“Flamenco Passion” Concerts return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts June 17-19.

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL HEATS UP THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE WITH FLAMENCO PASSION PERFORMANCES JUNE 17-19 

40^th Anniversary Celebration Culminates 

with World Premieres by 

Internationally Acclaimed Choreographers 

Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez and 

Paloma Gomez, 

Dame Libby Komaiko’s Masterpiece “Bolero” and More 

Ensemble Español’s popular “Flamenco Passion” concerts return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, June 17-19. These performances are part of the company’s 2016 American Spanish Dance and Music Festival, June 8-25. This annual event, now in its 40^th year, features performances, classes, seminars and lectures, showcasing the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture. 

Tickets

Friday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday June 18 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $46-$26.  Free parking is available. For tickets, call 847.673.6300 or visit northshorecenter.org/EE40.

This year’s “Flamenco Passion” performances feature more than 40 dancers, musicians and guest artists in an array of classical, traditional, contemporary and Flamenco styles. The world premiere of the highly anticipated "Iroko," choreographed by world-renowned dancers and choreographers Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez, is a centerpiece of the festival. Named for an African tree, Iroko is the perfect title for this work, as it celebrates the roots and branches of Spanish dance and its relationship to the continents of Europe, Africa and the Americas. This new Flamenco contemporary ballet is composed to original music by Juan Parilla. This program is supported by The Chicago Community Trust and the MacArthur Foundation International Connections Fund.

The performances also feature the world premiere of  "Memorias del Corazon (Memories of the Heart)" choreographed by guest artist Paloma Gomez, and  popular works from the Ensemble Español’s repertoire, including Gomez’s “La Boda de Luis Alonso” (2012), Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz’s “El Baile de Luis Alonso” (2010), Juan Mata and Ana Gonzalez’s “Alegrias y Jaleos” (2006), and Ensemble Español Founder Dame Libby Komaiko’s masterpiece, “Bolero” (1993). The work of José Barrios (Cordoba), principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company; Carmela Greco (Madrid), daughter of the legendary José Greco; Flamenco guitarist Antonio Gabarri Jiménez (Madrid); Flamenco singer and guitarist Paco Fonta (Miami); Flamenco guitarist David Chiriboga (Ecuador); Flamenco singer, Manuel Palacin (Madrid) and Venezuelan-born percussionist, Javier Saume Mazzei is also reflected in the performances.

Works scheduled to be performed in the June 17-19 “Flamenco Passion” performances are as follows:

• “La Boda de Luis Alonso (The Wedding of Luis Alonso)” (2012), choreographed by  Paloma Gómez.  This work, performed by the Ensemble Español’s company dancers, was choreographed to the first of a trio of compositions inspired by a text written by Javier de Burgos. 
• “Duende Gitana (Gypsy Soul)” (2010), choreographed by Irma Suarez Ruiz to music by Geronimo Gimenez.
• “El Baile de Luis Alonso (The Dance of Luis Alonso)” (2010) choreographed by Ensemble Español Artistic Director Irma Suarez Ruiz. This work, set to the third of a trio of compositions inspired by a written text by Javier de Burgos, is performed by the Ensemble Español company dancers.
• “Ausencia, Gris, Faruca (Absence, Grey, Farruca)” (U.S. Premiere), choreographed and performed by guest artist Angel Rojas. This work premiered in 2012 at the Flamenco festival of Tampere in Finland.
• “Basque” (1984), choreographed by Juanjo Linares, and performed by Ensemble Ensemble Español company dancers and members of the Youth Company.
• “Memorias del Corazon (Memories of the Heart)” (World Premiere), choreographed and performed by guest artist Paloma Gomez. Says Gomez, “This choreography is born from my deepest and sincerest admiration of Dame Libby’s love, passion and devotion to Spanish dance.”
• “Iroko” (World Premiere), choreographed by Angel Rojas and Carlos Rodriguez, original music by Juan Parilla. Rojas and Rodriguez join the Ensemble Español company dancers for this Flamenco contemporary ballet, commissioned to honor Ensemble Español’s 40^th Anniversary year. “Iroko” is supported by The Chicago Community Trust, the John T. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation’s prestigious International Connections Fund and Northeastern Illinois University.
• "Alegrias y Jaleos,"(2006), choreographed by Juan Mata and Ana Gonzalez, former first dancers and founding members of the National Ballet of Spain for the Company for Ensemble Español's 30^th Anniversary. This work reflects the joy and happiness of Flamenco’s important and popular song forms from the southwestern sea coast province of Cadiz  Alegrias and incorporates one of the oldest gypsy dances. It is dedicated to legendary master teacher, choreographer dancer and Director of Centro Andaluz de Danza, José Granero (1936-2006).
• “Errante (Wandering)” (2015) (U.S. Premiere), choreographed and performed by guest artist Carlos Rodriguez.
• “Algazara”( 2013), choreographed by José Barrios, principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company. Guest dancers, musicians and the Ensemble Español’s Company and Youth Company dancers are featured in this festive work that begins with the dramatic sounds of the cajon (percussive instrument) and incorporates the Buleria Flamenco style featuring a twelve count rhythm.
• “Cinco Tiempos Para Amar (Five Times to Love)” (2010) choreographed and performed by Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, to music by guest Flamenco guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jimenez.  This Flamenco solo is set to the music and lyrics of the Martinete & Siguiriya, in the Cante Jondo (deep song) style, the saddest and most dramatic songs of Flamenco, with musical arrangement and composition by Jimenez.
• “Bolero” (1993) choreographed by Ensemble Español Founder Dame Libby Komaiko performed to music by Maurice Ravel (1875-1937). Since its creation, Komaiko’s “Bolero” has been seen by more than one million people on stages around the country and internationally and featured in two documentaries. The “Flamenco Passion” 2016 performances of “Bolero” are made possible in part by the Cherry Family Foundation.

