WORLD PREMIERE: Chicago Cubs Musical MIRACLE: A Musical 108 Years in the Making at Royal George Theatre

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

The World Premiere of

MIRACLE

A Musical 108 Years in the Making

A Miracle is coming to Chicago. Inspired by Chicago’s beloved 2016 World Series Champions the Chicago Cubs, MIRACLE, makes its highly-anticipated World Premiere at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N Halsted St) with previews May 8. With a book by Jason Brett (Co-Founder of the Apollo Theater and Co-Producer of the film About Last Night), and music and lyrics by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler (Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Jeff Award nominated Road Show; Drury Lane Theatre: Hot Mikado; American Blues Theater: Jeff Award Recipient Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story), this heartwarming musical is directed by Damon Kiely (World Premiere: Thieves Like Us; American Blues Theatre: Jeff Award nominated Hank Williams: Lost Highway; American Theater Company: Jeff Award nominated Oklahoma!) and produced by William Marovitz and Arny Granat.



Set against the backdrop of the Chicago Cubs 2016 Championship season, MIRACLE tells the story of a typical working class Chicago family and what it means to have faith, lose it and try to regain it again. The production chronicles the Chicago Cubs’ struggle to win the pennant, as well as the life of the Delaneys, a close-knit Chicago Irish family fighting to keep their bar near Wrigley Field afloat financially. Throughout MIRACLE, the audience will journey through Pops Delaney’s efforts to resolve conflicts with his son, Charlie, and Charlie’s attempts to keep the business alive, as well as cheer along with Charlie’s 11-year-old daughter Dani, who is completely enamored with the boys in blue, and his wife Sofia, a Chicago Public School teacher, who is the glue that keeps the family together.

“The Chicago Cubs have had a memorable impact on not only Chicagoans, but fans around the world,” says creator and producer William Marovitz. “This story is more than just baseball. It illustrates how hope, faith, and belief can take you somewhere where you never imagined. With this musical, we celebrate the highs and lows of life directly paralleled with the Cubs winning the World Series, and how believing in a miracle can get you further than you ever could have ever dreamed.”

MIRACLE stars Brandon Dahlquist as “Charlie” (Broadway: Bronx Bombers; San Francisco Playhouse: Dogfight; Writers Theater: Jeff Award nominated A Little Night Music; Porchlight Music Theatre: City of Angels), Gene Weygandt as “Pops” (Broadway: Wicked, Big; National Tour: Wicked, A Christmas Story; Marriott Theatre: Jeff Award Recipients A Day in Hollywood and Me and My Girl), Amaris Sanchez as “Dani 1” (Broadway: On Your Feet!; National Tour: On Your Feet!; Goodman Theatre: A Christmas Carol), Elise Wolf as “Dani 2” (Mercury Theater: The Christmas Schooner;  The Artistic Home Theatre: By the Bag of Cats, Miracle on 34th Street), Allison Sill as “Sofia” (Marriott Theatre: Pinkalicious, Honeymoon in Vegas, She Loves Me; Paramount Theatre: Oklahoma!; Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Seussical), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as “Larry” (Writers Theater: Jeff Award Recipient Parade; Marriott Theatre: Dreamgirls, Ragtime, Man of La Mancha; Paramount Theatre: In the Heights, Little Mermaid), Veronica Garza as “Babs” (Theatre Wit: Jeff Award Recipient Tonya and Nancy; Firebrand Theatre: Jeff Award nominated 9 to 5; Theo Ubique: Jeff Award nominated A New Brain), and Michael Kingston as “Weslowski/Sleaze” (National Tour: Flashdance The Musical; Paramount Theatre: Hairspray; Jackalope Theatre: Ideation).

The production will feature choreography by Dina DiCostanzo, musical direction by Kory Danielson, set design by Collette Pollard, costume design by Izumi Inaba, lighting design by Christine Binder, sound design by Ray Nardelli, projection design by Mike Tutaj, and properties design by Angela McIlvain.

The performance schedule for MIRACLE is Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 3pm. For more information, please visit www.miraclethemusical.com, www.ticketmaster.com or by calling The Royal George Theatre box office at 312.988.9000.



WILLIAM MAROVITZ (LEAD Producer, Concept Originator) was a State Senator in the Illinois Legislator.  He spent 18 years in the Illinois General Assembly, receiving many Best Legislator Awards and sponsoring many landmark pieces of legislation. In 1987/88, as the State Senator representing the Wrigleyville community, Marovitz worked with Major League Baseball, the Chicago Cubs and the surrounding neighbors to forge a compromise that allowed for the installation of lights at Wrigley Field (8/8/88). Following his tenure in the Senate, he developed many buildings in Chicago’s River North area, some of which included 60 story residential high-rises.  He is currently co-developing a new high-rise project in the hot Fulton Market Corridor. The project is called the City Tech Center. Marovitz is involved with many restaurants both in and out of Chicago, including his ownership of Carnivale Restaurant in the Fulton Market Corridor. He has been an investor in several Broadway shows, including Tony Award winners Spambot, Glengarry Glen Ross, and All the Way, and is currently an investor in Tootsie.

ARNY GRANAT (Co-Producer) is a full-time producer/promoter from Chicago focusing on traveling exhibits, concerts and events. Over the last 45 years he has been a partner at Jam Productions, Ltd, Jam Theatricals, Outback Concerts, Grand Slam Productions and a producer of many other events and tours. Among Granat’s many achievements in the music industry are being named Pollstar’s Talent Buyer of the Year and Performance Magazine Readers Poll Promoter of the Year. Granat has also won 10 Tony Awards as a producer on Broadway with Jam Theatricals.

DAMON KIELY (Director) is the Chair of Performance at DePaul’s Theatre School and the author of How to Read a Play: Text Analysis for Directors (Routledge 2016). His production of HANK WILLIAMS: LOST HIGHWAY won the Jeff Award for Best Musical Production Midsized. He recently directed Robert O’Hara’s Barbecue at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Space and Boyfor TimeLine Theatre. From 2002 through 2007 he served as Artistic Director for American Theatre Company and has directed for American Blues, Strawdog, Route 66, A Red Orchid, Next and many others. His original plays Thieves Like us and The Revelwere produced by The House Theatre of Chicago.

MICHAEL MAHLER (Composer & Lyricist) (ASCAP) is the Jeff award-winning composer/lyricist of October Sky, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Something in the Game, Hero, The Man who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, How Can You Run with a Shell on your Back, and others. He contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh’s Tony-nominated Broadway revival of Miss Saigon and served as original English lyricist for Boublil & Schönberg’s La Revolution Française. Projects in development include The Secret of My Success for Universal Theatricals, Jonestown, and Gravedigger’s Hamlet.

