D. Trice II (they/them) (U/S Michael)

Nathe Rowbotham (they/them) (U/S Susan)

 

PRODUCTION TEAM 

Produced by Elizabeth Swanson (they/she) and Enrico Spada (he/him)

 

Direction by Bo Frazier (they/them), Music Direction by Harper Caruso (she/her), Choreography by Jamal Howard (he/him), Intimacy Choreography by Kirsten Baity (they/them), Scenic Design by Bek Lambrecht (they/them), Sound Design by Eric Backus (he/him), Lighting Design by Piper Kirchhofer (she/her), Costume Design by Liliana Otero (she/they), Properties Design by Noah Elman (he/him), Sound Engineering by Lynsy Folckomer (she/her), Production Management by Dalton Long (he/him), Technical Direction by Carl Herzog (he/him), Production Stage Management by Leah Geis (she/they), Assistant Stage Management by Rochelle Hovde (she/they), Casting by Catherine Miller (they/them), House Management by Patrick Starner (he/him), Covid Safety Management by Lauren Peters (she/her).

TICK, TICK…BOOM! is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)

  

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Previews: Thursday, January 12 and Friday, January 13 at 7:30pm, Saturday, January 14 at 3pm

Press Opening / Opening Night: Saturday, January 14, at 7:30 pm **press invitation to follow

Performance run: January 14 – February 5, 2023

Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 3:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and Sundays at 3:00 pm. An additional Industry Night performance will be held Monday, January 30 at 7:30 pm.

BoHo Theatre will offer Open Caption performances on Saturday, January 21 and Saturday, January 28 at 3pm. The theater extends special thanks to CaptionPoint, Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium, and Kris Nesbitt for their generous assistance in the first year of our accessibility journey. 

TICKETS 

General Tickets on sale now at www.bohotheatre.com. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $20 for seniors, military, and first responders, and $12 for transgender and gender non-conforming audience members, students, and educational professionals.

BIOS

Jonathan Larson (he/him), (February 4, 1960 – January 25, 1996) was an American composer, lyricist and playwright who resided in New York. He is most known for writing the musicals RENT and TICK, TICK…BOOM!. Between 1983 and 1990, Larson wrote SUPERBIA, which was originally written as a re-telling of George Orwell's book 1984. But, the Orwell estate denied him the rights and ultimately SUPERBIA was not ever picked up to be fully produced. His next work, TICK, TICK…BOOM! in 1991 was first performed off-Broadway at the Village Gate and at the Second Stage Theater, then on the Upper West Side. Larson’s strongest musical influence Stephen Sondheim eventually came in contact with Larson, and later Sondheim would write letters of recommendation for Larson to various producers. Jonathan Larson won the Stephen Sondheim Award in 1989 from the American Music Theatre Festival. Larson passed away on January 25, 1996, the day of the first Off-Broadway preview performance of RENT. Later, Jonathan Larson received three posthumous Tony Awards, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for RENT.

Stephen Oremus (he/him), is an American musician, musical director, and orchestrator. Oremus has composed music for many award-winning Broadway productions including, AVENUE Q, ALL SHOOK UP, WICKED, KINKY BOOTS, and THE BOOK OF MORMON. In 2011 he won a Tony Award for his orchestrations (with Larry Hochman) for THE BOOK OF MORMON. Oremus also won the Tony Award for Best Orchestrations for KINKY BOOTS. Additionally, Oremus served as the conductor and contributing arranger for the Disney film FROZEN. Oremus graduated with a degree in Film Scoring from the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1992.

Bo Frazier (they/them) is a trans non-binary, queer, and neurodivergent theatre maker interested in traditionally excluded narratives told in extremely imaginative ways. Since moving to Chicago in 2021, they have worked with First Floor Theater, Sideshow Theatre, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, BoHo Theatre, Filament Theatre, Mudlark Theatre, and was one of nine remaining full-time staff members fighting for Victory Gardens Theater to stay alive. Favorite directing and choreography projects include: BOTTICELLI IN THE FIRE by Jordan Tanahill, HIT THE WALL by Ike Holter, MEN ON BOATS by Jaclyn Backhaus, LOVE & INFORMATION by Caryl Churchill, THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME by Simon Stephens, BRIGHT STAR, as well as new play productions by Dakota Parobek, C. Meaker, Leigh M. Marshall, and KT Peterson.  Previously based in NYC and London, Bo has worked with companies such as The National Theatre (UK), Birmingham Rep (UK), Greenwich Theatre (UK), Signature Theatre (NYC), Dixon Place (NYC), Rutgers University (NJ), Theatre167 (NYC), Heartbeat Opera (NYC), Indiana Repertory Theatre (IN), and London Theatre Workshop (UK), which they co-founded. As a performer, Bo actually played Michael in a production of TICK, TICK…BOOM! while living in the UK, as well as appearing as John Hinckley in the 2012 London Revival of ASSASSINS. TRAINING: MFA - University of Iowa, MA - Royal Birmingham UK Conservatoire, BA - Millikin University. www.bofrazier.com

BoHo Theatre tells stories examining and celebrating human relationships — focusing on the Bohemian pillars of Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Love — using bold, intimate theatrical stagings. Our vision is to create a shared community of artists and patrons in which all members are moved through art to make thoughtful, well-examined, caring relationships the highest priority in their lives.

Sam Shepard's Buried Child Via AstonRep Theatre Company October 21 – November 19, 2022 at The Edge Theater

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AstonRep Theatre Company

Launches 15th Anniversary Season with

BURIED CHILD

By Sam Shepard

Directed by Derek Bertelsen

October 21 – November 19, 2022 at The Edge Theater

 

AstonRep Theatre Company is pleased to launch it 15th and final season with a revival of Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama Buried Child directed by Ensemble Member Derek Bertelsen*, playing October 21 – November 19, 2022 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway. in Chicago. Tickets are now on sale at www.astonrep.com or by calling (773) 828-9129. 

