Act Out: Save The Date--Gentleman's Rule 11-13th to 25th Only

Gentleman's Rule

We dig the exciting, new, tent performance space--Riverfront Theater.   Original home to Broadway in Chicago's Peter Pan, it's now slated to become a permanent performance space.   So far, we've recently seen La Soiree and Brilliant Corners of Popular Amusement.   Both shows put the tent space to great use.     Check out some of our Brilliant Corners shots here.   We have lots more to come including live show shots of John Cale, Zola Jesus and El Circo Cheapo!    Check out our La Soiree review here.

FROM THE CREATOR OF STRAIGHT NO CHASER

AND THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF UNDER THE STREETLAMP

RIVERFRONT THEATER PRESENTS

GENTLEMAN’S RULE

Limited engagement runs

November 13-25, 2012

Riverfront Theater, Chicago’s newest entertainment destination presents the new Chicago-based a cappella group Gentleman’s Rule—produced by Dan Ponce, creator of Straight No Chaser, and Charlie Blum, executive producer of Under The Streetlamp.  Performances run November 13 – 25, 2012 at Riverfront Theater, located at 650 W. Chicago Avenue, just east of Halsted Street.  

Tickets, $39-$69, for the two-week, limited engagement of Gentleman’s Rule on sale NOW at the Riverfront Theater box office, 650 W. Chicago Ave,www.RiverfrontTheater.com; and through Ticketmaster, www.ticketmaster.com or 888.556.9484.

The men of Gentleman’s Rule have been working hard in the studio and on stage to prepare for the launch of their debut album, which will be released during the Riverfront Theater run.  Their album will include music made popular by David Guetta, Bob Marley, Nelly, Stevie Wonder, Bruno Mars, B.o.B., Gavin DeGraw, Wild Cherry, One Republic, Peter Gabriel, Jake Owen, The Script, Outkast, plus 2 original songs.   Prior to headlining in Chicago, Gentleman’s Rule will tour with Under the Streetlamp--the hit vocal group and former cast of Jersey Boys.

                         

The members of Gentleman’s Rule are: TJ Breen (Tenor 2); Corey Frye (Tenor 1), Drew Kipfer (Bass), Will Lockhart (Baritone), Brent Mann (Tenor 2), Luke Mechling (Bass), Andrew Morstein (Tenor 1), Holland Nightenhelser (Tenor 2), Jasper Smith (Baritone) and Jesse Townes (Tenor 1).  The group’s vocal arrangements are written and produced by Dan Ponce and Deke Sharon.

“Their energy is contagious and their talent is world-class,” says Ponce. “The run at Riverfront Theater is the perfect way to debut this incredible group of voices—and introduce the first album, which is scheduled for release on November 13.  Fans of all ages can expect an unforgettable show featuring amazing soloists backed up by breath-taking harmony.  I am counting the days until opening night.”

The performance schedule for Gentleman’s Rule is:

                       

Tuesday, November 13                          7:30pm

Wednesday, November 14                      7:30pm

Thursday, November 15                         7:30pm

Friday, November 16                              8:00pm

Saturday, November 17                          5:00pm and 8:00pm

Sunday, November 18                            3:00pm and 7:00pm

Tuesday, November 20                           7:30pm

Wednesday, November 21                       2:00pm

          Thursday, November 22                         Thanksgiving, no show 

          Friday, November 23                             2:00pm and 8:00pm

          Saturday, November 24                         5:00pm and 8:00pm

                    Sundays, November 25                          3:00pm and 7:00pm.

Parking is located on Chicago Avenue, next door to venue with direct access to show.  Additional parking is located at 811 N. Larabee and 950 N. Kingsbury.

Charlie Blum (Producer) is a show business veteran who holds many titles in the music industry: manager, promoter and current president/CEO of the Star Plaza Theatre, one of America’s premier concert facilities. Throughout his distinguished career he has worked with some of the biggest names in the music business. Charlie also manages the new hit vocal group Under The Streetlamp and as executive producer, launched their top-rated television special on PBS stations coast-to-coast.