JASON BRETT (Writer) is the co-founder of Chicago’s famed Apollo Theater, where he produced dozens of plays and musicals featuring John Malkovich, Gary Sinise, Laurie Metcalfe, William Peterson, Megan Mullally, James Belushi and Lily Tomlin. In film, Mr. Brett produced the romantic comedy hit, "About Last Night...". He has written films for Universal, Sony, Tri-Star, and 20th Century Fox. In television, Mr. Brett has created and written more than thirty TV shows. As an entertainment industry executive, he headed the scripted TV division of Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions, was president of Second City Entertainment and oversaw the comedy unit of AOL.

JULIAN FRAZIN (Co-Producer and Co- Concept Originator) was principal writer, lyricist and producer of the Chicago Bar Association’s famed “Christmas Spirits” gridiron shows for more than 50 years. His musical “Lords of the Levee” written with Alan Barcus and Rick Kogan, was named one the year’s top five entertainment events by the South Bend Tribune. Julian collaborated with jazz greats Larry Novak, Ed Tossing and Bobby Schiff on songs recorded by Dennis DeYoung, Ron Hawking, Alma Balier and Lucy Reed. A retired Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, he has been a theater critic for Chicago’s Law Bulletin Publishing for the past 30 years.

OPENING: THE ORIGINAL LONDON PRODUCTION of THE WOMAN IN BLACK at

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

THE ORIGINAL LONDON PRODUCTION 

of

THE WOMAN IN BLACK

IN CHICAGO THIS NOVEMBER

“The most brilliantly effective spine-chiller you will ever encounter”

Daily Telegraph

presented by

PW Productions and Pemberley Productions

Director Robin Herford’s Original Staging of Susan Hill’s ghost story will “scare the living daylights out of you”

  

I'll be out for the press opening, November 18th, so check back soon for my full review. Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we enjoy a touch of the macabre, so we're eager to catch The Woman in Black.

Over eight million people have lived to tell the tale of one of the most successful – and terrifying - theatre events ever staged, and it’s coming to shock audiences in Chicago this fall. The Woman in Black – London’s long-running West End play -  will open at Chicago’s Royal George Theatre in November with all the stage thrills that have led audiences in London to shriek in fear for 30 years.

Susan Hill’s Gothic ghost story, adapted for the stage by Stephen Mallatratt, is set in an isolated windswept mansion with tragic secrets hidden behind its shuttered windows. There, a young lawyer encounters horrific visions in the house set amidst the eerie marshes and howling winds of England’s forbidding Northeast Coast. With just two actors, The Woman in Black offers audiences an evening of unremitting drama and sheer theatricality as they are transported into a chilling and ghostly world.

London’s The Independent said of it, “The atmosphere is so charged-up that on more than one occasion the entire audience screamed in terror.” The Daily Mail called it “A nerve-shredding experience.”

Reviewing the West End production this past January, the London newspaper The Daily Express said, “As the tale unfolds, it tightens its grip on the spectator like a medieval instrument of torture… It is all staged impeccably with amazing sound effects and shocks that make you jump out of your seat. But it is the simplicity that impresses. It is profoundly effective, and it will scare the living daylights out of you.”

The Guardian’s Mark Lawson said, “the great pleasure of the production remains the way in which Mallatratt and the director Robin Herford (who has been in charge of all the play’s incarnations) utilize the fears and imagination of the audience, so that, for example, a few glances and hand gestures create out of nothing a dog who is as convincing as animatronics, while a few puffs of stage smoke or a flap of fabric conjure up geographical and physical presences.”

For the Chicago production, director Robin Herford will recreate his original staging for the first time in the U.S., with a Chicago-based cast. This American premiere of the Original London West End production, presented by PW Productions and Pemberley Productions, will begin previews November 15th , with a Press Opening on November 18th at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., Chicago.



The History of THE WOMAN IN BLACK

Susan Hill’s novel, THE WOMAN IN BLACK was originally published in 1983 and has thrilled and spooked millions of readers ever since.  Robin Heford commissioned Stephen Mallatratt to adapt the novel for the stage in 1987 and it was produced as a Christmas show at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, U.K. After months of sold out performances, the play transferred to London’s West End in January 1989.

The classic chiller was released as a major motion picture starring Daniel Radcliffe in 2012, and soon became the highest grossing British horror film in 20 years.

The Chicago production of THE WOMAN IN BLACK will star Bradley Armacost as Arthur Kipps and Adam Wesley Brown as The Actor.

Bradley Armacost (Arthur Kipps)
Bradley has worked extensively on stage, in film & television, and in voice-over throughout the country.

Based in Chicago, he has received numerous Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations for his stage work. Select credits include Oedipus Complex, The Zoo Story, The Trip To Bountiful, A Touch of the Poet and Chicago Boys at Goodman Theatre; Playboy of the Western World, Maria Arndt, The Seafarer, and Faith Healer at Steppenwolf Theatre Company; The Merchant of Venice, The Comedy of Errors, Timon of Athens, Antony & Cleopatra, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Elizabeth Rex, and The Madness of King George at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; and You Can't Take It With You and A Life (with the late John Mahoney) at Northlight Theatre. Earlier this season he appeared in Translations at Washington, D.C.'s Studio Theatre.

Bradley is an Artistic Associate at Provision Theatre Company (Shadowlands, C. S. Lewis: Onstage, Tuesdays With Morrie) and Irish Theatre of Chicago (The Weir, Moon for the Misbegotten, The Seafarer, Hughie, Shining City).

Television credits include the Fox series The Exorcist as Bishop Eagan, Empire, Chicago Fire, Mind Games, Missing Persons, Untouchables, and Early Edition.

Film credits include Patriot, Warren, The Company, Barbershop 2, Repetition, and Eight Men Out.

Bradley has made numerous appearances as narrator with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in the Beyond the Score series.

Adam Wesley Brown (The Actor)
Theatre Credits include: Once (Broadway); Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Book of Joseph, The Tempest, Julius Caesar and Henry VIII (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre); Million Dollar Quartet (Paramount Theatre); Long Way Go Down (Jackalope Theatre, Jeff Award nomination); A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (Folger Theatre, Helen Hayes Award nomination); A Christmas Carol (Actors Theatre of Louisville).

Film Credits include: Widows and Keith Urban: 30 Songs in 30 Days.
Adam released his debut album Adam Wesley Brown: Live at Bowery Poetry on Apple Music and Spotify.  He is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

Robin Herford (Director)
Robin read Philosophy and English at St. Andrews University and trained as an actor at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Much of his early career was involved with Alan Ayckbourn and the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough. Joining the company in 1976 as an actor, he was appointed Associate Director in 1979 and was Artistic Director from 1986 to 1988. Robin has appeared in the original production of more Ayckbourn plays than any other actor, from Ten Times Table in 1977 to Henceforward… in 1987 and including the monster 16-play two-hander Intimate Exchanges. He came to London with Season’s Greetings and Suburban Strains (Roundhouse), Intimate Exchanges (Ambassadors) and Henceforward… (Vaudeville).

