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Saturday, March 8, 2014

OPENING: Bailiwick Presents Dessa Rose at Victory Gardens

Bailiwick Chicago Presents the Chicago Premiere of
DESSA ROSE

Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens, Music by Stephen Flaherty
Directed by Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown
Music Direction by Collective Member James Morehead
March 6 – April 5, 2014


Here at ChiIL Live Shows we can't wait to catch opening night on Sunday. Check back early and often for our show reviews, news, interviews and more.

Bailiwick Chicago is pleased to launch its 2013-14 season with the Chicago premiere of the thrilling musical drama DESSA ROSE by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, the Tony Award-winning team behind Ragtime, Once on This Island and Seussical!, directed by Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown with music direction by Collective Member James MoreheadDESSA ROSE plays March 6 – April 5, 2014 at the Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in-person at the Victory Gardens Box Office. The press performance is Sunday, March 9 at 7 pm.

Leading the cast of DESSA ROSE are Sydney Charles as Dessa Rose (The Color Purple, The Mercury Theatre; Smokey Joe’s Café, Theo Ubique) and Collective Member Harmony France as Ruth (Violet, Bailiwick Chicago—Jeff nomination; Tell Me on A Sunday, Bailiwick Repertory) with special guest artist Jayson “JC” Brooks as Nathan (Passing Strange, Bailiwick Chicago—Jeff nomination).  The production also features Brigitte Ditmars, Gilbert Domally, Jasondra Johnson, Jaymes Osbourne, Steven Perkins, Pavi Proczko, David Schlumpf, Sasha Smith and Eunice Woods.

DESSA ROSE is a stirring musical drama based on the noted novel by Sherley Anne Williams. Told as an oral history and related by two women, Ruth and Dessa Rose, this powerful tale of an unlikely friendship takes place in 1847, 14 years before the outbreak of the American Civil War.  

Based on both fact and fiction, the musical weaves together the stories of two legendary women, one white and one black, who struggled for different kinds of freedom in an era defined by men. Ruth Sutton is a white woman abandoned by her husband and living on an isolated farm. Dessa Rose is an escaped slave on the run from a bloody slave rebellion, with a newborn infant to protect, who seeks refuge with Ruth. Hidden in this Alabama backwater, the two women's uneasy alliance ultimately transcends any racial barriers as they find the strength to confront the world on their own terms. Their dangerous journey to freedom and self-realization makes for a musical that is by turns comic, tragic, uplifting and inspiring. 

The production team for DESSA ROSE includes Megan Truscott (scenic designer), Samantha Jones (costume designer), Brian Hoehne (lighting designer), Patrick Bley (sound designer), Mary-Catherine Mikalayunas (stage manager) and Danny Bernardo (assistant director/dramaturg).

The 2013–14 Season marks Bailiwick Chicago’s participation in Victory Gardens Theater’s inaugural Resident Theater Program.  

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title:  DESSA ROSE
Book and Lyrics: Lynn Ahrens 
Music: Stephen Flaherty
Director:  Artistic Director Lili-Anne Brown
Music Direction: Collective Member James Morehead
Cast:  Sydney Charles (Dessa Rose) Collective Member Harmony France (Ruth) and special guest artist Jayson “JC” Brooks (Nathan) with Brigitte Ditmars (Ruth’s Mother), Gilbert Domally (Philip), Jasondra Johnson (Dorcas), Jaymes Osbourne (Kaine), Steven Perkins (Harker), Pavi Proczko (Mr. Steele), David Schlumpf (Nehemiah), Sasha Smith (Anabelle) and Eunice Woods (Rose).

Location:  Victory Gardens Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Dates:  Previews:  Thursday, March 6 at 8 pm, Friday, March 7 at 8 pm and Saturday, March 8 at 8 pm 
Regular run Thursday, March 13 – Saturday, April 5, 2014
Curtain Times:  Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm
Tickets: Previews: $15. Regular run: $40 ($30 groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at www.victorygardens.org, by calling (773) 871-3000 or in-person at the Victory Gardens Box Office. 

