Two Nights Only: BETTE, LIVE AT THE XMAS BATHS at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre 12/12 & 13

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Two Nights Only!

BETTE, LIVE AT THE XMAS BATHS

A Musical Tribute Starring Caitlin Jackson 

Adapted by David Cerda & Caitlin Jackson

Directed by Becca Holloway

Music Direction by Jeremy Ramey

December 12 & 13, 2017 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to bring back its steamy cabaret sensation – this time, with a holiday twist! Handbag diva Caitlin Jackson recreates Bette Midler’s historic concert at New York’s Continental Baths in BETTE, LIVE AT THE XMAS BATHS, playing two nights only, December 12 & 13, 2017 at 8 pm at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. Halsted St. in Chicago. Tickets, priced at $25, are available at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650.

With the inimitable Jeremy Ramey tickling the ivories as Barry Manilow, Handbag’s loving recreation of the beginning of Ms. Midler’s stellar career features the fabulous songs she sang for the boys in the bathhouse, including Chattanooga Choo-Choo, Superstar – plus holiday ditties done in Bette’s inimitable style. Directed by Becca Holloway, BETTE, LIVE AT THE XMAS BATHS also features Ed Jones as Mr. Gerald, bathhouse patron and hairdresser to the stars, and Sydney Genco and Allison Petrillo as her bawdy back-up broads.

It’s Christmas Eve at the Continental Baths…. can Bette, our reluctant holiday hero, spread some cheer to the holiday orphans that have gathered to see her? Join Bette, her go-to gals, Trixie and Laverne, and her loyal hairdresser, Mr. Gerald, for an evening of unmatched MARY-ment.

BETTE, LIVE AT THE XMAS BATHS is presented as part of Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series.

About Hell in a Handbag Productions
Founded in 2002, Hell in a Handbag Productions is Chicago’s only theater dedicated to camp and the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage.   Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit Corporation.  For additional information, visit www.handbagproductions.org.

About Steppenwolf’s LookOut Series
LookOut is Steppenwolf’s performance series that presents the work of artists and companies across genre and form, emerging artists and performance legends, quintessential Chicago companies and young aspiring ensembles, familiar Steppenwolf faces and new friends. steppenwolf.org/lookout

Illinois Year Long Bicentennial Beginning Celebrated by Cast of Hamilton With Unveiling of The Bicentennial Flag of Illinois

The cast of Hamilton at the CIBC Theatre in Chicago officially began the Illinois Bicentennial Celebration by unveiling the Bicentennial Flag from the stage. 

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we're Illinois proud and excited for the bicentennial. Chi, IL isn't just part of my business name, it's home! We particularly love celebrating the world class arts and entertainment scene in our fabulous home town, and cover theatre/music/art/food and more daily. Chi, IL is an integral part of my family history too. My two children (now teens) were born and raised here in Chicago, as was my father and his 3 sibling, and his parents too. We're ready to celebrate all the amazing people and things Born-Built-Grown in Illinois over the past 200 years. 

Alexander Gemignani, who plays King George III, declared, “Today marks the birthdate and the kick off to the Illinois Bicentennial. We are honored to reveal to you the new bicentennial flag and celebrate 200 years of history with the Governor and all the people of Illinois.”

Governor Rauner greets 100 students at the performance who won the Bicentennial Countdown Video Contest featuring “Something to Learn About Illinois History”

In attendance were 100 Illinois high school and college students whose videos were chosen as part of the 100 Day Countdown to the start of the Bicentennial. The videos theme was ‘Something to Learn about Illinois History’.



Gemignani gave a special shout out to the students who distinguished themselves with winning videos, highlighting the people, places and things that make Illinois so great. "We are all Illinoisans today!" he decried.  

  

“What a great way to begin this very important year-long celebration of our 200 year history,” said Gov. Rauner. “I am so proud of the work these students have done. Let the Bicentennial begin.”



The 100 Day Countdown to the Bicentennial Celebration was sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, who celebrated its 200th Birthday in 2017.  “We are excited to support the Illinois Bicentennial especially as we conclude celebrations for BMO Harris’ 200th birthday,” BMO Harris President & CEO Dave Casper said.  



Illinois was recognized as a state on Dec. 3, 1818, and the official Illinois Bicentennial will be celebrated in 2018 with events planned across the state on Constitution Day, Aug. 26, 2018, and the grand birthday celebration at the United Center on Dec. 3, 2018. Municipalities and organizations that are planning Bicentennial activities between Dec. 3, 2017, and Dec. 3, 2018, can apply for endorsement by the Illinois Bicentennial. Visit the Participate page at www.illinois200.com for more information and to submit an application for endorsement.

