LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES LAUNCHES STOREFRONT PLAYWRIGHT PROJECT

Got the "Write Stuff"?   You could be a playwright under glass.   If you can't be one, see one in the first Storefront Playwright Project.   We've heard of loads of storefront theatres...but storefront playwrights are a new concept entirely.   Check out a work in progress as the solitary art of writing becomes a public display of art.

In the inaugural Storefront Playwright Project, the League of Chicago Theatres will provide window space at Expo 72 for emerging and established playwrights to work on a current writing project in view of the public in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.  From a large screen in a window facing the sidewalk, the public will be able to read what the playwright is writing and watch the creation of the next great Chicago play in real time. The Storefront Playwright Project will take place at Expo72 located at 72 E. Randolph St. in downtown Chicago, December 4 – 22, 2012, Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Storefront Playwright Project aims to support the playwriting community, increase awareness of emerging and established playwrights, and encourage audiences to engage more deeply with Chicago theatre and the creative process of writing a new play for the theatre. The League of Chicago Theatres will collect contact information from interested visitors who want updates on future developments of the playwrights’ work.

“We were invigorated by the success of Write Out Front: A Playwright Happening in New York and decided to sponsor a similar program in Chicago,” says Deb Clapp, Executive Director of The League of Chicago Theatres.  “Chicago is the home to more world premiere plays than any other city.  The Storefront Theatre Project gives us the opportunity to support our playwrights while giving visibility to playwrights, the art of playwriting and the active new play scene in Chicago.”   

Playwrights selected for the project will receive a stipend of $50 per day for a four hour time slot (10 a.m. – 2 p.m. or 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.) and will be promoted through on-site signage and social media, as well as on ChicagoPlays.com.  Participating playwrights already include Philip Dawkins, Sarah Gubbins, Ike Holter, RandallColburn, Elaine Romero, Doug Post, Reginald Edmund and Emilio Williams.  Interested playwrights should contact ben@chicagoplays.com for more information.

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Storefront Playwright Project is based upon Write Out Front: A Playwright Happening, created by playwright Micheline Auger.  Write Out Front was held at New York’s Drama Bookshop, from August 13 to September 1, 2012, and hosted 71 playwrights, over the three-week/142-hour period.

About Chicago theater

Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

About The League of Chicago Theatres

The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

About The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to supporting Chicago’s arts and culture community. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s nonprofit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts organizations demonstrating the City of Chicago’s commitment to celebrating the arts.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.

ACT OUT EXTENDED: The Odd Couple at Northlight

Due to overwhelming demand

Northlight Theatre adds a week of performances of

The Odd Couple

written by Neil Simon and directed by BJ Jones

featuring an all-Chicago cast of the City’s best comedic actors

Now running through December 16, 2012

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces a one-week extension of Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple, featuring comic actors Tim Kazurinsky and Marc Grapey as the famously mismatched roommates.  The comedy, directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones will play at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, through December 16, 2012.

When recently-failed marriages lead famously mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix into sharing an apartment, Felix’s finicky habits and Oscar’s slovenly ways make for a disastrous yet side-splittingly funny combination in this beloved comedy by Neil Simon.  The Chicago cast of comic actors includes Tim Kazurinsky (Felix), Marc Grapey (Oscar), Bruce Jarchow (Roy), Peter DeFaria (Murray the Cop), William Dick(Vinnie), Molly Glynn (Cecily), Katherine Keberlein (Gwen) and Phil Ridarelli (Speed)

“We are thrilled that tickets are in such high demand,” says BJ Jones.  “This is a distinguished ensemble of Chicago's great comedic actors giving such rich and colorful portrayals in Neil Simon’s finest and funniest script.  Audiences have been loving this show.”

Title:                      The Odd Couple

Written by:              Neil Simon

Directed by:            Artistic Director BJ Jones   

Featuring:                   Tim Kazurinsky, Marc Grapey, Bruce Jarchow, William Dick, Molly Glynn, Peter DeFaria, Katherine Keberlein and Phil Ridarelli         

Dates:                         through December 16, 2012

          Schedule:                Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except November 27 and December 11)

Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except December 12), and 7:30pm (except November 21)

                                      Thursdays: 7:30pm (except November 22)

                                      Fridays: 8:00pm

                                      Saturdays: 2:30pm (except December 15), and 8:00pm

Sundays: 2:30pm, and 7:00pm (except November 18, December 9 and December 16).

Location:                     Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore

                             Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd,

                             Skokie.

