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: United 232 Now Playing at House Theater

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

UNITED FLIGHT 232 

ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY VANESSA STALLING AND BASED ON THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED BOOK BY EVANSTON’S LAURENCE GONZALES

The Production Runs Through May 1 at the Chopin Theatre

Tonight, ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' in Chi, IL with one of our favorite storefronts, The House Theatre of Chicago. We were already reviewing elsewhere for the UNITED FLIGHT 232 press opening on 3/20, and the buzz about this show has been great. Can't wait to see for ourselves! Check back soon for our full review.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce the world premiere adaptation of Laurence Gonzales’ book Flight 232, adapted and directed by Vanessa Stalling. United Flight 232 tells the story of the harrowing July 19, 1989 flight bound for Chicago’s O’Hare airport. United Flight 232 runs through May 1, plays at Chopin Theatre’s Upstairs Theater, 1543 W. Division St.  

Regular performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., from March 25 – May 1. Regular run tickets range from $30 to $35. $10 same-day tickets for students and industry professionals are available for all dates, seats permitting. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call 773.769.3832.

“I love you, hurry home. I love you.” On July 19, 1989, a DC-10 headed for O’Hare with 296 aboard is paralyzed mid-air. For 44 minutes, the aircraft descended towards an emergency landing and crashed at Sioux City Gateway airport. To the astonishment of all who witnessed the event, 184 of 296 passengers and crew survived. Drawing on the interviews and research conducted by Evanston author Laurence Gonzales for his critically acclaimed book, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, this brand new play, United Flight 232, is a reflection on how to comprehend tragedy and celebrate human ingenuity in the face of overwhelming challenges.

The House Theatre of Chicago Company Members Brenda Barrie and Johnny Arena join the cast, along with guest artists Echaka Agba, Alice de Cunha, Elana Elyce, Rudy Galvan, James Doherty, Kroydell Galima, and Michael Martin.

 San Francisco Chronicle called Laurence Gonzales’ book, “A richly detailed story that is equal parts heartbreaking [and] inspiring…”

 The Washington Post said, “Flight 232 stands alone for its absolutely riveting depiction of the flight’s last minutes and the horrendous aftermath: for its vivid sympathetic portraits of many of those aboard the plane, the crew most particularly.”

The Chicago Tribune called it, “Astonishingly in-depth…”

To learn more about Laurence Gonzales’ book, please visit his website at laurencegonzales.com/232.html.

United Flight 232 was commissioned and developed by The House Theatre of Chicago and the Chicago Performance Lab through the Theatre and Performance Studies Program at the University of Chicago.

ABOUT LAURENCE GONZALES, author

Laurence Gonzales was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and grew up in Houston and San Antonio, Texas.  His book about the crash of United Flight 232 at Sioux City, Iowa, July 19, 1989, Flight 232: A Story of Disaster and Survival, from W.W. Norton, was published on July 7, 2014. He is the author of numerous books, including the bestseller Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why and the sequel, Surviving Survival: The Art and Science of Resilience (both from W.W. Norton). Gonzales has won many awards, including two National Magazine Awards and the Distinguished Service Award from the Society of Professional Journalists. He has appeared as a speaker before groups ranging from the Santa Fe Institute to Legg Mason Capital Management, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, and the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also on the adjunct faculty at Northwestern University in the Medill School of Journalism. His most recent novel is Lucy (Alfred A. Knopf). His essays are collected in the book House of Pain (University of Arkansas Press). He is a fellow of the Santa Fe Institute.                                                

ABOUT VANNESA STALLING, adapter and director

Vanessa Stalling is a Chicago freelance director. Recently, Stalling directed The America Play at Oracle Productions and Mutt, by Christopher Chen, a co-production between Stage Left and Red Tape. Other recent work includes Circuscope, Actors Gymnasium, The Normal Heart, Boston University and Pullman W.A, Illinois State University. She is most known for her work as associate artistic director at Redmoon, where she enjoyed directing and choreographing several productions including a remount of The Cabinet, Last of My Species, Winter Pageant, Princess Club, and Twilight Orchard. She is adjunct faculty at Columbia College Chicago and University of Chicago. She is a recipient of the Outstanding University Teacher Award and an Impact Award for her service as an Instructor at Illinois State University.

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. 

Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (21 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Now in its 14th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

Parents' Night Out: Connected at Collaboraction Opens April 21st

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

COLLABORACTION'S 20^TH ANNIVERSARY WORLD PREMIERE

CONNECTED  TO EXPLORE TECHNONOLOGY, SPANNING TIME AND SPACE,  APRIL 21-MAY 29 IN CHICAGO'S FLAT IRON ARTS BUILDING

Here at ChiIL Mama and Live Shows, we're utterly intrigued with the concept and can't wait to catch this show. What other production actually asks audience members to bring headphones and a smart phone, if they have them, in order to experience a pre-show silent disco?! Each performance will also be followed by a town hall discussion with an expert in astrophysics, technology or human evolution. Audience members also can join the Connected community, share content to be included in the show and find information that deepens the experience of seeing the performance at collaboraction.org.

For its 20th anniversary show, Collaboraction is exploring mankind, technology and our connection to it all with the world premiere of Connected, the story of humankind as told by the nine planets in our solar system, starting with the Big Bang and stopping at numerous historical and future campfires along the way.

Part historical docudrama, part science fiction, Connected soars through the history of space and time for an exciting new immersive theatre experience illuminating our relationship with technology and each other, and how a special tribe used its unique connection to one another to survive it all. 

Performances are April 21 through May 29 at Collaboraction, in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., Room 300, in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Press opening is Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. 

Tickets are on sale now. Tickets are $15-$30. For tickets and information, visit collaboraction.org or call (312) 226-9633.

Led by Collaboraction Artistic Director Anthony Moseley, Connected will be a milestone production that takes on the critical social issue of technology and whether we allow it to bring us together or isolate us further. Connected features intimate staging where the audience of 50 sits in a circle around a metaphorical campfire as the action takes place all around them. The production uses puppets, 3-D mapped video projections, meta-theatrics, social media, audience interaction and story-telling.

Audience members are asked to bring headphones and a smart phone, if they have them, in order to experience the pre-show silent disco. Each performance will be followed by a town hall discussion with an expert in astrophysics, technology or human evolution. Audience members also can join the Connected community, share content to be included in the show and find information that deepens the experience of seeing the performance at collaboraction.org.

"For our 20^th anniversary show, we wanted to explore and celebrate the origin of theatre itself, the ancient phenomena of coming together around a campfire to share stories and dream about the unknown, a uniquely human endeavor which speaks to our need for community and our penchant for asking the questions 'why'," said Moseley. "We aim to make this a show really about community and our connection to one another. I can promise it will be a truly unique piece of Chicago theatre history in its staging and scope."

Connected features an ensemble cast included Collaboraction company members Antonio Brunetti and Luis Crespo, along with Justin Dietzel, Amber Hughee, Warren Levon, Mary Mikva, Annie Prichard, Rasika Ranganathan, and introducing Stella Moseley.

The design team includes Anthony Moseley (writer/director), Jen Ellison (assistant director), Ashley Woods (set design), Erik Barry (lighting design), Elsa Hiltner (costume design), Matthew Reich (sound design), Rachel Watson (puppet and prop design), Sam Porretta (Outside Eye), Sarah Moeller (producer), Erica Bush (production manager), Caitlin Body (stage manager), Ian Downing-Beaver (dramaturg) and Stephanie Svarz (artistic intern).

Previews of Connected are April 21-26: Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Press opening is Wednesday, April 27 at 7 p.m. Performances run through May 27: Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. Industry Night performances are Monday, April 28 and May 23 at 7:30 p.m. No show Thursday, April 28. Single tickets are $30; $15 for students, educators and industry. Purchase tickets online at collaboraction.org or call 312.226.9633.

About Collaboraction

Collaboraction (collaboraction.org) collaborates with artists, community activists, and citizens from throughout the city to create original theatrical experiences that push artistic boundaries and explore critical social issues with a diverse community of Chicagoans. Collaboraction has worked with more than 3,000 artists to bring more than 60 productions and events to more than 100,000 audience members.

Production highlights include Collaboraction's acclaimed series of Crime Scene productions responding to Chicago's current crime epidemic, 15 years of the SKETCHBOOK Festival, Sarah Moeller's Forgotten Future: The Education Project in 2014, 2010's Chicago premiere of 1001 by Jason Grote, 2008's world premiere of Jon by George Saunders and directed by Seth Bockley, and 2007's The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow: an instant message with excitable music by Rolin Jones.