Selections/artists subject to change.

Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center

Under the artistic and executive leadership of Founder and Artistic Director, Dame Libby Komaiko, Artistic Director, Irma Suárez Ruiz and Executive Director, Jorge Perez, Ensemble Español is internationally recognized as the premier Center for Spanish Dance, Music and Culture in America. Its 40 sensational dancers, singers, instrumentalists with international guest artists, promotes Spanish dance culture in all its forms – from Flamenco to traditional folkloric to classical renaissance to the 21st century.

In 1982, Dame Libby became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain's highest honor "Lazo de Dama" (Ribbon of the Dame) by his Majesty Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain for her artistic, cultural and educational work throughout the United States. In 2011, United States President, Barack Obama, congratulated the Ensemble Español for their work in presenting this art form to the many communities served locally, nationally and internationally. The Ensemble Español has been in residence at Northeastern Illinois University since 1976.

Throughout the company’s 40 year history, Ensemble Español has changed lives through their education and outreach efforts. To date it has has awarded more than 2,600 scholarships, trained  more than 160 youth dancers and 90 youth apprentices to become professionals in the arts world, and this August, will conduct its inaugural artistic/cultural educational tour to Spain.

For more information about Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Center visit ensembleespanol.org.

Ensemble Español’s the 40^th International American Spanish Dance & Music Festival June 8-15 

Listing of Events

The elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased in the 40^th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 8 through Sunday, June 25. The Chicago Sun-Times hails this 12-day celebration of Spanish culture as “a date worth keeping every summer.”  For Festival updates visit ensembleespanol.org.

Festival events are as follows:

Wednesday, June 8, 8 p.m.  

Duende Flamenco Music & Dance Concert

The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago

Tickets: Free. Call 773.728.6000 or visit oldtownschool.org

This event is SOLD OUT

Tuesday, June 14, 12:15 p. m. 

An International Passion - Panel Discussion

Chicago Cultural Center ~ Claudia Cassidy Theatre, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago

Free and Open to the Public

For Questions: Josephine DiCesare at (773) 442-5916, or via email at G-DiCesare@neiu.edu

Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, June 19 at 3 p.m.

“Flamenco Passion” Performances

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie, Blvd., Skokie, Ill.

Tickets: $26-$46. Free parking is available. Call 847.673.6300 or visit northshorecenter.org/EE40

June 20-25

Spanish Dance Classes and Flamenco Master Workshops

Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studios, Building J.

5500 N. St. Louis Dr., Chicago.

Registration/more information: contact Festival Coordinator Joséphine DiCesare at 773.442.5916 or via email at G-Dicesare@neiu.edu

Artists and events subject to change.

Festival Sponsors: Northeastern Illinois University, Wintrust Banks, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, Illinois Arts Council,  Caerus Foundation Inc., The Driehaus Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, N.I.B. Foundation, Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore,  Cherry Family Foundation, Southwest Airlines, José Greco Foundation, Splash Magazine/Chicago Sun-Times and Negocios Now.

Media Sponsors: Univision Chicago, Arte y Vida Chicago, Telemundo Chicago, Comcast, La Raza, Spanish Public Radio, Arte y Vida, Hispanic Pro, Negocios Now.

Festival Collaborators: Instituto Cervantes, Chicago Tourist Office of Spain, Old Town School of Folk Music, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, International Latino Cultural Center,  Chicago Dance Supply, Studio Mangiameli, Flamenco Arts Center, Clinard Dance Theater, Flamenco Chicago LLC.

RECAP: Clutch and C of C Rock Piere's in Fort Wayne

CLUTCH, CORROSION OF CONFORMITY, VALKYRIE, HELL CAME HOME

Piere's 

Hub Entertainment Center

Fort Wayne, IN 6/10/16

Check out our full set of Clutch shots here:

More favorites are embedded below

By the time they hit the 25 year mark, it's rare bands are still together, with all the original members alive and still on speaking terms. And of those bands, most are nostalgia tours, only regurgitating hits from decades ago. Few are still producing new material prolifically and fewer still are improving with age like wine and cheese... and Clutch. 

Back in the mid 90's when we were first dating, my future husband and I hit a number of live Clutch shows, and their music, along with other 90's metal, punk and grunge bands, was a soundtrack for some of the best times we ever had with friends. So it was fitting that this year Dug & I spent our actual 16th anniversary on a Clutch/ Corrosion Of Conformity road trip. Traditional anniversary gift guides say hollow silver like tea pots and vases, is the suggested gift for the 16th anniversary, but I'd take live metal over hollow silver any day, especially if it's Clutch! Best. Anniversary. Ever. 

We hopped on the band wagon with their first release and never jumped off. Their sound has varied a bit over the years, but we always adored them for their steadfast refusal to sell out. They continued to fly under the radar, playing what they love and loving what they played, for decades, not changing their sound or their look. And we continued to see them live every chance we got.

My children who are now teens were raised on Clutch and were thrilled to finally see them live, back in 2008 at Summer Camp Music Festival. My kids ran around the on site camp grounds happily belting out Shogun Named Marcus, Rats, and other favorites. Clutch's early releases are still in heavy rotation on our iPods.

