ACT OUT REVIEW: Bud, Not Buddy #Authorvideo #Review #photofeature

Author, Christopher Paul Curtis, & Chicago Children's Theatre Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell

Bud, Not Buddy is a compelling period piece that gives families a feel for the desperation of the great depression and being orphaned at a young age, without being heavy handed.  The fabulously flawed characters are genuine and real, and it's magical to see them spring to life, off the page.  Bud, Not Buddy is full of wit and wisdom, and truly funny moments.   It was simultaneously chilling and heart warming to see how much Bud's dead mother still influenced him through her words, actions and love, even from beyond the grave.   

We highly recommend seeing the production.   Bud, Not Buddy is a stunningly well done piece with a poignant and piercing script.   I see a LOT of theatre and it's rare that something actually brings me to tears, and this show did.  Everyone should have a "family" as creative and caring as the jazz band surrogates who take Bud in and teach him what it means to be truly home, even while on the road.   The set design, backdrop projections, costumes, and acting are truly impressive.

We're looking forward to playing the "same different game" with the book and the stage adaptation.   We'll be reading the book together and comparing and contrasting the different ways to tell the same story using different medium.   It's a family game we all enjoy, and so much fun, the kids hardly notice they're learning. 

It was ChiIL Mama and Sagezilla's great pleasure to meet award winning author, Christopher Paul Curtis at the opening of Bud, Not Buddy at Chicago Children's Theatre.  This gifted author went from hanging Buick doors to winning multiple Newbery Awards and Coretta Scott King Awards!   


We do a number of author interviews and frequently cover book signings.   I'm always impressed when authors are genuine and personable, even after hours of autographs!  Christopher Paul Curtis was was down to earth, friendly, and truly a joy to meet.  Even at the tail end of a sizable book signing line, he took time to chat with each child.


This week, Sagezilla came home from school all excited and she exclaimed "Our class just started reading about the wacky Watsons out loud with the whole class (The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963).   And I got to share that I just met the author and got that book signed and saw Bud, Not Buddy!"   It's those moments that make me LOVE being a mom.  Her enthusiasm was contagious. 










At Bud, Not Buddy, we splurged on the 4 book/bookbag combo from Chicago Children's Theatre, as we're always more than happy to support the arts, and we dig getting books signed by their authors.   





CCT is also selling retro candy and kids games as well as individual books at the shows.




ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama's opening night photo filled recap right here

Click here to check out our past Bud, Not Buddy coverage.

Look for show specials like different high school jazz musicians playing before the Friday shows, and pizza party nights!

School and public performances of Bud, Not Buddy run Jan. 12-Feb. 24, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.  Single tickets start at $20. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.   

 Recommended for ages 8+ to adult.

Curtis was visiting Chicago for the opening weekend of Chicago Children's Theatre's newest production, a live stage adaptation of his book Bud, Not Buddy. The production is directed by Derrick Sanders, director of CCT's 2011 smash hit Jackie and Me. 

About Christopher Paul Curtis

Born in Flint, Michigan, Christopher Paul Curtis was always a great reader, but as a youth he could not find books "that were about me." He spent his first 13 years after high school on the assembly line of Flint's historic Fisher Body Plant #1, hanging 80-pound car doors on Buicks. He wrote during his breaks to escape the noise of the factory, while attending college at night. Curtis made an outstanding debut in children's s literature with The Watsons Go to Birmingham-1963. His second novel, Bud, Not Buddy, is the first book ever to receive both the Newbery Medal and the Coretta Scott King Author Award. 

Curtis' writing - and his dedication to it - has been greatly influenced by his family members. He modeled characters in Bud, Not Buddy after his two amazing grandfathers - Earl "Lefty" Lewis, a Negro Baseball League pitcher, and 1930s bandleader Herman E. Curtis, Sr., of Herman Curtis and the Dusky Devastators of the Depression.  For more information, visit his website nobodybutcurtis.com

ACT OUT OPENING: Boobs and Goombas, A Super Mario Bros Burlesque Returns to Bucktown!

The mustache craze isn't just for hipsters....

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Boobs & Goombas: A Super Mario Burlesque"

Top row: Ruby Bourbon

Middle row (L-R): Lucita Bonita, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Bonnie Cupcakes, Henrietta Heartbreak

Bottom row (kneeling/seated, L-R): Paly Flames, Devyn Deviante, Inara Rose

Gamers, geeks and girlie burlesque lovers 18+.   Oh-a-YES! After voyaging far and wide (including an ongoing stint in New Orleans!) Gorilla Tango Theatre is proud to announce that the show that started it all - BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE – is back at its Bucktown venue! 

