Barbara Gaines announces plans to step down as Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater in 2023

Since founding the company in 1986, prolific director Gaines has paved the way for the Theater to become a world-class cultural institution with its three-theater campus on Navy Pier and wide-reaching artistic, educational, and community impact

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Director Barbara Gaines. Photo by Steve Leonard.

Thirty-six years after founding Chicago Shakespeare Theater and paving the way for the Tony Award-winning company to become one of the nation’s leading theaters, Barbara Gaines has announced her plan to step down as Artistic Director in 2023. The Theater’s Board of Directors will commence a comprehensive search process for new artistic leadership to carry Chicago Shakespeare into the future.

"Barbara Gaines has had an indelible impact on the global cultural landscape as the founder and Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare—her vision, passion, and tenacious spirit are unequaled," said Chicago Shakespeare Board of Directors Chair Mark S. Ouweleen. "Her audacious impulse to build a Shakespeare theater for Chicago has blossomed into a world-class theater that continues to raise the bar for artistry and service."

Barbara Gaines shared in a statement today: "As I write this note, it is with unending gratitude to all of you who have joined me in creating a theater that is—I believe—like no other and (as Ben Jonson said of Shakespeare) ‘not of an age, but for all time.’ 

Barbara Gaines with Executive Director Criss Henderson in Chicago Shakespeare’s Courtyard Theater. Photo by Steve Leonard.

After thirty-six joyous years, I’ve decided to step down as Artistic Director of Chicago Shakespeare in 2023. I feel it’s time now for the Theater to welcome new artistic leadership. Change can infuse a new and bold creative energy, as our work to imaginatively explore Shakespeare alongside other playwrights continues and evolves in new ways to meet our changing world.

When I founded the Theater in 1986, I hoped it would be a gift to the city of Chicago. Nineteen artists gathered on the rooftop of the Red Lion Pub in Lincoln Park in what would become the company’s inaugural production and spoke aloud the first words of Henry V: ‘O for a Muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention.’

Barbara Gaines in rehearsal for Troilus and Cressida in 1987. Pictured from left to right: Bruce A. Young, Jeanette Schwaba, Tim Gregory, and Kevin Gudahl. Photo courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

It was that invention—that idea of what Chicago Shakespeare could become—which ignited incomparable creativity over the years and grew into an organization that is and will continue to be a beacon of light shining throughout our city. It’s a torch that brings together the talents of artists from Chicago and across the globe to our home on Navy Pier. My mission over these many years has been to fill the world with the humanity of Shakespeare—a writer who understands the immediacy of being human and gives us all the chance to delve into the mysteries of life. And that’s exactly what I believe we’ve been able to do together. I am immensely proud of all that we’ve done and deeply inspired by the thrilling possibilities ahead for Chicago Shakespeare in the decades to come. 

To be clear, this is far from goodbye…we still have much to accomplish together this year. Artistry will be filling our stages this spring, and we’ll be sharing our plans for the upcoming season soon. More than ever, our city needs art to fill people’s lives with hope, beauty, courage—and with radiant light. That has always been the personal human connection that feeds my soul. Here’s to the brightest future."

–Barbara Gaines, Artistic Director, Carl and Marilynn Thoma Chair

Barbara Gaines at the 1986 performance of Henry V on the rooftop of the Red Lion Pub, which would become Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s inaugural production. Photo courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

With Gaines’ first production on the rooftop in 1986, Chicago Shakespeare was born. The fledging company took up residence at the Ruth Page Dance Center in 1987, and entered a period of rapid, exponential growth as Gaines joined forces with Executive Director Criss Henderson. With the Theater’s move to its flagship campus on Navy Pier in 1999, the company was established as the premier theater it is known as today. In addition to producing a year-round season, Chicago Shakespeare has served more than two million students and teachers through its nationally recognized arts-in-education programs and has engaged with Chicagoans citywide through creative community programs like the free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour. 

Executive Director Criss Henderson said, "Barbara’s relentless enthusiasm for Shakespeare’s storytelling galvanized the city into rallying around this vision and this company in a way that is simply unprecedented. The opportunity to nurture and grow this organization together over the past three decades has been an honor—and I will be forever grateful for her partnership."

Hailed as a leading director of Shakespeare, Barbara Gaines, 75, is known for her distinctly populist approach to classic texts and for imbuing her work with clarity and depth of feeling for the human condition. Over three decades with Chicago Shakespeare, Gaines has directed sixty productions, including thirty-three Shakespeare titles and six world premieres. She is widely recognized for her ability to reexamine and reimagine the playwright’s lesser staged plays, including notable interpretations of Troilus and Cressida, Cymbeline, and King John, among others. As the cornerstone production of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, the 2016 international celebration of Shakespeare’s legacy, she created a world premiere history cycle, Tug of War—which featured six plays performed in two parts. The Guardian’s Michael Billington called it "a bold and magnificent venture…this is Shakespeare staged with a purpose, and further proof that his history plays speak to us more urgently than ever." Gaines has also prominently directed at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-on-Avon (UK), Lyric Opera of Chicago, and The Old Globe in San Diego. 

The late Terry Teachout, esteemed The Wall Street Journal critic, wrote, "Barbara Gaines is, in the very best sense of the word, a populist, a true believer in the power of the classics to speak directly to contemporary audiences when staged with sharp immediacy and infectious gusto… She is also sure enough of her own talents to make room for equally talented colleagues, and it says much about her generous, enlightened artistic leadership. She is a great teacher whose classroom is the stage. Yet of all the lessons I’ve learned in the house that Barbara Gaines built, the one I treasure most was the very first one she taught me, which is that the great American theater doesn’t stop on the banks of the Hudson River. More and more, that’s where it starts."

Among her many honors and achievements are the 2008 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre; the prestigious Honorary OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in recognition of her contributions strengthening British-American cultural relations; the Chicago History Museum’s Making History Award recognizing extraordinary contributions to Chicago; and Joseph Jefferson Awards for Best Production (Hamlet, Cymbeline, King Lear, and The Comedy of Errors), and for Best Director (Cymbeline, King Lear, and The Comedy of Errors). She is prominently featured as one of twenty women in renowned artist Kerry James Marshall’s mural Rushmore at the Chicago Cultural Center. Gaines has also received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Birmingham (UK), the University Club of Chicago’s Cultural Award, and the Public Humanities Award from the Illinois Humanities Council. 

Board of Directors Chair Mark S. Ouweleen added, "Barbara’s legacy will live on as we bring in new artistic leadership to take us into the next act of the extraordinary story of Chicago Shakespeare."

