Footlights Chicago Issue #2 14/15

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CHICAGO//MADISON//MILWAUKEE888-376-3700 // fax 262-782-9797

Published by Marcus Promotions, Inc. The content of any article in this publication is based solely on the opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Marcus Promotions, Inc., Footlights, or its staff. The center program content is at the sole discretion of the performing arts group. Any errors, omissions, or inconsistencies are their responsibility. Inquiries or comments should be directed accordingly.

STAFFPRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Steve Marcus

VICE PRESIDENTMatt Thiele

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONSBob Salb

ART DIRECTORSarah Sallmann

PRODUCTION SPECIALISTGreg Widener

GRAPHIC DESIGNJillian Olsson

Theresa Wilmot

ACCOUNTINGKarin Marcus

EDITOR + VENUE RELATIONSAmanda Schumacher

CHICAGO EDITORMyrna Petlicki

ADVERTISING SALES // CHICAGOWill M. McAuliffe

ADVERTISING SALES // MADISONLeigh Jordan

Courtney NeckarAmanda Finn

ADVERTISING SALES // MILWAUKEESherry BrischBarbara Kluth

Angie Mack Reilly

SALES SUPPORT + CUSTOMER SERVICELynn Marolt

IN THIS ISSUE:

CONTENTS

pg. 4 pg. 5 pg. 6

CHICAGO // Volume 25 // Issue 2

FOOTNOTESpg 4-7

DINNER & A SHOWDining Guide + Show Listingspg 9-15

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Crèche (detail), mid-18th century. Naples. Charles H. and Mary F. Worcester Collection, Ada Turnbull Hertle, Eloise W. Martin Legacy, and Lacy Armour funds; restricted gifts of Mr. and Mrs. James N. Bay,

Linda and Vincent Buonanno, and Mrs. Robert O. Levitt.

OPEN SOMETHING GREATER.NOV 28–DEC 31 GIFTS TO THE CITY TOUR

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By Jonathan Abarbanel

4 Chicago Footlights

LIGHTS LOWEREDFrom the big Broadway in Chicago houses in The Loop, to small storefront houses throughout Chicago and Northern Indiana, the lights of Chicago’s theaters dimmed at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 to honor those taken by death.

It was not a 9/11 tribute, although that would have been appropriate, but a moment of silence to mark the unexpected late-summer losses of admired local theater artists. Powerful actor Trinity P. Murdock passed of natural causes in the closing days of August, still in his 50’s, as did freelance props designer Joel Lambie on Aug. 31, followed the next day by actor and writer Sati Word. Lambie and Word were only in their mid-30s.

Real devastation followed Sept. 6 with the deaths in horrific accidents of actors Molly Glynn, 46, and Bernie Yvon, 50. Then, on Sept. 21, beloved director/teacher/writer and trusted adviser Sheldon Patinkin died at 79 after a 50-year career as the Earth Father of Chicago theater.

To detail the careers and contributions of these artists would require this entire issue of Footlights. From the Goodman to MPAACT, from Theatre at the Center to the Black Ensemble, from Steppenwolf to TimeLine, from the Marriott to the Gift, there was virtually no theater company in Chicago not graced by the presence of these artists. Their loss is immeasurable. If there was any grace note to their passing, it was in the outpouring of remembrances and heartfelt mourning which united Chicago’s diverse theater community, offering spiritual and material support to the families left behind.

Joel Lambie

Sati Word

Sheldon Patinkin

Molly Glynn

Bernie Yvon

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BIG STEPS AT STEPPENWOLFThere may be no more fitting tribute to Sheldon Patinkin than the announcement, just two weeks after his death, that his one-time student, Anna D. Shapiro, will become the next artistic director of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, succeeding her mentor, Martha Lavey, next autumn. Lavey will relinquish the post after 20 years as Steppenwolf’s top artistic leader, but will continue as a member of the Ensemble.

Shapiro, winner of a 2008 Tony Award for her direction of August: Osage County, graduated from Columbia College when Patinkin was chair of the Theatre Department. She has risen through the artistic ranks at Steppenwolf since 1995 while establishing herself as a director of national stature.

In a double transition at Steppenwolf, long-time executive director David Hawkanson also is stepping down next September to be succeeded by the person he mentored, David M. Schmitz, a nine-year Steppenwolf veteran who currently is the large troupe’s managing director. Hawkanson also will remain active with Steppenwolf. In fact, he and Lavey will oversee an elaborate physical expansion project in which the company will build a new 400-seat theater in the vacant lot immediately south of the present playhouse, and remodel the recently-purchased building adjoining it on the north (formerly a furniture store) to include a black box playhouse and administrative offices and shops. All three structures will be connected via a common street front lobby.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s new Artistic Director, Anna D. Shapiro, won a 2008 Tony for her direction of August: Osage County. Photo by Michael Brosilow.

