Chicago Theatre News and Events February 1, 2010

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Chicago Theatre News and Events February 1, 2010

Rock and Roll 'Dance Party' at Governors

John Mueller’s Winter Dance Party comes to The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University to perform classic 1950s pop hits Saturday, February 13 at 8 p.m. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, this live concert event presents spot-on performances of the famous songs that Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper performed live. Winter Dance Party is a group of three talented musicians who capture the essence and sound of music in a high energy performance that pays homage to 1950s music legends. As the only tribute band endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson Estates, Winter Dance Party performs hits such as “Peggy Sue,” “Think It Over,” “Chantilly Lace,” “La Bamba,” “Words of Love,” “Maybe Baby,” “That’ll Be the Day” and “It’s So Easy.”

Single tickets and subscriptions for The Center’s 15th Anniversary 2009-2010 Season are currently on sale. Single tickets are $22-$42. For single ticket and subscription information call The Center‘s friendly Box Office staff at (708) 235-2222 or visit www.centertickets.net. Buy one, get one free tickets are available at the box office two hours prior to curtain for one hour only, based upon availability. For group ticket (parties of 20 or more) information, call (800) 386-6321. The Center is located at 1 University Parkway (Governors Highway and University Parkway), 45 minutes south of the Loop, off I-57 at Sauk Trail. Parking is free.

Winter Dance Party was founded in 1999 by John Mueller, the artist who portrays Buddy Holly on stage. Prior to Winter Dance Party, Mueller was an actor and musician who frequented stages in Chicago’s rich theater community, as well as appeared in television programs and films. In 1996, he portrayed Buddy Holly in “Buddy...The Buddy Holly Story” in Kansas City. Mueller received a Drama Desk award for the performance, and original Crickets member Niki Sullivan hailed him as “a reincarnation of Buddy Holly. He is that good. He has the same determination in his eyes that Buddy did and when John is on stage, he is a totally dynamic performer, just like Buddy. John is awesome."

Joining Mueller on stage is Ray Anthony, who portrays Ritchie Valens. An accomplished singer and songwriter, Anthony has toured across the country. When he is not touring with Winter Dance Party, Anthony is member of the band Legends in Concert, in which he also portrays Ritchie Valens. Also on stage is Jay Richardson, who depicts his father the Big Bopper. After the tragic death of his famous father, Richardson stayed away from performing for most of his youth. In 1996, he sang his father’s songs for the first time in a benefit concert for POWs and MIAs. He continues to share his talent and keep his father’s memory alive by portraying him in performances around the country.

World Premiere is 'Right as Rain'

InnateVolution Theater Productions presents the World Premiere of "Right As Rain" by April Smallwood March 17-April 24, 2010. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm (No performances March 27 and April 10) at North Lakeside Cultural Center, 6219 North Sheridan Road, Chicago. Tickets are $10 for Previews (March 17 and 18) and $15 for Regular performances. Visit www.innatevolution.org or call 312-513-1415.   "Right As Rain" is directed by Toma Tavares Langston; co-directed by Eileen Tull; choregraphed by Shawn Quinlan; technical design by Steven E Hill; scenic design by Mary Aurora Moore; dialect coached by Beverle Bloch; stage managed by Raymond K Cleveland; featuring Ethan Itzkow, Arne Saupe, Eileen Tull and Pavel V. Tabutov.

Luke is not an average 17 year-old boy, attending living room sermons by his zealous father as he helps convert his backyard shed into a church. But his life of innocence and small town naivety changes drastically when he meets a free-spirited boy named Chance. Luke’s father Paul disapproves of the friendship but the insistence of his wife Sarah overcomes his misgivings. As the two boys grow closer, Luke succumbs to Chance’s charms and their relationship spirals out of control. As Luke struggles to find himself and his place in the world, his love for Chance clashes with his traditional religious values. The result finds him questioning his own faith, his own desires, and whether Chance is an agent of the devil sent to destroy him.

International Sensation Coming to Chicago

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the Chicago premiere of the international hit "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" from the creators of De La Guarda, a non-stop collision of dynamic music, visceral emotion and kinetic aerial imagery that resembles nothing less than a fantastic mash-up between aerial theater and a late-night dance party. Individual tickets for "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" range from $50-$80 and will be a part of the Broadway In Chicago Season Series that will go on sale in February. Group tickets of 15 or more are available now by calling (312) 977-1710 or visiting BroadwayInChicago.com. The performance schedule for "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" is Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM, and Sundays at 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM.

"Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" begins May 21, 2010 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress). The historic landmark theatre will have its stage and lobby transformed into an alternate universe, filled with flying performers, pumping beats, engaging dream sequences and a multidimensional swimming pool above the heads of an audience who is on stage in the middle of the action. “We are excited to bring this show to Chicago in partnership with the Auditorium Theatre,” says Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago. “It is an extraordinary experience that may never have come to Chicago due to the unusual technical and physical requirements of this show. Thinking out of the box was necessary to have this amazing event come to our city.”

“After amazing success with Fuerza Bruta: Look Up in major cities around the world, we are thrilled to bring this very special show to Chicago, one of the country’s premiere cities for live theater and entertainment,” said Steve Howard, President of Exhibitions and Live Shows for S2BN Entertainment. "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" premiered in Buenos Aires in 2005 and has been seen in Lisbon, London, Buenos Aires, Bogota, Berlin, Mexico, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Miami and at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where it earned critical praise and was honored with the Bank of Scotland Herald Angel award for “the biggest and best show on the Fringe – the must see event of 2007” (The Herald). In October 2007, "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" debuted at New York City’s Daryl Roth Theatre where De La Guarda played a smashing six-year off-Broadway run. The New York engagement has attracted unprecedented national media attention and quickly extended its run due to overwhelming demand. "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" recently launched in Taiwan and broke the record for the most performances of a single show in Taiwanese history for its performances in Taipei.

Breaking free from the confines of spoken language and theatrical convention, "Fuerza Bruta: Look Up" is an event where worlds collide and reality takes a back seat. At show time, audiences are ushered onto the main stage where they are engulfed in a 360 degree spectacle featuring mind-blowing visual effects just inches above the audience that must be seen to be believed – a man running full throttle on a giant treadmill, bursting through a series of moving walls; performers suspended in mid-air surrounded by a vast sea of mylar; and gorgeous women twisting ethereally in a lucite pool above the audience. Argentinean creative genius Diqui James, one of the creators of the smash hit show De La Guarda, created the original scenes and magnificent customized staging.

Marriott Plays A Familiar Tune

The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire begins its 35th anniversary 2010 season with the internationally acclaimed Broadway musical "Fiddler on the Roof". The production previews February 17, opens February 24 and runs through April 25. David H. Bell ("Oliver!," "Shenandoah," "The Bowery Boys") will direct and choreograph. The performance schedule for all shows is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $45.00, plus tax and handling fees. A $5.00 discount for students and seniors is valid for all performances excluding Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays or Thursdays, dinner is included at the King’s Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on dining availability).   Dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday range from $32-$43 per person (includes tax). Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets with a major credit card, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

"Fiddler on the Roof" stars award-winning actors Ross Lehman as Tevye and Paula Scrofano as Golde and an all-star cast including Justin Berkobien as Perchik, Dara Cameron as Hodel, David Girolmo as Lazar Wolf, Andrew Keltz as Motel, Jessie Mueller as Tzeitel, Patrick Sarb as Fyedka, Laura Scheinbaum as Chava, and Craig Spidle as the Constable. Also featured are Matthew Crowle, Arielle Leigh Dayan, Rebecca Finnegan, Jennifer T. Grubb, James Harms, Gregory Hirte, Heidi Kettenring, Christian Libonati, Andy Lupp, Matt Raftery, Talia Rawitz and Katie Spelman. Lead Artistic Director Andy Hite heads the artistic team for "Fiddler on the Roof", with Musical Direction by Doug Peck, Set Design by Thomas M. Ryan, Lighting Design by Diane Ferry Williams, Costume Design by Nancy Missimi, Sound Design by Robert E. Gilmartin, and Properties Design by Gregory Isaac. Patti Garwood conducts the Marriott Theatre orchestra.

Winner of ten Tony Awards, "Fiddler on the Roof" has captured the hearts of people across the globe. A powerful and bittersweet celebration of the human spirit, "Fiddler on the Roof" is the tale of a family struggling to maintain their balance in a changing world. It is 1905, on the eve of the Russian Revolution, as Tevye, a Jewish milkman, and his wife search for acceptable husbands for their three lively daughters. While the daughters are determined to break with tradition and marry the men they love, Tevye must choose between their happiness and his beloved traditions that keep the outside world at bay. Meanwhile, the family begins to face larger forces as Jews are being persecuted in their homeland, threatening the very life Tevye strives to preserve.

