Goodman Theatre's New Education Building, The Alice Is Open!

GOODMAN THEATRE WELCOMES ITS FIRST AUDIENCES TO “THE ALICE”  WITH FREE EVENTS, MAY 19-21 ***EXPERIENCE THE NEW ALICE RAPOPORT CENTER FOR EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT WITH “LORRAINE HANSBERRY DAY” ON MAY 19; YOUTH SPOKEN WORD + OPEN MIC ON MAY 20 AND A MAY 21 OPEN HOUSE OF CREATIVE FUN, INCLUDING  FAMILY-FRIENDLY AND MEET-THE-ARTIST EVENTS*** Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're so excited about "The Alice". As a Chicago mom, theatre critic, and huge arts advocate, I'm beyond excited that these new facilities will enable The Goodman to expand their excellent educational arts programming.  The children are our future, whether you are pre/post/or non parents of the birth to 18 year old bracket, raising a new generation of creative thinkers benefits us all. Theatre loving, arts loving kids make great problem solvers and assets to society.  **Check out some of our past coverage and original photos of Goodman Education in action, right HERE.**       Build a play with your family, try your hand at stage combat, hear Chicago’s finest actors spill stage secrets—and more! Goodman Theatre proudly opens its Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement (“the Alice”) with free opportunities for audiences to sample the variety of programming offered in the theater’s newly dedicated space for classes, lectures, discussions and special performance events. May 19 is “Lorraine Hansberry Day,” with events connected to the critically acclaimed current mainstage production, Hansberry’s The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window, directed by Anne Kauffman (on stage through June 5). A schedule of events appears below; reservations are recommended as space is limited: GoodmanTheatre.org/Engage-Learn or 312.443.3800. Thursday, May 19 – “Lorraine Hansberry Day” in Chicago 12 Noon | Mayor Rahm Emanuel has proclaimed May 19, 2016 “Lorraine Hansberry Day,” in honor of what would have been the Chicago native playwright’s  86th birthday. The company of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window kicks off the special day with a reading of the mayoral proclamation—followed by birthday cake for all. 12:30pm | A conversation with artists about Hansberry’s body of work, the background and themes of the Goodman’s revival of her rarely-produced play, and her significance among American playwrights. 6pm | A screening of the 1961 film A Raisin in the Sun, starring Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil and Diana Sands. Jackie Taylor, founder and executive director of the Black Ensemble Theater Company, introduces the film. Friday, May 20 7pm | Listen to the Poem: Spoken Word and Open Mic The Goodman Youth Poetry Ensemble delivers an electrifying performance featuring pieces from their past season and the work of other Chicago youth poets. Audience members are invited to share their own poetry works during an open mic session. 8pm | All tickets to this performance of The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window are $10 for students. Saturday, May 21 9am and 10:30am | Play ’N 90 Workshop (two sessions) An interactive family program in which 5-12 year-olds and their parents/guardians fashion a theatrical creation together—in only 90 minutes. 10am | Insider Access: "How Do Actors Learn All Those Darned Lines?" Meet acclaimed actor Mary Beth Fisher (star of such Goodman productions as Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike and Luna Gale) and particiate in her creative process, bringing a script from page to stage. 12 Noon | PlayBuild Workshop Realize your creative potential in this intergenerational collective workshop! Participants will create performance pieces using personal history and storytelling techniques. 2pm | Storytelling Workshop Master the art of storytelling with teaching artists from the Goodman’s GeNarrations program. In this collaborative ensemble-based workshop, participants learn the basics of writing, editing and performing personal narrative stories. 3pm | Insider Access: “Slap! Kick! Punch!” Have some energy to burn? Learn the art of stage combat, the technique used to perform physical combats without causing harm to actors, from a professional fight choreographer. 4:30pm | Insider Access: "Not Acting Our Age" A lively discussion with a handful of Chicago actors age 55+ about their esteemed bodies of work and the thrill of a life in the theater. In addition to these activities, all pre- and post-performance discussions—“PlayTalks” and “PlayBacks”—for The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window and Soups, Stews, and Casseroles: 1976 by Rebecca Gilman will take place in the Alice May 19 – 21, one hour prior to and immediately following each performance. Moderated by a Goodman artist, discussions include cast members and are free of charge for patrons. About the Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement (“the Alice”) The Goodman becomes the first Chicago theater to establish a facility dedicated to education and engagement programs when it opens the Alice—the next phase in the Goodman’s decades-long commitment to educating Chicago youth and promoting lifelong learning for audiences of all ages. Named for the late Goodman Trustee Alice Rapoport, the Alice is a 10,000 square-foot, LEED certified (upon completion), $15 million expansion effort (of which 80% supports expanded programming) that deepens the theater’s practice of using its art as education—using the process of artistic creation to empower and inspire youth and lifelong learners. The new facility includes classrooms, a hands-on STEM learning lab, rehearsal spaces and more, and will enable the Goodman to impact hundreds more Chicagoans through its myriad education and engagement programs. Patrons access the Alice though the Goodman Theatre, entering at the south end of the mezzanine lobby. The Alice is named for the late Alice Rapoport, a Goodman Trustee, chair of the theater’s Education and Community Engagement Committee and passionate advocate for the theater’s outreach efforts. Artist, educator and activist Willa J. Taylor, Walter Director of Education and Engagement, has led the Goodman’s programs since 2007. Taylor and her team of associates—Bobby Biedrzycki (Curriculum and Instruction Associate), Elizabeth Rice (School Programs Coordinator), Brandi Lee (Education and Community Engagement Associate) and Adrian Azevedo (Education and Engagement Assistant)—collaborate with the Goodman’s artistic and executive leadership to oversee programmatic efforts in the Alice. About Goodman Theatre Called America’s “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine, Goodman Theatre has won international recognition for its artists, productions and programs, and is a major cultural, educational and economic pillar in Chicago. Founded in 1925 by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth (an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s), Goodman Theatre has garnered hundreds of awards for artistic achievement and community engagement, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards (including “Outstanding Regional Theatre” in 1992), nearly 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman’s artistic priorities include new plays (more than 150 world or American premieres in the past 30 years), reimagined classics (including Falls’ nationally and internationally celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long’s Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy), culturally specific work, musical theater (26 major productions in 20 years, including 10 world premieres) and international collaborations. Diversity and inclusion have been primary cornerstones of the Goodman’s mission for 30 years; over the past decade, 68% of the Goodman’s 35 world premieres were authored by women and/or playwrights of color, and the Goodman was the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Each year, the Goodman’s numerous education and community engagement programs—including the innovative Student Subscription Series, now in its 30th year—serve thousands of students, teachers, life-long learners and special constituencies. In addition, for nearly four decades the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol has led to the creation of a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s leadership includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Swati Mehta is Women’s Board President and Gordon C.C. Liao is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals. Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org, and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.

