CELEBRATING THE ARTS FOR 20 YEARS September/October B 2008
OCTOBER 1–NOVEMBER 9
MA J O R 200 8/0 9 S EAS O N S U P P O RTE R S
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Issue 2, September-October B ‘08 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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CONTENTS Fall Fashion Forecast: A Few Steps Take You from Office to Theater 6 by Jodie Jacobs
Footlights is printed with soy ink on paper made of 30% postconsumer and postindustrial products. By using this recycled paper, we have reduced our annual ecological footprint by 817 trees — the equivalent of a forest made up of 16.7 football fields; 499,864 gallons of water — the equivalent of a 105-day shower and 147,713 pounds of air emissions — the equivalent of 13.4 cars’ emissions per year.
Cover photo by tomjulio
Bios: The Artist’s Truth that’s Fit to Print by Lawrence Bommer A NOTE FROM THE LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES
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ARTS SCENE Chicago’s Performing Arts Guide.
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ARTS BRIEFS
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE
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SCENE & BE SEEN
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Fall Fashio by Jodie Jacobs
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on Forecast A few steps take you from office to theater
Sure summer with its outdoor festivals was way too short. But fall is defined by its own brand of excitement from art gallery openings to a new theater season. There’s a refreshing nip in the night air and a change in the landscape to gorgeous fall foliage. They are our clues that it is time to replace warm-weather wardrobes with fall fabrics. Updating the closet, however, is in the easier-said-than-done category for people too busy working to keep up with trends. The challenge escalates for those who go from home to work to dinner to the theater but want a stylish look appropriate for all those venues. Take it up a notch The good news is that this year’s fall trends are flattering in color, easy to assimilate into existing wardrobes and simple to notch up from casual to business to evening. In addition, no matter the age tag –“me generation,” “boomer” or Gen X, Y, or Z, the message for fall is similar: jewel tones, wide-legged trousers, pencil-slim skirts and ruffled blouses for women; and sweater vests, slim-cut cardigans and chunky sweaters for men and women. “You will definitely see a lot of rich color and texture,” says Meghan Goulette, regional marketing and business development manager of Gen Art which produces high-end fashion shows and multimedia events. “For the females we are seeing this continued trend toward both ladylike silhouettes (think pencil skirts, high waists and ruffled blouses a la Mad Men) and menswear styles (vests, trousers). Knits
will be around in a huge way. Chunky cardigans cinched with rich leather belts will be a hit for those crisp nights. Suits are definitely getting slimmer for the guys and layered knits are also going to be around for fall,” Goulette predicts. Accessorizing is another strong fall trend, according to Goulette. “Brooches will make a strong return on the season’s rich colored jackets (no black here) and sky high heels will replace summer flats,” she says. Bling is the thing Gregg Andrews, a Chicago-based Nordstrom fashion director, points out that accessorizing and layering dresses up work and casual clothes for the theater. “Accessories are a great way to go from work to evening,” Andrew says. “Most theaters are in an urban environment which means people are often coming directly from work. Change to a bigger pair of earrings and you’re ready to go.” 7
Photo on right submitted by Frances Heffernan; 810 Elm St, Winnetka; 847 446 2112
As to the clothes to accessorize, he reports the emphasis this fall is on beautiful greens and berry tones and fine textures ranging from tweeds and boiled wools to boucle (think poodle loops). Prints, which dominated spring and summer collections, will continue into autumn but as blurs of winter garden botanicals and geometrics that he likened to impressionistic paintings. Plaids, a fall tradition, will return but in nontraditional colors or in unusual overblown treatments, according to Andrews. “Overall, the move this season is to elegance,” he says. On the guy side, Andrews notes that blazers and sweater vests with crew necks instead of the usual v-necks, are “in” and an easy way to change a look for evening events. “We will continue to see men dressing up,” Andrews says. “The idea this fall is to add a third piece – a blazer, vest or cardigan. A nice sweater is important. A chunky turtle neck is essential for fall. Cardigans will be slimmer. Sweater vests with a crew neck are in. It is an updated look for a traditional, familiar item.”
Clothes that look good and also feel great are your best bet for a theater date!
