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Saturday, December 5, 2015

Yakuza and Beak LIVE at Beat Kitchen's 25th Anniversary Party 10/19/15

Here's a full version slide show of our LIVE show shots, a short video recap and some of our favorite shots below. 

Yakuza















Slideshow:



Like what you hear? Check out their respective sites here for upcoming gigs, purchasing info and more. Chicago's metal scene is insane. 

Yakuza
Beak
Beat Kitchen




More of our favorite Show Shots:













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Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. I write about the arts and specialize in Chicago's alternative, punk and metal music scene, theatre, eco-friendly and multicultural events for adults and children.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Theatre Tickets Make Great Gifts


CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON


League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide highlights seasonal productions


Cut the clutter and give an unforgettable experience instead!

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

The holidays mean a virtual avalanche of great theatre and it can be daunting to dig through all the openings and seasonal short runs. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We'll have loads of original reviews, theatre news, interviews and even ticket giveaways. Still, we're a small outlet and can't be everywhere. So, for a comprehensive listing of holiday hits easily split by genre, The League of Chicago Theatres’ is your best bet. **We've added asterisks to our favorites that we will be reviewing or covering on our outlets as well.


The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available beginning in November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area.  An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com.  Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season.

Classic Chicago favorites include:

**Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption A CHRISTMAS CAROL, returns to the Goodman Theatre for the 38th year. Through December 27, 2015.

**Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! presented by American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center, November 20 – December 27, 2015.

**The House Theatre presents its wholly original, ballet-free, fast paced and family friendly version of THE NUTCRACKER at the Chopin Theatre, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery. Runs through December 31, 2015.

**The Joffrey Ballet’s lavish and beloved THE NUTCRACKER returns to the Auditorium Theatre, featuring Robert Joffrey’s version for one last time, December 4 – 27, 2015.

Holiday-themed musicals include:

**The classic Chicago musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail again at The Mercury Theater featuring a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. November 25 – December 27, 2015.

**Drury Lane Theatre presents WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL, a merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy. Through January 3, 2016,

A KOKANDY CHRISTMAS premieres at Theater Wit, featuring new musical arrangements of favorites old and new performed by five of Chicago’s brightest musical theater talents. Runs December 3 – 23, 2015.

Holiday comedies include:

**The Second City and Goodman Theatre’s TWIST YOUR DICKENS returns for a second smash year. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, three ridiculous ghosts and a cast of The Second City’s funniest members take the Goodman by storm, as wicked parody, daring improve and a host of guest celebs run rampant. December 4 – 27, 2015.

**David Sedaris’ classic comedy SANTALAND DIARIES returns to Theater Wit November 20 – December 27, 2015.


Other notable works include:

**A Q BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL, a hip-hop holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. November 28 – January 3, 2016.

Strawdog Theatre presents Paula Vogel’s hauntingly beautiful A LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME. Through December 12.

**The Hypocrites bring back BURNING BLUEBEARD to The Den Theatre, inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, six singed clown performers perform their spectacular Christmas pantomime once and for all. Runs November 19 – January 10, 2016.

**HELLCAB portrays the story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago on Christmas Eve, at Profiles Theatre, through January 10, 2016.



Hot Tix
Celebrating 35 years this month, Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week, as well as future performances, including many holiday selections for the whole family. Hot Tix has three convenient downtown walk-up locations and half-price tickets are also available online at HotTix.org, easily searchable by date, show, theatre, or genre.

Hours and Locations

Expo 72: 72 E. Randolph (across from the Chicago Cultural Center)
Tues – Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Water Works: 163 E. Pearson (along the Magnificent Mile)
Tues – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Block Thirty Seven: 108 N. State (at the first floor Guest Services desk)
Mon – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Follow Hot Tix on social media:

Subscribe to the Hot Tix email list at http://hottixsignup.gr8.com.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.


Holiday Theatre Round Up Via League of Chicago Theatres’


CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON


League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide highlights seasonal productions

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

The holidays mean a virtual avalanche of great theatre and it can be daunting to dig through all the openings and seasonal short runs. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We'll have loads of original reviews, theatre news, interviews and even ticket giveaways. Still, we're a small outlet and can't be everywhere. So, for a comprehensive listing of holiday hits easily split by genre, The League of Chicago Theatres’ is your best bet. **We've added asterisks to our favorites that we will be reviewing or covering on our outlets as well.


