OPENING: BETTE DAVIS AIN’T FOR SISSIES at ATHENAEUM THEATRE 6/15-7/2

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

ACCLAIMED ONE WOMAN SHOW 

BETTE DAVIS AIN’T FOR SISSIES 

PLAYS JUNE 15 – JULY 2 AT THE ATHENAEUM THEATRE

Created and Performed by Jessica Sherr, the 5-Star Reviewed Show Portraying Legend Davis at the 1939 Academy Awards Has Delighted Audiences All Across the U.S.A. and the United Kingdom

Photos that feature Jessica Sherr as Bette Davis courtesy of Jessica Sherr

This Thursday, we'll be ChiILin' in Chi, IL at the opening night of Jessica Sherr's one-woman show, Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies, at The Athenaeum Theatre. We're looking forward to catching this acclaimed personification of a still beloved Hollywood icon. Check back soon for our full review.

Jessica Sherr is proud to announce the limited Chicago engagement of her smash hit one-woman show Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies, June 15 – July 2, at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. Created and performed by Sherr, the 5-star reviewed show has performed in Edinburgh, Scotland, had a run at The St. James London, a sold-out off-Broadway run at 59E59 Theaters and toured performing arts centers throughout the United States. Opening night is Thursday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. with matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $24 - $34 and available at AthenaeumTheatre.org. For more information on the production go to BetteDavisAintForSissies.com.



It’s the 1939 Academy Awards and the Los Angeles Times have leaked the winners early:  Bette Davis will lose to Vivien Leigh. With newspaper in hand, Davis decides to leave the awards ceremony early. Once at home, Davis, disillusioned and frustrated; now grapples with memories of past lovers, confidants and mentors. She experiences what happens when someone who always wins…loses.  Bette Davis Ain’t for Sissies offers audiences a rare insight into the mind of one of Hollywood’s greatest stars.  With humor and unabashed frankness Sherr journeys into Bette Davis’ battle to win freedom from the grip and control of the Hollywood studio moguls, studio executives, and her mother Ruthie in a “dynamic performance” that is “mesmerizing to watch” (Edinburgh Guide) and “worthy of an Oscar” (Mumble Theater). “The magnificently witty” (The List) and “tour de force” (Quotidian Times) performer and creator Sherr introduces audiences to a previously unseen side of Hollywood’s Bette Davis: one that is vulnerable, insecure and imprisoned by ambition.

In addition to Sherr, the company includes Isabelle Color, costume design and Robert Perillo, voice and diction.



ABOUT JESSICA SHERR, Creator and Performer
Sherr grew up in El Cajon, California and has long been called a creative.  At age 3, she found herself tap dancing to “Frosty the Snowman” and by age 5 she was choreographing dance pieces to Mickey Mouse’s “Splash Dance.” Sherr’s theatre credits include Almost, Maine and As Bees in Honey Drown and The Great Gatsby at Hudson Theatre Ensemble and The Blue Room directed by Carl Ford. Her film and television credits include Columbia Pictures’ Annie starring Jamie Foxx, HBO’s Flight of the Conchords, Netflix’s Team Toon as Miss Faltine, and Rock Dove (Winner at Flagstaff and Washington Gorge Film Festivals.) Her short film Great Expectations won Best Short Comedy at The Brightside Film Festival and is nominated for Best Ensemble Cast at "Hang Onto Your Shorts" film festival in Asbury Park. She holds a BA in English and Dramatic Arts.  

FEST ALERT: 9th Annual Wicker Park Green Music Fest 6/10 & 11

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

WICKER PARK’S GREEN MUSIC FEST RETURNS

THIS WEEKEND, JUNE 10 & 11, 2017

Dozens of eco-friendly vendors include Beat Kitchen, Smoke Daddy, Greenheart Shop, Rebuilding Exchange and Chicago Bicycle Ambassadors

Craft beer from presenting sponsor Lagunitas Brewing Company

JD McPherson, Lucero and July Talk headline weekend music stages

This weekend ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows will be ChiILin' at the ninth annual Green Music Fest. Besides great tunes, this eco-friendly fest cuts the clutter with a reusable stainless-steel cup for a $10 donation. They also feature an adopt-a-tree program and ladybug release among other family friendly green activities. The fest is easy to access from the blue line "L" and features plenty of bike parking. Check it out!

Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce and Subterranean are thrilled to announce the final lineup of vendors and sponsors for Chicago’s award-winning Green Music Fest. Vendors include local restaurants Beat Kitchen and Smoke Daddy in addition to eco-friendly retailers such as Greenheart Shop and Green Diaper Babies. Previously announced headliners for Chicago’s award-winning Green Music Fest are R&B rocker JD McPherson, alt-country rock group Lucero and Canadian alternative rock band July Talk.

Green Music Fest takes place June 10 and 11, 2017, from 12-10 p.m. daily in the heart of Wicker Park on Damen Ave. between Schiller St. and North Ave. A $10 donation at admission awards attendees the “Refill Don’t Landfill” reusable stainless-steel cup to enjoy at the festival. Attendees are encouraged to arrive on foot or bicycle to minimize their environmental impact. For more information and programming updates, visit GreenMusicFestchicago.com.

Now in its ninth consecutive year, Green Music Fest embraces environmentally-conscious and green technologies like its pedal-powered stage, where attendees pedal stationary bicycles to power amps, guitars, spotlights and more. Bright Beat returns to lead the festival’s eco education and sustainability programming. Bartlett Tree Experts will present a live release of 100,000 ladybugs into the local ecosphere, and again sponsor the festival’s adopt-a-tree program for attendees.

In addition to live music stages and a variety of Lagunitas brews, Green Music Fest showcases innovative green vendors and products, along with the return of Pet Fest & Kids Fest areas where kids with and without paws can enjoy demonstrations, crafts, games and more. This year’s vendors include: 360 Active Recovery, Alive Rescue and Redstone Meadery, Anokhi Green, Artenimai, Atomic Ion Bands, Awareness Coalition, Baizaar, Bart's Bees, Beat Kitchen, Bodhi Tree Mehndi, Canine Crews, Carhartt, Cevapcici, Chicago 350, Chicago Bicycle Ambassadors, Chicago Public Library, Chicatolia, Christi Ahee Ceramics, ChiroOne, Dark Matter Coffee, Doggy Style, Drawn With Fire, Earth Creations, Factory Farming, Firecakes Donuts, Galaxy Pink LLC, Getaround, Green Diaper Babies, Greenheart Shop, Integrative Pet Care/Premier Veterinary Group, Jamie Handbags, Joanna G Jewelry, Kevita, Liberation Press, Lincoln Apparel, Lymelite Studio, Maria's Sweaters, Mediterranean Express, Mistura Timepieces, Neglected Renderings, North & Hudson, OurMusicMyBody, Physician's Immediate Care, Powers Handcrafted Jewelry, Rebuilding Exchange, Rip It Energy (Nation Beverage Corp), Smile For Humanity, Smoke Daddy, SolidVirtuality LLC, Sorry, Steaz, Tom's Shoes, TW Wholesale, Zero Motorcycles of Countryside.

2017 sponsors include: 360 Active Recovery, Absolut Vodka, Alive Rescue, Altos Tequila, Backpack Wine, Carhartt, ChiroOne, GetAround, Green Sheep, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kevita, Launitas Brewing Company, RedStone Meade, RipIt Energy Drink, Staez Iced Tea, Tom’s Shoes. Organizations supporting with in-kind sponsorships include: Bartlett Tree Experts, Chainlinks, Dark Matter Coffee, WXRT.

