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Footlights s of n o s Sea
Chicago 19-20 SEASON
VOLUME 30 | ISSUE #4
Steve Marcus VICE PRESIDENT Matt Thiele DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS Greg Widener ART DIRECTOR Sarah Sallmann GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Nicolette Bealhen | Sydney Kornowski VENUE RELATIONS // MILWAUKEE & MADISON Ryan Albrechtson VENUE RELATIONS // CHICAGO Alicia Senior-Saywell EDITORS/WRITERS Ryan Albrechtson | Amanda Finn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jonathan Abarbanel COMPANY COMPTROLLER Karin Marcus ACCOUNTING MANAGER Lisa Cunningham PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Kyle Jewell ADVERTISING SALES // CHICAGO Will M. McAuliffe | Dave DeGraff ADVERTISING SALES // MADISON James Boylan | Courtney Neckar ADVERTISING SALES // MILWAUKEE Jacqueline Jaske | Barbara Kluth | Daryl Skardzinski ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Allyson Imig PRESIDENT + PUBLISHER
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Footlights is 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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FOOTNOTES By Jonathan Abarbanel
New leadership on the horizon Victory Gardens, one of five Chicago companies to win The Regional Theatre Tony Award, may have named a new artistic director by the time you read this. Distinguished director and playwright Chay Yew announced in December that he would step down after nine years at the Victory Gardens (VG) helm, effective at the end of this season in June. The VG board is conducting a national search for Yew’s successor, who will be only the third artistic director in the troupe’s storied 46year history. Erica Daniels will continue as managing director. Born in Singapore, Yew made New York City and Los Angeles his professional bases for many years, first breaking through as a playwright in the early 1990s before turning his talents to directing. Through his years at VG he has continued to direct across the country at several major Off-Broadway venues in particular among them The Public Theatre. It’s worth noting that Yew is the first (and only, thus far) non-European to hold a top management post at a leadership Chicago theater company.
The ‘Devil’ made her do it? Yew’s departure is certain, but there is speculation that Steppenwolf Theatre Company—another regional theater Tony Award winner—also may be looking for a new artistic director within the year. The current artistic director, Anna D. Shapiro, has been part of Steppenwolf since 1995 and has been AD since September, 2015 when she succeeded the ailing Martha Lavey. But Shapiro’s career as a Broadway director has soared since she won the 2008 directing Tony Award for August: Osage County, the drama by Tracy Letts which had its world premiere at Steppenwolf. However, it’s the current plume in Shapiro’s cap that might spur her departure: she’s directing a new Broadway-bound musical with music by Sir Elton John, lyrics by Shaina Taub and a book by Paul Rudnick, based on the film The Devil Wears Prada. The show will open in Chicago in late July for a six-week pre-Broadway shakedown at the CIBC Theatre before heading to the Great White Way. If it’s a big hit, the demands on Shapiro’s time and talent— and the new opportunities open to her—will be immense (and she also will become quite rich from royalties!), which could restrict her ability to captain a company as large and complex as Steppenwolf. Shaprio is local—born and raised in Evanston—so naturally we wish her and the show and Steppenwolf, too, great success.
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New broom sweeping
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Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has injected fresh blood into the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), naming an entirely new Cultural Advisory Council to work with continuing (and popular) DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly. Early in January, the Chicago City Council approved the 30 appointments, among them new Advisory Council chair Amina J. Dickerson and vice-chair Alison Cuddy (director of the Chicago Humanities Festival). The appointees are a diverse group of Chicagoans from across the city representing a broad cross-section of arts genres. They include practicing artists, representatives from major cultural organizations and the business community. Among the well-known theater and dance artists named to the Council are: writer/director Sandra Delgado, choreographer Kevin Iega Jeff (Deeply Rooted Productions), writer/director Coya Paz (Free Street Theater), Myrna Salazar (co-founder, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance), David Schmitz (executive director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company). Observed Mayor Lightfoot, “A robust Chicago arts community inspires us, engages us, questions the status quo, and has the power to bring our diverse city together in conversation around the critical challenges of our day.”
Look who ‘Blue’ into town! I think I still was wearing knee pants when Blue Man Group Chicago opened at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted Street) sometime in the Late Jurassic Period, and now I have gray hair. That might be a slight exaggeration, but the show has been a permanent Chicago attraction since 1997, and I imagine there are parents who saw it as teenagers who now bring their own kids to see it. Kind-of a cottage industry for marshmallow manufacturers (those who’ve seen it know what I mean), Blue Man Group Chicago recently appointed Jeremy Smith as Blue Man Group/Universal the production’s Resident General Manager, a new position for the show. Smith joins the Blues with more than 20 years of experience in local and regional theater, with positions at The Second City, American Players Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theater among his credits. FYI: most folks probably don’t know that Blue Man Group, which was created in the late 1980s by three New York City street artists, was purchased in 2017 by Cirque du Soleil. The show promotes itself as “critically acclaimed,” and I have to say that’s true. When I first reviewed Blue Man Group back in the 1990s (I reviewed the New York City original, and later the then-new Chicago edition), I concluded by saying, “If you don’t have a good time, you’re probably dead.”
Jonathan Abarbanel reviews theater for the Windy City Times and is one of “The Dueling Critics,” along with Kerry Reid, heard every Sunday morning on “The Arts Section” on WDCB public radio 90.9FM. He’s a past Chairperson of the American Theatre Critics Association.
Four-Legged Friends Have Their Say By Amanda Finn
Allan Baker’s 2019 play Dex & Abby gives dogs their say without taking away from their message.
Not only will the Pride Films and Plays rendition of the show rely on a more anthropomorphized look at the dogs, but it will ground the show in reality through “I think it’s a nuanced way of looking at owner/ philanthropy. $3 from each full-priced preview pet relationships that do the dogs justice,” ticket will be donated to Lucky Dog Rescue director Daniel Washelesky said. “It’s not a Chicago and $3 of each full-priced Thursday gimmick. It goes into their psyches and what’s ticket will be donated to Safe Humane important to them and how the stakes are Chicago. This give-back opportunity highlights important to them just as it is for us.” the bond between dogs and people, something the comedy also focuses on. Dex & Abby is the story of humans Corey and Sean who, in moving in together, are “[This is] a play that is both fun and hilarious, also blending the lives of their dogs Dex and but also deep,” Washelesky said. “It balances Abby. The play examines the implications of comedy and the more heartfelt parts of both blending families which so often includes relationships [between] humans and humans furry family members as well. and pets as well. I would be concerned about people thinking this is a sketch comedy about According to Washelesky, the play takes dogs when there is weight to some of the place over the course of two years. During scenes.” those years Dex and Abby go from territorial to loving as they learn to live with one For a dog person like Washelesky, or any pet another. And while two actors will portray the owner, it’s hard to work on this show and dogs, they won’t be leaning into animalistic not have your relationship with your own pet movement. Instead, they will be playing up the change. Whether it’s showing his cast pictures human ethos of these canines. of his 12-year-old pug Butters or realizing some of Butters’ mannerisms are manifesting “Instead of them literally emulating the things in Dex, the love for his own pup shines through dogs do, they’ll embody more of the essence in Washelesky’s show. of a dog,” Washelesky said. “Instead of picking things up in their mouths, they use their hands He said Dex & Abby really encapsulates the that’s their human equivalent.” idea that pets feel just as human as their humans. For folks with furry family members,
there is no such thing as “just a pet.” That animal is as much family as anyone else. If you’re spending half a day with your pet you probably see them more often than you see your best friend, Washelesky added.
“I think it’s impossible to see or work on this play and not look at your pets differently,” he said. “Even if it’s paying more attention to the specifics of their movements or moods or just wanting to hug them a little tighter.”
“Dex & Abby” runs Feb. 20 - March 29 at Pride Films and Plays - The Broadway, 4139 N. Broadway in Chicago. Tickets are available by calling 866-811-4111 or 773-857-0222 or online at pridefilmsandplays.com.
