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Showing posts with label holiday theatre favorites. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday theatre favorites. Show all posts

Monday, November 4, 2013

ACT OUT HOLIDAY: BURNING BLUEBEARD, returning November 21, 2013 – January 5, 2014 at Theater Wit.

There are a few of our all time favs returning for the 2013 holiday season. Burning Bluebeard tops our must see list along with Hellcab and A Christmas Carol at The Goodman.   Highly recommended!   ChiIL Live Shows ChiIL Picks List for best holiday theatre.


BURNING BLUEBEARD Returning November 21, 2013 – January 5, 2014 at Theater Wit 





BurningBluebeard-1 (left to right) Anthony Courser , Jay TorrenceDean EvansLeah Urzendowski CourserRyan Walters and Molly Plunk in BURNING BLUEBEARD by Jay Torrence, directed by Halena Kays.  Photo by Evan Hanover.

Burning Bluebeard won't break the bank and is an amazing dark comedy, with thought provoking dialogue and amusing physical play.  We thoroughly enjoyed it last year, and my 12 year old is clamoring to see it again, though my 10 year old daughter said it was a bit too scary for her after seeing it last year.   I took them both, because Anthony (Bluebeard) had been their circus instructor for a while and they love to see their instructors in creative projects.   But there's one intense scene (blackout/audio only recap of the fire) sensitive kids may have a tough time with.

We'd give it a PG13/mature tweens and up rating, because of the macabre subject matter (children trampled, burned & dying in a theatre fire!), though handled tastefully.  Burning Bluebeard is based on a true slice of history that should be seen and remembered, especially if you frequently see shows at The Oriental Theatre.  110 years after this tragedy, Burning Bluebeard depicts this horrific event many are completely unaware even happened, in a poignant and creative way.   It's a moving tribute.   





BurningBluebeard-2 (left to right) Dean EvansJay TorrenceLeah Urzendowski CourserRyan Walters and Anthony Courser in BURNING BLUEBEARD by Jay Torrence, directed by Halena Kays.  Photo by Evan Hanover.

With Chi-town favs Jay Torrence, as writer, and Halena Kays directing, this is an absolute must see.   The original cast is back again as well, and a true joy to watch in action.   Anthony Courser , Jay TorrenceDean EvansLeah Urzendowski CourserRyan Walters and Molly Plunk do a stellar job with grim subject matter.   They'll have to rewrite the fire escape rap (one of our fav parts of the last show-though specific to the TMLMTBGB space they were in last year).   Please please put last year's on YouTube for me or let us run it here on the blogs for posterity!   Otherwise, we imagine the remount will be quite similar and every bit as effective this time around at Theater Wit.


The Ruffians Present the Return of the Hit Play
BURNING BLUEBEARD
By Jay Torrence
Directed by Halena Kays
November 21, 2013 – January 5, 2014


Featuring Full Original Cast & Creative Team






For an avant-garde alternative to the holidays, The Ruffians are pleased to announce the return of the hit historical romp BURNING BLUEBEARD by Jay Torrence, directed by Halena Kays and featuring the full original cast and creative team. This fantastical tale inspired by Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre fire will play November 21, 2013 – January 5, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago.  Tickets for BURNING BLUEBEARD are currently on sale at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150 ($18 advance tickets will be available a limited time only). 


Originally mounted at The Neo-Futurarium in 2011, the remount coincides with the 110th anniversary of the Iroquois Theatre fire.  On Monday, December 30, the actual anniversary of the legendary fire, The Ruffians will present special performances at 3 pm matinee (the actual time of the fire) and 7:30 pm.


BURNING BLUEBEARD will feature the full original cast including Anthony CourserDean Evans, Molly PlunkJay TorrenceLeah Urzendowski Courser and Ryan Walters.


Inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, BURNING BLUEBEARD is the story of six singed clown performers who emerge from the burnt remains of history attempting to perform their spectacular Christmas Pantomime once and for all. But this time they hope to finally reach the true happy ending of their second act and avoid the fateful fire that killed 600 of its audience members. BURNING BLUEBEARD is a whimsical romp with a sensitive heart, a joyful eulogy with a sharp irreverent wit including slapstick, vignettes, tumbling and dance. Each night is a vaudevillian delight with a story that excavates the poetic and poignant remains of a piece of Chicago’s rich history.


