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Friday, February 16, 2018

SAVE THE DATES: 2018 Season Announced for Hell in a Handbag Productions


Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Hell in a Handbag Productions Announces 2018 Season:

(left to right) AJ Wright, Ed Jones, Adrian Hadlock and David Cerda in Hell in a Handbag Productions’ 2017 production of THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES, returning for Handbag’s 2018 season. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.


L’IMITATION OF LIFE
Adapted by Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors
Directed by Stevie Love

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2
By Artistic Director David Cerda
Directed by Becca Holloway

THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE
By Charles Ludlam
Directed by Shade Murray

THE GOLDEN GIRLS: Bea Afraid – The Halloween Edition
By David Cerda
Directed by Becca Holloway

Plus: a soon-to-be-announced Holiday Production!

Season Subscriptions Now On-Sale!



(pictured) Ed Jones in Hell in a Handbag Production’ 2013 production of L’IMITATION OF LIFE, returning for Handbag’s 2018 season. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is pleased to announce its 2018 season, kicking off this spring with a revival of its 2013 hit L’IMITATION OF LIFE, a dead on parody of the 1959 film Imitation of Life about race, mothers and daughters – and looking fabulous! Adapted by Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors and directed by ensemble member Stevie Love, ensemble member Ed Jones and Robert Williams reprise their roles as Lana Turner and Annie Johnson.

This summer, Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia return for THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2. Following last year’s sold-out, seven-month run, Handbag’s parody of the beloved TV sitcom is back with all new adventures written by Artistic Director David Cerda and directed by Becca Holloway. THE GOLDEN GIRLS will feature Chazie Bly, David Cerda, Adrian Hadlock, Ed Jones, Michael S. Miller and Grant Drager.

This fall, Handbag’s 16th season continues with Charles Ludlam’s comedic throwback to the age of film noir: THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE, directed by Shade Murray. The cast includes ensemble members David Cerda, Sydney Genco, Ed Jones and David Lipschutz 

For Halloween, Handbag conjures up a special treat: THE GOLDEN GIRLS: Bea Afraid! Our heroines return for seven spooky performances guaranteed to scare you out of your housecoat. 

The season will conclude with a soon-to-be-announced holiday production! 

Handbag’s 2018 Season will be staged at Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark St., Chicago) and Stage 773 (1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago). Season subscriptions and single tickets will be available shortly at www.handbagproductions.org.

Hell in a Handbag Productions’ 2018 Season includes:


(front to back) Robert Williams and Ed Jones in Hell in a Handbag Production’ 2013 production of L’IMITATION OF LIFE, returning for Handbag’s 2018 season. Photo by Rick Aguilar Studios.

March 31 – May 6, 2018
L’IMITATION OF LIFE
By Ricky Graham and Running with Scissors
Directed by Stevie Love
Featuring ensemble member Ed Jones (Lana Turner) with Robert Williams (Annie Johnson). Additional casting to be announced.
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

In this hilarious parody of the1959 film Imitation of Life, Lana Turner is determined white widow and single mother with aspirations of becoming a Broadway sensation. When Lana meets Annie Johnson, a struggling single African-American mother, the two team up and take on the world as Lana does “whatever it takes” to make it in show business – while Annie takes care of the homestead and raises both daughters.

The two women face insurmountable challenges led by their daughters. There's the blonde, perky and “so white it's frightening" Suzie, daughter of Lana Turner, and the raven-haired rebellious light-skinned beauty,  Sara Jane, daughter of Annie. Sara Jane learns the hard truth about acceptance and the color of your skin- especially when she tries to “pass” as white. 

June 19 – September 7, 2018
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: The Lost Episodes, Vol. 2
By David Cerda
Directed by Becca Holloway
Featuring ensemble members Chazie Bly (Ensemble), David Cerda (Dorothy), Adrian Hadlock (Sophia), Ed Jones (Rose), Michael S. Miller (Ensemble) and Grant Drager (Blanche).
at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St., Chicago

When Handbag opened THE GOLDEN GIRLS – THE LOST EPISODES in June 2017, it was supposed to be short summer treat for Handbag audiences but quickly turned into a sold-out, seven month run! Now, these lovely women from the classic TV sitcom return with new stories of friendship, love and cheesecake – all with the Handbag twist audiences have come to love!