About the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce
The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce serves as a cornerstone of the Wicker Park and Bucktown commercial districts, advancing the financial goals of neighborhood businesses through the creation of a dynamic economic climate, increasing the neighborhood's visibility and viability, and encouraging profitable relationships within the community. The Chamber administers the Wicker Park Bucktown Special Service Area (SSA) #33, guided by a Commission of SSA stakeholders who serve on active committees. For more information, please visit www.wickerparkbucktown.com.

About Subterranean
The iconic Wicker Park live music venue, Subterranean, brings the very best of local and national talent. Focusing on the direct message of serving up a diverse catalogue of genres, this three-story venue has aided the masses from Chicago to the surrounding areas in the very same location throughout two decades. Subterranean has been curating festivals, bringing the music to the streets of Wicker Park, for over a decade. For more information and an events calendar visit www.subt.net.

About Bright Beat
Bright Beat is a project management and sustainability consultancy that provides leadership in the development and management of environmental and social sustainability programs. From assessment and strategy to implementation and promotion, Bright Beat partners (and the planet) reap the benefits of improved efficiency and conservation, while educating and engaging the public. Since 2010, Bright Beat programs have led to the donation, repurposing, recycling and composting of over 1,500 tons of material that would’ve otherwise been destined for the landfill. Since 2012, Bright Beat has spearheaded Green Music Fest’s sustainability programming. Learn more at www.brightbeat.com.

OPENING: Native Gardens at Victory Gardens 6/2-7/2

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Victory Gardens Theater presents the Chicago Premiere of

Native Gardens

By Karen Zacarías

Directed by Marti Lyons

June 2 – July 2, 2017

June is gardening season here in Chicago and this weekend we're off to enjoy gardens within gardens. Tonight, we'll be ChiILin' at Chi, IL's renowned Victory Gardens Theater, for opening night of the Chicago Premiere of Native Gardens. They've had staying power for an impressive 42 seasons and are an invaluable part of the community. We're especially fond of their post-show conversations after every performance. These talk backs led by members from the Victory Gardens community are a great chance for questions and thought provoking dialogues. We can't wait to check out Native Gardens. 

Native Gardens runs June 2 – July 2, 2017 at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N Lincoln Avenue and closes Victory Gardens Theater's 42nd season. Native Gardens is written by Karen Zacarías and directed by Marti Lyons.

Pablo, a high-powered lawyer, and his pregnant wife Tania, a doctoral candidate, think they have hit the jackpot with their new home. It seems to have everything they dreamed of: a nice neighborhood, plenty of bedrooms for their growing family, outdoor space, and friendly neighbors. When Pablo and Tania decide to upgrade the eyesore chain link fence in their backyard, neighbors Virginia and Frank couldn’t be happier. Happy until they think their new neighbors are taking more than they deserve. A disagreement over a property line quickly spirals into a war of taste, class, and entitlement in Native Gardens, a hilarious new comedy by Karen Zacarías and directed by Marti Lyons.

The cast of Native Gardens includes Patrick Clear (Frank Butley), Paloma Nozicka (Tania Del Valle), Gabriel Ruiz (Pablo Del Valle) and Janet Ulrich Brooks (Virginia Butley).

The creative team includes William Boles (scenic design), Samantha Jones (costume design), Keith Parham (lighting design) and Mikhail Fiksel (sound design). Isaac Gomez is the dramaturg and Tina Jach is the production stage manager.
                                        
“Much has happened in the last year that has challenged our ideas of what it means to be an American,” comments Artistic Director Chay Yew. “Playwright Karen Zacarias’ hilarious new play asks us to further consider: What does it mean to be a good neighbor? In a city proud of its many unique and great neighborhoods, I couldn’t be more ecstatic to share this timely comedy that is close to our hearts.”

