Becca Brown Joins Acclaimed Parody “SPAMILTON” CHICAGO Playing All Three Schuyler Sisters!

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

“SPAMILTON” CHICAGO WELCOMES BECCA BROWN AS ITS NEW FEMALE STAR IN THE ENSEMBLE CAST 

Tickets Available for Performances Through Oct. 1 

for as Low as $35!

Here at ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows we highly recommend Spamilton. This show is more of an irreverent roast of Lin-Manuel Miranda and the whole Broadway musicals genre than a parody of Hamilton in particular, though it does include brilliantly funny lyric rewrites of Hamilton tunes. Both of my teens adored it as much as I did, and we all laughed early and often throughout the show. It's fabulously funny and exceeded all our expectations. Check out our full review and 50% off ticket link right HERE, then get out and see it for yourselves. 

If you're looking for something to entertain the tough to please teen demographic, Spamilton is a good bet. This is also a fun find for a date night or multigenerational entertainment. If you're searching for a show as funny to the kids as it is to the grandparents, Spamilton is nearly 90 minutes of non stop fun. They keep the sets and costumes minimalist and two of the sisters are puppets, but the over the top creative writing, fabulous vocals, and heartfelt hilarity is more than worth the admission. There's not a bad seat in the place, as the Royal George cabaret space is intimate. There's also a convenient bar, right at the back of the seating. 


This wickedly witty and wonderful production is an absolute must see for anyone familiar with Hamilton and/or Broadway musicals. Don't miss this!



“Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed parody of “Hamilton,” welcomes Chicago actor Becca Brown to the production as the new female star. Brown has performed with theater companies including The Second City and The Hypocrites, and her TV and film credits include the 2003 feature film “School of Rock” and the second season of “Easy” on Netflix. 

”Spamilton” is playing an open-ended run at the Royal George Theatre (1641 N. Halsted).with tickets onsale through October 1 and new tickets added weekly. Tickets ($35 – $99) can be purchased at the Royal George Theatre’s box office online, at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 312.988.9000.

“Becca originally joined the ‘Spamilton’ family as our understudy in this spring, and has consistently impressed us with her comedic timing, voice and impeccable impersonations,” said ‘Spamilton’ creator and director Gerard Alessandrini. “It was undeniable that she would be the immediate choice to become the next female performer in Chicago, and she’s seamlessly blended into the show next to our talented ensemble.” 

Created by Tony Award honoree Alessandrini, the mastermind behind “Forbidden Broadway,” “Spamilton” officially opened in Chicago on March 12 to rave reviews, with Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun-Times calling “Spamilton” an “altogether brilliant, hilarious, cliché-demolishing send-up of ‘Hamilton,’” Chris Jones of Chicago Tribune noting “You really don’t want to miss ‘Spamilton,’” and Barbara Vitello of the Daily Herald exclaiming the show is “deliciously silly. The laughs come fast and furious!” The all-Chicago “Broadway ready” (Chicago Sun-Times) cast includes Donterrio Johnson, Adam LaSalle, Becca Brown, Eric Andrew Lewis, Yando Lopez and David Robbins, as well as Sydney Charles and Brandon Kinley.

Becca Brown is a native Chicagoan actor, comedian and musician with training from University of Illinois at Chicago, The Second City Training Center and iO Training Center. Brown has performed music and stand up all over the country and is a regular performer at The Second City, iO, Laugh Factory and Salonathon. Recent theatre credits include “American Idiot” (The Hypocrites) and the title role in “Jenna Roxy” and the “Church of Modern Love” (The Hideout). Movie fans may recognize Brown as the female bassist in the 2003 film “School of Rock,” and she can be seen in the upcoming second season of “Easy” on Netflix. Brown is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.