Barbara Gaines Directing History at Chicago Shakespeare Theater:

Henry V (1986)

Troilus and Cressida (1987)

Antony and Cleopatra (1988)

The Tale of Cymbeline (1989)

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits (1989)

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits II (1991)

King John (1991)

Much Ado About Nothing (1991)

Pericles (1992)

King Lear (1993)

The Tale of Cymbeline (1993)

The Taming of the Shrew (1993)

Measure for Measure (1994)

The Winter's Tale (1994)

Troilus and Cressida (1995)

Othello (1995)

Richard III (1996)

Hamlet (1996)

The Merry Wives of Windsor (1997)

The Merchant of Venice (1997)

Henry V (1998)

Shakespeare's Greatest Hits (1998)

Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 (1999)

Antony and Cleopatra (1999)

All's Well That Ends Well (2000)

King Lear (2001)

Richard II (2001)

The Tempest (2002)

Julius Caesar (2002)

King John (2004)

The Merry Wives of Windsor (2004)

Measure for Measure (2005)

The Merchant of Venice (2005)

Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 (2005/2006)

at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and the Royal Shakespeare Company (UK)

Troilus and Cressida (2007)

The Tale of Cymbeline (2007)

The Comedy of Errors (2008)

Macbeth (2009)

Richard III (2009)

Elizabeth Rex (2011)

Timon of Athens (2012)

The School for Lies (2012)

Henry VIII (2013)

The Merry Wives of Windsor (2013)

King Lear (2014)

Sense and Sensibility (2015

at Chicago Shakespeare Theater and The Old Globe

Tug of War: Foreign Fire (2016

Edward III, Henry V, and Henry VI, Part 1

Tug of War: Civil Strife (2016)

Henry VI, Parts 2 and 3, and Richard III

The Book of Joseph (2017)

The Taming of the Shrew (2017)

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: 

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (2018)

Hamlet (2019)

Romeo and Juliet (2019)

Emma (2020)

Twelfth Night (2021)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Courtyard Theater. Photo by James Steinkamp.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

The Regional Tony Award-winning theater produces a bold and innovative year-round season—featuring plays, musicals, world premieres, family productions, and theatrical presentations from around the globe—alongside education programming for students, teachers, and lifelong learners, and creative community engagement with artists and neighbors across the city.

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, the Theater has evolved and expanded to present as many as twenty productions and 650 performances annually and has been honored with numerous national and international awards. Chicago Shakespeare is the city’s leading presenter of international work and has toured its own productions to five continents. It is dedicated to welcoming the next generation of theatergoers; one in four audience members is under the age of eighteen.

Recognized as a national leader by First Lady Michelle Obama in a 2014 White House ceremony, the Theater’s arts-in-literacy programs support the work in classrooms across the region by bringing words to life onstage for tens of thousands of students each year and through a variety of professional learning opportunities for teachers. The Theater’s free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program has fostered creative community engagement with artists across the city for more than a decade.

Located on Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare’s campus features the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, and the Thoma Theater Upstairs. Onstage, in classrooms and neighborhoods across the city, and in venues around the world, Chicago Shakespeare is a multifaceted cultural hub—inviting audiences, artists, and community members to share powerful stories that connect and inspire us.

Learn more about the Theater’s productions and programming at www.chicagoshakes.com. 

Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. Photo by Abel Arciniega.

REVIEW: North American Premiere of SOLARIS Via Griffin Theatre Company Through March 27, 2022 at Raven Theatre

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North American Premiere!

Griffin Theatre Company Announces

SOLARIS

By David Greig

Adapted from the novel by Stanisław Lem

Directed by Scott Weinstein

February 19 – March 27, 2022 at Raven Theatre

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Imagine an austere space station on a remote outpost, with clever sliding doors and airlocks, a small crew, and a huge problem with uninvited entities. Outside the ship, psychedelic swirls and intricate illusions form on a vast ocean. Inside, the scientists struggle with dueling desires to study the alien phenomenon and protect themselves from a potential malevolent threat. Video journals from a dead team member and an unspeaking, unsmiling child that manifests out of thin air add to the mystery. These intrepid travelers bring the audience along on quite the psychological trip with the North American premiere of SOLARIS. 

(left to right) Alexandrya Salazar, Isa Arciniegas and Larry Baldacci in Griffin Theatre Company’s North American premiere of Solaris. All photos by Michael Brosilow.

When I first read the description I was a bit leery that it would be the old space trope of man versus life threatening challenges and human stupidity.  My husband and I call these the "Lack of Oxygen Channel" movies and I detest the genre. Solaris is not that show. It's something much darker and more disturbing, as the women on board battle longing and loss, and some are willing to pay the ultimate price to inhabit a blissful illusion just a bit longer. 

The Solaris cast is superb, with strong performances across the board, and compelling rapport that's a joy to see. All the elements combine to make this stellar production unique and fascinating. Special shout out to Joe Schermoly*(scenic design) and Izumi Inaba (costume design) for going above and beyond.  

(left to right) Isa Arciniegas and John Drea

As the real world is still reeling from over 2 years of pandemic losses and lockdowns, this play's themes of isolation, interconnection, memory, and codependency really resonate. Solaris is recommended. 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theater critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

(left to right) John Drea and Larry Baldacci

Griffin Theatre Company is pleased to welcome back live audiences this winter with the North American premiere of David Greig’s sci-fi thriller Solaris, adapted from the novel by Stanisław Lem and directed by Scott Weinstein*, playing February 19 – March 27, 2022 on Raven Theatre’s Schwartz Stage, 6157 N. Clark St. in Chicago. Tickets on sale  at www.griffintheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177. 

Please note: Raven Theatre currently requires proof of vaccination and masking at all performances. Protocols are subject to change closer to the date of the event. For all of Raven’s current COVID-19 and vaccination information, visit raventheatre.com/covid-19.

 

The cast includes Isa Arciniegas*, Larry Baldacci*, John Drea, Nicole Laurenzi* and TJ Thomas.

On a space station in the far reaches of the galaxy, a small group of scientists study the isolated ocean planet of Solaris. Sent from earth to investigate reports of abnormal activity on-board, a new scientist arrives to find one crew member dead and two who are seeing things that cannot be explained. Has the prolonged isolation in space caused those on board to hallucinate? Or is it something else? A vivid exploration of loneliness, isolation and how we deal with loss, this science fiction thriller asks if we can truly understand the universe without first understanding what lies within our hearts. 

Lem’s novel has been adapted numerous times for film, radio and theater. Prominent film adaptations include Andrei Tarkovsky's 1972 version and Steven Soderbergh's 2002 version.

Solaris received its world premiere in 2019 at the Malthouse Theatre, in Melbourne, Australia in a co-production with the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Edinburgh. Following the run at the Malthouse Theatre the play was transferred to the Royal Lyceum Theatre and then to the Lyric Hammersmith in London, England. 

The production team includes Joe Schermoly* (scenic design), Izumi Inaba (costume design), Brandon Wardell+ (lighting design), Eric Backus (sound design), Ivy Treccani (properties design), Yeaji Kim (projection/video design), Courtney Abbott (intimacy director), Jonathan Mayo (production manager), Evan Sposato (technical director) and Sara Beaman (stage manager).

*Denotes Griffin Theatre ensemble member   +Denotes Griffin Theatre artistic associate

(left to right) Isa Arciniegas and John Drea 

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Cast (in alphabetical order): The cast includes Isa Arciniegas* (Kelvin), Larry Baldacci* (Gibarian), John Drea (Ray), Nicole Laurenzi* (Sartorius) and TJ Thomas (Snow).

Location: Raven Theatre’s Schwartz Stage, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago

Dates: Previews: Saturday, February 19 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, February 20 at 3 pm, Thursday, February 24 at 7:30 pm, Friday, February 25 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 26 at 7:30 pm.

Regular run: Thursday, March 3 – Saturday, March 27, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 3 pm.

Tickets: Previews $30. Regular run $40. Students/active military and veterans $15. Group discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Tickets go on Thursday, January 27 at www.griffintheatre.com or by calling (773) 338-2177.

