CONTENTS CHICAGO // Volume 25 // Issue 2
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IN THIS ISSUE: FOOTNOTES pg 4-7
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STAFF PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER
Steve Marcus
VICE PRESIDENT
Matt Thiele
DINNER & A SHOW Dining Guide + Show Listings
pg 9-15
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Bob Salb
ART DIRECTOR
Sarah Sallmann PRODUCTION SPECIALIST
Greg Widener
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Jillian Olsson Theresa Wilmot ACCOUNTING
Karin Marcus EDITOR + VENUE RELATIONS
Amanda Schumacher CHICAGO EDITOR
Myrna Petlicki
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Published by Marcus Promotions, Inc. The content of any article in this publication is based solely on the opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Marcus Promotions, Inc., Footlights, or its staff. The center program content is at the sole discretion of the performing arts group. Any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies are their responsibility. Inquiries or comments should be directed accordingly.
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OPEN SOMETHING GRE ATER . Crèche (detail), mid-18th century. Naples. Charles H. and Mary F. Worcester Collection, Ada Turnbull Hertle, Eloise W. Martin Legacy, and Lacy Armour funds; restricted gifts of Mr. and Mrs. James N. Bay, Linda and Vincent Buonanno, and Mrs. Robert O. Levitt.
GIFTS TO THE CITY TOUR
NOV 28–DEC 31 Issue #2
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By Jonathan Abarbanel
LIGHTS LOWERED
From the big Broadway in Chicago houses in The Loop, to small storefront houses throughout Chicago and Northern Indiana, the lights of Chicago’s theaters dimmed at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 to honor those taken by death. It was not a 9/11 tribute, although that would have been appropriate, but a moment of silence to mark the unexpected late-summer losses of admired local theater artists. Powerful actor Trinity P. Murdock passed of natural causes in the closing days of August, still in his 50’s, as did freelance props designer Joel Lambie on Aug. 31, followed the next day by actor and writer Sati Word. Lambie and Word were only in their mid-30s. Real devastation followed Sept. 6 with the deaths in horrific accidents of actors Molly Glynn, 46, and Bernie Yvon, 50. Then, on Sept. 21, beloved director/ teacher/writer and trusted adviser Sheldon Patinkin died at 79 after a 50-year career as the Earth Father of Chicago theater. To detail the careers and contributions of these artists would require this entire issue of Footlights. From the Goodman to MPAACT, from Theatre at the Center to the Black Ensemble, from Steppenwolf to TimeLine, from the Marriott to the Gift, there was virtually no theater company in Chicago not graced by the presence of these artists. Their loss is immeasurable. If there was any grace note to their passing, it was in the outpouring of remembrances and heartfelt mourning which united Chicago’s diverse theater community, offering spiritual and material support to the families left behind.
Bernie Yvon
Molly Glynn
Sheldon Patinkin
Sati Word
Joel Lambie 4
Chicago Footlights
Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s new Artistic Director, Anna D. Shapiro, won a 2008 Tony for her direction of August: Osage County. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
BIG STEPS AT STEPPENWOLF
There may be no more fitting tribute to Sheldon Patinkin than the announcement, just two weeks after his death, that his one-time student, Anna D. Shapiro, will become the next artistic director of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, succeeding her mentor, Martha Lavey, next autumn. Lavey will relinquish the post after 20 years as Steppenwolf’s top artistic leader, but will continue as a member of the Ensemble. Shapiro, winner of a 2008 Tony Award for her direction of August: Osage County, graduated from Columbia College when Patinkin was chair of the Theatre Department. She has risen through the artistic ranks at Steppenwolf since 1995 while establishing herself as a director of national stature. In a double transition at Steppenwolf, long-time executive director David Hawkanson also is stepping down next September to be succeeded by the person he mentored, David M. Schmitz, a nine-year Steppenwolf veteran who currently is the large troupe’s managing director. Hawkanson also will remain active with Steppenwolf. In fact, he and Lavey will oversee an elaborate physical expansion project in which the company will build a new 400-seat theater in the vacant lot immediately south of the present playhouse, and remodel the recently-purchased building adjoining it on the north (formerly a furniture store) to include a black box playhouse and administrative offices and shops. All three structures will be connected via a common street front lobby.
