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Thursday, March 13, 2014

Cloud Gate Returns to Auditorium Theatre This Friday and Sunday Only #ChiILPicksList

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan's 
Songs of the Wanderers 

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List


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We are pleased to welcome back to Chicago a visually stunning paean to spiritual pilgrimage.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan's Songs of the Wanderers creates a world of intense reverence, distinctly Asian in its imagery yet with powerful relevance far beyond Asia.



"Visually stunning and exquisitely performed in deliberate slow motion; the audience jumped up to offer a cheering ovation," raved The New York Times.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of TaiwanSongs of the Wanderers
TWO PERFORMANCES ONLY!
  • FRIDAY, MARCH 14 AT 7:30PM
  • SUNDAY, MARCH 16 AT 3:00PM
ALL PERFORMANCES TAKE PLACE AT THE AUDITORIUM THEATRE

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

ACT OUT OPENING: Rock Of Ages at Bank of America Theatre #BroadwayInChicago

FIVE-TIME TONY AWARD® NOMINATED
SMASH-HIT MUSICAL
RETURNS TO ROCK CHICAGO!



Get your 80's arena rock and hairband fix.  Break out those concert tees (yes, the audience does like to play dress up and we don't mean tuxes and little black dresses).  Here at ChiIL Live Shows we've seen the Broadway touring version of Rock of Ages twice and it's always a rockin' good time!  Yes, Rock of Ages is STILL rollin', but they'll be rollin' through Chicago for one week only, so get your tickets now, while you can.

My tweens still have their lighter shaped Rock of Ages flashlights, that everyone waved in the air, from the last run at Chicago Playhouse. They both totally dug the show.  It's sincere enough to be sweet and kitschy enough to be great fun.  This is the perfect play for rockers who are non-theatre goers, as it's less traditional musical and more of a melding of concert and storyline.  The characters are all too familiar archetypes and the fight the power, gentrification theme makes this a HAIR for the next generation... the children of the flower children.

If you're thinking of bringing the kids, do note there is language and some mature situations (pole dancing, mild sexual content) but it's all fairly tame and appropriate for tweens and up.  


Broadway In Chicago is pleased to present the smash-hit ROCK OF AGES. The show returns to Chicago for a limited one-week engagement at the Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe) from March 11 – March 16, 2014.

In 1987 on the Sunset Strip, a small-town girl met a big-city dreamer – and in L.A.’s most legendary rock club, they fell in love to the greatest songs of the ‘80’s. It’s ROCK OF AGES, a hilarious, feel-good love story told through the hit songs of iconic rockers Journey, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Foreigner, Pat Benatar, Whitesnake, and many more.  Don't miss this awesomely good time about dreaming big, playing loud and partying on!

ROCK OF AGES is a worldwide phenomenon with smash hit productions in Stockholm, London, Las Vegas and still rockin' on Broadway, featuring 28 classic rock tunes including “Don't Stop Believin'”, “We Built This City”, “The Final Countdown”, “Wanted Dead or Alive”, “Here I Go Again”, “Harden My Heart”, “Can't Fight this Feeling”, “Renegade” and “I Want To Know What Love Is”.

ROCK OF AGES is directed by Tony Award Nominee Kristin Hanggi (Bare, Pussycat Dolls on the Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys – Associate Choreographer).  With a book by Chris D’Arienzo (writer and director of the film Barry Munday), original arrangements by David Gibbs (Counting Crows, Film: That Thing You Do) and the Music Supervision, Arrangements & Orchestrations by Ethan Popp (Tarzan; Europe: We Will Rock You, Mamma Mia).

ROCK OF AGES  features set design by Beowulf Boritt (Spelling Bee, LoveMusik), costume design by Tony Nominee Gregory Gale (Cyrano, The Wedding Singer), lighting design by Jason Lyons (The Threepenny Opera), sound design by Craig Cassidy (Phantom, Mamma Mia), and projection design is by Zachary Borovay (A Catered Affair).

ROCK OF AGES is produced by PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT
For more information on ROCK OF AGES: www.rockofagesontour.com

PHOENIX ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) is an established international theatrical producing and management enterprise founded by long time colleagues Stephen Kane and Michael McFadden. Its mission is to develop, produce and present the very finest in touring Broadway musicals and family entertainment. Throughout their three decades of theatrical success and industry partnership, the Phoenix team has delivered thousands of performances of more than 80 live productions on four continents. Phoenix is currently launching Rock of Ages and all new seasons of their critically acclaimed touring productions of Monty Python's Spamalot and The Color Purple, which follow on the proud touring heels of Gypsy, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and The Pajama Game.  Team Phoenix also represents the Korean language productions of Grease and Fame, both enjoying open-ended runs in Seoul. Under the direction of colleague Ellie Chung, their Singapore based affiliate Phoenix Asia Group brings international booking, producing, presenting, classical-artist management and theatrical investment to the collective production and management capabilities of Phoenix Entertainment. www.phoenix-ent.com

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
The performance schedule for ROCK OF AGES is as follows:
Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.
Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for ROCK OF AGES at the Bank of America Theatre range from $18-$85.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances.  Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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.


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