Pillars & Tongues Premiere 'Points Of Light' On Brooklyn Vegan Chicago "End-dances" LP Out September 17th On Empty Cellar Records & On Fall Tour With Angel Olsen

Chicago's very own Pillars and Tongues have just released their new track 'Points Of Light' which premiered on Brooklyn Vegan Chicago. Frontman Mark Trecka's even baritone glides above a thick bass line, as he's colorfully countered by co-vocalist Beth RemisPillars and Tongues have just announced a Fall tour with Angel Olsen. Their new LP "End-dances" is out September 17th on Empty Cellar Records. Photo Credit: Sarah Derer Listen To 'Knifelike' On Diffuser! Read The Lyrics To 'End-dances' Here!! 'End-dances' Track Listing: 1. Knifelike 2. Dogs 3. Bell + Rein 4. Points of Light 5. Medora 6. Travel 7. Ends 8. Ships   Tour Dates: Sep 20 - Chicago, IL - The Chicago Cultural Center Sep 21 - Cleveland, OH - Ingenuity Festival Sep 24 - Pittsburgh, PA - Andy Warhol Museum * Sep 26 - Toronto, ON - The Drake Hotel * Sep 27 - Montreal, QC - Pop Montreal Festival Sep 28 - Portland, ME - Space Gallery* Sep 29 - Hudson, NY - Basilica * Oct 1- Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall * Oct 2 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's * Oct 4 - Boston, MA - Museum Of Fine Arts * Oct 5 - Purchase, NY - The Stood * Oct 6 - Washington, DC - DC9 * Oct 7 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter * Oct 8 - Athens, GA - Normaltown Hall * Oct 10 - Lexington, KY - Cosmic Charlies * Oct 11 - Indianapolis, IN - White Rabbit Caberet * Oct 12 - Chicago, IL - The Burlington * w/ Angel Olsen   Praise For Pillars And Tongues: “Singer Mark Trecka has a deep, sonorous baritone that can carry the long notes . . . with a wizened authority. The band uses vocals almost like stringed instruments, which become even more noticeable when violins are added to their chanting" --Pitchfork "Pillars and Tongues’ music always has one foot in the avant-garde, while never completely abandoning pop, which in this case is gloomy, dark, and dreamy, almost cinematic, evoking pictures of lost and doomed landscapes." ---Henning Lahmann, No Fear of Pop" "Pillars and Tongues cite Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Mexican filmmaker Carlos Reygadas, W.G. Sebald, and Interstate 25 among their primary influences. It's an eclectic list, but one indicative of the furrowed contemplation and entrancing horizon lines conjured by these Chicago experimentalists" --San Francisco Bay Guardian “Mark Trecka, Elizabeth Remis and Evan Hydzik create a communication between themselves and the spirits and it sometimes sounds like two old windmills talking to each other in code. It sounds like slow, wavering flames of fire and the cool air of an abandoned cave" -- Daytrotter What makes Chicago’s Pillars and Tongues so enchanting is the disarming alchemy with which the ensemble stirs up its otherworldly song. Straddling the vocal out-of-body keening of Daniel Higgs and the levitating musical atomic peace of Alice Coltrane at her most drone-leaning" -- Baltimore City Paper Listen To 'Points Of Light' On Brooklyn Vegan Chicago! End-dances is the new album by Pillars and Tongues on Empty Cellar