“Compulsive reading for fans of Black Swan, Mozart in the Jungle, or (dare I say it?) real-life backstage theatrics.” —Jessica Strawser, bestselling author of Not That I Could Tell
A CAN’T-MISS NOVEL OF LOVE, LUST, AND OBSESSION SET IN CHICAGO’S THEATER SCENE.
History Demands We Pay Attention By Amanda Finn
Three years ago, when City Lit Theater Company artistic director Terry McCabe approached Brian Pastor about adapting Robert F. Kennedy’s Thirteen Days for the stage, the memoir on the Cuban Missile Crisis felt eerily relevant. Now in a time of political upheaval with more threats of nuclear war on the horizon, the finished adaptation is about to take the stage. “It’s a story about the Kennedy’s and the Cuban Missile Crisis, but we don’t’ want it to feel like an exercise in how closely we can mimic the look, stories and biographies of these Kennedy brothers,” adaptor and Thirteen Days director Pastor said. “We want it to be about a nation in crisis. Beyond that, in doing this type of thing, we are able to strip away some of the trappings of the past to remind us that this is a story of today and potentially the future. I started on this adaptation about a year ago and the recent events in Iran seem more eerily prescient now.” Combining the Thirteen Days memoir along with declassified meeting transcripts, speeches, letters and television programs, Pastor hopes to give a broader scope of the events surrounding that thirteen-day period in 1962. Further, they hope the show can show the public how the nation narrowly avoided destruction by coming together.
handle on these things and opinions on what we should do or how it might go when we might be making false assumptions by basing our potential actions on alternative facts.” As someone who loves theater, history and politics, it was the ideal story for Pastor to tell and their vision for the show walked the same line as their production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. Each traditionally male role is played by a female or non-binary performer to give this historical piece a different strength of storytelling. The show preserves the history and truth as much as possible while giving more breadth for casting. Most importantly this show recognizes the present-day relevance as an homage to the idea that history must be taught and remembered to avoid repeating it. “There were, at times, more than a dozen people (intelligent, thoughtful, learned) in that room over the course of a two week period who, most of that time, thought we were going to nuclear war,” Pastor said. “The fact that we were able to avoid it is a real testament to just how thoughtful, learned and patient some of those people were. And if that’s not a lesson for us [today] I’m not sure what is.”
“One of the things that is interesting about those thirteen days is that opinions, even amongst the most thoughtful and resolute people in the room, changed daily,” they explained. “Anything could’ve very easily set off a chain reaction that led to our mutual destruction. I think that’s one of the things that fascinated us. We continue to learn more and more about perspective when it comes to things like that. We read articles and hear about assumptions that were made at the time, the information they had in the room and how it differed from reality. That’s part of what is so scary about it. We think we have a rough “Thirteen Days” runs March 6 - April 14 at City Lit, 1020 W. Bryn Mawr in Chicago. Tickets are available by calling 773-293-3682 or visiting citylit.org.
HHWTS PRODUCTIONS & MARY BEIDLER GEAREN PRODUCTIONS in association with DEBORAH L. PICO present
DIANA DEGARMO & ACE YOUNG in
HIT HER WITH THE SKATES A New Musical About Life, Love And The Roller Rink Book/Lyrics by CHRISTINE REA Music/Lyrics by RICK BRISKIN Featuring DIANA DEGARMO ACE YOUNG CHRIS WALKER NIK KMIECIK AMY TOPOREK MARVIN MALONE II NORRELL MOORE KARL HAMILTON KELLY FELTHOUS MADELINE FANSLER ADIA BELL ADAM FANE Scenic Design CHRISTOPHER RHOTON
Costume Design LINDSAY MCWILLIAMS
Lighting Design CHRIS MERRIMAN
Sound Design BRUCE YAUGER
Company Manager STEVE ABRAMS
Production Manager AARON SHAPIRO
ProductionStageManager MAGGIE O’DONNELL
Assistant Stage Manager MATTHEW MCMULLEN
General Management LDK PRODUCTIONS Lisa Dozier King
Casting Director BOB CLINE
Press Representative MARGIE KORSHAK, INC.
Advertising/Marketing ALLIED GLOBAL MARKETING
Social Media KRYSTAL REA
Associate Producers VINCENT & RITA DIFIORE, HENRY L. HERTZ, DOROTHY REA
Arrangements & Orchestrations RICK BRISKIN DANIEL A. WEISS Musical Supervisor RICK BRISKIN Musical Director DANIEL A. WEISS Choreographed by CHRISTOPHER CHASE CARTER
Directed by BRENDA DIDIER HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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CAST (in
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Jacqueline Miller ................................................................................................................ DIANA DEGARMO Blake Conrad/Russ Reiner & Others ........................................................................................ ACE YOUNG Jack/Danny Myers & Others..................................................................................................CHRIS WALKER Brad Miller & Others .....................................................................................................................NIK KMIECIK Jackie Miller ................................................................................................................................AMY TOPOREK Scotty Watkins & Others................................................................................................MARVIN MALONE II Rebecca Miller (Mom) & Others .................................................................................... NORRELL MOORE Hank Miller (Dad) & Others ............................................................................................... KARL HAMILTON Meghan Behnke & Others .................................................................................................KELLY FELTHOUS Tonya Carson & Others ................................................................................................MADELINE FANSLER
UNDERSTUDIES Understudies never substitute for listed players unless a specific announcement is made at the time of the appearance. For Jacqueline Miller – MADELINE FANSLER; for Jack/Danny Myers & Others – MARVIN MALONE II; for Jackie Miller, Rebecca Miller (Mom) & Others, Meghan Behnke & Others, Tonya Carson & Others – ADIA BELL; for Blake Conrad/Russ Reiner & Others, Scotty Watkins & Others, Brad Miller & Others, Hank Miller (Dad) & Others – ADAM FANE DANCE CAPTAIN Kelly Felthous FIGHT CAPTAIN Karl Hamilton BAND Conductor/Keyboards 1............................................................................................ KARA KESSELRING Keyboards 2 ...........................................................................................................................CHUCK LARKIN Guitar ............................................................................................................................................ DAN PETERS Bass ..........................................................................................................................................FRANK CANINO Drums ........................................................................................................................ VANCE OKRASZEWSKI Keyboard Programmer .....................................................................................................JAMES ABBOTT Music Contractor ...............................................................................................................FRANK CANINO T I M E A N D P L AC E Detroit, Seattle, Miami, Buffalo, San Francisco, Chicago October 2-21,1994 & South Side of Chicago Saturday 10/22/1994 South Side of Chicago 1977 & Saturday 10/22/1977 There will be one 15-minute intermission
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MUSICAL NUMBERS ACT ONE Lovin’ The Life........................................................................................................................ Jacqueline, Blake A Simpler Time ..................................................................................................................................Jacqueline Skating Nation ..........................................................................................................................Jack, Ensemble White Hot ............................................................................................................................... Jackie, Ensemble Why Can’t I Be Her ..................................................................................................................................... Jackie Jack’s Strut ......................................................................................................................................Instrumental Do Damage..............................................................................................Dad, Jackie, Mom, Doo-Wop Trio Believe ..................................................................................................................................... Blake, Jacqueline Could It Be.............................................................................................................................Jackie, Jacqueline Shazizzle Shuhpop......................................................................................................................... Tonya, Brad The Ouija Song ........................................................................................................................ Meghan, Jackie Let’s Go ...................................................................................................................................Jackie, Jacqueline Jack’s Strut ......................................................................................................................................Instrumental The Fight: Part 1 ......................................................................................................Tonya, Jackie, Ensemble ACT TWO Reprise Skating Nation ................................................................................................................................Jack The Fight: Part 2 ...........................................................................................Tonya, Jackie, Jack, Ensemble I’m Crushin’ On You .....................................................................................................................Scotty, Jackie Russ’s Challenge........................................................................................................... Russ, Brad, Ensemble You’re The One................................................................................................................................... Mom, Dad Someday ...............................................................................................................................................Dad, Mom Forward Motion ..................................................................................................................Jackie, Jacqueline Reprise Lovin’ The Life ........................................................................................................ Jacqueline, Blake You Say You’re Sorry ............................................................................................. Jacqueline, Blake, Jackie Reprise Crushin’......................................................................Dad, Mom, Jacqueline, Scotty, Ensemble
N O T E F R O M T H E AU T H O R A Note From Creative Producer Christine Rea I discovered the real me beneath the glittering, mirrored ball of a roller rink on Chicago’s South Side. It was 1977. Colored lights a-swirled, funky music a-pumped and my little heart was never the same. Like many kids, I went through an awkward phase. It was at this crossroads that I stumbled upon my local roller rink. When I laced up my skates and whooshed across the floor, I transformed like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon. All-Skate Saturday was my favorite place to be. On the eve of my 30th birthday, I found myself questioning decisions I’d made and doubting exactly who I was. Where had the spunky, self-assured girl gone? I’d lost my footing and began the tedious process of reclaiming my spirit and pluck. Inspired by my childhood love for the rink and adventures touring as Mary Magdalene in the national tour of Jesus Christ Superstar; Hit Her With The Skates explores 1994 rockstar Jacqueline Miller’s journey as she takes a retrospective look back to her childhood. It’s there that she meets up with her 12-year old self, Jackie, and all of the people who have made her who she is. If you could go back and talk to your twelve-year old self, what would the 12-year old think of the choices you’ve made as an adult? Thrilled to be premiering this Chicago story in the place where it all began, I invite you to lose yourself with Jackie and the gang at Windy City Skates. Reminisce, explore and remember, “Use what you got, Kid! Use what you got.” HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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BIOGR APHIES Diana DeGarmo (Jacqueline Miller) has been blowing away audiences with her powerful voice and irresistible charm for nearly two decades. She was runner-up on American Idol’s Season Three at the mere age of 16. After, she released her first single “Dreams” that reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart. In 2010, she joined the Broadway revival of HAIR (Sheila) where she met her now husband, Ace Young. The two quickly became a dynamic singing/song-writing team and toured together in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (The Narrator). She also made a name for herself on the #1 Daytime TV Drama, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (Angelina Veneziano). Diana recently starred in the South Korean Tour and NSMT productions of JEKYLL & HYDE (Lucy). Her new album GEMINI is out now! Get your own Vinyl LP of GEMINI in the lobby of the Royal George Theatre or on your favorite digital music platform. Diana is represented by Headline Talent Agency and a proud member of AEA & SAG-AFTRA. Diana’s list of talents exceeds theater and music, from gardening to vintage clothes, animal rescue and more. She also supports the Muscular Dystrophy Association and USO. Keep up with her adventures through social media and www.dianadegarmo.com! Ace Young (Blake Conrad/Russ Reiner), creative chameleon, has worn every hat in the entertainment industry from acting and producing to composing and singing songs. By the time he was introduced to the world on the most successful season of American Idol, Season Five, he had already performed, created and produced music for a major motion picture and toured the country with R&B royalty. In 2008, he received a Grammy nomination for “It’s Not Over,” co-written with fellow American Idol star Chris Daughtry. He made his Broadway debut in GREASE (Kenickie) and met his wife two years later while appearing in HAIR (Berger). He then toured with Diana in the title role of Joseph in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. Most recently, Ace starred in AIDA (Radames) at Axelrod Performing Arts Center and ROCK 4
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OF AGES (Stacee Jaxx) at PCLO. His solo album “Up All Night” is coming out soon! Ace is represented by Headline Talent Agency and a proud member of AEA & SAG-AFTRA. When he isn’t playing guitar, he enjoys hiking, rock climbing, building and breaking things. Madeline Fansler (Tonya Carson, u/s Jacqueline Miller) has been a cast member of HIT HER WITH THE SKATES since its first reading in 2014 and is thrilled to see this rockin’ new musical skate onto the Chicago stage. Madeline hails from Telluride, Colorado and graduated from Vanderbilt University. She was last seen touring throughout the US and Asia on the national/international tour of KINKY BOOTS (Female Swing/Lauren and Nicola u/s). Other recent credits include CHICAGO (Velma), Potsdam Music Theatre; A CHORUS LINE (Sheila), Secret Theatre; and DOGFIGHT (Marcy), 5th Floor Theatre. Endless thanks go out to Todd, Bob and Nikki at ATB Talent, Bob Cline Casting, Christine, Rick and the entire Skates team for the opportunity to continue her journey at the roller rink, and her exceptionally supportive friends and family. Instagram: @madfans. Kelly Felthous (Meghan Behnke) appeared in the Chicago productions of THE MUSIC MAN, CHICAGO (Jeff Nomination), LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS (Jeff Nomination), CABARET, SEUSSICAL, OLIVER, THE PAJAMA GAME and DAMES AT SEA. Kelly’s New York credits include the original companies of TRIP OF LOVE (Caroline), MAX AND RUBY (Ruby) and SEUSSICAL (Mayzie). Her National Tours include WICKED (Glinda, Nessarose u/s performed), FLASHDANCE (Gloria) and GREASE (Marty). Other favorites are SOUTH PACIFIC (Nellie), Asolo Repertory Theatre; ROCK OF AGES (Regina), regional premiere at The Gateway Playhouse; LEGALLY BLONDE (Elle); SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (Kathy), North Shore Music Theatre; BRING IT ON (Eva), originating the role at the Alliance Theatre; A CHORUS LINE (Val), Maine State Music Theatre; and GYPSY (June), Sacramento Music Circus. On television, she has appeared on Law and Order SVU. Kelly was raised in San Diego and is an NYU/ CAP21 grad. Kelly loves to roller skate, twirl
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baton, craft, bake, drink coffee, write and loves fashion, especially shoes. Karl Hamilton (Hank Miller) returns to the Royal George Theatre where he appeared in The Reduced Shakespeare Company’s UNABRIDGED HOLLYWOOD and THE BIBLE. Regional credits include ALL THE WAY and LIVING ON LOVE, Asolo Repertory Theatre; CHILDREN OF A LESSER GOD, RAGTIME, BIG FISH and PRIVATE LIVES, Timber Lake Playhouse; and MAMMA MIA!, Tropicana Las Vegas. His Chicago credits include WONDERFUL TOWN and THE JUNGLE BOOK, The Goodman Theatre; A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 7 BRIDES, MAME and CHARLOTTE’S WEB, Drury Lane Theatre; MAMMA MIA!, ALADDIN, FOR THE BOYS and THE FULL MONTY and SHENANDOAH, Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre; MONTHY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, THE ADDAMS FAMILY and THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, Mercury Theater Chicago. Karl was raised in Chicago and is married to actress Elizabeth Haley. Karl has recently taken an interest in darts and created an all-theatre team named the Dark Nights. He claims to have won Chicago’s beginning and intermediate divisions quicker than any other team in Chicago history. Nik Kmiecik (Brad Miller) has appeared in numerous Chicago productions, including ONCE (Andrej), Paramount Theatre; A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Drury Lane Theatre; TWELFTH NIGHT, Writers Theatre; SS! TWELFTH NIGHT, SS! MACBETH, LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST, HENRY V, Chicago Shakespeare Theater; PORCHLIGHT REVISITS: CAN-CAN, MINNIE’S BOYS and CALL ME MADAM, Porchlight Theatre; HELLO AGAIN, Theo Ubique; THE HUNDRED DRESSES, Chicago Children’s Theatre; FRANKINLAND, Jackalope Theatre; THE DISTANCE, Haven Theatre; and EDWARD TULANE and PINOCCHIO, Filament Theatre. Nik is proudly represented by Stewart Talent. Very special thanks and love to Mom, Dad and Maddie.
