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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Review: CLUTCH Psychic Warfare Tour and House of Blues Chicago LIVE Show Shots

“Psychic Warfare” tour. Fall 2015
10/14/15 Chicago, IL House Of Blues


The curtain rises and the crowd erupts in whistles and eager applause as Neil Fallon, the wild eyed anti-preacher, takes the stage with the band. 


The first notes of X-Ray Visions resound and the crowd goes completely wild. We're talking an actual mosh pit... at a Clutch show?! Unlike many metal bands with guttural growlers on the mic and unintelligible lyrics, Clutch lyrics are literate, literary and actually audible. Mythical, Biblical, political and original phrases bump up against each other in an utterly compelling mash up of wickedly witty wordplay. Unencumbered by a lead guitar, Fallon's free to rock his infamous gestures and work the crowd energy like a pro. And why not? Clutch has been touring under the radar for 25 years.




We had the pleasure of catching them this fall at House of Blues, Chicago, supporting their brand new release “Psychic Warfare”. The band was unbelievably "on" that night. We've seen them live for over two decades and I don't think I've ever heard them sound so good!

Tim Sult was absolutely smokin' on guitar and Neil Fallon has found even greater reserves of power in his already impressive vocals.



Jean-Paul Gaster and Dan Maines were tight with the rhythm and bass.



You've heard of "The Hottest Band in the Land... KISS" 
and "The Only Band That Matters... The Clash." 
Now meet "The Best Metal Band With Cow Bell... CLUTCH!!"





Check out ChiIL Live Shows' full set of pit photos 
in the slideshow here:
Photo credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara



Psychic Warfare was newly released when they hit Chicago, and still unfamiliar to many in the crowd. Generally new material's a bit of a hard sell, as fans want to hear their old familiar favorites. This show was an exception. The new material is so stellar the crowd lapped it up and begged for more. Yet, if there's a band fame won't implode, it's Clutch. They're too down to earth and they've been touring pros too long to let a little thing like a #1 album fundamentally change who they are and what they're all about.


By the way... speaking of old favorites. It was SO great to hear Dragonfly! I generally don't wear band shirts to their concerts on principle, but I'd worn my Dragonfly Clutch tee all day before I changed for the show. And literally right before Clutch launched into Dragonfly at the show, I ran into Omar, the tattoo artist who did an awesome dragonfly on my foot, right around the same era as the first Elephant Riders album release in 1998. Kismet indeed.


Like the myth of Sisyphus, Clutch has been rolling their rock up the metal mountain for a quarter of a century with little acclaim, only to have it roll back down again every day. They refused to sell out or change for any label, even if that meant fame and fortune were elusive. Then their label went under and they began the laborious, lengthy task of slogging through the courts to regain the rights to their early releases. 


Finally Clutch's tenacity is paying off. They own all their own material again and are releasing new albums and rereleasing early works on Weathermaker Music, the band’s self owned label. They love what they do, and play what they love, whether anyone else likes it or not, and that integrity and passion shines through. Clutch's sound, sometimes called stoner metal or lumped in with prog rock, is unique and defies easy genrefication. Yet their appeal across metal, rock, funk and even jam markets is skyrocketing. 


We discovered Clutch in the early 90's and have eagerly anticipated each new album release, and frequented their live shows ever since. So their recent success is bittersweet. On one hand we're elated to see them getting the critical acclaim and larger audience they've deserved for years. Yet, the days of seeing Clutch in small venues like Chicago's Cubby Bear bar or Logan Auditorium, where we caught them with Subhumans and World Inferno Friendship Society may be a thing of the past. Sure, larger venues and arena shows have their own energy and they are a rush, but that intimate, hole in the wall vibe, and connection between band and fans is hard to beat and will be missed.

Shadows of Rail Riders/ View from the Pit 



It was amusing at the Chicago show, the fans around us were utterly convinced that Neil has true prophetic powers. 


But instead of ogling the musicians like groupies who want to sleep with the band or BE the band, the consensus seemed to be that they all wanted to have Clutch over for a cocktail party, because they thought the guys would be intriguing to talk with! 