The original Broadway production, which opened in 1964, was the first musical in history to surpass the 3,000 performance mark. It spawned four Broadway revivals, an Academy Award-winning 1971 film, and numerous international productions. "Fiddler on the Roof" features an exhilarating and poignant score including "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Matchmaker." The show’s music is by Jerry Bock, lyrics are by Sheldon Harnick, and the book is by Joseph Stein.

Ruckus Adds World Premieres & Company Members

The Ruckus Theater hops into the teenage decade of the second millennium by announcing two additions to its 2009/2010 season: the world premiere of "The Gay American" by Kristian O’Hare, directed by Artistic Director Allison Shoemaker (May 2010), and a workshop of the world-premiere musical "Escape from the Vienna Boys Choir," book Aaron Dean, music and lyrics by Jason Rico (June 2010); both are produced at The Side Project Theatre (1439 W Jarvis). These additions replace the previously announced "Linear A" by Ryan Dolley and the postponed "11-Detroit," developed by the company. “As a theater company devoted to the development of new work and of theater artists, I’m very excited to announce the addition of these two world premieres to The Ruckus’ season,” said Artistic Director Allison Shoemaker. “Kristian, Aaron and Jason are very gifted artists who have each created some challenging, provocative pieces of theater.”

"The Gay American" by Kristian O’Hare is Directed by Allison Shoemaker in May 2010. Farce meets docudrama in an unblinking and provocative investigation of the sexual politics of sex and politics. We follow the rise and fall of former New Jersey governor James McGreevey through the impact it has on those around him—an Everyman-like Congressional Page, his miserable daughter Morag, silently simmering wife Dina, and ambitious aide Golan—and watch his carefully-crafted rising star go supernova in the crucible that is the American political theater.

"Escape from the Vienna Boys Choir," is a coming-of-age story in the tradition of "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter," "The Chocolate War," and, most closely, "Stand By Me". A world-premiere musical developed by The Ruckus, "Escape..." is created by two Chicago-based artists: playwright Aaron Dean and composer Jason Rico. "Escape..." sends us on a perilous journey with a group of boys on the verge of adulthood. While the boys are not unlike those you might meet on a Chicago street corner today, the world in which they exist is more akin to that of the Brothers Grimm. To our intrepid young escapees, the Tatzelwürm is nearly as terrifying as their heartless choirmaster, the Witch as mysterious as the first pangs of love and lust, and the sweet smell of freedom as lovely as a beautiful young face. "Escape..." combines the fantastical with the all-too familiar, and the result is a painfully honest, surprising, affecting and seriously funny portrayal of the pain and beauty of adolescence and the beginnings of sexual awakening. If that weren’t enough, there’s a sadistic groundskeeper, a hallucinogenic mountain-dwelling invertebrate, shape-shifters, kidnappers, and more testicular humor than you can shake a stick at.

The Ruckus welcomes five Chicagoans to its company of theater artists: Timo Aker, Aaron Dean, Kate Holst, Byron Melton and Brian Ruby. This talented group of actors, directors, playwrights, designers and stage managers join the industrious group of Michigan ex-pats who founded the company in 2006: Artistic Director Allison Shoemaker, Associate Artistic Director Joshua Davis, Interim Managing Director Jeffrey Fauver, Casting Director Melissa Pryor, Artistic Associates Ghafir Akbar, Katie Dickinson, Joel Gelman, Seth Miller and Emeritus Company Members Ryan Dolley and Mitch Vermeersch.

“Chicago is home to a great many talented artists who challenge each other, better each other and are devoted to working together to make theater, and all art, an important part of this city,” said Associate Artistic Director Joshua Davis. “We of The Ruckus have worked with a number of these extraordinary artists since our move to Chicago last year, and we are thrilled to be adding five of them to our company.” Additional information about The Ruckus can be found at ruckustheater.org, via e-mail at ruckus@ruckustheater.org or by calling 773-769-7257.