The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available beginning in November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area.  An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com.  Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season.

Classic Chicago favorites include:

**Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption A CHRISTMAS CAROL, returns to the Goodman Theatre for the 38th year. Through December 27, 2015.

**Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! presented by American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center, November 20 – December 27, 2015.

**The House Theatre presents its wholly original, ballet-free, fast paced and family friendly version of THE NUTCRACKER at the Chopin Theatre, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery. Runs through December 31, 2015.

**The Joffrey Ballet’s lavish and beloved THE NUTCRACKER returns to the Auditorium Theatre, featuring Robert Joffrey’s version for one last time, December 4 – 27, 2015.

Holiday-themed musicals include:

**The classic Chicago musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail again at The Mercury Theater featuring a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. November 25 – December 27, 2015.

**Drury Lane Theatre presents WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL, a merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy. Through January 3, 2016,

A KOKANDY CHRISTMAS premieres at Theater Wit, featuring new musical arrangements of favorites old and new performed by five of Chicago’s brightest musical theater talents. Runs December 3 – 23, 2015.

Holiday comedies include:

**The Second City and Goodman Theatre’s TWIST YOUR DICKENS returns for a second smash year. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, three ridiculous ghosts and a cast of The Second City’s funniest members take the Goodman by storm, as wicked parody, daring improve and a host of guest celebs run rampant. December 4 – 27, 2015.

**David Sedaris’ classic comedy SANTALAND DIARIES returns to Theater Wit November 20 – December 27, 2015.


Other notable works include:

**A Q BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL, a hip-hop holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. November 28 – January 3, 2016.

Strawdog Theatre presents Paula Vogel’s hauntingly beautiful A LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME. Through December 12.

**The Hypocrites bring back BURNING BLUEBEARD to The Den Theatre, inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, six singed clown performers perform their spectacular Christmas pantomime once and for all. Runs November 19 – January 10, 2016.

**HELLCAB portrays the story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago on Christmas Eve, at Profiles Theatre, through January 10, 2016.



Hot Tix
Celebrating 35 years this month, Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week, as well as future performances, including many holiday selections for the whole family. Hot Tix has three convenient downtown walk-up locations and half-price tickets are also available online at HotTix.org, easily searchable by date, show, theatre, or genre.

Hours and Locations

Expo 72: 72 E. Randolph (across from the Chicago Cultural Center)
Tues – Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Water Works: 163 E. Pearson (along the Magnificent Mile)
Tues – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Block Thirty Seven: 108 N. State (at the first floor Guest Services desk)
Mon – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Follow Hot Tix on social media:

Subscribe to the Hot Tix email list at http://hottixsignup.gr8.com.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

INCOMING: Catch In the Whale at Chicago's Double Door 11/15

IN THE WHALE TRACK 
"PRAY FOR THE PREY" 
PRODUCED BY NO AGE

IN THE WHALE RELEASE  
NEIGHBOR NOW OUT!


Denver rock band In The Whale released the heavy and hardcore "Pray for The Prey" last month. The band released Neighbor, their two-song digital single out via Red Bull Sound Select October 23rd. Neighbor was produced by the GRAMMY nominated experimental punk duo No Age and mixed by Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Funeral For a Friend, Bullet For My Valentine).

No Age and In The Whale are set to share the bill during the month long music festival, Red Bull Sound Select Presents: 30 Days In LA, on November 18th at The Echo along with So Pitted.




In The Whale Photo Credit: Mike Ford / Red Bull Sound Select / Content Pool
No Age Photo Credit: Sub Pop Records

About In The Whale: 
In the Whale is a high energy two-piece rock band hailing from Denver, CO. Members Nate Valdez (vocals and guitar) and Eric Riley (drums and backing vocals) have been making no-nonsense, balls-to-the-wall rock songs since they formed the band in 2011. 

Since then, the two have stayed busy exploring the seedier sides of Denver that inspires their music. In 2012 they released their first EP, 'Cake', and followed it up with the EP, 'Eric', in the late fall of 2013. In between those two releases they played with a stupid number of artists you'd happily phone home about. In addition to sharing stages with bands like Murder By Death, Local H, Reverend Horton Heat and Electric Six in their hometown, the band has hit the road and played alongside The Airborne Toxic Event, Agent Orange, Jane's Addiction and Slash. In the Whale released their third EP titled 'Nate' in April 2014 and will continue relentlessly touring until they have conquered everything.


