OPENING: WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL LAST DANCER STANDING (MORE THAN HIP HOP) at BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CONTINUES 2017 SEASON WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL

LAST DANCER STANDING 

(MORE THAN HIP HOP)

WRITTEN, DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY 

RUEBEN D. ECHOLES 

July 22 – September 3, 2017

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor continue the 2017 Season (The Dance Theater Season) with the world premiere musical Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop), written, directed, and choreographed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben Echoles. Last Dancer Standing (More than Hip Hop) will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, July 22 – September 3, 2017. The official press opening is Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 3:00pm.

From Black Ensemble Theater’s Associate Director Rueben Echoles comes a world premiere musical that speaks to audiences of all ages.  Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) gives us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes world of the newest (fictional) reality dance competition. Ten of the finest dancers from all across the country—and all different walks of life—battle it out for a chance to win $10,000 and an opportunity to tour with R&B singing sensation Justin Paul. Like most reality shows “Last Dancer Standing” has its full share of humor, tension, drama and conflict. It’s reality TV live on the stage.  At the core of the show are ten dancer/actors challenged with all types of routines from hip hop to ballet and everything in between. Who will survive and win? That’s up to our live studio audience. Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) is a journey where we learn that no matter what our circumstances are in life, we have much more in common than we think we do.

The cast of Last Dancer Standing (More Than Hip Hop) includes Shari Addison, Deverin Deonte, Lemond Hayes, Renelle Nicole, Linnea Norwood, Alexis J. Roston, Joan Ruffin, Jessica Seals, Andre Teamer, Taylah Thomas, and Kylah Williams. Additional cast to be announced at a later date.

Tickets are available at the Black Ensemble Box Office located at 4450 N. Clark St in Chicago, or online at www.blackensemble.org, or by phone at (773) 769-4451. Tickets are $45 for previews (May 6, 7, 12 and 13, 2017); $55 (Thursdays and Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees).  There is a 10% discount for students, seniors and groups.

Dates:July 22 - September 3, 2017
Previews: July 22, 23, 28 and 29
Press Performance: Sunday, July 30, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

Schedule: Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $45 Previews
$55 on Thursdays and Saturday matinees;
$65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees
A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.
Box Office: Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451

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), with construction by General Contractor Norcon Inc., is expected in 2017.

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.

Shrek The Musical Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD out now!

Disclosure:  Thanks to Dreamworks and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment for providing us with a review copy.  All opinions are our own.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore Shrek.   The great green ogre and his wife are the stars of a series of fairy tales that finally don't feature a skinny, blond, narcoleptic princess awaiting rescue.   Princess Fiona kicks booty, and is a fabulous role model.    

If you've never checked out the original book by William Steig, we highly recommend it.  The book is even quirkier and cooler than the animated movies (which we also love), and we completely dig the Broadway musical adaptation!   

Now the equation goes one step further with a Blu-Ray/DVD movie... of the play... of the book...

This one's a keeper!   Now out on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital HD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.  

Steig is an excellent children's author and illustrator and this is the perfect candidate for playing the "same/different game".  We love to check out the original books when we go see book based movies and theatre and then compare and contrast the different versions of the tale with the "same/different game".

Last night Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, special guests and Broadway stars from Shrek The Musical walked the green carpet in NYC at The Hudson Bond for the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy launch event.  

In attendance were Kelly Rutherford (Gossip Girl) and the stars of Shrek The Musical, including Sutton Foster (Fiona), Christopher Sieber (Lord Farquaad), John Tartaglia (Pinocchio), Daniel Breaker (Donkey), Marissa O'Donnell (Teen Fiona), Leah Greenhaus (Young Fiona, Flower Girl) and many others!

Featuring a fantastic score of 17 all-new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and stars an amazing celebrated cast. The film was shot live on Broadway with 10 cameras and directed by Michael Warren. Now you can bring the magic of Broadway to your home and get the best seat in the house with Deluxe Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD out now!

