News & Reviews Category
Book of Matthew Crash Course
By: Kayland Smyth
In Christianity there are two types of people: those who believe in a God and intensively study the Bible, and those who believe in a God but do not really study the bible. If you fall into the category of believing in a God but do not study the Bible then GODSPELL is a great refresher or crash course on learning the book of Matthew.
GODSPELL is a modern day take on the Gospel According to Matthew. Its score is by Academy and Grammy Award winner and six- time Tony Award nominee Stephen Schwartz and book by John Michael Tebelak. GODSPELL uses improvisation and contemporary themes to illustrate a message of kindness, community and hope that still resonates today. The cast, whom all embodied different biblical characters, includes: TJ Anderson, Jeanne T. Arrigo, Megan Ensley, Veronica Garza, Michelle Limon, Andrew Lund, Jake Mahier, Pavi Proczko, Stephanie Rohr and Nick Shoda.
I found this production to be very unique in a couple of ways
starting with the cast. The members of the cast not only acted and sang they also played the music for each song. Rarely do you see actors playing the musical’s score in a musical production. Normally, the actors just sing and act but I enjoyed hearing live music instead of a pre-recorded instrumental. I also liked the size and location of the stage. The stage was small and in the middle of the audience. It felt as though the audience was a part of the production. It also felt more intimate, giving the actors more to play around with while improvising.
GODSPELL, put on by the Brown Paper Box Company, runs from September 20, 2012 to October 7, 2012 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 North Milwaukee Ave. Performances run Thursday through Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3:00p.Tickets are $20 on Thursday, $25 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Industry cost is $15 at the door with headshot and resume. For tickets visit boxpapertickets.com.
When Was the Last Time You Met a Lizard at the Beach?
Nick Sandys introduces himself as the new Artistic Director of Remy Bumppo with a strong, comical and eye-catching play. Edward Albee’s Seascape looks at the interpersonal relationships of two couples entering transitional periods in their lives. A human couple bickers over what to do now that their children are grown, and whether that means life is over or just beginning. So logically, Albee introduces them to a giant lizard couple, also debating their future; they are exploring the possibility of evolving to become land creatures. This makes for a witty parallel between the couples and the difference between men and women, despite their species.
Read MoreBeloved Christmas Schooner Sails into Mercury Theatre
THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER returns to the Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport, Chicago), from November 23 through December 30, 2012. The press opening will be on Wednesday, November 28 at 7:30 p.m. The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. This critically acclaimed production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musician
s. This year’s production commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the historic voyage of the Christmas Tree Ship.
Performances are from November 23 to December 30, 2012. The schedule is: Wednesdays at 2pm and 7:30pm, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1pm. Tickets range from $29 to $59. Groups of 10 or more receive discounts of up to 50%. For tickets and information contact the Mercury Theater at 773-325-1700 or www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.
Praise for Gift Theatre
DIRTY : THE GIFT THEATRE
REVIEWED BY : Frank Meccia
How do you take a liberal yuppie investment banker married to a pregnant Eco-friendly social liberal who is now unemployed due to self consciousness make money., in a capitalist world ? For the answer you have to see Andrew Hinderaker's new play “Dirty” at the Gift Theatre. Hinderaker last teamed up with Michael Patrick Thornton in the 2010 premier of Suicide,Incorporated.
Thornton plays an investment banker who no longer can put up with his job, but is struck with a business idea that can net him millions incorporated with his wife, yet everyone thinks his idea is more vile then the job he just left. “Dirty”is a great play that mixes humor and porn into 2hours and 10 mins of great enjoyment.
Led by a great cast, Paul D'Addario (Terry) plays the shrew investment banker with the no-moral side. Hillary Clemens plays Katie his eco-friendly social liberal with a cause wife. And for her Gift Theatre debut Mouzam Makkar as the cover girl Mikayla.
I really enjoyed the Scenic Design created by Courtney O'Neill. This Jeff Award winner shows her talent in this small theater. .Jonathan Berry (Director) who's prior work at Gift include Suicide Incorporated, shows how a good drama with a great cast can work so well in a small theater.
“Dirty” gets a high recommendation
“Dirty” plays till November 18th. Tickets can be purchased at www.thegifttheatre.com .or call the box office 773-283-7071
Seeking Entrance
By: Kayland Smyth
The ensemble, Stage Left, is kicking off its 31st season with the world premiere of Impenetrable, written by Mia McCullough and directed by Greg Werstler, a Stage Left ensemble member. Impenetrable tells the story of a spa owner who erects a billboard to advertise his services and increase business. The billboard shows a gorgeous model with arrows superimposed pointing out her “imperfections” and suggesting cosmetic “solutions” his spa can provide. It sparks outrage in the women of the community and after protesting and boycotting of the salon the billboard is taken down.
