SHOWS ON OUR RADAR: Tangles & Plaques Return Engagement Through September 29, 2018

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Tangles & Plaques

at The Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Avenue 

A limited three-week return engagement through 

September 29, 2018

It was my great pleasure to catch the world premiere of Tangles & Plaques in October of 2017. This unique glimpse into the world of dementia patients and their caregivers is at once playful and painful, as well as enlightening. For all of us in the sandwich generation, caring for aging parents and children of our own, this is a must see.  



Tangles & Plaques attempts to demystify the experience of dementia in the language of theatre—offering a vivid, poignant, participatory experience that is unique to each audience and different every performance. Ensemble Member Kirsten Riiber and Director Jen Ellison conduct a symphony of impossible tasks and egregious forgery with the help of the audience and a cast including Riiber, Kaitlyn Andrews, Ida Cuttler, Justin Deming, Mike Hamilton, Nick Hart and Dan Kerr-Hobert. The ensemble interrogates the life and death of memories—how they persist, when they depart and the ways they distort over time.

Tangles & Plaques is Neo-Lab’s 2016-17 commission. Neo-Lab is an original works residency at The Neo-Futurist Theater originally launched in 2015 by the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information visit www.neofuturists.org/events/tangles-plaques.

OPENING: THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY VIA FIRST FOLIO THEATRE THROUGH NOVEMBER 4th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

THE SENSATIONAL, SMASH HIT PRODUCTION  

THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: 

A LOVE STORY 

RETURNS FOR A SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT THIS FALL

A perfect evening of madness and macabre, this unique, interactive production transports audience members into the world of Edgar Allan Poe with a backdrop of the historic Mayslake Peabody Mansion.

I'm elated that my first foray out to First Folio and the legendary Mayslake Peabody Mansion will be for the acclaimed production, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY. My teenage son and I both adore Poe's timeless macabre tales and can't wait to join this journey into the life and literature of the great American horror writer. We'll be out for the press opening on October 6th, so check back soon for my full review. Don't wait to book tickets, though. This run is highly likely to sell out and the show is not slated for a remount for at least 5 years! 

Executive Director David Rice’s captivating piece will return for its only engagement for the next five years with previews October 3, opening October 6, and running through November 4.

A compelling and thrilling story about life and death, love and heartbreak, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY is returning to the stage this Fall after playing to capacity audiences in 2015. Called "A smart and heartfelt journey!” by The Chicago Tribune, “A masterful take on a master’s work!” by The Daily Herald, and “A perfect storm of theater!” by Chicago Stage Review.

In 1849, two years after the death of his wife Virginia, Edgar Allan Poe is haunted not just by the specter of his beloved, but also by his many macabre stories. During the course of THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY, Poe and his wife Virginia guide the audience from room to room through historic Mayslake Hall, taking them from the garrets to the dungeons and deep into the madness of Edgar Allan Poe. David Rice, received a Jeff Award nomination for New Adaptation for this work in 2007, focusing with sorrowful clarity on Poe's overwhelming obsession with his wife, Virginia, whom Poe married when she was 13 and he was 27.

Directed by Skyler Schrempp, THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY stars Christian Gray as Edgar Allan Poe and Erica Bittner as Virginia Poe.  Ensemble members of the cast include Josh Bernaski, Mbali Guliwe, Joel Moses, Joan Nahid, Sam Pearson, Sarah Scholl, and Helena Whitaker. The artistic team includes Scenic Designer Kyle Gettelman, Costume Designer Rachel Lambert, Original Music & Sound Designer Christopher Kriz, Lighting Designer Michael McNamara, and Movement Designer Michael Goldberg.

All performances of THE MADNESS OF EDGAR ALLAN POE: A LOVE STORY will take place at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, located at 1717 31st St., off Rt. 83, in Oak Brook. First Folio is easily accessible from the East-West Tollway (I-88) or the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). Free parking is available on the grounds. 

Performance times are as follows: Wednesdays at 8 p.m., Thursdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Preview tickets are $25. Regular priced tickets are $34 Wednesdays and Thursdays (seniors and students are $29) and $44 on Fridays through Sundays (seniors and students are $39). 

