Steadstyle Chicago

Chicago Theatre News and Events January 18, 2010

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A Comical Crisis about Family & Faith

Noble Fool Theatricals stages Over the Tavern, the hilarious and touching family comedy February 4-March 28, 2010. Photo by Kimberly G. Morris.Noble Fool Theatricals presents Tom Dudzick's hilarious and touching family comedy "Over the Tavern," directed by John Gawlik, at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage Theater.  "Over the Tavern" will preview February 4-12, the show will open February 13 and continue through March 28, 2010.  Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. Thursday performances are available on February 4 and 11 at 8 p.m.; February 18, March 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.  Tickets are priced at $29 on Fridays (and additional Thursday performances), and at $39 on Saturdays and Sundays.  Dinner show packages are available at $46 on Fridays and $59 on Saturdays and Sundays.  Group Rates, Student Discounts, and Overnight packages are also available.  The show is rated PG, with some mild adult language.  Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL.  For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.  Additional performance information may be obtained at www.noblefool.org.  

It's 1959 in Buffalo, New York - Elvis, drive-ins, and The Honeymooners made life fun and simple.  Not for the Pazinski household though!  Polish-Catholics Chet and Ellen live above their tavern with their four teenagers, each questioning family values in their own mischievous ways.  And when wise-cracking 12-year-old Rudy questions the Roman Catholic Church to ruler-cracking Sister Clarissa before his confirmation (proclaiming, "I read where there are over thirteen hundred religions in the world. I'd like to shop around!"), the outcome is a hilarious yet touching comedy that would even make the Cleavers at a loss for good advice!

"Over the Tavern reveals real-life issues with real people, rather than unrealistic characters," says Artistic Director John Gawlik.  "This show goes far beyond religious differences; the underlying issues of a family trying to stay strong during tough times is the real charm exemplified in this show.  Any family - regardless of religion, faith, finances, etc - can relate and laugh at the situations the Pazinksi family experiences."  The cast of "Over the Tavern" features Alex Adams, Scott Cummins, Gabriel Harder, Renee Matthews, Stacy Stoltz, Katrina Syrris  and Dan Velisek.   

 

Tony Nominee Skinner Joins 'Billy Elliot'

Emily SkinnerTime Magazine has named "Billy Elliot" the "Best Musical of the Decade," according to Time Senior Editor and Theater Critic Richard Zoglin.  This incredible honor adds to the show’s overwhelming acclaim and recognition that includes ten 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and Best Musical awards from the NY Drama Critics Circle, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Drama League.  The downtown Theatre District will be filled with activity surrounding "Billy Elliot" in the coming weeks with rehearsals beginning January 11 in Chicago and the production moving into the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre.  Starring in the Chicago production will be Broadway actress Emily Skinner, who was nominated for a Tony Award for her performance in the musical "Side Show".  Skinner will play the role of Mrs. Wilkinson.   

"Billy Elliot" will begin preview performances March 18, 2010.  Opening night is Sunday, April 11, 2010.  Individual tickets range in price from $28 to $100. A select number of premium seats are also available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores) and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.  For groups of 15 or more, call (312) 977-1710.  For information on "Billy Elliot the Musical," please visit www.BillyElliotChicago.com.

Cesar Corrales, Giuseppe Bausilio and Tommy Batchelor alternate as Billy Elliot. Photo by Amy Boyle.Rotating in the title role of ‘Billy’ are Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio, Cesar Corrales and John Peter (J.P.) Viernes.  Starring in "Billy Elliot" are Emily Skinner, Armand Schultz, Cynthia Darlow, Chicagoan Patrick Mulvey, Keean Johnson and Gabriel Rush, with Chicagoan Samuel Pergande, Jim Ortlieb, Chicagoan Susie McMonagle, Chicagoan Blake Hammond and Maria Connelly.  Also featured are Matt Allen, Jason Babinsky, Chicagoan Elijah Barker, Madison Barnes, Cindy Benson, Sara Brians, Chicagoan Tony Clarno, Abby Church, Christine DeFillipo, Alexandra Dell'Edera, Faith Fetscher, Susan Haefner, Ryan Kasprzak, Chicagoan Kayla King, Kent Lewis, Will Mann, Kate Marilley, Spencer Milford, Brittany Nicholas, Chicagoan Mark Page, Mitch Poulos, Emily Richardson, Annelise Ritacca, Mason Roberts, Michaeljon Slinger, Jaclyn Taylor Ruggiero, Jamie Torcellini, Nicholas Torres, Brionna Trilling and Kayla Vanderbilt.