During its original run BURNING BLUEBEARD received critical praise and was named one of the “2011 Best of Fringe” by the Chicago Tribune, one of the “Top Five Funniest Shows of 2011” by WBEZ Radio and one of the “Twelve Outstanding Ensembles of 2011” by Time Out Chicago’s Kris Vire.


 “The whole thing smacks of a wonderful sort of weirdness – abrasive, funny and accessibly avant-garde.”

– Nina Metz, The Chicago Tribune



HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!


“An altogether haunting, thrillingly imagined production.”
– Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times


The production team for BURNING BLUEBEARD includes: Dan Broberg (scenic design), Lizzie Bracken (costume design), Mike Tutaj (sound design), Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (lighting design & production manager), Justine Palmisano (stage manager) and Krista Mickelson (assistant stage manager.)


PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Title:  BURNING BLUEBEARD
Playwright:  Jay Torrence
Director:  Halena Kays
Featuring: Anthony Courser (Henry Gilfoil), Dean Evans (Fancy Clown), Molly Plunk (Faerie Queen), Jay Torrence (Robert Murray), Leah Urzendowski Courser (Nellie Reed) and Ryan Walters (Eddie Foy).
Location:  Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont, in Chicago

Dates:  Previews: Thursday, November 21 at 7:30 pm, Friday, November 22 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 23 at 7:30 pm

Regular run: Friday, November 29 – Sunday, January 5, 2014
Curtain Times:  Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Friday at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. 

Note: there will be no performance on Thursday, November 28 (Thanksgiving).  There will be added performances on Sunday, December 15, Sunday, December 22 and Sunday, December 29 at 7:30 pm

Iroquois Fire 110th Anniversary Performances: Monday, December 30 at 3 pm (the time of the actual fire) and 7:30 pm.
Tickets: $18 - $36 ($18 advance tickets will be available a limited time only). Student rush tickets available for every performance (subject to availability). 

Tickets for BURNING BLEARBEARD are now on sale at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150.

About the Playwright:
Jay Torrence has been writing/performing/directing in Chicago since 2002. His playwriting credits include Ivywild, Burning Bluebeard and Roustabout: The Great Circus Train Wreck (Awarded the John W. Schmid After Dark Award for Outstanding New Work and the After Dark Award for Outstanding Production). Torrence has had the privilege to perform with 500 Clown, The Hypocrites, Redmoon, The Actor's Gymnasium, Chi-Town Clown Review and The Neo-Futurists where he was an ensemble member for twelve years and the former Artistic Director. Torrence earned his MFA in Creative Writing from The University of British Columbia and has studied under master clown Philippe Gaulier. He is a published essayist and the proud recipient of the Prairie Fire Award for Creative Non Fiction and The Annie Dillard Award for Creative Non Fiction. 


About the Director:
Halena Kays is the artistic director of The Hypocrites where she both performs and directs – most recently The Fall of the House of Usher (actor), Ivywild and Six Character in Search of an Author (director).  She is the co-founder and former artistic director of Barrel of Monkeys where she created and directed the majority of their public performances, including their critically acclaimed long-running show: That’s Weird, Grandma, called “the best reason to live in Chicago on a Monday night” by Time Out Chicago. Kays is also an Artistic Associate with the Neo-Futurists were she directed 44 Plays for 44 PresidentsBurning Bluebeard, co-created and directed Daredevils and Daredevils Hamlet and the sight specific extravaganza, Fake Lake


She has worked with many other Chicago theatre companies over the years including: The Kid Thing (About Face/Chicago Dramatists), Oedipus, Mud and 4.48 Psychosis (The Hypocrites), The Children’s Hour (Timeline), The Golden Truffle (Redmoon) and Fair Use and Theatrical Essays (Steppenwolf).  Kays has been nominated for a Jefferson Citation for Best Supporting Actress and Best Direction, named one of the top 50 “players” in Chicago theater by Newcity.  She is a UT-Austin and Northwestern grad, former member of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care unit and the Co-artistic Curator for Theater on the Lake. 