EXTENDED: TWO TRAINS – SIX MORE PERFORMANCES! GOODMAN THEATRE'S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TWO TRAINS RUNNING NOW THROUGH APRIL 19

TWO TRAINS – SIX MORE PERFORMANCES!

GOODMAN THEATRE EXTENDS CHUCK SMITH’S CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED TWO TRAINS RUNNING THROUGH APRIL 19

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, Goodman's highly recommended Two Trains Running is at the top of our must see list. Don't miss this! 

High demand for tickets spurs a six-performance extension for the Goodman’s critically acclaimed Two Trains Running—“Chuck Smith’s excellent revival” (Chicago Tribune) of “a high-powered homage to August Wilson” (Chicago Sun-Times).The full company of seven remains intact for the additional performances: Chester Gregory (Sterling), Anthony Irons (Wolf), Nambi E. Kelley (Risa), Terry Bellamy (Memphis), Ernest Perry Jr. (Hambone), A.C. Smith (West) and Alfred Wilson (Holloway). 

Additional performances include Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30pm; Thursday, April 16 at 7:30pm; Friday, April 17 at 8pm; Saturday, April 18 at 2pm and 8pm; and Sunday, April 19 at 2pm. Tickets ($37 - $80; subject to change) are on sale at GoodmanTheatre.org/TwoTrains, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn).

Click here for tickets.