(left to right) TJ Thomas and John Drea

(left to right) Nicole Laurenzi, TJ Thomas and Isa Arciniegas

David Greig (Playwright, Adapter) is a multi-award-winning playwright who became the Artistic Director of the Royal Lyceum Edinburgh in 2015. David’s most notable plays include The Events, The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart, Midsummer, Dunsinane and Europe. More recently, David’s new stage adaptation of Solaris, based on Stanislaw Lem’s 1961 soviet science fiction novel, was co-produced by The Lyceum, Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne Australia and The Lyric Hammersmith. In 2019, David teamed up with original creators Bill Forsyth and Mark Knopfler to adapt the international hit film Local Hero for the stage, which premiered in Edinburgh. David’s new stage adaptation of Joe Simpson's best-selling 1988 memoir Touching the Void, which was co-produced by The Lyceum and Bristol Old Vic, enjoyed a run at The Duke of York in London’s West End in 2019/20. His other adaptations include Strindberg’s Creditors (2018) and Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women (2016) and The Lorax (2015). David wrote the book for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which opened in the West End in 2013 and then transferred to Broadway in 2017. 

Stanisław Lem (Author, 1921-2006) was a Polish writer of speculative fiction and essays on various subjects, including philosophy, futurology and literary criticism. Many of his science fiction stories are of satirical and humorous character. Lem's books have been translated into over 50 languages and have sold over 45 million copies. His best-known novel “Solaris” (1961) has been made into a feature film three times. Lem's works explore philosophical themes through speculations on technology, the nature of intelligence, the impossibility of communication with and understanding of alien intelligence, despair about human limitations and humanity's place in the Universe. His essays and philosophical books cover these and many other topics and his works such as “The Cyberiad,” “His Master’s Voice” and “The Star Diaries” have entered the canon of world literature. Translating his works is difficult due to Lem's elaborate neologisms and idiomatic wordplay. The Polish Parliament declared 2021 Stanisław Lem Year.

Scott Weinstein (Director) is an award-winning director and writer based in New York City. His work as a director has been seen at major regional theaters around the country and he recently won the Joseph Jefferson award for his actor-musician, chamber style re-conception of Ragtime with Griffin Theatre, where he is an ensemble member. Other favorite credits include Titanic (Griffin); Something Rotten, Murder For Two (Marriott Theatre), South Pacific (The Rev Theatre), She Kills Monsters (Steppenwolf/Buzz22 Chicago), Sex With Strangers (Cardinal Stage) and Rock of Ages (Pittsburgh CLO). Scott was the Associate and Resident Director for the Broadway National Tour, Las Vegas and Chicago productions of the hit musical Million Dollar Quartet and recently developed and directed the world premiere/first national tour of Million Dollar Quartet Christmas. He has developed new work at the Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Pittsburgh CLO, The American Music Theatre Project, The Marriott Theatre, Route 66 Theatre, The Rev, Norwegian Creative Studios and others. Graduate of Northwestern University and proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. He is represented by William Morris Endeavor. www.ScottGWeinstein.com

The Griffin Theatre Company is a Blue Star Theater and is proud to support our military enlisted and veterans. 

 

About Griffin Theatre Company 

Established in 1988. the mission of the Griffin Theatre Company is to create extraordinary and meaningful theatrical experiences for both children and adults by building bridges of understanding between generations that instill in its audience an appreciation of the performing arts. Through artistic collaboration the Griffin Theatre Company produces literary adaptations, original work and classic plays that challenge and inspire, with wit, style and compassion for the audience.

The Griffin Theatre Company is the recipient of 125 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for theater excellence in Chicago. The Griffin was honored with four 2018 Jeff awards for Ragtime including Best Ensemble, Best Musical, Best Director-Musical and Best Performer in a Supporting Role-Musical. Additionally, the company was the repeat winner of the 2016 Jeff Award for Best Production of a Play for London Wall having won the same award in 2015 for its production of Men Should Weep.

The Griffin Theatre Company is partially supported by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The MacArthur Funds for Culture, Equity, and the Arts at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and the American Rescue Plan.

For additional information, visit www.griffintheatre.com.

(left to right) Nicole Laurenzi, Isa Arciniegas and TJ Thomas in Griffin Theatre Company’s North American premiere of Solaris. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Rock of Ages Still Rollin' in Aurora at Paramount Theatre Through MAY 29, 2022

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ARE YOU READY TO ROCK?

PARAMOUNT THEATRE HITS THE HIGH NOTES WITH 

ROCK OF AGES

ITS 10TH BROADWAY SEASON FINALE 

APRIL 13-MAY 29, 2022

Note: Rock of Ages is suggested for ages 14 and up due to adult language and sexual content.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we've seen the Broadway touring company perform Rock of Ages at least three times in Chicago and we just can't get enough. We can't wait to see Paramount's take on this big hair, big dreams, big fun, hit. Relive the 80's, hairband era, with a LA love story that redefines success from fame and fortune to family. This is one of those musicals that you can bring straight men who hate musicals to. With hits from top ‘80s rock bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Poison and more, Rock of Ages might even have them singing along! Break out your leopard and leather and dress the part. Rock of Ages is an epic 80's party you don't want to miss.

(top, from left) Kieran McCabe plays Drew, Taylor DiTola is Sherrie, (below) Melody A. Betts is Justice and Josh Scholl plays Stacee Jaxx. Credit: Amy Nelson

Are you ready to rock? Like, really rock?!

Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages will take Paramount Theatre audiences back into the iconic music era of the ‘80s, where rock ‘n’ roll dreamers turn their fantasies into reality. 

Paramount Artistic Producer and New Works Director Amber Mak, known for staging Paramount’s smash hit blockbusters Beauty and the Beast, The Wizard of Oz and The Little Mermaid, directs Rock of Ages. Don’t miss Paramount’s 10th Anniversary Broadway Series finale, a trip back to when rock was king, and every song was a hitmaker.

Previews start April 13, 2022. Performances run through May 29 at Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. Single tickets are $36-$79. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, or call the box office, (630) 896-6666, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.



 

(from left) Kieran McCabe plays Drew, Taylor DiTola is Sherrie, Melody A. Betts plays Justice and Josh Scholl is Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages, Paramount Theatre’s 10th Anniversary Broadway Series finale. Credit: Amy Nelson

Rock of Ages is the story of a small-town girl with Hollywood dreams who meets a big-city boy chasing his rock-star fantasies on L.A.’s infamous Sunset Strip. With the historic Bourbon Room as the backdrop, their love story unfolds right where the biggest names in rock got their start – all told through the biggest, baddest, mind-blowing rock songs of the ‘80s including “Just Like Paradise,” “Sister Christian,” “We’re Not Gonna Take It,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Hit Me With Your Best Shot,” “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” and a whole lot more.

Rock of Ages, book by Chris D’Arienzo, arrangements and orchestrations by Ethan Popp, premiered on Broadway April 7, 2009, at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre and later moved to the Helen Hayes Theatre where it closed on January 18, 2015 after 2,328 performances. With pulsating percussion, blazing guitar riffs, vocal gymnastics and glam 80’s rock hits, Rock of Ages earned five Tony Nominations, including Best Musical, spawned tours and productions worldwide, and was turned into a 2012 major motion picture starring Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough and Mary J. Blige.

“This show has been on my bucket list since I first saw it when I was living in New York City and would use my outdated student ID to snag a $25 ticket to the show,” said director Amber Mak. “As a self-proclaimed rule follower, this show allowed me to indulge in my fantasies of being a spontaneous, care-free rocker and groupie. So I invite you to leave the heaviness of the world and the crazy ride we have been on for the past two years behind. Get a drink and escape to the Sunset Strip of L.A. in the ‘80s where big hair and rock ruled. Let’s Rock Aurora!”

