News Category
An Evening with Yes
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An Evening with
PERFORMING TWO OF THEIR CLASSIC ALBUMS IN THEIR ENTIRETY IN ONE EVENING: ‘FRAGILE’ AND ‘CLOSE TO THE EDGE’ PLUS AN ENCORE OF THEIR GREATEST HITS
Saturday July 26 at 8:00 pm
Reserved Seat Tickets $100/$75/$50 at Ticketfly.com, Copernicuscenter.org or charge by phone at 877.4.FLY.TIX (35.9849)
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THE ICONIC AND GRAMMY-WINNING ROCK BAND YES ANNOUNCE 35-DATE SUMMER TOUR
PERFORMING TWO OF THEIR CLASSIC ALBUMS IN THEIR ENTIRETY IN ONE EVENING: ‘FRAGILE’ AND ‘CLOSE TO THE EDGE’ PLUS AN ENCORE OF THEIR GREATEST HITS
TOUR LAUNCHES JULY 8 IN BOSTON FEATURES PERFORMANCES AT RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL IN NEW YORK CITY (7/9) AND THE GREEK THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES (8/24)
 YES (L-R): Steve Howe, Jon Davison, Alan White, Geoff Downes, Chris Squire Photo Credit: Rob Shanahan
Throughout 2013, the iconic and Grammy-winning rock band YES marked a career first by performing a triple-header concert featuring three of their classic albums in their entirety, all in one concert. For 2014, the band is back to rock crowds nationwide with an amazing show. The 35-date summer tour will feature YES performing–in their entirety–1971’s groundbreaking album FRAGILE for the first-time ever and a repeat performance from last year’s tour of 1972’s CLOSE TO THE EDGE, followed by an encore of the band’s greatest hits.
Kicking off July 8 in Boston, the tour will then stop at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall July 10 before making its way throughout the Northeast, hitting Wallingford, CT, Westbury, NY, Newport, RI, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and more. Among their many tour stops, YES will perform in Detroit, Madison, Chicago, Nashville, Louisville, Atlanta, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Houston, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego and San Jose before wrapping August 24 at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. See full itinerary below.
During the encore on the upcoming tour, the multi-platinum progressive rock band–bassist CHRIS SQUIRE, guitarist STEVE HOWE, drummer ALAN WHITE, keyboardist GEOFF DOWNES and singer JON DAVISON-will also perform material off HEAVEN AND EARTH, their new studio album, out July 8.
The album FRAGILE is considered to be their U.S. breakthrough album peaking at #4 on the Billboard Album charts in the U.S. The RIAA-certified double platinum album has sold over two million copies and features YES’ hit single “Roundabout” and other classics like “Long Distance Runaround” and “Heart of the Sunrise.” It also marks the band’s first collaboration with artist Roger Dean on cover art, who has designed many of the band’s album covers and logos. The band’s album CLOSE TO THE EDGE-widely regarded as one of the greatest progressive rock albums ever recorded-was on the U.S. charts for 32 weeks, peaking at #3. A Rolling Stone review noted, “Yes’ colors are subtle, almost imperceptible tints, but the main strokes are bold and thick, applied with sureness and natural instinct.” Inspired by Siddhartha and their “state of mind” at the time, the Gold-certified album featuring epic suites such as “Close To The Edge” and “You And I” was named one of the “100 Greatest Guitar Albums of All Time” by Guitar World (2006). Track listings for both albums listed below.
Tickets will go on sale beginning Friday, March 28.YES is proud to provide special show packages, which include near-stage seating, a meet and greet with the band, exclusive limited-edition gifts from YES, and much more. For more information on prices, on-sale dates and to purchase YES packages/tickets, go to www.yesworld.com or visit one of the links below.
About YES: Founded in 1968 by Chris Squire and Jon Anderson, Grammy-award winning recording artists YES have created some of the most important and influential music in rock history, such as iconic pieces “Roundabout,” “Close to the Edge,” “I’ve Seen All Good People,” “Owner of a Lonely Heart,” and countless others. Having sold over 50 million records over its forty-six-year career, YES continues creating masterful music that inspires fans and musicians from around the world.
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And the winner is…
The 2014 Tony Award Nominations
by Colin Douglas
On the morning of April 29th New York theatre professionals and theatre geeks, like myself, anxiously awaited this year’s nominations for the most prestigious of America’s stage awards. Broadcast live from Broadway’s Paramount Hotel, the names of actors, actresses, show titles and techies tripped off the tongues of Lucy Liu and Jonathan Groff and into the annals of history. Win or lose, these lucky recipients will forever be referenced as a “2014 Tony Award nominee.” Not one to shrug off an opportunity for first-hand judgments, I immediately flew to the Big Apple to enjoy and evaluate as many of the nominees as possible in a week.