Nordstrom fashion director
inspiration in fabric, pattern and a return of the trouser with wider leg. The wide line is great to wear to the theater because it is elegant, fluid and can be worn with a feminine top,” He suggests teaming a top that has a bow detail, small pleat or ruffle with the pants for a classy feminine look. “The key to dressing for the theater is you want to look elegant but the theater is the event so you want to be comfortable,” Andrews says.
Comfort zone Instead of two thumbs down on jeans as theater wear, Andrews offers a couple of style-savvy tips. “Jeans are a staple in everyone’s wardrobe. They can be dressed up, however, by putting on a blazer. That doesn’t mean having to wear a tie. The shirt neck can be open,” he says. His other tip is to give tennis shoes a rest in favor of leather, with shoe boots being the most fashion forward. Women get a comfort break this fall while still maintaining a fashion edge. Although Andrews also mentions the pencil skirt trend, he says trousers are back. “We are seeing men’s wear
House rules Fashion expertise aside, the last word in what is and is not trendy in theater wear comes from Steppenwolf House Manager Evan Hatfield. “I heard that wearing perfume or cologne to the theater is out,” Hatfield reports. That “trend” is just one of several on Hatfield’s wishful thinking list that includes such theater-negative fashion statements as a bluetooth, cell phone and big hat. His apparel suggestion is that women bring a wrap because theater temperatures are difficult to regulate. “We want everyone to have a good theater experience,” he says. ■
“The key to dressing for the theater is you want to look elegant but the theater is the event so you want to be comfortable.” – Gregg Andrews, a Chicago-based
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TEN CHIMNEYS (262) 968-4110 Just 90 miles north of Chicago in Wisconsin
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BIOS: The Artist’s Truth That’s Fit to Print by Lawrence Bommer
When you read the self-penned biographies of directors, actors and designers, you’re getting the “best profile possible” of a professional in progress. That means, of course, artfully omitting the disasters, in effect making lemonade out of lemons, if not sulfuric acid. As artfully posed (and psychologically airbrushed) as a headshot, these cameo cross-sections of a career purge the person of past failures. They remind audiences what this actor has done that they might have liked. Happily, they also act as promissory notes for future triumphs. Interestingly, what’s left out is probably just as crucial to the making of this theater artist as what’s kept in. Let’s look at some pointedly unedited bios where the secrets behind the successes are artfully concealed [within brackets like these]. Everything else is the authorized description of this theatrical hopeful.
Bad reviews buried What began long ago has hardly changed. Archaeologists recently dug up the first actor’s bio, translated from crumbling scrolls found near the arena at Nimes. Here, for the first time in fantasy, is that amazing find. It includes the tooaccurate passages that would be deleted from the final scroll that became the players’ program: Thespis Artriculator (Messenger, Zeus) is happy to be back in the company after a triumphant hiatus in Herculaneum [necessitated when he quit his last venture due to popular demand]. Thespis consecrates his performance to all the gods [since his household deities have clearly deserted him]. He hopes that the local critics will remember that he fought in the Punic Wars while these whippersnappers were trying out their first togas and that no less than the ghost of Euripides appeared to him to 11
tell him to keep up the good work. [“Euripides,” however, was replaced by a very real Plautus, who told him to abandon the stage for the sake of posterity.] Thespis would like to give kudos to his mother for not abandoning him on a hillside to expire and to his father for insisting that his son never take up his trade as a chariot maker. The rest is [dramatic] history. Global milestone A key player in Shakespeare’s company, Richard Burbage was the first to receive a special mention in the Globe Theatre handbill, the rough draft of which includes excisions for the final printing: Richard Burbage (Hamlet) was last seen as the Second Murderer in Mr. Shakespeare’s recent and bloodthirsty MACBETH [well, barely seen, since he performed in the unlit background]. He is excited to play Hamlet, a larger [but fairly incomprehensible] part of a Danish prince who goes crazy like a fox. Mr. Burbage dedicates this performance to God Almighty and dares any naysayers to vouchsafe his acts of contrition. If the Lord be willing, his next role will be a comic one at last. Toward such a happy end, he has implored the playwright to consider penning a drama about a wizard with a staff who’s bent on retirement. Burbage promises to do the same if cast in the role. [If not, there are always greener green rooms–Ben Jonson continues as successful as ever.] Upstaged The saddest bio belongs to Nicholas Poetaster, the doomed actor who spoke the line “Take that, you damned old sockdolager!” just before John Wilkes Booth shot Abraham Lincoln during the Washington premiere of OUR AMERICAN COUSIN. Of course, nothing about Nicholas’ now tragically ironic bio suggests the horror to come: Nicholas Poetaster (Captain Bilgewater) is delighted to return to Ford’s Theatre for the latest of a long string of successes, especially considering that his scheduled tour of Dixie was abruptly cut short. He
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Nicholas Poetaster is not the name that comes to mind when people think of Ford's Theatre.