Principal cast members for Paramount’s new staging of Rock of Ages are Melody A. Betts (Justice/Mother), Shea Coffman (Lonny), Taylor DiTola (Sherrie), Nick Druzbanski (Franz), Carisa Gonzalez (Regina), Karl Hamilton (Dennis), Kieran McCabe (Drew) and Josh Scholl (Stacee Jax/Father). The ensemble includes Lexie Bailey, Max J. Cervantes, Maeve Cosgriffe, Shantel Cribbs, Andres J. DeLeon, Alley Ellis, Michael Ferraro (Drew at some performances), Paige Hauer, Christopher John Kelley, Maggie Malaney, Trey Mendlik, David Sajewich, Charlie Ward, Natalie Welch and Travis Austin Wright.

The band members, performing live, on stage, are Kara Kesselring (conductor/keyboard), Dan Peters (guitar one), Scott Tipping (guitar two), Janis Wallin (bass) and Jim Widlowski (drums).

 The full production team is Amber Mak, director and co-choreographer; Annie Jo Fischer, co-choreographer; Kory Danielson, music director/supervisor; Kara Kesselring, conductor/associate music director; Jeffrey D. Kmiec, scenic designer; Theresa Ham, costume designer; Greg Hofmann, lighting designer; Adam Rosenthal, sound designer; Mike Tutaj, projection designer; Katie Cordts, wig, hair and makeup designer; Jesse Gaffney, properties designer; Ethan Deppe, electronic music designer; Jerry Galante, fight choreographer; Susan Gosdick, dialect coach; Sara Reinecke, associate director; Charlie Ward, associate choreographer; Kailey Rockwell, associate conductor; Sean McNeely, orchestra contractor; Maegan Burnell, stage manager; and Mary Zanger, assistant stage manager. 

Rock of Ages performance schedule and ticket information

Previews start Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 7 p.m. Press opening is Friday, April 22, at 8 p.m. Rock of Ages runs through May 29. Show times are Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (exception: No 1:30 p.m. matinee on Wednesday, April 13). Tickets are $36 to $79. 

Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora. For tickets and information, visit paramountaurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Breaking down barriers to live theater: 

Paramount introduces Pay What You Can events

Paramount Theatre is offering two Pay What You Can performances of Rock of Ages on Thursday, April 14, at 7 p.m., and Saturday, April 16, at 3 p.m.

Both days, starting at 10 a.m., visit the Paramount Theatre box office in-person to request tickets. Customers will be asked how much they’d like to pay and will simply pay what they can. Limit four tickets per person. Offer not valid toward previous purchases. Online or phone purchases are not permitted. Paramount’s Pay What You Can program is part of the theater’s new program, REACH (Resources Expanding the Arts and Connecting Humanity).

Access Services

If you require wheelchair or special seating or other assistance, please contact the box office at (630) 896-6666 or boxoffice@paramountarts.com in advance

Paramount offers assistive listening devices free of charge at all performances. Check in at the coat room before the show to borrow a listening device.

For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, Rock of Ages will be presented on Friday, May 27, at 8 p.m. with two certified sign interpreters translating all dialogue and lyrics into American Sign Language. Patrons can purchase single tickets with special seating for this performance for $30 with the code ASLPARAMOUNT.

Paramount Theatre’s Covid-19 commitment to and safety and protocol

Paramount Theatre has followed, and will continue to follow, the requirements of the State of Illinois and the Kane County Health Department. Therefore, Paramount is following the guidance of the State of Illinois and recommends, but no longer requires, masks, proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for patrons effective February 28, 2022. Mask wearing is strongly encouraged, but will be optional. For complete details, please read Paramount’s full Covid Policy.

Paramount’s new BOLD Series, launched in March 

in the newly renovated Copley Theatre

After two years of waiting, Paramount Theatre is launching its new BOLD Series, bringing a new, four-show subscription series and a new type of live theater – fearless, unexpected and thought provoking – to the heart of Aurora’s downtown entertainment district.

Just as exciting, Paramount is lifting the curtain on its new home for its BOLD Series, the newly remodeled Copley Theatre, right across the street from Paramount at 8 E. Galena Blvd., in the North Island Center. Following a two-year, $2 million, top-to-bottom renovation, the Copley is an intimate, state-of-the-art theater with 165 comfortable new seats and a modern new lobby bar, ready to attract more audiences to downtown Aurora.

Paramount’s inaugural BOLD production is Sweat, winner of the 2017 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and a landmark achievement of American theater. Lynn Nottage’s acclaimed modern-day drama about life in an American Rust Belt town being battered by the constant threat of company shutdowns runs at the Copley March 9-April 24, 2022. Check out my full review here: http://chiilliveshows.com/2022/02/opening-lynn-nottages-pulitzer-prize.html

Following Sweat, Paramount’s BOLD Series continues with Hand to God by Robin Askins, a darkly humorous shocker told Sesame Street meets Exorcist style, puppets included, May 25-July 10; the Tony Award-winning musical Fun Home, book by Lisa Kron, music by Jeanine Tesori, based on the graphic novel by Alison Bechdel, August 3-September 18; and BULL: a love story, Nancy García Loza’s world premiere drama about a Mexican-American man who returns to Chicago to find a family who has moved on and a neighborhood he no longer recognizes, October 5-November 20.

Four-show subscriptions are on sale now from $134-$148. That’s buy two shows, get two shows free. Single tickets to individual performances are $67-$74. To purchase subscriptions, single tickets or for more information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts and education in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful,

1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931.

After launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount Theatre grew to be the second largest subscription house in the U.S. Before Covid, more than 41,000 subscribers from all over Chicagoland and the Midwest were enjoying Paramount’s critically acclaimed, 2019-20 Broadway-caliber productions. In addition, Paramount also presents an array of internationally known comedians, music stars, dance events and family shows annually.

Paramount Theatre is one of four live performance venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority. ACCA also oversees downtown Aurora’s newly renovated 165-seat Copley Theatre, home to Paramount’s new BOLD Series, along with the Paramount School of the Arts, RiverEdge Park, the city’s 6,000-seat outdoor summer concert venue, and Stolp Island Theatre, an immersive space opening in summer 2023. 

Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.

For the latest updates, visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @ParamountAurora on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

THE DRAG SEED Via Hell in a Handbag Productions to Play February 24 – March 20, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents

THE DRAG SEED

By Artistic Director David Cerda

Directed by Cheryl Snodgrass

February 24 – March 20, 2022 at The Chopin Theatre

 

Plus a Limited Engagement at New York’s

LaMama Experimental Theatre Club!

 

Here at ChiIL Live Shows we adored this camp classic the last time around, and can't wait to see the revival run. I'll be out to catch this one March 3rd, so check back soon for my full review. Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to continue its 20th anniversary season with a revival of its popular comedy The Drag Seed, an unauthorized parody of the 1956 psychological horror-thriller film The Bad Seed. Written by Artistic Director David Cerda* and directed by Cheryl Snodgrass, The Drag Seed will play February 24 – March 20, 2022 at The Chopin Downstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at handbagproductions.org and thedragseed.eventbrite.com. 

Please note: Handbag will require proof of full vaccination and masking at all performances. The entire cast and crew is fully vaccinated and tested regularly.

Handbag is also pleased to announce that following its Chicago run, The Drag Seed will play a limited engagement March 31 – April 10, 2022 at the legendary La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club in New York City, featuring the full Chicago cast.

