Ends by Chicago Playwright, David Alex Now Playing Through July 31 at Dreamers YOLO

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

ENDS

Written by David Alex 

Directed by Davette J. Franklin 

Produced by DavJasFran Entertainment 

This gripping socio-political drama by Chicago playwright David Alex - the inaugural production of Dav/Jas/Fran Entertainment - was the winner of the African American Theatre Program of the University of Louisville as well as a Finalist in Delaware Theatre Company's CONNECTIONS National Playwriting Competition. Directed by company founder Davette J. Franklin, ENDS will feature up-and-coming Chicago-area talent in alignment with the production company’s mission to spotlight new voices. The production runs July 14 - July 31 at Dreamers YOLO, 5419 N. Lincoln Ave,

Set in 1967, the play follows a confrontation between two men and the ideas they represent. Kingsley, a thirty-year old African-American man, has lived alone for the past eighteen years in a secured forest cabin. Glober, a bitter recently returned Vietnam veteran, forcibly takes refuge in Kingsley's cabin during a violent storm. The two are placed at odds, as one must decide if he should rejoin society while the other contemplates leaving it. For tickets and more information visit, https://www.davjasfranentertainment.com/ends-by-david-alex

Playwright David Alex is no stranger to the Chicago stage. Apart from being a long-time judge with the Joseph Jefferson Awards, his recent work N enjoyed a run at the Greenhouse Theatre, a reading at DePaul University, and was a Semifinalist for the National Arts Club award. Previous works of his include ADRIFT (Polarity), CORPUS DELICTI (Madkap Productions), and ONTO INFINITY (Winner of the Das Goldkiel First Place Award), among others. ENDS also has its roots in Chicago, having been workshopped at Colombia College Chicago and Victory Gardens Theatre. ENDS received its equity premiere by the New Jersey Repertory Company. 

The Cast includes Reji Simon (Filament Theatre) as Kingsley, Peter Kattner IIIas Glober, Jeremy DeShaun (The Root, The Yard/Jackalope Theatre) understudying for Kingsley, and Mikkel Knutson understudying for Glober. The crew includes direction by Davette J. Franklin, set design by Kevin Rolfs, and lighting and sound design by Sallie Young.

(TOP - LEFT TO RIGHT Jeremy DeShaun and Peter Kattner III

BOTTOM - LEFT TO RIGHT Reji Simon and Mikkel Knutson) 

July 14 - July 31, 2022

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays 4 pm.

Understudy performance July 23

Press Opening July 14 at 7:30 PM  

General Admission $25

Student/Industry $15

Dreamers YOLO, 5419 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625

Located in Budlong Woods, north of Lincoln Square. Paid street parking is available along Lincoln Avenue. 

Tickets available at https://www.davjasfranentertainment.com/ends-by-david-alex

ENDS is a socio-political drama set in 1967 and deals with a confrontation between two men and the ideas they represent. Kingsley, a thirty-year old Black man, has lived isolated for the past eighteen years in a secured forest cabin. Besides his childhood experiences and memories, his view of life is based on his many books. Glober, a recently returned bitter White Vietnam veteran, is forced to take refuge in Kingsley's cabin during a violent storm.

 

BIOS

Reji Simon is a Chicago based performing artist and has been a Resident Artist at Filament Theatre since 2017. In addition to performing, he is a teacher, producer, and casting director. At the heart of all of his work is community and development. He is committed to developing artists through community building and the deconstruction of barriers meant to keep folks out of art making. Reji has worked as a teaching artist at Filament Theatre, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health, and Cleveland Playhouse.

Jeremy DeShaun studied acting at The Theatre School at DePaul University (Class of 2020). Credits include: Belvile in THE ROVER at The Theatre School at DePaul University and Justin in BLOOD AT THE ROOT at The Yard/Jackalope Theatre Company. Jeremy is represented by Actors Talent Group.

Peter Kattner III is a Chicago based actor, whose previous credits include THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE (Charlito "Chip" Tolentino) and THE MYSTERY OF EDWIN DROOD (Neville Landless) both performed at Saint Sebastian Players. BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON performed at Millikin University, ONE THOUSAND WORDS (A New Musical) and LOVE AFFAIRS AND WEDDING BELLS (A New Musical) both performed at Theater Wit. 

Mikkel Knutson is a new face to the Chicago theater scene. Graduating from Northern Illinois University during the pandemic, he has also previously worked with Door Shakespeare as an acting/costumes intern and fight captain as well as being recently seen in October with UWW Fest as Mark in BE MINE. 

About Director Davette J. Franklin

Davette J. Franklin is a Producer, Director, Playwright, Actress and Singer. She has always loved being on stage and entertaining. It all started with her signing with her sisters at the age of 3 years old. In high school, she became passionate about acting and noticed that if you do not have an extensive resume, most agencies and casting directors would not give you a shot. This ignited a spark in her to cater to the "new" actor and DavJasFran Entertainment was born. Her goal is to help new artists get discovered all while having fun and creating great work. She is often called the "Millennial Hero" and "Queen of YOLO", all names in which she loves.

About Playwright David Alex 

David Alex has received three Awards from the Illinois Arts Council in Recognition in Playwriting, a Grant from the Pilgrim Foundation and has served as the Secretary of the Chicago Alliance for Playwrights and the Illinois Theatre Association. He is a proud member of the Joseph Jefferson Committee, which recognizes excellence in Chicago theatre, as well as the Dramatists Guild. David Alex lives in Chicago.