I had to eliminate some choices due to my limited time in New York City. First, I decided to cut from my list all of this year’s nominations for Best Play; I simply prefer the bigger, splashier musicals and this was one way to hone down my list to a manageable number. Next, because I’d recently seen some excellent local productions of “Violet,” “Cabaret,” “Les Miz” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” I opted for eight of the more recent and/or unfamiliar musicals. I also decided to eschew “After Midnight,” not because I wasn’t interested in seeing this show, but because it’s more of a revue than a musical play. Thus it was that I saw and judged the following productions:
“If/Then,” one of Broadway’s few original musicals, was only nominated for Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey’s interesting music and lyrics and for Idina Menzel’s well-deserved nod as Best Actress in a Musical. She carries this show and is almost never off stage. But the plot features two story lines that are sometimes difficult to follow; it actually might’ve played better in a smaller, Off-Broadway house. Several of the supporting cast also seemed worthy of nominations, but were snubbed. I’m not sure that it’s going to win in either category, however, because the competition is so stiff.
“Bridges of Madison County” is gorgeous and, despite being an adaptation of a popular film and novel, it felt new and heartfelt. Certainly Kelli O’Hara deserves her nomination for Best Actress (especially since she’s been nominated several times in the past but never won), as is Jason Robert Brown’s lush, romantic score. I would also argue that Steven Pasquale’s sensitively portrayed and gorgeously sung Robert should have been nominated, as well. The score certainly deserves to win for its lush musicality. However, this show isn’t doing as well at the box office and, sadly, it’s already posted an early closing date.
Disney’s “Aladdin” is fun and festive. It pulls out all the stops with its spectacular technical tricks and its astounding choreography for Tony-nominated hoofer Casey Nicholaw. James Monroe Iglehart is deserving of his Tony nod for his energetic and hilarious Genie, as well. The show, however, certainly isn’t the Best Musical because, while it’s colorful, splashy and over-the-top, it lacks the heart of other Disney musicals, such as “The Lion King” or “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Beautiful” has several nominations. They include Best Musical, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor. While all of them turn in wonderful, accomplished performances, this is Jesse Mueller’s show and (I predict) her year to win. Her portrayal of Carol King is layered and filled with honest emotion, not to mention her sparkling talent as a singer and accomplished pianist. She truly becomes the popular writer/recording star in this bio-musical. I strongly feel this might be the lady to beat in this category.
“Bullets Over Broadway” is lots of fun. It boasts a Tony-nominated book by Woody Allen, who also wrote and directed the film version upon which it’s based. Susan Stroman’s eye-popping choreography is worth the Tony nod and perhaps even the award, but the show has no composer/lyricist. Its score is comprised of tunes from the 1920’s and ’30’s. Nick Cordero as the mob bodyguard with a literary flair deserves his nomination for Featured Actor; Marin Mazzie certainly was worthy of a nod for her diva turn as Helen Sinclair, but was ignored. The show may have to be satisfied with awards for William Ivey Long’s gorgeous 1920’s costumes and Santo Loquasto’s sparkling sets.
However, when it comes to spectacular sets and technical fireworks, “Rocky” stands out this season. It can boast nominations (and a likely win) for Christopher Barreca’s astounding scenic design and Christopher Akerlind’s brilliant lighting. Nothing like them has ever been seen before on a Broadway stage and they not only enhance the story, they’re a marvel to behold. Andy Karl is superb in the title role and may be this year’s winner for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, as well.
I really, really loved “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” for its originality, it’s broad, English humor and its cast of very accomplished actor/singer/dancers. Among its 10 Tony nominations, both leading men (Jefferson Mays & Bryce Pinkham) are extraordinary and deserve to share the Best Actor Award. Lauren Worsham, in her Broadway debut, is a standout in the Featured Actress category, and Alexander Dodge’s scenic design and director Darko Tresnjak should also be honored for their fine work. This, for my money, is the Best Musical of this season.