Season subscriptions and individual tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 630.986.8067 or online at www.firstfolio.org.

Halloween Edition! Barrel of Monkeys Presents THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Halloween Edition!

Barrel of Monkeys Presents

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes

Directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd

October 7 – November 4, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater

An Original Sketch Show that is Written by Kids, 

Performed by Grownups, and Enjoyed by Humans

PHOTO CREDIT: Barrel of Monkeys company members perform THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. Photo by Evan Hanover.

Just in time for Halloween, Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to present the newest revue of its much lauded sketch show: THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Ghosts, Ghouls and Talking Potatoes, directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd. The Halloween edition plays Sundays at 3 pm from October 7 – November 4, 2018 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140. The press opening is Sunday, October 14 at 3 pm.



Gather ye ‘round for a line-up of scary (and silly) stories featuring talking potatoes getting lost in the woods, Malcolm X fighting zombies, creepy slideshows that haunt old houses, and other spooky scenarios imagined by Chicago elementary school students.

The cast to date includes Jennifer Allman, Noah Appelbaum, Isabella Gerasole and Tom Malinowski. Additional casting to be announced.



Now in its eighteenth year, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA features adaptations of stories written during Barrel of Monkeys’ creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. BOM teaching artists guide 3rd through 5th graders through a six-week curriculum that uses theater to bring out the storyteller in every child. Afterward, BOM’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. 

The stories in THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people. Rotating themes highlight the diversity of stories BOM students concoct, from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change. Every week brings a new line-up of stories, and BOM invites audiences to vote on their favorites at each performance.



Location: Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago
Dates: Preview: Sunday, October 7 at 3 pm
Press performance: Sunday, October 14 at 3 pm
Regular run: Sunday, October 14 – Sunday, November 4, 2018
Curtain Times: Sundays at 3 pm 
Tickets: Previews: $10 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, $8 groups of 10 or more. Regular run: $20 for adults; $5 for children 12 and under. Discounts: $12 for students with ID, seniors, veterans and groups of 10 or more people. Teen Arts Pass (TAP) members: $5 with ID. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.

About the Director
Brandon Cloyd joined Barrel of Monkeys in 2007 and has been deeply involved in many facets of the company ever since. Prior to joining BOM, Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Business Institutions. Within BOM, Brandon has served as an actor, teaching artist, lead teacher, a member of Teacher Corps, as well as directing shows for schools and public performances of That's Weird, Grandma. Before becoming the company’s Artistic Director in September 2017, Brandon served as BOM After-School Program Coordinator at Loyola Park from 2014-2016 and Program Director from 2016-2017. Outside of Barrel of Monkeys, he worked as the Associate Director of Camp Echo, where he has spent 13 summers managing campers and staff at a co-ed sleep away camp in Upstate New York. Brandon has worked with other theatre companies including Urban Theatre Company, American Theater  Company, Filament Theatre, InGen Productions, ACLE's Teatrino in Italy and Purple Crayon Players at Northwestern University.



About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities.

Barrel of Monkeys is sponsored in part by Wintrust Financial, Allscripts, Inc., Ernst and Young and Punchkick Interactive. It receives generous support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the National Endowment for the Arts; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; the Chicago Community Trust; Crown Family Philanthropies; Alphawood Foundation of Chicago; the Maurice R. and Meta G. Gross Foundation; Polk Bros Foundation; the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; the Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc.; The Saints; The Topfer Family Foundation, and many other generous individuals and foundations. 

Lifeline Theatre Presents A World Premiere Adaptation of Frankenstein Through October 28

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Lifeline Theatre Presents A World Premiere

Adaptation of Frankenstein, 

Opens September 17

Performances with Open Captioning on September 22 and October 26

Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on October 7

The production runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

Photo Caption: Ann Sonneville as Victoria; in Lifeline Theatre’s world premiere production of “Frankenstein,” adapted by Robert Kauzlaric, directed by Paul S. Holmquist, based on the novel by Mary Shelley.  Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