About DavJasFran Entertainment

DavJasFran Entertainment is a Production Company housed at Dreamers YOLO! The company was founded in 2016 by Davette J. Franklin aims to be a production company for the "new" artist. Davette noticed that new Actors/Actresses, Writers, and Directors are always told to build their resume, but are never given the opportunity to grow them...that is why DavJasFran Entertainment was created. It fosters the "new" artists to help build their resumes and give them a fun experience while breaking into the Entertainment business. 

For tickets and more information, https://www.davjasfranentertainment.com/ends-by-david-alex

REVIEW: Artist-In-Residence Luis Carreon, La Bestia at Chicago Magic Lounge Wednesdays Through September 28, 2022.

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Chicago Magic Lounge Presents

Luis Carreon, La Bestia

Wednesdays Through September 28, 2022 

Guest Review

by Dugan Kenaz-Mara

Chicago Magic Lounge has once again astounded, mystified, and astonished us with another wonderful magic show by Artist-In-Residence Luis Carreon, La Bestia.

From start to finish, the experience was magical. Even as a returning guest, I enjoyed the lead-in to the main stage area and the history of magic that comes along with it. I could also tell that it was breathtaking for my friend who had never been to the magic lounge before. He was fooled multiple times and was exclaiming about how cool it was the entire way to our seats. 

Once we made it to our places, the staff were incredibly kind and the close-up magicians who came to the tables before the show were also great. The best part is how they were willing to play with us when we engaged them in bits. One table magician, while presenting a deck of cards, told us he was going to perform a card trick. When we responded that calling it a “card trick” was apt and questioned whether he had come up with that himself, he countered by telling us he had a team of writers who came up with it for him. It was fun to joke around with him and better still when it didn’t impede his flawless sleight of hand. 

Then, after already being blown away by the magic lounge’s environment, we were blown even further away by Luis Carreon’s performance. While he has a dramatic flair, his most notable feature is his humor. The show is full of pop culture references and he makes tons of jokes, including ones about his heritage and the stereotypes that come along with it. He engaged the audience throughout the whole show and even played a prank on one volunteer. 

I also loved his ability to improvise with what the audience gave him. Some audience members didn’t play along with his jokes and were contrarian, which he was able to turn into more bits to entertain the rest of the audience. On the other hand, there was an audience member who gave him a small heart-shaped chocolate, which he incorporated into his act alongside other heart-shaped props. 

The use of props was also really intriguing to me. He had some of the obvious magician things, like coins and decks of cards, but he also made use of random objects including a house key from a mesh bag of keys, a cardboard box, a stuffed animal with a sombrero, a picture frame, and a piñata. 

Overall, I would count this experience as a good one and would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in magic or is looking for a fun night of entertainment. 

Dugan is an actor, designer, and photographer studying theatre and psychology at Northwestern University. This summer you can find him on cast at Bristol Renaissance Fair for the 4th season, dancing, singing, performing street theatre, and juggling knives. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a time traveler.

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic, continues its Artist-In-Residence series with Luis Carreon, La Bestia, Wednesdays at 7:00pm, July 6 – September 28, 2022. A Chicago Magic Lounge favorite, Carreon showcases his unparalleled skill and mischievous sense of humor in this brand new, Spanish-infused show. Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge shows are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com..

 

What you see is not always what you get. Beneath Luis Carreon's suave and debonair exterior lies La Bestia (The Beast). In his one-man show, Luis combines his jaw-dropping magical skills, his Latin heritage, and off-the-wall comedy to share his real-life experiences, poking fun at stereotypes, cultural differences, and himself. 

 

Luis Carreon is a highly sought-after entertainer, performing magic across the country – from New York City's Monday Night Magic to House of Cards in Nashville to the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, California. An award-winning and well-respected magician, Luis regularly travels the country teaching other magicians about the art of magic. He is also a regular performer, fan favorite, and co-founding company member of the Chicago Magic Lounge. 

 

Carreon has made numerous television appearances, domestically and internationally. He has been featured on the Univision Evening News and was a semi-finalist on Tengo Talento, Mucho Talento, the Spanish language equivalent of America's Got Talent.

Luis Carreon, La Bestia will be presented on Wednesdays at 7:00pm, July 6 – September 28, 2022. Tickets are priced $45 (Main Floor) and $50 (Front Row). 

Also Happening at Chicago Magic Lounge

Music & Magic

Mondays at 7:00pm

Tickets: General Admission $25

The Showcase

Tuesdays at 7:00pm

Tickets: Standard: $35; Front Row: $40

Artist-in-Residence Series

Wednesdays at 7:00pm

Sean Masterson’s Message in a Bottle, Now through June 29, 2022

Tickets: Standard: $45; Front Row: $50

The discovery of a message in a bottle makes the past present in Sean Masterson’s very visual and highly deceptive show. Sleight-of-hand magic is seamlessly woven into the true tale of the 19th century battle to decide America’s #1 magician.

In 1912 theatrical impresario Michael B. Leavitt published his 700-page memoir dishing the untold story of this jealousy-fueled battle between his clients, the magic greats Alexander Herrmann and Harry Kellar. Recently, Sean Masterson procured a signed edition of Leavitt’s memoir at auction and together with his research of Harry Houdini’s original archives at the Library of Congress in D.C., he has found the thread that nearly tells the whole tale. All Masterson needs now is a message in a bottle.