The Ruffians are an artistic collective of theater makers (clowns, daredevils, acrobats, dancers, writers, performers, designers, directors). The Ruffians have all honed their craft working over a decade in Chicago’s various and thriving experimental, clown and storefront theater communities. A Ruffians objective is to make beautiful things with rough edges. A Ruffians motto: Breathe. Dare. Live.




BurningBluebeard-3 (left to right) Jay TorrenceDean EvansLeah Urzendowski CourserRyan WaltersAnthony Courser and Molly Plunk in BURNING BLUEBEARD by Jay Torrence, directed by Halena Kays.  Photo by Evan Hanover.

ACT OUT HOLIDAY: Barrel of Monkeys Celebrates the Season with THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Written by Chicago Public School Students
Adapted for the Stage & Performed by
Barrel of Monkeys Company Members
Directed by Artistic Director Molly Brennan
December 9, 2013 - January 13, 2014

Barrel of Monkeys invites you to join them by the imaginary hearth and celebrate the warmth of the holiday season with THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL, featuring a festive array of holiday-themed favorites like Santa and Taco BellThe Crazy ReindeerSnowmen From PlutoSanta’s Mean Day and many more – all conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. 


Directed by Artistic Director Molly BrennanTHAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL plays Mondays at 8 pm from December 9, 2013 – January 13, 2014 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.  Clever and funny – touching and poignant – the weekly collection of short sketches are equally entertaining for both adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote – so no two shows are ever the same.  For tickets, reservations and information visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org or call (312) 409-1954.

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 16th season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3rd through 5th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally-performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

Barrel of Monkeys’ regular edition of THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA plays September 9 – October 2013, followed by a CHICAGO’S WEIRDO, GRANDMA featuring weekly guest artists and companies from October 28 – December 2, 2013.

 PRODUCTION DEAILS:

Title:  THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL
Written by:  Chicago Public School Students
Adapted for the stage by:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members
Director:  Artistic Director Molly Brennan
Featuring:  Barrel of Monkeys Company Members

Location:  Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago
Dates:  December 9, 2013 – January 13, 2014
Curtain Times:  Mondays at 8 pm
Tickets:  $12 for adults; $6 for children under 12. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (312) 409-1954.


About the Director
Molly Brennan, a Barrel of Monkeys company member since 1999, has held a variety of positions in the company, including actor, teacher, lead teacher, director and artistic associate. She was named Artistic Director in 2011. Brennan is also a Company Member of 500 Clown, and has performed in Chicagoland toured all over the country. Her acting credits include: Lookingglass Theatre's Peter Pan, A Play and Lookingglass Alice; and Harpo Marx in Goodman Theatre's Animal Crackers. She has also performed with About Face Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Second City, The House Theatre of Chicago, Lifeline Theatre and Factory Theater.

About Barrel of Monkeys
Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997 it has worked in 57 Chicago Public Schools. More than 7,000 lower-income elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs that provide a rare opportunity for creative expression and build literacy skills, self-esteem and confidence in student ideas and abilities.


Wednesday, October 30, 2013

ACT OUT HOLIDAY THEATRE: The Hypocrites Mikado at Steppenwolf - ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List #ChiILPicksList

The Hypocrites is proud to announce the return production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Mikado adapted and directed by Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney. The Mikado will be remounted at the Steppenwolf Garage (1624 N Halsted St) this coming winter.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we dig Sean Graney's vision and have long enjoyed and respected his direction.   With Graney and Halena Kays at the helm, they've steered The Hypocrites right, and this troupe has become a top favorite of ours... and of the Jeff committee too.



