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Thursday, April 14, 2022
CHICAGO SINGS STEPHEN SONDHEIM, MONDAY, MAY 23, AT THE MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART
REVIEW: World Premiere of Spay Via Rivendell Theatre Ensemble Now Extended Through May 1, 2022
ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble's
World Premiere of
SPAY
by Madison Fiedler
directed by Georgette Verdin
featuring RTE members Rae Gray, Artistic Director Tara Mallen
and Krystel McNeil with Spencer Huffman
Guest Review
by Cath Hellmann
If you’re thinking, “Oh, I'd love to see a play about a drug addict who wreaks havoc on her family!” Yes, good times…Here is your chance! Even though it sounds like a Debbie Downer kind of evening, Rivendell’s new play called “SPAY” is actually an interesting, thought-provoking night at the theater with great acting.
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Krystel McNeil, Rae Gray
Photo credit for all: Michael Brosilow
The play occurs in 2019 in West Virginia. We see kindergarten teacher Harper (Krystel McNeil) in her house (an impressive set by Lindsay Mummert), who must come to the rescue of her addict half-sister Noah (Rae Gray) once again. Harper is always picking up the pieces left broken and scattered by Noah and her heroin problem; Harper even has custody of her young nephew, Benny, Noah’s child. Harper insists that Benny is a blessing and not a burden; Noah and her drug-dealing boyfriend, Jackson (Spencer Huffman, who is a very likable drug dealer!), are the real sources of aggravation and heartache for her.
Rae Gray, Spencer Huffman
Noah’s latest overdose was a biggie---she almost died this time in front of a bunch of kids and traumatized the young children in the process. One hopes that maybe this incident will be the One that gets Noah back on track and sticking to her latest round of promises to truly clean up For Real for real this time. Harper insists that Noah has a disease. Noah admits,”I don’t know if I’d rather be a junkie or diseased.”
Entering the tense scene is an out-of-towner claiming to arrive in order to “help” the struggling family. Aubrey, played by Artistic Director Tara Mallen, insists that her presence is to guide Noah into making better choices. Aubrey is actually from an organization called “Project Prevention” whose mission is to provide sterilization to addicts to prevent more children from being raised in unstable homes. (I assumed this was an invention by the playwright for drama, but it’s truly a Thing. I had to look it up. The group is based in North Carolina and really does offer cash to addicts for using long-term birth control or agreeing to undergo surgery to stop having babies. The website lists a case study of an addict who just had her 17th baby in 24 years!)
Tara Mallen, Rae Gray
Playwright Madison Fiedler is a Northwestern graduate from North Carolina. She wrote the play to draw attention to the opioid epidemic happening in her native Appalachia. According to the program notes, there are 130 fatal opioid overdoses every day in the U.S. There were 96,700 deaths from overdoses this last year alone. Choosing to reopen the Rivendell Theater with this world premiere shows us the power of theater and sharing important, if uncomfortable, stories. You may not agree with the characters, but it’s sure to start a conversation.
What happens to Noah, Harper, and ultimately, Benny won’t be revealed here. But this is a very satisfying play filled with strong performances, especially from the two sisters.
Catherine Hellmann: teacher, mom, theater lover
Krystel McNeil
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (RTE), Chicago’s only Equity theatre dedicated to producing new work with women at the core, presents the world premiere of SPAY by Madison Fiedler, directed by RTE member Hallie Gordon. SPAY runs March 12 - May 1, 2022 at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 5779 N. Ridge Avenue in Chicago.
Williamson, West Virginia has been aptly nicknamed “Pilliamson” for as long as anyone can remember, certainly since the Attridge family’s been around. The now-grown sisters have taken very different paths in the wake of their mother’s overdose. As Harper raises her sister’s child vowing to tread new ground, Noah opts for the old ways and finds herself in all-too-familiar territory.
Penned by recent Northwestern graduate Madison Fiedler, SPAY is a provoking new drama about the effect of America's opioid epidemic in one small West Virginia town. SPAY is an unflinching look at addiction, Appalachia, and the families our system has failed.
Playwright Madison Fiedler comments, “I started this play because I’m from Appalachia, where the opioid epidemic has taken its highest tolls; specifically, I’m from North Carolina, where Project Prevention has made its dubious home. In a country where the opioid crisis has been declared a national public health emergency and every day brings another 130 fatal opioid overdoses, the idea that addicts shouldn’t be able to have children makes sense to a lot of people. In a comparison of addicts to dogs in need of spaying, I saw a microcosm of American society wanting to move a problem out of sight without fixing it; dehumanizing victims of a crisis to justify complacency. I wrote Spay to deanonymize the opioid epidemic and re-sensitize audiences to it in a way that no news headline can, by doing what live theatre does best: inviting a room full of people to empathize, humanize, and do something about it.”
Artistic Director Tara Mallen offers: "With SPAY, the story serves to humanize people who are suffering with opioid addiction. This is an epidemic that is literally sweeping across the country, and it's imperative that we recognize it, begin to understand it, and find a way to support people who are dealing with it."
The cast includes RTE members Rae Gray (Noah), Artistic Director Tara Mallen (Aubrey), and Krystel McNeil (Harper), with Spencer Jackson (Jackson).
The creative team is Lindsay Mummert (scenic design), Mike Mahlum (lighting design), Becca Duff (costume design), Rowan Doe (props design), Hannah Foerschler (sound design), Catherine Yu (dramaturg), Grant (dialect coach). The production manager is Erik Strebig and the stage manager is Deya Friedman.
Rivendell’s Town Hall Series
During the run of each production, Rivendell hosts Town Hall Discussions after select Saturday matinees. These are an essential touchstone for our organization to extend the conversation from the stage to the community. Panelists help field questions, present observations, and participate in supporting a thoughtful, in-depth dialogue for all involved. Audience participants need not be present for the Saturday matinee and are welcome to join the conversation following the performance.
Rae Gray
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Madison Fiedler (Playwright) Madison Fiedler is a Brooklyn-based, Asheville-raised playwright. Plays include Spay (2020 Kilroys List, 2022 world premiere at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, 2021 Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship runner-up, 2019 National Showcase of New Plays, Florida Repertory Theatre’s 2020 PlayLab, 2021 FAU Theatre Lab, 2018-2019 BoHo Theatre commission), Screech Owl (2021 finalist: Playwrights Realm Writing Fellowship, Leah Ryan Fund for Emerging Women Writers), If God Came a Callin (Barter Theatre Appalachian Festival of Plays & Playwrights), The Incubators (semi-finalist: Athena Project Plays in Process), and I Talk to the Flowers (Skidmore College, University of Kentucky). She is a National New Play Network Affiliated Artist and is represented by A3 Artists Agency. BA: Northwestern University (2019).