The Signature Show

Thursdays-Sundays at 7:00pm, Fridays and Sundays at 10pm

Tickets: Front Row $80, Premium Main Floor (main floor banquette and main floor cabaret) $70, Standard (rail and elevated banquette) $60, Mezzanine $50 

The Signature Show was conceived in 2015 as an homage to the historic, Chicago magic bar scene. Experience close-up magic right at your table during the cocktail hour, followed by an hour of stage magic featuring masters of their craft performing feats of prestidigitation and sleight of hand. Guests who purchase Premium tickets (Front Row, Main Floor Cabaret, Main Floor Banquette) are invited to an exclusive performance of close-up magic directly after the main stage show in our 43-seat close-up gallery, The 654 Club.

Tickets for all Chicago Magic Lounge performances are available at the box office, (312) 366-4500 or online at chicagomagiclounge.com. Chicago Magic Lounge is a 21+ venue. Ages 16+ allowed to ticketed shows with a legal guardian. 

For the health and safety of our staff, guests and community, you must be fully vaccinated to enter the premises. Ticket holders will be asked to present proof of vaccination status upon arrival.

For a complete schedule of performances and more information about Chicago Magic Lounge, resident and guest performers, and more, please visit chicagomagiclounge.com.

REVIEW: Chicago Premiere of Hurricane Diane is A Dionysian Feast!!! Now Playing at Theater WIT Through July 31, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

HURRICANE DIANE 

TO HIT CHICAGO 

PREDICTED TO WREAK TRAGI-COMIC CLIMATE CHANGE HAVOC LIVE ON STAGE 

AT THEATER WIT THROUGH JULY 31 

Madeleine George’s 2019 Obie Award-winning Best Play is a hilarious evisceration of the blind eye we all turn to climate change, even (or especially) in our own backyards

(From left) Theater Wit's Chicago premiere of Hurricane Diane features Lori Myers as Pam, Carolyn Kruse as Carol, Kelli Simpkins as Diane, Jazmín Corona as Renee and Aneisa Hicks as Beth. Photo credit for all: Charles Osgood.

Hurricane Diane is a Chicago premiere by Madeleine George, writer of Theater Wit's past hits Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England and The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence and, now, for Hulu's Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

Guest Review 

by Flo Manolis

Ahhh!!!! A Dionysian Feast!!!

"Hurricane Diane" by Madeline George, is a modern, witty, satirical comedy with a tragic ending! Diane (Kelli Simpkins-powerful-playful!!) is a landscaper seeking an earthly incarnation from a world doomed, to it's future demise/Inexistence by climate change.

Kelli Simpkins (left) plays Diane and Lori Myers is Pam

Carolyn Kruse (left) plays Carol and Kelli Simpkins is Diane

Diane is hired by Carol (Carolyn Kruse-stern) to design her "dream-HGTV- garden" in the cookie cutter homes in a cul-de-sac, she shares with her three neighbor friends. Diane tells her of the importance of "permaculture"-that Carol ABHORS.

(from left) Lori Myers, Aneisa Hicks and Jazmín Corona

Inherent to her "Mystery cult" of souls. Diane engages the three friends, (Lori Myers-hilarious!! Jazmin Corona-understated, Anesia Hicks-demure-strong vocal voice!!) and scandalizes in a sexual frenzied initiation- possessed in ecstasy by "The God that comes" to be her Maends. It brings joy and divine madness, as they are freed from their self consciousness, fears and oppressive restrains. She is their "Liberator", dancing, draped in ivy garlands. Still, she has to dominate Carol who is a holdout. With a looming hurricane, chaos ensues in a power struggle of wills!!! Destructon!!!

(from left) Lori Myers, Aneisa Hicks and Jazmín Corona

In a nod to traditional Greek theatre, The Maends in Crimson clothing and masks, chant hymns like a Greek chorus lamenting.

Jeremy Wechsler directed an entertaining, gut laughter inducing, applause after each scene and in between, production!! Stellar cast! Versatile stage design! Must see. Don't miss this! ★★★★ (out of 4).

Florence Manolis is a Greek American CPS elementary teacher/librarian, hairdresser, and theater/film fanatic who catches hundreds of Chicago shows annually. She volunteers at numerous film venues and theaters and has called Chicago home since she immigrated here from Greece in early elementary school. 

Kelli Simpkins plays Diane in Hurricane Diane, Theater Wit's new play about a butch lesbian gardener who just might be the Greek god Dionysus.

Hurricane Diane is a hilarious whirlwind of a play about a butch lesbian gardener who just might be the Greek god Dionysus, returned to stick a hot poker in contemporary society’s blind eye to climate change, starting with four housewives on a quiet New Jersey cul-de-sac.

Lori Myers (left) plays Pam and Kelli Simpkins is Diane 

The doomsday clock is already at 11 f**king 45. The flood waters are swelling on Jersey Shore. The Greek goddess Dionysus—in the guise of Diane, a lesbian permaculture landscape gardener—is staging a comeback to save the world from the ravages of climate change.

And where better to ignite a Bacchanalian frenzy than with four housewives living on a quiet cul-de-sac in Monmouth County, New Jersey?

Still, making maenads out of her lady neighbors proves more challenging than Diane could anticipate, as the forces of HGTV square off against the coming apocalypse.

Theater Wit Artistic Director Jeremy Wechsler directs this roof-raising evening about passion, lawns, pawpaw forests, Italian delis, curb appeal, hurricanes, and what happens when we are asked to go outside.

"You all want to believe me when I tell you that Madeleine George's Obie-award winning comedy is going to be the most fun you can have in a theater this summer. It's going to blow Theater Wit apart—and that's not actually hyperbole. Seriously, you want to see this one."