“Spamilton,” which was initially scheduled in New York as an exclusive 18-performance off-Broadway engagement, has extended three times and is now playing its fourteenth smash month of an open engagement at the 47th Street Theatre in the heart of New York’s Theatre District. The New York production earned rave reviews across-the-board, with Ben Brantley of The New York Times calling it “smart, silly and convulsively funny!” and Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming “I laughed my brains out!” In its Chicago premiere, the local cast received additional acclaim, with critics hailing the production “endlessly entertaining” (Performink), “A Must-See!” (BroadwayWorld.com), and “razor sharp and filled with wit and humor” (Chicago Theatre Review). On opening night, cast members from the Chicago production of “Hamilton” were in the audience, and following the performance Wayne Brady called the production “Amazing! It’s the perfect blend of funny and parody. Go see ‘Spamilton!’

In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Milo Blue (Scenic Design), Andy Kloubec (Lighting Design), Matt Reich (Sound Design), Jamie Karas (Prop Design), Leah Munsey-Konops (Wig Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements).

“Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatricals, in association with JAM Theatricals. 


The performance schedule for “Spamilton” is as follows: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For additional details, visit Ticketmaster.com or TheRoyalGeorgeTheatre.com. For more information, visit Spamilton.com.

Even Lin-Manuel Miranda Loves Hilarious Parody, Spamilton!

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE SMASH HIT OFF-BROADWAY "HAMILTON" PARODY “SPAMILTON” TO PLAY CHICAGO IN 2017 FOR LIMITED 12-WEEK ENGAGEMENT

Preview Performances Begin March 3, 2017 at Royal George Theatre

 Plans for Additional Productions in Los Angeles, London and National Tour

“Spamilton,” the critically acclaimed off-Broadway parody of Broadway smash “Hamilton,” created by Gerard Alessandrini, the mastermind behind "Forbidden Broadway," announced today that the show will open its first production outside New York this spring for a strictly limited 12-week engagement. The Chicago run begins performances Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Royal George Theatre’s Cabaret/Studio Theatre (1641 N. Halsted) and runs through Monday, May 29. The production is in discussions for additional productions in Los Angeles, London, and a U.S. National Tour for 2017.

“‘Hamilton’ opened my eyes to a world of brand new comic possibilities, and inspired me more than anything has in many long years,” said “Spamilton” and “Forbidden Broadway” Creator Gerard Alessandrini. “We have been delighted that New York audiences welcomed us with open arms, and are thrilled that we will be opening our next production in the Windy City. The rest of the country need not worry, as we hope to welcome them to our ‘room where it happens’.”

“Spamilton,” which was initially scheduled as an exclusive 18-performance engagement, has extended three times off-Broadway and is now playing its fifth smash month of an open engagement at the Triad (158 West 72nd Street). The New York production earned rave reviews across-the-board, with Ben Brantley of the New York Times calling it “smart, silly and convulsively funny!” and Lin-Manuel Miranda exclaiming “I laughed my brains out!”

“Spamilton” celebrates, roasts and eviscerates the Broadway blockbuster with a cast of five. In addition to Alessandrini, the creative team includes Gerry McIntyre (Choreography), Dustin Cross (Costume Design), Fred Barton (Musical Director), and Richard Danley and Fred Barton (Musical Arrangements).

“Spamilton” is produced in Chicago by John Freedson, David Zippel, Gerard Alessandrini, Margaret Cotter and Liberty Theatres, and in association with JAM Theatricals.

“Spamilton” in Chicago will play the following performance schedule: Tuesdays through Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Tickets for “Spamilton” start at $59. Premium seats ($89 - $99) are also available. To purchase tickets, please visit TheRoyalGeorgeTheatre.com or call 312.988.9000.

Acclaim for “Spamilton:”

“I laughed my brains out!”

-Lin-Manuel Miranda

“Smart, silly and convulsively funny!”

-Ben Brantley, The New York Times (Critics’ Pick)

"The next best thing to seeing 'Hamilton.'"

-New York Post

“Comic genius! It’s truly mind-blowing. There simply aren’t enough words to describe the virtuosity that is “Spamilton.’