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NEW TITLES FOR TWO
In other recent personnel announcements, Porchlight Music Theatre has appointed Jeannie Lukow as its first executive director. For the past six years, she has been president of Porchlight’s board of directors and before that had a long career in marketing communications and association management. Porchlight’s next show is the revue Sondheim on Sondheim (Feb. 6-March 15). Also, Raven Theatre has named ensemble member Cody Estle as associate artistic director, working with co-artistic directors Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. Estle has directed five of the theatre company’s productions over the past three seasons, among them last spring’s Vieux Carre. He’ll stage the Chicago premiere of Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate in January for the Edgewater theater troupe.
LOCAL TROUPES TAKE NATIONAL HONORS
Besides handing out the Tony Awards, the American Theatre Wing a few years ago began giving annual National Theatre Award grants to 10 or more emerging nonprofit theater companies across the country. Chicago has done well with these prizes—as it should with the size and diversity of our theater industry— and 2014 was no different, with The House Theatre of Chicago and Theater Wit among the recipients of $10,000 grants. Next up for National Theatre Award winner The House Theatre of Chicago is The Nutcracker.
In the words of the American Theatre Wing, the grants are given to troupes which “have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity and dynamism of American theatre.” The current show at The House is The Nutcracker (Nov. 7-Dec. 30 at the Chopin Theatre), the company’s nontraditional and non-ballet take on the holiday classic. The current Theater Wit show also is its annual holiday offering, The Santaland Diaries (Nov. 21-Dec. 28). However, Theater Wit is a three-stage venue and additional productions by guest companies are running currently.
National Theatre Award winner Theater Wit will present its annual favorite, The Santaland Diaries, opening Nov. 21. 6
Chicago Footlights
Goodman Theatre’s Scrooge isn’t the only curmudgeon in town this holiday season.
NEW SPINS ON SCROOGE
We note at least two new twists on the myriad annual versions of A Christmas Carol. Not satisfied with offering the Mother of All Xmas Carols each year, the Goodman Theatre this season is teaming with The Second City to present Twist Your Dickens, or Scrooge You! (Dec. 5-28). That’s in addition to The Mother version. Over at Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers the dazzling Q Brothers in the world premiere of A Q Brothers Christmas Carol, their rap hip-hop take on the classic (Nov. 19-Dec. 28). FYI: the Q Brothers’ parents operate the historic Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square, famous for its herbal and homeopathic emphasis on healthcare. If construction is on schedule, they’ll open a new wing in time for holiday shopping: The Q Brothers’ Men’s Store at Merz Apothecary.
REMEMBERING ROY
Finally, among the early-September deaths was one from the other side of the footlights: Roy Leonard, 83, the esteemed WGN entertainment reporter and host for 31 years. Although he retired some years ago, many of us remember his warmth, courtesy and genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts. As with the artists we lost, we offer condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched.
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Chicago Footlights
All the world’s a menu Visit Footlights.com for a comprehensive guide of dining and nightlife options before or after the show.
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DINNER
& A SHOW
BLUE MAN GROUP
ONGOING
Blue Man Group
Music, technology and comedy are combined to create entertainment that defies categorization and appeals to all ages.
THE GRAVEDIGGER
Briar Street Theatre 773-348-4000
Through Nov. 2
First Folio Theatre
In a forgotten Bavarian cemetery, a gravedigger finds a hideously scarred man hiding in a fresh grave and the two discover a shared past with gruesome secrets.
SWEENEY TODD
Mayslake Peabody Estate 630-986-8067
Through Nov. 9
Porchlight Music Theatre
Torn from his family and exiled for 15 years by a miscarriage of justice, “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” returns hell-bent on revenge.
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH
The Theatre School at DePaul University
Whimsical fairy tale, based on a beloved book, proves that imagination and knowledge can change the world.
SOLITARY CONFINEMENT
Stage 773 773-327-5252
Through Nov. 15
Merle Reskin Theatre 312-922-1999
Through Nov. 15
Jedlicka Performing Arts Center
An eccentric and reclusive multimillionaire becomes the intended murder victim of a crazed psychopath.
Jedlicka Performing Arts Center 708-656-8000, ext. 2230
THE CRYPTOGRAM
Through Nov. 16
Profiles Theatre
Twentieth anniversary of one of David Mamet’s most daring and personal stories which has seldom been seen in Chicago.
