ACT OUT OPENING: Waiting for Pierrot at Vittum Theater

"Waiting for Pierrot"

An Original Two Person Commedia Dell'Arte Show

Created and Starring: Allison Latta and Noel Williams

Created and Directed by: Anthony Courser 

Vittum Theater

1012 N Noble St, Chicago, Illinois 60642-4011

View Map · Get Directions

The wait is over. Back from a long hiatus, Allison Latta and Noel Williams resurrect their beloved commedia dell'arte characters to bring you a refreshing twist on a classic tale of nothingness. 

Inspired by lawsuits, gender wars, and Rita Hayworth, these two ladies bring you an evening of masks, improvisation, audience participation, and physicality that will leave you laughing, crying, and wondering why you really shouldn’t say vagina. 

SHOWTIMES: 7:30pm on

Wednesday Nov. 14th

Monday Nov. 19th

Wednesday Nov. 21st

Monday Nov. 26th

Tuesday Nov. 27th

Wednesday Nov. 28th

Click here for advanced tickets 

UFO Landing at HOB THIS Thursday #hardrock

UFO Kick off North American Tour This Week       ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?!   We'll be shooting stills and we'll have a photo filled show recap for you.   But nothing compares to being there.   If you're 17+, get your tickets and check out some living hard rock legends!   Click here to check out clips of some of UFO's hits and book your tickets. The band is touring in support of their latest album Seven Deadly which was released earlier this year via Steamhammer/SPV. UFO w/ Hessler Thursday 11/15/2012  Doors: 06:30 PM Show: 08:00 PM  Prices:  $42.00 - GA - Advanced $45.00 - GA - Day of Ages: 17+ House of Blues Chicago  329 N. Dearborn Chicago, IL 60654 (312) 923-2000 Headlining Artist: UFO Other Artists at this Event: Hessler Additional Info: • tickets subject to all applicable facility fees and service charges • applicable fees and charges apply to all ticket sales • NO REFUNDS / EXCHANGES / CANCELLATION British Hard Rock legends UFO will be kicking off their North American West Coast tour this Thursday November 15th in Chicago, IL.  A complete list of dates can be found below.     Guitarist Vinnie Moore commented on the upcoming tour: "It's been quite a while since we've toured in the USA and I'm really looking forward to it. We have not played here since the new record came out and it's going to be exciting to play some of the new tunes. And it is always great to see our awesome fans!" Seven Deadly is an atmospherically dense fabric consisting of classy guitars, tight rock grooves and vocals which are unique to UFO. Ultimate-Guitar says of Seven Deadly: "UFO has re-entered back through Earth's atmosphere to bring the world another excellent, classic sounding album and it is one you must pick up." UFO frontman Phil Mogg's thoroughly impressive vocal performance goes hand in hand with the awesome compositions on Seven Deadly. The classic rock of "Burn Your House Down" features all the important UFO strengths, "Mojotown" sees the musicians sound tougher than ever, and last but not least "Year Of The Gun" features a pointed reference to UFO's early days. Seven Deadly is available for purchase on AMAZON and iTunes. UFO on Tour: 11/15: Chicago, IL @ House of Blues 11/16: Milwaukee, WI @ Shank Hall 11/17: St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater 11/18: St. Charles, IL @ Arcada Theater 11/20: Orangevale, CA @ Boardwalk 11/21: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent 11/23: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst 11/24: Agoura Hills, CA @ Canyon Club 11/25: San Diego, CA @ Brick by Brick 11/26: Tempe, AZ @ Club Red 11/28: San Juan Capistrano, CA @ The Coach House 11/29: Los Angeles, CA @ Key Club 11/30: Las Vegas, NV @ Boulder Station Casino 12/1: Corona, CA @ Marquee 15 For More Info Please Visit: http://www.ufo-music.info  http://www.spv.de