Clutch Fans, the next generation 

My kids, Dugan (7) & Sage (5) w/ the guitar Dugan won at Kidzapalooza. ©Kenaz-Mara 2008

Then came Earth Rocker and Psychic Warfare and the world discovered our little secret. Clutch is an insanely good band with killer riffs, literate lyrics and a powerful sound that will seep into your brain cell and never let go. We've featured the band over 25 times and hope they don't stop doing their thing any time in the near future. 

Check out loads of our past Clutch photo and video features right here. Click and scroll down (25+ trips through the way back machine).

More Clutch Favorites From Piere's 

Fort Wayne, IN 6/10/16:

 Clutch has the best fans ever. 

Piere's even had a great ADA section to the side of the stage with decent sight lines for those on crutches and wheelchair bound.

Maryland boy, Neil bringing a bit of home town on the road with a Washington DC's 9:30 Club Tee. DC Sound Attack indeed.

360° PHOTOGRAPHY LAUNCHING ON FACEBOOK TODAY!

Facebook today is launching a new way of sharing those special moments with friends and family: 360 photos. To celebrate the launch, Paul is one of the first to share a 360 photo on Facebook. PAUL JOINS FACEBOOK IN LAUNCHING 360° PHOTOGRAPHY © 2016 MPL Communications Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we're stoked about the possibilities. I have press credentials to shoot CLUTCH, Corrosion of Conformity and Valkyrie tomorrow, so we may have a chance to give this new Facebook view a test run with a few iPhone panorama shots too. Follow along HERE.

From today – Thursday 9th June – people on Facebook can post photos in 360 degrees and share them with their friends; either on your Page or via News Feed. Paul’s inaugural photo – which can be seen on his Facebook Page by clicking HERE – was taken during his recent concert in Córdoba, Argentina.

The new 360 photos allow the user to either pan around and explore the scene by moving their phone, or by click and dragging on a desktop — much as they can with 360 videos like Paul’s ‘Early Days’, published earlier in the week.

From tomorrow - at the Olympic Stadium show in Munich - Paul will also begin posting 360 photos on Facebook from his ‘One On One’ tour using the hashtag #OneOnOne360. If you’re going to see Paul play, we’d love to see your 360 photos too, so remember to use the hashtag and let fans from around the world enjoy the view!

To post photos, just share your panorama or 360-degree photo to Facebook and it will be converted into a fully immersive 360 photo.

Via our friends at:

NOW PLAYING: CHIMERICA at Timeline Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

TIMELINE THEATRE company 

Chicago premiere of 

LUCY KIRKWOOD’S INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED 

THRILLER 

CHIMERICA

directed by nick bowling, through JULY 31, 2016

CHIMERICA, the widely celebrated 2014 Laurence Olivier Award winner for Best New Play, is currently running in Chicago, one of its first U.S. productions! We've been so busy we haven't had a chance to get over to TimeLine Theatre to see this acclaimed geopolitical thriller, but it's high on our wish list and we plan to catch it soon. I have a couple of friends who were at the pro-democracy rally at Tiananmen Square, so I'm particularly eager to see this piece.

TimeLine Associate Artistic Director Nick Bowling directs British playwright Lucy Kirkwood’s thrilling, complex new drama about Tiananmen Square’s mysterious “Tank Man,” a play that has been hailed by The Guardian as “gloriously rich” and “mind-expanding,” and by Time Out London as a “gripping, multi-layered and meticulously researched thriller.” 

The time is June 1989. The Chinese government has instituted a brutal crackdown on a pro-democracy rally at Tiananmen Square, and the iconic image of a lone man standing in front of a military tank has captivated the world. “Tank Man” emerged as a hero and a symbol of defiance in the face of tyranny, only to disappear forever. Twenty years later, a photojournalist searches for the truth about that mysterious man in a riveting story that explores the sharp differences, as well as similarities, between twin superpowers China and America. The result is an epic, global adventure that presents an unflinching look at the nature of censorship, the cost of truth, and what it takes to maintain hope.

CHIMERICA premiered at London’s Almeida Theatre in May 2013, where it became a sold-out phenomenon before transferring for a triumphant run in London’s West End. For its Chicago debut, TimeLine has assembled a stellar 12-person cast, including Christine Bunuan, Coburn Goss, Cheryl Hamada, Wai Yim, Caron Buinis, Tom Hickey, Dan Lin, Eleni Pappageorge, Chris Rickett, Janelle Villas, H.B. Ward and Norman Yap. 

Winner of seven Jeff Awards for Outstanding Direction, TimeLine Associate Artistic Director Nick Bowling is the creative force behind many of TimeLine’s most popular shows, including THE HISTORY BOYS, THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, FIORELLO! and more, as well as recent hit productions at the Marriott Lincolnshire (THE KING AND I and CITY OF ANGELS), Porchlight Music Theatre (SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM) and Paramount Theatre (A CHRISTMAS STORY).

The production team for CHIMERICA includes John Culbert (Scenic Design), Brian Sidney Bembridge (Lighting Design), Sally Dolembo (Costume Design), André J. Pluess (Sound Design), Mike Tutaj (Projections Design), Emily Guthrie (Properties Design), Megan Geigner (Dramaturgy), Eva Breneman (Dialect Coach), Chris Rickett (Fight Choreography) and Nora Mally (Stage Management).

Performances of CHIMERICA will take place at TimeLine Theatre’s home, located at 615 W. Wellington Ave. in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. Tickets to CHIMERICA are $22 - $51. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call (773) 281-TIME (8463). 