"Billy Elliot" is the funny, heartwarming tale of a young boy with a dream, and a celebration of his triumph against the odds. Set against the historic British miners’ strike of the 1980s, the story follows Billy’s journey as a boy in a small mining town who, after stumbling across a ballet class while on his way to a boxing lesson, realizes that his future lay not in the boxing ring but on stage as a dancer.  Featuring music by Elton John, book and lyrics by Lee Hall, choreographed by Peter Darling and directed by Stephen Daldry, Billy Elliot opened at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on November 13, 2008 and was the winner of ten 2009 Tony Awards including Best Musical.

 

Drama Anthology Hot Off the Press

Theatre Communications Group is pleased to announce the publication of "Salaam.Peace: An Anthology of Middle Eastern-American Drama," edited by Holly Hill and Dina Amin.  This collection is the first of its kind, featuring new plays by American writers from a variety of Middle Eastern backgrounds, from artists born in Egypt and Iran, to Israeli-and Palestinian-Americans.  These are artists exploring the complexities of Middle Eastern identity in America, while also dealing with the ravages of war and violence in their families' homelands.  The plays are both personal and political, and range in theatrical styles from lyrical drama to satirical comedy.

The plays included are: Ten Acrobats in an Amazing Leap of Faith by Yussef El Guindi, Between Our Lips by Nathalie Handal, 9 Parts of Desire by Heather Raffo, Desert Sunrise by Misha Shulman, Browntown by Sam Younis, The Black Eyed by Betty Shamieh and Call Me Mehdi by Torange Yeghiazarian.  The volume also includes Dina Amin's preface "What's in a Hyphen?", and Holly Hill's introduction, which discusses theatre companies pioneering Middle Eastern-American work, introduces the seven playwrights, and places their work within a historical and political context.  Each of the playwrights has also written an author's statement to precede his or her play.

In response to the collection, Tony Kushner notes that the playwrights "share a tough-minded refusal of both silence and self-pity, and an insistence on the necessity of incarnating political, historical and theological complexities in human beings and bodies, in tales of love, desire and family that shock us with their familiarity while teaching us new things. Read these plays!"  Holly Hill was New York Theatre Correspondent for the Times of London from 1983-1995, and is Professor Emerita of Speech and Theatre at John Jay College of City University of New York.  Dina Amin directs plays in the U.S. and Egypt, in both Arabic and English.  She is published in major academic journals and has translated a number of Arabic plays into English.

Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre, exists to strengthen, nurture and promote the professional not-for-profit American theatre.  Its programs serve nearly 700 member theatres and affiliate organizations and more than 12,000 individuals nationwide.  As the US Center of the International Theatre Institute, TCG connects its constituents to the global theatre community.  TCG is the nation's largest independent publisher of dramatic literature, with 10 Pulitzer Prizes for Best Play on their booklist; it also publishes the award-winning American Theatre magazine and Artsearch, the essential source for a career in the arts.  In all its endeavors, TCG seeks to increase the organizational efficiency of its member theatres, cultivate and celebrate the artistic talent and achievements of the field and promote a larger public understanding of, and appreciation for, the theatre. Please visit the website and online bookstore at www.tcg.org.