About the Artists
Karen Zacarías (Playwright) was recently hailed by American Theater Magazine as one of the most produced playwrights in the USA. Other plays in Chicago in 2017 include Destiny of Desire at The Goodman Theater, Into the Beautiful North (Until June 17) at 16th Street Theater and Just Like Us by Teatro Vista. Other plays include Mariela in the Desert (World Premiere, The Goodman), The Sins of Sor Juana (productions The Goodman Theater and Teatro Vista), The Book Club Play (16th Street Theater), Legacy of Light (National Steinberg citation winner), the adaptations of Just Like Us (Denver Center), and How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent (Round House). She collaborated on the libretto for the ballets Sleepy Hollow and Hemingway: The Sun Also Rises for the Washington Ballet at the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts and has written 10 TYA musicals with composer Deborah Wicks La Puma. Her plays have been produced at The Kennedy Center, The Goodman Theater, South Coast Rep, The Guthrie, Cincinnati Playhouse, RoundHouse Theater, GALA Hispanic Theater, Denver Theater Center, Dallas Theater Center and many more. Karen is a core founder of the Latino Theatre Commons, a national network that strives to update the American narrative to include the stories of Latinos. She is the founder of Young Playwrights’ Theater, an award-winning theater company that teaches playwriting in local public schools in Washington, D.C. Karen lives in D.C. with her husband and three children.

Marti Lyons (Director) is an ensemble member at The Gift Theatre Company and received the 2015 Maggio directing fellowship from Goodman Theatre. Chicago credits include The Mystery of Love and Sex (Writers Theatre), Title and Deed (Lookingglass Theatre Company), The City of Conversation (Northlight Theatre), Short Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Wit (The Hypocrites), Mine, Bethany and Body and Blood (The Gift Theatre Company), Hot Georgia Sunday, Seminar (Haven Theatre), Give it All Back, Mai Dang Lao, 9 Circles, Maria/Stuart, co-director for The Golden Dragon (Sideshow Theatre Company), Prowess, The Peacock, The Last Duck (Jackalope Theatre Company) and The Play About my Dad (Raven Theatre). Regional credits include Wondrous Strange (Humana Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville).

Patrick Clear (Frank Butley) returns to Victory Gardens where he previously appeared in Chekhov in Yalta, Woman in Mind, and Music from a Locked Room. Broadway credits include Noises Off and Hollywood Arms. Other Chicago credits include Carlyle, Race, Clean House, Meet Vera Stark, Teddy Ferrara, The Goat, and Dartmoor Prison (Goodman), By the Water (Northlight), Port Authority (Writers Theatre), Henry V, As You Like It, Madness of George III (Chicago Shakespeare), Seascape (Remy Bumppo). Regional credits include An Opening in Time (Hartford Stage), 12 Angry Men (Maltz Jupiter Theatre), 1776 (Asolo Rep), Heavens Were Hung in Black (Indiana Rep), Emma (Cleveland Playhouse), and Dancing at Lughnasa (Arena Stage). Film and TV credits include The Dark Knight, “Empire,” and “Chicago PD.”

Paloma Nozicka (Tania Del Valle) is making her Victory Gardens debut. Chicago credits include The Snare, Exit Strategy, Long Way Go Down (Jackalope Theatre); Give It All Back, Antigonick (Sideshow Theatre); Bobbie Clearly (Steep Theatre); Our Lady of 121st Street (Eclipse Theatre); Teddy Ferrara (Goodman Theatre); The Play About My Dad (Raven Theatre). Regional credits include Boeing Boeing (Theatre Squared). Film & TV credits include The Secret Santa, “Chicago Med,” “Chicago PD,” “Empire,” and “Underemployed.”

Gabriel Ruiz (Pablo Del Valle) is a graduate of the Theatre School at DePaul University and an ensemble member of Teatro Vista. His Chicago credits include The Wolf at the End of The Block, White Tie Ball (Teatro Vista); Singin’ in the Rain, City of Angels (The Marriott Theater); Man in the Ring, Agamemnon (Court Theater); Arcadia, Company (Writers Theatre); The Upstairs Concierge (The Goodman Theater); Creditors (Remy Bumppo Theater); How Long Will I Cry?, Motherfucker with the Hat, The Way West (Steppenwolf Theater); Sita Ram (Chicago Children’s Choir); Working: The Musical (The Broadway Playhouse); Richard III, SS! A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Arabian Nights (Lookingglass Theater). Regional credits Native Gardens (The Cincinnati Playhouse); Harvey (Milwaukee Repertory Theatre); Why Torture is Wrong, and the People Who Love Them (Forward Theater Company). Off-Broadway credits include Blood and Gifts (The Lincoln Center). Film and TV credits include “Boss,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago Justice” and “APB.” He will be seen next in The Rembrandt at Steppenwolf.

