ACT OUT: Black Watch & The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (The OTHER Scottish Plays) #review

ChiIL Live Shows photos--The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart

Ask any theatre geek what "The Scottish Play" is and he or she will undoubtedly conjure up the infamous Shakespeare play whose name must not be uttered within a theatre or it's bad luck.   Actors can be a superstitious lot.    However, in Chi-town right now, there are two authentic Scottish plays running this month, with real Scottish actors and accents, and major players from The National Theatre of Scotland!    Neither of them is Macbeth, though the troupe IS here in conjunction with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

Image 1: Left to right: David McKay, Alasdair Macrae, Melody Grove and Andy Clark in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.

First up, we're super stoked The National Theatre of Scotland is presenting The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart.    Critics are just about universally raving about the show and handing out 5 stars like shots of fine Scotch whisky. 
Do not miss this limited run.   The show must close October 28th.

September 26–October 28, 2012 Tickets $45–$60

Tuesday	7:30 p.m.
Wednesday	7:30 p.m.
Thursday	7:30 p.m.
Friday	7:30 p.m.
Saturday	3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday	3:00 & 7:30 p.m.

ChiIL Live Shows caught opening night and we loved it.  This show is wickedly funny, creative and smart without pretension.  Much of the dialogue is couplets providing a classy and classic touch.  



Scottish folk ballads and instruments that have been used for centuries effectively transport the audience out of the intimate, upstairs space at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier and into a recreated Scottish pub.  

Image 3: Left to right: Andy Clark, Melody Grove, Annie Grace, David McKay and Alasdair Macrae in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.

Yet cell phones, the internet, karaoke, soccer matches, and even modern pop stars are intrinsically woven throughout the story in a brilliant melding of past and present, myth and modern life.   The audience is treated to a rousing night of live theatre, Scottish folk songs, and a truly unique hybrid of classic and modern story telling.   In this interactive show, the 3rd wall is broken down and much of the action takes place among, around and on the audience and their pub tables! The audience is asked to make snow and sing along, and more than a few enjoyed doodling on the paper table cloths.   

I heard a few older patrons saying they had a bit of trouble with understanding the accents, but I'd say 95% of the dialogue and song was easy to hear and follow along with.  Luckily we were also given a "cheat sheet" that explained the most Scottish of expressions and events not universally known to Chicagoans.

The theatre has a bar in the room and the audience is treated to a free communion cup shot of smoky, rich Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky.   Even my decidedly non-theatre lovin' spouse was placated with a few beers and a shot of 10 year old whisky in front of him, and actually admitted he enjoyed the show!


 

Image 2: Left to right: Annie Grace, Melody Grove and Andy Clark in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.

We dug the misadventures of the aptly named Prudencia Hart, the serious, prudent and prudish academic with her heart tightly under wraps.  Truly the rule of opposites does exist and apply.   Sometimes opponents are unlikely allies.
    
  

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents 

National Theatre of Scotland's

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart

As Part of the World's Stage Series

Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Now through October 28, 2012

The theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare morphs into the intimate confines of a Scottish pub for National Theatre of Scotland’s The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart now through October 28. Complete with pub-style seating and a bar, the production recounts the Faustian tale of Prudencia, an ivory-tower academic sweetly "lost" in her research on Scottish folk music, who finds her world comically unhinged as the love and mythology of her research springs to surprising life.

Winner of a Herald Angel award at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Scotsman gives it five stars and The Herald declares, “You shouldn’t miss this show for the world... [it’s] rambunctiously life-affirming and touchingly beautiful.”

The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is the product of a weekend visit to a Kelso pub in the Scottish Borders by playwright David Greig, director Wils Wilson and composer Alasdair Macrae. What began as simple research on Scottish Border ballads soon became the inspiration for a story of love, music and the Devil.