The production features Ensemble Members Rian Jairell* and Robert Tobin* with Stephanie Baires, Liz Cloud, Roberto Jay, Jim Morley and Jorge Salas. Understudies include Caleb Gibson, Maxwell Peters and Erica Romero.

Set in America’s heartland, Sam Shepard’s powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning play details, with shocking hilarity, the disintegration of the American Dream. When 22-year-old Vince unexpectedly shows up at the family farm with his girlfriend Shelly, no one recognizes him. So begins the unraveling of dark secrets. A surprisingly twisted look at disillusionment and morality, Shepard’s masterpiece is the family reunion no one anticipated. Winner of the 1979 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. 

The production team includes Jeremiah Barr* (Scenic and Props Designer, Covid Safety Officer), Andrés Mota (Costume Designer), Samantha Barr* (Lighting Designer, Production Manager), Becca Venable (Sound Designer), Robert Tobin* (Fight Choreography), Bethany Hart (Vocal Coach), Anna Vu (Stage Manager) and Miguel Salgado (Asst. Stage Manager).

*Denotes AstonRep Company Members. 

COVID protocol: AstonRep is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable theatre-going experience. At this time, we will require patrons to wear a face mask during the performance. As guidance is rapidly evolving, so may our protocols, so please check our website for the most up to date information.

 Cast (in alphabetical order): Stephanie Baires (Shelly), Liz Cloud (Halie), Rian Jairell* (Bradley), Roberto Jay (Vince), Jim Morley (Dodge), Jorge Salas (Father Dewis) and Robert Tobin* (Tilden).

Understudies: Caleb Gibson, Maxwell Peters and Erica Romero.

 

Location: he Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago

Dates: Preview: Friday, October 21 at 7:30 pm

Press performance: Saturday, October 22 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Sunday, October 23 – Saturday, November 19, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets: Previews: $10; Regular run: $20. Student/seniors discounts available. Tickets are now on sale at www.astonrep.com or by calling (773) 828-9129.

 

About the Artists

Sam Shepard (Playwright) Eleven of Shepard’s plays have won Obie Awards including Chicago and Icarus’s Mother (1965), Red Cross and La Turista (1966), Forensic and the Navigators (1967), The Tooth of the Crime (1972), Action (1974) and Curse of the Starving Class (1976). Shepard was awarded a Pulitzer Prize as well as an Obie Award for his play Buried Child (1979). Fool for Love (1982) received the Obie for Best Play as well as for Direction. A Live of the Mind (1985) won the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award in 1986 and the 1986 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Play. As an actor he appeared in the films Days of Heaven, Resurrection, Raggedy Man, The Right Stuff, Frances, Country, Fool for Love, Crimes of the Heart, Baby Boom, Steel Magnolias, The Pelican Brief, Safe Passage, Hamlet and, most recently, Don’t Come Knocking”, also co-written with Wim Wenders. In 1986, Shepard was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 1992, he received the Gold Medal for Drama from the Academy, and in 1994, he was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame. Mr. Shepard died in 2017.

Derek Bertelsen (Director) This season marks Derek’s 12th season with AstonRep and Buried Child is his twelfth production as a director or co-director. Other AstonRep credits as director include Doubt, Wit, Next Fall, The Leiutenant of Inishmore, The Lyons, The Laramie Project and Equus. Previously he was co-founder/Artistic Director of The Comrades (2016-2020). In addition to his work with these two companies, he’s worked with BrightSide Theatre, Pride Films & Plays (member and Artistic Associate from 2011-2015), GreatWorks, Arc Theatre and Bailiwick Chicago. He’s served as assistant director at Goodman and Steppenwolf Garage. Summer stock credits include Shawnee Summer Theatre in Bloomfield IN, Festival 56 in Princeton IL and five seasons at Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll IL.

 

About AstonRep Theatre Company

AstonRep Theatre Company was formed in the summer of 2008. Since then, the company has produced numerous full-length productions, along with their annual Writer’s Series. They are currently in residence at The Edge Theater. AstonRep Theatre Company is an ensemble of artists committed to creating exciting, intimate theatrical experiences that go beyond the front door to challenge audiences and spark discussion where the show is not the end of the experience: it is just the beginning. 

World Premiere of MARY ROSE Via Black Button Eyes Productions January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater

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Black Button Eyes Productions Presents the World Premiere of

MARY ROSE

January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater

Book & Lyrics by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford

Music & Lyrics by Jeff Bouthiette

Adapted from the Play by J.M. Barrie

Directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford

Music Direction by Nick Sula

Choreography by Derek Van Barham 

Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to conclude its 2021-22 season this winter with the world premiere musical Mary Rose, featuring book and lyrics by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford, music and lyrics by Jeff Bouthiette, adapted from play of the same name by J.M. Barrie (Peter Pan), directed by Ed Rutherford with music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. The eerie musical faerie tale will play January 7 – February 12, 2022 at The Edge Theater (mainstage), 5451 N. Broadway Ave. in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at maryrosemusical.eventbrite.com. 

Please note: Black Button Eyes will require proof of vaccination and masking at all performances. The entire cast and crew is vaccinated.

Mary Rose features Stephanie Stockstill as Mary Rose with Rosalind Hurwitz, Michael Reyes, Maxel Schingen, Jonathan Schwart, Maiko Terazawa and Kevin Webb. Understudies: Quinn Corrigan, Jessica Lauren Fisher and Joey Harbert.

PHOTO CREDIT: The cast of Black Button Eyes Productions’ world premiere musical Mary Rose includes (top, l to r) Rosalind Hurwitz, Michael Reyes and Maxel Schingen (bottom, l to r) Jonathan Schwart, Stephanie Stockstill, Maiko Terazawa and Kevin Webb.

This world premiere musical spins the tale of a haunted young woman named Mary Rose, and the mysterious supernatural connection between her, a manor house in Sussex and a misty island in the Scottish Highlands.

