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Wednesday, March 18, 2015

OPENING: World Premiere of Genius by Kate Walbert at Profiles Opening This Thursday


Profiles Theatre continues 26th Season
with the World Premiere of
Genius by Kate Walbert
Directed by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox


Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're excited to see Profiles Theatre continue its 26th Season with the World premiere of Genius by Kate Walbert, directed by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox. With a fairly misogynistic streak in their past, it's a welcome change to see Profiles giving strong female characters and award winning women authors a voice! The production runs March 13 – May 3, 2015 at Profiles Theatre’s The Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway.  



Genius examines the secrets and alliances of two creative couples from different generations who find their lives changed forever after an uneasy dinner party. Joel, a once highly regarded painter turned museum director caught in the midst of a very public indiscretion and his wife Sara, a formally famous journalist, venture to Brooklyn for dinner with their new friends Peter and Chelsea, a young filmmaking couple with rising careers and a baby on the way. After an evening riddled with illuminating discoveries, deceptions and perhaps too much wine, each couple deconstructs the evening’s events as they grapple with their own uncertain futures. Using a constantly shifting timeline, playwright Kate Walbert turns her kaleidoscopic lens on two marriages battered by urgent ambitions.

Kate Walbert, an award-winning novelist and playwright, is the author of A Short History of Women, chosen by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2009 and a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. Other works include Our Kind, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction in 2004, The Gardens of Kyoto, winner of the 2002 Connecticut Book Award in Fiction, and Where She Went, a collection of linked stories and a New York Times notable book. Her plays include an adapted version of A Short History of Women with readings at the Powerhouse Theater and the Roundabout Theater, Elsewhere, featured in readings at Playwrights Horizons and Ars Nova in New York as well as Year of the Woman, produced at the Yale Cabaret and the Lantern Theater in Philadelphia.

Directed by Profiles Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, the cast of Genius features guest artist Robert Breuler as Joel. Robert, most recently seen in Airline Highway at Steppenwolf, previously appeared at Profiles in their Midwest premiere of Sweet and Sad. Also featured are guest artists Stephanie Chavara, Cale Haupert and Liz Zweifler.

“Taking classes with the great Frank Galati as an undergraduate at Northwestern, I fell in love with Chicago theatre,” say playwright Kate Walbert. “At the time, every other dusty storefront seemed to be masking a production of something, each one more creative, more inventive, more thrilling than the next. I remember rickety backstairs leading to a makeshift stage where I watched, transfixed, Krapp’s Last Tape performed in candlelight, then stumbled out afterward to a snowy, Chicago night. So what a thrill to collaborate with the venerable Chicago company Profiles on Genius — and to be the beneficiary of the group’s amazing talent, risk-taking, and commitment to keeping that Chicago theatrical spirit alive and supporting new playwrights. I am so thankful for their belief in the play, and for their inspiration.”

The designers for Genuis are Michelle Lilly (set), Mike Durst (lights), Jeffrey Levin (sound and original music), Raquel Adorno (costumes). The stage manger is Jennifer Kiehl.

Profiles’ sixth and final show of the season, Our New Girl by Nancy Harris, opens at Profiles’ Main Stage on May 14, 2015. The titles for Profiles’ 2015-16 season will be announced soon.
Tickets for Genius are $35 for Thursdays, $40 for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are available by phone, (773) 549-1815, or online, www.profilestheatre.org. Performances are Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 5:00 and 8:00 pm, Sundays at 7:00 p.m.


ABOUT THE ARTISTS

KATE WALBERT (Playwright) is an award-winning novelist and playwright and the author of A Short History of Women, chosen by The New York Times Book Review as one of the ten best books of 2009 and a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize. Other works include Our Kind, a finalist for the National Book Award in fiction in 2004, The Gardens of Kyoto, winner of the 2002 Connecticut Book Award in Fiction, and Where She Went, a collection of linked stories and a New York Times notable book. Her plays include an adapted version of A Short History of Women with readings at the Powerhouse Theater and the Roundabout Theater, Elsewhere, featured in readings at Playwrights Horizons and Ars Nova in New York as well as Year of the Woman, produced at the Yale Cabaret and the Lantern Theater in Philadelphia.

DARRELL W. COX (Director) is an Artistic Director of Profiles Theatre and most recently directed the Midwest premieres of Reasons to Be Happy by Neil LaBute and Cock by Mike Barlett as well as both the 2013 holiday season revival and 20th Anniversary production of Hellcab by Will Kern. Prior to that, he directed the Midwest premiere of Bachelorette by Leslye Headland, the American premiere of The Wonderful World of Dissocia by Anthony Neilson, Profiles’ Midwest premieres of This is How it Goes, “Coax” and the titular piece from Things We Said Today and Profiles’ long running hit, Autobahn, all by Neil LaBute. Mr. Cox has directed numerous productions for Profiles over the years including the Midwest premieres of The Radiant Abyss by Angus MacLachlan and Wonder of the World by David Lindsay-Abaire. Other directorial credits for Profiles include The Water Engine, How the Other Half Loves and The Twilight Zone: The Series.