September 20 – October 28, 2018
THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE
By Charles Ludlam
Directed by Shade Murray
Featuring ensemble members David Cerda (Mother Nurdiger), Sydney Genco (Roxanna), Ed Jones (Chester Nurdiger) and David Lipschutz (Zachary Slade). Additional casting to be announced.
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE is Charles Ludlam’s last play and a perfect vehicle for Hell in a Handbag! Chester Nurdiger is a mild-mannered fellow who lives in the back of the pet shop he runs with his sultry wife Roxanna and his overly protective mother. Roxanna is bored to death, but when a handsome drifter walks into their lives, things get interesting… perhaps even deadly?! Part Double Indemnity, part The Postman Always Rings Twice, THE ARTIFICIAL JUNGLE is throwback to the classic age of film noir by the master and founder of the Ridiculous Theater movement. 

October 6, 2018 – November 3, 2018
The GOLDEN GIRLS: Bea Afraid – The Halloween Edition
By David Cerda
Directed by Becca Holloway
Featuring ensemble members Chazie Bly (Ensemble), David Cerda (Dorothy), Adrian Hadlock (Sophia), Ed Jones (Rose), Michael S. Miller (Ensemble) and Grant Drager (Blanche).
at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago

It’s not Halloween without a Handbag show, so Artistic Director David Cerda is conjuring up a special edition of its hit TV sitcom parody. Better get your tickets early – Dorothy, Rose, Blanche and Sophia are only back for seven wig-raising performances. Bea afraid, Bea very afraid!

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.

Thursday, February 15, 2018

OPENING: Hail Hail Chuck Kicks Off Black Ensemble Theatre's 2018 Movers and Shakers Themed Season Through 4/1/18

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

BLACK ENSEMBLE THEATER OPENS 2018 SEASON WITH
HAIL, HAIL CHUCK: A TRIBUTE TO CHUCK BERRY
WRITTEN BY L. MACEO FERRIS
DIRECTED BY DARYL D. BROOKS

February 17 – April 1, 2018


Once again, ChiIL Live Shows will be out for the press performance on Sunday, February 25th, so check back soon for my full review. We adore Black Ensemble Theater (BET) and their world class original musicals. They are a true Chicago treasure.  

Black Ensemble Theater opens its 2018 Season (Movers and Shakers) with Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry, written by L. Maceo Ferris a senior member of the Black Ensemble Theater's BPI (Black Playwrights Initiative) and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Daryl D. Brooks. Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry will be performed at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, February 17 – April 1, 2018. 

Hail, Hail Chuck pays tribute to a man that revolutionized the music industry in an era of overt racism enforced by Jim Crowe laws. With songs like “Maybellene,” “Roll Over Beethoven” and “Johnny B. Goode,” the Black Ensemble pays tribute to one of the greatest rock and roll artists of our lifetime.

The cast of Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry includes Ivan Ellis (Young Chuck Berry), Lyle Miller (Older Chuck Berry), Rueben Echoles (Younger Johnny Johnson), Kelvin Davis (Older Johnny Johnson), Kylah Williams (Themetta), Cynthia Carter (Otha Mae), Jeffrey Wright (Leonard Chess), David Stobbe (Teddy Reig), John Wesley Hughes (Taylor Hackford) and Dwight Neal (Muddy Waters). The Ensemble includes Lemond Hayes, Brandon Lavelle, Trequon Tate and Christopher Taylor.

The creative team includes Bekki Lambrecht (set design / stage manager), Denise Karczewski (lighting), David Samba (sound) and Alexi Rutherford (costumes).

As with all Black Ensemble Theater productions, Hail, Hail Chuck: A Tribute to Chuck Berry features live musicians led by musical director/arranger Robert Reddrick (drums). Musicians include Adam Sherod (keys), Gary Baker (guitar) and Mark Miller (bass).

Tickets are available at the Black Ensemble Box Office located at 4450 N. Clark St in Chicago, or online at www.blackensemble.org, or by phone at (773) 769-4451. Tickets are $45 for previews (February 17, 18, 23 and 24); $55 (Thursdays and Saturday matinees) and $65 (Fridays, Saturday evenings and Sunday matinees). A 10% discount is available for students, seniors, and groups.