knows that in these trying times laughter [or a quick amputation] is the best medicine. He would like to dedicate this performance to the Great Emancipator, our 16th President, an enthusiast for the theatre, and the scourge of the South. Long may he laugh! (Nicholas’ career, alas, did not survive this April night.) But some things don’t change, 2008 being one example. A modern-day bio reflects old neuroses (wordplay here!) and new anxieties. Susan Fletridge (Emilia) rejoices in her first speaking role in Shakespeare. Previous portrayals have included Juliet’s second handmaiden, a sprite in MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and a villager in THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. [She longs for the magic moment when audiences hear her talk.] Susan dedicates her performance to her late father whose last and only wish had been to hear her speak on stage. “They will now, daddy, they will now!” Bios, it seems, are subtle reminders by actors and designers that a real person lurks behind each character or individual who hammered the nails that made the scenery. Some people never stop auditioning and that’s only proof they’re alive. This whole exercise was just a test, lest we forget that some things never change... ■ Lawrence Bommer is a Chicago theater writer who, now that he is writing his own bio, suddenly realizes just how much less is more.
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Columbia College Chicago is the largest arts and media college in the nation and one of Chicago’s foremost presenters of arts programming—offering hundreds of dance, music and theater performances, as well as film screenings, readings, gallery exhibits and public lectures to more than 300,000 patrons each year.
WWW.COLUM.EDU/CALENDAR SELECTED EVENTS: SPECIAL EVENTS and the Beats go on … a multi-disciplinary exploration of Beat culture, anchored by an exhibition of the iconic manuscript scroll of Jack Kerouac’s On the Road. www.colum.edu/beats (Sept.- Nov.) GALLERIES Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, Robert Frank, and Dave Anderson, at the Museum of Contemporary Photography (Sept. 5-Nov. 1) DANCE David Dorfman (Sept. 25-28)
U NDE R G R O U N D , D AVID D O R F M AN D AN C E BY G AR Y N O EL
LECTURES Conversations in the Arts: The Founders Lectures, with Jonathan Kozol (Oct. 20) FILM Cinema Slapdown: Scarface (Sept. 18), Asian Animation Festival (Sept. 24-27) MUSIC PianoForte Series at Sherwood Conservatory (every Friday starting Sept. 5)
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D A N C E | M U S I C | M U S I C A L | O P E R A | T H E AT E R | VA R I E T Y COMEDYSPORTZ OF CHICAGO Ongoing Chicago’s No. 1 interactive improv experience. ComedySportz Theatre 929 W. Belmont Ave. 773-549-8080 comedysportzchicago.com LATE NITE CATECHISM Ongoing Join the class in this interactive comedy, now in its 15th year, as Sister teaches her own brand of religious logic. Quade Entertainment Royal George Theatre Center 1641 N. Halsted St. 312-988-9000 theroyalgeorgetheatre.com HEROES AND VILLAINS August 28-September 21, 2008 A quiet, unassuming man has an entire town, and the world, convinced that he is a superhero. A seemingly uptight, deeply skeptical woman sets out to prove he is a
fraud. She discovers that heroes rarely wear capes, villains are rarely bad guys and beauticians make the best leading men. Collaboraction Theatre Building Chicago 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252 collaboraction.org PENETRATOR August 28-September 28, 2008 Max and Alan are old college buddies living quietly apathetic lives and content with their own little world. When an old friend of Max’s arrives, they realize life will never be the same. Resonants Theatre Stage Left Theatre 3408 N. Sheffield St. 630-664-3513 theatremania.com THE THREEPENNY OPERA August 30-October 12, 2008 The Hypocrites launch their 12th
For up-to-date event listings, visit footlights.com 17
AUDIENCES ATTEND RELIGIOUSLY by Myrna Petlicki
What’s black and white and has popped up in Chicago every weekend for more than 15 years? Give up? It’s Sister, the ruler-wielding star of LATE NITE CATECHISM, which continues its open run at the Royal George Theatre.