ROBERT BREULER (Joel) was last seen at Profiles in their Midwest premiere of Sweet and Sad. He is celebrating his 44th year as a member of Actors Equity Association. From his first role at Joe Papp’s New York Public Theatre where he played Kress in David Rabe’s The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel to Airline Highway at Steppenwolf, he has played over one hundred roles, including Big Daddy in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof twice (at Steppenwolf and The Apple Tree), Moe in Riverview and Dean Strauss in Spinning Into Butter at Goodman. Bob is a member of the Steppenwolf acting ensemble where he performed in some 40 roles over 28 years. Some favorites include Botwinnic in A Walk in the Woods, Father Lux in Our Lady of 121st Street, Pa Joad in The Grapes of Wrath, Charlie “Blackie” Blackwell in Killers, The Wheel, The Cherry Orchard, A Lesson Before Dying, The Time of Your Life, Mother Courage and Her Children, Uncle Vanya, The Infidel and Molly Sweeney. On Broadway, he appeared in The Grapes of Wrath, The Song of Jacob Zulu, Carousel and Death of a Salesman. One of his favorite roles was The Devil in the live broadcast of Stravinsky’s L’Histoire du Soldat with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra on public radio. His television credits include Chicago Fire, Prison Break, Early Edition, NYPD Blue, Angel Street and The Untouchables. Robert’s film credits include The Crucible, Trial By Jury, The Company, Love and Action in Chicago, Miles From Home, A Piece of Eden, Ray Bradbury’s Small Assassin and Lac de Flambeau. He is a recipient of the William and Eva Fox Fellowship Grant. Bob and his wife Suzanne Petri have formed a not-for-profit organization called Suzbo Entertainment where they produced the original musical DUO at Steppenwolf and other locales as well as A Little Touch of Coward in the Night at the Metropolitan Room in NYC.

STEPHANIE CHAVARA (Charlotte) is making her Profiles Theatre debut. Her Chicago credits include Charles Ives Take Me Home at Strawdog Theatre Company, Brighton Beach Memoirs at Fox Valley Rep, If You Split a Second at Pegasus Players, Motion at Signal Ensemble, Mourning Becomes Electra at Remy Bumppo, And a Child Shall Lead at Adventure Stage, as well as work at The Goodman, TimeLine, Dog + Pony and Collaboraction. Stephanie is a company member with 2nd Story where she writes, directs, and teaches. She has worked abroad with the Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory in Bulgaria. Stephanie holds an MFA from The Theatre School at DePaul. 

CALE HAUPERT (Peter) Cale Haupert returns to Profiles Theatre for the World premiere of Genius after understudying the role of Greg in their production of reasons to be pretty. He most recently appeared in A Streetcar Named Desire with Pulse Theatre Company. Cale’s other regional credits include Frank Galati’s Philadelphia Here I Come and The Grapes of Wrath, both with the Asolo Rep, Twelfth Night and Stop Kiss at the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, Hamlet, Richard III and Merry Wives of Windsor with Shakespeare Festival St. Louis aa well as Amadeus and Diary of Anne Frank with the St. Louis Rep. He is a recent graduate of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory where he earned is MFA last spring.

LIZ ZWEIFLER (Sara) is making her Profiles Theatre debut. She most recently appeared in The Quality Of Life at The Den Theatre (Jeff Nomination for Best Actress). Her other Chicago credits include Sirens at Fox Valley Rep, Bus Stop at The Den Theatre, Little Women at The Bog Theatre and Fool for Love at Aspect Theatre. She has voiced many national and regional commercials and is an ensemble member of The Den Theatre. Liz is represented by Stewart Talent.

Dates:          
            Regular Run: March 19 – May 3, 2015

Schedule: Thurs., Fri.8:00 p.m. 
Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 pm
Sunday: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Alley Stage, 4147 N. Broadway
Parking is available for $14 - $16 at 4100 N. Clarendon
(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)

Ticket prices: Previews: $20
Regular Run: Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office: Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org
or call (773) 549-1815


ABOUT PROFILES THEATRE

Profiles Theatre, founded in 1988 by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, joined shortly thereafter by Artistic Director Darrell W. Cox, was formed as an actor-driven theatre ensemble dedicated to creating provocative and emotionally truthful productions. Passionate about shaping an original vision for new works, they focused on performing World, American and Midwest premieres as well as rarely performed plays. Critically acclaimed hits, such as BLACKBIRD, FAT PIG, GRACELAND and the multiple Jeff Award-winning KILLER JOE, established Profiles as a destination for challenging and edgy theatre. Their unique collaboration with playwright Neil LaBute led the ensemble to perform an entire season of his plays in 2007-2008. Now a Resident Artist at Profiles, LaBute remains an unequivocal artistic influence on the ensemble.

After performing at 4147 North Broadway for more than two decades, Profiles acquired an adjacent theatre at 4139 North Broadway in 2012. Profiles’ new theatre, The Main Stage, with its larger seating capacity, increased performance space and higher ceilings, accommodates more ambitious and technically demanding productions. Their long-time venue, renamed The Alley Stage, continues as the home for plays strengthened by a more intimate staging. Driven by an undiminished appetite for creating honest and resonant theatre, Profiles still seeks to present work that illuminates the determination and resiliency of the human spirit.