Cirque Shanghai returns to Navy Pier

Chicago’s Navy Pier is thrilled to announce the return of Cirque Shanghai this summer to delight and astonish audiences of all ages for a fifth straight summer season with a new world premiere production, “Cirque Shanghai: Cloud Nine.” Embraced by Chicagoans and visitors alike as “Chicago’s Summer Circus,” Cirque Shanghai will perform May 28-September 6, 2010 (Labor Day), rain or shine, at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Cirque Shanghai is presented in partnership with International Special Attractions (ISA) via its offices in Shanghai and the United States.

For the first time this year, in response to requests for an expanded schedule, Cirque Shanghai will open with preview performances on Memorial Day Weekend. These shows will be held Friday, May 28 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 29 at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, May 30 at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.; and Monday, May 31 (Memorial Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. “Cirque Shanghai: Cloud Nine” will officially debut on Wednesday, June 2 with performances on Wednesdays at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Fridays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be performances on Monday, Sept. 6 (Labor Day) at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago’s downtown, Navy Pier is the most-visited tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, welcoming more than 8 million visitors annually. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, it is now one of the country’s preeminent recreation and exposition facilities, showcasing 50 acres of parks, gardens, restaurants, shops, attractions, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exhibition facilities and more.

Single tickets will go on-sale at a later date to be announced. Recognized as a great family entertainment value, “Cirque Shanghai: Cloud Nine” ticket prices for 2010 will remain unchanged from previous years: $14.50-$19.50 for adults and $12.50-$14.50 for children ages 3-12. “Imperial Circle” seating is priced for all performances at $29.50 for adults and children. Children 2 and under are welcome and admitted free of charge. Tickets for preview performances May 28-31 are $13.50-$18.50 for adults and $11.50-$13.50 for children ages 3-12. “Imperial Circle” seating is priced for all preview performances at $28.50. For information and reservations call GroupTix at 877-447-7849 or visit www.grouptix.net.

American Demigods Makes Chicago Debut

The American Demigods proudly present the Chicago premiere of "Monks in Trouble," a theological horror comedy by Marc Heiden. The show will be performed every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30pm between February 12 and March 20, 2010 at the Apollo Studio Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL. Tickets will be $15. Call 312 902-1500 or 773 935-6100. All interested parties are invited to come see this funny, scary, thoughtful, and exciting piece of theatre.

In a remote corner of the world, the brothers of a secluded monastery find their world is literally disappearing around them, piece by piece. Trapped in the path of an unholy, insatiable void, five very different men, each an eccentric, scarred refugee from the outside world, must face their darkest selves, and learn to work together to stop this phenomenon, which they fear may bring about the apocalypse. With these particular monks as champions, the entire world may soon be in trouble. Preceding the performance of "Monks" will be "The Short Stack," 3 ultra-short dramedies by Reina Hardy, whose work has been performed in Chicago, New York, California, and Athens, Ohio, directed by Satyr Productions founder Gabriel Pastrana.

"Monks in Trouble" was first produced at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where it earned a favorable review from the campus newspaper, the Daily Illini, and “Best Original Work” at the 1999-2000 Independent Student Theatre Awards. Author Marc Heiden is a successful travel writer who has published travel guides to Chicago and Hiroshima and photography for YahooNews. The talented cast includes Eric Cartier, Dan Cooney, Ken Craig, Jordan Hoisington and David Wilhelm. The play is directed by Rory Leahy, American Demigods founder, who previously directed the hit Lysistrata 3000, and has written short works for companies such as Darknight Theatrical Productions, and the Silent Theatre Company.

Cirque du Soleil presents 'Alegria'

Cirque du Soleil is pleased to announce that the critically-acclaimed touring production "Alegría" will perform in Hoffman Estates at the Sears Centre Arena from March 3-7, 2010 for eight performances only. Tickets are available at www.cirquedusoleil.com/alegria or by calling 1-800-745-3000. "Alegría" is a Cirque du Soleil classic and an internationally acclaimed production that has entertained more than 10 million people worldwide since its world premiere in Montreal in 1994. In May 2009, "Alegría" embarked on a new journey, performing the same mesmerizing production, but now in arenas in North America, giving more people the opportunity to enjoy a Cirque du Soleil show in their own town.