SPONSORS

TimeLine’s Chicago premiere of CHIMERICA is supported in part by The Pauls Foundation. Additional support is provided by The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.

REMAINING PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE/EVENTS 

REGULAR RUN: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through July 31, 2016. EXCEPTIONS: No show on Sunday, June 26. Additional performance on Tuesday, June 21 at 7:30 p.m.

DISCUSSION EVENTS:

Post-Show Discussions: A brief, informal post-show discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the production dramaturg and members of the cast on Wednesday, 

• Wednesday, June 8; Sunday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 21.

• Pre-Show Discussions: Starting one hour before these performances, a 30-minute introductory conversation hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and the production dramaturg with members of the production team on Thursday, June 16 and Sunday, July 3. 

• Company Member Discussion: A post-show discussion with the collaborative team of artists who choose TimeLine’s programming and guide the company’s mission on Sunday, July 10.

All discussions are free and open to the public. For further details about all planned discussions and events, visit timelinetheatre.com/chimerica/events.htm.

TICKET PRICES AND DISCOUNTS

Regular run tickets are $38 (Wednesday through Friday), $46 (Saturday) and $51 (Sunday). Student discount is $10 off regular price with valid ID. Military Service Discount is $5 off regular price with valid military/veteran ID. Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are available.

Ticket buyers age 18-35 may join TimeLine’s free MyLine program to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Visit timelinetheatre.com/myline for details.

Advance purchase is recommended as performances may sell out. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (773) 281-TIME (8463) or visit timelinetheatre.com.

LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING

CHIMERICA is at TimeLine Theatre, 615 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago. TimeLine Theatre is located near the corner of Wellington and Broadway, inside the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ building, in Chicago’s Lakeview East neighborhood. The location is served by multiple CTA trains and buses. TimeLine offers discounted parking at the Standard Parking garages at Broadway Center ($8 with validation; 2846 N. Broadway, at Surf) or the Century Mall ($9 with validation; 2836 N. Clark). There are several other paid parking options nearby. There is also limited free and metered street parking.

ACCESSIBILITY

TimeLine Theatre is accessible to people with disabilities. Two wheelchair lifts provide access from street level to the theatre space and to lower-level restrooms. Audience members using wheelchairs or who need to avoid stairs, and others with special seating or accessibility needs should contact the TimeLine Theatre Box Office in advance to confirm arrangements.

BIOGRAPHIES

Lucy Kirkwood (Playwright) graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Edinburgh, where she wrote her first full-length stage play, GRADY HOT POTATO. Her next play, GUNS OR BUTTER, was produced at the Terror 2007 Festival at London’s Union Theatre and was subsequently broadcast by BBC Radio. In 2008 Kirkwood’s play TINDERBOX was produced by the Bush Theatre, and in the same year HEDDA, her adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s HEDDA GABLER, was produced by London’s Gate Theatre to wide critical acclaim. Her play PSYCHOGEOGRAPHY was produced as part of the Terror 2009 Festival, and that same year her play IT FELT EMPTY WHEN THE HEART WENT AT FIRST BUT IT IS ALRIGHT NOW was produced by Clean Break Theatre Co. That play was nominated for an Evening Standard Award for Best Newcomer and made Kirkwood a joint winner of the John Whiting Award in 2010. Her stage adaptation of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, co-devised and directed by Katie Mitchell, was performed at the National Theatre as its Christmas show in 2011. In the same year her play THE SMALL HOURS (co-written with Ed Hime) opened at the Hampstead, and her play HOUSEKEEPING was performed as part of Theatre Uncut season at Southwark Playhouse. NSFW premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, starring Janie Dee and Julian Barrett. CHIMERICA, premiered at the Almeida Theatre in 2013 and subsequently transferred to the West End, earning Kirkwood the 2014 Laurence Olivier and Evening Standard awards for Best New Play. Kirkwood collaborated with Lost Dog on a Brighton Festival co-commissioned dance project LIKE RABBITS, adapted from Virginia Woolf’s short story Lappin and Lapinova. Kirkwood also writes for television, including for SKINS, and she created and wrote the new series THE SMOKE. She is currently under commission to the Royal Court Theatre, the National Theatre and New York’s Manhattan Theatre Club. She is also developing a new screenplay for Film4/Ruby Films.

Nick Bowling (Director) was the founding Artistic Director and is now Associate Artistic Director and a Company Member of TimeLine Theatre. He is the recipient of seven Jeff Awards for Outstanding Direction (THE HISTORY BOYS, THE NORMAL HEART, FIORELLO!, THIS HAPPY BREED and THE CRUCIBLE at TimeLine, SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM at Porchlight Music Theatre, and ANOTHER PART OF THE FOREST at Eclipse Theatre) and also received Jeff Award nominations for BLOOD AND GIFTS, THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION, HAUPTMANN and THE LION IN WINTER at TimeLine; CLOSER THAN EVER at Porchlight Music Theatre; and CITY OF ANGELS and THE KING AND I at Marriott Theatre. Other recent credits at TimeLine include DANNY CASOLARO DIED FOR YOU, JUNO, 33 VARIATIONS and MY KIND OF TOWN. Other Chicago credits include Paramount's A CHRISTMAS STORY, Northwestern University’s CABARET, Porchlight’s A CATERED AFFAIR, Writers Theatre's BACH AT LEIPZIG and Shattered Globe Theatre's TIME OF THE CUCKOO and FROZEN ASSETS.

