REVIEW: Circus HAMLET Via The New York Circus Project at Chicago's Studebaker Theater Through August 18th, 2024

This Tragedy's a Triumph!

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

 

Circus meets Shakespeare in cutting-edge production 

Geared toward adults but recommended for all ages 4+

90 minutes/no intermission

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

A 90 minute circus arts filled Hamlet?! Yes please! Last night I had the pleasure of ChiILin’ at New York Circus Project’s Hamlet, at Studebaker Theater, and I was absolutely gobsmacked by this powerful production. This is the first Chicago visit for The New York Circus Project, and we fervently hope it won't be the last! I belatedly found out about the production, and I'm so happy they were able to squeeze me in to review on this short run. Get thee to the Studebaker. Fans of Circus Arts, Shakespeare, and actors performing super human feats, don't miss this! Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're no strangers to circus arts or Shakespeare. Since 2008, we've been covering Cirque du Soleil, Ringling, and other modern and traditional circuses from around the world, and right here at home. In fact, my son and daughter were cast in numerous youth circus arts show at Chicago's Actors Gymnasium, and were on the circus performance team at Circesteem. They also took classes at MSA and Aloft. So, I can attest to the talent and skills of this company. I've also been a theatre critic for 16 years, reviewing a plethora of professional productions of The Bard's works, including multiple Hamlets. This one is completely unique, highly entertaining, and a must see!

 

We were wowed by the aerial arts, partner acro, and sheer variety of circus skills rolled into this fast paced production. The hour and a half flew by. Everything was stellar from the actors, to the set, choreography, lighting, and song choices. The music spanned decades, from classics to contemporary, and added much. I want the playlist! 

My only criticism is that I wish the dialogue was as loud as the music. We were about halfway back on the main floor, and when the actors were upstage or turned away, it was a struggle to hear all the lines. This may be a venue issue. As much as we adore the art deco charm of The Studebaker Theatre, it was built in 1898... Still, it seemed as if the actors were not wearing mics, or if they were, they need to be turned up. It's a cavernous space to project in with only stage amplification! 

Overall, this is an excellent pick for multigenerational fun. All the circus skills are hella impressive. And we were completely entranced by Ophelia’s gorgeous, water contortion death scene! This abridged version retains all the key plot points, famous lines, and favorite characters, while keeping the action flowing fast. Yes, everyone dies, so don't expect a lighthearted fluff piece of a circus show. Still, it's a great, fast paced, playful way to introduce the littles (and Bard-wary adults, too) to a love of Shakespeare. Flippin' fantastic! ★★★★ Four out of Four Stars 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

“ …dramatizing the inner conflict of the characters through dance and circus created a fundamentally different viewing experience than most productions of the play…utterly creative and original” (Columbia Bwog)

“Breaking the boundaries of art forms and time, ‘Hamlet’ ultimately traversed the lines of what a Shakespeare play should look like—revealing an undiscovered terrain within the arts world waiting for interdisciplinary talents to fill it with color.” (Columbia Spectator)

“...immensely effective in forwarding the tense, psychological themes at the heart of Hamlet”(The Blue and White)

The New York Circus Project brings HAMLET, an innovative, circus-infused retelling of the Shakespearean classic to Chicago, IL as the final stop in its premier touring season.

HAMLET upends what audiences expect of Shakespeare by blending theater with circus arts to arrive at a unique iteration of a well-known tragedy. The production’s fast-paced, abbreviated script is balanced with circus acts that change the story’s tempo and allow for deeper exploration of the internal, emotional conflict at hand. 

Hamlet’s delirium materializes in an explosive group acrobatic tableau, Ophelia’s life flashes before her eyes during a last-breath contortion performance in a water filled basin, and the ghost of Hamlet’s father’s famous monologue is reimagined as a solo aerial dance act.

By oscillating between scenes with dialogue and circus performance, the lines between realism and internal monologue blur. Comparable to the use of song to emphasize emotional or narrative beats in musical theater, this interdisciplinary approach fills Shakespeare’s Hamlet with new color and life.

HAMLET opens at Studebaker Theater from August 15th to August 18th. 

Tickets are on sale now! Website: newyorkcircusproject.org

Evening performances are at 8pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. 

Tickets are priced between $49 and $79.