The revival features ensemble members David Cerda*, Sydney Genco*, Ed Jones*, Elizabeth Lesinski*, Tyler Anthony Smith* and Danne W. Taylor* with Kelly Anchors and Patrick O’Keefe. Understudies: Nicky Mendelsohn*, Elizabeth Rude and Jamie Smith.

Carson (Patrick O’Keefe) is a perfect little boy who likes to dress like the perfect little girl and they’re deadly serious about crowns and pronouns. Carson’s mother, Connie (Ed Jones), loves and accepts Carson but wishes Carson wasn’t so competitive. Carson always gets what they want, and they really want to win the drag pageant at their very progressive school – The Josephine Baker Rainbow Academy for Gifted Students. When Carson loses to Summer Breeze, they vow to get that crown – one way or another…

The production team includes Lauren Nichols (scenic design), Gregory Graham (costume design), Liz Cooper (lighting design), DJ Douglass (sound design), Pamela Parker* (props design), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Sydney Genco* (make-up design), R & D Fight Choreography (fight choreography), Abby Teel (production manager) and Drew Donnelly* (stage manager).

*Denotes Handbag Ensemble Member

Dates: Previews: Thursday, February 24 at 7:30 pm, Friday, February 25 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, February 26 at 7:30

Opening/Press performance: Sunday, February 27 at 7 pm

Regular run: Saturday, February 25 – Sunday, March 20, 2022

Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 4 pm

Industry Night: Monday, March 14 at 7:30 pm

Tickets: $27 advanced general admission, $32 at the door, $50 VIP/reserved seating with drink ticket. Group rates $25 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently available at  handbagproductions.org and thedragseed.eventbrite.com.

 

About the Artists     

David Cerda (Playwright) is a founding member and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions, now celebrating its 20th year anniversary. As resident playwright, he has written many Handbag productions as well as acted in them. His Golden Girls Lost Episodes parody shows have been produced around the country and will be featured in Golden Con in Chicago, the world’s first fan convention dedicated to all things Golden Girls at Navy Pier. As a Latinx queer individual, he is a proud inductee into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and recipient of a Jeff Award for lifetime achievement for his 25 years (and counting) of work and service to the community. He lives in Chicago with his partner, Christopher.

Cheryl Snodgrass (Director) works regularly with Hell in a Handbag. Productions include Die, Mommie! Die!, Scarrie: The Musical, L’Imitation of Life and The Birds. She has performed with Handbag in Caged Dames and The Birds, and has assisted David Cerda in developing a number of scripts. Cheryl has worked with playwright Jeff Goode directing the premiere productions of Poona the F*ckdog and Other Plays for Children, The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill and The Eight: Reindeer Monologues among others. She directed To the New Girl and Hoist for Foundlings, as well as Shadows of Birds and Lighthouses in the Desert with Glass Apple. Cheryl most recently returned from Bangor, ME after directing Who’s Holiday. Next up is the world premiere of Handbag’s A Fine Feathered Murder: A Miss Marbled Mystery. 

 

About Hell in a Handbag Productions

Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit. For additional information, visit  handbagproductions.org.

EXTENDED: Porchlight Music Theatre's Acclaimed Blues in the Night Now Playing March 20, 2022

 PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE PRESENTS 

BLUES IN THE NIGHT

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY KENNY INGRAM+ 

AND MUSIC DIRECTED BY DAVID FIORELLO+

AT THE RUTH PAGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 

Now Extended Through March 20, 2022

 Felicia P. Fields* All Photos by Anthony Robert La Penna

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Every time I see a Porchlight Music Theatre I am stunned by the incredible performers we have here in Chicago. I'm convinced the second city is second to none when it comes to powerhouse vocals, snazzy choreography, and sheer talent. Blues in the night brings an award winning cast together for a sultry, stunning production that's truly a treat. The top notch musicians play on stage and are a joy to see in action, as are the actors. The stage chemistry is palpable and this show is sure to warm your winter weary heart. Highly recommended. Don't miss this!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theater critic, photographer, videographer, actress, artist and Mama. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Donica Lynn* 

Terrell Armstrong+ in BLUES IN THE NIGHT from Porchlight Music Theatre, Feb. 9 - March 20 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Photo by Anthony Robert La Penna

(L to R) Evan Tyrone Martin+ and Clare Kennedy* in BLUES IN THE NIGHT from Porchlight Music Theatre, Feb. 9 - March 20 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Photo by Anthony Robert La Penna

Blues in the Night featuring Tony-Nominated Actor Felicia P. Fields*, Jeff Award-Winner Donica Lynn*, Jeff Award-Nominated Evan Tyrone Martin+, Clare Kennedy* and Terrell Armstrong+

 Pronoun Key: + (he/him/his); * (she/her/hers); ^ (they, them, theirs). = (any with respect)

New dates for Porchlight Music Theatre productions:

Blues in the Night

Conceived by Sheldon Epps

Directed and Choreographed by Kenny Ingram+

Music Directed by David Fiorello+

Associate Music Director and Conductor Maulty Jewell IV+

Assistant Choreographer Ariel Dorsey*

NEW DATES: February 9 - March 20

The Blues is one of America’s original art forms and Chicago was the home to some of the greatest Blues performers ever. Set in a history-filled hotel on Chicago’s south side one fateful night in the late 1930s, this Tony Award-nominated celebration interweaves the stories of three women who share their highs and lows of romance through the iconic songs of Bessie Smith, Duke Ellington, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Alberta Hunter, Jimmy Cox, Ida Cox and others.

Ticket Price: $25 – $74

Website: PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

Terrell Armstrong+

MORE ABOUT BLUES IN THE NIGHT

The Blues in the Night cast includes Felicia P. Fields* ("The Lady from the Road”) in her Porchlight Mainstage debut;  Donica Lynn* ("The Woman of the World") last seen by Porchlight audiences in her Jeff-Award nominated role in Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies,  Clare Kennedy* ("The Girl with a Date”) a follow up to her performance in Porchlight’s New Faces Sing Broadway 1961;  Evan Tyrone Martin+ ("The Man in the Saloon) last seen in Porchlight’s Jeff Award-winning  Dreamgirls and Terrell Armstrong+ ("The Dancing Man”) last seen in Porchlight’s  A Chorus Line.

Blues in the Night’s production team includes: Kenny Ingram+, (director & choreographer); David Fiorello+, (music director);  Ariel M Dorsey*, (assistant choreographer) and Maulty Jewell IV+ (associate music director/conductor), Alden Vasquez+ (production stage manager); Ruben Echoles+ (costume and wig designer), Brandon Wardell+ (lighting designer), Eric Backus+ (sound designer), Angela Weber Miller* (scenic designer), Caitlin McCarthy* (properties designer), Matthew Chase+ (audio engineer), Rachel West* (lighting supervisor), Jennifer Aparicio* (production manager), Henry Wilkinson+ (technical director), Rashaad A. Bond+, (producing artistic associate); Alex Rhyan+, (production and operations director) and Michael Weber+, (artistic director).

Information about Porchlight Music Theatre’s COVID-19 Guidelines a its events may be found at: https://porchlightmusictheatre.org/visit/#covid-19-health-safety-guidelines.

