FLANAGAN'S WAKE to Join WE GOTTA BINGO at Chicago Theater Works

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, Chicago Theater Works (1113 W. Belmont), home of the hilarious, interactive dinner theater experience We Gotta Bingo, is happy to announce the Chicago return of Flanagan's Wake. Performances begin Friday, Feb. 26 (preview Thursday, Feb. 25). Tickets are now on sale at ChicagoTheaterWorks.com

"We are excited to expand the offerings at Chicago Theater Works," says We Gotta Bingo creator and producer, Bill Collins. "And we're thrilled to have Jack Bronis, original director, and Bonnie Shadrake, original music director, onboard. Their return ensures the production will have all of the fun and humor that made it a huge hit in Chicago"

Flanagan's Wake transports the audience to the fictional town of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, where local roustabout, Flanagan, has died. Here they meet an eclectic cast of characters including Fiona Finn, Flanagan's spirited fiancée of 22 years, Brian Ballybunion, his best friend and drinking mate, Father Damon Fitzgerald, the sharp-tongued parish priest, Mayor O'Doul, the town mayor and bartender, the innocent Mother Flanagan and several other colorful citizens. The mourners pay their respects to the deceased in the Irish tradition (with a quick stop at the pub first). Certain performances of Flanagan's Wake will include dinner which features Guinness Beef Stew.

Flanagan's Wake will be performed in the irreverent improvisational style that won it rave reviews in Chicago. Much of the play's hilarious detail is created as the cast (to be announced at a later date) and audience interact, each offering anecdotes about Flanagan himself, speculation on the cause of his unfortunate demise, and claims to Flanagan's estate - all employing tall tales and rip-roaring songs. Spontaneous improvisation guarantees that no two shows will ever be the same.

Flanagan's Wake features music by Bonnie Shadrake and lyrics by Jimmy Binns and Bonnie Shadrake. Conceived by Jack Bronis and created by Jimmy Binns, Amy Binns-Calvey, Geoff Binns-Calvey, Jack Bronis, Mark Czoske, Phil Lusardi, Patricia Musker and Bonnie Shadrake, the show opened in 1994 and went on to become one of the longest-running shows in Chicago theater history.