STEPPENWOLF "LOOKOUT" SERIES CONTINUES WITH DIVERSE FALL LINEUP

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

"LOOKOUT" For More Great Performances From Steppenwolf Theatre Company's Popular MULTI-GENRE SERIES In The 1700 THEATRE

Fall highlights include punk dance troupe BOOMERANG with Greg Saunier of Deerhoof; explosive comedy-duo Dominizuelan; genre-bending jazz singer Akenya; an exciting collaboration with Pivot Arts; Chicago improv titans TJ and Dave; and more

Steppenwolf Theatre Company announced today the fall lineup for LookOut, the company’s multi-genre performance series that launched this summer. Presenting a wide variety of work from a diverse array of voices, artists emerging and established alike, LookOut programming takes place in Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, an 80-seat cabaret-style space connected to Steppenwolf’s own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks at 1700 N Halsted St.

LookOut’s inaugural run welcomed more than 2,300 attendees and presented 32 different programs spanning plays, improv, staged musicals, book readings, live music and even an interactive night of science experiments.

“It has been so thrilling to see the positive response to LookOut this summer. Ensemble members Laurie Metcalf, Jeff Perry and Jon Michael Hill showed up to christen the space with their performances, along with partners ranging from The Second City to Salonathon. These artists created an amazing spark of energy in the new building that continues to reverberate throughout the entire theater,” shares Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro.

“With the DJs and the great food and drinks in Front Bar as a bookend to shows, we welcomed long-time patrons and brand new audience members as well. We plan to bring even more diverse artists and genres to this fun and innovative series year-round,” says LookOut Producer John Zinn.

Tickets to all LookOut programming are on sale now at steppenwolf.org or 312-335-1650. Red and Black Card Members may use credits towards any LookOut programming. Prices vary for each show. LookOut is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis. For information, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

LookOut Fall 2016 Lineup 

in the 1700 Theatre

1700 N Halsted St

Listed in date order. All artists, dates and prices subject to change.

*Doors open 30 minutes before performance time 

Me, My Mom and Sharmila

Written and Performed by Fawzia Mirza 

Friday, September 23 & Saturday, September 24

8pm

$15

A hilarious coming-of-age story told by a first generation American woman of color. At some point, we all realize we are not exactly the person our parents expected us to become. How do we find our own voice and embrace our personal identity in the face of societal and familial pressures? Told with humor and deep insight, dynamic writer-performer Fawzia Mirza shares a journey of self-discovery and strength that carries her all the way from childhood as a Pakistani Muslim in small-town Canada to living out as an actress in the heart of Chicago. fawziamirza.com

Beauty School

Friday, September 30

8pm

$8

Retro-pop quartet Beauty School invites you to celebrate the release of their new EP Ghost Beach, a day-dreamy elegy to summer. Beauty School formed in Chicago in late 2015 when two groups of musicians joined forces to pursue their shared appreciation of sweet hooks, simple arrangements, pithy love songs and future plates. beautyschoolband.bandcamp.com

TJ and Dave

Saturday, October 1 

8pm

$10

TJ and Dave walk out on stage without characters, dialogue or plot. Described by The New York Times as “Second City-seasoned masters of long form improv,” TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi have become living legends in their field.

Tumbao

By Jo Cattell, Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo 

Featuring Dominizuelan

Monday, October 3 and Monday, October 10

8pm

$15

For two nights this fall, Steppenwolf’s 1700 theatre is transformed into Tumbao, a family bar and the best place for a salsa night, baptism, séance or wedding reception. Unbeknownst to the owners, the community has decided to make the Tumbao family the basis for a radionovela, broadcast from the bar itself. By transmitting to the rest of the world what happens within Tumbao’s walls they hope to share the infectious energy of the family to keep the community thriving through its desperate fight against gentrification. dominizuelan.com.

