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Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Lovesick Teenagers by Bear in Heaven LIVE at Schubas 4/19/12 #TNKfest #originalvideo



Lovesick Teenagers by Bear in Heaven LIVE at Schubas 4/19/12    ChiIL Live Shows



Bear in Heaven will be back at Schubas this Wednesday as part of the Tomorrow Never Knows Festival.   ChiIL Live Shows will be there shooting stills.



Check out their high energy, live show.


All Schubas & Lincoln Hall TNK Shows are 18+ and start at 9pm.   Check out the full schedule and all the venues here.   Advanced tixs strongly suggested.


TKN Fest Bear in Heaven TOMORROW #originalvideos #TNKfest





Bear in Heaven-Cool Light LIVE at Schubas 4/19/12--original HD Video by ChiIL Live Shows



Catch them again at Schubas in Chicago as part of the kick off, first day of The Tomorrow Never Knows Festival THIS Wednesday 1/16!   18+.   



Click here for full show details and ChiIL Live Shows' photo filled feature.









Click here for the full TNK Festival Schedule.  



Advanced tickets strongly suggested.   Many shows are already selling out!





All Schubas & Lincoln Hall shows for TNK Fest are 9pm - 18+ $15











Bear in Heaven- Warm Water LIVE at Schubas 4/19/12--original HD Video by ChiIL Live Shows

Monday, January 14, 2013

THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE AND EXELON REJOICE WITH THE RETURN OF THE 8TH ANNUAL “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” JANUARY 19 – 20




Too Hot to Handel rocks The Auditorium Theatre for 3 days only in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

200 Musicians and Vocalists With Soloists Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and
Karen Marie Richardson Pay Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. with the 8th annual “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah ,” January 19 and January 20. Chicago favorites Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson join 200 of Chicago’s finest musicians and vocalists, under the direction of Bill Fraher and Suzanne Mallare Acton, for two public performances only—filling the historic landmark theater with the joyous sounds and exuberance of this All-American reinvention of Handel’s “Messiah.” Tickets ($30 – $74) are on sale now and available online at ticketmaster.com/auditorium, by calling (800) 982-2787 or at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).   Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.

A one-hour Student Matinee performance is offered on Friday, January 18, open to any student elementary through high school for $10 each. Tickets are available by calling (312) 341-2357.


Performance Schedule and Ticket Information

Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” performs at the Auditorium Theatre:
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013 at 11 a.m. (one hour Student Matinee Performance*) 
Saturday, Jan. 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. 
Sunday, Jan. 20, 213 at 3 p.m.** 

Tickets to the Jan. 19 and 20 performances are $30 - $74, available online here , by calling (800) 982-2787 or in-person at the Auditorium’s Box Office (50 E Congress Pkwy).

*The Friday, Jan. 18 student matinee is available to elementary through high school student groups of 10 or more people. Group tickets are $10 each and available by calling 
(312) 341-2357. 

**A free Q&A with “Too Hot to Handel” artists immediately follows the Sunday afternoon performance. 

Since its 2006 Chicago debut, “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah” has continued to reinvigorate audiences while paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  

This show provides our community with a truly unique way to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, not only because of Dr. King’s deep love of gospel and jazz music but the way in which it represents Chicago’s diversity in both performers and audience members,” said Executive Director Brett Batterson. “It’s incredible to see an entire audience brought to their feet with such vigor and excitement. It is a true celebration of music, and of a man so important to United States history.”

Ingeniously re-imagined to embrace black musical tradition, the aptly named ‘Too Hot to Handel’ proved that even the most revered classical masterpieces can be taught to swing.” (Chicago Tribune’s Howard Reich). Mixing gospel and jazz stylings, “Too Hot” brings music lovers of all genres to their feet. Brought to life onstage by 200 Chicago musicians including 150 voices from the citywide “Too Hot” Choir under the direction of Old St. Patrick’s Church music director Bill Fraher, and a 50-piece symphony orchestra and jazz ensemble under the baton of conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton. “Too Hot to Handel” then brings the powerhouse voices of Rodrick Dixon, Alfreda Burke and Karen Marie Richardson to lead the group through the incredible music that fills the Auditorium Theatre.