The Black Ensemble Theater is also selling the Five Play Card which allows the holder to see all 5 plays of the 2018 Season or bring five friends to one play or any combination of 5. In honor of Black History Month during the month of February the Five Play Card will be sold for a historical low of $200 which represents a $40.00 ticket. Purchased After February the Five Play Card will cost only $225.00 which represents a $45.00 ticket price equaling a savings of $25.00 off a full price ticket. For more details or to purchase a Five Play Card contact the box office at 773-769-4451. 

Dates:                            
February 17 – April 1, 2018
Previews: February 17, 18, 23 and 24

Schedule: 
Thursdays: 7:30 pm
Fridays: 8:00 pm
Saturdays: 3:00 pm and 8:00 pm
Sundays: 3:00 pm

Location: Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, Chicago
Valet parking is available.

Ticket prices: $45 Previews
$55 on Thursdays and Saturday matinees;
$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 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. 

The BPI (Black Playwrights Initiative)
The Black Playwrights Initiative (BPI) was created in 2005 by Jackie Taylor, the Founder and Executive Director of the Black Ensemble Theater.  The BPI enhances the skills of new and seasoned playwrights, provides them producing opportunities, technical and financial resources and exposure on a local and national level.  The purpose of the BPI is to increase the pool of African American Playwrights for the general theater community while developing scripts specifically for the Black Ensemble Theater. 

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.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018

OPENING: Six Corners Via American Blues Theater at Stage 773 Through March 24th

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

American Blues Theater 
announces casting for the World Premiere of
Six Corners
written by Keith Huff
directed by Gary Griffin


Production features Brenda Barrie, Ensemble member Manny Buckley, Grier Burke, Peter DeFaria, Monica Orozco, and Byron Glenn Willis

February 16, 2018 – March 24, 2018

American Blues Theater announces casting for the World Premiere of Six Corners, written by Keith Huff and directed by Gary Griffin. The production features Brenda Barrie, Ensemble member Manny Buckley, Grier Burke, Peter DeFaria, Monica Orozco, and Byron Glenn Willis. Six Corners runs February 16, 2018 – March 24, 2018 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. 

I'll be catching Six Corners February 23rd, so check back soon for my full review. With a script by Emmy Award nominee Keith Huff, this creepy drama sounds intriguing and we're eager to check out American Blues Theater's take on this world premiere. Mysteries are one of my favorite genres and this one was awarded a 2017 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.

Penned by Emmy Award nominee Keith Huff (Broadway’s A Steady Rain) and directed by Gary Griffin (Broadway’s The Color Purple): late one night, two burnt-out violent crimes unit detectives try their damnedest to close the puzzling murder of a CTA employee. What should be a simple open-and-shut case, however, evolves into a horrifying mystery and unearths a legacy of violence stretching back years. 

The creative team includes Joe Schermoly (scenic), Alex Ridgers (lights), Janice Pytel (costumes), Lindsay Jones (sound), and Mary O’Dowd (props). The stage manager is Kate Ocker.

Playwright Keith Huff comments, “It’s a great privilege and an honor to be working with Peter DeFaria and Gary Griffin once again. Peter, as many know, co-starred in both the Chicago Dramatists and The Royal George productions of A Steady Rain (with Jeff Award winner Randy Steinmeyer), and Gary directed the world premiere of The Detective’s Wife (with Jeff Award winner Barbara Robertson). Having the co-star of the first play and the director of the second both working on the third is an accidental poetry that Blues Artistic Director Wendy Whiteside made happen and just seems right – an artistic coup.”

Featuring:  
Brenda Barrie (Amanda Brackett), Manny Buckley (Carter Hutch), Grier Burke (Katie Yates), Peter DeFaria (Nick Moroni), Monica Orozco (Bernadette Perez), Byron Glenn Willis (BJ Lyles) 

Creative Team:
Joe Schermoly (scenic), Alex Ridgers (lights), Janice Pytel (costumes),
Lindsay Jones (sound), Mary O’Dowd (props), and Kate Ocker (stage manager)

Dates: February 16, 2018 – March 24, 2018
Previews: February 16 – 21, 2018
Regular Run: February 23, 2018 – March 24, 2018

Schedule: 
Wednesdays:  7:30pm (February 21 and March 21 only)
Thursdays:  7:30pm
Fridays:  7:30pm
Saturdays:  3:00pm (March 3, 17 and 24 only) & 7:30pm (except March 24)
Sundays:  2:30pm
Additional performance on Monday, March 5 at 7:30pm
Free post-show discussions on Sundays

Location: Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago

Ticket prices: $19 - $49

Box Office: Buy online at AmericanBluesTheater.com or by calling 773.327.5252.