-Director Jeremy Wechsler

Artistic Director, Theater Wit

Tickets and information:

TheaterWit.org or (773) 975-8150

(from left) Hurricane Diane playwright Madeleine George and director Jeremy Wechsler. Kelli Simpkins plays Diane with Jazmín Corona (Renee) Aneisa Hicks (Beth), Carolyn Kruse (Carol) and Lori Myers (Pam).

Hurricane Diane is surging toward its Chicago debut, June 17-July 31, 2022 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago. Tickets, $25-$48, are on sale now at TheaterWit.org or by calling the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150. 

Batten down the hatches for Theater Wit’s Hurricane Diane, because a category 4 hurricane has hit a quiet cul-de-sac in New Jersey, where the Greek god Dionysus has returned as a butch lesbian gardener to stick a hot poker in society’s blind eye to climate change. Carolyn Kruse (pictured) plays Carol. 

Hurricane Diane is a hilarious whirlwind of a play about a butch lesbian gardener who just might be the Greek god Dionysus, returned to stick a hot poker in contemporary society’s collective blind eye to climate change.

Hurricane Diane marks acclaimed playwright Madeleine George’s third collaboration with Theater Wit, where Chicago audiences and critics first enjoyed her plays Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England and The (curious case of the) Watson Intelligence. Now George is writing for the hit Hulu series Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez.

Theater Wit Artistic Director Jeremy Wechsler directs this roof-raising evening about passion, lawns, pawpaw forests, Italian delis, curb appeal, hurricanes, and what happens when we are asked to go outside.

Kelli Simpkins leads the cast as charming butch permaculture gardener Diane, returned to the modern world to avert the coming apocalypse. Jazmín Corona (Renee), Aneisa Hicks (Beth), Carolyn Kruse (Carol) and Lori Myers (Pam) portray Diane’s New Jersey neighbors. 

The production team includes Joseph Schermoly (set designer), Mara Blumenfeld and Maddy Low (co-costume designers), Joyce Ciesil (sound designer), Piper Kirchhofer (lighting designer), AnnaMae Durham (properties designer), Courtney Abbott (intimacy director), Andre Pluess (original music) and Ashley Alexander (stage manager). 

Hurricane Diane: The eye of the storm

Kelli Simpkins (left) as Diane and Lori Myers as Pam.

Kelli Simpkins (left) plays Diane and Jazmín Corona is Renee

The doomsday clock is already at 11 f**king 45. The flood waters are swelling on Jersey Shore. The Greek goddess Dionysus—in the guise of Diane, a lesbian permaculture landscape gardener—is staging a comeback to save the world from the ravages of climate change. And where better to ignite a Bacchanalian frenzy than with four housewives living on a quiet cul-de-sac in Monmouth County, New Jersey? Still, making maenads out of her lady neighbors proves more challenging than Diane could anticipate, as the forces of HGTV square off against the coming apocalypse.

Winner of the 2019 Best Play Obie Award, Hurricane Diane is a funny, sobering plea to save the world.The New York Times called it “an astonishing new play that whirls ancient myth, lesbian pulp, ecological thriller, and The Real Housewives of Monmouth County into a perfect storm of timely tragicomedy.” The Vulture wrote “Madeleine George’s fantastic, heartbreaking Hurricane Diane is a comedy in the most ancient, expansive sense...Hilarious, shattering, and full of keen observation and profound human affection, the play both lifts us up and wrings us out.” 

Aneisa Hicks (left) plays Beth and Kelli Simpkins is Diane in Hurricane Diane.

**Footnote: The term “permaculture," a contraction of “permanent” and “agriculture," is an increasingly popular gardening trend at the heart of Diane’s earth-bound business—designing agricultural landscapes, especially home landscapes, in a way that improves and supports the local ecosystem, to make them life-giving for generations.

Tracking Hurricane Diane: Times, dates and ticket information

Tickets to Hurricane Diane are $25-$36, and are on sale now at TheaterWit.org or by calling the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150.

Previews are June 17-26: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at

2 p.m. Press opening is Monday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Performances run through July 31: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. Run time is 90 minutes, no intermission.

Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., in the Belmont Theatre District in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood. Parking is available in a lot across the street from Theater Wit, behind Kubo, for $8 (pay at the Theater Wit box office.) Neighborhood street parking is also available. Theater Wit is accessible via the CTA 77 Belmont bus, and just three blocks west of the CTA Belmont Red/Brown/Purple line stop. 

Note: Everyone (including audience members) at Theater Wit is required to be vaccinated to enter the building. Each audience member must show proof of vaccination and state ID at the door for admittance. Electronic photos and copies are acceptable. Patrons with medical or religious exemptions may be admitted but must contact the box office a minimum of 48 hours before the performance for additional review and guidance. While Cook County is at Medium risk level or above, all audience members must be masked for the duration of their visit. Masks are required for medical and religious exemptions as well. Visit TheaterWit.org for more details.

About Theater Wit

Theater Wit, Chicago’s “smart art” theater, is a major hub of Chicago’s neighborhood theater scene, where audiences enjoy a smorgasbord of excellent productions in its three, 99-seat spaces, see a parade of talented artists and mingle with audiences from all over Chicago. 

In addition to Theater Wit’s production of Hurricane Diane, other summer productions at Theater Wit include Shattered Globe’s Rasheeda Speaking (now through June 4); Remy Bumppo’s The Year of Magical Thinking (now through June 5); TimeLine Theatre’s Chicago premiere of The Chinese Lady (now through June 18); American Blues Theatre’s Fences (July 1-August 6); Steep Theatre Company’s Light Falls (July 2-August 14); and Grippo Theatre Company’s Chagall in School (August 26-October 9).