In the Best Revival of a Musical category my vote goes to “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Certainly the revival of “Les Miserables” is wonderful and exciting, but Hedwig is the new kid on the block that truly dazzles. It’s often hilarious, sometimes dark and poignant and filled with all kinds of pizzazz. Director Michael Mayer does a monumental job with this production; Kevin Adams’ lighting design is fantastic, as are Arianne Phillips’ divine costumes and wigs. Lena Hall, nominated in the Best Featured Actress category for playing a guy whose dream is to become the best drag performer in America, is wonderful. But this is Neil Patrick Harris’ show all the way and I believe he’ll win this year’s Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. His popularity for hosting this award show in the past, along with his long-running television show, add to his accomplishments and fame. But Harris is now the toast of Broadway, and if he doesn’t win this accolade I’ll be very surprised.
Well, that’s my report from New York of this season’s Broadway musicals. Below is a roundup of the nominations in the Musical categories:
Best Musical
“After Midnight”
“Aladdin”
“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Revival of a Musical
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
“Les Miserables”
“Violet”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Neil Patrick Harris, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Ramin Karimloo, “Les Miserables”
Andy Karl, “Rocky”
Jefferson Mays, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Bryce Pinkham, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Mary Bridget Davies, “A Night with Janis Joplin”
Sutton Foster, “Violet”
Idina Menzel, “If/Then”
Jessie Mueller, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Kelli O’Hara, “The Bridges of Madison County
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Danny Burstein, “Cabaret”
Nick Cordero, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Joshua Henry, “Violet”
James Monroe Iglehart, “Aladdin”
Jarrod Spector, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Linda Emond, “Cabaret”
Lena Hall, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Anika Larsen, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Adriane Lenox, “After Midnight”
Lauren Worsham, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Direction of a Musical
Warren Carlyle, “After Midnight”
Michael Mayer, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Leigh Silverman, “Violet”
Darko Tresnjak, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Book of a Musical
Chad Beguelin, “Aladdin”
Douglas McGrath, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Woody Allen, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Robert L. Freedman, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theater
“Aladdin” (Music: Alan Menkin; Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Begeulin)
“The Bridges of Madison County” (Music & Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown)
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Music: Steven Lutvak; Lyrics: Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak)
“If/Then” (Music: Tom Kitt; Lyrics: Brian Yorkey)
Best Choreography
Warren Carlyle, “After Midnight”
Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine, “Rocky”
Casey Nicholaw, “Aladdin”
Susan Stroman, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Jason Robert Brown, “The Bridges of Madison County”
Steve Sidwell, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Jonathan Tunick, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christopher Barreca, “Rocky”
Julian Crouch, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Alexander Dodge, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Santo Loquasto, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Linda Cho, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
William Ivey Long, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Arianne Phillips, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Isabel Toledo, “After Midnight”
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Peter Hylenski, “After Midnight”
Tim O’Heir, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Mick Potter, “Les Miserables”
Brian Ronan, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Christopher Akerlind, “Rocky”
Howell Binkley, “After Midnight”
Donald Holder, “The Bridges of Madison County”
And the winner is…
The 2014 Tony Award Nominations
by Colin Douglas
On the morning of April 29th New York theatre professionals and theatre geeks, like myself, anxiously awaited this year’s nominations for the most prestigious of America’s stage awards. Broadcast live from Broadway’s Paramount Hotel, the names of actors, actresses, show titles and techies tripped off the tongues of Lucy Liu and Jonathan Groff and into the annals of history. Win or lose, these lucky recipients will forever be referenced as a “2014 Tony Award nominee.” Not one to shrug off an opportunity for first-hand judgments, I immediately flew to the Big Apple to enjoy and evaluate as many of the nominees as possible in a week.
I had to eliminate some choices due to my limited time in New York City. First, I decided to cut from my list all of this year’s nominations for Best Play; I simply prefer the bigger, splashier musicals and this was one way to hone down my list to a manageable number. Next, because I’d recently seen some excellent local productions of “Violet,” “Cabaret,” “Les Miz” and “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” I opted for eight of the more recent and/or unfamiliar musicals. I also decided to eschew “After Midnight,” not because I wasn’t interested in seeing this show, but because it’s more of a revue than a musical play. Thus it was that I saw and judged the following productions:
“If/Then,” one of Broadway’s few original musicals, was only nominated for Tom Kitt & Brian Yorkey’s interesting music and lyrics and for Idina Menzel’s well-deserved nod as Best Actress in a Musical. She carries this show and is almost never off stage. But the plot features two story lines that are sometimes difficult to follow; it actually might’ve played better in a smaller, Off-Broadway house. Several of the supporting cast also seemed worthy of nominations, but were snubbed. I’m not sure that it’s going to win in either category, however, because the competition is so stiff.
