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Saturday, September 24, 2016

REVIEW: American Blues Theater's Dutchman/TRANSit Delivers Through 9/25

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Dutchman 
by Amiri Baraka 
TRANSit 
by Darren Canady  



                    Now running through September 25, 2016



Keep your arms and legs inside the train at all times. You're in for a ride! These transit tales are full of bullying, hate crimes, race, gender, and social issues. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we loved this perfect pairing. Highly recommended.

The acting in both shows is superb and the sets are incredibly clever. In a swift transfer during intermission, the audience is effectively transported forward 50 years to present day New York City, for a world premiere commissioned work that meshes well with the thought provoking intensity and energy of the still too timely Dutchman. We truly adored TRANSit, too, from the clever play on words in the title, through the cringeworthy climax. 

I shared an apartment with a transgender woman back in the mid 90's, and this portrayal was spot on. Before I got to know her well, I'd had many gay friends who had experienced violence and bullying from peers and society, but most found a safe haven in the gay community and their partner choices. As a pre op "Third World Girl", she had been attacked numerous times, even severely enough to be hospitalized. Yet she was not attracted to gay men and most drawn to just the type of young, straight, homophobic thugs most likely to bring her bodily harm, just like the characters in TRANSit. I called them her "Neanderthals". Every time she got close enough to a guy to get intimate, it had the potential of turning into a violent betrayal when they discovered her physical truths didn't match her facade. This is an incredibly intense set of plays, especially presented in tandem. Kudos to American Blues for giving a voice and space to the darker side of our culture, with two stellar shows, and opening some eyes and minds. 




Joseph Jefferson Award recommended



“PROFOUND IN CONCEPTION. Daring! High-stakes pairing. Timeless complexities.” – Chicago Tribune

TRANSit is the PERFECT JUXTAPOSITION to Dutchman. These train rides are filled with the RAW, UNCUT issues of our society.” – Newcity

“BEST BETS for fall theater - a double bill of PROVOCATION!” – Chicago Reader

“RIVETING, EXPLOSIVE, & TRUTHFUL!!” – Chicago Critic

“THRILLING THEATER.” – Windy City Times

“MUCH-VITAL STAGING with thoroughly MODERN TWIST!” – Chicago Theatre Review



Dutchman / TRANSit
All photos to the credit of Michael Brosilow


AUGUST 26 — SEPTEMBER 25, 2016
2 PLAYS. 1 RIDE.
Dutchman by: Amiri Baraka
Dutchman Directed by: Chuck Smith
TRANSit by: Darren Canady
TRANSit Directed by: Lisa Portes

Experience two powerful plays in one event. See Dutchman—one of the most important plays in 20th-century culture to take on race relations. Then inspired by Baraka’s pivotal work, watch the world-premiere commission TRANSit, about an encounter between two strangers that reveals more than planned when an explosive mix of identity, sex, and betrayal is unleashed. Featuring Ensemble member Manny Buckley. To learn more about Dutchman / TRANSit, read our Backstage Guide.

PERFORMANCE INFO
This production must close September 25, 2016.
(773) 404-7336 box office
  • Thursday: 7:30pm
  • Friday: 7:30pm
  • Saturday: 3:00pm & 7:30pm
  • Sunday: 2:30pm
There's an additional performance on  9/12 @ 7:30pm 
Duration: Runs 2 hours with one intermission.
  • Location: Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
  • Ticket Price: $19-$49
  • Recommended for ages 14 yrs +;
  • Adult language & themes, and violence.
  • Town Halls: We offer free post-show events on Sundays and other events. Learn more.

ARTISTS

CAST
(in order of appearance): Michael Pogue (“Clay” in Dutchman), Amanda Drinkall (“Lula” in Dutchman), Manny Buckley* (“Veronica” in TRANSit), Jake Szczepaniak(“Luke” in TRANSit), and Edgar Miguel Sanchez (“Lalo” in TRANSit). ENSEMBLE (in alphabetical order): Grant Carriker, Sawyer Krause, Warren Levon, Kirstin McGinnis,and Nicola Rinow.