The Claudettes

Wednesday, October 5

8pm

$12

The Claudettes fuse Windy City piano blues with the full-throttle energy of rockabilly and punk, jazz-age echoes of burlesque and vaudeville and the sultriness of ’60s pop-soul to write a thrilling new chapter in American roots music. File under: post-burlesque? Neo-vaudeville? Cosmic cartoon music? You’ve never seen a bar band like this. theclaudettes.com/

Tales and Tunes with the Irish American Heritage Center

Saturday, October 8

8pm

$10

Enjoy live music and stories with musicians and storytellers from the Irish American Heritage Center. With music on fiddle, keyboards, mandolin, uilleann pipes and vocals and stories by Irish born and Irish American writers. irish-american.org

A Tribute to The Smiths & Morrissey by The Handsome Devilz

Saturday, October 15

8pm

$10

Formed in 2008, The Handsome Devilz got their start playing in their aunt’s restaurant in Pilsen before going on to become a Midwest regional favorite. Their goal: to bring to life the sounds of The Smiths and Morrissey. As time passes, The Devilz strive to resurrect as many songs as possible from their catalogs for all to enjoy. thehandsomedevilz.com

Akenya in Concert

Friday, October 21

8pm

$15

Akenya is young multi-genre singer, pianist, composer and arranger whose music places a strong emphasis on jazz and the culmination of hip-hop, funk, pop, classical, and world music. Her voice, style and sound—both poignant and riveting—is sure to make this intimate evening a transformative experience for audience members. For this one night engagement, Akenya will perform a slew of original works and arrangements with her five piece band. akenyamusic.com

WildClaw Theatre’s Deathscribe: An Evening of Radio Horror

Saturday, October 22

8:30pm

$25

WildClaw Theatre has culled from eight years of Deathscribe to select their top five favorite tales of terror from their annual festival of radio horror. Dare to join them as they bring the nightmares to LookOut for an evening of the Best of Deathscribe: Performed with live foley, live music and a cast of Chicago talent. wildclawtheatre.com/deathscribe

Torch, Sass and Swing!

Created and Performed by Suzanne Petri

With Bobby Schiff, Jim Cox and ensemble member Robert Breuler

Wednesday, October 26-Friday, October 28

8pm

$20

Torch songs, smoky clubs and great music. Join Suzanne Petri as she sings fantastic songs and ensemble member Robert Breuler as he tells stories and guides you up "the street" to the classic clubs of Chicago and the artists who played them: Ella, Sarah, Barbra, Sophie, Bette Midler, Oscar Brown Jr., Nat "King" Cole and of course Petri’s special tribute to the one and only Julie Wilson. With musical director Bobby Schiff at the keys and Jim Cox on bass.

Repercussion

Created by BOOMERANG

Saturday, October 29 at 8pm

Sunday, October 30 at 4pm

$20

BOOMERANG, hailed as the “punk Mozarts of dance,” presents a percussively visceral and psychologically dynamic new work made in collaboration with Greg Saunier, drummer and founding member of the internationally acclaimed band Deerhoof. Repercussion combines the daring and vulnerable artistry of dancers Matty Davis and Adrian Galvin with poetically nuanced choreography by Kora Radella. Saunier’s physically-charged, expressive percussion sets the tone and further embodies the work’s fearlessly physical exploration of “active forgetting,” based on new writing by MacArthur Fellow and cultural critic Lewis Hyde. Repercussion was originally commissioned by Dixon Place for a March 2016 premiere in New York City, and subsequently premiered in Paris, France at The Arts Arena at the invitation of Robert Wilson. boomerangdance.com

Charlie Strater and Friends

Thursday, November 3

8pm

$5

Charlie Strater honed his songwriting and performing skills like many other artists, by playing countless restaurant and tavern gigs. After releasing his critically acclaimed debut recording, Bluesy Stuff, he quickly earned a name for himself as a powerhouse performer with skilled blues-guitar chops and a vocal intensity and passion. His second album Thornhill Road, continued to define him as a uniquely modern singer/songwriter and guitarist. His third album Charlie Strater combined country and rock in an album that Copeland Music says, “hits the emotional bull’s eye in each song.” Acoustic duo, The PhilBillies, open. reverbnation.com/charliestrater

Looking for Love

Live Dating Game Show and Cabaret

Saturday, November 5

8pm

$12

Looking for Love is the only live dating game show and cabaret in the Universe (according to Looking for Love). Hosted by Carolyn Hoerdemann and Maggie Graham; the Dean and Jerry of the new Millennium—with cleavage. Featuring house band Tuffy Roads, comedy cahoots, dating advice and a chance to find the bachelor/bachelorette of your dreams.