Lifeline Theatre presents Frankenstein, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist. In celebration of the 200th anniversary of the publication of Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus, Kauzlaric and Holmquist, creators of The Island of Dr. Moreau in 2007 (winner of five Non-Equity Jeff Awards, including Production–Play and New Adaptation), return to the world of psychological suspense. After an unexpected death shatters her family, Victoria retreats into the darkest recesses of her psyche in search of a way forward. To find meaning in an impossible loss, she brings a terrible creation to life – one whose existence threatens all hopes for the future. Haunted and hunted at every turn, Victoria must endure a nightmare journey of the soul in a quest for survival. Grapple with the demons of grief and denial in this world premiere adaptation of the 1818 thriller by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. The production runs approximately ninety minutes with no intermission. The novel will be on sale in the lobby.

Frankenstein runs September 7 – October 28 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Sept. 17 at
7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Sept. 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Sept. 8 and 15 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.)
Regular performance times (September 20 – October 28) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, Sep. 22, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Frankenstein includes:

CAST:     
Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth (Alphonse); with guest artists Ty Carter (Erich), Trent Davis (William), Maya Lou Hlava (Justine), Rasika Ranganathan (Helena), Ann Sonneville (Victoria), and Risha Tenae (Caroline). With understudies Emily Tate Anderson and Julie Partyka.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director), Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor), and Maren Robinson (Dramaturg); with guest artists Barry Bennett (Original Music & Sound Designer), Becky Bishop (Stage Manager), Andrés Enriquez (Casting Director), Emily Hartig (Properties Designer), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Greg Poljacik (Fight Choreographer), Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer & Technical Director), and Cynthia Von Orthal (Puppet Designer).

Lifeline Theatre presents Frankenstein, running September 7 – October 28 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below Press opening is Sunday, Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Sept. 17 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Sept. 7 and 14 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Sept. 8 and 15 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 9 at 4 p.m.)
Regular performance times (September 20 – October 28) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Greenview Ave. just south of North Shore Ave.) with free shuttle service before and after the show.  Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.



Now in its 36th season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close. 

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; A.R.T League Inc.; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; CIG Management; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; FlexPrint Inc.; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Michael and Mona Heath Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; The Steele Foundation; Th Manufacturing; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

OPENING: 44th season Launches With Curve of Departure at Northlight Through October 21, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Northlight Theatre opens its 44th season with
Curve of Departure
Written by Rachel Bonds 
Directed by BJ Jones
Featuring Mike Nussbaum, Sean Parris
Danny Martinez and Penelope Walker

September 13 –October 21, 2018

**run time is approximately 75 minutes.**

I'll be out to review at the press opening on September 21st for ChiIL Live Shows and can't wait to catch their season opener. Northlight has long been a favorite of mine and they've been around an impressive 44 seasons. Director BJ Jones is celebrating his 21st season at Northlight. And I never miss a chance to see the inimitable Mike Nussbaum. According to Actors’ Equity Association, he's the oldest actor still working on stage! He previously appeared at Northlight in Relativity, Awake and Sing!, Better Late, Grace, and Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie.

Photo credit for all production shots: Michael Brosilow

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, begins its 2018-19 season with Curve of Departure, written by Rachel Bonds and directed by BJ Jones. Curve of Departure runs September 13 – October 21, 2018, 2018 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie. 

In a cramped motel room in New Mexico, a “ragtag little group of humans” gathers in anticipation of the funeral of a man they loved but did not like. But the dearly departed is not their only concern, as they grapple with the demands of ordinary life and the decisions of an uncertain future. Northlight favorite Mike Nussbaum returns as the patriarch of an unconventional family in this delicate and gently comic drama. 

Dates:

Previews: September 13 – September 20, 2018

Regular run: September 22 – October 21, 2018

Open Captioning: Sunday, October 13 at 2:30pm

Schedule:

Tuesdays: 7:30pm (September 18 only)

Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except September 19) and 7:30pm

Thursdays: 7:30pm 

Fridays: 8:00pm

Saturdays: 2:30pm (except September 15) and 8:00pm

Sundays: 2:30pm and 7:00pm (September 16 and 30 only)

Location: Northlight Theatre is located at the North Shore

Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd,

Skokie

Tickets:

Previews: $30-$57

Regular run: $30-$88

Student tickets are $15, any performance 

(subject to availability)

Box Office:

The Box Office is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie.