Don't be late. Sister (Rosie Newton) doesn't like to wait at LATE NITE CATECHISM.
Vicki Quade, who co-wrote the interactive show with Maripat Donovan, reports that seventeen actors in Chicago alone have played the nun, who is not averse to using a ruler to keep a “student” in line. LATE NITE CATECHISM has played across the nation and in such faraway places as Melbourne, Australia. It has also spawned two sequels, penned by Quade: PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE! (year four) and SUNDAY SCHOOL CINEMA (year two), both in open runs at the Royal George. Quade suggests that the show’s popularity is based on the fact that “It’s your own school experience. You get a chance to relive your history and maybe understand why you had to be disciplined.” The classroom atmosphere resonates with audience members so much that Quade is sometimes asked, “Is that a real nun?” She says, “That’s always a big rush that they get so much out of it they think they’re in a real classroom.” LATE NITE CATECHISM, PUT THE NUNS IN CHARGE! and SUNDAY SCHOOL CINEMA continue in open runs at Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted. For tickets and information, call 312-988-9000. 18
anniversary season with their first musical. Company takes its love of the absurd to a new level with this work by the master, Bertold Brecht. Part of Steppenwolf Theatre Visiting Company Initiative. The Hypocrites Steppenwolf Garage Theatre 1650 N. Halsted St. 312-335-1650 the-hypocrites.com CHURCH BASEMENT LADIES September 10-27, 2008 Hilarious new musical comedy is a celebration of the church basement kitchens everywhere and the wonderful, unsung women who work there. Set in 1964-65, it is a funny, heartfelt reflection on four women who tirelessly prepare food and solve problems for the congregation of a rural Minnesota church. North Shore Center for the Performing Arts 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6300 northshorecenter.org SOME ENCHANTED EVENING: THE SONGS OF RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN September 11-November 1, 2008 Experience a memorable revue of the best loved songs that have forever defined musical theater. It’s a celebration of music from CAROUSEL, OKLAHOMA, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and more. Noble Fool Theatricals Pheasant Run Resort 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles 630-584-6342 noblefool.org THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY September 12-November 2, 2008 What would you do if you had the freedom to indulge your every dark desire? A supernatural power grants Dorian Gray eternal youth and beauty. As the years pass and his outward form remains unmarred, his soul wallows in pride and sin in Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece. Lifeline Theatre 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com
OUR TOWN September 20-October 26, 2008 The Hypocrites had the hottest ticket of the 2007-08 Chicago theatrical season with their sold-out hit, OUR TOWN, directed by and featuring David Cromer. Cromer returns to the Chopin Theatre Studio, unleashing his inner-Hypocrite for a limited six-week remount of this hit production. The Hypocrites Chopin Theatre Studio 1543 W. Division St. 773-989-7352 the-hypocrites.com THE MARK OF ZORRO September 27-November 23, 2008 Lifeline Theatre remounts its Jeff-recommended, hit production. Discover the original Zorro. His identity is a mystery, but his heroism and sense of justice are as real as his love for the beautiful Lolita. Filled with sword-fighting thrills. Lifeline Theatre Theatre Building Chicago 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 773-327-5252 theatrebuildingchicago.org MEN OF TORTUGA October 3-December 7, 2008 In an undisclosed location, three men scheme with a weapons specialist to eliminate the opposition in Jason Wells’ dark comedy of negotiation, conspiracy and assassination. Profiles Theatre 4147 N. Broadway 773-549-1815 profilestheatre.org JESUS HOPPED THE “A” TRAIN October 7-December 6, 2008 Drama centers on a young Latino man in jail for shooting a religious cult leader. Also in prison is an infamous, born-again serial killer who raises the question: Is faith enough to save those who have not practiced what they believe? Playwright Adly Guirgis is known for his controversial, fiercely intelligent plays. Raven Theatre 6157 N. Clark St. 773-338-2177 raventheatre.com
SOUNDS PERFECT by Myrna Petlicki
Build world-class venues and they will come. In the case of Naperville’s North Central College, “they” includes the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Clint Black, Kurt Elling, Rachel Barton Pine, Savion Glover and Patti LuPone. Fine Arts Director Brian Lynch makes no attempt to hide his excitement at the new venues that allowed him to create such an impressive season.