 

Dream Double Bill

Dream Theatre Company opens its 2010 season with a double feature premiere: Aelita by Bil Gaines and Shiny Boxes by Mishelle Renee Agalategui. The shows run February 4-21, 2010. Photo by Giau Truong.Dream Theatre Company opens its 2010 season with a double feature premiere: "Aelita" by Bil Gaines and "Shiny Boxes" by Mishelle Renee Agalategui.  The shows run February 4-21, 2010 at Dream Theatre, 556 W 18th Street.  Performances run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00PM, and Sundays at 7:00 PM.  Street Parking is available.  Tickets are $15-$18 and can be purchased online by visiting www.dreamtheatrecompany.com or by calling 773-552-8616.

"Aelita" by Bil Gaines is play about boredom, sex, bacon bits, demons and women who kill.  "Shiny Boxes" by Mishelle Renee Apalategui is a play in memories.  A boy's father is absent, his mother is overpowering, his girlfriend is well intentioned and he has finally snapped.  "Aelita" & "Shiny Boxes" is a double feature of world premiere plays directed and designed by Dream Theatre Company member Anna Weiler (Somewhere In Texas).  Dream Theatre Company invites two new playwrights, Bil Gaines and Mishelle Apalategui.  Each writer has a unique style that complements the Dream Theatre Company tradition of high art.  Featuring Dream Theatre Company members Giau Truong, Megan Merrill and Judith Lesser and introducing: Chad Sheveland, Meredith Rae Lyons, Alicia Reese, Sean Murphy and Zach Livingston.

Since leaving Moscow in 2003, Dream Theatre Company has brought Chicago Audience a truly unique theatrical experience.  Performing all original productions that include: Black Duckling; Somewhere in Texas; Sequestered; Cold; The Samaritan Syndrome; Baby Killers; SlowAnna; Anna, in the Darkness; Medea; Antigone; Ismene and Sister 121.  Dream Theatre strives to deliver the highest art in its most raw, unflinching and entertaining form.

 

Steppenwolf Hits the Pavement with 'punkplay'

Pavement Group is thrilled to present "punkplay" as part of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s new Visiting Company Initiative.  Steppenwolf’s Garage Rep will present three productions from some of Chicago’s most innovative theatre companies in rotating repertory February 18-April 25, 2010 in Steppenwolf’s Merle Reskin Garage Theatre, 1624 N. Halsted St.  The repertory will also inlcude "Adore" by XIII Pocket and "The Twins Would Like to Say" by Dog & Pony Theatre Company.  Tickets for Garage Rep cost $20 per play and can be purchased online at www.steppenwolf.org/garagerep or by calling (312) 335-1650.  Student tickets are available for $12 and every Wednesday performance is “pay what you can.”  A three-play pass is available for $45.  Group discounts are available by calling (312) 932-2422.

Directed by Pavement Group Founder and Artistic Director David Perez, "punkplay" is written by Gregory Moss and was originally produced by Clubbed Thumb as part of Summerworks 2009, their annual festival of new plays.  A sonic mix-tape frames the story of two boys living a suburban 80’s adolescence within a world where everyone thinks, looks and talks the same.  When Duck (Alexander Lane) and Mickey (Matt Farabee) discover fast, hot, angry punk rock, it’s like nothing they’ve ever heard.  Punk, in all its righteous fury, becomes a foundation for the boys to create a self-defining belief system that revolutionizes their universe.  The full cast includes Alexander Lane, Matt Farabee, Tanya McBride and Keith Neagle as Chris Sawtelle.

Founded in 2006, Pavement Group is committed to providing dynamic performance opportunities for the next generation of theatre artists, arts managers and audiences.  Pavement Group is dedicated to new plays, new takes and new voices that use theatre to incite discussion between seemingly uncommon people, brought together by a shared experience.  Pavement Group endeavors to make contact with an audience previously unspoken to.  For more information visit www.pavementgroup.org.  Steppenwolf’s Visiting Company Initiative includes and encourages new voices on our stages.  It provides artists the opportunity to present their work with the scale, space and resources it merits.  For audiences, it creates another opportunity to see new, provocative work emerging from Chicago’s diverse and vibrant theatre scene.  Through this program, Steppenwolf enriches the conversation between our city’s artists and audiences.