Marvin Malone II (Scotty Watkins, u/s Jack/Danny Myers & Others) has appeared in the Chicago productions of THE COLOR PURPLE, Drury Lane Theatre; GYPSY; MEMPHIS, Porchlight Music Theatre; and SOMETHING IN THE GAME, American Music Theatre Project. He also starred in SISTER ACT (Eddie), Post Playhouse. Other favorite credits include AIDA (Radames), Playhouse Square; and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND (Papa Ge), Columbia College. Marvin was also seen on television in FOX’s final season of Empire. Marvin is originally from Cleveland and earned his BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from Columbia College Chicago. Marvin is represented by DDO Artists Agency and is excited to be telling this fun story, with these amazing people! He sends love to his parents and is thankful for his family’s support. Amos 9:13-15 MSG. Instagram: @MarvinMaloneii. Norrell Moore (Rebecca Miller) was last seen in Fireside Dinner Theatre’s band show THAT’S WHAT I CALL ROCK & ROLL. Her favorite credits include ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE (Patsy) and SISTERS OF SWING, BDT Stage; HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH (Aurora Fox); The NY Fringe production of I DON <3 U NE MOR, Lucille Lortel Theatre; LEGALLY BLONDE, Arvada Center; SHREK THE MUSICAL; HAIR, Town Hall Arts Center; CABARET, Ignite Theatre; and Ben Dicke’s BLOODY, BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON. Norrell grew up in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania and received her BFA in Acting from Marymount Manhattan College. Proud AEA member. Thanks to Gray Talent, HHWTS cast, crew & production team, and Joe xo. Amy Toporek (Jackie Miller) is excited for her Chicago debut! Amy has starred in the National/ International Tour of HAIRSPRAY (Tracy Turnblad) and in the Off-Broadway production of THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES. Her regional credits include the developmental production of HIT HER WITH THE SKATES (Jackie Miller), Hamilton Stage; HAIRSPRAY (Tracy Turnblad), Walnut HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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Street Theater and Flat Rock Playhouse; GREASE (Jan), North Carolina Theatre; and THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES (Betty Jean), Flat Rock Playhouse. Thank you to Christine, Rick and the entire Skating Nation family! Mom, Dad, Rachel and James...thank you for always being my #1 fans. Forward Motion! Instagram: @amytoporek. Chris Walker (Jack/ Danny Myers) starred in THE WIZ (Tin Man), American Stage in St. Petersburg; HAIRSPRAY (Seaweed J. Stubbs); and AIDA. He was last seen on tour as Lead Singer in the B.B. King ALL Star Band. Chris grew up in Rockledge, Florida and studied Music at Indian River State College and Theatre at Brevard Community College. On stage, Chris is rocking roller skates but off stage he can be found in ice skates, exercising or in the kitchen baking. Adia Bell (Female Swing, u/s Jackie Miller, Rebecca Miller (Mom) & Others, Meghan Behnke & Others, Tonya Carson & Others) appeared in THE COLOR PURPLE, Drury Lane Theatre. Her regional credits include THE MUSIC MAN, Arizona Theatre Company; SISTER ACT (Deloris), HANDS ON A HARDBODY (Norma), THE PAJAMA GAME (Mabel), DOUBT, A PARABLE (Mrs. Muller), Arizona Repertory Theatre. Adia is from Phoenix, Arizona and graduated with a BFA in Musical Theatre from The University of Arizona. She is represented by Gray Talent Group and would like to thank her sweet mother for her unconditional love and support.Instagram: @adia_bell. Adam Fane (Male Swing, u/s Blake Conrad/Russ Reiner & Others, Scotty Watkins & Others, Brad Miller & Others, Hank Miller (Dad) & Others) appeared in the National Tour of ROCK OF AGES and Norwegian Cruise Line production of JERSEY BOYS. His Chicago credits include MS. BLAKK FOR PRESIDENT, Steppenwolf; THE PRODUCERS, Disney’s THE LITTLE MERMAID, MAMMA MIA!, HAIRSPRAY and MARY POPPINS, Paramount Theatre; GYPSY, SHREK THE MUSICAL and RIDE THE 6
HIT HER WITH THE SKATES LLC
CYCLONE, Chicago Shakespeare Theater; MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, AVENUE Q and PIPPIN, Mercury Theater Chicago; BILLY ELLIOT THE MUSICAL, Porchlight Music Theatre; and FIRST DATE, Royal George Theatre. Regional credits include CABARET, Theater at the Center; and CHICAGO, Mason Street Warehouse. Adam appeared in the film Canal Street and on television in NBC’s Chicago PD. Adam is represented by DDO Chicago. Instagram: @almostfanemous. Christine Rea (Book/Lyrics) began her journey of playwriting, producing and performing as a kid on her parent’s backyard patio in south suburban Chicago. Upon earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Illinois: Champaign/Urbana and pursuing her Masters at DePaul University’s Theater School, Christine toured the US, Canada and Europe performing. Favorite roles include Mary Magdalene in the National Tour(s) of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson and more recently reprised with Ted Neeley an Corey Glover of the groundbreaking rock band, Living Colour; Magenta in the European Tour of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and Emma Goldman in the OffBroadway Revival of TINTYPES. Christine is a proud member of The Dramatists Guild, Commercial Theater Institute (CTI) and Actors Equity Association. Endless thanks go out to Beidler, Dorothy “Mom” Rea and Rick for their love and support. This one’s for Billy Rea, the guy who taught his daughter the art of self-defense (“Go for the eyes!”) and the hilarity of donning a set of Billy Bob teeth at just the right moment. Rick Briskin (Music/Lyrics/Musical Supervisor) attended the acclaimed Berklee College of Music as a drummer and discovered his true love of songwriting. At that point, he picked up the guitar and began his journey as a singer/songwriter. Born in NYC, his parents instilled a love and appreciation for musical theatre. When approached to collaborate on HIT HER WITH THE SKATES, Rick’s extensive knowledge of musical genre and style, coupled with his enthusiasm for musical theatre made him a natural. As a mainstay of the NYC music scene, he has produced and worked with a diverse group of artists in a wide range of styles. Rick has shared the stage with many artists including Diana Ross, Frankie Valli, Cindy Lauper, Sheryl Crow and Anita Baker. Rick is a proud member of AFM Local 802. Much love and thanks to Christine for all her support, and for bringing me on to this amazing project!
