ACT OUT OPENING: BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS AIN’T NO CRYING THE BLUES (IN THE MEMORY OF HOWLIN WOLF)

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS

AIN’T NO CRYING THE BLUES

(IN THE MEMORY OF HOWLIN WOLF)

WRITTEN BY FOUNDER AND CEO JACKIE TAYLOR

DIRECTED BY ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR RUEBEN ECHOLES

THE NEW BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

JUNE 1 – AUGUST 11, 2013

Black Ensemble Theater announces Ain’t No Crying the Blues (In The Memory of Howlin Wolf), written by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor, directed by Associate Director Rueben Echoles, and starring Rick Stone, one of the stars of the classic movie Cooley High. Ain’t No Crying the Blues will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, June 1 – August 11, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 3:00PM.

When Rick Stone first performed as Howlin Wolf at Black Ensemble, Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote, "It's Rick Stone who consistently knocks your socks off in his terrifically sustained performance. And as he moves through Wolf's hits—Red Rooster, Goin' Down Slow, I Ain't Superstitious, Baby Please Don't Go and more—it's the audience that begins howlin' loudest."  Now Rick Stone returns to do it again with this brand new script, reflecting the life and times of one of the greatest blues singers the world has ever known—Howlin Wolf.

Howlin Wolf’s was born “Chester Arthur Burnett” and became one of the greatest and most influential blues singers that ever lived.  Wolf was inducted into the Blues Foundations Hall of Fame in 1980 and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.  His musical influences can be heard in the country singers of the 1950’s to the punk blues bands of the 1990’s.  Wolf was highly known for his dynamic stage energy and presence – from crawling around the stage to climbing up the stage curtains.  No performance would be complete without his infamous howl.

“No one can bring Howlin Wolf to life better than Rick Stone.  Rick, who also played the famous Howlin Wolf at Black Ensemble in a different script in 2003, is Wolf reincarnated.  In bringing Howlin Wolf back to the stage there was just one man who could give the role justice and that’s Rick Stone,” says Jackie Taylor.  “This production takes us to a different place and time—and takes place in the mind of Howlin Wolf.  The cast and company, including director Rueben Echoles and the BE Band led by Robert Reddrick, is the perfect team for this new production.” 

The, headlined by Rick Stone, includes Kylah Williams as Wolf’s wife Lillie, Dwight Neal as Wolf’s nemesis Muddy Waters, and Rashawn Thompson as Wolf’s lifelong guitar player Hubert Sumlin.  The ensemble includes Claudia Cunningham, Cesil Jones, Raymond Wise, Theo Huff, Cynthia Carter, Danielle Davis, Michael Reckling and Mark Hood, all playing various roles.

                     

Ain’t No Crying The Blues is produced and written by BE Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor.  Associate Director of Black Ensemble Rueben Echoles is the Director, with Daryl Brooks, also an Associate Director of BE, serving as Assistant Director.  The creative team also includes Denise Karczewski (Lights), Kristy Leigh Hall (Costumes), Helen Latyak (Props), and CoCo Lemry (Scenic Painter), Bekki Lambrecht is the Technical Director and the Stage Manager is Emily Wall.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director.  The Black Ensemble Band includes Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker and Oscar Brown on guitar, and Mark Moultrup on piano.

Black Ensemble Theater performance times are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00.  Ticket prices are as follows:

Previews are $45; Tickets during the regular run are $55 (Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees).

The Five Play Card is a much more flexible way of becoming a subscriber to the theater’s 36^th Season of Excellence: Treasures and Tributes.  The Five Play Card can be used for one person to see 5 plays or to bring 4 other friends to one show or in any other combination that adds up to five.  The Five Play Cards issued in 2013 will be good for one year.

Gold Five Play Card, $247.50, can be used on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturday matinees.  The Platinum Five Play Card, $292.50, can be used for any performance.  

Tickets and Five Play Cards are available at the box office, 4450 N. Clark Street and by phone, (773)

769-4451. Performances are held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.

FACTS

Title:                             Ain’t No Crying the Blues (In The Memory of Howlin Wolf)

Written by:                    Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

Directed by:                  Associate Director Rueben Echoles

Assistant Director:         Associate Director Daryl Brooks

Musical Director:           Robert Reddrick

Featuring:  Rick Stone (Howlin’ Wolf), Kylah Williams (Lillie Wolf), Dwight Neal

(Muddy Waters), and Rashawn Thompson (Hubert Sumlin), with Claudia Cunningham, Cesil Jones, Raymond Wise, Theo Huff, Cynthia Carter, Danielle Davis, Michael Reckling and Mark Hood.