Georgette Verdin (Director) is a Cuban-American director and arts educator. Since 2015, she's served as the Managing Artistic Director of Interrobang Theatre Project, an award-winning storefront theater known for its gutsy productions that tackle socially-relevant topics. Select directing credits include This Wide Night by Chloë Moss (Shattered Globe Theatre/Interrobang Theatre Project), Tribes by Nina Raine (Western Michigan University), the U.S. Premiere of Out of Love by Elinor Cook, Grace and Recent Tragic Events by Craig Wright, as well as the 2013 & 2016 Yale Drama Series winners, Still by Jen Silverman and Utility by Emily Schwend (Interrobang Theatre Project). Georgette has also worked with Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Facility Theatre, and Chicago Dramatists, among others. Georgette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA and a Master in Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She's a 2021 recipient of a 3Arts Make-A-Wave grant and an associate member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society. For more, visit georgetteverdin.com
Rae Gray (Noah) is a Rivendell Theatre Ensemble member, and last appeared on the RTE stage in Crooked. She recently wrapped season one of Amazon Prime’s reboot series A League of Their Own, and is currently working as a series regular on a Nick Jr. animated show. Other Chicago theater credits include: Graveyard Shift, The Little Foxes, A Christmas Carol (Goodman); Domesticated, Slowgirl, The Book Thief, Wedding Band (Steppenwolf); King Charles III (Chicago Shakespeare); The North China Lover (Lookingglass); Circle Mirror Transformation (Victory Gardens); The Real Thing (Writers); Sunday in the Park with George (Ravinia); Inherit the Wind (Northlight); The Crucible, Cry of Players (TimeLine); Oliver, State Fair (Marriott); Meet Me in St. Louis (Drury Lane). Broadway: The Real Thing (Roundabout). International: The Beacon (Druid/Gate Theatre, IRL). Regional: Queens (La Jolla Playhouse); Slowgirl (Geffen Playhouse). TV: Fear the Walking Dead, Grace and Frankie, For the People, Sea Oak, Boardwalk Empire, Shameless, The Resident, Bull, Adventure Time, Chicago Fire, PD and Med. Film: Slice, I Do…Until I Don’t, Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon, The Robbery (Sundance Selection), Dismissed, Invitation to a Murder. Rae graduated with honors from the University of Chicago.
Tara Mallen (Aubrey / RTE Artistic Director) is an actor, director, and the Producing Artistic Director at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. She was a 2017 3Arts William Franklin Grisham Awardee and the 2014 Volunteers of America Silver Star Awardee. Most recently Mallen was seen onstage in the title role in the world premiere of Kate Tarker’s Laura and The Sea. Before that she starred in The Cake for which she won the 2018 Jeff Award for Performer in a Principal Role. In 2016, she performed in the world premiere production of Lynn Nottage’s Sweat at Arena Stage. Prior to that she was in Rivendell’s Jeff-nominated world premiere productions of Look, we are breathing and Rasheeda Speaking. Tara appeared in Steppenwolf’s How Long Will I Cry: Stories of Youth Violence written by Chicago Journalist Miles Harvey. She was part of the ensemble in Rivendell’s world premiere, Jeff nominated production of The Walls and played Jolene Palmer (inspired by the true-life story of Aileen Wuornos) in Rivendell’s award winning production of Self Defense, or the Death of Some Salesmen—both productions part of Steppenwolf’s Visiting Theater Initiative.
For Rivendell, Tara has produced and acted in over 25 productions. She received a Joseph Jefferson Award for Supporting Actress in WRENS as part of that production’s Jeff-winning ensemble. She was nominated the following year for Actress in a Principal Role for her work in My Simple City. Her screen credits include Steven Soderbergh’s film Contagion, Boss (Starz), the pilot of Chicago Fire (NBC), the pilot of Doubt (CBS/Sony Pictures), Chicago P.D. and Sense8 (Netflix) directed by Lana and Andy Wachowski. With Rivendell, Tara conceived and directed the world premiere of WOMEN AT WAR, directed the Jeff nominated Midwest premieres of The Electric Baby, 26 Miles (co-production with Teatro Vista); Fighting Words; Psalms of a Questionable Nature; the co-production of Elliot, a Soldier’s Fugue with Stageworks/Hudson in Hudson, NY; and the brief and brilliant Shady Meadows by Lisa Dillman as part of the 2007 Chicago Humanities Festival.
Krystel McNeil (Harper) is excited to be working on Spay at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble (Laura and the Sea and The Cake, Women at War), where she is an ensemble member. Other credits include: Gem of The Ocean, Objects in The Mirror, and Carlyle (Goodman Theatre); In The Next Room or The Vibrator Play; Spill (Timeline Theatre Company); The Compass (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), Bootycandy (Windy City Playhouse). Tours include Defamation The Play (Canamac Productions).
Film and television credits include Chiraq (Amazon Films); Gossamer; The Chi (Showtime); Chicago P.D. (NBC) Next (Fox) Soundtrack (Netflix), Proven Innocent (FOX).
Spencer Huffman (Jackson) is a playwright, actor, and director based in Chicago. He is thrilled to be making his Chicago acting debut with Rivendell Theatre Ensemble. As a playwright, his work includes: Evil Perfect, The Baseball Gods, When We Were Little, Shine Down On Us, The Swamp Play, Like Some Deep Booming, The Vastness of the North, and If Only We Were Ghosts. His plays have earned recognition from theatres and festivals across the U.S., including The National Playwrights Conference, American Stage’s 21st Century Voices New Play Festival, Landing Theatre Co. New American Voices Festival, and Southwest Theatre Production’s Rising Artists Playwriting Competition, among others. His plays have received productions and staged readings from Bramble Theatre Co. (Chicago), The Landing Theatre Co. (Houston, TX), Broken Bell Reads (Chicago), Three Cat Productions (Chicago), and Relative Theatrics (Laramie, WY). He has been a writing fellow at Millay Arts, The Marble House Project, and the Kerouac Project of Orlando. Spencer graduated from the School at Steppenwolf in 2019 and is an ensemble member and literary manager at Bramble Theatre Company. BA: Kenyon College. www.jspencerhuffman.com
Krystel McNeil, Rae Gray
Dates:
Previews: March 12 – March 19, 2022
Saturday, March 12 at 8pm
Sunday, March 13 at 3pm
Thursday, March 17 at 8pm
Friday, March 18 at 8pm
Saturday, March 19 at 8pm
Regular run: March 23 – April 17, 2022
Wednesdays at 8pm (April 6 and 13 only)
Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm (except no Saturday 8pm performances on April 9 and 16, 2022)
Saturdays 4pm
Sundays at 3pm (April 3 and 17 only)
Jeffs/VIP opening: March 20, 2022 at 6pm
Press opening: March 23, 2022 at 7pm
Mama’s Night: April 8 at 8pm
Post-show Town Halls: April 9 and April 16, 2022 at 4pm
Tickets:
Previews: $25 General Admission
$5 Student, Educators, Military/Veterans, Industry (Limited quantity, first-come, first-served)
$15 Seniors and Neighbors
Regular run: $35 General Admission
$15 Student, Educators, Military/Veterans, Industry (Limited quantity, first-come, first-served)
$25 Seniors and Neighbors
$45 Sponsor Admission (to help us pay artists fair wages by covering the full cost of a seat at the performance)
$90 Angel Admission (1 Basic Admission, plus helping to cover discounted or free tickets to people who need them)
RIV Pass: $95 (see the production plays as often as desired)
Box Office: (773) 334-7728 or http://rivendelltheatre.org
Parking and Transportation: Free parking is available in the Senn High School parking lot (located a block and a half from the theatre behind the school off Thorndale Avenue). There is limited paid and free street parking in the area. The theatre is easily accessible via the Clark (#22) or Broadway (#36) bus, and is a short walk from the Bryn Mawr Red Line el station.
About Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Founded in 1994, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble advances the lives of women through theatre. Rivendell cultivates the talents of women artists—writers, actors, directors, designers and technicians—by seeking out innovative plays that explore unique female experiences and producing them in an intimate salon environment.
Rivendell fills an important role in the Chicago region as the only Equity theatre dedicated to producing artistically challenging and original plays created by and about women. After years of being an itinerant company, Rivendell moved into its own theater space in 2011 in Edgewater. The company is focused on becoming an integral community partner and serving as a catalyst to engage audiences in a discussion of local social issues.
For more information about Rivendell Theater Ensemble, visit http://rivendelltheatre.org. Follow Rivendell on Facebook at Facebook.com/rivendelltheatre, on Twitter @RivendellThtr, and on Instagram at @rivendelltheatre.
COVID Safety
All visitors to Rivendell Theatre must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and face masks are required at all times. Please be prepared to show a physical or digital copy of your vaccine card along with your photo ID. Thank you!
Anti-Racism statement
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is in alignment with the accountability efforts being led by We See You White American Theatre. Read our pledge Here.
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble is supported by generous grants from: Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; The MacArthur Funds for Culture, Equity and the Arts at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; The Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust; Shubert Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; The Alphawood Foundation; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; Sarah and the 2 C Dogs; A.L. Luria and Jennie Luria Foundation; SIF Fund at The Chicago Community Trust; The Saints Volunteers for the Performing Arts; Arts Midwest; City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; National Endowment for the Arts; The Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation
Rae Gray, Krystel McNeil
Wednesday, April 13, 2022
Lifeline Theatre Resumes Halted 2020 Production of Middle Passage April 25-June 5, 2022
ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
Lifeline Theatre Resumes Halted 2020 Production of
Middle Passage
Reopens April 25, 2022
Lifeline Theatre presents Middle Passage directed by Lifeline Artistic Director Ilesa Duncan April 25 – June 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Middle Passage, co-adapted by Duncan and David Barr III, resumes it’s interrupted 2020 production based on Dr. Charles Johnson’s epic tale. The play shares a tale of personal growth within a dark phase of American history.
I'll be out for the press opening Sunday, Apr. 24th, so check back soon for my full review. Opening night is Monday, Apr. 25 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Apr. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Apr. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr.17 at 4 p.m.). Regular performance times (April 28 – June 5) 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 $45 for regular single tickets, $20 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $35 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $25 for previews. Group rate for 8 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.
Performances with Open Captioning on May 7 and May 27
Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on May 22
Accessible Performances: The Saturday, May 7, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, May 27, 7:30 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, May 22, 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 our Accessibility Coordinator Erika Rivard at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.
In Middle Passage, Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed Illinois slave eking out a living in 1830 New Orleans, stows away aboard The Republic, an outbound rigger, to evade debtors enforcing marriage. But his clever escape backfires as the clipper turns out to be a slave ship bound for Africa. Calhoun must choose between a fanatical captain, a mutinous crew, and the Africans seeking escape. Building on a tradition of African American storytelling, this tale challenges perceptions of American identity using a Black aesthetic. We are at a critical historical moment in which issues such as racism, classism, poverty, and the meaning of freedom impact us all.
The complete cast and production team for Middle Passage includes:
CAST: Lifeline ensemble member Patrick Blashill (Captain Falcon/Ensemble) & Christopher Vizurraga (Peter Cringle/Ensemble); with guest artists Shelby Lynn Bias (Isadora Bailey/Ensemble), Ajax Dontavius (Rutherford Calhoun), Linsey Falls (Papa Zerinque/Fetcher/Ensemble), Benjamin Jenkins (Santos/Ensemble), Monty Kane (Jackson/Ngonyama/Ensemble), Robert Koon (Josiah Squibb/Ensemble), MarieAnge Louis-Jean (Baleka/Ensemble), Kellen Robinson (Tom/Ensemble), & Gerrit Wilford (McGaffin/Ensemble); with understudies Andrew Bosworth, Sam Fain, Peter Gertas, Mary Heyl, CN Mason and Stewart Romeo.
PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline ensemble members Alan Donahue (Scenic & Properties Designer), Ilesa Duncan (Director/Co-adaptor), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), Maren Robinson (Dramaturg); with guest artists Amelia Ablan (Production Manager), Noah Abrams (Master Electrician), Kyle Bajor (Co-Lighting Designer), David Barr III (Co-adaptor), Barry Bennett (Sound Designer), Connor Blackwood (Assoc. Sound Designer), Alex Gendal (Projections Designer), Galen Hughes (Asst. Stage Manager), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), R&D Choreography (Violence Designers), Nicole Clark Springer (Choreographer/Movement Designer), Mattie Switzer (Stage Manager), Scott Tobin (Co-Lighting Designer), Shawn Wallace (Composer/Music Director), & Anna Wooden (Costume Designer).
Lifeline Theatre presents Middle Passage running April 15 – June 5 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle). Press opening for Middle Passage is Sunday, Apr. 24 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, Apr. 25 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Apr. 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Apr. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Apr.17 at 4 p.m.). Regular performance times (April 28 – June 5) 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 $45 for regular single tickets, $20 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $35 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $25 for previews. Group rate for 8 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.
Now in its 39th season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.
Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by The Bayless Family Foundation; Carol Oppenheim + Jerome Lamet Charitable Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Flex Print, Inc.; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.
Friday, April 8, 2022
OPENING: Athena Via Writers Theatre May 5-July 10, 2022
ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
Writers Theatre continues 2021/22 Season with
Athena
Written by Gracie Gardner
Directed by Jessica Fisch
May 5-July 10, 2022
Writers Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Director Kathryn M. Lipuma and Interim Artistic Director Bobby Kennedy, continues its 2021/22 Season with Athena, by Gracie Gardner, directed by Jessica Fisch in the Gillian Theatre at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe. I'll be out for the press opening May 13th, so check back soon for my full review. I studied fencing and stage combat in college and loved it, so I'm particularly eager to catch this production with my 19 year old daughter, Sage.