Pivot Arts presents Live Talk: The Day After

Wednesday, November 9

8pm

$15

Come celebrate or mourn the day after one of the most bizarre presidential elections in modern U.S. history with Pivot Arts' Live Talk series. Part performance, part live talk show, this unique evening includes quirky performances, interviews, live music and the very special, Pivot DIY. pivotarts.org 

Methtacular! 

Written and performed by Steven Strafford

Friday, November 11 & Saturday, November 12

8pm

$20 

Methtacular! is Steven Strafford's award-winning one-man show telling the true story of his three years as a sex-addled, crystal meth addict on the streets of Chicago. He weaves jokes, stories, original songs, a game show and documentary footage of interviews with his mom to bring the audience down into the depths of a life in pursuit of the next high. A brave, hilarious and insightful journey through the maelstrom of addiction and recovery, the narrative is riveting and transitions from tear-jerking to gut-busting while never resorting to cloying clichés. methtacular.com 

Chicago Podcast Festival

Friday, November 18 & Saturday, November 19 

8pm

$20 

Podcasts are the new art form for this century as they encompass the qualities of art, comedy, drama, entertainment, storytelling and unscripted theatre. Jonathan Pitts, executive director of Chicago Improv Productions and the co-founder/producer of the highly successful Chicago Improv Festival has teamed up with WBEZ's & The Moth's Tyler Greene, to produce the first annual Chicago Podcast Festival. The focus of this festival is to present a diverse collection of local, regional and national podcasters in live performances of their podcasts at some of Chicago's most renowned theatre venues. Join the fun as Chicago transforms into a podcast Mecca for one weekend in the fall.

LookOut programming is presented year-round and announced on an ongoing basis. John Zinn, Greta Honold and Patrick Zakem are the producers for LookOut. For more information, visit steppenwolf.org/lookout.

The 1700 Theatre

The new 80-seat theater is a casual, intimate and flexible space at 1700 N Halsted St presenting a wide variety of genres and shows, from live music to dance to spoken word and beyond. The diverse programming provides current and new audience members with a variety of multidisciplinary cultural experiences with the added Steppenwolf stamp of approval.

Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks

Located in front of the 1700 Theatre is Steppenwolf’s café & bar, Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks. Open daily from 7am to midnight, Front Bar is a creative space to grab a drink, have a bite, or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. A morning and evening menu is curated by Chef Chris Pandel, and artisanal coffee and expresso is provided by La Colombe. Functioning as a stand-alone entity, the café & bar also connects to Steppenwolf’s existing main building creating an expanded lobby space. Front Bar was developed with consultation from Steppenwolf’s friends and neighbors, Boka Restaurant Group (BRG), along with interior designers Karen Herold and Kayce Carter of Studio K and the marketing and design firm Grip. More info at front-bar.com.

Membership options

With the larger and more diverse selection of programming this season, Steppenwolf has increased the ways in which audiences can access the offerings. The new Steppenwolf Black Card offers extreme flexibility with six ticket credits that can be used any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional membership perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. The Steppenwolf Black Card is modeled after the popular Steppenwolf Red Card, which offers audiences under the age of 30 the option to purchase six ticket credits at a discounted price to use towards any play, anytime. Still available are Season Subscription packages, including student, educator and access discount subscriptions.

To purchase a 2016/17 Subscription or Membership, visit Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America’s longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theaterspaces—the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 46 actors, writers and directors. Artistic programming includes a seven-play Season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multidisciplinary, year-round performance series. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Managing Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Steppenwolf 2016/17 Season Begins With Visiting Edna In Previews Starting September 15th and Opening the 27th

What's On Tap For Steppenwolf

As previously announced, the complete 2016/17 Subscription Season includes the world premiere of Visiting Edna by David Rabe, directed by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro (September 15 – November 6, 2016); the world premiere of The Fundamentals by Erika Sheffer, directed by ensemble member Yasen Peyankov (November 10 – December 23, 2016); the Chicago premiere of The Christians by Lucas Hnath, directed by ensemble member K. Todd Freeman (December 1, 2016 – January 29, 2017); the Chicago premiere of Straight White Men, written and directed by Young Jean Lee (February 2 – March 19, 2017); the world premiere of Linda Vista by ensemble member Tracy Letts, directed by Dexter Bullard (March 30 – May 21, 2017); and the Chicago premiere of Hir by Taylor Mac, directed by Hallie Gordon (June 29 – August 20, 2017). 