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Next up for National Theatre Award winner The House Theatre of Chicago is The Nutcracker.

LOCAL TROUPES TAKE NATIONAL HONORSBesides handing out the Tony Awards, the American Theatre Wing a few years ago began giving annual National Theatre Award grants to 10 or more emerging nonprofit theater companies across the country. Chicago has done well with these prizes—as it should with the size and diversity of our theater industry—and 2014 was no different, with The House Theatre of Chicago and Theater Wit among the recipients of $10,000 grants.

In the words of the American Theatre Wing, the grants are given to troupes which “have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity and dynamism of American theatre.”

The current show at The House is The Nutcracker (Nov. 7-Dec. 30 at the Chopin Theatre), the company’s nontraditional and non-ballet take on the holiday classic. The current Theater Wit show also is its annual holiday offering, The Santaland Diaries (Nov. 21-Dec. 28). However, Theater Wit is a three-stage venue and additional productions by guest companies are running currently.

NEW TITLES FOR TWOIn other recent personnel announcements, Porchlight Music Theatre has appointed Jeannie Lukow as its first executive director. For the past six years, she has been president of Porchlight’s board of directors and before that had a long career in marketing communications and association management.

Porchlight’s next show is the revue Sondheim on Sondheim (Feb. 6-March 15). Also, Raven Theatre has named ensemble member Cody Estle as associate artistic director, working with co-artistic directors Michael Menendian and JoAnn Montemurro. Estle has directed five of the theatre company’s productions over the past three seasons, among them last spring’s Vieux Carre. He’ll stage the Chicago premiere of Horton Foote’s Dividing the Estate in January for the Edgewater theater troupe.

National Theatre Award winner Theater Wit will present its annual favorite, The Santaland Diaries, opening Nov. 21.


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NEW SPINS ON SCROOGEWe note at least two new twists on the myriad annual versions of A Christmas Carol. Not satisfied with offering the Mother of All Xmas Carols each year, the Goodman Theatre this season is teaming with The Second City to present Twist Your Dickens, or Scrooge You! (Dec. 5-28). That’s in addition to The Mother version.

Over at Navy Pier, Chicago Shakespeare Theater offers the dazzling Q Brothers in the world premiere of A Q Brothers Christmas Carol, their rap hip-hop take on the classic (Nov. 19-Dec. 28). FYI: the Q Brothers’ parents operate the historic Merz Apothecary in Lincoln Square, famous for its herbal and homeopathic emphasis on healthcare. If construction is on schedule, they’ll open a new wing in time for holiday shopping: The Q Brothers’ Men’s Store at Merz Apothecary.

REMEMBERING ROYFinally, among the early-September deaths was one from the other side of the footlights: Roy Leonard, 83, the esteemed WGN entertainment reporter and host for 31 years. Although he retired some years ago, many of us remember his warmth, courtesy and genuine enthusiasm for the performing arts. As with the artists we lost, we offer condolences to his family and all those whose lives he touched.

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FOOTLIGHTS.COM(now mobile friendly)

Goodman Theatre’s Scrooge isn’t the only curmudgeon in town this holiday season.

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All the world’s a menuVisit Footlights.com for a

comprehensive guide of dining and nightlife options

before or afterthe show.


DINNER & A SHOW

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1824 WEST WABANSIA BUCKTOWN 773.227.2300 OPEN SEVEN DAYS

THE GRAVEDIGGERFirst Folio TheatreIn a forgotten Bavarian cemetery, a gravedigger finds a hideously scarred man hiding in a fresh grave and the two discover a shared past with gruesome secrets.

SOLITARY CONFINEMENTJedlicka Performing Arts CenterAn eccentric and reclusive multimillionaire becomes the intended murder victim of a crazed psychopath.

SWEENEY TODDPorchlight Music TheatreTorn from his family and exiled for 15 years by a miscarriage of justice, “The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” returns hell-bent on revenge.

THE CRYPTOGRAMProfiles TheatreTwentieth anniversary of one of David Mamet’s most daring and personal stories which has seldom been seen in Chicago.

THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTHThe Theatre School at DePaul UniversityWhimsical fairy tale, based on a beloved book, proves that imagination and knowledge can change the world.

