I Went to A Sinfonietta And A Circus Broke Out! #ChicagoSinfonietta #CircEsteem

ChiIL Mama's daughter rocks the Chicago Sinfonietta with CircEsteem Monday night.    All photos by Mary Rafferty Photography   

Monday night there was a rustle of programs and quizzical looks across the audience as The Chicago Sinfonietta began their 2nd number.   There was nothing in the billing about circus arts, but the surprise guests of the evening stole the show and provided a lovely example of collaboration in the arts and the theme of the evening, Performance.  Art.  

Unicyclists careened down the aisles of Symphony Center and jugglers materialized in the balcony and wings.   ChiIL Mama's own 9 year old daughter flipped upside down into a bridge and crab walked across the stage in front of the orchestra, while adults foot juggled a table and large pot, and stilt walked.   A teen rolled out in a giant, metal gym wheel, and the audience was treated to Performance.  Art.  indeed!   

The surprise guests of the evening were the uber talented kids and staff of Chicago's own CircEsteem, including ChiIL Mama's own kids, Du-Jay (11) and Sagezilla (9).   The performers were under the radar, and the applause was off the charts.   

The Chicago Sinfonietta opened its 25^th Anniversary Season with a concert called Performance. Art, featuring lively guest musicians, the New York-based jazz-hybrid ensemble PROJECT Trio.  The concert took place Saturday, September 29 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville and Monday, October 1 at Symphony Center in downtown Chicago.   The performers from CircEsteem were special, surprise guests for both the Naperville and the Symphony Center concerts.

PROJECT Trio was also a joy to see live.   They brought an unbridled enthusiasm and rock star esthetic to their pieces.   The talented trio even sited Jethro Tull as one of their influences and did their own version of merging classical and classic rock.    

The official press release for the evening along with links to further information on The Chicago Sinfonietta and CircEsteem are below.

 

Chicago Sinfonietta Opens 25^th Anniversary Season with

PERFORMANCE. ART.

Featuring genre-crossing virtuosos PROJECT Trio

Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College, September 29

Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, October 1

The Chicago Sinfonietta’s milestone 25^th Anniversary Season opening concert, titled Performance. Art., features a unique collaboration with the Brooklyn-based, high-energy chamber ensemble PROJECT Trio (Greg Pattillo, Peter Seymour and Eric Stephenson).  Blending their classical training with a wide array of musical styles, including jazz, hip-hop and rock, PROJECT Trio’s virtuoso performers use their passion and versatility to make an impression on audiences of all musical tastes.  Performance. Art. will be performed at Wentz Concert Hall,171 E. Chicago Avenue in Naperville, Saturday, September 29 at 8 pm and at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, Monday, October 1 at 7:30 pm.

“PROJECT Trio combines flute, cello and bass to achieve musical colors that you would never have thought possible,” said Sinfonietta Music Director Mei-Ann Chen.  “Not only do they bring a distinct sound, they also bring a lot of movement to the stage – so much energy!  It will be very fun to have them join the Sinfonietta for our Silver Anniversary season opener, and I’m so glad we can share the talents of this incredible group with our Chicago and Naperville audiences.” 

Chen opens the concert with a distinctive variation on Johannes Brahms’ one-movement work Hungarian Dance No. 5.  The program continues with three exceptional performances by PROJECT Trio both with the orchestra and on their own, including Fast and Random Roads – two works composed by its own members – and an unusual take on J. S. Bach’s Bourrée from Suite in E Minor for Lute. 

The first movement of Israeli composer Avner Dorman’s rhythmically vigorous Spices, Perfumes, Toxins! continues the second half of the program, featuring Eric Goldberg and Shuya Gong, winners of the CSO Young Artist Competition in 2010, 2011 and 2012, on marimba and other percussion instruments. 

The concert culminates with Igor Stravinsky’s regal and soaring Firebird Suite.

Tickets

Single tickets range from $40-$50 for concerts at Wentz Concert Hall and $26-$50 for concerts at Symphony Center, with special $10 pricing available for students. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chicago Sinfonietta at 312-236-3681 ext. 2 or online at www.chicagosinfonietta.org.

About the Guest Artists

PROJECT Trio, with Greg Pattillo (flute), Eric Stephenson (cello) and Peter Seymour (bass), is pushing the boundaries of classical music with a high-octane mix of jazz, hip-hop and rock.  Hailed for their “wide appeal, subversive humor and first-rate playing” by the Wall Street Journal, the Trio performs over 70 concerts a year, playing to fans of all ages in venues around the world.  Highlights of the Trio’s current season include concerts with the Charlotte Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Walla Walla Symphony and the Britt Festival.  Internationally, they will make their second tour of Germanyand their first tour of the former Soviet Union as part of American Music Abroad sponsored by the US Department of State.  The Trio is dedicated to arts education, inspiring a whole new generation of concert-going music lovers.  They are in their second year of residency with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra as Family Concert Artists in Residence.  For more information on PROJECT Trio visit www.projecttrio.com.