About the Creative Team:
Lynn Ahrens (Book and Lyrics) and Stephen Flaherty (Music) won Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards and received two Grammy nominations for the Broadway musical Ragtime. In the same year, they garnered two Academy Award nominations and two Golden Globe nominations for Twentieth Century Fox's animated feature film, Anastasia. Other Broadway credits include: Once On This Island (eight Tony Award nominations, London’s Olivier Award, Best Musical), Seussical (Grammy and Drama Desk nominations); My Favorite Year; Chita Rivera: The Dancer's Life; the 2009 Broadway revival of Ragtime and Rocky. Upcoming: Little Dancer, which will premiere at the Kennedy Center in 2014, directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman. Lincoln Center Theater and Off-Broadway: A Man of No Importance (Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Musical), Dessa Rose (2005 Audelco Award, Best Musical, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle nominations), The Glorious Ones (five Drama Desk nominations) and Lucky Stiff (Helen Hayes Award, Best Musical).

Individually, Ms. Ahrens’ credits include MSG’s A Christmas Carol (ten years at Madison Square Garden); A Christmas Carol (adapted teleplay, Hallmark Entertainment); Camp (songs, IFC Films); Lucky Stiff (screenplay); She is a mainstay songwriter/singer for Schoolhouse Rock and has written and produced many network shows. She is an Emmy Award winner and four-time Emmy nominee.  Mr. Flaherty’s credits include: concert premieres at the Hollywood Bowl and Boston’s Symphony Hall; commissions from the Guggenheim Museum, Carnegie Hall and Symphony Space; incidental music for Neil Simon's Proposals on Broadway; musical score for Loving Repeating: A Musical Of Gertrude Stein (Chicago’s Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Musical) and several film scores.

Lili-Anne Brown (Director) is the Artistic Director of Bailiwick Chicago. Last season, she directed See What I Wanna See as part of Steppenwolf Theatre's Garage Rep. In 2012, she received a Jeff Award nomination and was awarded a BTA Award (Best Direction of a Musical) for her direction of the Midwest premiere of Passing Strange. Other directing credits include Unnecessary Farce, Cabaret, Sweet Charity, 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (Timber Lake Playhouse). Onstage, she most recently appeared in The Second City's Guide to the Opera at Lyric Opera, the Off-Broadway premiere of A Twist of Water, and as Joanne in Rent, directed by David Cromer at ATC. She has also performed at Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Victory Gardens, Writers' Theatre, Ravinia Festival, and many other Chicago venues and regional theaters.

Bailiwick Chicago is a non-profit professional company with a mission to produce contemporary musicals and plays, reinvent classic musicals and develop new work, while sharing a powerful and authentic theatrical experience. The company celebrates and engages our community through diverse programming, artistic partnerships and outreach opportunities. In its first three seasons Bailiwick Chicago has garnered 54 award nominations, including 10 Non-Equity Jeff Award Nominations in its first Jeff-Eligible season (2011-12).  For additional information, visit bailiwickchicago.com.

Bailiwick Chicago Staff:
Artistic Director: Lili-Anne Brown
Executive Director: Kate Garassino
Creative Director: Eric Martin

Managing Director: Geoff Bleeker

TONIGHT: Chris Greene Quartet CD Release Party at Green Mill (21+) #Jazz #CDRelease

CHRIS GREENE QUARTET 
(CD RELEASE PARTY)


It's better than a green river and far better than green beer.  Have a green evening at The Green Mill with The Chris Greene Quartet CD Release Party. 

Saturday March 8
8:00pm - 12:00am
$12 cover
Saturday, 8pm-midnight




CD Release Party for “MUSIC APPRECIATION” on Single Malt Recordings

featuring:

Chris Greene – saxophones
Damian Espinosa – piano
Marc Piane – bass
Steve Corley – drums

We can't think of a better venue.  The Green Mill has atmosphere to spare and a storied history as a speakeasy with underground tunnels to let partiers out into the bank across the street in case of a raid.  

No raids tonight--and plentiful beer.  

The Chris Greene Quartet celebrates Music Appreciation at The Green Mill


Local saxophonist and composer Chris Greene and his quartet have a new CD entitled Music Appreciation that draws from all eras of jazz, as well as 70s soul and 80s progressive pop acts from Prince to The Police and Yellow Magic Orchestra. CGQ celebrates the release with a show at the legendary Green Mill on Saturday, March 8th.  Click here for full details. 