OPENING: Chicago-based comedy duo, Poutine bring Thanks for Coming to CIC Theater

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Vienna Juvenile 

to Produce Second Full-Length Revue from Sketch Comedy Duo “Poutine” 

at CIC Theater

January 13 – February 3, 2017

Vienna Juvenile, the minds behind last summer’s hit comedy festival, Story Arc Sketch Comedy Festival, are returning this winter to produce a new, full-length sketch comedy revue from Chicago-based comedy duo, Poutine, titled Thanks for Coming. The four-week run will begin on January 13 and will be performed on Saturdays at 8pm until February 3 at the CIC Theater (1422 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613) near the corner of Irving Park Rd and Clark St. Tickets are $10, and will be available for purchase at cictheater.com/shows-tickets beginning Monday, December 11.

“We are so proud and excited to announce our next producing venture, this time with the phenomenally talented Poutine,” says Vienna Juvenile Ensemble Member and Co-Producer Hank Greene. “Not only are they simply one of the funniest sketch comedy groups I’ve ever seen—they’re a thoughtful, patient pair of performers. They’re experts at mining their characters for depth and emotional insight, not just the easy laugh.”

Featuring the combined writing/performing talents of Chicago improvisers Taylor Overstreet and Tim Felton, Poutine’s first revue, What Might Have Been, was a smash hit at the CIC last February, and was directed by Tim Lyons. Thanks for Coming is directed by Jorin Garguilo, and introduces the audience to a “Cult of Nice”—a concept Overstreet says pokes fun at the obsessively pleasant personas she and Felton have cultivated in their lives… but that may not tell their whole story.

“While our first revue focused much more on the choices Tim and I made to get where we are—we wanted our second revue to tear away at what people can see, and explore a little more about who we actually are,” says Overstreet.

“It’s part being invited into someone's home, part peeking behind the curtain,” adds Felton. “I think this show is a fun exploration of what’s interesting and even worth laughing about in real relationships, playful imaginings, and abstract expressions. We try and make the real, the surreal, and the in-between engaging.”

It will be Vienna Juvenile’s first producing venture since last summer’s Story Arc Sketch Comedy Festival, which Overstreet says fell right in line with the kind of sketch comedy she and Felton hope to perform.



“Having seen Story Arc this summer and watching the groups involved, it felt like Vienna Juvenile would be a great producing partner for this show,” says Overstreet. “From day 1, we’ve been committed to doing a show that’s more than just funny or self-deprecating—we’ve wanted to blur the lines between Chicago comedy and Chicago theater. To have Vienna Juvenile backing us with that same kind of philosophy has helped us create the show we envisioned when we started.”

Greene says the feeling was mutual, and that if audiences have enjoyed Vienna Juvenile’s past shows, they’ll absolutely fall in love with Poutine.

“Tim and Taylor have an ability to make you think without ever losing that air of likeability or light-heartedness that draws audiences in,” he says. “Every audience member who goes to see them will be immediately taken with their honesty, and will leave with a smile on their face.”

For more information, head to ViennaJuvenileComedy.com or visit CICTheater.com  following the ticket release date (December 11).

Thanks for Coming

A new sketch comedy revue from Poutine and Vienna Juvenile Productions
January 13 - February 3 at CIC Theater (1422 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613)

Meet Tim and Taylor. They're nice. They're very nice. Have you heard how nice they are? Because for one evening, they'd like to invite you into their very nice home to show you that they're so nice... you may never want to leave. From Poutine, the minds behind What Might Have Been, comes an evening full of slightly off-kilter houseguests... in one house party you won't soon forget.

Tickets available December 11 at CICTheater.com

REVIEW: Hey Mary! Christmas With Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer Through 12/30

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

Old School Drag Delight, 20th Season of Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer  Classic Camp

All Photos by Rick Aguilar Studios

Review:
Come out of the closet and into the attic, Hamburger Mary's attic that is. On opening night drag queens on roller skates were camping it up in the ground floor burger joint, while upstairs, a hilarious holiday musical tradition hit the double decades mark. It was a hoot to catch opening night as the audience was filled with Hell in a Handbag celebs and divas from their other hit shows. Everyone is welcome, gay... straight... non binary... crossdressing... LGBTQ... LPGA... 



This parody of, you guessed it, the animated Rudolph Christmas classic is ripe for high camp and Hell in a Handbag kills it. I have friends that have come to this show annually for years, but I was a Mary's Attic virgin. The show was every bit as kitschy as I'd expected from King of Camp, David Cerda, and the upstairs bar had an impressive selection of drinks. 