    PRODUCTION TEAM: Amiri Baraka (playwright of Dutchman), Chuck Smith (director of Dutchman), Darren Canady* (playwright of TRANSit), Lisa Portes (director ofTRANSit), Sarah E. Ross* (scenic), Sarah Hughey* (lights), Christopher J. Neville* (costumes), Thomas Dixon (sound), Alec Long (properties), Ricardo Garcia (dance choreographer), Vincent Teninty (fight director), and Kevin Gregory Dwyer (production stage manager).


        Schedule: 
        Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
        Friday: 7:30 p.m.
        Saturday:  3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
        Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

        Location: Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago
        Ticket prices: $19 - $49
        Box Office: Buy online at AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.404.7336.

        REVIEW: Enamorarse De Un Incendio A World Class Treat Through 9/24

        Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

        We're incredibly fortunate in Chicago to have world class, award winning productions come to us! Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's partnerships with amazing companies around the globe is truly a treasure. Enamorarse De Un Incendio is just such a gem. This is a short run, September 22-24 only, in the intimate upstairs space on the 6th floor of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Do note, this is entirely in Spanish without subtitles. Brief descriptions are typed in English at the top of each scene, but those fluent in Spanish will get the most out of this production.



        Honest and unpretentious...a work you cannot miss. 
        Ibero



          Performed in Spanish with
              projected English introduction
              before each scene

          Run Time: 1 hours 30 minutes,
             (no intermission)


        This production resembles Romeo and Juliet in theme only (star crossed lovers, suicide, tragedies) not in plot or characters. There is little action in this dialogue driven drama that encompasses three time periods from the 1930's to present day, and a floral portrait with a tragic, storied history that connects them all. Yet the themes of love and loss are timeless, universal and achingly human. Recommended.

        THE PLAY

        A modern play both in form and substance, this is the culmination of an exciting collaboration between one of Mexico City’s most innovative and courageous theaters, Foro Shakespeare, and the award-winning Chilean playwright, Eduardo Pavez Goye. It is a contemporary, cultural response to the thought-provoking theme of unrequited love—reminiscent of Shakespeare’s own exploration of tangled relationships and the human condition. Presented as three interwoven vignettes, the piece is performed in Spanish, with a projected English introduction before each scene. In one vignette, three colleagues debate what kind of love story to pitch a television station. Another brings a long-lost daughter home, with a request of her estranged parents. The third sees a love triangle blossom among an artist, his friend and art dealer, and the dealer’s girlfriend. Each in turn scrutinizes the consequences of love unrealized—reaching far beyond the lover and the beloved.

        Tuesday, September 20, 2016

        STEPPENWOLF "LOOKOUT" SERIES CONTINUES WITH DIVERSE FALL LINEUP

        Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

        "LOOKOUT" For More Great Performances From Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Popular MULTI-GENRE SERIES In The 1700 THEATRE


        Fall highlights include punk dance troupe BOOMERANG with Greg Saunier of Deerhoof; explosive comedy-duo Dominizuelan; genre-bending jazz singer Akenya; an exciting collaboration with Pivot Arts; Chicago improv titans TJ and Dave; and more

        Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today the fall lineup for LookOut, the company’s multi-genre performance series that launched this summer. Presenting a wide variety of work from a diverse array of voices, artists emerging and established alike, LookOut programming takes place in Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, an 80-seat cabaret-style space connected to Steppenwolf’s own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks at 1700 N Halsted St.

        LookOut’s inaugural run welcomed more than 2,300 attendees and presented 32 different programs spanning plays, improv, staged musicals, book readings, live music and even an interactive night of science experiments.

        “It has been so thrilling to see the positive response to LookOut this summer. Ensemble members Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry and Jon Michael Hill showed up to christen the space with their performances, along with partners ranging from The Second City to Salonathon. These artists created an amazing spark of energy in the new building that continues to reverberate throughout the entire theater,” shares Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.

        “With the DJs and the great food and drinks in Front Bar as a bookend to shows, we welcomed long-time patrons and brand new audience members as well. We plan to bring even more diverse artists and genres to this fun and innovative series year-round,” says LookOut Producer John Zinn.