847.673.6300; northlight.org

“Rachel Bonds' Curve of Departure is a delicate and heartfelt examination of a family, retracing their steps through a painful past, and forging a path towards a hopeful future," stated Artistic Director BJ Jones. “With a cast headed by Mike Nussbaum and Penelope Walker with Sean Parris and Danny Martinez, this is a strong ensemble piece that will touch your heart and open your mind.”

The cast of Curve of Departure includes: Mike Nussbaum (Rudy), Sean Parris (Felix), Danny Martinez (Jackson) and Penelope Walker (Linda).

The creative team includes: Lauren Nigri (Set Design), Alexis Chaney (Costume Design), Heather Gilbert (Lighting Design), Andre Pluess (Sound Design), Lydia Hanchett (Props). Rita Vreeland is the stage manager and Kristen Osborn is the dramaturg.

Northlight's production of Curve of Departure is supported in part by Tom Stringer Design Partners. The 2018-19 Season is supported by BMO Harris and ComEd, An Exelon Company.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Rachel Bonds’ (Playwright) plays have been developed or produced by South Coast Rep, Ars Nova, Manhattan Theatre Club, McCarter Theatre, Roundabout Underground, Atlantic Theater Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, New Georges, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Studio Theatre, SPACE on Ryder Farm, The Arden and New York Stage & Film, among others. Her plays include: Sundown, Yellow Moon, a play with songs by The Bengsons, directed by Anne Kauffman for Ars Nova & WP Theatre; Five Mile Lake, winner of the 2013 L. Arnold Weissberger Award from the Williamstown Theatre Festival, which received its world premiere at South Coast Rep, directed by Daniella Topol, and its east coast premiere at The McCarter in May 2015, directed by Emily Mann; Swimmers, winner of the 2015 Sky Cooper Prize, which received its world premiere at Marin Theatre Company in 2016, directed by Mike Donahue; The Wolfe Twins, her commissioned play for Studio Theatre, which received its world premiere in October 2014, directed by Mike Donahue; Alma, commissioned by Atlantic Theatre Company; Michael & Edie, named a NY Times Critic’s Pick, directed by Robert Saenz de Viteri; At The Old Place at La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Jaime Castaneda; Winter Games, winner of the 2014 Heideman Award and part of the Ten Minute Plays at the 2014 Humana Festival; and Anniversary, produced in EST’s 2010 Marathon of One-Act Plays, winner of the 2012 Sam French Festival and featured on Public Radio’s “Playing on Air.”

BJ Jones (Director) is in his 21st season as Artistic Director of Northlight. Mr. Jones is a two-time Joseph Jefferson Award winning actor and a three-time nominated director and has directed the world premieres of Relativity, Funnyman, Faceless, Charm, White Guy on the Bus, Stella & Lou, The Outgoing Tide, Better Late, and Rounding Third. Notably he has directed productions of Outside Mullingar, Grey Gardens, The Price, The Odd Couple, A Life, and The Beauty Queen of Leenane. As a producer he has guided the world premieres of Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Shining Lives, The Last Five Years, The Gamester, and Studs Terkel’s ‘The Good War’. Additional directorial credits include: Pitmen Painters (Timeline); 100 Saints You Should Know (Steppenwolf); Glengarry Glen Ross (Alliance Theatre, Atlanta); The Lady with All the Answers (Cherry Lane, New York); Animal Crackers (Baltimore Center Stage); Three Musketeers, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing (Utah Shakespeare Festival), and four productions at the Galway International Arts Festival. As a performer, he has appeared at Northlight, Goodman, Steppenwolf, Court, and other theatres throughout Chicago. Film/TV credits include The Fugitive, Body Double, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, Early Edition, Cupid, and Turks, among others.

Mike Nussbaum (Rudy) returns to Northlight where he previously appeared in Relativity, Awake and Sing!, Better Late, Grace, and Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie. An actor in Chicago for more than 60 years, he was recently seen at TimeLine in Bakersfield Mist and The Price and at The Goodman in the much loved Smokefall by Noah Haidle. According to Actors’ Equity Association, he is the oldest actor still working on stage.