"Alegría" is a Spanish word that means happiness, joy and jubilation and features an international cast of 55 performers and musicians from 15 countries and showcases breathtaking acrobatics. Acts include the Synchro Trapeze and the intense and high-energy Aerial High Bars in which daring aerialists fly to catchers swinging more than 40 feet above the stage. The vibrancy of youth is alive in Power Track, a brilliant display of synchronized choreography and tumbling on a trampoline system hidden under the stage floor. In Russian Bars, artists fly through the air and perform spectacular somersaults and mid-air turns, landing on bars perched on the sturdy shoulders of catchers.

Masters in the Making series at Northwestern

A drama about an American bomber pilot stranded in a war-torn country and a rock musical based on The Who’s iconic concept album “Tommy” (1969) will be presented in February by the Theatre and Interpretation Center (TIC) at Northwestern University. Both stage productions are part of the inaugural Masters-in-the-Making series, which showcases the talents of third-year master of fine arts (MFA) students. Northwestern MFA student Brant Russell will direct David Greig’s play “American Pilot” (January 29-February 7) and MFA student Geoff Button will direct “The Who’s Tommy” (February 18-March 7). A third production in the series, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” adapted and directed by MFA student Catherine Miller Hardy, will be staged March 5-14. Tickets for 2009-10 season productions are currently on sale at the TIC Box Office at (847) 491-7282 or online at www.tic.northwestern.edu.

“The American Pilot” by David Greig is performed at the Ethel M. Barber Theater, 30 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. After crashing in the foreign hills of a war-torn country, an injured American bomber pilot finds shelter in a farmer’s barn. Unable to speak the local language, he is left with only the music on his iPod to communicate. His fate -- ransom, death or freedom -- will be determined by the conflicting agendas of the farmer, his family and the local militia. Directed by Brant Russell, a third-year directing program master of fine arts (MFA) student, Greig’s fable illuminates how a simple connection between two people could be the key to survival and how these connections often are lost by an inability to rise above circumstances. Tickets are $10-$15. For a promo video, visit http://www.communication.northwestern.edu/tic/performances/pilot.php.

“The Who’s Tommy” is staged in the Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston campus. Based on “Tommy,” the iconic 1969 record album by The Who that is considered the first rock opera and was composed by legendary guitarist Pete Townshend, “The Who’s Tommy” chronicles the story of a young man whose life is forever altered by an act of violence. With a rock-concert staging, third-year directing program master of fine arts (MFA) student Geoff Button brings the story of “Tommy” to light in a new, electrifying way. Tickets prices are $10-15.

Theatre at the Center opens 'Diary'

The incredibly popular and timeless true story "The Diary of Anne Frank" comes to Theatre at the Center’s Theatre for Young Audiences Monday, March 15 through Saturday, March 20. Anne Frank was a courageous Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis during World War Two. While hiding in a secret attic with her family, she recorded in her diary each and every observable fact, coupled with her own reflections. This play reveals the sensitivity and emotional struggles she and her family endured during the confinement. Theatre at the Center Theatre for Young Audiences is located at 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.

Group performances are March 15 through 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. The public performance will be Saturday, March 20 at 11 a.m. Group prices are $6.50, adult tickets are $8.00 and groups 100 or more students are only $5.50 per student. For every 25 paid student reservations, one complimentary ticket will be issued. An activity guide is also available for groups. Individual prices are children $7.00, and adults $8.50. To purchase group tickets, please call 219-836-3258. To purchase tickets to the public performance, please call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or online at www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

The story begins with Otto Frank, as he returns to the attic where his Jewish family survived for years, hiding from the Nazis. Taking a trip back in time, Otto begins reading The Diary of Anne Frank which follows Anne and her family as she documents the events of her life. Simultaneously with the production, a mini Holocaust exhibit and an informative talk back session with a docent sponsored by The Jewish Federation of Northwest Indiana will run. Viewings are available upon appointment. Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional, equity theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Beef & Boards Cuts Loose With 'Footloose'

Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre in Indianapolis, Indiana cuts loose this February with "Footloose," the stage adaptation of the hit 1980s movie musical! If you're burning, yearning for some great music and an energetic show, make plans to come to Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre to see "Footloose," live on stage February 11 through March 21. There are 46 performances of "Footloose" scheduled 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 always free. For reservations, call the Box Office at 317-872-9664.