Eric Goldberg and Shuya Gong are members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Percussion Scholarship Group directed by CSO percussionist Patricia Dash and Lyric Opera of Chicago percussionist Douglas Waddell.  As members of the Scholarship Group ensemble, Goldberg and Gong have performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and the League of American Orchestras National Conference and have also been featured on the National Public Radio show From the Top and the Introductions radio show on WFMT.  The Group performs twice annually at Chicago’s Symphony Center and has given additional Symphony Centerconcerts in conjunction with the CSO Youth in Music Festival. Goldberg and Gong are both juniors at Chicago’s Whitney M. Young Magnet High School where they are members of the Advanced Band and Philharmonic Orchestra. 

About the Chicago Sinfonietta

For 25 years, the Chicago Sinfonietta has pushed artistic and social boundaries to provide an alternative way of hearing, seeing and thinking about a symphony orchestra.  Each concert experience fuses inventive new works from a diverse array of voices with classical masterworks to entertain, transform and inspire.

The Chicago Sinfonietta has a proud history of having enriched the cultural, educational, and social quality of life in Chicago.  Under the guidance of Founding Music Director Paul Freeman, the orchestra has performed at the highest artistic level since 1987.  Mei-Ann Chen succeeded Paul Freeman as the Chicago Sinfonietta’s Music Director beginning with the 2011-12 season.  The Chicago Sinfonietta musicians truly represent the city’s rich cultural landscape and continue to fulfill the orchestra’s mission of Musical Excellence through Diversity^™. 

The Sinfonietta was recently honored with two national awards for excellence from the League of American Orchestras, one for adventurous programming and one recognizing Maestro Chen with the Helen M. Thompson Award for an Emerging Music Director. 

Mei-Ann Chen, also Music Director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, has appeared with symphonies all over the country and the world, include the symphonies of Alabama, Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Colorado, Columbus, Edmonton (Canada), Florida, Fort Worth, Honolulu, National (Washington, D.C.), Oregon, Pacific, Phoenix, Princeton, Seattle, Toronto, and the Grand Teton Festival Orchestra.  The first woman to win the Malko Competition (2005), Chen has served as Assistant Conductor of the Oregon Symphony, the Atlanta Symphony and the Baltimore Symphony.  Born in Taiwan, Chen has lived in the United States since 1989.  She was the first student in New England Conservatory’s history to receive master’s degrees simultaneously in both violin and conducting. 

The Chicago Sinfonietta thanks Supporting Season Sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Lead West Suburban Sponsor BP, and Lead Media Sponsor Chicago Sun-Times Media.  Additional thanks to Opening Night Sponsor JP Morgan Chase and the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation.  Support for Wentz Concert Hall performances provided by the Hinsdale Center for the Arts and Naperville’s Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund.  Additional media support provided byChicago Magazine, ABC-7 Chicago, WFMT, WBEZ, WDCB, Arte y Vida Chicago, Today’s Chicago Woman, Naperville Sun and Naperville Magazine.  Southwest Airlines is the Official Airline of the Chicago Sinfonietta.  Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park and Hotel Arista in Naperville are the Official Hotels of the Chicago Sinfonietta.

For more information on the Chicago Sinfonietta please visit their main site here. 

For more information on CircEsteem, click here.

**See these talented kids live at Circus Soiree Benefit Fundraiser Thursday, October 18th at the gorgeous Architectural Artifacts space.  Eat, drink, and bid for a great cause.  It's shaping up to be THE party of the year.   Click here for details. **

Thursday, Oct 18, 2012
Circus Soiree

6:00 PM
Architectural Artifacts
4325 North Ravenswood Avenue
Chicago, IL

CircEsteem’s Circus Soiree is coming up fast.   Tickets are flying like aerial artists!!   Get yours before they sell out!    If you can't make it the 18th, you can still help out with a donation right here.