The production team includes Jeremiah Barr (scenic and properties design, technical director), Beth Laske-Miller (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), Macy Kloville (sounds design), Elinor Keener (orchestrator) Carrie Hardin (dialect coach) and Cecilia Koloski (stage manager).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Location: The Edge Theater (mainstage), 5451 N. Broadway Ave., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, January 7 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, January 8 at 7:30 pm

Press performance: Sunday, January 9 at 3 pm

Regular run: Thursday, January 13 – Saturday, February 12, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets: $30. Tickets are currently available at maryrosemusical.eventbrite.com. 

 

About the Artists:

Ed Rutherford’s (Book & Lyrics, Director) directing credits for Black Button Eyes include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog (Jeff Recommended), Whisper House, Ghost Quartet (Jeff Nomination: Best Director of a Musical), Evil Dead the Musical (Jeff Nomination: Best Director of a Musical), his script Nightmares & Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier, Nevermore, Shockheaded Peter, Amour, Goblin Market, and Coraline. He is an artistic associate with Promethean Theatre Ensemble, where he directed The Liar, his own adaptation of Peter S. Beagle's The Last Unicorn, Brecht’s The Caucasian Chalk Circle and the company's inaugural production, Christopher Durang’s Beyond Therapy. Directing with Brown Paper Box Co: The Baltimore Waltz. As an actor, he's performed with Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight, Theater Wit and many others. A graduate of Northwestern's theater program, he also completed his MBA at Kellogg.

Jeff Bouthiette (Music & Lyrics) is a Chicago-based director, songwriter and performer, and currently serves as musical director for the Second City Mainstage. Jeff was also Head of the Music Program at the Second City Training Center for a decade. Jeff’s original musicals include Picture It! (MCL Chicago), Planted: A Song Cycle (Chicago Music Theatre Festival) and Miami Nice (Gorilla Tango). Previously with Black Button Eyes, Jeff has served as both actor (Mr. Bobo, Coraline) and musical director (Goblin Market).

Nick Sula (Music Director) is a pianist, arranger and award-winning music director for theater and cabaret. He is proud to return to Black Button Eyes Productions, where he was music director for Coraline, Amour, Nevermore and Jeff-nominated as music director for Ghost Quartet. Other music direction credits include productions with Porchlight Music Theatre, BoHo Theatre Ensemble, Pride Films and Plays, Chicago Theatre Workshop and Chicago Musical Theatre Festival. Nick performs with vocalists at venues such as Davenport’s Piano Bar, Petterino’s, Drew’s on Halsted, Victory Gardens and the Park West. He is an instructor, music director and vocal coach at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Derek Van Barham (Choreographer) is the Producing Artistic Director of Kokandy Productions, and a member of the Red Tape Theatre ensemble. Recent directing credits: Head Over Heels (Kokandy), The View Upstairs (Circle), Poseidon (Hell in a Handbag) and Taylor Mac’s A Walk Across America for Mother Earth (CCPA/Roosevelt). Black Button credits include Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, Ghost Quartet, Evil Dead The Musical (Jeff nomination), Coraline the Musical, Goblin Market, Amour, Nevermore and Shockheaded Peter. He has also choreographed for The Plagiarists, Inappropriate Theatre, The Ruckus, Brain Surgeon Theatre and Salonathon. He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing individuals from Chicago's LGBTQ community. www.derekvanbarham.com

About Black Button Eyes Productions

The 2021-22 season continues Black Button Eyes Productions' mission to bring to Chicago premieres and seldom-seen works containing elements of fantasy, in which the magical and surreal invade reality. The company was founded in 2014 with the acclaimed Midwest premiere of the musical Coraline, followed by Goblin Market, Amour, Shockheaded Peter, Nevermore-The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the world premiere Nightmares and Nightcaps: The Stories of John Collier, the smash hit Chicago Storefront Premiere of Evil Dead the Musical, the Chicago premieres of the musicals Ghost Quartet and Whisper House, and most recently, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

 

OPENING: Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces Casting for POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical

Book & Lyrics by David Cerda

Music by David Cerda & Scott Lamberty

Directed by Derek Van Barham

Music Direction by Andrew Milliken

Choreography by Breon Arzell

March 15 – April 28, 2019 at The Edge Theater

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to announce casting for its revival of the musical that started it all: POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical, a musical parody and loving homage to the classic 1972 film, The Poseidon Adventure, the grandmother of all disaster films. I'll be out for the press opening March 22nd, so check back soon for my full review.

PHOTO CREDIT: The cast of Hell in a Handbag Productions’ revival of POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical includes (top, l to r) Ryan Armstrong, Katherine Bellantone, Brittney Brown, Tommy Bullington, Sydney Genco and Caitlin Jackson (center, l to r), Josh Kemper, Elizabeth Lesinski, David Lipschutz, Stevie Love, Nicky Mendelson, Michael S. Miller and Courtney Dane Mize (bottom, l to r), Elissa Newcorn, Marc Prince, Shane Roberie, Scott Sawa, Patrick Stengle and Maiko Terazawa.

POSEIDON! will feature Handbag ensemble members Sydney Genco* (Ensemble), Caitlin Jackson* (Toni/Doctor), Elizabeth Lesinski* (Linda Rogo), David Lipschutz* (Reverend Scott), Stevie Love* (Nonnie Parry) and Michael S. Miller* (Manny Rosen) with Ryan Armstrong (Robin Shelby), Katherine Bellantone (Susan Shelby), Brittney Brown (Ensemble), Tommy Bullington (Belle Rosen), Josh Kemper (Ensemble), Nicky Mendelson (Acres), Courtney Dane Mize (Ensemble), Elissa Newcorn (Lara, Nurse), Marc Prince (Captain Harrison, Ensemble), Shane Roberie (Mike Rogo), Scott Sawa (James Martin), Patrick Stengle (Ensemble) and Maiko Terazawa (Ensemble).