Dexter Bullard will direct the world premiere production of ensemble member Tracy Letts’s Linda Vista and Hallie Gordon will direct the Chicago premiere of Taylor Mac’s Hir. 

Dexter Bullard last directed Steppenwolf’s critically acclaimed production of Annie Baker’s The Flick this season. Hallie Gordon, who serves as  Steppenwolf Artistic Producer and Artistic Director of Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA), has directed several SYA productions including George Orwell’s 1984 last season. Gordon will also direct next season’s SYA adaptation of Walter Dean Myers’s Monster.

An additional seventh play, the world premiere of Pass Over by Antoinette Nwandu, will be produced in May 2017 in the Upstairs Theatre. Winner of the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award, Antoinette Nwandu is an exciting new voice in the American theater. Pass Over will run in the non-subscription summer slot; however, subscribers will have access to pre-sale tickets. The director is TBA.

With the larger and more diverse selection of programming next season, Steppenwolf is increasing the ways in which audiences can experience the offerings with the new Steppenwolf Black Card, a membership program offering extreme flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card provides six ticket credits that can be used at any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. 

The Steppenwolf Black Card is available through Audience Services (1650 N. Halsted) at 312.335.1650 and steppenwolf.org 

Season Subscription Packages are still available and are currently on sale. Packages start at $100. Student, educator and access discount subscriptions also offered. To purchase a 2016/17 subscription, visit Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org.

Director Bios

Dexter Bullard has strong ties with Steppenwolf, having most recently directed Annie Baker’s The Flick and having directed ensemble member Tracy Letts’s Bug at the Barrow Street Theater, for which he received the 2004 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Direction Off-Broadway. He has directed for Steppenwolf’s First Look Repertory of New Work in 2006 and 2013. Recent directing credits include the critically acclaimed production of Sucker Punch at Victory Gardens Theater, Big Meal at American Theatre Company and Craig Wright’s Grace at Northlight Theatre. He is the head of Graduate Acting and Showcase Artistic Director with The Theatre School at DePaul University.  

Hallie Gordon serves as Artistic Director of Steppenwolf for Young Adults and an Artistic Producer at Steppenwolf. Along with selecting the young adult productions each season, she has created the Young Adult Council, a group of high school students who collectively help to create innovative programming for their peers. Previously as SYA’s Education Director, Gordon worked closely with the Chicago Public Schools to create an environment in which all students and teachers have access to the theater. For Steppenwolf, Hallie has directed George Orwell’s 1984 and Animal Farm, as well as Leveling Up, The Book Thief, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, To Kill a Mockingbird, the world premiere of a new adaptation by Tanya Saracho of The House on Mango Street and Harriet Jacobs, adapted for the stage by Lydia R. Diamond. A world premiere of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, also adapted by Lydia R. Diamond, won a Black Excellence Award from the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago and also transferred Off-Broadway to The New Victory Theatre. She is the recipient of The Helen Coburn Meier & Time Meier Achievement Award. Gordon most recently directed Dry Land at Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, playing now through May 28, 2016. For SYA’s 2016/17 season Gordon will direct an adaptation of Walter Dean Myers’s Monster.

About the Steppenwolf Black Card

Steppenwolf is excited to offer a larger and more diverse selection of programming next season, and to that end has increased the ways in which audiences can experience the offerings. Launching next season is the new Steppenwolf Black Card, a membership program offering extreme flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card provides six ticket credits that can be used at any time for any production at Steppenwolf. The credits are valid for one year, and there is the option to add on additional credits as needed. Additional perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing. 

“We have heard from our audiences that they crave both choice and flexibility. The Steppenwolf Black Card will provide insider access to everything we have to offer, making it easier than ever to be a part of Steppenwolf,” shares Managing Director David Schmitz.  

Audiences will be able to choose from three Steppenwolf Black Card options: Anytime ($70 a credit to use any way, any day of the week); Weeknight ($50 a credit to use Sunday evening –Thursday evening) and Preview ($30 a credit to use towards early performances in the run). Steppenwolf Black Cards will go on sale July 15, 2016 through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

The Steppenwolf Black Card is modeled after the popular Steppenwolf Red Card, which offers audiences under the age of 30 the option to purchase six ticket credits at a discounted price to use towards any play, anytime.