About American Blues Theater
Winner of the American Theatre Wing’s prestigious 2016 National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home.  American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.

The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago.  The 36-member Ensemble has 530+ combined years of collaboration on stage. As of 2017, the theater and artists received 195 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and over 35 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.  

American Blues Theater programs and activities are made possible, in part by funding by The MacArthur Funds for Arts & Culture at Prince, the Shubert Foundation, The Chicago Community Trust, SMART Growth Grant, Gaylord & Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Anixter Foundation, Actors’ Equity Foundation, and the Chip Pringle Fund. ComEd is the Season Lighting Sponsor.

OPENING: World Premiere of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina at Lifeline Theatre Through 4/8/18

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
Lifeline Theatre Presents the World Premiere of 
Anna Karenina, 

February 16 – April 8, 2018


Performances with Open Captioning on March 10 and 23
Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on March 11

Running Time: 2.5 hours/1 intermission
The novel will be on sale in the lobby.


Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we'll be ChiILin' at Anna Karenina with Chi, IL's Lifeline Theatre on Monday, February 26th. Check back soon for our full review. 

Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of Anna Karenina, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Jessica Wright Buha and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link, based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy. 

As a wave of profound upheaval sweeps through Russian society, it is a time of impossible choices. Anna is torn between raising her cherished son and languishing in a lifeless marriage, or sacrificing everything to follow her lover Alexei into disgrace. Konstantin struggles to reconcile his existential torment with his enduring passion for Kitty. Innocents will suffer, hearts will be broken, and families will be torn apart as two couples learn that living truthfully is no simple thing. Travel to the palaces and farms of imperial Russia in a world premiere meditation on the complexities of love based on the 1877 novel by Leo Tolstoy. 

Anna Karenina runs February 16 – April 8, 2018 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Opening night is Monday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, Feb. 16 and 23 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, Feb. 17 and 24 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 18 at 
4 p.m.) 

Regular performance times (March 1 – April 8) 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 10, 4 p.m. performance and the Friday, March 23, 7:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, March 11, 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 Anna Karenina includes:

CAST: Guest artists Dan Cobbler (Stiva & ensemble), Lindsey Dorcus (Betsy & ensemble), Eric Gerard (Vronsky), Gay Glenn (Countess Vronskaya & ensemble), Dan Granata (Levin & ensemble), Aneisa Hicks (Dolly & ensemble), Brandi Lee (Kitty & ensemble), Jason Pereira (Kapitonich & ensemble), Michael Reyes (Karenin & ensemble), Michele Stine (Seryohza & ensemble), and Ilse Zacharias (Anna). With understudies Ashley Agbay, Diana Coates, Isabella Karina Coelho, Zoë DePreta, Blake Holen, Rachel Mock, Bruce Phillips, and Roy Samra. 

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Jessica Wright Buha (Adaptor), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer), and Amanda Link (Director); with guest artists Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Abigail Cain (Properties Designer), Savannah Clements (Assistant Stage Manager), Stephanie Diaz (Puppet Designer), Kasey Foster (Movement Designer), Collin Helou (Master Electrician/AV Supervisor), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Joanna Iwanicka (Scenic Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Hailey Rakowiecki (Costume Assistant), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), Colleen Schuldeis (Stage Manager), Zev Valancy (Dramaturg), and Emily Wills (Assistant Director).

Regular performance times (March 1 – April 8) 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. 

Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Greenview Ave. just south of North Shore Ave.) with free shuttle service before and after the show.  Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs. 



Now in its 35th 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; A.R.T League Inc.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Michael and Mona Heath Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; Lagunitas Brewing Co. Community Grant Program; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Poubelle Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Monday, February 12, 2018

Razorhouse's EP release show at Martyrs' on Fri, Feb 23 With Support from Jay O'Rourke and Plastic Crimewave Syndicate

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar: 

Razorhouse's EP release show w/ Jay O'Rourke and Plastic Crimewave Syndicate at Martyrs' on Fri, Feb 23, 9pm
21+/$10
Razorhouse’s new EP, Codex Tres Lingua, is now out The band will be celebrating the release on Fri, Feb 23 at Martyrs’. Don't miss this. 

