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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Sick Drummer Premieres Exclusive PIG DESTROYER Drum Video #contest #grindcore #metal
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
ACT OUT: Black Watch & The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart (The OTHER Scottish Plays) #review
ChiIL Live Shows photos--The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
Ask any theatre geek what "The Scottish Play" is and he or she will undoubtedly conjure up the infamous Shakespeare play whose name must not be uttered within a theatre or it's bad luck. Actors can be a superstitious lot. However, in Chi-town right now, there are two authentic Scottish plays running this month, with real Scottish actors and accents, and major players from The National Theatre of Scotland! Neither of them is Macbeth, though the troupe IS here in conjunction with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
Image 1: Left to right: David McKay, Alasdair Macrae, Melody Grove and Andy Clark in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.
First up, we're super stoked The National Theatre of Scotland is presenting The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. Critics are just about universally raving about the show and handing out 5 stars like shots of fine Scotch whisky.
Do not miss this limited run. The show must close October 28th.
Do not miss this limited run. The show must close October 28th.
September 26–October 28, 2012 Tickets $45–$60
Tuesday
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7:30 p.m.
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Wednesday
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7:30 p.m.
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Thursday
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7:30 p.m.
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Friday
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7:30 p.m.
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Saturday
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3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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Sunday
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3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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ChiIL Live Shows caught opening night and we loved it. This show is wickedly funny, creative and smart without pretension. Much of the dialogue is couplets providing a classy and classic touch.
Scottish folk ballads and instruments that have been used for centuries effectively transport the audience out of the intimate, upstairs space at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier and into a recreated Scottish pub.
Image 3: Left to right: Andy Clark, Melody Grove, Annie Grace, David McKay and Alasdair Macrae in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.
I heard a few older patrons saying they had a bit of trouble with understanding the accents, but I'd say 95% of the dialogue and song was easy to hear and follow along with. Luckily we were also given a "cheat sheet" that explained the most Scottish of expressions and events not universally known to Chicagoans.
The theatre has a bar in the room and the audience is treated to a free communion cup shot of smoky, rich Benromach Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky. Even my decidedly non-theatre lovin' spouse was placated with a few beers and a shot of 10 year old whisky in front of him, and actually admitted he enjoyed the show!
Image 2: Left to right: Annie Grace, Melody Grove and Andy Clark in National Theater of Scotland’s production of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, presented in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare, now through October 28, 2012. Photo by Drew Farrell.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents
National Theatre of Scotland's
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart
As Part of the World's Stage Series
Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Now through October 28, 2012
The theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare morphs into the intimate confines of a Scottish pub for National Theatre of Scotland’s The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart now through October 28. Complete with pub-style seating and a bar, the production recounts the Faustian tale of Prudencia, an ivory-tower academic sweetly "lost" in her research on Scottish folk music, who finds her world comically unhinged as the love and mythology of her research springs to surprising life.
Winner of a Herald Angel award at the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, The Scotsman gives it five stars and The Herald declares, “You shouldn’t miss this show for the world... [it’s] rambunctiously life-affirming and touchingly beautiful.”
The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart is the product of a weekend visit to a Kelso pub in the Scottish Borders by playwright David Greig, director Wils Wilson and composer Alasdair Macrae. What began as simple research on Scottish Border ballads soon became the inspiration for a story of love, music and the Devil.
Writer David Greig’s recent work for National Theatre of Scotland includes Dunsinane (Royal Shakespeare Company), Peter Pan and The Bacchae (Edinburgh International Festival). Currently, he is working on a new Broadway production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Director Wils Wilson, a Critics’ Award for Theatre in Scotland (CATS) recipient, has previously worked on National Theatre of Scotland’s Gobbo, devised and created with David Greig, and Home Shetland, created with Jackie Kay. Composer Alasdair Macrae won a CATS for Best Music and Sound for his work on The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart. The production’s creative team is rounded out by Designer Georgia McGuinness, Composer and Music Director Alasdair Macrae, Movement Director Janice Parker, and Casting Director Anne Henderson. The cast of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart includes: Andy Clark, Annie Grace, Melody Grove, Alasdair Macrae and David McKay.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s limited four-week engagement of The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart runs now through October 28, 2012, in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare. Tickets are on sale now for $45–60. All patrons receive a 40% discount on guaranteed parking in Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com.
ABOUT NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND
Supported by the Scottish Government, National Theatre of Scotland has been involved in creating 181 productions in 156 different locations since its launch in February 2006. With no building of its own, the Company takes theater all over Scotland and beyond, working with existing and new venues and companies to create and tour theater of the highest quality. It takes place in the great buildings of Scotland, but also in site-specific locations, airports and tower blocks, community halls and drill halls, ferries and forests. The company has performed to over 770,000 people, across three continents.
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international theater company, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for intricate storytelling, musicality of language and depth of feeling for the human condition. Recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Chicago Shakespeare’s work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with 62 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to producing extraordinary classic productions, new works and family fare; unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series.
