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Friday, January 22, 2016

OPENING: THE OTHER THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS OTHER LETTERS 2/7-29

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

THE OTHER THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE WORLD PREMIERE OF OTHER LETTERS, FEBRUARY 7 – 29, 
AT THE SIDE PROJECT THEATRE, 
DIRECTED BY ARTISTIC DIRECTOR CARIN SILKAITIS



This Original Play Inspired by A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, Other Letters Tells Parallel Stories of Gay and Lesbian Couples Featuring Two Separate Scripts and Performed in Repertory by New Cast Members Every Night

The Other Theatre Company (TOTC) and Artistic Director Carin Silkaitis are proud to present the next show in the company’s 2015-2016 season Other Letters, written by Bryan Renaud and Carin Silkaitis, and directed by Artistic Director Carin Silkaitis, February 7 – 29, with opening night Sunday, Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. at Side Project, 1439 W Jarvis Ave. 

The regular run schedule is Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. $25 tickets. Tickets may be purchased at www.buzzonstage.com/theatres/other-theatre-company. For more information, please visit theothertheatrecompany.com

Inspired by A.R. Gurney’s Love Letters, Other Letters will tell parallel stories of gay and lesbian couples. TOTC wants to replace phrases such as “normalizing gay relationships ” and “normalizing queerness” with “queering normal.” Queer relationships are just as flawed, just as messy, and just as wonderful as straight relationships. They aren’t interested in re-creating Love Letters with gay couples; they’re interested in showing a beautiful relationship, maintained through letters, that happens to be queer. People who are friends, lovers, and confidantes. People who come together, and drift apart, remember,, and forget. People who cannot be together, but cannot be apart. Other Letters will feature two separate scripts performed in repertory by new cast members every night.

The Cast for Love Letters include:
February 7 – Emma Smith (actor 1) and Colleen DeRosa (actor 2)
February 8 – Alex Weisman (actor 1) and Will Allan (actor 2)
February 14 – Grant Stokes (actor 1) and Evan Michalic (actor 2)
February 15 – Patti Lavery (actor 1) and Sarah Charipar (actor 2)
February 21 – Robyn Coffin (actor 1) and Kristin Collins (actor 2)
February 22 – Jake Szczepaniak (actor 1) and Bryan Renaud (actor 2) 
February 28 – Madrid St. Angelo (actor 1) and Mark David Kaplan (actor 2) 
February 29 – Janet Ulrich Brooks (actor 1) and Carin Silkaitis (actor 2) 

ABOUT CARIN SILKAITIS
A director and actor, Silkaitis has directed plays at North Central College, Theatre Conservatory at Roosevelt University, XIII Pocket, Stage 773, Music By The Lake, and Echo Theatre Co. Recent Chicago acting credits include: Chloe in Lips Together, Teeth Apart (Eclipse), Doctor Manor/Physician's Assistant/Board Member 1 in Sons of the Prophet (American Theater Company), Dean Wreen in Seven Homeless Mammoths Wander New England (u/s with 2 full weeks of performance, Theater Wit), Clem in Raggedy And (Stage Left Theatre - Leapfest), Queen Margaret in Richard III (Oak Park Festival Theatre), Mama (and other roles) in Distracted (u/s American Theater Company), and Izzy in Rabbit Hole (u/s Goodman Theatre). Her favorite regional credits include: Love Letters, Dangerous Liaisons, and A Comedy of Errors. She will appear in the upcoming TOTC production of The Realm and in the 2017 production of Visiting with Artemisia Theatre. Silkaitis recently appeared in the SAG Feature Film Unexpected, and has been busy acting in commercials, industrials, and voiceovers. She is the current Department Chair of Art and Theatre at North Central College. 

ABOUT THE OTHER THEATRE COMPANY
The Other Theatre Company is a collective of artists dedicated to telling the stories of those who are "othered" by systems of oppression.
Comprised of activists who openly express their opinion on the various issues presented in the media and beyond, The Company engages their audience in a dialogue through performance and educational outreach. The Other Theatre Company believes in and fights for equality and rejects cultural hegemony.

OPENING: Midnight Cowboy at Lifeline Theatre February 29th

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Lifeline Theatre Presents Midnight Cowboy,
A World Premiere Adaptation Of The Book by James Leo Herlihy
Opens February 29, 2016
Performance with Open Captioning on March 5
Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on March 19

  

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel, Midnight Cowboy, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth (2015 Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation – Monstrous Regiment), and directed by Lifeline ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh. 

ChiIL Live Shows will be there on opening night, so check back soon for our full review, here and at our family friendly sister site, ChiIL Mama.