Chicago’s Razorhouse is the brainchild of Mark Panick (Bonemen of Barumba) and his cohorts, longtime percussionist David Suycott (Robert Pollard, Machines of Loving Grace), guitarist Tommi Zender, bassist Jim DeMonte (Insiders, Marquis) and mixing engineer Howie Beno (Ministry, Depeche Mode, Blondie).

Codex Tres Lingua is Razorhouse's 3rd EP out on Underwear Factory Toy Records.

1.GO
2. Walking with the deadmen 
3. Cut me low
4. Mortality vs. the Accountant
5. Across the wire



RAZORHOUSE
Like a zealous tent revival rolling back into town, Mark Panick’s post-Bonemen of Barumba project, Razorhouse, returns with Codex Tres Lingua to be released on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, on Underwear Factory Toy Records. The songs on Codex Tres Lingua are sewn through with literary dark thread while brimming with cinematic art-punk. The record is filled with love-torn riches mired in muck and is a grand statement from a compassionate punk. Razorhouse is the brainchild of Mark Panick (Bonemen of Barumba, Chac Mool, Black Friars Social Club) and his cohorts, longtime percussionist David Suycott (Robert Pollard, Machines of Loving Grace), guitarist Tommi Zender, bassist Jim DeMonte (Insiders, Marquis) and mixing engineer Howie Beno (Ministry, Depeche Mode, Blondie). Panick is known for his inroads in art-punk and weird-core, Razorhouse is a new angle on the same throbbing dark underbelly of the human condition. Only this time it is conjured into a stew that comes out sounding like some twisted American songbook. For those who want their pop music to come from the red light district, and those who want their nightmares to have a lush and memorable soundtrack, there is Razorhouse. On Codex Tres Lingua, Razorhouse simultaneously looks back wistfully, covering the 1981 Bonemen of Barumba song “Walking With The Deadmen” (a Joy Division-meets-Cramps track and Jon Peel favorite) and aggressively traverses alien territory with the soulful, Americana-tinged “Cut Me Low.” In “Across the Wire,” the EP’s 5th track, Panick and Nora O’Connor (The Flat Five, Mavis Staples, Andrew Bird, Neko Case) weave together verses thick with imagery. Throughout the EP’s five tracks, there’s a stylistic breath and diversity that the band embraces while keeping a foothold in their dark-hued world. That is the magic of Razorhouse: they draw us into to their strange territory and show us what it is like to go walking with the deadmen.

CD RELEASE SHOW FOR CODEX TRES LINGUA
Like a zealous tent revival rolling back into town, Mark Panick’s post-Bonemen of Barumba project, Razorhouse, returns with Codex Tres Lingua to be released on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, on Underwear Factory Toy Records. The songs on Codex Tres Lingua are sewn through with literary dark thread while brimming with cinematic art-punk. The record is filled with love-torn riches mired in muck and is a grand statement from a compassionate punk.Razorhouse is the brainchild of Mark Panick (Bonemen of Barumba, Chac Mool, Black Friars Social Club) and his cohorts, longtime percussionist David Suycott (Robert Pollard, Machines of Loving Grace), guitarist Tommi Zender, bassist Jim DeMonte (Insiders, Marquis) and mixing engineer Howie Beno (Ministry, Depeche Mode, Blondie). Panick is known for his inroads in art-punk and weird-core, Razorhouse is a new angle on the same throbbing dark underbelly of the human condition. Only this time it is conjured into a stew that comes out sounding like some twisted American songbook. For those who want their pop music to come from the red light district, and those who want their nightmares to have a lush and memorable soundtrack, there is Razorhouse.  On Codex Tres Lingua, Razorhouse simultaneously looks back wistfully, covering the 1981 Bonemen of Barumba song “Walking With The Deadmen” (a Joy Division-meets-Cramps track and Jon Peel favorite) and aggressively traverses alien territory with the soulful, Americana-tinged “Cut Me Low.” In “Across the Wire,” the EP’s 5th track, Panick and Nora O’Connor (The Flat Five, Mavis Staples, Andrew Bird, Neko Case) weave together verses thick with imagery. Throughout the EP’s five tracks, there’s a stylistic breath and diversity that the band embraces while keeping a foothold in their dark-hued world. That is the magic of Razorhouse: they draw us into to their strange territory and show us what it is like to go walking with the deadmen.