Thursday, March 6, 2014

REVIEW: The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus Through 3/23 #explodingcircus #OriginalPhotos #KidsReview #SageAndDusReviews #circus

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 
Best Family Friendly 
Theatre Productions 




Sage & Du's Reviews
(A Kids' Eye View)
The Magical Exploding Boy
and The Invisible Circus
at
The Actors Gymnasium


Review by Sage and/or Dugan (ages 10 & 12)

We thought that it was really fun. We liked it. But we don't think it should be called The Magical Exploding Boy. He only exploded once and it wasn't a big part of the overall plot. We would have renamed it Unique Boy.


Dean Evans was funny... he just is.  That's the kind of person he is. Dean's underwater stuff was really amazing like the manta ray, different sized jelly fish, and crab.  The baby head bit is a little disturbing but totally amusing. 


The invisible circus at the beginning was really awesome. The strong man was hilarious.  We like that the circus skills are in a plot, not just random, and the kids in the show play a wide variety of instruments too. 





We liked the big office scene drumming in particular.  The drumming on desks was one of our favorite parts. There were a ton of talented kids IN the show who were great. 



We thought that the big wrestling guy was really funny and one of our favorite characters.  The Chinese pole act was very good.  The alien contortion act was also very cool. 



The Basic Plot:
This one guy (Dean Evans) is like a little kid but he's a grown up. The show is about his point of view. Everyone tells him to grow up, but instead he just explodes.  He dreams he's in outer space and stuff.  We thought the business suits, ties & work world stuff was funny because the littlest kids were the bosses of the grownups.

The basic meaning of the show was be unique and to relax and be yourself.




After the show we were both begging mom to let us take classes and summer camp here at Actors Gymnasium and audition for the spring show. We wish we lived closer to Evanston.


This production is great for everyone of all ages, who likes circus, clowning, fantasy and being unique. Nothing scared either of us or creeped us out. Overall, we thought it was excellent, and highly recommend it. 





ChiIL Mama Says:

Quit hangin around the house and GO ALREADY!  The Magical Exploding Boy and The Invisible Circus rocks. Hilarious, multifaceted and quirky just don't do this show justice.  We adored the deeper message of embracing individuality couched in stellar circus arts acts.  Actors Gym combines live instruments, catchy tunes with goofy lyrics, and circus arts galore, all within a fantastically fun story line.



Dean Evans has long been a favorite of ours with his physical comedy prowess and his child like, empathy inducing grins.  Dean is one weird dude with talent to spare.  We dare you not to laugh.



It was also a true treat to see so many Actors Gym regulars back again. We've admired the high caliber shows at Actors Gym for years, but the spring show is a particular favorite of ours because they seamlessly combine professionals with their teen ensemble and young artists.



Worlds Collide Alert:
The pros in this show include Dean Evans (AKA: Honeybuns) who has rocked our world in loads of shows with other big time favorites of our like 500 Clown, IO, Second City, The Goodman, The Ruffians (We LOVE Burning Bluebeard), Redmoon and Chicago Childrens Theatre

My own 2 kids have studied circus arts for 3 years, so we know Will Howard from CircEsteem.  He also works with our friends over at Aloft--who put on The Contemporary Circus Festival and are renowned for their monthly El Circo Cheapo shows as well as adult classes.



Simone and Lindsey bring strength, grace and girl power to the shows.  We've also utterly enjoyed Lindsey's work with our friends over at Lookingglass, Victory Gardens, Redmoon and punk rock marching band, Mucca Pazza!



It was also a treat to see the talented teen ensemble and young artists. Emerson and Saylor Catlin are back again--talented sisters who are the daughters of David & Kerry Catlin.  Their mom is a professor with an acting/writing/directing background and their dad is an actor/director currently directing the Jeff recommended smash hit, The Little Prince at Lookingglass.  
We've known Saylor since she was in preschool with our daughter Sage and we've enjoyed Saylor and Emerson's on stage antics (with their dad, too) in Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus and in Skooled.

The Actors Gymnasium presents The Magical Exploding Boy and the Invisible Circus. Celebrated Chicago clown, Dean Evans returns to The Actors Gymnasium to headline this wild, circus adventure into the imagination.

A simple creature who longs to be someone else, the Magical Exploding Boy learns that he cannot escape his unique destiny. This Actors Gymnasium main stage circus event features original live music, aerial acrobatics, and the birth of a clown.