Handbag’s very first show will return March 15 – April 28, 2019 at a venue befitting of an ocean liner: The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway in Chicago. POSEIDON features a book and lyrics by Handbag Artistic Director David Cerda*, music by David Cerda* with Scott Lamberty, direction by Derek Van Barham, music direction by Andrew Milliken, and choreography by Breon Arzell. Tickets are currently available at brownpapertickets.com or by calling (800) 838-3006. 

The original 2002 Chicago production of POSEIDON! was a critical and popular smash and extended for a five-month sold-out run in Chicago, and was accepted into The New York International Fringe Festival, where it was the most attended show of 2003, winning an award of excellence for Best Ensemble. The show was remounted in 2009 at The Chopin Theatre and enjoyed another extended run.

It’s New Year’s Eve and a group of hardcore fans have gathered for their annual viewing of the greatest film ever – The Poseidon Adventure, the story of the capsize of the SS Poseidon on New Year’s Eve, and the handful of misfit passengers that decide to climb to the top of the ship – which is now the bottom. As the story progresses the viewers become one with the film. POSEIDON! An Upside-Down Musical is part parody, part homage – and a look at how movies can leave their mark on you.

The production team includes: Christopher Rhoton (scenic design), Beth Laske Miller (costume design), Cat Wilson* (lighting design), Danny Rockett (sound design), Adrian Hadlock* (props design), Sydney Genco* (make-up design), Keith Ryan (wig design), Madison Smith (assistant director) and Andrew Donnelly (stage manager).

*Denotes Handbag ensemble member.


Location: The Edge Theater, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago

Dates: Previews: Friday, March 15 at 7:30 pm, Saturday, March 16 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, March 17 at 3 pm and Thursday, March 21 at 7:30 pm

Opening/Press performance: Friday, March 22 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Saturday, March 23 – Sunday, April 28, 2019

Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Industry Night: Monday, April 22 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: Previews $22. Regular run $38 in advance, $45 at the door. Group rates $32 for 10 or more. $32 senior and student rates. Tickets are currently available at brownpapertickets.com or by calling (800) 838-3006.

 

About the Artists     
David Cerda (Book, Lyrics, Music) is the Artistic Director and co-founder of Hell in a Handbag Productions. Cerda has written or collaborated on Caged Dames, TROGG- A Rock and Roll Musical, Sexy Baby, Lady X: The Musical, Christmas Dearest, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, SCARRIE – The Musical, Snowgirls – The Musical, and many others. He has also worked as a songwriter with Amazon Studios, and as an actor around Chicago. In 2016, Cerda was in inducted into the Chicago GLBT Hall of Fame and in 2017 he received a Lifetime Achievement Jeff Award for his contributions to the Chicago theater community and philanthropic efforts.

Scott Lamberty (Music) has collaborated with David Cerda on several Handbag musicals including Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, SCARRIE – The Musical, Sexy Baby and Lady X: The Musical. Scott has also worked extensively with Corn Productions on the Tiff and Mom shows, The Bad Seed The Musical, Jesus Camp – The Musical and Snowgirls- The Musical, among many others.

Derek Van Barham (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. Other directing credits include The View Upstairs (Circle Theatre), Three Days of Rain (Boho), Miracle! by Dan Savage, Skooby Don't (Hell in a Handbag) and HOT PINK (New American Folk Theatre). Choreography credits include The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier and BITE (PFP), all Black Button Eyes productions, and Salonathon. He was named one of Windy City Times 30 Under 30, recognizing Chicago's LGBTQ+ community.   

Andrew Milliken (Music Director) has been a music director/pianist in the Chicago area since 2016. Poseidon will be his second production with Hell in a Handbag, following 2017's Bewildered. Other favorite credits include Pippin (Mercury Theater), Avenue Q (Metropolis Theater), Vinegar Tom (Northwestern University) and Carousel (Timber Lake Playhouse). 

Breon Arzell (Choreographer) is most commonly known as an actor, however his breakout, and award-winning, premiere as a Chicago choreographer came with Oracle Productions’ The Hairy Ape. This 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 M.T., 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: The Total Bent (Haven Theatre), 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 Productions), 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 Hell in a Handbag Productions
Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit.

FEST ALERT: ARTEMISIA FALL FESTIVAL of Feminist Plays Sept. 24-Oct. 3

ARTEMISIA FALL FESTIVAL 2018 

Sept. 24-Oct. 3

Annual festival of feminist plays will include staged readings of six new works

ARTEMISIA FALL FESTIVAL 2018

September 24-26 and October 1-3, 2018

Mondays – Wednesdays, 7:30 PM each evening

The Edge Theater

5451 N. Broadway, Chicago

Ticket prices for $10 for individual plays or $25 for a VIP Pass good for any three admissions to an Artemisia Theatre event during the 2018-19 season. Tickets can be purchased at www.artemisiatheatre.org or by phone at 312-725-3780.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama we're all about empowering women, giving voice to diverse experiences, and fighting inequity in the arts. As a female theatre critic and small business owner, I adore Artemisia's tag line, Theatre -- About Women For Everyone. Women centered stories are not a niche market to be marginalized. It's about time that the 51% have a say in the stories that define universal human tragedies, triumphs and the relationships in between. It's past time to go beyond just straight, white, male stories as the dominant art form in our culture. I'm particularly excited by Artemisia's festival team, a diverse group of artists who are significant players in the theater community: 

*Jamal Howard, an African-American, has directed for Emerald City and New American Folk Theatre; 
*Carol Ann Tan, an Asian-American, has directed with Haven and Otherworld and is currently a dramaturg on Vietgone at Writers; 
*Aaron Sawyer, founding AD of Red Theater, who directed R&J The Vineyard  (the Romeo & Juliet with hearing-impaired actors)
*Beth Wolf, founding AD of Midsommer Flight (free Shakespeare in the parks)
*Rachel Sledd Iannantuoni, who has acted in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner at Court, and has also acted with Profiles and Shattered Globe
*Julie Proudfoot, founding AD of Artemisia

Ready to check out the next wave of feminist movers, shakers and culture makers?