BIOGR APHIES
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Brenda Didier’s (Director) theatre credits include work with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Goodman, Paramount, Marriott Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Mercury Theater Chicago, Kokandy, BoHo, and many others. Ms. Didier is the owner and artistic director of the Lincolnshire Academy of Dance, a multiple Jeff Award recipient and was honored with the National Youth Choreography Award and the 2018 Guy Adkins Award for the advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago. Credits include the Kenny Rogers’ Christmas Tour, Second City, Six Flags, Busch Gardens, T-Mobile’s national commercial Home for the Holidays, Cirque Shanghai at Navy Pier’s Skyline Stage with engagements in Atlantic City, Las Vegas and off-Broadway. Thank you to Christine, Rick, Chris, Maggie, Matt, our incredible cast and band. Love to Mike and mom always! Christopher Chase Carter (Choreographer) is a Liberal Arts Graduate from Grand Valley State University. He has traveled extensively performing, directing and choreographing. Some of his credits include A CHORUS LINE (Jeff nomination), GYPSY, MEMPHIS (Jeff Nomination and BTAA Recipient), DREAMGIRLS, IN THE HEIGHTS (Broadway World Award), Porchlight Revisits THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG and CHESS at Porchlight Music Theatre; FIVE GUYS NAMED MOE (Jeff Nomination, Court Theater); LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, HAIR (Mercury Theatre); PAJAMA GAME, THE WIZ, 42ND STREET, and GUYS AND DOLLS (Theatre at the Center); THE LEGEND OF GEORGIA MCBRIDE (Northlight Theater); SHOW BOAT and OKLAHOMA! (Lyric Opera Chicago); SHOW BOAT (San Francisco and Houston Grand Operas); HAIRSPRAY (Drury Lane Oakbrook), JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT (Paramount Theater); Duke Ellington’s QUEENIE PIE (Chicago Opera Theater); LEGALLY BLONDE(Northwestern); WONDERFUL TOWN, SWEENEY TODD (Grand Award), GODSPELL (Grand Valley State University); and THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS (Director of the MTI National High School Pilot). A former scholarship student of Debbie Allen Dance Academy, he was also Director/Choreographer for the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s Summer Repertory Theatre Intensive for six seasons. Daniel A. Weiss (Music Director) was the Associate Conductor for the original Broadway productions of RENT, TABOO (Boy George), BROOKLYN, HAIR (Assistant Conductor), Music Director for Duncan Sheik’s WHISPER HOUSE AT LONDON’S
THE OTHER PALACE. He is the Musical Director for actor Anthony Rapp as well as the show LET IT BE, playing theaters and arenas throughout the states, New Zealand, Malaysia and Hong Kong. He’s a member of the touring group, Disney On Broadway. Daniel has composed and arranged for ROCK AND ROLL REFUGEE, the life and music of East Village icon, Genya Raven. In the summer of 2015, he was Musical Director for the London version of SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD by Jason Robert Brown and MD, orchestrator and keyboardist for Anthony Rapp’s one-man show, WITHOUT YOU, having toured the Edinburgh Fringe, Menier Chocolate Factory, UK, KTG Theater S Korea, and the Panasonic Theater, Toronto. He composed original music for Mateo Moreno’s HAPPILY AFTER TONIGHT. With Anthony Rapp, he wrote and arranged songs for DEDALUS LOUNGE by playwright, Gary Duggin. Artist Tours include Joan Osborne, Disney On Broadway, Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, Jeffrey Gaines, Alexis P Suter and Slam Alan. Christopher Rhoton (Scenic Designer) is a Chicago based award-winning Scenic Designer. Chicago credits include productions at the Marriott Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Music Theatre Works, Porchlight Music Theatre and more. Other notable credits include work with Busch Gardens Tampa and Hollywood Bowl. World premieres include BEAU: A NEW MUSICAL, THE LIFE AND SLIMES OF MARC SUMMERS, THE UNCIVIL WAR and MAKE ME BAD. Christopher is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. For more information, visit www.Christopher-Rhoton.com. Lindsay McWilliams (Costume Designer) is a Brooklyn, NY based Costume Designer. Previous design credits include THE APPLE BOYS, HERE Arts Center; HIT HER WITH THE SKATES, Hamilton Stage; A SCYTHE OF TIME, NYMF; BUNY HOLE TV miniseries; and MY FAIR LADY, Triad Stage. Select Broadway credits include Associate Designer for SOMETHING ROTTEN!; Assistant Designer for TOOTSIE THE MUSICAL; and Assistant Designer for KINKY BOOTS, as well as the Assistant Designer on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for Paris, Shanghai, and NYC shows. Lindsay has a B.F.A. in Costume Design from UNC School of the Arts. IATSE USA 829 and TWU 764 member. www.lindsaymcwilliams.net
HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
Chris Merriman (Lighting Design) has been making trouble in dark theatres since the ripe old age of 5. Chris has worked on countless national tours, oneoff productions, regional theater, opera, concerts, festivals and special events since then and while spending way too much time in dark buildings and hotel rooms. When not in the dark, Chris can be found trying to finish some woodworking project, or working on one of the many boats (much to the chagrin of his wife Penny) that seem to appear out of nowhere. Chris is a designer within the Lightswitch Group, and we are all excited to be involved in yet another musical production. Bruce Landon Yauger (Sound Design) goes way back with HIT HER WITH THE SKATES creator, Christine, to the 90s JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR tours with Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson, where she was always his favorite Mary Magdalene. Bruce works through falconmusik LLC, a multimedia production company that works in film, theatre, and live music events. Recent credits include music composition and sound design for PIP’S ISLAND NYC at 42nd and 9th, music for the soundtrack of DJANGO UNCHAINED and audio for the BLITHE SPIRIT TOUR with Dame Angela Lansbury. Shout outs to my lovely wife Julie and two of the busiest boys on the planet, Lorenzo and Landon. Kevin Barthel (Wig Design) is the resident designer at Theater at the Center since 1999. Other theaters include Drury Lane Oakbrook, Porchlight, Marriott Theater, The Mercury Theater, Venus, The Royal George, The Fireside Playhouse, Skylight Opera, 6 Flags Great America and the occasional high school, community theater, Halloween costume or drag queen production. Special thanks to his husband for the extra bathroom to house all the hair. Wendy Joy Beckwith’s (Properties Designer) theater credits include property and carpentry work with Bespoke Theatricals on THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG; Worklight Productions on CINDERELLA; Richards Climan on CABARET; Big League Productions on Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS; Networks Productions on WAR HORSE; Troika Entertainment on LEGALLY BLONDE; and Vee Corporation with 1-2-3 IMAGINE WITH ELMO AND FRIENDS, all on tour across the US, Canada and Tokyo.
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HIT HER WITH THE SKATES LLC
Johnny Moran (Fight Choreographer) is an actor and Jeff Award nominated fight choreographer from Chicago. He has worked with companies such as A Red Orchid, The Gift, Writer’s Theatre, The Griffin, The Hypocrites, Black Ensemble and Strawdog Theater. You can hear him online on the podcast “The Game Show and Stuff” on RadioMisfits.com. He is represented by Big Mouth Talent. Maggie O’Donnell (Production Stage Manager) was most recently in the room where it happened as Rehearsal Stage Manager and Sub Assistant Stage Manager on the Chicago production of HAMILTON: AN AMERICAN MUSICAL. Maggie was stage manager for the 8-year run of MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET at the Apollo Theatre. Other commercial credits include A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME; ALTAR BOYZ; THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE; and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT at the Chicago Theatre starring Donny Osmond. Other credits include Paramount, Drury Lane, Court, Northlight, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Second City and Ballet Chicago. Matthew McMullen (Assistant Stage Manager) is delighted to be entering the new decade working on the HIT HER WITH THE SKATES team! Matthew has worked as an Equity Stage Manager on over 40 productions in the Chicagoland area including credits with Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Theatre at the Center, Goodman Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Silk Road Rising, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Provision Theatre Company and Blue Man Group Chicago. Big thanks to Maggie, Marcus and Glenn, and thanks always to Missy for her long-suffering support. Steve Abrams (Company Manager) is an artistic director, producer and manager who has held leadership positions at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Harris Theater for Music and Dance. In 2016, Steve was named the first guest artistic director of Navy Pier and executive produced LETTIN’ THE GOOD TIMES ROLL in Chicago and KNIFE TO THE HEART in Los Angeles and Chicago. Steve founded Kicky Productions, an arts and production company based in Chicago. Instagram: @kickyproductions.
BIOGR APHIES
c o n t.