Orchestra:   Tracy Baker (bass), Robert Reddrick (drums), Herbert Walker (guitar), Oscar Brown (guitar), Mark Moutrup (piano)

Other Creative Team:  Denise Karczewski (Lights), Kristy Leigh Hall (Costumes), Helen Latyak (Props), CoCo Lemry (Scenic Painter), Bekki Lambrect (Technical Director), Emily Wall (Stage Manager)

Dates:                          June 1 – August 11, 2013

                                 

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:   Previews: $45

Regular Run: $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.  Preview tickets are $45.00

Box Office:  773-769-4451 or online at www.blackensemble.org.

Direct link - http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/blackensemble/eventcalendar

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.  In addition, a 150-seat studio theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is in development as part of a long range strategic plan for the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center.

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.

Batman Backwards Opens at Six Flags Great America #mediaday #originalphotos

It was our great pleasure to meet "the caped crusader" at our favorite theme park during Media Day at Six Flags Great America last week. 

 

I dig a man who can pull off spandex!  And he had gorgeous grey blue eyes, too... and a sweet ride.

We also interviewed quite a few huge coaster fanatics who were there for the ribbon cutting and multiple rides.   We even caught up with 10 year old Draven who has been on coasters all over the country with his dad. 

  

Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows for our Batman Backwards ride footage, video interviews and more in the very near future.



Today we have stills from the day for you.   It was a pleasure to see Theresa from the Local Tourist with her entourage. 

 

The highlight of the day was riding the coaster in the press seat, where we were filmed DURING THE RIDE!   We even wore mic packs so you can hear the screams. 

Click here to check out our original video interviews and footage from the X Flight Coaster grand opening last season. 

I grew up near Kings Island in Ohio, coaster capital of the midwest for much of the 80's, and I've been on The Beast (the largest-fastest coaster when it was built), The Bat (a hanging coaster they took out for safety reasons), a looping coaster that goes forward & backward, and The Racer (their old wooden classic with red & blue racing coaster tracks--one forward/ one backward.   At some point during my teen years I was talked onto all of them at least once, by friends and boyfriends, so I'm no stranger to riding backwards and looping at high speeds.

In spite of all that I'm really not a coaster person and even ski lifts freak me out a little.   The whole drive out to press day at Great America I tried to advance justify wussing out on the Batman Coaster (where you hang from the track and do flips, a G force turn and a 10 story drop)... backwards.  

 

I made excuse after excuse saying I'm too old, coasters make my muscles sore, I don't have to prove anything to anyone....  I almost wimped out a bunch of times on the way there, but when it came to crunch time, I DID IT and got video footage to prove it! 

  



Even the coaster fanatics declared the Batman coaster extra intense backwards.   It's rare as moms and/or mature adults, that we get to do something physical that scares us, and I felt an actual sense of accomplishment when I braved up and went for it.   

Honestly, it was more like flying than falling and the view was spectacular!   I'm glad I went and would do it again... though I was dizzy enough when I got off that I had to wait a few minutes before I could grab my camera and shoot straight.   Batman Backwards is  some heroic fun. 

BATMAN: The Ride Stats:

-          Opened in 1992 as the world’s first suspended looping roller coaster

-          Given more than 28 million rides

-          Travels up to 50 mph through 2,700 feet of track

-          Features hairpin turns, vertical loops, corkscrews and a zero-g roll

-          One of the most popular coasters in the world

Go Big. Go Backwards! For a limited time only, the world’s first suspended looping coaster, BATMAN: The Ride, will be more intense than ever when riders dare to take on an all new experience – going backwards! 

As the roller coaster climbs the 10-story lift hill, riders will take in the full scope of BATMAN: The Ride’s track as they anticipate the adventure that lies ahead. The train will reach speeds of 50 mph and travel through 2,700 feet of track, all while maneuvering hairpin turns, vertical loops, corkscrews and a zero-g roll. The excitement is magnified since guests cannot see the maneuvers that await.