-Roma Torre, NY1

 “The laughs are huge and nonstop! Even if you haven’t seen “Hamilton,” you’ll get the jokes, which are pretty damn funny.”

-David Cote, Time Out New York (Best of 2016 – Honorable Mention)

“’Spamilton’ is so infectiously funny that it could easily run as long as its inspiration!”

-Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter

“You don’t have to see ‘Hamilton’ to have side-splitting fun at ‘Spamilton.’" All that is required is that you love Broadway.”

-The Huffington Post 

For more information, visit Spamilton.com.

FLASH GIVEAWAY AND REVIEW: Win A Pair Of Tickets to The Rosenkranz Mysteries at Royal George (Up to $150 value per pair/2 winners)

ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are pleased to partner up with The Royal George Theatre. We're giving away 2 Pairs Of Tickets (Up to $150 value per pair/2 winners) to The Rosenkranz Mysteries, which is highly recommended and extended through January 22nd. Check back early and often. We'll announce our winner tomorrow morning as well as 2 additional theatre ticket giveaways.

ENTER HERE through midnight tonight 1/11 for your chance to WIN 
 A Pair of tickets to The Rosenkranz Mysteries valid for this Thursday 1/12 at 8pm or Sunday 1/15 at 2pm. (2 winners chosen to win a pair of tickets each) 

REVIEW: 

The Rosenkranz Mysteries brings a merging of the arts of medicine and magic that makes for a spellbinding night out. It's recommended for adults and kids ages 10+, and my 15 year old son and I enjoyed it immensely. 

Rosenkranz is a man of many hats: Northwestern professor, MD, collector of vintage magic tricks, and mystifying magician. Over the years we've reviewed many magic shows and Rosenkranz brings a bag of tricks that includes quite a few I've never seen before, which is refreshing. Amazingly, his show only features one card act. There are many audience volunteers called and all are treated with care and set up to succeed. I was pleased to see that he pulls audience members from all areas of the theatre, not just the front row seats.

I was also impressed with this medicine man's wit and wisdom. I couldn't help thinking how lucky his students and patients are to have a doctor who understands the importance of empathy and humor and who can covey to others the art of medicine and healing and not just the science. 

I'm still recovering from major knee surgery, in late November, so this hybrid of medicine and magic hit home to me. From the heavy burden of patient pain portrayed through a box trick, to an expressively clairvoyant skull, and a scarf full of holes made whole, Rosenkranz has a gift of expressing the depth and calling of the medical profession in unforgettable visuals. Therein lies the true brilliance of this show. 

The Royal George Cabaret is an intimate space, so there's not a bad seat in the house, and great sight lines even from the back row. There's a bar on the way in, with show themed drinks, soft drinks, and snacks and all are permitted in the theatre. My son and I had the great pleasure of sitting at one of the 4 top cabaret tables at the front, and it was a stellar way to see the show. I won't give too many spoilers on the illusions, but I did get called up to assist on a chalk board trick involving a pocket watch, soup, and channeling the magician's dearly departed Oma. It was quite fun.

If there's any weak link it's the timing. Rosenkranz has the pacing of a professor rather than a professional prestidigitator and some of the acts have long lead ins and are repeated a bit more than necessary. Short of that, the show is fabulously fun and well worth seeing. Highly recommended. 

The Rosenkranz Mysteries

An Evening of Magic to Lift the Spirits

Extends at The Royal George Cabaret

(great for ages 10+)

Due to popular demand, performances have been added through January 22

"An immensely likeable, intelligent and very intimate show. Well worth seeing!" 3.5 Stars - Chicago Tribune

“Highly Recommended. Mind boggling and exceptional.” – Around the Town Chicago

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're huge fans of magic and illusion. I've been out recovering from major knee surgery since late November, then out of town for the holidays with the family, but I'll finally be able to review The Rosenkranz Mysteries tomorrow, with my 15 year old son. This show's high on our must see list so we're elated that they extended through January 22nd. We'll be running a ticket giveaway with our review as well, so check back soon!