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

The Goodman is grateful to its production sponsors. Allstate Insurance Company and JPMorgan Chase are the Major Corporate Sponsors; ComEd is the Official Lighting Sponsor; ITW is the Corporate Sponsor Partner; the National Endowment for the Arts is the Major Production Supporter; Heidrick & Struggles is the Opening Night Sponsor; and EBONY and WBEZ91.5FM are the Media Partners for Two Trains Running. The Chicago Community Trust is the Major Supporter of the August Wilson Celebration. Ardmore Associates and Mesirow Financial are the Century Cycle Reading Series Sponsors. PepsiCo is the Landmark Discussion Series Sponsor. The Joyce Foundation is the Principal Supporter of Artistic Development and Diversity Initiatives.

GOODMAN'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL YOUNG PERFORMER AUDITIONS TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 10AM – 2PM

CAST FOR A CHRISTMAS CAROL IS SET, TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR THE 37th ANNUAL PRODUCTION; LARRY YANDO STARS IN HIS 7th TURN AS EBENEZER SCROOGE AMONG A CAST OF CHICAGO FAVORITES AND NEWCOMERS ***YOUNG PERFORMER AUDITIONS TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 10AM – 2PM*** Tickets are currently on sale for the Goodman Theatre’s annual holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, now in its 37th year and directed by Artistic Associate Henry Wishcamper for the second time. Larry Yando, “a model of humbug perfection” (Chicago Sun-Times) who “gets better every passing year” (Chicago Tribune) again stars as the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge. The cast of 20 (full list below) includes 11 returning cast members and welcomes eight new actors to the production.  Auditions for the five young performer roles—including Tiny Tim—take place on Saturday, September 27; actors ages 5 to 17 of every ethnic background are invited to audition. In-person registration takes place from 9:30 – 11:30am on a first-come, first-served basis (no prior audition appointments are necessary); auditions begin at 10am and end at 2pm. Young performers should: prepare a memorized poem or monologue one minute or less in length; sing one verse of a song a cappella, preferably a traditional holiday song or Christmas carol; and bring a photo and resume including age, height, weight, previous theatrical and related experience/training (although experience is not required), address and contact information. A Christmas Carol runs November 15– December 28 in the Goodman’s Albert Theatre (opening night is November 23). Tickets ($25 - $83) can be purchased at GoodmanTheatre.org/Joy, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). Discounted Group Tickets for 15 persons or more are available at 312.443.3820 or by emailing Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org. Purchase Goodman Gift Certificates in any amount at GoodmanTheatre.org. The flexibility of Goodman Gift Certificates allows recipients to choose the production, date and time of their performance. Artists, dates and ticket prices are subject to change.  Company of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, adapted by Tom Creamer, directed by Henry Wishcamper Unless otherwise noted, performers live in Chicago. *Denotes an actor new to the production *Theo Allyn……………………………………………Abby Justin Amolsch………………………………………..Musician Patrick Andrews………………………………………Ghost of Christmas Past *Kareem Bandealy……………………………………Young Scrooge Andrew Coil……………………………………………Musician *Paige Collins………………………………………….Martha/Fan/Philomena *Lisa Gaye Dixon……………………………………...Ghost of Christmas Present Joe Foust……………………………………………...Jacob Marley/Young Marley/Old Joe José Antonio Garciá…………………………………..Dick Wilkins *Allen Gilmore………………………………………….Alternate Scrooge Gregory Hirte…………………………………………..Musician/Mr. Spinet Anish Jethmalani (Forest Park) ………………….....Fred Larry Neumann Jr……………………………………..Schoolmaster/Percy/Undertaker Ron Rains……………………………………………...Bob Cratchit Malcolm Ruhl (Evanston)…………………………….Musician/Mr. Keys Kim Schultz…………………………………………….Mrs. Fezziwig/Charwoman *Brett Tuomi…………………………………………...Mr. Fezziwig *Kristina Valada-Viars………………………………..Belle Penelope Walker……………………………………..Mrs. Cratchit Larry Yando…………………………………………...Ebenezer Scrooge                       Keith Parham………………………………………….Lighting Designer Andrew Hansen……………………………………….Composer Heidi Sue McMath…………………………………....Costume Designer Tommy Rapley ………………………………………..Choreographer Todd Rosenthal………………………………………..Set Designer Malcolm Ruhl……………………………………………Music Director Richard Woodbury…………………………………….Sound Designer Alden Vasquez…………………………………………Production Stage Manager Flying effects are provided by ZFX Inc. “There’s no better way to get into the holiday spirit” (Chicago Sun-Times) than experiencing the magic of Goodman Theatre’s A Christmas Carol. For 37 years, Charles Dickens’ holiday classic has delighted Chicago audiences; the production has hosted seven directors, 32 Tiny Tims and eight Scrooges, who’ve snidely delivered nearly 23,000 “Bah Humbugs!” A Christmas Carol is the iconic tale of greedy British businessman Ebenezer Scrooge, whose sizable bank account is only matched by his hatred of the holidays. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by four ghosts who take him on an spectacular adventure through his past, present and future, helping him rediscover the joys of life, love and friendship. The Goodman’s milestone 90th anniversary 2014/2015 Season features nine productions on its two stages—six in the 856-seat Albert Theatre and three in the 400-seat flexible Owen Theatre; the annual New Stages Festival, including two workshop productions; and partner productions with The Second City and Albany Park Theater Project.  The 2014/2015 Season starts with The World of Extreme Happiness by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, directed by Eric Ting, a world premiere co-production with Manhattan Theatre Club (September 13 – October 12 in the Owen); Smokefall by Noah Haidle, directed by Anne Kauffman, an encore of the world-premiere Goodman commission (September 20 – October 26 in the Albert); the annual New Stages festival, including an “Industry Weekend” (October 29 - November 16 in the Owen); The Second City’s Twist Your Dickens by Peter Gwinn and Bobby Mort (December 5 – 28 in the Owen); Rapture, Blister, Burn by Gina Gionfriddo, directed by Kimberly Senior, a Chicago premiere (January 17 – February 22, 2015 in the Albert); Two Trains Running by August Wilson, directed by Chuck Smith, in conjunction with a citywide celebration of August Wilson (March 7 – April 12, 2015 in the Albert); The Upstairs Concierge by Kristoffer Diaz, a world premiere co-commission with Teatro Vista (March 28 – April 26, 2015 in the Owen); The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman, directed by Henry Wishcamper (May 2 – June 7, 2015 in the Albert); stop. reset. written and directed by Regina Taylor, a Chicago premiere (May 23 – June 21, 2015 in the Owen); Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang, directed by Steve Scott, a Chicago premiere (June 26 – August 2, 2015 in the Albert), and a production still to be announced with the Albany Park Theater Project. About Goodman Theatre Named “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine and “top dog of the Chicago theater scene” by Frommer’s, Goodman Theatre is world renowned for the quality and scope of its artistic programming and its commitment to improving life in the community. Artistic Director Robert Falls’ and Executive Director Roche Schulfer’s leadership has earned unparalleled artistic distinction and experienced unprecedented success, staging more than 80 world premieres, earning numerous awards for its productions—including the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre (1992) and the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined (2009)—and producing more than 25 new-work commissions. Founded in 1925 and housed in a state-of-the-art two-theater complex in the downtown Chicago Theatre District, the Goodman is Chicago’s oldest and largest not-for-profit producing theater. American Airlines is the Exclusive Airline of Goodman Theatre. Ruth Ann M. Gillis is Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Sherry John is President of the Women’s Board and Lauren Blair is President of the Scenemakers Board, the Goodman’s young professionals auxiliary group. Visit the Goodman virtually: watch artist interviews, view production photos, catch the latest news and more at GoodmanTheatre.org and our blog. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, peek behind the scenes on YouTube.

ACT OUT EXTENDED: Rick Bayless in Cascabel: DINNER – DARING – DESIRE Now Through 8/31 #OriginalVideo #PhotoRecap

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE, FRONTERA GRILL,

AND SILVERGUY ENTERTAINMENT PRESENT THE RETURN OF

RICK BAYLESS IN CASCABEL

DINNER – DARING – DESIRE

WITH NEW MENU ELEMENTS IN A NEW VENUE

In the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre

July 30 – August 31, 2014

**DUE TO DEMAND, CASCABEL IS EXTENDED THOUGH AUGUST 31, 2014

NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS ON SALE JULY 30!**


ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows were elated to be included in a private press breakfast at Frontera Grill with Co-Creators Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill) and Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, Hard Times) & flamenco dancer extraordinaire, Chiara Mangiameli when the Cascabel remount was first announced way back in October. We've been raving about what's sure to be the event of the season ever since.  We can't wait to see it! Check back early and often for our original content, video interviews, reviews, photos and more.