Mary Wallace and Athena are both seventeen-year-old fencers training for Nationals. Mary Wallace lives in a house in New Jersey, loves marine biology and practices at home. Athena lives in an apartment in New York City, takes acne medication and Athena is not her real name. Follow their journey from competitors to confidantes as they form a bond navigating the milestones of adolescence, training together only to learn the future is only certain for one of them.
Fight choreography plays an important role in this production as each performance features live fencing on stage. The cast has taken fencing lessons at Lincoln Square Fencing Club and co-choreographers David Blixt and Christian Kelly-Sordelet are rehearsing with the cast to bring those lessons to life on stage. The sport equally adds action to the production, propels the plot, develops the characters, and deepens the story.
A fast-paced, engaging new play from Gracie Gardner, the winner of the 2017 Relentless Award, Athena received a critically acclaimed premiere in New York in 2018. Director Jessica Fisch (Cry It Out at Northlight Theatre, Every Brilliant Thing at Windy City Playhouse) brings her deft touch for storytelling to this portrait of two high-achieving young women, simultaneously rivals and allies, pushing each other to be the best.
Audiences, including those with little-to-no experience with or knowledge of fencing, can expect to get caught up in the action, tension, and elegance of the sport. The traditionally masculine sport of fencing is positioned it in the lives of these two young characters, reflecting what it is to navigate the tricky world of teenage friendship in a new and surprising way.
The cast includes Mary Tilden (Athena) and Aja Singletary (Mary Wallace). The understudies are Emma Rosenthal (Athena) and Kianna Rose (Mary Wallace).
The creative team includes: David Blixt and Christian Kelly-Sordelet (Co-Choreographers), Arnel Sanciano (Scenic Designer), Mieka van der Ploeg (Costume Designer), Paul Toben (Lighting Designer), and Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Designer/Composer), The assistant director is Grace Dolezal-Ng and the stage manager is Miranda Anderson.
Interim Artistic Director Bobby Kennedy comments, “Writers Theatre is pleased to produce the Midwest premiere of Gracie Gardner’s Athena, following highly successful runs of the play in London and New York. This intimate portrait of the friendship and rivalry between two teenage athletes crackles to life with its charming honesty and kinetic fencing choreography. In the crucible-like Gillian Theatre, the clashing of swords and emotions mere inches from the audience will create a theatrical experience unlike anywhere else. It’s the perfect play for us to continue our 30th Anniversary Season, as it highlights the joys and trials of young women today in a fresh and life-affirming way.”
About the Artists
Gracie Gardner is an award-winning playwright whose work has been seen internationally. Athena was a New York Times Critic’s Pick when it was produced in New York in 2018.
Gracie Gardner (Playwright) has written Decoys (McKnight National Residency), Pussy Sludge (Relentless Award, Theatertreffen Stückemarkt), Athena (New York Times Critic’s Pick), Hate Baby (James Stevenson Prize), Panopticon (Clubbed Thumb). Development: New Dramatists, Ars Nova Play Group, Manhattan Theater Club, SPACE on Ryder Farm, Ensemble Studio Theater’s Youngblood, The Old Vic, The New Group, Two River Theater, Williamstown Theater Festival. Publications: Bloomsbury, Samuel French, Table Work Press, S. Fischer, Cincinnati Review, Metrograph. She also writes video games for Annapurna Interactive and is an EMT in New York City.
This marks Jessica Fisch’s first time working at Writers Theatre. Among her acclaimed local productions are Every Brilliant Thing (Windy City Playhouse, #2 Chicago Tribune “Top 10 Productions of 2019”, Chicago Sun-Times “Best of the Decade”), I Wanna F*#%ing Tear You Apart, The Firebirds Take The Field (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble), and Cry It Out (Northlight Theatre, #8 Chicago Tribune “Top 10 Productions).
Jessica Fisch (Director) is a freelance director, educator, and creator based in Chicago. She is dedicated to the creation of new plays, original content, and bold interpretations of classic texts. Recent credits: Every Brilliant Thing (Windy City Playhouse, #2 Chicago Tribune “Top 10 Productions of 2019”, Chicago Sun-Times “Best of the Decade”), And Then There Were None (Drury Lane), I Wanna F*#%ing Tear You Apart, The Firebirds Take The Field (Rivendell Theatre Ensemble), Twilight Bowl (University of Wisconsin at Madison), Cry It Out (Northlight Theatre, #8 Chicago Tribune “Top 10 Productions of 2018”), You Across From Me, Trudy, Carolyn, Martha and Regina Travel to Outer Space (Actors Theatre of Louisville, Humana Festival), Late Company (Cor Theatre, Midwest Premiere), Straight White Men (Associate Director, Steppenwolf Theatre), The Rosenkranz Mysteries: An Evening of Magic (Royal George Cabaret), Fefu and Her Friends (Goodman Theatre/Rivendell Latina/o Celebration), Opulent Complex and That Thing That Time (Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Tens). In addition to her theatre work, Jessica, with her co-creator Grace McLeod, is the co-writer and co-director of the original scripted podcast series Two Truths and a Lie which has been developed with creative producer Temple Hill Entertainment and will begin production in 2022. Jessica is adjunct faculty at University of Illinois at Chicago, a proud member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC) and a mom to two awesome kids. MFA: Northwestern University.
Mary Tilden (Athena) is a queer, Southern-born actor, writer, director, producer, and educator. Her theatre credits: The Wolves at Goodman Theatre (winner of the 2018 Jeff Award for Best Ensemble); Hookman at Steep Theatre. New Work Development: The Kennedy Center, The Latinx Theatre Commons, Sideshow Theatre, Jackalope Theatre, Adventure Stage Chicago, PlayMakers Laboratory and The Neo-Futurists. She is a proud member of the long-running improv team Devil’s Daughter. In 2018, Mary co-starred in and co-produced the short film Cool for Five Seconds, written by Calamity West. The short has been featured at 22 festivals, received the Grand Prize at the Midwest Film Awards and Best Ensemble at the Milwaukee Shorts Fest in 2021. Mary’s short film script Rough River Lake was a semifinalist for the 2020 Chicago Community Builders Grant and the Mass Epiphany script competition. Mary is a 2021 3Arts Make A Wave grantee. She seeks to celebrate and uplift queer, feminist perspectives in every aspect of the creative process. She is honored to do so in this production of Athena.