Sean Parris (Felix) Chicago credits include: The world premiere of A Girl with Sun in Her Eyes (Pine Box Theatre), Letters Home (Griffin Theatre), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare), Pornography (Steep Theatre), Seascape (Remy Bumppo); Understudy in Angels In America (Court Theatre). Regional Credits include: Hamlet (Saratoga Shakespeare Festival). Sean is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul University. He is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

Danny Martinez (Jackson) Regional and Chicago credits: Mercutio, Romeo and Juliet (Nashville Shakespeare Festival), The Wedding Singer (Haven Theatre), All Our Tragic (The Hypocrites). Jackalope Theatre ensemble member, 2012.  Credits include: Four (by Christopher Shin), Exit Strategy (by Ike Holter, original cast), and Long Way Go Down (by Zayd Dorn).  TV credits: Chicago PD and Chicago Fire (Patrolman Garcia, recurring), Empire (Nurse ED), and Detroit 187. Columbia College Chicago graduate. Proudly represented by Stewart Talent Chicago.

Penelope Walker (Linda) Chicago credits include The House That Will Not Stand at Victory Gardens Theatre; Love & Information at Remy Bumppo Theatre Company; Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England at Theater Wit; The Project(s), Agnes of God, Doubt and The People’s Temple at American Theater Company; Will You Stand Up? at Erasing the Distance; Laura Jacqmin’s 10 Virgins and Lydia R. Diamond’s world premiere production of Voyeurs de Venus at Chicago Dramatists; Eclipsed, Gee’s Bend and Bee-luther-Hatchee at Northlight Theatre; Life Sucks & J. Nicole Brooks’ world premiere production of Black Diamond: The Years the Locusts Have Eaten at Lookingglass Theatre Company; Don DeLillo’s Love Lies Bleeding at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and the Kennedy Center; Omnium Gatherum at Next Theatre Company; Chris-T at MPAACT; The Clink at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Shakin’ the Mess Outta Misery at Chicago Theatre Company. She also wrote and starred in her own solo piece, How I Jack Master Funked the Sugar in My Knee Caps! Ms. Walker has appeared regionally with the Alliance Theatre, Arena Stage, Hartford Stage and the Alley Theatre. She has appeared in national commercials and voice-overs. Film, television and web series credits include Matching Pursuit, the Comedy Central pilot SouthSide, Chicago Justice, Chicago Fire, Boss, Olympia: An Instruction Manual for How Things Work, Severed Ties and the short film Something Better Somewhere Else.

The Box Office is located at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Boulevard, in Skokie. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday 10:00am-5:00pm, and Saturdays 12:00pm-5:00pm. On performance days, the box office hours are extended through showtime. The Box Office is closed on Sundays, except on performance days when it is open two hours prior to showtime.

Curtain times are: Tuesdays: 7:30pm (September 18 only); Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except September 19) and 7:30pm; Thursdays: 7:30pm; Fridays: 8:00pm; Saturdays: 2:30pm (except September 15) and 8:00pm; and Sundays: 2:30pm and 7:00pm (September 16 and 30 only).

Backstage with BJ: Curve of Departure 

Friday, September 7 at noon 

at Northlight Theatre 

Backstage with BJ is a mid-day discussion with Artistic Director BJ Jones, featuring special guest artists, actors, directors and designers, offering behind-the-scenes insight into each production while it is still in rehearsal. Backstage with BJ for Curve of Departure will last approximately one hour. The event is free, but reservations are required. Visit https://northlight.org/events/backstage-with-bj/ to reserve your spot. 

Post Show Discussions will be held after the following performances:

September 16 at 2:30pm, September 18 at 7:30pm, September 30 at 2:30pm, October 3 at 1pm, October 4 at 7:30pm, October 10 at 1:00pm, and October 11 at 7:30pm.

Two of Rachel Bonds' short plays, Winter Games and Anniversary, have been featured by Playing On Air, a program that records and distributes short plays on public radio and podcast in order to make vibrant contemporary theater available to every person, regardless of time, funds or access. Both are available for free streaming at playingonair.org. 

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community. 