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE will perform Saturdays at 11:59pm, beginning February 2, 2013 at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.  Tickets are $35; group rates (8 or more) available – see website for details. To purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com. Ages 18 and over.

Photo by Endlessly Photography

"Mario (Paly Flames) and the Princess (Zatanna Zor-Elle)

Mario and Luigi have become so perpetually frustrated by their endless pursuit of the Princess that everything they see has started to look like a beautiful, sexy woman-- even their most dangerous enemies! This sexy burlesque romp is a send-up of the  famous Mario Bros. video games. Join us to discover whether the world's most adventurous plumbers will finally rescue the Princess and consummate years of amorous toil, or be seduced along the way by their alluring enemies. Don't forget to bring a few "coins" (or dollars) for tips... If the cast collects enough coins along the way, the audience will unlock the alternate ending!!!

Photo by K Leo, www.mirthandbeauty.com

"Mario and Luigi on the run in Level 2."

Featuring Chicago favorites Paly Flames as Mario and Inara Rose as Luigi, and includes the talents of Bonnie Cupcakes, Zatanna Zor-Elle, Lucita Bonita, Crystal Paradise, Devyn Deviante, and introducing GTB newcomer, Henrietta Heartbreak.

Super Mario Bros. was released in Japan on September 13, 1985 and went onto sell over 40 million copies. The plumber has gone on to star in numerous critically acclaimed platformers and his Super Mario Bros. series is still the most popular of all time with 240 million units sold globally. The Mario character has appeared in more than 200 video games, and now, one burlesque show.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Mario and Luigi - perplexed."

BOOBS AND GOOMBAS: A SUPER MARIO BURLESQUE was originally created and directed by MsPixy. The remount is directed by Jeremy Eden, with choreography by Ruby Bourban, based in part on original choreography by MsPixy. Produced by Gorilla Tango Burlesque.

Photo by Greg Inda

"Koopa Troopa!"

Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.   We're reviewing Gorilla Tango's Dr. Who Burlesque opening this Friday 1/1 and we'll be reviewing Boobs and Goombas after Saturday.

Gorilla Tango Theatre (GTT) is a year-round theatrical venue 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 Second City- and IO-Chicago-trained Dan Abbate and boasts an 80-seat performance space. GTT Chicago 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.  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 rating information, tickets, and details.

www.gorillatango.com

1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647  #773.598.4549

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS ON OUR RADAR: Red Wanting Blue & Van Ghost at Lincoln Hall on 2/1

Just a reminder that Red Wanting Blue will be in Chicago on 2/1 at Lincoln Hall with local Chi town favs Van Ghost opening.

Red Wanting Blue

Van Ghost

Poor Young Things

$15.00

Friday, February 01 2013

8:30 PM | 18+

ChiIL Live Shows has shot Van Ghost a zillion times over the years, everywhere from Summer Camp Music Festival, to Chicago Bluegrass and Blues Fest, Northcoast Music Fest, The House of Blues and local street fests.   

ChiIL out with some of ChiIL Live Shows past Van Ghost show shots here.

More on Red Wanting Blue

Check out their recent features with Chicago friends at WBEZ and Audiotree:

• WBEZ
• Audiotree

 They've also been rockin' the national scene:

Late Show with David Letterman 

• Daytrotter 
• NPR’s Mountain Stage 

Want more info?   Check out Red Wanting Blue's main site here.

ACT OUT OPENING: The Magnificents at The House Theatre #originalvideointerview

Dennis Watkins speaks with ChiIL Live Shows on his multigenerational, magical family history and the art of being Harry Houdini. We published this interview with Dennis Watkins, back during The House Theatre's latest remount of smash hit, Death and Harry Houdini. It was our great pleasure to be invited to Dennis' lovely northside home.  His passion for magic extends from the stage to his after hours, where he surrounds himself with vintage magic props that have been in the family, collector posters of renowned magicians, and even a Houdini coffee table volume.   Check out our mini photo tour of "the magician's lair" here. We got a rare peek into the home of magic man, Dennis Watkins, star of Death and Harry Houdini, The House Theatre's smash, sell out hit. His love of magic goes beyond his roles in Magic Parlour and Death and Harry Houdini. He's a 3rd generation magician whose home decor includes vintage tricks from his Grandfather's shop and sweet magic show posters, for his own endeavors and others. A big show banner from The House Theatre's first incarnation of Death and Harry Houdini 10 years ago, hangs just inside his front door. AN AMBITIOUS ALL-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE MAGNIFICENTS REUNITES TEAM FROM DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI Dennis Watkins’ personal script is led anew by Artistic Director Nathan Allen

