John Kelly News

LA Opera concludes its 2014/15 season with the west coast premiere of Dog Days, a shocking work by composer David T. Little and librettist Royce Vavrek that incorporates elements of opera, musical theater and rock. Based on a powerful short story by Judy Budnitz, Dog Days is set in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe as a family struggles to survive. The teenage daughter clings to hope, unwilling to accept their dire situation, until a disturbing stranger shows up at the doorstep.

About Face Theatre continues its 2014-15 season with the Chicago premiere of ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS A F*GG*T by Bixby Elliot, directed by Artistic Director Andrew Volkoff, playing June 5 - July 5, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center (Upstairs Studio), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.  Tickets are currently on sale at www.aboutfacetheatre.org, by calling (773) 404-7336 or in person at the Greenhouse Theater Center Box Office. The press opening is Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 pm.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

About Face Theatre is pleased to continue its 2014-15 season with the Chicago premiere of ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS A F*GG*T by Bixby Elliot, directed by Artistic Director Andrew Volkoff, playing tonight, June 5 - July 5, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center (Upstairs Studio), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). The devious Doctor Impossible has escaped from prison and legendary superhero CoreFire has vanished without a trace. With the fate of the world in their hands, the New Champions have mere hours to recover their fallen comrade and stop their arch-nemesis before his doomsday device is complete. Joined by Fatale, a cyborg with an arsenal of deadly hardware and a host of self-esteem issues, the mighty super-team must face their darkest hour - and the truths buried in their deeply troubled pasts. A thrilling new musical about power and identity set in a vibrant world of heroes and villains, in a world premiere adaptation. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

An invitation-only reading of the new musical Amandine, featuring a book and lyrics by Winter Miller and music and lyrics by Lance Horne, will be presented on May 28, directed by Outer Critics Circle Award nominee Markus Potter.  The evening will feature the talents of Tony Award nominees Daphne Rubin-Vega (Rent) and Elizabeth A. Davis (Once), along with Nick Blaemire (Found), Erin Markey (Erin Markey at Joe's Pub with Kenny Mellman), John Kelly (James Joyce's The Dead), and Romain Fruge (Threepenny Opera).

The Hypocrites will launch their 2015-16 season with the Chicago premiere of the smash Broadway musical AMERICAN IDIOT, featuring music by Grammy Award-winning punk rock band Green Day, book by Green Day frontman/guitarist Billie Joe Armstrong and Michael Mayer and lyrics by Armstrong, direction by Steven Wilson, musical direction by Andra Velis Simon and choreography by Katie Spelman. AMERICAN IDIOT will play August 28 - October 25, 2015 at The Den Theatre Mainstage, 1329 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets are currently available at at www.the-hypocrites.com. The press opening Sunday, September 6 at 3 pm.

The Other Theatre Company and Artistic Director Carin Silkaitis have announced the company's second production in its inaugural season, Bent, written by Martin Sherman and directed by Keira Fromm, at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, June 27 - July 26. Preview performances are June 27 at 4 and 8 p.m. Opening/Press night is Wednesday, July 1 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. (no show Thursday, July 9) Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Preview tickets are $20 with the regular run tickets $25 and may be purchased at www.buzzonstage.com/theatres/other-theatre-company. For more information, please visit theothertheatrecompany.com.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). The devious Doctor Impossible has escaped from prison and legendary superhero CoreFire has vanished without a trace. With the fate of the world in their hands, the New Champions have mere hours to recover their fallen comrade and stop their arch-nemesis before his doomsday device is complete. Joined by Fatale, a cyborg with an arsenal of deadly hardware and a host of self-esteem issues, the mighty super-team must face their darkest hour - and the truths buried in their deeply troubled pasts. A thrilling new musical about power and identity set in a vibrant world of heroes and villains, in a world premiere adaptation. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

LA Opera concludes its 2014/15 season with the west coast premiere of Dog Days, a shocking work by composer David T. Little and librettist Royce Vavrek that incorporates elements of opera, musical theater and rock. Based on a powerful short story by Judy Budnitz, Dog Days is set in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe as a family struggles to survive. The teenage daughter clings to hope, unwilling to accept their dire situation, until a disturbing stranger shows up at the doorstep.

LA Opera concludes its 2014/15 season with the west coast premiere of Dog Days, a shocking work by composer David T. Little and librettist Royce Vavrek that incorporates elements of opera, musical theater and rock. Based on a powerful short story by Judy Budnitz, Dog Days is set in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe as a family struggles to survive. The teenage daughter clings to hope, unwilling to accept their dire situation, until a disturbing stranger shows up at the doorstep.

Myriam Phiro guides us through the decadent world of Edith Piaf using her timeless songs to retell the life of this iconic performer. Accompanied by a traditional musette band and multi-disciplinary backup singers, Ms. Phiro and the ensemble recreate the brothels, circuses and nightclubs that created the great Piaf we all know. The performance lasts 60-70 minutes.

About Face Theatre is pleased to continue its 2014-15 season with the Chicago premiere of ABRAHAM LINCOLN WAS A F*GG*T by Bixby Elliot, directed by Artistic Director Andrew Volkoff, playing June 5 - July 5, 2015 at the Greenhouse Theater Center (Upstairs Studio), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago.  Tickets are currently on sale at www.aboutfacetheatre.org, by calling (773) 404-7336 or in person at the Greenhouse Theater Center Box Office. The press opening is Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 pm.

Strawdog Theatre Company and Artistic Director Hank Boland are proud to announce the final main stage production in its 2014 - 2015 season, Rob Drummond's Quiz Show, tonight, May 1 - June 13,directed by Max Truax, at Strawdog Theatre Company, 3829 N. Broadway St. Preview performance tickets are $15 with performances Today, May 1, Saturday, May 2, Thursday, May 7, and Today, May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 and May 10 at 4 p.m.

The New Colony is pleased to continue its 2015 season with the pop-infused world premiere musical comedy STANLEY IN THE NAME OF LOVE, written and directed by Mr. Margaret Svetlove, with an original score by The Delicious Moons (Nickolas Blazina, Henry Riggs, Alex Kliner and Sean Kelly). STANLEY IN THE NAME OF LOVE will play July 30 - August 29, 2015 at The New Colony's resident home, The Den Theatre.

A glamorous dose of the legendary Lypsinka, John Epperson's iconic creation, will once again be doled out this summer when the acclaimed LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET returns for a limited Off-Broadway engagement. LYPSINKA! THE BOXED SET will be performed Wednesday, July 22nd through Saturday, September 12th at the ravishing jewel-box Connelly Theater, located at 220 East 4th Street (between Avenues A and B) in Manhattan's East Village. The Opening is Saturday, July 25th at 8 PM. Tickets ($35 - $65) will go on sale on Monday, April 27th at 10 am online at www.lypsinka.com and www.tweedtheater.org/lypsinka, or by calling 866-811-4111.

Strawdog Theatre Company and Artistic Director Hank Boland are proud to announce the final main stage production in its 2014 - 2015 season, Rob Drummond's Quiz Show, May 1 - June 13,directed by Max Truax, at Strawdog Theatre Company, 3829 N. Broadway St. Preview performance tickets are $15 with performances Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2, Thursday, May 7, and Friday, May 8 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 and May 10 at 4 p.m.