Play Locally: Featured Facets Films-Patang

PATANG

 "This film is joyous, but more
than that: it's lovely in its construction"
-Roger Ebert

Critics' Pick! "Lovely, unforced"
-New York Times



FACETS FILM DIALOGUE
with filmmaker Prashant Bhargava

"Patang" is playing at Facets @ 7pm and 9pm through Thursday the 30th. Jerome McDonnell interviewed Milos and the director on WBEZ, and the director is going to speak after ALL the 7pm shows for the whole run. 

Parking map  

1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago IL 60614
800.331.6197

Sales hours:
    9am-5pm, Mon.-Fri.

Rental hours:
    10am-10pm, Mon.-Sat.,
    12pm-10pm, Sun. & holidays

FACETS CINÉMATHÈQUE

August 2012

Chicago Encore
EngagementFacets Film Dialogue
with filmmaker Prashant Bhargava

PATANG
(THE KITE)

WINNER World Cinema Feature Indianapolis Intl Film Fest

WINNER Best Narrative Feature Hawaii Intl Film Fest

Critics' Pick! "Lovely, unforced... [director Prashant] Bhargava lets his story...tell itself, unfolding slowly as he follows filmmaking's most basic and most sinned-against dictum: Show, don't tell"
  -New York Times

"Bhargava's naturalistic approach to capturing the sights and sounds of a city in full revelry on rooftops and in the streets is colorfully vivid"
  -Los Angeles Times

"[Bhargava] allows us to discover these people in mostly glancing, sidelong moments, as if he were capturing their lives on the sly. It's rare for a filmmaker to integrate with such seamlessness the staged and the 'caught.'"
  -Christian Science Monitor

 "This film is joyous, but more than that: it's lovely in its construction"
  -Roger Ebert

 "The director is both a humanist and a real talent"
  -Chicago Tribune

"A feast for the eyes"
  -TimeOut Chicago

Set against the dynamic and colorful spectacle of India's largest kite festival, the Uttarayan, Prashant Bhargava's debut feature tells the story of Jayesh, a Delhi-based businessman who returns to his Gujarat roots with his young daughter Priya. Ostensibly going home to Ahmedabad to relive his childhood memories and introduce his daughter to the tradition of kite-flying, Jayesh has some unexpected news for the family's future. He plans include selling off the family home, moving his relatives into a modern condo, while also trying to avoid unresolved issues from his past which leads to unexpected consequences.

Patang, directed by Chicago-born-and-raised Bhargava, who started his career as a graffiti artist, is a family drama which avoids Bollywood clichés as well as using a dynamic combination of actors and non-professionals to showcase a complex narrative about contemporary India. Using the kites as a metaphor for the way the past controls his characters no matter how high they fly, Patang captures the jubilant and striking visuals of the festival that accentuates his background as a graphic artist, while laying out a multi-character story of discovery and hope.

Directed by Prashant Bhargava, India, 2010, 95 mins. In Hindi and English with English subtitles. 

Facets Film Dialogue

Filmmaker Prashant Bhargava, who is a Chicago native will be here in person for a Q&A after select screenings. 

Official site     Director interview     New York Times     Los Angeles Times

Christian Science Monitor     Roger Ebert     Chicago Tribune     

WBEZ Eight Forty-Eight     Vocalo 89.5     


Remaining Showtime:
Mon.-Thurs., Aug. 27-30 at 7 & 9 pm — Q&A with director following the 7 pm shows 

Tickets:

$9 general admission 

Play Locally: TONIGHT The New Folk CD Release/Paper Thick Walls Opens

Monday, August 27, 2012 8:00 PM
21+ $6.00  

Click here for Schubas main site

• Practice Space presents:
• The New Folk The New Folk CD release
• Paper Thick Walls

The New Folk celebrates the release of their debut album Sea Fever with an August 2012 “Practice Space Presents:” residency at Schubas, but the story behind The New Folk began in 2005 as Singer/Songwriter Todd Kessler went in to the studio to record his debut album. That album, entitled We Are The MusicMakers, was released in 2006 and with the backing of his original band helped Kessler to make his name and music known in the local Chicago music scene. In 2007 and 2008, in the midst of touring the Midwest, Kessler teamed up with Producer Greg “G-Ball” Magers to record his next two albums, The Veronika EP and Boomerang, only garnering him more praise and recognition on the road and at home. 