Theater Wit is located at 1229 N. Belmont Ave., in the Belmont Theatre District in Chicago’s Lakeview community. To purchase tickets to Hurricane Diane, visiting productions, or to inquire about a Theater Wit Membership or Flex Pass options, visit TheaterWit.org, send email to info@theaterwit.org, or call the Theater Wit box office, (773) 975-8150. 

Carolyn Kruse as Carol and Kelli Simpkins as Diane

All Production Photos by Charles Osgood

Sophocles’ Tragedy, Antigone is Given a Modern Adaptation at Redtwist Theatre JUNE 23 – JULY 31

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Sophocles’ Tragedy 

Antigone 

at Redtwist Theatre 

JUNE 23 – JULY 31

Sophocles’ Tragedy is Given a Modern Adaptation by Anne Carson, Directed by Christine Freije and Starring Retwist Company Members Brian Parry and Sarah Sapperstein 

Redtwist Theatre announces the cast and creative team for its next production, Antigone, adapted by Anne Carson and directed by Christine Freije, June 23 – July 31, at Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. The current running time is 2 hours including the intermission. Previews are Thursday, June 23 – Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Ticket prices are $15, previews; $35, Thursday performances and $40, Friday – Sunday performances. Student and senior discounts are available. All tickets are now on sale at RedtiwstTheatre.org or by calling 773.728.7529. 

Antigone is a woman suddenly pitted against the world. She simply wants to give her brother a fair burial and isn’t afraid to fight the patriarchy to do it. In this colloquial, light-fingered and cutting translation of one of Sophocles’ great tragedies, Antigone places personal allegiance before an unjust city law, a tenacious act that ultimately triggers others into a cycle of destruction.

The cast of Antigone includes Isabel Alamin, (Antigone); Natalie Welber, (Ismene); Brian Parry*, (Kreon); Nick Shank, (Haimon); Joan Nahid, (Eurydike/Chorus); Javier Carmona, (Teiresias/chorus); Peter Ferneding, (guard/boy/chorus); Sarah Sapperstein*, (messenger/chorus); and Andrew Bosworth, (chorus leader). The understudies include Samie Jo Johnson, (Antigone); Amanda Hays, (Ismene); Nathan Reilly, (Haimon); Jessica GoForth, (Eurydike/chorus); Peter Ferneding, (Teiresias/chorus); Maddy Hoderhack, (messenger/chorus); and Evin McQuinstion, (chorus leader).

The creative team of Antigone includes Christine Freije, (director); Anne Carson, (adapter); Solomon Weisbard, (lighting + sound designer); Eric Luchen, (scenic designer); Anna Bodell, (costume designer); Jeff Brain, (props designer); Dusty Brown, (production manager); La’Tia Owens, (assistant stage manager); Mike McShane, (assistant lighting designer); Moises Diaz, (assistant props director); Chas Mathieu, (technical director); Anna Petersen, (scenic charge); Hannah Blau, (assistant director); Shariba Rivers*, (casting director); Jose Jimenez*, (graphic designer); Lauren Grace Thompson*, (resident production manager); E. Malcom Martinez*, (box office manager); Karen Epton, Annette Galeas, Johnny Garcia* and Amanda Grissom, (box office associates) and Brian Parry*, (interim artistic director).

*Indicates Redtwist staff or company members.

ABOUT ANNE CARSON, playwright

Anne Carson is a MacArthur Fellow; she has received the Lannan Prize, the T.S Eliot Prize, the Pushcart Prize, the Griffin Poetry Prize (twice awarded) and a Guggenheim fellowship. She was also the Anna-Maria Kellen Fellow at the American Academy in Berlin, Germany. 

ABOUT CHRISTINE FREIJE, director

Christine Freije is a director and deviser based in Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Recent credits include Tartuffe, Everybody, The Gap (The Theatre School at DePaul University),Dream-Rushes (A Wonderful Trip) (Theatre Contra),Song of My Self-Care (Jimmy Grzelak) and Shrew (Reject Theatre Project). She is a current MFA candidate at The Theatre School at DePaul University and has worked at the Arden Theatre, Interact Theatre Company, Philadelphia Artists’ Collective, Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company and Berkshire Theatre Group. 

ABOUT REDTWIST THEATRE

Redtwist is an award-winning theatre company that stages five, up close and personal contemporary dramas annually in its intimate black box theatre housed proudly within the heart of Edgewater’s Bryn Mawr Historic District. 

Intimate performances at Redtwist are designed to place the theatre patron in the midst of the stories being told, making them accessible and riveting. Redtwist strives for excellence with every project and proactively endeavors to take risks while offering opportunities for up-and-coming actors, designers and directors to work with established talent. Redtwist provides the very best Chicago storefront theatre experience from excellence on stage, to warm hospitality in a clean, friendly environment.

August Wilson’s Fences Via American Blues Theater at Theater Wit July 1 Through August 6

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

  American Blues Theater announces casting for

August Wilson’s Fences 

directed by Monty Cole

Cast includes Kamal Bolden, Manny Buckley, Shanésia Davis, Ajax Dontavius,

Martel Manning, William Anthony Sebastian Rose II, and Riley Wells

 July 1-August 6, 2022

 

American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, announces the cast of August Wilson’s Fences, directed by Monty Cole. The intimate and up-close production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama will play to a capacity of 60 people per performance

from July 1-August 6, 2022, at Theater Wit,1229 W. Belmont Ave. Tickets will be available beginning May 31 at (773) 975-8150 and www.americanbluestheater.com. I'll be out for opening night Thursday, July 7th, so check back shortly for my full review. 