 

Benson and Bogetich Headline Munster's 'Noises Off'

Chicago legends Dale Benson and Marilyn Bogetich star in Noises Off February 18-March 21, 2010 at Theatre at the Center in Munster, IndianaThe first production to ever be produced at Theatre at the Center in the summer of 1991, "Noises Off" will kick off the milestone 20th anniversary season for this award winning theatre.  The uproarious comedy will run at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, February 18 through March 21.  Performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 8:00 p.m.; Sundays at 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays at 7:30, and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.  Also, for each show in the 2010 season, there will be one specific Tuesday performance at 10 a.m.  Individual ticket prices range from $20-$40, based on the performance date and time, seat location and are currently available for purchase.  Season subscriptions to the 20th Anniversary Season are available for $125.  Call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552.  For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

"Noises Off" is directed by Theatre at the Center Artistic Director William Pullinsi, who is considered by many to be a master of directing the farce.  He has directed dozens of farces including last season’s smash hit "Leading Ladies".  The cast consists of a “dream team” of Chicagoland’s favorite comedic actors including Marilynn Bogetich, Dale Benson, Will Clinger, Jeff Cummings, Clay Sanderson, Laura Leonardo Ownby, Anna Hammonds, Jason Wroblewski and Laura E. Taylor.

"The Funniest Farce Ever Written" is how the New York critics described the awesome hilarity and mind-boggling mayhem of "Noises Off".  It follows a troupe of has-been, never-was, and wanna-be actors led by a somewhat pretentious and strained-to-the-breaking-point director.  They are touring in a typical English bedroom farce called "Nothing On" through the hinterlands of the outer regions of Britain (the equivalent off Off OFF Broadway in America).  As the show progresses from one town to the next, the little romances, intrigues, and foibles of the cast begin to wear on them until, by the time they arrive in the last town, all semblance of the play that they were rehearsing has vanished into the mayhem of their personal and professional vendettas.  Shoelaces are tied together, plates of sardines are dumped on heads, alcohol is consumed in quantity, and sexual peccadilloes and dalliances are revealed both onstage and off.

In theatrical stage directions, the term "noises off" specifies sounds that are meant to originate offstage. The play premiered at the Lyric Theatre in London in 1982.  Shortly after, it transferred to the West End's Savoy Theatre in The Strand, where it ran until 1987 with five successive casts.  In 1983, "Noises Off" opened in New York City at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran for 553 performances.  In 2000, the National Theatre in London mounted a revival which ran for two years, transferring to the Piccadilly Theatre in the West End a year later.  The award-winning play then returned to Broadway in 2001, again at the Brooks Atkinson with Patti LuPone, Peter Gallagher, Faith Prince, T.R. Knight, and Katie Finneran.  

 

Bricklayers Lay Foundation for 2010 Season

The Bricklayers Theatre Co. announces its 2010 season of plays, at its center the Chicago Premiere of Tony Kushner's translation of "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht.  The production stars Barbra Berlovitz (Theatre de la Jeune Lune, Minneapolis) and will be directed by Mariana Araoz (Collectif Masque, France), opening August 13, 2010 at Theatre Building Chicago.  The season begins in January with "Bricks and Mortar Fest," featuring 'productions of "Twelfth Night: Galaxy 4.2" and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" playing in repertory, late night productions from Piccolo Theatre, Chicago dell'Arte, and Filament Theatre Ensemble, as well as readings and workshops.  The festival opens January 28 at Theatre Building Chicago and will close with the World Premiere of Bricklayer Kyle Cadotte's bluegrass fairy tale "Drainpipe," based on "The Juniper Tree".