Tickets:                  $25-$72

                             Student tickets are $15, any performance,

(subject to availability)

Box Office:              The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

                                    847.673.6300; northlight.org

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 38^th season, the organization has mounted nearly 200 productions, including over 40 world premieres.  Northlight has earned 151 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards.  As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

The Exclusive Production Sponsor is BMO Harris Bank.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from The Allyn Foundation; Arts Midwest; Blackman Kallick Bartelstein, LLP; BMO Harris Bank; Draft FCB; the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award; Ernst & Young; Evanston Community Foundation; Gand Music & Sound; The Homestead Hotel; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; The Irving Harris Foundation; The Joyce Foundation; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Madison Dearborn Partners; Melvoin Award for Playwriting; Modestus Bauer Foundation; North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation; Nuveen Investments; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; Pioneer Press; Quince at the Homestead; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Skokie Fine Arts Council; Sullivan Family Foundation; Target; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

Title:                      The Odd Couple

Written by:              Neil Simon

Directed by:            Artistic Director BJ Jones   

Featuring:                   Tim Kazurinsky, Marc Grapey, Bruce Jarchow, William Dick, Molly Glynn, Peter DeFaria, Katherine Keberlein and Phil Ridarelli         

                    

         

                                                Regular run: November 10 – December 9, 2012

          Schedule:                         Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except November 27 and December 11)

Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except December 12), and 7:30pm (except November 21)

                                      Thursdays: 7:30pm (except November 22)

                                      Fridays: 8:00pm

                                      Saturdays: 2:30pm (except December 15), and 8:00pm

Sundays: 2:30pm, and 7:00pm (except November 18, December 9 and December 16).

Location:                     Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore

                             Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd,

                             Skokie.

Tickets:                  $25-$72

                             Student tickets are $15, any performance,

(subject to availability)

Box Office:              The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

                                    847.673.6300; northlight.org

CHI, IL Live Shows On Our Radar: 3 Multicultural Favs

Sones de México Ensemble, 13 B'ak'tun (all ages)

Tour Appearance

12/01/2012, Sat  Chicago, IL		Mayne Stage  1328 W. Morse Ave.  Show: 7:00 pm & 10:00 pm  Advance General Admission = $20 Day of Show General Admission = $25 VIP guaranteed seat = $35  Under 18 = $15 Groups of 10 or more = $15 per person Boxoffice: (773) 381-4551 or maynestage.com $5 valet parking available.  Ask about dinner packages.

It’s not the end of the world, but a turn of the wheel. December 21, 2012 marks the beginning of a new era according to the Mayan calendar, that mathematically elegant achievement that has been misread by doomsayers worldwide, and means the end of one of the cycles of the Mayan calendar, the b’ak’tun (approximately 394 solar years).

Click here for our more in depth prior coverage.

Henry Cole & the Afro-Beat Collective, Roots Before Branches (18+)

Tour Appearance 12/13/2012, Thu  Chicago, IL  Mayne Stage  1328 W. Morse Avenue  Tix: $25-$15, Doors Open: 6:30 pm, Show: 8:00 pm  Ph: 773.381.4554

Quicksilver Puerto Rican drummer Henry Cole knows how Wayne Shorter might have jammed with Fela Kuti. Or what Miles would have done if only he’d gone Afro-Caribbean with his rock-jazz hybrids. He hears how jazz can grab the rootsy sounds of bomba, plena, and Cuban rumba, and sparkle with electro sheen and rock energy. Kodo 2013:  One Earth Tour The Delicate, Powerful Breath of the Past:  Living Legend Tamasaburo Bando Leads Kodo, Finds Inspiration on Japan’s Sado Island Tour Appearance 02/13/2013, Wed  Chicago, IL (all ages) Symphony Center  220 South Michigan Avenue  Show: 7:30 PM  Ph: 312.294.3000 Single Tickets on sale Friday August 10, 2012. The visceral intensity, the athleticism, of taiko drumming in the hands of a master group like Japan’s Kodo may feel like the polar opposite of kabuki theater’s controlled, nuanced performances. Yet when Kodo announced it had found a new Artistic Director in kabuki icon Tamasaburo Bando—often referred to simply as “Tamasaburo”—it made perfect sense. They both draw on the deep well of traditional Japanese culture, rooted in a long lineage and sense of place that bring unflagging precision and profound personal commitment to their work. It runs through the explosive power of a giant booming drum stroke and through the most delicate of hand motions, though the harvest celebrations and demon dances to the most refined and urbane stages. Now their joint labors are coming to America in early 2013, with a tour that will feature several re-envisioned and new pieces guided by Tamasaburo’s distinct aesthetic and deep experience.

Tamasaburo, known for his stunning, subtle onnagata (female roles), grew up in a kabuki family, steeped in the art form’s complex movements, visual language, and painstaking stagecraft. A performer since his early teens, the actor rose to prominence, winning a worshipful following worthy of a Hollywood star. He wowed arthouse fans by performing in films by revered European directors such as Andrzej Wajda. He was recently declared a Living National Treasure, one of the highest honors bestowed on prominent Japanese citizens.

