Carole King Tribute & More Set for Theo Ubique's January Cabaret Series

The January cabaret series that began in 2013 will be back in 2014, making it the newest tradition at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre. Like the 2013 series, 2014's program will be a rotating mix of one-weekend-only performances in the cozy confines of the No Exit Café.

The 2014 series, called Come to the Cabaret Ol' Chum, will open January 3-5 with Theo Ubique favorite Christopher Logan (A Cole Porter Songbook, Time After Time: The Songs of Jule Styne) performing a evening of songs by Carole King, in honor of the biographical musical Beautiful about King set to open on Broadway in January. The following weekend, January 10-12, will feature Scott Gryder saluting the Broadway songwriting team of John Kander and Fred Ebb in Life is a Cabaret: The Music and Words of Kander and Ebb. Performing the series' third weekend, from January 17-19, will be singer/actress and model Amanda Batcher. Through her repertoire, Ms. Batcher will explore the process of Finding Beauty. The series will wrap up from January 24-26 with MidTangent Productions' Dirty Little Secrets. The full schedule and show descriptions are as follows:

January 3-5 - Chris Logan - Home Again: The Songs of Carole King
Known for his song-and-dance chops in Theo Ubique's A Cole Porter Songbook & Time After Time: The Songs of Jule Styne, Christopher Logan presents you with something different this winter. In honor of her musical opening on Broadway the same month, Carole King's catalog takes center stage at the No Exit Cafe for one weekend only! Accompanying himself at the piano, Logan will cover everything from her greatest hits to songs you didn't even know were hers. More than 400 of her compositions have been recorded by over 1,000 artists, resulting in 100 hit singles and 6 Grammys! "He's trained as a musician and dancer and has charm and charisma to match his technique."-Tribune critic Chris Jones

January 10-12 - Scott Gryder - Life is a Cabaret: The Music and Words of John Kander and Fred Ebb
A musical tribute to the legendary songwriting duo that gave us Chicago, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Cabaret, and so many more Broadway hits! A one-man parade of entertainment, Scott Gryder specializes in character songs, with musical styles ranging from pop and cabaret to specialty numbers and show tunes; covering the works of local talents like Susan Werner, show music from Sondheim to Kerrigan & Lowdermilk, pop from stars such as Elton John, and many more. Referred to as a belting "super tenor" and a "one-man parade," Scott Gryder is accompanied on piano by Nick Sula, whose theatre credits include Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago Opera Vanguard, and Light Opera Works. Nick's compositions and arrangements have been performed on stage and on national television. He performs as arranger/pianist for his vocal group, With a Twist.

January 17-19 - Amanda Batcher - Finding Beauty
A one hour solo cabaret show that Amanda Batcher created and performed in Spring 2011 at New York City's acclaimed Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square and then again at The Perry Family Theatre in Norfolk, VA. Amanda says, "Life can present quite a bit of ugliness, and this show explores the path through that darkness. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll hear songs that are old favorites and songs that may become new loves. It expresses my journey of seeing and feeling beauty in myself, other people and the world. I will share my heart and story through wonderful music with the hope that you'll connect with something beautiful in you."

January 24-26 - MidTangent Productions - Dirty Little Secrets
Explore the "New Year's Resolutions" of six characters struggling with their lascivious cravings through song, movement, and dance. This cabaret bursts with burlesque-style choreography and high spirited energy.

Curtain times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.
Tickets are $20 or free for Theo Ubique subscribers.

Tickets can be ordered by calling 800-595-4849 or visiting www.theo-u.org . Additional information on the show can be found online, or by phone at 773-347-1109.

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