Most shows are selling out so advanced tickets are strongly suggested.  Beat the rush - Get your tickets today at www.actorsgymnasium.org/shows

Through March 23, 2014
Fridays at 7:30pm 
Saturdays 4:30 pm and 7:30 pm 
Sundays at 3:00 pm
$20 for adult tickets!
$15 for children, students and seniors!
#explodingcircus


About The Actors Gymnasium
The Actors Gymnasium is dedicated to bringing a new physicality to the American Theatre. Encouraging ground-breaking theatrical exploration, The Actors Gymnasium teaches circus arts, physical theatre and multi-disciplinary performance to children and adults; produces original, daring works of circus-theatre; and serves as a talent resource, providing performance opportunities to our students and innovative professional event entertainment for a wider audience.  At The Actors Gymnasium, people Learn To Fly - physically, emotionally, and creatively. 

Help Out:



Wednesday, March 5, 2014

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THE 2014 FALL SEASON

WORLD PREMIERE OF AMAZING GRACE,
WORLD PREMIERE OF DEE SNIDER’S ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS TALE
plus BUYER & CELLAR, ANNIE, NEWSIES AND RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA

Off-Season Special: Emerald City Theatre’s CHARLOTTE’S WEB

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2014 fall season line-up.  Broadway In Chicago’s 2013 fall season will include BUYER & CELLAR, Emerald City Theatre’s CHARLOTTE’S WEB, the World Premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the World Premiere of DEE SNIDER’S ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS TALE, ANNIE, NEWSIES and RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA.


The complete fall season line-up, including performances dates and venues, is as follows:

BUYER & CELLAR starring Michael Urie
May 6 – June 15, 2014
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E Chestnut)
MICHAEL URIE, star of TV’s “Ugly Betty” and Broadway’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, brings his Drama Desk and Clarence Derwent Award winning performance as Alex More to Chicago in the critically acclaimed smash hit comedy Buyer & Cellar. Alex is a struggling actor in L.A. who takes a job working in the mall in Barbra Streisand's Malibu basement. One day, the Lady Herself comes downstairs to play. It feels like real bonding in the basement, but will their relationship ever make it upstairs? Written by Jonathan Tolins and directed by Stephen Brackett, BUYER & CELLAR is an outrageous comedy about the price of fame, the cost of things, and the oddest of odd jobs. BUYER & CELLAR swept the Best of 2013 Theater lists including The New York Times, Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, New York Post, NPR, The Huffington Post, The Advocate, The Daily Beast, Entertainment Weekly, NBC New York, and Time Out New YorkThe New York Times’ Charles Isherwood raves Urie gives "a tour-de-force performance," with Ben Brantley adding “I tell you to GO.”

Emerald City Theatre’s CHARLOTTE’S WEB
July 9 – August 17, 2014
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E Chestnut)
The favorite on every child's bookshelf, CHARLOTTE’S WEB, comes to the stage! When Wilbur is saved and sent to live on farm, he finds a new unexpected family. Follow our piggy hero as he grows from being the runt of the litter to “Some Pig” with the help of a remarkable spider, Charlotte. Join Wilbur, Charlotte, Templeton the Rat, and all the farmyard friends at the State Fair this summer!

AMAZING GRACE
World Premiere
October 9 – November 2, 2014
Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe)
AMAZING GRACE is a world premiere musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world’s most beloved song.  A captivating tale of romance, rebellion and redemption, this radiant production follows one man whose incredible journey ignited a historic wave of change. John Newton (Tony Nominee Josh Young), a willful and musically talented young Englishman, faces a future as uncertain as the turning tide. Coming of age as Britain sits atop an international empire of slavery, he finds himself torn between following in the footsteps of his father – a slave trader – and embracing the more compassionate views of his childhood sweetheart. But when a perilous voyage on the high seas finds John in his darkest hour, a transformative moment of self-reckoning inspires a blazing anthem of hope that will finally guide him home.  Brimming with emotion and adventure, AMAZING GRACE is an unforgettable musical saga that captures the spirit of history’s sweetest and most powerful sound: freedom.