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra will perform at the official gala opening of Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College on Nov. 15.
Most of those headliners will perform at the new Fine Arts Center. “The cornerstone of it is the Wentz Concert Hall, a 605-seat acoustically perfect concert hall,” Lynch says. “It’s an absolutely amazing facility. It’s going to have the acoustics of a Carnegie Hall or a Symphony Center while having that incredibly intimate seating capacity. “I was the faculty member who was heading up the project when we began in ’98,” Lynch reports, “And, as of last September, they named me fine arts director. Now I get to manage the building we’ve been dreaming about for years and years and years.” The facility also includes the Madden Theatre, a flexible, black box space that can seat up to 150, plus an art gallery. In addition, last summer the college opened the 240 seat Meiley-Swallow Hall Theater which Lynch describes as “the ideal space for Shakespeare or legit theater.” North Central College’s 2008-09 season is packed with music, dance and theater events. For details, visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/show.
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AFTER ASHLEY October 9-November 15, 2008 A bitterly funny and strangely affecting comedy of a young boy thrust unwillingly into the national spotlight. The one bright spot is a girl who could prove to be either a victim-groupie or his strongest ally. Stage Left Theatre 3408 N. Sheffield St. 773-883-8830 stagelefttheatre.com HAYWIRE! October 9-November 15, 2008 When the beautiful Miranda Towers returns to her circus after being in an insane asylum, mayhem ensues in this campy homage to ‘60s horror Joan Crawford films. Hell in a Handbag Productions Bailiwick Repertory 1229 W. Belmont Ave. 773-883-1090 handbagproductions.org A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM October 10-November 8, 2008 Shakespeare’s rollicking roll through the forest includes feral fairies, thespian mechanicals and mixed-up lovers, all with the modern twist that made last season’s HAMLET REMIX’D so popular. New World Repertory Theater 923 Curtiss St., Downers Grove 630-663-1489 newworldrep.org VANESSA October 11, 17, 19, 2008 Celebrate the Chicago premiere of Samuel Barber’s Pulitzer Prize-winning American masterpiece, VANESSA, in the 50th anniversary of its first performance. Directed by Francis Menotti, son of librettist and stage director of the 1958 Metropolitan Opera production, Gian Carlo Menotti. Chamber Opera Chicago Athenaeum Theatre 2936 N. Southport 312-951-7944 chamberoperachicago.org
DUCK FOR PRESIDENT October 11-November 30, 2008 Who put Farmer Brown in charge, anyway? Isn’t it time an intelligent and handsome young duck ran for office? And once he’s running the farm, it’s a few short steps until he’s running the country. Lifeline Theatre 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. 773-761-4477 lifelinetheatre.com CELEBRITY ROW October 16-November 9, 2008 When a young lawyer defends the civil liberties of one of the country’s most notorious criminals, her idealism stands face to face with a criminal genius who, along with his neighbors, has a plan of his own. American Theater Company 1909 W. Byron St. 773-409-4125 atcweb.org THE MEDIUM AT LARGE October 17-November 16, 2008 A world premiere musical. Join Bruce, a medium-at-large, as he plays matchmaker in this world and the next. Set skepticism aside for an evening of romantic high jinks. Village Players Performing Arts Center 1010 W. Madison St., Oak Park 866-764-1010 village-players.org NEWBERRY LIBRARY THEATER LECTURE October 21, 2008 6 p.m. Join executive directors from Chicago’s leading theater companies as they talk with theater critic Jonathan Abarbanel about Hope Abelson, one of Chicago’s strongest leaders in theater for half a century. During the month of October the Newberry Library will display a selection of Abelson’s papers. Newberry Library 60 W. Walton St. 312-255-3720 newberry.org