Also Playing Profiles: The Other Place
ChiIL Live Shows #ChiILPicksList 
Highly Recommended



Profiles Theatre continues its 26th Season with the Chicago premiere of The Other Place by Sharr White, directed by Artistic Director Joe Jahraus. The production runs through April 5, 2015 at Profiles Theatre’s The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway.  

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we had the pleasure of catching opening night of The Other Place. Despite a similar feel to Still Alice, The Other Place is a unique and compelling piece. Lia D. Mortensen was nothing short of astonishing in her transformation, as Julianna both dissolves and evolves throughout the piece. The plot twists will blindside the audience and the entire cast does an excellent job of bringing the story to fruition and evoking compassion for these archetypes.

In Sharr White’s acclaimed new drama The Other Place, Juliana Smithton, a successful neurologist, finds her life coming apart at the seams. Her husband filed for divorce, her daughter eloped with a much older man and her own health hangs in jeopardy. But in this brilliantly crafted work, nothing is as it seems. Piece by piece, a mystery unfolds as fact blurs with fiction, past collides with present and the elusive truth about Juliana boils to the surface.

The Other Place received its world premiere Off-Broadway at MCC Theater in 2011. The production, starring Laurie Metcalf, was nominated for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play from the Outer Critics Circle Awards. It later premiered on Broadway in a production by Manhattan Theatre Club in 2013, also starring Metcalf, who received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role. The Other Place won the 2010 Playwrights First Award and the 2011 Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation’s Theatre Visions Fund Award. White’s plays have been developed or produced at theatres across the country, including South Coast Repertory, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Marin Theatre Company, Lincoln Center Theater’s Directors Lab and Key West Theatre Festival.

"I'm thrilled to have my play The Other Place in Chicago, and with Profiles Theatre,” says playwrightSharr White. “The Other Place is about the smartest woman in the world who discovers nothing she knows is true. It takes both technical skill and emotional depth to pull off and I'm excited the artists at Profiles are taking it on just one season after producing my play Annapurna.”
Directed by Profiles Artistic Director Joe Jahraus, the cast of The Other Place features guest artist Lia D. Mortensen as Julianna. Lia was most recently seen in Pericles with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and was seen last season at Profiles in their Midwest premiere of Annapurna. Also featured are guest artists George Infantado, Matt Maxwell, Nina O’Keefe, Steve Silver and Autumn Teague.  


 For more information about Profiles Theatre, visit www.profilestheatre.org.

Monday, March 16, 2015

OPENING: LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE MIDWEST PREMIERE OF TITLE AND DEED

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar 
This Week:

TITLE AND DEED
BY WILL ENO
FEATURING MICHAEL PATRICK THORNTON

ChiIL Live Shows will be there for the press opening this Saturday, so check back soon for our full review. Continuing its 27th Season, Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the Midwest Premiere of Title and Deed, by Will Eno and directed by Marti Lyons. Title and Deed runs March 18 – May 3, 2015 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.Tickets can be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org.  



One man’s circuitous journey finds universal resonance in this compelling new travelogue by Pulitzer finalist Will Eno (Broadway’s The Realistic Joneses). Eno – hailed as the Samuel Beckett of the Jon Stewart generation – crafts a solo work that is both whimsical and lyrical, speaking directly to each of us. Title and Deed is a meditation on life, language, endless hope and our perennial search for home.

Chicago’s own Jeff Award winner Michael Patrick Thornton takes center stage, engaging us and posing soul-baring questions in what promises to be a most illuminating dialogue.

Title and Deed features Michael Patrick Thornton. The creative team for Title and Deed includes Ensemble Members Dan Ostling (scenic and lighting design) and Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Production Affiliate Andre Pluess (sound design), Mieka van der Ploeg (props), John Tovar (movement consultant) and Sara Gammage (stage manager).

About the Artists
Will Eno (Playwright) is a Residency Five Fellow at the Signature Theatre in New York, which presented Title and Deed in 2012, and The Open House, in 2014. His play The Realistic Joneses was on Broadway in 2014 and was named “Best Play on Broadway,” topped the The Guardian’s 2014 list of American plays, and was included in The N.Y. Times’ “Best Theatre of 2014.” Title and Deed was on The N.Y. Times and The New Yorker magazine’s Top Ten Plays of 2012. The Open House won the 2014 Obie Award, the Lortel Award, and a Drama Desk Award, and was included in both the Time Out New York and Time Magazine Top 10 Plays of the Year. His play Gnit, a loving but aggressive adaptation of Peer Gynt, premiered at the Actor’s Theatre of Louisville in 2013. Middletown, winner of the Horton Foote Award, premiered at the Vineyard Theatre and subsequently at Steppenwolf Theater and many other American Theaters. His play Thom Pain (based on nothing) was a finalist for the 2005 Pulitzer Prize and has been translated into a dozen languages. He was recently awarded the PEN/Laura Pels International Foundation Award.