Here at ChiIL Mama, we had a chance to give away 4 packs of tickets for our readers and review Shrek the Musical by the Broadway Touring Company and then again by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, earlier this year.  Shrek the Musical is a pure joy to experience and fun for all ages.  Now you can take it home with you to enjoy over and over at your convenience!

Click here to check out our past Shrek the Musical coverage.

6 Steps To Bring The Magic Of Broadway To Your Own Living Room 

Experience The Magic Of Shrek The Musical On Blu-ray and DVD, Available Now! 

With the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD release of Shrek The Musical releasing this week, fairy-tale fans and musical theatergoers alike can now experience the Grammy-nominated stage production in the comfort of one’s own home! Featuring a fantastic score of 17 brand new songs, Shrek The Musical was filmed on stage to capture the magic of a Broadway performance and features an all-star cast.

Here are 6 simple steps to emulate the magic of Broadway in your own living room:

Step One - Sight

No digital interpretation of the stage would be complete without a state-of-the-art projector that can produce an image of up to 150 inches. If a projector is too costly, a 40 inch television or larger will suffice to give the home audience the optimum visual experience.

Step Two – Sound

No ultimate living room entertainment set-up would be complete without a crisp surround sound system. With the ear being stimulated from 4 angles, the illusion of being immersed in a theatre can be achieved.

Step Three – Tickets Please

Why not design your own tickets to your show? Guests will have to show their tickets before entering the living room for example. German Shepherds dressed in tuxedos make excellent ushers too.

Step Four - Wow it’s Green in Here

With a simple purchase of green crepe paper attached to a range of living room light sources, a green filtered glow will engulf the room to create a wonderfully Shrek-like ambience.

Step Five - ‘Curtain Call Ladies and Gentlemen!’

The anticipation of waiting for the famous theatrical curtains to trickle away is no doubt one of the fundamental experiences of going to the theatre. With a curtain rail, fabric and some sticky tape, your living room will mirror the Gershwin’s famous curtain call in no time.

Step Five: Intermission:

Why not engage in a 15-minute interval? Prepare a refreshing beverage for the adults and load up on the ice cream for the kids. Don’t forget those little wooden spoons for the upmost authenticity.

Step Six: Applause:

Don’t forget to clap along with the audience when something particularly amusing or impressive arises on screen. Booing and hissing at the respective villains may also prove effective. Please note, please do not throw your shows or any object at the screen for fear of damaging your precious TV set.  Although all these tips may make you believe that you are in the theater, it’s not real remember.

We are sure you’ll love watching your favorite animated characters come to life like magic, and now you’re ready to experience it at home! Pick up the Blu-ray for your family to enjoy today!

 

Get To Know The Shrek Bunch

The Cast Of The Animated Franchise Comes To Life On Stage and Blu-ray, This Week!

The loved and laughable DreamWorks animation Shrek is brought to life in Shrek The Musical and enjoyed by fans and families of the Broadway stage. Now you can bring the excitement to your living room when you pick up the musical on Blu-ray and DVD. What better way to celebrate the release than a brief introduction to the stage cast of your favorite animated movie. Read down to find out who among them was a Bunhead, a Julliard graduate, and will be starring in a Shakespeare Classic this season.  Meet the Shrek bunch!

Bryan D’arcy James – Bryan plays the role of our beloved ogre Shrek. While he’s sure to win you over in his green role he’s definitely not new to the stage. Mr. Darcy will be star opposite Ethan Hawke in the Lincoln Center Theatre production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The talented artist is also notable on the screen too, most recently for his role as Frank Houston on NBC’s Broadway themed drama ‘Smash’.  You’re probably wondering if he sings too, and he does, his solo debut album is From Christmas Eve to Christmas Morn.

Sutton Foster - Princess Fiona is brought to life by the beautiful Sutton Foster. The multi talented artist (actor, singer, and dancer) is best known for her role in the fan favorite ABC Family series ‘Bunheads’, for which she earned a Critic’s Choice Television Awards nomination. Using her beautiful voice, Sutton has performed at venues across the country performing in concerts such as Funny Girl, They’re playing out songs, Chess, and many more.  Like her fellow cast mate, she also works on solo album projects, releasing two albums, Wish and An Evening with Sutton Foster – Live at the Café Carlye.