Classic as well as never been seen before illusions have amazed audiences at the Royal George Cabaret space in what Chicago Critic calls a “must see,” as the nationally regarded illusionist Ricardo Rosenkranz stars in The Rosenkranz Mysteries, an evening of magic to lift the spirits. “Full of fascinating bits! Impressive,” according to the Chicago Reader, the astounding numbers have captivated audiences in its cabaret style setting with tables featured in the space. This one man, ninety-minute production Buzz News proclaims is filled with “astonishing illusions and jaw-dropping acts of mentalism,” runs through January 22 at the Royal George Theatre’s Cabaret space, 1641 North Halsted Street.

Every illusion has been researched, evaluated, and workshopped with the nation’s most elite and respected magicians including Eugene Burger (Chief Architect of Magic for the production) whose credits include The Art of Magic on PBS and Mysteries of Magic on The Learning Channel; Jeff McBridge (Chief Magic Consultant) whose credits include being designated as Grand Prix of Magic winner in Monte Carlo; Ross Johnson and Johnny Thompson (Magic Consultants), and Jan Rose and Jordan Wright (Magic Team).

Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz is a respected professor at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He has been fascinated by magic since a young age and has long been incorporating his illusions into his teaching as a way to help engage students and encourage participation. After winning several teaching awards and traveling the country to deliver seminars, Rosenkranz decided to bring his act to the stage.

“There is something beautiful and wonderful about the unknown, and I think in that sense, magic and medicine share a DNA,” said Rosenkranz. “I am committed to creating a unique experience that energizes and uplifts every audience.”

The Rosenkranz Mysteries stars Ricardo Rosenkranz as “The Doctor Magician”, Jan Rose as “The Hostess” and Balsamo as himself. The show is directed by Northwestern graduate Jessica Fisch (Fefu and Her Friends at the Goodman Theatre/Rivendell Latina/o Celebration), and is produced by Opus Magica Music, LLC and Ricardo Rosenkranz. The artistic team includes script by Eugene Burger, Jessica Fisch and Ricardo Rosenkranz, Set Design by Chip Von Weise, Sets by Ravenswood Studio, Lighting Design by Jennifer Kules, Prop Design and Construction by John Gaughan, and Musical Direction by Craig Terry (Lyric Opera of Chicago).

The Rosenkranz Mysteries runs through January 22, 2017. The show is intended for ages 10 and older. Tables in the cabaret space seat 4 guests ($75 per person). Regular tickets are $50 (with a seniors and students discount available). Performances will be held Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. To purchase tickets or for additional information, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 312.988.9000.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are pleased to partner up with The Royal George Theatre which has provided 2 pairs of complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own. 

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: A Heartfelt Hello To JAMAICA, FAREWELL, at The Royal George #Review

Hershey Felder Presents 

JAMAICA, FAREWELL

at The Royal George Theatre

From the Director of the Smash Hit Comedy 

“My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” Joel Zwick

Debra Ehrhardt is a consummate story teller who weaves a James Bond worthy web of a war torn 70's Jamaican escape epic. This one woman power house has no trouble captivating the audience with her tale, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious. The simple, tropical lighting, ever changing background screens, and set design accentuate the action and ably set the stage for Debra's antics. We highly recommended this harrowing and hilarious immigration saga. Don't miss this.

All Photos courtesy of Chuck Osgood of Charles Osgood Photography.

Based on her true life story, writer-performer Ehrhardt’s JAMAICA, FAREWELL chronicles her escape from revolution-torn Jamaica in the 1970’s to fulfill her lifelong dream of coming to America. Performances begin at Chicago’s Royal George Theatre, 1641 North Halsted, 60614, on Tuesday, September 8, and continue through Sunday, October 11. Tickets are $50 each for all performances.