“Bridges of Madison County” is gorgeous and, despite being an adaptation of a popular film and novel, it felt new and heartfelt. Certainly Kelli O’Hara deserves her nomination for Best Actress (especially since she’s been nominated several times in the past but never won), as is Jason Robert Brown’s lush, romantic score. I would also argue that Steven Pasquale’s sensitively portrayed and gorgeously sung Robert should have been nominated, as well. The score certainly deserves to win for its lush musicality. However, this show isn’t doing as well at the box office and, sadly, it’s already posted an early closing date.
Disney’s “Aladdin” is fun and festive. It pulls out all the stops with its spectacular technical tricks and its astounding choreography for Tony-nominated hoofer Casey Nicholaw. James Monroe Iglehart is deserving of his Tony nod for his energetic and hilarious Genie, as well. The show, however, certainly isn’t the Best Musical because, while it’s colorful, splashy and over-the-top, it lacks the heart of other Disney musicals, such as “The Lion King” or “Beauty and the Beast.”
“Beautiful” has several nominations. They include Best Musical, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress and Supporting Actor. While all of them turn in wonderful, accomplished performances, this is Jesse Mueller’s show and (I predict) her year to win. Her portrayal of Carol King is layered and filled with honest emotion, not to mention her sparkling talent as a singer and accomplished pianist. She truly becomes the popular writer/recording star in this bio-musical. I strongly feel this might be the lady to beat in this category.
“Bullets Over Broadway” is lots of fun. It boasts a Tony-nominated book by Woody Allen, who also wrote and directed the film version upon which it’s based. Susan Stroman’s eye-popping choreography is worth the Tony nod and perhaps even the award, but the show has no composer/lyricist. Its score is comprised of tunes from the 1920’s and ’30’s. Nick Cordero as the mob bodyguard with a literary flair deserves his nomination for Featured Actor; Marin Mazzie certainly was worthy of a nod for her diva turn as Helen Sinclair, but was ignored. The show may have to be satisfied with awards for William Ivey Long’s gorgeous 1920’s costumes and Santo Loquasto’s sparkling sets.
However, when it comes to spectacular sets and technical fireworks, “Rocky” stands out this season. It can boast nominations (and a likely win) for Christopher Barreca’s astounding scenic design and Christopher Akerlind’s brilliant lighting. Nothing like them has ever been seen before on a Broadway stage and they not only enhance the story, they’re a marvel to behold. Andy Karl is superb in the title role and may be this year’s winner for Best Leading Actor in a Musical, as well.
I really, really loved “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” for its originality, it’s broad, English humor and its cast of very accomplished actor/singer/dancers. Among its 10 Tony nominations, both leading men (Jefferson Mays & Bryce Pinkham) are extraordinary and deserve to share the Best Actor Award. Lauren Worsham, in her Broadway debut, is a standout in the Featured Actress category, and Alexander Dodge’s scenic design and director Darko Tresnjak should also be honored for their fine work. This, for my money, is the Best Musical of this season.
In the Best Revival of a Musical category my vote goes to “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” Certainly the revival of “Les Miserables” is wonderful and exciting, but Hedwig is the new kid on the block that truly dazzles. It’s often hilarious, sometimes dark and poignant and filled with all kinds of pizzazz. Director Michael Mayer does a monumental job with this production; Kevin Adams’ lighting design is fantastic, as are Arianne Phillips’ divine costumes and wigs. Lena Hall, nominated in the Best Featured Actress category for playing a guy whose dream is to become the best drag performer in America, is wonderful. But this is Neil Patrick Harris’ show all the way and I believe he’ll win this year’s Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. His popularity for hosting this award show in the past, along with his long-running television show, add to his accomplishments and fame. But Harris is now the toast of Broadway, and if he doesn’t win this accolade I’ll be very surprised.