Joe Buck escapes his dead-end life in Texas and heads to New York City with dreams of making his fortune as a hustler for wealthy socialites. But his rugged cowboy persona masks the gullibility of a child, and Joe falls victim to all manner of con artists and predators. At the end of his rope, he partners with street-savvy Rico “Ratso” Rizzo in an alliance that could either save or destroy them both. A meditation on loneliness and the need to form real connections amidst the crushing isolation of 20th-century life. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.


Midnight Cowboy runs February 19 – April 10, 2016 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, February 28 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, February 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, February 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, February 20 and 27 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 21 at 4 p.m.)
Regular performance times (March 3 – April 10) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, March 5, 4 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, March 19, 4 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.



The complete cast and production team for Midnight Cowboy includes:

CAST:       
Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Patrick Blashill (Woodsy/Towny); with guest artists Megan DeLay (Cass), Micah Kronlokken (Bobby), Anne Marie Lewis (Sally), Zach Livingston (Joe),
Gregory Madden (O'Daniel), Adam Marcantoni (Ratso), Jack Miggins (Perry), and Heather Smith (Anastasia). With understudies Aislinn Eng, Jay Donley, Shawn Hansen, and Nellie Kay
Ognacevic.

PRODUCTION TEAM:        
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Chris Hainsworth (Adaptor), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), and Christopher M. Walsh (Director); with guest artists Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Matt Engle (Fight Director), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Theresa Kelly (Assistant Lighting Designer), Ryan McCain (Properties Designer), Lindsey Miller (Stage Manager), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Patrick Runfeldt (Dramaturg), Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer, Technical Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), and Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer).

Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show.  Street parking is also available and Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).

Now in its 33rd season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Flex Print , Inc.; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Thursday, January 14, 2016

"CELEBRATION OF LATINA|O ARTISTS” Hits Chicago For 8 Weeks January 16th through March 13th

A "CELEBRATION OF LATINA|O ARTISTS” SPOTLIGHTS DISTINGUISHED WRITERS JOSÉ RIVERA, MARÍA IRENE FORNES, ROBERTO BOLAÑO 
AND MORE 
                                                                                               
***FROM POETRY TO PANEL DISCUSSIONS TO A COLOMBIAN DANCE PARTY, EVENTS AMPLIFY JOSÉ RIVERA’S ANOTHER WORD FOR BEAUTY AND ROBERTO BOLAÑO’S 2666, ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY ROBERT FALLS AND SETH BOCKLEY***



Goodman Theatre, in collaboration with off-Loop theaters, DePaul University and Northwestern University, presents an eight-week “Celebration of Latina|o Artists,” centered around its first two productions of 2016, both of which are world premieres—Another Word For Beauty by José Rivera (starts this Saturday, January 16) and Roberto Bolaño’s 2666, adapted and directed by Robert Falls and Seth Bockley (starts February 6). Curated by Henry Godinez, Goodman Theatre Resident Artistic Associate and 2666 cast member, the celebration highlights the careers and influence of noted writers Bolaño, María Irene Fornés and Rivera and includes a slate of readings, discussions and more—many of which are free of charge. Celebration events begin January 16 and continue through March 13. For ticket reservations and information, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/LCelebration

Tickets for Another Word for Beauty ($25 -$77) and 2666 ($20-$45) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).

Highlights of “A Celebration of Latina|o Artists” include the following events:
  • Readings and panel discussions of works by José Rivera (References to Salvador Dalí Make Me Hot, School of the Americas, Marisol and The Hours are Feminine) and María Irene Fornés (Fefu and Her Friends, Mud, Sarita and The Conduct of Life) at venues including: Urban Theater Company, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, The Hypocrites Theater Chicago (The Den), Northwestern University and DePaul University
  • A one-night-only reading of Issac Gomez’s play, La Ruta—a new work inspired by the unsolved murders of hundreds of women in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico (the US/Mexican border city that serves as inspiration for the fictional city of Santa Teresa in 2666)—at The National Musuem of Mexican Art. Additionally, clips from Lourdes Portillo's award-winning documentary, Señorita Extraviada, will be shown
  • “Club Colombia,” a dance party with DJ at the Goodman following Another Word for Beauty 



DON'T MISS A LIVE COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH SUPER TROOPERS’ BROKEN LIZARD 2/25 AT PARK WEST


HALCYON THEATRE PRESENTS
MEOW WHAT?
A LIVE COMEDY EXTRAVAGANZA WITH SUPER TROOPERS’ BROKEN LIZARD
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 AT PARK WEST


Broken Lizard, the hilarious comedy troupe best known for the cult film comedy Super Troopers (and its long-awaited 2016 sequel Super Troopers 2), is coming to Chicago with their live one-night comedy extravaganza Meow What?  Lizards’ Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske, stars and creators of the movies Super Troopers, Club Dread and Beerfest, appear live in Meow What?: An Evening with Broken Lizard, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 8 p.m. at Park West, 322 W. Armitage. 