The House Theatre of Chicago creates the magical world of a by-gone era in The Magnificents. This vivid and deeply personal play by Company Member Dennis Watkins begins performances January 18, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St). The Magnificents will run through March 10. ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows will be there for the press opening with the kids (9 & 11) this Sunday, and we'll have a full review up shortly thereafter.   We're all beyond excited and can NOT wait to see this show!

ABOUT THE PLAY First staged in 2007, The Magnificents is writer Dennis Watkins’ homage to his grandfather, Ed Watkins, the iconic and pioneering American illusionist who trained Dennis at a young age in the arts of prestidigitation and showmanship. The House and playwright Dennis Watkins revisit this deeply personal script with renewed vision and expanded skill including aerial circus arts and the poignant, magic-based storytelling witnessed in Death and Harry Houdini. Artistic Director Nathan Allen now steps fully into the 2013 development of the play as its Director. Company Member Tommy Rapley revisits his role as the Boy, performing astounding magical feats all designed by Watkins. In addition to writing and designing magic, Watkins (last seen as Harry Houdini) will star in the play. An extraordinary family, The Magnificents, delights in bringing magical entertainment to the crowds. But time has taken its toll on the family as our aging magician quietly accepts a wayward young boy as his protégé, imparting far more than the tricks up his sleeve. This touching story of what we must pass on before we can let go is told with spectacular classic magic, including Robert Houdin's legendary Blooming Orange Tree illusion. This is a delicate feast for the heart and senses. ABOUT THE ARTISTS THE MAGNIFICENTS is written by Dennis Watkins who also designs magic for the production. Watkins received a Joseph Jefferson Award earlier this year for his Magic Design of Death and Harry Houdini. The new production is directed by Nathan Allen and features original music by Kevin O’Donnell. Dennis Watkins will star in the role of the Old Man, and Company Member Tommy Rapley (also well known at The House for his extensive work as a director and choreographer) will revisit his role as the Boy, learning and performing extraordinary magic throughout the story. Company Member Michael E. Smith also returns to the cast in the role of Chase, the family’s clown. Guests artists include Lucy Carapetyan (Rose and the Rime, Lofty Deeds) in the role of Honeydew who will be flying through the Chopin on aerial silks, Jeff Trainor (company member with Barrel of Monkeys) appears as the strong man Harley, and Tien Doman (company member with The Hypocrites) rounds out the cast as Rosie, wife to the Old Man and mother-figure to the traveling troupe. Company Member Lee Keenan brings us all inside the creaking and crumbling tent with an intimate scenic and lighting design. With seating on two sides, audiences are in full view of the illusions and one another. Costume Designer Melissa Torchia (The Iron Stag King: Part One) crafts a darkly playful world where the on-stage and off-stage lives of The Magnificents’ troupe is blurred. Video Designer Jack Mayer’s (HBO’s Single Long) creations reveal the secret past of the traveling show and invite the audience even closer to many magic tricks. Company Member and Composer Kevin O’Donnell fills the space with a haunting score. Join The House for an extraordinarily magical production, The Magnificents.

Story and Magic by Dennis Watkins Directed by Nathan Allen January 18 – March 10, 2013 PREVIEWS: January 18 – 26, 2013 at 7:30pm REGULAR RUN: January 31 – March 10, 2013 SHOWTIMES: Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm ADDITIONAL SHOWS: 2/16, 2/23, 3/2, 3/3, 3/9, 3/10 all at 3:00pm LOCATION: The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre (1543 W. Division St., Chicago, IL) TICKETS: All tickets are $25 at www.thehousetheatre.com or by phone at 773.769.3832, $10 Student and Industry rush tickets available at all performances. Tickets are now on sale. ARTISTS Featuring: Company Members Dennis Watkins, Tommy Rapley, and Michael E. Smith with guest artists Lucy Carapetyan, Tien Doman, and Jeff Trainor. Production Team: Lee Keenan (Scenic and Lighting), Melissa Torchia (Costumes), Kevin O’Donnell (Composer), Jack Mayer (Video), Nathan Allen (Director) and Amanda Frechette (Stage Management).