In tandem with “Too Hot to Handel,” the Auditorium’s Department of Creative Engagement utilizes innovative programming to involve the community by teaching Chicago students about Martin Luther King Jr. and the power of music and celebration. For the 4th consecutive year, the Auditorium invites Chicago Public School students, grades 3-12, to write an original poem celebrating Dr. King's vision of the beloved community. Finalist’s poems will be published in “N’DIGO” Magazine. In addition, the grand prize-winner will receive 4 free tickets to the “Too Hot to Handel” opening night performance and will recite their poem on stage before the show.  Poem deadline was December 7, 2012.

Auditorium Theatre’s Department of Creative Engagement is also reaching out to CPS High School Choirs and inviting them to apply to a “Too Hot to Handel” Master Class facilitated by the “Too Hot to Handel” stars.  Students will have the opportunity to work with “Too Hot” conductor Suzanne Mallare Acton, perform a solo piece and receive coaching from “Too Hot” vocalists Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon and are invited to attend the Student Matinee performance. Please contact atru-education@auditoriumtheatre.org  for more information on the Master Class.

The Auditorium also offers the “Too Hot” Residency Program, bringing together the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the music of “Too Hot to Handel.” A free program for CPS Grades 3 – 8, students will examine Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision of the beloved community while gaining a basic understanding of musical composition. Under the guidance of “Too Hot” Teaching Artists, students will create a final musical composition reflecting on and musically articulating their own vision of what Dr. King’s beloved community means to them now. Residencies take place in December and early January. No musical training or instruments necessary

Also available free to CPS Grades 3 – 8, is a One-Day Workshop where students will study elements of “Too Hot” to understand how small personal choices have a big impact the community.  Students will use this knowledge to create a quilt that will be displayed in the Auditorium lobby expressing how they individually can make a positive difference.  Contact Christina Bourné, Director of Education and Creative Engagement at (312) 341-2353 or cbourne@auditoriumtheatre.org

Too Hot to Handel is presented by Exelon. “Too Hot to Handel” educational outreach programs are made possible through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation with additional support from The PrivateBank and The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation for the student matinee performances.  Additional support provided by Friends of “Too Hot to Handel”, “N’DIGO”, and “Chicago Jazz Magazine”.


Auditorium Theatre 2013 Subscriptions

Subscriptions for the Auditorium Theatre’s current season are now on sale. For more information or to purchase a subscription call (312) 341-2356 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org .  
The Auditorium’s season packages include:

2-Show Jazz Series – Save 10% when you purchase tickets to both “Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz Gospel Messiah” on January 19 – 20, 2013 and River North Dance Chicago with Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic - The Cuban Project  on April 13, 2013.

About the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E Congress Pkwy, is an independent, not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural and community programming to Chicago, and to the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council, CityArts, and the Palmer House Hilton.  For more information about programming, volunteer and donor opportunities or theater tours, call (312) 341-2310 or visit auditoriumtheatre.org .


ACT OUT OPENING: Don't Blink: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE (18+)


Lady Lemondrop as The Doctor and Devyn DeViante as a Roller Skating Dalek
All photos by Greg Inda 

DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE
Is that a sonic screwdriver in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?

Heck yeah!   Our fav nerdy burlesque is baaaaack with another new geek chic show.  We adore Dr. Who and can't wait to see it Gorilla Tangofied!   This show's bound to give the cliche "playing doctor" a whole new twist.

Diva La Vida as Cyberwoman
"Who can save the earth from imminent destruction?"

Hot on the heels of the critically acclaimed “The Empire Brings Sexy Back,” Gorilla Tango Burlesque releases a fun romp thru Doctors Past and Present that will keep you warm – and wide awake – thru Winter. DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE performs Fridays at 9pm, February 1 – May 31, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre Bucktown (1919 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago IL 60647). Tickets are $35; 18 and over only. Advance purchase recommended: www.gorillatango.com/who or 773-598-4549.  

Come travel through time and space with The Doctor and his companion, Cort, in their silliest, sexiest and most “lady-like” adventure yet! When a rough ride in the TARDIS leads to some gender bending changes for The Doctor, s/he embarks on a literal journey of self-discovery. Along the way s/he meets up with old friends, older incarnations, a few enemies, and even a naked Ood or two. Daleks and Cyberwomen and Weeping Angels, Oh my!