Collaboraction, based on the 3^rd floor of Wicker Park's historic Flat Iron Arts Building with three theatre spaces, is led by Artistic Director Anthony Moseley, Executive Director Darcy Addison and a dedicated staff and board of directors. 

Collaboraction is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation via the MacArthur Foundation, and the Wicker Park & Bucktown SSA #33 Chamber of Commerce. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For tickets and information, visit collaboraction.org or call 312.226.9633.   

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Hellcab at Profiles

OPENING Friday the 13th: 

Hellcab at Profiles Theatre

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

Highly Recommended Holiday Shows

For the fourth consecutive year, including the 20^th Anniversary production in 2012, Profiles revisited Kern’s landmark play for the holiday season. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we caught Hellcab way back in 1992 when it was first produced as a late-night show by Famous Door Theatre.  Hellcab was originally scheduled for twelve performances. It ended up running for over nine years, becoming one of the longest running shows in Chicago theatre history. Hellcab has been performed all over the U.S. and abroad, including Scotland, Israel, Singapore, and Ireland, winning numerous awards, including a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival.

 Pictured: Irene Currie, Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

We've caught Profiles' excellent holiday remounts of Hellcab for several years now and highly recommend it. This is a unique glimpse at humankind and the ability of an insightful cab driver to be both human and kind to an odd assortment of holiday fares. It's appropriate for teens and up and makes an excellent parents' night out. 

Hellcab presents a day in the life story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious collection of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago. Playwright Will Kern draws from personal experience as a former cab driver to create this alternately frightening, hilarious and poignant journey. Throughout his long shift, the eclectic collection of passengers includes a trio of drug-addicts, a smug lawyer, a born-again couple, and a randy couple on their way to a motel. Set during a bitter cold Christmas Eve, Hellcab presents a rear-view image mirroring the passing parade of humanity.

Pictured: Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

   

Regular Run: November 12, 2015 – January 10, 2016

Schedule: Thurs., Fri.: 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m.

Sunday: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway

Parking is available for $14 - $16 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)

Ticket prices: Previews: $20

Regular Run: Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office: Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org

or call (773) 549-1815

Profiles Theatre introduces Zlatomir Moldovansky

as The Driver in the 2015 seasonal return

of Hellcab by Will Kern

Profiles Theatre announces the return of its annual holiday revival of Hellcab by Will Kern, this year featuring Chicago newcomer Zlatomir Moldovansky in the iconic role of the Chicago cab driver. Directed by Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher, a cast of 33 joins Moldovansky as the beleaguered driver. Profiles’ production runs at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway, November 6, 2015 – January 10, 2016.

Directed by Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher, Hellcab features a cast of 33 Chicago actors. Originally performed by a cast of one driver and six ensemble members playing multiple roles as the passengers, Profiles celebrates the diversity of Chicago by filling each ensemble role with a different actor. Zlatomir Moldovansky, seen regionally in productions with Asolo Repertory, Creede Repertory and New Stage Collective, appears with Profiles for the first time. In addition to Moldovanksy’s debut as the Driver, the passenger roles are performed by Cristiana Barbatelli, Bobby Bowman, Hannah Brown, Ben Burke, Taylor Craft, Irene Currie, Alex Dauphin, Patrick Deal, Jeff Dolecek, Richard Esteras, Brianne Duncan Fiore, Will J. Green, Rasell Holt, Logan Hulick, Grant Johnson, Liz Krane, Josephine Longo, Sean Magill, Edward Mawere, Liliana Mitchell, Brian Nelson, Tim Newell, Sissy Anne Quaranta, Akua Sarhene, Danny Schaefer, Judi Schindler, Josh Segovia, Londen Shannon, Rejinal Simon, George Stalling, Paige Taylor and Elise Zell.

The designers are Katie-Bell Springmann (set), Mike Durst and Claire Chrzan (lights), Matt Reich (sound), and Raquel Adorno (costumes). Nate Dion is the stage manager and Bradley Mark serves as assistant director.

Pictured: Jeff Dolecek, Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

INCOMING: Jazz Vocalist Keri Johnsrud at Green Mill (21+) 4/13/15 #AlbumRelease #PNO #ParentsNightO

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar

Chicago's own jazz vocalist Keri Johnsrud will be celebrating the release of her sophomore album, This Side of Morning, with a show at The Green Mill on Monday, April 13.  You can listen to the album right here then book your tickets to see her LIVE at Chicago's iconic Green Mill (21+ strictly enforced).

