ACT OUT: WildClaw Theatre Presents Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death”

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS ON OUR RADAR

Just in time for Halloween season....

WildClaw Theatre presents the world premiere stage adaptation of Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death.” With previews October 3 and 4, and opening Friday, October 5, 2012, 7:30pm at the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events Storefront Theatre, 66 E. Randolph St, Chicago.   Running Thursday thru Sunday until November 4, 2012, performance times are Thursday thru Saturday at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

Directed by Carolyn Klein, and featuring company members Steve Herson, Casey Cunningham, Michaela Petro, and Brian Amidei, with Mallor Nees, Christy Arington, Brysen Engelen, Jesse Manson, and Kevin Mullaney.

It’s Christmastime in London, and mortality, not merriment, is on everyone's minds as a serial killer is terrorizing the British capital. Elaine, however, has been dealing with life and death matters on a more personal scale. While going through the healing process from a life-saving hysterectomy, she becomes fascinated with death. Elaine's morbid obsession leads her to an old church being demolished and a mysterious man who shares her dark curiosity.

WildClaw is thrilled to present the World Premiere of Clive Barker’s “The Life of Death.” This terrifying journey of life, death and transformation continues WildClaw theatre’s quest of bringing intelligent and imaginative horror to the Chicago stage.

Carolyn Klein has assembled a remarkable production team for “The Life of Death.”  Adapted for the stage by WildClaw founding member and former Artistic DirectorCharley Sherman, set design by John Ross Wilson, costume and makeup design by WildClaw Artistic Director Allison Greaves Amidei, lighting design by Brandon Wardell, sound design by Christopher Kriz, and movement design by Karen Tarjan.   

Tickets $15-$25, with student discounts available.  For more information, please visit www.wildclawtheatre.com

Help Locally: Circus Soiree--Eat, Drink & Enjoy for a Great Cause

You are invited to the event of the season--Circus Soirée! It's CircEsteem like you've never seen us before at this fall's charming Circus Soirée!   ChiIL Live Shows will be there....will YOU?! Join CircEsteem on Thursday, October 18th from 7pm-10pm at Architectural Artifacts for an evening of inspiring performances, delectable food and libation, a spectacular silent auction- whimsy, surprise and amazement around every corner! VIP ticket holders can enjoy a private pre-party reception from 6pm-7pm in the Architectural Artifacts garden with special food, an open bar and exciting live performance as well as reserved VIP seating at the main event! We hope you will join us to support and celebrate the youth of CircEsteem! Sincerely, Maribeth Joy CircEsteem Inc. We need your help to meet our scholarship fundraising goals! Help support CircEsteem's free programming at the Circus Soirée! Your ticket to Circus Soirée not only gets you into the most delightful event of the fall- funds raised will also directly support our mission of uniting youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and supporting the free programming that enables us to bring circus to ALL youth in the Chicagoland area.  Come out and 'Soirée' with us for the youth of CircEsteem! October 18th, 2012  6-7pm VIP reception, 7-10pm Main Event  Architectural Artifacts  To purchase tickets please click here! Our Mission Since 2001, CircEsteem's mission has been to unite youth from diverse racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds and help them build self-esteem and mutual respect through the practice of circus arts.

Buy  Your  Tickets Today!  Tickets for CircEsteem's Circus Soirée are $150 for VIP seating and $100 for general admission.  Not able to attend but still want to help us reach our fall fundraising goals? Your donation to CircEsteem is greatly appreciated!  Tickets can be purchased online here, or by check made out to CircEsteem and sent to 4730 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60640.

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