Nominated for four Tony Awards and live on stage at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, "Footloose" is the story of a big-city kid who shakes things up when he comes to a small town. Ren McCormack is a rebellious teenager from Chicago. When he and his mother move to rural Bomont, Ren learns dancing is banned by law, and the town minister Rev. Shaw Moore thinks rock and roll music is evil. The minister's daughter, Ariel, feels trapped in the repressive town and Ren decides the best outlet for all the kids is a dance. He and his friends find that seeking the unlikely approval from Rev. Moore brings unexpected results for all.

The 1984 movie danced its way into the hearts of millions, and was nominated for two Oscars, a Golden Globe and a Grammy for its fun and original music. Its memorable songs include "Footloose," "Almost Paradise," and "Let's Hear It For The Boy." A remake of the original film is due to come out in June of this year starring Chance Crawford ("Gossip Girl") and Julianne Hough ("Dancing With The Stars"). Dominic Sheahan-Stahl stars as Ren in the Beef & Boards production, while Erin P. West stars as the minister's daughter, Ariel. Beef & Boards' own Eddie Curry stars as the uptight town minister, Rev. Shaw Moore. The show is directed by Doug Stark, with choreography by Doug King and musical direction by Kristy Templet.

Promethean Steps Up With 'Fantasticks'

Promethean Theatre Ensemble boldly steps out of its comfort zone with their upcoming production of "The Fantasticks," with music by Harvey Schmidt and book and lyrics by Tom Jones, directed by ensemble member and new Promethean Theatre Ensemble Artistic Director Beth Wolf. "The Fantasticks" will be presented at City Lit Theater, 1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave, from February 26 to March 21, Thursdays-Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Opening night will take place on Saturday February 27 at 8:00 p.m., with an additional performance added on Monday, March 1 at 7 p.m. There is no Saturday matinee on February 27. Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased online at www.prometheantheatre.org or reserved by emailing pteboxoffice@gmail.com. Tickets may also be purchased by phone through Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006. The public can also call (773) 305-2897 for additional information on the show.

The musical will feature PTE ensemble members Devon Candura and Nick Lake, as well as guest artists Nathan Drackett, Will Hare, Erik Kaiko, Jes Mercer, Michael Reyes and Peter Verdico. Completing the show's artistic team are Aaron Benham (Music Direction), Roger Wykes (Set Design), Christine Ferriter (Lighting Design), and Kendra Bell (Costume Design), as well as PTE ensemble member Sharla K. Nolte as Stage Manager.

"The Fantasticks" tells the familiar tale of a Boy, a Girl, two feuding Fathers, and the Wall between them. A timeless exploration of the bittersweet lessons taught by young love, the show is also renowned for its classic songs, including "Try to Remember" and "Soon It's Gonna Rain". The show's minimalist and representational nature fits perfectly with PTE's commitment to using simplicity of design to inspire imagination and bring the audience into the world of the play. As the first musical ever produced by Promethean, it nevertheless presents a major challenge. "I really see this piece as a 'grown-up' love story," says Promethean Artistic Director Beth Wolf. "It's a story about two kids growing up and discovering that having a true partner at your side for a lifetime is better than any fairy tale romance. The overtly theatrical style of the show really makes the story universal and inspires the audience to use their imaginations. Ultimately, it's a delightful piece of theatre with something honest to say about relationships and the world."

Since their inaugural production of Christopher Durang's Beyond Therapy in 2006, Promethean Theatre Ensemble has striven to bring audiences and artists together to collaborate in storytelling. Employing simplicity of design and performance to engage the imagination, the company produces plays rooted in creativity, language and ideas. With the support of its dedicated ensemble, Promethean has gone on to produce "Our Country's Good," "The Light of Love," "Six Characters in Search of an Author," "The Illusion" (Jeff Recommended), "Measure for Measure," "The Last Unicorn" and their popular Evening of Shakespeare series. The company has also collaborated with the Chicago and Evanston Public Libraries to offer theatre education to teens.

River North Plans Sweet Treat for Valentine's Day

River North Chicago Dance Company celebrated a tremendous opening to their 20th anniversary season this past November with a sold-out fall engagement at the Harris Theater. The two knock-out world premieres from Artistic Director Frank Chaves and Co-Artistic Director Emerita Sherry Zunker instantly became company favorites, garnering positive acclaim from audiences and critics alike. Building on the exciting momentum of the landmark anniversary season, RNCDC brings back the two critically acclaimed premieres from the fall engagement, plus two additional world premieres and one Chicago and company premiere from prominent choreographers Robert Battle and Lauri Stallings to the Harris Theater for Music and Dance for the annual Valentine’s Weekend Engagement, February 12 & 13, 2010. The Harris Theater for Music and Dance is located in Millennium Park, 205 E. Randolph Dr. Tickets range from $30-$65. For more information and to purchase tickets, call 312.334.7777 or visit harristheaterchicago.org. For additional information on RNCDC, visit rivernorthchicago.com.