ABOUT TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY

TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today's social and political issues. To date over 19 seasons, TimeLine has presented 66 productions, including nine world premieres and 26 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program, now in its ninth year of bringing the company's mission to life for students in Chicago Public Schools. Recipient of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 52 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production 11 times. 

TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman and Board President John M. Sirek. Company Members are Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Behzad Dabu, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, Maren Robinson and Benjamin Thiem.

Major corporate, government and foundation supporters of TimeLine Theatre include Alphawood Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Crown Family, Forum Fund, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Laughing Acres Family Foundation, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, The Pauls Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation and The Shubert Foundation. This project is partially supported by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

TimeLine is a member of the League of Chicago Theatres, Theatre Communications Group, Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce and Chicago’s Belmont Theater District.

OPENING: XANADU, AT AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY

AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY OPENS

XANADU

A TRIBUTE TO LATE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR PJ PAPARELLI

DIRECTED BY LILI-ANNE BROWN

NOW PLAYING THROUGH JULY 17, 2016

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Livin' in the 80's?! Come on out and get your neon and quad rollers fix. Tonight ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' at ATC, for their live, stage version of XANADU. I prepped for the occasion with a family movie night with my husband who vaguely remembered it and my teens who had never seen it. XANADU came out when I was 13 and my husband was 15 -- exactly the ages our kids are now. It was a fun trip through the waaaaay back machine, especially since the movie recreates both the 40's and 80's. I can't wait to see American Theater Company's take on it, in memory of one of their inspirations, PJ Paparelli. Maybe he's hangin' on the other side with Zeus and the muses today?! I wouldn't be surprised.

Xanadu takes place in Venice, California in 1980. Struggling artist Sonny Malone seeks to create his own version of the American dream by renovating an abandoned warehouse into a venue for world-class entertainment – a roller disco! A hilarious and modern update of the1980’s camp classic, Xanadu celebrates the artist’s muse, even when it comes from the most unlikely of places.

Xanadu Performance Schedule:

Regular Run: June 7–July 17: Tuesday–Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

American Theater Company (ATC) opens musical comedy Xanadu, the final production of its Legacy Season, this Sunday, June 5. Presented as a tribute to ATC’s late Artistic Director PJ Paparelli—a not-so-secret fan of this camp classic—Xanadu is directed by Lili-Anne Brown and runs at ATC now through July 17, 2016. The production has music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar and a book by Douglas Carter Beane, based on the 1980 Universal Pictures film of the same title.

Single tickets for Xanadu range from $48-$58. Student tickets are available for $15 with valid student ID in-person at the Box Office. More information and tickets are available by visiting the ATC Box Office at 1909 W. Byron Street, by calling 773-409-4125 or visiting www.atcweb.org. 

The cast for ATC’s tribute production of Xanadu includes Missy Aguilar (Calliope), Kasey Alfonso (Erato) Karla L. Beard (Melpomene), Jim DeSelm (Sonny), Landree Fleming (Kira), Aaron Holland (Danny Maguire, Zeus), Michelle Lauto (Kira U/S & Swing), Hanah Rose Nardone (Euterpe), James Nedrud (Terpsichore/Sonny cover), Daniel Spagnuolo (Thalia/Danny cover), and Cameron Turner (Swing).

As the final event of its season-long Legacy Campaign, ATC will host a special performance of Xanadu on Wednesday, June 8 at 8 p.m. The event features a post-show reception and talk-back with actress Katie Hanley who, among other theater and film credits, appeared in the 1980 Universal Pictures film Xanadu, and on Broadway as “Marty” in the original 1972 production of Grease. Hanley will be joined by native Chicagoan Jim Jacobs, co-creator of the musical Grease and ATC’s Legacy Campaign chairman. Tickets are $75 for a single ticket and $125 for a pair. Proceeds from the campaign are dedicated to developing and producing new work and providing free education programming to Chicago Public High School students. To purchase tickets for this special Xanadu evening, visit www.atcweb.org or call 773-409-4125.

ARTIST BIOS

Missy Aguilar (Calliope) most recently appeared as Baby Rose in Babes in Arms, Oolie/Donna in City of Angels with Porchlight Music Theatre and U/S Ivy (performed) in The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes with Mercury Theatre. Last spring and summer she was happy to spend on the pier at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with Disney’s The Little Mermaid (Atina/Ensemble, U/S Ursula), and Sense and Sensibility: A New Musical (U/S Fanny/Mrs. Jennings, performed). Ms. Aguilar’s other recent Chicago area credits include: Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Ivan’s Concierge, U/S Lucia) and The Beverly Hillbillies (Cousin Pearl/Gloria) with Theatre at the Center; Les Miserables (Ensemble & U/S Mdme. Thenadier) with Drury Lane; Nunsense (Sister Hubert) with Fox Valley Repertory; and In The Heights (Ensemble & U/S Abuela Claudia) with Paramount Theatre.

Kasey Alfonso (Erato) makes her ATC debut. Chicago credits include: West Side Story, Rent and In The Heights (Paramount Theatre); Seussical (Chicago Shakespeare); Iphegenia in Aulis (Court Theatre); Wonderland (Chicago Children’s Theatre); Carrie: The Musical (Bailiwick Chicago); and Smokey Joe’s Café (Theo Ubique). She also stars as Kid Zhuyin in the web series The Adventures of Jacketmen. Ms. Alfonso is a proud graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts.