        Tickets to all LookOut programming are on sale now at steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. Red and Black Card Members may use credits towards any LookOut programming. Prices vary for each show. LookOut is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis. For information, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

        LookOut Fall 2016 Lineup 
        in the 1700 Theatre
        1700 N Halsted St

        Listed in date order. All artists, dates and prices subject to change.
        *Doors open 30 minutes before performance time 


        Me, My Mom and Sharmila
        Written and Performed by Fawzia Mirza 
        Friday, September 23 & Saturday, September 24
        8pm
        $15
        A hilarious coming-of-age story told by a first generation American woman of color. At some point, we all realize we are not exactly the person our parents expected us to become. How do we find our own voice and embrace our personal identity in the face of societal and familial pressures? Told with humor and deep insight, dynamic writer-performer Fawzia Mirza shares a journey of self-discovery and strength that carries her all the way from childhood as a Pakistani Muslim in small-town Canada to living out as an actress in the heart of Chicago. fawziamirza.com


        Beauty School
        Friday, September 30
        8pm
        $8
        Retro-pop quartet Beauty School invites you to celebrate the release of their new EP Ghost Beach, a day-dreamy elegy to summer. Beauty School formed in Chicago in late 2015 when two groups of musicians joined forces to pursue their shared appreciation of sweet hooks, simple arrangements, pithy love songs and future plates. beautyschoolband.bandcamp.com


        TJ and Dave
        Saturday, October 1 
        8pm
        $10
        TJ and Dave walk out on stage without characters, dialogue or plot. Described by The New York Times as “Second City-seasoned masters of long form improv,” TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi have become living legends in their field.


        Tumbao
        By Jo Cattell, Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo 
        Featuring Dominizuelan
        Monday, October 3 and Monday, October 10
        8pm
        $15
        For two nights this fall, Steppenwolf’s 1700 theatre is transformed into Tumbao, a family bar and the best place for a salsa night, baptism, séance or wedding reception. Unbeknownst to the owners, the community has decided to make the Tumbao family the basis for a radionovela, broadcast from the bar itself. By transmitting to the rest of the world what happens within Tumbao’s walls they hope to share the infectious energy of the family to keep the community thriving through its desperate fight against gentrification. dominizuelan.com.

        The Claudettes
        Wednesday, October 5
        8pm
        $12
        The Claudettes fuse Windy City piano blues with the full-throttle energy of rockabilly and punk, jazz-age echoes of burlesque and vaudeville and the sultriness of ’60s pop-soul to write a thrilling new chapter in American roots music. File under: post-burlesque? Neo-vaudeville? Cosmic cartoon music? You’ve never seen a bar band like this. theclaudettes.com/

        Tales and Tunes with the Irish American Heritage Center
        Saturday, October 8
        8pm
        $10
        Enjoy live music and stories with musicians and storytellers from the Irish American Heritage Center. With music on fiddle, keyboards, mandolin, uilleann pipes and vocals and stories by Irish born and Irish American writers. irish-american.org

        A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey by The Handsome Devilz
        Saturday, October 15
        8pm
        $10
        Formed in 2008, The Handsome Devilz got their start playing in their aunt’s restaurant in Pilsen before going on to become a Midwest regional favorite. Their goal: to bring to life the sounds of The Smiths and Morrissey. As time passes, The Devilz strive to resurrect as many songs as possible from their catalogs for all to enjoy. thehandsomedevilz.com


        Akenya in Concert
        Friday, October 21
        8pm
        $15
        Akenya is young multi-genre singer, pianist, composer and arranger whose music places a strong emphasis on jazz and the culmination of hip-hop, funk, pop, classical, and world music. Her voice, style and sound—both poignant and riveting—is sure to make this intimate evening a transformative experience for audience members. For this one night engagement, Akenya will perform a slew of original works and arrangements with her five piece band. akenyamusic.com

        WildClaw Theatre’s Deathscribe: An Evening of Radio Horror
        Saturday, October 22
        8:30pm
        $25
        WildClaw Theatre has culled from eight years of Deathscribe to select their top five favorite tales of terror from their annual festival of radio horror. Dare to join them as they bring the nightmares to LookOut for an evening of the Best of Deathscribe: Performed with live foley, live music and a cast of Chicago talent. wildclawtheatre.com/deathscribe

        Torch, Sass and Swing!
        Created and Performed by Suzanne Petri
        With Bobby Schiff, Jim Cox and ensemble member Robert Breuler
        Wednesday, October 26-Friday, October 28
        8pm
        $20
        Torch songs, smoky clubs and great music. Join Suzanne Petri as she sings fantastic songs and ensemble member Robert Breuler as he tells stories and guides you up "the street" to the classic clubs of Chicago and the artists who played them: Ella, Sarah, Barbra, Sophie, Bette Midler, Oscar Brown Jr., Nat "King" Cole and of course Petri’s special tribute to the one and only Julie Wilson. With musical director Bobby Schiff at the keys and Jim Cox on bass.


