REVIEW: Promenade Style Alice Leads to Exciting Evanston Explorations Through October 21st

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Alice by Upended Productions

**Recommended for ages six and up**

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Review:
A drag queen Red Queen in a flower shop, a disaster drill in a stairwell beneath a hidden mural, school angst tweedle dee and tweedle dum style, a torch-song midlife crisis, a poetic brewery basement adventure, ballet in a convenience store and more, await patron on this utterly unique journey. 

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

For Chapter 8, Quinn of SADHAUS is The Queen in a red wrap at Cultivate: An Urban Rainforest.
Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

My 17 year old son and I caught opening weekend, September 23rd, and the show made such a big impression it spawned a college app short answer question where my son declared the character he'd most like to meet is The Cheshire Cat, because of his convoluted logic. We thoroughly enjoyed becoming Alice and following the white rabbit into a theatre filled, alternate Evanston. 

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

ShowParty’s Beth Richards (glasses and tulle under the table) tackles Chapter 7 at the train station tea party. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

We were particularly enamored with the surreal hatchback car film and the train platform tea party with real tea. This playful, participatory production manages to be at once vibrantly original and true to the spirit of the original books, full of deep wisdom couched in delicious absurdity and child's play. The collaborative  nature of this show, involving so many different theatre companies and Evanston businesses, is amazing.

 

Photos by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Though officially listed for ages 6 and up, there were few elementary age children in our group, though the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves. Overall, I'd say it's geared for teens and up. Most of the costumes are minimal and monologues deep, so younger children might be confused and frustrated, but it's a delight for adults. 

Factory Theater ensemble member Corrbette Pasko as the Rabbit is disturbed by reading material at the Chicago-Main Newsstand. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Also note, this production does require quite a bit of quick walking, lots of standing, and several sets of stairs, if you have ambulatory issues. 

Neo-Futurist alumna Dina Marie Walters (green dress and white apron) as the Rabbit keeps her audience hopping under the CTA tracks. Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Also, if you're coming up from Chicago, leave more than plenty of extra time, beyond what your maps app says, or you'll be running in as frazzled as the chronically late rabbit, and may miss your group's departure time! If it's sold out and you've been unable to get tickets, show up and you may get lucky and be able to join in on the spot if there are no-shows.

The goody bags at the close, with local coupons, were a nice surprise as well. I went back and enjoyed a tasty local microbrew with my "wooden nickle" dollar off coin while I contemplated the show. Upended Productions' Alice is a fabulously fun community collaboration. Highly recommended.

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara for ChiILMama.com

The Factory Theater’s Risha Hill covers Chapters 2 and 3 of the adventure 

in the canning/barrel room at Sketchbook Brewing Co.

Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill 

Alice by Upended Productions; Photos by Jenn-Anne Gledhill

Neo-Futurist alumni David Kodeski reads from his Dream Diary for Chapter 4 in the Sketchbook Brewing basement.

Alice by Upended Productions

Featuring Factory, Mudlark, Fleetwood-Jourdain, ShowParty 

& Others

This unique, promenade style show shares book chapters among diverse Chicagoland theater companies, visual and film artists and musicians. This 90-minute event requires walking and standing. Rain or shine.

“ALICE displays impeccable logistical skill and a striking sense of space; in the best environmental theater tradition, it renews the audience's sense of wonder at their surroundings” – Newcity Stage (2014)

“ALICE is that rare environmental experience that takes its subject seriously yet embraces a self-deprecating sense of humor” – Chicago Reader (2004)

Upended Productions remounts ALICE, the ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience, curated by Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm. The audience, traveling in groups of 15, follows a white rabbit to various locations throughout Evanston’s Main-Dempster Mile neighborhood.

Ducking into storerooms and back patios, through bookstores and breweries, the audience IS Alice and southeast Evanston becomes a wonderland. 



WHEN:
Runs Saturdays and Sundays through October 21
Tours begin at 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., & 2 p.m. 

WHERE:
Meet at LaCapra State Farm office, 829 Chicago, Evanston, IL
Subsequent locations include Sketchbook Brewing Co, Booked, La Principal, Cultivate, Reprise Coffee Roasters, 10,000 Villages, and Squeezebox Books & Music.

CTA: Main Street Purple EL
Street and metered public parking lots around Main & Chicago Aves.
                        
TICKETS:      
$25 for single tickets; $17 for students and seniors with ID
Space is limited so advance purchase is highly recommended: www.UpEndedProductions.com  

ARTISTS:      
This promenade production features original work by The Factory, Mudlark Theater, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater, ShowParty, singer/ songwriter Naomi Ashley, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Logan Kibens, and current and former ensemble members of The Neo-Futurists, Theatre Oobleck, Barrel of Monkeys, and Wildclaw Theater, including David Kodeski, Corrbette Pasko, Laura McKenzie, Josh Zagoren, and Dina Walters. 