Six directors and 30 actors from the Chicago theatre community will collaborate to create staged readings of six new feminist plays in the Artemisia Fall Festival 2018, to be performed September 24-26 and October 1-3 at The Edge Theater at 5451 N. Broadway. 

Artemisia Founding Artistic Director Julie Proudfoot and Literary Manager Sharai Bohannon have curated the festival from submissions solicited from writers, agents and literary managers across the US with whom the company has had working professional relationships. One play from the six to be performed will be chosen for further development by Artemisia Artistic Director Proudfoot, who will work closely with the playwright over the next two years to develop their feminist story for a full production in Chicago.

Proudfoot defines “feminist plays” as plays that empower women and challenge audiences to see women differently. In a recent interview, she noted how many plays in the existing canon fail to adequately portray women, saying “We don’t necessarily have feminist three-dimensional characters with all the flaws and virtues and complexities of great male characters. It matters to me because women are long overdue to be recognized on a level equal to men, especially in terms of leadership, humanity, complexity and agency. I think it should matter to everyone because Artemisia’s work inspires gender parity, which has been statistically shown to make for better and safer communities.”

While the scripts selected for this year’s festival all feature women who have agency and who are the center of their own narratives, the plays have a diversity of topics and genres. Themes to be explored include cultural differences between diverse societies in their treatment and status of women, mother-daughter relationships, and tensions between economic classes. The ranges of genres include dramas, satire and thrillers. The writers are not exclusively female – one male playwright will be represented alongside the five women writers. Proudfoot says, “We believe that men as well as women can be feminists.”

Over each of the Festival’s six nights, a different new play is staged as a reading. Talkbacks focusing on empowerment, inclusion and diversity will follow each reading. There will be a closing night party on October 3rd.  

The six plays to be performed, the performance dates, and the artists involved for each are as follows: 

Monday, September 24, 7:30 PM
SCRATCHING THE SURFACE, by Charly Evon Simpson. Directed by Rachel Sledd Iannantuoni.
One woman’s nightmare, one couple’s dream, and the nice female neighbor who likes to drop by unexpectedly with homemade pies collide in this juicy thriller.
Cast: William Burdin, Pauleth Jauregui, Anastacia Narrajos, Brandi Brown

Tuesday, September 25, 7:30 PM
WITCH CAMP, by J. Thalia Cunningham. Directed by Beth Wolf.
When an African-American doctor volunteers at a small health clinic in northern Ghana, she discovers that the women in the camp accused of witchcraft really do have magical powers.
Cast: Charlee Cotton, Myesha-Tiara, RJW Mays, Teresa Champion, Tamarus Harvell, Marz Timms, Sonia Goldberg

Wednesday, September 26, 7:30 PM
CASH COWS, by Anthony Fiorentino. Directed by Jamal Howard.
A group of exploited milk cows launch a hunger strike to change their abusive working conditions and the dairy company's CEO wages a ruthless campaign to crush the rebellion.
Cast: Caron Buinis, Laurie Gauger, Robin Margolis, Emma Sheikh, Tina El Gamal, Tanyce Caraballo, Dekyi Ronge, Blake Holen, David Morgan Shaw

Monday, October 1, 7:30 PM
THINGS THAT ARE ROUND, by Callie Kimball. Directed by Aaron Sawyer.
Two women, a dentist specializing in existential terror, and the worst baby sitter ever who has dreams of becoming an opera singer, square off in a strange ballet of truth or dare.
Cast: Julie Proudfoot, Alejandra Vivanco

Tuesday, October 2, 7:30 PM
MINE AND YOURS, by Carolyn Kras. Directed by Carol Ann Tan.
A foreclosure loophole pits new buyers against former owners in a struggle to claim the house as their home through cohabitation.
Cast: Barbara Roeder Harris, Steve Silver, Isabella Gerasole, Chase Wheaton-Werle

Wednesday, October 3, 7:30 PM
EVERY WAITING HEART, by Lauren Ferebee. Directed by Julie Proudfoot.
A deep and intimate dive into the combative yet unbreakable relationship between an overworked single mother and her rebellious daughter, both pioneer women in 1848.
Cast: Jennifer Cheung, Patty Malaney, Lucy Pearce, John Wehrman, Tamarus Harvell

PLAYWRIGHT BIOS

Charly Evon Simpson (SCRATCHING THE SURFACE) is a playwright and performer from New York City. Her plays include JUMP, SCRATCHING THE SURFACE, HOTTENTOTTED, WHILE WE WAIT, and more. Her work has been seen and/or developed with NNPN at its Kennedy Center MFA Playwright's Workshop, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Ars Nova, The Flea, and others. She's a member of 17/18 Clubbed Thumb Early Career Writers' Group, The Amoralists' 2018-19 'Wright Club, and is The Pack's current playwright-in-residence. Charly holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brown and Master of Fine Arts from Hunter College. www.charlyevonsimpson.com 

J. Thalia Cunningham (WITCH CAMP) is a playwright, travel writer, and photographer.  Her plays have been commissioned, produced, and developed in United States and internationally. She has been published by Smith & Kraus and Applause. She is a proud member of: Actors Studio; League of Professional Theatre Women; The WorkShop Theater Company. J. Thalia holds a Bachelor of Arts from Johns Hopkins University has traveled to 120 countries and has written for national travel publications.

Anthony Fiorentino (CASH COWS) is a Chicago-based playwright whose plays have been produced at the Athenaeum Theatre, Stage 773, Prop Theatre, the American Theatre of Actors, the Actors' Theatre of Santa Cruz, and the Attic Playhouse. His plays ALL MY LOVE and THE FEAST have been nominated for the Jeff Award for Best New Play. He is an affiliated artist with the National New Play Network. He was a finalist for the Stanley Drama Award in 2011, and a Semi-finalist for Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center National Playwright's Conference (2008).