Robert Battle, Artistic Director of New York's Battleworks Dance Company and choreographer of RNCDC’s 2008 exhilarating “Train,” returns with the world premiere of “Three.” Set to musical excerpts from “Beat Box Battle,” by Eleventh Hour; “Fairlight-In-The-Being” by Art of Noise; “Great Taiko Drum Solo” by Taiko Drums; “Music of Japan,” and “Aquapella,” by Les Tambours du Bronx, “Three” is a battle of three dancers in solos and duets with a driving, percussive backdrop. The evening will also feature a Chicago and company premiere of Battle’s bravura solo, “Ella,” which celebrates the scat vocals of Ella Fitzgerald.

Former Hubbard Street Dance Chicago company member and American Ballet Theatre commissioned choreographer Lauri Stallings also returns to create a world premiere titled “Suppose.” This expressive piece for seven dancers explores the willingness and curiosity of a group to experience a communal, shared “groove,” yet a readiness for persons to pull apart, exposing who they truly are as individuals. Two stunning works that premiered at RNCDC’s triumphant 2009 fall engagement will be remounted for the Valentine’s Weekend performances, one being Artistic Director Frank Chaves’ “Forbidden Boundaries,” a full company piece with an original score by Evan Solot and music by Michael Cusson, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Gustavo Santoalalla.

After a smashing debut at the 2009 fall engagement, “Evolution of a Dream,” a re-envisioning of the Company’s classic signature work, “Reality of a Dreamer” (1992) by Co-Artistic Director Emerita Sherry Zunker, returns for the February engagement. Set to a new version of the original song, “Sweet Dreams,” by co-composers David Stewart and His Rock Fabulous Orchestra and Annie Lennox, this full-company contemporary rendition celebrates who the company is today and looks towards dreams yet to be realized. The evening also features the highly praised “Uhuru” by RNCDC company member Monique Haley, who, after nine years dancing with the company, retires this year. The enlivening program is rounded out by RNCDC favorites “Sentir em Nós” (Even for Us), a signature style duet by Chaves, which explores a torrid affair set to the powerful music of Tuscan tenor Andrea Bocelli and Dulce Pontes, as well as Chaves’ “Tuscan Rift,” which highlights dynamic contrasts between the dancers and features music by well-known Chicago musician and composer Andrew Bird and French composer Rene Aubry.

Pegasus Plans 'Gimmick'

Pegasus Players will present the Midwest Premiere of Pulitzer Prize nominee and Obie Award-winning playwright Dael Orlandersmith's "The Gimmick" February 11-March 28, 2010. Previews will be February 11 and 12 at 8 pm. The official, invitation-only opening night will be Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 pm. Performances will be Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 3 pm at Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in the O'Rourke Center at Truman College, Chicago. Tickets for the preview performances are $15. Tickets for the regular run are $17 for Thursdays and Fridays; $25 for Saturdays and Sundays. Senior and student discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773-878-9761 or online at www.pegasusplayers.org.

Starring LaNisa Frederick with direction by Ilesa Duncan, "The Gimmick," set in 1968-1970’s Harlem, is a journey through the childhood of Alexis, an outsider from a broken family who forges a friendship with fellow outsider Jimmy after discovering their shared excitement for the arts. Alexis' love of literature and Jimmy’s passion for painting provide them both with escapes from a life surrounded by abuse, neglect, drugs and prostitution. Their powerful bond elevates them from the ghetto that devastates much of Harlem in their youth and together they weave dreams of becoming artists in Paris. When one falls, the connection that has kept them whole threatens to destroy them both.

“Dael Orlandersmith’s use of language is compelling. Through a combination of poetic imagery, unique phrasing and specific pacing, she creates a world that is tangible and authentic,” noted Duncan. “We want to bring the complex beauty of that world to life, allowing audiences a chance to take a journey that is as filled with passion as it is with heartache. No matter what someone’s background may be, they’ll be able to see a part of themselves in the characters and struggles that Orlandersmith has so meticulously crafted.” Lead actress Frederick will be joined by supporting actors Caren Blackmore and Lecester Reed. The design team for The Gimmick includes Richard and Jacqueline Penrod (set), Diane Fairchild (lighting), Whitney McBride (costumes), Miles Polaski (sound) and Matthew Cummings (props).