New York Circus Project is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to producing contemporary circus shows in New York City and the United States, using acrobatics as a medium for presenting classic texts in a visually striking and unique way. Additionally, New York Circus Project produces free-to-the-public, family friendly circus cabaret performances on the streets of New York City. 

LAST CALL: The Dolphin Show’s Highly Recommended 81st production: Kinky Boots! Ends Tonight! 1/27/24

 The Dolphin Show

AMERICA’S LARGEST STUDENT PRODUCED MUSICAL PRESENTS…

KINKY BOOTS THE MUSICAL

WINNER OF 6 TONY AWARDS INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL!

With Book by Harvey Fierstein and Music & Lyrics by Cyndi Lauper

Recommended for Ages 10+

Review

By Guest Critic, Dugan Kenaz-Mara 

Sometimes a two-and-a-half-hour show feels daunting, and you fear you may get tired and bored, wanting to leave before the second act is through. But fear not, you will find yourself completely immersed in every second of The Dolphin Show’s 81st production: Kinky Boots! I had the pleasure of catching it last night. Overall, it is a stunning show, and I highly recommend you see the final performance tonight.

The show had many wonderful features, including:

Flashy costumes for all of the angels worthy of a runway show all to themselves.

Over-the-top makeup that builds in intensity, resulting in an expressive explosion in the finale.

An incredible versatile set with moving pieces that adapt easily to every scene.

Dramatic lights and sound that pull the audience into the world of the show.

And brilliant actors who shine on stage with their vocal talent, and guide the audience effortlessly through the highs and lows of the musical.

You can tell by the cheers, gasps, and standing ovation that this production really touches the audience, and it is incredibly clear how much dedication went into the show from every producer, designer, actor, and other member of the Dolphin team.

Over 90% sold out for the closing performance. Only 100 tickets are left for the final show. Don't miss this! Click here for more information and photos on Instagram.

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and recent graduate of Northwestern University.

The 81st Annual Dolphin Show is gearing up to bring you an electrifying performance of Kinky Boots the Musical! 

Get ready to be dazzled by this spectacular show filled with fabulous music, incredible designs, sensational choreography, and a heartwarming story that will leave you cheering for more. Our team of over 150 students cannot wait to bring this relevant and powerful narrative to Northwestern’s campus and continue our educational workshops, community outreach efforts, and more. 

Whether you're a fan of musical theater or just looking for a night of pure entertainment, this is an event you won't want to miss. Save the date and join us for a night of unforgettable entertainment that's sure to knock your boots off!

GET TICKETS NOW

Tickets can be purchased online from Northwestern Box Office or in person at the Norris University Center front desk at 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60201.

How do I access my tickets?

Tickets will be emailed to you after you make a purchase. Please present this PDF either on your screen or printed out when entering the theatre. Make sure to pull up the QR code.

What age is the show recommended for?

Kinky Boots is officially recommended for children ages 10 and older, but children younger than 10 may be suited for the production based on maturity levels and parental involvement. For more information, please visit our parent guide here.

Are there special discounts available for tickets?

Northwestern Students can access $10 tickets to performances by logging in with their Northwestern email. Limit 2 tickets per performance.

Northwestern Faculty can access $20 tickets to performances by logging in with their Northwestern email. Limit 2 tickets per performance.

Children under age 18 can access $10 tickets by applying the code TDSstudent10 at checkout. Limit 2 tickets per order.

Seniors over age 65 can access $20 tickets by applying the code TDSsenior20 at checkout. Limit 2 tickets per order. 

How can I bring a group to see Kinky Boots?

Group tickets are available for purchase for all performances. Orders with 10 or more tickets will receive a 10% discount on the order. If you are interested in group booking, please reach out to sales@nudolphinshow.org for booking assistance. Group tickets can only be paid for via check (made out to “Northwestern University” with the memo line “Dolphin Show - Group Tix”) or in person with a credit card at the Norris Center front desk.

What if purchasing tickets is a financial burden for me, as a Northwestern student?

The 81st Annual Dolphin Show has partnered with The Student Activities Assistance Fund to offer “pay what you can tickets” to financially support students in attending our upcoming production of Kinky Boots The Musical.

Tickets for undergraduate and graduate Northwestern students are $10. If this is a financial burden, please email sales@nudolphinshow.org to access pay what you can tickets, where you will have the option to pay as little as $0.