While Artistic Director at Scarborough, he commissioned and directed Stephen Mallatratt’s phenomenally successful adaptation of The Woman in Black, which has been running in the West End for almost 30 years and has completed 12 national tours. He always personally directs every recast and has also directed productions of the play abroad: in Tokyo (in Japanese!), India, Singapore, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand and soon, America.

Robin’s other London productions include The Glory of The Garden, (Duke of Yorks), Rough Justice (Apollo), Joking Apart and The Importance of Being Earnest (Greenwich) and The Secret of Sherlock Holmes (Duchess)

PW PRODUCTIONS (Producers)
PW Productions is responsible for producing some of the most successful productions in British theatre over the past 30 years.
As well as being prolific producers, they have acted as General Managers, Bookkeepers and Accountants to more than 500 productions in London, throughout the UK and around the world.

Notable productions and co-productions include:

As well as producing the multi-award-winning J B Priestley’s An Inspector Calls in the West End, on tour in the UK and internationally, in 1989 they brought Stephen Mallatratt’s The Woman in Black to the West End which celebrates its 30th year in the West End this year, and tours the UK and the world.

With the National Theatre: Broken Glass (UK Premiere); The Wind In The Willows; Oh What A Lovely War! 
With Matthew Bourne: Nutcracker!; Play Without Words (UK & US Tours, Tokyo and Moscow).
With the Roundhouse: Michael Clarke; Stomp; De La Guarda.
With the RSC: Krapp’s Last Tape with Edward Petherbridge. 
With Mobil Touring Theatre: The Philanthropist; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead; Habeas Corpus; Charley’s Aunt; The Crucifer Of Blood; Absurd Person Singular; Noises Off; Dial M For Murder; Forty Years On with Tony Robinson; Tartuffe with Stephen Tompkinson; Sleuth with Peter Bowles; Les Liaisons Dangereuses; Deathtrap with David Soul; The Sunshine Boys with Ron Moody.

Other productions and co-productions: Edmund Kean with Ben Kingsley; Rowan Atkinson at the Atkinson on Broadway; Julian Glover’s Beowulf in New York and the UK; A Betrothal with Ben Kingsley and Geraldine James; Dickens’ Women with Miriam Margoyles; Kings with Alan Howard; Dylan Thomas: Return Journey, directed by Anthony Hopkins and co-produced with Eric Clapton; The Father with Edward Fox and Stephanie Beacham; Boyband at the Gielgud; Amadeus at the Old Vic and on Broadway with David Suchet and Michael Sheen and Lenny with Eddie Izzard at the Queen’s, both directed by Sir Peter Hall; Old Wicked Songs with Bob Hoskins; The Madness Of George Dubya; Bombshells starring Caroline O’Connor, both at The Arts Theatre; What The Butler Saw at the Criterion Theatre; Honour with Dame Diana Rigg at the Wyndham’s Theatre; Aspects Of Love with David Essex; Sign Of The Times with Stephen Tompkinson; Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens and at the O2; The Railway Children at Waterloo Station; Broken Glass with Sir Antony Sher and Tara Fitzgerald at the Vaudeville Theatre; Maurice’s Jubilee at The Pleasance; Spot’s Birthday Party; This Is Ceilidh in Edinburgh and London; The Nightmares Of Carlos Fuentes at Arcola, directed by Nicolas Kent; Adrian Mole The Musical at Leicester Curve; This Is Living at Trafalgar Studios; Vault Festival; Chinglish at Park Theatre.

PW Productions has a number of new projects in development and continues its commitment in creating exceptional theatre.

Pemberley Productions (Producers) is a company founded and run by Andrew D. Hamingson and Tim Smith. They are dedicated to bringing European drama to North America and North American drama to Europe. Next season, as well as co-producing the US tour of Private Peaceful, Pemberley is producing US tours of PW Productions’ tour of the National Theatre of Great Britain’s production of An Inspector Calls directed by Stephen Daldry and the first US tour of the long-running West-End production of Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black, directed by Robin Herford. Previous projects include a US national tour of the Royal Shakespeare Company / Filter Theatre production of Twelfth Night, a European tour of The Public Theater’s Apple Family Plays and an Irish Tour of the American Players Theatre’s production of James DeVita’s In Acting Shakespeare.  Pemberley also co-produced the US tour of Ensemble Basiani from the Republic of Georgia in 2016 and general managed the US tour of Druid Theatre’s The Beauty Queen of Leenane. This past season Pemberley Productions is producing the second US national tour of Sancho by and with Paterson Joseph, and have general managed the national tour of Theatre De La Ville’s State of Siege and the NY premiere of Some Old Black Man at 59E59 Theatres.  Follow Pemberley Productions on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PemberleyProductions/



Performances of THE WOMAN IN BLACK are as follows: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm; Sundays at 7:00. Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30pm.  Tickets are $49 to $69. To purchase tickets, please visit www.ticketmaster.com or the Box Office at 312.988.9000. For more information, visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com.

LAST CALL: SPAMILTON at The Royal George is Closing 10/8/17

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED CHICAGO PRODUCTION OF 

“SPAMILTON” 

AT THE ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE MUST CLOSE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 

After a Seven-Month Run in Chicago, “Spamilton” Premieres in Los Angeles November 12

Kenaz-Mara 2017

Don't miss your chance to keep a souvenir "Playkill"!
A big favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows is leaving Chicago,

so catch it while you can.

Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows we highly recommend Spamilton. This show is more of an irreverent roast of Lin-Manuel Miranda and the whole Broadway musicals genre than a parody of Hamilton in particular, though it does include brilliantly funny lyric rewrites of Hamilton tunes. Both of my teens adored it as much as I did, and we all laughed early and often throughout the show. It's fabulously funny and exceeded all our expectations.



If you're looking for something to entertain the tough to please teen demographic, Spamilton is a good bet. This is also a fun find for a date night or multigenerational entertainment. If you're searching for a show as funny to the kids as it is to the grandparents, Spamilton is nearly 90 minutes of non stop fun. They keep the sets and costumes minimalist and two of the sisters are puppets, but the over the top creative writing, fabulous vocals, and heartfelt hilarity is more than worth the admission. There's not a bad seat in the place, as the Royal George cabaret space is intimate. There's also a convenient bar, right at the back of the seating. 

This wickedly witty and wonderful production is an absolute must see for anyone familiar with Hamilton and/or Broadway musicals. Don't miss this!