DEE SNIDER’S ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS TALE starring Dee Snider
World Premiere
November 4, 2014 – January 4, 2015                                                                       
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 East Chestnut)
DEE SNIDER’S ROCK AND ROLL CHRISTMAS TALE tells the story of Däisy Cütter, a heavy metal bar band looking to make it big even though the 80s are LONG over.  This year, these four guys are ready to take the ultimate step and, in mythic rock tradition, sell their souls to the devil in exchange for success beyond their wildest metal dreams!  But every time they try to seal the infernal pact, their head-banging anthems turn into warm-hearted carols.  Soon these rockers are forced to realize their dreams of stardom are no match for the Christmas spirit. Dee Snider, infamous lead singer of Twisted Sister, has created and stars in a VERY funny, VERY rocking and (sshhh!) VERY sweet new holiday musical, guaranteed to rock your whole family’s holiday.

ANNIE
November 18 – 30, 2014
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph)
Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns in time-honored form. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original. Featuring book and score by Tony Award®-winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin, ANNIE includes such unforgettable songs as “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.”  Choreography is by Liza Gennaro, who will incorporate selections from her father Peter Gennaro’s 1977 Tony Award®-winning choreography.


NEWSIES
December 10, 2014 – January 4, 2015
Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph)
They delivered the papers, until they made the headlines.  Direct from Broadway comes NEWSIES, the smash-hit, crowd-pleasing new musical from Disney.  Winner of the 2012 Tony Awards® for Best Score and Best Choreography, NEWSIES has audiences and critics alike calling it “A MUSICAL WORTH SINGING ABOUT!” (The New York Times).  Filled with one heart-pounding number after another, it’s a high-energy explosion of song and dance you just don’t want to miss.

Based on true events, NEWSIES tells the captivating story of a band of underdogs who become unlikely heroes when they stand up to the most powerful men in New York.  It’s a rousing tale about fighting for what’s right and staying true to who you are.

NEWSIES was brought to the stage by an award-winning creative team.  It features a score by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast) and Jack Feldman (The Lion King II: Simba’s Pride) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (La Cage Aux Folles), with choreography by Christopher Gattelli (South Pacific) and direction by Jeff Calhoun (Big River).


RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA
Dec. 16, 2014 – Jan. 4, 2015
Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph)                    
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists!  Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” in this hilarious and romantic Broadway experience for anyone who’s ever had a wish, a dream... or a really great pair of shoes.

TICKET INFORMATION
Broadway In Chicago season packages are now available for renewal to current subscribers. Tickets for new subscribers will go on sale on Friday, March 14, with packages starting as low as $99. Group tickets (10+) are available now for all shows by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO 

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 14 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining  up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Bank of America Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ACT OUT OPENING: Heartbeat of Home #BroadwayInChicago

ChiIL Live Shows will be there tonight to review opening night of Heartbeat of Home.  We can't wait to experience this multicultural melding of Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance.  The Oriental Theatre is one of our favorite venues in Chicago and sure to enhance the production with it's intricate artwork adorned walls.




Created by the Producers and Director of Riverdance, HEARTBEAT OF HOME is a music and dance spectacular featuring the dynamic, vibrant components of traditional Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban music and dance. The world-class cast of forty includes a ten-piece band creating a new and electrifying sound written by award-winning, Golden-Globe-nominated composer Brian Byrne.


The show employs high-definition, cutting-edge projection technology and has an engaging narrative structure. Produced by Moya Doherty, devised and directed by John McColgan with narrative and lyrics by award-winning Irish writer Joseph O'Connor. Joseph comments: 'when we marry the sexiness of salsa to the thunder of Irish dance, the lyricism of tango to the yearning of Sean-nós, what a night of storytelling we shall have'. 

The cast includes world-class Irish, Latin and Afro-Cuban dancers and with choreography by David Bolger, the production will create a dream-world of joyous, heart-stopping, high-energy music and dance.


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

ACT OUT CLOSING: The Little Prince at Lookingglass Must Close 3/16 #review #KidsReview

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 
Best Family Friendly 
Theatre Productions 

It's been Extended & Highly Recommended, 
but now it's days are numbered. Don't miss out. Go already! 

Make your reservation today!
The Little Prince has been extended twice by popular demand, but must close March 16, 2014. Don't miss the chance to experience the story based on the classic French novella highly recommended by the Chicago Sun-Times.


**Written for adults, but fine for savvy 6+/95 minutes--no intermission, soooooo leave the littlest littles at home for this one. There's nothing scary or wildly inappropriate for all ages, but make sure your child is mature enough to sit for an hour and a half without a break when considering this show.**




The Little PrinceBy Rick Cummins and John Scoullar
Based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin

"a wonderful place to get lost in this winter season" –TimeOut Chicago 


Sage & Du's Reviews
(A Kids' Eye View)
The Little Prince
at
Lookingglass Theatre


Review by Sage and/or Dugan (ages 10 & 12)

We liked the set a lot because it was basically a giant, 3 dimensional piece of paper, like a slide & the actors drew on it & played under and over it.