The script has been updated to lampoon current political figures and events (Melania's holiday twigs decor makes a cameo!) with Trump's over the top crazy front and center. Expect a jilted, alcohol soaked ex on the prowl, a slightly incestuous hybrid Ivana/Ivanka, and even Kellyanne "Conjob". I must know where Mrs. Claus gets her collection of holiday themed polyester babydoll dresses!





Of course, leave the littles home for this one unless you want them traumatized by santa in a g-string, drunken cougar ex Mrs. Claus, the abominable drag beast who abducts people and makes them listen to her sing, and other assorted sordid characters, but it's great fun for the 21+ set. We adored "Yukon Cornelia" (who claimed to be straight), crossdressing Rudolph (so adorable I want to adopt him and raise him as my own), gender fluid metal chick Clarice, Herbie the not gay enough elf, the "mean girls" elves, the island of misfit toys, and of course the hilarious snowman narrator.


Rudolph (Graham Thomas Heacock) upstaging the also adorable Herbie (Kristopher Bottrall)

Overall, the message is much like the original, it's OK to be different. Friends and allies can be found in unlikely places. And sometimes you have to run away before your family can appreciate the true you.

Back by Popular Demand!

Hell in a Handbag Productions Presents the Holiday Hit

RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER 2017

By David Cerda

Co-Directed by Becca Holloway & AJ Wright

November 25 – December 30, 2017 at Mary’s Attic

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to conclude its 15th Anniversary Season with its most popular show ever: the holiday hit RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER 2017 by David Cerda*, co-directed by Becca Holloway and AJ Wright*. Handbag’s irreverent parody of the 1967 Rankin Bass children’s television special will play November 25 – December 30, 2017 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are on currently available at www.handbagproductions.org (through Brown Paper Tickets) or by calling (800) 838-3006.

RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER will feature Graham Thomas Heacock as Rudolph, Kristopher Bottrall* as Herbie, Allison Petrillo as Jane Donner, Chase Wheaton-Werle as Tom Donner, Michael Hampton as Santa, Tommy Bullington as Mrs. Claus, Sydney Genco* as Elfina, Colin Funk as Spike, Michael Rawls as Score, Josh Kemper as Coach Comet, Lori Lee* as Yukon Cornelia, Terry McCarthy* as Connie Blitzen, David Cerda* as Gladys Dasher, Christea Parent* as Clarice and Matthew Sergot as Sam the Snowman.

Chicago’s favorite cross-dressing reindeer is back and he’s 20 years old! RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER had its first reading in 1996 and has evolved into one of Chicago’s most popular anti-holiday, holiday shows. Join Rudolph and all of his misfit friends as they struggle with fitting in and being ‘normal’ in an increasingly abnormal world. Playwright David Cerda* always adjusts the show to fit the current social climate. 

The production team for RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER includes: Roger Wykes (set design), Kate Setzer Kamphausen (costume design), Cat Wilson* (lighting design), Ralph Loza (sound design), Adrian Hadlock* (props design), Lauren Griffith (choreography), Keith Ryan* (wig design), Sydney Genco* (make-up design) JD Caudill* (music director) and Drew Donnelly (stage manager).

*Denotes Hell in a Handbag Ensemble Members

Cast (in alphabetical order): Kristopher Bottrall* (Herbie), Tommy Bullington (Mrs. Claus), David Cerda* (Gladys Dasher), Colin Funk (Spike), Sydney Genco* (Elfina), Michael Hampton (Santa), Graham Thomas Heacock (Rudolph), Josh Kemper (Coach Comet), Lori Lee* (Yukon Cornelia), Terry McCarthy* (Connie Blitzen), Christea Parent* (Clarice) Allison Petrillo (Jane Donner), Michael Rawls (Score), Matthew Sergot as (Sam the Snowman) and Chase Wheaton-Werle (Tom Donner).

Location: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago
Dates: Previews: Saturday, November 25 at 7:30 pm, Sunday, November 26 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, November 30 at 7:30 pm
Regular run: Thursday, December 7 – Saturday, December 30, 2017

Curtain Times: Thursday, Fridays and Saturday at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 6 pm. Please note: there will not be performances on Saturday, December 2, Sunday, December 3 or Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve); there will be an added performance on Wednesday, December 20 at 7:30 pm.

Tickets: Previews $13. Regular run $25 in advance, $30 at the door. VIP tickets with cocktail $40 and up. Group rates $20 for 10 or more. Tickets are currently on sale at www.handbagproductions.org (through Brown Paper Tickets) or by calling (800) 838-3006.