Callie Kimball (THINGS THAT ARE ROUND) is a MacDowell Fellow, a two-time winner of the Rita & Burton Goldberg Award, a finalist for the O'Neill, a semifinalist for the Princess Grace Award, and a four-time nominee for the Susan Smith Blackburn Award. Her plays have appeared in NY, Chicago, LA, and DC, at the Kennedy Center, Portland Stage Company, Lark Play Development Center, Dramatic Repertory Company, Halcyon Theatre, Stoneham Theatre, Echo Theatre, The Brick Theater, Project Y Theatre, Team Awesome Robot, Washington Shakespeare Company, Mad Horse Theatre, and more. She is currently writing a commission for ShadowCatcher Productions inspired by the letters of her grandparents during World War II. THINGS THAT ARE ROUND will have its world premiere this November at Rep Stage. Plays include: SOFONISBA (Clauder Gold Prize Winner, Kilroys' List), RUSH, ALLIGATOR ROAD, DREAMS OF THE PENNY GODS.

Carolyn Kras is an LA-based playwright from Chicago. She was Playwright in Residence at Selladoor Worldwide through the support of the Fulbright LUSK Award to the United Kingdom. Her play The Subject has had 20 readings, including a United Nations Orange Day Reading in London. Carolyn is the recipient of the Visionary Playwright Award, Hamptons International Film Festival Screenwriters' Lab selection, Alfred P. Sloan Screenwriting Award, Aspen Ideas Festival Scholar selection, Disquiet International Short Play Award, and Plume & Pellicule Award.   Her plays have been developed and or produced at The Blank Theatre, The Road Theatre, Chicago Dramatists, Stage Left Theatre, Centenary Stage Company, Pittsburgh Irish & Classical Theatre, 20% Theatre Company Chicago, Williams Street Rep, Theater Masters, Found Stages, and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  She is a member of The Playwrights Union LA and holds a Master of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University. www.carolynkras.com

Lauren Ferebee (EVERY WAITING HEART) Lauren's plays have been praised as "exquisite" (Applause, Applause) and "a fine balance between laugh-out-loud absurdity and gut-wrenching human drama" (DC Metro Theater Arts). Her play THE MEETING was recently a national finalist for the Kennedy Center's Gary Garrison 10-Minute Play Award. Previous plays include THE RECKLESS SEASON (finalist, 2016 Princess Grace Award, semi-finalist, 2014 Shakespeare's Sister Fellowship), and SEXUAL GEOGRAPHY (finalist, 2015 Reva Shiner Comedy Award). Smith & Kraus will publish four monologues from THE RECKLESS SEASON in the 2018 Best Stage Monologues Series She was a nominee for the 2016 USA Fellowship in theatre. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NYU/Tisch. www.laurenferebee.com








Chicago’s premiere professional theatre nurturing feminist playwrights with a one-of-a-kind development process that culminates in remarkable and unforgettable productions.
Join us in bettering our community by empowering women and girls through theatre.  Partnering with Artemisia gives you unique media and marketing opportunities, direct contact with our audience and talent, and the chance to become part of a powerful movement – #ThePresentIsFemale

$100 FALL FESTIVAL SPONSOR
Recognition on Website and Social Media.  Group Logo Ad in Signature Program and signage in lobby throughout the Festival.
$200 ARTEMISIA ANGEL
Free access to all Events for Theatre Season & recognition on Website.
$500 SEASON SPONSOR
Live recognition at Fall Festival, Website Listing & Social Media and Ad in All Programs for Season.
$1,000 ARTEMISIA PARTNERSHIP
Free access to all Events for Theatre Season, Live Recognition at Fall Festival, Website Listing & Recognition in all Media, Press and Programs.
$2,500 PREMIERE PLAYWRIGHT SPONSOR
Guest of honor with free access at all Events for Season, Invitations to Exclusive Play Development Meetings and Rehearsals, Website Listing & Recognition in all Media, Press and Programs.




ABOUT ARTEMISIA: A CHICAGO THEATRE
Founded in 2011, Artemisia, A Chicago Theatre is a professional, not-for-profit theatre that produces all-new, dynamic and empowering plays that center on women who have agency, independence, and are the focal point of their own narratives, to create gender parity both onstage and off. Each season, Artemisia produces its Fall Festival of staged new play readings as well as fully staged productions of new plays it has developed. Artemisia is a 501 c 3 organization and, as such, relies heavily on public support to fund theatre that promotes equality and social justice for all women and girls.  

Artemisia Gentileschi, was a Baroque artist whose paintings depicted violence with fierce honesty and elegance. For centuries after her death, her art was attributed to men. Feminist curators in the late 1970’s rediscovered Artemisia, who is now considered the greatest female painter prior to the modern period. A common theme in Gentileschi’s later work is women in moments of power, or triumph, which is why she is the perfect namesake for Artemisia.

OPENING: Catch The Regional Premiere of Disaster Via CHICAGO THEATRE WORKSHOP at The Edge Theater

CHICAGO THEATRE WORKSHOP PRESENTS THE REGIONAL PREMIERE OF 

“DISASTER” 

BY SETH RUDETSKY AND JACK PLOTNICK 

Earthquakes, tidal waves, infernos and the unforgettable songs of the '70s take center stage in Broadway’s side-splitting homage to classic disaster films.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're eager to catch Chicago Theatre Workshop's Disaster. We've been impressed with their past offerings and this looks like a hilarious night out. I've known Melissa Young (SHIRLEY) since the mid 90's and she was even in a show I wrote at Blue Rider Theatre back in the day. Even though I review an average of 6 shows a week now, it's still fun to see friends in shows. We also love The Edge Theater space -- comfy seats and cup holders, people! What better way to watch DISASTER unfold? Sadly I'm already booked, reviewing elsewhere on their two press opening dates, but I'll be out shortly after, on the 20th. Check back soon for my full review.

