Theo Ubique's 'A Cole Porter Songbook' Begins Performances 5/31

Hot off the success of 2012′s Time after Time: The Songs of Jule Styne, Theo Ubique tackles renowned composer-lyricist Cole Porter's vast and enormously entertaining catalog. Porter's sophisticated music and notoriously witty lyrics come alive in unique Theo Ubique style under the direction of 4-time Jeff-award winning director Fred Anzevino, with new arrangements by music director Aaron Benham and choreography by David Heimann.

Performing this mix of Porter standards along with some less-frequently heard gems will be Chris Logan, William Lucas, Sierra Naomi and Jill Sesso, accompanied by a three-piece band including Benham on the piano, Alan Trachtenberg on bass and Anthony Scandora on drums. The singers will be decked out in styles of the 1940's & 1950's by costume designer Bill Morey on a set created by Adam Veness. Lighting design is by Michael Nardulli and the props design is by stage manager Paige Keedy.

A Cole Porter Songbook will be Theo Ubique's tenth cabaret-style revue exploring the work of specific songwriters for the theatre. It continues in a tradition that includes the company's past reviews of Kurt Weill, Jacques Brel, Stephen Sondheim, Harold Arlen, Maltby and Shire, and Rodgers and Hammerstein - in addition to last summer's acclaimed Time After Time: The Songs of Jule Styne.

About Cole Porter: Born in Peru, Indiana in 1891, Porter became one of Broadway's top songwriters of the 1920's through 1950's with his scores for musicals including Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate andCan-Can. His songs were frequently performed and recorded by some of the nation's most popular singers, like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney. The show will include selections from such Porter hits as "I Get a Kick Out of You," and "Too Darn Hot" as well as lesser known gems like "Let's Misbehave," and "Experiment." He was one of the few Broadway songwriters of his era to write music as well as lyrics. His lyrics are known for their sexy double entendres and extensive vocabulary while his melodies range from romantic and lyrical to syncopated and jazzy.

A Cole Porter Songbook will be performed at the No Exit Café, 6970 N Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, with previews Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2. PRESS OPENING is Thursday, June 6 at 7:30 pm. The regular run will continue Thursdays through Sundays from through July 21, 2013.

Curtain times are Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Tickets (which include dinner packages at some price levels) are $20-$45 for previews May 31 - June 2; and $29-$59 for the regular run June 6-July 21, 2013. Dinner packages for A Cole Porter Songbook include the following menu options.

Cole Porter MENU

Appetizer: "Too Darn Hot"-smoked salmon mousse with endive, Dirty Martini potato salad, and dill dressing.
Entree: Entr'acte of Medium Rare Beef hanger steak with red wine shallot reduction, garlic whipped potatoes haricots verts
Dessert: "Easy to Love" banana butterscotch custard

Vegetarian Option:
Appetizer: Sanguine Beguine - Organic spring green salad with de puy lentils, roasted tomatoes, striped beets and blood orange vinaigrette.
Entree: "C'est Magnifique Byaldi" - Mushroom ragout with organic brown rice, topped with ratatouille, byaldi style mushroom ragout.
Dessert: "Easy to Love" banana butterscotch custard.

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

Don't Miss a Chicago News Story Sign up for all the news on the Spring season, discounts & more...