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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

NEW RELEASES: LORDS OF BLACK Announce Sophomore Album II Out Worldwide on Frontiers Music Srl in March!

Frontiers Music Srl is pleased to announce the release of the highly anticipated second album from the Melodic Progressive Metal masters LORDS OF BLACK on March 18, 2016.


LORDS OF BLACK is the band formed by world-class singer Ronnie Romero, renowned guitarist Tony Hernando and monster drummer Andy C. 

Their vision was to form a metal band with a modern approach blended with catchy, melodic and progressive elements. After months of intense and hard work on the songs, the band independently released their acclaimed Self-Titled debut, which was co-produced by Roland Grapow. Metal Hammer Spain deemed it "The Best Metal album released in Spain this year."

Check out their new album trailer HERE:


The band supported the release with a series of very successful live shows, some of them as "very special guest" for high profile international acts. Then the news of Ronnie Romero joining the new incarnation of RAINBOW broke out. This brought the band to the attention of the international media and in particular the words from Ritchie Blackmore, describing Romero's voice like "a cross between Ronnie James Dio and Freddie Mercury" piqued the curiosity of rock journalists and fans alike.

However, now LORDS OF BLACK are ready to conquer the world with II, an album that will blow the minds of fans of Modern Melodic Metal. Once again co-produced, mixed and mastered by Roland Grapow (MASTERPLAN, ex-HELLOWEEN), II is not only the follow up to their outstanding and acclaimed debut album, but is an album with superbly crafted songs that will instantly become absolute Metal classics.  "The new album, being the follow up to a first record that was so greatly received, had to get to a higher place," says Tony Hernando. "After an intense year of writing and producing, along with the live performances, we came up with songs that are still deep and complicated in some arrangements, but have been written with the live performance in mind... The quest was to come up with something that artistically was meaningful for us as musicians and at the same time could catch the attention of the listeners. We really hope you enjoy this new album and come with us for a great ride!"

Tracks like "Merciless", "Everything You're Not", "Insane", "New World's Coming" and "Shadows of War" showcase the heavy and complex yet very melodic style of the band. The song "The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland" is the conclusion to the trilogy that commenced on the debut album, while the song "Cry No More" is inspired and dedicated to the late, great, Phil Lynott.

This is a band destined for stardom: get on board now and enjoy the music!



II Track Listing  
Malevolently Beautiful (Intro)
Merciless; Only One Life Away
Everything You're No
New World's Comin'
Cry No More; Tears I Will Be
Insane; Live by the Lie, Die by the Truth
Ghost of You
The Art of Illusions Part III: The Wasteland
Shadows of War
Lady of the Lake (Rainbow cover, bonus track cd edition) / Innuendo (Queen cover, bonus track digital edition).

LORDS OF BLACK
Ronnie Romero - Vocals
Tony Hernando - Guitars
Andy C. - Drums

Tony Hernando played bass on the album.
Javi Garcia is the new bass player who has just joined the band.
All Piano and synths played by Andy C.
Additional Pianos and Synths by Tony Hernando and Víctor Díez.

Produced by Tony Hernando and Roland Grapow
Mixed and Mastered by Roland Grapow at Grapow's Studios, Slovakia

For More Info Visit:


Tuesday, December 8, 2015

From One Bank to Another, Broadway in Chicago Announces The Renaming of One of Chicago’s Marquee Theatres To PrivateBank Theatre

Performances Begin at The PrivateBank Theatre September 27, 2016

Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank today proudly announced a new long-run strategic partnership that will rename what many refer to as a crown jewel of the Chicago Theatre District, at 18 W. Monroe, to THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  Beginning with the production of CABARET, on Tuesday, February 9, the theatre will transform with a new marquee and signage to unveil THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE.  

At a press conference on December 8, 2015, Broadway In Chicago and The PrivateBank announced this dynamic partnership, a partnership that is committed to bring the best of Broadway to our Chicago Theatre District including the breathtaking announcement of Broadway’s biggest hit, HAMILTON, which will make THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE its new home beginning in September of 2016.


Producer Jeffrey Seller today announced the blockbuster Broadway musical HAMILTON – with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda – will play its first engagement outside New York this fall in Chicago.  Performances begin September 27, 2016, at Broadway In Chicago's newly named The PrivateBank Theatre (18 W. Monroe).