Marti Lyons (Director) recently directed a reading of Dana Lynn Formby’s American Beauty Shop at Steppenwolf and a reading of Ike Holter’s Prowess at the Goodman Theatre where she received the 2015 Maggio directing fellowship. She also recently directed Laura Marks’ Bethany and Mine for The Gift Theatre, Catherine Trieschmann’s Hot Georgia Sunday and Theresa Rebeck’s Seminar for Haven Theatre, 9 Circles by Bill Cain, Maria/Stuart by Jason Grote, and co-directed The Golden Dragon for Sideshow Theatre, and The Peacock by Calamity West and The Last Duck by Lucas Neff for Jackalope Theatre. Next she will direct Will Nedved’s Body and Blood at the Gift Theatre.

Michael Patrick Thornton (Traveler) Co-founding Artistic Director of The Gift Theatre, Michael was recently seen in Colossal (Olney Theatre), Othello (The Gift), and in Our Town (Actors Theatre of Louisville) directed by Les Waters who directed Mike in Will Eno’s Middletown (Steppenwolf) which featured Molly Glynn, who is no longer with us. At The Gift, Michael directed Will’s Oh, the Humanity & appeared in Will’s Brief Study of An Endless Thing. Years ago, Michael won the Jeff Award for Solo Performance and gave it to his mom and dad.

Dates:              Previews:                    March 18 – 27, 2015
                        Press opening:            Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 7:30 PM
                        Regular run:                March 29 – May 3, 2015

TimesWednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 19 and 26; April 2 and 16)
7:30 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 21 and 28)
7:30 p.m. (except March 28)
Sundays: 3:00 p.m. (except March 29)
7:30 p.m. (except March 22 and 29; April 12 and 26)

Accessible
Performances: Touch tour/Audio described performance, April 26, 2015 at 3pm;
Open captioned performance, April 19, 2015 at 3pm. Partial support for open captioning provided by Theatre Development Fund.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Previews are $25 - $40
Regular Run is $40 - $60
                                   
A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.
Groups of 10 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.

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 27th 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 62 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 CTC | myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group). For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

JUST ANNOUNCED! Lookingglass begins its 2015-2016 Season with Mary Zimmerman's Treasure Island

Here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows, we are long time admirers of Mary Zimmerman's work and can't wait to see her new collaboration with another top favorite of ours, Lookingglass Theatre. Save the dates! We've got this one on the October calendar already. Book your tickets as soon as possible.This classic is sure to be in demand! We can't wait to see this one come to fruition.


LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE COMPANY WILL OPEN
2015-2016 SEASON WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE ADAPTATION OF
TREASURE ISLAND
ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY MARY ZIMMERMAN
FROM THE NOVEL BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH BERKELEY REPERTORY THEATRE

Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers a dreaded Black Spot to an aging sea captain, plunging an innkeeper’s son into a desperate race for buried treasure armed with only his wits against a dastardly crew of cutthroat pirates.

Set sail with young Jim Hawkins, the larger-than-life Long John Silver and a crew of swashbuckling rogues, as Treasure Island explodes like a cannon ball onto the stage regaling thrill-seekers of all ages with a story both epic and intimate, hilarious and harrowing.

Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses) returns to helm this glorious adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s most beloved work.


Lookingglass Theatre Company will open its 2015-2016 season with the World Premiere adaptation of Treasure Island, adapted and directed by Mary Zimmerman from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson in a co-production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Treasure Island runs October 10, 2015 – January 17, 2016 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The production will premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in spring 2016. Tickets for Treasure Island are available as part of a Lookingglass 2015-2016 season subscription package. Subscriptions go on sale Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 12:00 pm, and may be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org. Single tickets to Treasure Island go on sale to the general public on August 12, 2015. The remaining productions in Lookingglass’ 2015-2016 season will be announced at a later date.

““The prospect of getting back into the rehearsal room with Mary as she creates a brand new piece of theater is just so exciting for all of us at Lookingglass," notes Artistic Director Andrew White, "We couldn't be more thrilled to bring her next world premiere to life, and we know she will cut a glorious swath through Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of terrifying pirates, hilarious seafarers, and one incredibly brave young man. This play will be a great, swashbuckling excursion for our audiences who have come to love going on a new adventure every time they enter our doors.”

Adventure beckons when a mysterious blind man delivers a dreaded Black Spot to an aging sea captain, plunging an innkeeper’s son into a desperate race for buried treasure armed with only his wits against a dastardly crew of cutthroat pirates.

Set sail with young Jim Hawkins, Long John Silver and a crew of swashbuckling rogues, as Treasure Island explodes like a cannon ball onto the stage regaling thrill-seekers of all ages with a story both epic and intimate, hilarious and harrowing.

Tony Award-winning Mary Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, Arabian Nights) returns to Lookingglass to helm this glorious adaptation.

*This swashbuckling adventure is recommended for pirates and seafarers age 10 and up.*

Dates: Previews: October 7 – October 16, 2015
Regular run: October 18, 2015 – January 17, 2016
TimesWednesdays: 7:30 p.m.
Thursdays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Fridays: 7:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Sundays: 3:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.

Location: Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic
Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  
Prices: Previews are $35 - $45
Regular Run is $55 - $85
                                   
A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.
Groups of 10 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.

