ACT OUT CLOSING: The Other Cinderella at Black Ensemble Theatre #ChiILpicks #review #holidaytheatrefavs

Must close January 13

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE HOLIDAY FAVORITE

JACKIE TAYLOR’S

THE OTHER CINDERELLA

FOR THE FIRST TIME AT

THE NEW BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER

If you haven't seen this show yet, go already!   The Other Cinderella is highly recommended and makes our ChiILpicks list for Holiday Theatre Favorites.  My nine year old daughter, Sage, and I caught opening night of this rockin' remake of the fairytale classic and were blown away by the talented cast and creative script.  

Sage is all about grrrrl power and has a low tolerance for the typical Cinderella fairy tale genre, so we happily skipped the more traditional Emerald City Cinderella for The Other Cinderella this year.   Sage found great role models in tiny but mighty Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), a girl from the hood who's "one of the boys", and in Ta-Tynisa Wilson's entirely endearing Cinderella portrayal. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the impressive talent of the vocalists, and the soul, Motown vibe of the musical numbers was a welcome break from more traditional, seasonal musical fare.  Sage did grumble that there were too many songs and not enough dialogue, but she's not a huge fan of musicals, to begin with.  Otherwise she was quite enthusiastic about recommending the show.   There's a bit of mellowly mature language, but overall, this is a great, family friendly piece with hilarious characters and and excellent message of empowerment, made modern, yet retaining fun fairy tale elements.   

We sincerely hope The Other Cinderella continues to make a reappearance as a holiday classic for years to come.   The Other Cinderella has returned every other year since 1976.   Sure, the famous coach driver has changed over the years, and cell phones and other updated trappings have appeared and become woven into the ever evolving and changing piece.    But the core message remains as timely and relevant as it was 26 years ago. 

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

The Other Cinderella

Written & directed by:    Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor

Choreographer:             Rueben Echoles

Musical Director:           Robert Reddrick

Dates:                          November 23 – January 13, 2012 

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

Ticket prices:                $55 - $65

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

The most successful of all of the Black Ensemble Theater productions, The Other Cinderella returns every other year since 1976.  It is now a Black Ensemble classic that always features some new twist, turns, and surprises.  The Other Cinderella joyously retells the familiar fairy tale with an Afro-centric twist.  There’s a “Stepmama” who works at the post office, two stepsisters who “don’t do nuthin’,” the brothers are from the ‘hood, Cinderella was born in the projects and the “fairy Godmama” is from Jamaica.  Just as in the “traditional” Cinderella, there is a King, a Queen, and a Prince, but in this kingdom, everybody has soul.  The Other Cinderella is appropriate for all ages, featuring original music, exciting dances and a heartwarming story that reminds audiences of the greatness of the human spirit.

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.

“We are thrilled to bring back our bi-annual hit The Other Cinderella,” says Jackie Taylor. “It’s amazing to witness the many generations that keep returning year after year. The audience is a rainbow of colors, cultures and ages which testifies to how The Other Cinderella delivers a message of love, hope and the importance of believing in yourself that really speaks to the masses.” As with every production there is always something new and exciting coming from the Kingdom of Other.

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director charged with making the beautiful original music written by Jackie Taylor and Michael Ward an unforgettable and transformational experience. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, and Mark Moultrup and Andrea Moore on piano.

The cast includes: Ta-Tynisa Wilson (Cinderella), A’rese Emokpae (The Fairy God Mama), Dawn Bless (Stepmama), Lisa Beasley (Margarite), Jessica Moore (Geneva), Dwight Neal (King), Rhonda Preston (Queen), Lawrence Williams (Prince), Raymond Wise (Page), David Simmons (Attendant), Mandy Lewis (Lady in Waiting), Brandon Holmes (Ground Hog), Alyssa Zopp (Peanut Butter), Malcolm Thompson (Pee Wee) Rueben Echoles (A.B.) and Erin O’Shea (Dorothy.)

The outstanding production team tasked with making this the most magical of all The Other Cinderella’s in the past 35 years includes Dave Ferguson (Set Design), June Saito (Costumes), Denise Karczewski (Lights), Rueben Echoles (Choreography and Wigs), and Sarah Helt (Props). Bekki Lambrecht is the Technical Director, Emily Wall is the production stage manager and Vickie Spires is the company Equity stage manager.