The Mikado will open on November 17, 2013 at 4pm. Previews will take place on November 14, 15 & 16 at 8pm. There are 40 performances scheduled with evening performances at 8pm and matinees at 4pm. The Mikado will close on December 29, 2013. Ticket prices are $36 and can be purchased by visiting steppenwolf.org or by calling 312-335-1650. Running 80 minutes with no intermission, The Mikado is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

It is that time of year again for the return of The Hypocrites’ critically acclaimed Gilbert and Sullivan canon. After performing Pirates of Penzance for enthusiastic audiences both at the American Repertory Theatre (A.R.T.) in Boston the past two summers and at the Chopin Theatre for three years straight, The Hypocrites are excited to bring back Mikado, a beloved re-imagining of Gilbert & Sullivan’s famous operetta this winter. In January 2014, Pirates of Penzance will go on to perform at Actors Theatre of Louisville, home of the Humana Festival.

The Mikado features a talented cast of ten who act as their own orchestra. This production will feature unfathomable amounts of operetta hits and is intended to provide a summer-like secular experience for fun-loving Yule time ticket buyers.

The Hypocrites’ Mikado remount stars company members Robert McLean, Matt Kahler, Christine Stulik and Zeke Sulikes. They are joined by returning Mikado cast members: Shawn Pfautsch, Emily Casey, Erik Schroeder and Dana Omar as well as newcomers Jim DeSelm and Kate Carson-Groner. Matt Holzfeind and Lauren Vogel will be understudying multiple parts for this production.

Sean Graney has directed over 30 productions for The Hypocrites since 1997. He was a participant in the NEA/TCG Career Development Program for Directors. He has won three Joseph Jefferson Citation awards for the Direction of Sophocles: Seven Sicknesses, Equus and Machinal. He has directed Edward II (Chicago Shakespeare), The Hairy Ape (Eugene O’Neill Festival at Goodman Theatre), The Comedy of Errors, The Mystery of Irma Vep and What the Butler Saw (Court Theatre),Yankee Tavern (Milwaukee Rep), The Elephant Man (Steppenwolf for Young Audiences) and is currently on fellowship at Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University
The creative team also includes Scenic Designer Michael Smallwood*, Properties Designer Maria DeFabo*, Lighting Designer Heather Gilbert, Choreographer Katie Spelman, Costume Designer Alison Siple* and Music Director Andra Velis Simon.

Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney* created The Hypocrites in 1997 and is currently run by Artistic Director Halena Kays* and Managing Director Megan Wildebour*. The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers that defy the audience’s expectations. The company has grown significantly in the past few years, receiving acclaim for productions at Steppenwolf Garage (ThreePenny Opera and 4:48 Psychosis), Goodman Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, DCA Storefront and Chopin Theater. The company’s smash-hit production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, transferred in 2009 to Off-Broadway, Los Angeles and Boston. 

Pirates of Penzance has appeared at American Repertory Theatre twice and will enjoy another run at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2014. American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Tony Awards, presented The Hypocrites with one of the 2013 National Theatre Company awards this year. Upcoming shows in the 17th season include The Tennessee Williams Project at Chopin Theatre and Into the Woods, a co-production at Mercury Theater Chicago.

The Steppenwolf Garage is dedicated to new plays, emerging artists and millennial audiences for the American theater. It offers artists the opportunity to present their work with the scale, space and resources it merits. For audiences, it provides opportunities to engage in multigenerational conversation about the new, provocative work emerging from Chicago’s diverse and vibrant theater scene.

The Hypocrites’ 17th season is supported in part by American Theater Wing, The Alphawood Foundation, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, The Jordan & Jean Nerenberg Fund for the Future, Peoples Gas and a grant from the WPB, the Special Service Area for the Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods.


*=denotes company member

Thursday, January 10, 2013

ACT OUT CLOSING: The Other Cinderella at Black Ensemble Theatre #ChiILpicks #review #holidaytheatrefavs



Must close January 13

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE HOLIDAY FAVORITE

JACKIE TAYLOR’S
THE OTHER CINDERELLA
FOR THE FIRST TIME AT
THE NEW BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

If you haven't seen this show yet, go already!   The Other Cinderella is highly recommended and makes our ChiILpicks list for Holiday Theatre Favorites.  My nine year old daughter, Sage, and I caught opening night of this rockin' remake of the fairytale classic and were blown away by the talented cast and creative script.  