Records. Although from Chicago, Beth Remis, Ben Babbitt, and Mark Trecka have spent much of the last few years traveling, performing music in a wide variety of contexts, exploring the severe and sublime landscapes of America, and returning to or refusing to return to variations on the theme of home. Recorded by Theo Karon, End-dances leaps forward in the direction implied by the last full-length, The Pass and Crossings, and the recent cassette, If Travel is Asked of Me. Long-form compositions are coerced into considered and patiently constructed songs, resulting in their most pop-oriented work to date. But in that, the work allies with the darker, stranger side of the pop realm, evoking the drama and atmosphere of Dead Can Dance, and the art-prog experimentation of Peter Gabriel’s 4. The characteristic harmonium and violin blend with enveloping synths, undulating loops and gated rhythms of hazy origin. Karon's adventurous engineering is apparent throughout the record; the band’s attention to the expressive potential of the sounds themselves is supported by mesmeric tape loops, saturated vocal echoes, and vibrant tones coaxed from radically transformed sources. Points of intersection between the acoustic and the electronic are embraced, calling the assumed organic nature of a drum and the artifice of a synthesizer into question. Loping, hypnotic rhythms give way to cinematic ambient passages, receding to reveal, again and again, the voices, with Trecka’s bold baritone in the lead. Remis’ voice -- central and refined  -- conjures, floats, and skitters, at varying points harmonizing with and countering Trecka’s lead, as both chant against Babbitt’s croon. The lyrics are poetic, exploring themes of ambivalence, health and the acts of writing and singing.  ‘Knifelike’ reads like a less optimistic version of Kate Bush’s ‘Love and Anger’, flirting with tender descriptions of metaphorical violence: “My lines, knifelike impressions of your life / give teeth to timelines / cut knuckles testify”. ‘Bell + Rein’ is an acknowledged homage to Leonard Cohen’s ‘Take This Longing’, reiterating an infamous desire to not desire. ‘Medora’ and ‘Travel’ are both hallucinatory descriptions of travel as an act of self-actualization. “I ride through / to follow / where I go”. ‘Ends’ evokes the elegiac melancholy of William Basinski, pitting a single thin and unadorned violin against a torrent of tape-garbled pianos. Pitchfork conceded in 2010 that “it’s difficult to talk about influences or genres with Pillars and Tongues, and almost as hard to talk about their sound.” And The Chicago Tribune has said that the group “defies easy categorization, unless you're looking in that bin marked ‘essential.”  While affinities may be noted with contemporaries like Julia Holter, Liars and others working creatively with tone, texture, and ambience, in the context of voice-driven songwriting, Pillars and Tongues cuts a singular path through the contemporary musical landscape. 'End-dances' is released on September 17th on Empty Cellar Records (US) and Murailles Music (Europe). Links: Empty Cellar Records Pillars And Tongues Tumblr Pillars And Tongues Facebook Pillars And Tongues Bandcamp