Black Ensemble Theater's world premiere production of "FROM DOO WOP TO HIP HOP" will be featured during Chicago Theater Week.

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop
Written by Jackie Taylor and Rueben Echoles
Directed by Jackie Taylor
February 7, 2013-March 31, 2013
Opening: Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3:00 p.m.

This melodic look at the Doo Wop era celebrates such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters and the Chantels (just to name a few). Since it first premiered in 1995 it has had several revivals because it is indeed a Black Ensemble Theater Treasure. You can't help but snap your fingers to the beat as we take a stroll down memory lane hearing those beautiful songs like Smoke Gets In Your Eyes, This Magic Moment and Maybe while exploring how the successful music of today is related to the magical era of Doo Wop. With the emphasis on Doo Wop music this is a production that brings the '50s into the 21st Century.

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

HELP OUT: Sandy Hook-- I Promise It’s Not Goodbye by Chris Cornell

Check out the link below for a stunningly poignant ode to losing a child, that's gaining a second life as a benefit for Sandy Hook families.

Sandy Hook: I Promise It’s Not Goodbye

January 08, 2013

Listen and donate in memory of the children of Sandy Hook

chriscornell

I Promise It's Not Goodbye

SoundCloud.com

A few years ago, Texan fan Rory de la Rosa lost his six-year-old daughter Ainslee to cancer. Shortly afterwards, he himself was diagnosed with the same illness. But Rory didn’t fall into despair. He wanted “to tell Chris Cornell how much his music impacted his life and of the bond it helped create for him and his daughter," says Karen, a carer at Rory’s hospice. Chris was touched by the story and wrote back - eventually resulting in a unique creative collaboration. Rory had written a poem about his daughter. Moved by the words, Chris suggested they turn the poem into a song. “It was a pleasure to put it to music and an honor,” he says. Sadly, Rory passed away shortly afterwards, but the proceeds from downloads of the song he wrote with Chris were able to help his family through a terrible time.

Since the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, people have been asking to hear the song again. In response, we have made the song available on chriscornell.com. In return, Chris hopes you will make a donation in memory of the children who lost their lives and do something to help those bereaved by this terrible tragedy.

Donate via any of these sites:

https://newtown.uwwesternct.org/

http://www.newtownyouthandfamilyservices.org/donate.php

http://www.20children.org/

http://demandaplan.org

Check out the original post on Chris' Site here
Chris Cornell : News : Sandy Hook: I Promise It’s Not Goodbye

UPON WINGS to Release Afterlife EP Featuring Brett Hestla (Ex-Creed, Dark New Day)

We dig it when classically trained musicians come over to the dark side and kick it up a notch with punk, metal & alternative bands.   Most of our favorite heavy bands feature mash ups of sax, or strings more often heard in other musical genres.   Sound intriguing?  Check out Upon Wings. UPON WINGS combines operatic, female-fronted goth-pop with rousing rock and metal in a unique, ethereal fashion. Frontwoman Anne Autumn Erickson is a classically-trained dramatic mezzo-soprano, and her lyrics take listeners down a path of heartfelt introspection, pain, joy and faith. New Song Available for Streaming!  The EP's debut single and title track is set to hit alternative and rock radio and digital outlets on Jan. 15, but you can hear it first today courtesy of Noisecreep. Head HERE to check out an exclusive stream of the title track "Afterlife". UPON WINGS is proud to announce the release of their new EP, Afterlife, featuring guest vocals and production from Brett Hestla (Ex-Creed, Dark New Day). Afterlife is scheduled for a March 5th release on Sword of the Spirit Records LLC. Rock and metal fans will recognize plenty of names on "Afterlife." Kid Rock recording engineer and Grammy-nominated mixing engineer Glenn Brown mastered the single, while Brett Hestla (ex-Creed, Dark New Day) provided guest vocals and production talents. More metal assistance for the upcoming EP came from producer and guitarist Kevin Jardine, best known as the guitarist of Canadian nu metal giants Slaves on Dope, formerly on Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne's Divine Recordings label. Drummer Peter Tzaferis also contributed to the EP. Recording sessions for "Afterlife" took place at Johnny K's legendary Groovemaster Studios in Chicago, where Disturbed, 3 Doors Down, Staind and countless other heavy music-makers have laid down tracks. For More Info Visit: http://uponwings.com/  http://www.facebook.com/UponWings  https://twitter.com/UponWings  http://www.youtube.com/uponwingsofficial