CLUTCH Announces Denver Radio Show Appearance for December 21st

Earth Rocker World Tour to Kick off in January 2013   Mark your calendars and catch Clutch on the radio 12/21.   Their world wide tour dates for December through early February are below.    Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   ChiIL Live Shows has an exclusive video interview with Clutch frontman, Neil Fallon, coming soon.  We also have live show shots and will be keeping you posted about their new release Earth Rocker.     Before they hit the road for their annual Holiday run, CLUTCH have confirmed that they will be headlining the KBPI "When Hell Freezes Over" set for December 21st in Denver, CO at the Fillmore Auditorium. To get more information on the show and to purchase tickets visit http://bit.ly/SyLxpD. Drummer Jean-Paul Gaster commented on the upcoming Denver Radio Performance: "We are excited to go back to Denver; it has been a while since we played there. We are even more excited to play some of the new songs from Earth Rocker that night." As mentioned CLUTCH will play a string of Holiday tour dates this December. The dates kick off December 26th in Washington, DC and conclude with a special New Year's Eve performance in Worcester, MA at The Palladium. The show originally scheduled for December 30th at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ has been moved to Allentown, PA at Crocodile Rock due to damage sustained from Hurricane Sandy. The official statement from Starland Ballroom regarding the cancellation and ticket refund information is below: "Due to damages to the Starland Ballroom sustained as a result of Hurricane Sandy, it is necessary to cancel our scheduled shows at the Sayreville, NJ venue on December 30th, 2012.  Fans that have purchased tickets to any upcoming shows at the Starland Ballroom may redeem their tickets for a full refund from the original point of purchase.  Refunds for tickets purchased at Starland Ballroom's Box Office can be turned-in for a full refund plus service fees during new hours of operation - Thursdays and Fridays from 3-6pm and Saturdays from 11am-2pm. The Box Office will not be open on Thanksgiving." Tickets for the Allentown show will go on sale this Friday November 15th. Support on these shows will come from Mondo Generator, Saviours and Wino.A complete list of all dates is below. CLUTCH is currently in the mixing process of Earth Rocker which is scheduled for a March 2013 release. Fans can keep up on the progress of Earth Rockerby visiting the new website www.earthrocker.com. The website will be a hub dedicated to all things Earth Rocker. Fans can expect to see frequent updates including photos, videos from the studio, song title announcements and samples of new songs. In addition to the new website CLUTCH has joined the world of twitter. Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial. In conjunction with the album's release CLUTCH will embark on the Earth Rocker world tour beginning in The United Kingdom in January of 2013. In addition to the tour dates, the band will be available for press opportunities on select dates. A complete list of dates can be found below. A full United States and Canadian headline tour will follow and is slated to run from March 8th through April 20th. KBPI "When Hell Freezes Over" Radio Show 12/21: Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium - Tickets Holiday Tour With Mondo Generator, Saviors and Wino 12/26: Washington DC @ 9:30 Club - Tickets  12/27: Asheville NC @ The Orange Peel - Tickets  12/28: Lexington KY @ Buster's Billiards & Backroom - Tickets  12/29: Columbus OH @ Newport Music Hall - Tickets  12/30: Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock - Tickets on Sale Friday  12/31: Worcester MA @ The Palladium - Tickets  Clutch Earth Rocker World Tour 1/21: Press Day in London, UK 1/22: London, UK @ Koko - Tickets   1/23: Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg - Tickets  1/24: Press Day in Paris, FR 1/25: Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie - Tickets  1/26: Stuttgart, GER @ Universum - Tickets  1/27: Munchen, GER @ Backstage Club - Tickets  1/28: Press Day in Berlin, GER 1/29: Berlin, GER @ Lido - Tickets  1/30: Press Day in Cologne, GER 1/31: Cologne, GER @ Luxor - Tickets  2/1: Brussels, BE @ VK - Tickets  2/2: Hamburg, GER @ Logo - Tickets  2/3: Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio - Tickets  2/4: Press Day in Oslo, NO 2/5: Oslo, NO @ Parkteateret - Tickets  2/6: Press Day in Stockholm, SWE 2/7: Stockholm, SWE @ Tyrol - Tickets  Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial  Like CLUTCH on Facebook  For More Info Visit: http://www.pro-rock.com http://www.earthrocker.com http://weathermakermusic.com/

Fall Into Fabulous Fun With Broadway in Chicago #BroadwayinChicago

Fall means crisp leaves under foot, chilly nights and great theatre.   Live plays and musicals are great family fun, adult nights out, and an excellent clutter busting gift that leaves lasting memories.




Check out this sizzle reel for hot, Broadway in Chicago shows, to warm your heart this fall and winter.   Then check back with ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows for reviews, photo filled features and the heads up on upcoming shows, ticket sale dates, specials and more.