That's the power of Clutch's riffs and tangents. They're catchy enough for crowds to belt out their lyrics, and their riffs can really get a room going. Yet they're cerebral and bizarre enough to keep people guessing. 


Check out ChiIL Live Shows' photo features for The Shrine and Corrosion of Conformity who were direct support for Clutch on the Psychic Warfare Tour.

 
Pepper Keenan, C of C

We'll be taking a road trip down to Cincinnati in a few weeks, where we have press credentials to shoot Led Zeppelin 2 at Bogarts December 27th, where we shot both CLUTCH and LZ2 last December. Deja Vu, all over again!


CLUTCH will be playing there four days later, so we've bought tickets for their New Year's Eve show and can't wait to catch them again. Bogarts is an intimate venue, so I guess, despite their chart topping new release, the band's not too huge yet to go small sometimes, even for New Year's Eve. Check out their winter tour details below. And catch them if you can. Clutch IS the real deal!

 

DECEMBER “HOLIDAY” TOUR DATES 

Clutch has announced their annual “Holiday” tour dates for December with Crobot and Valkyrie supporting the tour. Tickets on sale NOW all dates. Stay tuned to the official Clutch Facebook, facebook.com/clutchband for fan club pre sale and all ticket links.

Clutch Winter Tour Dates:
Sun/Dec-27 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Mon/Dec-28 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
Tue/Dec-29 New York, NY @ Terminal 5
Wed/Dec-30 Cleveland, OH @ Agora
Thu/Dec-31 Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart’s 
(*ROCK N ROLL ROAD TRIP: ChiIL Live Shows will be there... will YOU?! Can't wait to spend NYE with CLUTCH.)


CLUTCH:
Neil Fallon - Vocals/Guitar
Tim Sult - Guitar
Dan Maines - Bass
Jean-Paul Gaster - Drums/Percussion


It was our great pleasure to catch Neil Fallon for a video interview at The Vogue in Indianapolis shortly before their acclaimed Earth Rocker release. Check it out here. We've had over 18,000 views.




CLUTCH NEW ALBUM “PSYCHIC WARFARE” DEBUTS AT #1 ON BILLBOARD ROCK AND HEAVY MUSIC CHARTS, #11 ON BILLBOARD TOP 200 CHART



Clutch scored some high chart positions with its new release "Psychic Warfare”, landing on 6 Billboard charts. Weathermaker Music, the band’s self owned label, sold over 25,000 copies of the new album in the first week of release. The album came in at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, the toughest chart to crack. "Psychic Warfare” is the highest debut charting album for Clutch and Weathermaker Music to date.


The album landed at #1 on Billboard’s Rock and Hard Rock charts respectively. The full list, including International charting is below:

US
#11 Billboard Top 200
#7 Top New Albums
#2 Independent Label
#1 Rock
#1 Hard Music
#5 Digital

UK
#20 Top 200
#5 Independent Albums
Australia
#23 Aria Album Charts
Germany
#46 Top 100 Album Charts
Sweden
#18 Top 100
#4 Hard Rock Metal


“Psychic Warfare” was produced by longtime producer Machine (Lamb Of God, Every Time I Die) and consists of 12 new tracks. The album cover was designed by renowned photographer Dan Winters.

“Psychic Warfare” track listing:
01 The Affidavit 
02 X-Ray Visions 
03 Firebirds 
04 A Quick Death in Texas 
05 Sucker For The Witch
06 Your Love is Incarceration
07 Doom Saloon 
08 Our Lady of Electric Light 
09 Noble Savage Clutch 
10 Behold the Colossus 
11 Decapitation Blues 
12 Son Of Virginia


For more information, check out the band’s website:
Official: www.pro-rock.com



More Favorite Show Shots:




Whose Shoes? 
I find it fascinating to see where musicians are grounded, connected to the stage. What type of footwear they choose and how they stand speaks volumes. Not the brands per say, but the style and personality... 










"Midnight in the GWARden of New Year's Evil" VIP Ticket Info and Details Revealed



Think beyond champagne and dropping balls this New Year's Eve. You could spend it in the GWARden of New Year's Evil! Check out loads of our original LIVE GWAR show footage HERE, then find a way to Richmond, VA. It's sure to be surreal!