HALCYON WAY Announce World Premiere of video at ProgPower USA

Atlanta Metallers HALCYON WAY are currently in the final stages of mixing for their new album.  The band recently completed work on a video for the song "Web Of Lies".  The video will receive its exclusive premiere on Saturday September 27th at 7:45 PM at ProgPower USA XIV in Atlanta, GA. HALCYON WAY will be hitting the road this September and October alongside Saxon and Fozzy.  The tour kicks off September 12th in Patchouge, NY and runs through October 19th in Vancouver, BC.  A complete list of dates can be found below. Guitarist Jon Bodan gave some insight on the new album: "Thanks to the support of the many fans that contributed to our IndieGoGo campaign, we are in the final stages of editing our first 'proper' music video, for a track called "Web Of Lies" off our upcoming new record.  The video is coming out amazing, and the song is killer - it's heavy, technical yet accessible, and it has the giant hook that defines the HW sound."    "We're naming the new album "Conquer" as a result of the adversity that we have faced as a band since we released our last couple of albums.  We've been through many ups and downs over the last few years, and they would have destroyed many other bands.  We've overcome life-threatening illnesses, lineup changes, and all sorts of gutpunches, but we persevere.  We are extremely proud of this new record, and we think that it will help to inspire people going through similar hard times." The album was produced by Jon Bodan & Lasse Lammert (Alestorm, Gloryhammer) with additional vocal production by Seth Von Paulus (Linda Perry, Alicia Keys, Crash Kings, Smashing Pumpkins).  Art will again be handled by the legendary Travis Smith at Seempieces."    Known for their explosive live shows, instantly catchy melodies, precise vocal harmonies, incendiary guitar work, intricate yet pounding drums, and great showmanship, they dominate the live scene.     Aurally combining the heaviness of bands like Testament, the technical prowess of Dream Theater, the power metallic attitude of Evergrey and soaring vocal melodies, HALCYON WAY will leave you awestricken by their punishing riffs and unforgettable hooks. Visit the HALCYON WAY webshop at: http://www.halcyonway.com/webshop  HALCYON WAY With Saxon and Fozzy: 9/12: Patchouge, NY @ The Emporium 9/13: New York, NY @ BB Kings 9/14: Montreal, QUE @ Corona Theater 9/15: Toronto, ON @ Phoenix 9/17: Reading, PA @ Reverb 9/18: Cleveland, OH @ Peabody's 9/19: Dayton, OH @ McGuffys 9/20: Flint, MI @ The Machine Shop 9/21: Joliet, IL @ Mojoes 9/22: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave Basement 9/24: Waterloo, IA @ Reverb Rock Garden 9/26: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues 9/27: San Antonio, TX @ Backstage Live 9/28: Houston, TX @ House of Blues 9/29: Oklahoma City, OK @ Chameleon Club 10/1: Tempe, AZ @ Club Red 10/2: Las Vegas, NV @ Count's Vamp'd 10/3: Ramona, CA @ Ramona Main Stage 10/4: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues 10/5: Corona, CA @ M15 10/6: San Francisco, CA @ DNA Lounge 10/8: Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven 10/9: Portland, OR @ Alhambra Theater 10/10: Vancouver, BC @ The Venue DISCOGRAPHY: 2011 - INDOCTRINATION - Nightmare Records 2010 - BUILDING THE TOWERS - Nightmare Records 2008 - A MANIFESTO FOR DOMINATION - Nightmare Records HALCYON WAY: http://www.halcyonway.com (Official Website) http://www.twitter.com/halcyonway (Twitter) http://www.facebook.com/halcyonway (Facebook)

North Coast Music Fest 3 Day Passes SOLD OUT #NCMF13

The 4th Annual

Summer's Last Stand

NORTH COAST MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013

ChiIL Live Shows has been there to cover them ALL.   Check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for our photo filled original content.   We'll be ChiILin' this weekend in Union Park... will YOU?!

Click here for some of our favorite shots from the past 3 NCMF years. 

***Schedule Released

***3-Day General Admission Tix Sell Out

***3-Day VIP & Single Day Tix Available

***Additional After Parties Announced

North Coast Music Festival is thrilled to release the daily schedule! You can now completely customize your North Coast Music Festival experience here.

We're excited to announce that General admission three-day passes are completely sold out, but there are a limited amount of three-day VIP Passes still available here. A Limited amount of single day tickets are still available at Clubtix.com. See your favorite artists and discover new ones for only $55 per day!

North Coast Music Festival is also proud to announce the addition of our hip-hop after parties with U-God & RZA of Wu-Tang Clan, Just Blaze, and more. Head over to After Parties page for a completely listing!

North Coast Music Festival 2013

August 30th - September 1st, 2013

Union Park

Chicago, IL 60607

All Ages

Friday: 3 PM - 10 PM

Saturday/Sunday: Noon - 10 PM

www.northcoastfestival.com

www.clubtix.com

The Locals Record Release at Double Door THIS Friday

Chi, IL Live Shows on our radar:

Double Door Welcomes

The Locals (Record Release!!!)

Hemmingbirds, The Sweeps, Lights Alive

Friday, August 30, 2013

Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 8:30 pm

$7.00 - $12.00

Chicago band The Locals will celebrate their ninth release, an EP entitled Stereostatic Funicular, at Double Door on August 30. The EP was produced by Steve Gillis and features background vocals by Bob Mould/Robert Pollard sideman Jason Narducy. 

Record release show (w/ Hemmingbirds as direct support) 

The Locals are an alt-rock, power pop three piece based in Chicago. Fans of The Pixies, The Whigs and Yeah Yeah Yeahs dig The Locals. They have been steadily gaining more fans with their latest release "SALT". Produced by Steven Gillis (Filter), The Locals' latest effort delivers guitar heavy sumptuous alt-pop through and through.