Dan Ponce (Producer) is known to a cappella fans around the world as the founder, first music director, and former member of the hit band Straight No Chaser. He composed and arranged many of SNC’s most popular songs. Dan has spent the last year writing new repertoire for Gentleman’s Rule.  Dan is also well known in the Chicago media market. He is a reporter/anchor for WGN-TV and a talk show host on WLS Radio (890).

ABOUT RIVERFRONT THEATER

The Riverfront Theater is Chicago’s newest destination for music, theater, dance, spectacles and more. Audiences were first introduced to the venue last summer, during the successful 16-week run of Peter Pan, and again this summer with the critically acclaimed La Soiree.  All performances take place in the 22,000 square-foot, temperature-controlled tented theatre situated by the scenic Chicago River. Alongside the performance venue is River’s Edge, a pavilion tent and promenade area overlooking the Chicago River, where patrons can enjoy refreshments while taking in the view from this urban garden oasis.

The Riverfront Theater is located at Chicago Avenue and Halsted Streets, easily accessible for those driving in or via public transportation.  Additional programming will be announced soon.   

Click here for more information.   

Act Out: Chi, IL Live Theatre On Our Radar--Woody Sez at Northlight Theatre

Northlight Theatre celebrates the

100^th Anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birth with

Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie,

a musical portrait of one of America’s great folk musicians

Through October 21, 2012

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutken and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 – October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs like “This Land is Your Land” and “The Ballad of Tom Joad.”  This musical portrait, featuring more than 30 of Woody’s stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America’s great folk troubadour.

Northlight is proud to honor this American legend during his Centennial year.

Artistic Director BJ Jones comments, “In 1991, our audience enjoyed Woody Guthrie's American Song which won the Jeff Award for best musical.  Now to celebrate his 100th birthday, we bring this fresh take on Woody Guthrie to the Northlight stage.  Created by and starring world class artist David Lutken and directed by Broadway's Nick Corley, Woody Sez is a celebration of the musicality and social conscience of one of America's greatest troubadours.  It resurrects Woody’s spirit of hope and fierce American determination.”

The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except September 25, October 2 and 16); Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except September 26) and 7:30pm (except October 10); Thursdays: 7:30pm; Fridays: 8:00pm (except Opening on September 21 at 7:30pm); Saturdays: 2:30pm (except September 15) and 8:00pm; Sundays: 2:30pm, and 7:00pm (except September 23, October 7 and 21).

Northlight is continuing its popular special event series in conjunction with each production. All events are free for subscribers and ticket holders.

Backstage with BJ is a mid-day discussion with Artistic Director BJ Jones, featuring special guest artists, actors, directors and designers, offering behind-the-scenes insight into each production while it is still in rehearsal.  Backstage with BJ for Woody Sez – The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie will be held on September 14th at 12:00pm and will last approximately one hour. Reservations are required, 847.679.9501 x3555 or specialevents@northlight.org.

Hootenannies are informal post-show “jam sessions” with the artists from the production. Audience members are invited to bring their own instruments and join the artists onstage to play for approximately one hour after the performance. Rhythm instruments will be available for those that wish to join in but don’t have their own instruments. All are welcome, players and listeners alike. No reservations required. Hootenannies will be held following the performances October7 (after 2:30pm) and October 14 (after 7:00pm).

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 38^th season, the organization has mounted nearly 200 productions, including over 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 151 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.

This engagement is supported by the Arts Midwest Touring Fund, a program of Arts Midwest, is generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts with additional contributions from Illinois Arts Council.

Media sponsorship for this production is provided by WFMT.