Now in its 44th season, the organization has mounted over 200 productions, including nearly 40 world premieres. Northlight has earned 207 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 36 Awards, as well as nine Edgerton Foundation for New Play Awards. As one of the area’s premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality. 

Northlight is supported in part by generous contributions from Allstate Insurance; the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Robert & Isabelle Bass Foundation; BMO Harris Bank; Henrietta Lange Burk Fund; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; ComEd, An Exelon Company; The Davee Foundation; Edgerton Foundation for New American Plays Award; Evanston Community Foundation; Full Circle Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; Kirkland & Ellis Foundation; The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; Melvoin Award for Playwriting; Modestus Bauer Foundation; National Endowment for the Arts; Niles Township; The Offield Family Foundation; The Pauls Foundation; Room & Board; Sanborn Family Foundation; Dr. Scholl Foundation; The Shubert Foundation, Inc.; The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust; The Sullivan Family Foundation; and Tom Stringer Design Partners.

OPENING: SWEET CHARITY at The Marriott Theatre September 5 through October 28th, 2018

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Sweet Charity 

Directed and Choreographed by Alex Sanchez

Terry James, Executive Producer

Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director

Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY SMASH HIT

run time approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Hey Big Spender!

Spend a little time with SWEET CHARITY. The dance-filled, groovy musical comedy inspired by Federico Fellini’s Nights of Cabiria, SWEET CHARITY explores the turbulent love life of Charity Hope Valentine, a hopelessly romantic but comically unfortunate dance hall hostess in New York City. With a tuneful, cool, mid-1960s score by Cy Coleman (Little Me, City of Angels, Barnum), sparkling lyrics by Dorothy Fields (Annie Get Your Gun, Seesaw, Redhead), and a hilarious book by Neil Simon, SWEET CHARITY captures all the energy, humor, and heartbreak of Life in the Big City for an unfortunate but irrepressible optimist. Features the songs “Big Spender,” “If My Friends Could See Me Now,” “There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This,” and “I’m a Brass Band.”

From the high-spirited bustling and gritty streets of 1960s New York City comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon, SWEET CHARITY, continuing Marriott Theatre's sensational 2018 season, running September 5 through October 28 with a press opening on Wednesday, September 12 at 7:30 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. 

The performance schedule for SWEET CHARITY is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, including tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, there are a limited number of dinner and theatre packages available, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. 

To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

"In approaching SWEET CHARITY, I focused a great deal on Charity's courage and optimism," says Alex Sanchez. "My goal is to highlight the epiphanies Charity discovers throughout her life journey, and how her positive outlook and willingness to become a better person can overcome all obstacles she is faced with."

A comedy in every sense of the word, SWEET CHARITY follows the trials and tribulations of Charity Hope Valentine, a love-starved, hopelessly romantic dance hall hostess with a heart of gold. Unlucky in love and life, Charity is determined to change her life for the better after being unceremoniously dumped by her latest boyfriend. Singing, dancing, laughing and crying her way through one misadventure after the next, the comically unfortunate Charity joins a host of other vibrant characters including cynical girlfriends, an Italian film heartthrob, and the phony evangelist Daddy Brubeck, as she embarks on a wild ride and quest for love. Will her luck change when she meets a hilariously claustrophobic tax accountant, Oscar Lindquist? The electrifying musical comedy brings back all the breathtaking choreography and original classic hits including "Big Spender," "If My Friends Could See Me Now," "Too Many Tomorrows," "There's Gotta Be Something Better Than This," "I'm a Brass Band," and "Baby, Dream Your Dream."

SWEET CHARITY stars Anne Horak as "Charity Hope Valentine" (Broadway: Chicago, White Christmas), Alex Goodrich as "Oscar Lindquist" (The Marriott Theatre: World Premiere of HERO, She Loves Me, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying, ELF, and On the Town); Adam Jacobs as "Vittorio Vidal" (Broadway: Aladdin, The Lion King, Les Misérables), NaTonia Monét as "Helene," Dani Spieler as "Nickie," Kenny Ingram as "Daddy Brubeck," Terry Hamilton as "Herman," and Alexandra Palkovic as "Ursula," with Joe Bigelow, Elyse Collier, Lexis Danca, Alex Dorf, Alejandro Fonseca, Eben K. Logan, Hanah Rose Nardone, Liam Quealy, Adam Rogers, Laura Savage, Alex Smith, Kyra Sorce, and Jessica Wolfrum.