ABOUT KENNY INGRAM +, director and choreographer

Kenny Ingram last directed and choreographed Triple Threat, a play that moves and sings starring James T. Lane ahh The Zeiders American Dream Theatre in Virginia Beach. He received the White Nights Film Festival Diploma for his direction and choreography for Chicago Performing Theatrical production of The Moment in Russia. Ingram directed and choreographed for Chicago Shakespeare’s first summer musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Navy Pier. He choreographed The New York Times Critics Pick re -mount of Emojiland, Off Broadway at The Duke on 42nd, and Till, The Musical based on the story of Emmett Till Off Broadway at Signature Theatre for the New York Musical Festival. Ingram won outstanding Choreography for his moves in Emojiland in 2018 at NYMF. Although he lives in Harlem, he is excited to return home to Chicago where he began his career at Lou Conte Dance Studio on Scholarship, taught jazz dance here at The Ruth Page Center and choreographed at many Chicago Legendary Theatre’s including Goodman, Steppenwolf, Court Theatre, Organic Theatre, Hasted Street Theatre and now to cap it off Porchlight. 

ABOUT DAVID FIORELLO+, music director

David Fiorello is a music director, performer, director, composer and arranger who’s no stranger to Porchlight. He has served as music director for Porchlight’s Gypsy, Porchlight Revisits Do Re Mi, Porchlight Revisits Woman of the Year, several seasons of the New Faces Sing Broadway series, as well as several Chicago Sings and ICONS GALA benefits. He also appeared onstage as Joe in Porchlight's mainstage production of Merrily We Roll Along. David currently serves as founder and artistic director of The Beautiful City Project, a theatre company committed to raising funds for local Chicago charities and nonprofits, using some of the city’s finest musical theatre talents. He’s music directed national and international tours, including John Doyle’s re-imagining of Sweeney Todd. He also served as music director for the Off-Broadway hit Danny & Sylvia: The Danny Kaye Musical. His orchestrations and arrangements have been heard across the nation, and on several albums. He’s taught and directed/music directed as part of the International Lyric Academy in Italy and is adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago. An in-demand vocal coach, Fiorello Studios has also provided unique cabaret programming featuring the music of The Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Kelly Clarkson, Eva Cassidy, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat. 

Evan Tyrone Martin+ 

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE AS RUTH PAGE ARTIST IN-RESIDENCE

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to be a member of the vibrant Ruth Page Center for the Arts community and an In-Resident Organization. Central to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts’ programming is this program, which is designed to serve organizations looking for a home base while they grow or expand their artistic and organizational capabilities. The Center is committed to nurturing and assisting dance and other performing artists, allowing for exchange and collaborative relationships to develop within the artistic community. The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is a destination for quality performing arts, accessible to a wide community regardless of race, gender, age, education or disability. An incubator of artistic energy and excellence, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts carries forward the vision of its founder, legendary dance icon Ruth Page, to be a platform for developing great artists and connecting them with audiences and community.

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals, supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago’s most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the “Chicago Style.” 

Now in its 27th season, Porchlight's quarter-century production history includes more than 70 mainstage works with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Porchlight’s commitment to the past, present and future of music theatre led the company to develop the Porchlight Revisits and New Faces Sing Broadway program series, both quickly becoming audience favorites. 

Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations, most notably the ongoing collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form. 

The company’s many honors include 178 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 45 Jeff awards, as well as 33 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 12 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards, and was honored with eight nominations in both technical and artistic categories and won three awards in its inaugural year in this tier, most notably Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies. 

Through the global pandemic, Porchlight emerged as one of Chicago’s leaders in virtual programming, quickly launching a host of free offerings like Sondheim @ 90 Roundtables, Movie Musical Mondays, Porchlight by Request: Command Performances and WPMT: Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio. For the 2020-2021 season, Porchlight’s fall schedule included all-new ticketed virtual programs including Broadway by the Decade, New Faces Sing Broadway 1987, Chicago Sings Rock & Roll Broadway, New Faces Sing Broadway 1961 and the return of The Ruffians’ Burning Bluebeard as well as collaborations with Hershey Felder and L.A. Theatre Works. Porchlight recently launched its first summer performance schedule in 2021 that included a sold-out performance of New Faces Sing Broadway 1979 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, the premiere of its outdoor music series Broadway in your Backyard, performed throughout Chicagoland this summer and special appearances at Sundays on State and Navy Pier’s Chicago Live Again. 

Award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre announces the cast for Blues in the Night, conceived by Sheldon Epps+, with the music of Bessie Smith, Johnny Mercer, Harold Arlen, Vernon Duke, Gordon Jenkins, Alberta Hunter and others., January 15, 2022 - February 27, 2022 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St. The first mainstage production of 2022 is directed and choreographed by Kenny Ingram+, music directed by David Fiorello+, assistant choreographed by Ariel M. Dorsey and associate music director and conductor Maulty Jewell IV+.  Blues in The Night’s previews are Saturday, Jan, 15 at 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 16  at 2 and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 19  at 7 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 20 at 1:30 p.m. with the press opening Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022 at 7 p.m. The regular run performance schedule is Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with  weekday matinees Thursday,  Jan. 27 and Feb. 3 at 1:30 p.m. Single tickets are $25 - $74 and subscriptions to the entire 2021 - 2022 season are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling the Porchlight Music Theatre box office, 773.777.9884. (Please note: complete performance schedule is available at the end of this release.) 

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from  Actors’ Equity Foundation; Allstate; Michael Best & Friedrich LLP; Chapman | Spingola, LLP; Abe and Ida Cooper Foundation; Gen Ops Plus; Elegant Event Lighting; Glimpse Vision; James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation; Hearty Boys; A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation; The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity and the Arts at Prince; the Pritzker Traubert Foundation; Ryan and Spaeth, Inc.; Daniel and Genevieve Ratner Foundation; The Saints and Dr. Scholl Foundation.

The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency, and by a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. 

Porchlight Music Theatre wishes to thank members of the Matching Gift Corporate Program including Abbvie; Allstate; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Peoples Gas; Pepsico; Polk Bros Foundation and The Saints. 

From L.A. to Amsterdam to Berlin, a young musician chases youthful dreams and spiritual clarity against a shifting backdrop of locales and acquaintances as he rebels against his conservative upbringing. This hit rock musical, loaded with soulful lyrics and passion, debuted to critical acclaim on Broadway in 2008, winning both the Tony and Drama Desk Awards and went on to be a critically acclaimed motion picture filmed by Spike Lee+ in 2009. The New York Times said about its Broadway debut, “Call it a rock concert with a story to tell … Or call it a sprawling work of performance art … I’ll just call it wonderful.”

All performances take place at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts at 1016 N. Dearborn Street. 

Updated performance schedule:

CHICAGO THEATRE WEEK  FEBRUARY 17 - 27

Thursday, Feb. 24 at 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, Feb. 26 at 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 27 at  2 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 3 at  7 p.m.

Friday, March 4 at  8 p.m.

Saturday, March 5 at 3 p.m. (Open Caption Performance)

Sunday, March 6 at  2 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 10 at 7p.m.

Friday, March 11 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 12 at 3 p.m. (Open Caption Performance)

Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m.

 

Thursday, March 17 at 7p.m.

Friday, March 18 at 8 p.m.

Saturday, March 19 at 3 p.m. 

Sunday, March 20 at 2 p.m.