GWAR's New Year's Eve Celebration "Midnight in the GWARden of New Year's Evil" is set for December 31st at the National in GWAR's home away from Antarctica; Richmond, Virginia.  As this unprecedented celebration draws near, additional details have been released. The almighty GWAR will headline the event with support from Richmond heavyweights-Kepone, metal juggernaut-Occultist, and Guns and Roses cover band-Rocket Queen.  Doors will open at 7:00 PM and the first band will hit the stage at 7:30 PM.  All Bohabs in attendance will have a chance to ring in the New Year with their Lords and Masters, GWAR. There will be a premium door prizes awarded to those in attendance, so fans are encouraged to keep their ticket stubs for a chance to WIN! Two lucky couples (4 people) will win a Private Sky Box Dressing Room overlooking the stage.

In addition to the general admission tickets that are ON SALE NOW, a limited number of VIP ticket packages for two will be made available. These VIP ticket packages go on sale Wednesday December 16th and can be purchased ONLY at the National box office window located at 708 E. Broad St Richmond VA 23219. 

THE VIP Package Includes:
  • 2 tickets to the show
  • A New Year's Eve Meet and Greet with GWAR
  • A Gift Certificate Dinner for 2 at GWARbar
  • Free Shuttle from GWARbar to the show
  • Upstairs VIP Bar Access and balcony seating
  • A New Year's Eve Gift Bag Full of Party Favors and signed GWAR Memorabilia 
  • Chance to win premium door prizes throughout the concert evening

"Midnight in the GWARden of New Year's Evil" is presented by Night Prowler Productions and XL102.

The Berserker Blothar had this to say about the event; "Another year in the can...I suppose there are worse places to spend an entire year. Anyway, this is gonna be one hell of a party. I haven't done this much coke off of this many tits in a long time. So, this Baby New Year...is he single?"

For more info visit:


ChiIL Live Shows' GWAR Shots from Riot Fest, Chicago 2012
Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows









We've even got a memorial Brockie shot:
As if he's not an unforgettable character already...

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

CHILDREN OF BODOM North American Winter Tour Dates With Megadeth and Headline Shows


On Tour In North America With Megadeth This February!
Tickets for the headline shows will go on sale this Friday at 10:00 AM local time.  Tickets for the shows with Megadeth are on sale now.




Earlier this fall, Finnish Metal Superstars CHILDREN OF BODOM released their latest album I Worship Chaos, via Nuclear Blast.  In support of the album, COB has toured Europe relentlessly and show no signs of stopping soon.  On the next leg of the tour, CHILDREN OF BODOM will return to North America.

FLASH BACK: Click here for ChiIL Live Shows' pit photos of CHILDREN OF BODOM from 2010, at Chicago's now defunct Congress Theatre on the bill with Black Label Society and Clutch.

http://chiilliveshows.com/2010/11/clutch-at-congress-theatre-in-november.html
Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara for ChiIL Live Shows.

Following a trip on the high seas as part of the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise (February 4th - 8th) the band will start a headline run of North America on February 9th in Tampa, FL and will run through February 19th in Austin, TX.  The following night February 20th, CHILDREN OF BODOM will join up with Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok in Houston, TX as part of the "Dystopia World Tour".  In addition to the shows with Megadeth, COB will also play select headline dates. Havok will provide direct support to CHILDREN OF BODOM on their headline dates. A complete list of all shows can be found below.  

COB and Mikko Karmila, who worked with the band on their earlier albums Halo Of Blood, Hatebreeder, Follow The Reaper and Hate Crew Deathroll, produced I Worship Chaos. The album was mixed and mastered at Finnvox Studios in Helsinki, Finland, while Finnish artist Tuomas Korpi created the artwork.