   
The Little Prince is really written for adults, but good for all ages, except very little kids who can’t sit still that long without an intermission.  There was a huge mix of ages from kids to grandparent aged people on opening night and there was a lot of smiling.   We thought there could have been more circus arts incorporated, but the drunk on the globe was great and we really liked the strap aerialist.    

Our Take
The theme is accept differences.  The guy with the plane that crashed thought it was all about him, then he met all kinds of other people and places in the universe.  The Little Prince learned lessons about love and caring through his flower.   

We liked it a LOT and recommend checkin it out. 

  
The Little Prince was a shoe in for ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List for Best Family Friendly Theatre Productions.  We adore circus arts, particularly when they advance and enhance a plot. We also love book based theatrical adaptations.  Lookingglass Theatre consistently impresses and we've long been fans of David Catlin's work on stage and pulling the strings as director.  So, to say we had high expectations for The Little Prince would be an understatement.  I'm thrilled to say we were more than impressed.  This production gets it right.

The content and depth is there, but the playful overtones, and visually stunning costumes, sets, and props keep the production from being heavy handed and make it amusing and entertaining. This is one of our current favorites for creative set design as well as stellar acting, creative use of aerial and circus arts.  Click here for our prior coverage.



The Little Prince must close March 16, 2014!

Tickets are going fast! Best availability March 5, 6 and 7 at at 7:30pm.
Call the box office at 312.337.0665

Lookingglass Theatre Company's hit production of The Little Prince, is produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium, by Rick Cummins and John Scoullar, based on the book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin. The show now runs through Sunday, March 16, 2014 due to overwhelming demand. 

The Little Prince runs at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  

Stuck, thirsty and alone. A pilot stranded in the Sahara Desert meets an enigmatic, charismatic young prince fallen from the sky who regales him with tales of life among the stars: tales with earthly importance.  In this visually arresting, fully immersive theatrical interpretation of the beloved French novella, director David Catlin (creator of Lookingglass Alice) illustrates the story with fantastic characters and gravity-defying, awe-inspiring physical feats.

The Little Prince speaks – in breathtaking splendor – to the castaway in all of us: challenging our perspective, opening our eyes and bringing us back to the heart of what truly matters.


"Everyone who saw and thrilled to David's Lookingglass Alice will remember his penchant for creating stories that are full to bursting with spectacles of pure delight and inventiveness, “ says Artistic Director Andrew White. “He brings all of that unmatched creativity and passion to this internationally beloved story, creating a show that truly will appeal to audiences of all ages -- to parents as well as their kids, to grandparents and grandchildren, to anyone who, as David puts it, has found themselves at some point in their lives stuck, thirsty and alone - and who hasn't?"

“I love The Little Prince because it has something for all ages.  Kids will dig the strange characters and the intergalactic story.  Teens and college kids will connect with the impending responsibility of becoming a grown-up.  And grown-ups will identify with our lonely Aviator who crashes in the Sahara Desert a thousand miles from anyone and anywhere with barely enough water for a week,” comments director David Catlin. “In this crisis, our Aviator needs the wisdom of a child—a Little Prince—to remember that ‘what is essential is invisible to the eye’ and the importance of cultivating ties with others.”  

The cast includes Ensemble Member Raymond Fox (King), Artistic Associates Lauren Hirte (Desert Rose) and Louise Lamson (Rose) with Ian Barford (Aviator), Amelia Hefferon (Little Prince), Kareem Bandealy (Snake), Adeoye (Lamp Lighter) and Kasey Foster (Fox).
The design team includes Artistic Associates Rick Sims (sound) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (acrobatic/circus choreography) with Courtney O’Neill (set), Salley Dolembo (costumes), William Kirkham (lighting), Maria DeFabo (Properties), Lee Brasuell (rigger), Tess Golden (Stage Manager) and Kelsey Lamm (Assistant Stage Manager).
The production sponsor for The Little Prince is Allstate, which is also the sponsor of the Education Programs for the production.
Lookingglass Theatre is located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile shopping district inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  Discounted parking is available for Lookingglass patrons at both the nearby John Hancock Center and Olympia Centre Self Park (161 E. Chicago Ave.).