        Repercussion
        Created by BOOMERANG
        Saturday, October 29 at 8pm
        Sunday, October 30 at 4pm
        $20
        BOOMERANG, hailed as the “punk Mozarts of dance,” presents a percussively visceral and psychologically dynamic new work made in collaboration with Greg Saunier, drummer and founding member of the internationally acclaimed band Deerhoof. Repercussion combines the daring and vulnerable artistry of dancers Matty Davis and Adrian Galvin with poetically nuanced choreography by Kora Radella. Saunier’s physically-charged, expressive percussion sets the tone and further embodies the work’s fearlessly physical exploration of “active forgetting,” based on new writing by MacArthur Fellow and cultural critic Lewis Hyde. Repercussion was originally commissioned by Dixon Place for a March 2016 premiere in New York City, and subsequently premiered in Paris, France at The Arts Arena at the invitation of Robert Wilson. boomerangdance.com

        Charlie Strater and Friends
        Thursday, November 3
        8pm
        $5
        Charlie Strater honed his songwriting and performing skills like many other artists, by playing countless restaurant and tavern gigs. After releasing his critically acclaimed debut recording, Bluesy Stuff, he quickly earned a name for himself as a powerhouse performer with skilled blues-guitar chops and a vocal intensity and passion. His second album Thornhill Road, continued to define him as a uniquely modern singer/songwriter and guitarist. His third album Charlie Strater combined country and rock in an album that Copeland Music says, “hits the emotional bull’s eye in each song.” Acoustic duo, The PhilBillies, open. reverbnation.com/charliestrater


        Looking for Love
        Live Dating Game Show and Cabaret
        Saturday, November 5
        8pm
        $12
        Looking for Love is the only live dating game show and cabaret in the Universe (according to Looking for Love). Hosted by Carolyn Hoerdemann and Maggie Graham; the Dean and Jerry of the new Millennium—with cleavage. Featuring house band Tuffy Roads, comedy cahoots, dating advice and a chance to find the bachelor/bachelorette of your dreams.

        Pivot Arts presents Live Talk: The Day After
        Wednesday, November 9
        8pm
        $15

        Come celebrate or mourn the day after one of the most bizarre presidential elections in modern U.S. history with Pivot Arts' Live Talk series. Part performance, part live talk show, this unique evening includes quirky performances, interviews, live music and the very special, Pivot DIY. pivotarts.org 

        Methtacular! 
        Written and performed by Steven Strafford
        Friday, November 11 & Saturday, November 12
        8pm
        $20 

        Methtacular! is Steven Strafford's award-winning one-man show telling the true story of his three years as a sex-addled, crystal meth addict on the streets of Chicago. He weaves jokes, stories, original songs, a game show and documentary footage of interviews with his mom to bring the audience down into the depths of a life in pursuit of the next high. A brave, hilarious and insightful journey through the maelstrom of addiction and recovery, the narrative is riveting and transitions from tear-jerking to gut-busting while never resorting to cloying clichés. methtacular.com 

        Chicago Podcast Festival
        Friday, November 18 & Saturday, November 19 
        8pm
        $20 

        Podcasts are the new art form for this century as they encompass the qualities of art, comedy, drama, entertainment, storytelling and unscripted theatre. Jonathan Pitts, executive director of Chicago Improv Productions and the co-founder/producer of the highly successful Chicago Improv Festival has teamed up with WBEZ's & The Moth's Tyler Greene, to produce the first annual Chicago Podcast Festival. The focus of this festival is to present a diverse collection of local, regional and national podcasters in live performances of their podcasts at some of Chicago's most renowned theatre venues. Join the fun as Chicago transforms into a podcast Mecca for one weekend in the fall.