About the Creative Team

David Cerda (Playwright) is the Jeff Award winning co-founder and Artistic Director of Hell in a Handbag Productions. He has written and appeared in POSEIDON! An Upside Down Musical (Jeff Recommended), The Birds, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, SCARRIE The Musical, Caged Dames (Jeff Recommended), Lady X, How Whatever Happened to Baby Jane Happened, TROGG! A Rock and Roll Musical, Christmas Dearest (Jeff Recommended), Scream, Queen! SCREAM!, The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, Sexy Baby (Jeff Award Nomination – Best New Work), Lady X: The Musical (Jeff Recommended) and his new hit, The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes. His plays have been produced around the country. He has also worked as a songwriter/lyricist with Amazon Films on an animated project and as an actor with various theater companies throughout the city of Chicago. Cerda was recently inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame for his contributions to Chicago theatre.

Becca Holloway (Co-Director) is thrilled to be working with Hell in a Handbag again after assistant directing Bewildered this past fall. Directing credits include: 44 Plays for 44 Presidents (Oil Lamp Theatre) and Buried in the Bahamas (Artistic Home). Becca has also had opportunities to work around Chicago and surrounding areas with: The Comrades, Refuge Theatre Project and Big Noise Theater. Stay tuned for her choreography in Brown Paper Box Co.'s Speech and Debate this February.

AJ Wright (Co-Director) is a proud ensemble member with Hell in a Handbag Productions. Directing credits with Handbag include: Caged Dames (Jeff Recommended), Christmas Dearest (Jeff Recommended), and Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer (2011 & 2012). Around Chicago, AJ has also had the pleasure of directing/assistant directing with Kokandy Productions, Pride Films and Plays and Waltzing Mechanics.  You may also recognize AJ from his work as an actor in Handbag’s Bewildered (Darrin G), The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes (Blanche), Rip Nelson’s Holiday Spectacular (Peggy Lennon), Sexy Baby (Kyle Kennedy) and SCARRIE (Tommy Ross).  AJ holds a degree in theatre from Ball State University.

About Hell in a Handbag Productions
Hell in a Handbag is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music and homage. Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit.

For additional information, visit www.handbagproductions.org.

Tickets On Sale December 3rd: T H E H U M A N S at Cadillac Palace 1/30/18-2/11/18

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

T H E H U M A N S

*WINNER* BEST PLAY - 2016 TONY AWARD

*WINNER* BEST PLAY - 2016 NEW YORK DRAMA CRITICS AWARD

*WINNER* BEST PLAY - 2016 DRAMA DESK AWARD

*WINNER* BEST PLAY - 2016 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARD

*WINNER* BEST PLAY - 2016 DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD

  

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS GO ON SALE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that individual tickets for the most acclaimed American play in recent memory,  The Humans, will go on sale Sunday, Dec. 3. The Humans plays Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre for a limited two-week engagement Jan. 30 – Feb. 11, 2018.

The cast of The Humans will feature Richard Thomas as Erik, Pamela Reed as Deirdre, Daisy Eagan as Brigid, Lauren Klein as Momo, Therese Plaehn as Aimee, and Luis Vega as Richard.

Garnering the most ecstatic reviews of any play in recent memory, and heralded in 2016 as “The Best Play of the Year” by The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune, The Record, Time Out New York, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, and The Wrap, the tour will feature the entire creative team from the Broadway production, led by Tony Award-winning director Joe Mantello and including Tony Award-winning scenic designer David Zinn, costume designer Sarah Laux, lighting designer Justin Townsend, and sound designer Fitz Patton.

The angst, anguish and amity of the American middle class are first coaxed–then shoved–into the light in this uproarious, hopeful, and heart-breaking play that takes place over the course of a family dinner on Thanksgiving. Breaking with tradition, Erik Blake has brought his Pennsylvania family to celebrate and give thanks at his daughter’s apartment in lower Manhattan. As darkness falls outside the ramshackle pre-war duplex, and eerie things start to go bump in the night, the Blake clan’s deepest fears and greatest follies are laid bare. Our modern age of anxiety is keenly observed, with humor and compassion, in this new American classic.

The Humans is the recipient of 4 2016 Tony Awards including Best Play (Author, Stephen Karam), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Jayne Houdyshell), Best Featured Actor in a Play (Reed Birney), and Best Scenic Design of a Play (David Zinn), 4 Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Play, Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play (Justin Townsend), Outstanding Sound Design in a Play (Fitz Patton), and a 2016 Special Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble. In 2016, The Humans was named the Best Play of the Year by the New York Drama Critics’ Circle, the Outer Critics Circle, and the Drama League. The Obie Awards honored Stephen Karam with a 2016 Award for Playwriting and Jayne Houdyshell with a 2016 Award for Performance.