 Check out our full review and more show info HERE then GO already.




The producers of “Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed parody of “Hamilton,” announced an October 8 closing date for the Chicago run at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted). Created by Tony Award honoree Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” “Spamilton” officially opened in Chicago on March 12 to rave reviews, with Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times calling “Spamilton” an “altogether brilliant, hilarious, cliché-demolishing send-up of ‘Hamilton,’” Chris Jones of Chicago Tribune noting “You really don’t want to miss ‘Spamilton,’” and Barbara Vitello of the Daily Herald exclaiming the show is “deliciously silly. The laughs come fast and furious!” The all-Chicago “Broadway ready” (Chicago Sun-Times) cast includes Becca Brown, Aaron Holland, Adam LaSalle, Yando Lopez, Gabriel Mudd and David Robbins. Original cast members include Donterrio Johnson, Michelle Lauto and Eric Andrew Lewis.

The final tickets for “Spamilton” are available now. The final performance takes place Sunday, October 8 at 5 p.m. Tickets ($59 – $99) can be purchased at the Royal George Theatre’s box office online, at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 312.988.9000.  

“After seven great months in Chicago here at the Royal George with our talented local cast, we feel very lucky to have been so well-received for so long,” said Alessandrini. “While it’s bittersweet to be leaving the Windy City, we’re thrilled about the next steps for ‘Spamilton,’ including continuing our open run in New York and opening the Los Angeles production in November.”

“Spamilton,” which was initially scheduled in New York as an exclusive 18-performance off-Broadway engagement, has extended three times and is now playing its seventeenth smash month of an open engagement at the 47th Street Theatre in the heart of New York’s Theatre District. The New York production earned rave reviews across-the-board, with Ben Brantley of The New York Times calling it “smart, silly and convulsively funny!” and Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming “I laughed my brains out!” In its Chicago premiere, the local cast received additional acclaim, with critics hailing the production “endlessly entertaining” (Performink), “A Must-See!” (BroadwayWorld.com), and “razor sharp and filled with wit and humor” (Chicago Theatre Review). On opening night, cast members from the Chicago production of “Hamilton” were in the audience, and following the performance Wayne Brady called the production “Amazing! It’s the perfect blend of funny and parody. Go see ‘Spamilton!’ This fall, “Spamilton” makes its West Coast debut at the Kirk Douglas Theatre with Center Theatre Group November 5 – December 31, 2017.



In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Milo Blue (Scenic Design), Andy Kloubec (Lighting Design), Matt Reich (Sound Design), Jamie Karas (Prop Design), Leah Munsey-Konops (Wig Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements).

“Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatricals, in association with JAM Theatricals. Brandon Kinley and Keirsten Hodgens are the understudies for the production.

The performance schedule for “Spamilton” is as follows: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For additional details, visit Ticketmaster.com or TheRoyalGeorgeTheatre.com.

For more information, visit Spamilton.com.

OPENING: All-Chicago Cast Brings Spamilton Laughs To Royal George

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

“SPAMILTON,” THE SMASH OFF-BROADWAY HIT OPENS THIS WEEK AT THE ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE

The All-Chicago Cast Includes Donterrio Johnson, Adam LaSalle, Michelle Lauto, Eric Andrew Lewis, Yando Lopez and David Robbins

“Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed off-Broadway parody of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sensation, “Hamilton,” opens this week with an all-Chicago cast! It's currently in previews for the regional premiere in Chicago at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted). Created by Tony Award honoree Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” the “smart, silly and compulsively funny show” (The New York Times) features an all-Chicago ensemble including Donterrio Johnson, Adam LaSalle, Michelle Lauto, Eric Andrew Lewis, Yando Lopez and David Robbins. “Spamilton” begins performances Friday, March 3 at the Royal George Theatre’s Cabaret/Studio Theatre. The Press Opening is set for Sunday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($59 – $99) can be purchased at the Royal George Theatre’s box office online or by calling 312.988.9000.

“We couldn’t have been more thrilled by Chicago’s pool of incredible talent,” said Alessandrini.  “We hope ‘Spamilton’ will be as lively and hysterically funny as ‘Hamilton’ is provocative. It is a tall order, but we are going to try to make Chicago a happier town than ever and keep the audience roaring with delight.”

“Spamilton” celebrates, roasts and eviscerates the Broadway blockbuster with its versatile cast of six. In its world-premiere production off-Broadway in New York, the show has been extended three times and is now in its fifth smash month at the Triad. The New York production earned rave reviews across the board, hailed as "the next best thing to seeing ‘Hamilton’” (The New York Times), “so infectiously fun,” (The Hollywood Reporter) and had Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming “I laughed my brains out!”

In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements). “Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatricals, in association with JAM Theatricals. Chuckie Benson is the understudy for the production.

The performance schedule for “Spamilton” is as follows: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

About the Artists of “Spamilton” 

Gerard Alessandrini (Creator) is best known for creating and writing all 25 editions of “Forbidden Broadway” in New York, Los Angeles, London and around the world. Alessandrini was featured in the original 1982 cast of “Forbidden Broadway” and can be heard on four of the 12 “Forbidden Broadway” cast albums. He also sings on the soundtracks of the Disney classics “Aladdin” and “Pocahontas.” Television credits include writing comedy specials for Bob Hope, Angela Lansbury and Carol Burnett. Directing credits include Maury Yeston’s musical “In the Beginning.” Recent musicals which he co-wrote and/or directed include “Madame X” (NYMF 2011) and “The Nutcracker and I,” featuring a complete Tchaikovsky score with all new lyrics by Alessandrini. As a director, he’s currently working on an upcoming revue focusing on the songs of Maury Yeston entitled “Anything Can Happen (In the Theater).” Alessandrini is the recipient of an Obie Award, two Lucille Lortel Awards, a Lifetime Achievement award from the Drama League, and seven Drama Desk Awards. Alessandrini was also awarded an Honorary Tony Award for Excellence in the Theatre.

Donterrio Johnson (Male Two) is an alumni of the American Musical and Dramatic Academy of Los Angeles and an Artistic Ensemble Member of Pride Films and Plays. Johnson’s theater credits include “Annie Warbucks” (Theatre at the Center); “Next To Normal” and “Urinetown” (Boho Theatre); “The Hundred Dresses” and “Mr. Chickee's Funny Money” (Chicago Children's Theatre); “Sweeney Todd” (Denver Center for the Performing Arts); “Murder Ballad” (Cardinal Stage); “Lookingglass Alice” (Lookingglass Theatre); “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Theo Ubique); “Ain’t Misbehavin” and “Golden Boy” (Porchlight Music Theatre); “The Color Purple” and “Avenue Q” (Mercury Theatre); “Rent” (Brightside Theatre); “Under a Rainbow Flag” (Pride Films and Plays); “Hairspray” (SRO Productions); and “Urinetown,” “Aladdin The Musical,” “Into The Woods” and “Kennedy The Musical” (Broadway Workshop). His TV credits include USA’s “Sirens.”