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PETAR JANKOVIC October 24, 2008 Performing more than 40 concerts a season, Jankovic displays artistic sensibility and deeply personal yet universally evocative virtuosic abilities, making him one of the preeminent guitarists of his generation. North Central College Wentz Concert Hall 171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville 630-637-show northcentralcollege.edu/show THE WOMAN IN BLACK October 24-November 8, 2008 A lawyer believes he was cursed by a woman whose business affairs he handled early in his career. With the help of a young actor, he relives the terrifying story, hoping to exorcise the evil spirit. Jedlicka Performing Arts Center 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero 708-656-1800 jpactheatre.com
BEAUTY ON THE VINE October 25-November 23, 2008 From mixed-race identities to extreme plastic surgery, this modern fable explores the power of the human face in Lindsay Lohan America. BackStage Theatre Company Raven Theatre Studio 6157 N. Clark St. 800-838-3006 backstagetheatrecompany.org THE THUGS October 25-December 14, 2008 A dark comedy about the mysterious things that are happening on the ninth floor of a big law firm. Profiles Theatre 4147 N. Broadway 773-549-1815 profilestheatre.org
For up-to-date event listings, visit footlights.com
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Arts Briefs By Jonathan Abarbanel
More up-to-date news online at footlights.com
Labor of LOVE As many Midwesterners already know, actor/movie star Jeff Daniels is the founder of the highly-regarded Purple Rose Theatre in Chelsea, Michigan (not far from Ann Arbor and Lansing), and the author of a dozen plays, the most successful of which is ESCANABA IN DA MOONLIGHT. Set in a deer hunting camp in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the 1995 comedy has been widely produced across the country, which led Daniels to pen a follow-up “prequel,” the 2006 ESCANABA IN LOVE. Daniels, who is in Chicago currently starring in TURN OF THE CENTURY at the Goodman Theatre, now is at work on a third—and final— play in the series, which will tell the story of how the Soady family deer camp was established in the early years of the 20th Century. Daniels says he expects to have a draft completed by the time his run at the Goodman is over (October 26), so that a world premiere at the Purple Rose Theatre can be planned for the 2009-2010 season. Meanwhile, Circle Theatre presents the Chicago premiere of ESCANABA IN LOVE (Sept. 10-Oct. 26). Timothy C. Amos (l to r), Bradford Lund (on back), Simone Roos (straddling), Tucker Curtis and Jason Boat star in ESCANABA IN LOVE at Circle Theatre. Photo by Bob Knuth.
Rap adaptation is a big sensation Chicago Shakespeare Theater‘s world premiere of FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN’, a rap version of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, was a summer hit that scored with critics and audiences alike. Chicago Shakes then took the show to the famous Edinburgh (Scotland) Fringe Festival for an August run where lightning struck twice. FUNK IT UP received rave reviews from The Guardian newspaper, Time Out London and other publications, and won the Fringe’s Dress Circle Award for Best Musical against stiff competition. The award certainly will draw the attention of potential London producers to the show, which was conceived, written and performed (in part) by Chicago born-and-raised brothers GQ and JQ. Don’t let their rap-influenced stage names fool you: GQ is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Their first rap Shakespeare hit, THE BOMB-ITTY OF ERRORS, ran Off-Broadway in 2000 and played the Edinburgh Fringe in 2002 (winning the Best Ensemble award).