“BATMAN: The Ride will open for its 21st season this spring, offering our guests an entirely different ride experience by going backwards. No matter how many times you have been on BATMAN: The Ride, nothing compares to the thrill of racing down 10 stories facing the other direction,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. “You literally have no idea what is coming next. This is a tremendous new experience for our guests and one to take advantage of quickly since it will only be available for a limited time.”

Since opening in 1992,  BATMAN: The Ride has given more than 28 million thrilling rides and reigns as one of the most popular roller coasters in the world. BATMAN: The Ride backwards launched on Saturday, May 4 – the park’s opening weekend – and be available for a limited time this summer.

About Six Flags Great America

Six Flags Great America and Hurricane Harbor are two great parks that guests can experience for one low price. Located between Chicago and Milwaukee, Six Flags Great America offers endless adventures for the entire family with 14 heart-pounding roller coasters, a FREE 20-acre water park, spectacular shows, a nighttime firework and pyrotechnics extravaganza and three children’s areas. 

Six Flags Great America is pleased to present the premiere of igNIGHT ― Grand Finale, a mesmerizing and immersive nighttime spectacle bursting with energy, vivid colors, brilliant visual effects, lively performances, fascinating imagery, and pure imagination. Learn more about igNIGHT ― Grand Finale at sixflags.com. 

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with over $1 billion in revenue and 18 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For more than 50 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions including up-close animal encounters, Fright Fest® and Holiday in the Park®.  For more information, visit sixflags.com.

About Warner Bros. Consumer Products

Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.

About DC Entertainment

DC Entertainment, home to iconic brands DC Comics (Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Flash), Vertigo (Sandman, Fables) and MAD, is the creative division charged with strategically integrating its content across Warner Bros. Entertainment and Time Warner.  DC Entertainment works in concert with many key Warner Bros. divisions to unleash its stories and characters across all media, including but not limited to film, television, consumer products, home entertainment and interactive games. Publishing thousands of comic books, graphic novels and magazines each year, DC Entertainment is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world.  In January 2012, DC Entertainment, in collaboration with Warner Bros. and Time Warner divisions, launched We Can Be Heroes―a giving campaign featuring the iconic Justice League super heroes―to raise awareness and funds to fight the hunger crisis in the Horn of Africa. 

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

(s13)

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They're busy getting the park summer ready!

So go already!!

OPENING TODAY: Sightseers at Music Box #review #film #blackcomedy

Films on our radar.   Highly recommended.    

Sightseers Opens in Chicago Today, Friday, May 17th at The Music Box!

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we caught a sneak peek at Sightseers and highly recommend it if you dig dark humor.   This welcome addition to the road trip killers genre ala Bonnie and Clide and Natural Born Killers follows a benign looking but lethal English couple on a cross country killing spree.

It's a charmingly cathartic wish fulfillment movie in that the couple kills anyone that annoys them.   I'm reminded of the Talking Heads line from Psycho Killer "...I hate people when they're not polite."   Who can say they've never fantasized about "accidentally" offing rude strangers.   Fortunately most of us stop far short of acting on those thoughts.  Still, the concept makes for a hilarious film.   

Amid the downright banality of a museum tour road trip to such winning locals as Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, and the Keswick Pencil Museum, trigger tempered Chris inadvertently creates an avid disciple.   When Tina discovers her new beau is a psycho killer, instead of doing the sensible thing like fleeing and turning him in, she embraces his unfortunate habit and becomes a jealous, dognapping murderess herself, much to his chagrine.

The scariest thing about this film is the utter normality of the protagonists.   They could easily be the couple camped out next to you this summer.

  

Sightseers A FILM BY BEN WHEATLEY STARRING ALICE LOWE, STEVE ORAM, EILEEN DAVIES “A wicked little pic in which a tacky couple discovers that cross-country road-tripping makes it surprisingly easy -- and fun! -- to knock off the more obnoxious characters they encounter en route.” –Peter Debruge, Variety Fri, May 17   2:15pm · 5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Sat, May 18   2:15pm · 5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Sun, May 19   2:15pm · 5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Mon, May 20   5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Tue, May 21     5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Wed, May 22      5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm Thu, May 23   5:00pm · 7:15pm · 9:30pm

Music Box Says:

This week we’re opening Sightseers, the new film from director Ben Wheatley (Kill List). In this gleefully gory laugh riot, Chris wants to show girlfriend Tina his world, but events soon conspire against the couple and their dream caravan holiday takes a very wrong turn. Produced by Shaun Of The Dead creator Edgar Wright and co-written & starring members of The Mighty Boosh and Garth Merenghi’s Dark Place, this black comedy is not to be missed! Check out The Playlist’s 5 Reasons You Must See Sightseers

About the film

A pair of sad-sack lovers turns into a frumpy Bonnie and Clyde as their romantic getaway to the English countryside turns into a bloody killing spree.