LDK Productions (General Management) is a theatrical general management and producing firm founded by Lisa Dozier King that has managed more than 200 professional productions. Select productions include BE MORE CHILL (Broadway, Off Broadway, Chicago, London); RAKUGO; RED DEVIL BATTERY SIGN (Tennessee Williams, American Premiere); A LOVELY SUNDAY FOR CREVE COEUR; and A LETTER TO HARVEY MILK. She was the founding producing director of Miami New Drama, a LORT theatre in Miami FL, and is a professor of practice in theatre management at the University of Florida. The LDK Team is proud to be part of Skating Nation! www.LDKProductions.com Bob Cline (Casting Director) has been the freelance NY casting director since the late 1900’s. He was recently named one of Broadways 10 best by BroadwayWorld.com. Bob has been the casting director for over 70 national tours, TV, film and commercials, and over 35 regional theaters over the past 27 years. He also freelances as a director and has been a Professor of Musical Theatre at Pace University for the last 16 years in NYC. He is also the proud Associate Director of the Broadway Artist Alliance. Here’s to “forward motion,” Christine!!! Thank you all for coming to see this show!! HHWTS Productions, LLC (Lead Producer) is the husband and wife writing team, Rick Briskin & Christine Rea. With a combined 60 years of experience in the theater and music business, and a primary focus of developing new plays and musicals, HHWTS Productions strives to deliver universally appealing shows with timeless and enduring messages. Recent: Off-Broadway, THE CRUSADE OF CONNOR STEPHENS, a new play; Developmental Production Hamilton Stage (UCPAC) 2017, HIT HER WITH THE SKATES: A New Musical about Life, Love & the Roller Rink. Rick is a proud member of the American Federation of Musicians. Christine is a member of The Dramatist Guild of America, Actors Equity Association and a proud graduate of The Commercial Theater Institute (CTI). Many thanks go to CTI Executive Director, Tom Viertel for his unerring guidance. Additional thanks go to their legion of friends, artists and family members whose encouragement and support has made all the difference. www.HHWTSProductions.com
Mary Beidler Gearen (Co-Lead Producer) of Mary Beidler Gearen Productions, LLC is passionate about the support and development of new work. Off-Broadway she co-produced projects including the 2019 Drama Desk Award winner ALL IS CALM THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914, by Peter Rothstein at The Sheen Center, which has been filmed for national PBS release in 2020; THE CRUSADE OF CONNOR STEPHENS, by Dewey Moss, featuring James Kiberd at the Jerry Orbach Theater; BEFORE I DISAPPEAR, written by and featuring Alexandra Billings at the Producers Club. Mary also developed, co-produced and directed the show across the country, earning two ADA award nominations for the Los Angeles production at the Avery Schreiber Theater. Mary is happy to be back in Chicago where her work at Bailiwick Repertory Company earned two After Dark Awards and 5 Jeff nominations. She is thrilled to have been involved with HIT HER WITH THE SKATES since 2011. Deborah L. Pico (Co-Producer) has practiced law for over 35 years as an attorney based in New York and New Jersey with a passion for the arts. As a major fan and supporter of the theater, she is thrilled to be part of HIT HER WITH THE SKATES as one of its producers. Vincent DiFiore (Associate Producer) has produced Legends Shows since the early 90’s, mainly for charity events. He produced Mokena’s Festa Italiana for the past 7 years. His Legends Shows consisting of Elvis, Neil Diamond and Sinatra artists have been packing houses in 3 states. He is proud to be a part of the HIT HER WITH THE SKATES team. Henry L Hertz, Ed.D. (Associate Producer) taught and directed drama at Thornton Fractional South High School in Lansing, IL for over three decades. Among the 125 productions he worked on during his tenure, Hertz’s students earned 6 State Championships in the Illinois High School Association tournament series. He is indeed proud to have been Christine Rea’s theatre director. Dorothy Rea (Associate Producer) had the luxury of being a stay-at-home Mom and the “producer” of the book writer/lyricist, Christine Rea, as well as the mother-in-law of the composer/lyricist, Rick Briskin. She is proud to be a part of launching this amazing new musical, that inspires us to be our best self. Thank You Billy Rea – I know you are smiling down. HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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P R O D U C T I O N PAG E OPENING NIGHT: MARCH 18, 2020 STAFF FOR HIT HER WITH THE SKATES EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Christine Rea GENERAL MANAGEMENT LDK PRODUCTIONS Lisa Dozier King Sofia Cabrales, Claire Kedjidjian, Michael Shannon COMPANY MANAGER Steve Abrams PRODUCTION SUPERVISION Aaron Shapiro CASTING Bob Cline ADVERTISING/MARKETING Allied Global Marketing PRESS REPRESENTATIVES Margie Korshak, Inc. SOCIAL MEDIA Krystal Rea Production Stage Manager ............................................................................................Maggie O’Donnell Assistant Stage Manager ............................................................................................. Matthew McMullen Music Transcription.............................................................................................................................Mike Hall Assistant Set Designer ..................................................................................................................Shane Cinal Model Creation........................................................................................................................ Kristen Martino Assistant Costume Designer ....................................................................................................... Emily Brink NY Costume Assistant ....................................................................................................................Jessica Day Custom Skate Boots ............................................................................................................ Elizabeth Flauto Costume Alterations........................................................... Steppenwolf Costume Shop, Lydia Frantz Wigs Designer ...............................................................................................................................Kevin Barthel Props Designer ......................................................................................................................Wendy Beckwith Technical Director ........................................................................................................Andrew Glasenhardt Wardrobe Supervisor ......................................................................................................... Brenda Winstead Dresser.................................................................................................................................................Jess Smoot A1/Audio Head ............................................................................................................................ Mati Johnson A2/Production Assistant Stagehand ..................................................................................Marcus Carroll Spotlight Operator .................................................................................................................. Anthony Smith Stage Hand/Carpenter ................................................................................................................Glenn Fields Lightboard Operator/Production Electrician ..................................................................... Lena Aubrey Master Electrician ......................................................................................................................... Mike Goebel Scenic Charge ......................................................................................................................Meghan Erxleben Swing Crew .....................................................................................................................................Travis Larson Key Art ........................................................................................................................................Erwing Corrales Production Counsel ................................................................................................... Michael J. Sinder, Esq. Accountant ....................................................................................................Goldstein & Loggia CPA’s, LLC Bookkeeping ....................................................................................................................Michael Rubenstein Banking .....................................................................................................................................................TD Bank Payroll Company......................................................................................... Checks & Balances Payroll Inc. Insurance .......................................Dewitt Stern Entertainment/Peter Shoemaker, Anthony Pittari Rehearsal Studio ...................................................................................Porchlight Music Theatre Studios Lighting equipment provided by Intelligent Lighting Creations Audio equipment provided by FALCONMUSIK 10
HIT HER WITH THE SKATES LLC
SPECIAL THANKS Ray Baranak, Mike & Robin Hall, Cindy & Joe Ventura, Annette Raynor, Vincent J. DiFiore, Michael DiFiore, Leona Fleissman, Randy LoPatin, Amy Gewirtz, Lois Mulcahey, Christine & Ron Small, Bill & Marilyn Picchioni, Marilyn Rea-Beyer, Suzanne & Christian Hurst, Krystal Rea, Dewey Moss, Michael Sanow, Ree Prince, The Smarties Candy Company
For Groups of 10+ Contact Group Tix (312) 423-6612
T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E Theatre Owner............................................................................................................... Liberty Theatres, Inc. President................................................................................................................................... Margaret Cotter General Manager .........................................................................................................................Dan Schlaack Box Office Manager ....................................................................................................................Scott Randall Box Office Staff ................................Kenneth Heft, Miguel Perez, Julia Sears, Beth Ann Weinstock House Manager ..............................................................................................................................James Lewis House Staff.....................................................................Will Bruce, Kellie Buffington, Danielle Clough, Angela Cotey, Sara Crounse, Dora Farona, Spencer Fritz, Ryan Gallerani, Josh Gibbons, Stephen Johnson, Jordan McGinnis, Octavia Taylor Operations ..................................................................................................................................James Heppler
ING
GAL
PEN A REO
JACQUELINE MILLER: LOVIN’ THE LIFE TOUR ‘94 All-Skate Saturday October 22 at 7 PM General Admission $25 VIP backstage access $40 Complimentary skate rental and Slush Puppy (Red $1 upcharge) to all attendees!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MAYOR’S OFFICE AND T.C. SILVERBERG ENTERPRISES, INC.