Ticket Price: $25 – 74

Website  PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

(L to R) Clare Kennedy* and Terrell Armstrong+ in BLUES IN THE NIGHT from Porchlight Music Theatre, Feb. 9 - March 20 at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts. Photo by Anthony Robert La Penna

Sarah Siddons Society Free Networking Events for Recent Theater School Graduates and the Chicago Area Professional Theater Community

The Sarah Siddons Society Announces

Inaugural “Siddons Artistic Council”

Cultivating Free Networking Events for Recent Theater School Graduates

and the Chicago Area Professional Theater Community

PHOTO CREDIT: The Sarah Siddons Society’s inaugural Siddons Artistic Council includes (top, l to r) Kaiser Ahmed, Kayla Boye and Sar Cohen (bottom, l to r) Christopher Chase Carter, Donterrio and Jermaine Hill.

The Sarah Siddons Society, dedicated to funding scholarships for promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities, is pleased to announce the formation of the Siddons Artistic Council. The group will offer mentoring, networking and guidance to recent Siddons scholarship recipients and members of the Chicago area professional theater community, while acting as a conduit with the Society’s leadership. 

The inaugural council includes Kaiser Ahmed, Kayla Boye, Sar Cohen, Christopher Chase Carter, Donterrio and Jermaine Hill. Board member Brian Shaw is the Board Liaison to the Council.

Comments Sarah Siddons Society President Martin Balogh, “The Siddons Artistic Council was created as an opportunity to offer recent theater school graduates and working theater professionals a place to mentor and network. We could not be more pleased than to begin this new initiative with the talents of such a stellar group forming the inaugural Council.”

The new Artistic Council is hosting three free events in February and March 2022 for recent scholarship recipients, theatre students and the Chicago-area theatre community. Advance registration is required at sarahsiddonssociety.org.

Monday, February 28 at 7 pm CST

Zoom Webinar: Adjusting Your Path During a Pandemic

As a theater artist, what are my options to reposition myself in the field?

Join the Artistic Council for its inaugural event, a free 45-minute webinar hosted by Council members Kayla Boye and Donterrio. These two Chicago-based multi-hyphenate artists will lead an informal and lively conversation focused on artists repositioning themselves in a new role within their fields, the return to their dream job and a few “artistic hacks” that may help with the uncertainty artists may face. Attendees can submit questions in advance when they register. 

 

Monday, March 14 at 7 pm CST

Keeping It Going: Life After Theatre School 

Courtyard Theater at The Getz Theatre Center

Columbia College Chicago, 72 E. 11th St., Chicago

A free, in-person dialogue with a panel of recent theatre school graduates and working professionals covering topics including best resources to find work and collaborations, financial stability versus creative pursuits, the difference between what you learned in school and the reality of the industry, creating your own work and building partnerships.

Panelists: Chloe Baldwin, Sar Cohen, Lucas Looch Johnson (see bios below).

 

Tuesday, March 22 at 7 pm CST

Zoom Webinar: Keeping It Going: Life After Theatre School 

A free, virtual dialogue with a panel of recent theatre school graduates and working professionals covering topics including best resources to find work and collaborations, financial stability versus creative pursuits, the difference between what you learned in school and the reality of the industry, creating your own work and building partnerships.

Panelists: Sar Cohen, Bre Jacobs and Remy Laifer (see bios below).

 

About the Artistic Council

Kaiser Ahmed is a director, producer, teacher, and actor. Kaiser is Artistic Director of Jackalope Theatre Company where he served as Founding Artistic Director from 2008 to 2011. Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and raised in mid-Michigan, Kaiser holds a BA in Theatre Directing from Columbia College. Named on NewCity’s “Players 2019: Fifty People Who Really Perform For Chicago”, Kaiser is a 2016-17 Victory Gardens Directors Inclusion Initiative recipient, a 2015-16 Eugene O’Neill National Directors Fellowship Finalist, a proud member of SDC, and SAG-AFTRA, and represented by Gray Talent. As a teaching artist, Kaiser works with Northlight Theatre, Raven Theatre and Mudlark Theatre. kaiserahmed.org 

Kayla Boye is a Chicago-based artist and administrator. A member of Actors’ Equity Association, her performance credits include Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Drury Lane Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Music Theater Works, The Fireside Theatre, Capital City Theatre, Bigfork Summer Playhouse and Huron Playhouse. Her one-woman show, Call Me Elizabeth, has streamed with Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Broadway On Demand, Porchlight Music Theatre and The Youngstown Playhouse. Presentations of the piece have been awarded grants from Illinois Arts Council and the Arts Midwest Touring Fund. As an arts administrator, she has worked in development, marketing and finance for Goodman Theatre and Writers Theatre, and she has served as a producer for Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s Garage Rep series. As a consultant for Artistic Fundraising Group, her portfolio included work for Arts of Life, BrightSide Theatre, Chicago Composers Orchestra, Chicago Mosaic School, Oak Park Festival Theatre and Snow City Arts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as Executive Director of The Youngstown Playhouse, shepherding the 98-year-old institution through a concentrated period of comprehensive administrative restructuring while completing a capital campaign and sustaining the entirety of the operating budget via contributed revenue sources, including several high-profile grants. The organization has since successfully emerged from the pandemic to critically acclaimed and sold-out performances. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing & Editing from Youngstown State University and is a Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. www.kaylaboye.com

Christopher Chase Carter is the Artistic Director of Mercury Theater Chicago. Before moving to Chicago, Christopher studied in Michigan, where he began his theater career performing, directing and choreographing award-winning community and college productions. He attended Grand Valley State University achieving his Bachelor of Arts while on scholarship. After graduating, Carter became an active participant in the Chicago dance and theater community. In 2019, he directed and choreographed the pilot production of Scottsboro Boys, working closely with Musical Theater International (MTI) and Susan Stroman at the International Thespian Festival. He followed that up by directing a history-making production of Legally Blonde at Northwestern University. Christopher has been honored with many scholarships throughout his career. In 2005, he moved to Los Angeles where he was awarded a scholarship to the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. After training at DADA, he returned to Michigan to finish his degree. He was one of four dancers chosen for a scholarship to study abroad in Kingston, Jamaica to further his training and education at The Edna Manley School. After graduating, this inspired Christopher to start his own scholarship, The Christopher Carter Arts Scholarship, to help underprivileged artists pursue their dreams. With a true passion for creativity and art Christopher is excited about the future of theater and looks forward to being part of the evolution of performance and artistry.

Sar Cohen is an actor, dancer and creative raised in Mexico City, Mexico. She is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent and graduated from Columbia College Chicago, where she received a scholarship from the Sarah Siddons Society. Sar is lucky to have had the opportunity to create during the pandemic, you can catch her in the shorts Baddie (2020) and Crybaby (2021) with Bouyett Films. Theatre credits include, Under the Bed (Candlehouse Collective), A Separate Peace (The Point Theatre), The Wizard of Oz, and a bunch of original stage readings through Zoom. She is excited to join the Siddons Artistic Council and hopes to make lasting connections with fellow artists, in addition to making positive contributions to the Theatre community in Chicago.

Donterrio is a multi-hyphenate performance artist with a focus on storytelling through the lens of the theatre. His work as the former Social Media Manager of the social change theatre group Collaboraction has enabled him to use his education from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy to advance the collective vision of theatre as a whole. Donterrio is the former Artistic Director of the LGBTQIA+ theatre company PrideArts (formerly known as Pride Films and Plays) and is currently a Professor at Columbia College Chicago.