What is the Dolphin Show?

The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University is a non-profit student theatre organization that annually produces the largest student-produced musical in the country. It celebrates the diverse talents of the Northwestern undergraduate community by providing opportunities to learn and excel in all artistic and administrative fields. Every year, The Dolphin Show presents a professional-caliber production led by over 150 undergraduate students. Learn more about Dolphin’s mission on our About page.

Where did the Dolphin Show get its name?

The Dolphin Show was named after the Dolphin Swim Club, the Northwestern swim team who presented the first annual Dolphin Show in the Northwestern swimming pool as a fundraiser for their team to travel to competitions. Visit our About page for Dolphin Show’s full history. 

Who can get involved with The Dolphin Show?

Northwestern University undergraduate students of all backgrounds, majors, and experience levels are welcome to work on the Dolphin Show. Students can work on the production in many capacities, including on the business team, the artistic team, the production team, in the cast, or in the orchestra. Dolphin Show’s annual productions are open to the public. 

Click here for information, show photos, tickets and more. 

REVIEW: Fringe Fest Fan Favorite Being Seen, Now Playing The Den Through July 2, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

“FAN FAVORITE” OF THE NEW YORK INTERNATIONAL FRINGE FESTIVAL 

Chicago Premiere of 

BEING SEEN

STARRING WILL CLINGER AND KELLY ANNE CLARK 

Now Playing Through July 2nd at The Den

Note: This production includes themes of power imbalance and is 

recommended for ages 15 and older.

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

They're seen everywhere. The theatre industry is rife with narcissists, abusive bosses, toxic workplaces, misleading ads, and new talent hungry for a chance to break into the field of their dreams. Being Seen brings the audience along for the ride on an audition from hell. I adore the dynamic of two person shows, and Will Clinger and Kelly Anne Clark are amazing to watch in this high energy, psychologically wrenching production. It's a timely piece, especially relevant in our current era of gig workers, toxic politicians, and cancel culture. This delightfully insidious production brings abuse of power to light with equal parts horror and hilarity. 

All Production Photos by Mike Martin

Kelly Anne Clark in particular, just killed it in this invasively soul baring audition. This tour de force comedy asks the question: “What would you do for a dream?”, and she shouts back with physical, mental, and emotional gymnastics. The audience is left to question why we've let fame and acclaim excuse indecent and even illegal behavior for far too long. 

Being Seen is a gaslighting bonanza and a must see for anyone embarking on the audition or interview process. If you've ever been in a relationship, job, or friendship with a narcissist, this show will ring true. Highly recommended. Don't miss this limited run.

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

The Chicago Premiere of Being Seen 

Written and Directed by Richard Gustin 

Enjoyed a Sold Out Run during its New York Premiere

Voted “Fan Favorite” (one of 12 out of 180+ productions so honored) at the New York International Fringe Festival, Being Seen, written and directed by Richard Gustin and starring Will Clinger and Kelly Anne Clark makes its Chicago premiere, June 14 - July 2, in the Crosby Theatre at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.  The preview date is Wednesday, June 14 at 8:00. 

The regular performance schedule is Wednesdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets for Being Seen are $35 with $20 tickets available to seniors, industry and students. Tickets are on sale now and may be purchased through the box office by calling 773.697.3830 or by visiting TheDenTheatre.com.  

This captivating, fast-paced comedy by Richard Gustin looks at launching a “fresh start.” An actor answers the audition notice of a highly acclaimed director and finds herself navigating his outlandish creative process.

The original production at the New York International Fringe Festival starred Broadway actor William Youmans and Allison Minick and premiered at the 2015 New York International Fringe Festival to critical and audience acclaim. “The most nonstop laughs at FringeNYC this year (2015) were provided by a show about theatre… simultaneously comedic and thought-provoking,” said HYReviews.com about the New York production and Theatre in The Now wrote, “the script Gustin has written is wickedly smart. The dialogue is snappy, the conversations are genius. . . There was never a dull moment and every beat has a purpose. The storytelling is sharp and precise.”

The Chicago production proudly features Will Clinger and Kelly Anne Clark in the lead roles. 