Order your physical copy of I Worship Chaos HERE and digital via iTunes HERE

I Worship Chaos

COB on the 70,000 Tons of Metal Cruise:
2/4: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 70000 Tons of Metal*
2/5: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 70000 Tons of Metal*
2/6: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 70000 Tons of Metal*
2/7: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 70000 Tons of Metal*
2/8: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ 70000 Tons of Metal*

COB Headline Dates:
2/9: Tampa, FL @ Orpheum
2/10: Jacksonville, FL @ 1904
2/11: Birmingham, AL @ Saturn
2/12: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
2/13: Memphis, TN @ New Daisy Theatre
2/15: St. Louis, MO @ The Ready Room
2/16: Lawrence, KS @ The Granada
2/18: Corpus Christi, TX @ House of Rock
2/19: Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn

*Festival

COB W/ Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies and Havok:
2/20: Dallas, TX @ Southside Ballroom
2/21: Houston, TX @ Bayou Music Center
2/23: Denver, CO @ Fillmore
2/24: Salt Lake City, UT @ The Complex
2/26: Las Vegas, NV @ The Pearl - Palms Concert Center
2/27: Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
2/28: Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
2/29: San Francisco, CA @ Warfield Theatre
3/1: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades**
3/3: Seattle, WA @ El Corazon**
3/4: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater**
3/5: Penticton, BC @ South Okanagan Events Centre
3/6: Calgary, AB @ Grey Eagle Event Centre
3/8: Dawson Creek, BC @ Encana Events Centre
3/9: Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
3/10: Moose Jaw, SK @ Mosaic Place
3/12: St. Paul, MN @ TBA
3/13: Chicago, IL @ Aragon Ballroom
3/15: Niagara Falls, NY @ Rapids Theatre
3/16: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
3/17: New York, NY @ Terminal 5
3/19: Bethlehem, PA @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center
3/20: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
3/21: Boston, MA @ House of Blues
3/23: Bangor, ME @ Cross Insurance Center
3/24: Quebec City, QC @ Videotron Centre
3/25: Montreal, QC @ Corona Theater**
3/26: Poughkeepsie, NY @ The Chance**
3/27: Richmond, VA @ Broadberry

**Headline Date

Visit CHILDREN OF BODOM online at: http://www.cobhc.com

NEW RELEASES: LORDS OF BLACK Announce Sophomore Album II Out Worldwide on Frontiers Music Srl in March!

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the highly anticipated second album from the Melodic Progressive Metal masters LORDS OF BLACK on March 18, 2016.


LORDS OF BLACK is the band formed by world-class singer Ronnie Romero, renowned guitarist Tony Hernando and monster drummer Andy C. 

Their vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic and progressive elements. After months of intense and hard work on the songs, the band independently released their acclaimed Self-Titled debut, which was co-produced by Roland Grapow. Metal Hammer Spain deemed it "The Best Metal album released in Spain this year."

Check out their new album trailer HERE:


The band supported the release with a series of very successful live shows, some of them as "very special guest" for high profile international acts. Then the news of Ronnie Romero joining the new incarnation of RAINBOW broke out. This brought the band to the attention of the international media and in particular the words from Ritchie Blackmore, describing Romero's voice like "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury" piqued the curiosity of rock journalists and fans alike.

However, now LORDS OF BLACK are ready to conquer the world with II, an album that will blow the minds of fans of Modern Melodic Metal. Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), II is not only the follow up to their outstanding and acclaimed debut album, but is an album with superbly crafted songs that will instantly become absolute Metal classics.  "The new album, being the follow up to a first record that was so greatly received, had to get to a higher place," says Tony Hernando. "After an intense year of writing and producing, along with the live performances, we came up with songs that are still deep and complicated in some arrangements, but have been written with the live performance in mind... The quest was to come up with something that artistically was meaningful for us as musicians and at the same time could catch the attention of the listeners. We really hope you enjoy this new album and come with us for a great ride!"

Tracks like "Merciless", "Everything You're Not", "Insane", "New World's Coming" and "Shadows of War" showcase the heavy and complex yet very melodic style of the band. The song "The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland" is the conclusion to the trilogy that commenced on the debut album, while the song "Cry No More" is inspired and dedicated to the late, great, Phil Lynott.

This is a band destined for stardom: get on board now and enjoy the music!