The Humans, a 2016 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, is Stephen Karam's second play commissioned by Roundabout Theatre Company, following his Pulitzer Prize Finalist Sons of the Prophet (his first Roundabout commission; 2011) and the hugely acclaimed premiere of Speech & Debate (2007).

The Humans is produced by Scott Rudin, Barry Diller, Fox Theatricals, James L. Nederlander, Roy Furman, Jon B. Platt, Eli Bush, The John Gore Organization, Jack Lane, Barbara Whitman, Jay Alix & Una Jackman, Sonia Friedman, Amanda Lipitz, Peter May, Stephanie P. McClelland, The Shubert Organization, Diana DiMenna. Joey Parnes, Sue Wagner, and John Johnson serve as Executive Producers.

www.TheHumansOnBroadway.com  
www.twitter.com/TheHumansPlay  



PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Wednesdays 7:30PM (Added 2PM matinee on Feb. 7)
Thursdays at 7:30PM
Fridays at 7:30PM
Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM
Sundays at 2:00PM (Added 7:30PM performance on Feb. 4)

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for The Humans range from $25 - $98. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000 and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 17 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 Theatre District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place as well as presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

 Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

REVIEW: Don Your Gay Apparel and Catch Other Theatre's Hilarious Barney the Elf at Greenhouse Theater Through December 30th

The Smash Hit Returns!

Other Theatre Presents the Adult Holiday Musical

BARNEY THE ELF

By Bryan Renaud

Lyrics by Bryan Renaud and Emily Schmidt

Directed and Choreographed by Tommy Rivera-Vega

Music Direction by Nik Kmiecik

Music Arrangements by Jermaine Hill

Through December 30, 2017 at Greenhouse Theater Center

Review:

I was expecting parodies of show tunes and holiday classics, a bit of naughty adult humor and an LGBTQ twist on Elf the Musical, but Barney the Elf goes above and beyond. Sure it's creatively campy, but there's a sweet undercurrent of depth here that celebrates the gay community, embraces those who have been kicked out of their homes just for being themselves, and condemns bullies, even while acknowledging that sometimes the bullies win.  

Santa is dead, but Christmas doesn't have to be, with a bit more cheer and holiday enthusiasm from Barney the Elf, the epitome of misfit elves, banished by a decidedly Trump-like Santa Junior on suspicion of being gay. Like the movie and musical this parodies most closely, this elf is given a snow globe and sets off for the big city (Chicago this time) on a quest to find himself (not his dad). He gets robbed, finds a job mopping floors at a drag bar, and ultimately saves Christmas when Junior's sleigh crashes from a lack of Christmas spirit (from it's driver this time).

The Chicago touches are too much fun, like Mrs. Claus' gifting Barney with mace and a warning to watch out for the Wrigleyville Bros, and giving him a wad of cash to buy her HAMILTON tickets. Public transportation construction and gun violence jokes hit the mark with this home town audience too.

This parody is political without being heavy handed, (note the Trump bumper sticker on Junior's sleigh) and the "Make Christmas Great Again" and "War on Christmas" references. It's cathartic and spot on about the culture wars and the current climate toward LGBTQ people, and anyone not mainstream, rich, and capitalistic enough. 

(left to right) Dixie Lynn Cartwright and Roy Samra

All Photos by Carin Silkaitis

Particular standouts are the adorable, Roy Samra (also amazing in The CiviliTy of Albert Cashier) as Barney, Chicago drag sensation Dixie Lynn Cartwright (perfect mix of diva and true friend) returning as Zooey, Maggie Cain as (fierce, foulmouthed, badass mom & advocate) Mrs. Claus, and finally (the blonde Trumpster in training you love to hate) Jaron Bellar as Junior. I was especially impressed Dixie Lynn doesn't just lip synch, but actually sings, and her banter was fabulous.

In the end, love trumps hate. The bullies don't win for long. Barney gets the sleigh and the top spot in the north pole, his soul mate, and the love and respect of legions of elves, all while being true to himself. 

Obviously, leave the kids at home for this one. It's definitely "R" for content and language, but make for a great adult night out, with an enduring message of hope for the weird, quirky and different. And isn't acceptance and love what the Christmas spirit is truly about? 