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO The House is Chicago's premier home for original works of physical and spectacle storytelling. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. In 2002 The House was hailed by the Chicago press as “The Next Big Thing.” In early 2007, following dozens of world premiere productions, and national attention from The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, Variety, and American Theatre Magazine, The House achieved even greater success with “The Sparrow,” which Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones called, “Among the very best original theater pieces I’ve ever seen.”

Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 56 Joseph Jefferson Awards (19 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007. Now entering its 11th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT www.THEHOUSETHEATRE.com

SAVE THE DATES: Priscilla Queen of the Desert #BroadwayinChicago

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Theatre : Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois
Dates : March 19, 2013 - March 31, 2013



Available now as a Broadway In Chicago Season Show!
Click here.

This spectacular show tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.

An international hit with over 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony® Award-winning costumes, PRISCILLA features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," "Finally" and "I Will Survive." The Hollywood Reporter calls PRISCILLA "funny and fabulous! Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!"

Ticket prices are $28 to $85.

Groups of 15+ On Sale Now! Call 312-977-1710.                                         

What Do Pet Shop Boys, Tavi Gevinson & Cadaver Have In Common?

Check out the Pet Shop Boys cover by fashion icon Tavi Gevinson.  





href="http://vimeo.com/57535059">CADAVERTHEBOOK.COM - HEART - performed by Tavi Gevinson - Pet Shop Boys Cover Song
from Jonah D. Ansell on Vimeo.

The song is being released as bonus material to an award winning animated short and book, Cadaver.  Take a look...

href="http://vimeo.com/57516335">CADAVER - A bittersweet love story (7 min) from Jonah D. Ansell on Vimeo.




href="http://vimeo.com/55622778">CADAVER - The Book - Trailer (2013) from Jonah D. Ansell on Vimeo.

The Last Stand Advanced Screening #review #action

"I told you I'd be back," Schwarzenegger intones in his unmistakable accent, as the previews to The Last Stand begin, and back he is.  This time he's a small town, western sheriff, who's left a trail of dead coworkers from his well decorated LA days, for the quiet life in the desert outside of Las Vegas.



This show is hilarious and bound to be a hit, with it's overabundance of heavy ammunition, array of weaponry, and fast cars.   This is the tale of an inept, fugitive losin' FBI and a ragtag band of unlikely heros who thwart a drug cartel.   The familiar tale of an outnumbered band of scrappy underdogs winning against a well armed, well trained militia has been a favorite cultural myth, all the way back to the founding of our country.   





It was refreshing to have a strong,  female cop character in the otherwise all boys club.   And we got a kick out of Jackass' Johnny Knoxville as the gun hoarding wack job and unlikely hero.  We also liked the intimate, less is more aesthetic, of the mano a mano final combat scene.  

If you're a fan of Schwarzenegger, Johnny Knoxville, Westerns, and/or action flicks, this one's a good bet for some mindless carnage.   

After leaving his LAPD narcotics post following a bungled operation that left him wracked with remorse and regret, Sheriff Ray Owens (Schwarzenegger) moved out of Los Angeles and settled into a life fighting what little crime takes place in sleepy border town Sommerton Junction. But that peaceful existence is shattered when Gabriel Cortez (Eduardo Noriega), the most notorious, wanted drug kingpin in the western hemisphere, makes a deadly yet spectacular escape from an FBI prisoner convoy. (c) Lionsgate

My biggest qualm is that The Last Stand plays out like a 147 minute propaganda piece for the NRA--with well armed grannies, lunatics and bumpkins as the last, best line of defense against evil Mexican drug cartels and armies of well trained soldiers. 
  
This show opens right when our country is engaged in the biggest gun battle ever, playing out politically in the form of pro and anti assault weapons legislation.  This idea of vigilant justice plays out well on the large screen, to large laughs and cheers, and provides for an entertaining night of gun fights and fast drives.   But I like both a lot less well when they play out on the streets of Chicago.   Everyone entering the movie theatre had to get screened by a metal detector and have their belongings checked, in case any real life, gun toting lunatics decided to put on a show of their own.   It's unfortunate that fact is fiction and escape reality.   And infamy is easier to achieve than fame. 

The Last Stand opens nationwide Friday 1/18.