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Tuesday, September 21, 2021

FEST ALERT: DESTINOS - 4TH CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 17

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar


 
TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR DESTINOS - 4TH CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL LATINO THEATER FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 23-OCTOBER 17


**COVID POLICY: Vaccine Proof (card or phone photo of vax card and photo ID) and masking for the duration of all shows required.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we've caught Destinos festival productions every year since its inception. Whether you're of Latinx descent or want to expand your multicultural horizons and catch world class productions, we highly recommend making time for some excellent theatre this month and next. Runs are short so book your tickets as soon as possible. Don't miss this!

I'll be out to review American Mariachi on September 27th, AMAL on September 30th, Mal de Amores on October 8th, Y tu abuela on October 11th and Brujaja October 24th. Check back early and often for our original reviews, interviews, giveaways, entertainment news and more. 
AMAL
Written by Combat Hippies and Teo Castellanos
Directed by Teo Castellanos
at 
Chopin Theatre
1543 W. Division St., Chicago
AMAL examines the impact of war with equal parts humor and urgency. It explores the quest for meaning, purpose and identity sought through enlisting in the military and shares the unifying experiences of combatants and noncombatants as people of color.

Tough and tender, AMAL relays stories of veterans', refugees' and civilians' adjustment to life after war, placing Puerto Rico’s colonial status, cultural and military heritage center stage. 

AMAL aborda el impacto de la guerra con humor y urgencia en partes iguales. Explora la búsqueda de significado, propósito y identidad a través del alistamiento en el ejército, y comparte las experiencias unifcadoras de combatientes y no combatientes que se identifican como personas de color. Doloroso y conmovedor, AMAL transmite historias de cómo los vetarnos, refugiados y civiles se adaptaron a la vida después de la guerra. 

Esta compañia de teatro totalmente puertorriqueña coloca en el centro del escenario el status colonial, la herencia cultural y militar de Puerto Rico.

AMAL TEASER
Watch the trailer for AMAL


Led by renowned theater artist and director Teo Castellanos, Combat Hippies is an ensemble of Puerto Rican military veteran performing artists based in Miami, Florida. The company focuses on works about combatants as people of color, and shares experiences of veterans' adjustments to live after war as well as that of civilians from war-torn countries.


AMAL is one of ten productions that are part of Destinos, 4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, September 23-October 17, at theaters and cultural destinations large and small throughout the city.
Performer and director Lázaro Gabino Rodríguez of Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol, Mexico Cityblurs the line between fiction and reality in Tijuana, about a man from the city who takes a job at a sweatshop near the U.S. border. Tijuana makes it Chicago premiere September 23-26 at the National Museum of Mexican Art as part of Destinos-4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Photo credit: Manuel G. Vicente courtesy Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol.

CHICAGO, August 30, 2021 - Tickets are now on sale for select performances during Destinos – 4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival,returning with live and hybrid performances, September 23-October 17, 2021.

Visit clata.org for tickets, show dates, times, locations and information about the artists. To receive first notice of all festival news, sign up for the Destinosweekly e-update, and follow the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), producer of the annual festival, at @latinotheater on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

A late addition to the Destinos line-up is Chicago’s own Teatro Vista with Futurology presents: The Fifth World. This world premiere live listening party experience will offer Destinos audiences to be the first to hear the first two episodes of Teatro Vista’s new true crime, audio serial play, and what the company’s new co-artistic directors Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo are planning for the company’s 2021-22 season and beyond.

That brings the total number of Chicago productions in this year’s Destinosfestival to six, with American Mariachi, a Midwest Premiere about an all-women Mariachi band presented by Goodman TheatreBrujaja, a World Premiere live/virtual production about an “accidental witch” by UrbanTheater Company; and, La Gran Tirana: Descarga dramáticaa World Premiere play with music inspired by La Lupe, the Queen of Latin Soul, at Aguijón Theater.

Two local companies making their Destinos debut: Visión Latino Theatre Company with the World Premiere Y tú abuela, where is she?, about an interracial couple given the chance to choose the color of their unborn child, and Teatro Tariakuri with La manera como luces esta noche, an adults-only, Latino fairy tale. 

Four out-of-town productions round out the festival, including Amal, in which Miami’s Combat Hippies fuse spoken word with music to examine the impact of warTijuana via México City’s Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol, in a co-production with the National Museum of Mexican Art, about the true story of a man who abandoned his life in the city to work for minimum wage at the U.S. border; Santurce, Puerto Rico-based Agua, Sol y Sereno withCorazón de Papel, a powerful depiction of post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico told through contemporary puppetry, co-presented with the Segundo Ruis Bevis Cultural Center; and, Mal de Amores, about an old man who tells his love stories as a woman with a wonderful, powerful voice sings boleros, baladas and rancheras, from Casa de Teatro in the Dominican Republic

The Chicago premiere of Corazón de Papel, a powerful depiction of post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico told through contemporary puppetry, by Agua, Sol y Sereno from Santurce, Puerto Rico, is one of the international productions that is part of Destinos-4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival Performances are October 14-17 at Chopin Theatre. Photo credit: George Riveron.


Destinos is the signature program of the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), a transformative cultural engine helping drive Chicago’s local Latino theater community to newfound prominence. 