ChiIL Live Shows' 

Rick Bayless Expounds on 
The Cascabel Remount

October: Rick Bayless, celebrity chef/owner Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, XOCO Chicago and Heidi Stillman, Lookingglass Ensemble Member  and  Artistic Director of New Work announce the return of an extraordinary culinary and theatrical event at a special food-infused press conference held at Frontera Grill. Guests were treated to a sneak peak at the event while enjoying enchanting acts and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Frontera Grill.  

Check out our full set of stills from the press conference here: 
Favorites are embedded below.

Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill and Silverguy Entertainment announce an extension to the wildly popular return of Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner – Daring – Desire, the unforgettable theatrical adventure featuring a sumptuous feast, world-class circus acts, and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless that had Chicago audiences spellbound when it premiered in spring 2012. The extremely limited engagement is co-created by Rick Bayless, Lookingglass Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, The Brothers Karamazov, Hard Times), and Artistic Associate and founder of Silverguy Entertainment Tony Hernandez (Hephaestus, Lookingglass Alice). 



Cascabel runs at the Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, now playing July 30 –August 31, 2014. 

Cascabel will feature the return of Rick Bayless in the role of Cook; Lookingglass Artistic Associate Tony Hernandez on the high wire as the Houseboy; Chiara Mangiameli as Señora of the Boardinghouse Cascabel; Lookingglass Ensemble Member Thomas J. Cox as Suitor and Artistic Associate Lindsey Noel Whiting as Daughter. Carlo Basile returns as Musician, with new cast members Heloise Bourgeois (Solitary Traveler), Genevieve Drolet (Bathing Chica), William Underwood (Solitary Traveler), Daniel Passer (Gardener), Lauren Katz (Gardener’s Wife), and J. Salome Martinez (Maitre d').

Cascabel's Coming:

This one-of-a-kind experience played to sold out houses in 2012 and had the Chicago Tribune exclaiming, “there’s nothing even remotely like it in Chicago!”  Now the unforgettable theatrical adventure is back for a limited engagement with a new menu, new circus elements, and at a new venue. Cascabel is sensory dining unlike anything you’ve ever experienced: it’s a sumptuous gourmet Mexican feast, world-class circus acts, exhilarating flamenco, hilarious comedy and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless.

Cascabel audiences will join the guests of the boardinghouse Cascabel at their courtyard table where they will enjoy the same meal the Chef is preparing for the boarding house residents. From his meager kitchen, the mysterious new cook conjures an enchanting cuisine, which seems to give those who eat it fantastic and magical abilities. But he is singularly focused on the proprietress of the house, a melancholy woman with no interest in his food, who barely ever leaves her room. Will she ever try a bite? And what will happen if she does?

Lookingglass season subscriptions and tickets to Rick Bayless in Cascabel are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Performances are Tuesdays through Sundays.  The lobby opens at 7:00pm Tuesdays through Saturdays, and at 5:00pm on Sundays. Tickets start at $215. Each ticket includes hors d’oeuvres, a three-course dinner, and wine and beer selected by Chef Bayless.  Prices may increase, based on demand. Information on wine pairings, food allergies and dietary restrictions is available at lookingglasstheatre.org/cascabel.

Lookingglass Artistic Director Andy White comments, "Cascabel really redefined what an evening at the theater could be.  This is an elemental fusion of gourmet dining, thrilling circus spectacle, and a hilarious and joyous evening of theater.  The 2012 production caught fire and sold out immediately, and we have little doubt that this production at the Goodman will be even more enthralling, breathtaking, and delicious."

Rick Bayless adds, “We had such a great time during the first production of Cascabel, a show that brings together a passion for dining, theatrical storytelling and circus.  These complementary elements will continue to give audiences an experience like never before.  I look forward to further collaboration with Lookingglass and Silverguy Entertainment as we share this thrilling experience—maybe even with a few new surprises.”