Jermaine Hill is an award-winning music director, singer, arranger and vocal coach who served as music director, pianist and conductor for the Goodman’s production of The Music Man, directed by Mary Zimmerman. Other Chicago credits include Duke Ellington’s Sophisticated Ladies (Porchlight Music Theatre); The Color Purple (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Too Heavy For Your Pocket (TimeLine Theatre); The Total Bent (Haven Theatre); Nell Gwynn and Madagascar (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Memphis (Porchlight Music Theatre); and Ragtime (Griffin Theatre). As an actor, he has worked with Erasing the Distance, the Onion Labs, and was a guest star on Chicago Med. He is Assistant Chair of Theater, Boston Conservatory at Berkeley. Formerly an Assistant Professor of Theatre and Coordinator of Musical Theatre at Columbia College Chicago, and an Ensemble Member of Griffin Theatre Company. A proud graduate of Ithaca College and the New England Conservatory of Music, he is represented by Gray Talent Group.

Additional Panelist Bios

Chloe Baldwin is a graduate of The Theatre School at DePaul, is currently understudying two tracks in Mary Zimmerman's Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci at Goodman Theatre, after recently playing Perdita there in The Winter’s Tale. Chicago credits include productions with Remy Bumppo, Oak Park Festival Theatre and Backroom Shakespeare Project. She appeared in the first U.S. National Tour of The Woman in Black from the West End. Film and television credits include Widows, Utopia, Code Switched, The Immediate Unknown, and the upcoming Shining Girls. She is also a fight choreographer and stunt woman, shares time between Chicago and Los Angeles, is a recipient of the Sarah Siddons Society Scholarship and is represented by Stewart Talent Chicago. ChloeBaldwin.net 

Bre Jacobs Since graduating from Columbia College Chicago in 2020, Bre has continued her journey as an actor in Atlanta, GA where she spends time auditioning, training and collaborating with other creatives on local projects. She is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent in Chicago and has recently signed with Forward Talent in Atlanta. 

Lucas Looch Johnson is a French/American actor, drummer, writer and producer who has an authentic passion for connecting with people through the art of performance. Past projects include: Theatre – Hundred Days (Kokandy Productions), Peter and the Star Catcher (Big Noise Theatre), Murdering Macbeth (Fearless Fiction Productions). Film – Lacy’s Christmas Do-Over (Golan Productions), Sour Patch Kids (David), The Big Leap (FOX) and Write B!tch (Snack Shack Productions).  

Remy Laifer is a recent graduate of Northwestern University’s Theatre department. Since graduating he has worked on NBC’s New Amsterdam (co-star) and HULU’s The Food That Built America (guest star). Along with acting, he is also a music enthusiast, and has released original music under the title “Remy Quinn” 

About Sarah Siddons Society

Since its inception, the mission of the Society has been to fund scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities including; The Theater Department, Columbia College; The Theatre School at DePaul University; Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and Northwestern University School of Communications. For additional information, visit sarahsiddonssociety.org.

OPENING: Black Ensemble Theater's World Premiere of Jackie Taylor’s It’s Just Like Coming to Church March 12-April 24, 2022

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER BEGINS

2022 FOUR PLAY SEASON OF EXCELLENCE: THE SEASON OF HEALINGS WITH 

IT’S JUST LIKE COMING TO CHURCH

(WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF YOU)

 

Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor kicks off the 2022 Season of Excellence: The Season of Healings with the world premiere of Jackie Taylor’s It’s Just Like Coming to Church (Welcome to The Church of YOU). The production runs March 12-April 24, 2022. I'll be out for the opening Sunday, March 20th so check back soon for my full review.

 

It’s Just Like Coming to Church is written and directed by Jackie Taylor and stars Dawn Bless (Preach) and Vincent Jordan (Deacon Jones). The Choir of the Griots is MJ Rawls (Michelle), Ciarra Stroud (Leah), Noelle Klyce (Maven) and Deshaun Peters (Will). The live band is Music Director Robert Reddrick (drums), Adam Sherrod (piano), Glenn Lowe (guitar) and Wayne Jones (bass).  

 

This joyous and uplifting story helps us understand the power of forgiveness, self-love, and faith as we move through the trials and tribulations that life brings.

 

It’s Just like Coming to Church features music of many different genres including gospel, spiritual, soul, jazz, hip-hop, and blues. The story is uplifting and inspiring and the music will touch the soul. If you need a healing, this is the place to be.

Tickets are available at www.blackensemble.org, (773) 769-4451 and at the Black Ensemble Theater Box Office, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Fridays at 7:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets for previews (March 13, 14, 18 and 19) are $50 and tickets for the regular run, March 20-April 24, are $55.

 

Due to the challenges and uncertainties that have been brought about by the pandemic, Black Ensemble Theater is proceeding slowly, cautiously, and carefully. Mainstage shows will run 90 minutes and will be performed without an intermission. There will not be any food or drinks served. Masks are mandatory and must be worn at all times in the theater.

 

Jackie Taylor states, “We are in a time of challenges from which we need a healing—and healing is what the 2022 Four Play Season of Excellence is all about. Through these outstanding plays, the spirit of the music, the hope and faith experienced thru our stories—for this season Black Ensemble Theater is in the healing business!” 

The 2022 Season includes four World Premiere musicals showcasing the power of healing, each featuring different journeys and a variety of musical genres including gospel, spiritual, soul, jazz, hip-hop, blues, the sounds of the Harlem Renaissance, and more. All performances will be held at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The remainder of the 2022 season is:

 

Grandma’s Jukebox

Written and Directed by Michelle Bester

May 29 – June 26, 2022

Previews: May 21, 22, 27 and 28

The spirit of Grandma B. lives on! Without her the family feels lost until they start playing her old jukebox. Through the music from the jukebox, the family comes to understand and accept the power of healing.

 

My Brother Langston

Written and Directed by Rueben Echoles

August 21 – September 18, 2022

Previews: August 13, 14, 19 and 20

We are in the apartment of Langston Hughes where he entertains prolific and profound legends of the time. On this fascinating journey, accompanied by outstanding music from the Harlem Renaissance, we come to understand why Langston Hughes was considered one of the greatest poets and civil rights leaders of his time and why his poetry continues to speak to us today. His work is a tapestry for healing.

 

Blue Heaven

Written and Directed by Daryl Brooks

October 30 – November 27, 2022

Previews: October 22, 23, 28 and 29

We are in what looks like a performance venue where four great blues legends – Big Momma Thornton, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Stevie Ray Vaughn – are reminiscing about the ups and downs of their careers while waiting for the “new guy” to show up. They are eager to give him advice about meeting – ‘The Boss.’ The new guy – B.B. King – arrives and what ensues is a blues concert that is heaven sent! Blue Heaven will touch the soul with its musical healing powers.   

 

In addition to Black Ensemble Theater’s regular season, a number of special events will be presented during the year, including:

 

Black Ensemble’s BPI (Black Playwrights Initiative) Presents:

The Black Playwrights Festival

April 25 – May 1, 2022

 

Black Ensemble Theater Presents:

Fridays on the Green (A Musical Celebration)

Fridays in July (July 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2022)

 

Black Ensemble’s BPI (Black Playwrights Initiative) Presents:

Sex in the Summer in the City Summer Series

August 23 – 27, 2022

 

Black Ensemble’s Christmas Cabaret

December 10, 11, 17 and 18, 2022

 

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 Four 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. 

 

The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater Company is to eradicate racism and its devastating effects upon society through the theater arts. For more information on the Black Ensemble Theater Company, visit www.BlackEnsembleTheater.org or call 773-769-4451.