(center) Maggie Cain with (left to right) Courtney Dane Mize, Cody Talkie, Colleen DeRosa, Lance Spencer, LiSean McElrath and Emilie Rose Danno

(left to right) Lance Spencer, Dixie Lynn Cartwright and Cody Talkie

Other Theatre is pleased to continue its 4th season with the third revival of its holiday hit BARNEY THE ELF, a campy and irreverent musical comedy, written by Bryan Renaud with lyrics by Renaud and Emily Schmidt. After helming the 2016 production, Tommy Rivera-Vega returns to direct and choreograph, with music direction by Nik Kmiecik and arrangements by Jermaine Hill. BARNEY THE ELF will play November 17 – December 30, 2017 at Other Theatre’s resident home, The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood.  

Tickets are available at www.theothertheatrecompany.com, in person at the Greenhouse Theater box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Season subscriptions are currently available. 

BARNEY THE ELF will feature Roy Samra as Barney, Chicago drag sensation Dixie Lynn Cartwright returning as Zooey, Maggie Cain as Mrs. Claus, Jaron Bellar as Junior and Courtney Dane Mize as Cookie/Ensemble with Emilie Rose Danno, Colleen DeRosa, LiSean McElrath, Lance Spencer and Cody Talkie.


(pictured) Dixie Lynn Cartwright in Other Theatre’s production of BARNEY THE ELF

After Santa Claus retires, his wicked son begins a not-so-jolly reign as the new head of Christmas. The North Pole begins to crumble under his bigoted rule, and Barney the Elf is forced to leave his home for being different from the others. Soon he embarks on a fabulous journey of self-discovery (or is it elf-discovery?) that lands him in one of Chicago's hottest drag bars. But can he truly leave Christmas behind for a new life in the big city? BARNEY THE ELF brings pop-infused musical numbers galore and plenty of queer holiday cheer to Lincoln Park for the third year in a row! 

"Rather endearing [with] surprising emotional payoffs... Renaud and his collaborators may well have a fringe holiday repeat hit to call home for the holidays."  –The Chicago Tribune

The production team for BARNEY THE ELF includes Michael Johannsen (scenic design), Olivia Crary (costume design), Matthew Carney (lighting design), Ashley Pettit (sound design, production manager), Bobby Taves (asst. music director) and Meghan Erxleben (asst. lighting designer).

PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Location: The Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Dates: Preview: Friday, November 17 at 8 pm, Saturday, November 18 at 7 pm, Sunday, November 19 at 3 pm and Sunday, November 26 at 3 pm.
Press opening: Tuesday, November 28 at 8 pm
Regular run: Thursday, November 30 – Sunday, December 30, 2017
Curtain Times: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm; Sundays at 3 pm. Please note: there will not be a performance on Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve).

Tickets: Previews: $20 with code “PREVIEW.” Regular run: $25. Students $15 with code “STUDENT.” Industry $15 with code “INDUSTRY.” Tickets are available at www.theothertheatrecompany.com, in person at the Greenhouse Theater Center box office or by calling (773) 404-7336. Season subscription are currently available.


(center) Roy Samra with (l to r) Lance Spencer, Colleen DeRosa, Cody Talkie, LiSean McElrath, Emilie Rose Danno and Courtney Dane Mize

Creative Team Bios
Bryan Renaud (Book and Lyrics) is the Associate Artistic Director of Other Theatre, where he has premiered his plays Barney the Elf and Other Letters, the latter co-written with Carin Silkaitis. He is also a founding member of Random Acts, where he premiered Strangest Things! The Musical, All Our Twilight and Ladies Night of the Living Dead. As a performer, Bryan has worked with American Theater Co., Pride Films & Plays, Provision Theater, Music Theatre Co., GreatWorks, Prologue Theatre, Shakespeare at the Centre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, NWaC and Two Pigs Productions. www.BryanRenaud.com

Emily Schmidt (Lyrics) is a freelance playwright and grant writer based in Chicago. She earned her Masters in English from Loyola University. Other works include writing for Acid Reflux Comedy as well as the plays All Our Twilight, Awkward Family Gatherings and Strangest Things! The Musical. 

Tommy Rivera-Vega (Director) returns after directing the 2016 remount of Barney the Elf. He also directed the smash-hit world premiere Strangest Things! The Musical. Chicago Acting credits: Parachute Men, Between You Me and the Lampshade, A View From the Bridge, Momma’s Boyz – Teatro Vista; La Havana Madrid – Steppenwolf and Teatro Vista; Mother Road – Goodman Theatre; West Side Story – Drury Lane; In the Heights – Skylight Music Theatre; In the Heights, My Fair Lady – Paramount Theatre; Three Sisters – Steppenwolf Theatre; Kiss of the Spiderwoman – BoHo Theatre; Augusta & Noble – Adventure Stage; Pippin – Music Theatre Company; CATS – Theo Ubique; Puerto Rico credits: Spring Awakening, Footloose – Black Box Theatre. Episodic: Chicago PD (Ep 411). He is a proud Teatro Vista, Other Theatre Ensemble member and an Artistic Associate of Random Acts. Tommy is represented by Paonessa Talent Agency.