The Presenting Sponsors of Cascabel are Hillshire Brands, KPMG and PNC Bank.  In-Kind Sponsors of Cascabel include Badoit, Evian, Herraduna, Negra Modelo and Turlato Wines.

Season subscriptions and tickets to Rick Bayless in Cascabel are available online, www.lookingglasstheatre.org; by phone, (312) 337-0665; or at the Lookingglass Theatre box office, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. For more information and box office hours, visit www.lookingglasstheatre.org.

Co-created by:  Rick Bayless, Tony Hernandez and Heidi Stillman

Co-directed by:  Tony Hernandez and Heidi Stillman

Dates:                               Previews:                     July 30 – August 1, 2014

                                   

                                    Run:                            August 2 – 31, 2014

Times:                          Tuesdays:                    7:00 p.m.

                                    Wednesdays:                7:00 p.m.

                                    Thursdays:                   7:00 p.m.

                                    Fridays:                        7:00 p.m.

                                    Saturdays:                    7:00 p.m.

                                    Sundays:                      5:00 p.m.

Location:          Goodman Theatre’s Owen Bruner Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn

Prices:             Tickets are $215-$375

Box Office:       Buy online at www.lookingglasstheatre.org

or by phone at (312) 337-0665

The Lookingglass box office is located at Water Tower Water Works,

821 N. Michigan Ave.

Information on wine pairings, food allergies and dietary restrictions is available at lookingglasstheatre.org/cascabel.

About the Artists:

Rick Bayless (Co-Creator/Cook) Most people know him from his highly rated on-going public television series "Mexico - One Plate at a Time" and from his seven cookbooks. His side-by-side award-winning restaurants in Chicago were founded in 1987: the casual Frontera Grill and the 4-star Topolobampo.  In 2007, Frontera Grill won for Outstanding Restaurant by the James Beard Organization.  His award-winning Frontera line of salsas, grilling sauces and organic chips can be found coast to coast. Rick Bayless has won James Beard awards for Midwest Chef of the Year, National Chef of the Year and Humanitarian of the Year. "Mexico-One Plate at a Time" is currently in its ninth season on PBS and Rick’s book Mexican Everyday was nominated for a James Beard Award. XOCO, Rick's latest restaurant, is LEED certified and is known for house-ground chocolate. He was also recently crowned Bravo’s Top Chef Master. Rick’s seventh book, Fiesta at Rick’s spent the summer of 2011 on the New York Times Best Seller list. He has a total of eight cookbooks.

Tony Hernandez (Co-Creator/Artistic Associate/Houseboy) currently lives in New York where he serves as the Circus Artistic Director and Coach for the multi Tony award hit Pippin the Musical on Broadway in NYC. Tony recently finished performing over 1200 shows at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for their production Absinthe, where he wrote and created the final highwire act. Tony appeared in Anna Shapiro's Up at Steppenwolf, and is an Artistic Associate at Lookingglass where he has acted in numerous shows including Lookingglass Alice, Argonautica, Hard Times and others including Hephaestus, which he created, co-produced/wrote/directed and played the title role. Tony originated the role of Benito in Cascabel, which he also produced and co wrote/directed in 2012.

Heidi Stillman (Co-Creator/Artistic Director of New Work/Ensemble Member) most recently adapted and directed The North China Lover. She has both written and directed for Lookingglass: Cascabel, in collaboration with Tony Hernandez and Rick Bayless; Hephaestus, in collaboration with Tony Hernandez; The Brothers Karamazov (2009 Raven award); Hard Times (5 Jeff awards including director, new work, and production; also produced at the Arden in Philadelphia); The Master and Margarita (Jeff nominated). Additional writing credits with Lookingglass: The Last Act of Lilka Kadison with Nicola Behrman, David Kersnar, Abbie Phillips and Andy White; The Old Curiosity Shop with Laura Eason and Raymond Fox (Jeff award for adaptation), and The Baron in the Trees with Larry DiStasi (Jeff nominated). Directing work with Lookingglass includes Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Trust, The Wooden Breeks, and Hillbilly Antigone. Heidi’s adaptation of The Book Thief premiered at Steppenwolf Theatre. Additionally, Heidi has staged Laura Eason’s Around the World in 80 Days at Kansas City Repertory, and Mary Zimmerman’s The Arabian Nights at Berkeley Repertory.