Adam LaSalle’s (Pianist/King George) Chicago musical direction and piano credits include “24 Words” (Stage 773); “Nunsense” (Beverly Arts Center); “Rebel” (Theatre Wit); and a number of revues, concerts, and cabarets at the Promontory and as a regular at Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret in Wicker Park. Some favorite roles he's performed include Jesus in “Godspell,” Tommy Albright in “Brigadoon” and the Pirate King in “Pirates of Penzance.” LaSalle has also accompanied and music directed with Memphis' Playhouse on the Square Musical Theatre Education Program, The Chicago Children's Choir, ChiArts, SummerSing's International Choral Festival in Cork City, Ireland and a number of musicals for the Souza Scholarship Theatre Program in Orange County, New York.

Michelle Lauto’s (Female Performer) recent credits include “In the Heights” (Porchlight Music Theatre); “Xanadu” (American Theater Company); “35mm” (Circle Theatre); “The Boy From Oz” (Pride Films and Plays); and “Murder Ballad” (Bailiwick Chicago). Lauto is a proud graduate of The Second City Training Center Conservatory.

Eric A. Lewis (Male Three) was last seen in Theatre at the Center's production of "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra." His Chicago credits include “The Little Mermaid,” “In the Heights” and “Tommy” (Paramount Theatre); “Dreamgirls” (Porchlight Music Theatre); “Once Upon a People” (Black Ensemble Theater); “Parade” (BoHo Theatre); “How to Succeed in Business,” “Sister Act” and “Suessical the Musical” (Marriott Theatre); and “Dreamgirls” (Milwaukee Repertory Theater).

Yando Lopez (Male One) was last seen in “The Christians” at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Recent credits include “In the Heights” and “Sondheim on Sondheim” (Porchlight Music Theatre); “Little Shop of Horrors” (American Blues Theatre); “In the Heights” (Paramount Theatre); and “Barney the Elf” (Other Theatre Company). Lopez has also worked with Court Theatre, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Emerald City, Brown Paper Box, Black Ensemble Theatre and Goodman Theatre. Lopez is a proud Northwestern alum.

David Robbins (Male Four) is a Chicago native, an alumni of The Chicago Academy for the Arts and attended Baldwin Wallace University. Robbins’ regional credits include “Memphis,” “Rent,” “Once on this Island,” “Avenue Q” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

For more information, visit Spamilton.com.

OPENING: Spamilton at Chicago's Royal George Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

PREVIEWS NOW RUNNING FOR THE CHICAGO PREMIERE OF “SPAMILTON” AT 

ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE

Original Cast Recording of “Spamilton” Released Today on DRG Records

Chris Anthony Giles, Nicholas Edwards, Dan Rosales, Juwan Crawley and Nora Schell in "Spamilton." (Carol Rosegg)

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're HUGE Hamilton fans. The soundtrack has been in heavy rotation before and after we had front row seats to the live show. Now, like most super successful productions, Hamilton has spawned several spoof spinoffs. We're quite excited to check out Spamilton. Check back soon for our full review. 

“Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed off-Broadway parody of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s sensation, “Hamilton,” begins previews tonight at the Royal George Theater (1641 N. Halsted). Created by Tony Award honoree Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” the “smart, silly and compulsively funny show” (The New York Times) features an all-Chicago ensemble including Donterrio Johnson, Michelle Lauto, Eric Andrew Lewis, Yando Lopez and David Robbins with musical direction by Adam LaSalle, and special guest star: Sirius Radio Broadway Channel’s Christine Pedi. The Press Opening is set for Sunday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ($59 – $99) can be purchased at the Royal George Theater’s box office online or by calling 312.988.9000.

In addition to the start of Chicago performances, the Original Cast Recording of the New York cast of “Spamilton” launches today from DRG Records (Hugh Fordin, President). The cast recording features original Off-Broadway cast members Dan Rosales, Nicholas Edwards, Juwan Crawley, Chris Anthony Giles, Nora Schell, along with special guest stars Christine Pedi and Glenn Bassett and Music Director Fred Barton at the piano. To learn more about the Original Cast Recording, including where to purchase, click here.

“Spamilton” celebrates, roasts and eviscerates the Broadway blockbuster with its versatile cast of seven. Its world-premiere production off-Broadway in New York has been extended three times and is now in its ninth smash month at the Triad. The New York production earned rave reviews across the board, hailed as "The next best thing to seeing ‘Hamilton’” (The New York Post), “So infectiously fun!” (The Hollywood Reporter) and had Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming, “I laughed my brains out!”

In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements). “Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatricals, in association with JAM Theatricals. Chuckie Benson and Arielle Richardson are the understudies the production.

The performance schedule for “Spamilton” is as follows: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information, visit Spamilton.com.

REVIEW AND FLASH GIVEAWAY: Win A Pair Of Tickets to The Rosenkranz Mysteries at Royal George (Up to $150 value per pair/2 winners)

We're giving away 2 Pairs Of Tickets (Up to $150 value per pair/2 winners) to The Rosenkranz Mysteries, which is highly recommended and extended through January 22nd. Check back early and often. We'll announce our winner tomorrow morning as well as 2 additional theatre ticket giveaways.

ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are pleased to partner up with The Royal George Theatre. 

ENTER HERE through midnight tonight 1/11 for your chance to WIN 

 A Pair of tickets to The Rosenkranz Mysteries valid for this Thursday 1/12 at 8pm or Sunday 1/15 at 2pm. (2 winners chosen to win a pair of tickets each) 

REVIEW: 

The Rosenkranz Mysteries brings a merging of the arts of medicine and magic that makes for a spellbinding night out. It's recommended for adults and kids ages 10+, and my 15 year old son and I enjoyed it immensely. 

Rosenkranz is a man of many hats: Northwestern professor, MD, collector of vintage magic tricks, and mystifying magician. Over the years we've reviewed many magic shows and Rosenkranz brings a bag of tricks that includes quite a few I've never seen before, which is refreshing. Amazingly, his show only features one card act. There are many audience volunteers called and all are treated with care and set up to succeed. I was pleased to see that he pulls audience members from all areas of the theatre, not just the front row seats.

I was also impressed with this medicine man's wit and wisdom. I couldn't help thinking how lucky his students and patients are to have a doctor who understands the importance of empathy and humor and who can covey to others the art of medicine and healing and not just the science. 