Directed by Katherine Siegel and choreographed by Kay Smiles, DON’T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE is an awesomely hilarious burlesque spoof on the beloved series about the multi-incarnationed time traveler.  

Says Seigal, “'Don’t Blink' is the sexy ode to Doctor Who that fans like me have been waiting for.” She continues, “It’s great to have the opportunity to take something you love and turn it on its head. So much work in science fiction deals with gender politics; and with a growing audience of female Sci-Fi fans, it’s great to take a moment to look at content with as much history as Doctor Who through a lens of femininity. Burlesque is all about social commentary through parody which makes it exciting for all audiences. Mixed in with the funny one liners and sight gags there is a ton of commentary about the emphasis on gender in the Doctor Who community. Oh, and did I mention? For those people who don’t care about all that, there will be boobs. Roller skating Dalek boobs. C’mon – how awesome is that?”

Actor ID (L-R): Juicy Lucy, Crystal Paradise, Lady Lemondrop, Diva La Vida, Devyn DeViante, Irene Goodnight, and Ruby Bourbon

Writer Busty Warren is excited to have brought a burlesque Doctor to life. "I'm thrilled that this show is happening in the year of Doctor Who's 50th anniversary…I've been a fan since before the 20th anniversary!" When asked to comment on her preferred Doctor, she replied, "For most people, their first Doctor is their favorite Doctor. Mine was 4, Tom Baker. I actually met him once at a convention in Boston in 1983. I knew it would be impossible to include all the Doctors, so I used the three most recent, from the "new" series, plus my boy Tom.”

Join Gorilla Tango Burlesque for the trip of a lifetime! And whatever you do, DON'T BLINK.

Diva La Vida as the stern Cyberwoman and Lady Lemondrop as The Doctor

MORE ABOUT DON'T BLINK: A DOCTOR WHO BURLESQUE
Written by Busty Warren
Directed by Katherine Siegel
Choreographed by Kay Smiles
Costumes by John Allbritton
Produced by Gorilla Tango Burlesque
Featuring: Lady Lemon Drop, Devyn DeViante, Juicy Lucy, Irene Goodnight, Ruby Bourbon, Crystal Paradise, and Diva La Vida

MORE ABOUT GORILLA TANGO BURLESQUE
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’s smash Halloween hit, “Boobs of the Dead: A Walking Dead Burlesque” brought sexy to local zombies this past October, and recently its burlesque sequel, “The Empire Brings Sexy Back” has Star Wars fans flocking for more!


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.

ACT OUT OPENING: Lookingglass Theatre Company presents Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo


For more information, visit lookingglass theatre's main site here.


LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE CONTINUES
ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH:
BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO

WRITTEN BY RAJIV JOSEPH
DIRECTED BY ENSEMBLE MEMBER HEIDI STILLMAN

ChiIL Live Shows has been eagerly awaiting the opening of this show!   Lookingglass is one of our absolute favorites and we can't wait to see them bring this Pulitzer Prize finalist to fruition on the stage.   We'll have a full review for you after February 9th.

Continuing its 25th Anniversary Season, Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the 2010 Pulitzer Prize Finalist Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Ensemble Member Heidi StillmanTickets are now on sale for the production, running January 30 – March 17, 2013 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. 

Two US Marines and an Iraqi translator are thrust into a world of greed, mystery and betrayal after an encounter with a now-deceased but still very pissed-off tiger. The streets of war-torn Baghdad are filled with ghosts, riddles and wry humor in Rajiv Joseph's groundbreaking play that explores the power and perils of human nature.

We were on fire about Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo as soon as we read it, long before we knew about its Broadway production or prior pedigree.  It felt like an intuitive match for Lookingglass; it grapples with all the biggest issues (war, religion, death, violence) in a highly theatrical manner with writing that is intensely lyrical, poetic, and often just hilarious.  It smashes the poetic and the profane right next to each other, and feels simultaneously realistic and surrealistic in a way that is totally original and thrilling,” comments Artistic Director Andy White. “Although it’s about some of the gritty realities of war -- and therefore perhaps not for the faint-of-heart -- it’s also a brilliant, thoughtful, and often very funny and full exploration of the best and worst of human nature both on and off the battlefield.”