HIT HER WITH THE SKATES
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T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E S E R V I C E S A N D FAC I L I T I E S Box Office Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 12 p.m. until curtain, or until 6 p.m. if the theatre is dark. For more information, please call the box office at 312-988-9000. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management. Smoking is not permitted in the theatres, washrooms, or lobbies. Accessible seating is limited. Please order directly through our Box Office Ticket Agents at The Royal George Theatre Theatre Rental: The Mainstage, Cabaret, Great Room, and Gallery theatres are available during the day or on “dark” nights for business meetings, lectures, classes, seminars, and other events. For further information, please contact Dan Schlaack, General Manager, at 312988-9105 or email dan.schlaack@theroyalgeorgetheatre.com. For more information visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com #royalgeorgechicago
A B O U T T H E R O YA L G E O R G E T H E AT R E The Royal George Theatre Center was built in 1984 and features four unique theatre spaces: The Main Stage with 450 seats, the Cabaret with 193 seats, the Great Room with 100 seats, and the Gallery with 50 seats. In recent years the Royal George Theatre Center has featured such acclaimed attractions as Miracle the Musical, The Woman in Black, Don’t Dress for Dinner, Hershey Felder’s Gershwin and Irving Berlin, Steady Rain (2009 Season on Broadway with Hugh Jackman and Daniel Craig), Art, The Gin Game starring Julie Harris and Charles Durning, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Forever Tango, Love Letters starring Robert Wagner and Jill St. John, I Hate Hamlet; the premiere of the first national touring production of Angels in America, Lost in Yonkers, Lend Me a Tenor, and Other People’s Money. Other major productions on the Mainstage have included the world premiere of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s The Grapes of Wrath, Papa starring George Peppard, the world premiere of Burn This starring John Malkovich and Joan Allen, and Little Shop of Horrors starring Billy Connelly and John Leguizamo. The Royal George Cabaret Theatre is the current home of the critically acclaimed I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce starring Ronnie Marmo & Directed by Joe Mantegna. The Cabaret has featured some of Chicago’s most popular and commercially successful productions including Forever Plaid, the longest running musical ever produced in Chicago with a sixand-a-half-year run, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, & Forbidden Broadway to name a few. The Great Room Theatre has been the long-time home to the smash hit, Late Nite Catechism & Bible Bingo, and has also featured productions by many new and developing Chicago theatre companies, including the long-running Flanagan’s Wake. Our Gallery has housed many notable premiere productions from Chicago’s not-for-profit theatre groups, including Runcible Theatre Company’s Scenes from an Execution and Colorbox Theatre’s The Medium.
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HIT HER WITH THE SKATES LLC
Dinner Show Dinner Show AND A
AND A
a r n u ts a t s e r l a c o l h t Arts calendar paired wi KILL MOVE PARADISE
TimeLine Theatre Company
Inspired by the growing list of slain unarmed black men and women, this powerful reflection illustrates collective transformation and spontaneous joy.
ALMOST HEAVEN
Theatre at the Center
Chicagoland premiere! This musical tribute is an intimate celebration of John Denver’s life and career.
AN ILIAD
Court Theatre
An Iliad, the one-man adaptation of Homer’s Iliad, is a groundbreaking site-specific performance not to be missed.
HER HONOR JANE BYRNE
Lookingglass Theatre Company
February 12 – April 5
615 W. Wellington Ave. (773) 281-8463 x6
February 13 – March 22
Theatre at the Center (219) 836-3255
February 26 – March 22 Court Theatre (773) 753-4472
February 26 – April 12
It’s 1981, the city’s simmering pot of neglected problems Lookingglass Theatre (312) 337-0665 boils over, and Chicago’s first woman mayor is moving into Cabrini-Green. Will it bring the city together?
DAY OF ABSENCE
Congo Square Theatre
Uproarious emergencies occur when a Southern town is faced with the sudden and inexplicable disappearance of all its black and brown citizens.
February 27 – March 22 Victory Gardens Theater (773) 871-3000
Dinner
AND A
Show
THE PILLOWMAN
The Gift Theatre Co
A writer is being interrogated by two detectives who want to know why his gruesome horror stories mirror a string of recent child murders in the area.
HERE LIES HENRY
February 27 – March 29 The Gift Theatre 773-283-7071
Interrobang Theatre Project
February 28 – March 28
THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL
March 6 – 28
Henry is nervous, a self-proclaimed liar, and compelled by some unknown force to tell us his life story along with something we don’t already know.
Rivendell Theatre (312) 219-4140
Carrie Watts, an elderly woman, finally escapes her cramped apartment and overprotective children to return to her beloved hometown.
Jublilee Bible Church 900 Foster Ave. Medinah (630) 634-2100
GREY GARDENS
March 6 – April 26
Overshadowed Theatrical Productions
Theo Ubique Theatre Company
Grey Gardens is the hilarious and heartbreaking story of the aunt and cousin of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
THE LADY FROM THE SEA Court Theatre
When a sailor returns to fulfill his promise, a lighthouse keeper’s daughter must choose between her landlocked marriage and the mesmerizing allure of the sea.
INTIMATE APPAREL Northlight Theatre
A black seamstress sews her way out of poverty stitch by delicate stitch, creating fine lingerie for her clientele while longing for a husband and a future.
Since 1950 Dine before or after the show See our collection of original theatre posters 3107 N. Broadway Chicago • 773-477-0300
www.bagelrestaurant.com
Howard Street Theatre (773) 347-1109
March 12 – April 12
Court Theatre (773) 753-4472
March 12 – April 19
Northlight Theatre (847) 673-6300
Dinner
AND A
Show
MY DEAR HUSSEIN
Silk Road Rising & Momentary Theatre
March 17 – April 19
CRY IT OUT
March 18 – May 3
This surrealistic tale of a four-year-old Iranian girl unfolds amidst the carnage of the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s.
Oil Lamp Theater
Four months ago, Jessie was a glamorous corporate lawyer. Today, she is in dirty yoga pants, covered in breast milk, trying to comfort a screaming newborn.
THE LAST MATCH
The Chicago Temple (312) 857-1234
Oil Lamp Theater (847) 834-0738
Writers Theatre
March 18 – June 7
METHTACULAR!
March 19 – May 2
When a young Russian tennis phenom and an American superstar meet at center court, it’s a tough call whether the drama is playing out off the court or on!
16th Street Theater
Steven Strafford’s hilarious and harrowing autobiographical account of his three years as a crystal meth addict in Chicago.
DDE ROCKS!
Skokie Park - Devonshire Dance
DDE will bring everything you imagine from a live rock concert as they dance to your favorite rock anthems and ballads from the 1960’s to today.
LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S LITTLE WOMEN
Gillian Theater (847) 242-6000
16th Street Theater (708) 795-6704
March 21 – 22 Devonshire Cultural Center (847) 674-1500
First Folio Theatre
March 25 – April 26
THE ODYSSEY
March 26 – April 5
Four young women, playing in an attic, bring to life the tale of the March sisters with all of their trials, tribulations, and triumphs.
Loyola University Chicago
The Odyssey begins in a modern context, with a young woman struggling to understand a translation of Homer’s great work.
DHABA ON DEVON AVENUE Victory Gardens Theater
A restaurant, with delicious Sindhi food transporting you back to the halcyon days of undivided India, is on the verge of foreclosure.
Mayslake Peabody Estate (630) 986-8067
Newhart Family Theater (773) 508-7510
March 27 – April 26
Victory Gardens Theater (773) 871-3000
Dinner
AND A
Show
NINE
Blank Theatre Company
March 28 – April 26
HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY BEETHOVEN
March 29
Nine tells the story of a visionary film director and the frustrations of the many women in his life.
Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra A concert featuring the music of Ludwig von Beethoven, celebrating his two hundred and fiftieth birthday.