Of course, we've been promoting these shows below for months, but they're finally HERE!   If you haven't booked your tickets yet, don't miss you chance.














Tonight:  We'll be catching opening night of Sister Act


Theatre : Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois
Dates :

November 13, 2012 - December 02, 2012
Running time:  Two hours, 30 minutes with one intermission

SISTER ACT is Broadway's feel-amazing musical comedy smash! The New York
Post calls it "RIDICULOUSLY FUN," and audiences are jumping to their
feet in total agreement! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar®
winner ALAN MENKEN (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little
Shop of Horrors), SISTER ACT tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a
wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a
crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to
look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris
helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly
rediscovers her own. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of
friendship, SISTER ACT is reason to REJOICE!

Ticket prices are $28 to $103.
Groups of 15+ now on sale! Call 312-977-1710. 



 

Potted Potter


We're also super stoked to see Potted Potter!   We're going Sunday the 18th and will have a full review for you.   

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates :  November 13, 2012 - December 23, 2012
Running time:  70 minutes, no intermission
 
A Critic's Pick by the New York Times, New York Magazine and Time Out London, Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience — A Parody
by Dan and Jeff, won the prestigious 2012 Olivier Award nomination for
Best Entertainment & Family Show; playing to sold-out houses
worldwide. Written and performed by former BBC Television hosts Daniel
Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, the play takes on the ultimate challenge
of condensing, or "potting", all seven Harry Potter books into 70 madcap
minutes, aided only by multiple costume changes, brilliant songs,
ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic. The show also
invites audiences to engage with a real life game of Quidditch, but
according to Clarkson and Turner's unique set of rules.

Whether you camped outside a bookstore for three days awaiting the
release of the Deathly Hallows or you don't know the difference between a
horcrux and a Hufflepuff, the comedy, magic and mayhem of POTTED POTTER
makes for an entertaining and hilarious visit to the theatre. The
fast-paced show, which has made audiences aged six to Dumbledore (who is
very old indeed) roar with laughter all over the world, is perfect for
the entire family.


"A fabulously funny parody…will tickle the funny bone of every age group." - The Daily Telegraph,


"Breathless and…HILARIOUS! -The New York Times


"…a zany hoot!"-The New York Post


"...an AWESOME show!" - Time Magazine for Kids

Ticket prices are $39.95 to $84.95.

 

  

Les Mis

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois


Dates : November 14, 2012 - December 02, 2012


Running time: 2 hours and 50 minutes, including intermission
 

We're also hoping to catch Les Mis at some point.   There is no official press night since the show is no stranger to Chi-Town.   I've seen it myself before, but the kids (9 & 11) are finally old enough to appreciate and understand it and Les Mis is one of my all time favorites.   We'll keep you posted if we have a chance to get there and review the remount.   I'm particularly interested in sharing the kids' take on the show.


DREAM THE DREAM 

Cameron Mackintosh presents a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, with glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. This new production has been acclaimed by critics, fans and new audiences and is breaking box office records wherever it goes. 

The New York Times calls this LES MISÉRABLES "an unquestionably spectacular production from start to finish." The London Times hails the new show "a five star hit, astonishingly powerful." The Star-Ledger says "a dynamically re-imagined hit. This 'LES MISÉRABLES' has improved with age" and NY1-TV proclaims "this new production actually exceeds the original. The storytelling is clearer, the perspective grittier and the motivations more honest. Musical theatre fans can rejoice: 'Les Miz' is born again." 

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISÉRABLES is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and many more. 

Ticket prices are $23 to $120.

 
Coming Soon: 

 



Emerald City Theatre
Presents
CINDERELLA

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates : November 23, 2012 - January 06, 2013



The holidays have arrived, and with them the anticipated Royal Ball! Cinderella's cruel Stepmother and Stepsisters are plotting to win the heart of The Prince, but a spunky and barefoot servant girl may just become the belle of the ball. This swashbuckling Cinderella just needs a little help from her Fairy Godmother and one ratty Footman to find her happy ending. Emerald City's adaptation of this favorite fairy tale is a musical holiday wish come true. 





Cinderella is best suited for ages 3-10. 

Ticket prices are $16 to $22. 

Groups of 10+ On Sale Now! Call 312-977-1710
 

We're also HUGE Dr. Seuss fans and can't wait to see this holiday classic at gorgeous Cadillac Palace Theatre!!   The show opens Dec. 5th.   Got your tickets?