The Locals tour extensively in the midwest, and have played in clubs and festivals all over the US including: Schubas (Chicago, IL),Lincoln Hall (Chicago, il), House of Blues (Chicago, Il),Southgate House (Newport, KY), Halsted Market Days (Chicago, IL), EAT'em Music Conference (Las Vegas), Invasion of The Go Girls (SXSW) Austin TX, GOGO Festival (Kent, United Kingdom). The band did their first UK tour in 2011.

THE LOCALS ARE:

Yvonne Doll: Vocals, Songwriter, Guitar

Christy Nunes: Bass

Tommy Oerding: Drums

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE LOCALS:

• The Locals were the subject of years of public resentment from The Matches (formerly The Locals, Oakland California) who had to change their name because of a trademark conflict. They released their first record on Epitaph Records and named it "E.Von Dahl Killed The Locals".
• Yvonne was just featured in Guitar World Magazine as one of the top "10 Female Guitarists You Should Know".
• Yvonne is a photographer best known for her cell phone photo project, "SleepyUrbanite". (sleepyurbanite.com cell photos of people sleeping on the el train in Chicago) The project was featured on The Today Show, NBC News, Chicagoist, TimeOut, VoxPop magazine (France), Newstalk Radio (Ireland)
• Christy Nunes (co-founder, bass player) originally hails from San Diego. Christy began playing professionally at the age of 14. She once shoved a kid during a job as the Chuck E. Cheese mascot when he kept kicking her and pulling her tail.
• When hen he's not drumming for The Locals, Tommy Oedering makes custom drums at the custom drum shop "Chicago Custom Percussion".

PRESS:

What people are saying about "SALT": "Doll proves she has the alt-rock style of singers like Karen O, but also exhibits a unique blend of sultry sounds that definitely sets her apart and makes this track noteworthy. With a blend of old and new sounds and lyrics about letting go, the songs on "Salt" prove to be worthy contenders for Chicago indie anthems..." --Time Out 

"The chorus to 'Away From Here' is epic" MTV via Twitter

"Obvious skill occompanied by a punky attitude" -- Guitar Player Magazine "Top Female Musicians You Should Know" 

“The EP ‘SALT’ will have listeners craving more than four exceptionally crafted songs….” — Rock Wired Magazine 

"I feel that The Locals light up each track on 'Salt' with an energy that parallels that of early punk artists" ---- Nufutur.com

“I simply love the style The Locals provide on Salt because it seems to be music that pushes along consistently while never letting up..."----Skope Magazine

Chicago alt-pop, indie-rock trio The Locals will celebrate the release of their new EP, Stereostatic Funicular, with a hometown show at The Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee Ave, on Friday, August 30th. 

Stereostatic Funicular, which was produced Steven Gillis at Chicago's Transient Sound and features guest musicians Jason Narducy (Verbow, Bob Mould's band), Vijay Tellis-Nayak (The Steak House Mints) and Joanna Vassilatos (Radio Vago), follows 2010's critically acclaimed SALT.

Stereostatic Funicular is described by The Locals as a "transitional album," as it was recorded with longtime drummer Kirk Snedeker, who moved to Northern California before the EP was finished. The EP's title was inspired by a trip to Spain, specifically by the "stereostatic" chain models that Anton Gaudi created to calculate the height/width of each column of the Sagrada Famila and "Funiculars," trams that whisk riders up to the tops of high mountains.

Stereostatic Funicular's songs include "Inventio," the story of a love triangle between the Ocean, the Moon and the Sun, and "Running Toward the Sound," which is about trying to harness the unbridled instinct of hearing a sound and running full-on toward it.