Aja Singletary (Mary Wallace) is making her Writers Theatre debut. She graduated from Fordham University in 2016 and did the School at Steppenwolf in 2019. Chicago credits include Relentless (u/s, Timeline) Dance Nation (u/s, Steppenwolf) Eclipsed (Pegasus); American Revolution (Theatre Unspeakable) and As You Like It (Eclectic Full Contact Theatre). Now, she's a Bramble Theatre Ensemble Member and represented by Gray Talent Group.
Creative Team: David Blixt and Christian Kelly-Sordelet (Co-Choreographers), Arnel Sanciano (Scenic Designer), Mieka van der Ploeg (Costume Designer), Paul Toben (Lighting Designer), and Mikhail Fiksel (Sound Designer/Composer). The assistant director is Grace Dolezal-Ng and the stage manager is Miranda Anderson.
Dates: First performance: May 5, 2022
Press opening: Friday, May 13, 2022 at 7:30pm
Closing performance: Sunday, July 10, 2022
Schedule:
Wednesdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Thursdays: 7:30pm
Fridays: 7:30pm
Saturdays: 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Sundays: 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Location: The Gillian Theatre 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe
Prices: Prices for all performances range from $35 - $90. Purchase early for best prices
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe;
847-242-6000; www.writerstheatre.org
WRITERS THEATRE 2021/22 SEASON
The Writers Theatre season began with Dishwasher Dreams, written and performed by Alaudin Ullah, directed by Chay Yew, and produced in association with Hartford Stage, followed by Wife of a Salesman, written by Eleanor Burgess, directed by Jo Bonney, and produced in association with Milwaukee Repertory Theater, The season concludes with the world premiere of Pearl’s Rollin’ with the Blues, a musical revue created by Felicia P. Fields and Ron OJ Parson and direction by Parson.
The 2021/22 Season will see the company return to live performances and celebrate its 30th Anniversary, now firmly at home in its award-winning building at 325 Tudor Court in Glencoe, designed by Studio Gang Architects. Productions will be presented in two spaces in the theater complex including the 255-seat Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre as well as the Gillian Theatre, a 50 to 99-seat flexible theatre space.
The theatre, along with over 60 other Chicago performing arts organizations, will require patrons to be fully vaccinated and masked when attending performances. Please visit https://www.writerstheatre.org/covid-safety for full details.
SEASON PACKAGES
Writers is offering a variety of Classic Subscriptions, which include a ticket to each production throughout the season and includes renewal into fixed seats on set dates once each run is announced.
Subscriptions include three familiar package types that all offer fixed seats to see all four WT productions this season, one ticket to each production. Subscriptions are made for those who are looking to set their schedule in advance and gain access to seating at the top of the Season.
For the 2021/22 Season, Writers will continue the Membership Program, which includes 4 tickets to be used throughout the season as the Member chooses.
There are two types of Memberships: The most flexible option to “Pay As You Go” after an up-front Membership fee, or the option to pay in full for 4 tickets to be used throughout the season (“Up Front Flex”). Memberships are designed for those who want the freedom and flexibility of a more adaptable package.
Classic Subscriptions range in price from $160 to $240. Customizable payment plans are available. A “Pay As You Go” Membership is $35 per ticket after a one-time $60 Membership fee, or patrons may opt for the “Up Front Flex” Membership for $200 up-front
Season package subscribers receive exclusive benefits including complimentary ticket exchanges by phone and mail (upgrade fees may apply), access to special play readings and lectures, special “subscriber-rate” prices on additional tickets, a year subscription to The Brief Chronicle digital newsmagazine and more. For a complete list of benefits visit writerstheatre.org/join.
Season Packages are available online at www.writerstheatre.org, and at the Box Office by calling 847-242-6000.
Writers Theatre is pleased to welcome back BMO Harris Bank as the distinguished 2021/22 Season Sponsor, marking the Bank’s ninth consecutive year as season sponsor.
AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
WT also offers Access Performances, including ASL-interpretation and Open Captioning on select dates for each production. Please visit writerstheatre.org/accessibility for more information.
Writers Theatre is also working with Erika Walker and Maylene Peña of the Walker Thomas Group on workplace culture and equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives. Additional information about this important and ongoing work can be found at writerstheatre.org/working-at-wt.
ABOUT WRITERS THEATRE
Writers Theatre boldly looks to the future as it begins its 30th season. Having captivated audiences for years with its dedication to creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible, the theatre is now a major Chicagoland cultural destination with a national reputation for excellence, being called “America’s finest regional theater company” by The Wall Street Journal.
Since 1992, Writers Theatre has stayed true to its core values: valuing the power of the written word and uplifting the artists who bring that word to life. The company has produced over 120 productions—everything from inventive interpretations of classics to groundbreaking new work. In 2016, Writers Theatre opened a new, state-of-the-art facility designed by the internationally renowned Studio Gang Architects. The new facility has allowed the Theatre to accommodate its growing audience, while maintaining its trademark intimacy.
Writers Theatre now welcomes more than 60,000 patrons each season and has helped establish the North Shore of Chicago as a premier cultural destination. Through its Literary Development Initiative, which has been responsible for the nurturing and premiering of over two dozen world premieres, the theatre has established itself as a major originator of new theatrical works. Serving as an extension of the Writers Theatre mission, WT Education programs engage an average 10,000 students each year with active learning opportunities centered around the written word.
Thursday, March 31, 2022
The World Premiere of NOTES & LETTERS Via Underscore Theatre Company May 10 – 28, 2022 at the Richard Christiansen Theater
ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar
Tenth Anniversary Season!
Underscore Theatre Company Presents the World Premiere of
NOTES & LETTERS
Book, Music & Lyrics by Annabelle Lee Revak
Directed by Leah Geis
Music Direction by Anna Wegener
Choreography by Ebrin R. Stanley
May 10 – 28, 2022 at the Richard Christiansen Theater
Underscore Theatre Company celebrates its tenth anniversary season with the world premiere of Notes & Letters featuring book, music and lyrics by Annabelle Lee Revak (she/her), based on letters Revak’s great-great grandfather Joe Loula sent to his family upon his immigration to Chicago from Eastern Europe. Originally slated to open in the spring of 2020, the musical is directed by Leah Geis (she/they), with music direction by Anna Wegener (she/her) and choreography by Ebrin R. Stanley (he/him). Notes & Letters will play May 10 – 28, 2022 at the Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in person at The Biograph Theater Box Office, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. I'll be out for the press opening Thursday, May 12th, so check back soon for my full review.
The cast includes Katy Campbell (she/her), Caitlin Dobbins (she/her), Sam Martin (he/him) and Michael Mejia (they/them). Understudies include Aaron Reese Boseman (he/him), Nate Hall (he/him), Jamie Redwood (she/her) and Jasmine Robertson (she/her).