Writer David Greig’s recent work for National Theatre of Scotland includes Dunsinane (Royal Shakespeare Company), Peter Pan and The Bacchae (Edinburgh International Festival). Currently, he is working on a new Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Director Wils Wilson, a Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) recipient, has previously worked on National Theatre of Scotland’s Gobbo, devised and created with David Greig, and Home Shetland, created with Jackie Kay. Composer Alasdair Macrae won a CATS for Best Music and Sound for his work on The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. The production’s creative team is rounded out by Designer Georgia McGuinness, Composer and Music Director Alasdair Macrae, Movement Director Janice Parker, and Casting Director Anne Henderson. The cast of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart includes: Andy Clark, Annie Grace, Melody Grove, Alasdair Macrae and David McKay.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s limited four-week engagement of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart runs now through October 28, 2012, in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Tickets are on sale now for $45–60. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

ABOUT NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND

Supported by the Scottish Government, National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 181 productions in 156 different locations since its launch in February 2006. With no building of its own, the Company takes theater all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theater of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to over 770,000 people, across three continents.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare’s work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 62 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series.

ABOUT THE WORLD’S STAGE SERIES

Chicago Shakespeare’s presentation of National Theatre of Scotland is emblematic of the wide scope of work presented through the World’s Stage Series—a program that brings the world’s most exciting theatrical events to Chicago audiences and presents Chicago Shakespeare’s work abroad. Since the inception of the World Stage Series in 2000, CST has imported international productions ranging from pedestrian-based live art events (Australia’s one step at a time like this) to grand aerial and water spectacles (France’s Compagnie Transe Express and Ilotopie); and hosted iconic theaters such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (London), The Abbey Theatre (Dublin), the Chekhov International Theatre Festival (Moscow) and La Comédie-Française (Paris). As a leading cultural ambassador, Chicago Shakespeare has presented its work at the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Donmar Warehouse and Stratford East theatres; and this past spring, was among the 37 international companies that came together for an unprecedented 37-play “Globe to Globe” festival for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Chicago Shakespeare, representing North America, brought to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London an original CST commission and world premiere, The Q Brothers’ Othello: The Remix, presented in American hip-hop. The acclaimed production is currently playing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Check out Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's website for advanced tickets for their prolific, professional and profound offerings.

Black Watch, also by National Theatre of Scotland is opening Oct 10th.   Click the link for video clips, behind the scenes, reviews and more.   We missed it the last time around and are eagerly awaiting it's return.  It's playing at The Broadway Armory through Oct. 21st.

Both are well worth a night out.   Get your tickets today before they sell out or ship out!   Check out ChiIL Live Shows prior coverage here.

WWW.CHICAGOSHAKES.COM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

UP AND COMING

SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE  |  September 26–November 4, 2012

THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART  |  September 26–October 14, 2012

BLACK WATCH  |  October 10–21, 2012

ACT OUT: BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ONE NAME ONLY (A DIFFERENT KIND OF REALITY SHOW) AT THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

Eracism is alive and well at Black Ensemble Theater.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts.    Check out "a different kind of reality show" opening this Saturday.   

Black Ensemble Theater announces the World Premiere of One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show), written and directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Rueben Echoles. One Name Only will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, September 28 – November 11. 

Where else but on the Black Ensemble Theater stage can you hear the hits of Aretha, Patti, Gladys, Tina and Whitney – all in one show? One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) pays tribute to the Ladies of Soul in this exciting world premiere musical.  Written and directed by Rueben Echoles, this exciting, fun-filled production is full of dance, comedy and surprise guest appearances by national recording stars, including the one-and-only Dionne Warwick (date to be determined).  There will be nights when the production will also feature “guest judges” who are recognized as some of Chicago’s brightest stars and powerhouse singers.   A clever mash-up of popular television reality shows, One Name Only is a fresh, unique theatrical experience not to be missed.   

One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) will feature the audience as they will decide the winner for the evening - raising the dramatic stakes and ensuring that every show is different.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director, making the music the centerpiece of the action.  The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, Mark Moultry on piano, and horn section Bill McFarland, Paul Howard and Dudley Owens will set the house on fire.

The cast includes Black Ensemble audience favorites such as Katrina Miller (as Gladys Knight and Tina Turner), Dawn Bless (as Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin), and Dee Lane, Lydia Brown, Jerica Exum, Monique Miller, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Ninah Snipes, A’rese Emokepae and Lisa Beasley as the fierce singing competitors, while Terry Francois, Brandon Homes, Lyle Miller and Dwight Neal are the men who round out the cast. 