"We have spent the last three years training and developing a company aesthetic, allowing us to dig deep into our productions and forge lasting relationships with great artists from Chicago and around the world", says Artistic Director Matt Trucano.  "2010 is our most ambitious and exciting year to date.  The opportunity for The Bricklayers to work with Barbra Berlovitz as Mother Courage in Kushner's brilliant translation is a huge honor.  We are thrilled to continue to bring the highest quality mask work to Chicago audiences."

"Bricks and Mortar Fest," running January 28-February 14, 2010 at Theatre Building Chicago showcase the company's past, present, and future work in Chicago's first ever theatre festival dedicated solely to plays in mask.  "Twelfth Night: Galaxy 4.2" is adapted from Shakespeare by The Bricklayers and plays January 28-February 14 for seven performances only.  "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is adapted from Stevenson by Frederic Fort, translated by Bricklayer Kyle Cadotte with creative consultant David Zak January 30-February 7.  "Mother Courage and Her Children" by Bertolt Brecht, translated by Tony Kushner with Barbra Berlovitz (Theatre de la Jeune Lune) gets a Staged Reading February 3, followed by a Staged Reading of "Drainpipe," a bluegrass fairy tale based on the classic Brothers' Grimm tale, "The Juniper Tree" by Bricklayer Kyle Cadotte February 10. 

Other events in the Festival include "Malvolio's Singles Only Cabaret," Piccolo Theatre's "The Return of the Lump Bros. and Other Vaudeville Gems," Chicago dell'Arte's "I'll Miss You, Lop Zhang," and Filament Theatre Ensemble's "The Odyssey of Arlecchino".  Tickets for "Bricks and Mortar Fest" are available now on Ticketmaster and from Theatre Building Chicago's Box Office at 773-327-5252.  Tickets range from $5-$25 and a Brick and Mortar Pass offers 1 ticket to each event at $80.  Founded in 2007, The Bricklayers Theatre Co. produce original adaptations of classic texts using influences from the traditional Commedia dell'Arte and modern mask.  The company trains as a collective, fostering long-term collaboration with a core group of artists. 

 

'Raisin' Returns to its Roots

The Theatre School Showcase presents A Raisin in the Sun February 5-14, 2010 at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre.The Theatre School Showcase: Contemporary Plays and Classics Presents "A Raisin in the Sun," a Chicago story on the very stage where it debuted.  This American theatre masterpiece runs February 5-14, 2010 at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre.  Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM.  Previews are on February 3 and 4 at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $15.  Subscriptions and group rates (6 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999.  Seniors (over 60), DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Previews are free for any college student (with ID).  Tickets are available by calling the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.  DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, Chicago.  For details, photos, or more information visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (773) 325-7819.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and celebrating its 50th Anniversary, "A Raisin in the Sun" is the fiercely moving portrait of an African-American family in Chicago's South Side in the 1950s.  This seminal American play, the first by an African-American woman ever to be produced on Broadway, is a searing and timeless drama of family, hope, and inspiration.  "A Raisin in the Sun" held its Chicago debut at the Blackstone Theatre in February of 1959.  The Blackstone Theatre was renamed the historic Merle Reskin Theatre in 1992.  The Theatre School at DePaul University is delighted to present this home-town story on the same stage where it premiered in Chicago. 

Director Phyllis E. Griffin has vocal coached for the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's production of "Henry IV, Part One and Two".  She also coached "Cymbeline" and "Macbeth" for Chicago Shakespeare in the subsequent years to follow.  In addition to her work as a voice and speech faculty member, Professor Griffin has directed many plays for The Theatre School.  The cast of "A Raisin in the Sun" features Chris Boykin, McKenzie Chinn, Kristin Ellis, James Gasber, Brittani Green, Elijah Griffin, Nicholas Harper, Shannon Matesky, Sean Parris and Levenix Riddle.