“After 18 months during which our stages went dark, Destinos, Chicago’s annual citywide international Latino theater festival, is back!” said Myrna Salazar, Executive Director, CLATA. “Please be sure to join us this fall. It’s been too long, and now more than ever, it’s time to come together to share the Latino experience as told by Latino artists and companies from Chicago, the U.S. and Latin America.”

Mal de Amoresabout an old man who tells love stories as a woman sings boleros, baladas and rancheras, comes to Destinos-4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival via Casa de Teatro in the Dominican Republic. Photo credit: Pedro Bonilla.


To get things started, CLATA will host a Destinos 2021 Kick-Off Party at the National Museum of Mexican Art’s new Ray Castro Plaza on Monday, September 20, starting at 5:30 p.m. A live performance stage, VIP tents with complimentary food and drinks, live music by Mariachi Perla de México, and more will toast the launch of this year’s fourth Destinos fest, while celebrating Chicago’s Latino theater community’s contributions to the city’s cultural and economic landscapes. The National Museum of Mexican Art is located at 1852 W. 19th St. in Pilsen. The event will move indoors in the event of rain. Proof of vaccination and masks are required to attend. 

Note: CLATA and its partner venues will adhere to all COVID-19 safety precaution protocols as mandated by the state of Illinois throughout the festival. Specific Covid policies for each venue will be shared with ticket buyers prior to their performances.

AMAL by Miami’s Combat Hippies examines the impact of war with equal parts humor and urgency. AMAL makes it Chicago premiere September 30-October 3 at Chopin Theatre as part of Destinos-4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival. Photo credit Romaine Maurice.


More about the shows

Visit clata.org to purchase tickets and learn more about the rich, diverse array of Latino-themed shows, panels and student performances on tap at marquee venues downtown, neighborhood theaters and cultural institutions throughout the city for four consecutive weeks this fall. 




Chicago productions:

American Mariachi
Midwest Premiere 
A co-presentation with Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn Ave. in downtown Chicago
September 18-October 24
Use promo code CLATA25 to unlock this exclusive Destinos discount

Meet Lucha, who spends her days caring for her ailing mother, but longs to shake up her 1970s home life. When a forgotten record album sparks her mother’s memory, Lucha and her cousin strike upon a radical idea: to create an all-female mariachi band. Infused with live mariachi music, this “big-hearted, musical tug at the heartstrings” reveals how music and love can make just about anything possible (Denver Post). American Mariachi is written by José Cruz González, directed by Henry Godinez and features Chicago's Sones de México Ensemble. Presented in English with sprinkles of Spanish.

American Mariachi, courtesy Goodman Theatre

La manera como luces esta noche
World Premiere
Teatro Tariakuri
3117 W. 63rd St. in Marquette Park
Opens Saturday, September 25 at 8 p.m.
Runs through October 17
Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 8 p.m., except Sunday, October 17 - 3 p.m. matinee
Tickets: $30


Once upon a time, in a faraway land, there lived a King whose precious daughter Beatriz needed to be betrothed. But the king’s wish is suddenly shattered by an invasion of a peculiar handmaiden/soldier. Ubaldo the welder falls in love with the princess, but being not of noble blood, seeks the help of a wizard to meet the princess. Hilarious entanglements ensue as Ubaldo discovers how to win the princess and not to be hanged in the process. This comedic fairy tale, for adults only, is written by Alejandro Licona and directed by Karla Galván. Presented in Spanish.

Brujaja
World Premiere
UrbanTheater Company 
at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
3015 W. Division St. in Humboldt Park
Opens Saturday, October 9 at 3 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Also Sunday, October 10 at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Tickets: $30

After living above her mother's botánica her whole life, Ifé, an accidental witch, finally finds her purpose by tapping into her ancestral power to fight the larger fight against oppression and wellness. Written by Melissa DuPrey and directed by Miranda GonzálezBrujaja will be a hybrid experience pairing live theater, dance and drumming for in-person audiences with a theatrically filmed virtual stream for viewing at home. Presented in English with sprinkles of Spanish.

Futurology presents: The Fifth World
a World Premiere live listening party experience from Teatro Vista
at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Wicker Park
Opens Saturday, October 10 at 7 p.m.
Second show: Sunday, October 11 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $10
 
At the beginning of the pandemic, Sebastian Reyes arrives in the small desert town of Palomas, Arizona to make his name producing a true crime story about a missing child in the desert. His search fatefully entangles him in a horrifying myth as old as the world. The Fifth World chronicles a desperate need to find and connect with another human being when the future of the world depends on it. Destinos audiences will be the first to hear the first two episodes of this new serial audio play before its official premiere on October 28. In addition to the listening party, the new co-artistic directors of the company, Lorena Diaz and Wendy Mateo, will be announcing the new season of work for Teatro Vista along with the exciting future on the horizon for this 30-year company.

Y tú abuela, where is she?
World Premiere
Vision Latino Theatre Company
at The Den Theatre, 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
Opening: Monday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Runs through October 24: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $60 VIP Experience; $60 VIP Experience II; $35 Door; $30 Regular (online); $25 Group Tickets (5 or more); $10 Students

An interracial couple, Xavier and Adalina, are accepted into a program that allows them to modify the genes of their children before they are born. Excitement over the prospect of altering their offspring helps them forget the issues that plague their relationship, until they get stuck on one question: what color skin should the child have? As they navigate the answers, bigger problems are exposed and divine intervention may be needed for the entire family to survive. Y tú abuela, where is she? is written by Nelson Diaz-Marcano and directed by Xavier M. Custodio. Presented in English and Spanish.