Carlo Basile (Musician) has a Master's Degree in Classical Guitar Performance from NEIU and he has also studied Spanish flamenco guitar in Andalusia (Spain). He has visited more than 30 countries to gather musical materials, perform, teach and collaborate. Carlo has taught guitar workshops in Hanoi, Vietnam; Chang Mai, Thailand; and Cebu, Philippines. He has collaborated with musicians in Cuba, India, Senegal, Morocco and Bali, Indonesia. Carlo founded the Spanish guitar-influenced ensemble Las Guitarras de España (The Guitars of Spain), and his latest projects include a Spanish guitar Otis Redding tribute called "King of Soul" along with a world fusion ensemble based around his "Spanish Guitar Duo" (with guitarist, Diego Alonso). Carlo has co-produced and co-written music for 5 CDs and he most recently recorded some traditional Spanish melodies and rhythms on a new CD with some of these works being featured in Cascabel. Info at: www.carlobasileguitar.com

Heloise Bourgeois (Solitary Traveler) was introduced to acrobatics at the age of five. After getting a University diploma, her dreams of travelling led her into the world of circus. Three years at the National circus school of Montreal, Canada, made her a Hand to Hand flyer with Will Underwood. She performed around the world with The 7 Fingers from 2005 to 2012 in the shows Traces and Psy.  During this time, she was introduced to Chinese Pole, Hoop Diving, and aerials. Now she works as a pair with Will on the pole and in hand-to-hand.  The pair received 4 gold medals for their Chinese pole duo in the last 3 years in various festivals (Festival de Demain, Paris; Solycirco, Germany; Vaudreuil, Canada). Over the years of travel and performances, Heloise’s experiences and encounters led her to create a touching universe on the frontier of dance, theater and contemporary circus.

Thomas J. Cox (Suitor/Ensemble Member) is a founding ensemble member of Lookingglass, with whom he has done more than thirty productions including The Odyssey, The Jungle, West, The Master and Margarita, Algren in For Keeps and a Single Day, Winston in 1984, Old Curiosity Shop, The Great Fire, and Big Lake, Big City. He has been seen at Victory Gardens, Court, Steppenwolf, Goodman, Milwaukee Rep, and Northlight (including Outgoing Tide with John Mahoney and Rondi Reed, which also traveled to the Galway Arts Festival). He serves as the Master Teacher for Lookingglass’ Education and Community Programs, and he has been adjunct faculty at Northwestern and UIC. Film/TV: Since You've Been Gone (Miramax) and "Brotherhood" (Showtime).

Genevieve Drolet (Bathing Chica) has been working in the circus for twenty years. She specializes in handbalancing and aerial techniques. Between tours, travel and shows, she also found the time to write a few novels that were very well received by critics and the public. She now works as a freelancer, performing all over the world with major circus companies such as Cirque du Soleil, Éloize, The 7 Fingers of the Hand, and many others.

Lauren Katz (Gardener's Wife) returns to work with Lookingglass Theatre after having last been seen on its stage in Wants and Needs and Great Men of Science Nos. 21 & 22.  Chicago/NY credits include Up (Steppenwolf Theatre), When The Messenger is Hot (Steppenwolf Theatre/59E59th Street Theatre), Filmdome (Victory Gardens), SKL (Steppenwolf), ED (Remains Theatre).  TV credits include "Arrested Development," "Parks & Recreation," "Curb Your Enthusiasm." Film credits include “Highball,” “Kicking and Screaming,” “Mr. Jealousy,” “Rudy,” “Women in Trouble” and the upcoming “Confessions of a Teenage Mormon.” Lauren studied and taught at The Piven Theatre Workshop and received her BFA from DePaul University.

Chiara Mangiameli (Señora) A native Italian, Chiara Mangiameli is the artistic director of Studio Mangiameli and Boutique Flamenca in Chicago's Logan Square. She has lived and studied in Seville, Spain, studying flamenco under the guidance of some of the great dancers and singers of the Andalusian art form. Ms. Mangiameli is the co-founder of the music trio Idilio, with which she released her debut album in 2009, and has collaborated with some of Chicago's most critically acclaimed groups including Las Guitarras De España, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Chicago Sinfonietta and Fulcrum Point. A graduate of The Theater School at De Paul University, Ms. Mangiameli appeared in Mary Zimmerman's The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci and A Time of the Cuckoo at New York's Lincoln Center.