Fronted by Yvonne Doll, who was featured in Guitar World Magazine as one of the top "10 Female Guitarists You Should Know," the Locals boast a killer rhythm section comprised of bassist Christy Nunes, who began playing professionally at the age of 14, and new drummer Tommy Oedering, who also makes drums for Chicago Custom Percussion. The Locals have been a part of the Chicago music scene for the last decade. They have played extensively in the Midwest and completed their first UK tour in 2011.

North Coast Music Festival Discount Tickets #NCMF

ChiIL Live Shows will be there... will YOU?!

Play hooky from work and start the holiday weekend early!

Type in promo code "Hooky" upon check-out for 15% off

the Friday August 30th single-day ticket!

Limited quantity available HERE.

ACT OUT: Tickets Now On Sale For NOAH HAIDLE’S SMOKEFALL at Goodman Theatre

SMOKEFALL DIRECTED BY ANNE KAUFFMAN, KICKING OFF THE 2013/2014 LINE-UP IN THE OWEN THEATRE (OCTOBER 5 – NOVEMBER 3) ***CHICAGO LEGEND MIKE NUSSBAUM JOINS GOODMAN NEWCOMERS CATHERINE COMBS, KATHERINE KEBERLEIN, GUY MASSEY AND ERIC SLATER*** Acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Noah Haidle returns to Chicago with his newest work, Smokefall, which examines life’s big questions through the prism of an ordinary family. Hailed by The New Yorker as “formidably talented, with a sort of freewheeling intuitive daring,” the Michigan native playwright most recently wrote the 2012 film Stand Up Guys (starring Alan Arkin, Christopher Walken and Al Pacino) and previously authored Mr. Marmalade, Vigils (at the Goodman in 2006) and Persephone for the stage. Director Anne Kauffman, in her Goodman debut, assembles an ensemble cast for the Goodman production, including legendary Chicago actor Mike Nussbaum (Henry VIII at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre) as the Colonel; Catherine Combs (The Delling Shore at Actors Theatre of Louisville Humana Festival) in the roles of Beauty and Blessing; Katherine Keberlein (Boeing, Boeing at Drury Lane Oakbrook) as Violet; Guy Massey (Failure:  A Love Story at Victory Gardens Theater) as Footnote and Fetus Two; and Eric Slater (Gloryana at New York City’s Public Theater) as Daniel and Fetus One.   A world-premiere co-production with South Coast Repertory, Smokefall runs October 5 – November 3 in the Owen Theatre (opening night is Monday, October 14). Tickets ($10-$40; subject to change) are on sale now at GoodmanTheatre.org/Smokefall, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Bank of America is the 2013/2014 Owen Season Sponsor. “The Goodman has collaborated on Smokefall since 2011, so to be able to open the Owen season with this highly theatrical, unique production is a great joy,” said Artistic Director Robert Falls. “Noah has a singular, theatrical voice, and his plays shine in a highly original, imaginative world. Smokefall is thought-provoking and entertaining at the same time, and I am thrilled to welcome him back to our home.”