 It was while recording The Veronika EP that The New Folk began to take root with the addition of Bob Parlier on Drums, Sam Smiley on Guitar and Graham Burris on Bass. The quartet began playing out in 2008 in support of Boomerang, still under the name of Todd Kessler, but it was during the next two years and the addition of a String section (Elana Hiller and Chris Bauler), a Horn section (David Ben-Porat and Ben Bell Bern) and a second vocalist (Molly Parlier) that the band began to make waves with their signature Alt-Folk-Pop sound. 2009’s double-single release Golden Bird, along with headlining shows at Schubas, Lincoln Hall, Double Door and Millennium Park, solidified the bands place as a respected group in Chicago, and in 2010, the band began playing shows under the name Todd Kessler and the New Folk. 

 With over two years, countless shows and a slew of new material, the band, now billed simply as The New Folk, teamed up with producer Manny Sanchez to begin work on their debut album, Sea Fever, in August of 2010. Two years and hundreds of studio hours later later, Sea Fever will be released this August under Kessler’s label Wyzguy Records.

**Click here for ChiIL Live Shows' past Paper Thick Walls live show shots**

Cirque Shanghai Year of the Dragon Closing September 3rd #discount tickets

We're coming into the final days of Cirque Shanghai.    If you haven't seen it yet or want to squeeze in one more show, then go now.    The show must close September 3rd.

**Check out our show review and photo filled feature from opening day right here**

For the price and the frequency of shows, Cirque Shanghai is hard to beat.    They play Navy Pier all summer, making this an easy, entertaining option for visiting friends and relatives.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

“Cirque Shanghai: Year of the Dragon” will perform May 24 – Sept. 3, with regular run performances as follows:

Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. 
Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m. 
Friday at 2, 7 and 9 p.m. 
Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.

Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m. 

There will be additional performances Tuesday, July 3 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 2 at 8 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 3 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Tickets are $15.50 - $29.50 and are available by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting Ticket Master here. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting GroupTixs website here.

Use code KIDS for $25 Adult Gold Circle tickets for Wed-Fri performances through the end of August.   Kids' regular tickets are just $15 all summer long!   Check out the special offers page here for more combo pack discounts.  Tickets now on sale through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.

Act Out: Save TheDate--Redmoon Boneshaker 2012

We're so lucky to share our city with the warped and brilliant creative minds behind Redmoon.  We've been digging their artistic vision for decades.   Be there. 

Full Moon Fire Jam Cancelled For August 30th

Here's our original footage from July's Jam 2012.   The music is Chi-Town's own punk rock marching band, Mucca Pazza, off their new release, Safety Fifth.    Check out our album review and Mucca Pazza show shots right here.

Dear Jammers:

Over the last several years, the Full Moon Jams have seen a significant increase in the amount of audience members. While we are thrilled to share the fire and music with so many people, unfortunately, there’s also been a noticeable escalation in open consumption of alcohol and marijuana during the jams, both of which are illegal activities on Chicago park district land and have resulted in people being ticketed or arrested. 

The amounts of trash and detritus left behind after each jam has also grown, despite repeated requests to respect the Leave No Trace principle (take back everything you bring to the park with you, including any and all trash). These behaviors are antithetical to the spirit of the jams and put both the well-being of the jam community and our ability to continue jams at risk.

The organizers have made multiple attempts to mitigate these problems at every jam, through education, countless reminders and additional volunteers. Unfortunately, there has been a continual and frustrating disregard for the jam principles, including disrespectful treatment of the Rangers and jam volunteers when they request that attendees please put away their alcohol or pick up trash. Given the frequency of these issues, the steady increase in jam attendance numbers and the fact that many of the core organizers and Ranger volunteers will be in the desert for the Big Burn, we are deeply concerned about our ability to operate the August 30th jam safely and responsibly for everyone. 

Therefore, the organizers regret to announce that we have decided to CANCEL the August 30th Full Moon Jam. We ask that you please respect this decision, the integrity of the jams and each other’s safety, by not gathering at the jam site, regardless of the August 30th jam’s cancellation. A few jam organizers will be at the jam site to spread the word of the jam’s cancellation as well. The police are aware the jam has been cancelled and will be at the park asking people to disperse at the jam site.

We would like to stress that this choice has come solely from the FMJ organizers and not from any pressure or statements made by the Chicago Police, the 48th Ward or the Chicago Park District. All of these entities have given the event countless hours of support over the years and we would not have come this far without their support and guidance.

This is not a decision the FMJ organizers made lightly. Our first and foremost responsibility is to maintain the safety of ALL who attend the jams, as well as the integrity of the jams and the community they’ve created. We would rather cancel or discontinue the jams than allow them to continue in a manner that puts this community at risk. 

We recognize that many of you have respected the jams over the years, and we are eternally grateful for your support. At its core, the Full Moon Jam is about building community bonds, and ultimately this decision is meant to protect this community. The FMJ’s greatest strength is the love and care of the people who come to the jams, so we now appeal to you, the FMJ community, for help.