La Gran Tirana: Descarga dramática
World Premiere
Aguijón Theater
2707 N. Laramie in Belmont-Cragin
Opens Friday, October 15 at 8 p.m.
Runs through November 21
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $30 Regular; $15 students, teachers and seniors; 
$10 for 60639 residents; Free on Sundays

This exciting new work is inspired by the incomparable Afro-Cuban legend Lupe Victoria Yolí Raymond, better known as La Lupe, the Queen of Latin Soul. This love letter to Caribbean rhythms and sounds explores the journey of Ana Morgana, an immigrant, a castoff, but, above all, an artist, who transcends her everyday reality by imagining herself a star: La Lupe. La Gran Tirana was conceived and is directed by Sándor Menéndez, written by Rey Andújar, and features Ana Santos SanchezSándor Menéndez and pianist Adrian RuizPresented in Spanish with English subtitles.
Ana Santos Sanchez, courtesy Aguijón Theatre


National and international productions:
Tijuana
Chicago Premiere
Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol, México City
A co-presentation with the National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th St. in Pilsen
Opens Thursday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Runs through September-26: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

Mixing video art and a sculptural stage environment with piercingly poetic text, Tijuana blurs the line between fiction and reality, using multimedia as mechanisms to link work and life and give voice to overlooked moments in social and political history. With movement and text, performer and director Lázaro Gabino Rodríguez depicts a man’s social experiment in which he mysteriously appears as a resident of a new neighborhood with a new sweatshop job and a secret history. Tijuana asks: What does democracy mean in Mexico today for some 50 million people living on the minimum wage? What do we expect from democracy today? What do we expect from politics beyond democracy? Presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

Performer and director Lázaro Gabino Rodríguez of Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol, Mexico City in Tijuana. 
Photo credit: Manuel G. Vicente courtesy Lagartijas Tiradas al Sol.
AMAL
Chicago Premiere
Combat Hippies, Miami
Presented at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Wicker Park
Opens Thursday, September 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Runs through October 3: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

AMAL examines the impact of war with equal parts humor and urgency. It explores the quest for meaning, purpose and identity sought through enlisting in the military and shares the unifying experiences of combatants and noncombatants as people of color. Tough and tender, AMAL relays stories of how veterans, refugees and civilians adjusted to life after war, placing Puerto Rico’s colonial status, cultural and military heritage center stage. AMAL is written by Combat Hippies and Teo Castellanos and directed by Teo Castellanos. Presented in English.

Tough and tender, AMAL by Miami’s Combat Hippies examines the impact of war with equal parts humor and urgency. Photo credit: Romaine Maurice.

Mal de Amores
Midwest Premiere
Casa de Teatro, Dominican Republic 
Presented at The Den Theatre
1331 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park
Opens Friday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Runs through October 10: Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $26-$31

An old man tells his love stories as a woman with a wonderful, powerful voice sings boleros, baladas and rancheras. Mal de Amores is a fusion of storytelling, song and two talented artists: Freddy Ginebra, whose true life experiences transform into beautiful stories, and Diomary Castillo, who takes audiences breath away with her energy and alluring voice. Mal de Amores is written and directed by Ginebra. Presented in Spanish.

Mal de Amores features Freddy Ginebra (right, both photos) whose true life experiences transform into beautiful love stories, and Diomary Castillo (left)who takes audiences breath away with her energy and alluring voice. Photo credit: Pedro Bonilla


Corazón de Papel
Chicago Premiere
Agua, Sol y SerenoSanturce, Puerto Rico 
A co-presentation with the Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center
Presented at Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Wicker Park
Opens Thursday, October 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Runs through October 17: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $20-$25

Corazón de Papel is a powerful new depiction of post-Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico told through contemporary puppetry. This 11-member, multigenerational Puerto Rican theater collective is internationally acclaimed for its deep social and human commitment and its dynamic brand of popular, experimental performances featuring colorful and iconic costumes, set pieces and “cabezudos,” or giant papier mâché heads. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

Corazón de Papel by Puerto Rico's Agua, Sol y Sereno is a powerful new depiction of Puerto Rico, post-Hurricane Maria, told through contemporary puppetry. Credit: George Riveron


CLATA is thrilled to return to a live, multi-week, international festival in 2021, and gratefully acknowledges generous support from The Paul M. Angell Family FoundationThe Joyce FoundationThe Ford FoundationThe Walder FoundationThe Arts Work FundThe Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly FoundationIllinois HumanitiesThe Shubert Foundation, a CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special EventsIllinois Arts Council AgencyNational Endowment for the ArtsWintrustAllstateComEd and Comcast/Xfinity

About Destinos – the 4th Chicago International Latino Theater Festival
Now entering its fourth year, Destinos is the signature program of the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA), a transformative cultural engine helping drive the city’s local Latino theater community to a more prominent level.
 
“In Spanish, the word 'destinos' has multiple meanings: destinies, destinations or fate,” explains Myrna Salazar, Executive Director, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance. “Destinos showcases Latino theater artists from Chicago, across the U.S. and Latin America to present engaging and thought-provoking stories that transcend boundaries, amplify Latino voices, and diversify Chicago stages to encourage cross-cultural conversation.”  