Directed by Ben Wheatley (Kill List), Chris (Steve Oram) wants to show Tina (Alice Lowe) his world and he wants to do it his way - on a journey through the British Isles in his beloved Abbey Oxford Caravan. Tina's led a sheltered life and there are things that Chris needs her to see - the Crich Tramway Museum, the Ribblehead Viaduct, the Keswick Pencil Museum and the rolling countryside that accompanies these wonders in his life.

But it doesn't take long for the dream to fade. Litterbugs, noisy teenagers and pre-booked caravan sites, not to mention Tina's meddling mother, soon conspire to shatter Chris's dreams and send him, and anyone who rubs him up the wrong way, over a very jagged edge...

Dir. BEN WHEATLEY | English | 88m |

Film details.
What: Sightseers
Where: The Music Box Theatre
When: Opens Friday, May 17th

More at Music Box:
Our Orson Welles matinee series continues this weekend with The Trial. Welles and Anthony Perkins star in this gripping adaptation of Franz Kafka’s tale of a nightmarish totalitarian state. Given 4 stars by Roger Ebert, the Music Box is thrilled to give our patrons the rare chance to see this film on the big screen!
 

This weekend, cult classics come out at midnight. On Friday, it’s The Room, director/writer/“actor” Tommy Wiseau’s bizarre drama about love and betrayal (Purchase advance tickets now). Then, on Saturday night, it’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Grab a virgin kit and join the Midnight Madness shadow cast for a party that’s been going on for over 35 years (Purchase advance tickets now).

ACT OUT OPENING: HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES! A BATMAN BURLESQUE Opens Midnight June 1

photo by Greg Inda

Our favorite hero hotties and sexy sidekicks at Gorilla Tango are back with another playfully fun and creatively quirky geek burlesque show!   ChiIL Live Shows will be there to review opening night.   We love to rock a great theme so we were pretty stoked to recently ride Batman backwards at Great America's media day, and now here's this.   We'll have our coaster antics footage plus our original on site interviews up in the near future.   GT Burlesque shows are a fun date night, girls night out, or girlie night out.   

Riddle me this: What pastied production goes bounce in the night? 

Answer: HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES! A BATMAN BURLESQUE, running in the suburbs for the past year, FINALLY opens in Bucktown on Saturday, June 1st (midnight).

Holy parody burlesque Batman! Gorilla Tango Burlesque - known for ribald parodies of nerd-friendly pop-culture topics – brings a taste of the 1960s Batman to Bucktown through its latest parody burlesque show! HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES! A BATMAN BURLESQUE - which has performed in the suburbs continually since September 2012 - will now open in Bucktown Saturday June 1st. 

HOLY BOUNCING BOOBIES will perform Saturdays at 11:59pm at Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago Il 60647). 18 and over only; tickets are $28-35 and available for purchase online at www.gorillatango.com or by calling 773-598-4549.

In this campy, sexy and silly parody, Batman and Robin are put to the ultimate test of intellect when they learn that Batgirl has been captured by the reprehensible Riddler! Now the Dynamic Duo must travel through the streets of Gotham to retrieve the Riddler’s clues from all of Batman’s enemies before midnight. Join the Caped Crusaders on this quest, featuring sultry burlesque numbers and a full roster of vile villains (including Catwoman, Two-Face, The Penguin, and even Egghead!)

Writer Jeremy M. Eden quotes, "It's a show that combines three of my favorite things: Batman and boobs. It's the perfect blend of action, satire, and camp. Generations old and new can find humor in it, whether it be a laugh of nostalgia or detached irony. And hopefully it will help people appreciate the oft-maligned series from the 60's."