        LookOut programming is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis. John Zinn, Greta Honold and Patrick Zakem are the producers for LookOut. For more information, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

        The 1700 Theatre
        The new 80-seat theater is a casual, intimate and flexible space at 1700 N Halsted St presenting a wide variety of genres and shows, from live music to dance to spoken word and beyond. The diverse programming provides current and new audience members with a variety of multidisciplinary cultural experiences with the added Steppenwolf stamp of approval.

        Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks
        Located in front of the 1700 Theatre is Steppenwolf’s café & bar, Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks. Open daily from 7am to midnight, Front Bar is a creative space to grab a drink, have a bite, or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. A morning and evening menu is curated by Chef Chris Pandel, and artisanal coffee and expresso is provided by La Colombe. Functioning as a stand-alone entity, the café & bar also connects to Steppenwolf’s existing main building creating an expanded lobby space. Front Bar was developed with consultation from Steppenwolf’s friends and neighbors, Boka Restaurant Group (BRG), along with interior designers Karen Herold and Kayce Carter of Studio K and the marketing and design firm Grip. More info at front-bar.com.

        Membership options
        With the larger and more diverse selection of programming this season, Steppenwolf has increased the ways in which audiences can access the offerings. The new Steppenwolf Black Card offers extreme flexibility with six ticket credits that can be used any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional membership perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. The Steppenwolf Black Card is modeled after the popular Steppenwolf Red Card, which offers audiences under the age of 30 the option to purchase six ticket credits at a discounted price to use towards any play, anytime. Still available are Season Subscription packages, including student, educator and access discount subscriptions.
        To purchase a 2016/17 Subscription or Membership, visit Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org.

        Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America’s longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theaterspaces—the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 46 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming includes a seven-play Season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multidisciplinary, year-round performance series. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Managing Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.



        Steppenwolf 2016/17 Season Begins With Visiting Edna In Previews Starting September 15th and Opening the 27th

        What's On Tap For Steppenwolf


        As previously announced, the complete 2016/17 Subscription Season includes the world premiere of Visiting Edna by David Rabe, directed by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro (September 15 – November 6, 2016); the world premiere of The Fundamentals by Erika Sheffer, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov (November 10 – December 23, 2016); the Chicago premiere of The Christians by Lucas Hnath, directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman (December 1, 2016 – January 29, 2017); the Chicago premiere of Straight White Men, written and directed by Young Jean Lee (February 2 – March 19, 2017); the world premiere of Linda Vista by ensemble member Tracy Letts, directed by Dexter Bullard (March 30 – May 21, 2017); and the Chicago premiere of Hir by Taylor Mac, directed by Hallie Gordon (June 29 – August 20, 2017). 



        Dexter Bullard will direct the world premiere production of ensemble member Tracy Letts’s Linda Vista and Hallie Gordon will direct the Chicago premiere of Taylor Mac’s Hir

        Dexter Bullard last directed Steppenwolf’s critically acclaimed production of Annie Baker’s The Flick this season. Hallie Gordon, who serves as  Steppenwolf Artistic Producer and Artistic Director of Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA), has directed several SYA productions including George Orwell’s 1984 last season. Gordon will also direct next season’s SYA adaptation of Walter Dean Myers’s Monster.

        An additional seventh play, the world premiere of Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu, will be produced in May 2017 in the Upstairs Theatre. Winner of the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, Antoinette Nwandu is an exciting new voice in the American theater. Pass Over will run in the non-subscription summer slot; however, subscribers will have access to pre-sale tickets. The director is TBA.

        With the larger and more diverse selection of programming next season, Steppenwolf is increasing the ways in which audiences can experience the offerings with the new Steppenwolf Black Card, a membership program offering extreme flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card provides six ticket credits that can be used at any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. 

        The Steppenwolf Black Card is available through Audience Services (1650 N. Halsted) at 312.335.1650 and steppenwolf.org 

        Season Subscription Packages are still available and are currently on sale. Packages start at $100. Student, educator and access discount subscriptions also offered. To purchase a 2016/17 subscription, visit Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org.