For more information, check out her website here.

About Keri

"The lyrical version of that sexy little black dress, Keri Johnsrud is a name to remember!" - Brent Black (criticaljazz.com)

A highly appealing jazz singer with a quietly expressive voice and a deep understanding of the lyrics that she interprets, Keri Johnsrud has been an important part of the Chicago jazz scene for the past 15 years. As Christopher Loudon from JazzTimes has also noted, "Keri Johnsrud is largely about finding the unexpected in the familiar. The bright shimmer of her voice, a crystalline instrument of deceptive simple beauty, defies the depth of her artistry." Now with the recording of her upcoming CD, "This Side of Morning", she is making a major step forward not only as a singer, but as a lyricist and songwriter.

Keri was born and raised in Iowa as part of a very musical family. Her grandmother, mother and sister were all professional vocalists and Keri first performed in public when she was seven. "I grew up hearing big band swing, which my mother loved, and jazz. Since I was a child of the 1980s, I also listened to the pop and rock music of the time - Hall and Oates, Chicago, Huey Lewis and the News." In her formative years, Keri studied piano and trumpet and, with the Iowa Ambassadors of Music (a hand-picked choir), she had the opportunity to visit and perform in England (including Westminster Abbey), Western Europe and Italy. At The University of Iowa she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Promotion, but also performed with the Old Gold Singers and Newman Singers, touring with both ensembles.

However, Keri's true love is jazz.  With regular appearances at Chicago's top venues including the historic Jazz Showcase, the famed Coq D'Or in the Drake Hotel, and a monthly residency at Southport & Irving, Keri has built a strong reputation and following among peers and fans, alike. Keri has also headlined performances in Atlanta and New York City and has enjoyed singing in Iowa before a hometown audience of fans and friends.  In addition to performing with her own group, Keri also lends her voice to the critically acclaimed jazz ensemble Shawn Maxwell's Alliance.

Her debut album, "All Blue", which features her fresh takes on standards and lesser-known classics, achieved international interest and has been well received since its release. While "All Blue" summed up her life and career up to that point, "This Side of Morning" looks ahead. With her collaborator and renowned pianist Kevin Bales leading a strong rhythm section behind her, Keri sounds in top form performing their originals on "This Side of Morning." Many of the songs were inspired by relationship hardships, but the music is far from downbeat. 'From Here' has a danceable and funky backup as Keri sings about reaching a turning point in one's life. 'When Morning Dawns' (which was featured in the independent film "Thank You a Lot") is a haunting song about how life needs to go on while the boss nova 'If and When' is a bit optimistic about the future. The ironic 'Everything's Okay', the wistful 'Here I Am', and 'A Thousand Tears' each examine relationships from different angles. Also included on this consistently intriguing and thought-provoking set are 'Your Way' (about following your own path in life), 'Fly Away' (which is a mixed-meter tune) and a funky 'The Chameleon.'

"This Side of Morning" is scheduled to be released in April, 2015. For now, Keri Johnsrud can be found performing both her colorful originals and timeless standards in Chicago area clubs. Her plans for the future are as direct and as logical as her music: "I plan to keep singing, writing, teaching and performing as much as possible and want to take the music wherever it needs to go."

TONIGHT: Elaine Dame Kicks Off Thursday Night Residency at SIP #PNO #ParentsNightOut

Chi, IL Live Shows on Our Radar

Dame Thursdays

Live Jazz by Elaine Dame Every Thursday, 8-11 p.m.

Starting April 2

Chicago jazz vocalist and bandleader Elaine Dame will kick off her Thursday night residency at SIP (aka Southport & Irving) tomorrow night at 8PM and will be hosting a benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation on Sunday, May 3 from 6-10PM. 

Jazz vocalist and bandleader Elaine Dame will be holding down a Thursday night residency at SIP (aka Southport & Irving), 4000 N. Southport Ave in Chicago, throughout the month of April. The residency, which begins on Thursday, April 2 at 8PM CST, will be followed by a benefit for the Matthew Shepard Foundation on Sunday, May 3 (6-10PM CST), which Dame will host.