Dates: Previews:       January 30, 2013 – February 8, 2013
Regular run:        February 10- March 17, 2013
Times:         Tuesdays: 7:30 p.m. (2/12, 2/26, and 3/12 only)

Wednesdays:   7:30 p.m. 
                  Thursdays:       3:00 p.m. (2/21 and 3/7 only); 7:30 p.m.
                      Fridays:            7:30pm
                       
                           Saturdays:        3:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m
Sundays:           3:00 p.m.; 7:30 p.m. 

Location:   Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic 
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  

Prices: Previews are $28 - $38
Regular Run is $36 - $70

Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all.

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID. 

Groups of 10 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

Box Office:  
Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org 
or by phone at (312) 337-0665
The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works, 
                      821 N. Michigan Ave.



The cast features Troy West (Tiger), JJ Phillips (Kev), Walter Owen Briggs (Tom), Anish Jethmalani (Musa), Kareem Bandealy (Iraqi Man, Uday), Amy J. Carle (Iraqi Woman, Leper) and Atra Asdou (Hadai, Iraqi Teenager).

The designers are Ensemble Member Daniel Ostling (Scenic), Ensemble Member Mara Blumenfeld (Costumes), Christine A. Binder (Lighting), Artistic Associate Rick Sims (Sound/Composer), Maria Defabo (Properties), and Meredith Miller (Specialty Properties Designer).  The Fight Choreographer is Matt Hawkins and the Stage Manager is Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter.
*Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo contains adult themes, coarse language and provocative content.

About Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo artists

Heidi Stillman (Director/Artistic Director of New Work/Ensemble Member) co-created/directed Cascabel with Rick Bayless and Tony Hernandez. Other Lookingglass writing/directing credits include The Last Act of Lilka Kadison, Trust with David Schwimmer, Hephaestus with Tony Hernandez at the Goodman, The Brothers Karamazov, Hard Times (5 Jeff Awards, also traveled to the Arden in Philadelphia), and The Master and Margarita (with David Catlin). Directing credits at Lookingglass include The Wooden Breeks (by Glen Berger), and Hillbilly Antigone (book, music and lyrics by Rick Sims). She also recently staged Laura Eason’s Around the World in 80 Days at Kansas City Rep and Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights at Berkeley Rep. Other Lookingglass adaptation credits include The Old Curiosity Shop co-written with Ray Fox and Laura Eason (Jeff Award), and The Baron in the Trees with Larry DiStasi. She was last seen on stage in The Arabian Nights. Heidi was awarded the 2010 Raven Award for Excellence in Arts and Entertainment for The Brothers Karamazov. 

Atra Asdou (Hadia, Iraqi Teenager) is making her Lookingglass Theatre debut. Former Chicago theatre credits include Writers’ Theatre, The Goodman, Silk Road Rising, Victory Gardens, American Theatre Company, and most recently, The Gift. Film credits include Johnson, Night Lights, and Follow the Leader. Atra is represented by Gray Talent Group Chicago.

Kareem Bandealy (Uday) appeared previously at Lookingglass in Peter Pan and The Last Act of Lilka Kadison. Chicago credits include Rock ‘N’ Roll, Gas For Less, King Lear (Goodman Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Edward II, Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Illusion (Court Theatre), Hamlet, The Caretaker, Heartbreak House (Writers’ Theatre), The Real Thing (Remy Bumppo), It’s a Wonderful Life, Oklahoma! (American Theater Company, ensemble member), Our Enemies, Back of the Throat,10 Acrobats (Silk Road Rising, associate artist), and Wedding Play (About Face). Regional credits include The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Three Musketeers, The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Stuff Happens, Julius Caesar (Pittsburgh Irish & Classical), and four seasons at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Film credits include The Merry Gentleman (Michael Keaton, director). In 2011, he received a 3Arts Artist Award. He will be seen next in Blood and Gifts at TimeLine.