The first Destinos in 2017 ran five weeks, and presented 61 performances by 10 companies from Chicago, U.S. and Latin America. In 2018, the festival expanded to six weeks, with 81 performances by 14 companies, engaging approximately 10,000 people, including nearly 700 students who attended matinee performances and participated in post-show discussions with artists, directors and playwrights. Destinos returned in year three with six more weeks of highly attended, critically acclaimed local, national and international programs, with a special contingent of U.S. and international programmers brought in to view the work of Chicago’s top Latino companies. Last fall, CLATA responded to the pandemic by postponing the full festival and instead staged one of Chicago’s first outdoor public art events, Destinos al Aire, a one-night celebration of Latino theater, music and dance presented under the stars to a sold-out crowd at ChiTown Movies. 

“Despite the 18-month ‘intermission’ we all just had, CLATA has remained very active behind the scenes, supporting our amazing community of Latino theater artists while planning a high-profile platform for their return to live theater this fall,” said Marty Castro, CLATA Board Chairperson and President and CEO of Casa Central. “So we are excited to announce that Destinos is back this September! We are ready to celebrate the joy and healing power of Latino theater with audiences who are hungry to reconnect with live art and the world around them.”

CLATA was founded in 2016 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization by Myrna Salazar and Chicago’s three most prominent Latino arts organizations: National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA)International Latino Cultural Center (ILCC), and Puerto Rican Arts Alliance (PRAA), with the generous support of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
 
CLATA’s goal is to create the country’s leading international Latino theater festival with an emphasis on showcasing Chicago Latino theater artists and companies. Additionally, CLATA provides local groups ongoing organizational, marketing and financial support, and works diligently to create a permanent home for Chicago’s Latino theater artists. Ultimately, CLATA strives to underscore Chicago’s reputation as one of the most exciting and culturally diverse theater cities in the world.

For more, visit clata.org or call (312) 631-3112.

Thursday, September 9, 2021

SEASON ANNOUNCEMENT: Victory Gardens Theater 2021/2022 Season to Include 3 Mainstage Productions, a New Reading Series, and a New Play Festival

Save The Dates:

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Victory Gardens Theater announces plans for the 2021/2022 Season



Victory Gardens Theater announces their 2021/2022 Season, which will be presented in-person at the Biograph Theater in Lincoln Park. The season will feature three mainstage productions: Queen of the Night by travis tate, the World Premiere of In Every Generation by Ali Viterbi, and the Regional Premiere of cullud wattah by Erika Dickerson-Despenza.


Top row: travis tate, Ali Viterbi, Erika Dickerson-Despenza

Bottom row: Ken-Matt Martin, Devon de Mayo, Lili-Anne Brown 


In addition to the mainstage season, Victory Gardens presents the evolution of the Ignition Festival of New Plays, now renamed the Ignition New Play Program, sponsored by The Pritzker Pucker Family Foundation. The Ignition New Play Program consists of two events for the 2021/22 season: the Ignite Chicago reading series, offering free readings of new works between October 2021 and July 2022, and the 20/50 Festival in June 2022, featuring 3 new works by playwrights over 50, staged by VG Directors Inclusion Initiative Fellows.

Top row: Nygel D. Robinson, Brian Quijada, Ada A.

bottom row: Nicholas Pilapil, Gage Tarlton, Rhiana Yazzie


“We have lost so much in the past 18 months, and I don’t take for granted that those of us still living are blessed to have survived,” says Victory Gardens Artistic Director Ken-Matt Martin. “The pandemic has left many of us wondering, ‘How do we move forward?’ All of these plays feature families dealing with the fallout of situations beyond their control—much like the last 18 months we all just endured. These families move forward with love, humor, joy, and a commitment to healing long-held hurts. I am hopeful this season inspires those who see it to do the same.”

The Ignition New Play Program will include the 20/50 Festival and a yearlong new play reading series, Ignite Chicago. The 20/50 Festival will feature 3 playwrights over age 50, and all plays will be staged by the Directors Inclusion Initiative Fellows. Ignite Chicago readings will take place not only at Victory Gardens’ home in Lincoln Park, the Biograph Theater, but at partner locations throughout the city, to bring new plays into Chicago’s many

communities. “It was important to me to not only continue but expand the Theater’s commitment to new play development as we reopen, and credit goes to Roxanna Conner for her instrumental work in redeveloping Ignition for the future,” added Ken-Matt Martin.

“We’ll be offering more resources and opportunities for our Ignite Chicago playwrights, as well as creating a new festival devoted to those often overlooked in our industry: the veterans, and the next generation of up-and-coming artists. By bringing these two groups together, it creates a wonderful opportunity for collaboration and learning between artists who might not otherwise have the opportunity to create together,” shares Acting Managing Director Roxanna Conner.

Flex Passes to the 2021/22 Season are currently on sale at victorygardens.org or by phone at 773.871.3000, and offer 20% savings over single ticket prices. Single tickets will go on sale later this fall, and range from $29-$62. Registration for Ignition New Play Program events will be available at victorygardens.org approximately one month before each event.

In conjunction with a coalition of member theatres of the League of Chicago Theatres, Victory Gardens has new attendance policies in place for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Attendees to all in-person events will be asked to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within the last 72 hours, and must remain masked for the duration of their time at the Biograph.

In addition to its onstage work, Victory Gardens has invested in inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and anti-racism (IDEAA) projects over the past year. The outcome of this work has been numerous adjustments to artistic practices and policies, as well as new initiatives designed to make IDEAA an integral part of the Theater’s daily work. For full details on changes and projects to date, visit victorygardens.org/idea. 