I'm still recovering from major knee surgery, in late November, so this hybrid of medicine and magic hit home to me. From the heavy burden of patient pain portrayed through a box trick, to an expressively clairvoyant skull, and a scarf full of holes made whole, Rosenkranz has a gift of expressing the depth and calling of the medical profession in unforgettable visuals. Therein lies the true brilliance of this show. 

The Royal George Cabaret is an intimate space, so there's not a bad seat in the house, and great sight lines even from the back row. There's a bar on the way in, with show themed drinks, soft drinks, and snacks and all are permitted in the theatre. My son and I had the great pleasure of sitting at one of the 4 top cabaret tables at the front, and it was a stellar way to see the show. I won't give too many spoilers on the illusions, but I did get called up to assist on a chalk board trick involving a pocket watch, soup, and channeling the magician's dearly departed Oma. It was quite fun.

If there's any weak link it's the timing. Rosenkranz has the pacing of a professor rather than a professional prestidigitator and some of the acts have long lead ins and are repeated a bit more than necessary. Short of that, the show is fabulously fun and well worth seeing. Highly recommended. 

The Rosenkranz Mysteries

An Evening of Magic to Lift the Spirits

Extends at The Royal George Cabaret

(great for ages 10+)

Due to popular demand, performances have been added through January 22

"An immensely likeable, intelligent and very intimate show. Well worth seeing!" 3.5 Stars - Chicago Tribune

“Highly Recommended. Mind boggling and exceptional.” – Around the Town Chicago

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're huge fans of magic and illusion. I've been out recovering from major knee surgery since late November, then out of town for the holidays with the family, but I'll finally be able to review The Rosenkranz Mysteries tomorrow, with my 15 year old son. This show's high on our must see list so we're elated that they extended through January 22nd. We'll be running a ticket giveaway with our review as well, so check back soon!

Classic as well as never been seen before illusions have amazed audiences at the Royal George Cabaret space in what Chicago Critic calls a “must see,” as the nationally regarded illusionist Ricardo Rosenkranz stars in The Rosenkranz Mysteries, an evening of magic to lift the spirits. “Full of fascinating bits! Impressive,” according to the Chicago Reader, the astounding numbers have captivated audiences in its cabaret style setting with tables featured in the space. This one man, ninety-minute production Buzz News proclaims is filled with “astonishing illusions and jaw-dropping acts of mentalism,” runs through January 22 at the Royal George Theatre’s Cabaret space, 1641 North Halsted Street.

Every illusion has been researched, evaluated, and workshopped with the nation’s most elite and respected magicians including Eugene Burger (Chief Architect of Magic for the production) whose credits include The Art of Magic on PBS and Mysteries of Magic on The Learning Channel; Jeff McBridge (Chief Magic Consultant) whose credits include being designated as Grand Prix of Magic winner in Monte Carlo; Ross Johnson and Johnny Thompson (Magic Consultants), and Jan Rose and Jordan Wright (Magic Team).

Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz is a respected professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been fascinated by magic since a young age and has long been incorporating his illusions into his teaching as a way to help engage students and encourage participation. After winning several teaching awards and traveling the country to deliver seminars, Rosenkranz decided to bring his act to the stage.

“There is something beautiful and wonderful about the unknown, and I think in that sense, magic and medicine share a DNA,” said Rosenkranz. “I am committed to creating a unique experience that energizes and uplifts every audience.”

The Rosenkranz Mysteries stars Ricardo Rosenkranz as “The Doctor Magician”, Jan Rose as “The Hostess” and Balsamo as himself. The show is directed by Northwestern graduate Jessica Fisch (Fefu and Her Friends at the Goodman Theatre/Rivendell Latina/o Celebration), and is produced by Opus Magica Music, LLC and Ricardo Rosenkranz. The artistic team includes script by Eugene Burger, Jessica Fisch and Ricardo Rosenkranz, Set Design by Chip Von Weise, Sets by Ravenswood Studio, Lighting Design by Jennifer Kules, Prop Design and Construction by John Gaughan, and Musical Direction by Craig Terry (Lyric Opera of Chicago).

The Rosenkranz Mysteries runs through January 22, 2017. The show is intended for ages 10 and older. Tables in the cabaret space seat 4 guests ($75 per person). Regular tickets are $50 (with a seniors and students discount available). Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 312.988.9000.


Disclosure: ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are pleased to partner up with The Royal George Theatre which has provided 2 pairs of complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. 

SAVE THE DATES: Chick Flick the Musical Begins Previews 11/1

Tilted Windmills Theatricals

presents

the National Debut of

Chick Flick the Musical

this fall at The Royal George Theatre Cabaret in Chicago

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we're excited to check out this national debut. We adored Landree Fleming (Sheila) as Kira in Xanadu (American Theater Company) and can't wait to see her in action again. This uniquely female-positive new musical is written and directed by women. Chick Flick the Musical begins previews November 1, and opens November 10 for an open run. 

Grab your friends and head out for an evening of humor, heart, and harmony as Chick Flick the Musical comes to The Royal George Theatre Cabaret, 1641 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. Written by newcomer Suzy Conn (Suffra-Jets, The Mercer Girls) and directed by Mary Catherine Burke, Chick Flick the Musical delivers an evening of heartfelt female friendship and empowerment wrapped in the iconic conventions of chick flicks. With a cast of four and a live band, this original, 90-minute, no-intermission musical is the perfect girls’ night out. Described in testimonials as “everything you loved about Friends mixed with everything you loved about Sex and the City,” Chick Flick the Musical shows us characters and friendships that are both inspirational and aspirational -- audiences feel like they are watching themselves and their friends on stage.

So join BFFs Karen, Dawn, Sheila, and Meg as they get together to take the weight of daily life off their shoulders by watching a chick flick and playing their favorite drinking game. As the festivities proceed and the beverages flow, they each divulge how their lives haven’t quite turned out the way they had hoped. When they view themselves with the same kindness, humor, and reverence that their friends do, they learn how to make real life better than the movies. Proving that “friendship is the best medicine” the four friends reignite the dreams that have dwindled over the years. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or teary sisterhood dramas, you’ll recognize the delicious tidbits of life advice that chick flicks offer these four friends on their transformative journey of empowerment. 

“You need that group of friends who will pull you back from the edge when you are about to jump off a cliff, and help you up the mountain when you’re too afraid to climb,” says writer Suzy Conn. “Movie quotes, makeover montages, and meet cutes have created a shared language and experience among women, and Chick Flick the Musical celebrates this phenomenon.”

The quartet of Chicago-based cast members includes Landree Fleming as “Sheila,” Marya Grandy as “Dawn,” Sophie Grimm as “Meg,” and Rebecca Prescott as “Karen.”