Please spread the word and share with others the need for everyone to remember and abide by the jam principles: Leave No Trace, no drinking or illegal substances, and protecting the community. This is a volunteer-run event that has been kept free for everyone to participate in and attend, so please respect the hard work and devotion the jam organizers, Rangers and other volunteers give to the jams by lending them your support and speaking up to remind others of the jam principles. If you are interested in lending a helping hand to the jams, please contact us at info@fullmoonjam.org. We need everyone - whether you are a long-time attendee or still new to the jams - to step up and take responsibility for how the jams are treated because this is YOUR community, too.

The FMJ organizers will continue to do our best to maintain the jams as a safe, fun and respectful environment for everyone, but we can’t do this alone. We hope that with your help, the jams can continue with vitality and grace.

Updates regarding the jams will continue to be published at www.fullmoonjam.org, to this list and on the Facebook Chicago Full Moon Jam group page. Would you be interested in volunteering with the Rangers or joining the organizers? Would you like to contribute your time, talents and energy to the jams but aren’t sure how? Please email us at info@fullmoonjam.org. Your willingness to help us continue the jams is greatly appreciated.

We all look forward to seeing everyone on September 30th.
With love, fire and rhythm,
The Full Moon Jam Organizers

Liz Campanella

Pyrotechniq
Manager & Performer

www.pyrotechniq.org
www.facebook.com/pyrotechniq

www.youtube.com/pyrotechniq

We perform fire as an art form, with passion,
anytime, anywhere, for any reason, fully insured. 

**Check out ChiIL Mama's Photo Filled Fire Jam Footage Here**

Opening, Closing, Extended and Highly Recommended

Act Out:  

Opening Friday

 
PROFILES THEATRE
Sweet and Sad (Midwest Premiere)
by Richard Nelson
Directed by Joe Jahraus

 
Featuring Profiles ensemble members Darrell W. Cox and Eric Burgher with Robert Breuler, Kristin Ford, Harmony France and Kate Harris
August 17 – October 7, 2012

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway
Tickets: $30 - $40
Box Office: www.profilestheatre.org or (773) 549-1815
 

With Sweet and Sad, Tony Award-winning playwright Richard Nelson continues his series of plays exploring the immediate present and the ever-changing state of the nation. Over Sunday brunch on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Apple Family finds themselves talking about loss, remembrance and the family struggle to maintain its moral equilibrium in a world that no longer reflects its values.

Profiles Theatre’s production follows the highly acclaimed world premiere at The Public Theater in New York last season. Named one of the top ten plays of the year by the New York Times, New York Magazine and Bloomberg News, Sweet and Sad is part of Richard Nelson’s planned series of four works charting the changes undergone by an extended family from the village of Rhinebeck, New York. Beginning with That Hopey Changey Thing in 2010 and the upcoming Sorry opening at The Public Theater in October 2012, the plays take place in real time and have their World premiere on the dates they are set.

Closing (family friendly)

PINKALICIOUS Must Close On September 2!

**Check out ChiIL Mama's review and photo filled Feature (Pinkalicious Turns Gender Stereotypes On Their Heads) by clicking here**

**Check out our exclusive interview with Pinkalicious and her little brother here**
Emerald City Theatre Company's hit production of PINKALICIOUS was tickled pink to have so many extensions and spend over one year at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.   But the time has come to say goodbye.
 

Still didn't see it, or want one last chance to chuckle along?   Catch em while you can.   Use code SUMMER when ordering to get $18 tickets!*

"Can't I have just one more?" When Pinkalicious eats one too many pink cupcakes, she catches a case of Pinkititis and turns pink from head to toe! It'll take the wisdom of her broccoli-eating little brother to help her get out of this predicament. Don't miss Chicago's Emerald City Theatre production of this smash hit musical based on the popular book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann.

Best suited for theatre lovers 3 and up.

 

* Valid on all performances through September 2. Offer ends September 1 at 11:59pm. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Normal ticketing fees apply. Other restrictions may apply.

Extended

The Glass Menagerie
by Tennessee Williams
directed by Josh Altman
is EXTENDING for 2 weeks through September 16
Thu, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm

 

Company member and Jeff Award-winner, Jacqueline Grandt, plays Amanda in Tennessee Williams' most intimate play, up close and personal at Redtwist

THE PLAY
In Williams' deeply personal-and autobiographical-memory play, Tom Wingfield reveals to us a critical moment in his family's life. Brimming with false hope and desperation, this vivid and penetrating drama explores the disguise of illusion and a family's struggle to survive. Redtwist approaches this American masterpiece from the unique perspective of its explosive storefront space to re-examine the dark secrets of a young man's family, the debris from which emerged the legendary American playwright.