 

The Dolphin Show on 'Parade'

Northwestern University's Dolphin Show is proud to announce that its 68th annual production, "Parade" will open January 22, 2010 in Cahn Auditorium on Northwestern's Evanston campus.  "Parade" runs January 22-30, 2010, with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sunday at 2:00pm.  Following the Sunday matinee, there will be a talkback panel discussion.  Tickets for Parade are on sale now at the Pick-Staiger Box Office on Northwestern's Evanston campus, as well as online at the Dolphin Show website (www.nudolphinshow.org).  Prices range from $10 to $25.  Group rates are available. 

The Tony Award winning show, with book by Alfred Uhry and music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, is directed by Northwestern senior Scott Weinstein and produced by students Zack Baer, Tom Casserly and Jamie Lynn White.  "I couldn't be more excited about getting the opportunity to direct such an important and beautiful piece as Parade," say Weinstein.  "In addition to boasting one of the most diverse and stunning scores written for musical theatre, its message of love in the face of bigotry and hatred is one that is screaming to be told right now, today."

"Parade" brings the true story of the trial of Leo Frank, a Jewish man wrongly accused of murder, to emotional and theatrical life.  In 1913, Frank, a Brooklyn-born factory manager living in Georgia, is put on trial for the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, a factory worker under his employ.  Already guilty in the eyes of everyone around him, a sensationalist publisher and a janitor's false testimony seal Leo's fate.  His only defenders are a governor with a conscience, and, eventually, his assimilated Southern wife who finds the strength and love to become his greatest champion.  "Parade" is based of the true story of the murder of 13-year-old Mary Phagan, and the trial and hanging of Leo Frank.  These themes may not be appropriate for young audiences.  The content is roughly equivalent to that of a PG-13 movie.

"The Dolphin Show is an incredible showcase for students at Northwestern.  It allows the best and the brightest performers, directors, designers, and leaders to display their talents in an entirely student-produced show," says Jamie Lynn White, one of the executive producers.  "With over 150 students from every year and every major working on this year's show, Parade is truly boosting the impact of The Dolphin Show to new waters."  The Dolphin Show is a non-profit student theatre organization that annually produces the nation's largest student-run musical.  It celebrates the diverse talents of the Northwestern University undergraduate community by providing opportunities to learn and excel in all artistic and administrative fields.  The Dolphin Show presents a professional-caliber production, while involving the community through outreach.  The Dolphin Show is now in its 68th year.

 

Ray Cooney Farce at Attic Playhouse

Attic Playhouse presents the farce It Runs in the Family by Ray Cooney January 29-March 14, 2010Attic Playhouse presents "It Runs in the Family" by Ray Cooney January 29 - March 14, 2010.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (except no performance 1/31/10).  Tickets are $20 with advanced purchase and $22 at door.  Special discounts for Senior Citizens 65+, Students (age 21 & younger), Active Duty Military Personnel and Groups of 20 or more.  Attic Playhouse is located at 410 Sheridan Road, Highwood, Illinois (Just north of Route 22 / Half Day Road, One block east of Green Bay Road across from the Highwood train station.  Visit atticplayhouse.com.

Britain's master of the modern farce penned this fresh, split-second-timed romp.  Set in the doctor’s common room of a London hospital, Dr. David Mortimore is rehearsing his speech for the prestigious Ponsonby Lecture, which almost certainly will propel his career into the stratosphere.  In bursts an old flame, hotly pursued by her (their?) son, who is hotly pursued by the police.  With the reluctant help of his sidekick Hubert, David begins piling lie on top of lie to protect his career, and everything spirals completely out of control.  A delightfully frantic farce filled with snappy dialogue and non-stop comedic antics. 

Written by Ray Cooney, the prolific master of the British farce, "It Runs in the Family" was first performed on November 21, 1987 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford.  It was subsequently presented at The Playhouse, London in August of 1992.  Both productions starred Ray Cooney and John Quayle, and were directed by Ray Cooney.  Attic Playhouse is thrilled to bring a Ray Cooney farce back to the Attic stage, having produced his other wildly successful farces "Not Now, Darling" in 2008 and "Run For Your Wife!" in 2003.  The cast of "It Runs in the Family" includes Ron Weiner, Rebecca Adler, Kelly Farmer, Daniel Byshenk, Thom Powers, Denyse Leahy, Jim Scott, Ann Stuart, Tony Lage, Joshua Harris and Dave Lemries.