Adds Director/Choreographer Juicy Lucy (a veteran performer of GTB, including boob-clapping Mola Ram in TEMPLE OF BOOBS: AN INDIANA JONES BURLESQUE, and debonair Han Solo in A NUDE HOPE: A STAR WARS BURLESQUEE) adds “We're so pleased to be opening in Bucktown after our extended run in the suburbs. The costumes (by Kristen Ahern) keep the classic 1960s Batman authenticity while giving it the old burlesque sparkly and sexy spin. Jeremy Eden's script uses some classic and deep track references for the fan boys and girls but still plays with contemporary comedic conventions. I've been fortunate enough to be able to surround myself with an extremely talented cast and production team who are all a part of this hilarious, sexy show that will surely bring some light into all of our dark knights."

Critical acclaim from the suburban production includes:

"The whole cast show sexy confidence and solid comedic timing, creating a Gotham City that's a lot more fun than Christopher Nolan's."

-Chicago Reader

"There's no better use of your time, money, and airline miles than getting out to see this thing at least once. A rich, pop-geek-friendly comedy show."

-Kickingtheseat.com

"This isn't Shakespeare, and it isn't a strip club. But it is a barrel of sexy fun! I laughed. I laughed some more. I drank beer. I laughed even more. And I saw lots of boobies. As good as Christopher Nolan's latest Batman installment is, this show made a far more memorable evening. Enthusiastic thumbs up!"

-Ray's Chicago Area Burlesque

"A genuine good night out and a hilarious storyline to follow; complete with colorful costumes, awesome props like a handmade Batmobile, human penguins and killer sexy dance moves. It was ridiculous in the best way possible."

-Skokie Patch

Directed by Juicy Lucy

Choreographed by Hazel Hellbender, Crystal Paradise, and Juicy Lucy.

Written by Jeremy M. Eden (3G1R, EEK! Theatre).

Costumes by Kristen Ahern

MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE

Gorilla Tango Burlesque has gone from the debut of the surprise hit “Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque” in October 2010 to a local burlesque/comedy powerhouse with literally thousands of audience members through the door to see unique burlesque parodies of everything from Star Wars to Indiana Jones, from superheroes to 1990s pop-culture phenomena -- and that's just a small selection of what they have available for-- as their slogan states-- "the Discerning Nerd." GTB’s smash Halloween hit, “Boobs of the Dead: A Walking Dead Burlesque” brought sexy to local zombies this past October, and recently its burlesque sequel, “The Empire Brings Sexy Back” has Star Wars fans flocking for more!

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.

ACT OUT OPENING: In the Company of Men at Profiles Theatre TONIGHT Through June 30th

Profiles Theatre to open the World premiere

 of Neil LaBute’s revised stage version of 

 In the Company of Men

Profiles Theatre Artistic Directors Darrell W. Cox and Joe Jahraus announce the World premiere of Resident Artist Neil LaBute’s revised stage version of In the Company of Men, opening at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway on May 19, 2013. 

We first gave you the heads up about In the Company of Men, back in January and it's finally here.   This one's high on our must see list.   We have 2 other events conflicting with the press opening tonight, so we won't have a review for you just yet, but we hope to get there soon.

Tickets for this limited run of In the Company of Men are $35 for Thursdays, $40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Tickets are available by phone, (773) 549-1815, or online, www.profilestheatre.org . Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 5:00 and 8:00 pm, Sundays at 7:00 p.m.

May 16 – June 30, 2013

Schedule:  Thurs., Fri.: 8:00 p.m.  

Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m. (no 5pm show during previews)

Sunday: 7:00 p.m. 

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway

Parking is available for $10 - $12 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine) 

In the Company of Men, directed by Profiles Resident Artist and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder, runs through June 30, 2013.   The previously announced production of Neil LaBute’s The Break of Noon will be performed at a later date.

Profiles Theatre presents the professional debut production of Neil LaBute’s revised stage play, In the Company of Men. The script, performed in various incarnations as a play at earlier stages of LaBute’s writing career as both a student and otherwise, was eventually made into the acclaimed film released in 1997 launching the careers of star Aaron Eckhart and Neil LaBute as a filmmaker and playwright. When it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, In the Company of Men created a firestorm of controversy with wildly divergent yet passionate opinions. It received the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay, the Filmmaker's Trophy at the 1997 Sundance Film Festival and The New York Film Critics Award for Best First Feature.