It's 1979, and New York's hottest A-listers are lining up for the opening of a floating casino and discotheque. Also attending is a faded disco star, a sexy nightclub singer with her eleven-year-old twins, a disaster expert, a feminist reporter, an older couple with a secret, a pair of young guys who are looking for ladies, an untrustworthy businessman and a nun with a gambling addiction. What begins as a night of boogie fever quickly changes to panic as the ship succumbs to multiple disasters, such as earthquakes, tidal waves and infernos. As the night turns into day, everyone struggles to survive and, quite possibly, repair the love that they've lost... or at least escape the killer rats.



The CTW cast includes; CHAD - Nathan Cooper, MARIANNE - Shannon McEldowney, SCOTT - Warren Dailey, TED - Dan Gold, TONY - Charlie Ward, JACKIE - Elissa Newcorn, BEN/LISA - Pierce Cleaveland, LEVORA - Jessica Vann, SISTER MARY - Britain Gebhardt, SHIRLEY - Melissa Young, MAURY - Shane Roberie, ENSEMBLE - Marcellus Burt, Kaleb Van Rijswijck, Lily Cox, Kara Schoenhofer.

FULL COMPANY AND CREATIVE TEAM!

The creative team includes; Evan Frank (Set Designer), Jennifer Kules and Collin Helou (Lighting Designers), Shelby Brand (Costume & Prop Design), Mike Patrick (Sound Design), Samantha Kittleson (Assistant Director) Ben Baylon (Director), Megan Farly (Choreographer), Oliver Townsend (Musical Director), Tom Mullen (Artistic Director)

DISASTER opens to previews APRIL 12, 2018. Performances run every Thursday & Friday at 7:30 pm, Saturday’s at 8:00 pm and Sunday’s at 3:00 pm thru May 6th at The EDGE Theater which is located at 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640.




For more information on Chicago Theatre Workshop please visit us at www.chicagotheatreworkshop.org

Klingon Christmas Carol at Raven Theatre Via E.D.G.E THEATRE

E.D.G.E THEATRE PRESENTS   

Klingon Christmas Carol,   

ADAPTED BY 

CHRISTOPHER KIDDER-MOSTROM & SASHA WARREN ,

AT Raven Theatre, November 30th-December 17th

Get your geek on with a rendition of Christmas Carol like no other! Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we caught A Klingon Christmas Carol a few years back and were astonished. It plays out like a foreign language movie with subtitles, yet the carefully crafted script and translation is far from gibberish. The Klingon values of courage and honor shine through and the language is impressive, to say the least. This is a must see for Star Trek fans and anyone who enjoys pop culture, unique takes on holiday classics, and a fun night out.

A Klingon Christmas Carol, written by Christopher Kidder-Mostrom & Sasha Warren, and translated by Laura Thurston, Bill Hedrick, Christopher Kidder-Mostrom & Chris Lipscombe. This production is directed by John Gleason Teske and performs  November 30th-December 17th at Raven Theatre, 6157 N Clark St, Chicago, IL.  

The performance schedule is Thursdays and Saturdays at 8:00PM and Sundays at 2:00PM (with a special Friday performance on December 1st at 8:00PM). Tickets are $22 and may be purchased at edgeoforion.com/purchase-tickets/.

A Klingon Christmas Carol is the first play to be performed entirely in Klingon, a constructed language first appearing in Star Trek. It is the Charles Dickens classic tale of ghosts and redemption, adapted to reflect the Klingon values of courage and honor, and then translated into Klingon (performed with English supertitles).

The cast of  Kllingon Christmas Carol includes  Jamie Spagnola (Narrator); Tony Bunnell SQUJA’ (Scrooge); Matt Calhoun QACHIT (Cratchit); Justin Blankenship VRED (Fred); Andrea Hansen EMLI (Mrs. Cratchit); Alexander C. Ferguson BEN QEYLIS QA' (Christmas Past); Rhys Read DAHJAJ QEYLIS QA' (Christmas Present); Kreg Kennon PIQ QEYLIS QA' (Christmas Yet-To-Come); Angela Rak

SQUJA' QUP (Young Scrooge); Darrick Jackson VESIWIQ (Fezziwig); Mandi Corrao VAN (Fan); Cat McKay BEL (Belle); John Mobley MARLI'(Marley); Erin Caswell SUY (Weapon Merchant/Old Joe); Lucinda Lodder Lindstrom TIMHOM (Tiny   Tim).

The  Klingon Christmas Carol production team includes  Shauna Warren,  stage manager; Rachel Flesher, fight director; Peter McManus, set designer and  David Trudeau, lighting designer.

ABOUT E.D.G.E. THEATRE
E.D.G.E.’s anachronism stands for “Esteem Development through Greater Expectations”. Using the theatre arts, they educate and entertain to foster the tools of social change. E.D.G.E has a goal of finding every participant’s personal best and holding them accountable to it. E.D.G.E. main thrust is developing theatre for marginalized communities and to bring a message of non-violence, civic and social change through exploration of the theatre arts. E.D.G.E.’s four sectors are: E.D.G.E Core, company produced classes offered on a select curriculum in theatre, social skills, history and stage combat; E.D.G.E. Satellite, 

E.D.G.E programs produced, collaborated or sub contracted by an outside produced program; E.D.G.E Troupe, a professional actor program providing a training ground for interns from our marginalized community to observe the highest standards of professionalism and be part of the process and E.D.G.E Workshops, limited time commitment programs are meant to harness their educational and entertainment abilities in a workshop environment. These programs are targeted for school assemblies, conventions, and camps.

OPENING: WORLD PREMIERE Steampunk Christmas Carol at Raven Theatre Via E.D.G.E THEATRE 12/6-16

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

E.D.G.E THEATRE PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF Steampunk Christmas Carol, 

ADAPTED BY Jared McDaris, at Raven Theatre , 

December 6-December 16

Get in gear, break out your top hats and check out Steampunk Christmas Carol. 