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : December 05, 2012 - December 16, 2012
Running time: 90 minutes with no intermission

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss' classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas," The Grinch discovers there's more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is "two sizes too small", decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, an endlessly cheerful bunch bursting with holiday spirit. Celebrate the holidays with this heart-warming holiday classic.

Ticket prices are $18 to $85.  

 I Love Lucy



We caught opening night of this interactive blast from the past and adored it!   Check out our show review here.   Want more of our past Lucy coverage...click here.   They've been extended by popular demand and tickets are now available through March 3rd.    This live version of the show is a hoot!   If you miss it, you've got some 'splainin to do!!

I Love Lucy® Live On Stage
Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates :

September 12, 2012 - March 03, 2013
Running time:  95 minutes, no intermission


EXTENDED BY POPULAR DEMAND!
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR PERFORMANCES THROUGH MARCH 3, 2013.


I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE, the brand new hit musical stage show adapted from the longest-running and most beloved television program in history, starring Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel: America's favorite foursome, is coming to Chicago for the very first time!

Imagine stepping back in time and into the Desilu Playhouse soundstage!
It's 1952 and you are a member of the studio audience awaiting the
filming of two hilarious and oh so familiar "I Love Lucy" episodes. A
charming host entertains and enlightens you to the behind-the-scenes
filming process, the1950's hi-fidelity technology, and this brand new
thing called 'television'. The episodes begin and you witness,
firsthand, the side-splitting antics of that crazy redhead in the
Ricardo's New York apartment and thrill to the Cuban sounds of "The
Ricky Ricardo Orchestra" at the famed Tropicana Nightclub. In between
scenes? The Crystaltone Singers perform live advertising jingles of the
show's newest sponsors in perfect 50s style harmony. Can you say
'Brylcreem'?!

Ticket prices are $35 to $85.
Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312)977-1710. 

Check out Broadway in Chicago's main site right here, to book your tickets and see their full season of upcoming shows.   We can't wait for The Book of Mormon!!!!   We're also stoked for War Horse, Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan, and more.

ACT OUT: Chicago's Weird Grandma

Do NOT miss this highly recommended twist on a long running fav of ours.   Check out Barrel of Monkeys That's Weird Grandma--Chi-town version!!



Barrel of Monkeys presents “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”

Monday, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.
Tickets for all performances are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 12.

For tickets, reservations or information call 312-409-1954 or visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org.
buy tickets

Schedule of Guest Artists for “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”
Mondays at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave.

WORLDS COLLIDE ALERT:

Here's the remaining guest performer list and there are a bunch of our favorites in here.

November 19 BONEdanse & The Lincoln Squares
November 26 Dean Evans
December 3 The Factory Theater & Manual Cinema
December 10 Sideshow Theatre Company & Manual Cinema
December 17 The Neo-Futurists & About Face Theatre
Schedule subject to change.

THIS SHOW HAS BEEN SELLING OUT!
BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW!

BARREL OF MONKEYS JOINS FORCES WITH CHICAGO ARTISTIC HEAVY HITTERS FOR ALL NEW “CHICAGO'S WEIRD, GRANDMA”

Company Members From Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, House Theatre of Chicago, The Hypocrites, Factory Theater, and Many More Present Their Take on Kids’ Stories From BOM Residencies

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) kicks off its 15th season with an all new, cross-disciplinary extravaganza titled “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma”. 

From the House Theatre of Chicago to the experimental dance of BONEdanse to the quirky stylings of Noah Ginex Puppet Company, BOM brings children’s stories to life in an innovative way. “Chicago’s Weird, Grandma” is a new spin on the BOM classic “That’s Weird, Grandma” on Mondays, October 8 through December 17 at 8 p.m. at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. BOM Artistic Director Molly Brennan directs.


Click here for tickets.    This show has been selling out!!