Catch In the Whale's incredible live show on tour this winter!

2015/2016 Tour Dates
11/10 - Arlene's Grocery - New York, NY
11/11 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
11/12 - Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ
11/13 - Ardmore Music Hall - Ardmore, PA
11/14 - Music Box Supper Club - Cleveland, OH
11/15 - Double Door - Chicago, IL
11/17 - Soiled Dove - Denver, CO
11/18 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
11/27 - The Hideout - San Diego, CA
11/28 - Tiki Bar - Costa Mesa, CA
11/29 - Whisky A Go Go - Los Angeles, CA
12/01 - Rockbar Theater - San Jose, CA
12/02 - Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA
12/03 - Shea's Tavern - Reno, NV
12/04 - Volcanic Theatre Pub - Eugene, OR
12/05 - Dante's - Portland, OR
12/06 - El Corazon - Seattle, WA
12/07 - Garibaldi Lift Co - Whistler, BC
12/08 - Rickshaw Theatre - Vancouver, BC
12/10 - Denizen Hall - Edmonton, AB
12/11 - Dickens - Calgary, AB
12/12 - The Vat - Red Deer, AB
12/14 - Club X - Salt Lake City, UT
12/15 - Aggie Theatre - Fort Collins, CO
12/16 - Bluebird Theatre - Denver, CO
02/02 - Launchpad - Albuquerque, NM
02/03 - Blue Max - Midland, TX
02/04 - Paper Tiger - San Antonio, TX
02/05 - Scout Bar - Houston, TX
02/06 - Siberia Bar - New Orleans, LA
02/07 - Vinyl Music Hall - Pensacola, FL
02/09 - Beachside Tavern - New Smyrna Beach, FL
02/10 - Debauchery - Melbourne, FL
02/11 - The Inlet - Fort Pierce, FL
02/12 - West End Trading Co - Sanford, FL
02/13 - Propaganda - Lake Worth, FL
02/15 - The Foundry - Athens, GA
02/16 - The Jinx - Savannah, GA
02/17 - The Sparrow - Charleston, SC
02/18 - Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
02/19 - The Rabbit Hole - Charlotte, NC
02/20 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
02/21 - Grey Eagle Music Hall - Asheville, NC
02/24 - Exit/In - Nashville, TN
02/26 - The Hi-Tone - Memphis, TN
02/27 - Shrine - Tulsa, OK



Friday, October 30, 2015

Hemmingbirds Halloween Fun With Skeleton Video for Mess of Things

Living skeletons make for bad boyfriends (or do they?) in the darkly comic new video for “Mess of Things” by Chicago’s Hemmingbirds.



The clip was directed by Daniel J Clark and written by Megan Green, Joe Kwaczala, Joe McAdam and Chris Stephens who also star. They're part of LA’s The Wheel Show, where they've had guests Eddie Pepitone, Martin Starr, Mikal Cronin, Kumail Nanjiani, Todd Glass and Lisa Loeb, and formerly from Chicago where they did The Late Live Show and Creative Control. The troupe also does an online sketch called "Does Dave Know We're Here?" that's on IFC.


Here at ChiIL Live Shows we love to support our locals so check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. Click here to learn more about Hemmingbirds on their site.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Chicago Comedy Film Festival: Killing Poe Film Premieres November 6th

What We're Watching: Killing Poe

Killing Poe is a full-length feature film that was shot in Chicago with mostly Chicago cast and crew. They will be celebrating their Chicago homecoming with a Premiere at the Chicago Comedy Film Festival on Nov 6th, with two SOLD OUT showings, 5:30 and 7PM. The Chicago and L.A. cast will be coming to the festival. Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we love to support our locals and Killing Poe features Chicago native producers, director, writers, actors, soundtrack artists, and crew! We can't wait to check it out. Keep an eye out for this one.



The film stars Matt Bush (ADVENTURELAND and THE GOLDBERGS), Osric Chau (SUPERNATURAL and THE MAN WITH THE IRON FISTS), Julianna Guill (CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE and A GIRLFRIENDS GUIDE TO DIVORCE), Cyrina Fiallo (GIRL MEETS WORLD and GOOD LUCK, CHARLIE), Sunkrish Bala (CASTLE and THE WALKING DEAD), and Rick Plastina (CHICAGO VERCOAT and HERO).



Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTENDED: Gift's World Premiere, Good For Otto Extended 3 More Weeks

THE GIFT THEATRE EXTENDS DAVID RABE’S  
REMARKABLE HIT GOOD FOR OTTO 
THREE ADDITIONAL WEEKS
Special reception and conversation on Monday, November 9 offers theatergoers the chance to hear from the acclaimed writer and director


To accommodate demand for tickets, The Gift Theatre has added performances and extended the run of its critically acclaimed new play, Good for Otto, written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Rabe and directed by Gift artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton. Originally scheduled to close November 22, Good for Otto, will continue performances December 3- December 20, 2015. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Please consult The Gift’s website at thegifttheatre.org or call the box office at 773-283-7071 for the most current schedule and ticket availability.  

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we haven't had a chance to catch this one yet, but the buzz has been amazing and it's high on our must see list. Book your tickets now. This one has been selling out regularly and the extension tickets are sure to go fast.

“I am deeply moved that this epic masterwork by American master playwright David Rabe has found its home and voice at The Gift Theatre in Chicago,” said Thornton. “We look forward to as many people as possible experiencing David's beautiful and mesmerizing opus, Good For Otto. In Good For Otto, one character's motto is ‘Fortune favors the brave’; David's writing, the ensemble's acting and the world created by our designers is bravery defined.”


In addition to the extension, the National Veterans Art Museum (4041 N. Milwaukee) will host “A Legendary Reception: David Rabe,” a special one-night event on Monday, November 9, 6:30 - 9:00pm featuring a rare and intimate conversation with director Michael Patrick Thornton, Theatre and Dance critic of the Chicago Sun-Times Hedy Weiss, and American theater legend David Rabe about his work and an exploration behind the scenes of The Gift's acclaimed world premiere of Good for Otto. Individual tickets are $100 and can be reserved at thegifttheatre.org/shows-events or by calling 773-283-7071.  Cocktails will be served throughout the evening.

Haunted by his own childhood, a psychologist tries to minister to the distressed souls who find their way to the doors of the health center he runs in a cluster of Connecticut hamlets and villages. Absurd at times, sadly comic and touching in the twists and turns of their simple humanity, men and women, young and old, rich and poor bring their pain in from the bucolic setting of trees, white churches, streams and mountains ranges for Dr. Michaels and his collogues with hopes of relief in the world premiere of this whimsical, yet tornadic, ensemble piece.

Playwright David Rabe received a Tony Award for Best Play in 1972 for Sticks and Bones and also received Tony Award nominations for Best Play in 1974 for In the Boom Boom Room, 1977’s Streamers and 1985’s Hurlyburly.

THE CAST
Cyd Blakewell – Marcy
Brittany Burch – Mother
John Connolly – Timothy
Paul D'Addario – Jimmy
Patricia Donegan – Teresa Gilchrist
John Gawlik – Dr. Robert Michaels
Caroline Heffernan – Frannie
Alexandra Main – Jane
Donna McGough – Mrs. Garland
Kenny Mihlfried – Jerome
Darci Nalepa – Nora
Lynda Newton – Evangeline Ryder 
Rob Riley – Barnard Gilchrist
Justine Serino – Denise
Jay Worthington – Alex

About The Gift Theatre
The 2015 Season began in January with TEN, The Gift’s annual kickoff celebration of ten-minute plays curated by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton and associate artistic director Paul D'Addario. The season kicked off March 5 with the world premiere of Mat Smart’s quirky and beautiful play The Royal Society of Antarctica, directed by Gift Ensemble member John Gawlik. Director Marti Lyons (Bethany) returned for Body + Blood written by The Gift Co-Founder, William Nedved; the season closes with David Rabe’s (Hurlyburly, Streamers) Good For Otto directed by The Gift Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton. Subscriptions for the entire 2015 season, which includes three world premieres, are available for as little as $75. The Gift subscribers ("Gifters") receive admission to three shows, free parking at Gale Street Inn, free admission to all Wednesday night “Natural Gas” improv shows and invitations to special subscriber-only special events. Subscribe at http://thegifttheatre.org/ or call 773-283-7071.


The Gift Theatre is conveniently located at 4802 N. Milwaukee in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, and is easily accessible by the CTA Blue Line, the Lawrence and Milwaukee Avenue buses and the Kennedy Expressway. For more information about The Gift Theatre’s productions and programs, visit www.thegifttheatre.org.

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