Still available will be Steppenwolf’s Season Subscriptions including the Preview Series, Regular Series and Dinner Theatre Series, in addition to discounted Student/Educator Series, Accessible Series and Saver Series. With the new season format, subscribers will see five plays; four in the Downstairs Theatre with the option to choose between two shows in the Upstairs Theatre. Packages start at $100 and are currently available for purchase through Audience Services at 1650 N Halsted St, call 312-335-1650 or visit steppenwolf.org. 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is America’s longest standing, most distinguished ensemble theater, producing nearly 700 performances and events annually in its three Chicago theater spaces—the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Formed in 1976 by a collective of actors, Steppenwolf has grown into an ensemble of 46 actors, writers and directors. Beginning in 2016/17, Steppenwolf expands artistic programming to include a seven-play Season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a new multidisciplinary performance series. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Steppenwolf has the distinction of being the only theater to receive the National Medal of Arts, in addition to numerous other prestigious honors including an Illinois Arts Legend Award and 12 Tony Awards. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Managing Director. Nora Daley is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. 

For additional information, visit www.steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre and twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr.

REVIEW: Ultra American Offers Hilariously Insightful Take on Inciteful Topics

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Ultra American: A Patriot Act

Through September 26th 

Azhar Usman's Ultra American is ultra funny, and both witty and wise. He does a stand up job poking fun at the absurdities of latent and blatant racism through his own experiences as an Indian American Muslim in 2016. This show was simultaneously enlightening and laugh out loud funny. Ultra American should be recommended if not required viewing for every American over 13. Highly recommended.

The set design is simple, but highly effective, and more set than we had expected for a 1 man stand up show. Ultra American: A Patriot Act's set has an asymmetrical aesthetic and excellent use of wall sized projections. The open and close features flocks of birds flying in hypnotic patterns, which fits with the show's ultimate take away. People are all similar birds in different cages. The external trappings of skin color, clothing, heritage, race, religion, economics, and culture matter far less than what's on the inside, where we're all more alike than different. It's powerful imagery and easy to grasp. 

Usman also urges everyone to just take the simple step of holding people accountable for their own individual behaviors, beliefs and actions, not those of one's entire race, ethnic background, etc. Simple and effective attitude changes like this across society would help diminish fear and hate crimes immensely. Humor is such an effective tool, too, far beyond preaching or debate. Azhar Usman's a gifted comedian, astute observer of the absurdities of racism and our modern American society, and a true treat to see in action. Don't miss this! 

Smart Comedy With a Razor Sharp Edge. Limited Three Week Run. Famed comedian and former lawyer Azhar Usman uses wit and knowledge to tackle some of America's most pressing issues. Race, identity, and national politics are all fair game in Azhar's comical commentary on what it means to be an Indian American Muslim in 2016. Ultra American: A Patriot Act runs September 5 - 26, Tuesdays thru Sundays. Tickets are $25 General Admission or $15 for Students. All performances held at Silk Road Rising (77 W. Washington St, Lower Level, Chicago, IL) Buy Tickets »

Ultra American Runs Tuesdays Thru Sundays for Only Three Weeks Ultra American: A Patriot Act  Written and Performed by Azhar Usman Directed by Aaron Todd Douglas $25 Adults / $15 Students Performances at Silk Road Rising 77 W. Washington St. | Chicago, IL September 6th - 25th Presidential Candidate Donald Trump has just proposed an ideological litmus test for Muslims and immigrants attempting to enter the United States. According to Trump, "those who support bigotry and hatred” and fail "to embrace a tolerant American society" should be denied visas. Famed comedian Azhar Usman skewers these ironies and more in his brutally honest, one-man show. Ultra American: A Patriot Act explores the tensions and paradoxes surrounding the double consciousness of American Muslims living in an ever-polarizing world. This three-week engagement will run Tuesdays thru Sundays.