ACT OUT OPENING: The Crownless King at The House Theatre 8/30

THE HOUSE THEATRE PRESENTS 'THE CROWNLESS KING' A CONTINUATION OF THEIR EPIC TRILOGY The Crownless King is one of the shows we're most looking forward to this fall here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama.   This original trilogy is not children's theatre, but it's fine for savvy tweens & teens.   Last fall our whole family caught opening night and the kids (9 & 11 at the time) were enthralled and caught up in the myth, magic and puppetry. We can't wait to see what part 2 brings! Click here to check out our prior Iron Stag King review. The House Theatre's Shows are always high on our must see list and they do not disappoint.   We'll have a full review for our readers after we check it out, but here's the scoop.   Catch a preview for a bargain and/or book your tickets NOW.   House Theatre shows sell out! **If in doubt... Check it out: Learn more about bringing kids to the show with House Theatre's PARENT’S GUIDE.** Brenda Barrie and Blake Montgomery join 7 returning cast members for second installment The House Theatre of Chicago launches its 12th Season with a fantasy action-adventure on the high seas. This second installment of the trilogy began last fall with The Iron Stag King and comes from Artistic Director Nathan Allen and collaborator and Company Member Chris Mathews. The Crownless King begins performances August 30, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division St.) THE CROWNLESS KING By Chris Mathews and Nathan Allen Directed by Nathan Allen Original Music by Kevin O’Donnell August 30- October 20, 2013 SHOWTIMES: Thursdays, Fridays, & Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sundays at 7:00pm The performance will run approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes with an intermission. LOCATION: The Chopin Theatre, Upstairs Theatre (1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL) TICKETS: Previews (Aug 30 - Sept 7) are $15. Regular run (Sept 8 - Oct 20) $20-$40 On sale now at www.thehousetheatre.com or by phone at 773.769.3832, $10 Student and Industry Same-Day tickets available at all performances if seats are available. Tickets are on sale now. ABOUT THE PLAY Artistic Director Nathan Allen and frequent collaborator and Company Member Chris Mathews embark on the darkest chapter of their three-play journey in the continuing saga of Casper Kent and the kingdom he builds. Inspired by the legend of King Arthur, hero myths, and the rich tapestry of early American history, the trilogy explores themes of American identity, including the nature of leadership, governance, and the struggle to balance personal liberty with sacrifice for a greater good. In the first installment last fall (The Iron Stag King), young Casper Kent (Brandon Ruiter) discovers he is heir to a magical hammer. Once lifted, the Hammer proves him King and unites the Land. But in achieving this destiny he learns he is ruler of all but his own story. In this second installment, the Golden Age of the Iron Stag King has taken root. Yet King Casper soon finds himself buffeted by forces on all sides. Grappling for control, the exiled black dragon, Irek Obsidian (voiced once again by Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner Tracy Letts,) cunningly lures Casper away from the throne. Our band of heroes ventures to the sea where the hooded pirate Davy Boone (Blake Montgomery) commands a fleet of Crownless rebels. All the while, Hap the Golden (as reprised by company member Cliff Chamberlain) fights to maintain his hold over the royal tale. As storytellers Hap the Golden and Irek Obsidian each seek to impose their versions of the story, who will step forth to rule as the Crownless King? This trilogy marks The House's first foray into the genre of High Fantasy. Most defined by Tolkien, Dungeons & Dragons gaming, and lately revived by the work of R.R. Martin, these tales are often set in a mythic, medieval world of European influence. But Allen and Mathews have aligned their story with our own evolving nation at the turn of the nineteenth century. Writers and ensemble alike have created a rich world with its own unique, deep history. Replete with magic, dragons, quests, and team-building, The Crownless King continues The House's work exploring the hero's journey through original, engaging myth. The Plot Thickens An orphan boy learns he is the rightful heir to the throne, and after a hard-fought battle, young Casper Kent takes his place as the ruler of the Folk. Yet King Casper soon finds himself buffeted by forces on all sides. Seizing for control, the exiled black dragon, Irek Obsidian (voiced by Pulitzer Prize and Tony winner Tracy Letts,) cunningly lures Casper away from the throne. Our band of heroes ventures to the sea where the hooded pirate Davy Boone commands a fleet of Crownless rebels. All the while, Hap the Golden wrests to maintain his hold over the royal tale. As storytellers Hap the Golden