JAY O'ROURKE
Jay O’Rourke began his professional music career working in Chicago’s Clubs in the 1980’s. His first record release was as a co-producer of Ministry’s first Wax Trax release “I’m Falling/Cold Life”. Jay went on to produce & play guitar for Chicago legends “B.B. Spin”.Following stints as front of house engineer at The Vic Theater & The Park West (in Chicago), Jay produced & played guitar for “The Insiders” Epic Records debut “Ghost On The Beach”. The record charted in the top 10 at Rock Radio. The Insiders went on to release 3 more records on Jay & Ginny O’Rourke’s, Monsterdisc Records.O’Rourke was mastering engineer for Alligator Records at Monsterdisc Mastering, engineering over 20 releases for the label. He has worked with artists as diverse as Warren Zevon, Urge Overkill, Robbie Fulks, Material Issue, Liz Phair, & The Slammin’ Watusis.Jay’s last band, “The Lucky 3 Blues Band”, was a top opening act at venues like Mayne Stage, Buddy Guy’s Legends, House of Blues, Space, & The City Winery Chicago. Jay produced two CDs for the band, which gathered airplay on hundreds of blues stations around the world.Jay went into the studio, and started writing and recording what is now his solo guitar/rock debut. This is the first record featuring Jay on vocals. In 2017 Jay recorded a CD of guitar/rock based songs called TWENTY SIXTEEN.

PLASTIC CRIMEWAVE SYNDICATE
Plastic Crimewave Syndicate features members of Plastic Crimewave Sound, Moonrises, Strychnine, Bionic Cavemen, Great Society Mind Destroyers, and Rabble Rabble.

TONIGHT: Little Miss at Davenport's Piano Bar One Night Only! 21+

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:


LITTLE MISS
by Jamie Shriner

Directed by Dana Anderson
Accompanied by Kale Ewing



​Poster by Tyler Snodgrass


Jamie Shriner presents 
LITTLE MISS – an hour-long ode to all things edible – 
for one night only! 

Photo by Chris Popio​

LITTLE MISS will be staged at Davenport’s Piano Bar, 1383 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available HERE.

Jamie Shriner has always been certain of one thing in life: no man will every make her feel the way garlic bread makes her feel. Or pizza. Or Oreos. Or…well, you get the idea.

LITTLE MISS navigates body image, emotional eating, sexual politics, and relationships in an hour-long adventure of musical parody.

Highly Recommended by The Chicago Reader for her work in WIFE MATERIAL, Jamie Shriner in LITTLE MISS is not to be missed. $15 cover/2 drink minimum. 21+


LITTLE MISS
February 12th, 2018 at 8pm
Davenport’s Piano Bar, 
1383 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago
By Jamie Shriner
Directed by Dana Anderson
Accompanied by Kale Ewing




About the Writer
Jamie Shriner is a Chicago-based writer, actress, singer, and teaching artist. Shriner recently closed her breakout hit Wife Material (Prop Thtr), which earned praise for its unique voice and all-new music. She has performed for the BBC and played Judy in the hit musical 9 to 5 at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The sold-out run of her original cabaret, Little Miss (a show about loving food and loving your body), earned critical acclaim during its 2016 run at Sloans’s Bar in Glasgow, Scotland. Recent credits include Little Miss (Davenport’s Piano Bar), The Last Days of the Commune (Prop Thtr), The Night that Disco Died (Under the Gun Theatre) and On Loss (Prop Thtr). She holds an MA in Musical Theatre from The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and earned her BFA in Musical Theatre at Milikin University.


About the Director
Dana Anderson is a Chicago-based teaching artist, director, and actor. She is a company member with AstonRep Theatre Company, as well as part of the ensemble of GreatWorks. She has taught with American Theater Company, Mudlark Theater Company, and Compass Creative Dramatics. She is also the Associate Artistic Director of the prison program Shakespeare Corrected. 


About the Featured Artist
Kale Ewing is a Chicago-based musician who earned his degree in Commerical Music from Millikin University.

LINKS
http://davenportspianobar.com/events/jamie-shriner-2/
http://jamieshriner.weebly.com/

OPENING: CHICAGO PREMIERE OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S LOVE NEVER DIES, SEQUEL TO THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE 2/14-3/4/18

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S LOVE NEVER DIES MAKES ITS CHICAGO PREMIERE
THE SPELLBINDING SEQUEL TO THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA


CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE
FEB. 14th  through MAR. 4, 2018



Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows, we've reviewed Broadway touring productions of Phantom of the Opera many times over the years. Yet the sequel is coming to Chicago for the first time ever. Catch this 3 week limited engagement at the iconic, opulent Cadillac Palace

Broadway In Chicago and Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES are delighted to announce that LOVE NEVER DIES will play Chicago for the very first time in a limited three-week engagement at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) February 14 through March 4, 2018.