HAMILTON will anchor the Broadway In Chicago subscription season that will be sold in the Spring of 2016.  Group tickets for 20 or more for HAMILTON at The PrivateBank Theatre will go on sale on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Single ticket on-sale for HAMILTON will be announced at a later date.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, directed by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler and musical direction and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.  A thoroughly inventive, wildly entertaining musical about the birth of our nation – with a score that blends hip-hop, pop, blues, jazz and Broadway –HAMILTON opened on Broadway earlier this year to enthusiastic reception from critics and audiences of all ages. 


HAMILTON’s creative team previously collaborated on the 2008 Tony Award-winning Best Musical IN THE HEIGHTS. 

HAMILTON features scenic design by David Korins, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Nevin Steinberg, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe and casting by Telsey + Company, Bethany Knox, CSA.

The new musical is produced by Jeffrey Seller, Sander Jacobs, Jill Furman and The Public Theater.

HAMILTON (ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING) is available everywhere nationwide. The HAMILTON Original Broadway Cast Recording received a 2016 GRAMMY® nomination for Best Musical Theatre Album.  The album made a stunning arrival on the charts upon its digital release in August, coming in at #1 on the “Top Broadway Albums” chart, #3 on the “Top Rap Albums” chart, #5 on “Top Digital Albums” chart and #9 on the “Top Current Albums” chart.  The cast recording was recently selected as #8 on Rolling Stone’s TOP 50 ALBUMS OF 2015.  The album’s debut stands as the second biggest first week sales ever for a cast recording, behind only RENT in the Nielsen SoundScan era.


For more information on HAMILTON, 

This partnership brings together two Chicago institutions that have an unprecedented commitment to Chicago, the arts and an ongoing drive to position Chicago as a cultural hub of the country. 

“The PrivateBank and Broadway In Chicago share a belief that a strong arts and culture community is one of the things that makes Chicago such a great city,” Larry D. Richman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The PrivateBank, said. “We are proud to put our name on this beautiful and treasured venue.  At the same time, we plan to partner with Broadway In Chicago to make the theater experience accessible to youth throughout the city.”

Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago, said, “This partnership allows Broadway In Chicago to attract the best shows like HAMILTON. The naming of this theatre demonstrates The PrivateBank’s commitment to build a legacy of community support and will further integrate The PrivateBank into the cultural fabric of Chicago.  The PrivateBank will be celebrating 25 years in Chicago in 2016, aligning its great work with the over 100-year-old iconic venue that lights up the Chicago Theatre District and Broadway In Chicago.” 

ABOUT THE PRIVATEBANK
The PrivateBank is proud to help make our city more vibrant through partnerships with organizations such as Broadway In Chicago. At The PrivateBank, our mission is to advance the goals of our clients by delivering compelling commercial, personal and private banking solutions as well as to promote the stability of our communities through financial literacy and banking services. The PrivateBank is part of PrivateBancorp, Inc., a Chicago-based company with $16.9 billion in assets as of September 30, 2015.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 15 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 well 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 including its new THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

Monday, December 7, 2015

OPENING: 20% THEATRE COMPANY CHICAGO PRESENTS "LITTLE WOMEN"


Louisa May Alcott's beloved story of the March sisters returns this holiday season in a charming retelling from 20% Theatre

Join Jo, Meg, Beth, Amy and their friends as they navigate the joys and trials of coming of age both together, and apart.



Playing Sunday - Tuesday evenings, December 6th - 22nd* at the Cornservatory (4210 N. Lincoln Ave). 
*there will be no performance on Monday, December 14th.

Join us Saturday, December 12th for a special Family Event!
Come before the show for hot chocolate, carols, creating homemade Civil War era Christmas decorations and helping to decorate the tree. We may even have a special appearance from our friends at the North Pole! Doors open at 12:30. Performance is at 2:00 and there will be a special autograph and photo session with the cast afterward.

About the Director
Emma Couling (Director)
Emma Couling is a freelance director in Chicago, IL. Recent projects include Space Girl (Idle Muse's Athena Festival), American Smoothie (Underscore Theater Company's Chicago Musical Theatre Festival), Boeing Boeing (906 Theatre Co.), Little Women (20% Theatre Company), Henry V (The Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company of Chicago),  Fly Girl Fly (Snapshots Festival 2014), The Comedy of Errors (The Unrehearsed Shakespeare Company of Chicago), The Importance of Being Earnest (906 Theatre Co.), Into the Woods (EDGE Theatre Community), and The Pirates of Penzance aboard The Tall Ship Windy (Tall Ship Adventures of Chicago). Ms. Couling regularly appears on Eats & Sweets Theatrical Story-Telling Podcast Dark Night Live.