Karla L. Beard (Melpomene) returns to ATC after appearing in Rent. She has appeared in Second City productions of What the Tour Guide Didn’t Tell You in the Up theatre, Soul Brother, Where Art Thou, Rush Limbaugh! The Musical, The Absolute Best Frigging Time of Your Life on the ETC stage, an assortment of Second City BizCo productions, several episodes of Chicago Live! and briefly in The Second City Guide to the Opera and Let Them Eat Chaos. TV/Film credits: Chicago PD, Empire, Mind Games and a variety of commercials. Other credits include: Mamma Mia! (National Tour); Doubt and Little Shop of Horrors (Peninsula Players); Sunday in the Park with George, Anyone Can Whistle and Princess and the Black-eyed Pea (Ravinia); The Amen Corner (Goodman Theatre and Huntington Theatre); The Piano Lesson (Madison Repertory Theatre; artist and music director); Miss Saigon and Hot Mikado (Marriott Lincolnshire); Ain’t Misbehavin’ (Arkansas Repertory); and Ragtime (Porchlight Theater). Ms. Beard received Jeff Nominations for her portrayals of the title character in the Midwest premiere of Dessa Rose, TiMoune in Once on This Island and Young Barbara Jordan in Voice of Good Hope at Victory Gardens.

Jim DeSelm (Sonny) makes his ATC debut. Chicago area credits: West Side Story and Beaches (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Road Show (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); James Joyce’s The Dead (Court Theatre); Fiddler on the Roof (Paramount Theatre); South Pacific (Marriott Theatre); Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar (Theatre at the Center); Juno (TimeLine Theatre Company); A Catered Affair (Porchlight Music Theatre); Parade and Floyd Collins (Boho Theatre; Jeff Award Nomination - Actor/Musical); The Mikado (The Hypocrites); The Last Five Years (Kokandy Productions, Jeff Award Nomination - Actor/Musical); and Pump Boys & Dinettes (Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Jeff Nomination - Music Direction). Regional Credits include: Snapshots (Village Theatre/Arizona Theatre Company); Oklahoma!, Once Upon A Mattress and Plain & Fancy (Round Barn Theatre). Television credits include Chicago P.D. (NBC) and Double Cross (Investigation Discovery).

Landree Fleming (Kira) makes her ATC debut. She was most recently seen as Penny in Hairspray (Paramount Theatre). Other Chicago credits include: Seussical (Marriott Theatre); Spelling Bee (Drury Lane Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Theatre at the Center); Gypsy (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Godspell (Theatre at the Center); She Kills Monsters (u/s, Buzz22); Reefer Madness (Circle Theatre, Jeff Nomination - Best Actress); and The Giver (Adventure Stage Chicago). Ms. Fleming is a member of musical sketch comedy group Off Off Broadzway. She is represented by Gray Talent.

Aaron Holland (Danny Maguire, Zeus) returns to ATC. Recent Chicago credits include: SISTER ACT! (Marriott); Seussical! (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Hair (American Theater Company); The Color Purple (Mercury Theatre); A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre); Goodnight Moon and Dot & Ziggy (Chicago Children’s Theatre); and Passing Strange (Bailiwick Chicago). TV credits: Chicago Med. Mr. Holland received a BFA in Theatre Performance from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Michelle Lauto (Kira U/S & Swing) makes her ATC debut. Favorite credits include the Chicago premieres of Murder Ballad (Bailiwick Chicago), 35mm (Circle Theatre) and The Boy From Oz (Pride Films & Plays). Ms. Lauto is a proud graduate of The Second City Training Center Conservatory.

Hanah Rose Nardone (Euterpe) makes her ATC debut. Chicago credits include: Bye Bye Birdie and White Christmas (Drury Lane Oakbrook); The Little Mermaid (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); and The Wild Party, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Ripper and Spring Awakening (CCPA at Roosevelt University). Regional credits include: 42nd Street, Big River, Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music (The Little Theatre on the Square); Guys and Dolls, Boeing Boeing, Footloose and Cabaret (Timber Lake Playhouse). Ms. Nardone recently received her BFA in Musical Theatre from The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

James Nedrud (Terpsichore/Sonny cover) makes his ATC debut. Recent credits include: Angry Fags (Pride Films and Plays at the Steppenwolf Garage); Mary Poppins (Paramount Theatre, Aurora); Les Miserables (Drury Lane Theatre, Oak Brook); Applause (Porchlight Revisits); WOZ: A Rock Cabaret (Kim Lawson at Victory Gardens); Three Little Pigs (Emerald City); and Under a Rainbow Flag (Pride Films and Plays; Jeff nomination for best supporting actor in a musical). He has also worked with Chicago Shakespeare Theater, About Face Theatre and Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, among others. Mr. Nedrud is a proud graduate of the Chicago College of Performing Arts and member of Pride Films and Plays.

Daniel Spagnuolo (Thalia/Danny cover) has worked at The Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, ProfilesTheatre, Boho Theatre Ensemble, The Little Theatre on the Square, and Light Opera Works. Danny’s choreography credits: Rent (Theo Ubique Cabaret); The Full Monty (Kokandy Productions; Non-Equity Jeff Award Nomination); Godspell and A New Brain (Brown Paper Box Co.; Broadway World Nominations); The Little Mermaid (Drury Lane Oakbrook); and Ruthless (Big Noise). Mr. Spagnuolo has served as assistant choreographer on such productions as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Porchlight Music Theatre) and American Idiot (The Hypocrites).