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from The Allyn Foundation; Arts Midwest; Blackman Kallick Bartelstein, LLP; BMO Harris Bank; Draft FCB; the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; ComEd, An Exelon Company; Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award; Ernst & Young; Evanston Community Foundation; Gand Music & Sound; The Homestead Hotel; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; The Irving Harris Foundation; The Joyce Foundation; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Madison Dearborn Partners; Melvoin Award for Playwriting; Modestus Bauer Foundation; North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Foundation; Nuveen Investments; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; Pioneer Press; Quince at the Homestead; Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Foundation; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Shubert Foundation; Skokie Fine Arts Council; Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

Location: Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore Center for

        the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

Tickets:

Regular run: $25-$72

Student tickets are $15, any performance,

(subject to availability)

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

847.673.6300; northlight.org

• Northlight celebrates the 100^th Anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s birth with Woody Sez.

• Hootenannies, informal post-show “jam sessions” with the artists from the production, will be held following the performances October7 (after 2:30pm) and October 14 (after 7:00pm). Audience members are welcome to bring their own instruments.

• Woody Sez world premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007, and subsequently toured Ireland, Great Britain and Germany before ever appearing in the United States.

• The Evanston Public Library is planning a series of events to celebrate the centennial year of Woody Guthrie in partnership with Northlight’s production: screening of PBS American Masters: Woody Guthrie: Ain't Got No Home on October 9.

The legendary Woody Guthrie defined an American era of social consciousness and political expression with songs like "This Land is Your Land" and "The Ballad of Tom Joad." This musical portrait, featuring Woody's stirring ballads and joyous anthems, celebrates the colorful life and rich musical legacy of America's great folk troubadour.

Northlight is proud to honor this American legend during his Centennial year!

FEATURING:

David M. Lutken

Darcie Deaville

David Finch

Helen Jean Russell

Associate Director | Sherry Lutken
Scenic Design | Luke Hegel-Cantarella
Costume Design | Jeffrey Meek
Lighting Design | Chris Binder
Sound Design | Rick Sims
Production Stage Manager | Rita Vreeland

Maximo Park LIVE at Schubas #show photos

ChiIL Live Shows original shots--Maximo Park at Schubas, Chicago 9/17/12 

NEW MAXIMO PARK ALBUM “THE NATIONAL HEALTH” IN STORES NOW.

ChiIL Live Shows just had the great pleasure of catching Maximo Park's Chi-town show.   Despite being booked for the Monday after 3 raucous days of Riot Fest, in a torrential downpour, they played to a packed house at Schubas.    This is one of the strongest shows we've seen recently in an intimate venue.    

They have a compelling, original sound with a heavier, edgier Joe Jackson tinge.   Lead singer, Paul Smith's witty and literate banter between songs had the audience cracking up.   Their lyrics are insightful and genuine and their danceable riffs are impossible to resist.   Couple that with intensity, talent and stage presence, and you've got a winning combination.   Maximo Park is one to watch.



Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We'll have a full review of The National Health up in the very near 
future.

 

"The album’s title track [The National Health] is the sort of runaway jittery guitar anthem that we’re not getting quite so often from the UK’s postpunkrevivalists anymore."  --- STEREOGUM

 

"Maxïmo Park have always been best at their fastest, when they sprint through verses into choruses and back out again just as quickly. That's thanks mostly to singer Paul Smith, who has a unique ability to slip into controlled mania like a jockey cracking a whip.”  --- PITCHFORK

 

“Maxïmo Park live at the crossroads of Joy Division, Franz Ferdinand and early Joe Jackson…”  - ROLLING STONE 

"Maximo Park are back with their quintessential furiously fast-paced indie rock – and it’s great."

--- MUSO'S GUIDE

Straight To The Sun Records celebrate Maximo Park's first USA tour in over 5 years and the release of their brand new album “The National Health” on 8.28.12.

 

Their videos are truly creative works of art.   Check out their humorous new video featuring the concept of a crazed, obsessed fan, set to their addictive and endearing new song, "Hips and Lips".