Sick Drummer Premieres Exclusive PIG DESTROYER Drum Video #contest #grindcore #metal

Launch "This is Beautiful, This is Art" Contest   ChiIL Live Shows will have our review up shortly.   In the meantime, here's some sweet videos, a contest, free streaming songs, and more.   Now go eat a Pig Destroyer BBQ at Kuma's Corner, if you're in my hood in Chi-Town, and crank up the tunes already. Described by MetalSucks as "the best metal album of the year", PIG DESTROYER's long awaited new album Book Burner will see the light of day October 22nd via Relapse Records.  The reigning grindcore champions razor-sharp fifth-full length was recorded at guitarist Scott Hull's Visceral Sound Studios. Sick Drummer Magazine has posted an exclusive video of PIG DESTROYER drummer Adam Jarvis from a recent Meinl showcase.  This video features Jarvis playing several tracks that appear on Book Burner.  Get a first look at the video HERE. In conjunction with the release of Book Burner, PIG DESTROYER and Relapse Records have launched the "This is Beautiful, This is Art" Contest.  The object of the contest is to post an original picture, drawing, handwritten note, sculpture, animation or anything else you can think of with your favorite PIG DESTROYER lyrics included on the piece.  The piece then needs to be posted via Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr tagging the band.  There will be one grand prize winner and three runners up.  For more information and a complete list of prizes visit the official contest page HERE.  All entries must be received by October 15th.    Pitchfork is currently hosting an exclusive stream of the song "The Diplomat".  The stream can be accessed HERE.  The track "Burning Palm" can also be streamed via Relapse Record's Sound Cloud Player HERE. Book Burner features 19 tracks with a return to the band's raw, misanthropic sound.  Book Burner will be available on multiple formats including CD, Deluxe 2xCD, LP, Deluxe 2xLP, Cassette and Digital.  Pre-Orders for all of the editions are available via Relapse Records here and iTunes here. The deluxe editions will each contain a bonus disc of punk covers and a short story, titled The Atheist, penned by frontman JR Hayes.  The Atheist is a post-apocalyptic tale about a decaying world taken over by the violence of religion that showcases the renowned lyricists' unsurpassed style for the first time as prose.  The deluxe 2xLP will also contain an etched b-side featuring artwork by Wormrot frontman Arif Rot.  In support of Book Burner, PIG DESTROYER will be making special appearances at various festivals and shows throughout the year, including the UK's Damnation Festival, The Metal Sucks/Metal Injection CMJ Showcase, Decibel Magazine's 100th Issue Anniversary Show and Maryland Deathfest 2013.  A full list of dates is included below. PIG DESTROYER TOUR DATES:  Oct. 18        Brooklyn, NY        MetalSucks/Metal Injection CMJ showcase @ Public Assembly Tickets Oct. 19       Baltimore, MD      Ottobar    (w/ Royal Thunder)    Tickets (CD Release Show) Nov. 1       Brighton, UK        The Haunt        Tickets Nov. 2       London, UK         The Garage       Tickets Nov. 3       Leeds, UK            Damnnation Festival             Jan. 19     Philadelphia, PA   Union Transfer w/ Municipal Waste, Repulsion, Tombs    Tickets May 23 - 26    Baltimore, MD        Maryland Deathfest XI4 "Pig Destroyer's Book Burner is the best metal album of the year"  - 5/5 Metal Sucks "skull-crushing"  - MTV.com "The kings of bludgeoning art grind...a fucking phenomenal extreme metal band"  - KERRANG! "They continue to create some of the most interesting, challenging, and indelible grind of the last decade."  -Decibel "a quantum leap for the whole goddamn genre."  - Pitchfork "their most manic album yet"  - CMJ     "A sound that is among the most extreme ever created."  - Allmusic

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.

September 26–October 28, 2012 Tickets $45–$60

Tuesday	7:30 p.m.
Wednesday	7:30 p.m.
Thursday	7:30 p.m.
Friday	7:30 p.m.
Saturday	3:00 & 7:30 p.m.
Sunday	3:00 & 7:30 p.m.

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.

Yet cell phones, the internet, karaoke, soccer matches, and even modern pop stars are intrinsically woven throughout the story in a brilliant melding of past and present, myth and modern life.   The audience is treated to a rousing night of live theatre, Scottish folk songs, and a truly unique hybrid of classic and modern story telling.   In this interactive show, the 3rd wall is broken down and much of the action takes place among, around and on the audience and their pub tables! The audience is asked to make snow and sing along, and more than a few enjoyed doodling on the paper table cloths.   

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.

We dug the misadventures of the aptly named Prudencia Hart, the serious, prudent and prudish academic with her heart tightly under wraps.  Truly the rule of opposites does exist and apply.   Sometimes opponents are unlikely allies.
    
  

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.

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.

WWW.CHICAGOSHAKES.COM  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

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.