“With our new building, two hit shows since opening the new Center and now this world premiere by Rueben Echoles, Black Ensemble Theater is continuing its banner year,” says Jackie Taylor.  “We have assembled a fantastic artistic team to celebrate the Ladies of Soul.  We promise surprises throughout the run with special guests and an audience-chosen outcome each night.  We look forward to welcoming special guests as we take a timely and fresh look at these icons of American music through the lens of reality television.” 

Tickets for One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) are $55 for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees.  A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 769-4451, or online,www.ticketmaster.com

FACTS

Title:                             One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show)

Written & directed by:    BE Associate Director Rueben Echoles

Musical Director:           Robert Reddrick

                                   

Dates:                         Through November 11, 2012 

                                

Schedule:                  Wed & Thurs:               7:30 p.m.

                                    Friday:                         8:00 p.m.

                                    Saturday:                     3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Sunday:                       3:00 p.m.

Location:                      Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.

                                    Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices:             $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

Box Office:                   Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (773) 769-4451

The Black Ensemble Theater

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage.  The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in 2013.

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts.  For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.

ACT OUT: WildClaw Theatre Presents Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death”

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS ON OUR RADAR

Just in time for Halloween season....

WildClaw Theatre presents the world premiere stage adaptation of Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death.” With previews October 3 and 4, and opening Friday, October 5, 2012, 7:30pm at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph St, Chicago.   Running Thursday thru Sunday until November 4, 2012, performance times are Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

Directed by Carolyn Klein, and featuring company members Steve Herson, Casey Cunningham, Michaela Petro, and Brian Amidei, with Mallor Nees, Christy Arington, Brysen Engelen, Jesse Manson, and Kevin Mullaney.

It’s Christmastime in London, and mortality, not merriment, is on everyone's minds as a serial killer is terrorizing the British capital. Elaine, however, has been dealing with life and death matters on a more personal scale. While going through the healing process from a life-saving hysterectomy, she becomes fascinated with death. Elaine's morbid obsession leads her to an old church being demolished and a mysterious man who shares her dark curiosity.

WildClaw is thrilled to present the World Premiere of Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death.” This terrifying journey of life, death and transformation continues WildClaw theatre’s quest of bringing intelligent and imaginative horror to the Chicago stage.

Carolyn Klein has assembled a remarkable production team for “The Life of Death.”  Adapted for the stage by WildClaw founding member and former Artistic DirectorCharley Sherman, set design by John Ross Wilson, costume and makeup design by WildClaw Artistic Director Allison Greaves Amidei, lighting design by Brandon Wardell, sound design by Christopher Kriz, and movement design by Karen Tarjan.   

Tickets $15-$25, with student discounts available.  For more information, please visit www.wildclawtheatre.com

Help Locally: Circus Soiree--Eat, Drink & Enjoy for a Great Cause

You are invited to the event of the season--Circus Soirée! It's CircEsteem like you've never seen us before at this fall's charming Circus Soirée!   ChiIL Live Shows will be there....will YOU?! Join CircEsteem on Thursday, October 18th from 7pm-10pm at Architectural Artifacts for an evening of inspiring performances, delectable food and libation, a spectacular silent auction- whimsy, surprise and amazement around every corner! VIP ticket holders can enjoy a private pre-party reception from 6pm-7pm in the Architectural Artifacts garden with special food, an open bar and exciting live performance as well as reserved VIP seating at the main event! We hope you will join us to support and celebrate the youth of CircEsteem! Sincerely, Maribeth Joy CircEsteem Inc. We need your help to meet our scholarship fundraising goals! Help support CircEsteem's free programming at the Circus Soirée! Your ticket to Circus Soirée not only gets you into the most delightful event of the fall- funds raised will also directly support our mission of uniting youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and supporting the free programming that enables us to bring circus to ALL youth in the Chicagoland area.  Come out and 'Soirée' with us for the youth of CircEsteem! October 18th, 2012  6-7pm VIP reception, 7-10pm Main Event  Architectural Artifacts  To purchase tickets please click here! Our Mission Since 2001, CircEsteem's mission has been to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice of circus arts.

Buy  Your  Tickets Today!  Tickets for CircEsteem's Circus Soirée are $150 for VIP seating and $100 for general admission.  Not able to attend but still want to help us reach our fall fundraising goals? Your donation to CircEsteem is greatly appreciated!  Tickets can be purchased online here, or by check made out to CircEsteem and sent to 4730 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60640.