Through Nov. 2Mayslake Peabody Estate630-986-8067

Through Nov. 15Jedlicka Performing Arts Center708-656-8000, ext. 2230

Through Nov. 9Stage 773773-327-5252

Through Nov. 16The Alley Stage773-549-1815

Through Nov. 15Merle Reskin Theatre312-922-1999

BLUE MAN GROUPBlue Man GroupMusic, technology and comedy are combined to create entertainment that defies categorization and appeals to all ages.

ONGOINGBriar Street Theatre773-348-4000

11Dinner & A Show

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Find showtimes, links to buy tickets and nearby restaurants on FOOTLIGHTS.COM

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THE SUBMISSIONPride Films and PlaysWhen a play written by a gay white male, set in the projects, is accepted into the Humana Festival, the author hires a black actress to play him.

TITANIC—THE MUSICALGriffin Theatre CompanyThe unfulfilled hopes and dreams of passengers and crew on that ill-fated night of April 15, 1912 come musically to life in Tony Award-winning musical.

WOMEN AT WARRivendell Theatre EnsembleWorld premiere is based on first-person interviews with women who have served on the frontlines and returned to reenter civilian life.

GREAT EXPECTATIONSStrawdog Theatre CompanyGale Childs Daly’s bold reinvention of the classic novel about an orphan who is plucked from poverty and thrust into the upper class.

ISAAC’S EYEWriters TheatreThis wildly creative new work playfully reimagines the world of a young Isaac Newton with contemporary language and an ingenious meta-theatrical device.

BETHANYThe Gift Theatre Company Caught in the middle of the Great Recession, cash-strapped Crystal navigates the worlds of motivational speaking, survivalism and a Saturn dealership.

Through Nov. 25Apollo Studio Theatre773-935-6100

Through Dec. 7Theater Wit773-975-8150

Through Dec. 6Rivendell Theatre773-334-7728

Through Dec. 13Strawdog Theatre773-528-9696

Through Dec. 7Vernon Ave.847-242-6000

Through Nov. 23The Gift Theatre773-283-7071


DINNER & A SHOW

IPHIGENIA IN AULISCourt TheatreAs the Greek army restlessly paces the silent shore of Aulis, King Agamemnon is faced with a harrowing decision in Euripides’ tale of power and sacrifice.

HANDICAP THIS!North Shore Center for the Performing ArtsTwo-man show, part theater piece and part stand-up comedy routine, offers insight on living with disabilities, breaking down barriers and friendship.

VIGILSThe Theatre School at DePaul UniversityA fireman died two years ago while doing a heroic act but his widow is not ready to move on.

HOT GEORGIA SUNDAYHaven Theatre CompanyPrivate desires and public morality collide in this social parable of sin and redemption that offers a window into the painful and funny nature of the human condition.

A VETERAN’S DAY SALUTENorthshore Concert BandGuest soloist Jim Cornelison, the Chicago Blackhawks’ anthem singer, will perform patriotic selections and the national anthem.

CRIMES OF THE HEARTMadKap ProductionsWarmhearted, irreverent, zany and brilliantly imaginative, the play examines the plight of three young sisters betrayed by their passions.

THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONAdventure Stage ChicagoSeven actors from Theater Unspeakable, suspended on a platform two feet off the ground, recreate the entire American fight for independence in 50 minutes.

Nov. 6-Dec. 7Court Theatre773-753-4472

Nov. 1North Shore Center for the Performing Arts874-673-6300

Nov. 5-16Healy Theatre773-325-7900

Nov. 22-Dec. 21The Den Theatrehaventheatrechicago.com

Nov. 2Pick-Staiger Concert Hall847-467-4000

Nov. 7-23Skokie Theatre847-677-7761

Nov. 4-29Vittum Theater773-342-4141

DANNY CASOLARO DIED FOR YOUTimeLine Theatre CompanyThriller is based on the true story of a freelance reporter investigating high-level corruption in the Reagan/Bush Justice Department.

Through Dec. 21TimeLine Theatre773-281-8463, ext. 6

13Dinner & A Show

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MUSIC OF THE CHOSEN PEOPLE: REMEMBRANCE AND CELEBRATIONSkokie Valley Symphony OrchestraHighlights Bruch’s “Kol Nidrei” and works by Bloch, Goldmark, Mahler and Krongold.

HELLCABProfiles TheatreDuring the longest night of his life, a cabdriver transports a bizarre and mysterious array of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago.

THE MOUSETRAPNorthlight TheatreOn a snowy night, newlyweds welcome a group of strangers to their guest house only to discover news of a murderer in their midst.

IT’S A WONDERFUL SANTALAND MIRACLE NUT CRACKING CHRISTMAS STORY...Stage 773The whole holiday season packed into one merry show.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!American Blues TheaterChicago’s holiday tradition since 2002, 1940’s radio broadcast of Frank Capra’s classic.