J. Salome Martinez (Maitre d') has appeared previously at the Lookingglass Theatre in Big Lake Big City. Other theater credits include How Long Will I Cry? (Steppenwolf Theatre); After (Profiles Theatre); As You Like It, Man of La Mancha, The Seagull (Constans Theatre); and A Christmas Carol (Hippodrome State Theatre). Some of his television and film credits include “Law & Order,” “Castle,” “Generation Kill” (HBO, Emmy Award), “New York, I Love You” and the Oscar Award-nominated film “The Messenger.” He received his BA in theatre from Barat College and his MFA in acting from the University of Florida.

Daniel Passer (Gardener) For the past 10 years, he has been a lead clown and comedy conceptor with Cirque du Soleil and Franco Dragone (Zarkana – Radio City Music Hall & World Tour, Banana Shpeel – Beacon Theatre,  Le Reve – Wynn Las Vegas).  He has made several Film/Television appearances – most recently, "Boychoir" directed by Francois Girard.  He has taught Clowning and Commedia at Harvard, CalArts, The Moscow Art Theatre and The Oregon Shakespeare Festival.  Daniel is a graduate of the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard and was the U.S. Representative to the International Commedia dell’Arte Festival in Italy.

William Underwood (Solitary Traveler) was born and raised in San Francisco, California.  He trained with Chinese acrobatics from an early age under master trainer Mr. Lu Yi at the San Francisco Circus Center.  He continued his training at the National Circus School in Montreal, and graduated in 2005 specializing in Hand to Hand with his partner Heloise Bourgeois.  He participated in the creation and performance of Traces, and Psy by the company “The 7 Fingers” over the period of 7 years.  In 2012, he created a duo Chines Pole act with Heloise, and began freelancing in cabarets, events, and festivals around the world.  They have received recognition internationally for their work on the Pole, including the gold medal in “Cirque de Demain” in Paris, the silver medal in Nikulin Festival in Moscow, and the silver medal in “Deidogei” festival in Japan.  William continues to perform, collaborate on new projects, and create new material in an effort to push his limits as a performer, and share his work.

Lindsey Noel Whiting (Daughter) Previous Lookingglass credits include The Great Fire, Icarus and Lookingglass Alice. Regionally, Lindsey has performed at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Alliance Theatre and Syracuse Stage. Chicago credits include: The Snow Queen (Victory Gardens); Once Upon A Time (or The Secret Language of Birds), The Golden Truffle, The Cabinet, and Sink, Sank, Sunk (Redmoon); as well as several circus at Actors Gymnasium. Lindsey is also a member of Barrel of Monkeys and performs with Mucca Pazza, a circus punk marching band.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company

Lookingglass Theatre Company is the recipient of the 2011 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater. The company is home to a multi-disciplined collective of artists who create original, story-centered theatre through a physical and improvisational rehearsal process centered on ensemble. Now in its 26th Season, the company has staged more than sixty world premieres and garnered numerous awards. Lookingglass productions have toured to more than a dozen cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Kansas City, Louisville, Atlanta and Washington D.C. Lookingglass is located in Chicago’s landmark Water Tower Water Works on the Magnificent Mile.

About Frontera Grill

Frontera Grill was named “Outstanding Restaurant” by the 2007 James Beard Foundation Awards. Frontera Grill uses beautiful ingredients to bring to you the bold flavors and immediate freshness that jump off the tongue just as it does in Mexico. Visit www.rickbayless.com to learn more.

About Silverguy Entertainment

Founded in 1998 by Tony Hernandez and Lijana Wallenda Hernandez, Silverguy is a live action theatrical circus company that consists of members of the world-famous Wallenda family and former members of Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil and Blue Man Group. Tony created Lookingglass’ smash hit circus odyssey Hephaestus, in which he and Lijana (along with daredevil Nik Wallenda) participated in the death-defying, seven-person highwire pyramid.