Notes & Letters follows Joe’s journey from war-torn Prague to Williams Piano Shop in Chicago in 1917. He quickly befriends the owner Charlie, his girlfriend Nora and composer Olivia. The foursome become inseparable – until World War I hits the U.S. Businesses, relationships and lives are put to the test. Based on a true story and set to a jazz-contemporary score, four young people struggle to make choices amid complete chaos.
Comments Underscore Artistic Director Whitney Rhodes, "We are proud and grateful to complete the development process we've been on with Notes & Letters now for over four years. Annabelle has written a charming and heartfelt story that is ultimately about friendship in times of complex outside change. While the show is set in the early 1900s, the themes are so present and alive in this moment. Its catchy score will leave you humming and the honest storytelling will leave you hopeful – which I think we all crave as we return to the theater. I'm grateful that Leah, Anna and Ebrin have all stayed with the project and am thrilled to welcome many new faces to our production team to work alongside a few of our stalwart designers. Plus, Notes & Letters had its very first workshop reading at the Richard Christiansen Theater, so this is a true full circle moment."
The production team includes Rebekah Clark (scenic design, they/she), Christina Leinicke (costume design, she/her), Benjamin Carne (lighting design, he/him), Timothy McNulty (sound design, he/him), Kathryn Healy (props design, she/her), Aaron Jamieson Roberts (dramaturg, he/him), Lauren Peters (production manager, she/her), Ben Lipinski (technical director, he/him) and Abby Teel (stage manager, she/her).
Cast (in alphabetical order) Katy Campbell (Olivia, she/her), Caitlin Dobbins (Nora, she/her), Sam Martin (Joe, he/him) and Michael Mejia (Charlie, they/them). Understudies: Aaron Reese Boseman (he/him), Nate Hall (he/him), Jamie Redwood (she/her) and Jasmine Robertson (she/her).
Location: Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Dates: Previews: Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30 pm and Wednesday, May 11 at 7:30 pm
Press performance: Thursday, May 12 at 7:30 pm (also open to the general public).
Regular run: Friday, May 13 – Saturday, May 28, 2022
Curtain Times: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 2 pm. Please note: there will be added performances on Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, May 28 at 2 pm.
Tickets: $32 general admission. Discounts (available via telephone or in person at the box office): $25 preview performances, $28 group, $27 senior, $22 military/first responder, $20 industry, $15 student. Tickets are currently available at victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in person at The Biograph Theater Box Office, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.
PHOTO CREDIT: The cast of Underscore Theatre Company’s world premiere of Notes & Letters includes (top, l to r) Katy Campbell, Caitlin Dobbins, Sam Martin and Michael Mejia (bottom, l to r) Aaron Reese Boseman, Nate Hall, Jamie Redwood and Jasmine Robertson.
About the Artists:
Annabelle Lee Revak (Book, Music and Lyrics, she/her) is a musical theatre composer, lyricist, playwright and music director. Her shows include Train on Fire (MTFest UK 2022); Notes & Letters (Underscore Theatre Company, Chicago Musical Theatre Festival); Windsong, a folk opera (Flatiron Arts); Starfall (Music Institute Chicago); and The Voodoo Queen (Breaking and Entering, Co-writer Aaron Cooper). Columbia College Chicago (BA Musical Theatre/BA Music Composition) and University of Wolverhampton (MA Research in the Performing Arts). @annabelleleerevak annabelleleerevak.com
Leah Geis (Director, she/they) is thrilled to finally stage Notes and Letters after the theatre's prolonged break! Originally from rural Nebraska, Leah freelanced primarily in musical theatre as a director and stage manager for five years before making the move to Chicago. As a director, Leah has developed new works that focus on women and LGBT+ topics at both Pride Arts and Otherworld Theatre. Stage management credits include Proxy (Underscore Theatre), Always...Patsy Cline (Firebrand Theatre) and Little Women (Brown Paper Box Co.) Leah is grateful for patrons who supported the arts through the pandemic and for coming back out as soon as we could safely open our doors again. IG: @leahrgeis. leahgeis.com
Anna Wegener (Music Director, Performance Pianist, she/her) returns to Underscore Theatre after Music Directing Ripped! with Underscore Develops in 2021 and several Tiny Storefront Concerts. She teaches, directs and performs in the Chicago-area. Recent shows include Guys and Dolls and Something Rotten (Theatre Nebula), Beauty and the Beast (MOS) and The Things I Could Never Tell Steven (PrideArts). Thanks to the production team, cast, crew, and the audience! A special thank you to Annabelle Revak for creating this incredible world to live in during each performance. 88keysacc.com
Ebrin R. Stanley (Choreographer & Artistic Consultant, he/him) was born and raised in Houston, TX. He graduated from the University of South Dakota with a B.F.A in Musical Theatre in 2017 and a minor in Dance. Ebrin has directed and choreographed many productions for the Children's Museum of Houston. In December 2017, Ebrin was given the chance to co-write, direct and choreograph Home for the Holidays, a children's musical in Houston. In January 2018, he starred in the world premiere of Dead Meat, a workshop performance written by Paige Zubel. Later that year, he landed the role of Hercules Mulligan/James Madison in Hamilton: An American Musical (Chicago). In 2019, Ebrin arranged two medleys that were performed at the hit music festival, Lollapalooza. Performing his original music all over Chicago, Ebrin got the chance to headline his first concert “The Reality of Love and Life with Ebrin R. Stanley” in February 2020. He has produced music for artists from New York, Houston and Chicago. During the Pandemic, Ebrin has had the privilege of composing an original score for the award-winning web series Neighbors, which is streaming now on Broadstream. He has since returned to Hamilton with the opening company in Los Angeles. Ebrin would like to thank his family for always supporting him and God for always blessing him. Remember that All Black Lives Matter. Instagram: @ebrinrstanley Twitter: @ebrinrstanley Music can be found on all streaming platforms under the name Ebrin R. Stanley.
About Underscore Theatre Company
Founded in 2011, Underscore Theatre Company is a team of producing artists dedicated to exploring stories of power and resonance through a musical lens; fostering the development of new musicals; and bolstering Chicago’s role as a national leader in musical theatre. Since its creation, Underscore has produced or co-produced 65 new mainstage and workshop musicals in Chicago. Underscore is proud to be Chicago's home for new musicals. underscoretheatre.org
Underscore Theatre Company recognizes its accountability to the systems that have failed our communities of Black, Indigenous and People of Color. We are grateful for the work of those behind the “We See You, White American Theatre” vision for laying the groundwork of what a more equitable industry can be and are committed to being a part of the change. We align with their principles and are holding ourselves accountable to anti-racism practices as a part of our current strategic planning process supporting the development of new musical theater.
Land Acknowledgement: Chicago is the traditional homeland of over a dozen different tribes including the Council of Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawotami nations, as well as the Miami, Ho-Chunk, Fox, and the Illinois Confederacy of the Peoria and Kaskaskia nations. In 1830 Congress forcibly stripped these tribes of their land by passing the Indian Removal Act which led to relocation, poverty, and starvation.