When Debra Ehrhardt was an eighteen-year-old secretary in Kingston, Jamaica, she bumped into a handsome CIA agent over a bowl of oxtail soup on her lunch break. During the turbulent 70s of the Manley Era she saw her chance – a pinhole of opportunity that she could squeeze through with the help of this love-struck American, to potentially make it to America. She began a dangerous adventure that only the single-minded passion of a teenage girl would chance, blurring the lines between bravery and foolishness as she became more desperate: agreeing to smuggle a million US dollars in cash to a mysterious contact somewhere in Miami, with the agent unknowingly becoming her accomplice.

See what happens when the audacity of youth comes smack up against the impossibility of escaping from the war-torn class struggle that seized Jamaica in the 1970s. With all the surprise and ingenuity of the best make-believe tales, the true story of Debra Ehrhardt's dangerous journey from the island of her youth to the country of her dreams will enthrall you, charm you, and ultimately leave you celebrating at the triumphant conclusion of her autobiographical one-woman show.

JAMAICA, FAREWELL is Kingston-born Debra Ehrhardt’s third one-woman show. Previous productions include the award-winning Mango Mango, and Invisible Chairs, which was produced by David Strasberg at the Marilyn Monroe Theatre in West Hollywood and subsequently optioned as a situation comedy by Fox. Ehrhardt was also a 2007 NYC Fringe festival award-winner and received a 2007 Proclamation from the City of New York for JAMAICA, FAREWELL for her outstanding contribution to the Jamaican community. JAMAICA, FAREWELL was optioned by Rita Wilson-Hanks who produced the play with Garry Marshall at the Falcon Theatre. Ehrhardt is currently adapting JAMAICA, FAREWELL for the big screen. More info at www.jamaicafarewelltheplay.com. 

Continuing to bring exciting stories and new productions to Chicago audiences, ‘Hershey Felder Presents’ (George Gershwin Alone, Maestro Bernstein, The Pianist of Willesden Lane, Louis and Keely ‘Live’ at the Sahara) now brings a newly designed production of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed play JAMAICA, FAREWELL, written and performed by Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), to Chicago’s Royal George Theatre. 

The New York Times calls JAMAICA, FAREWELL “One loopy, increasingly funny story.” The production sold out in a critically acclaimed production at Chicago’s Chopin Theater in May, 2012. The Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones raved “A very funny and fast-paced piece – ninety highly enjoyable minutes,” and the Chicago Sun-Times’ Hedy Weiss called Ehrhardt “A storyteller who can fill up empty space with the sheer power of her exuberant storytelling.”

Joel Zwick (Director) directed My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time. Recent films include Fat Albert and Elvis Has Left the Building. Zwick directed the Broadway production of Hershey Felder’s George Gershwin Alone at the Helen Hayes Theatre, as well as Felder’s Monsieur Chopin, Beethoven as I Knew Him, and Maestro Bernstein. He began his theatrical career at La Mama E.T.C. as director of the La Mama Plexus. He has directed on Broadway, Off-Broadway and for Broadway touring companies. Zwick is recognized as one of Hollywood’s most prolific directors of episodic television, having directed over 550 TV episodes. He is currently directing Shake it Up for the Disney Channel. Zwick has taught drama at Yale University, Brooklyn College, Queens College, Wheaton College and USC and has made his home in Hollywood for the past decade.

Hershey Felder (Producer)

Broadway, London's West End: George Gershwin Alone (Helen Hayes Theatre, Duchess Theatre). Regional and international appearances of “Composers Sonata” (1999-2014) – George Gershwin Alone, Monsieur Chopin, Beethoven, As I Knew Him, and Maestro: Leonard Bernstein and Hershey Felder as IRVING BERLIN (Geffen Theatre LA World Premiere, Laguna Playhouse, upcoming: Majestic Theatre Boston, La Jolla Playhouse, Theatreworks Palo Alto, Arizona Theatre Company and more). He is the winner of the 2007 Los Angeles Ovation Awards, Best Musical and Best Actor for George Gershwin Alone. Worldwide live broadcasts, George Gershwin Alone, 2005 and 2011 for the WFMT Network. Direction includes Mona Golabek in The Pianist of Willesden Lane (National Tour), Current projects include Abe Lincoln’s Piano, Hershey Felder as IRVING BERLIN and several other titles in development for various artists. Mr. Felder is a Steinway Concert Artist, and has been a Scholar in Residence at Harvard University's Department of Music. He is the President of Eighty-Eight Entertainment and is married to Kim Campbell, the former Prime Minister of Canada.