Queen of the Night

By travis tate

Directed by Ken-Matt Martin

Saturday, January 29, 2022 - Sunday, March 13, 2022

Press Openings: Friday, February 4 and Saturday, February 5, 2022


A divorced father and his queer son head to the woods of southeastern Texas to relive the camping trips of earlier, easier days. But even without cell service, certain things are inescapable. Playwright travis tate explores masculinity and queerness through the lens of multi-generational Blackness, offering a hilarious, heart-rending family portrait about reckoning with the wilderness of a shared past, while facing an uncertain future. Staged

by Victory Gardens Artistic Director Ken-Matt Martin, Queen of the Night will kick off the 2021/22 Season.

The Queen of the Night design team includes: Sydney Lynne (Scenic), Rueben D. Echoles (Costumes), Sim Carpenter (Lights), and G Clausen (Sound).


World Premiere

In Every Generation

By Ali Viterbi

Directed by Devon de Mayo

Saturday, April 2, 2022 - Sunday, May 1, 2022

Press Opening: Friday, April 8, 2022

Each Passover, for four millennia, we ask: why is this night different from all other nights? And each year, the Levi-Katz clan has answered, while grappling with questions of race and religion that never seem to get resolved. The family finds strength in tradition (vegan brisket or no); but each year of celebration brings more pressing questions about the future: if trauma is generational, then must we be defined by it? Will we ever be free? Written by Ali Viterbi, In Every Generation was the 2019 winner of the National Jewish Playwriting Contest, and will have its world premiere at Victory Gardens, staged by Devon de Mayo (If I Forget, Victory Gardens).


Regional Premiere

cullud wattah

By Erika Dickerson-Despenza

Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

Saturday, June 11, 2022 - Sunday, July 17, 2022

Press Opening: Friday, June 17, 2022

Thanksgiving, 2016: Flint, Michigan has been without clean water for 936 days. Marion, a third-generation General Motors assembly line worker, worries over impending layoffs while struggling to fight the poison that floods her home—and her family's bodies. When her sister, Ainee, seeks restitution for lead poisoning, secrets bubble to the surface, threatening to capsize not only their family, but all of Vehicle City. Penned by award-winning playwright Erika Dickerson-Despenza, cullud wattah will be staged by Victory Gardens Resident Director Lili-Anne Brown (Lottery Day; School Girls: Or The African Mean Girls Play, Goodman Theatre).

The cullud wattah design team includes: Sydney Lynne (Scenic), Christine Pascual (Costumes), Jason Lynch (Lights), Trey Brazeal (Associate Lights), and Victoria Deiorio (Sound).

cullud wattah is sponsored by The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation.


Ignite Chicago Reading Series

Readings will take place at Victory Gardens Theater and partner locations to be announced. All readings are free to attend, but RSVPs will be required, as capacity for each reading is limited.


October 2021: Mexodus by Nygel D. Robinson & Brian Quijada

November 2021: Tokens of Promise by Ada A.

December 2021: The Bottoming Process by Nicholas Pilapil

February 2022: exercise your demons: a play on the trauma of a gay male body by Gage Tarlton

July 2022: Nancy by Rhiana Yazzie


20/50 Festival

June 2022 at Victory Gardens Theater

Featuring 3 new works by playwrights over age 50. Full details to be announced next year.

For complete details on the 2021/2022 Season and artists, Flex Passes, and the Ignition New Play Program, please visit victorygardens.org.

Victory Gardens Theater receives major funding from Allstate Insurance, Alphawood Foundation, Crown Family Philanthropies, Exelon Corporation, Illinois Arts Council, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Joyce Foundation, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, Prince Charitable Trusts, and The Shubert Foundation.

Victory Gardens also receives support from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, Coffman Law Offices, Conant Family Foundation, Golden Country Oriental Food, Goldman Sachs, a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Mayer Brown LLP, The Charles H. and Bertha L. Boothroyd Foundation, and The Charles and M.R. Shapiro Foundation.

About Victory Gardens Theater

Under the leadership of Artistic Director Ken-Matt Martin and Acting Managing Director Roxanna Conner, Victory Gardens is dedicated to artistic excellence while creating a vital, contemporary American Theater that is accessible and relevant to all people through productions of challenging new plays and musicals. Victory Gardens Theater is committed to the development, production and support of new plays, which has been the mission of the theater since its founding, set forth by Dennis Začek, Marcelle McVay, and the original founders of Victory Gardens Theater, and continued by former Artistic Director Chay Yew.

Victory Gardens Theater is a leader in developing and producing new theater work and cultivating an inclusive Chicago theater community. Victory Gardens’ core strengths are nurturing and producing dynamic and inspiring new plays, reflecting the diversity of our city’s and nation’s culture through engaging diverse communities, and, in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, bringing art and culture to our city’s active student population.  

Since its founding in 1974, the company has produced more world premieres than any other Chicago theater, a commitment recognized nationally when Victory Gardens received the 2001 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater includes the Začek-McVay Theater, a state-of-the-art 259-seat mainstage, and the 109-seat studio theater on the second floor, named the Richard Christiansen Theater.