Well, that’s my report from New York of this season’s Broadway musicals. Below is a roundup of the nominations in the Musical categories:
Best Musical
“After Midnight”
“Aladdin”
“Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Revival of a Musical
“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
“Les Miserables”
“Violet”
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical
Neil Patrick Harris, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Ramin Karimloo, “Les Miserables”
Andy Karl, “Rocky”
Jefferson Mays, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Bryce Pinkham, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Mary Bridget Davies, “A Night with Janis Joplin”
Sutton Foster, “Violet”
Idina Menzel, “If/Then”
Jessie Mueller, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Kelli O’Hara, “The Bridges of Madison County
Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical
Danny Burstein, “Cabaret”
Nick Cordero, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Joshua Henry, “Violet”
James Monroe Iglehart, “Aladdin”
Jarrod Spector, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical
Linda Emond, “Cabaret”
Lena Hall, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Anika Larsen, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Adriane Lenox, “After Midnight”
Lauren Worsham, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Direction of a Musical
Warren Carlyle, “After Midnight”
Michael Mayer, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Leigh Silverman, “Violet”
Darko Tresnjak, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Book of a Musical
Chad Beguelin, “Aladdin”
Douglas McGrath, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Woody Allen, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Robert L. Freedman, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theater
“Aladdin” (Music: Alan Menkin; Lyrics: Howard Ashman, Tim Rice and Chad Begeulin)
“The Bridges of Madison County” (Music & Lyrics: Jason Robert Brown)
“A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder” (Music: Steven Lutvak; Lyrics: Robert L. Freedman and Steven Lutvak)
“If/Then” (Music: Tom Kitt; Lyrics: Brian Yorkey)
Best Choreography
Warren Carlyle, “After Midnight”
Steven Hoggett and Kelly Devine, “Rocky”
Casey Nicholaw, “Aladdin”
Susan Stroman, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Best Orchestrations
Doug Besterman, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Jason Robert Brown, “The Bridges of Madison County”
Steve Sidwell, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Jonathan Tunick, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Christopher Barreca, “Rocky”
Julian Crouch, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Alexander Dodge, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
Santo Loquasto, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Linda Cho, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder”
William Ivey Long, “Bullets Over Broadway”
Arianne Phillips, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Isabel Toledo, “After Midnight”
Best Sound Design of a Musical
Peter Hylenski, “After Midnight”
Tim O’Heir, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Mick Potter, “Les Miserables”
Brian Ronan, “Beautiful – The Carole King Musical”
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Kevin Adams, “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
Christopher Akerlind, “Rocky”
Howell Binkley, “After Midnight”
Donald Holder, “The Bridges of Madison County”
MB FINANCIAL PARK AT ROSEMONT ANNOUNCES ROCKIN’ IN THE PARK 2014
FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES LINEUP
Free Outdoor Music Festival to Feature 14 Weeks of Concerts
From Memorial Day to Labor Day
ROSEMONT, IL – MB Financial Park kicks off the summer season with Rockin’ in the Park 2014. The weekly concert series is scheduled to begin Thursday, May 29 and will continue through Thursday, August 28, featuring the music of classic cover bands, as well as fireworks, food and beverage tents on the park’s great lawn, located at 5501 Park Place, Rosemont.
All Rockin’ in the Park shows are from 7 p.m. – 9:45 p.m. Admission to Rockin’ in the Park is free. Outside coolers are prohibited. Parking is available at the MB Financial Park parking garage and is free with validation from any of the park’s venues.
For more information, visit www.Rosemont.com.
Old Jews announces extension
BY POPULAR DEMAND, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES
EXTENDS RUN AT ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE FOR 12 WEEKS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 16, 2014;
The laughs will keep emanating from the Royal George Theatre for an additional 12 weeks as OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES proudly announces a new block of tickets on sale for performances through Sunday, February 16, 2014. The hit off-Broadway comedy, now playing on the Main Stage of the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, features a quintet of Chicago favorites: Dara Cameron, Alex Goodrich, Tim Kazurinsky, Renee Matthews and Gene Weygandt. Tickets are currently on sale through Sunday, Nov. 24; by popular demand, a new block of tickets, for performances Nov. 26, 2013 through February 16, 2014, will go on sale Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Created by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES is directed by Marc Bruni (Associate Director, The Book of Mormon Chicago) and showcases the five actors in a comedy that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. The show also features comic songs — brand new and satisfyingly old – as well as tributes to some of the giants of the comedy world and to OldJewsTellingJokes.com, the website created by Sam Hoffman that inspired the show.
In addition to Okrent, Gethers and Bruni, the rest of the creative team is David Gallo (Scenic and Video Design); Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design); Alejo Vietti (Costume Design); Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Design); Steve Channon (Animation); Adam Wachter (Musical Supervision and Arrangements); and David Ruttura (Associate Director). It is produced by Daniel Okrent and Peter Gethers, and Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh.
Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh have produced and managed a wide range of productions for more than 27 years including – A Little Night Music, Hairspray, The Producers, Stomp, The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Little Shop of Horrors, The Weir, The Sound of Music, Smokey Joe’s Café, Angels in America, Oleanna, Love Letters, Driving Miss Daisy, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Penn & Teller and many others. Their shows have been awarded 36 Tonys, 47 Drama Desk Awards, 38 Outer Critics Awards, 4 Grammys™, 8 Olivier Awards and 2 Pulitzer Prizes. They have the rare distinction of having won Tony Awards in all four “Best” categories – play, musical, revival of a play and revival of a musical.
NEW HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION:
OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will be performed at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, through Sunday, February 16, 2014, with the following schedule: Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 5 & 8pm; and Sundays at 2 & 5pm. Starting the week of October 7, Wednesday matinees at 2pm will alternate with Tuesday evening performances. Plus, special holiday performance schedules will be in effect:
Week of Thanksgiving (and Hannukah!): Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30pm; Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 2pm; Thursday, Nov. 28, no show; Friday, Nov. 29 at 2 and 7:30pm; Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 24, no show; Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 7:30pm; Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 and 7:30pm; Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 28 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of New Year’s: Tuesday, Dec. 31* at 5 and 9pm; Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, no show; Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:30pm; Friday, Jan. 3 at 8pm; Saturday, Jan. 4 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Jan. 5 at 2 and 5pm.
Tickets range in price from $49 – $69. * There will be special New Year’s Eve performance pricing. All prices do not include a $1 facility fee. Tickets for the new block of tickets are now on sale by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Plus, give the gift of humor for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or the holiday of your choice – with OLD JEWS gift certificates available at the Royal George box office.
Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612 or visiting www.grouptheatertix.com.
For more information on OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES in Chicago, visit http://oldjewstellingjokesonstage.com . Follow OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES on Twitter @OldJewsTweeting or on Facebook.
The E3 VIP Experience
“The other guy” Chef Joey
So I have had two Chicago Bears experiences. The first one was the one and only game I have ever attended and it was the day Walter Payton set the record for rushing yards. You could really feel the excitement in the air.
Richard and Noreen
Ironically the other experience also involved Walter Payton. My good friend in high school (Larry) was a huge fan of Walter. So much in fact that he wore the jersey number 34. He was also an amazing artist who had done some paintings of Mr. Peyton. I happened to be at the Chicago Auto Show where there I saw Walter Peyton signing autographs. In my infamous assertiveness I managed to get to him and tell him about Larry and the paintings. He proceeded to give me his phone number and said to call. Not only did I call but several days later Larry, his paintings and I found ourselves spending the afternoon with Connie and Walter Peyton. His graciousness, class humbleness and quiet demeanor were only exceeded by his incredible hospitality.
So after 53 years of living in Chicago I had my third bears experience. And its true the third times a charm. I have always been familiar with the concept of tailgating. But this past Sunday I had the chance to be part of it. And here’s my advice. Whether or not you are a football fan, grab a bunch of people and head to one of the lots around Soldier Field for good food, camaraderie and a sea of blue and orange. This is really something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. I also experienced this event thr0ugh E3 VIP with my gracious host Richard Carrier. All the information is listed below. Do yourself a favor and try the E3 VIP experience for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Otis Wilson, Gayle and Dan
E3 VIP ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 ONE-OF-A-KIND CHICAGO SPORTING AND SOCIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR LUXURY FULL-SERVICE TRAVEL AND DESTINATION EXPERIENCE From Luxury Mobile Tours to Custom Event Services and High-End Tailgate Membership, E3 VIP Delivers Exclusive Event Experiences Richard Carrier, CEO of E3 VIP, an exclusive event experience company specializing in VIP mobile tours, custom event services and luxury tailgating, has announced the 2013-2014 sporting and social events schedule, including Chicago Bears and collegiate games. The one-of-a-kind experience in Chicago accommodates guests looking for the ultimate tailgate experience, mobile cocktail tours and custom luxury events. Using MXR-SkyBox luxury motor coaches, E3 VIP excels in impeccable service and dedication to the finest levels of detail to deliver a mobile venue concept to clients, members and guests at world-class events and destinations. Past national event and tour packages have included the Kentucky Derby, Formula 1, The Masters, Phoenix Open, the Super Bowl and more. E3 VIP takes tailgating to a whole new level by combining the amenities of a luxury suite or