Cast and Designers
Written by Louisa May Alcott. Adapted by Timothy Good. Edited by Lindsay A. Bartlett, Emma Couling & Phoebe Gonzalez.
Little Women will feature Charlotte Ostrow (Jo), Emily Green (Meg), Serena Pomerantz (Beth), Rachael Barry (Amy), T.J. Anderson, Nathan Dunn, Christopher Ratliff & Denise Smolarek.
Stage Management by Roxie Kooi, Costume Design by Jerica Hucke, Sound Design by Kallie Noelle Rolison**, Producer: Lindsay A. Bartlett*   * denotes 20% Company Member; ** denotes 20% Artistic Associate

Location & Tickets
Performed at the Cornservatory (4210 N. Lincoln Ave.) - Just north of the Irving Park Brown Line and off the Irving/Damen/Lincoln stop on the #80 Irving Park Bus or #50 Damen Bus

Tickets available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2434242 or by emailing boxoffice@twentypercentchicago.com. Family and Group discounts available by emailing the box office

20% THEATER COMPANY CHICAGO: MISSION STATEMENT
20% THEATRE COMPANY CHICAGO is dedicated to strengthening the presence and raising public awareness of women artists in theatre. It is estimated that only 20% of theatre professionals are women. By providing educational opportunities for women directors, producers, designers, and playwrights, 20% Theatre Company Chicago strives to increase the number of women in theatre. We are committed to engaging new audiences by making our work accessible to the community.

For more information about 20% and the women behind it, visit www.twentypercentchicago.com.


EXTENDED: GOOD FOR OTTO AT THE GIFT THEATRE Now Playing Through February 7

SECOND EXTENSION OF DAVID RABE’S REMARKABLE GOOD FOR OTTO AT THE GIFT THEATRE 
Additional four weeks— January 14 - February 7





To accommodate demand for tickets, The Gift Theatre has added performances and extended the run of its critically acclaimed new play for the second time, Good for Otto, written by Tony Award-winning playwright David Rabe and directed by Gift artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton. After announcing their extension, the show was scheduled to close December 20, Good for Otto, will continue performances January 14 - February 7, 2016. Performances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Please consult The Gift’s website at thegifttheatre.org or call the box office at 773-283-7071 for the most current schedule and ticket availability.  

“I am deeply moved that this epic masterwork by American master playwright David Rabe has found its home and voice at The Gift Theatre in Chicago,” said Thornton. “We look forward to as many people as possible experiencing David's beautiful and mesmerizing opus, Good For Otto. In Good For Otto, one character's motto is ‘Fortune favors the brave’; David's writing, the ensemble's acting and the world created by our designers is bravery defined.”

Haunted by his own childhood, a psychologist tries to minister to the distressed souls who find their way to the doors of the health center he runs in a cluster of Connecticut hamlets and villages. Absurd at times, sadly comic and touching in the twists and turns of their simple humanity, men and women, young and old, rich and poor bring their pain in from the bucolic setting of trees, white churches, streams and mountains ranges for Dr. Michaels and his collogues with hopes of relief in the world premiere of this whimsical, yet tornadic, ensemble piece.

Playwright David Rabe received a Tony Award for Best Play in 1972 for Sticks and Bones and also received Tony Award nominations for Best Play in 1974 for In the Boom Boom Room, 1977’s Streamers and 1985’s Hurlyburly.

The cast will remain the same with the exception of Millicent Hurley Spencer taking on the role of Mrs. Garland, originally played by Donna Mcgough.