Open ‘til 4AM Nightly, 5AM on Saturdays Covered, Heated & Comfortable Smoking Area
The Alley Stage 773-549-1815
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www.clubluckychicago.com 1824 WEST WABANSIA BUCKTOWN 773.227.2300 OPEN SEVEN DAYS
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BETHANY
Through Nov. 23
The Gift Theatre Company
Caught in the middle of the Great Recession, cashstrapped Crystal navigates the worlds of motivational speaking, survivalism and a Saturn dealership.
THE SUBMISSION
The Gift Theatre 773-283-7071
Through Nov. 25
Pride Films and Plays
When a play written by a gay white male, set in the projects, is accepted into the Humana Festival, the author hires a black actress to play him.
WOMEN AT WAR
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
World premiere is based on first-person interviews with women who have served on the frontlines and returned to reenter civilian life.
ISAAC’S EYE
Apollo Studio Theatre 773-935-6100
Through Dec. 6 Rivendell Theatre 773-334-7728
Through Dec. 7
Writers Theatre
This wildly creative new work playfully reimagines the world of a young Isaac Newton with contemporary language and an ingenious meta-theatrical device.
TITANIC—THE MUSICAL
Through Dec. 7
Griffin Theatre Company
The unfulfilled hopes and dreams of passengers and crew on that ill-fated night of April 15, 1912 come musically to life in Tony Award-winning musical.
GREAT EXPECTATIONS
Vernon Ave. 847-242-6000
Strawdog Theatre Company
Theater Wit 773-975-8150
Through Dec. 13 Strawdog Theatre 773-528-9696
Gale Childs Daly’s bold reinvention of the classic novel about an orphan who is plucked from poverty and Parthenon_AD_Footlights.pdf thrust into the upper class.
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DINNER
& A SHOW
DANNY CASOLARO DIED FOR YOU TimeLine Theatre Company
Thriller is based on the true story of a freelance reporter investigating high-level corruption in the Reagan/Bush Justice Department.
HANDICAP THIS!
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts Two-man show, part theater piece and part standup comedy routine, offers insight on living with disabilities, breaking down barriers and friendship.
A VETERAN’S DAY SALUTE Northshore Concert Band
Guest soloist Jim Cornelison, the Chicago Blackhawks’ anthem singer, will perform patriotic selections and the national anthem.
THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION Adventure Stage Chicago
Seven actors from Theater Unspeakable, suspended on a platform two feet off the ground, recreate the entire American fight for independence in 50 minutes.
VIGILS
The Theatre School at DePaul University
A fireman died two years ago while doing a heroic act but his widow is not ready to move on.
IPHIGENIA IN AULIS Court Theatre
As the Greek army restlessly paces the silent shore of Aulis, King Agamemnon is faced with a harrowing decision in Euripides’ tale of power and sacrifice.
HOT GEORGIA SUNDAY Haven Theatre Company
Private desires and public morality collide in this social parable of sin and redemption that offers a window into the painful and funny nature of the human condition.
CRIMES OF THE HEART MadKap Productions
Warmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative, the play examines the plight of three young sisters betrayed by their passions.
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Chicago Footlights
Through Dec. 21
TimeLine Theatre 773-281-8463, ext. 6
Nov. 1
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 874-673-6300
Nov. 2
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall 847-467-4000
Nov. 4-29
Vittum Theater 773-342-4141
Nov. 5-16
Healy Theatre 773-325-7900
Nov. 6-Dec. 7 Court Theatre 773-753-4472
Nov. 22-Dec. 21
The Den Theatre haventheatrechicago.com
Nov. 7-23
Skokie Theatre 847-677-7761
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THE MOUSETRAP Northlight Theatre
On a snowy night, newlyweds welcome a group of strangers to their guest house only to discover news of a murderer in their midst.
HELLCAB
Profiles Theatre
During the longest night of his life, a cabdriver transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago.
URINETOWN
Devonshire Playhouse
Nov. 7-Dec. 14
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
Nov. 7-Jan. 11 The Main Stage 773-549-1815
Nov. 8-23
A hero decides he has had enough and plans a revolution when a water shortage leads a city to ban private toilets.
Devonshire Cultural Center 847-674-1500, ext.2400
LOOKINGGLASS ALICE
Nov. 12-Feb. 15
Lookingglass Theatre
Imagination soars and laughter and awe abound in this signature production’s gravity-defying spectacle and breathtaking theatricality.
THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA Loyola University Chicago
Five sisters struggle with the repressive environment when their mother places her household on an eight year period of mourning for her second husband.
Lookingglass Theatre 312-337-0665
Nov. 13-23
Newhart Family Theatre 773-508-8400
IT’S A WONDERFUL SANTALAND MIRACLE Nov. 14-Dec. 28 Stage 773 NUT CRACKING CHRISTMAS STORY... Stage 773
773-327-5252
MUSIC OF THE CHOSEN PEOPLE: REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATION
Nov. 16
The whole holiday season packed into one merry show.
Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra
Highlights Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei” and works by Bloch, Goldmark, Mahler and Krongold.
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! American Blues Theater
Chicago’s holiday tradition since 2002, 1940’s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s classic.
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 847-673-6300
Nov. 21-Dec. 28
Greenhouse Theater Center 773-404-7336
Dinner & A Show
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DINNER
& A SHOW
THE SANTALAND DIARIES Theater Wit
Holiday classic returns for its tenth straight year, celebrating the desperation of unemployment and the insanity of Christmas shopping and holiday “cheer.”
CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR Provision Theater
As the live studio audience, you’ll enjoy the on-air magic of the Franks’ annual Christmas radio show and the behind-the-scenes lessons.
WHITE CHRISTMAS
Overshadowed Theatrical Productions
Two showbiz buddies, who stage a winter show in a picturesque Vermont inn, find their perfect mates in this merry and bright Broadway musical.
TELL ME WHAT YOU REMEMBER Erasing the Distance
World premiere production commissioned by Rebecca’s Dream tells the true story of one family’s life-altering battle with depression.
THE CLEAN HOUSE
Remy Bumppo Theatre Company
Sarah Ruhl’s absurd comedy takes us on a poetic quest to find meaning amongst the chaos of our structured lives.
AIRLINE HIGHWAY
Steppenwolf Theatre Company
World premiere is a boisterous and moving ode to the outcasts that make life a little more interesting.
HOLIDAYS A CAPPELLA Chicago a cappella
A perfect mix of familiar holiday tunes, Renaissance carols, Chanukah songs, Christmas spirituals and contemporary classics.
YULE TUBE: HOLIDAY FAVORITES FROM TELEVISION Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
The chorus saves the day, reenacting favorite holiday specials for the Christmas Queen.
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Chicago Footlights
Nov. 21-Dec. 28 Theater Wit 773-975-8150
Nov. 26-Dec. 28 Provision Theater 312-455-0066
Nov. 28-Dec. 20 900 Foster Ave., Medinah 630-634-2100
Dec. 1-16
Filament Theatre 773-856-3455
Dec. 3-Jan. 11
Greenhouse Theater Center 773-404-7336
Dec. 4-Feb. 8
Steppenwolf Theatre 312-335-1650
Dec. 5-20
Six venues 773-281-7820
Dec. 5-20
Three venues 773-296-0541
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HOLIDAY CONCERTS Ensemble Espanol
Highlights include favorites from the Ensemble’s extensive repertoire of classical, folkloric and flamenco dances and music of Spain.
THE NUTCRACKER Ballet Chicago
Through its inspiring story, beautiful music and charming choreography, this classic ballet is a celebration of the joyous holiday season.
THE MERRY WIDOW Light Opera Works
Everyone’s after her money and Hanna, the saucy widow, knows just how to make them dance to her tune in the most popular Viennese operetta.
MR. BURNS Theater Wit
Exploring how pop culture of one era might evolve into the mythology of another, this animated and hilarious exploration focuses on the power of storytelling.
Dec. 11-12
Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium 773-442-4636
Dec. 13-21
Athenaeum Theatre 773-935-6875
Dec. 19-31
Cahn Auditorium 847-920-5360
Jan. 8 - March 1 Theater Wit 773-975-8150
HOLIDAY JOY AT 10,000 VOLTS. 2 TICKETS FOR $99! USE CODE FOOTLIGHTS. Restrictions and blackout dates apply. Subject to availability. Maximum 9 tickets. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or on previously purchased tickets. Purchase tickets by January 4, 2015. Good for performances through March 8, 2015.
BRIAR STREET THEATRE | 3133 N HALSTED ST. | 773.348.4000 | BLUEMAN.COM
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