Nik Kmiecik (Music Director) is thrilled to be back with Barney the Elf in his new role of music director. He has music directed youth productions with SELF theatre and musical productions at his alma mater, North Central College in Naperville. Nik was an elf/ensemble member for Barney last year and has performed with numerous theatres in Chicago including Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago Children's Theatre, Filament Theatre, Haven Theatre, Silk Road Rising and Porchlight Theatre. Nik is an artistic associate of Other Theatre and is proudly represented by Stewart Talent.



About Other Theatre:

Other Theatre is dedicated to telling the stories of persons or groups who are othered by systems of oppression. Othering individuals or groups sustains power and privilege. Othering inherently implies hierarchy. Othering keeps the power in the hands of those who already have it.  Othering is an "us" vs. "them" mentality often centered around race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender, identity, class, religion and ability. Other Theatre is committed to telling these stories in the hope that we can lessen the amount of discrimination and oppression in our world. 

We are a collective of artist-activists who believe in the power of theatre to enact social change. We believe in equality for all human beings and we will fight for it. We believe theatre is an excellent conversation starter, and we hope you will come talk with us after the show. We believe radical social change is possible and we will continue to stand up, fight, and resist until it happens.

Other Theatre Artistic Staff: 

Carin Silkaitis, Founder and Artistic Director; Maddie DePorter, Managing Director; Bryan Renaud, Associate Artistic Director; Ashley Pettit, Production Manager; Savanna Rae, Company Manager; Stephen Kossak, Casting Director; Becca Sheehan, Audience Development/Intern Coordinator; Tommy Varela, Social Media Coordinator; Kelly Howe, Resident Dramaturg; Tommy Rivera-Vega, Artistic Associate; Hannah Toriumi, Artistic Associate; Gay Glenn, Artistic Associate; Nik Kmiecik , Artitic Associate.

Other Theatre Board of Directors:

Michele Thornton, President; Kelly Soprych, Vice President; Jermaine Hill, Secretary; Stephen Silkaitis, Treasurer; Lisa Wolfe, Diane Sheehan and Michael Johannsen.

Other Theatre’s 4th Season is presented by generous grants from MacArthur Funds for Arts and Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, and The Saints.

OPENING: Chicago Premiere of Obie Award-winning Play You Got Older at Steppenwolf 1/25-3/11/18

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Steppenwolf Theatre Presents the Chicago Premiere Production of

the Obie Award-winning Play

You Got Older

Written by Clare Barron, Directed by Jonathan Berry

January 25 – March 11, 2018

Steppenwolf Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere production of the Obie Award-winning play You Got Older, written by Clare Barron and directed by Jonathan Berry. As previously announced, this bawdy, irreverent and touching play will feature ensemble members Glenn Davis (Mac), Audrey Francis (Hannah), Francis Guinan (Dad) and Caroline Neff (Mae), along with Emjoy Gavino (Jenny), David Lind (Matthew) and Gabriel Ruiz (Cowboy).

You Got Older begins previews on January 25, 2018, opening night is Monday, February 5, 2018 and the production runs through March 11, 2018 in the Downstairs Theatre, 1650 N Halsted St. Single tickets ($20 - $89) are available through Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

There’s a haunted place between where we started and where we need to be that finds the most tender among us—and breaks them open. In You Got Older, Clare Barron’s bawdy, irreverent and touching new play, Mae, brokenhearted and unemployed, returns home to care for her ailing father and escape the loneliness of a life that just can’t seem to get off the ground.

Director Jonathan Berry shares, “Clare’s work manages to be both remarkably intimate in its exploration of relationships, while, at the same time, embracing a vocabulary that is ferociously bold and singularly theatrical. To be able to introduce this exciting new voice to Chicago audiences, collaborating with these remarkable ensemble actors whose work continues to inspire and challenge, feels like incredible good fortune. I cannot wait to get to work on this fresh and hilarious new look at what it is to hold tight to a disappearing childhood while struggling to avoid the realities of getting older.”

Clare Barron’s plays have been produced by Page 73, Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Clubbed Thumb and The Bushwick Starr, and will be presented by Playwright Horizons in 2018. She is the recipient of an Obie Award, the Paula Vogel Playwriting Award and the Page 73 Playwriting Fellowship. Barron was also the co-winner of the inaugural 2015 Relentless Award established in honor of Philip Seymour Hoffman for her play Dance Nation.