and Irek Obsidian each seek to impose their versions of the story, who will step forth to rule as the Crownless King? Join in on Twitter or Facebook for updates. And follow the production process on Tumblr SPECIAL EVENTS Staged Readings of last season’s The Iron Stag King September 14 at 4pm September 15 at 3pm  Audiences can immerse themselves in the world of The Folk, The Land, and the Hammer at these complete events! First, a re-visit of The Iron Stag King, followed by dinner with the cast, and finally the evening performance of The Crownless King! Two epic events for this epic tale! Saturday 9/14 - This VIP package includes tickets to the 4pm staged reading and the 8pm production as well as a delicious buffet dinner at Frontier Restaurant, featuring signature cocktails and whole-animal service. The cast and artists will join guests in the private dining room between 6 and 7pm for more exclusive sneak-peeks into the world of the trilogy. Tickets for this complete evening are $125 per person inclusive, and space is limited to 50 guests. Sunday 9/15 – This package includes tickets to the 3pm staged reading and the 7pm production. In between, guests are invited to bring a picnic dinner or order an advanced boxed meal to enjoy on stage or in the various nooks and parlors in the Chopin Theatre. The authors and artists will be on hand to answer questions about the extensive and imaginative back-stories woven into the trilogy. Tickets for this evening are $45. Pre- and Post-Play Discussions Audiences can connect with the artistic team and learn more about the development of the trilogy. Friday 9/20 - Post-Play Talkback with the actors immediately follows the 8pm performance. FREE Sunday 9/22 - Insider Intro: A pre-show conversation with writers Nathan Allen and Chris Mathews. Lots of references to Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Lord of the Rings are guaranteed! Talk begins at 6:15 before the 7pm performance. FREE ABOUT THE ARTISTS Company Member Cliff Chamberlain (The Sparrow, The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz, Hatfield and McCoy) returns to the trilogy as Hap the Golden, a powerful storyteller that shapes our young hero’s journey. Also returning from The Iron Stag King are guest artists Brandon Ruiter (Rose and the Rime, All the Fame of Lofty Deeds) as the unassuming hero, Casper Kent, Paige Collins (The Nutcracker, 2012) as Rienne, Casper’s soon-to-be Queen, John Henry Roberts (Wilson Wants It All) as the stoic, secretive Hollow Thom, Kay Kron as Irek’s right hand girl, July of the Seven Foxes, and Ben Hertel now in the ensemble. Also returning to The House are guest artists Brenda Barrie (The Nutcracker, 2012) as long-lost survivor, Lady Olympia of The Grass, and Blake Montgomery (The Nutcracker, 2010) as the masked pirate Davy Boone. Guest artists Christopher Walsh (Lifeline Theatre), Morgan Maher (Griffin Theatre), and Kara Davidson round out the cast. Tony Award-winning actor Tracy Letts returns, lending his voice as the dragon Irek Obsidian. Company Member Collette Pollard returns us to her immersive in-the-round set on the Chopin Mainstage, inviting the audience into a night around the campfire. Company Member Lee Keenan swiftly transports us through the varied landscapes of the Land as Lighting Designer. Jeff Award-winning composer and Company Member Kevin O’Donnell once again creates a rich, epic score to frame our heroes’ shifting world. Company Member Tommy Rapley returns as the Movement Director. Guest artist Melissa Torchia returns as Costume Designer, and is joined by Rachel Watson (Puppets) and Josh Horvath (Sound). Kelly A. Claussen is stage manager. Join The House for the fantasy action-adventure of The Crownless King, playing August 30 through October 20, 2013.

Click here to check out ChiIL Live Shows' video interview with Dennis Watkins, who puts the MAGIC in Magic Parlour and who just finished another awe inspiring run of Death and Harry Houdini. 

Mark Your Calendars

SEASON 12

THE CROWNLESS KING

A fantasy action-adventure on the high seas

By Nathan Allen and Chris Mathews

Directed by Nathan Allen

August 30- October 20, 2013

ROSE AND THE RIME

A modern myth for the Middle West

By Chris Mathews, Jake Minton, and Nathan Allen

Directed by Nathan Allen

January 17 – March 9, 2014


DORIAN

A vivid fantasy of horror and beauty

By Ben Lobpries and Tommy Rapley

Based on the novel ‘A Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde

Directed and Choreographed by Tommy Rapley

April 4 – May 18, 2014

ALSO

THE NUTCRACKER

Our magical story for Christmas

Book by Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich

Music by Kevin O’Donnell, Lyrics by Jake Minton

Based on the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann

Directed and Choreographed by Tommy Rapley

November 8 – December 29, 2013


THE MAGIC PARLOUR

at The Palmer House Hilton Hotel

an intimate evening of classic magic with Dennis Watkins

every Friday night