ABOUT THE ARTISTS
David Catlin (Director/Ensemble Member) Recent Lookingglass directing credits include:  Icarus, Lookingglass Alice, and Black Diamond (with Nicky Brooks).  Regional directing credits include: McCarter (Princeton, NJ),  Arden (Philadelphia), The New Victory (NYC), Syracuse Stage, Actors Theater of Louisville, the Alliance (Atlanta) and the Getty Villa (Los Angeles).  Other recent directing credits include:  The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley (NU), The Little Prince (NU), and The Monster Under the Bed (Depaul).  David teaches acting with Northwestern University’s theatre department and will direct Moby Dick there in April 2014. David lives in Chicago with his wife Kerry and their two daughters Emerson and Saylor.

Adeoye (Lamp Lighter) returns home to Chicago and to Lookingglass with The Little Prince. He most recently appeared in Optimism! Or Voltaire’s Candide at Spooky Action Theater in Washington DC. Other DC credits: All’s Well That Ends Well and The Atheist’s Tragedy at The Academy for Classical Acting at The Shakespeare Theatre and The George Washington University, where he earned his MFA.  Previous Lookingglass credits: Peter Pan, Lookingglass Alice, Icarus and Black Diamond. Other Chicago credits: The Unmentionables (Steppenwolf Theatre), The Lost Boys of Sudan (Victory Gardens Theater). Regional credits: A Raisin in the Sun (Guthrie Theatre/Penumbra Theatre,) Intimate Apparel (Clarence Brown Theatre). Television credits: “Detroit 1-8-7,” “Leverage,” “Prison Break.” Film credits: #Vengeance is Mine.

Kareem Bandealy (Snake) has appeared previously at Lookingglass in Big Lake Big City, Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, The Last Act of Lilka Kadison, and Peter Pan (A Play). Chicago: Rock ‘N’ Roll, Gas For Less, King Lear (Goodman Theatre), The Wheel (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Edward II, Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), The Illusion (Court Theatre), Hamlet, The Caretaker, Heartbreak House (Writers’ Theatre), Blood and Gifts (TimeLine Theatre), and The Real Thing (Remy Bumppo). Regional: The Merry Wives of Windsor, The Three Musketeers, The Tempest (Illinois Shakespeare), Love’s Labour’s Lost (Notre Dame Shakespeare), Stuff Happens, Julius Caesar (Pittsburgh Irish & Classical), and four seasons at Orlando Shakespeare Theater. Film credits include The Merry Gentleman (Michael Keaton, director). In 2011, he received a 3Arts Artist Award.


Ian Barford (Aviator) makes his debut with Lookingglass Theatre.  Most Chicago appearances have been with Steppenwolf where he is an ensemble member.  Some favorites there include: August: Osage County (original company, Broadway and the National Theater in London), The March (Jeff nom. for best supporting actor), Endgame, The Libertine, As I Lay Dying and The Rise and Fall of Little Voice (Broadway, Outer Circle critics nom.) and many others. Love Song at 59E59 in NYC.  Originated the role of Dr. Khassan Baiev, a Chechen surgeon, in The Oath based upon his autobiography.   In Los Angeles, The Weir, God’s Man in Texas and Take Me Out at the Geffen Playhouse. Dead End at the Ahmanson. All The Rage and Design for Living at the Goodman. Othello at Chicago Shakes. National Tour of Picasso at the Lapin Agile.  Soon to be released films include: Shreveport, Return to Sender. Other Films: Road to Perdition, 13 Going on 30 and others. Numerous TV appearances.

Kasey Foster (Fox) has performed with Chicago Children’s Theatre, Redmoon, Dog n Pony, Trap Door, Theater Wit, Red Tape, and Collaboraction. She sings with local bands: This Must be the Band, Grood, and Old Timey. Foster co-produces The Monthly Visit with Kevin O’Donnell, and has choreographed and directed over thirty original works since her Chicago arrival in 2004. One of her favorite projects to produce and choreograph is a series called Dance Tribute, which takes place twice a year at Martyrs’ on Lincoln Ave.