Postell Pringle (standing) raps to fellow MCs (l to r) Elizabeth Ledo, Ericka Ratcliff, GQ, JQ and Jackson Doran in Chicago Shakespeare Theater's FUNK IT UP ABOUT NOTHIN'. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
MARK your calendar For the first time in its 26-year history, Lifeline Theatre is remounting and moving a show, its hit stage version of THE MARK OF ZORRO. The critical and audience
Zorro (James Elly) wins the heart of the fiery Lolita (Rosa de Guindos) in Lifeline Theatre’s remount of THE MARK OF ZORRO. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.
success closed the 2007-2008 season with an extended spring/summer run at Lifeline’s Rogers Park home. Now the show is reopening at Theatre Building Chicago in the heart of the North Side OffLoop Theatre District, for a Sept. 27-Nov. 23 run. Adapted from Johnston McCulley’s original 1919 book, THE MARK OF ZORRO is a dashing capeand-sword tale of action and romance, set in the Spanishinfluenced world of Old California.
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What’s in a name? To reflect its expanded mission and yearround operation, the First Folio Shakespeare Festival henceforth will be called First Folio Theatre. The 13-year-old troupe, based at the Mayslake Peabody Estate in west suburban Oakbrook, operated as an open-air summertime Shakespeare festival until three years ago when renovations to the estate’s central Peabody Mansion allowed the company to begin indoor performances during the coldweather season. First Folio quickly added works by Noel Coward, Edgar Allen Poe and P. G. Wodehouse to its Shakespeare stock-in-trade.
For 2008-2009, First Folio will present works by Eugene O’Neill and Coward and a stage version of DRACULA in the mansion, plus MACBETH outdoors next summer. The First Folio season begins with THE PASSION OF DRACULA (Oct. 1-Nov. 2), just in time for Halloween.
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Hearing voices With funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Chicago Dramatists this summer concluded its first Many Voices Project, designed to offer development and networking opportunities to playwrights of color from around the United States. From among many plays submitted for consideration, Chicago Dramatists selected four winners: Michael Golamco (Los Angeles) for YEAR ZERO, Anita Chandwaney (Chicago) for GANDHI MARG, Philip Craft (Bellwood, Illinois) for CASUALTY OF WAR and Alfonso Ramirez (New York City) for TIERRA (LAND/EARTH). No writing neophytes, all four are produced and prize-winning authors even if not well-known. The four reflect, respectively, Asian American, South Asian, African American and Mexican American experiences. To judge the plays submitted, Chicago Dramatists drew participants from Congo Square Theatre, Teatro Luna, Silk Road Theatre Project, Rasaka Theatre, Teatro Vista and Urban Theatre Company.
Philip Craft's CASUALTY OF WAR received a staged reading at Chicago Dramatists' Many Voices Project. Pictured are (left to right) Calvin Dutton, Brittany Baker and Lionel Gentle. Photo by Cauley Powell.
Cause for Celebration: Theaters Mark Milestone Anniversaries by Jonathan Abarbanel Last month Footlights wrote about the state of funding for the arts, and commented on the impact the current economic downturn may have on theater companies. This month, we want to remind readers that Chicago’s performing arts industry is highly competitive, with over 200 theater companies vying for audience and donated dollars. In such an atmosphere, a troupe that survives for a decade is an adult, while a troupe that reaches 20 is middle-aged. As Footlights does each year, we pay tribute to the survivors, theater companies celebrating major anniversaries this season. See Footlights.com to read about these theater success stories. Artistic director Joe Jahraus (bearded) and frequent leading man Darrell W. Cox shared the stage in Profiles Theatres' 1990 production of TRUE WEST.
More management moves Collaboraction, an award-winning theatrebased artist collective, also has selected a new leader, promoting Martin Kamenski from business manager to managing director. Kamenski has a BA in theater and a master’s in accounting, both from Marquette University. He moved to Chicago in 2006 and immediately became Collaboraction opens the involved with Collaboraction on a partseason with HEROES AND VILLAINS, starring Wendi time basis. Presently, Kamenski also acts Weber and Danny Goldring. as general manager at Victory Gardens Photo by Saverio Truglia. Theater, a post he will retain. He also owns and operates a private accounting practice with a specialization in the entertainment industry. Collaboraction has opened its 13th season with Daniel Janoff’s HEROES AND VILLAINS, at Theatre Building Chicago through Sept. 18, to be followed by a world premiere adaptation of JON, based on the short story by George Saunders (first published in New Yorker magazine). It runs at the Building Stage Oct. 30-Dec. 14. Stage Left Theatre begins its 26th season with a new management team in place, headed by Laura Blegen as managing director and interim artistic directors David Alan Moore and Drew Martin. All three have long involvements with Stage Left; Moore (a playwright) and Martin (the troupe’s former artistic director) as members of the ensemble and Blegen as the troupe’s literary associate and director of the LeapFest—the company’s new play workshop— for the last two years. The shuffle fills in the gap created earlier this summer when Stage Left’s producing artistic director, Kevin Heckman, assumed the full-time post of managing director for Next Theatre.