Act Out: Save The Date--Gentleman's Rule 11-13th to 25th Only

Gentleman's Rule

We dig the exciting, new, tent performance space--Riverfront Theater.   Original home to Broadway in Chicago's Peter Pan, it's now slated to become a permanent performance space.   So far, we've recently seen La Soiree and Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusement.   Both shows put the tent space to great use.     Check out some of our Brilliant Corners shots here.   We have lots more to come including live show shots of John Cale, Zola Jesus and El Circo Cheapo!    Check out our La Soiree review here.

FROM THE CREATOR OF STRAIGHT NO CHASER

AND THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF UNDER THE STREETLAMP

RIVERFRONT THEATER PRESENTS

GENTLEMAN’S RULE

Limited engagement runs

November 13-25, 2012

Riverfront Theater, Chicago’s newest entertainment destination presents the new Chicago-based a cappella group Gentleman’s Rule—produced by Dan Ponce, creator of Straight No Chaser, and Charlie Blum, executive producer of Under The Streetlamp.  Performances run November 13 – 25, 2012 at Riverfront Theater, located at 650 W. Chicago Avenue, just east of Halsted Street.  

Tickets, $39-$69, for the two-week, limited engagement of Gentleman’s Rule on sale NOW at the Riverfront Theater box office, 650 W. Chicago Ave,www.RiverfrontTheater.com; and through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or 888.556.9484.

The men of Gentleman’s Rule have been working hard in the studio and on stage to prepare for the launch of their debut album, which will be released during the Riverfront Theater run.  Their album will include music made popular by David Guetta, Bob Marley, Nelly, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, B.o.B., Gavin DeGraw, Wild Cherry, One Republic, Peter Gabriel, Jake Owen, The Script, Outkast, plus 2 original songs.   Prior to headlining in Chicago, Gentleman’s Rule will tour with Under the Streetlamp--the hit vocal group and former cast of Jersey Boys.

                         

The members of Gentleman’s Rule are: TJ Breen (Tenor 2); Corey Frye (Tenor 1), Drew Kipfer (Bass), Will Lockhart (Baritone), Brent Mann (Tenor 2), Luke Mechling (Bass), Andrew Morstein (Tenor 1), Holland Nightenhelser (Tenor 2), Jasper Smith (Baritone) and Jesse Townes (Tenor 1).  The group’s vocal arrangements are written and produced by Dan Ponce and Deke Sharon.

“Their energy is contagious and their talent is world-class,” says Ponce. “The run at Riverfront Theater is the perfect way to debut this incredible group of voices—and introduce the first album, which is scheduled for release on November 13.  Fans of all ages can expect an unforgettable show featuring amazing soloists backed up by breath-taking harmony.  I am counting the days until opening night.”

The performance schedule for Gentleman’s Rule is:

                       

Tuesday, November 13                          7:30pm

Wednesday, November 14                      7:30pm

Thursday, November 15                         7:30pm

Friday, November 16                              8:00pm

Saturday, November 17                          5:00pm and 8:00pm

Sunday, November 18                            3:00pm and 7:00pm

Tuesday, November 20                           7:30pm

Wednesday, November 21                       2:00pm

          Thursday, November 22                         Thanksgiving, no show 

          Friday, November 23                             2:00pm and 8:00pm

          Saturday, November 24                         5:00pm and 8:00pm

                    Sundays, November 25                          3:00pm and 7:00pm.

Parking is located on Chicago Avenue, next door to venue with direct access to show.  Additional parking is located at 811 N. Larabee and 950 N. Kingsbury.

Charlie Blum (Producer) is a show business veteran who holds many titles in the music industry: manager, promoter and current president/CEO of the Star Plaza Theatre, one of America’s premier concert facilities. Throughout his distinguished career he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business. Charlie also manages the new hit vocal group Under The Streetlamp and as executive producer, launched their top-rated television special on PBS stations coast-to-coast.

Dan Ponce (Producer) is known to a cappella fans around the world as the founder, first music director, and former member of the hit band Straight No Chaser. He composed and arranged many of SNC’s most popular songs. Dan has spent the last year writing new repertoire for Gentleman’s Rule.  Dan is also well known in the Chicago media market. He is a reporter/anchor for WGN-TV and a talk show host on WLS Radio (890).