Yet the master performer decided to devote himself to an artistic venture located in one of the remotest places in Japan—Sado, an island the size of Okinawa off Japan’s northwest coast—to work with the world’s preeminent drumming ensembles, Kodo. “I have been visiting Sado Island regularly for the past ten years to work with Kodo, directing the performances, as well as appearing on stage alongside the ensemble,” Tamasaburo reflected in a recent statement about his work with Kodo. “Through my involvement with these productions, I realized the importance of confining yourself to one specific place to train. Getting away from the city where you are surrounded by technology, you face yourself, come face to face with your purest form. In the natural surroundings of Sado, you can experience a rare opportunity to get back in touch with your own soul and can even sometimes feel the concealed breath of ancient times on your own skin.” Tamasaburo and Kodo have felt this breath on Sado. The island saw an influx of new inhabitants when gold was discovered during the Edo period, as well as several centuries of artists and intellectuals in exile, extraordinary men banished by Japan’s rulers for political reasons. “Many cultures in turn came to Sado on thousands of ships from all over Japan. That made the island’s culture very complex and interesting,” notes Kodo member Jun Akimoto, who has worked with the group for over a decade. Though intimately tied to the cultural developments on the rest of Japan, remote Sado has retained an astounding level of traditional culture, roots that express themselves in everyday moments. Across the island, for example, foodways long forgotten elsewhere on Japan still thrive, from tiny home noodle parlors to the freshest of sushi. Prized sake is brewed from hand-planted and –harvested rice—agricultural practices learned by every Kodo apprentice to deepen their understanding of traditional culture. On this unique foundation, Sado Island became a haven for artists seeking a different, more communal approach to creativity and tradition in the mid-20th century. Growing from a dedicated community of seekers, Kodo has developed its own way of life, trained hundreds of apprentices, built a remarkable arts village. In Kodo Village, not only do musicians gain intense discipline, commitment, and an enviable skill set; they also work in the fields, perfect their practice of the traditional tea ceremony, or help build sustainable and sleek furniture in the village’s workshop. This organic totality of artistic vision attracted Tamasaburo, who happily set aside urban life for the quiet, almost magical remoteness of Kodo Village. The seasoned artist has grasped his new role as an opportunity to challenge himself, Kodo’s performers, and his audiences more deeply. Tamasaburo envisions Sado’s isolation as a way to connect with some of the performing arts’ most vital currents. “Human beings cannot exist without nature,” he reflects. “That is why we use the arts to communicate nature, and it is only when we become free from impeding thoughts that we can become one with it. Facing the taiko, having acquired sufficient technique and control, players can forget their body, awareness, desires, hopes, and egos the moment they reach that state of oneness, and everyone who is present will share that indescribable sense of transcendence.”

ACT OUT: Final Weekend For Troupe at Actor's Gymnasium #highlyrecommended

Pajama clad orphans rock aerial arts and combat the evils of group home life, from kleptomaniacs to maladjusted kids with traumatic pasts.  These super heroic kids turn the dreaded double digits--decreasing chances of being adopted past age 9--into a challenge and a coming of age to be celebrated.  These parentless kids look out for each other and form a truly inclusive family to be proud of.  We caught this must see show last Sunday and highly recommend it.   If you're looking for affordable, family friendly circus fun, this is the show for you. 

We enjoyed the multiple silks/tissue, the juggling, the acro, the story line and the musical choices.   The stuffed bear--outfitted with handles so he can be an active part of the acro and aerial arts--is a creative twist.   These kids play on multiple levels literally and figuratively!  The talent among The Actors' Gym kids and creative team is immense and a pleasure to see in action.   

They had me at the macabre bear.  What an eye catching poster.  Get your tickets today.  Last chances to catch Troup are the 3 final shows this Saturday and Sunday!

Want to learn how to BE it rather than just see it?    The Actors Gymnasium has excellent classes for adults and kids, winter break camp and more.   Check out their main site right here for all their class and camp offerings.

Exclusive: FUSE posts "30 years of Metal Blade" video; Brian Slagel discusses the label's history

FUSE TV has launched an exclusive interview with Metal Blade Records CEO, Brian Slagel, over at Fuse.tv. The in-depth interview, conducted at the Metal Blade offices, will give fans insights into Slagel's favorite bands, how the label has evolved, bands the label has missed out on and discovered throughout its three decades in business. Watch the video nowHERE and subscribe to FUSE's youtube channel for more exclusive videos at youtube.com/fuse. Metal Blade Records will be wrapping up 30th anniversary celebrations for 2012 with a huge show on November 30th at the House of Blues Sunset Strip. Show headlinersArmored Saint will be joined by newcomers Gypsyhawk, as well as a special, short set from thrash legends Sacred Reich. Additional special guests confirmed for the show include:Amon's Amarth's Johan Hegg, Ray Alder of Fates Warning/Redemption, as well as dUg Pinnick of King's X. The guest musicians will join Armored Saint on stage throughout their set to perform a variety of cover songs. That Metal Show's Eddie Trunk and Don Jamieson are confirmed to host the event. Tickets are currently on sale now at houseofblues.com.       METAL BLADE WEBSITE | METAL BLADE MYSPACE