The production will feature set design by Scott Davis, costume design by Mieka van der Ploeg, lighting design by Jesse Klug, video design by Anthony Churchill, sound design by Bob Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Zach, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.

OPENING: CAROLINE, OR CHANGE Via Firebrand Theatre at The Den Theatre September 22 – October 28, 2018

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Firebrand Theatre Announces Casting for

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE

Music by Jeanine Tesori

Book & Lyrics by Tony Kushner

Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

Music Direction by Andra Velis Simon

September 22 – October 28, 2018 at The Den Theatre

Presented in Partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company

Firebrand Theatre, in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company, is pleased to announces casting for its revival of the Tony Award-nominated Best Musical CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, featuring music by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home, Violet), book and lyrics by Tony Kushner (Angels in America), direction by Lili-Anne Brown and music direction by Andra Velis Simon.

(left to right) Bre Jacobs, Rashada Dawan and Blair Robertson in a publicity image for Firebrand Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company's production of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE. Photo by Rob Riddle/Ghost Light Headshots.

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE will feature Rashada Dawan as Caroline with Roberta Burke as Radio 3, Kevin Grubb as Grandpa Gellman, Nicole Michelle Haskins as Dotty, Rosalind Hurwitz as Grandma Gellman, Bre Jacobs as Emmie, Michael Kingston as Mr. Stopnick, Princess Isis Lang as Jackie, Alejandro Medina as Noah, De'Jah Perkins as Radio 1, Blair Roberston as Rose, Jonathan Schwart as Stuart, Lyric Sims as Joe, Sasha Smith as Moon/Washer and Emma Sipora Tyler as Radio 2.

Launching Firebrand’s 2018-19 season, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE will play September 22 – October 28, 2018, at The Den Theatre’s Heath Main Stage, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Tickets now on sale at firebrandtheatre.org. Season subscriptions are currently available. 

Firebrand is the first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding opportunities on and off the stage.

CAROLINE, OR CHANGE is set in Lake Charles, Louisiana: the end of 1963. America is changing. Caroline Thibodeaux is a mother of four and a maid, working for the southern Jewish Gellman family. Caroline struggles with changes monumental and mundane, and her relationship with the young, grieving boy who lives in the house she cleans. Riveting, moving and awe-inspiring, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE features a virtuosic score by Jeanine Tesori (Fun Home, Violet) and a breathtaking book and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (Angels in America), the music ranges from Motown to Klezmer, the storytelling from political to magical.

The production team for CAROLINE, OR CHANGE includes: Lauren Nichols (scenic design), Noël Huntzinger (costume design), Cat Wilson (lighting design), Victoria Deiorio and Karli Blalock (sound design), Lacie Hexom (props design), Brigitte Ditmars (choreographer), Harmony France (producer), Heather Larkin (production manager), Adelina Feldman-Schultz. (casting director), Joshanna Robinson (run crew, child wrangler), JC Widman (stage manager) and Kirby Gibson (assistant stage manager).

PHOTO CREDIT: The cast of Firebrand Theatre and TimeLine Theatre Company's production of CAROLINE, OR CHANGE includes (top, l to r) Rashada Dawan, Roberta Burke, Kevin Grubb, Nicole Michelle Haskins and Rosalind Hurwitz (middle, l to r) Bre Jacobs, Michael Kingston, Princess Isis Lang, Alejandro Medina, De'Jah Perkins (bottom, l to r) Blair Roberston, Jonathan Schwart, Lyric Sims, Sasha Smith and Emma Sipora Tyler.

Cast (in alphabetical order): Roberta Burke (Radio 3), Rashada Dawan (Caroline), Kevin Grubb (Grandpa Gellman), Nicole Michelle Haskins (Dotty), Rosalind Hurwitz (Grandma Gellman), Bre Jacobs (Emmie), Michael Kingston (Mr. Stopnick), Princess Isis Lang (Jackie), Alejandro Medina (Noah), De'Jah Perkins (Radio 1), Blair Roberston (Rose), Jonathan Schwart (Stuart), Lyric Sims (Joe), Sasha Smith (Moon/Washer) and Emma Sipora Tyler (Radio 2).