THE REMARKABLE ADVENTURES OF PRINCESS FU XIAO Northeastern Illinois University
Stage 773 Blanktheatrecompany.org
North Shore Center (847) 673-6300
April 1 – 4
NEIU Auditorium (773) 442-5906
A young, adopted Chinese girl, visits the Lincoln Park Zoo, where she is whisked away to a fantasy realm.
THE MOST SPECTACULARLY LAMENTABLE April 2 – May 17 Steppenwolf Theatre TRIAL OF MIZ MARTHA WASHINGTON Steppenwolf Theatre Company
312-335-1650
PALESTINE
April 9 – May 2
The Chicago premiere by James Ijames.
16th Street Theater
Najla Saïd provides a unique and personal passage into one of the most volatile and historic corners of the earth with compassion, humor and honesty.
16th Street Theater (708) 795-6704
WHEN WE WERE YOUNG AND UNAFRAID April 9 – May 10 AstonRep Theatre Co
The Edge Theater (773) 828-9129
FREAKY FRIDAY
April 10 – May 24
In the early 1970s, Agnes has turned her quiet bed and breakfast into one of the few spots where victims of domestic violence can seek refuge.
Porchlight Music Theatre
Based on the hit book and beloved films, this is the modern story of a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies, with hilarious results.
THE RING CYCLE 2020 Lyric Opera
A brand new Ring cycle comes to Lyric this spring—four legendary operas, one epic week.
Ruth Page Center for the Arts (773) 777-9884
April 13 – May 3
Lyric Opera of Chicago Lyricopera.org
Dinner
AND A
Show
A WRINKLE IN TIME
Theatre School at DePaul University
Join us for the story of one of Meg Murry, as she joins forces with Mrs. Whatsit, Charles Wallace, and Calvin O’Keefe to rescue her father.
April 16 – May 23 Merle Reskin Theater (312) 922-1999
WELCOME TO KEENE, NEW HAMPSHIRE April 16 – May 30 Strawdog Theatre Company
Filament Theatre (773) 644-1380
BE MORE CHILL
Begins April 17
Brian James Polak’s play explores the way we are today: in our growing up and in our marrying and in our living and in our dying.
Apollo Theater Chicago
Featuring a Tony Award®-nominated score, the international phenomenon is a mind-bendingly fun hit about the competing voices in our heads.
SWING, SWING, SWING Chicago a cappella
Travel back to the age of zoot suits and the Lindy hop, as our singers take on the irresistible rhythms and sentimental ballads of the 1930s and 40s.
MARY POPPINS JR.
Skokie Park - Devonshire Playhouse Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary Poppins must teach the Banks family how to value each other again.
FROM PROVENCE TO PARIS Northshore Concert Band
Our spring program takes us on a voyage from the breathtaking French countryside to the picturesque “City of Lights.”
BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS Citadel Theatre
A portrait of the writer as a young teen in 1937 living with his family in a crowded, lower middle-class Brooklyn walk-up.
I PROMISED MYSELF TO LIVE FASTER Pride Films and Plays
An intergalactic gay extravaganza featuring closeted extraterrestrials, high-stakes pursuits, and nuns from outer space.
Apollo Theater Chicago (773) 935-6100
April 18 – 26
Various Locations (773) 281-7820
April 18 – 26 Devonshire Cultural Center (847) 674-1500
April 19
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall (847) 432-2263
April 22 – May 24 Citadel Theatre (847) 735-8554
April 23 – May 31 Broadway @ Pride Arts Center (866) 811-4111
Dinner
AND A
Show
WHEN THE RAIN STOPS FALLING Shattered Globe Theatre
Shifting seamlessly from 1959 to 2039, an epic family saga unfolds across two continents and four generations.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Northwestern University
Based on best-selling novels, this Tony winning play upends the century-old story of how an orphan boy becomes the legendary Peter Pan.
SPAY
Rivendell Theatre Ensemble
Cycles of addiction are catapulted into question when a stranger shows up in town with an answer to their prayers– at a certain cost.
TALLEY’S FOLLY STARRING
LINDA & SEAN FORTUNATO
APR 30 - MAY 31
219-836-3255
TheatreAtTheCenter.com 1040 Ridge Road | Munster, IN
TALLEY’S FOLLY
Theatre at the Center
This Pulitzer Prize-winning romantic comedy tells the story of one night in the lives of two unlikely sweethearts.
THE AGITATORS Remy Bumppo
Full of fire and humanity, follow the 45-year friendship of Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.
89TH ANNUAL WAA-MU SHOW: “STATE OF THE ART” Northwestern University
April 23 – June 6 Theater Wit (773) 770-0333
April 24 – May 3 Ethel M. Barber Theater (847) 491-7282
April 24 – June 6 Rivendell Theatre (312) 219-4140
April 30 – May 31 Theatre at the Center (219) 836-3255
April 30 – June 6 Theater Wit (773) 975-8150
May 1 – 10
Cahn Auditorium (847) 491-7282
A covert group of artists vandalizing world-renowned pieces of street art in a not-so-distant future metropolis.
SOUNDS OF SPRING
May 1 – 19
Community House & Others Sounds Good! Choir (formerly Encore Illinois) provides choral singing opportunities for older adults (55+) in the (630) 441-5157 Chicago area under the direction of a professional artist.
Sounds Good! Choir
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN May 6 – 17 Watts Stage THE NIGHT-TIME Theatre School at DePaul University
An inquisitive fifteen-year-old launches an investigation after finding that his neighbor’s dog has been killed.
(312) 922-1999
Dinner
AND A
Show
MEMENTOS MORI Writers Theatre
When the persona of “Death” unexpectedly finds herself in California, she trades her scythe for an iPhone and wanders Hollywood.
May 6 – June 14 Nichols Theater (847) 242-6000
OVERFLOWING JOY
May 7 – 12
THE GOSPEL AT COLONUS
May 7 – June 7
Community House & Good Memories is a fun, upbeat community where people Others (630) 253-3392 with early-stage memory loss and their care partners sing together, enjoying familiar music that they love.
Good Memories! Choir
Court Theatre
Soulful and stirring, The Gospel at Colonus reimagines the story of Oedipus as the centerpiece of an African American Pentecostal church service.
SONGS FOR NOBODIES Northlight Theatre
This one-woman tour-de-force celebrates the iconic work of Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas.
EDEN PRAIRIE, 1971
Raven Theatre Company
Mat Smart’s stark, passionate drama - making its world premiere at Raven - confidently questions our notions of bravery and responsibility.
LOOKINGGLASS ALICE
Court Theatre (773) 753-4472
May 7 – June 14 Northlight Theatre (847) 673-6300
May 7 – June 21 Raven Theatre East Stage (773) 338-2177
Lookingglass Theatre Company
May 13 – August 30
SOLDIER SONGS
May 14 – 17
Lookingglass Alice returns for a fantastical trip down the rabbit hole, through the looking glass, and deep into your heart.
Chicago Opera Theater
David T. Little’s groundbreaking multimedia opera, featuring superstar Nathan Gunn. A rock meditation on war and the stories we tell about it.
ROYALS: KINGS, QUEEN & PRINCE Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus
Featuring a wide array of genres from classical to popular music, this show pays homage to both royal families and honorary music royalty.
Lookingglass Theater (312) 337-0665
Museum of Contemporary Art (312) 704-8414
May 15 – 17
Various Locations (773) 296-0541
YouthREACH 2020 SUMMER WORKSHOPS
AGES 13 - 17 |JUNE 10 - 27
AGES 8 - 13 | JULY 6 - 11
AGES 8 - 13 | JULY 13 - 18
AGES 8 - 13 | JULY 20 - 25
AGES 8 - 13 | JULY 27 - AUG 1
AGES 8 - 13 | AUGUST 3 - 8
JOIN IN THE FUN! Learn singing, dancing and acting from professional teaching artists.
REGISTER NOW 847 920 5360 | MUSICTHEATERWORKS.COM