Cameron Turner (Swing) makes his ATC debut. He is a Chicago-based actor/director/choreographer and proud graduate of The Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Previous performance credits include: Jesus Christ Superstar (Theo Ubique Cabaret); DamnYankees and Annie Get Your Gun (Light Opera Works); and Les Miserables and A Chorus Line (Timber Lake Playhouse). Other Chicago credits include: 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Director/Choreographer - Circle Theatre); The Boy From Oz (Choreographer - Pride Film & Plays); Jesus Christ Superstar (Asst. Choreographer - Theo Ubique Cabaret); and The Wild Party (Asst. Choreographer - Bailiwick Chicago).

Douglas Carter Beane’s (Playwright) plays include: The Nance, The Little Dog Laughed (Tony, Olivier nominations; GLAAD Media Award), Mr. & Mrs. Fitch, As Bees in Honey Drown (Outer Critics Circle, Gassner Playwriting awards), Advice From a Caterpillar, The Country Club, Music From a Sparkling Planet, The Cartells.  Musicals: Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella(Tony nom.), Sister Act (Tony nom.), Lysistrata Jones (Tony nom.), Xanadu (Tony nom.; Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle awards). Revues: White Lies; Mondo Drama; The Late, Late Show. Opera: Die Fledermaus (Met). Screenplays: To Wong Foo, Thanks For Everything! Julie Newmar; Advice From a Caterpillar (Best Feature, Aspen Comedy Festival).  Producer: 21 plays as founder and artistic director of New York’s Drama Dept. Member of the Dramatists Guild and is on the Playwrights Walk of Fame at the Lucille Lortel Theatre.

Jeff Lynne (Music and Lyrics) is a founding member of the Electric Light Orchestra, or ELO, whose discography includes five platinum-selling albums: Face the Music, A New World Record, Out of the Blue, Discovery, and Xanadu. In addition to his recording work with the ELO, Lynne co-produced studio albums by George Harrison (Cloud Nine), Roy Orbison (Mystery Girl), Tom Petty (Full Moon Fever), Ringo Starr (Time Takes Time), and Paul McCartney (Flaming Pie). He co-founded the "supergroup," the Traveling Wilburys, with Tom Petty, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, and George Harrison. Lynn co-wrote and produced the track "Let It Shine" for Beach Boy Brian Wilson's debut solo album in 1988.

John Farrar (Music and Lyrics) is a music producer, guitarist, singer, and former member of the British rock group, The Shadows. He worked extensively with Olivia Newton-John, producing fourteen of her albums and writing many of her hit singles, including "You're the One That I Want" (Golden Globe nom.), "Hopelessly Devoted to You" (Academy Award nom.), and "Have You Never Been Mellow." He co-wrote with Tim Rice songs for the 1995 musical, Heathcliff, and collaborated with Francis Ford Coppola to create songs for a new musical, Gidget.

Lili-Anne Brown (Director) is the Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago. She received the Joseph Jefferson Award in 2014 (Direction of a Musical) for her direction of Ahrens & Flaherty's Dessa Rose. Other directing credits include: Michael John LaChiusa's See What I Wanna See (Steppenwolf Theatre Garage Rep), the critically acclaimed Chicago premiere of Passing Strange (BTA Award for Best Director of a Musical, Jeff Award nomination for Best Director of a Musical), and the world premiere of Princess Mary Demands Your Attention by Aaron Holland, for Bailiwick Chicago; On the Boards and Hearts of Darkness at Roosevelt University; and Hairspray, Unnecessary Farce, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, all at Timber Lake Playhouse, where she is an Artistic Associate. Upcoming next season: American Idiot at Northwestern University and Jabari Dreams of Freedom by Nambi Kelley at Chicago Children's Theatre. She works as an actor, director and educator, both locally and regionally, and is a member of Actors’ Equity Association and SAG-AFTRA, and an associate of SDC. Lili-Anne is a Northwestern University graduate (Performance Studies), and a proud native Chicagoan.

About American Theater Company

American Theater Company (ATC) challenges and inspires its community by exploring stories that ask the question, "What does it mean to be an American?" ATC’s Ensemble includes Patrick Andrews, Kareem Bandealy, Jaime Castañeda, Kelly O’Sullivan, Tyler Ravelson, and Sadieh Rifai.

American Theater Company is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, and the Shubert Foundation.

REVIEW: Shakespeare 400 Continues With I, Malvolio and Tug of War at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Tonight, ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' out at The Chicago Shakespeare Theatre with England's hilarious Tim Crouch. As I've mentioned many times before, Twelfth Night has been a favorite of mine since I was in the show myself in college. As many wildly varied adaptations as I've seen, I can't say I've ever seen it done as an hour long solo show from Malvolio's point of view. I'm very much looking forward to it. Get your tickets fast, as this is a short one week run.

I, Malvolio | Tim Crouch Theatre at Chicago Shakespeare Theater | Photo by Bruce Atherton and Jana Chiellino

Shakespeare 400 Chicago continues with 

Celebrated UK theater-maker, Tim Crouch’s reimagining of Twelfth Night

Hilarious and thought-provoking rant by Twelfth Night's slandered steward

5 performances only as part of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, June 2–5

On the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s legacy in 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater welcomes one of Britain’s most innovative and respected theater makers, Tim Crouch, in his inventive one-man show 
I, Malvolio as part of the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival line-up. Following the international success of Crouch’s I, Caliban, I,Peaseblossom and I, Banquo—a collection of plays shedding light on some of Shakespeare’s more shadowy characters—I, Malvolio plucks the pompous steward out of Shakespeare’s  Twelfth Night and unravels a hilarious and thought-provoking story of cruelty, self-hatred and revenge. 