Comedians Are Raving About Azhar Usman Azhar Usman has toured the world performing stand-up and opening for a variety of stand-up comics. See what other comedians think of the man CNN calls, "America's Funniest Muslim." "One of the most important, relevant, and hysterically funny guys out there!" -Margaret Cho "Azhar Usman is untouchable. He is like a comedian from the future." -Dave Chappelle "I think Azhar is hysterical." -John Oliver "Azhar Usman is funny. Also, he turned me on to halal bacon, and I thank him for that." -Jim Gaffigan "He's like Zach Galifianakis meets Deepak Chopra and funnier than you'd expect that combination to be." -Russell Peters

From Artistic Director Jamil Khoury:

Yes, there's the fact that Azhar Usman is a critically-acclaimed, nationally renowned stand-up comedian and soon-to-be household name (hint: it has something to do with a television show, that's all I'll say), and yes, there's the fact that he's been crowned "America's funniest Muslim" and that he is, indeed, America's funniest Muslim, and yes, there's the fact that this lawyer turned humorist provocateur is developing his first-ever play at Silk Road Rising (a testament to his impeccable judgement), but all of that notwithstanding, the real reason you need to see Ultra American: A Patriot Act is because you've been to a lot of plays in your day, but you've never seen anything quite like this. I'm telling you, this guy is truly unique and he's super talented. He's Dave Chappelle's opening act for God's sake! He can take W.E.B Du Bois' theory of double consciousness, in all its brilliance, and make it funny AND smart. And if you think Muslims are scary, well—okay, in Azhar's case you just may have yourself a point. But I'm talking edgy, no apologies, in-your-face, raise-the-roof scary. Hell, ISIS tried to recruit this guy. Fortunately, we got him instead.  

Look, it's not easy being Muslim in America. My husband's Muslim. I know the struggle well. And our pal Azhar manages to mine the complexity and irony and insanity from that rocky road he travels. He not only invites us into his journey, he makes us part of his journey, and in the end, well, maybe we should all walk a mile in another person's shoes.

In other words, you need to see Ultra American. Seriously. This guy looks like Taliban #3 straight out of central casting. By his own admission, he's the guy you don't want to board a plane with. I'd even argue that the future of Western Civilization depends on your seeing this show. So come on. You've got three weeks (September 6-25). We're performing Tuesdays thru Sundays. As busy as you may be, surely you have 90 minutes to spare for the United States of America, right? 

REVIEW: Porchlight's In The Heights Intimate and Excellent

ChiIL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

IN THE HEIGHTS 

NOW EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 23 
AT STAGE 773

ALL PHOTOS BY GRETCHEN KELLEY

(full cast) The cast of In The Heights

Chicago's got Lin-Manuel Miranda on the brain... and rightfully so. His work is brilliant! Tickets to Porchlight Music Theatre's In The Heights are selling out fast, but still available, and they won't break the bank like a certain historical hip-hop hit opening imminently at The PrivateBank Theatre. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we had the pleasure of catching the press opening of Porchlight's In The Heights and we can attest that this production makes for an excellently entertaining night out. Highly recommended.

Amid all the Hamilton mania, Porchlight Music Theatre has launched a stellar choice for a season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, with music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda!

You won't even have to break out a sleeping bag and wait all night in line for tickets. We do suggest you book in advance though. Porchlight is a perennial favorite and many dates are sold out or filling fast!

Lin-Manuel Miranda

 (L to R) Michelle Lauto, Missy Aguilar, Lucia Godinez and Leah Davis as "Vanessa," "Daniela," "Nina Rosario," and "Carla”

The women ruled the neighborhood and the show! We're completely enamored with Isabel Quintero's Abuela Claudia and the power vocals and charisma of the female leads. Lucia Godinez (Nina Rosario) and Michelle Lauto (Vanessa) were particular standouts.

 Isabel Quintero as "Abuela Claudia"

We caught the Broadway touring cast of In The Heights when they played Chicago a few years back, and they had nothing on Porchlight. The intimate space at Stage 773 lends a personal feel to this production that's nearly impossible to emulate in a giant theatre. In The Heights, with it's focus on community, family and relationships amid grinding New York poverty is well suited for a smaller audience. The set design is fun, and makes great use of multilevel spaces.