Broadway In Chicago and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s LOVE NEVER DIES are delighted to announce the spellbinding sequel to The Phantom of the Opera, will play Chicago for the very first time in a limited three-week engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph) February 14 through March 4, 2018.



Direct from the highly successful production of LOVE NEVER DIES in Hamburg, Germany, Gardar Thor Cortes will portray the man behind the mask, ‘The Phantom,’ with Meghan Picerno as ‘Christine Daaé,’ Karen Mason as ‘Madame Giry,’ Sean Thompson as ‘Raoul,’ Mary Michael Patterson as ‘Meg Giry,’ and Casey Lyons and Jake Heston Miller sharing the role of ‘Gustave.’ The trio of Phantom’s henchmen include Katrina Kemp as ‘Fleck,’ Richard Koons as ‘Squelch,’ Stephen Petrovich as ‘Gangle,’ Gardar Thor Cortes is appearing with the permission of Actors' Equity Association. The Producers gratefully acknowledge Actors' Equity Association for its assistance of this production.

The ensemble includes Chelsey Arce, Erin Chupinsky, Diana DiMarzio, Tyler Donahue, Yesy Garcia, Alyssa Giannetti, Michael Gillis, Tamar Greene, Natalia Lepore Hagan, Lauren Lukacek, Alyssa McAnany, Rachel Anne Moore, Bronson Norris Murphy, Dave Schoonover, Adam Soniak, John Swapshire IV, Kelly Swint, Lucas John Thompson, Correy West and Arthur Wise.


   
LOVE NEVER DIES is a dazzling new production, which takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance. Audiences will be seduced by the beautiful; sometimes magical and poetic; sometimes joyful; and occasionally melancholic score. Don’t miss this magnificent continuation of one of the world’s greatest love stories. The new touring production reflects an extensive re-working of the material by an Australian creative team for the original Australian premiere in 2011. Described by Chris Boyd in The Australian as “The best thing Lloyd Webber has written in the quarter century since The Phantom of the Opera”.

Directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical) with new set and costume designs by Gabriela Tylesova, choreography by 2011 Astaire Awards winner Graeme Murphy, lighting design by Nick Schlieper and sound design by Mick Potter, the show is one of the few instances of a major West End musical being given a complete makeover for subsequent productions.
Lloyd Webber said he knew about five minutes into seeing its first run-through that he and the new production team had achieved something special. “I have the great joy of being able to say that I think this production is probably the finest one I could ever, ever hope for.”

LOVE NEVER DIES features music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, book by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Ben Elton, additional lyrics by Charles Hart, and orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

The year is 1907. It is 10 years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House and The Phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak shows of Coney Island. In this new, electrically charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar, but he has never stopped yearning for his one true love and musical protégée, Christine Daaé.



Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine accepts an invitation to travel from Paris to New York to perform at a renowned opera house. Christine's marriage to Raoul is suffering at the hands of his drinking and gambling and they desperately need the financial rewards that America can give them.

In a final bid to win back Christine’s love, The Phantom lures her, Raoul, and their young son Gustave, from Manhattan to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island - not knowing what is in store for them.

Since its premiere in 2010, LOVE NEVER DIES has enjoyed productions worldwide in London, Australia, Denmark, Japan and Germany, as well as multiple recordings including a concept album and a London cast recording. A DVD release of the Australian production has delighted fans globally, and now the North American tour brings the musical to the US for the first time.
For more information, please visit www.loveneverdies.com.



PERFORMANCE DATES
Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Wednesdays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM
Thursdays at 7:30PM
Fridays at 7:30PM
Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM
Sundays at 2:00PM
*No matinee on Wed., Feb.14
*Additional matinee on Thurs., Feb. 15 & evening performance on Sun., Feb. 18



TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for LOVE NEVER DIES at the Cadillac Palace Theatre will go on sale Friday, Dec. 8 and range from $35-$100 with a select number of premium seats available. 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 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's Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Facebook @BroadwayInChicago Twitter @broadwaychicago Instagram @broadwayinchicago #broadwayinchicago

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