Being Seen’s creative team includes Richard Gustin (director), Lydia Goble LaGue (production stage manager), Guy Wicke (male understudy), Gabrielle Johnsen (female understudy), Gabe Gorsline (lighting designer), Max McNeal Martin (media consultant) and Vanessa Ellis (production intern).  

ABOUT RICHARD GUSTIN, writer and director

Richard Gustin (he/him/his)  is an emerging playwright whose plays include Being Seen, Surviving the Cycle, A Sparrow Falls, Leviathan, Circle 7, Mercy, Flat World, Someone Like Me, Concentric Circles, Found Objects, Switch, CruciFiction and an original adaptation of Everyman. As an Equity actor Gustin has been featured in major roles at various regional theaters including Kansas City Repertory Theater, Great Lakes Theatre Festival, Virginia Museum Theatre, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, First Stage Milwaukee, Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Chicago’s Ivanhoe and Blackstone Hotel, and Philadelphia’s Walnut Street Theatre. For more information on Richard Gustin visit www.richardgustin.com 

ABOUT WILL CLINGER, performer

Will Clinger (he/him/his) is an award-winning actor, producer, writer and TV show host. Beloved for his role as host and segment producer for WTTW’s “Wild Chicago,” he has also a wide range of stellar acting credits in feature films “Witless Protection,” ”Stranger Than Fiction,” ”Something Better Somewhere Else,” ”Camp Manna,” ”B-Roll,” ”After Effect,” ”No Sleep ‘Til Madison,” ”Stash” and ”Serious Business,” as well as the short films ”Stealing Kisses,” ”Hit and Run,” ”Rain Rain” and ”Train Town” (which won a Silver Award at the 2007 Chicago International Film Festival and a 2008 Best of the Midwest award for Best Short Film). Klinger’s work in ”Train Town” was nominated for a 2008 BMA Award for Best Actor.  He has also guest-starred on a number of network and cable television shows, including “Fargo,” ”Chicago P.D.,” ”Sirens,” ”Play by Play,” “ER,” ”Early Edition,” ”America's Most Wanted” and ”The Untouchables,” as well as the pilots ”Peep Show” and ”JimMortal.” For more information on Will Klinger visit ​​www.willklinger.com.

ABOUT KELLY ANNE CLARK, performer

Kelly Anne Clark (she/her/hers) is an award winning actress who has lived and worked in the Chicago area for more than 25 years. Her credits include “Jeanette Guerre” in the U.S. Premiere of The House of Martin Guerre (Goodman Theater), “Norma Cassidy” in Victor/Victoria (Jeff Award), “Mabel” in The Pirates of Penzance, “Rosemary” in How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre), “Rose White” in Beaches the Musical, “Mary Turner” in Of Thee / Sing, “Philia” in A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum (Jeff Nomination) and “Minnie Faye” in Hello Dolly! (Drury Lane Oakbrook Theater) among numerous other credits. 

REVIEW: “TALES FROM THE WANDERING WYVERN INN” EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 19th, 2023

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Otherworld Theatre Company's

The Wandering Wyvern Inn Now Extended Due To Popular Demand

Guest Review 

by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

When traveling through the realm of Amelor, my party of five adventurers came across a cozy inn. Some invited there by old friends, some seeking answers, and others just looking to have a good time. Little did we know that in the span of 90 minutes, we would make decisions that could change the fate of the world…

Tales From The Wandering Wyvern Inn is a fun, immersive experience where you and your party get to gather information from the characters, find clues, solve puzzles, and decide on a path to follow to solve a mystery about a fantasy world. 

The show is a fun activity for everyone regardless of previous LARP (live action role play) experience. My party consisted of a good mix of people with a wide variety of experiences. A few of us have worked at Bristol Renaissance faire and had plenty of background in immersive theatre. Others are experts at TTRPGS but had never experienced them in person, and others still are not involved in theatre whatsoever. All of us had a fantastic time. 

The adventure starts with a quest board, listing the names of the NPCs you will encounter once the experience starts. The participants are given a brief insight into who the characters are and what they are like before choosing one of the quests to follow. This gives the participants an easy entrance into the world of the show and gives each one a sort of NPC companion to start off the show with. Nobody feels left out, and because everyone chooses which questline to follow, they often end up with an NPC who they feel like they can trust and identify with. One friend who was new to immersive experiences ended up getting to just hang out with one NPC who was just in the story to have fun and didn’t have to get wrapped up too tightly in the lore of the world. 