CHECK OUT MAXIMO PARK’S “HIPS AND LIPS” VIDEO HERE

Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg Coming To Bottom Lounge THIS Sat 10/6 (17+) #originalphotos

 

ChiIL Live Shows original LIVE show shots--Marky Ramone's Blitzkrieg at AAA-Chicago 10-9-11 Riot Fest after party 2011


Here's the show details for this Saturday via Bottom Lounge:

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2012 - 9:00PM
Doors 8:00 PM / Show 9:00 PM

17 & Over, valid ID required for entry.

http://www.markyramone.com/
http://vortisrock.com/


Marky Ramone is best known for the 15 years he spent drumming for the legendary Ramones. Prior to joining the Ramones, Marky played with an array of influential musicians dating back to his high school years when he was a member of the Brooklyn based hard rock band, Dust. Recording two albums with his friends, Richie Wise (guitar and vocals) and Kenny Aaronson (bass) for Neil Bogart’s Karma Sutra/Buddha label

While Dust was disbanding, Marky began hanging out at Max’s Kansas City, where he met Max’s house D.J. Wayne County. He joined forces with Wayne to form Wayne County and The Backstreet Boys. Wayne’s outrageous stage performance and cross-dressing attracted many fans and help solidify a cult following.  After a year and a half of playing in the New York area and not able to generate record company interest, they decided it was best to move on.

In 1976, Marky was introduced to Richard Hell. Along with Bob Quine and Ivan Julian, they formed Richard Hell & the Voidoids. The Voidoids released their groundbreaking debut album in 1977 on Sire Records, entitled “Blank Generation”. Shortly after the Voidoids historic U.K. tour with The Clash, Marky found himself at the bar at CBGB with Dee Dee Ramone. Dee Dee asked him if he would be interested in joining The Ramones.

The spring of 1978, Marky joined the Ramones.  In a matter of weeks he was in the studio recording his first album with The Ramones entitled, “Road to Ruin”, which features one of the biggest Ramones songs “I Wanna Be Sedated”. The following year the Ramones filmed the cult classic “Rock ‘n’ Roll High School”. Later that year, they joined forces with producer legend, Phil Spector to record “End Of The Century”.

After several tours and a two more studio albums, Marky was asked to leave the band 1983, only to rejoin his band mates in 1987 until they decided to call it quits in 1996. His tenure with the Ramones spanned a total of 15 years, performing over 1700 shows and more than 15 releases, including songwriting credits on both Mondo Bizarro and Adios Amigos, the bands farewell release.
In 2000, Marky reunited with long time friend Joey Ramone for Joey’s solo effort “Don’t Worry About Me”. In 2001, Marky along with his former band mates (Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy), were inducted into the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame. That same year, U2’s Bono presented the Ramones with the MTV’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The DVD release, “Raw”, a compilation of mostly home videos filmed predominantly by Marky was release in 2004 and entered the Billboard video chart at number 5. Certified gold in three countries and currently the best selling Ramones DVD release to date.

In the spring of 2009, Marky launched his first worldwide clothing line with long time friend Tommy Hilfiger. In 2010, Marky shared his recipe for pasta sauce by introducing Marky Ramone’s Brooklyn’s Own Pasta Sauce.

In February 2011 The Ramones received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. It was the first Grammy for the punk rock pioneers.

With no signs of slowing down, Marky continues to tour the world with his band, Marky Ramone’s Blitzkrieg, which includes friend Michale Graves (ex-Misfits) on vocals. In early 2010, they released their first single “When We Were Angles” with former member of Sheer Terror, Mark Neuman, playing bass and guitar.

Marky is currently in his seventh year as a D.J. on Sirius/XM Satellite Radio, hosting, ‘Marky Ramone’s Punk Rock Blitzkrieg”. Marky has also appeared on numerous TV shows including, The Simpsons, Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations and ZRock.

ACT OUT: The Woman in White at Lifeline Theatre & Full 30th Anniversary Season

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, Lifeline is one of our top favorites for high quality adult and kids' theatre.    