II Track Listing  
Malevolently Beautiful (Intro)
Merciless; Only One Life Away
Everything You're No
New World's Comin'
Cry No More; Tears I Will Be
Insane; Live by the Lie, Die by the Truth
Ghost of You
The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland
Shadows of War
Lady of the Lake (Rainbow cover, bonus track cd edition) / Innuendo (Queen cover, bonus track digital edition).

LORDS OF BLACK
Ronnie Romero - Vocals
Tony Hernando - Guitars
Andy C. - Drums

Tony Hernando played bass on the album.
Javi Garcia is the new bass player who has just joined the band.
All Piano and synths played by Andy C.
Additional Pianos and Synths by Tony Hernando and Víctor Díez.

Produced by Tony Hernando and Roland Grapow
Mixed and Mastered by Roland Grapow at Grapow's Studios, Slovakia

For More Info Visit:


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

From One Bank to Another, Broadway in Chicago Announces The Renaming of One of Chicago’s Marquee Theatres To PrivateBank Theatre

Performances Begin at The PrivateBank Theatre September 27, 2016

Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank today proudly announced a new long-run strategic partnership that will rename what many refer to as a crown jewel of the Chicago Theatre District, at 18 W. Monroe, to THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  Beginning with the production of CABARET, on Tuesday, February 9, the theatre will transform with a new marquee and signage to unveil THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  

At a press conference on December 8, 2015, Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank announced this dynamic partnership, a partnership that is committed to bring the best of Broadway to our Chicago Theatre District including the breathtaking announcement of Broadway’s biggest hit, HAMILTON, which will make THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE its new home beginning in September of 2016.


Producer Jeffrey Seller today announced the blockbuster Broadway musical HAMILTON – with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda – will play its first engagement outside New York this fall in Chicago.  Performances begin September 27, 2016, at Broadway In Chicago's newly named The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe).


HAMILTON will anchor the Broadway In Chicago subscription season that will be sold in the Spring of 2016.  Group tickets for 20 or more for HAMILTON at The PrivateBank Theatre will go on sale on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Single ticket on-sale for HAMILTON will be announced at a later date.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  A thoroughly inventive, wildly entertaining musical about the birth of our nation – with a score that blends hip-hop, pop, blues, jazz and Broadway –HAMILTON opened on Broadway earlier this year to enthusiastic reception from critics and audiences of all ages. 


HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS. 

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.

The new musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

HAMILTON (ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING) is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording received a 2016 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.  The album made a stunning arrival on the charts upon its digital release in August, coming in at #1 on the “Top Broadway Albums” chart, #3 on the “Top Rap Albums” chart, #5 on “Top Digital Albums” chart and #9 on the “Top Current Albums” chart.  The cast recording was recently selected as #8 on Rolling Stone’s TOP 50 ALBUMS OF 2015.  The album’s debut stands as the second biggest first week sales ever for a cast recording, behind only RENT in the Nielsen SoundScan era.


For more information on HAMILTON, 

This partnership brings together two Chicago institutions that have an unprecedented commitment to Chicago, the arts and an ongoing drive to position Chicago as a cultural hub of the country. 

“The PrivateBank and Broadway In Chicago share a belief that a strong arts and culture community is one of the things that makes Chicago such a great city,” Larry D. Richman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The PrivateBank, said. “We are proud to put our name on this beautiful and treasured venue.  At the same time, we plan to partner with Broadway In Chicago to make the theater experience accessible to youth throughout the city.”

Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago, said, “This partnership allows Broadway In Chicago to attract the best shows like HAMILTON. The naming of this theatre demonstrates The PrivateBank’s commitment to build a legacy of community support and will further integrate The PrivateBank into the cultural fabric of Chicago.  The PrivateBank will be celebrating 25 years in Chicago in 2016, aligning its great work with the over 100-year-old iconic venue that lights up the Chicago Theatre District and Broadway In Chicago.” 