Tusmørke Debut Album Streaming at CraveOnline #freestreaming #prog #psych

Underjordisk Tusmørke Available Now on Termo Records "...delivers with classy momentum and various characteristics that rear their head as the right moods apply when needed." -Ytsejam Today Norway's Tusmørke have released their debut album Underjordisk Tusmørke on Termo Records. This highly anticipated debut is streaming in its entirety courtesy of CraveOnline. Get a first listen to the album HERE and be sure to order a copy of Underjordisk Tusmørke HERE. Tusmørke (Norwegian for twilight) go straight to the heart of the psychedelic matter on their full-length debut album Underjordisk Tusmørke (Subterranean Twilight). Culling influences from such prog-psych luminaries as Gong and Caravan, krautrock giants like Can and Amon Düul 2, pagan folksters like The Incredible String Band as well as a healthy dose of Nordic folk music, Tusmørke present a dark cauldron of magical, musical potions. The band's history can be traced back to the mid-nineties and the budding, Scandinavian scene of new progressive bands. Back then, the Momrak twins who are the beating heart of Tusmørke called their band Les Fleurs de Mal. The band featured future Wobbler vocalist Andreas Prestmo, and they shared the stage with other up-and-coming bands like White Willow. Via intricate pathways, this evolved into Tusmørke, whose music is darker, more intense and dare we say primeval, than the more delicate Les Fleurs de Mal. The album you are holding in your hands will conjure up images of pagan rites, witches dancing in the firelight serenading the new moon, eldritch wizards conjuring dark spirits... And it's no gimmick: This band lives and breathes the same air that flows through the magical lands their music describes. Tusmørke is: Benediktator - bass and vocals (Momrakattakk, Lydia Laska)   Krizla - flute and vocals (Momrakattakk)  HlewagastiR - drums (Wobbler, Angst Skvadron) Deadly Nightshade - keyboards (Årabrot, This is Music Inc.).  For More Info Visit: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tusm%C3%B8rke/100833236668197  http://www.myspace.com/tusmoerke  http://www.termorecords.com/

WHISPERS OF WONDER Streaming New Song #freestreaming #metal

The First Year EP Available November 27th on Standby Records   Modern metal music, much like the music of every genre from every era, is not created for the mere thrill of being heard on some radio in some town around the globe.  With musicians who truly understand their gift of creating music, the only goal is to paint aural pictures that will stimulate or influence the listeners in some way, shape or form.  For even a smaller collection of the most elite musicians, their creations create wonderment on the minds of their fans and followers.  Ladies and gentlemen, meet WHISPERS OF WONDER. November 27th will see the debut EP release from WHISPERS OF WONDERentitled The First Year. Today the band is exclusively premiering the track "Attempt to no Avail". The band commented on the track: "Attempt to no Avail" is about facing a challenge that you cannot seem you overcome, and about finding the courage and strength within yourself to be strong and hold on to what you know is right." Get a first listen to the song courtesy of Substream Music Press HERE. The standard version of the EP is available for pre-order HERE. A bundle package including an exclusive t-shirt can be pre-ordered HERE. Hailing from Portland, Oregon, WHISPERS OF WONDER create a new form and style of music they classify as "melodic wondercore".  The description couldn't be more dead on.  Featuring musical excellence and an uncanny way to reach deep into the souls of every listener through song, WHISPERS OF WONDER have been growing a massive fan base in Portland and beyond since their inception less than a year ago.  In this short time, they have captured the ears of many of the top record labels out today, before signing with America's hottest modern metal label today, Standby Records. The brilliant vocals of Lukkie Thornton draw the listener close while the guitars of Chree Thornton and Tristen Warren pepper their sound of delicious wondercore to a whole new musical level of excellence.  The three of them ride the rock solid foundation of Calin Wormdahl on drums and Austin Shaner on bass to create the most intricate, balanced and musically mesmerizing sound heard in recent memory.    WHISPERS OF WONDER is: Lukkie Thornton: Lead Vocals Chree Thornton: Guitar/Vocals Austin Shaner: Bass Guitar/Vocals Tristen Warren: Guitar/Vocals Calin Wormdahl: Drums For More Info Please Visit: http://www.facebook.com/WhispersofWonderOFFICIAL  https://twitter.com/WofWonder  http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/whispers-of-wonder  http://www.standbyrecords.net/  http://www.facebook.com/standbyrecords