Janet Ulrich Brooks (Virginia Butley) is a company member of TimeLine Theatre, where she has appeared in A Walk in the Woods, All My Sons, When She Danced, Not Enough Air, Weekend, Tesla’s Letters, Paradise Lost, Lillian and A Man For All Seasons. Chicago credits include: The Seagull and A True History of the Johnstown Flood (Goodman); The Original Grease (American Theatre Company); Pony (About Face); Jacob & Jack (Victory Gardens); Golda’s Balcony (Pegasus Players, Jeff Award Non-Equity wing – Outstanding Solo Performance); and work with Strawdog Theatre Company, Steppenwolf for Young Adults, Writers’, Collaboraction, and others. Film and TV credits include Conviction, Polish Bar, I Heart Shakey, One Small Hitch and Chicago Code. Janet received the first Ed See Outstanding Theatre Alumnus Award from the University of Central Missouri, and earned her MFA in acting from Western Illinois University.

Full Performance Schedule
Previews for Native Gardens are June 2 – 8, 2017. Previews are $15-$40. The Press opening is Friday, June 9, 2017, at 7:30pm. Regular performances run June 10 – July 2, 2017: Tuesday — Friday at 7:30pm; Saturday at 3pm and 7:30pm; Sunday at 3:00pm.  Regular performances are $15-$60.

Victory Gardens has partnered with mobile theater ticketing app TodayTix to offer free tickets for the first preview of Native Gardens. Free Tickets will be available via TodayTix mobile lottery, launching one week before the first preview on Friday, May 26, 2017. Winners will be notified by email and push notification between 12:00pm and 3:00pm on the day of the first preview, Friday, June 2, 2017. 

Performances are at the Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N Lincoln Avenue, in the heart of Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. For tickets and information, call the Victory Gardens Box Office, 773.871.3000, email tickets@victorygardens.org, or visit www.victorygardens.org. Ask the Box Office about student tickets ($15), senior, and Access. For group discounts, call 872.817.9087.

Public Programs
Public Programs is an event series designed to enhance your experience by exploring themes and issues within Victory Gardens Theater’s 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.

A full and updated schedule of special events, post-show discussions, and presentations centered on performances of Native Gardens 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.

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

A CONVERSATION WITH KAREN ZACARIAS
Post-show Conversation
Following the evening performance of Native Gardens
Between developing the idea to opening night, there is a lot that goes into the making of a brand new
play. Join playwright Karen Zacarías and Director of New Play Development Isaac Gomez as we talk
inspiration, determination, and process after this evening’s performance of Native Gardens.

YO SOY
I AM
Latinx Performance Celebration
June 2 - 4, 2017
Join us for an epic weekend of performance, conversation, and celebration as we welcome local and national Latinx artists as they share their work and tell their stories. More information and RSVPs available at www.victorygardens.org.

DIGGIN’ IT
Pre-show Exhibition
Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at 6:30pm.
In a city like Chicago, we don’t all have lush backyard gardens to attract bees and grow produce. From community gardens to fully fledged urban farms, the budding field of Urban Agriculture uses clever solutions to solve the limited agricultural space in cities, not only to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables, but also to build healthier communities. Join us for a pre-show beginners’ guide to urban gardening, and find the green thumb you never knew you had.