ABOUT RIVERFRONT THEATER

The Riverfront Theater is Chicago’s newest destination for music, theater, dance, spectacles and more. Audiences were first introduced to the venue last summer, during the successful 16-week run of Peter Pan, and again this summer with the critically acclaimed La Soiree.  All performances take place in the 22,000 square-foot, temperature-controlled tented theatre situated by the scenic Chicago River. Alongside the performance venue is River’s Edge, a pavilion tent and promenade area overlooking the Chicago River, where patrons can enjoy refreshments while taking in the view from this urban garden oasis.

The Riverfront Theater is located at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Streets, easily accessible for those driving in or via public transportation.  Additional programming will be announced soon.   

Click here for more information.   

Act Out: Chi, IL Live Theatre On Our Radar--Woody Sez at Northlight Theatre

Northlight Theatre celebrates the

100^th Anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birth with

Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie,

a musical portrait of one of America’s great folk musicians

Through October 21, 2012

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 – October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs like “This Land is Your Land” and “The Ballad of Tom Joad.”  This musical portrait, featuring more than 30 of Woody’s stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America’s great folk troubadour.

Northlight is proud to honor this American legend during his Centennial year.

Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, “In 1991, our audience enjoyed Woody Guthrie's American Song which won the Jeff Award for best musical.  Now to celebrate his 100th birthday, we bring this fresh take on Woody Guthrie to the Northlight stage.  Created by and starring world class artist David Lutken and directed by Broadway's Nick Corley, Woody Sez is a celebration of the musicality and social conscience of one of America's greatest troubadours.  It resurrects Woody’s spirit of hope and fierce American determination.”

The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except September 25, October 2 and 16); Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except September 26) and 7:30pm (except October 10); Thursdays: 7:30pm; Fridays: 8:00pm (except Opening on September 21 at 7:30pm); Saturdays: 2:30pm (except September 15) and 8:00pm; Sundays: 2:30pm, and 7:00pm (except September 23, October 7 and 21).

Northlight is continuing its popular special event series in conjunction with each production. All events are free for subscribers and ticket holders.

Backstage with BJ is a mid-day discussion with Artistic Director BJ Jones, featuring special guest artists, actors, directors and designers, offering behind-the-scenes insight into each production while it is still in rehearsal.  Backstage with BJ for Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie will be held on September 14th at 12:00pm and will last approximately one hour. Reservations are required, 847.679.9501 x3555 or specialevents@northlight.org.

Hootenannies are informal post-show “jam sessions” with the artists from the production. Audience members are invited to bring their own instruments and join the artists onstage to play for approximately one hour after the performance. Rhythm instruments will be available for those that wish to join in but don’t have their own instruments. All are welcome, players and listeners alike. No reservations required. Hootenannies will be held following the performances October7 (after 2:30pm) and October 14 (after 7:00pm).

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

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

This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from Illinois Arts Council.

Media sponsorship for this production is provided by WFMT.

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

Location: Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore Center for

        the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

Tickets:

Regular run: $25-$72

Student tickets are $15, any performance,

(subject to availability)

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

847.673.6300; northlight.org

• Northlight celebrates the 100^th Anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birth with Woody Sez.

• Hootenannies, informal post-show “jam sessions” with the artists from the production, will be held following the performances October7 (after 2:30pm) and October 14 (after 7:00pm). Audience members are welcome to bring their own instruments.

• Woody Sez world premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007, and subsequently toured Ireland, Great Britain and Germany before ever appearing in the United States.

• The Evanston Public Library is planning a series of events to celebrate the centennial year of Woody Guthrie in partnership with Northlight’s production: screening of PBS American Masters: Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home on October 9.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs like "This Land is Your Land" and "The Ballad of Tom Joad." This musical portrait, featuring Woody's stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's great folk troubadour.

Northlight is proud to honor this American legend during his Centennial year!

FEATURING:

David M. Lutken

Darcie Deaville

David Finch

Helen Jean Russell

Associate Director | Sherry Lutken
Scenic Design | Luke Hegel-Cantarella
Costume Design | Jeffrey Meek
Lighting Design | Chris Binder
Sound Design | Rick Sims
Production Stage Manager | Rita Vreeland