skybox at a football game with the traditional pregame parking lot party experience. The luxury tailgating includes food, premium bar, fresh charcoal-grilled meats, entertainment and exclusive access to the E3 Alliance Network and national events. For each social event or game, the E3 VIP experience fills approximately 2,000 square feet of parking lot space with a DJ and a staff of ambassadors in a velvet roped-off, carpeted area next to the custom motor coach. Tickets for the E3 VIP Experience for a single tailgate are available at $250 per guest for general admission. Corporate discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tailgate and game ticket packages start at $395 per guest. Exclusive branded corporate tables are available upon request. * Sun 11/17/13 Noon Ravens @ BEARS Soldier Field * Mon 12/9/13 7:40PM Cowboys @ BEARS Soldier Field * Sun 12/29/13 Noon Packers @ BEARS Soldier Field Additional social and sporting events to be added throughout the season. E3 VIP also offers a four-hour "Best of Chicago Tour" with stops at the very best Chicago venues. Custom itineraries are built for each group to ensure an experience that will surpass their wildest expectations. Each tour includes E3 VIP's luxury motor coach that comfortably accommodates 20 guests, complimentary catering and bar, and two E3 VIP Ambassadors to serve you and your guests. This world-class luxury experience starts at only $250 per guest. Additionally, E3 VIP offers custom event services for corporate, personal and family groups looking for a best-in-class experience. Experienced event planners work individually with clients to plan and execute a memorable mobile luxury experience based on each group's requirements and desires. Based on the budget, these types of events can be planned and executed by E3 VIP in any city or destination within the continental United States as a single event, series or tour. For more information or make a reservation, please call 877.243.3334 ext.107 or visit www.e3vip.com.
NEWS FROM BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
- CHICAGO (Oct. 8, 2013) – Broadway In Chicago, Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group are delighted to announce the casting for the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM, the most successful musical of all-time, will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph) January 9, 2014 through March 2, 2014.
- Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2014 spring season line-up. Supporting Broadway In Chicago’s commitment to Chicagoans seeing shows first, the season features four premieres. Coming to Chicago first is the World Premiere Pre-Broadway production of THE LAST SHIP, the U.S. Tour Premiere of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the North American Premiere of HEARTBEAT OF HOME, as well as the U.S. Tour Premiere of BUYER AND CELLAR as an off-season special. Also included in the season is GHOST THE MUSICAL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, PETER & THE STARCATCHER and THE WIZARD OF OZ. The 2014 spring off-season includes: ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ALTON BROWN LIVE!, CHICAGO, ROCK OF AGES, ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO and MAMMA MIA!.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Broadway In Chicago Season is available now to current subscribers and will go on sale to the public Friday, October 11, 2013. Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for 2014 Spring Season productions will go on sale at a later date
Wholesome Family Fun at Godspell
Theatre At The Center’s Godspell
Playing at Theatre At The Center is an energetic, colorful, bubble filled version of Godspell. The young cast of 20-something performers collectively delivers a fine performance and really seem like they’re having a fun time with the show. So the real question to ask yourself before visiting this show is, ‘Do I like Godspell?’. I had never seen Godspell prior to this performance and all I knew about it was that it follows the story of Jesus. If you’re either a fan of Godspell or peppy musical theatre, Theatre At The Center presents a fun night of entertainment. If you’re more of a Stephen Sondheim type musical fan, you may want to give this show a pass.
Godspell is a musical adaptation of the Gospel of Matthew and highlights the parables of Jesus. The music of Steven Schwartz is beautiful, but doesn’t quite hit the poignancy or musicality of some of his other popular works like Wicked or Pippin. Theatre At The Center takes this story and places it in what appears to be Venice Beach. Each character is a representation of free spirited beach goers from a woman doing yoga, a hoodie-wearing man preaching politics, or just a couple with a frisbee. Jesus himself, played by Liam Quealy, looks like he would be pumping iron along the boardwalk. Through the story, Jesus tries to teach his parables to the beach goers, and they happily form a community of love and friendship.
Liam Quealy feels like a natural fit for Jesus. He has a friendly and welcoming demeanor in the role, and Donny-Osmold-esque vocals. When it comes to straight acting, he probably needs to gain a few years and experiences, but he has a genuine quality to his performance that works well for this part. He simply seems like the type of guy who attracts others with his sense of compassion. Jim DeSelm as Judas probably gives the best acting performance. He presents an interestingly conflicted character that is certainly not the villain of the story, but also doesn’t always fit in with the crowd. What is nice about this musical is that every performer gets a chance to shine. Merrick Robinson’s light sense of humor made him stand out and Hillary Marren showcased her beautiful voice in the number “Day by Day”.