WILL YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR?
Pre-show Reception | Post-show Interactive Talkback
Thursday, June 8, 2017
What kind of neighbor do you want to be? Join us for a pre-show celebration of community and neighbors
with food, drinks, and an interactive lobby display. After the performance of Native Gardens, stick around, grab a discounted drink from the bar with Victory Gardens’ Council of Community Leaders, and get to know your neighbors during an immersive post-show workshop lead by local teaching artists.

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Post-show Conversation
Following the evening performance of Native Gardens
Chicago is a city historically built on neighborhoods that were intended to segregate. Since the Great Migration, race and economics have been one of the greatest factors that keeps our neighborhoods' resources inequitable. What would need to happen to begin the process of desegregation? Is it possible to desegregate? Join us for this riveting post-show conversation as we are joined by urban planners, developers, activists and more as we unearth the truths that have kept us apart, and discovering dreams to unite us once more.

BREAK THE WALL
Post-Show Performances
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Following the evening performance of Native Gardens
Good fences make good neighbors, so we’re told. What fences do we put up in our daily lives? In our
current political climate, how do we build bridges at our borders instead of walls? Join us after this
evening’s performance of Native Gardens for riveting post-show spoken word & poetry.

LATINX FOOD FEST
Saturday, June 17th, 2017
12:00pm - 7:30pm
Latinx culture is everywhere you look in Chicago: from incredible restaurants and extraordinary museums to cultural events on stage and screen. For one day only, come get a taste of Latinx Chicago at our Latinx Food Fest! From alcapurrias, to tacos, to tortas, y mas, join us throughout the day for a taste of Latinx food vendors from all over the city.

TAKING BACK COMEDY
Post-show Performance
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Following the evening performance of Native Gardens
Maids, gardeners, drug dealers, and other one-note stereotypes. Latinx characters are rarely in command
of their own story, and they are rarely depicted as funny, intelligent, and successful: they usually have to
pick just one. Following tonight’s performance of Native Gardens, join us for this post-show performance
featuring local Latinx comedians and sketch artists as they take the mic and laugh it up.


About Victory Gardens Theater
Under the leadership of Artistic Director Chay Yew and Managing Director Erica Daniels, 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.

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 REAM 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, and The National Endowment for the Arts. 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 Arts Council, Illinois Tool Works, Italian Village Restaurants, Mayer Brown LLP, The McVay Foundation, 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.

OPENING: World Premiere of PILGRIMS at The Gift Theatre

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

The Gift Theatre’s world premiere of

PILGRIMS

by Claire Kiechel

co-directed by Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton

& guest artist Jessica Thebus

Tonight we'll be ChiILin' in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood on the north west side for the press opening of Pilgrims at The Gift Theatre. We adore this tiny store front theatre that's big on award winning productions. They make the most of their space with clever, multilevel staging, and the intimate audience size keeps things personal and fosters strong connections between players and patrons. We can't wait to catch this futuristic drama. The Gift Theatre is at 4802 N. Milwaukee Avenue.

On a spacecraft on its way to colonize a newly discovered planet, a soldier and a teenage girl live together in one of the ship’s cabins with only an outdated robot and each other for company. When they are quarantined in their close quarters due to a potential outbreak, they’re forced to explore their own traumatic pasts in a dying society.

Additional information available at http://thegifttheatre.org/

OPENING: Award Winning Moby Dick Returns to Lookingglass 6/7-9/3

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we caught the initial run of Moby Dick at Lookingglass and were mesmerized! Moby Dick could easily be dry and pedantic, but not in the creative and capable hands of Lookingglass Theatre, with director David Catlin at the helm! The rhythm of the words is hypnotic, the integration of circus arts to advance the story line is captivating, and the action, adventure, sets, costumes and acting are nothing short of stunning. This production is an absolute must see! We loved it before and can't wait to return and see it again. 

Winner of four Jeff Awards, the critically-acclaimed Moby Dick returns to Lookingglass in this harrowing and intoxicating exploration of revenge, obsession, and destiny. Madness rages like the angry sea when man pits himself against leviathan in Herman Melville’s classic tale, furiously reimagined by director David Catlin (Lookingglass Alice).