The original, catchy, and upbeat pop score is brought to life by music supervisor Geraldine Anello with choreography by Tiffany Green. Vocal arrangements and orchestrations are by Frank Galgano and Matt Castle. This show is designed to make audiences feel like they are truly in Karen’s living room, going through the characters’ journey with them, with scenic design by Edward K. Ross, costume design by Hunter Kaczorowski, and lighting design by Jeff Croiter and Charles Cooper.

Chick Flick the Musical has been in development for four years and is produced by Tilted Windmills Theatricals. Managing Partner David Carpenter shares, “We are excited to be premiering in Chicagoland because it’s a real theater town with great local talent and audiences that embrace new work, and it gives us the opportunity to reach as many women as possible who identify with the challenges of day-to-day life.”

An initial block of tickets is currently on sale to the general public as of September 5 for performances through January 29, available through Ticketmaster.com (312.988.9000). More information can be found at www.ChickFlicktheMusical.com or on our social media channels- Facebook www.facebook.com/ChickFlicktheMusical, Instagram at chickflickthemusical, and Twitter @chickflickmusic. 

  

About the Cast

Landree Fleming (Sheila) is thrilled to be in Chick Flick the Musical! She was recently seen as Kira in Xanadu (American Theater Company). She’s worked with Paramount Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Circle Theatre, and Adventure Stage Chicago. She's a member of comedy group Off Off Broadzway. Catch her stand-up or tune in to her podcast Deep Dish. She’s represented by Gray Talent.

Marya Grandy (Dawn) most recently appeared in the Marriott Theatre’s production of Sister Act, and this fall she will be playing Smitty in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, also at the Marriott. Other Chicago credits include The Secret Garden at Court Theatre, Madame Thenardier in Les Miserables at the Paramount Theatre, Hildy in On the Town (Jeff Nomination—Actress in a Supporting Role), the title role in Juno at TimeLine Theatre, Roz in 9 To 5, and A Grand Night for Singing at the Mercury Theater (Jeff Nomination). Broadway and New York productions: the 2012 Off-Broadway revival of Maltby & Shire’s Closer Than Ever, Les Misérables (2006 Revival), Damn Yankees, Bells Are Ringing (City Center Encores!), The Great American Trailer Park Musical (Drama Desk Nomination), and The Water Coolers (co-author). Marya has performed regionally in Fanny Brice: America’s Funny Girl (World Premiere, directed by David H. Bell), Pump Boys & Dinettes, Follies, Take Flight, Gypsy, Beehive, Smokey Joe’s Café, The Honky Tonk Angels, Working, and The Water Coolers (Jeff Nomination). Television/film credits: “Rescue Me”, “Conviction”, “Law & Order”, “Law & Order: SVU”, “Denis Leary’s Merry F***ing Christmas”, and “Love Streams.” Recordings include the Original Cast Recording of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, The Manhattan Transfer’s Bodies and Souls, and Superwoman, by her own band, Five Floor Monica. Marya received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, and is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Sophie Grimm (Meg) joins Chick Flick the Musical as a lover of girl power and times with friends in her home! You’ve seen her in Chicagoland area theaters including The Paramount, Marriott Lincolnshire, Drury Lane, and Chicago Shakespeare, as well as in nightclub, cabaret, and religious settings. She can’t wait to showcase comedy, friendship, and musical theatre with her hilariously talented co-stars where characters and audience alike can let it ALL hang out! www.sophiegrimm.com

Rebecca Prescott (Karen) is a Chicago-based actress. Credits: Broadway: How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Select Regional: Utah Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Shakespeare Festival; Chicago: Morticia in The Addams Family, Mercury Theatre; Dina Beach/(us) Ethel/ (us) for I Love Lucy Live on Stage, Broadway Playhouse; credits at Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Drury Lane, Northlight Theatre, and Eclipse Theatre. Rebecca is a company member of Eclipse Theatre. Currently, Rebecca is working with her husband on the workshop of his original musical revue, The Squeeze.

About the Creative Team

Suzy Conn (Book/Music/Lyrics) is a musical theatre composer, lyricist, and librettist interested in telling the stories of women throughout history. Her shows have been performed across the United States and in Canada. Chick Flick the Musical tells a contemporary story of female friendship. Suffra-Jets (first performed at NYMF as Plane Crazy) tells the story of the emergence of the modern women’s movement set against the backdrop of the swinging ’60s Jet Age. The Mercer Girls tells the story of how women civilized the Pacific Northwest. Suzy is currently working on Cocktail Nuts (the story of cocktail waitresses in the ‘70s); Comicon the Musical (a contemporary story of self-discovery); and a ’50s Christmas musical that tells the empowering story of an under-appreciated female elf. TYA shows include The Tale of Pigling Bland; Field Trip: Journey to Mount St Helens; Larry Gets Lost in Seattle; Daisy the Firecow; Save As...; and The Last Shot. Suzy has taught musical theatre writing in the Seattle area for the Village Theatre’s Kidstage program, and served as the writing mentor for three years for their Company Originals program. Suzy spent the ‘90s in Nashville writing country songs and leading workshops for the Nashville Songwriters Association (NSAI).

Mary Catherine Burke (Director) Her work has been hailed as “the next Off-Broadway hit” by The New York Times, “Extraordinary” by The New Jersey Star and “Incisive” by The Dallas Morning News. As a director, she has developed Austentatious at The New York Musical Theatre Festival and Music City, USA with five #1 Country Billboard hits, House of Baseball at EST, The Flea, nominated for two New York Innovative Awards; Diving Normal at The Fringe, winner of the Best Ensemble Award, published, On Island at 59E59. She also served as the Director of Programming at the New York Musical Theatre Festival and the Artistic Director of Millbrook Playhouse. She assistant directed for Arthur Penn on the Tony Award-winning Fortune’s Fool. She is currently a SDC member.