Jack DeCesare as "Usnavi" dances with Ensemble member Elena Romanowski 

(L to R) Lucia Godinez and Keely Vasquez as "Nina Rosario" and "Camila Rosario"

Porchlight has gotten some flack for casting white Italian, Jack DeCesare, as Usnavi, who is supposed to be from the Dominican Republic, but we found his performance to be endearing. Many Chicago companies have long been open minded about casting the best actor for a part, regardless of skin color or racial background. Audiences accept and even expect a cast of many colors, even in "white" classics like A Christmas Carol and much of Shakespeare's body of works. Limiting roles to an exact ethnic match with a script is unrealistic and unnecessary. It's a valuable debate to have, but acting is just that... pretending to be someone else, and we thoroughly enjoyed Jack DeCesare's portrayal of Usnavi. 

 Jack DeCesare as "Usnavi" performs "Finale”

Porchlight's In The Heights features a diverse cast and celebrates the multicultural melting pot that is urban America. The tragedies, triumphs, love and loss of this community make for great theatre. The score is irresistible and Porchlight's energetic and enthusiastic production is a must see.

 Frankie Leo Bennett as "Sonny" performs "96,000" with the cast of In The Heights

Frankie Leo Bennett was a hoot as Sonny. He's quite the charmer with skills. 

Extended And Highly Recommended:

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce an extension of Porchlight’s 22^nd season opener, the multi-Tony Award-winning In The Heights, now playing through Sunday, Oct. 23, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes. Directed and co-choreographed by Brenda Didier, co-choreographed by Chris Carter, music directed by Diana Lawrence and assistant directed by Adrian Abel Azevedo, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave.

The regular performance times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an added Thursday matinee, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. There are no 7:30 p.m. performances Thursday, Sept. 15 and Oct. 6 and no 4 p.m. performance Saturday, Sept. 17. Tickets for previews are $38 and for the regular run $43 - $51. Single tickets may be purchased at 773.327.5252 or at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. 

Subscriptions to the entire Mainstage season or Porchlight’s series, Porchlight Revisits, are currently on sale as well as single tickets for the entire season.  Subscriptions are available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling 773.777.9884. Groups of ten or more may receive discounts on tickets purchased via Group Theater Tix at 312.423.6612 or grouptheatertix.com.

From the creator of the current Broadway juggernaut Hamilton, and winner of Tony Awards for “Best Musical” and “Best Original Score,” In The Heights tells the universal story of a tight-knit community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood—a place where the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes and dreams, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

 Missy Aguilar as "Daniela" and the cast of In The Heights perform "Carnaval Del Barrio"

The Porchlight Music Theatre In The Heights acting company includes: Missy Aguilar as “Daniela;” Stephen Allen as “Benny;” Frankie Leo Bennett as “Sonny,” Leah Davis as “Carla;” Jordan DeBose as “Kevin Rosario;” Jack DeCesare as “Usnavi De La Vega;” Stan DeCwikel, Jr. as “El Piraguero;” Lucia Godinez as “Nina;” Kristopher Knighton as “Graffiti Pete;” Michelle Lauto as “Vanessa;” Isabel Quintero as “Abuela Claudia” and Keely Vasquez as “Camila Rosario” with Nicole Lambert, Cisco Lopez, Yando Lopez, Elena Romanowski, Travis Austin Wright and Demi Zaino in the ensemble. The artistic and production staff of In The Heights includes:

Brenda Didier, direction and co-choreography; Chris Carter, co-choreography; Diana Lawrence, music direction; Adrian Abel Azevedo, assistant direction/dramaturgy; Jose Clair, dramaturgy; Isabel Quintero, dialect coach; Diana Martinez, artistic advisor; Gregory Pinsoneault, scenic design; Kate Setzer Kamphausen, costume design; Denise Karczewski, lighting design, Robert Hornbostel, sound design; Mealah Heidenreich, properties design; Jessica Forella, stage management and Aaron Shapiro, production management. 

ABOUT LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA, music and lyrics

Lin-Manuel Miranda is an American actor, composer, rapper and writer, best known for creating and starring in the Broadway musicals Hamilton and In The Heights. A MacArthur “Genius” award recipient, Miranda wrote the music and lyrics for the musical In The Heights, which earned him numerous accolades, including the 2008 Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and the 2009 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.”  Miranda's performance in the show's lead role of “Usnavi” also earned him a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” and the show won “Best Musical.” Miranda created the lead role of “Alexander Hamilton” in Hamilton, a musical for which he wrote the book, music and lyrics—and which earned the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the 2016 Grammy for “Best Musical Theater Album.” Miranda received the 2016 Drama League Distinguished Performance Award for his work in the role. Hamilton was nominated for a record-setting 16 Tony Awards of which it won 11, including “Best Musical.” Miranda also won the Tony Award for “Best Original Score” and “Best Book of a Musical” for Hamilton and earned a nomination for the Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical.” Miranda will next star in the Mary Poppins sequel Mary Poppins Returns, directed by Rob Marshall.