Tickets, $25-$45, benefit Halcyon Theatre, the Albany Park-based Equity theater company fiercely committed to making the stage as diverse as the city of Chicago. jamusa.com/park-west

Meow What?: An Evening With Broken Lizard
Thursday, February 25, 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.)
Park West
Tickets: $25, $30, $35 and $45 at jamusa.com/park-west
All ages; under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian

About Broken Lizard
Broken Lizard is a five-man comedy and film-making group, devoted to intense sunshine, Floridian deep tissue massage and the advanced study of keeping it realism. During their travels, they made Super Troopers, Beerfest, Club Dread, The Slammin’ Salmon and Puddle Cruiser. Now they are raising funds to complete Super Troopers 2 at supertroopers2movie.com.

About Halcyon
Halcyon Theatre is fiercely committed to making the stage as diverse as the city of Chicago. Dedicated to presenting new voices from inadequately represented communities, Halcyon works to recast classic works in order to showcase contemporary relevance.


Based in the Albany Park neighborhood, Halcyon Theatre was formed in 2006 to connect people, transform borders and ascend toward a more just union. The theatre’s artistic philosophy is driven by the continuing belief that at every point of human history where there has been an explosion of artistic creativity, it has happened when different cultures and traditions have met and learned from each other. Halcyon’s work includes productions as well as providing platforms—including Compass Lab as well as writing workshops & new play labs—for artists to grow and reach their full potential. www.halcyontheatre.org.

Sunday, January 3, 2016

Photo Recap: CLUTCH NYE 2016 at Bogart's

2016 came in with a roar and a cowbell. CLUTCH killed it at Bogart's, an intimate and infamous venue that's been a staple of the Cincinnati scene since the mid 70's as a concert hot spot and as early as 1905 as vaudeville venue. We were super stoked to be there shooting for ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama.







You've heard of "The Hottest Band in the Land... KISS" 
and "The Only Band That Matters... The Clash." 
Now meet "The Best Metal Band With Cow Bell... CLUTCH!!"



D.C. Sound Attack indeed!! What a welcome for 2016.





Click the image below for our 
full Clutch NYE slide show. 
More photo favs are embedded at the bottom of this feature as well. Photo credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara


One thing we dig about Clutch is the band members take turns writing the set lists. I don't know who planned the NYE show, but it was a stellar mix of old school and new tunes and the pre-show music was a big ol' Lemmy fest.




*Pure Rock Fury was played instead of Son of Virginia.



We've been fans of Clutch's unique rock stylings since they began in the early 90's and we're happy to see them finally getting the critical acclaim and wider audience they deserve. Clutch fans are some of the friendliest, most unpretentious people out there and it's always a great vibe at shows. 





One thing we love about Bogart's is their all ages shows truly are. We're not talking just 18+ under agers. Kids were welcome at the Clutch NYE show and some of the next gen rail riders even left with drum sticks and guitar picks!










NYE can be a time of reflection and of celebrating the old and new. Speaking of old, I was there with my husband of 15 years, a guy I've been catching Clutch with since the early 90's. And we made a whole slew of new friends at the show and met others in person that we've known on line from the Clutch facebook group!







One of our new friends confessed to discovering the first Clutch album when she worked at a college radio station. It wasn't getting much air play, and she loved it so much she stole it. She admitted to feeling a twinge guilty in later years, but she's made amends by spreading the Clutch love since then. In fact, she was there with her boyfriend who was a live Clutch virgin till the Cleveland show the night before. By NYE he was an enthusiastic full convert! 




Our Clutch initiation was less dramatic. We were turned on to their first album by mutual friends, and have caught them every chance we get for the past 20+ years. 





I've been shooting and reviewing their shows for about the past 5 years and it was truly a treat to catch Neil for a video interview right before Earth Rocker came out a few years back.



Happy new year all. Hope 2016 is filled with music, creativity, laughter, friends, family and fun. We'll see you out there.







Remember to check back with ChiIL Live Shows for arts & entertainment news, reviews, interviews and giveaways for Chi, IL and beyond.

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Fan Shot Favs Clutch NYE:






Favorite Show Shots Clutch NYE: 



Just another brick in the wall.... Had to include this. Security was standing on cinder blocks in the photo pit so they'd have better sight lines on the crowd. Never seen anything like it!























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