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 27th 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 62 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 CTC | myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group). For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

SAVE THE DATES: Dead Writers Theatre Collective Gets WILDE With “LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN” At STAGE 773 April 17-June 7

Dead Writers Theatre Collective OPENS 2015 SEASON DEDICATED TO LEGENDARY PLAYWRIGHT OSCAR WILDE WITH “LADY WINDERMERE’S FAN” AT STAGE 773 
APRIL 17-JUNE 7


Wild about Oscar Wilde? Don't despair now that Chicago Children's Theatre's incredible rendition based on Wilde's Selfish Giant and Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest: Concert Reading at Ruth Page have closed. Fans, there's more Wilde about to light up Chicago's Stage 773 via Dead Writers Theatre Collective! Save the dates. Previews begin 4/17-21.



Dead Writers Theatre Collective opens their season with Oscar Wilde’s four-act comedy of morals “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” directed by Dead Writers Artistic Director Jim Schneider at Stage 773 located at 1225 W. Belmont Ave., April 17-June 7. Previews are April 17-21.

“Lady Windermere's Fan” subtitled “A Play About a Good Woman” was first produced in 1892 at London’s St James's Theatre in London. Married into the peak of London high society, rich, titled, beautiful and proper Lady Margaret Windermere is 21 years old and without a care in the world. Before the next sunrise, malicious gossip, a glamorous woman with a dangerous past, a charming gentleman with a wicked reputation, and a misplaced fan will threaten to destroy everything she holds dear and change her forever.

“This play has always been near and dear to my heart,” says Schneider. “We did three performances of the play in our 2013 Chamber Series and it was so successful that many of our patrons asked if we would do a full production of it. The Collective is extremely pleased to include it in our 2015 season because it gives us the opportunity to fulfill the request from our fans and it is the perfect vehicle to show off what Dead Writers Theatre Collective has come to be known for: presenting theater with premier production values, fine acting and the highest caliber of period authenticity. Add in our wonderful cast and a treasure trove of designer talent and you get a deliciously rich, must-see theater experience, guaranteed to be a highlight of the spring theater season.”

The cast includes Megan Delay* (Lady Windermere), Edward Fraim (Lord Windermere), Joanna Riopelle* (Mrs. Erlynne), Doug Reed (Lord Darlington), Michael Graham* (Lord Augustus Lorton), Linda Roberts* (The Duchess of Berwick), Travis Barnhart* (Mr. Cecil Graham), Rob Cramer* (Mr. Dumby), Shawn Hansen (Mr. Hopper), Christina Rene Jones (Lady Agatha), Mindy Barber (Lady Plymdale), Joyce Saxon*  and Julie Mitre (Lady Jedburgh), Elliott Fredland (Parker), Sara Minton* (Mrs. Cowper-Cowper), Maggie Speer (Lady Stutfield), Bev Coscarelli (Miss graham), Melanie Vitaterna (Rosalie). Understudies are Mary Anne Bowman and Ben Muller*.

The design team includes Jim Schneider* (director), Moon Jung Kim (set designer), Patti Roeder* (costume designer), Erik Barry (lighting designer), Jeffrey Levin (sound designer)  and Sarah Jo White (hair and makeup designer). Stage manager is Shannon Desmond; assistant stage managers are Matthew Bonaccorso* and Alison Ennis. Assistant director is Brenda Kilianski*.

Oscar Wilde (1854 -1900) was a successful poet and journalist, though his greatest talent was for writing plays. His first successful play, “Lady Windermere's Fan,” opened in February 1892, followed by a string of extremely popular comedies including “A Woman of No Importance” (1893), “An Ideal Husband” (1895), and “The Importance of Being Earnest” (1895). In 1891, at the peak of his career, Wilde began an ill-fated affair with Lord Alfred Douglas, nicknamed “Bosie.” When Bosie’s disapproving father insulted Wilde, Wilde sued for defamation of character. Bosie’s father’s counter suit for “depravity” resulted in Wilde’s conviction for sodomy and Wilde’s two-year jail sentence. After serving his sentence, Wilde emerged from jail bankrupt and spiritually broken. He died of cerebral meningitis on Nov. 30, 1900. Wilde’s story is at the heart of David Hare’s “The Judas Kiss” which will have a chamber production by Dead Writers Theatre Collective at the Stage 773 Cabaret Aug. 8-10.

Jim Schneider* (Director/Dead Writers Theatre Collective Artistic Director) directed last season’s staging of the Chicago premiere of Michael Bloom’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Emma,” at Stage 773. Other Collective directing credits include the professional world premiere of Adam Pasen's “Tea with Edie & Fitz” and Noel Coward's “The Vortex.” Additional Chicago directing credits include the critically acclaimed, Jeff Recommended productions of Clare Booth Luce’s “The Women,” Philip Barry’s “The Philadelphia Story,” Tennessee Williams’ “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” and Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever,”  “Design for Living” and “An Ideal Husband,” all at Circle Theatre. To date Schneider’s productions have garnered a total of five Jeff Recommendations and 11 Jeff Nominations, winning two for Best Costume Design. His 2010 production of “The Philadelphia Story” won three Broadway World Awards (Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Revival of a Classic) and “Tea with Eddie & Fitz” recently won the Broadway World Award for Best New Play of 2013. Originally from Houston, Texas, Schneider founded Houston’s Horizon’s Showcase Theatre where he premiered Horton Foote’s “Courtship” with the assistance of Foote, produced and directed Edward Albee’s “The Zoo Story” and “The American Dream” (with the assistance of Albee) among others. Schneider holds an M.F.A. from University of Houston.