"The Gimmick" was commissioned by McCarter Theatre and premiered on its Second Stage in 1998. Orlandersmith was a Pulitzer Prize Award Finalist and Drama Desk Award Nominee for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Actress in a Play for "Yellowman" at Manhattan Theatre Club in 2002. She first performed her one-woman show "Stoop Stories" at The Public Theater in 2008 and recently reprised it in Chicago at the Goodman Theatre in 2009 from which it went on to great acclaim at Long Wharf Theatre and New York Theatre Workshop. For 31 years Pegasus Players has been committed to providing high quality, socially-conscious theatrical programming to the people of Chicago, especially those who have limited access to the arts. Pegasus Players is committed to presenting new and contemporary work that crosses cultural, social, and geographical boundaries and brings communities together by presenting works that provoke conversation.

Four Comedic Shows open at GTT in February!

Four new shows will be opening up at Gorilla Tango Theatre in February. "Keymaster/Gatekeeper," the premiere sketch show by improvisational duo Bamifazi, runs Mondays at 8pm, February 1-15, 2010 (tickets are $10); "F.A.T. People," the female sketch duo of Kimberly Franck and Natasha Hansen explores what it means to be "F.A.T." on Wednesday at 9:30pm, February 3-10, 2010 (tickets are $10); "About the Greatest Porno, Ever!!" returns to the GTT stage after its successful run this past November, performing Tuesdays at 8pm, February 2-23, 2010 (tickets are $10); and "TGIF Raw," where "Serious and Dramatic Actors" take on the transcripts from early 90's TGIF shows in this dark comedy which runs Saturdays at 11:30pm, February 6-27, 2010 (tickets are $12). All shows perform at Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago. To purchase tickets call 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com.

"Keymaster/Gatekeeper" is the premiere sketch show of Bamifazi, the new improvisational duo formed by Chicago improvisers Luciana Bonifazi and Tom Bambara. The show opens with a few suggestions from the audience that will fuel an evening of hilarious conversations between some of Bamifazi’s favorite characters. Audiences should also expect an appearance by the ever-popular Sheldon & Rachel stars of the Chicago based web series of the same name. "F.A.T." What does that even mean? Come find out, as Kimberly Franck and Natasha Hansen explore what it means to be "F.A.T." From a gospel song about baking, to a new kind of workout video, these ladies address social issues, as well as share personal experiences. Different improv teams will open for them each week.

"The Greatest Porno, Ever!!" follows ordinary people whose lives are irrevocably altered upon the arrival of an underground tape that portrays the act of carnal gymnastics in a manner so disgusting it's oddly arousing...and in some cases, deadly. Bachelorette parties and adult film aficionados alike won't want to miss the sexiest, yet sickest show in town. This February, sitcoms from the early 1990s are getting "Raw" in the hands of “serious and dramatic” actors. Heralded as “deeper than Shakespeare” and “way more serious than ‘August: Osage County’”, this workshop production will make you “Thank God It’s Funny”. Drawing from the wealth of human experience, this dangerous troupe of actors portray characters such as Steve Urkel, Balki Bartokomous, and ‘lil Michelle Tanner with the depth and rawness they deserve. Warning: This dark improvised comedy contains harsh language and inappropriate material. Directed by Lauren Maul.

'Snoopy' at Highland Park Players

The Highland Park Players proudly present "Snoopy!" the musical, a Charles Schulz creation featuring characters from the classic “Peanuts” comic strip delighting audiences as only they can. The show is appropriate for ages 3 and up, with an approximate running time of 60 minutes. Immediately following each performance, the cast will be available to sign autographs for fans of all ages. Performances are February 20, 21, 27, & 28 at 1:00 and 3:00 pm each day. All shows will be performed at Edgewood Middle School, 929 Edgewood Rd. in Highland Park. General admission tickets ($10) are available in advance online at www.highlandparkplayers.com or at West Ridge Center, 636 Ridge in Highland Park, or may be purchased at the door starting one hour before each performance. For more information, call 847-604-4771.