Elaine Dame has been on the Chicago music scene since 1996 and has been called “a gem in the city’s vocal jazz scene” by Time Out Chicago. She gigs regularly at The Rainbow Room in New York City and has performed at the University of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center and will be performing at the 2015 Chicago Jazz Festival. Her latest CD, You’re My Thrill, was released to critical acclaim in 2014 and features liner notes penned by Grammy award-winning writer and jazz critic Neil Tesser.

Dennis and Judy Shepard founded the Matthew Shepard Foundation in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. The Foundation seeks to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion, & Acceptance” through its varied educational, outreach and, advocacy programs and by continuing to tell Matthew’s story.

Elaine Dame sings – and people stop and listen. Since 1996, the woman Time Out Chicago calls “a jazz dynamo” and “a gem in the city’s vocal jazz scene” has been turning heads and capturing attention at the nation’s finest clubs and venues. From her regular appearances at The Rainbow Room in New York City to her monthly residencies at Taverna 750, Southport and Irving and 720 Lounge, to special performances for the University of Chicago, the Chicago Cultural Center and even the Chicago Bulls, to headlining venerable Chicago jazz clubs like The Jazz Showcase, Andy’s Jazz Club and The Drake Hotel’s famed Coq D’Or, Elaine’s is a career spent at the heart of sophisticated, swinging, urban jazz.

For the past eight years, in addition to her consistent work as a jazz singer, Ms. Dame has been a private jazz vocal instructor and was honored to have been a 2013 teaching artist at Orbert Davis’ Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Summer Jazz Academy, where she taught scatting workshops.

HELP OUT:

Save the Date

• Dinner will be served till 10 PM
• Featuring a special cocktail menu with a mix of classic cocktails and original creations
• $5 suggested donation
• A fantastic array of raffle items
• 10% of the restaurant’s proceeds will be donated to The Matthew Shephard Foundation
• Reservations are recommended
• Two bands in two rooms with special performances all evening

Click here for more info on the Matthew Shepard Foundation

Parents' Night Out at Theater Wit--Completeness Now Extended Through May 4th #review #theatre #parents night out

LONG LIVE GEEK LOVE! 

THEATER WIT ANNOUNCES  SIX WEEK EXTENSION OF 

HIT SHOW  COMPLETENESS;  SMART, SEXY NEW ROM-COM 

NOW RUNNING THROUGH MAY 4

ChiIL Live Shows finally caught Completeness last Friday, and we are elated to share that their run has been extended yet again!   The reasons are exponential.  Completeness gives emotional baggage it's own algorithm!   It's laugh out loud funny, painful, poignant and real.   The actors' adept portrayal of socially awkward, brilliantly flawed lovers is a joy to watch.  Catch this must see.   If you haven't gone yet, what are you waiting for?   Go already.  

We also completely geeked out on the set design.   The simple set pieces evoke student housing while serving as a giant computer.  This provides a visual and effective emersion in modern love, loss, and exploration, from the classroom to the bedroom...through break ups and break downs.

Theater Wit has announced a six-week extension of its current hit play, Completeness.  Wit's "Highly Recommended...knockout Chicago premiere" (Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times) of Itamar Moses's smart, sexy new romantic comedy will now run through May 4, 2013.

Jeff Recommended

*The designation of "Jeff Recommended" is given to a production when at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed outstanding by the opening night judges of The Joseph Jefferson Awards Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.

Completeness "celebrates the seductive power of smarts!" (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune), while Kris Vire, Time Out Chicago assures  "If you don't find math and science sexy, Completeness might change your mind."  

And audiences agree, geek love is "in." Wits' easily relatable play about two brainy grad students toggling in and out of love has become a fast box office success for Theater Wit, located in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood at 1229 W. Belmont Avenue. Performances continue Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm; and Sunday at 2 pm, through May 4. Tickets are $15-$36. For tickets and information, visit TheaterWit.org or call 773.975.8150. Note: Completeness contains adult situations and nudity.

Wit's Midwest premiere of Completeness, staged by artistic director Jeremy Wechsler, features universally acclaimed performances by Matt Holzfeind as computer science grad Elliot, who discovers a cerebral, physical and mutual attraction with molecular biologist Molly, played Kristina Valada-Viars. When Elliot and Molly strike up a conversation in the university library, they agree to collaborate on a cross-departmental experiment. But while unraveling the complexities of math and science, Elliot and Molly get tangled up in each other, and the unsolvable problems of love.