Two frustrated young executives vent their pent-up rage via a childish prank and end up paying a price in the psychological dark comedy, In the Company of Men. Former college buddies Chad and Howard, now in their late 20s, work for the same company. When the two begin expressing their mutual frustration regarding their lack of rapid advancement at work and their recent bad luck with women, they hatch a nasty scheme: Find a vulnerable young woman to court, slather with affection, and then callously dump. They choose a lovely, hearing-impaired typist named Christine, but soon their scheme creates escalating tension and psychological games not only with hapless Christine, but also with each other.

Resident Artist and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder directs the World premiere production of the revised script of In the Company of Men following his acclaimed Profiles productions of A Behanding in Spokane, reasons to be pretty and the Jeff Award-winning Killer Joe (Production, Director, Principal Actor). Guest Artists include Jordan Brown as Chad, Brennan Roche as Howard and Jessica Carleton as Christine. Appearing in ensemble roles are Dennis Bisto, Alex Fisher, Kroydell Galima, Shelby Garrett, Poppy Golland, Sarah Herndon, Joseph W. Moore III and Laura Leonardo Ownby.

"I'm so excited to be putting this early work of mine into the hands of my trusted collaborators over at Profiles Theatre,” says playwright Neil LaBute. “The film was a fantastic experience for me personally, but I've always hoped that the script would make its way back to the stage. I’ve truly enjoyed the creative process of adapting the original play for the screen and now turning it back into a play again. I think it's in perfect hands with Joe, Darrell and Rick. I feel that these characters will still resonate with audiences and I know that Profiles will take In the Company of Men for the ride that it deserves--they never pull punches at Profiles and I love the artistic relationship that we have fostered together over the past few seasons. I consider myself a lucky man to still get work done regularly in Chicago and I believe I have a genuine home for that work at Profiles."

Profiles Theatre began its relationship with Neil LaBute in 2006 with the Midwest premiere of autobahn, followed by their long-running hit, Fat Pig. In 2007, Profiles devoted an entire season to the works of LaBute that included the Midwest premieres of In a Dark Dark House, Some Girl(s), This is How it Goes, and a collection of short works entitled Things We Said Today followed by the Midwest premiere of The Mercy Seat in 2009 and the Chicago premiere of reasons to be pretty in 2011. Last season, Profiles produced the American premiere of In a Forest, Dark and Deep as the inaugural production of their newest venue, The Main Stage. The playwright twice participated in benefit evenings of readings and conversation to support the theatre’s productions.

The stage version of In The Company of Men is produced by special arrangement with LaBute’s longtime collaborator and one of the film’s original producers, Stephen Pevner of Stephen Pevner, Inc and Company One Productions.  

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

NEIL LABUTE (Playwright) is a Resident Artist at Profiles Theatre and has been working with them since their 2006 production of Autobahn. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from New York University and was the recipient of a literary fellowship to study at the Royal Court Theatre, London and also attended the Sundance Institute’s Playwrights Lab. His films include: In the Company of Men (New York Critics’ Circle Award for Best First Feature and the Filmmakers’ Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival), Your Friend and Neighbors, Nurse Betty, Possession, The Shape of Things (a film adaptation of his play by the same title), The Wicker Man, Lakeview Terrace and Death at a Funeral. His plays include Bash: Latter-Day Plays, The Mercy Seat, The Distance From Here, Autobahn, Fat Pig, Wrecks, Some Girl(s), This is How it Goes, In a Dark Dark House, The Break of Noon and In a Forest, Dark and Deep. Reasons to be Happy, a follow-up to his acclaimed play reasons to be pretty, opens at MCC in May 2013. reasons to be pretty premiered off-Broadway in 2008, receiving three Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Play. It became Neil LaBute’s first play ever to be staged on Broadway when it opened in 2009 and was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Play. LaBute is also the author of several fictional pieces that have been published in “The New York Times,” “The New York Times Magazine,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Playboy” among others. “Sec-onds of Pleasure,” a collection of his short stories, was published by Grove Atlantic.