ABOUT THE PRIVATEBANK
The PrivateBank is proud to help make our city more vibrant through partnerships with organizations such as Broadway In Chicago. At The PrivateBank, our mission is to advance the goals of our clients by delivering compelling commercial, personal and private banking solutions as well as to promote the stability of our communities through financial literacy and banking services. The PrivateBank is part of PrivateBancorp, Inc., a Chicago-based company with $16.9 billion in assets as of September 30, 2015.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 15 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago including its new THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

Monday, December 7, 2015

OPENING: 20% THEATRE COMPANY CHICAGO PRESENTS "LITTLE WOMEN"


Louisa May Alcott's beloved story of the March sisters returns this holiday season in a charming retelling from 20% Theatre

Join Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy and their friends as they navigate the joys and trials of coming of age both together, and apart.



Playing Sunday - Tuesday evenings, December 6th - 22nd* at the Cornservatory (4210 N. Lincoln Ave). 
*there will be no performance on Monday, December 14th.

Join us Saturday, December 12th for a special Family Event!
Come before the show for hot chocolate, carols, creating homemade Civil War era Christmas decorations and helping to decorate the tree. We may even have a special appearance from our friends at the North Pole! Doors open at 12:30. Performance is at 2:00 and there will be a special autograph and photo session with the cast afterward.

About the Director
Emma Couling (Director)
Emma Couling is a freelance director in Chicago, IL. Recent projects include Space Girl (Idle Muse's Athena Festival), American Smoothie (Underscore Theater Company's Chicago Musical Theatre Festival), Boeing Boeing (906 Theatre Co.), Little Women (20% Theatre Company), Henry V (The Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company of Chicago),  Fly Girl Fly (Snapshots Festival 2014), The Comedy of Errors (The Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company of Chicago), The Importance of Being Earnest (906 Theatre Co.), Into the Woods (EDGE Theatre Community), and The Pirates of Penzance aboard The Tall Ship Windy (Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago). Ms. Couling regularly appears on Eats & Sweets Theatrical Story-Telling Podcast Dark Night Live.

Cast and Designers
Written by Louisa May Alcott. Adapted by Timothy Good. Edited by Lindsay A. Bartlett, Emma Couling & Phoebe Gonzalez.
Little Women will feature Charlotte Ostrow (Jo), Emily Green (Meg), Serena Pomerantz (Beth), Rachael Barry (Amy), T.J. Anderson, Nathan Dunn, Christopher Ratliff & Denise Smolarek.
Stage Management by Roxie Kooi, Costume Design by Jerica Hucke, Sound Design by Kallie Noelle Rolison**, Producer: Lindsay A. Bartlett*   * denotes 20% Company Member; ** denotes 20% Artistic Associate

Location & Tickets
Performed at the Cornservatory (4210 N. Lincoln Ave.) - Just north of the Irving Park Brown Line and off the Irving/Damen/Lincoln stop on the #80 Irving Park Bus or #50 Damen Bus

Tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2434242 or by emailing boxoffice@twentypercentchicago.com. Family and Group discounts available by emailing the box office

20% THEATER COMPANY CHICAGO: MISSION STATEMENT
20% THEATRE COMPANY CHICAGO is dedicated to strengthening the presence and raising public awareness of women artists in theatre. It is estimated that only 20% of theatre professionals are women. By providing educational opportunities for women directors, producers, designers, and playwrights, 20% Theatre Company Chicago strives to increase the number of women in theatre. We are committed to engaging new audiences by making our work accessible to the community.

For more information about 20% and the women behind it, visit www.twentypercentchicago.com.


EXTENDED: GOOD FOR OTTO AT THE GIFT THEATRE Now Playing Through February 7

SECOND EXTENSION OF DAVID RABE’S REMARKABLE GOOD FOR OTTO AT THE GIFT THEATRE 
Additional four weeks— January 14 - February 7





To accommodate demand for tickets, The Gift Theatre has added performances and extended the run of its critically acclaimed new play for the second time, Good for Otto, written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Rabe and directed by Gift artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton. After announcing their extension, the show was scheduled to close December 20, Good for Otto, will continue performances January 14 - February 7, 2016. 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.  

“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.”

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 will remain the same with the exception of Millicent Hurley Spencer taking on the role of Mrs. Garland, originally played by Donna Mcgough.

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
Millicent Hurley Spencer – 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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