Pentimento #FREEfullalbumdownload #punk

Pentimento Gives Away New Full-Length Record For Free, Issues Update Regarding Record Label Situation Pentimento's debut, self-titled full-length record was originally announced for a November 13 release date via Paper + Plastick Records and Black Numbers. Today is November 13, and the Buffalo, NY-based indie-punk-rockers have just made their new LP available to the public...but not exactly how it was originally planned. Pentimento can now be downloaded for free on PentimentoNY.com, and on the site, fans can read an in-depth statement from the band regarding the complications that surrounded the album's release. The group has cut ties with Paper + Plastick and Black Numbers because of legal action that was threatened by former label Panic Records. *free download right here  The band, releasing its album for free independently, is taking donations via PayPal to help pay back GCR Audio and producer/engineer Jay Zubricky for the recording costs. The band is not selling its record, but taking donations from those willing to help out with the recording bill. Finally, the day is here! A few weeks back, we announced we would be releasing our debut, self-titled full-length record via Paper + Plastick Records and Black Numbers, and we were more than ecstatic to have the opportunity to work with a team of outstanding individuals with their minds and hearts in the music. However, we are displeased to announce that this will not be happening.   We feel that it is only fair to be honest about the situation and lay it straight out for you to understand. Honesty, truth, integrity, sincerity ... these are all things that are not as plentiful in the world as they should be. Pentimento as a band and as individuals are on a collective journey to find more of these things in the world and within ourselves. We are not perfect. We are not meant to be. We are learning from our mistakes everyday and it is so exhilarating to do so and to realize that this exact process is what life is all about.   Panic Records has hired a lawyer to threaten legal action toward Pentimento, Paper + Plastick and Black Numbers if we continue on with our record release. That's why this album hasn't had a normal marketing plan around it - that's why you guys haven't been able to preorder the record online. No vinyl or CDs or cassettes have been pressed. Plainly and simply, we've decided to close our relationships with P+P/BN at the current time in the interest of protecting those labels from legal action, and in the interest of forging on ourselves as an independent band. Panic Records has made threats to file take-down claims from any digital distributor selling our album. They've enforced take-down claims with YouTube regarding the few songs we have already released for you guys to hear, which due to the situation are no longer available. Truth be told, we have been in this legal battle with Panic since September. And even though we had to put off the relationships we were so excited to start only a couple months ago, we MUST push on as a band.   That's why we're giving you guys our debut full-length record for free. Starting today. We believe in this record. As four individuals, there is nothing more that we want than to be playing these songs around the world. This is the reason why we must release the record independently. We feel it is completely necessary for us to tell this story and to offer you the record that we are so very proud of. Starting today, and for as long as we possibly can before a lawyer comes for us and tries to shut us down, you'll be able to download our new LP for free. It should be clear that our intent is not to defame anyone in this matter. Our intent is to explain the honest story of where Pentimento is forced to stand today with the continued support of Jay Zubricky and GCR Audio.   The economics of being in a band have inevitably left us with a bill to cover the expenses of the record ourselves. This is where the "sob story" begins and ends, and again, please understand that our intent is not to give you a sob story. Our intent is to give you our record.   If you open a pizza shop, you need ovens and ingredients and workers before you can even get a single pie out to your customers. All of those things cost money. Being in a band is no different. The economics of releasing an album include recording studio costs, artwork, publicity, etc. Now that we are without label support, these expenses are in the hands of Pentimento, which like many other touring acts, spends less time at work and more time in the van.   We NEED you to hear this record. Therefore, we are giving it to you for free. We will assume the expenses ourselves. If you would like to donate to the economics of the four of us continuing on as Pentimento, information can be found at the end of this message.   Always be SMART, ARTICULATE and PASSIONATE - three words that we have gathered from an individual who has helped guide us to what we aspire to be. We are trying to do those exact things. This record belongs to you just as much as it does to us. Thank you for your continued support. We want nothing more than to share with you the music that makes us feel alive.   All donations will be accepted at pentimentomerch@gmail.com via PayPal. Please include your address and phone number (if you please) as we would like to contact everyone individually who has supported us financially. Pentimento - Pentimento Independently released. For free. Today.

Badfish at Cubby Bear THIS Friday #originalshowshots

Are you a Badfish too?!   Sure, seeing Sublime live just ain't gonna happen....ever.   But Badfish is comin' your way and they put on a rockin' live show.  Their original material as Scotty Don't is pretty sweet, too, but their Sublime sets had everyone grinnin' and singing along.   Fun times!   Last year we even gave away tickets to a couple of our lucky readers.   Check out ChiIL Live Shows original shots from their House of Blues gig last year right here.   Then get your tickets and go already.   Click here for tixs and more show info.  21+.