Christopher Sieber - Every story needs a villain and none is more villainous than Lord Farquaad, played by Christopher Sieber.  His performance as the miniature maniacal royal is sure to make your living room erupt with laughter and boo’s. Chris’ talent has also been enjoyed in various Broadway productions, such as Pipin, Spamalot, Beauty and The Beast, Into the Woods, and much more. He most recently debut his solo concert  “Minnesota Boy Does Well: Tales from Back and Center Stage.”  Fans of the Olsen twins may also remember him from the ABC comedy Two Of A Kind, in which he played the girls’ father.

Daniel Breaker- The character enjoyed equally by parents and their kids is Shrek’s smart tongued sidekick, Donkey.  As the liveliest character of the musical, Daniel Breaker brings sass, smarts, and laughter to the stage.  The Julliard Scholl Graduate has starred in several Tony and award winning productions such as Passing Strange, Cymbeline, and more. Off screen he has appeared in top titles such as Limitless opposite Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper, the Spike Lee-directed project entitled Redhook Summer and Passing Strange.  

John Tartaglia - What do Pinocchio, The Magic Mirror, Dragon Puppeteer all have in common? They are all John Tartaglia. The talented Tartaglia is best known for producing, creating, and starring in the 8-time Emmy nominated children’s show “Johnny and the Sprites”. Additionally, he received a Tony Award Nomination for his role in the Tony-Award winning musical Avenue Q, in which he originated the roles of Princeton and Rod. Most exciting of all his credits may be his 12-year stint on Sesame Street, making him one of the youngest puppeteers to ever perform on the historic show.

We are sure you’ll love watching your favorite animated characters come to life like magic, and now you know the people that are behind that magic! Pick up the Blu-ray for your family to enjoy today!

Disclosure:  Thanks to Dreamworks and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.   for providing us with a review copy.  All opinions are our own.

ACT OUT OPENING: Anything Goes at Cadillac Palace #BroadwayinChicago

ChiIL Live Shows will be there for opening night tonight and we'll have a full review up shortly.    Click here for discount tickets through Goldstar.

Anything Goes

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : April 23, 2013 - May 05, 2013

"ALL ABOARD for this saucy and splendid production of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter's first-class musical comedy is sailing to Chicago, starring critically-acclaimed actress Rachel York as Reno Sweeney and directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Kathleen Marshall. The New York Times calls it "Musical-Comedy Joy" and USA Today hails it as "Glorious and Exhuberant!" When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love?proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this timeless classic are some of musical theatre's most memorable standards, including "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "You're the Top," and of course, "Anything Goes." Don't miss what the AP exclaims as, "So Delightful, So Delicious, So De-Lovely!"

Packed with memorable tunes, Cole Porter's Anything Goes has embarked on a national tour following its Tony-winning Broadway revival in 2011. The timeless tale of boy-meets-girl -- and the roller coaster ride that follows -- showcases Porter's signature wit and masterful composition with songs like "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "You're the Top." The show centers on Billy Crocker (Erich Bergen), who's hopelessly in love with a wealthy heiress. When he sees her boarding a boat to London, he throws caution to the wind and becomes a stowaway. Madcap hijinks ensue when his fellow passengers, including sexy evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer Reno Sweeney (played by Broadway vet Rachel York) and second-rate gangster Moonface Martin (Fred Applegate of Sister Act and Young Frankenstein), decide to help Billy win his true love.    

ACT OUT: ATTEND THE TALE OF DANNY TANNER: A FULL HOUSE MUSICAL At Gorilla Tango

(sitting): Rob Speer (Danny Tanner)
(top): Ali Keirn (Michelle Tanner)
L-R (bottom): James Dolbeare (Jesse Katsopolis),Katie Johnston-Smith (DJ Tanner), Meghan M. Hillmeyer (Stephanie Tanner), and Chris Gorton (Joey Gladstone)   GT production photo   Credit:  Brian Work

Heads up--head out.   But ya may not want to drink and drive after this show...