This is the sensational drama about Troy Maxson, a former star of the Negro Baseball League, who now works as a garbage man in 1957 Pittsburgh. Excluded as a black man from major leagues during his prime, Troy’s bitterness takes its toll on his relationships with his wife and family.

The cast is: Kamal Bolden (Troy Maxson), Manny Buckley* (Gabriel), Shanésia Davis (Rose), Ajax Dontavius, (Cory), Martel Manning (Jim Bono), William Anthony Sebastian Rose (Lyons), and Riley Wells (Raynell).

The creative team includes Yeaji Kim (scenic design), Jared Gooding* (lighting design), Stephanie Cluggish (costume design), Rick Sims* (sound design), Verity Neely (properties design), Rachel Flesher (fight & intimacy design), Cara Parrish* (stage manager) and Shandee Vaughan* (production manager).

 *Denotes Ensemble Member or Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater

 

About the Artists

MONTY COLE he/him (director) is an award-winning theater and film writer-director from Oak Park, IL. He has directed for the Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf, Center Theatre Group, The Playwrights Center, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Victory Gardens Theater, the Center for New Performance, Cape Cod Theatre Project, Alley Theatre, and others. Recent projects include directing the workshop of world premiere Adrienne Kennedy play, Etta and Ella on the Upper West Side for the Center for New Performance in California. His re-interpretations of classics from Eugene O'Neill's The Hairy Ape to Hamlet have received awards and critical praise in Chicago. As a writer, his plays include American Teenager (a commission from the Goodman Theatre) and Black Like Me, an adaptation of the 1961 novel currently in development with The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Cole was one of four writers in the Goodman Theatre's Playwrights Unit and is currently an Artist in Residence at the Center for New Performance, a fellow at Hermitage Artist Retreat, and a Research Scholar of the Bridge to Faculty at UIC. In 2021, Cole directed three short films: SIX FEET APART by Isaac Gomez, SONS OF TOLEDO, written by Cole and Matt Foss, and his own short, WHOLE. SONS OF TOLEDO has appeared in film festivals around the world including winning Best African American Short at the Phoenix Film Festival, while the other two shorts are in post-production. Monty has a BA in Theatre Studies from Emerson College and an MFA Directing degree from the California Institute of the Arts. 

KAMAL BOLDEN he/him (Troy Maxson) A native of Peoria, IL, Kamal graduated from Bradley University with a degree in Business Administration-Entrepreneurship. Theatre: the lead role of Hero in Father Comes Home From The Wars Parts 1,2, & 3 (Goodman Theatre), Immediate Family directed by Phylicia Rashad (Mark Taper Forum), the title role of Chad Deity in the world premiere of The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity (Victory Gardens Theater), Jitney, The Misanthrope, and Home (Court Theatre), Coriolanus (Nashville Shakespeare), SS: Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare). Off-Broadway: AUDELCO Award for Best Actor in Reparations at the historic Billie Holiday Theatre and a nomination for The Opponent at 59E59St Theatre. Film: Vacation Friends, The Night Before, Ravers, Keys to the City, Elvis & Nixon. Television: Series Regular on The Endgame (NBC), 61st Street, Chicago Fire, Insecure, The Resident, Law & Order SVU, Rosewood, NCIS, Major Crimes, Betrayal, Low Winter Sun, Boss, Lights Out.

MANNY BUCKLEY he/him (Gabriel) is a proud Ensemble member of American Blues Theater. He is a Chicago-based director, actor, playwright and teaching artist. Blues credits include It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, Six Corners, Looking Over the President’s Shoulder (Jeff Award Nomination-Best Solo Performance), and Dutchman/TRANSit (Black Theatre Alliance Award Nomination). Manny toured nationally as “Satchel Paige” in the original production of The Satchel Paige Story, and appeared in The Father (Helen Hayes Award Nomination) at Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C. He originated the role of “Carson” in Hit the Wall, which sold out extensions in Steppenwolf’s Garage Rep. Select Chicago credits include The Brothers Size, 1984, and Of Mice and Men (Steppenwolf); Dorian (House Theater); and Love’s Labor’s Lost (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre). Mr. Buckley is the recipient of a Black Theatre Alliance, and Black Excellence Award. He most recently directed Kingdom, an audio drama, with Broken Nose Theatre.

SHANÉSIA DAVIS she/her (Rose) returns to American Blues Theater where she was last seen in their co-production of Native Son with Court Theatre. As an actress, some of her credits include works at Steppenwolf, Northlight, Porchlight Music Theatre, Goodman, Congo Square, Mark Taper Forum, Cleveland Playhouse, CenterStage Baltimore, The Gift Theatre, Kansas City Rep, and Court Theatre, to name a few. She has been Jeff Award nominated several times and is a Black Theatre Alliance Award recipient, as well as Excellence in the Arts recipient. Film credits include Chicago Stories: Ida B. Wells, The Thing about Harry, Working Man, BLUEPRINT, External Rivals, Consumed, Damaged Goods, Cleveland Abduction, Morning Due, The Weatherman, Uncle Nino, Life Sentence, and Chicago Cab, among others. Television credits includes Emmy nominated Lovecraft Country (HBO), Proven Innocent (FOX), Empire (FOX), Chicago Fire (NBC), CRISIS (ABC), Detroit 187 (ABC), and series regular on Early Edition (CBS). She is a proud member of Equity and SAG/AFTRA unions as well as Artistic Associate of Congo Square Theater and Assistant Teaching Professor at Roosevelt University, CCPA. 

