New Mission Theater Announces Programming Lineup

TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi of the renowned improvisational duo "TJ & Dave" announce the full lineup of diverse programming for The Mission Theater. Located inside the new iO Theater building (1501 N. Kingsbury), The Mission Theater presents an assortment of incredible entertainment every day of the week, from live music to hysterical comedy including the long-running, critically acclaimed "TJ & Dave" as well as the centerpiece of the new theater's repertoire "TRAP," a sketch revue directed by Jagodowski and Pasquesi.

Tickets for all shows at The Mission Theater are available online at www.missiontheaterchicago.com or by calling the iO Box Office at (312) 929-2401.

"The opening of The Mission Theater marks a new and exciting chapter in our theatrical and comedic careers," said TJ Jagodowksi. "The idea of having our own theater space has been evolving for many years and when the opportunity to open a space in the new iO Theater building arose, we knew it was the perfect fit for us in the Chicago Theater community."

"It is a dream for us to offer such diverse programming seven days a week," added David Pasquesi. "As part of our 'mission' to offer something for everyone, we are confident that if you come to the theater on any given night of the week, you will find something that entertains you and makes you laugh."

Programmed seven days a week, The Mission Theater boasts a full schedule of entertainment. A diverse roster of performers will have month-long residencies highlighting music and comedy on Mondays and Tuesdays while "TRAP" and "TJ & Dave" will be permanent fixtures at the theater Wednesday through Sunday.

"TRAP" - A Sketch Comedy Revue
Thursday - Sunday at 8:00 pm

Directed by TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi, "TRAP" is the inaugural, in-house sketch comedy revue of The Mission Theater. Currently on an open run, the two-act revue featuring the comedic talents of Mike Brunlieb, Peter Collins, Irene Marquette, Paul Grondy, Mike Jimerson, Laurel Krabacher and Tanner Tananbaum, explores some of the moments in life that are not "easy" to get out of. The production team for "TRAP" includes: Ed Smaron (music director), Scott Brady (stage manager) and Catherine Allen (associate producer). "TRAP" runs approximately 100 minutes, including one 10 minute intermission.

"TJ & Dave" with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi
Wednesdays and Sundays at 10:30 pm

Hailed by The New York Times as "Second City-seasoned masters of long form improv," TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi have become living legends in their field. Continuing their 13-year-long run of one of Chicago's most loved improv shows, "TJ & Dave," both Jagodowski and Pasquesi have found a new venue to call home for their show that the Times also raves "besides being consistently amusing, was satisfying as a feat of mental athletics and for the observations that popped up in the heat of the moment."

In addition, "TJ & Dave" has received a number of awards including: Del Close Award - Best Improvised Show - 2003, Del Close Award - Best Improvised Show - 2004, Chicago Short Comedy and Video Film Festival Best of the Festival "Must Like Magic" - 2006, Nightlife Awards New York - Best Unique Comedy Performance - 2006, Nightlife Awards New York - Outstanding Unique Comedy Performance - 2007, Chicago Improv Festival - Improviser of the Year, Both T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi - 2006, Chicago Reader - Best Improvised Show - 2008.

Ike Reilly's "Cops and Clergy"
Mondays at 8:00 pm
Closing October 27

Chicago's Ike Reilly, a longtime collaborator of TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi and leader of the band "The Ike Reilly Assassination," takes over Monday nights at The Mission Theater with "Cops and Clergy." Not only will Reilly play signature songs and regale the audience with stories of his life, he also brings both priests and policeman on the stage for an "in-depth" one-on-one interview experience, where no questions are off limits.

Jamie Swise and "Raw Nerve" featuring Rebecca Krasney
Tuesdays at 8:00 pm
Closing October 28

Tuesdays at The Mission get a double dose of entertainment as musician Jaime Swise and improviser Rebecca Krasney light up the stage with two diverse acts. Raconteur and folk musician Swise takes the stage first followed by the new improvisational show curated by and featuring Krasney.

Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Mondays: "Clergy and Cops" with Ike Reilly | 8:00 pm | $10
Tuesdays: "Raw Nerve" with Jayme Swise and Rebecca Krasney | 8:00 pm | $7
Wednesdays: "TJ & Dave" with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi | 10:30 pm | $10
Thursdays: "TRAP" | 8:00 pm | $20
Fridays: "TRAP" | 8:00 pm | $20
Saturdays: "TRAP" | 8:00 pm | $20
Sundays: "TRAP" | 8:00 pm | $20
"TJ & Dave" | 10:30 pm | $10

For the most up-to-date schedule of events and performances at The Mission Theater please visit: www.missiontheaterchicago.com/events/. Tickets ($7-$20) available online at www.ioimprov.com/chicago or by calling the iO Box Office at (312) 929-2401.