 

'Sex Marks the Spot' at Theatre Building

New Lincoln Theatre Productions presents the Chicago area premiere of the hilarious farce "Sex Marks the Spot" by Charles Grippo at the Theatre Building Chicago, for a limited run of 4 performances.  The performance schedule is January 22 at 7:45 p.m., January 23 at 4:30 p.m., January 23 at 7: 45 p.m., and January 24 at 2: 30 p.m.  Tickets may be purchased at the Theatre Building box office 773-327-5252 and online at Ticketmaster.com. General admission is $20.  Seniors 65 and over (with ID) pay $15.  Students (with current ID) pay $12.  The Theatre Building is located at 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.  The CTA Red, Brown, and Purple trains stop at Belmont a short walking distance away.

Senator Cooney has high hopes: he aspires to become the next President of the United States.  But when his mistress threatens to reveal their affair on national television and his son comes home with a secret of his own, the Senator finds himself fighting to save both his marriage and his political life.  When he enlists his press secretary and his campaign manager in a massive cover up, his efforts at spin control soon spin wildly out of control.  And what secret is his press secretary hiding?  In the best tradition of classical farce, complication piles upon complication, women (and even men) lose their clothes, doors slam, and all of the Senator's machinations rush toward a dizzy, frantically funny climax.

"Long before Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, I became fascinated with the idea of marrying traditional farcical elements with political satire," says playwright Charles Grippo.  "I wanted to explore the ways in which politicians try to cover up their sex scandals by feeding the voters and the media the most outrageous lies.  Actually it's a timeless subject," Grippo goes on.  "Political sex scandals seem to pop up with astonishing regularity.  I suppose it's the fact that powerful people get a lot of opportunities.  I'm sure that some day archeologists will discover evidence that even the politicians back in ancient Rome got caught up in sex scandals, which they tried to cover up."

"At the same time I've always wanted to do an homage to the farces of the great British playwright Ray Cooney, so I thought this would be a chance to put both ideas together.  And, in fact, I gave my character the name of Richard Cooney as a tip off to my intentions."  "Sex Marks the Spot" was developed in James Sherman's Playwriting Comedy classes at Chicago Dramatists.  It received a staged reading in the Victory Gardens Theatre Sunday evening Reader Series.  It has received sold out productions at the Red Barn Summer Theatre, Frankfort Indiana; the Cortland Repertory Theatre, Little York, New York, and at many other theaters throughout the country.

 

Comedian Deals With Impotence

Comedian and Actor Matt Young stars in the sketch comedy revue Matt Young: Impotent Fridays at 11pm January 22-February 5, 2010.Matt Young, actor and improvisational stalwart, is ready to open up and talk about his personal struggle with Erectile Dysfunction.  At the age of 34, he found that he could no longer “perform,” so he decided to write a titillating sketch comedy revue exploring the figurative and literal implications of being ineffectual, unproductive, and inadequate.  This inaugural production from Career Tiger Productions is daring, honest, and does not allow the audience a moment of reprieve from its barrage of comedy.  Career Tiger is dedicated to bringing to life new works of comedic theater from Chicago’s vast improv and comedy community.  "Matt Young: Impotent" previews January 15, opens January 22 and runs through February 5 at Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL.  Performances are Fridays at 11pm.  Tickets are $10 and can be reserved by calling 773.263.3657.  For more information, contact Career Tiger Productions at 773.263.3657 or impotentshow@gmail.com.