LOOKINGGLASS ALICELookingglass TheatreImagination soars and laughter and awe abound in this signature production’s gravity-defying spectacle and breathtaking theatricality.

THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBALoyola University ChicagoFive sisters struggle with the repressive environment when their mother places her household on an eight year period of mourning for her second husband.

Nov. 16North Shore Center for the Performing Arts847-673-6300

Nov. 7-Jan. 11The Main Stage773-549-1815

Nov. 7-Dec. 14North Shore Center for the Performing Arts847-673-6300

Nov. 14-Dec. 28Stage 773773-327-5252

Nov. 21-Dec. 28Greenhouse Theater Center773-404-7336

Nov. 12-Feb. 15Lookingglass Theatre312-337-0665

Nov. 13-23Newhart Family Theatre773-508-8400

URINETOWNDevonshire PlayhouseA hero decides he has had enough and plans a revolution when a water shortage leads a city to ban private toilets.

Nov. 8-23Devonshire Cultural Center847-674-1500, ext.2400


DINNER & A SHOW

WHITE CHRISTMASOvershadowed Theatrical ProductionsTwo showbiz buddies, who stage a winter show in a picturesque Vermont inn, find their perfect mates in this merry and bright Broadway musical.

AIRLINE HIGHWAYSteppenwolf Theatre CompanyWorld premiere is a boisterous and moving ode to the outcasts that make life a little more interesting.

TELL ME WHAT YOU REMEMBERErasing the DistanceWorld premiere production commissioned by Rebecca’s Dream tells the true story of one family’s life-altering battle with depression.

HOLIDAYS A CAPPELLAChicago a cappellaA perfect mix of familiar holiday tunes, Renaissance carols, Chanukah songs, Christmas spirituals and contemporary classics.

THE CLEAN HOUSERemy Bumppo Theatre CompanySarah Ruhl’s absurd comedy takes us on a poetic quest to find meaning amongst the chaos of our structured lives.

YULE TUBE: HOLIDAY FAVORITES FROM TELEVISIONChicago Gay Men’s ChorusThe chorus saves the day, reenacting favorite holiday specials for the Christmas Queen.

Nov. 28-Dec. 20900 Foster Ave., Medinah630-634-2100

Dec. 4-Feb. 8Steppenwolf Theatre312-335-1650

Dec. 1-16Filament Theatre773-856-3455

Dec. 5-20Six venues773-281-7820

Dec. 3-Jan. 11Greenhouse Theater Center773-404-7336

Dec. 5-20Three venues773-296-0541

CHRISTMAS ON THE AIR Provision TheaterAs the live studio audience, you’ll enjoy the on-air magic of the Franks’ annual Christmas radio show and the behind-the-scenes lessons.

Nov. 26-Dec. 28Provision Theater312-455-0066

THE SANTALAND DIARIESTheater WitHoliday classic returns for its tenth straight year, celebrating the desperation of unemployment and the insanity of Christmas shopping and holiday “cheer.”

Nov. 21-Dec. 28Theater Wit773-975-8150

15Dinner & A Show

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HOLIDAY CONCERTS Ensemble EspanolHighlights include favorites from the Ensemble’s extensive repertoire of classical, folkloric and flamenco dances and music of Spain.

THE NUTCRACKERBallet ChicagoThrough its inspiring story, beautiful music and charming choreography, this classic ballet is a celebration of the joyous holiday season.

Dec. 11-12Northeastern Illinois University Auditorium773-442-4636

Dec. 13-21Athenaeum Theatre773-935-6875

THE MERRY WIDOWLight Opera WorksEveryone’s after her money and Hanna, the saucy widow, knows just how to make them dance to her tune in the most popular Viennese operetta.

MR. BURNSTheater WitExploring how pop culture of one era might evolve into the mythology of another, this animated and hilarious exploration focuses on the power of storytelling.

Dec. 19-31Cahn Auditorium847-920-5360

Jan. 8 - March 1Theater Wit773-975-8150

HOLIDAY JOY AT 10,000 VOLTS.

2 TICKETS FOR $99! USE CODE FOOTLIGHTS.

Restrictions and blackout dates apply. Subject to availability. Maximum 9 tickets. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers or on previously purchased tickets. Purchase tickets by January 4, 2015. Good for performances through March 8, 2015.

3133 North Halstead773.348.4000

BRIAR STREET THEATRE | 3133 N HALSTED ST. | 773.348.4000 | BLUEMAN.COM

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Footlights Chicago Issue #2 14/15