Performances of Moby Dick begin today!

Don't miss your chance to experience this epic adventure. 

Best Availability:
Thursday, June 8, 7:30PM 
Thursday, June 15, 7:30PM
Friday, June 16, 7:30PM
Wednesday, June 21, 7:30PM

Written and Directed by 
Ensemble Member David Catlin
From the Book by Herman Melville
In Association with
The Actors Gymnasium

Group Discounts Available: bring a group of 8 or more and save up to 25%.
lookingglasstheatre.org/groups

Watch the cast of Moby Dick soar through the air during rehearsals at The Actors Gymnasium. 

Chicago Style Magic Returns with Groundbreaking on New Andersonville Art Deco Home for Chicago Magic Lounge

CHICAGO MAGIC LOUNGE UNVEILS NEW LOCATION FOR PERMANENT VENUE 

Multi-Million Dollar Renovation to Host “Chicago Style Magic” Featuring Close-Up Magic with More Than 35 Famed Magicians

Today, ChiIL Mama was ChiILin' just north of Chicago in the charmingly diverse Andersonville neighborhood, for the groundbreaking of a new, art deco home for Chicago Magic Lounge at 5050 N. Clark St.

Check out our full set of shots in the slideshow here and more favorites below.

Chicago Magic Lounge, Chicago’s home for close-up magic, today broke ground in its new home. The multi-million-dollar renovation, designed by Morris Architects Planners, will usher in a new wave of entertainment, bringing back “Chicago Style Magic” under the leadership of Donald Clark, Jr. and Joseph (Joey) Cranford. From magicians to mind readers, Chicago Magic Lounge will provide guests the unique, one-of-a-kind experience of seeing wonders up-close and personal.

“Chicago Magic Lounge expects to open its luxurious new entertainment center in Chicago in early 2018,” said co-owner Donald Clark, Jr. “The newly renovated building will be an art deco-style magic lounge featuring secret entrances, a performance bar—replete with craft cocktails and decadent small bites—and an approximately 100 seat cabaret theater with a mezzanine overlooking both the stage as well as the bar underneath it. In addition, the space will feature a separate, exclusive close-up performance room, the “654 Club" (named for a classic Chicago card trick story, where guests will have the option to get an even closer look into our world of magic.” He added, “You truly won’t believe your eyes.”



The renovation, which will transform what was once a commercial laundry facility into a state-of the art venue, plans to be completed by late 2017 and will be in the heart of the Andersonville community. Prior to the completion of Chicago Magic Lounge, the show will continue to run at the Uptown Underground (4707 N. Broadway) where a community of 35 magicians entertain audiences every Thursday and Saturday night. 

Chicago Magic Lounge will continue to delight audiences with close-up magic as they engage with guests by breaking the fourth wall and thrive on pure audience interaction and reaction.

As stated by Thrillist, “The Chicago Magic Lounge isn’t so much a physical structure as it is a reality that magicians have invited the audience into. The whole evening is essentially one big performance, and during it, magicians must believe in what they’re doing for it to feel real for the spectator. And when the spectator gets lost in the moment completely, even for a second -- that’s it. That’s the real magic.”



“Chicago Magic Lounge brings back a style of magic unique to the Windy City, which once hosted over 15 bars, restaurants and lounges all dedicated to what would become known as ‘Chicago-Style Magic,’” said co-owner Joey Cranford. "Dating back to the 1920s, magic bars and lounges were wonder-filled places of mystery and prestidigitation. One by one, the magic bars seemingly disappeared. Gone were the sleight of hand card tricks at the bar. Gone were simple, elegant illusions that made you wonder if you had one too many cocktails, and with it, Chicago forgot about a style of entertainment that it had created,” said Cranford.  “Well, now the magic is back.”