Raymond Fox (King) is a Lookingglass Ensemble Member and recently appeared as Simon Craig in Blood and Gifts with TimeLine Theatre.  His numerous Lookingglass credits include Metamorphoses (original 1998-1999 premiere and 2012-2013 revival), a play he originally performed across the country including its Off Broadway and Broadway productions. Additional regional credits: Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Tectonic Theatre Project/About Face Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Next Theatre, First Folio, Meadow Brook Theatre, Arden Theatre, Arena Stage, Mark Taper Forum, McCarter Theatre, Berkeley Rep., Seattle Rep., American Repertory Theatre, Hartford Stage, and Canada’s Stratford Festival. Mr. Fox is a graduate of Northwestern University and the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University.


Amelia Hefferon (Little Prince) makes her professional debut with The Little Prince. Amelia is a Michigan native and a recent graduate of Northwestern University where she studied theatre and art history.

Lauren Hirte (Desert Rose) is an Artistic Associate returning to Lookingglass with The Little Prince, where her credits also include: Alice in Lookingglass Alice, Icarus, Fedra, Hephaestus, and Hard Times. Regional credits: Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arden Theatre, McCarter Theatre, The New Victory, and most recently as the title character in Milwaukee Rep’s The Diary of Anne Frank. She has studied, taught and performed at the Piven Theatre, and at the Actors Gymnasium. Recently, Lauren has been living in LA, and spent the summer with Steppenwolf West at CSU Summer Arts in Monterey Bay, CA.

Louise Lamson (Rose) is an Artistic Associate of Lookingglass Theatre where she has been seen in The Idiot, Hard Times, The Secret in the Wings, The Wooden Breeks, Icarus (at the Getty Villa, L.A.), The Brothers Karamazov, Our Town, The Arabian Nights, Ethan Frome, and most recently Metamorphoses. Some other Chicago credits include: About Face Theatre’s Bash (After Dark award and Jeff nomination); The Odyssey (Goodman); and The Adventures of Herculina (Next Theatre). New York credits include: Metamorphoses (Second Stage and Broadway) and The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci (Second Stage). Louise is a graduate of Northwestern University.


About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  Now in its 26th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The company has staged 61 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle and President John McGowan of Northern Trust Chicago. For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.


Title:                The Little Prince
Written by:      Rick Cummings and John Scoullar
Based on the
Book by:          Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Directed by:     Ensemble Member David Catlin
Produced in Association with The Actors Gymnasium

Dates:              
Regular run: December 15, 2013 – February 2, 2014
EXTENSION:   Through Sunday, March 16, 2014

TimesTuesdays: 7:30 p.m. (except March 4)
Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. (except Feb 6, 13 & 27 and March 13); 7:30 p.m. (except Feb 6)
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. (except March 8)
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Regular Run is $45 - $75
Prices are subject to change.
                                    
Target Saturday Matinees offer a limited number of buy one, get one free tickets which are available to all 3:00 p.m. Saturday matinees. This program is made possible with the generous support of Target, working with Lookingglass to make the arts accessible to all.

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Groups of 8 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

Box Office: Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org
or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,
821 N. Michigan Ave.

Monday, March 3, 2014

INCOMING: Sabers Album Release at The Hideout 3/22

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar

Fronted by Josh Chicoine (the M’s) and featuring members of Head of Femur, Poi Dog Pondering and the 1900s, Sabers will celebrate the release of their debut album, Sic Semper Sabers, at The Hideout on Saturday, March 22. 


Record Release Party
Sabers
Forgotten Species, Kate Adams
Sat, March 22, 2014
Doors: 8:00 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
The Hideout
Chicago, IL
$8.00

Following years of performing, touring, and recording with the M's, Josh Chicoine founded CIMMfest, the Chicago International Movies and Music Festival in 2008. During this time, held up in his Andersonville recording studio space in a defunct Salvation Army Church, Sabers music took shape in fits and starts, and more fits, morphing in and out of psychedelic pop and rock structures finding its own way over years of trial and error. 

Now, with the first Sabers record complete, Chicoine formed a band of amazing musicians long from the Chicago pop and rock scene. 
Colby Starck (the Faders, Head of Femur) drums, Shane Schroeder (Hot as Hell) guitar, Max Crawford (Poi Dog, Wilco, Expo '76) keys, Edward Anderson (1900s, Mazes) bass, have given live life to songs created mostly in private. The result is thrilling, contemplative, bashing, emotionally powerful music unmoored and evolving.





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