For more information about Victory Gardens, visit www.victorygardens.org.  Follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/victorygardens, Twitter @VictoryGardens, and Instagram @victorygardenstheater.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

KINKY BOOTS KICKS OFF PARAMOUNT THEATRE REOPENING NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 17, 2021

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: 

FIRST REGIONAL PRODUCTION OF KINKY BOOTS

Cast, creative team embrace "the perfect show to reopen our doors"

 

 


Kinky Boots has been one of my favorite musicals since the Pre-Broadway opening right here in Chicago, that I reviewed for ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. It was a joy to meet Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein and the original cast and creatives at that first press junket. I also reviewed the show again when the Broadway touring company came back through Chicago again. That time it was my pleasure to bring the whole family along and they loved it just as much as I did. Now that we're in a post quarantine time of social and economic upheaval, where many businesses need to pivot or go under, this show is as timely as ever. This wonderful tale of resilience, acceptance, and change is the perfect piece for a covid weary world. I'm thrilled to hear our regional theatre arts are rebounding and I can't wait to catch live theatre in person again, and check out Paramount Theatre's rendition of Kinky Boots. 

Nearly 16 months after dimming its famous marquee due to COVID-19, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre has started rehearsals for its 10th Anniversary Broadway Series season opener, Kinky Boots, marking a pivotal moment for the second largest subscription house in the nation as it returns to live performances next month. 

“It’s my great pleasure to say: We look forward to being one of the first major theaters in Chicago to welcome audiences back, starting August 18! We appreciate our patrons for staying with us. We couldn’t do any of it without you,” said Tim Rater, President and CEO of Paramount Theatre.

Kinky Boots – the flashy, sassy, sexy story of big heels invading a small town – shook Broadway and was adored by critics and audiences, winning every major Best Musical Award including the Tony, the Grammy and London’s Olivier Award. The now mega-popular musical features high-kicking music and lyrics by Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, and a book rooted in fun, love and acceptance by Broadway legend Harvey Fierstein.

Paramount Theatre’s Kinky Boots is directed by (from left) Trent Stork. The cast features Devin DeSantis as Charlie, Michael Wordly as Lola, Mark Lancaster as Don, Emilie Lynn as Nicola and Sara Reinecke as Lauren.

Now it’s Paramount’s turn to try Lola’s red, thigh-high stilettos on for size with the first regional production of Kinky Boots, fiercely directed by Paramount’s Associate Artistic Producer and Casting Director Trent Stork.

Meet Charlie, a reluctant shoemaker, and Lola, a fierce drag queen. Charlie and Lola could not be more different. But when they find common ground in shoes, they see a whole new world of possibilities that will turn their small town upside down, and just might save Charlie’s failing shoe factory. Inspired by true events, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. From its glorious costumes, to its dizzyingly tall heels and songs that will leave audiences humming for days, no show captures what it means to do what you love and love what you do more than Kinky Boots. 

 

Michael Wordly plays Lola in Kinky Boots.

“Kinky Boots is the perfect show to reopen our doors,” said Stork. “Kinky Boots has moments that feel like a rock show and tender-hearted moments that make you lean in. It expands from killer dance numbers to a book that is as humorous as it is heartening. It’s a show that makes audiences want to connect with their fellow humans. I think we can all use that right now!”

Kinky Boots runs August 18 to October 17, 2021. Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. Single tickets, $36-$74, are on sale now. For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, or call the box office, (630) 896-6666, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


(Top) Set rendering for Kinky Boots "Land of Lola" scene by Kevin Depinet and Christopher Rhoton. (Bottom) Kinky Boots costume renderings for Lola and Angel by costumer designer Ryan Park

Paramount’s 33-member Kinky Boots cast starts with one of Chicago’s most distinguished leading men, Devin DeSantis, as Charlie the shoemaker. DeSantis’s Paramount credits include Tommy in The Who’s Tommy, Corny Collins in Hairspray and Prince Eric in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

Lola will be played by Michael Wordly in his Paramount debut. Wordly is a veteran of Spamilton Off-Broadway, national tours of Miss Saigon, The Color Purple and The Little Mermaid, and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella at Paper Mill Playhouse.

The principal cast also features Mark Lancaster as Don. Lancaster has performed for Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Oak Park Festival Theatre and Babes With Blades. Emilie Lynn will play Nicola. Lynn recently starred as Mary Poppins at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Her Paramount credits include My Fair Lady, Miss Saigon and Hair. Lauren is played by Sara Reinecke, a stand out performer in many Paramount musicals including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Producers, Legally Blonde and Mamma Mia! Young actor Daniel Font-Wilets plays Young Lola. Patrick Scott McDermott and Nolan Maddox will alternate as Young Charlie.

Completing the cast are ensemble members Terrell Armstrong, Anthony Avino, Brian Bandura, Matthew Bettencourt, Lydia Burke, Jack Cahill-Lemme, Barry DeBois, Vasily Deris, Neil Friedman, Carisa Gonzalez, Christina Hall, Luke Halpern, Immanuel Houston, Dakota Hughes, De’Jah Jervai, Mark David Kaplan, Christopher John Kelley, Bernell Lassai III, Ken Singleton, Anthony Sullivan Jr., Dana Tretta, Shelbi Voss, J Tyler Whitmer and Missy Wise.