RICK SNYDER (Director) is a Resident Artist at Profiles and a Steppenwolf ensemble member. He returns to Profiles after directing their hit productions of A Behanding in Spokane, reasons to be pretty and the award-winning Killer Joe (2010 Jeff Awards for Outstanding Production, Director and Actor). Other recent directing credits include God of Carnage at the Goodman Theatre, Oleanna and Speed-the-Plow at American Theatre Company, Mauritius at Northlight Theatre, The Lion in Winter and Bus Stop at Writers’ Theatre, Aristocrats at Strawdog Theatre, St. Scarlet at ATC, and The Actor, Jolly and The Disappearance of the Jews at the Goodman Theatre. His directing credits at Steppenwolf include Art, Betrayal, Last of the Boys, Tavern Story, Things Being What They Are, Orange Flower Water (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and The Fall to Earth. As an actor, Rick appeared in August: Osage County, The Unmentionables, Man From Nebraska and I Never Sang For My Father at Steppenwolf. He has appeared at the Goodman Theatre in As You Like It, Down the Shore and as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Rick’s film credits include The Tuskegee Airmen, The Net starring Sandra Bullock, Whiteboys, The Human Stain, Soul Survivors and U.S. Marshals. Rick has taught acting classes at Northwestern University and DePaul and currently teaches Directing 1 at Columbia College in Chicago. Rick has been a member of the Steppenwolf ensemble since 1983, and an instructor for The School at Steppenwolf and Associate Artist at Steppenwolf for the last twelve years.

DENNIS BISTO (Ensemble) was most recently seen in Profiles' 20th Anniversary Production of Hellcab. Dennis is a Saint Louis native who moved to Chicago last year after a brief stint in Boston where he performed in the World Premiere of The First Annual Northern Maine Arts Festival.

JORDAN BROWN (Chad) is making his Profiles Theatre debut. His New York credits include River Valley Rep's The Light in the Piazza, Oberon Theatre Ensemble's Much Ado About Nothing, and an episode of As The World Turns for CBS Television Studios. His regional credits include A Skull in Connemara at Centerstage Theatre in Baltimore and West Side Story at Ravinia. Other Chicago credits include Sense and Sensibility at Northlight Theatre, The Pitmen Painters at Timeline Theatre Company, A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre and Congo Square Theatre’s production of The Fall of Heaven by Walter Mosley. Jordan is a graduate of The North Carolina School of the Arts. 

JESSICA HONOR CARLETON (Christine) is making her debut at Profiles Theatre. Her Chicago credits include Mick Kelly in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chekov's Emerging Women at Piven Theatre, and Crippled Sisters in the New Stages Series at Goodman Theatre. Jessica is an original ensemble member, head writer, and puppet/makeup designer on the national children’s TV show Green Screen Adventures (MeTV/WCIU). Last year, she won a National Daytime Creative Arts Emmy. Jessica graduated from Northwestern University in Theatre and Creative Writing for the Media. She began learning American Sign Language when she was 12-years-old, and brings her respect for Deaf culture to this process. 

ALEX FISHER (Ensemble) was most recently appeared in Profiles Theatre’s 20th anniversary production of Hellcab.  Her recent credits include The Lion in Winter with Idle Muse Theatre and Peer Gynt directed by Jeremy Wechsler with Polarity Ensemble Theatre.  Alex is a graduate of Lake Forest College.

KROYDELL GALIMA (Ensemble) is working with Profiles Theatre for the first time. Recently, he appeared with TimeLine Theatre in their production of Concerning Strange Devices From The Distant West directed by Lisa Portes and In The Small Dark Room with Erasing The Distance. Kroydell has also worked with Proud Kate Theatre Project in their production of November at The Greenhouse Theatre, Theatre Seven of Chicago in The Chicago Landmark Project, Adventure Stage Chicago’s The Giver and Ghosts of Treasure. He appeared in the Ignition Festival 2010 at Victory Gardens and The Pathetic, a web series. He is a BFA graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University.

SHELBY GARRETT (Ensemble) is making her Profiles debut with In the Company of Men. Shelby just recently finished her year long run as Sharon in Chicago's debut of Girl's Night: The Musical. Other Chicago credits include Chicago Kid's Company's Chicken Little and Metropolis Performing Arts Center's A Christmas Carol. She has also studied at Improv Olympics and Profiles Theatre. Shelby’s regional credits include Prairie Fire Children's Theater, Shadowbox LIVE, & Zipper Theater in New York. Shelby is a graduate of Wright State University.