Wednesday, March 30, 2022
DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET CELEBRATES JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH IN APRIL WITH A LINEUP OF NEW MUSIC, COMEDY AND MORE
Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar
The Wicker Park Venue Announces the Return of Open Mic Fridays and Hosts Davenport’s Staff Favorite Megan Elk in a new show, Scott Gryder, Adam Hibma and Kimberly Lawson with Hello, Gorgeous! A Barbra Streisand Birthday Celebration, Cathleen Brumback and Christian Lutes in Two English Majors Walk into a Bar, Two Jackie Smook’s Performances with Music and Puppets and in Under Your Skin and More
Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret, Chicago’s premier location for enjoying music in an intimate setting, announces its roster of April performances in its Cabaret and Piano Bar. Davenport’s, 1383 North Milwaukee Avenue, is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. - 12 a.m. and Sundays from 6 - 11 p.m. Performers, tickets and more are available at DavenportsPianoBar.com.
Please note: All patrons must be 21 years old or older and vaccinated. For entry, patrons must provide proof of vaccination, such as a Vaccination Cardand a valid photo ID. Masks will be required upon entry and when not seated.
All performances In The Cabaret are ticketed events with a two-drink minimum on the night of the performance.
In The Cabaret this April are:
Cathleen Brumback and Christian Lutes
Two English Majors Walk into a Bar
Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $10 with a two-drink minimum
Former English majors Cathleen Brumback and Christian Lutes reintroduce their audience to all those “classics” you never actually read in your high school English class. Sparknotes and Wikipedia saved us all back in the day and it’s time to party and relive the experience.
Jackie Smook
Under Your Skin
Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
“Under Your Skin” is an original solo show written by Jackie Smook and Jackson Zinn-Rowthorn. It tells the story of the time Smook worked as a medical assistant during her summer vacation, a job she never expected. She had no prior training and this, of course, caused utter chaos to ensue. This is a comedic telling, in real time, of her experiences told through standup, multiple original characters and song.
Future performances from Jackie Smook at Davenport’s:
Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m. and
Saturday, June 25 at 8 p.m.
Jay Schleppenbach
A Life on Stage
Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum
Featuring Brad MacDonald, Melissa Redondo and Freddie Joseph III. Why should fawning career retrospectives be reserved solely for actual famous people? Jay may not have won a Latin Grammy, but he did star in an anti-drug PSA in sixth grade and played lead characters named Billy in not one but two high school musicals. This show explores Jay's classic roles, from first grader promoting the benefits of dental hygiene to 42-year-old attorney dressed as a Pokemon for some reason, in songs and mostly-true stories. Fans of classic Broadway, trenchant parody and occasional jazz hands should all enjoy this show.
Dawn Miller
Coalessence- a Queer/Trans Story Hour
Friday, April 8 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum
“Coalessence” is a Queer story telling hour! LGBTQ+ Artists come together to share stories surrounding their theme of Blossom- to burst forth. You may laugh, cry a bit, and learn something new about the trans community.
Megan Elk
Not A Pretty Girl
Sunday, April 10 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $15 with a no-drink minimum
Davenport's staff favorite, Megan Elk, takes over the backroom for an evening of songs and stories about what happens when you stop trying to be pretty and start being real. Spurred on by a divorce, a global pandemic and the onset of middle age, Elk spins the hilarious tale of how little by little, they realized they could stop trying to be one of the girls from a 90s “Seventeen Magazine” cover and start being... themself.
Featuring the music of Ani DiFranco, Leonard Bernstein, Lizzo, Radiohead, Sara Bareilles, William Finn and much more. Musical direction by Micky York, with special guest Rachel Schuldt on cello.
Jackie Smook
The Jackie Smook Program of De-Dumbification
Saturday, April 16 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
Join Jackie Smook and her brilliant pianist Joey Chimes, as the audience goes on a magical, puppet-filled, comedic (yet moving) ride into the return of the Jackie Smook self help cabaret. Newcity said “She delivers with all twelve tunes in her one-chanteuse, one-piano-man and several-puppet cabaret.” It’s a roller coaster through Jackie’s journey from a dingy dongy dumb dumb to the hard working, go getting, ambitious woman she is today. Told through four stages and 12 musical acts, you will be moved by this true story of growth and self love.
Micky York
After Party #22 Easter Show
Sunday, April 17 at 7 p.m
Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum, includes all-you-can-eat peanut butter eggs
Davenport's most beloved Easter tradition is back with After Party #22! Join host Micky York with Ben F. Locke, David Gordon-Johnson, Jennifer Ledesma and Miriam Plotkin as they sing about that one time at that one bar when that one thing happened. (You've heard that story, but you've never heard it like THIS, with music from all over the pop/rock charts.) Plus, we'll have lots of candy and maybe you'll find a hidden Easter egg and win a prize? Honestly, what a time to be alive.
Stick around after the show for the After After Party at Sunday Night Social Lounge, with more Easter snacks plus bonus Celine Dion songs from the cast in the front room!
Sonia and Bob: Songs We Love
Thursday, April 21 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
Sonia Oyola and Bob Solone together again with an all new show titled Songs We Love. They are often asked, “What’s your favorite song?” and to this couple that question is unanswerable. However, they’ve selected a group of intimate and personal songs they both love, to share with Davenport’s audiences.
Scott Gryder, Adam Hibma and Kimberly Lawson
Hello, Gorgeous! A Barbra Streisand Birthday Celebration
Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
First woman to win an Oscar for composition. Only artist to have a number one album in six consecutive decades. First woman to write, direct, produce and star in a movie since the silent era. EGOT. Activist. Icon. The greatest star is turning 81! Join Scott Gryder, Adam Hibma and Kimberly Lawson in a birthday cabaret celebration like no other with music direction by Jimmy Morehead and featuring arrangements by Nick Sula.
Alex and Amelia
Sunday, April 24 at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
Artist and head-in-the-clouds Amelia is suddenly convinced she’s clairvoyant as she practices readings on her skeptical boyfriend, Alex, only to find out the cards might hold more power than she realizes. Unable to control their fate, they are grounded in reality by live music. Join Amelia Bryant and Alex Patterson on their tarot musical journey as they battle spirituality, truth, and the true meaning of their relationship with recognizable hits like “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac, “Inside and Out” by The Beegees and original songs!
4 Chairs Theatre
Parenthood Unplugged
Thursday, April 28 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
A musical theatre cabaret through the peaks and valleys of parenthood and what it means to be a parent, whether gifted, created or chosen, featuring Linda Andrews, Alexis Armstrong, Leah Davis, Dave Lemrise and JoJo Farrell.