FUNDER:      

This project is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, an agency supported by the City of Evanston.

HISTORY:     
Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm founded Upended Productions in 2014. Productions are not confined to conventional theater spaces to provide performance frameworks for artists of all disciplines to come together and create unexpected, innovative, multi-disciplinary work. Shows are performed in and around local neighborhoods, surprising and delighting audiences, bringing visibility and vitality to community businesses.

OPENING: Upended Productions Remounts Acclaimed Ambulatory ALICE Through October 21st

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Multi-Disciplinary Theatrical Experience 

ALICE 

Returns September 16 at Various Evanston Locations

Featuring Factory, Mudlark, Fleetwood-Jourdain, ShowParty 

& Others

**Recommended for ages six and up**

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we adore the Alice in Wonderland stories. We missed the Upended Alice last time around, even though we publicized it, and we can't wait to go down this rabbit hole for the remount. This unique, promenade style show shares book chapters among diverse Chicagoland theater companies, visual and film artists and musicians. This 90-minute event requires walking and standing. Rain or shine.

“ALICE displays impeccable logistical skill and a striking sense of space; in the best environmental theater tradition, it renews the audience's sense of wonder at their surroundings” – Newcity Stage (2014)

“ALICE is that rare environmental experience that takes its subject seriously yet embraces a self-deprecating sense of humor” – Chicago Reader (2004)

Upended Productions remounts ALICE, the ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience, curated by Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm. The audience, traveling in groups of 15, follows a white rabbit to various locations throughout Evanston’s Main-Dempster Mile neighborhood.

Ducking into storerooms and back patios, through bookstores and breweries, the audience IS Alice and southeast Evanston becomes a wonderland. 



WHEN:
Opens Saturday, September 22, 2018, 1 p.m.
Previews Sunday, September 16, 1 p.m.
Runs Saturdays and Sundays through October 21
Tours begin at 1 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., & 2 p.m. 

WHERE:
Meet at LaCapra State Farm office, 829 Chicago, Evanston, IL
Subsequent locations include Sketchbook Brewing Co, Booked, La Principal, Cultivate, Reprise Coffee Roasters, 10,000 Villages, and Squeezebox Books & Music.

CTA: Main Street Purple EL
Street and metered public parking lots around Main & Chicago Aves.
                        
TICKETS:      
$25 for single tickets; $17 for students and seniors with ID
Space is limited so advance purchase is highly recommended: www.UpEndedProductions.com  

ARTISTS:      
This promenade production features original work by The Factory, Mudlark Theater, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theater, ShowParty, singer/ songwriter Naomi Ashley, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Logan Kibens, and current and former ensemble members of The Neo-Futurists, Theatre Oobleck, Barrel of Monkeys, and Wildclaw Theater, including David Kodeski, Corrbette Pasko, Laura McKenzie, Josh Zagoren, and Dina Walters. 

FUNDER:      

This project is partially supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, an agency supported by the City of Evanston.

HISTORY:     
Neo-Futurist alumna Noelle Krimm founded Upended Productions in 2014. Productions are not confined to conventional theater spaces to provide performance frameworks for artists of all disciplines to come together and create unexpected, innovative, multi-disciplinary work. Shows are performed in and around local neighborhoods, surprising and delighting audiences, bringing visibility and vitality to community businesses.

Alice Opening At Lookingglass And Closing At Upended #theatre

The Chicago Theatre scene is a microcosm, a world of it's own full of magical coincidences and oddly interwoven themes. This season is no exception. We're way beyond stoked here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows that one of our favorite stories is springing to life in parallel universes in very different ways. 

Alice (of Wonderland fame) is popping up in mirror worlds across town, at the aptly named Lookingglass Nov 12-Feb 15 and all over Andersonville (beginning at the Neo-Futurarium) in an "ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience" through Nov. 2. These productions are both highly anticipated remounts and we can't wait to catch it all!

UPENDED PRODUCTIONS ALICE

Photo: Johnny Knight

8 Andersonville venues, 9 artists, 12 chapters, 6 rabbits, 1 wild afternoon. Noelle Krimm gives audiences a seat at the tea party with a re-imagining of her 2004 hit, Alice. The show runs through with tours beginning at 1:00 p.m. and leaving every 15 minutes until 2:00 p.m. All tours start at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. Space is limited and advanced purchase is very highly recommended. Don't be late!

Recommended by The Trib, The Sun-Times, The Reader, Newcity Stage and more, here’s what some of the critics had to say about 2004’s Alice.

Upended Productions’ Alice – The reviews are in!!

Stage and Cinema Raves!  

“Throughout the whimsical and comic episodes, there are consistent reminders of the subjective nature of reality, a medicine that goes down easily, delivered as it is with a bit of sugar—not pepper—and a wry touch. Attend Alice with an open spirit and light heart, or arrive as a grump and a cynic and leave with a smile and a less-heavy step nonetheless.”                    -Erika Mikkalo                                                    

Recommended by New City!  

