BMX Tricks in Chi-Town in June With King BMX Stunt Show at MB Financial Park in Rosemont

We just watched Nitro Circus on Netflicks on Father's Day (Dad's choice) and everyone enjoyed the extreme tricks.
   

They are doing a LIVE US Tour but so far there's not a visit to Chicago listed.   In the mean time, if you want to see some extreme BMX bike flips and tricks this month you're in luck.

June 28-29: King BMX Stunt Show

Visitors to MB Financial Park at Rosemont will enjoy summer thrills with the arrival of the King BMX Stunt Show. King BMX Stunt Show riders have amazed crowds all over the country with their bicycle performance that features high-flying aerial stunts such as back flips and tail whips. These mind-boggling technical maneuvers will be executed on the ground and ramps that will be set up and personalized to the terrain of MB Financial Park.

Schedule for King BMX Stunt show:

Friday June 28: 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Saturday, June 29: 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

SPEND THE SUMMER IN ROSEMONT!
 
MB FINANCIAL PARK AT ROSEMONT BRINGS
LIVE MUSIC, COMEDY, NIGHTLIFE AND MORE TO CHICAGO’S NORTHWEST SUBURBS

This summer, MB Financial Park at Rosemont will be abuzz with the ultimate in dining, entertainment, charity events, and a free summer music festival.  The Village of Rosemont will host a free, summer-long music festival Rockin’ in the Park that begins June 6, and King BMX Stunt Show rolls into MB Park June 28. 

 
Rockin’ in the Park: Free Summer Concert Series
The 2013 Rockin’ in the Park festival will be a summer-long concert series, beginning on Thursday, June 6 and continuing through Thursday, August 15. The festival will feature eleven live bands, fireworks and food and beverage tents on the great lawn in the center of new MB Financial Park at Rosemont.
 
Throughout June, July, and August, there will be a variety of live music including 7^th Heaven, Hi Infidelity, Kashmir, Spazmatics, Arra, Libido, Funk Circus, 16 Candles, American English, Modern Day Romeos, Infinity and Breakfast Club. On June 6, July 3, and August 8, a spectacular fireworks show will directly follow the accompanying music act. Admission is free, parking is free with validation and outside coolers cannot be brought into the park.

Thursday, June 20: Kashmir – Seeking to re-create the experience of a 70's Zeppelin show utilizing authentic vintage stage gear, costumes and special effects, Kashmir prides themselves on playing Zeppelin as it was. They only use the equipment from the era with songs reproduced with great respect and admiration for the legendary band."It's not about us, it's about Led Zeppelin.”

Thursday, June 27: Spazmatics – Bringing all the awesome sounds, styles and way cool dance steps from the 1980's, the Spazmatics recapture all the best of the worst. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style makes for an evening of pure energy and entertainment, complete with skinny ties, Brill Creamed-hair and horn-rimmed glasses.

 
About The Village of Rosemont, Illinois: Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Rosemont is home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, the Allstate Arena, the Rosemont Theatre and a host of entertainment and retail venues including MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. The newest addition to the Rosemont community, set to open in August 2013, will be the Fashion Outlets of Chicago For more information visit www.rosemont.com.

About The MB Financial Park at Rosemont: MB Financial Park at Rosemont is a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex that will house eight venues offering upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. The address is 5501 Park Place, a new looping street situated west of River Road between Bryn Mawr and Balmoral Avenues.  A 20-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station and Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available.

About Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation: The mission of the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation is to provide opportunities and resources to children and their families who are in need.  Since 2005, Charles Tillman's charitable efforts have impacted the lives of over one million Chicago-area children.  For more information, please visit www.charlestillman.org.

About King BMX Stunt Show:King BMX Stunt Shows is a full service BMX entertainment company. Its founder, Kieth King, has been involved with BMX Freestyle since 1985. One of the top stunt shows in the nation, clients range from the NBA, Nascar, IRL, and State Fairs to small town festivals, colleges and high schools as well as shopping malls and company events. King BMX riders have competed at the X Games, Gravity Games and Dew Action Sports Tour, have been featured on Fox Sports and Monday Night Football, and were featured on multiple episodes of the 2012 season of NBC's America's Got Talent (as the American BMX Stunt Team). Videos of their daring performances can be found at youtube.com/user/kingbmxstuntshow.
 

ACT OUT CLOSING: The Hypocrites Ivywild and Romeo Juliet FREE Night Out in the Parks #review

ChiIL Live Shows highly recommends Ivywild.   This weekend marks your final shot at seeing this rambunctious ride!   We finally got to check out Ivywild, The Hypocrites latest and it's pure magic. Who else would attempt to recreate an entire turn of the century amusement park complete with audience participation rides and flamboyant owners in the basement of The Chopin Theatre! These consumate story tellers pull it off masterfully! 

The costumes are a hoot and a half, as is the delightful acting.   This production has hints of 500 Clown and Barrel of Monkeys, other long time favs of ours, and understandably so with Jay Torrence writing and acting and Halena Kays directing!

Anthony Courser does steller physical comedy as Princess, the trunkless, alcoholic, philosophic elephant.  Put this on your must see list then go already. (Aimed at adults but fine for tweens & up.)

Click here for tickets.   Final shows are 7:30 today and 3pm Sunday.

Critics:

"IVYWILD is really 20% history and 80% lighted-hearted frolic. And it adds up to 100% entertainment from another amusing Kays-Torrence ride." ChicagoNow

"...reminds us that as adult realities, responsibilities and wrongdoings accrue, so too 

does our longing to  

return to childhood." NewCity      

"Anthony Courser (who is just fantastic, and truthful, as Princess the elephant)" Chicago Tribune

"Ivywild, the new play by the ever-audacious The Hypocrites, is part carnival, part Chicago history lesson. And it is a delightful 90 minutes of fact mixed with fantasy." Gapers Block

"People who would like this show are people who like amusement parks, yellow shoes, and pickles. People should go see this show because it is funny, sad, and lets you go on amusement park rides." Ada Grey, Age 8 

Audience reactions: 

"If you like Fellini, you'll like this production. The set, costumes, and performances were all 

evocative of one of the master's films. Very cleverly done."

"Ivywild is another excellent production by @thehypocrites. Looking forward to seeing yet more in the future."

"unique and entertaining! The performers did an amazing job portraying each of the characters. It was fun to learn about Bathhouse John and Ivywild. A great fun evening out!'

"story shows the truth behind the fleeting nature of this 

world's amusement and entertainment...The actors 

did a phenomenal job and really allow the small space to 

come alive."

"Very unusual production...wonderful choreography!"

"Incredible visual and sonic feast...Funny, educational, well-performed and with a sense of the period of these things that we get when we see old photographs."

"amazing, imaginative, and unique show... This was probably one of the most involving and complete theater pieces I've ever seen...funny, physically impressive, challenging, all-encompassing ...Brilliantly done and wonderfully memorable. I've lived in Chicago for 15 years now and have never seen anything like it."

"Go see Ivywild! It was a stunning and wild 

ride from top to bottom!" 

"A beautiful play. I walked in not knowing anything about it, other than the connection with Chicago history...The playwright, Jay Torrence, uses physicality and language beautifully, makes his and others' words pop off the page, full of breath and life..."

"Strange and charming, beautifully performed!"  

"My face hurt from smiling & laughing so much at Ivywild. 

Loved the aesthetic & storytelling."

  

"One of the best world premiere new plays I've seen. 

Not to be missed!" 

"If, like me, you always enjoy The Hypocrites, 

this won't be an exception." 

UPCOMING:

Rahm Emanuel announced that City of Chicago is kicking off the Night Out in the Parks campaign which includes The Hypocrites' 2012 production of  Romeo Juliet!

Walter Briggs, Tien Doman, Lindsey Gavel and Zeke Sulkes are back to bring you Sean Graney's Jeff nominated adaptation of these star-crossed lovers like you've never seen it before. And it is free!

This initiative allows us to bring our work to different neighborhoods in unconventional spaces. Tickets will go fast so make sure you tell your friends now. 

Click here for calendar and to reserve your tickets now.

INCOMING: Cellist Ian Maksin, Flamenco & Las Guitarras de Espana at City Winery June 21 #multicultural

Shows on our radar:

Russian-born/Chicago-based cellist Ian Maksin will join Las Guitarras de Espana for an evening of flamenco, world music, Spanish folk and classical music at City Winery on Friday, June 21.   Click here for advanced tickets. 

After individual sold-out debuts at Chicago's hottest new live music venue, cellist Ian Maksin and Las Guitarras de Espana will be returning to City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St., on Friday, June 21st with a brand new collaborative project. Showtime is 8PM; doors open at 6PM; tickets are $20. 

Las Guitarras de Espana will present a brand new program, a unique fusion of classical, flamenco and world music unified by Ian Maksin's cello playing. The performances will range from intimate solos by Maksin and small duo and trio numbers to the culminating set by a full 10-piece band, including flamenco dancer Wendy Clinard and Senegalese tama ("talking drum") player Mamadou Diop. In addition to original compositions and traditional folk songs from Spain and Cuba, Maksin and Las Guitarras will perform some of their own renditions of works by such classical composers as Granados, Albeniz and de Falla. 

In an addition to having an international career as a classical musician, Ian Maksin is one of the few contemporary cellists performing flamenco and world music. He performs over 100 concerts annually in the USA and Europe, and his performances have been broadcast on NPR and PBS. In 2012 the Chicago Symphony Orchestra named him "Citizen Musician" for his contribution to the city's musical life. Maksin has performed and recorded with such artists as Andrea Bocelli, Sting, and Gloria Estefan.

Las Guitarras de Espana (The Guitars of Spain) is a "world music" ensemble, with a "Spanish guitar twist," that performs a fusion of Cuban son, rumba, R&B, Latin-jazz, blues and African percussion with an underlying flamenco music and dance focus. From the start, the ensemble has presented traditional Spanish guitar music along with traditional flamenco forms in collaboration with music and musicians from other genres and cultures. The ensemble has sought to unite music, dance, travel, poetry, and culture in recordings and performances.

Additional artist information is available here:

http://www.ianmaksin.com/fr_home.cfm

http://www.lasguitarrasrocks.com/

ACT OUT EXTENDED: In The Company of Men at Profiles

Profiles Theatre extends World premiere

of Neil LaBute’s revised stage version of

 In the Company of Men

Profiles Theatre announces an extended run for the World premiere of Resident Artist Neil LaBute’s revised stage version of In the Company of Men, now playing at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway. Directed by Profiles Resident Artist and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder, In the Company of Men opened May 16 to critical acclaim and has been extended for another four weeks through July 28, 2013.

Two frustrated young executives vent their pent-up rage via a childish prank and end up paying a price in the psychological dark comedy, In the Company of Men. Former college buddies Chad and Howard, now in their late 20s, work for the same company. When the two begin expressing their mutual frustration regarding their lack of rapid advancement at work and their recent bad luck with women, they hatch a nasty scheme: Find a vulnerable young woman to court, slather with affection, and then callously dump. They choose a lovely, hearing-impaired typist named Christine, but soon their scheme creates escalating tension and psychological games not only with hapless Christine, but also with each other.

Continuing their roles through the extension are Guest Artists Jordan Brown as Chad, Brennan Roche as Howard and Jessica Carleton as Christine. Appearing in ensemble roles are Dennis Bisto, Alex Fisher, Shelby Garrett, Poppy Golland, Joseph W. Moore III and Laura Leonardo Ownby.

Profiles Theatre opens its 25^th Anniversary season on August 29, 2013 with the Midwest premiere of In God’s Hat by Rhett Rossi.

FACTS

Title:                 In the Company of Men

            Playwright:        by Neil LaBute

Directed by:      Rick Snyder

           

            Dates:              Extended Run:             Now Playing through July 28, 2013

                                                                        (No performance on Thursday, July 4)

Schedule:         Thurs., Fri.:                  8:00 p.m. 

                        Saturday:                     5:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m.

Sunday:                       7:00 p.m.

Location:          Profiles Theatre, The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway

                        Parking is available for $12 - $14 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)

Ticket prices:    Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office:       Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org

or call (773) 549-1815

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

NEIL LABUTE (Playwright) is a Resident Artist at Profiles Theatre and has been working with them since their 2006 production of Autobahn. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in dramatic writing from New York University and was the recipient of a literary fellowship to study at the Royal Court Theatre, London and also attended the Sundance Institute’s Playwrights Lab. His films include: In the Company of Men (New York Critics’ Circle Award for Best First Feature and the Filmmakers’ Trophy at the Sundance Film Festival), Your Friend and Neighbors, Nurse Betty, Possession, The Shape of Things (a film adaptation of his play by the same title), The Wicker Man, Lakeview Terrace and Death at a Funeral. His plays include Bash: Latter-Day Plays, The Mercy Seat, The Distance From Here, Autobahn, Fat Pig, Wrecks, Some Girl(s), This is How it Goes, In a Dark Dark House, The Break of Noon and In a Forest, Dark and Deep. Reasons to be Happy, a follow-up to his acclaimed play reasons to be pretty, opens at MCC in May 2013. reasons to be pretty premiered off-Broadway in 2008, receiving three Drama Desk Award nominations including Outstanding Play. It became Neil LaBute’s first play ever to be staged on Broadway when it opened in 2009 and was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Play. LaBute is also the author of several fictional pieces that have been published in “The New York Times,” “The New York Times Magazine,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Playboy” among others. “Sec-onds of Pleasure,” a collection of his short stories, was published by Grove Atlantic.

RICK SNYDER (Director) is a Resident Artist at Profiles and a Steppenwolf ensemble member. He returns to Profiles after directing their hit productions of A Behanding in Spokane, reasons to be pretty and the award-winning Killer Joe (2010 Jeff Awards for Outstanding Production, Director and Actor). Other recent directing credits include God of Carnage at the Goodman Theatre, Oleanna and Speed-the-Plow at American Theatre Company, Mauritius at Northlight Theatre, The Lion in Winter and Bus Stop at Writers’ Theatre, Aristocrats at Strawdog Theatre, St. Scarlet at ATC, and The Actor, Jolly and The Disappearance of the Jews at the Goodman Theatre. His directing credits at Steppenwolf include Art, Betrayal, Last of the Boys, Tavern Story, Things Being What They Are, Orange Flower Water (which traveled to the Galway Arts Festival), and The Fall to Earth. As an actor, Rick appeared in August: Osage County, The Unmentionables, Man From Nebraska and I Never Sang For My Father at Steppenwolf. He has appeared at the Goodman Theatre in As You Like It, Down the Shore and as Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol. Rick’s film credits include The Tuskegee Airmen, The Net starring Sandra Bullock, Whiteboys, The Human Stain, Soul Survivors and U.S. Marshals. Rick has taught acting classes at Northwestern University and DePaul and currently teaches Directing 1 at Columbia College in Chicago. Rick has been a member of the Steppenwolf ensemble since 1983 and is Artistic Director at the Theatre of Western Springs.

DENNIS BISTO (Ensemble) was most recently seen in Profiles' 20th Anniversary Production of Hellcab. Dennis is a Saint Louis native who moved to Chicago last year after a brief stint in Boston where he performed in the World Premiere of The First Annual Northern Maine Arts Festival.

JORDAN BROWN (Chad) is making his Profiles Theatre debut. His New York credits include River Valley Rep's The Light in the Piazza, Oberon Theatre Ensemble's Much Ado About Nothing, and an episode of As The World Turns for CBS Television Studios. His regional credits include A Skull in Connemara at Centerstage Theatre in Baltimore and West Side Story at Ravinia. Other Chicago credits include Sense and Sensibility at Northlight Theatre, The Pitmen Painters at Timeline Theatre Company, A Christmas Carol at The Goodman Theatre and Congo Square Theatre’s production of The Fall of Heaven by Walter Mosley. Jordan is a graduate of The North Carolina School of the Arts. 

JESSICA HONOR CARLETON (Christine) is making her debut at Profiles Theatre. Her Chicago credits include Mick Kelly in The Heart is a Lonely Hunter at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chekov's Emerging Women at Piven Theatre, and Crippled Sisters in the New Stages Series at Goodman Theatre. Jessica is an original ensemble member, head writer, and puppet/makeup designer on the national children’s TV show Green Screen Adventures (MeTV/WCIU). Last year, she won a National Daytime Creative Arts Emmy. Jessica graduated from Northwestern University in Theatre and Creative Writing for the Media. She began learning American Sign Language when she was 12-years-old, and brings her respect for Deaf culture to this process.

ALEX FISHER (Ensemble) was most recently appeared in Profiles Theatre’s 20th anniversary production of Hellcab.  Her recent credits include The Lion in Winter with Idle Muse Theatre and Peer Gynt directed by Jeremy Wechsler with Polarity Ensemble Theatre.  Alex is a graduate of Lake Forest College.

SHELBY GARRETT (Ensemble) is making her Profiles debut with In the Company of Men. Shelby just recently finished her year long run as Sharon in Chicago's debut of Girl's Night: The Musical. Other Chicago credits include Chicago Kid's Company's Chicken Little and Metropolis Performing Arts Center's A Christmas Carol. She has also studied at Improv Olympics and Profiles Theatre. Shelby’s regional credits include Prairie Fire Children's Theater, Shadowbox LIVE, & Zipper Theater in New York. Shelby is a graduate of Wright State University.

POPPY GOLLAND (Female Ensemble) is excited to be appearing with Profiles for the first time. She is from the Bay Area in California, and has most recently worked with Baby Crow Productions in their gender blind production of True West directed by Remy Ortiz, Back Room Shakespeare Project’s Back Room Chekhov, as well as having played Julie in Vintage Theater Collective’s Miss Julie, directed by Jason Economus. Poppy recently traveled to Los Angeles during the winter to film her first feature length film About Ashley directed by Stefan Pavlovic. 

JOSEPH W. MOORE III (Ensemble) was last seen at Profiles in their 20^th Anniversay production of Hellcab by Will Kern. He is currently attending Columbia College Chicago where he appeared in Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet,The Shipment, Love SongVignettes and A Raisin in the Sun. He is also a collective member of For Youth Inquiry.

LAURA LEONARDO OWNBY (Ensemble) is making her Profiles debut with In the Company of Men. Regionally, Laura has appeared in Noises Off! with Theatre at the Center. Locally, she has worked with First Folio Theatre on Unnecessary Farce as an understudy, Ghost in the Machine, where she was first directed by Rick Snyder, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, and Summer and Smoke at the Theatre of Western Springs, and A Voice of my Own and Arrow of Love with Evergreen Theatre. 

BRENNAN ROCHE (Howard) retuns to Profiles after appearing in their 20^th Anniversary production of Hellcab and understudying the role of Steve in The Dream of the Burning Boy. He is a Chicago native and has studied at Piven Theatre Workshop where he was a part of the Young People's Company. He graduated from Loyola Marymount University with credits including The Shape of Things, Proof, and The Odd Couple.

ABOUT PROFILES THEATRE

Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, joined shortly thereafter by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, was formed as an actor-driven theatre ensemble dedicated to creating provocative and emotionally truthful productions. Passionate about shaping an original vision for new works, they focused on performing World, American and Midwest premieres as well as rarely performed plays. Critically acclaimed hits, such as BLACKBIRD, FAT PIG, GRACELAND and the multiple Jeff Award-winning KILLER JOE, established Profiles as a destination for challenging and edgy theatre. Their unique collaboration with playwright Neil LaBute led the ensemble to perform an entire season of his plays in 2007-2008. Now a Resident Artist at Profiles, LaBute remains an unequivocal artistic influence on the ensemble.

After performing at 4147 North Broadway for more than two decades, Profiles acquired an adjacent theatre at 4139 North Broadway in 2012. Profiles’ new theatre, The Main Stage, with its larger seating capacity, increased performance space and higher ceilings, accommodates more ambitious and technically demanding productions. Their long-time venue, renamed The Alley Stage, continues as the home for plays strengthened by a more intimate staging. Driven by an undiminished appetite for creating honest and resonant theatre, Profiles still seeks to present work that illuminates the determination and resiliency of the human spirit.

TBS Just for Laughs is Upon Us Through June 16th #JFLChicago #TBS #comedy @TBSVeryFunny

There's still plenty of funny ha ha and funny weird goin' down in Chi-town tonight through Sunday.   Check out our prior coverage including the 2013 schedule here.

If little things like The Stanley Cup Finals, apocalyptic weather forecasts of tornadoes, baseball sized hail and torrential downpours or something else has been keeping you away from Just For Laughs Chicago, don't despair.

There are 24+ acts tonight between 7pm & midnight both tonight & tomorrow night and one last 8pm show Sunday at Jokes and Notes!   If you STILL can't make it out, check out their site.   They're rockin' the social media/internet with a special HUB for people like you.   Check it out, you can watch at home!

For more info, check out the fest's main site right here.

You can have your hockey & laugh it up, too.   We back you Blackhawks.   Let's see some old school take downs Mexican Wrestler style!!   Knock the B outta those Bruins & they'll be left with ruins :)....

TONIGHT Through 6/21 Experience The 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival

Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival

June 12-23, 2013

Chicago’s unique contribution to the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased as never before in Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 23.

In addition to Dance For Life, this year the Festival partners with two other organizations, expanding the Festival’s reach:  the north side’s Old Town School of Folk Music, and Instituto Cervantes in downtown Chicago which will host a reception and pre-release preview presentation of the "Sobre las Olas" documentary film on Flamenco in the US. featuring Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español (June 13).  Northeastern Illinois University will once again be the site of the popular series of Spanish/Flamenco /classical/folkloric master classes (June 14-20) and the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host the Flamenco Passion Gala Performances (June 21-23).

FLAMENCO DOCUMENTARY FILM

"Sobre las Olas - A story of Flamenco in the US,” directed by Carolina Loyola-Garcia, will have a pre-release exclusive preview event at Chicago’s Instituto Cervantes Auditorium, 31 W Ohio St., Thursday, June 13 at 6 p.m.

Since the early 20th century, the art of Flamenco has been crossing the ocean traveling to faraway places, including the United States. The legendary José Greco spread this art form throughout the Americas making it a household word. Many have fallen in love with its deep songs, cries, rhythms and movements. This documentary brings us into the heart of Flamenco in the US and to the artists who keep it alive.Featured artists include Carmela Greco, daughter of the legendary José Greco, and Dame Libby Komaiko, Irma Suárez Ruiz and Jorge Pérez of Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater.  Other featured artists include Edwin Aparicio, Ricardo Marlow, Jesus Montoya, Barbara Martinez, Rebeca Tomas, Elba Hevia Y Vaca, Marija Temo, Manolo Leiva, Maria Benitez, and Cihtli Ocampo, among others.

Following the screening there will be a Q & A with Carmela Greco, Dame Libby Komaiko and dancers of the Ensemble Español and a Spanish Tapas & Wine reception by Emilios Tapas Restaurant. Tickets are $15 (general admission), $12 (students and seniors) and $10 (IC and ILCC Members).

For reservations and more information contact Josephine DiCesare, Manager of Operations at 773-442-5916 www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals

The documentary film "Sobre las Olas- A story of Flamenco in the U.S.,” is funded by  Heinz Endowments, Pittsburgh Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts and private donors.

SPANISH/FLAMENCO DANCE CLASSES

Northeastern Illinois University Dance Studios, located at 5500 N. St. Louis Ave., is home to seven days of Spanish master dance classes and workshops in the classical, folkloric and Flamenco styles taught by stellar guest artists from Spain, June 14-20. The comprehensive series includes classes and workshops in Neoclassical, Clásico Español, Regional/folkloric and Flamenco styles. Students will have the opportunity to learn from an impressive roster of international guest artists, including the world famous Carmela Greco; Paloma Gómez, Artistic Director of Compañia de Danza Paloma Gomez ; José Barios, Principal dancer with the Maria Pages Company of Seville, Spain.

More information about classes call Josephine DiCesare, Manager of Operations at 773-442-5916 or visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals

Check out the culmination of the 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival 6/21

Ensemble Español  Flamenco Passion Gala Performances

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

9501 Skokie Blvd.

Tickets are $26-$46; free parking is available. For tickets, call 847-673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org. Mini-group rates ($22-$39) are available for groups of 6 or more. Call 773-327-3778.

A portion of the proceeds for the June 21 performance will go to benefit Dance For Life.  There will also be a free pre-performance talk-back and reception with Dame Libby and members of Ensemble Español, beginning at 6 p.m.  For more information call Ensemble Espanol at 773-442-5916 or visit www.EnsembleEspanol.org/festivals Ensemble Español Center for Spanish Dance & Music

Featuring world, U.S. and Festival premieres and highlighting the 20th anniversary of Dame Libby Komaiko's International Flamenco masterwork ballet,"Bolero" 

Friday, June 21, 7:30 p.m.

(Pre-Show Q&A with Dame Libby Komaiko 6 p.m.)

ENSEMBLE ESPAÑOL’S CELEBRATES THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF DAME LIBBY’S INTERNATIONALLY ACLAIMED “BOLERO,” IN THREE “FLAMENCO PASSION” GALA PERFORMANCES AT THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE, JUNE 21-23, 2013

Proceeds from June 21 Opening Performance

to Benefit “Dance For Life”

Thrilling Dance and Music Performances

Cap 37th International American

Spanish Dance & Music Festival (June 12-23) also featuring

Spanish/Flamenco Masterclasses, a preview of the film

"Sobre las Olas - A Story of Flamenco in the US” and More

Chicago’s unique contribution to the elegance and passion of Spain’s dance, music and culture is showcased as never before in Ensemble Español's 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival, Wednesday, June 12 through Sunday, June 23. For the thirteenth season North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host the ever popular “Flamenco Passion” Gala performances, this year highlighting the 20th anniversary of Dame Libby’s International Flamenco masterwork ballet, “Bolero.”

“Festival time is always exciting for us. We are thrilled to be adding the Old Town School of Folk Music as partners and the pre release preview of the documentary film “Sobre las Olas” at the Instituto Cervantes.  I am also thrilled to mark the 20th anniversary of “Bolero” given the overwhelming international reception throughout its history. Sitting in the audience for the 2010 Dance for Life benefit gala concert at the Harris Theater in Millennium park, my heart was passionately pumping as the dancers began and my soul took flight when the entire audience jumped to their feet in uproarious applause as the company devoured the full stage, rushing and twirling, with their Spanish fans and toreador capes. ¡Ole!

We are honored to donate part of the proceeds from our Friday, June 21 opening gala performance to benefit Dance for Life. We are also extremely grateful to once again have the support of our in resident partner, Northeastern Illinois University, the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, plus an incredible roster of guest artists and sponsors, who have generously contributed to the success of our festival”.  Dame Libby Komaiko, Founder and Artistic Director of Ensemble Español.

The crowd-pleasing, festival-capping “Flamenco Passion” live music and dance performances come to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Friday, June 21 and Saturday June 22 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m.  In addition to Dame Libby’s full company Flamenco masterwork ballet, “Bolero,” the program will also include three world premieres, a U.S. premiere and a Festival premiere:

World Premieres:

“RENDICIÓN” (“Surrender”)

A Flamenco contemporary drama depicting the passions of everlasting love.

Choreography and costume design by Irma Suarez Ruiz;

Costume production: Luz Creations;

Dancers: Full company;

Music: “Semblanzas de un Rio” by David Peña Dorantes.

“HERENCIA” (“Heritage”), Spanish Classical Duet

This grand work has become a traditional dance presentation performed by the great masters of Spanish dance which include Paloma and Raquel’s parents, Raquel Rodriguez and Jose Gomez. The choreographer and dancers dedicate this premiere special tribute to their parents.

Choreography and dancers: Guest artists Paloma & Raquel Gomez;

Music: “La Torre del Oro” by Geronimo Gimenez.

“DE CORDOBA A CAI” (“From Cordoba to Cadiz”), Flamenco Alegrias

Choreography and dancer: Guest artist Jose Barrios;

Costumes by Puroego and Gallardo;

Music by Antonio Gabarri Jimenez, Flamenco guitarist, Paco Fonta, Flamenco singer and guitarist, David Chiriboga, Flamenco guitarist and Javier Saume-Mazzei, percussionist.

U.S. Premiere:

“YUNQUE-FARRUSOUL,” Flamenco Martinete-Farruca

This Flamenco drama premiered at the Carmen Hall Theater in Ugata, Japan in March 2013.

Choreography and dancers:  Guest artist Jose Barrios, with Ensemble Español principal company dancers; Sara Samuels, Claudia Pizarro and company dancers Monica Saucedo, Evelyn Sanchez, Abigail Ventura;

Costume design by Puroego, Gallardo and Luz Creations;

Music by Isaac Munoz and Susana Ruiz.

Festival Premiere:

“NUEVAMENTE VIVIR” ( “Live Again” )

Choreography and costume design by Paloma Gomez;

Music: Hans Zimmer;

Lighting design: Elias Morales,

Dancers: Ensemble Español’s Crystal Ruiz, Julia Hinojosa, Olivia Serrano.

Joining Ensemble Espanol for these performances will be guest dancers and choreographers including  Carmela Greco (Madrid), daughter of the legendary José Greco; Paloma Gómez & Raquel Gomez (Madrid), former principals with the National Ballet of Spain; and José Barrios (Cordoba), principal dancer of the Maria Pages Company. The impressive roster of guest singers and musicians will include Flamenco guitarist, Antonio Gabarri Jiménez (Madrid), Flamenco singer and guitarist, Paco Fonta (Miami), Flamenco guitarist, David Chiriboga (Ecuador), Peruvian Tenor, Luis Galvez  and Venezuelan-born percussionist,  Javier Saume Mazzei.

Under the artistic direction of founder Dame Libby Komaiko and associate artistic director, Irma Suárez Ruiz, Ensemble Español is internationally recognized as the premier center for Spanish dance, music, art, culture and education in residence at a state university in America, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago. It’s 40 sensational dancers, singers, instrumentalists with international guest artists promotes and preserves , Spanish dance culture in all its forms  from classical, folkloric, Flamenco and contemporary dance and music traditions of Spain from the renaissance through the XXI century . In 1982, Dame Libby became the first American artist in history to be decorated with Spain's highest honor "Lazo de Dama" (Ribbon of the Dame) de la Orden de Isabel La Católica by his Majesty Don Juan Carlos I, King of Spain for her artistic, cultural and educational work throughout the U.S.  Ensemble Español has been in residence at Northeastern Illinois University since 1976. For more information visit EnsembleEspanol.org.

Dance for Life

The mission of Dance for Life is to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. In the late 1980's, Chicago dancer Keith Elliott had a brilliant idea: why not bring Chicago's dance community together for one night to dance for life! In 1992, Keith partnered with HIV/AIDS community activist and event fundraiser Danny Kopelson, as well as Chicago dance professionals Harriet Ross and Gail Kalver, to form Chicago Dancer's United. Over the past 22 years, Dance for Life has grown to become the largest dance performance-based HIV/AIDS fundraising events in the Midwest. For more information visit www.danceforlifechicago.com

Dance for Life: The Documentary

Through poignant personal testimonials, passionate music and powerful dancers bodies in motion, Dance for Life: The Documentary painted a rare, you-are-there portrait of the generosity and compassion of Chicago's dance community over 20 years (Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Chicago Human Rhythm Project and Ensemble Español). The film featured the dance companies that participated in the 2010 Dance for Life benefit performance which opened with Dame Libby and the Ensemble Español’s passionate “Bolero.” The documentary won Emmy Awards for Outstanding Arts/Entertainment Special (Scott Silberstein, Producer, HMS Media)) and Outstanding Director (Matt Hoffman, HMS Media).

To get a behind the scenes look, click on these YouTube links:

·         "What is Bolero” 

·         “The History of Bolero"

·         “The Inspiration of Bolero”

·         “The Evolution of Bolero”

SPONSORS

The 37th American Spanish Dance & Music Festival is made possible in part with support from Northeastern Illinois University; The Chicago Community Trust; the Illinois Arts Council, an agency of the State of Illinois; Fifth Third Bank; Southwest Airlines; Consulado General de España; City Arts Grants-Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs; the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago;  Enterprise; Holiday Inn-Chicago North Shore; Emilios Tapas Restaurant; Athletico; Chicago Dance Supply;  HMS Media; The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, José Greco Foundation and individual donors .

MEDIA SPONSORS & PARTNERS

Univision Chicago; LaRaza; arteyvidachicago.com and Spanish Public Radio—WDCB 90.9. Additional support is provided by Instituto Cervantes, the Old Town School of Folk Music, Studio Mangiameli , Chicago Dance & Supply, Athletico Physical Therapy and the Flamenco Arts Center.

ACT OUT CLOSING: Barnum at Mercury Theater (ages 7+) Closing June 16th

Barnum has been high on our must see list and it's days are numbered.   If you haven't caught this Jeff recommended extravaganza yet, go already!   Barnum closes June 16th.   If you're one of our regular readers you know that both of my kids have taken circus arts for close to 3 years and are on the pre-team track at CircEsteem.  

We special in covering circus arts and have done original interviews with a number of Cirque du Soleil performers, and shots stills and reviewed numerous circus shows from Cirque Shanghai and Cirque Eloize, to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey for years.   

We are even giving away 5 gorgeous, hard back copies of The Ordinary Acrobat by Duncan Wall, A journey into the wondrous world of circus, this month ($26.95 each)!   Even if you aren't quite as up to your eyeballs in circus arts as we are, we highly recommend you catch Barnum while you still can.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama also we're huge fans of Chi-town pro and star of this show, Gene Weygandt.   Check out our original interview with him right here, during a rehearsal for A Christmas Story which played at The Chicago Theatre.





Gene not only shared the inside scoop on A Christmas Story but also contributed sweet insights to ChiIL Mama's long running series on How Creatives Parent & How Parents Create.   At the time of our interview two years ago, his son was 13.

**Click here for ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel with ALL original content (226+ videos).   We've had over 67,573 views!**

BARNUM runs 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission

Recommended for ages 7 and up. NO CHILDREN UNDER 5 ADMITTED.

Celebrating its Chicago professional premiere, BARNUM sets this colorful personality inside the center ring of his own circus. Audiences will be thrilled with high flying acrobatics as BARNUM tells the story of America’s greatest showman. This show bursts with toe tapping melodies; ballads, marches, and ragtime tunes by Cy Coleman andMichael Stewart.

Seniors receive $10 off $45 and $55 seats at all Wednesday & Thursday shows by calling 773-325-1700

✭✭✭✭✭

“One of this season’s best productions on any stage!”

-Al Bresloff, Around Town Chicago

“eye-popping”

“bounces with infectious life and enthusiasm”

“a big, fat, family-friendly show”

-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“An expertly mounted, talent-filled revival”

“You can almost feel the large, polished cast pumping its last best breath into the material”

-Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times 

“One of the finest shows mounted in Chicago in years!”

“Barnum is a must see theatrical event.”

“An eye-popping, toe-tapping and thoroughly entertaining musical spectacle”

- Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

“whimsical, exhilarating, fresh”

“A genuine must see!”

-Chicago Now

“Ebullient and gorgeous”

“Not only will you want to “Join the Circus,” you’ll want to run away to join the stage”

-stageandcinema.com

Group and Student discounts are available for all performances over the phone at 773-325-1700

The award-winning cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the “‘Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind.  The Mercury’s production is the first major Chicago revival of the show in over 20 years, led by multiple Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director) Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), Brenda Didier and Andrew Waters (Co-Choreographers) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi of the Actor’s Gymnasium (Circus Director).

The “Greatest Show on Earth” is the setting for this riveting musical, which traces the life and loves of colorful impresario Phineas Taylor Barnum. The tale of the American Museum, the smallest man, the oldest woman, the largest elephant and more is told through stunning acrobatics, hilarious variety acts, whimsical magic and puppetry.  BARNUM was originally produced on Broadway in 1980 and ran for 854 performances.  The score is a pastiche of toe-tapping marches, ballads and ragtime tunes, including “There’s a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” and “Come Follow the Band.” It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Mark Bramble) and Best Original Score (Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman performances with Jim Dale taking home the Tony for the title role, followed by a West End run starring Michael Crawford. A Cameron Mackintosh-produced London revival of BARNUM is slated for later this year.

Gene Weygandt (P.T. Barnum) is best known for his role as “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in Wicked in Chicago and on Broadway. More recently, he starred as Jean Shepherd in A Christmas Story: The Musical. Weygandt originated the role of Paul in Big: The Musical on Broadway. He is a three-time Jeff Award recipient for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in The Ukraine, Me and My Girl and Little Shop of Horrors, and received an After Dark Award for his role as “Max” in the long-running hit Lend Me a Tenor at The Royal George Theatre. He has been seen in the films The Birdcage, The Babe, and The Pager, and on television on Home Improvement, Cybill, Murphy Brown, The Drew Carey Show, Ellen, and Coach.

Cory Goodrich (Charity Barnum)

Summer Naomi Smart (Jenny Lind)

Actress and recording artist Cory Goodrich(Charity Barnum) is a four-time Jeff nominee who was honored with the award for her portrayal of “Mother” in Ragtime at Drury Lane Theatre. She has appeared as “Alma Stossel” in The Mercury Theater’s The Christmas Schooner for the past two seasons and was recently seen in the critically acclaimed production of A Little Night Music at Writer’s Theatre. Goodrich has recorded two award-winning children’s albums, and has performed in concert at Ravina Festival, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Auditorium Theatre.

The Barnum’s marriage is tested by the affections of Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, depicted by two-time Jeff Award winner Summer Naomi Smart. Smart made her Chicago debut as “Nessarose” in the first national sit-down production of Wicked, and received a Jeff Award for her portrayal of “Charity Hope Valentine” in Sweet Charity at Drury Lane Theatre. She has recently been seen in leading roles in My One and Only, Hero and Legally Blonde at Marriott Theatre where she earned a Jeff Award for her role in The Light in the Piazza.

The cast also features Kevin McKillip as “the Ringmaster and Christian Libonati as the world’s smallest man, “General Tom Thumb.”  The circus performers are Karissa Barney, Nathan Drackett, Kris Hyland, Taylor Krasne-Wilton, Jeremy Sonkin, Ryan Westwood and J. Tyler Whitmer.  Scenic Design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, Costume Design is by Carol Blanchard, Lighting Design is by Jason Epperson and Sound Design is byMike Ross.

The Mercury Theater recently kicked off its first full season, launching the largest musical theater company in Chicago. The rest of the season includes the critically acclaimed production of A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING(running through March 10th), the regional premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE (August-November), and the perennial holiday hit THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER (November-December).

BARNUM runs from March 27 through June 16, 2013.  The performance schedule is: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets range from $25-$59, and are available online, over the phone at 773-325-1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago. Discounts of up to 50% are available for groups of 10 or more.