AJAX DONTAVIUS he/him (Cory) is a Chicago-based actor who is so excited to join this amazing production of Fences. Previously, Ajax has co-starred on NBC’s Chicago P.D. and will appear on the second season of AMC’s 61st Street. He was last seen on stage in Lifeline Theatre’s stage adaptation of Middle Passage as Rutherford Calhoun.

MARTEL MANNING he/him (Jim Bono) has appeared in Chicago in: Photograph 51 (Court Theatre), Her Majesty's Will (Lifeline Theatre), as well as Pillowman, Kentucky, and Hamlet (The Gift Theatre). Regional credits include: Romeo & Juliet - Juliet's Journey (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Still Dance the Stars (New Light Theatre), Two Gentlemen of Verona (Michigan Shakespeare Festival). Martel received an MFA in Acting from the University of Houston Professional Actor Training Program and is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.

WILLIAM ANTHONY SEBASTIAN ROSE II he/him (Lyons) is a Chicago based actor most recently featured as King Henri Christophe in The House Theatre’s The Tragedy of King Christophe. He was last seen in an on-stage, in-person production with Broken Nose Theatre’s Labyrinth as a still wet behind the ears loan officer. He has also had the privilege of working with Kunoichi Productions virtual presentation of The True Tale of Princess Kaguya as the psychotic Emperor and power hungry but moronically pathetic Prince; a man searching for his truth in Victory Gardens Theater’s The First Deep Breath; a dilettante English lord fancying himself an amateur sleuth in Whose Body, Lifeline Theatre; a forgotten political prisoner fighting for change in We Are Pussy Riot, Red Tape Theatre. You can also see him on display now in the Chicago Maritime Museum exhibit as the founder of Chicago, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. TV credits include Lovecraft County. Represented by Big Mouth Talent Agency.

RILEY WELLS she/her (Raynell) recently worked on a short film They Say Time Heals as Anisah as well as the CW’s television show 4400. Riley studies dance and acting at FieldCrest School of Performing Arts. She also studies voice and piano at the MuzicNet. For fun, Riley enjoys engineering, space, gymnastics.

Dates: Previews July 1-July 6, 2022

Opens July 7, 2022

Runs through August 6, 2022

Schedule:       

Thursdays: 7:30pm

Fridays: 7:30pm

Saturdays: 2:30pm (except, no 2:30pm show on July 9)

and 7:30pm (except, no 7:30pm show on August 6)

Sundays: 2:30pm

 

Location: Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave in Chicago

Ticket prices:  $25-$45, plus $2.75 Theater Wit venue fees

Box Office: Buy online at www.americanbluestheater.com or (773) 975-8150

Group Sales discounts and Blue Card Memberships available now by calling (773) 654-3103 or visiting www.americanbluestheater.com

 

About American Blues

Winner of the American Theatre Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2022, the theater and artists received 221 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 40 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.

EXTENDED: Trap Door Theatre's Medea Material Extended by Popular Demand June 23-July 2, 2022

Get excited for 2 more weeks of Medea Material! 

Join us June 23-July 2 for our extension!

Medea Material

Written by: Heiner Müller Translated and Adapted by: Sarah Tolan-Mee Directed by: Max Truax

Music Composed by: Jonathan Guillen

Heiner Müller (Playwright) was one of the most important playwrights of the twentieth century European theater; he was also one of the most controversial and outspoken artists of his time. He was born in 1929 in Saxony, a state in eastern Germany and, apart from writing plays and directing shows, he was a journalist, critic, poet, and philosopher. He received many literary prizes including the Lessing Prize, Germany’s highest literary honor. Müller’s work emerged from the rubble of postwar Europe and its political and economic decay. The division of Germany, the Cold War, and the building of the Berlin Wall in 1961 were important events that contributed to his literary oeuvre. His theatrical models include the ancient Greek tragedians, Shakespeare, and Brecht, but he will be best remembered as the creator of the post-dramatic, non-linear, image-driven synthetic fragment intended to disintegrate the “fourth wall.” Müller’s themes concern human beings in a state of flux due to sociopolitical displacement and, like Brecht, he wanted his audience to ponder and, if necessary, to choose. His best-known plays are Cement (1972), The Hamletmachine (1977), The Mission (1979), Quartet (1981), Medea Material (1982) and Death Destruction Detroit II (1987). Müller died in 1995.

Medea Ensemble. Photo by J. Michael Griggs

Max Truax (he/him/his) has been a Resident Director at Trap Door since 2008. For Trap Door, he has directed many critically acclaimed productions, including No Matter How Hard We Try, The Balcony, They Are Dying Out, A Couple of Poor Polish-Speaking Romanians, and No Darkness Round My Stone. His production of A Couple of Poor Polish-Speaking Romanians went on to perform in both Poland and Romania. He also directed Trap Door's 2011 production of Heiner Muller's Hamletmachine, which he conceived as an opera in collaboration with composer Jonathan Guillen. Max served as Artistic Director for Oracle Productions from 2011 to 2016, where he directed No Beast So Fierce, The President, The Mother, Woyzeck, Ghost Sonata, and Termen Vox Machina. His production of The Mother received 7 Jeff Awards, including awards for “Best Production”, “Best Adaptation”, and “Best Ensemble”. In addition to Chicago, Max has directed for multiple stages in Los Angeles and at the Krannert Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He studied visual art, performance art, and choreography at Oberlin College and he received his MFA in theater directing from California Institute of the Arts. Max currently serves as Artistic Director for Red Tape Theatre.