“Other standout vignettes include the most interactive portions, like the tea party and croquet game led by the ShowParty! collective. A headier but equally captivating highlight is the eleventh chapter from Sid Branca & Amanda Fink, staged in a pet supply shop, wherein the trial over the tarts becomes a sort of nonsensical polemic attack on meaning and ownership while revealing much truth through almost aggressive wordplay.”                                                              - Raymond Rehayem                                                                               

Recommended by Chicago Theatre Review! 

“But Alice is more than its ambulatory conceit—it also features witty and imaginative writing that gets to the emotional core of the original. Chad the Bird’s meditations on humans and animals seemed both apt and fitting for a story that is filled with many anthropomorphic animals. A final scene towards the end of the play poses a choice between dreams and the reality that inspires them. Alice is ultimately a fun production that is at times unfaithful to the letter of the original, but fully faithful to its spirit. It invites you to stroll through its Wonderland, but urges you to eventually wake up, refreshed, from the dream.
                                                                                            - Ivy Perez

And perhaps most importantly...

10-year-old theater critic Ada Grey of Ada Grey Reviews For You had a blast!

“People who would like this show are people who like bunnies, insanity, and lollipops. I think should definitely see this show. It is so funny, and I had so much fun, and I think you should bring all your best friends to it because they will have a lot of fun. It is basically like you get to go on the experience of going to Wonderland with your friend.”                               -Ada Grey

Alice is an ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience. The audience, traveling in groups of 15, follows a white rabbit to various locations throughout the Andersonville neighborhood. Ducking into storerooms and back patios, through bookstores and taverns and galleries, the audience IS Alice and the Andersonville neighborhood becomes a wonderland. Chapters of the book are divided amongst Chicago fringe theater companies, visual and film artists and performed in various locations throughout the neighborhood.

Locations include: The Neo-Futurarium, Simon's Tavern, The Landmark of Andersonville, Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities, Rad Vintage, George's Ice Cream and Sweets, The Swedish American Museum, and Women and Children First Bookstore.

(Wow! Just WOW. So many of our favs are representing here.)  Alice features original work by: The Neo-Futurists, Striding Lion Performance Group, The Whiskey Rebellion Theatre, ShowParty, Sophisticated Cornbread, David Kodeski, Corrbette Pasko, Emmy Bean, Josh Zagoren, Greg Allen, Bilal Dardai, Dina Walters, Logan Kibens, John Randle and other special guests.

Don't sit in the dark and wait to be entertained. Be Alice. Chase the rabbit!

Noelle Krimm states, "I originally created the show for The Neo-Futurists in 2004. It was a great success and I have often thought of remounting it. This fall is the 10th anniversary of the first production and it falls at a time when I think we all need to be able to look around and see a little wonder."

Noelle Krimm (Creator/Rabbit) After being thoroughly educated in theater/musical theater performance at the Florida School of the Arts and Florida State University, Noelle became a Neo-Futurist ensemble member in 1999 where she wrote and performed regularly in their signature show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind for 10 years (and still comes back every once in a while). While with The Neo-Futurists, Noelle also created several full-length original shows including The Neo-Futurists' first full-length musical, City Girl!, which had an extended run in Chicago in 2002 and went to the Minnesota Fringe Festival in 2003 where it won Artists' Choice and Critics' Choice for Best Musical. In 2004, Noelle created and curated Alice for The Neo-Futurists which involved more than 50 cast members from numerous experimental theater companies and took place over an entire city block of Andersonville. Using a similar model, she created Fear in 2009 which, touted as "a thinking man's haunted house, " involved dozens of different artists who worked in mediums from graffiti to modern dance. Fear took place throughout the fairly creepy building which houses The Neo-Futurarium. The 2014 production of Alice is the inaugural show for Krimm's new production company.

Upended Productions was founded by Neo-Futurist alumni Noelle Krimm in the summer of 2014. After creating Alice and Fear for The Neo-Futurists, Noelle became really interested in creating theatrical events that collage the work of many different artists into one semi-coherent piece.

Upended Productions' Alice is part of Chicago Artists Month 2014, the 19th annual celebration of Chicago's vibrant art community presented by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. For more information, visit www.chicagoartistsmonth.org.

Sign up for a specific tour time by purchasing tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com. Tickets are $20 or $15 with a valid student ID. All performances begin at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. For more information, visit www.upendedproductions.com or call 773-817-3956.

LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE
Lookingglass Alice
Adapted and Directed by David Catlin
From the works of Lewis Carroll
Produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium
November 12, 2014 – February 15, 2015
Press Opening: Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 2pm
Location: Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson  
Tickets: $35-$45 previews, $45-$75 regular run

Imagination soars and laughter and awe abound when this signature production returns with all its gravity-defying spectacle and breathtaking theatricality.  Lookingglass Alice is a marvel for all ages, transporting audiences down the rabbit hole to a circus-infused playground for an exhilarating wonderland adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories.

Lookingglass Theatre Company announces casting for the return of signature Lookingglass production Lookingglass Alice, adapted and directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin from the works of Lewis Carroll, produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium. Artistic Associates Lauren Hirte and Lindsey Noel Whiting both return to share the role of Alice. Lookingglass Alice runs November 12, 2014 – February 15, 2015 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. Tickets are currently on sale to the general public and can be purchased through the box office at (312) 337-0665 or www.lookingglasstheatre.org.  

Lookingglass Alice features Ensemble Members Kevin Douglas (Mad Hatter) and Anthony Fleming III (Cheshire Cat) and also includes Molly Brennan (Red Queen), Artistic Associate Lauren Hirte (Alice), Samuel Taylor (White Knight) and Artistic Associate Lindsey Noel Whiting (Alice).

The creative team includes Ensemble Member Daniel Ostling (scenic design), Ensemble Member Mara Blumenfeld (costume design), Artistic Associate Alison Siple (associate costume design), Artistic Associate Christine A Binder (lighting design), Production Affiliate Ray Nardelli (sound design), Sarah Burnham (properties), Artistic Associate Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi (choreographer) and Lee Brasuell (rigger). Jeri Frederickson is the stage manager for Lookingglass Alice.

Imagination soars and laughter and awe abound when this signature production returns with all its gravity-defying spectacle and breathtaking theatricality.  Lookingglass Alice is a marvel for all ages, transporting audiences down the rabbit hole to a circus-infused playground for an exhilarating wonderland adventure inspired by Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories.

FACT SHEET/Lookingglass Alice

Dates:  Previews:  November 12 – 21, 2014

                      

            Regular run:  November 25, 2014 – February 15, 2015

Times:      Tuesdays:                    3:00 p.m. (Dec 23 only)

7:30 p.m. (Nov 25; Dec 23 and 30 only)

Wednesdays:                1:00 p.m. (Dec 24 only)

3:00 p.m. (Nov 26, Dec 31 only)

7:30 p.m.

Thursdays:                   3:00 p.m. (except Nov 13, 20, 27; Dec 25; Jan 1, 8, 22; Feb 5 and 12)

7:30 p.m. (except Nov 25, Dec 25 and Jan 1)

                 Fridays:                        3:00 p.m. (Nov 28, Dec 26 and Jan 2 only)

7:30 p.m.

                          Saturdays:                    3:00 p.m. (except Nov 15 and 22)

7:30 p.m. (except Nov 22)

Sundays:                      3:00 p.m. (except Nov 23)

7:30 p.m. (Dec 7, 14, 21; Jan 11 and 25;

Feb 8 and 15 only)

Accessible

Performances:  Touch tour/Audio described performance, Sunday, February 1, 2015 at 3 p.m.

Open captioned performance, Sunday, January 25, 2015 at 3 p.m. Partial support for open captioning provided by Theatre Development Fund.

Location:          Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson.  

Prices:      Previews are $25 - $40

Regular Run is $40 - $80

                                   

A limited number of student tickets are available the day of the show for $20 with valid student ID.

Groups of 8 or more patrons save up to 20%. Call the box office for details.

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.

About Lookingglass Theatre Company
Inventive.  Collaborative.  Transformative.  Lookingglass Theatre Company, recipient of the 2011 Regional Theatre Tony Award, was founded in 1988 by eight Northwestern University students.  Now in its 27^th season, Lookingglass is home to a multi-disciplined ensemble of artists who create story-centered theatrical work that is physical, aurally rich and visually metaphoric. The Company has staged 62 world premieres, received 101 Joseph Jefferson awards and nominations, and work premiered at Lookingglass has been produced in New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Berkeley, Philadelphia, Princeton, Hartford, Kansas City, Washington D.C., and St. Louis.  Lookingglass original scripts have been produced across the United States.

The Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago's landmark Water Tower Water Works opened in June 2003.  In addition to developing and presenting ensemble work, Lookingglass Education and Community programs encourage creativity, teamwork and confidence with thousands of community members each year.

Lookingglass Theatre Company continues to expand its artistic, financial and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Artistic Director Andrew White, Executive Director Rachel Kraft, Producing Artistic Director Philip R. Smith, Artistic Director of New Work Heidi Stillman, a 24-member artistic ensemble, 15 artistic associates, 11 production affiliates, an administrative staff and a dedicated board of directors led by Chairman Joe Brady of Jones Lang LaSalle and President John McGowan of CTC | myCFO (a part of BMO Financial Group). For more information, visit lookingglasstheatre.org.