RECOVERY COUNCIL Launches CD "Into Space" With Release Show #heavyrock

New Album Plan-Do-Check-Act Due Out January 15th on Dot Ultra Records "...Thought-provoking yet raucous" -Sea of Tranquility

All systems go for New Jersey-based heavy rock trio RECOVERY COUNCIL as they prepare for the release of their third studio album, Plan-Do-Check-Act, January 15th on Dot Ultra Records. The band has confirmed a special CD Release Show on January 25th at the RVCC Planetarium in Branchburg, NJ, where they will play the album in its entirety to a laser show under a dome of night sky. Their mission was to find a venue that would support the geek caché befitting of an album entitled Plan-Do-Check-Act. Frontwoman Rebeca Qualls explains: "We wanted to celebrate the release with a bit of sparkle, but in a way that also reflected on our nature as a band. I thought the planetarium would be perfect because it exhibits a type of scientific creativity that everyone can appreciate. Putting on a laser light show along with live music makes for an audiovisual experience like no other, and it quite possibly may be as close as we'll get to a concert in space!" The first single from Plan-Do-Check-Act entitled "Recourse" is available for streaming HERE, courtesy of Noisecreep. RECOVERY COUNCIL is Qualls on guitar and vocals, along with New Jersey native Jeff Trenholm on drums and Dominican Republic-born Isidro Santos on bass. Since becoming a band in 2011, their collective influences across the spectrum of post-punk, metal, progressive, and grunge genres have lent themselves to their rhythm-driven, melodic style. Plan-Do-Check-Act captures a moment in time where the three musicians' unique styles and backgrounds perfectly intersect as a cohesive whole. RECOVERY COUNCIL will be hitting the road throughout the winter showcasing music from Plan-Do-Check-Act. A current listing of shows can be found below. RECOVERY COUNCIL Live: 1/17: Levittown, PA @ Roadhouse Inn 1/25: Branchburg, NJ CD Release Show @ RVCC Planetarium 2/2: Allentown, PA @ Jimmy's Place 2/7: Philadelphia, PA @ JR's Bar 2/16: New York, NY @ Desmond's Tavern 3/1: New London, CT @ El N Gee 3/2: Haverhill, MA @ RG's Pub 3/24: Gloucester City, NJ @ ICAC Club For More Info Visit: http://www.recoverycouncilmusic.com/  http://www.facebook.com/recoverycouncil