The artistic team for JAMAICA, FAREWELL is led by Director Joel Zwick. Scenic Design is by Hershey Felder and Trevor Hay, Sound Design is by Erik Carstensen, Lighting Design is by Richard Norwood and Video Design is by Andrew Wilder. Scenic Decoration is by Meghan Maiya and Stacy Nezda. Matt Marsden serves as General Manager and the Production Stage Manager is Rebecca Peters.  Karen Racanelli serves as executive producer, and Samantha F. Voxakis serves as associate producer.

Performances of JAMAICA, FAREWELL begin Tuesday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. and continue as follows: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. All tickets are $50. Tickets are on sale at The Royal George Theatre and may be purchased by calling 312.988.9000. Box office hours are 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com.

ACT OUT: SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody Ticket #Giveaway

Drew Moerlein as Hugh Hanson in "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody"

We can't wait to check out SPANK! on opening night, November 30th!   We've also got 2 free opening night tickets for one of our lucky readers.   Enter right here for your chance to win.   Open through midnight November 26th.

SPANK! is written and directed by Jim Millan (Kids In The Hall, Marijuanalogues with Tommy Chong, etc.)  The show is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

Drew Moerlein as Hugh Hanson, Michelle Vezilj as Tasha Woode and Amanda Barker as EB Janet in "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody"

*Wait for Rafflecopter to load up right here (if you've gone through RSS feed or are scrolling down the blog and don't see it, click on the actual page title or "a Rafflecopter giveaway link" and it should pop right up).   Enter like we vote in Chi, IL...early and often.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The hilarious and naughty parody of Fifty Shades of Grey

will dominate audiences at Chicago’s Royal George Theatre

for three weeks only, starting Wednesday, November 28.

Tickets on sale now.

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody, the hilarious and naughty new parody of Fifty Shades of Grey, will dominate willing audiences at the Royal George Theatre Main Stage, 1641 N. Halsted, in a limited three-week engagement starting Wednesday evening, November 28. The production, which premiered in Springfield, MA earlier this month, is produced by Mills Entertainment, and  is being presented in Chicago  by the Just For Laughs Group.

SPANK! is a high energy parody of Fifty Shades of Grey, the risqué novel which recently surpassed Harry Potter to become the fastest selling paperback of all time.  SPANK! was written and directed by Jim Millan, whose credits include The Kids in the Hall, Larry King Standing Up, Marijuanalogues with Tommy Chong, and Mythbusters Live. For all the dirty details on SPANK! visit spankshow.com.

Michael Mills, the producer of SPANK!, says audience members can expect “a laugh-filled evening that captures all the escapist fun and absurdity of the novel. TheFifty Shades characters are brought to life with sexy and fun musical numbers – think part SNL, part Chippendale’s - and even those who haven’t read the book will get it!”

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody will be staged at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted, for a limited three-week engagement, starting Wednesday, Nov. 28. The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30pm; Fridays at 8pm; Saturdays at 5 and 8pm; and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets, priced at $52.50 and $42.50, are now on sale online at Ticketmaster.com; by calling  (800) 982.2787 or (312) 988-9000; or visiting the Royal George box office. A limited number of VIP tickets, offering premium seating, a cast meet & greet, and beverage, are priced at $75 and available for each performance.  The perfect Girls Night Out or a sassy book group outing, discounted tickets are available for groups of ten or more.  For reservations, call GroupTix at 773/327-3778 or visit www.Grouptix.net.