Anyone looking for a well-constructed world can find that here too. The Wandering Wyvern Inn’s characters have secrets, conflicting motivations, and lore about themselves and the world that the players get to discover through conversation. They also bring some of that character lore to the whole group after it’s revealed, heightening the tensions and helping nudge the story along naturally. With 5 players maximum and 5-6 NPCs, the world feels full without being too chaotic, and intimate without being overbearing. 

The set is very fun and quite immersive, including a bar where you can exchange fantasy coins for real drinks, shelves of magical trinkets, and additional spaces that get revealed as the story progresses. Some characters even grow and change as you progress their individual questlines! While it’s marketed as a hybrid LARP/escape room/immersive theatre experience, I would say that it skews more heavily into LARP than the other two. While there are still puzzles to solve it’s much more story driven than an escape room, and while it is completely immersive, the main focus is building relationships and interacting with characters rather than following a plot. 

On top of all of that, there are multiple storylines (some apparently covering more intense material than others), so players who enjoyed the experience can return to the world to solve new puzzles and interact with new characters, making each adventure unique. I would highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys role-playing or audience-centered experiences. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. 

Dugan is an actor, designer, and photographer studying theatre and psychology at Northwestern University. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a time traveler.

Audiences Embark on Ever-Changing Quests, 

Ensuring No Two Shows are the Same

Don't miss this! Shows are selling out fast. Get your tickets today. 

Otherworld Theatre Company has announced the extension of TALES OF THE WANDERING WYVERN INN: A One-Shot Immersive LARP, a hybrid Live Action Role Play (LARP), escape room, and immersive theatre that has enjoyed a sold-out run since opening December 9. The show, originally slated to close January 29, will now run through February 19, 2023 at their storefront at 3914 N. Clark St. 

TALES FROM THE WANDERING WYVERN INN: A One-Shot Immersive LARP is a 90-minute adventure set in the world of the popular multi-day CHRONICLES OF THE REALM LARP series. Rumors abound about the quaint Wyvern Inn, nestled quietly at the foothills of the Alden's Gate Mountains in Amelor. It is the first stop for many who make the pilgrimage up to Heightswatch. The tavern itself seems unassuming - without the smoke stack you might even miss the structure. However, at night, there is no mistaking the glow from a single orb that beckons travelers to its doors. As you approach, you see the famed Wyvern himself to greet you, holding his magical sphere and whispering through the winter wind that you should come inside for at least the night. 

Grab a quest off the wall, an adventure awaits! Be a mage outlaw, a Strykarrian assassin on the job, a Druid on a journey to find the life-saving antidote for your feverish friend, and more - the Quest Board changes daily so no two experiences are ever the same. Limited to five players, this intimate experience is a hybrid between LARP, escape room, and immersive theatre. Shows run Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5:30 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m.; tickets are $65 and include a beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available). The next installment in the LARP series, CHRONICLES OF THE REALM: LEGIONS & LIAISONS, is a weekend-long event July 21 - 23, 2023, held in Monticello, Illinois.

TALES FROM THE WANDERING WYVERN INN features a cast of Non-Player Characters (NPCs), whose roles change show by show depending on that evening’s Quests. The cast includes Blake Hood, Ross Myers, Lilly Bolduc, Shaun Hayden, Sean Buckley, Kyra Young, Vhenan Strange, Ginny Weant, Jono Mammel, Jenna Kappers, Abbey Schnell, Alex Campbell, Chelsea Cox, and Sam Santos. Players are guided on their quests by these NPCs, with new storylines unfolding based on the players’ choices.

Tickets for TALES OF THE WANDERING WYVERN INN and CHRONICLES OF THE REALM: LEGIONS AND LIAISONS are available at www.otherworldtheatre.org. 

ABOUT OTHERWORLD THEATRE COMPANY

Otherworld Theatre Company (3914 N Clark St.) was founded in 2012 to bring a theatrical experience to the science fiction and fantasy genre. The Company’s work celebrates the depth of human imagination by engaging spectators in high quality storytelling. Otherworld Theatre Company stages original works in its pay-what-you-can Chicago, Illinois venue, presents virtual programming online, and produces immersive Live-Action Role Playing events through its partner company, Moonrise Games. For more information: www.otherworldtheatre.org