THE CAST
Cyd Blakewell – Marcy
Brittany Burch – Mother
John Connolly – Timothy
Paul D'Addario – Jimmy
Patricia Donegan – Teresa Gilchrist
John Gawlik – Dr. Robert Michaels
Caroline Heffernan – Frannie
Alexandra Main – Jane
Millicent Hurley Spencer – Mrs. Garland
Kenny Mihlfried – Jerome
Darci Nalepa – Nora
Lynda Newton – Evangeline Ryder 
Rob Riley – Barnard Gilchrist
Justine Serino – Denise
Jay Worthington – Alex


About The Gift Theatre
The 2015 Season began in January with TEN, The Gift’s annual kickoff celebration of ten-minute plays curated by artistic director Michael Patrick Thornton and associate artistic director Paul D'Addario. The season kicked off March 5 with the world premiere of Mat Smart’s quirky and beautiful play The Royal Society of Antarctica, directed by Gift Ensemble member John Gawlik. Director Marti Lyons (Bethany) returned for Body + Blood written by The Gift Co-Founder, William Nedved; the season closes with David Rabe’s (Hurlyburly, Streamers) Good For Otto directed by The Gift Co-Founder and Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton. Subscriptions for the entire 2015 season, which includes three world premieres, are available for as little as $75. The Gift subscribers ("Gifters") receive admission to three shows, free parking at Gale Street Inn, free admission to all Wednesday night “Natural Gas” improv shows and invitations to special subscriber-only special events. Subscribe at http://thegifttheatre.org/ or call 773-283-7071.

The Gift Theatre is conveniently located at 4802 N. Milwaukee in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, and is easily accessible by the CTA Blue Line, the Lawrence and Milwaukee Avenue buses and the Kennedy Expressway. For more information about The Gift Theatre’s productions and programs, visit www.thegifttheatre.org.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Yakuza and Beak LIVE at Beat Kitchen's 25th Anniversary Party 10/19/15

Here's a full version slide show of our LIVE show shots, a short video recap and some of our favorite shots below. 

Yakuza















Slideshow:



Like what you hear? Check out their respective sites here for upcoming gigs, purchasing info and more. Chicago's metal scene is insane. 

Yakuza
Beak
Beat Kitchen




More of our favorite Show Shots:













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Check back with ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. I write about the arts and specialize in Chicago's alternative, punk and metal music scene, theatre, eco-friendly and multicultural events for adults and children.

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Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Theatre Tickets Make Great Gifts


CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON


League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide highlights seasonal productions


Cut the clutter and give an unforgettable experience instead!

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

The holidays mean a virtual avalanche of great theatre and it can be daunting to dig through all the openings and seasonal short runs. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We'll have loads of original reviews, theatre news, interviews and even ticket giveaways. Still, we're a small outlet and can't be everywhere. So, for a comprehensive listing of holiday hits easily split by genre, The League of Chicago Theatres’ is your best bet. **We've added asterisks to our favorites that we will be reviewing or covering on our outlets as well.


The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available beginning in November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area.  An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com.  Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season.

Classic Chicago favorites include:

**Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption A CHRISTMAS CAROL, returns to the Goodman Theatre for the 38th year. Through December 27, 2015.

**Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! presented by American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center, November 20 – December 27, 2015.

**The House Theatre presents its wholly original, ballet-free, fast paced and family friendly version of THE NUTCRACKER at the Chopin Theatre, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery. Runs through December 31, 2015.

**The Joffrey Ballet’s lavish and beloved THE NUTCRACKER returns to the Auditorium Theatre, featuring Robert Joffrey’s version for one last time, December 4 – 27, 2015.

Holiday-themed musicals include:

**The classic Chicago musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail again at The Mercury Theater featuring a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. November 25 – December 27, 2015.

**Drury Lane Theatre presents WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL, a merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy. Through January 3, 2016,

A KOKANDY CHRISTMAS premieres at Theater Wit, featuring new musical arrangements of favorites old and new performed by five of Chicago’s brightest musical theater talents. Runs December 3 – 23, 2015.

Holiday comedies include:

**The Second City and Goodman Theatre’s TWIST YOUR DICKENS returns for a second smash year. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, three ridiculous ghosts and a cast of The Second City’s funniest members take the Goodman by storm, as wicked parody, daring improve and a host of guest celebs run rampant. December 4 – 27, 2015.

**David Sedaris’ classic comedy SANTALAND DIARIES returns to Theater Wit November 20 – December 27, 2015.


Other notable works include:

**A Q BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL, a hip-hop holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. November 28 – January 3, 2016.

Strawdog Theatre presents Paula Vogel’s hauntingly beautiful A LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME. Through December 12.

**The Hypocrites bring back BURNING BLUEBEARD to The Den Theatre, inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, six singed clown performers perform their spectacular Christmas pantomime once and for all. Runs November 19 – January 10, 2016.