Sage is all about grrrrl power and has a low tolerance for the typical Cinderella fairy tale genre, so we happily skipped the more traditional Emerald City Cinderella for The Other Cinderella this year.   Sage found great role models in tiny but mighty Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), a girl from the hood who's "one of the boys", and in Ta-Tynisa Wilson's entirely endearing Cinderella portrayal. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the impressive talent of the vocalists, and the soul, Motown vibe of the musical numbers was a welcome break from more traditional, seasonal musical fare.  Sage did grumble that there were too many songs and not enough dialogue, but she's not a huge fan of musicals, to begin with.  Otherwise she was quite enthusiastic about recommending the show.   There's a bit of mellowly mature language, but overall, this is a great, family friendly piece with hilarious characters and and excellent message of empowerment, made modern, yet retaining fun fairy tale elements.   

We sincerely hope The Other Cinderella continues to make a reappearance as a holiday classic for years to come.   The Other Cinderella has returned every other year since 1976.   Sure, the famous coach driver has changed over the years, and cell phones and other updated trappings have appeared and become woven into the ever evolving and changing piece.    But the core message remains as timely and relevant as it was 26 years ago. 

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER
The Other Cinderella

Written & directed by:    Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor
Choreographer:             Rueben Echoles
Musical Director:           Robert Reddrick
Dates:                          November 23 – January 13, 2012 
Location:                      Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
Ticket prices:                $55 - $65
Box Office:                   Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (773) 769-4451

The most successful of all of the Black Ensemble Theater productions, The Other Cinderella returns every other year since 1976.  It is now a Black Ensemble classic that always features some new twist, turns, and surprises.  The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist.  There’s a “Stepmama” who works at the post office, two stepsisters who “don’t do nuthin’,” the brothers are from the ‘hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the “fairy Godmama” is from Jamaica.  Just as in the “traditional” Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen, and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul.  The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dances and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.




“We are thrilled to bring back our bi-annual hit The Other Cinderella,” says Jackie Taylor. “It’s amazing to witness the many generations that keep returning year after year. The audience is a rainbow of colors, cultures and ages which testifies to how The Other Cinderella delivers a message of love, hope and the importance of believing in yourself that really speaks to the masses.” As with every production there is always something new and exciting coming from the Kingdom of Other.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director charged with making the beautiful original music written by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward an unforgettable and transformational experience. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, and Mark Moultrup and Andrea Moore on piano.

The cast includes: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (Cinderella), A’rese Emokpae (The Fairy God Mama), Dawn Bless (Stepmama), Lisa Beasley (Margarite), Jessica Moore (Geneva), Dwight Neal (King), Rhonda Preston (Queen), Lawrence Williams (Prince), Raymond Wise (Page), David Simmons (Attendant), Mandy Lewis (Lady in Waiting), Brandon Holmes (Ground Hog), Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), Malcolm Thompson (Pee Wee) Rueben Echoles (A.B.) and Erin O’Shea (Dorothy.)

The outstanding production team tasked with making this the most magical of all The Other Cinderella’s in the past 35 years includes Dave Ferguson (Set Design), June Saito (Costumes), Denise Karczewski (Lights), Rueben Echoles (Choreography and Wigs), and Sarah Helt (Props). Bekki Lambrecht is the Technical Director, Emily Wall is the production stage manager and Vickie Spires is the company Equity stage manager.


Black Ensemble Theater's world premiere production of
"FROM DOO WOP TO HIP HOP"
will be featured during Chicago Theater Week.

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop
Written by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles
Directed by Jackie Taylor
February 7, 2013-March 31, 2013
Opening: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

This melodic look at the Doo Wop era celebrates such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters and the Chantels (just to name a few). Since it first premiered in 1995 it has had several revivals because it is indeed a Black Ensemble Theater Treasure. You can't help but snap your fingers to the beat as we take a stroll down memory lane hearing those beautiful songs like Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, This Magic Moment and Maybe while exploring how the successful music of today is related to the magical era of Doo Wop. With the emphasis on Doo Wop music this is a production that brings the '50s into the 21st Century.

Chicago Theater Week










The Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in 2013

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