About Joey Cranford

An actor, director and marketing executive, Joey Cranford founded the Chicago Magic Lounge in 2015. Cranford moved to Chicago to train with The Second City in 2002, and began performing with I.O. and the Annoyance Theater while traveling with a national touring improv group. He transitioned into Film and Television with credits including “Man of Steel,” “Batman v Superman,” “Chicago Fire” and “Better Call Saul.” Cranford began his career in magic directing a local show called “Bending Minds and Bending Dreams.” He now works with a dedicated team of the best magicians in the country.  

About Donald Clark, Jr.



Donald Clark, Jr., who recently retired from his successful career as an attorney, has always been appreciative of the art of magic and is now immersed in the entertainment business. Clark’s producing credits include “The Encounter,” (winner of a Special Tony Award, an Outer Critics Circle award and a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Sound Design in a Play), as well as the upcoming “Bull Durham: The Musical” on Broadway. Clark has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Adler Planetarium as well as the Chicago Theological Seminary, where he is now the Acting President and General Counsel.

About Chicago Magic Lounge

The Chicago Magic Lounge reinvents the classic "magic bar" that once dotted Chicago's nightlife landscape, bringing cocktails and card tricks back together again. Shows include magic performance at the bar, on the stage and in true Chicago-Style magic form, at the tables of the guests, providing the classic "Close-Up" tradition Chicago-Style magic is known for. Chicago Magic Lounge is also the home of the Chicago-land magic community, showcasing over 30 local professionals, and serving as a networking hub for working magicians from all over the world. 

Renderings for the new space:

 bar 

view from the stage

view from the audience

Stacy Keach Recovering From Mild Heart Attack During Pamplona Opening Night at Goodman Theatre

GOODMAN THEATRE ANNOUNCES UPDATE ABOUT PAMPLONA’S STACY KEACH

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama our hearts go out to Stacy Keach's family and friends and we wish him a speedy and full recovery. My husband, Dug, has worked on location sound for numerous American Greed episodes for years now, a long running CNBC show that Stacy Keach narrates. I was also at the press opening where Goodman halted Pamplona, and for obvious reasons, we won't be reviewing unless a remount happens down the road. 

After a week of medical observation, it is now confirmed that stage and screen star Stacy Keach experienced a mild heart attack during the May 30 opening night performance of Pamplona, a one-man show by Jim McGrath. After it became clear that Keach was struggling, the performance was halted midway by Goodman Artistic Director Robert Falls. According to doctors, Keach is expected to make a complete recovery following a period of cardiac rehabilitation and rest. As previously announced, all remaining performances of Pamplona have been canceled; however, plans to reschedule the production are underway.

“On behalf of Stacy Keach, his family and the Goodman, we would like to extend our gratitude for all of the generous support and concern shown to Stacy this past week. I remain awed by Stacy’s courage and strength after experiencing such a disturbing event; his spirits are high and he is resting and recovering comfortably. Jim, Stacy and I look forward to continuing our collaboration on Pamplona,” said Artistic Director Robert Falls.

McGrath’s 80-minute, world premiere production starring Keach as the iconic American author Ernest Hemingway was scheduled to run May 19 through June 25 in the Goodman’s 350-seat Owen Theatre. Keach, who has no understudy given the unique nature of the play and his extensive involvement in the project’s development, completed every preview performance from May 19-28. The May 30 opening night was halted mid-performance, and the following three performances were cancelled as Keach underwent medical testing.

Ticket holders will be offered a full refund to Pamplona, or tickets to the upcoming Ah, Wilderness! by Eugene O’Neill, directed by Steve Scott. A Goodman Theatre Ticket Services representative will be in touch, or patrons can call 312.443.3800 or visit the box office in-person at 170 N. Dearborn (the box office is open daily from 12 noon to 5pm; on performance days, it remains open until 30 minutes past curtain).

The Goodman is grateful for its Pamplona sponsors, including The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation (Major Support) and Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP (Contributing Sponsor) with additional support from the Director’s Society.