Walter Owen Briggs (Tom) is making his Lookingglass debut with Bengal. Recent credits include Glass Menagerie (Mary-Arrchie), The Iron Stag King (The House), Romeo & Juliet (The Hypocrites), and Hit The Wall (The Inconvenience at Steppenwolf and TOTL). Walter is a founding member of The Inconvenience Artistic Syndicate, and is an ensemble member with The Hypocrites. He has worked with: A Red Orchid Theatre, Steep Theater, Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Children’s Theater, and About Face, among others. Film credits include Possessions and Older Children. Walter earned his BFA from the CCPA at Roosevelt University. 

Amy J. Carle (Iraqi Woman) has previously at Lookingglass in Peter Pan (A Play) and Trust. Other work in Chicago includes The Book Thief, Animals Out of Paper, Sex With Strangers and Hedda Gabler (Steppenwolf Theatre); Season’s Greetings (Northlight Theatre); Orlando (Court Theatre); The Sins of Sor Juana, Rock ‘N’ Roll, Desire Under the Elms (The Goodman Theatre); Refuge (CollaborAction, Jeff nom.); SubUrbia, The Lights (Jeff nom.), Ecstasy, WAS, The Planets (Roadworks Productions). She appeared in the Off Broadway National Tour of The Vagina Monologues. Regional credits include Fully Committed and The Diary of Anne Frank (Madison Repertory Theatre); Morning Star (Kansas City Repertory Theatre). Television credits include "Boss" (STARZ), "Chicago Code" (FOX), "Law & Order" (NBC), and "The Guiding Light" (CBS).

Anish Jethmalani (Musa) returns to Lookingglass Theatre where he previously appeared in Sita Ram and Around the World in 80 Days. His other stage credits include include Wit and several seasons of A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre; Titus Andronicus, Mary Stuart, The Invention of Love and Life’s a Dream at Court Theatre; Romeo and Juliet at Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Homeland Security at Victory Gardens Theater; Citizens of the World at Steppenwolf Theatre; The Caretaker and To the Green Fields Beyond at Writers’ Theatre; Omnium Gatherum, Return to Haifa and The Millionairess at Next Theatre Company; Twelfth Night at First Folio Theatre; Indian Ink and The Sign of the Four at Apple Tree Theatre; Merchant of Venice at Silk Road Rising and The Age of Cynicism or Karaoke Night at The Hog at Chicago Dramatists. He is an ensemble member of Eclipse Theatre Company. Regionally, he appeared in Henry VIII and Much Ado About Nothing at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and his television credits include "Boss" on Starz, "Leverage" on TNT and "Early Edition" on CBS. 

JJ Phillips (Kev) is making his Lookingglass debut. He most recently appeared in Griffin Theatre’s Punk Rock (Jeff Award), directed by Jonathon Berry. Other Theater credits include Treasure Island, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (First Stage Theater). TV and Film credits include "Chicago Fire" (NBC), and the short-film “Green” (Tribeca Film Academy). He studied at the School at Steppenwolf, and under Daniel Cantor at Northwestern University. 

Troy West (Tiger/Artistic Associate) has appeared with Lookingglass in Old Curiosity Shop, George, The Great Fire, Great Men of Science, Hard Times, The Idiot, The Wooden Breeks; with Steppenwolf, the original productions of Picasso at the Lapin Agile (also NY, SF and LA) and August: Osage County (also Broadway, London and Australia) and The Berlin Circle, among others; with A Red Orchid Theatre, The Grey Zone, The Physicists and Bug (also off-Broadway) among others. Other Chicago credits include Goodman, Chicago Dramatists, Remains, Roadworks, Famous Door, among others. Movies include “The Dilemma,” “Hellcab,” and “Advantage: Weinberg.” TV credits include "Pursuit of Happiness," "Nash Bridges," "Unusual Phenomena," and "Early Edition."

About Lookingglass
Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at both the nearby John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park (161 E. Chicago Ave.). 

About Lookingglass Theatre Company 
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  2012-2013 marks the company’s 25th anniversary season. Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. Lookingglass has staged 58 world premieres at 23 venues across Chicago, and garnered 52 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations. 

Work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States. 

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 22-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Richard Ditton of Incredible Technologies and President Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle. 



ACT OUT OPENING: Scary Tales by Clock Productions


SCARY TALES 2013
BY CLOCK PRODUCTIONS
RETURNS TO THE NATIONAL PASTIME THEATER

            Clock Productions will bring its newest version of the Scary Tales series to the National Pastime Theater beginning January 25.