Now Playing:
We haven't had a chance to see their Jeff Recommended production of The Woman in White ourselves yet, but critics are raving.   

experience Lifeline Theatre's world premiere stage adaptation ofWilkie Collins' classic mystery/suspense novel, adapted by Lifeline ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric (adaptor of The Moonstone) and directed by Lifeline ensemble member Elise Kauzlaric (director of Pride and Prejudice). Click here for complete details and to order tickets.    Reserve your seats today! Call the Box Office at 773-761-4477. The Woman in White September 7-October 28, 2012 (Thu & Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm & 8pm, Sun at 4pm)   "Elise Kauzlaric's staging employs clear, creative use of Alan Donahue's scenic design... and her cast is terrific. Lifeline newcomers Bailey and Scrantom make an appealing pair"  –Time Out Chicago "A mesmerizing mystery about identity... Violence Designer Greg Poljacik orchestrates gasp-worthy incidents with unexpected and authentic fight scenes."  –Chicago Theater Beat "The heavy-lifting duties rest on the spun-steel shoulders of Lucy Carapetyan as the forthright Marian, whose defiance of Christopher M. Walsh's oily Fosco generates a David-against-Goliath frisson to induce shivers of excitement"  –Windy City Times Trapped in a loveless marriage and threatened by a conspiracy of ruthless men, young heiress Laura Fairlie faces a future of sorrow and misery. Her only hope lies with her true love, the poor artist Walter Hartright, and her sister Marian Halcombe, both of whom will risk everything to protect her. Without the law, society, or money on their side, Walter and Marian must race against time to free their beloved Laura and uncover the truth behind the mysterious woman in white that shares her face. A dark tale of romance and suspense, in a world premiere adaptation.      Based on the classic mystery by Wilkie Collins Adapted by Robert Kauzlaric Directed by Elise Kauzlaric POST-SHOW DISCUSSIONS

Join us for conversations with adaptor Robert Kauzlaric, dramaturg Maren Robinson, and Victorian Literature specialists, following the Sunday 4pm matinees on October 7th, and October 21st. Learn more about Wilkie Collins and the process of bringing The Woman in White to the stage!

Save the dates: Click HERE to subscribe to Lifeline's 30th Anniversary Season! MainStage KidSeries The Woman in White September 7 – October 28, 2012 Duck for President October 20 – November 25, 2012 The City & The City February 15 – April 7, 2013 The Mystery of the Pirate Ghost January 12 – February 17, 2013 Bridge of Birds May 31 – July 21, 2013 The Emperor's Groovy New Clothes March 23 – April 28, 2013 Plus 16th Annual Fillet of Solo Festival January 3 – 20, 2013

ACT OUT: Gorilla Tango Burlesque Round Up & Donna Madonna

Now that it's October, Halloween is in the air.   We'll be doing a Gorilla Tango late night double feature October 6th and we'll have a review up for you shortly.   We'll be checking out both Fellowship of the Boobs & Boobs of the Dead.

For now here's a mini GT round up:

Photos courtesy of John Paul Karliak

Donna Madonna

finding acceptance, told through stories, songs 

DONNA/MADONNA WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY JOHN PAUL KARLIAK

*SET FOR ONE PERFORMANCE ONLY OCTOBER 16 AT 
GORILLA TANGO THEATRE IN BUCKTOWN 

Rizzo 39 Productions has announced a one night only 
engagement of DONNA/MADONNA at the Gorilla Tango 
Theatre Bucktown (1919 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, 
IL 60647) on October 16 at 7:30pm. Written and 
performed by John Paul Karliak, DONNA/MADONNA is 
directed by Tiger Reel and Matthew Craig. Tickets 
are $20 and available at www.gorillatango.com or 
773-598-4549. 
 

In this hilarious and poignant autobiographical 
one-act, writer/performer John Paul Karliak wants 
desperately to be the perfect son for his adopted 
mother, a doting Catholic housewife from Scranton, 
PA. But realizing he will never be the ideal local 
boy, he seeks answers from a very different 
source: his fashion journalist, 
married-to-a-British-pop-star birth mother. 