This show is not associated with, nor authorized by, author E.L. James or Vintage Press.

Founded in 1983, the Just For Laughs Group’s growth is concentrated on four major focal points: Festivals (in Montreal, Toronto and Chicago); television production (most notably Gags seen in 135 countries and on 95 airlines); live shows (Canadian tour dates for Jerry Seinfeld, Jeremy Hotz, John Pinette, Louis C.K., the Capital One Just For Laughs Comedy Tour, North American dates for Family Guy Live!); and talent management. The Group has offices in Montreal, Paris, Los Angeles, Toronto, London, and in a dark alley at the end of the street.

Mills Entertainment is a leading producer and promoter of branded live entertainment. Mills collaborates with top brands and personalities to develop, market and produce live theatrical events throughout the U.S. and worldwide. Current projects include The Cake Boss: Bakin’ with the Boss Tour, An Evening with Cesar Millan: Dog Whisperer, Clifford the Big Red Dog Live!, Theresa Caputo Live, and Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild Live. www.millsentertainment.com

Drew Moerlein as Hugh Hanson in "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody"

SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody

Royal George Theatre Main Stage
Limited Run November 28 – December 16
SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody is the hilarious new musical that brings all the naughty fun of the best-selling book to life in a parody that captures the escapist fun and absurdity of the novel in one laugh-filled, high-energy show. A bit SNL, a bit Chippendales, SPANK! delivers non-stop laughs, sexy fun, and lots of surprises. Don't miss the show that has Chicago all a buzz!





Drew Moerlein as Hugh Hanson in "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody"

Click here for Royal George Theatre's official site for advanced tickets and more information.




Michelle Vezilj as Tasha Woode and Drew Moerlein as Hugh Hanson in "SPANK! The Fifty Shades Parody"

Dixie's Tupperware Party-Two Unlikely American Icons Team Up

What do drag queens and Tupperware have in common?

Both are great for entertaining, colorfully conceal their goods, and have a staring roll in Dixie's Tupperware Party.    


This raunchy, real Tupperware Party has come to The Royal George Theatre Cabaret for a limited 8 week run, and we highly recommend you check it out.   I haven't laughed this hard and long in a show for years.   My sides hurt.    Dixie's wild wit and quick improv shine in this fast talking, plastic crap hawking, one woman show.


Dixie is a consummate hostess, offering mints and schmoozing with her guests in the intimate theatre space that serves as her expanded, double wide living room.   She has an entire wardrobe of mini skirt, table cloth couture.   Break out your best trailer park chic, and dress up for this one, for the full effect.


Everyone has name tags, ostensibly for the raffle prizes, but this gives Dixie a wicked little advantage of being able to pick on people by name.   This highly interactive, audience participation piece pulls everyone in, whether they like it or not.   Before you know it, she'll have you singing "I've got that Tupper feeling down in my heart" just like Vacation Bible School.


I was most amused and impressed by Dixie's mastery of naive, Southern, trailer trash vocabulary.    She is convincingly geographically challenged and stumbles over the big word in her pitch with a charming lack of finesse.   She rocks the funny scripted bits, with great comedic timing and charisma, but really shines with the off the cuff stuff.   


Beware if it's your birthday.   Our resident birthday girl was tagged "the lesbian", early on, for looking at Dixie's legs, in a gender bender worthy of Shakespeare.   Then the poor girl was playfully teased and referred to throughout the show.


If your number gets picked in the lottery, you're in for a ride.    After you have your mortifyingly fun 15 minutes of fame on the stage, you'll go home with a little Tupperware treat.   Just don't be surprised if you're asked to demonstrate your tea bagging technique on a tiny toddler toy replica or race another team to get your balls in order.


As for the raunchy part, if you're easily offended or a pc police type, you might want to seek your Tupperware fix at a more vanilla, suburban party.    Dixie explains Tupperware in a wine chugging, sex loving, no holds barred way that will have you laughing too hard to fill out an order form.   She extols the virtues of Tupperware for drinking and driving, explains screwing, and explores creative, new uses hookers might find for the squeeze and squirt device with the decorator tips.