Dead Writers Theatre Collective presents Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan” April 17 – June 7 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Previews are Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, April 19 2:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Press opening is Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. Post-opening performances are Thursdays-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday Matinee at 2:30 p.m.  Tickets are $20 for previews; $40 for all other performances. Group, senior and student discounts are available. For tickets call 773.327.5252 or visit deadwriters.net.

* Denotes Dead Writers Theatre Collective Member


Dead Writers Theatre Collective seeks to transport audiences into the original world of the play through extensively studied period appropriate settings, props and costumes.  This strict attention to detail and high level of aesthetics is a hallmark of the Collective.

The Collective, under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Schneider and Managing Director Bob Douglas, is a Chicago-based 501 (c ) 3 non-profit arts collective comprised of directors, designers, actors and playwrights and educators with a mission is to produce works either by or about dead writers. Past productions have included Jane Austen’s “Emma,” Noel Coward’s “The Vortex,” Brenda Kilianski’s “Loos Ends: A Hollywood Memoir,” Adam Pasen “Tea with Eddie and Fitz,” (winner of the Broadway World Award for Best New Play of 2013) and Chamber productions of Oscar Wilde’s “Lady Windermere’s Fan” and Pierre de  Marivaux’s “The Game of Love and Chance.”

The Collective’s 2015 season, “A Wilde Affair” features three works: ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan” (April 17-June 7), David Hare’s “The Judas Kiss” (Aug. 8-10) and David Grimm’s “The Learned Ladies of Park Avenue” translated and freely adapted from Moliere’s “Les Femmes Savantes” (Oct. 8-10). Three-show subscriptions are still available for Dead Writers Theatre Collective’s 2015 three-play season for $90 per person. For more information visit deadwriters.net.


Dead Writers Theatre Collective 2015 productions are supported in part by The Service Club of Chicago, Lois Siegel, Dr. and Mrs. James Hannigan and Joyce Saxon. 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

OPENING: The Hypocrites Present Samuel Beckett’s ENDGAME Through 4/4


The Hypocrites Present 
Samuel Beckett’s
ENDGAME
Directed by Company Member Halena Kays
February 20 – April 4, 2015

I first became intrigued with Beckett's works during my college theatre days and can't wait to see The Hypocrites and Halena Kays put their unique spin on this classic. Endgame should be quite a departure from the trio of Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. Previews start tomorrow, Friday February 20th. Check them out at the fabulous Den Theatre Mainstage.




The Hypocrites are pleased to continue their 2014-15 season with Samuel Beckett’s comic masterpiece ENDGAME, directed by Company Member Halena Kays*, playing February 20 – April 4, 2015 at their new home, The Den Theatre Mainstage, 1329-1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at www.the-hypocrites.com

ENDGAME will feature longtime Company Members Kurt Ehrman* as Hamm and Donna McGough* as Nell, joined by Brian Shaw as Clov and Sean Sineski as Nag.

Hamm is blind and cannot stand. His servant, Clov, cannot sit.  And then there’s his legless parents Nagg and Nell who live in trashcans.  Trapped in a tiny house by the sea after some sort of apocalyptic disaster, they trudge through an absurd, cyclical existence. In true Hypocrites fashion, the actors and audience alike share a full and lush visual world to experience Beckett’s classic comedy. 

“Endgame will allow me to play to the absurdity of life with the clowns I love,” comments Director Halena Kays“Our design team is also full of long-time collaborators who will create an absurdest landscape that will involve and heighten the audience's experience with this classic.  It’s one of my favorite texts – physical, funny and beautiful – and there's no better group of artists to join me in exploring it,” adds Kays.

The production team includes: Elizabeth Bracken (scenic design), Jessica Kuehnau (costume design), Maggie Fullilove-Nugent (lighting design), Nick Keenan (sound design), Danielle Case (props design) and Justine B. Palmisano (stage manager).

Previews: Friday, February 20 at 8 pm, Saturday, February 21 at 8 pm, Sunday, February 22 at 3 pm and Tuesday, February 24 at 8 pm


Regular Run: Friday, February 27 – Saturday, April 4, 2015
Curtain Times: Mondays, Friday and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm 
Tickets Prices: $28. Tickets are currently available at www.the-hypocrites.com.