Matt Young has been acting and improvising in Chicago for the past 13 years.  He is a founding cast member of Whirled News Tonight, the long-running hit news satire currently running at the iO Theater.  He has also appeared at the iO Theater and ComedySportz Chicago in shows such as Concept Album, Toast, and The People in Your Neighborhood.  You can also catch him around town playing in improv show such as Matt and Natalie are Total Jerks and The Welcome-to-your-30s Boys.  Soon you will be able to see him in the independent feature Fast-Love, Car-Explosion, and as an audience plant in an upcoming Andrew Bird concert film.  "Matt Young: Impotent" features Matt Kawa, Irene Marquette, Kevin Reader, and Matt Young.  It is directed by Charles McCrackin, with Production provided by Scott Brady and Griffen Eckstein. 

 

Bailiwick Sings!

Bailiwick Chicago’s Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced that performances of their musical cabaret titled "Show Us Your Love" will begin February 7 at Mary’s Attic.  This lively revue will play every Sunday in February at 7:30pm at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St, Chicago.  Mary’s Attic is a cabaret setting, and drinks and food are available for purchase during the show.  Tickets are available at www.bailiwickchicago.com, or at the door on the night of each performance.  A special Valentine’s Day “Couple’s Package” is available for February 14, and can be purchased online via the company’s website.

"Show Us Your Love" celebrates love and relationships, featuring both comic and dramatic selections from some of Broadway and Off-Broadway’s very best, including "Hair," "Sunday in the Park With George," "Pippin," "Floyd Collins" and "Brooklyn The Musical".  Audience members will have an opportunity to "show us their love" by informally voting for their favorite shows, which will influence Bailiwick Chicago’s show selection process for future seasons.  "Show Us Your Love" is directed by Kate Garassino, with musical direction by Robert Ollis and features the terrific talents of Chicago actors Mark LeBeau, Jr., Emily B. Macomber, Eric Martin, Matthew W. Miles, Jeremy Myers, Abby E. Sammons, Jill Sesso, and Brittany Townsley.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective", is the artistic ensemble responsible for the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago’s mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.

 

'The Foreigner' Translates Hilarity at Beef & Boards

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis presents Larry Shue's comedy The Foreigner January 6-February 7, 2010The new year brings a new comedy to the Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre stage!  Hilarious and award-winning, "The Foreigner" by Larry Shue opens Beef & Boards' 2010 season and is on stage through February 7.  There are 36 performances of The Foreigner in the intimate space of Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. Tickets range from $35 to $58, and include Chef Odell Ward's specially prepared buffet, including a fruit & salad bar, unlimited coffee and tea.  Plus, at Beef & Boards, parking is free.  For reservations, call the Box Office at 317.872.9664 or visit www.beefandboards.com.

Charlie Baker is a shy man who is persuaded by his buddy "Froggy" LaSueur to accompany him on a vacation.  But after they arrive at the rural fishing lodge, Charlie just wants to be left alone.  Froggy devises a plan.  He convinces Charlie to pretend to be a foreigner who doesn't understand English.  But the plan backfires when other vacationers find it easy to open up to this exotic "foreigner".  As a result, Charlie learns many secrets and schemes.  Compelled to do the right thing, he tries to help the potential victims involved - with bizarre and unforgettable results!

Beef & Boards favorite Jeff Stockberger plays the lovable but awkward Charlie, with Ty Stover in the role of Froggy.  Kate Braun plays Betty Meeks, the owner of the lodge.  Another audience favorite, Sarah Hund, plays Catherine, who is engaged to the Rev. David, played by David Schmittou.  Dan Scharbrough is conspirator Owen Musser, while David Purdy is in the role of Ellard Simms, Catherine's younger brother.  Eddie Curry directs this season opener, which won two Outer Circle Awards as Best New American Play and Best Off-Broadway Production.  "The Foreigner" is the first in Beef & Boards' 2010 lineup, which will also include "Footloose," "Hello, Dolly!," "Always...Patsy Cline," "High School Musical," "Church Basement Ladies," "Camelot," "White Christmas" and the annual "A Beef & Boards Christmas".