Fellow actors Rae Gray and Andrew Jessop equally shine in multiple roles in Wit's new rom-com about the surprisingly sexy intersection of passion and programming. Kudos also to the Completeness design team for the sleek, high tech set and rich, colorful multimedia effects: Joe Schermoly (set), Michael Rourke (lights), Janice Pytel(costumes), Joseph Fosco (sound/original music), Michael Stanfill (projections) andKaren LaCoursiere (props). Sarah J. Luse is stage manager. 

A romantic comedy so rich it can do without "I love you." Don't miss!

- Kelly Kleiman, WBEZ

RECOMMENDED! Sweet and universal!

- Lisa Buscani, New City 

Utterly compelling! Pointed and funny

- Clint May, Chicago Theatre Beat

Critic's Choice! Amazing! Enrapturing

- Tyler Gillespie, Gaper's Block

A Must See! Wechsler's winning production makes for a gripping spectacle

- Centerstage Chicago

More about Theater Wit

In addition to presenting its own productions in 2012-2013, including Completeness, Theater Wit's three 99-seat theaters are always booked with an eclectic slate of new plays and musicals by Chicago's most popular and accomplished off-Loop theater companies.

That's why Theater Wit has introduced Chicago's first live theater, Netflix-like membership program, to encourage cross-pollination among its own productions and those presented by resident and visiting companies. With a Theater Wit Membership, you can see as many plays as you want at Theater Wit, year round, for one low monthly fee of $36 ($22 for students). Traditional multi-play flex passes are also available. To purchase a Membership Program, flex pass, single tickets or for information about current and upcoming productions at Theater Wit, call 773.975.8150 or visit TheaterWit.org.

Theater Wit inaugurated its newly renovated, $1.3 million venue at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., the former home of the Bailiwick Arts Centre, in June 2010. The Chicago Tribunecalled the new Theater Wit "A thrilling addition to Chicago's roster of theaters"(Chicago Tribune) and New City agreed Wit is "a terrific place to see a show."

Today, Theater Wit boasts three intimate 99-seat performance spaces - the only theater in Chicago with such a configuration - plus a new box office, administrative offices, a beer, wine, spirits and coffee bar, and a cool, casual lobby.

In 2012, Theater Wit hosted 593 performances of 42 productions presented by 25 of Chicago's best small companies, entertaining a total audience of more than 33,000. Resident companies presenting their full seasons at Wit in 2012-2013 are New Millennium Theatre Company and Stage Left Theatre. Visiting companies include Book and Lyrics Theatricals, Griffin Theatre, Hell in a Handbag Productions, Pinebox Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Shattered Globe and Steep Theatre.

Founded in 2004, Theater Wit's mission is to explore contemporary issues with wit and wisdom through new works and Chicago premieres.  For more information, visit TheaterWit.org.

                                                                                                    

#   #  #

About the Playwright

  

Itamar Moses is the author of The Four of Us, which like Completeness had its Midwest debut under Jeremy Wechsler's direction at Theater Wit in 2011.  That production earned three-and-a-half stars from the Chicago Tribune, four stars from Time Out Chicago, and for Moses, the new designation "one hell of a playwright" from the Chicago Reader. His subsequent play Completeness has received east and west coast premieres at Playwrights Horizons and South Coast Repertory respectively. Moses' other plays include Bach at Leipzig, Outrage, Celebrity Row, Yellowjackets, Back Back Back,and an adaptation of Jonathan Lethem's The Fortress Of Solitude. 

His work has appeared Off-Broadway and elsewhere in New York, at regional theaters across the U.S. and Canada, and has been published by Faber & Faber, Vintage Heinemann Press, Playscripts Inc., and Samuel French, Inc. He has received commissions from The McCarter Theater, Playwrights Horizons, Berkeley Repertory Theatre, Wilma Theater, Manhattan Theatre Club, and South Coast Rep. Moses holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from NYU and has taught playwriting at Yale and NYU. He is a member of the Dramatists Guild, MCC Playwrights Coalition, Naked Angels Mag 7, and is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect. Moses has written for HBO's hit series Boardwalk Empire and he was just featured in New York Magazine's "Reasons to Love New York 2012" issue. He was born in Berkeley, California, and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.