ABOUT QUIARA ALEGRÍA HUDES, Book

Quiara Alegría Hudes is the author of a trilogy of plays including Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue (a 2007 Pulitzer finalist); Water by the Spoonful (winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize for Drama); and The Happiest Song Plays Last, which premiered at The Goodman Theatre in April 2013 and is now playing Off-Broadway in New York. Hudes wrote the book for the Broadway musical In The Heights, which received the 2008 Tony Award for Best Musical, a Tony nomination for Best Book of a Musical, and was a 2009 Pulitzer Prize finalist. In its original Off-Broadway incarnation In The Heights received the Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical. Hudes’ honors include a United States Artists Fontanals Fellowship, the Aetna New Voices Fellowship at Hartford Stage Company, a Joyce Foundation Award, a residency at New Dramatists, and a resolution from the City of Philadelphia. Hudes sits on the Dramatists Guild Council and serves on the board of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, which produced her first play in the tenth grade. She lives in New York with her husband, daughter and son.

ABOUT BRENDA DIDER, director and co- choreographer

Brenda Didier, recently named one of the “major musical theater forces” working in the Chicago area, is a multi-award-winning director/choreographer having received Joseph Jefferson Awards for both direction and choreography, After Dark Awards for choreography, the National Youth Theatre Award for choreography and the 2010 Broadway World Chicago Fan Favorite Award for choreography. Didier has collaborated with Porchlight Music Theatre on eleven productions, including the recently Jeff Award-nominated Dreamgirls, Ain't Misbehavin' (Jeff Award Best Production and Direction) and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum as well as How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Pal Joey, Putting It Together, Ragtime and Once on this Island, all of which earned her Jeff nominations. Her additional credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Second City mainstage and etc., Mercury Theater Chicago, Cirque Shanghai, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, Bailiwick Chicago, BoHo Theatre, City Lit, Silk Road Rising, House of Blues, Leo Burnett Worldwide and many industrials and special events. Didier is the owner and director of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance where her students have completed programs with American Ballet Theatre, the Joffrey Ballet Milwaukee Ballet, Boston Ballet, Ballet Austin, The Rock School, River North, Giordano and Hubbard Street summer intensives. She is most proud of her scholarship program, including the Matt Gunnels scholarship, to help struggling families keep their children in dance classes.

(L to R) Jordan DeBose and Lucia Godinez as "Kevin Rosario" and "Nina Rosario”

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 22^nd season, is nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions and showcasing musical theatre’s noted veterans and rising stars. Porchlight elevates the genre in Chicago by providing intimate and powerful theatrical experiences for its growing and diverse audiences. With the vision of Artistic Director Michael Weber, Porchlight builds on its role as Chicago’s only Equity not-for-profit company exclusively specializing in music theatre. Porchlight’s rich history includes the staging of more than 60 productions with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres. Through Porchlight’s “Off the Porch” new works program, the musicals of the next generation are developed and given a first audience. The School at Porchlight is Chicago’s new center for music theatre training in the areas of performance, writing and appreciation. The company’s many accolades include 15 Black Theatre Alliance nominations and two awards, as well as a total of 126 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 35 Jeff Awards including three consecutive Best Production awards for Sondheim on Sondheim (2015), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2014) and A Class Act (2013) as well as Sondheim on Sondheim being named one of the Chicago Tribune’s “Best Theatre of 2015.”

Porchlight Music Theatre is partially supported by generous contributions from the Actors’ Equity Foundation, the Arts Work Fund at the Chicago Community Trust, the Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation, Cooper’s: A Neighborhood Eatery, the Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation,  James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation, the MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Prince Foundation, the National Association of Realtors, The Saints and the Service Club of Chicago. The season program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, a state agency.