Bailiwick Chicago Announces Winning Designers for AIDA

Bailiwick Chicago's Executive Director Kevin Mayes announced today the four fashion designers who were selected to create original dresses for their upcoming production of Elton John and Tim Rice's AIDA. The winning designers are: Maria Danae Mandis, Emily Rohm, Christina Telkamp, and Kevin Vong. Their unique and Egypt-inspired dress designs will be featured in the song "My Strongest Suit," sung by the character Amneris. In addition, Mayes announced that quilt artist Nina Henderson has created an enormous and elaborate handmade robe to be used in the song "Dance of the Robe."

"It's been a wonderful experience collaborating with these talented artists," said Mayes, "and we are incredibly excited to show off their hard work and creativity. All of us at Bailiwick Chicago appreciate how much time and energy each of these designers has contributed to bring their creations to life."

Maria Danae Mandis studied at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, earning her BS in History, emphasis on Cultural European History, with a minor in Art History, emphasis on Egyptology and Architecture. She has also studied at the Ray Vogue School (classes in sewing and fashion illustration) and the Oriental Institute, University of Chicago (Hieroglyphics courses). As Senior Vice President/Production Director of Playboy Magazine, Maria worked with Hugh Hefner on a daily basis. Maria also served as interior designer, fashion director, event planner, window display designer for Chicago's Mannequin Nightclub. Current projects include designing her 2010 Collection under the Danae Design label and designing an interior home goods line under the MDM Studio label.

Emily Rohm is the owner of ROHM, a design label that specializes in handmade bridal garments and accessories. Her gowns have been seen on brides across the USA as well as in Canada, England, Australia, and even Switzerland. She started her own business after years of working as a theatrical costume designer. For the past nine years she has worked as a guest artist designer and instructor at Lawrence University, where she has created costumes for countless productions, including THE MAGIC FLUTE, ROMEO AND JULIET, and THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR. Her background in opera and theatre spills into her bridal designs, which are often inspired by past eras, and always have an element of drama. Emily also works as an actor, and has been seen in productions at Illinois Light Opera Works, Marriott Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, and the off-Broadway production of CREATURE, THE ROCK OPERA. You can see more of Emily's designs at Rohm.etsy.com. For more samples of her work, look for Rohm Bridal on Facebook.

Christina Telkamp's love for fashion design took off after taking her first official sewing class her senior year of high school. During this sewing class, she was inspired (and reckless) enough to design and make her best friend's and her own prom dress. She then spent a semester at Kent State University in Ohio, but quickly moved back to Chicago because she missed the pulse of the city. While in college, she was asked to tutor for the fashion design classes and later started interning for local fashion designer Kristin Hassan. She graduated with Honors from the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Fashion Design. She has been participating in many local design events and freelancing for Kristin and many others since.

Kevin Vong was born in a small farming and fishing village along the Mekong River in Laos. A victim of the Vietnam War, Kevin fled to Bangkok as a refugee. The U.S. Government and the Lutheran Church of Milwaukee sponsored Kevin to immigrate to the USA. Kevin graduated with honors from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He works from his studio on South Michigan Avenue and has retail clients on Oak Street and the North Shore. His website is www.kevinvong.com. His gowns have been seen on the "As The World Turns" soap opera; at the White House for a black tie event worn by a Fox News correspondent; by the Master of Ceremonies for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of McDonald's; as a finalist for Michelle Obama's inaugural gown; and now for his first theatrical design for the Bailiwick's production of AIDA.

Preview performances for AIDA are scheduled for Thursday July 1 at 8 p.m., Friday July 2 at 8 p.m., Saturday July 3 at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Wednesday July 7 at 8 p.m., Thursday July 8 at 8 p.m., Friday July 9 at 8 p.m., and Saturday July 10 at 3 p.m. Opening night is scheduled for Saturday July 10 at 8 p.m.. Regular performances begin Sunday July 11 at 3:00 p.m., and continue thru August 1 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online by going to the Bailiwick Chicago web site (www.bailiwickchicago.com) or by calling 866-811-4111. Ticket prices are $25-$35 a ticket, and vary based on the date and time of the show. Further details about the production, including photos and videos of the cast and design team, are available on the company's website, www.bailiwickchicago.com.

Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of dedicated actors, directors, and production professionals when Bailiwick Repertory Theater closed its doors in September 2009. This group, called the "Collective," is responsible for developing, implementing, and upholding the artistic mission and vision of the company. Bailiwick Chicago's mission is to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others.