        Director Bios
        Dexter Bullard has strong ties with Steppenwolf, having most recently directed Annie Baker’s The Flick and having directed ensemble member Tracy Letts’s Bug at the Barrow Street Theater, for which he received the 2004 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Direction Off-Broadway. He has directed for Steppenwolf’s First Look Repertory of New Work in 2006 and 2013. Recent directing credits include the critically acclaimed production of Sucker Punch at Victory Gardens Theater, Big Meal at American Theatre Company and Craig Wright’s Grace at Northlight Theatre. He is the head of Graduate Acting and Showcase Artistic Director with The Theatre School at DePaul University.  

        Hallie Gordon serves as Artistic Director of Steppenwolf for Young Adults and an Artistic Producer at Steppenwolf. Along with selecting the young adult productions each season, she has created the Young Adult Council, a group of high school students who collectively help to create innovative programming for their peers. Previously as SYA’s Education Director, Gordon worked closely with the Chicago Public Schools to create an environment in which all students and teachers have access to the theater. For Steppenwolf, Hallie has directed George Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm, as well as Leveling Up, The Book Thief, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, To Kill a Mockingbird, the world premiere of a new adaptation by Tanya Saracho of The House on Mango Street and Harriet Jacobs, adapted for the stage by Lydia R. Diamond. A world premiere of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, also adapted by Lydia R. Diamond, won a Black Excellence Award from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago and also transferred Off-Broadway to The New Victory Theatre. She is the recipient of The Helen Coburn Meier & Time Meier Achievement Award. Gordon most recently directed Dry Land at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, playing now through May 28, 2016. For SYA’s 2016/17 season Gordon will direct an adaptation of Walter Dean Myers’s Monster.

        About the Steppenwolf Black Card
        Steppenwolf is excited to offer a larger and more diverse selection of programming next season, and to that end has increased the ways in which audiences can experience the offerings. Launching next season is the new Steppenwolf Black Card, a membership program offering extreme flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card provides six ticket credits that can be used at any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. 

        “We have heard from our audiences that they crave both choice and flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card will provide insider access to everything we have to offer, making it easier than ever to be a part of Steppenwolf,” shares Managing Director David Schmitz.  

        Audiences will be able to choose from three Steppenwolf Black Card options: Anytime ($70 a credit to use any way, any day of the week); Weeknight ($50 a credit to use Sunday evening –Thursday evening) and Preview ($30 a credit to use towards early performances in the run). Steppenwolf Black Cards will go on sale July 15, 2016 through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

        The Steppenwolf Black Card is modeled after the popular Steppenwolf Red Card, which offers audiences under the age of 30 the option to purchase six ticket credits at a discounted price to use towards any play, anytime.

        Still available will be Steppenwolf’s Season Subscriptions including the Preview Series, Regular Series and Dinner Theatre Series, in addition to discounted Student/Educator Series, Accessible Series and Saver Series. With the new season format, subscribers will see five plays; four in the Downstairs Theatre with the option to choose between two shows in the Upstairs Theatre. Packages start at $100 and are currently available for purchase through Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org

        Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America’s longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theater spaces—the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 46 actors, writers and directors. Beginning in 2016/17, Steppenwolf expands artistic programming to include a seven-play Season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a new multidisciplinary performance series. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Managing Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. 





        REVIEW: Ultra American Offers Hilariously Insightful Take on Inciteful Topics

        Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
        Ultra American: A Patriot Act
        Through September 26th 

        Azhar Usman's Ultra American is ultra funny, and both witty and wise. He does a stand up job poking fun at the absurdities of latent and blatant racism through his own experiences as an Indian American Muslim in 2016. This show was simultaneously enlightening and laugh out loud funny. Ultra American should be recommended if not required viewing for every American over 13. Highly recommended.



        The set design is simple, but highly effective, and more set than we had expected for a 1 man stand up show. Ultra American: A Patriot Act's set has an asymmetrical aesthetic and excellent use of wall sized projections. The open and close features flocks of birds flying in hypnotic patterns, which fits with the show's ultimate take away. People are all similar birds in different cages. The external trappings of skin color, clothing, heritage, race, religion, economics, and culture matter far less than what's on the inside, where we're all more alike than different. It's powerful imagery and easy to grasp. 