Being set in Venice Beach (presumably), the walls for the stage were skillfully painted in Christian themed graffiti designed by Angie Weber Miller. The lighting, designed by Shelley Strasser-Holland, had some interesting moments including the use of flashlights by the actors and a very striking tableau at the climax of the show. However aside from those moments, this production seemed rather superficial. There weren’t that many elements that came across as particularly thought provoking or innovative. Even the choice of staging the play at Venice Beach seemed like an odd choice. It was clear the director, John-Michael Tebelak, was going for the kumbaya collective stereotype of free spirited beach goers, but that is an image that stands in stark contract to the reality of Venice Beach. If you have ever been to Venice Beach, it is full of a huge variety of people, most of which you would not think about getting a loving embrace from. The last time I visited Venice beach, I was offered a medical marijuana card every twenty feet. So there may be a section of the beach going population there that are elated for reasons other than the blessing of the Holy Spirit, but this production doesn’t seem to have set the play in Venice Beach ironically so I don’t think those are the types of hippies we’re seeing here.
Overall, this was a pleasant night of theatre to take your wholesome family to. It will be interesting to see what some of these young performers do in their futures, but for the time being, they seem to be having fun performing at Theatre At The Center. And when it comes to considering Godspell, just know what you’re getting into. I don’t think most of the audience during the performance I saw was as cynical as I am, and it seemed very well received when the curtain call came. So make the trip to Munster, Indian if you’re looking for a night of uplifting musical theatre.
Recommend
Reviewed by Clare Kosinski
Godspell presented by Theatre At The Center
Playing September 12 – Octorber 20 at Theatre At The Center, 1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN.
Tickets are available by calling 219.836.3255 or by visiting theatreatthecenter.com.
Additional information about this and other area productions may be found at www.theatreinchicago.com.
If Gothic Theatre Is Your Thing
Trap Door Theatre’s The Balcony
At The Trap Door Theatre’s production of The Balcony, you are greeted by two young women in Victorian style undergarments and corsets. They check your reservation and you are guided into the small theatre space by another woman with a red brazier underneath her suit jacket and pencil skirt. In the space, a woman in dark but elegant late 18th century dress paces the space and often stops and stares intently at an invisible disturbance just behind you. This is a wonderful start to this production, creating the beautiful but strange and disturbing tone that is carried throughout the play. The Balcony is about the characters at a brothel during the final moments of a revolution. Jean Genet, who was a controversial French playwright of the first have of the 19th century, originally wrote the play. This production was translated by Bernard Frechtman and directed by Max Truax.
The Runaways presents… “doriantightredpantsXX”, an adaptation of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” set in modern day Bohemian Chicago
For the past eight weeks, we have participated in exercises exploring space, character, Wicker Park, and technology. Out of these exercises, our director, Olivia Lilley, has written a script. Using the theater and sound theories of Richard Schechner, Liz LeCompt, John Cage, and Butoh, we have found a multiplicity of unique languages cultivated for our production.
For us, “Dorian Gray” is all about the relationship between the private and the public and what happens when the line between them blurs. Michael Jackson had first-hand experience with this. Justin Bieber is experiencing this right now. When your image, the legend others have created for you starts to become the only side of you, it’s easy to think you’re immortal, you’re invincible. So how do we keep all of our identities separate and distinct? This was a story we just had to tackle in “The Facebook era”.
The Runaways presents’ “doriantightredpantsXX” is running at “The Parlor”, (1434 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60622) a performance storefront at the boarder of Wicker Park and Humboldt Park. Learn more about “The Parlor” @ theparlorwicker.com.
The Runaways presents’
“doriantightredpantsXX”
July 25th – August 11th
Performances are Thurs – Sun @ 8pm
Get your tickets here @ http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/421177
Check out our promo video:
“Meet Lord Henry”
Kokandy Productions presents The Last Five Years
Kokandy Productions proudly presents the musical “The Last Five Years”, August 2 through 25 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Traditionally, “The Last Five Years” is performed by two actors accompanied by musicians; the Kokandy Productions concept has cast Jim DeSelm and Allison Hendrix to portray Jamie and Catherine respectively as well as accompany their performance on two pianos. John D. Glover directs, DeSelm and Hendrix are co-musical directors and K. Hannah Friedman serves as assistant director. Tickets are $32 and are available at www.theaterwit.org or by calling 773-974-8150. For additional information visit www.kokandyproductions.com
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