Brand New--CLUTCH Unleash Title Track From Earth Rocker #metal

European Tour Starts January 22nd    Here at ChiIL Live Shows, Clutch has been one of our favorites for years.   Usually we put the ipod on shuffle and let it go, but earlier this week we were on an all Clutch bender for a couple of days.   So, I was extra stoked to see the title track off Earth Rocker land in my in box and to be able to share it with our readers!    We have an exclusive video interview with Neil Fallon, live pit photos from their recent tour with Prong and more, coming soon...so check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often. Before heading to Europe to kick of the first leg of the Earth Rocker world tour, CLUTCH is giving fans a chance to hear the title track and first single from their new album. The band has teamed up with Brooklyn Vegan for an exclusive world premiere of "Earth Rocker". Brooklyn Vegan is a tastemaker blog highlighting indie rock and metal that's expanded far outside of its NYC beginnings. Get a first listen of the track and check out an interview with guitarist Tim Sult HERE. With a little bit more than three months left before the release of CLUTCH's highly anticipated new studio effort Earth Rocker, the band has announced the initial dates for the first leg of the North American Earth Rocker world tour. The dates kick off March 8th in Cincinnati, OH and are currently slated to run through March 24th in Anaheim, CA.   Support on these dates will be provided by Orange Goblin, Lionize and Kyng. Tickets are on sale now! Look for more dates to be announced in the coming weeks. CLUTCH recently unveiled the artwork for Earth Rocker. The artwas created by Nick Lakiotes, long time CLUTCH art director, who has worked on previous efforts including:  Robot Hive/Exodus and Strange Cousins From the West. Fans can keep up on the progress of Earth Rocker by visiting the new website www.earthrocker.com. The website is a hub dedicated to all things Earth Rocker. Fans can expect to see frequent updates including photos, videos from the studio, song title announcements and samples of new songs. In addition to the new website CLUTCH has joined the world of twitter. Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial. Earth Rocker European Tour 1/21: Press Day in London, UK 1/22: London, UK @ Koko - SOLD OUT! 1/23: Amsterdam, NL @ Melkweg - Tickets  1/24: Press Day in Paris, FR 1/25: Paris, FR @ La Maroquinerie - SOLD OUT! 1/26: Stuttgart, GER @ Universum - SOLD OUT!  1/27: Munchen, GER @ Backstage Club - SOLD OUT!  1/28: Press Day in Berlin, GER 1/29: Berlin, GER @ Lido - SOLD OUT!  1/30: Press Day in Cologne, GER 1/31: Cologne, GER @ Luxor - Tickets  2/1: Brussels, BE @ VK - Tickets  2/2: Hamburg, GER @ Logo - SOLD OUT! 2/3: Copenhagen, DK @ Amager Bio - Tickets  2/4: Press Day in Oslo, NO 2/5: Oslo, NO @ Parkteateret -  SOLD OUT! 2/6: Press Day in Stockholm, SWE 2/7: Stockholm, SWE @ Tyrol - Tickets  Earth Rocker North American Tour 3/8: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's - Tickets  3/9: Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works - Tickets  3/10: Sauget, IL @ Pop's - Tickets  3/11: Little Rock, AR @ Juanita's Cantina Ballroom - Tickets  3/12: Tulsa, OK @ Cain's Ballroom - Tickets  3/14: Dallas, TX @ Palladium Ballroom - Tickets  3/18: Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep - Tickets  3/19: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Depot - Tickets  3/21: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues - Tickets  3/22: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee - Tickets  3/23: Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Café Las Vegas Strip - Tickets  3/24: Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues - Tickets  Follow CLUTCH on Twitter @ClutchOfficial  Like CLUTCH on Facebook  For More Info Visit: http://www.earthrocker.com http://www.pro-rock.com http://weathermakermusic.com/ http://www.clutchmerch.com

Saviours LIVE at Reggies in Chicago 1-6-13 #metal #video #liveshowshots

Saviours LIVE at Reggies in Chicago 1-6-13--ChiIL Live Shows

Check out ChiIL Live Shows for original coverage of touring bands playing Chi, IL....Chicago locals, free downloads, reviews, tour news, original band video interviews, pit photos, videos and more.

SAVIOURS

Saviours are a heavy metal band from Oakland, California in the United States. We formed in September 2004 and have released four albums and seven EPs and we have played some shows in 21 countries on Earth.

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• Band Website
• Facebook

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often for tour news on bands coming through Chicago, free downloads, giveaways, and loads of original content including band video interviews, live show footage, pit photos and more.

ACT OUT SAVE THE DATES: Profiles In The Company of Men On Sale Now

Profiles Theatre announces 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. In the Company of Men, directed by Profiles Resident Artist and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder, runs May 10-June 30, 2013.   The previously announced production of Neil LaBute’s The Break of Noon will be performed at a later date, to be announced. 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 to be enacted over an upcoming six-week-long business trip: 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).  Casting to be announced. "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.  Profiles, currently in rehearsal for the Midwest premiere of The Dream of The Burning Boy by David West Read, opens the production at its original home, The Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway, January 21, 2013. The company’s critically acclaimed 20th Anniversary production of Hellcab by Will Kern continues its extended run at The Main Stage through January 27, 2013. Tickets for this limited run of In the Company of Men are $35 for Thursdays, $40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A two show Flex Pass is currently available for two admissions to both The Dream of the Burning Boy and In the Company of Men for $100 when purchased before January 31, 2013. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 549-1815, or online, Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 5:00 and 8:00 pm, Sundays at 7:00 p.m. FACTS Title:                 In the Company of Men             Playwright:        by Neil LaBute Directed by:      Rick Snyder                         Dates:              Previews:                     May 10 – May 15, 2013                                     Press Opening:            Thursday, May 16, 2013                                     Regular Run:                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) Ticket prices:    Previews:         $20 Regular Run:    Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available. Box Office:       Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org or call (773) 549-1815 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.