All Production Photos Credit: Charles Osgood

Parents' Night Out at La Soiree #Show Review

   David O'Mer

La Soiree has 6 shows left in Chi-Town, and we highly suggest you catch them while you can!   This self proclaimed "dysfunctional family" can adopt me any day.   I WISH my family were this wickedly witty, talented and twisted.   These tattooed circus freaks are my kind of peeps.    La Soiree rocks The Riverfront Theater with dysfunctional family values 


Unless you're a total prude or under 18--in which case we suggest you sit this one out--La Soiree is highly recommended.   Do note, this show contains mature themes, innuendo and full on nudity, and is a fabulous night out for laid back adults who love burlesque, circus arts, and internationally renowned, uber talented freaks.


We see a LOT of world class circus arts and La Soiree managed to show me quite a few acts I never even imagined....let alone saw before.  This is one hilarious show that is in turn crass and classy, poignant and pornographic.  I'm still baffled at the magic, strip tease, silk act.  






     The English Gents at Sydney Opera House   Photo by Prudence Upton


And the partner acro by The English Gents was stunningly good.   It was also a pleasure to see a guy on lyra instead of the usual petite pixie girls.   





Bret Pfister


And I've never seen Chinese pole acts done on a revolving pole before.   This multicultural, gender bending extravaganza will leave you shaking your head in wonder and peeing your pants laughing.





Nate Cooper


We particularly dug the finale with a shirtless dude in jeans in a claw foot tub full of water and bungie straps.   It was so gorgeous and so passive aggressive.  He kept doing aerial ballet and dunking down into the water to spout like a fountain on the first row and flip his hair and body around, drenching everyone.


 


David O'Mer


Crazy stuff!   La Soiree is a magical microcosm of world class cabaret performers, loads of cross dressing, gender bending, and sweet aerial arts and contortionist tricks.     All the actors were super talented and did circus arts in some creative ways I've NEVER seen.

Yulia

The show must close this Sunday, August 5th, so go already!    Chicago's new Riverfront Theatre is the site of Broadway in Chicago's production of Peter Pan, and appears to be here to stay.   We adore this tent on...you guessed it, the river front.    It's an intimate performance space and La Soiree uses a tiny circular stage, a piano top, and the high peak of the tent for aerial arts, to great advantage.    Check out Goldstar for discount tickets here, or spring for the ring side seats and get up close and personal with the stars.   You will most definitely get wet, and you may get a lap dance by a big black diva dude, opera singer in spandex!   Or you may get called up on stage to assist.





   Mooky Roundhouse Photo by Prudence Upton


Check out our past coverage here for show times, ticket links, act summaries and a video clip.   

Riverfront Theater presents 

La Soirée  

Through August 5, 2012

Riverfront Theater, located at 650 W. Chicago Avenue, just east of Halsted Street. 

Winner of the 2012 London Cabaret Awards, La Soirée combines cabaret, new burlesque, circus sideshow and contemporary variety.  The sexy, funny, dangerous world of La Soiree has enchanted audiences across the globe in Edinburgh, Paris, Sydney, Stockholm, Dublin, Montreal, Adelaide and Blackpool.  La Soiree’s internationally-acclaimed artists include stars from La Clique, the Olivier Award-winning show which ran at London's Hippodrome for nine months. La Soiree is a dynamic collective of some of the most outrageous, hilarious, beautiful and downright bizarre acts you will ever see.

La Soirée runs in Riverfront Theater’s 70-foot big top circus tent.  Curtain times are:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 7:30pm

Fridays 8:00pm

Saturday, July 21 5:00pm and 8:00pm

Saturday, July 28 6:00pm and 9pm

Saturday, August 4 6:00pm and 9pm

Sundays 4:00pm and 7:00pm. 

Tickets, $39-$85, for the three-week, limited engagement are now on sale at the Riverfront Theater box office, 650 W. Chicago Ave, HYPERLINK "http://www.RiverfrontTheater.com"www.RiverfrontTheater.com; and through Ticketmaster,  HYPERLINK "http://www.ticketmaster.com" www.ticketmaster.com or 888.556.9484. 

Parking is located on Chicago Avenue, next door to venue with direct access to show.  Additional parking is located at 811 N. Larabee and 950 N. Kingsbury.

La Soirée is recommended for Mature Audiences.