Evan Silver
Tiresias Presents HYPERFANTASIA
Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $20 with a two-drink minimum
Featuring original music and madness, HYPERFANTASIA is a sci-fi fantasy drag cabaret about the proliferation of matter in the universe and life on planet Earth. Hosted by Tiresias, the blind prophet of the Underworld, this miniature epic draws on new evolutionary theories and ancient queer wisdom to dismantle the survival-of-the-fittest paradigm toward an ethic of abundance and extravagance.
Fia Torres and Bill Demis
Just Us
Saturday, April 30 at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $15 with a two-drink minimum
After their last sold-out show in September of last year, Fia Torres and guitarist Bill Demis are thrilled to bring back to Davenport’s Fia and Demis. Just Us features all new songs. Guests are invited to sit back and enjoy an intimate evening of interpretation of popular, jazz, ballads and original tunes.
April performances in The Piano Bar include:
Sundays 8 - 10 p.m.
Every Sunday: Sunday Night Social Lounge, hosted by Micky York
No cover or drink minimum.
Fridays 8 - 11 p.m.
Every Friday: The Return of Open Mic with George Howe
George Howe hosts Open Mic in the Piano Bar, where performers may bring sheet music to perform.
No cover or drink minimum.
Saturdays 9 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Every Saturday: The Nitz & Howe Experience
Saturday appearances have a $5 cover, with no drink minimum and is limited to 50 guests.
DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET HEALTH & SAFETY PROCEDURES
Davenport’s prioritizes the health and safety of its patrons, staff and performers. Following current local, state and government protocols, Davenport’s asks that all patrons be vaccinated. For entry, patrons must provide proof of vaccination, such as a Vaccination Card and a valid photo ID. Masks will be required upon entry and when not seated.
ABOUT DAVENPORT’S PIANO BAR & CABARET
Davenport's Piano Bar and Cabaret is Chicago's premier location for enjoying music in an intimate setting. With two performance spaces, visitors, 21 years old and older, may enjoy performances by national and local talent. The cabaret room has performances most nights showcasing a variety of types of music. The piano bar provides music from an accomplished roster of musicians and a talented serving staff that can both make a drink and sing you a Broadway-caliber song.
ROSA ESCAREÑO, INTERIM GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT AND CEO, CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT, JOINS TEATRO VISTA BOARD
Theatre in Chicago News: Welcome Rosa Escareño
Rosa Escareño
Teatro Vista, Chicago’s only Equity-affiliated Latinx theater company, has announced that Rosa Escareño, Interim General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, has joined its Board of Directors.
"The entire Teatro Vista ensemble is thrilled to welcome Rosa Escareño to our Board of Directors,” said Adela Cepeda, Board President, Teatro Vista. “Rosa brings 15 years of executive level experience and 30 years of government and public service to our Board. We are energized by her vision and her dedication, and excited to have her guidance as Teatro Vista continues to embark on an exciting new future. She is a vital addition to our current Board members, who remain so dedicated to Teatro Vista's art and values."
“It is an honor to join the Teatro Vista Board of Directors, a visionary group of professionals committed to expanding the Latinx life experience through theater in Chicago,” responded Escareño. “I believe firmly in freedom of expression and through Teatro Vista I look forward to the opportunity to elevate local artists and to strengthen the voice of our richly diverse community across artistic, educational and professional boundaries.”
Escareño is a life-long public servant with more than 30 years of government experience. As the Interim General Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, Escareño manages nearly 2,500 employees and oversees a $500 million agency considered one of the largest park systems in the country, with over 8,800 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 12 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, over 75 nature areas and thousands of special events, sports and entertainment programs.
Prior to her appointment at the Chicago Park District, Escareño served as Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) where she served as a cabinet member under two Mayoral administrations bringing modernization and equity to Chicago’s marketplace. During the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, Escareño was on the forefront of Chicago’s business recovery efforts including reopening Chicago businesses, administering $120 million in business financial relief and setting up protections and policies for businesses and essential workers to ensure a safe city reopening. During her years as Commissioner, she spearheaded important initiatives to grow Chicago’s economic landscape supporting Chicago’s business community while establishing protections for consumers and workers -- all while focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion to enhance economic growth in underserved communities.
Throughout her career she has championed initiatives to enhance the quality of life of Chicago residents and communities. Escareño holds a degree of Master of Science in Communications from Northwestern University and a degree of Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University Chicago. Born in Zacatecas Mexico, she is a lifelong Chicagoan proud to give back to the city she loves, Chicago.
About Teatro Vista
Teatro Vista is Chicago’s largest, Equity-affiliated professional Latinx theater company and one of the nation’s premier Latinx arts organizations.The company’s primary focus is producing new works by Latinx theater artists from its own ensemble, a group of multi-generational, multi-ethnic and multi-disciplinary artists.
Teatro Vista ensemble members include Charín Álvarez, Max Arciniega, Desmín Borges, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Ramón Camín, Ivonne Coll, Laura Dahl, Sandra Delgado, Liza Fernández, Khanisha Foster, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Isaac Gómez, Ricardo Gutiérrez, Erik Juárez, Jon Lyon, Sandra Márquez, Eddie Martinez, Salome Martinez, Joe Minoso, Ayssette Muñoz, Christina Nieves, Marvin Quijada, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Gabriel Ruíz, Nate Santana, Cecilia Suarez and co-founder Edward Torres.
In July, 2021, following a national search, Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo were appointed Co-Artistic Directors of Teatro Vista.
Lorena Diaz (left) and Wendy Mateo, Co-Artistic Directors, Teatro Vista.
“We are deeply energized by Teatro Vista and its ensemble, with its tapestry of talent, innovation and unique perspectives,” said Mateo. “There is a depth to the American Latinx experience that has fueled our 20 years of storytelling and collaboration together. With this particular ensemble, we’ll be able to deepen that storytelling and bring in a kind of nuance and complexity to our stories that our audiences will be inspired by.”
Diaz added, “the opportunities in an ensemble-led theater company are many and Teatro Vista has an abundance of thought-provoking artists who are exploring different genres of creative expression, from writing for television, to audio plays with visual components, to full-fledged plays with music like La Havana Madrid. Expect that kind of excitement going forward.”
Teatro Vista’s Board of Directors includes Adela Cepeda, President, Joan Pantsios, Secretary, Julieta LaMalfa, Treasurer, and Rosa Escareño, Kareem Mohamednur, Carina Sanchez and Jose Vasquez.
Teatro Vista is supported by Alphawood Foundation, the Arts Work Fund, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Bayless Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Cultural Treasures, Chicago Filmmaker Grant, CLATA (Chicago Latino Theater Alliance), DCASE (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events), The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, The Joyce Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity, and the Arts at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Pritzker Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Shuttered Grant and the Tide-Venturous Foundation.
For more, visit teatrovista.org, or follow the company on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.
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