The full production team is Trent Stork, director; Michael George and Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, co-choreographers; Kory Danielson, music director, conductor and music supervisor; Kevin Depinet and Christopher Rhoton,

co-scenic designers; Ryan Park, costume designer; Greg Hofmann, lighting designer; Adam Rosenthal, sound designer; Joe Burke, projection designer; Katie Cordts, wig, hair and makeup designer; Jesse Gaffney, properties designer; Ethan Deppe, electronic music designer; Catherine Miller, dramaturg and gender consultant; Susan Gosdick, dialect coach; John A. Tovar, fight director; Gaby Labotka, intimacy director; Max J. Cervantes, associate director; Darren Patin, associate director; TJ Tapp, assistant choreographer; Celia Villacres, associate music director/associate conductor; Jinni Pike, stage manager; Luci Kersting, assistant stage manager; Natalie Cohen; production assistant; and Bailey O’Neill, young performer supervisor.

Trent Stork (director), promoted in spring 2021 to Associate Artistic Producer and Casting Director at Paramount, has worked on the directing team for 19 productions at the theater, 13 of those alongside Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti. In 2018, Stork made his Paramount directorial debut at the helm of Legally Blonde (Broadwayworld.com Award – Best Direction of a Musical.) Outside of Paramount, Stork has worked at the Kaufman Center in New York City, Actors Theatre of Louisville, Angels Theatre Company and The Nebraska Repertory Theatre among others. They also started his own casting company, Trent Stork Casting, and was the Chicago casting director for the new West Side Story adaptation, directed by Steven Spielberg.

The original Broadway production of Kinky Boots, music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper, book by Harvey Fierstein, was directed and choreographed by Jerry Mitchell, The musical is based on the Miramax motion picture Kinky Boots written by Geoff Deane and Tim Firth.

Kinky Boots performance schedule and ticket information

Kinky Boots runs through October 17. Show times are Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (exception: No 1:30 p.m. matinee on August 18). Tickets are $36 to $74. 

For tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com,  call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Covid 19 protocols

Paramount Theatre will be adhering to all COVID-19 safety guidelines as mandated by the state of Illinois. Paramount anticipates updated guidelines by the state for indoor theater gatherings, and will communicate any updates and changes to policies with all ticket buyers. If Phase 5 gatherings require COVID-19 vaccinations for attendees, patrons will be required to show proof of vaccination to attend this performance. By purchasing tickets patrons are agreeing to adhere to the guidelines put in place at the time of their performance.

Access Services

To request wheelchair, special seating or other assistance, please contact the box office at (630) 896-6666 or boxoffice@paramountarts.com in advance

Paramount offers assistive listening devices free of charge at all performances. Check in at the coat room before the show to borrow a listening device.

For patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, Kinky Boots will be presented on Friday, October 1 at 8 p.m. with two certified sign interpreters translating all dialogue and lyrics into American Sign Language. Patrons can purchase single tickets with special seating for this performance for $30 with the code ASLPARAMOUNT.

Or, ask for a sign-interpreted subscription to enjoy all four 2021-22 Paramount Broadway Series productions with live ASL interpretation for just $22.50 each.


What’s next in Paramount’s 10th Anniversary Broadway Series?


Cinderella, the classic musical from the genius minds of Rodgers and Hammerstein, is an enchanting story that will make entire families wish fairy godmothers and glass slippers weren’t just for fairy tales. Paramount is planning a mesmerizing new production that gives parents and children a familiar yet reimagined take on the story families have returned to over and over across generations. Brenda Didier, a multiple Jeff Award-winning director and choreographer, including a win for her choreography for Paramount’s 2019 staging of The Producers, will direct. Previews start November 10. Opening Night is Friday, November 19, at 8 p.m. Performances run through January 9, 2022.



 

Groundhog Day, based on the classic Bill Murray film comedy, will be the second Midwest regional premiere produced by Paramount Theatre in the span of one year. Imagine being stuck in a time loop, waking up and realizing you’re living the same day over and over and over and over again. Set your alarm to make sure you see this uproariously funny, surprisingly touching and simply inspirational musical comedy, nominated for seven Tony Awards. Paramount Theatre Artistic Director Jim Corti will direct. Previews start January 26, 2022. Opening Night is Friday, February 4, at 8 p.m. Performances run through March 13.


Are you ready to rock? Rock of Ages will take audiences back into the iconic music era of the ‘80s, where rock ‘n’ roll dreamers turn their fantasies into reality. Nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Rock of Ages is a Hollywood love story told through the mind-blowing hits of top ‘80s rock bands like Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Poison and more. Paramount Theatre Artistic Producer and New Works Director Amber Mak will direct. Previews start April 13. Press opening is Friday, April 22, at 8 p.m. Performances run through May 29, 2022.

Join the growing ranks of more than 41,000 Broadway Series subscribers at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. New three--play subscriptions including Cinderella, Groundhog Day and Rock of Ages are on sale now, ranging from $54 to $118.50 (without fees).

To subscribe or purchase single tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora.


About Paramount Theatre

 Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora, is the center for performing arts and education in the second largest city in Illinois. Designed by renowned theater architects C.W. and George L. Rapp,

Paramount opened on September 3, 1931. Today, Paramount remains downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction, a beautiful, 1,843-seat theater graced with a 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur.

Since Paramount Theatre launched its own Broadway Series in 2011, it has grown to be the second largest subscription house in the U.S. More than 41,000 subscribers signed up from all over Chicagoland and the Midwest in 2019-20 to enjoy Paramount’s affordable, critically acclaimed, Broadway-quality productions.