About the Director

Halena Kays’ Chicago credits include: Ivywild, Six Characters in Search of an Author at The Hypocrites; The Magic Play at The Goodman, Lord of the Flies at Steppenwolf theatre company; Burning Bluebeard, 44 Plays for 44 Presidents, Daredevils, Daredevils Hamlet and Fake Lake at The Neo-Futurists (artistic associate); Roustabout at Concordia College; Buried in Bughouse Square at The University of Chicago. Kays is a former artistic Director of The Hypocrites, co-founder and former artistic director of Barrel of Monkeys, where she directed the majority of their public performances. She is The Hyprocrites’ Artistic Council, a founding member of the artistic collaborative The Ruffians, a UT-Austin and Northwestern grad, former member of the Big Apple Circus Clown Care unit and a visiting professor at North Central College.  Halena has been nominated for a Jefferson Citation for Best Supporting Actress and Best Direction, was the recipient of the prestigious 3Arts Award and was named one of the top 50 “players” in Chicago theater by Newcity

About The Hypocrites
Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney* created The Hypocrites in 1997. It is currently run by Artistic Director Sean Graney* and Managing Director Megan Wildebour*.  The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers that defy the audience’s expectations. The company has grown significantly in the past 
few years, receiving acclaim for productions at the Steppenwolf Garage, Goodman Theatre, Museum of 
Contemporary Art, DCASE Storefront and Chopin Theater before moving to a residency at The Den Theatre Mainstage. The company’s smash-hit production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, transferred in 2009 to Off-Broadway, Los Angeles and Boston. The Pirates of Penzance has appeared at Actors Theatre of Louisville and American Repertory Theater (A.R.T.). A.R.T. has also brought Romeo Juliet, 12 Nights and The Mikado (forthcoming). The American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Tony Awards, presented The Hypocrites with one of the 2013 National Theatre Company awards in 2013. In June 2015, the critically acclaimed All Our Tragic, a 12 hour play adapting the 32 surviving Greek tragedies, will return. For more information, please visit www.the-hypocrites.com.

The Hypocrites’ 18th season is supported in part by The Alphawood Foundation, The Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, Negaunee Foundation, Scholl Foundation and Venta.

*Denotes The Hypocrites Company Members.
+Denotes The Hypocrites Artistic Associates 



Monday, February 16, 2015

GARRETT POPCORN SHOPS® WILL DONATE 10% OF ALL FEBRUARY 2015 GOURMET TIN SALES TO BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER AND PROMOTE BLACK ENSEMBLE’S GREATEST HITS CD IN SHOPS

Black Ensemble Theater’s Greatest Hits CD 
to be sold at all U.S. Garrett Popcorn Shops® throughout February 
with all proceeds benefitting the Theater

In honor of Black History Month, Garrett Popcorn Shops® will donate 10 percent of all in-shop and online gourmet Popcorn Tin sales, from February 1 – February 28, 2015, up to $20,000, to Black Ensemble Theater.  Additionally, during the month of February, Black Ensemble’s Greatest Hits Volume 1 CD will be on sale at Garrett Popcorn Shops® in Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Detroit and Atlanta ($19.95, plus tax) with 100 percent  of proceeds benefitting Black Ensemble Theater.



For more information on the partnership, or to purchase a Tin, please visit: www.garrettpopcorn.com or www.blackensembletheater.org        

“Black Ensemble Theater is so proud and extremely excited to have such a wonderful partnership with the one and only Garrett Popcorn Shops® - a Chicago tradition,” says Black Ensemble Theater’s Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor.  “Black Ensemble Theater will once again be recognized as a national company through the selling of our Black Ensemble Greatest Hits CD’s in Garrett Popcorn Shops across the country including Chicago, New York, Las Vegas, Detroit and Atlanta.  Thanks to Garrett Popcorn, audiences can enjoy  handcrafted, gourmet Popcorn while experiencing the greatest music in the world as performed by the Black Ensemble Theater.”

Garrett Popcorn Shops®
Garrett Popcorn Shops, a Chicago tradition since 1949, serves only the finest, handcrafted Popcorn. Every small batch of Garrett® is hot air popped throughout the day for ultimate freshness. Using only the highest quality, wholesome ingredients, cooks coat every kernel with their secret family recipes in old-fashioned copper kettles. Their Signature Flavors include: CaramelCrisp® (which can be selected with almonds, pecans, macadamia or cashews), CheeseCorn, Buttery, Plain and the famous Garrett Mix® – which blends CaramelCrisp's sophisticated sweetness with the savory goodness of CheeseCorn.

Like no other, Garrett Popcorn enchants adoring fans around the world. In Chicago, their Shops are located at 625 North Michigan Ave., 151 North Michigan Ave. (Millennium Park), Navy Pier food court, Merchandise Mart (2nd floor), 26 West Randolph St., 4 East Madison St., 27 West Jackson Blvd., 737 East 87th St., O’Hare International Airport, in Terminals 1 and 3, Citigroup Center at 500 West Madison St. (2nd floor), and Water Tower Place at 835 North Michigan Ave. (Level 7). Garrett also brings a taste of Chicago to its Shops in New York City (at Penn Plaza between 7th & 8th), Las Vegas (Miracle Mile Shops), Detroit (Twelve Oaks Mall in Novi), Atlanta (Lenox Square Mall), Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand.

For more information and to share Garrett in the United States and Canada visit www.GarrettPopcorn.com


The Black Ensemble Theater
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space, rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage.  The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in to begin construction by General Contractor Norcon Inc. in January 2015 with a September 2015 opening.