Conceived, written and performed by Crouch and designed by Olivier Award-winner Graeme Gilmour, I, Malvolio is performed in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare for five performances only, June 2–5, 2016.  

Performance Listing

Thursday, June 2 – 7:30 p.m.
Friday, June 3 – 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 4 – 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 5 – 2:00 p.m.

For more information about the production, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/malvolio.

Reimagining the much-maligned steward pining for his mistress in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, I, Malvolio is a charged, hysterical and sometimes unsettling rant from a man adrift in front of a cruel audience. Crouch’s Malvolio asks the audience to explore the delight we take in other people’s suffering. Part clown, part theater-hating disciplinarian, Malvolio is ultimately a man sorely wronged. Both heart-breaking and ingenious with a crass sense of humor, I, Malvolio takes the audience on a one-hour ride, humanizing the character with raw honesty.

The Guardian gives I, Malvolio five stars—saying “Tim Crouch is at the top of his game, sharing a text that plays as much with intelligence as slapstick.” 

The New York Times declares “I, Malvolio improbably finds its own delicate sweet (and sour) spot between comedy and self-subverting analysis.” 

The Times (UK) praises “this is a treasure…Immaculate, moving, funny, wise.” 

Crouch’s Malvolio is described by the Scotland Herald as “a pompous ass who falls somewhere between the buffoonery of Boris Johnson, the absurdism of Vic Reeves and the misguided self-importance of the late Princess Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell.” 

The production has amused and affected audiences on stages around the globe in Sydney, Singapore and New York. Described as “one of the smartest artists making theatre in Britain now” by Kulturflash, Tim Crouch is a multi-talented theater maker who writes, performs and produces new work. Crouch’s work is noted for rejecting theatrical conventions and for engaging the audience in an active role during the performance. He has collaborated with some of the UK’s finest theater companies, including the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, the Royal Court Theatre and the British Council. 

Currently, he is adapting and directing Spymonkey’s highly anticipated premiere of The Complete Deaths, which will be presented by Chicago Shakespeare as part of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, November 30–December 11, 2016.

More of ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar 

REVIEW:  

Tug of War is a 6 hour epic and we highly recommend it! The live band on stage, melding of anti war ballads, and tales of soldiers, kings, passion and power plays makes this production a must see. I never thought I'd hear Pink Floyd ballads and Shakespeare sharing a stage! Chicago Shakespeare makes it work and then some. Ancient history comes alive and it's stunning how little has truly changed in the world in over 400 years. The "Tug of War" is indeed mighty and nearly inescapable. 

We particularly loved the minimalist set design reminiscent of tire swings, junk yards, and children's playground games like capture the flag and king of the hill. The costume design was also fantastically ragtag and we adored the kings' capes with their names running around the bottom hem and their likenesses on their backs. This production is highly entertaining and a fabulous alternative to binge watching TV at home. Try out this historical Game of Thrones. There's something cathartic about seeing so much live theatre for hours on end that has to be experienced at least once.

Take a day for this full on Shakespeare immersion. Great for an adult day out or for families with tweens and up. My 15 year old son has now completed the Chicago theatre trifecta with me in the last couple of years. Together we enjoyed the award winning 12 hour All Our Tragic by The Hypocrites, the 9 hour Hammer Trinity by House Theatre and now Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Tug of War. This show makes ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List. Highly recommended.

THE PLAY:

Get ready for the ultimate game of thrones... Artistic Director Barbara Gaines takes us on a riveting gallop through two centuries, distilling six Shakespeare masterworks into two action-packed dramas that trace the rise and fall of kings, and the uncommon courage of common men. Power plays, ego, lust, humor and, yes, even love: no writer surpassed Shakespeare in portraying the forces that drive leaders to war—or the wisdom and valor of the common soldier. Twenty-two actors including a four-member band, form the company that will satisfy your craving for a multi-episode immersion into some of the most brilliant stories of the cyclical human condition. The adventure begins with Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI, Part 1 in Foreign Fire, where France is the prize. The action continues in Fall 2016 when turmoil seizes England in Tug of War: Civil Strife.

This fabulous, free program has been a favorite of ours since it's inception. Bring a picnic, a chair and as many friends, neighbors and family members as you can rally. Shakespeare in the Parks is a multigenerational must see and great for Chicago's communities. ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?! Highly recommended. ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Fun for all ages.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company and the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to creating extraordinary production of classics, new works and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 650 performances, CST attracts 225,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. During 2016, CST has spearheaded the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival in addition to announcing the creation of an innovative performance venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. www.chicagoshakes.com

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE 400 CHICAGO
Shakespeare 400 Chicago is a yearlong international arts festival in 2016 celebrating the vibrancy, relevance and reach of Shakespeare. As the world commemorates the four hundred years since Shakespeare’s death in 1616, Shakespeare 400 Chicago engages more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors to the City through 850 events. Spearheaded by Chicago Shakespeare Theater and with leading support from the Julius Frankel Foundation, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, this quadricentennial celebration is anticipated to be the world’s largest and most comprehensive celebration of Shakespeare’s enduring legacy. Current and upcoming highlights include: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Tug of War: Foreign Fire, adapted and directed by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines (ongoing to June 12); CST’s Chicago Shakespeare in the Park production of Twelfth Night (July 14–August 14); David Carl in NY Fringe Festival hit, Gary Busey’s One Man Hamlet (July 12–17) and the Shakespeare’s Globe production of The Merchant of Venice starring Jonathan Pryce (August 4–14).www.shakespeare400chicago.com