E.D.G.E. Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of Steampunk Christmas Carol, adapted and directed by Jared McDaris, December 6-December 16 at Raven Theatre, 6157 N Clark St, Chicago, IL. Opening night is December 6. The performance schedule is 12/6, 12/8, 12/15 at 8pm and 12/9, 12/16 at 2pm. Tickets are $18. Tickets may be purchased at https://edgeoforion.com/steampunk-christmas-carol.

Charles Dickens meets Jules Verne (the Father of Science Fiction) in EDGE Theater and Steampunk Chicago's inventive reimagining of the classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol. Set in fanciful Victorian England, mechanized ghosts tell of the fate of a world without Christmas. In this land of industry, populated with strange machines powered by gas, gears and electricity, Scrooge comes to realize that the best investment man can make is in mankind. Witness the revolution of a soul when Jared McDaris' Steampunk Christmas Carol swings into Chicago's Raven Theatre.

The cast of Steampunk Christmas Carol includes X-2: Gilly Guire
The Engineer: Sarah Franzel
Scrooge: Joshua Carroll
Fred: Erik Burke
Barb Ratchet: Elizabeth Quilter
Marley: Jessica Goforth
Christmas Past: Kate Lass
Mad Madam Fizzlewig: Jennifer Mohr Young Scrooge: Seamus McMahon
The Creation "Claire": Sarah Jean Tilford Christmas Present: Kaelea Rovinsky

The Steampunk Christmas Carol production team includes Roxie Kooi, stage manager; Kate Lass, fight director; Peter McManus, set designer and David Trudeau, lighting designer.

ABOUT E.D.G.E. THEATRE
E.D.G.E.’s anachronism stands for “Esteem Development through Greater Expectations”. Using the theatre arts, they educate and entertain to foster the tools of social change. E.D.G.E has a goal of finding every participant’s personal best and holding them accountable to it. E.D.G.E. main thrust is developing theatre for marginalized communities and to bring a message of non-violence, civic and social change through exploration of the theatre arts. E.D.G.E.’s four sectors are: E.D.G.E Core, company produced classes offered on a select curriculum in theatre, social skills, history and stage combat; E.D.G.E. Satellite, E.D.G.E programs produced, collaborated or sub contracted by an outside produced program; E.D.G.E Troupe, a professional actor program providing a training ground for interns from our marginalized community to observe the highest standards of professionalism and be part of the process and E.D.G.E Workshops, limited time commitment programs are meant to harness their educational and entertainment abilities in a workshop environment. These programs are targeted for school assemblies, conventions, and camps.

Three Shows Only: Catch Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre at Edge Theatre 7/28-7/30

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre

at Edge Theatre

Acrobatic Dance Theatre inspired by the work of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking

Photography: Geoffrey Wade

THREE PERFORMANCES!

Friday, July 28, 8:00 pm

Saturday, July 29, 8:00 pm

Sunday, July 30, 3:00 pm

 

Tickets: $15 student, $20 general, $10 for groups of 10+
On-line: https://www.acphysicaltheatre.com/events

Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre will present A Life With No Limits at Edge Theatre on July 28, 29, and 30.  This performance is inspired by the work of astrophysicist Stephen Hawking and is created in the company’s signature style blending dance, theatre, and acrobatics.  The evening will begin with a selection of stories and characters from the company’s DREAM LOGIC show. Find enchantment in ordinary situations presented in unexpected ways!  After the show, the performers look forward to talking with members of the audience.

“It's especially gratifying to see companies like Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre return to Washington with a fascinating new work, A Life With No Limits, dedicated to the ideas of the physicist Stephen Hawking. Aura Curiatlas has developed a unique, intensely physical brand of performance without words, incorporating circus and dance techniques into narratives that are eye-popping in their execution and touching in their meaning.”  (Andy White, BroadwayWorld.com, March 1, 2017)

Aura Curiatlas performs July 28 and 29 at 8:00 pm and July 30 at 3:00 pm at Edge Theatre, 5451 North Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640; Tickets: $20 general, $15 student.


What’s In A Name?
Aura:  Lightness and breath
Curious: Our characters and ourselves
Atlas: Strength and power

“Combine strength and humor, a dash of curiosity, a pinch of whimsy, and a generous dose of inventiveness, mix thoroughly and you have Aura Curiatlas Physical Theatre's compelling brand of storytelling and movement.” (Pamela Roberts, BroadwayWorld.com, March 2016)

 

Meet the Artists
Joan Gavaler (Co-Artistic Director) has choreographed over 50 original works and been a driving force behind four professional companies. She relishes collaborative discovery and has worked with poets, visual artists, composers, musicians, actors, directors, acrobats, and physicists on dance and theatre projects.  She has been invited by over 40 organizations to present and teach in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including presentations on the Alexander Technique in Lugano, Switzerland, a dance residency at Beijing Normal University, performances for American Dance Guild showcases in New York City, and movement consulting for the Virginia Shakespeare Festival.  Joan is a Professor of Dance, College of William & Mary.


Dan Plehal (Co-Artistic Director) studied and performed physical theatre at the College of William & Mary and with Pig Iron Theatre Company (Philadelphia), FLIC Squola di Circo (Torino), Familie Floz (Berlin), and Accademia dell'Arte (Arezzo).  He has directed and designed movement for Lifeline Theatre and Boho Theatre (Chicago), Red Dot Theatre Company (Arezzo), The Groundswell Players (Philadelphia), and Sinfonicron Light Opera Company (Williamsburg).  He has taken on various roles at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Arden Theatre, Theatre Horizon, and Team Sunshine (Philadelphia).  Dan directs, performs, and teaches in Chicago.

Collaborators: Mickey Lonsdale, an acrobat and dancer based in Stamford, CT; Richie Schiraldi, an acrobat and clown based in Chicago, Fiona Wren Bradley, a handbalancer and acrobat based in Chicago.


Website: www.ACPhysicalTheatre.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/auracuriatlas


2016-17 grants:

Junior Woman’s Club of Williamsburg

National Endowment for the Arts

Virginia Commission for the Arts

Williamsburg Area Arts Commission

York County Arts Commission