In addition to its Broadway Series, Paramount presents an array of internationally known comedians, music stars, dance events and family shows.

Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.

Paramount is one of five live venues programmed and managed by the Aurora Civic Center Authority. ACCA also oversees the newly-renovated, 165-seat Copley Theatre, right across the street from Paramount; RiverEdge Park, the city’s outdoor concert venue; Stolp Island Theatre, slated to open in summer 2022 as a 99-seat immersive theater space, and the new Paramount School of the Arts.

For the latest updates, visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @ParamountAurora on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.


Thursday, August 26, 2021

REVIEW: Chicago's Blue Man Group Takes The Stage For Live Shows Again

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Back In Blue: 

Chicago's Favorite Indigo Entertainers 

Return to Open Run at 

Briar Street Theatre



Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara


GUEST REVIEW:

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

The Blue Man Group is back and it’s as wonderful as ever! After 15 or so months off from performing, The Blue Man Group has brought all of their loveable antics back to Briar Street Theater and has reignited the joy of seeing live theater. And they do it all safely too! Everyone was required to wear a mask and any audience member drawn onto the stage was given a face shield before interacting with the Blue Men. 

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara

Before the show even starts you get a fun experience! From the moment you enter the lobby, you might notice classical paintings lining the walls with a little extra blue thrown in. From there you’ll pass a giant blue face perfect for photo ops, before entering the actual theater bathed in blue light. Then the pre-show looping text helps set the chaotic funny mood for the upcoming show. How many twinkies does a Blue Man eat in his life? What bout the amount of toilet paper used in a day in the US? These questions and more are answered (sarcastically) before the show even starts. 

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara

When the show begins, the audience is bombarded with spectacle after spectacle. From paint drums to musical pipes to Cap'n Crunch, there’s never a dull moment. I especially loved the design elements that went into making the show. The lighting design brought tons of colors to the black stage and out into the audience, the instruments and props were all super creative takes on normal items, and the set was able to change in an instant using their multitude of screens. In addition to that, all of the actors were fabulous too. The Blue Men were able to effortlessly connect to the audience without using words. From subtle gestures to knowingly blank stares, the Blue Men really tapped into human emotion which the viewers were able to recognize easily. They even brought that energy into their props, breathing life into instrumental pipes and controlling people using their signal light wands. 

One of their specialties is keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. When watching the show you never know when you specifically might be singled out. The pre-show announcements called out specific audience members, and the show stopped to call attention to people arriving late. There were also many points in the show where the Blue Men would venture out into the audience (sometimes via the aisles and sometimes climbing right over people’s heads) to pick an audience member to go on stage and help in the performance. But if you don’t get singled out you’ll still have the chance to participate. There are many moments scattered throughout the show where audience members will get to stand up, dance, scream out, and catch things thrown from the stage.

Photo by D. Kenaz-Mara


In the end, watching Blue Man Group was an exhilarating show and I would recommend it to anyone who loves to have fun and wants to have the experience of a lifetime. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is an actor, designer, and photographer studying theatre and psychology at Northwestern University. Contrary to popular belief, he is not a time traveler.



Blue Man Group Chicago. Photo credit Caroline Talbot Photography


Theatrical phenomenon Blue Man Group has made its long-awaited return to Chicago’s Briar Street Theatre! A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, Blue Man Group encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child in order to see the world through a new perspective.  

“For more than 20 years, Blue Man Group has established itself as one of the top entertainment destinations in Chicago,” said Mary Grisolano, Managing Director of Blue Man Group. “We are absolutely thrilled to return to the stage and welcome new and returning audiences to the Briar Street Theatre.”  

Blue Man Group originally debuted at the Briar Street Theatre in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood in 1997. Three bald and blue men explore today’s cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at the audience’s collective quirks and reminding them how much they all have in common. The show is continually refreshed with new music, stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.   

Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Blue Man Group Chicago ticket prices range from $49 – $89. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.blueman.com. A full show schedule and pricing can also be found at www.blueman.com.  

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $57 – $70 per person. For groups of 10 or more, email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.  


2021 Performance Schedule: 

August  

Thursday, August 26 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, August 27 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, August 28 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, August 29 at 2 and 5 p.m.  


September 

Wednesday, September 1 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 2 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 3 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 4 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 5 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 8 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 9 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 10 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 11 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 12 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 15 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 16 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 17 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 18 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 19 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 22 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 23 at 8 p.m. 

Friday, September 24 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, September 25 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, September 26 at 2 p.m. 

Wednesday, September 29 at 8 p.m. 

Thursday, September 30 at 8 p.m. 

  

October 

Friday, October 1 at 8 p.m. 

Saturday, October 2 at 5 and 8 p.m. 

Sunday, October 3 at 2 p.m. 

Additional fall and holiday performances will be announced at a later date. 

  

About Blue Man Group 

Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon, known for its award-winning theatrical productions, iconic characters and multiple creative explorations. Blue Man Group performances are euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, comedy and non-verbal communication. Since debuting at New York’s Astor Place Theatre in 1991, the live show has expanded to additional domestic residencies in Boston, Chicago, and Las Vegas, an international residency in Berlin, and multiple North American and World tours, reaching more than 35 million people worldwide. Blue Man Group is universally appealing to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds, and continually injected with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and sensory stimulating graphics. Blue Man Group is owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group. For more information, please visit www.blueman.com.  

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