They Know the Score Music directors keep things humming by Myrna Petlicki It’s no accident when all the voices blend beautifully and the musicians don’t miss a beat in a musical. That E. Faye Butler and Malcolm Durning in CAROLINE, OR CHANGE perfect package is the result of hard at Court Theatre. Photo by work by a person who is part of the Michael Brosilow. process of putting together a musical from the first audition to the final performance: the music director. Sometimes you’ll see him onstage playing the piano or in a pit leading an orchestra but that’s only a tiny part of the many responsibilities of a music director. The list of behind-the-scenes activities they juggle is impressive, but the four music directors we talked to seem to love every part of the process.
We’ll key you in on the role of music directors at footlights.com.
American leaders chosen Over the summer, the American Theater Company conducted a national search for an executive director before settling on a candidate from Chicago, Michael Thomas Newberry, 31,
Michael Thomas Newberry
who had been deputy director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater for three years. Newberry has an MA in arts management from Carnegie Mellon University. What does Dorothy say at the end of “The Wizard of Oz”? “If you can’t find it in your own backyard, it probably wasn’t worth looking for in the first place,” or something like that. American Theater Company (ATC) also promoted Julie Saltzman to the new post of producing director. She had been ATC’s general manager for the past two years. Clearly, a major reorganization has taken place at ATC, which last spring brought in PJ Paparelli as the troupe’s first outsider artistic director. ATC also has named five new ensemble members, all veteran Chicago actors: Sadieh Rifai, Kareem Bandealy, Casey Campbell, Tania Richard and Joe Minoso. The ATC ensemble now numbers 29. American Theater Company opens its season with THE PEOPLE’S TEMPLE, running through Sept. 28. 25
Your Museum for Contemporary Crafts Come for the exhibitions, stay for the art!
Basketworks: The Cotsen Contemporary American Basket Collection September 28, 2008 – January 4, 2009 Arline Fisch: Creatures from the Deep Through July 26, 2009 Racine Art Museum
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The second annual Chicago Theatre Community Golf Outing was held August 11th at Marengo Ridge Golf Club in Marengo, IL. The outing included 72 participants and was sponsored by Footlights, EasyWare, Jones Telecom, Schuler&Shook, Chicago Scenic, ImagesAlive and the League of Chicago Theatres.
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1) (L to R): Kyle Hillman, Ben Theim, David Schmitz and Paul Koob 2
2) (L to R): Neale Zingle, Jon Heuring, Marty Higginbotham and Charlie Frankel 3) (L to R): Steppenwolf's Superior Donuts: Kate Buddeke, Jon Hill (STC Ensemble member) and Robert Maffia 3
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On August 28, Village Players Performing Arts Center in Oak Park kicked off its new season with a Theater Thursdays event in association with the League of Chicago Theatres. Patrons enjoyed appetizers catered by Starship Restaurant of Forest Park, a preview of the upcoming world premiere musical THE MEDIUM AT LARGE, and a performance of another world premiere musical LOVE IN THE MIDDLE AGES, followed by a talkback with the authors. Photos by Maggie McKenna. 4) (L to R): Patron Brandon Magid with Village Players marketing director and LOVE choreographer Christopher Pazdernik. 5) Tyler Beattie, music director for both world premieres, accompanied John Herrera.
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6) (L to R): Tony nominee and MEDIUM performer John Herrera with co-authors Julia Cameron and Emma Lively.
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