Donna/Madonna is a tale of motherly love and and characters like Darth Vader, Carol Channing and John Paul's unforgettable mothers. 
 

Donna/Madonna was the winner of the Best One Man 

Show Award (2010 United Solo Theatre Festival in 
New York), Best of Fringe Award (2011 New York 
International Fringe Festival), Overall Excellence 
in Solo Performance Award (2011 San Francisco 
Fringe Festival), and Best Solo Performance (2011 
StageSceneLA.com Awards). Last year, the show 
enjoyed a successful run at Hollywood’s Lounge 
Theatre. 

John Paul Karliak’s LA theatre credits include The Mistakes Madeline Made, The Girl, the Grouch & the Goat, Into the Woods, Inherit the Wind, Women and Wallace, Whatever, and Sexual Perversity in Chicago. A graduate of the USC School of Theatre, iO West and Second City Training Center, John Paul has written numerous short films and plays which have been produced in various locales around the country, including Donna/Madonna, which is his first full-length solo production. 

Tickets for Donna/Madonna at the Gorilla Tango 
Theatre are available now, online at 
 www.gorillatango.com or by calling (773) 598-4549. 
All seats are $20. Gorilla Tango is located at 
1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Chicago, 60647. For 

more info, visit www.donnamadonnashow.com. 

GT Burlesque

BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE
Hottest. Apocalypse. Ever.



"The Cast of BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE."
L-R: Paly Flames as the CDC Official, Helena Handbasket as Best Friend, Slightly Spitfire as Southern Guy, Honey Cha-Cha as Burlesque Zombie Beta, Alexis Rex as the Sheriff, Duchess Daffnie as a Burlesque Zombie Alpha, Devyn DeViante as Wife Lady, and Roxi La Rue as Old Dude  All photos by K Leo (www.mirthandbeauty.com)

Soft, eerie moans. The relentless approach of shuffling footsteps. And glitter. So. Much. Glitter. 

Just in time for Halloween, Gorilla Tango Burlesque presents BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE, the latest in a long line of unique and immensely popular scripted burlesque parodies. On stage in October ONLY, this silly, sexy Zombie-filled romp comes to life Fridays at 9pm and Saturdays at 11:59pm, October 5-27, 2012, with a special final performance on Wednesday, October 31st at 9pm (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647). Tickets are $20; *18 and over only. Advance purchase highly recommended (tickets are already selling strong!) at www.gorillatango.com/zombies or by phone at 773-598-4549.

You may have encountered their viral (pun intended) marketing in the form of Facebook updates from the fictional Chicago CDC which have been charting the spread of “virus B1Z3” since early August with warnings that “virus-carriers have been observed performing elaborate dance routines while removing sequined corsetry before committing heinous assaults on confused onlookers,” and, “One of the greatest dangers is that the infected show no visible signs of boas, pasties or high heels for the first 6 hours of infection... while they appear perfectly normal and super sexy they remain dangerous, and citizens should watch for these subtle signs and remain at a safe distance.”

Featuring such familiar zombie-genre archetypes as Sheriff, Wife Lady, Old Dude, Best Friend and Southern Guy, this slyly satirical exhibition of reanimated flesh will appeal to any audience seeking some glittery gore for the spooky season. One doesn’t have to be a fan of the television series to recognize the sexual tension between Wife Lady and Best Friend or enjoy Sheriff’s encounter with an attractively anthropomorphic horse.

Written and directed by internationally renowned fine art photographer K Leo, and with choreography by Erica Gerdes (the creative force behind burlesque numbers performed by some of Chicago’s most well known “classic” troupes such as Kiss Kiss Cabaret and the Belmont Burlesque Revue) this show promises to be one of the hottest tickets of Chicago’s October offerings—so take our advice and get them now (before they get you!)