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

OPENING: The World Premiere Drama THE TRIAL OF MOSES Fleetwood Walker at BET


BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER PRESENTS
the World Premiere DRAMA 
THE TRIAL OF MOSES Fleetwood Walker  
WRITTEN BY ERVIN GARDNER 
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY JACKIE TAYLOR
WITH LIVE MUSICIANS AND A CAST OF 22 CHICAGO ACTORS
THROUGH MARCH 15, 2015


Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor presents the World Premiere non-singing musical drama The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker, written by Ervin Gardner, produced and directed by Jackie Taylor and featuring live musicians and 22 actors.  The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker will be presented at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, now through March 15, 2015. 

If asked, “Who was the first Black major league baseball player?” most people would say, ”Jackie Robinson”— and most people would be wrong. The first Black baseball player was Moses Fleetwood Walker and he played for the Toledo Blue Stocking in 1884 in the major leagues.  However this is not a story about baseball.  This is the trial of a Black man who was as popular in his time as Michael Jordan is in ours. Moses is accused of murdering a white man in a time when Blacks were traditionally lynched without a trial for far less crimes such as looking directly in the eyes of a white man. This is a powerful true story and speaks directly to the mission of the Black Ensemble Theater—to eradicate racism.  

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker represents the most culturally diverse and largest cast in the history of the Black Ensemble Theater with a cast of 19 people playing a total of 24 characters. Andre Teamer stars as Moses Fleetwood Walker.  Other cast members include: Casey Hayes, Jack Birdwell, Trey Hobbs, Lawrence Garner, Joey Swift, Joseph Galizia, James Shinkle, Colin Reeves, Tamarus Harvell, Terry Gallagher, Gregory Fenner, Christopher McMorris, Leslie Wells, Sean Dolan, Creg Sclavi, Joshua Wheeler, Nick Ferrin and Leslie Collins. 


The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker
PHOTO CREDIT: Danny Nicholas 
Ferrin, Hayes, Teamer, Collins: Nick Ferrin (Harrison Hoyt), Casey Hayes (A.C. Hancock), Andre Teamer (Moses Fleetwood Walker), Leslie Collins (Arabella Walker)

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker is a drama with live music representing the era of the play, which takes place in 1891. The music is composed by Jackie Taylor. The Music Director and Arranger is Robert Reddrick. The musicians are Gary Baker (guitar), Justin Dillard (keyboard/conductor), Vinnie Roofe (guitar), Samuel “Savoirfaire” Williams (violin 1) and Lennette Neal (violin 2).
                                                                             
Title: The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker 
Written by: Ervin Gardner
Produced and Directed by: Jackie Taylor
Music Composed by: Jackie Taylor
Music Director and Arranger: Robert Reddrick
Dates: Through March 15, 2015

Schedule:  Thursday: 7:30 p.m.
                 Friday: 8:00 p.m.
                Saturday: 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
                 Sunday: 3:00 p.m.
Location:  Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street.
Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $55 on Thursdays, and Saturday matinees; and $65 on Fridays, Saturday evenings, and Sunday matinees. A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

Box Office: Buy online at www.blackensemble.org or call (773) 769-4451

The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker
PHOTO CREDIT: Danny Nicholas 
Teamer, Collins: Andre Teamer (Moses Fleetwood Walker), Leslie Collins (Arabella Walker)


“There is a question that has come out of the circumstances surrounding the killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Trayvon Martin in Florida, and Eric Gardner in New York, and that question is, ‘Do Black lives matter?’  That question was answered in 1891 through a true story related to the trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker,” explains Jackie Taylor.  “The mission of the Black Ensemble Theater is to eradicate racism and The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker works toward that mission.  This is a vitally important story that is greatly needed especially during these very troubling times.  Of course Black lives matter – all lives matter – and that becomes perfectly clear when you experience The Trial of Moses Fleetwood Walker. This play’s riveting messages will bring hope to all those who choose to share in its uplifting experience. 

Playwright Ervin Gardner brings to life this outstanding and touching story. He is a member of Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) – a group created by Jackie Taylor for the sole purpose of writing plays specifically for the Black Ensemble Theater. This is Gardner’s first full length play. 

The Black Ensemble Theater 
Founded in 1976, by the phenomenal producer, playwright and actress Jackie Taylor, Black Ensemble Theater is the only African American theater located in the culturally, racially and ethnically diverse north side Uptown community. Through its Five Play Season of Excellence, The Black Ensemble Theater dazzles audiences locally, nationally and internationally with outstanding original musicals that are entertaining, educational and uplifting. The Black Ensemble Theater has produced more than 100 productions and employed over 5,000 artists.

On November 18, 2011, The Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center opened and is able to accommodate larger-scale productions, bigger audiences and a wider range of educational programming. The new facility includes amenities such as a 299-seat main stage theater (double the capacity of the original venue); 14 offices, classroom space, rehearsal hall, dance studio, scene shop, costume shop, and wardrobe rooms; seven dressing rooms; rehearsal room for musicians; front lobby space with concession areas; and an indoor parking garage.  The completion of a 150-seat theater, which will serve as an experimental stage for the work of the Black Playwright Initiative (BPI), is expected in to begin construction by General Contractor Norcon Inc. in January 2015 with a September 2015 opening. 

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


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