POPPY GOLLAND (Female Ensemble) is excited to be appearing with Profiles for the first time. She is from the Bay Area in California, and has most recently worked with Baby Crow Productions in their gender blind production of True West directed by Remy Ortiz, Back Room Shakespeare Project’s Back Room Chekhov, as well as having played Julie in Vintage Theater Collective’s Miss Julie, directed by Jason Economus. Poppy recently traveled to Los Angeles during the winter to film her first feature length film About Ashley directed by Stefan Pavlovic. 

SARAH HERNDON (Ensemble) is appearing with Profiles for the first time. Regional acting work includes multiple credits with the Theatre of Western Springs in Western Springs, IL. Roles at TWS include Mina in Dracula directed by Rick Snyder, Nina in The Quick Change Room, and Nellie Ewell in Summer and Smoke. In addition to acting, Sarah has also written two produced plays, The Real Mrs Jones and Spurse Change. Sarah holds a degree in Theatre Performance from the University of Evansville, IN.

JOSEPH W. MOORE III (Ensemble) was last seen at Profiles in their 20th Anniversay production of Hellcab by Will Kern. He is currently attending Columbia College Chicago where he appeared in Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet,The Shipment, Love SongVignettes and A Raisin in the Sun. He is also a collective member of For Youth Inquiry.

LAURA LEONARDO OWNBY (Ensemble) is making her Profiles debut with In the Company of Men. Regionally, Laura has appeared in Noises Off! with Theatre at the Center. Locally, she has worked with First Folio Theatre on Unnecessary Farce as an understudy, Ghost in the Machine, where she was first directed by Rick Snyder, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Summer and Smoke at the Theatre of Western Springs, and A Voice of my Own and Arrow of Love with Evergreen Theatre. 

BRENNAN ROCHE (Howard) retuns to Profiles after appearing in their 20th Anniversary production of Hellcab and understudying the role of Steve in The Dream of the Burning Boy. He is a Chicago native and has studied at Piven Theatre Workshop where he was a part of the Young People's Company. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University with credits including The Shape of Things, Proof, and The Odd Couple.

ABOUT PROFILES THEATRE

Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, joined shortly thereafter by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, was formed as an actor-driven theatre ensemble dedicated to creating provocative and emotionally truthful productions. Passionate about shaping an original vision for new works, they focused on performing World, American and Midwest premieres as well as rarely performed plays. Critically acclaimed hits, such as BLACKBIRD, FAT PIG, GRACELAND and the multiple Jeff Award-winning KILLER JOE, established Profiles as a destination for challenging and edgy theatre. Their unique collaboration with playwright Neil LaBute led the ensemble to perform an entire season of his plays in 2007-2008. Now a Resident Artist at Profiles, LaBute remains an unequivocal artistic influence on the ensemble.

After performing at 4147 North Broadway for more than two decades, Profiles acquired an adjacent theatre at 4139 North Broadway in 2012. Profiles’ new theatre, The Main Stage, with its larger seating capacity, increased performance space and higher ceilings, accommodates more ambitious and technically demanding productions. Their long-time venue, renamed The Alley Stage, continues as the home for plays strengthened by a more intimate staging. Driven by an undiminished appetite for creating honest and resonant theatre, Profiles still seeks to present work that illuminates the determination and resiliency of the human spirit.

TONIGHT 5/16 FREE Advanced Screening Tickets for THE WAY, WAY BACK (PG13)

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and a free, advanced screening of The Way, Way Back!   Screening is TONIGHT, Thursday, May 16, at 7 pm at the Kerasotes Showplace Icon. 

Thanks to Fox Searchlight and Gofobo for providing the link to advanced screening tickets for our readers.   We are excited to announce the release of  THE WAY WAY BACK starring Steve Carell (The Office, Crazy, Stupid, Love.) and Toni Collette (The Sixth Sense, Little Miss Sunshine).

To download tickets for this screening simply go to:

www.gofobo.com/rsvp

And enter the code:

MOMSW5Y0

tickets are first come first served and not guaranteed

Synopsis:

THE WAY, WAY BACK is the funny and poignant coming of age story of 14-year-old Duncan’s (Liam James) summer vacation with his mother, Pam (Toni Collette), her overbearing boyfriend, Trent (Steve Carell), and his daughter, Steph (Zoe Levin).

Having a rough time fitting in, the introverted Duncan finds an unexpected friend in gregarious Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park. Through his funny, clandestine friendship with Owen, Duncan slowly opens up to and begins to finally find his place in the world - all during a summer he will never forget.