Written and Directed by K Leo
Choreographed by Erica ReidCostumes by Rafaela Valderrama 
Featuring: Paly Flames as the CDC Official, Alexis Rex as the Sheriff, Slightly Spitfire as Southern Guy, Roxi La Rue as Old Dude, Devyn DeViante as Wife Lady, Helena Handbasket as Best Friend, Duchess Daffnie as a Burlesque Zombie Alpha and Honey Cha-Cha as Burlesque Zombie Beta.

BOOBS OF THE DEAD: The apocalypse has never been hotter. 

FELLOWSHIP OF THE BOOBS: A LOTR, D&D, WoW, RPG BURLESQUE ADVENTURE returns to the GT Stage for limited Engagement: Saturdays at 10:30pm, September 22 - October 27, 2012 ONLY

Click here to check out our prior feature on Fellowship of the Boobs

MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE

Over the past almost three years (!!!), Gorilla Tango Burlesque has gone from the debut of the surprise hit “Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque” in October 2010 to a local burlesque/comedy powerhouse with literally thousands of audience members through the door to see unique burlesque parodies of everything from Star Wars to Indiana Jones, from superheroes to 1990s pop-culture phenomena -- and that's just a small selection of what they have available for-- as their slogan states-- "the Discerning Nerd." 

GTB will debut its first Halloween-themed show, BOOBS OF THE DEAD: A WALKING DEAD BURLESQUE which runs in October only, and look for THE EMPIRE BRINGS SEXY BACK: A STAR WARS SEQUEL this November!

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) provides year-round theatrical venues where audiences of all ages can consistently go to see a wide variety of talented artists. GTT exists to provide artists with an opportunity to produce their work in professional environment. GTT was created by Dan Abbate and boasts two venues: an 80-seat performance space in Bucktown and a 150-seat performance space in Skokie. GTT Bucktown is conveniently located at the intersection of Western and Milwaukee in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Easily accessible by public transportation, GTT is steps away from the Western Blue Line stop and the #49 Western, #73 Armitage and #56 Milwaukee buses. Street parking is readily available.  Gorilla Tango’s Skokie Theatre is located in the heart of Downtown Skokie; street and lot parking available. With shows for all ages, all GTT performances are on a rating system, similar to the one used in movie theatres. GTT offers a variety of affordable beer and wine for purchase. Consult the website for show details, rating information, tickets, and more.

www.gorillatango.com – 773.598.4549

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

7924 Lincoln Ave. Skokie, IL 60077

Kinky Boots--Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein Creatives & Cast Members #BroadwayinChicago #worldpremier

ChiIL Live Shows shots--Chicago Press Conference 9/28 for World Premier of Musical Kinky Boots (Oriental Theater)

Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, creatives and cast members....and some seriously kinky boots and sweet shoes, too!


ChiIL Live Shows was stoked to be invited to a press conference with the masterminds behind Kinky Boots.  We dug hearing Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, creatives and cast members at a press conference earlier in the day.   They all raved about how much they dig Chicago and we're universally enthusiastic about the show and the original indie film that sparked the idea for the adaptation.   Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often, as we'll have loads of original video clips from the conference up soon.

I was slated to volunteer at Facets Multimedia last night--home of one of the largest video rental sources for indie and multicultural film in the nation.   I've volunteered there for 22 years, this month.   I was elated that they not only carry the original Kinky Boots movie, but it wasn't rented out!  After my volunteer shift I went home and promptly watched it.  The movie was as endearing and edgy as the production staff said.  The message of acceptance, cooperation and understanding is timely and right on in all the right ways.   

After the kiddos are in bed, we highly recommend checking out the film, with it's unlikely bond between England's drag queen scene and a struggling, old school, mens' dress shoe maker.    The sociology, psychology, human nature, and good old fashioned great story telling make this culture clash and ultimate blending, completely compelling.

We'll be reviewing the pre-Broadway world premier here after the show runs in previews for a few weeks.   We'll be checking it out on October 17th.    Want in on cheaper preview tixs?    The show starts the 2nd.