We gave you the heads up last month.   Now it's time to head out...to Gorilla Tango Theatre tonight!    

Chi, IL Live Theatre Opening Tonight:

Wake up San Fran, if you can… It’s been seven years since Danny Tanner’s wife – the sweet, sweet Pamela Tanner – was tragically killed by a drunk driver, throwing the Tanners’ lives into equal parts chaos and hilarity. Every year since then, Danny, his brother-in-law Jesse, and best friend Joey kill a drunk driver on the anniversary of Pamela’s death. This is the year everything goes wrong…

Darkly comedic, ATTEND THE TALE OF DANNY TANNER: A FULL HOUSE MUSICAL performs Wednesdays at 7:30pm, May 9 – June 27, 2012 at 1919 N. Milwaukee. Tickets are $15; www.gorillatango.com or 773-598-4549 for tickets and more info.

In this original musical, the true life of Danny Tanner and his family is exposed; promises will be broken, sinister paths explored, lives (maybe even of main characters!) will be lost, and yes, songs will be sung. Whether you're a member of the Full House fan club or scoff in a superior fashion when you hear someone utter "Cut It Out", you will find both a touch of nostalgia and an illuminating light shining brightly on the Tanners' most clandestine realities in this black comedy with a twist. Come see the Tanners as you've never seen them before. Attend the Tale.

The idea for a Sweeney Todd-esque Full House musical came to Katie Johnston-Smith while she was brainstorming new parody show ideas for Gorilla Tango. Katie knew Chris Gorton through various improv ventures and was aware of his songwriting talents. She approached him with the show idea in November 2011 and together they started writing and developing what would be come ATTEND THE TALE…. Once all of the songs were mostly completed, they enlisted the assistance of another local musician, Tara Trudel to help put the finishing touches on the show, musically speaking.

This is the first musical that Johnston-Smith and Gorton have written, although all they are both well versed (pun intended) in improvised musicals and song writing.

Katie Johnston-Smith, a native of Pittsburgh, has a Bachelor's Degree in Music with an emphasis in musical theatre performance from Belmont University in Nashville. She can be seen performing around town with Second City Training Center's Musical House Ensemble Infinite Sundaes, and as a featured member of The Cupid Players.  She is also Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown's Executive Producer. 

Chris Gorton sang his first song at the age of four, saw his first musical at the age of eight, and has been in love with singing ever since. He's performed numerous musicals, been in a variety of shows, learned about harmonies in his college a capella group, and then sang on a cruise ship. He has no musical training other than singing in chorus in elementary and high school, but he loves music passionately, so that makes up for it. He writes songs for fun, and he makes up other songs for more fun. He taught himself the guitar. Combining all of his loves he wrote his first musical; this is that musical. He plans to write more. He currently performs improv and sketch comedy throughout Chicago.

Written by Chris Gorton and Katie Johnston-Smith
Music written by Chris Gorton, Katie Johnston-Smith, and Tara Trudel
Directed by Kelly Williams
Choreographed by Nikki Pierce
Fight Choreography by Bobby Hoffman
Musically Directed by Rhapsody Snyder
Costumes and props by Vanessa Walilko

Featuring: Rob Speer (Danny Tanner), Katie Johnston-Smith (DJ Tanner), Meghan M. Hillmeyer (Stephanie Tanner), Ali Keirn (Michelle Tanner), James Dolbeare (Jesse Katsopolis), Chris Gorton (Joey Gladstone), Tom Daily (Man, Steve, Woodchuck, etc), and Miryam Andrews (Woman, Becky, Kimmy Gibbler, etc).

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website Calendar for all Gorilla Tango shows, locations, rating information, tickets, and more.

www.gorillatango.com – 773.598.4549
Gorilla Tango (Bucktown) - 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre - 7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077