Jonathan Berry joined the Steppenwolf staff as Artistic Producer and Director of The School at Steppenwolf in June 2015. A prolific director, he began his work in Chicago as Steppenwolf’s Artistic Office intern in 1998, and has continued a strong relationship with the company since. His Steppenwolf directing credits include Nick Payne’s Constellations, Melinda Lopez's Gary for First Look and The Crucible and A Separate Peace for Steppenwolf for Young Adults, as well as assisting on The Weir, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Mother Courage and Her Children and This is Our Youth. Since 2009, Berry has taught Viewpoints for the School at Steppenwolf. A company member of both Steep and Griffin Theatres, Berry has also directed for many Chicago companies, including Goodman Theatre, Steep, Griffin, Remy Bumppo, Redtwist, Lifeline, and The Gift.

Opening: February 5

Regular Run: February 7 – March 11, 2018

Accessible Performances:
American Sign Language Interpretation: Sunday, February 18 at 7:30pm
Open Captioning: Saturday, March 10 at 3pm
Audio Description and Touch Tour: Sunday, March 4 at 1:30pm touch tour; 3pm audio-described performance
Curtain Times: Tuesday – Friday at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm and 7:30pm

Ticket prices and offers: 
Previews: $20 – $54, Regular Run: $20 – $89. Prices subject to change 20 for $20: Twenty $20 tickets are available on the day of the performance at 11am (Mon – Sat) and 1pm (Sun) by phone only at 312-335-1650. Limit 2 per person. 
Rush Tickets: Half-price rush tickets are available one hour before each show. Student Discounts: Limited $15 student tickets are available online. (Limit 2 tickets. Must present a valid student ID for each ticket) steppenwolf.org/students. Group Tickets: All groups of 10 or more receive a discounted rate for any performance.

Black Card Memberships are for audiences interested in extreme flexibility with six tickets for use any time for any production. Credits valid for one year with the option to add additional tickets as needed. Perks include easy and free exchanges, access to seats before the general public, savings on single ticket prices and bar and restaurant discounts for pre- and post-show socializing.
Red Card memberships are available for theatergoers under 30.
Audience Services: To purchase a membership or tickets or for more information, contact Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St) at 312-335-1650 or steppenwolf.org.

Visitor Information & Accessibility
Steppenwolf is located at 1650 N Halsted St near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible. The parking facility consists of both a covered garage ($12 cash or card) and an open-air lot, located just south of our theater at 1624 N Halsted. Valet parking service ($14 cash) is available directly in front of the main entrance at 1650 N Halsted St starting at 5pm on weeknights, 1pm on weekends and at 12 noon before Wednesday matinees. Street and lot parking are also available. For last minute questions and concerns, patrons can call the Steppenwolf Parking Hotline at (312) 335-1774. Committed to making the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language interpretation, open captioning and audio description are offered during the run of each play. Assistive listening devices and large-print programs are available for every performance. With the expertise of Assistive Hearing Systems Ltd., Steppenwolf installed an induction loop on both the main and balcony levels of our Downstairs Theatre in 2015. There is also an induction hearing loop installed in the 1700 Theatre and the Downstairs Theatre.

2017/18 Season
Now playing in Steppenwolf’s 42nd season is The Minutes, a world premiere by ensemble member Tracy Letts, directed by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro (through January 7, 2018); BLKS, a world premiere by Aziza Barnes, directed by Nataki Garrett (Dec 7 – Jan 28, 2018); You Got Older, a Chicago premiere by Clare Barron, directed by Artistic Producer Jonathan Berry (Jan 25 – March 11, 2018); The Doppelgänger (an international farce), a world premiere by Matthew-Lee Erlbach, directed by ensemble member Tina Landau (April 5 – May 27, 2018); Guards at the Taj, a Chicago premiere by Rajiv Joseph, directed by ensemble member Amy Morton (May 31 – July 22, 2018); and The Roommate, a Chicago premiere by Jen Silverman, directed by Phylicia Rashad (June 21 – August 5, 2018). 

Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks
Connected to the main lobby is Steppenwolf’s own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks, offering a warm, creative space to grab a drink, have a bite, or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. Open Tuesdays – Sundays from 8am to midnight, Front Bar serves artisanal coffee and espresso is provided by La Colombe and food prepared by Goddess and Grocer. The menu focuses on fresh, accessible fare, featuring grab-and-go salads and sandwiches for lunch and adding shareable small plates and desserts for evening and post show service. www.front-bar.com

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble of 49 members represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards—have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.