ABOUT THE WORLD’S STAGE SERIES
Chicago Shakespeare’s presentation of National Theatre of Scotland is emblematic of the wide scope of work presented through the World’s Stage Series—a program that brings the world’s most exciting theatrical events to Chicago audiences and presents Chicago Shakespeare’s work abroad. Since the inception of the World Stage Series in 2000, CST has imported international productions ranging from pedestrian-based live art events (Australia’s one step at a time like this) to grand aerial and water spectacles (France’s Compagnie Transe Express and Ilotopie); and hosted iconic theaters such as Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre (London), The Abbey Theatre (Dublin), the Chekhov International Theatre Festival (Moscow) and La Comédie-Française (Paris). As a leading cultural ambassador, Chicago Shakespeare has presented its work at the Royal Shakespeare Company, The Donmar Warehouse and Stratford East theatres; and this past spring, was among the 37 international companies that came together for an unprecedented 37-play “Globe to Globe” festival for the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Chicago Shakespeare, representing North America, brought to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London an original CST commission and world premiere, The Q Brothers’ Othello: The Remix, presented in American hip-hop. The acclaimed production is currently playing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Check out Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's website for advanced tickets for their prolific, professional and profound offerings.
Black Watch, also by National Theatre of Scotland is opening Oct 10th. Click the link for video clips, behind the scenes, reviews and more. We missed it the last time around and are eagerly awaiting it's return. It's playing at The Broadway Armory through Oct. 21st.
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Both are well worth a night out. Get your tickets today before they sell out or ship out! Check out ChiIL Live Shows prior coverage here.
UP AND COMING
SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE | September 26–November 4, 2012
THE STRANGE UNDOING OF PRUDENCIA HART | September 26–October 14, 2012
BLACK WATCH | October 10–21, 2012
ACT OUT: BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ONE NAME ONLY (A DIFFERENT KIND OF REALITY SHOW) AT THE BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER CULTURAL CENTER
Eracism is alive and well at Black Ensemble Theater.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. Check out "a different kind of reality show" opening this Saturday.
Black Ensemble Theater announces the World Premiere of One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show), written and directed by Black Ensemble Associate Director Rueben Echoles. One Name Only will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, September 28 – November 11.
Where else but on the Black Ensemble Theater stage can you hear the hits of Aretha, Patti, Gladys, Tina and Whitney – all in one show? One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) pays tribute to the Ladies of Soul in this exciting world premiere musical. Written and directed by Rueben Echoles, this exciting, fun-filled production is full of dance, comedy and surprise guest appearances by national recording stars, including the one-and-only Dionne Warwick (date to be determined). There will be nights when the production will also feature “guest judges” who are recognized as some of Chicago’s brightest stars and powerhouse singers. A clever mash-up of popular television reality shows, One Name Only is a fresh, unique theatrical experience not to be missed.
One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) will feature the audience as they will decide the winner for the evening - raising the dramatic stakes and ensuring that every show is different.
As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Robert Reddrick will serve as musical director, making the music the centerpiece of the action. The Black Ensemble Musicians include Robert Reddrick on drums, Tracy Baker on bass, Herbert Walker on guitar, Mark Moultry on piano, and horn section Bill McFarland, Paul Howard and Dudley Owens will set the house on fire.
The cast includes Black Ensemble audience favorites such as Katrina Miller (as Gladys Knight and Tina Turner), Dawn Bless (as Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin), and Dee Lane, Lydia Brown, Jerica Exum, Monique Miller, Ta-Tynisa Wilson, Ninah Snipes, A’rese Emokepae and Lisa Beasley as the fierce singing competitors, while Terry Francois, Brandon Homes, Lyle Miller and Dwight Neal are the men who round out the cast.
“With our new building, two hit shows since opening the new Center and now this world premiere by Rueben Echoles, Black Ensemble Theater is continuing its banner year,” says Jackie Taylor. “We have assembled a fantastic artistic team to celebrate the Ladies of Soul. We promise surprises throughout the run with special guests and an audience-chosen outcome each night. We look forward to welcoming special guests as we take a timely and fresh look at these icons of American music through the lens of reality television.”
Tickets for One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show) are $55 for Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 769-4451, or online,www.ticketmaster.com
FACTS
Title: One Name Only (A Different Kind of Reality Show)
Written & directed by: BE Associate Director Rueben Echoles
Musical Director: Robert Reddrick
Dates: Through November 11, 2012
Schedule: Wed & Thurs: 7:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 p.m.
Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
Valet parking is available.
Ticket prices: $55 on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.
Box Office: Buy online at www.ticketmaster.com or call (773) 769-4451
The Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.
On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space; rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage. The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in 2013.
The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, please visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.
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
Monday, October 1, 2012
Help Locally: Circus Soiree--Eat, Drink & Enjoy for a Great Cause
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