**HELLCAB portrays the story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago on Christmas Eve, at Profiles Theatre, through January 10, 2016.



Hot Tix
Celebrating 35 years this month, Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week, as well as future performances, including many holiday selections for the whole family. Hot Tix has three convenient downtown walk-up locations and half-price tickets are also available online at HotTix.org, easily searchable by date, show, theatre, or genre.

Hours and Locations

Expo 72: 72 E. Randolph (across from the Chicago Cultural Center)
Tues – Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Water Works: 163 E. Pearson (along the Magnificent Mile)
Tues – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Block Thirty Seven: 108 N. State (at the first floor Guest Services desk)
Mon – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Follow Hot Tix on social media:

Subscribe to the Hot Tix email list at http://hottixsignup.gr8.com.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.


Holiday Theatre Round Up Via League of Chicago Theatres’


CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON


League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide highlights seasonal productions

ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

The holidays mean a virtual avalanche of great theatre and it can be daunting to dig through all the openings and seasonal short runs. Check back with ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We'll have loads of original reviews, theatre news, interviews and even ticket giveaways. Still, we're a small outlet and can't be everywhere. So, for a comprehensive listing of holiday hits easily split by genre, The League of Chicago Theatres’ is your best bet. **We've added asterisks to our favorites that we will be reviewing or covering on our outlets as well.


The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available beginning in November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area.  An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com.  Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season.

Classic Chicago favorites include:

**Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption A CHRISTMAS CAROL, returns to the Goodman Theatre for the 38th year. Through December 27, 2015.

**Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! presented by American Blues Theater at the Greenhouse Theater Center, November 20 – December 27, 2015.

**The House Theatre presents its wholly original, ballet-free, fast paced and family friendly version of THE NUTCRACKER at the Chopin Theatre, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery. Runs through December 31, 2015.

**The Joffrey Ballet’s lavish and beloved THE NUTCRACKER returns to the Auditorium Theatre, featuring Robert Joffrey’s version for one last time, December 4 – 27, 2015.

Holiday-themed musicals include:

**The classic Chicago musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail again at The Mercury Theater featuring a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. November 25 – December 27, 2015.

**Drury Lane Theatre presents WHITE CHRISTMAS: THE MUSICAL, a merry and bright stage production based on the classic silver screen romantic comedy. Through January 3, 2016,

A KOKANDY CHRISTMAS premieres at Theater Wit, featuring new musical arrangements of favorites old and new performed by five of Chicago’s brightest musical theater talents. Runs December 3 – 23, 2015.

Holiday comedies include:

**The Second City and Goodman Theatre’s TWIST YOUR DICKENS returns for a second smash year. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, three ridiculous ghosts and a cast of The Second City’s funniest members take the Goodman by storm, as wicked parody, daring improve and a host of guest celebs run rampant. December 4 – 27, 2015.

**David Sedaris’ classic comedy SANTALAND DIARIES returns to Theater Wit November 20 – December 27, 2015.


Other notable works include:

**A Q BROTHERS’ CHRISTMAS CAROL, a hip-hop holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat returns to Chicago Shakespeare Theater. November 28 – January 3, 2016.

Strawdog Theatre presents Paula Vogel’s hauntingly beautiful A LONG CHRISTMAS RIDE HOME. Through December 12.

**The Hypocrites bring back BURNING BLUEBEARD to The Den Theatre, inspired by the true story of Chicago’s 1903 Iroquois Theatre Fire, six singed clown performers perform their spectacular Christmas pantomime once and for all. Runs November 19 – January 10, 2016.

**HELLCAB portrays the story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago on Christmas Eve, at Profiles Theatre, through January 10, 2016.



Hot Tix
Celebrating 35 years this month, Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week, as well as future performances, including many holiday selections for the whole family. Hot Tix has three convenient downtown walk-up locations and half-price tickets are also available online at HotTix.org, easily searchable by date, show, theatre, or genre.

Hours and Locations

Expo 72: 72 E. Randolph (across from the Chicago Cultural Center)
Tues – Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Water Works: 163 E. Pearson (along the Magnificent Mile)
Tues – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Block Thirty Seven: 108 N. State (at the first floor Guest Services desk)
Mon – Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun 11am-5pm

Follow Hot Tix on social media:

Subscribe to the Hot Tix email list at http://hottixsignup.gr8.com.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2009-10 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 130 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.


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