The real part is a bit more complex.   Yes, this is a "real" Tupperware party, complete with order forms and real product.    But the real elements go beyond so called "plastic crap".    Dixie also shares a poignant monologue about spousal abuse and gripes about the challenges of being a single mother to 3 young children, Wynona, Dwayne, and Absorbine, Jr.   In the style of 70's consciousness raising groups, Dixie uses her 1950's reputation Tupperware parties for a startlingly feminist rallying cry.    


Dixie enlightens everyone on Brownie Wise, single Mama and genius behind the concept of the Tupperware party.    She's all but forgotten, since she didn't "slap her name all over everything like the inventor, Tupper."    Yet, Dixie is reviving the Brownie Wise story, and using it as a rallying cry.   Don't let other people tell you what you can't do, is the heartfelt message beyond the bowls.    Dixie proves that if a single Mama with 3 little dependents, a drinking problem, and a prison record can enjoy economic independence, and rise to the upper echelons of the Tupperware sales empire, then anyone can go for their dreams.

Dixie's tupperware party stars Dixie Longate and is written by Kris Andersson and directed by Patrick Richwood.   

In 2008, Dixie received a prestigious Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Solo Performance.    ChiIL Mama will be interviewing Dixie in early April, so comment if you have any questions for this scrappy, hilarious, entrepreneur.   The show runs through May 15th, as part of a 20-city national tour, so get your tickets today.

Dixie's Tupperware Party

Off Broadway’s Hilarious

“Dixie’s Tupperware Party”

At The Royal George Theatre March 18^th - May 15^th, 2011

ChiIL Mama will be checkin' out the show tonight, and we'll have a full review for you.

“Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” the hilarious show starring Dixie Longate which turned Off-Broadway into a Tupperware-mania celebration and garnered the prestigious 2008 Drama Desk Award Nomination rolls into the Royal George Theatre Cabaret (1641 North Halsted, Chicago) for a limited eight-week engagement beginning March 18^th through May 15^th, 2011.  Written by Kris Andersson, the production is playing in Chicago as part of a 20-city national tour.

“Dixie’s Tupperware Party” stars Dixie Longate, as the fast-talking Tupperware Lady, who has packed up her catalogues and left her children in an Alabama trailer park to journey across America.  Critics and audiences have howled with laughter as Dixie throws a good ol’ fashioned Tupperware Party filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage!

Loaded with the most up-to-date products available for purchase, Longate will share how she became the number one Tupperware seller in the world, as she educates her guests on the many alternative uses she has discovered for her plastic products. 

Produced by Down South LLC, Margaret Cotter and directed by Patrick Richwood, “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” will feature costumes designed by Longate, lighting designed by Richard Winkler, set designed by Steven Kemp and sound by Christopher Bond.

NBC Today Show declares this show is “Not your grandmother’s Tupperware Party!” The New York Times raves, “The show is part zany and part double-entendre! …Audience members find themselves clapping and singing… and you can actually buy Tupperware!” 

Playbill exclaims, “She’s a one-woman tour-de-force.” 

The Associated Press says, “Dixie is all smiles and sweet sugar, snapping her gum the whole time with an insouciant charm.”

The performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.

For more information about “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” log onto www.dixiestupperwareparty.com

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” go on sale Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2011 at the Royal George Box Office (312) 988-9000, Ticketmaster.com or you can call Ticketmaster at (800)982-2787. Tickets are also available at all Ticketmaster retail locations (including select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores). 

Ticket prices are $44 for the weekday performances and $49 for the weekend performances.  For groups of 10 or more, please contact Group Theatre Tickets at www.grouptheatertix.com  or call (312) 423.6612.

For more information about the Royal George Theatre and box office hours visit www.theroyalgeorgetheatre.com.