Read MoreDAVIDs TEA to open stores in Chicago
As the crisp autumn temperatures fill the air, a new “hot spot” will give Chicagoans a delicious new way to warm up. Chicago will soon be home to a contemporary tea shop, with more than 150 varieties, including several never-before-seen flavors. Canadian loose leaf tea retailer DAVIDsTEA offers teas sold loose by the ounce and to-go by the cup (hot or iced), in a friendly environment, by well-informed, passio
nate staff. The company, which last year opened two successful locations in New York City and this month is opening locations in San Francisco, continues its growth with plans to open stores in Chicago this fall. DAVIDsTEA will open stores in Chicago beginning with the inaugural at 1645 North Damen (in Bucktown), followed by openings at 3530 North Southport (in Southport), and 922 West Armitage (in Lincoln Park).
News From Emerald Theatre
Cinderella tickets !
At The Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
1 – Subscribe today and get your Cinderella tickets at the special subscriber price – $27 for tickets front and center with NONE of those pesky fees!
2 – . Tickets range fro
m $23-37 (including fees).
Emerald City Theatre continues its 17th season with the opening of Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical adapted from the celebrated picture book by the author himself. Knuffle Bunny was adapted by The Kennedy Center and will make its Chicago premiere at Emerald City. It will play at the Apollo Theatre, located at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., from October 6-January 6, 2013
After 16 years creating theater experiences to inspire early learners through play, Emerald City is building a strong foundation for continued success and innovative new programing. An extensive remodel plan will transform Emerald City's current Lakeview storefront space at 2933 N. Southport Ave into the Little Theatre – a 1,500 square foot theatre with intimate performance space and comfortable lobby.
is playing NOW through Dec 29 at the Apollo Theater
News from CSO
Updated concert information for October 2012 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center Presents and Civic Orchestra of Chicago programs is now available.
911811952be2de&p=a8a1bef6de319127f160a49ea36ba339&t=1″ target=”_blank”>View/download October 2012 concert listings and descriptions »
Complete concert information for December 2012 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center Presents and Civic Orchestra of Chicago programs is now available.
View/download December 2012 concert listings and descriptions »
CHICAGO — Twelve year-old singing prodigy Jackie Evancho performs at Symphony Center on Thursday, January 24 at 7:30 p.m., performing some of the greatest songs ever featured in films. Tickets for this concert go on sale on Monday, September 10, 2012.
TICKETS for all 2012/13 Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Center Presents and Civic Orchestra of Chicago concerts can be purchased by calling CSO ticketing services at 312-294‑3000 or 800‑223‑7114, online at cso.org, or by visiting the Symphony Center box office at 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60604. Discounted student tickets for select concerts can be purchased, subject to availability, online in advance or at the box office on the day of the concert. For group rates, please call 312-294-3040. Artists, programs and prices are subject to change.
Up Comedy Club – September Shows
Tickets are currently on sale for UP Comedy Club's August and September roster of headlining talent, including Maribeth Monroe and Eric Griffen from “Workaholics,” “FrankenMatt” featuring Frank Caeti and Matt Craig, Sheryl Underwood, Adam Ferrara, Tommy Davidson, Bobcat Goldthwait and Charlie Murphy
. Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-662-4562 or visiting UPComedyClub.com. UP Comedy Club is located at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley in Chicago.
Fall Line Up at Up
WHICH INCLUDES ADAM FERRARA, TOMMY DAVIDSON, BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT,
CHARLIE MURPHY, MARIA BAMFORD, JIM BREUER, JO KOY, THE BICYCLE MEN, ROBERT KLEIN, KYLE KINANE AND
“THE SECOND CITY’S NUT-CRACKING HOLIDAY REVUE
CHICAGO – Tickets are currently on sale for UP Comedy Club's Fall roster of headlining talent and holiday shows, including Adam Ferrara, Tommy Davidson, Bobcat Goldthwait, Charlie Murphy, Maria Bamford, Jim Breuer, Jo Koy, Lyndsay Hailey, The Bicycle Men, Robert Klein, Kyle Kinane an
d “The Second City's Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue.” Tickets can be purchased by calling 312-662-4562 or visiting UPComedyclub.com. UP Comedy Club is located at 230 W. North Ave, 3rd Floor of Piper's Alley in Chicago.
Tickets on sale now!
Call: 312-662-4562 or log onto: UPComedyclub.com