Tiffany Green (Choreographer) is thrilled to be part of Chick Flick the Musical. Her directing and choreography credits include: The Buddy Holly Story, Nuncrackers, The Oresteia, and Hairspray. In addition to her theatrical credits, Tiffany is a recognized Director and Creative Producer for companies such as Airbnb, Laureate Universities, Martha Stewart Omnimedia, Bloomberg LP, and NBC News. She can be seen as Bunny Wiles on Marvel’s “Jessica Jones” (Netflix). Other film and television performance credits include: “The Family,” “Hairspray,” “Rescue Me,” “College Road Trip,” “The Underlings.” Recent theatre performance credits include: Les Miz: Mme. Thenardier (St. Louis Muny), Shrek: Mama Ogre/Humpty Dumpty (St. Louis Muny), Green Gables: Mrs. Walter Pringle (Hangar Theatre). For more on Tiffany: xoxotgreen.com | @xoxoTGreen

Geraldine Anello (Music Supervisor) Born and raised in France, Geraldine Anello is a NYC-based music director, pianist, and conductor. Her Broadway credits include playing in the pit at On the Town and School of Rock, rehearsals at Matilda, Neverland, and An American in Paris. Her Off-Broadway credits include piano/conductor sub at The Fantasticks, piano at Trip of Love and rehearsal pianist for Natasha, Pierre and The Great Comet of 1812. As a music director, she did the New York premiere of Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money (nominated for an Off-Broadway Alliance Award) at the Atlantic Theatre Company, with original music by Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier. With a passion for new works, she has also been music director and associate music director on multiple readings, including Len Moors’ Petrified, By Wing and By Wheel directed by Jayne Atkinson from “House of Cards,” and most recently of The Names We Gave Him at New York City’s Public Theater. Recently, she was also the associate music director of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry; and the music director of the world premiere of Head Over Heels at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. MM: WMU; DMA: Boston University.

Edward K. Ross (Scenic Designer) is a scenic designer for theatre, fashion shows, live events, and installation art. He has previously designed for Bloomsberg Theatre Ensemble, Jobsite, Book It, Surflight Theatre Company, Millbrook Playhouse, University of Scranton, Cornish College of the Arts and Bleecker Street Theatre. He currently designs events for Refinery29, including Refinery29Rooms installation and upfront launch events. He has worked with Omega, Victoria Beckham, Margiela, Diesel, Kith, Thom Browne and many other designers through his time as the Technical Director and Partner at Eyesight.

Hunter Kaczorowski (Costume Designer) Hunter is a New York City-based designer.  New York credits include: Stet (Abingdon Theater, dir. Tony Speciale), HAM (Ars Nova, dir. Billy Porter), Before Your Very Eyes (Gob Squad at the Public Theater), Sense of An Ending (Kef Productions at 59E59), several productions with Astoria Performing Arts Center, HERE Arts Center, Dixon Place, Joyce Soho, The New School for Drama, Lee Strasberg Institute, Vital Children's Theater, and The Gallery Players. Regional: The Fix (Signature Theater, dir. Eric Schaeffer), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Design for Living, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune (Berkshire Theater Festival), A Streetcar Named Desire (Yale Rep), AfterLife and Josephine (Urban Arias DC, dir. Alan Paul), Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (Barrington Stage), as well as Millbrook Playhouse, Red House Theater, Kitchen Theater Company, Luna Stage Company, The Yale Baroque Opera Project and Muhlenberg College.  MFA, Yale School of Drama. www.Huntersk.com

Jeff Croiter (Co-Lighting Designer) Broadway: Something Rotten, Penn &Teller, Peter and the Starcatcher (Tony Award), Disaster, Newsies, Mothers and Sons, A Time to Kill, Soul Doctor, Jekyll and Hyde, The Anarchist, The Performers, The Pee-wee Herman Show, Next Fall, Kiki and Herb. Other NYC: Head of Passes; Parade; A Month in the Country; Fly By Night; Last Five Years; Much Ado About Nothing; King Lear; Loves Labors Lost; Old Jews Telling Jokes; Silence; Love, Loss, and What I Wore; By the Way, Meet Vera Stark; Rapture Blister Burn; A Lie of the Mind; Ordinary Days; Family Guys Sings; The Voysey Inheritance; The Internationalist; Jacques Brel; Almost Maine; The Dazzle; Jennifer Muller The Works. Jeff is the lighting designer for Penn & Teller in Las Vegas.

Charles Cooper (Co-Lighting Designer) Recent: Bye Bye Birdie, Hairspray, Curtains, and Sleeping Beauty (Drury Lane), Woody Sez and Gutenberg! The Musical (Milwaukee Rep); A Wrinkle In Time (First Stage Children’s Theatre); Grapes of Wrath and Good for Otto (The Gift Theatre); Murder Ballad (Jeff Award, Outstanding Lighting Design), Carrie, and Mahal (Bailiwick Chicago);  Old Jews Telling Jokes (Chicago Company); The Clean House and Creditors (Remy Bumppo); The Rose Tattoo, Mill Fire (Jeff Nomination) and Orpheus Descending (Shattered Globe); Love, Loss, and What I Wore (Asolo Rep, Philadelphia Theatre Co, San Jose Rep, Broadway in Chicago,1st National Tour, Second National Tour); Do The Hustle, and Old Glory (Writers’ Theatre); Of Mice and Men and First Look Repertory of New Work (Steppenwolf Theatre); Around the World in 80 Days (Indiana Repertory Theatre); Eclipsed, and She Stoops to Conquer (Northlight Theatre). 16 productions for TimeLine Theatre (Associate Artist), and six seasons for Peninsula Players in Door County. Charles has received seven Jeff nominations for outstanding lighting design. He Lives in Oak Park with his wife Angela, and children Ethan and Gavin. Member: United Scenic Artists. Cooperportfolio.com.

Frank Galgano and Matt Castle (Vocal Arrangements and Orchestrations) Off-Broadway: Into the Woods (Roundabout/Old Globe/McCarter) Once Upon A Mattress (Transport Group) and Found (Atlantic Theater). Regional: A Little Princess (Sacramento Theatre Company), Litter (ACT), A Dog Story (Waterfront Playhouse) and several children’s musicals for Kennedy Center, Theatreworks/USA, George Street Playhouse & Pioneer Drama Service. Concerts and Specialty Numbers: Kristin Chenoweth, Deborah Voigt, Randy Newman, Carole King, William Finn, Adam Gwon, Debra Monk, Chris Mann, Ektor Rivera, Aloe Blacc. UPCOMING: A Dog Story (Off-Broadway) and Donner Party (Sacramento Theatre Company).

Tilted Windmill Theatricals (Producer) is a producing partnership between David Carpenter and John Arthur Pinckard. The company specializes in the development of new work for the American theater and is currently focused on producing artistically and commercially successful entertainment for under-served markets across North America. David Carpenter’s Broadway career has taken him from industry powerhouse Dodgers Theatricals (Jersey Boys, Matilda), to DreamWorks Theatricals, and most recently to Dede Harris Productions, where he supervised creative development, finances, and day-to-day operations for a 6 Time Tony-Award winning producer. John Arthur Pinckard’s producing career began over a decade ago with the cult festival hit Silence! the Musical. Soon he won the prestigious T. Edward Hambleton Fellowship for Creative Producers from Hal Prince, the 21-time Tony Award winning producer and director whose 60 years of hits range from Fiddler on the Roof to Phantom of the Opera. John’s work as an independent producer has garnered him four Tony Award nominations and two wins, for Clybourne Park and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder.