Paterson Joseph's Sancho upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Through February 21

Chicago's all encompassing Shakespeare 400 celebration continues with Paterson Joseph's Sancho upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.

Paterson Joseph is a superb storyteller. He brings Sancho to life in a revealing, poignant and funny show. 

The Public Reviews (UK)

Click here for tickets and full show details

Celebrated Royal Shakespeare Company actor Paterson Joseph (Julius Caesar, HBO’s The Leftovers) inhabits the curious, daringly determined life of Charles Ignatius Sancho—composer, social satirist, general man of refinement. Born on a slave ship but never a slave, immortalized by the great English painter Thomas Gainsborough, in 1774 Sancho became the first black person of African origin to vote in Britain. Among Sancho’s circle of friends was David Garrick, celebrated Shakespeare actor and theater owner. Sancho was a renowned man of letters and quotes Shakespeare in his numerous letters more than any other author. This endlessly revealing, often funny one-man show casts a new light on the often misunderstood narratives of African-British experience.

Kudos to Lookingglass Theatre For Their 2016 MacArthur Award

Lookingglass Theatre is honored to have been awarded a 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions! Lookingglass is the one of 14 Chicago arts nonprofits to receive this prestigious award and is receiving a grant of $1 million. The MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions has been presented annually since 2006 to organizations across the country and around the world that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness. This year’s 14 recipients are drawn exclusively from Chicago’s diverse arts and culture community in order to strengthen the city’s vibrant cultural life and underscore the Foundation’s commitment to its hometown. Each year, MacArthur supports more than 300 arts and culture group in Chicago, awarding more than $10 million in grants, mostly through general operating support.

CONGRATS TO WILL DAVIS, NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY

AMERICAN THEATER COMPANY NAMES

WILL DAVIS ITS NEW ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR OF FORTHCOMING MEN ON BOATS AT PLAYWRIGHTS HORIZONS

TO CONTINUE ATC’S COMMITMENT TO NEW WORKS

Following a six-month national search, American Theater Company’s (ATC) Board of Directors has named Will Davis its new artistic director, effective immediately. Currently based in New York, Davis is a director and choreographer known for physically adventurous new works, including the recently announced Off-Broadway run of Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats this summer (a coproduction of Playwrights Horizons and Clubbed Thumb), and two past productions of Colossal by Andrew Hinderaker, for which Davis won a Helen Hayes award for outstanding direction. The appointment at ATC marks a return to Chicago for Davis, who holds a BFA in Theatre Studies from DePaul University and served as assistant director for ATC’s 2006 production of William Inge’s The Dark at the Top of the Stairs.

Davis succeeds ATC’s Interim Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar, who has held the post since the unexpected passing of ATC’s longtime Artistic Director PJ Paparelli last May. Davis will collaborate with Metzgar to finalize plans for the company’s 2016-17 Season.

“After a thorough and thoughtful national search, I'm extremely thrilled to welcome Will to ATC and the Chicago theater community,” says ATC Board President Art Cunningham. “His passion, artistic excellence and creative vision align perfectly with our goal of producing cutting-edge work that both challenges and entertains. We're very fortunate to have someone of Will's caliber drive ATC forward and build upon our artistic and educational achievements.”

“It is a great privilege to join the ATC family and to be entrusted with leading the company forward,” says Davis. “ATC’s mission to answer the question ‘What does it mean to be an American?’ invites us to make work aimed straight at the heart of the present moment, and provides a vital touchstone for us as citizens and art makers. I intend to deepen this conversation and ask what we are making, how we are making it, and who we are making it for. I feel a great resonance with the company’s staff and board, and I look forward to asking these questions together, lifting up ATC's legacy and strengthening its reputation as a hub for ambitious and excellent works for the American theater.”

Davis will be among the distinguished guests at ATC’s 2016 gala, the Xanadu-inspired affair A Million Lights Are Dancing on April 8, 2016. Remaining productions in ATC’s Season 31: The Legacy Season are the regional premiere of Abe Koogler’s Kill Floor under the direction of Jonathan Berry (March 25-May 1, 2016), following its world premiere at New York’s LCT3/Lincoln Center Theater, and the musical comedy Xanadu, with music and lyrics by Jeff Lynne and John Farrar and book by Douglas Carter Beane, directed by Lili-Anne Brown (May 27-July 17, 2016).

Will Davis is a director and choreographer focused on physically adventurous new work. Recent projects include: Men on Boats by Jaclyn Backhaus for Clubbed Thumb's Summerworks, which will receive a remount at Playwrights Horizons in July; Orange Julius by Basil Kreimendahl; Mike Iveson’s Sorry Robot for PS122’s COIL Festival; and two productions of Colossal by Andrew Hinderaker for Mixed Blood Theater and the Olney Theatre Center, for which he won a Helen Hayes award for outstanding direction. Davis has developed, directed and performed his work with New York Theatre Workshop, Clubbed Thumb, the New Museum, the Olney Theatre Center, the Alliance Theatre, the Playwright's Realm, the Fusebox Festival, New Harmony Project, the Orchard Project, the Ground Floor Residency at Berkeley Rep, Performance Studies International at Stanford University, and the Kennedy Center. He is an alum of the Soho Rep Writer/Director Lab and the NYTW 2050 Directing Fellowship. Davis is currently an artist-in-residence at BAX (Brooklyn Art Exchange) where he is developing a new work inspired by William Inge's Picnic. He holds a BFA in Theatre Studies from DePaul University and an MFA in Directing from UT Austin.

About American Theater Company

American Theater Company (ATC) challenges and inspires its community by exploring stories that ask the question, "What does it mean to be an American?" ATC’s Ensemble includes Patrick Andrews, Kareem Bandealy, Jaime Castañeda, Kelly O’Sullivan, Tyler Ravelson, and Sadieh Rifai.

American Theater Company is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, and the Shubert Foundation.

DOO WOP SHOO BOP AND THOSE SENSATIONAL SOULFUL ‘60S KICK OFF 40TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF GREATEST HITS

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER

OPENS 40^TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON OF GREATEST HITS WITH

DOO WOP SHOO BOP 

AND 

THOSE SENSATIONAL SOULFUL ‘60S

Running in Repertory

February 13 – March 20, 2016

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor opens the 40^th Anniversary Season (The Season of Greatest Hits) with audience-favorites Doo Wop Shoo Bop and Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s running in repertory, February 13 – March 20, 2016. 

Doo Wop Shoo Bop, written by Jackie Taylor and Jimmy Tillman, and directed by Jackie Taylor, runs February 14 – March 20, 2016 with the official press opening on Sunday, February 21 at 3:00pm.  Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s, written and directed by Jackie Taylor, runs February 13 – March 19, 2016 with the official press opening on Sunday, February 21 at  7pm.  Doo Wop Shoo Bop and Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

“The Black Ensemble 40^th Anniversary Season is something to celebrate,” says Jackie Taylor.  “All season-long, we are bringing back some of the most critically-acclaimed and popular productions that help to reflect the 40-year history of the Black Ensemble Theater.  Together with the Black Ensemble musicians, performers and designers, I look forward to a season full of some of the greatest stories ever told, beginning with two of our most popular shows playing in repertory—Doo Wop Shoo Bop and Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s.” 

Doo Wop Shoo Bop takes a melodic look at the Doo Wop era, celebrating such iconic groups as The Platters, The Drifters, The Spaniels, The Bobbettes, The Chantels and many, many more.  The show first premiered in 1995 and has had several revivals because it is, indeed, a Black Ensemble Theater treasure.  Snap your fingers to the beat as we take a stroll down memory lane hearing those beautiful songs like “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes,” “This Magic Moment” and “Maybe.” This production explores how the successful music of today is related to the magical era of Doo Wop, bringing the ‘50s into the 21^st Century. 

Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s is a highly energetic and fun remembrance of the golden era of the sixties. Audience will re-live some beautiful memories as Black Ensemble brings back the hits of the great 60's groups such as The Temptations, The Supremes, The Marvelettes and The Four Tops.  This well- loved production also features music from the soul singers of the era including Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Mary Wells with many other soulful surprises. 

Featured in both productions are RaShawn Thompson, Melanie McCullough, Kyle Smith, Shari Addison, Jessica Seals, David Simmons and Kylah Fry.  Direoce Junirs and Kora Green join the cast of Doo Wop Shoo Bop exclusively.  Rueben Echoles, Theo Huff and Kenny Davis are exclusively a part of "Those Sensational Soul '60s." 

The designers are Ruth Ann Swanson (costumes), Denise Karczewski (lighting), Aaron Quick (sound and projection) and Coco Ree Lemery (set). The production stage manager is Bekki Lembrecht.

As with all Black Ensemble productions Musical Director is Robert Reddrick (drums).  Doo Wop Shoo Bop will feature Donald O'Conner (bass), Herbert Walker (guitar) Justin Dillard piano, and Paul Howard (trumpet), Dudley Owens (saxophone) and Bill McFarland (trombone).

Those Sensational Soulful ‘60s will feature the Black Ensemble Theater musicians, including Robert Reddrick (Musical Director/drums), Mark Miller (bass), Gary Baker (guitar), Justin Dillard (piano), Paul Howard (trumpet), Dudley Owens (saxophone) and Bill McFarland (trombone).

The Black Ensemble Theater

Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

ONE NIGHT ONLY: Lucky Plush Debuts Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip

Chicago's Lucky Plush Productions is celebrating its 15^th Anniversary with the creation and debut of a new dance-theater work,

Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip

 All Production Photos by Cheryl Mann, graphic design by Liviu Pasare

Commissioned by Chicago's Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the Pamela Crutchfield Dance Fund of the Imagine Campaign, this new evening-length work from Lucky Plush seamlessly blends comic book graphics, sound effects, and immersive video to create an experience like none other - contemporary dance theater meets animated graphic novel. 

Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip will premiere Thursday, 

March 3, 2016 at 7:30 p.m., marking the debut of Lucky Plush Productions at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St. in Chicago's Millennium Park. Tickets are $40-$10. Purchase tickets online at HarrisTheaterChicago.org, or by calling The Harris Theater Box Office, (312) 334-7777.

Featuring Lucky Plush's signature blend of nuanced dialogue, complex choreography, and off-the-cuff improvisation, SuperStrip follows a group of washed up superheroes attempting to reinvent themselves by starting a non-profit think tank for do-gooders. Complex training missions and specialized movement techniques bring structure to their collective, but the unlikely supers are unable to find a shared mission and brand. In the struggle to achieve consensus, they discover that real-world problems are far more complex than singular forces of evil, and that having power is part of the problem.

Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip is a collaboration among Lucky Plush's founder, director and choreographer Julia Rhoads, composer Michael Caskey, visual designer Liviu Pasare, lighting designer Kevin Rechner, sound designer Mikhail Fiksel and costume designer Jeff Hancock.  

Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip is commissioned and presented by the Harris Theater for Music and Dance and the Pamela Crutchfield Dance Fund of the Imagine Campaign. Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign supports the creation of Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip through a creative and technical residency funded by the Andrew W Mellon Foundation. SuperStrip is also supported through a production residency at Martha's Vineyard's The Yard, and preview performances at Hope College (MI) and Diana Wortham Theatre (NC).

Additional support for SuperStrip is provided by project grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation. Season support of SuperStrip is provided through operating grants from the Grover Hermann Foundation, the Alphawood Foundation, the MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Peter G. and Elizabeth Torosian Foundation and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

In addition to Producing Artistic Director Julia Rhoads, the Company Manager of Lucky Plush is Kim Goldman, and the current ensemble includes Michel Rodriguez Cintra, Daniel Gibson, Marc Macaranas, Elizabeth Luse, Melinda Jean Myers, Benjamin Wardell and Meghann Wilkinson.

For more information, visit LuckyPlush.com or follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter.

Trip the Light Fantastic:  The Making of SuperStrip
(pictured, from left) Lucky Plush Productions ensemble members as their “super” alter egos in Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip - Michel Rodriguez Cintra (Springster), Meghann Wilkinson (Sparky Lightstep), Benjamin Wardell (The Big Liberjinski), Elizabeth Luse (Professor Visioné), Daniel Gibson (Rapid Glitch), Melinda Myers (Mmm) and Marc Macaranas (Shadow). Photo by Cheryl Mann, graphic design by Liviu Pasare.

Kudos To Our Friends at Lucky Plush Productions On Their Prestigious MacArthur Award

Lucky Plush Productions Receives Prestigious MacArthur Award

for Extraordinary Creativity and Effectiveness

Big congrats to our friends over at Lucky Plush Productions! Here at ChiIL Live Shows & ChiIL Mama we've been fans of the creative dance stylings of Lucky Plush for years. We're thrilled to announce they were just awarded the prestigious MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. 

Through this award, the MacArthur Foundation recognizes exceptional nonprofit organizations that demonstrate creativity and impact, and invests in their long-term sustainability with sizable one-time grants. 

Led by founder and artistic director Julia Rhoads, Lucky Plush Productions creates a hybrid form of dance theater that blends nuanced dialogue, lush choreography, and unexpected humor. The company has premiered more than 30 original works, including 13 evening-length dance theater productions, and has built a national reputation for work that is both thought provoking and relatable. The company has performed in more than 40 venues, nationally and internationally, in just the past five seasons.

"Receiving the MacArthur Award is both an honor and a financial grace for Lucky Plush Productions. It validates over 15 years of dedicated risk-taking, inspires a renewed sense of responsibility and purpose in fulfilling our mission, and will deepen our efforts to create a sustainable model for our work," said Julia Rhoads, Founder and Producing Artistic Director, Lucky Plush Productions.

Lucky Plush is committed to moving the dance field forward through risk taking and innovation, coupled with consistently responsible administrative and financial practice. It collaborates widely with performance arts groups and presenters and it consistently hires and collaborates with the city's most highly sought-after talent. 

In 2009, well before it was a regular practice, Lucky Plush began inviting audiences into the creative process by building a website where people could comment, donate material, and engage in conversations about the work's content. 

In addition, Lucky Plush also led the effort to establish Creative Partners, a collaborative effort with eighth blackbird and Blair Thomas and Company to provide for a shared full time development staff to drive growth and generate new resources.

Lucky Plush also is the first Chicago dance company that the Harris Theater for Music and Dance has both commissioned and fully presented. In just two weeks at the Harris, Lucky Plush debuts Trip the Light Fantastic: The Making of SuperStrip, Thursday, March 3 at 7:30 p.m. 

In SuperStrip, the ensemble plays a group of washed up superheroes whom attempt to reinvent themselves as a non-profit think tank, complete with comic book graphics, sound effects and immersive video. For tickets and information, visit HarrisTheaterChicago.org or call (312) 334-7777.

                                                                        

In addition to Julia Rhoads, the company manager of Lucky Plush is Kim Goldman, and the current ensemble includes Michel Rodriguez Cintra, Daniel Gibson, Marc Macaranas, Elizabeth Luse, Melinda Jean Myers, Benjamin Wardell and Meghann Wilkinson. 

For more information, visit LuckyPlush.com or follow the company on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

More about The MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions

The MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions has been presented annually since 2006 to organizations across the country and around the world that demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness. Lucky Plush Productions will use the $200,000 that accompanies its MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions to increase its reserve fund, with a small portion earmarked for technology upgrades and marketing.

This year's 14 recipients are drawn exclusively from Chicago's diverse arts and culture community in order to strengthen the city's vibrant cultural life and underscore the Foundation's commitment to its hometown. 

"These superbly imaginative organizations exemplify Chicago's thriving arts and culture community, which is vibrant and economically vital to the region," said MacArthur President Julia Stasch. "Support for these diverse and leading organizations reflects our enduring commitment to Chicago and to its cultural life that enriches us all."

According to MacArthur, the Award is not only recognition for past leadership and success but also an investment in the future. For these Awards, the Foundation does not seek or accept nominations. To qualify, organizations must demonstrate exceptional creativity and effectiveness; have reached a critical or strategic point in their development; show strong leadership and stable financial management; have previously received MacArthur support; and engage in work central to one of MacArthur's core programs.

Each year, MacArthur supports more than 300 arts and culture group in Chicago, awarding more than $10 million in grants, mostly through general operating support. Additional information about this year's MacArthur Awards is at macfound.org/MacAward.

OPENING: Victory Gardens Theater Presents The World Premiere of Cocked

Chi, IL Live Shows on our Radar:

Victory Gardens Theater Presents

The World Premiere of Cocked

By Sarah Gubbins

Directed by Associate Artistic Producer Joanie Schultz 

February 12- March 13, 2016

I caught my first Victory Gardens Theater play back in 1986 and I've been consistently impressed with their offerings. They excel at choosing thought provoking, intense productions that spark debate and giving a voice to world premiers. Cocked looks to be no exception. Their excellent post-show discussions and presentations are an invaluable tool for encouraging discussion. Check back soon for our full review.

Victory Gardens Theater continues its 41^st season with the World Premiere of Cocked by Sarah Gubbins, directed by Victory Gardens Theater Associate Artistic Producer Joanie Schultz.  Cocked runs February 12 – March 13, 2016 with the press performance on Friday, February 19, 2016, at 7:30pm at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

The cast of Cocked includes Patrese D. McClain, Kelli Simpkins and Mike Tepeli. The creative team includes Chelsea M. Warren (scenic design), Janice Pytel (costume design), Sarah Hughey (lighting design), Thomas Dixon (sound design), Sam Hubbard (fight direction), Tina M. Jach (Stage Manager) and Isaac Gomez (dramaturgy).

“I can’t think of a better home for the world premiere of Sarah Gubbins’ witty, complex, and thought-provoking new play,” said Victory Gardens Theater Artistic Director Chay Yew. “When I read this play two years ago, when looking for works to be part of our annual IGNITION Festival of New Plays, I was struck by Sarah’s extraordinary ability to write a thrilling piece of theater, while asking the tough question: ‘What would it take for you to own a gun today?’”

Attorney Taylor and her journalist girlfriend Izzie live a comfortable life in Andersonville. Their apartment, relationship, and strong anti-gun beliefs are shattered when Taylor’s troubled brother Frank crashes, uninvited, into their lives. As secrets and betrayals rise to the surface, the line between self-defense and safety is blurred. Cocked, a timely world premiere thriller from Chicago playwright Sarah Gubbins and directed by Victory Gardens Theater Associate Artistic Producer Joanie Schultz (Rest, The Whale), returns to Victory Gardens after gripping audiences at the 2014 IGNITION Festival of New Plays.

Schedule:                    

Tuesdays:        7:30pm

Wednesdays:   7:30pm

Thursdays:      7:30pm

Fridays:           7:30pm

Saturdays:       3:00pm; 7:30pm

Sundays:         3:00pm

Accessible

Performances: Word for Word (open caption) performances Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm. Saturday, February 27 at 3:00pm, and Wednesday, March 2 at 2:00pm

Audio Description performances Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm (Touch tour at 6:00pm), Sunday, March 6 at 3:00pm (Touch tour at 1:30pm)

ASL Interpreted and Word for Word (open caption) performance Friday, February 26 at 7:30pm

Location: Victory Gardens Biograph Theater is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue,

in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood

Tickets: 

Regular run: $15 - $60

Box Office: The Box Office is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.

773.871.3000

About the Artists

Sarah Gubbins (Playwright) Plays include Fair Use, The Drinking Problem, The Kid Thing (Jeff Award 2012 and Edgarton Foundation New American Play Award 2011), fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life, and Cocked. Her plays have been produced at the Steppenwolf Theatre, Actor’s Express, 7 Stages, About Face Theatre and Chicago Dramatists, among others. Her plays have been developed at the Public Theater, New York Theater Workshop, The Atlantic Theater, The Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theater, The Plawrights’ Center, Center Theatre Group, O’Neill Theatre Center, the Lark, and Berkeley Rep’s Ground Floor, among others. She has been a Carl J. Djerassi Fellow and Jerome Fellow. She has been commissioned by Steppenwolf Theatre, DePaul University, and the Actors Theater of Louisville. She is a proud Core Writer at The Playwrights' Center and a member of gender parity advocacy group, The Kilroys. She holds a M.F.A. from Northwestern University. She is currently living in Los Angeles.

Joanie Schultz (Director) is the Associate Artistic Producer at Victory Gardens Theater. Victory Gardens Theater: The Whale, Rest. Chicago: Venus in Fur (Goodman Theatre); A Small Fire, The Cheats, Martyr, Luther (Steep Theatre); The Kid Thing (About Face Theatre/Chicago Dramatists); The Girl in the Yellow Dress (Next Theatre); Northanger Abbey (Remy Bumppo Theatre); Bruise Easy (American Theater Company); Spinning (Irish Theatre Chicago); Yankee Tavern (American Blues Theatre); Neighborhood 3 (Strawdog); The Hundred Flowers Project (Silk Road Rising), fml: how Carson McCullers Saved My Life (Steppenwolf for Young Adults); 2013 Co-Artistic Curator for Theater on the Lake. Opera: Bluebeard’s Castle, Der Kaiser von Atlantis, Acis and Galatea, Carmen. Fellowships: Leadership U One-on-One Fellowship funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and administered by TCG, Drama League Fellowship, The Goodman Theatre’s Michael Maggio Directing Fellowship, SDCF Denham Fellowship, Lincoln Center Theater Directors Lab. MFA in Directing (Northwestern University). Ensemble Member: Steep Theatre. Theater Faculty Member: Columbia College, University of Chicago. 

Patrese D. McClain (Izzie) Things You Shouldn't Say Past Midnight (Windy City Playhouse); White Guy On The Bus (Northlight, Jeff Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress 2015); Tartuffe, Misanthrope, Spunk (Court Theatre, Jeff Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress for Spunk, 2011); August Wilson Celebration: Piano Lesson (Goodman/Fleetwood-Jourdain). Regional: Two Trains Running (Geva Theatre Center); Crumbs From The Table Of Joy (Mustard Seed), For Colored Girls, No Child...  (Black Rep, St. Louis Circle Theatre Award for Best Actress for No Child… 2013). TV: “Chicago Fire,” “Sirens,” “Detroit 1-8-7.” Patrese is the Executive Director of Pure ART, a company member of Collaboraction Theatre, and a resident teaching artist with Court Theatre.

Kelli Simpkins (Taylor) Original creator/performer of The Laramie Project (Off-Broadway, Denver Center, Berkeley Rep., La Jolla Playhouse). Chicago: Spill (Timeline, Swine Palace); Teddy Ferrara (Goodman Theatre); The Kid Thing (Chicago Dramatists, Jeff Nomination for Principle Actor 2011); Pony (About Face); In Darfur (Timeline); Late: A Cowboy Song (Piven); The Laramie Tour: TLP & TLP Epilogue, Celebrity Row (American Theater Company); Fair Use, Good Boys and True, One Arm (Steppenwolf); Execution of Justice (About Face). Regional: The People’s Temple (The Guthrie, Perseverance and Berkeley Rep.); I Think I Like Girls (Cherry Lane Theater/La Jolla Playhouse). Film/TV: A League of Their Own, Chasing Amy, “Betrayal,” “Empire,” “Law & Order: CI,” “The Laramie Project” (Emmy nomination: Ensemble Writing). Recipient of the Chicago 3Arts Award.

Mike Tepeli (Frank) Last Train to Nibroc (Haven); Great Expectations (Strawdog); The Original Grease, It's A Wonderful Life: The Radio Play (American Theatre Company); Burnt Part Boys (Griffin); Big River, Elephant Man (BoHo). Regional: Troilus and Cressida (Taffety Punk).

Public Programs

A full and updated schedule of special events, post-show discussions and presentations centered on performances of Cocked is available at www.victorygardens.org.  All events are free unless otherwise noted. For more information, call 773.871.3000 or visit the Victory Gardens website.

Public Programs is an event series designed to enhance audience experience by exploring themes and issues within Victory Gardens' productions. Connecting our theater to the world beyond the stage and rehearsal room, Public Programs bridge ideas, provoke dialogue, and deepen the relationship between our audiences and our productions.

AFTERWORDS

Post-Show Conversation

After every performance of Cocked (unless otherwise noted)

Join us for one of our intimate post-show conversations. Led by members from the Victory Gardens community—artistic affiliates, subscribers, Artistic staff, Teen Arts Council members, The Council of Community Leaders, and community partners— reflect on what you’ve seen and share your response.

February 18 | Thursday | 6:30pm

ENCUENTRO: HOMELAND

Post-Show Panel Conversation

Izzie and Taylor have a hard enough time feeling a sense of stability in their home and personal lives without being terrorized by their downstairs neighbor. In Chicago, gentrification has historically affected Latinos and have displaced them all over the city. What does it mean to hold your ground when there are systems in place to push you out? Join Encuentro host Amor Montes de Oca (Arte y Vida) for pre-­show refreshments from Fiesta Mexicana, then stick around for a special Afterwords post-show conversation on home among Chicago’s displaced communities.

February 20 | Saturday | 7:30pm

ARTIST TALK: BETWEEN PLAYWRIGHT & DIRECTOR

Post-Show Artist Talk

The new play process is an exciting one and the collaboration between a living playwright and director is electric. How are artists empowered when working on new work? In what ways are they challenged? Join Cocked’s dynamic duo Joanie Schultz (director) and Sarah Gubbins (playwright) as they break open conventions and shatter expectations in this riveting post-show conversation shedding light on the new play process.

February 22 | Monday | 7:30pm

EACH & HER

A Free Performance Celebrating Women in the Arts

From the playwright and director to the designers and actors, the creative team behind Sarah Gubbins’ Cocked is comprised mostly of women. Unfortunately, this isn’t as common among regional theaters as gender parity in the arts is far from equitable. Join this celebration of women in the arts at this free off-night performance showcase in collaboration with Beast Women - an All-Female Performance Variety Revue. With performances including theater, music, poetry, dance, spoken word, and many others, this one night only performance celebrates some of the greatest artists in Chicago and beyond.

February 24 | Wednesday | 6:30pm

SHOUT

Pre-Show Spoken Word Performance

Taylor and Izzie are forced to challenge their deepest beliefs in Sarah Gubbins’ new play. Where is the line blurred between self-defense and perceived fear? Is there one? Come hear Chicago performance poet C.C. Carter break it down in this special pre-show spoken word performance piece as she riffs off the realities of terrorism and violence in Chicago neighborhoods. Then, stick around for free refreshments before enjoying Sarah Gubbins’ Cocked.

February 25 | Thursday | 7:30pm

THE GUN THING

Post-Show Town Hall

More than a third of Americans say they or someone in their household owns a gun. There are by various estimates anywhere from 270 million to 310 million guns in the United States — close to one firearm for every man, woman and child. In light of mass shootings that have plagued the country for decades, why haven’t we found a national solution that keeps us safe from guns as well as protected by them? Should we increase gun control? Should firearms be banned? Join us for this timely town hall conversation as we break open a conversation about gun ownership and the onus around it.

February 27 | Saturday | 7:30pm

RISK FACTOR

Post-Show Panel Discussion

The 2013 passage of a concealed carry law in Illinois has led to a relatively small, yet recurring dynamic in Chicago shootings: the lawful gunman. Though these “lawful” shootings are nowhere near as frequent as those involving unlicensed shooters and illegal firearms, a handful of high-profile shootings involving licensed concealed carriers since the law went into effect in January 2014 continue to spark a rage of controversy. What is a “lawful” shooting and why? How has concealed carry shifted gun culture in the Windy City? Join legislators and specialists as we dig deep into the age-old question of protection and prevention as it relates to Chicago’s concealed carry law.  

March 3 | Thursday | 6:30pm

COLLEGE NIGHT: TRIGGER FINGER

Free Post-Show Performance

In Sarah Gubbins’ Cocked, the idea of terrorism in Chicago neighborhoods (real or perceived) comes to the forefront, challenging our deepest convictions of safety and protection. What would it take to make someone feel safe in their own home? Join us for a pre­-show reception in the lobby featuring delicious drink specials & free pizza. Then, stick around for Cocked and stay for post-­show performances featuring short scenes written, directed, and performed by college artists from DePaul University, University of Chicago, Loyola, and Northwestern University.

Production Sponsors:  The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust;

National Endowment for the Arts

                                  

Season Sponsors:         Alphawood Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies,

The Joyce Foundation, The Mellon Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and
The Wallace Foundation

Travel Sponsor:          Southwest Airlines

About Victory Gardens Theater

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Chay Yew and Managing Director Christopher Mannelli, Victory Gardens is dedicated to artistic excellence while creating a vital, contemporary American Theater that is accessible and relevant to all people through productions of challenging new plays and musicals.  Victory Gardens Theater is committed to the development, production and support of new plays that has been the mission of the theater since its founding, set forth by Dennis Začek, Marcelle McVay, and the original founders of Victory Gardens Theater.

Victory Gardens Theater is a leader in developing and producing new theater work and cultivating an inclusive Chicago theater community. Victory Gardens’ core strengths are nurturing and producing dynamic and inspiring new plays, reflecting the diversity of our city’s and nation’s culture through engaging diverse communities, and in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, bringing art and culture to our city’s active student population.  

Since its founding in 1974, the company has produced more world premieres than any other Chicago theater, a commitment recognized nationally when Victory Gardens received the 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater includes the Začek-McVay Theater, a state-of-the-art 259-seat mainstage and the 109-seat studio theater on the second floor, named the Richard Christiansen Theater.

Victory Gardens Ensemble Playwrights include Luis Alfaro, Philip Dawkins, Marcus Gardley, Ike Holter, Samuel D. Hunter, Naomi Iizuka, Tanya Saracho and Laura Schellhardt. Each playwright has a seven-year residency at Victory Gardens Theater.

The Playwrights Ensemble Alumni includes Claudia Allen, Lonnie Carter, Steve Carter, Gloria Bond Clunie, Dean Corrin, Nilo Cruz, Joel Drake Johnson, John Logan, Nicholas Patricca, Douglas Post, James Sherman, Charles Smith, Jeffrey Sweet and Kristine Thatcher.

For more information about Victory Gardens, visit www.victorygardens.org.  Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardens, Twitter @VictoryGardens and Instagram at instagram.com/victorygardenstheater/

Victory Gardens Theater receives major funding from 

The Wallace Foundation, Alphawood Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Shubert Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Allstate Insurance, Polk Bros. Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, The William and Orli Staley Foundation, The National Endowment for the Arts, and The REAM Foundation. Additional funding is provided by: Abbot Downing & Wells Fargo, Alliance Bernstein, The Charles H. and Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation, Exelon, The Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, Illinois Tool Works, Italian Village Restaurants, Mayer Brown LLP, The McVay Foundation, Neal, Gerber & Eisenberg, LLP, The Prince Charitable Trusts, The Saints, Charles & M.R. Shapiro Foundation, Southwest Airlines, The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, Whole Foods Market, and Wrightwood Neighbors Conservation Association.

SAVE THE DATES

Backstage at the Biograph is sponsored by Whole Foods Market DePaul and Pork Shoppe.

Upcoming Backstage at the Biograph Events:

Hillary and Clinton
March 24, 2016
Reimagining Hillary
The House that Will Not Stand

June 2, 2016
Costume Design: Dressing the Women of 1836

About Cocked

Attorney Taylor and her journalist girlfriend Izzie live a comfortable life in Andersonville. Their apartment, relationship and strong anti-gun beliefs are shattered when Taylor’s troubled brother Frank crashes, uninvited, into their lives. As secrets and betrayals rise to the surface, the line between self-defense and safety is blurred.

Cocked will feature Patrese D. McClain (Izzie), Kelli Simpkins (Taylor) and Mike Tepeli (Frank).