Assistant Director and Choreography: Claire Bauman / Set Designer: J. Michael Griggs / Lighting Designer: Hannah Wein / Music Composer: Jonathan Guillen / Costume Designer: Rachel Sypniewski / Sound Designer: Danny Rockett / Make-up Designer: Zsofia Otvos / Graphic Designer: Michal Janicki / Stage Manager: Audrey Ney / Assistant Stage Manager: Shannon Rourke

Steven Schaeffer, Miguel Long, Keith Surney, and Emily Nichelson. Photo by J. Michael Griggs

Runs: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8PM, and Sundays at 7PM beginning May 15

Admission: $25, with 2 for 1 admission on Thursdays. https://trapdoor.ticketleap.com/medea-material/

Where: Trap Door Theatre is located at 1655 W. Cortland St.

What: Resident Director Max Truax returns to Trap Door to direct another Heiner Müller piece, after his triumphant production of Hamletmachine, which “calculated chaos and mastered madness with purpose, conviction, theatrical artistry, and artistic integrity.”

Medea Material explores the story of Euripedes’ Medea and its surrounding mythology, and will engage Müller’s poetry and complex intersectionality in a dance theatre spectacle.

Alexis DawTyne and Miguel Long. Photo by J. Michael Griggs

“Under Max Truax’s able direction, this group of actors makes often complicated feelings utterly palpable. I don’t know how they did that and don’t want to ask, but I’m grateful to them for working their dark magic.” -Dmitry Samarov, Chicago Reader  

Featuring: Venice Averyheart, Alexis DawTyne, Catrina Evans, Miguel Long, Emily Lotspeich, Laura Nelson, Emily Nichelson, Steven Schaeffer, and Keith Surney.

Chicago and Trap Door COVID-19 Protocol:

To view the current Trap Door COVID-19 protocol, please visit:

https://trapdoortheatre.com/chicago-and-trap-door-covid-19-protocol/

This protocol is subject to change as the League of Chicago Theaters updates their recommendations for indoor theater performances.

Chicago Premiere Of LIFE AFTER At Goodman Theatre on stage now through July 17

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

LIFE AFTER 

BY PLAYWRIGHT/COMPOSER BRITTA JOHNSON

ON STAGE NOW IN ITS CHICAGO PREMIERE AT GOODMAN THEATRE

DIRECTED BY ANNIE TIPPE

***SUMMER’S MUST-SEE NEW MUSICAL APPEARS THROUGH JULY 17***

This production marks the third for Life After in five years—following its American debut at San Diego’s The Old Globe (2019) on the heels of an extended, multiple Dora Award-winning world-premiere with Toronto’s Musical Stage Company and Canadian Stage (2017). Samantha Williams (Broadway’s Caroline, Or Change and Dear Evan Hansen) leads the cast as teenaged Alice—a young woman who, in search of facts, uncovers a more complicated truth as she pieces together events of the fateful night that changed her family forever. Life After is on stage now through July 17. I'll be out for opening night, Wednesday, June 22, so check back soon for my full review. Tickets ($25 - $80, subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/LifeAfter or by phone at 312.443.3800. The Goodman is grateful for the support of JP Morgan Chase & Co. (Lead Corporate Sponsor) and Winston & Strawn LLP (Corporate Sponsor Partner).

A Toronto-based playwright/composer/lyricist, Johnson began writing Life After as a teenager, informed by her own experiences as a young person grappling with grief. With big humor and bittersweet wit, this “luminous new musical…lush, poetic and surprisingly funny” (The San Diego Union-Tribune) explores how we move through and live with loss. In addition to Samantha Williams (Alice), the cast of nine includes Ashley Pérez Flanagan (Fury), Lauryn Hobbs (Fury), Paul Alexander Nolan (Frank), Lucy Panush (Hannah), Bryonha Marie Parham (Beth), Jen Sese (Mrs. Hopkins), Skyler Volpe (Kate) and Chelsea Williams. The production features Choreography by Ann Yee and Music Supervision, Arrangements and Orchestrations by Lynne Shankel.

THE COMPANY OF Life After

Fury……………………Ashley Pérez Flanagan
Fury……………………Lauryn Hobbs
Frank…………………..Paul Alexander Nolan
Hannah………………..Lucy Panush
Beth…………………….Bryonha Marie Parham
Ms. Hopkins……….Jen Sese
Kate…………………….Skyler Volpe
Fury……………………Chelsea Williams
Alice………...............Samantha Williams

Understudies for this production include Ariana Burks (Alice/Kate); Alanna Chavez (Furies/Ms. Hopkins); Antoinette Comer (Beth); Ashley Pérez Flanagan (Second Ms. Hopkins); Lauryn Hobbs (Second Kate); Claire Kwon (Furies/Hannah); Stef Tovar (Frank); and Chelsea Williams (Second Hannah).

ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES

Visit Goodmantheatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts.

Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, July 9, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance – The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset. NOTE: Touch Tours for the 2021/2022 Season will not have access to the stage due to current health and safety protocols, but will feature alternate pre-show sensory introductions.

Sensory-Friendly/Relaxed Performance: Tuesday, July 12 at 7:30pm

ASL-Interpreted: Friday, July 15 at 8pm – An American Sign Language interpreter signs the action/text as played.

Spanish Subtitles: Saturday July 16 at 8pm.

Open-Captioned: Sunday, July 17 at 2pm – An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement.

Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Dael Orlandersmith, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Craig McCaw is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.