CAST
Ryan Heindl as Tom Wingfield; Jacqueline Grandt as Amanda Wingfield; Sarah Mayhan as Laura Wingfield; Chris Daley as Jim O'Connor

STAFF
Josh Altman (Director); Allison Queen (Stage Manager); Olivia Baker (Assistant Stage Manager); Frank Sjodin (Tech Director); Henry Behel (Set Designer); Heather Gilbert (Lighting Designer); Christopher Kriz (Sound Designer); Kelsey Ettman (Costume Designer); Nick Heggestad (Prop Designer); Kevin McDonald (Dramaturg); Kathy Logelin (Dialect Coach); Garvin Jellison (Master Electrician); Mary Reynard Liss (Vocal Coach); Jan Ellen Graves (Graphic Design); Charles Bonilla (Box Office Manager); Justin Castellano (Production Manager); Brett Gould, Heather Brooke Scholten (Production Assistants); Michael Colucci & Jan Ellen Graves (Producers)

SCHEDULE
Runs: Thu, Fri, Sat, 7:30pm; Sun, 3pm
Closes: Sun, Sep 16, 3pm
Running Time: Approx. 2:15 hours, includes one intermission
Tickets: Thu, $25; Fri & Sun, $27; Sat, $30 (seniors & students $5 off)

DETAILS
Call: 773-728-7529
Email: reserve@redtwist.org
Website/Tickets: www.redtwist.org

Redtwist is located at 1044 W Bryn Mawr, 2 blks W of LSD, 2 blks E of the Red Line El station. Street parking (paybox/meters until 9pm) is available on Bryn Mawr, side streets, and Broadway. Please reserve 48 hours in advance. Credit cards accepted by phone and via Paypal to guarantee seating.

Highly Recommended

BABES WITH BLADES KICKS OFF 15th ANNIVERSARY SEASON  WITH “SUSAN SWAYNE AND THE BEWILDERED BRIDE”

 WORLD PREMIERE OF REINA HARDY’S VICTORIAN DETECTIVE COMEDY

**Check out our prior coverage and show details here.**

Dig Sherlock in skirts, and cutthroat killers in corsettes?   Then you must see Susan Swayne and The Bewildered Bride.   There's plenty of Victorian murder, mayhem and mystery afoot in this detective drama.  And the gender bending, cross dressing is worthy of The Bard himself.

ChiIL Live Shows had the great privileged of checkin' out opening night and we were thoroughly entertained.   The stage combat and sword play is  exhilarating and intense while the characters are as amusing as they are confusing.   We enjoyed the well written script and quirky sleuthing.   From opium dens to underwear duels, this show is highly recommended!   There are some mature sexual themes and simulated violence but nothing too over the top for older kids.   If in doubt, come check it out first.

Babes With Blades Theatre Company (BWBTC), Chicago’s all-female stage combat ensemble, will open their 15th anniversary season with the world premiere of “Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride” by Reina Hardy, directed by Dan Foss.  

It’s 1888 in London, and the Society of Lady Detectives meets discreetly to indulge its members’  tastes for swordplay and sleuthing.  As the genteel club considers a disturbing series of murders in the Whitechapel district, a frantic heiress turns up with a startling accusation towards one of their own.  Society member Susan Swayne takes the case, defying societal norms and pursuing the truth through the Victorian streets.  

Combat sequences from violence designer/BWBTC ensemble member Libby Beyreis will feature smallsword and bartitsu (a Victorian mixed martial art influenced by jujitsu and savate).  

Tickets are $20 for regular performances, students and seniors $12.
 
Originally submitted to BWBTC’s inaugural Joining Sword & Pen Playwriting Competition in 2005, “Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride” began as a one-act play inspired by a print of Emile Bayard’s “An Affair of Honor.”  The script was selected for the company’s New Plays Development Program in 2009 and became a full-length play through a series of three readings and feedback sessions.  Director Foss describes the resulting script as “a quirky Victorian detective comedy.”
  
 
The cast includes BWBTC ensemble members Lisa Herceg, Kimberly Logan, and  Megan Schemmel, joined by guest artists Kathryn Acosta, Justine Serino, and Kelly Yacono.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW for Reina Hardy’s Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride: CLICK!