            With stories ranging from Victorian England to ancient China, this series of short tales of mystery and terror offers an unusual evening of theater going.

            The cast includes Rachel Craig, Alyson Fowler, Keith Glab, Bernadette Rose, Will Snyder and Heather VanderWielen.  Co-directing are David Denman and Alex White. 

            The technical crew includes Set design by David Denman, Costume Design by Arin Mulvaney, Sound Design by Laurence Bryan and Lighting Design by Scott Pillsbury.  Stage Manager is Rachel Holland.

            SCARY TALES 2013 will open on Friday, January 25, 2013 and run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to February 9.  Performances are at 8pm Friday and Saturday nights and 3pm Sunday afternoons.

            SCARY TALES 2013 will be performed at the National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence on the 4th floor of the Preston Bradley Center.  Tickets are $15.

            For reservations call 773-327-7077 or click here .

What We're Watching-National Theatre Live-The Magistrate


National Theatre Live’s 2013 season continues at Music Box with
Victorian farce The Magistrate starring John Lithgow
shown Wednesday, January 23 with encore matinee Sunday, February 10

The Music Box Theatre continues its partnership with the UK’s National Theatre Liveproduced by Northwestern University alum David Sabel – to exhibit live stage performances beamed to Chicago from the prestigious National Theatre in London.  Academy Award nominee and Tony Award-winner John Lithgow (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Shrek, This is 40) takes the title role in Arthur Wing Pinero’s uproarious Victorian farce, The Magistrate, directed by Olivier Award-winner Timothy Sheader (Crazy for You and Into the Woods). The Chicago performances take place Wednesday, January 23, 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 10, 2 p.m. at the Music Box Theatre, 3733 North Southport Avenue.  Tickets to National Theatre Live events are $15 in advance at the Music Box Theatre box office and online at www.musicboxtheatre.com/collections/national-theatre-live-presents; $18 at the door. 

In a similar vein to the National Theatre’s smash-hit classic comedies, She Stoops to Conquer and London Assurance, The Magistrate is sure to have audiences doubled up with laughter. When amiable magistrate Posket (John Lithgow) marries Agatha (Olivier Award-winner Nancy Carroll, After the Dance), little does he realize she’s dropped five years from her age – and her son’s. When her deception looks set to be revealed, it sparks a series of hilarious indignities and outrageous mishaps.

Now in its fourth season, the international phenomenon National Theatre Live is the brainchild of Northwestern University alumnus David Sabel, National Theatre’s Head of Digital. Sabel explains, “When you think of filmed theatre it's the exact opposite of what it's supposed to be: there in the space, seeing the sweat and feeling the emotion and heat of the room. How is that going to work? People are surprised at how connected they feel. A huge part of that is the shared experience; if you were watching it on TV, even if it was live, you'd go and make a cup of tea, but here you are buying a ticket and reacting and applauding together.

“It's like filming a sports match; you take the audience's eye to where the ball goes. If we've done our job, you should feel you saw a piece of theatre, not a film, even though there were probably lots of close ups where the director was choosing what you see.” Since its debut in 2009, National Theatre Live has expanded from 40 theatres in the UK to nearly 300 screens worldwide.

The 2013 NTLive season at Music Box continues in March with People, the acclaimed new play by Alan Bennett (The History Boys) and concludes in May with This House, a biting and energetic new play about the ruthless world of 1970s British politics.   Visit www.musicboxtheatre.com/collections/national-theatre-live-presents for additional details.


About the Music Box Theatre: For nearly 30 years the Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films, festivals and some of the greatest cinematic events in Chicago. It currently has the largest cinema space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD and television markets throughout the United States. For additional information please visitwww.musicboxtheatre.com .  Download the entire Music Box Theatre Winter Calendar here: www.musicboxtheatre.com/assets/calendars/MusicBox_Winter2012_FINAL-LoSpeads.pdf

National Theatre Live is an initiative by the UK’s National Theatre to broadcast live performances onto cinema screens around the world. Since its first season, which began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of Phédre starring Helen Mirren, more than 750,000 people have now experienced the National’s work on movie screens worldwide. 

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