Swings: JiGi Fabulous, Kirby Gibson, Tyler Franklin, Ted Kitterman, Micheal Lovette and Corrbette Pasko.

Location: The Den Theatre's Heath Main Stage, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Dates: Previews: Saturday, September 22 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, September 23 at 3 pm

Regular run: Thursday, September 27 – Sunday, October 28, 2018
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm
Tickets: Previews $25. Regular run $45. $20 students/industry rush tickets available at the box office. Tickets go on sale Saturday, July 28, 2018 at firebrandtheatre.org. Season subscriptions are currently available at firebrandtheatre.org.

About The Creative Team

Lili-Anne Brown (Director) is a native Chicagoan who works as a director, actor and educator, both locally and regionally. She is the former artistic director of Bailiwick Chicago, where she directed Dessa Rose (Jeff Award), Passing Strange (BTA Award and Jeff nomination for Best Director of a Musical), See What I Wanna See (Steppenwolf Theatre Garage Rep) and the world premiere of Princess Mary Demands Your Attention by Aaron Holland. Other directing credits include Kristiana Rae Colón's Tilikum (world premiere, Sideshow Theatre), Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (American Theatre Company), Ike Holter's The Wolf at the End of the Block (16th Street Theatre), Lottery Day (Goodman Theatre New Stages Festival), Marie Christine (Boho Theatre), Peter and the Starcatcher (Metropolis Performing Arts), The Wiz (Kokandy Productions), Xanadu (American Theatre Company), Jabari Dreams of Freedom by Nambi E. Kelley (world premiere, Chicago Children’s Theatre), American Idiot (Northwestern University); the national tour of Jesus Snatched My Edges; and Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray, Unnecessary Farce, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Timber Lake Playhouse. She is a member of SDC, SAG-AFTRA and a graduate of Northwestern University.

Andra Velis Simon (Music Director) is thrilled to be the Resident Music Director for Firebrand, where she music directed Lizzie and 9 to 5 for their inaugural season. Her work as a music director, adapter, arranger, pianist and vocal coach has been seen regionally at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, A.R.T. in Cambridge, Brooklyn Academy of Music, NYU’s Skirball Center, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Pasadena Playhouse, Berkeley Rep and Olney Theatre in Maryland. In Chicago, she has worked with The Goodman Theatre (The Iceman Cometh and Camino Real); The Hypocrites (Cinderella at the Theater of Potatoes, American Idiot, Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado and H.M.S. Pinafore); Theater Wit (Mr. Burns and 10 out of 12); Chicago Children’s Theatre (The Hundred Dresses, A Year with Frog and Toad, Goodnight Moon and Last Stop on Market Street), and many others. In addition, Andra has taught musical theatre performance at  Columbia College Chicago since 2008. Upcoming projects include A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder at Porchlight and Next to Normal at Writers Theatre.   

Firebrand Theatre’s 2018-19 season sponsor: Michael and Mona Heath of the HeathFund.

About the Companies

Firebrand Theatre is a musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding their opportunities on and off the stage. Firebrand is a 501(c)(3) Equity theatre.

Company members: Artistic Director: Harmony France, Advisory Board: Lili-Anne Brown, Emjoy Gavino, Kate Garassino, Amber Mak, Danni Smith, Company Members: Kasey Alfonso, Sydney Charles, Heather Clark, Adelina Feldman-Schultz, Tyler Franklin, Amanda Horvath, Jon Martinez, Eric Martin, Amelia Jo Parish and Andra Velis-Simon.

TimeLine Theatre Company was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today's social and political issues. To date over 21 seasons, TimeLine has presented 75 productions, including 10 world premieres and 33 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program working with Chicago Public Schools. 

TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman and Board President Eileen LaCario. Company members are Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Behzad Dabu, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, Maren Robinson and Benjamin Thiem. More information at timelinetheatre.com.