“Susan Swayne and the Bewildered Bride” opened on Saturday, August 18 at 8:00 p.m. at the Lincoln Square Theatre, 4754 N. Leavitt (inside Berry Memorial UMC, lower level).   The show runs Thursday-Saturday at 8 p.m., August 23  to September 22.  In addition, there will be Saturday matinees on September 1, 8, and 15 at 2:00 p.m.

For tickets, call 773-904-0391 or to go http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/222921.

GWAR and The Casualties Comin' Our Way For Riot Fest 2012 #Riotfest

GWAR-B-Q IS HUGE SUCCESS,
 PROCLAIMS MOST DANGEROUS BAND ON EARTH
 
A part of the crowd, which was estimated to be almost 2000 people, enjoys a little "dust-up" during a killer set from The Casualties

"Beyond our wildest dreams, and they can get pretty kinky, we were almost completely 100 % satisfied with this years GWAR-B-Q", said lead singer Oderus Urungus, reached at his Antarctic bungalo. "Everything went well, except that hottie from Attack of the Show didn't show up...but I suppose that is understandable. We did feed her to a worm last year!"

From everything to the weather (which was an enjoyable 85 degrees), to the authorities (who seemed to be enjoying themselves), to the bands ( who all put on amazing sets), all conditions were in perfect alignment and the much-anticipated event went off without a hitch...well, almost.

Slave Pit spokesman Dave Brockie had this to say about the event-"The "Meat and Beat" went great, and Oderus stayed in the area an extra three hours to make sure everybody got to hang out with their Lord and Master. It was a great line-up of great bands, and we got to see both Sleazy P. AND The Sexecutioner! It was a huge improvement over last year (when we didn't even manage to have it outside) - we made big strides this year and I am sure next year we will get even bigger and better. Rest assured any hiccups we had have been noted and will be sorted out for next year's event...so see ya at GWAR-B-Q 2013!"

Perhaps the best way to judge the success of the event is to hear it from the fans themselves-

Worth the drive down from Delaware for sure!!! Always up for GWAR especially when they bring Sexy back!!! And Ghoul kicked ass too!!
-Tom Flynn

It was still worth every second, dying of thirst or not. I was there for GWAR and to have a good time which I did. And that's all that mattered.
-Kristen Maresca

I had the greatest weekend of my life. My son and I traveled from Florida and it was worth every penny we paid!
-Lonny Amendolea

Thanks to all of the people that made this awesome event happen. GWAR is currently working on a new album, the first since the passing of longtime guitarist Cory Smoot last year. Look for an announcement soon regarding GWAR's search for a new Scumdog as GWAR prepares to debut the newest member of the GWAR tribe on this fall's "Fate or Chaos" North American tour.

See GWAR Live:

With The Casualties
9/13: Cincinnati, OH @ Bogarts
9/14: Indianapolis, IN @ The Vogue
 
RIOT FEST
9/15: Chicago, IL @ Humboldt Park and Congress Theater

With The Casualties
9/16: Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

With DevilDriver, Cancer Bats and Legacy of Disorder
10/12: Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
10/13: Worcester, MA @ The Palladium ("Rock and Shock")
10/14: Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall
10/15: New Haven, CT @ Toad's Place
10/16: Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
10/18: Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
10/19: Ybor City, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
10/20: Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
10/22: Charlotte, NC @ Amos' Southend
10/24: New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
10/25: Austin, TX @ Emo's
10/26: Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
10/27: Houston, TX @ House of Blues
10/31: Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall
11/1: Albuquerque, NM @ Sunshine Theater
11/2: Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee
11/3: Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory
11/4: West Hollywood, CA @ House of Blues
11/5: Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst
11/6: Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades
11/8: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
11/9: Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
11/10: Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
11/11: Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory
11/12: Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theater
11/14: Edmonton, AB @ Edmonton Events Centre
11/15: Calgary, AB @ MacEwan Hall Ballroom
11/16: Saskatoon, SK @ Odeon Events Centre
11/17: Winnipeg, MB @ The Garrick Center
11/18: Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
11/20: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
11/21: Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
11/23: Detroit, MI @ Harpo's
11/24: Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy
11/26: Millvale, PA @ Mr. Smalls Theater

Make sure to keep up with Oderus' latest incoherent rants and raves on "The Mad Minute" with Full Metal Jackie. Listen to the latest installment and check out recent "Mad Minutes" at http://www.fullmetaljackieradio.com

CHECK OUT GWAR ON THE WEB
http://www.gwar.net    
http://www.gwarbq.com    
http://www.youtube.com/gwar     
http://www.metalblade.tv/tv   
http://www.facebook.com/gwar     
http://www.myspace.com/gwarofficial  
http://www.gwarjapan.net      

ODERUS: http://twitter.com/therealoderus   
BALSAC:   https://twitter.com/BalSacJoD