        Usman also urges everyone to just take the simple step of holding people accountable for their own individual behaviors, beliefs and actions, not those of one's entire race, ethnic background, etc. Simple and effective attitude changes like this across society would help diminish fear and hate crimes immensely. Humor is such an effective tool, too, far beyond preaching or debate. Azhar Usman's a gifted comedian, astute observer of the absurdities of racism and our modern American society, and a true treat to see in action. Don't miss this! 



        Famed comedian and former lawyer Azhar Usman uses wit and knowledge to tackle some of America's most pressing issues.

        Race, identity, and national politics are all fair game in Azhar's comical commentary on what it means to be an Indian American Muslim in 2016.


        Ultra American: A Patriot Act runs September 5 - 26, Tuesdays thru Sundays. Tickets are $25 General Admission or $15 for Students. All performances held at Silk Road Rising (77 W. Washington St, Lower Level, Chicago, IL) Buy Tickets »






        Ultra American: A Patriot Act 
        Written and Performed by Azhar Usman

        Directed by Aaron Todd Douglas

        $25 Adults / $15 Students
        Performances at Silk Road Rising
        77 W. Washington St. | Chicago, IL
        September 6th - 25th

        Presidential Candidate Donald Trump has just proposed an ideological litmus test for Muslims and immigrants attempting to enter the United States. According to Trump, "those who support bigotry and hatred” and fail "to embrace a tolerant American society" should be denied visas. Famed comedian Azhar Usman skewers these ironies and more in his brutally honest, one-man show. Ultra American: A Patriot Act explores the tensions and paradoxes surrounding the double consciousness of American Muslims living in an ever-polarizing world. This three-week engagement will run Tuesdays thru Sundays.




        Azhar Usman has toured the world performing stand-up and opening for a variety of stand-up comics. See what other comedians think of the man CNN calls, "America's Funniest Muslim."

        "One of the most important, relevant, and hysterically funny guys out there!"
        -Margaret Cho

        "Azhar Usman is untouchable. He is like a comedian from the future."
        -Dave Chappelle

        "I think Azhar is hysterical."
        -John Oliver

        "Azhar Usman is funny. Also, he turned me on to halal bacon, and I thank him for that."
        -Jim Gaffigan

        "He's like Zach Galifianakis meets Deepak Chopra and funnier than you'd expect that combination to be."
        -Russell Peters


        From Artistic Director Jamil Khoury:

        Yes, there's the fact that Azhar Usman is a critically-acclaimed, nationally renowned stand-up comedian and soon-to-be household name (hint: it has something to do with a television show, that's all I'll say), and yes, there's the fact that he's been crowned "America's funniest Muslim" and that he is, indeed, America's funniest Muslim, and yes, there's the fact that this lawyer turned humorist provocateur is developing his first-ever play at Silk Road Rising (a testament to his impeccable judgement), but all of that notwithstanding, the real reason you need to see Ultra American: A Patriot Act is because you've been to a lot of plays in your day, but you've never seen anything quite like this. I'm telling you, this guy is truly unique and he's super talented. He's Dave Chappelle's opening act for God's sake! He can take W.E.B Du Bois' theory of double consciousness, in all its brilliance, and make it funny AND smart. And if you think Muslims are scary, well—okay, in Azhar's case you just may have yourself a point. But I'm talking edgy, no apologies, in-your-face, raise-the-roof scary. Hell, ISIS tried to recruit this guy. Fortunately, we got him instead.  

        Look, it's not easy being Muslim in America. My husband's Muslim. I know the struggle well. And our pal Azhar manages to mine the complexity and irony and insanity from that rocky road he travels. He not only invites us into his journey, he makes us part of his journey, and in the end, well, maybe we should all walk a mile in another person's shoes.

        In other words, you need to see Ultra American. Seriously. This guy looks like Taliban #3 straight out of central casting. By his own admission, he's the guy you don't want to board a plane with. I'd even argue that the future of Western Civilization depends on your seeing this show. So come on. You've got three weeks (September 6-25). We're performing Tuesdays thru Sundays. As busy as you may be, surely you have 90 minutes to spare for the United States of America, right? 

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