Michael Govier

There are 89 Oscar nominees, including 25 winners, among the invitees.

The Oscar-Qualifying HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL is returning in a major way for its 17th edition. Today, the festival organizers have announced the dates for this year's short film extravaganza, which has emerged as one of the world's biggest and most prestigious short film festivals.

Company members old and new will reunite as Barrel of Monkeys celebrates 15 years of its hit revue THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA with two special anniversary performances on Sunday April 17 at 2 pm and Monday, April 18 at 8 pm at its long-time home, the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to bring back the popular Winter Matinees of its long-running, critically acclaimed revue THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA, directed by Jason Sperling, playing Sundays at 2 pm from January 26 - February 23, 2014 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. THAT'S WEIRD, GRANDMA is conceived and written by Chicago Public School students and adapted for the stage and performed by Barrel of Monkeys Company Members. Clever and funny - touching and poignant - the collection of short sketches are equally entertaining for both adults and children. The line-up changes each week by audience vote - so no two shows are ever the same. For tickets, reservations and information visit www.barrelofmonkeys.org or call (312) 409-1954. The press performance is Sunday, February 2, 2014 at 2 pm.

Spring is the time for change: more sunshiny days, shorter skirts, new beginnings, and one ridiculously funny musical debut involving mistaken identities and sword fighting. Coming this spring, the world premiere of Monty Python-esque musical The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) will be performed as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season.

The Emerald City is known for many things: angst-ridden rock music, questionable fashion choices, gorgeous scenery, and just a tad too much rain. The Broadway world knows there is now another reputation Seattle can boast: great success with world premiere musicals. 'We chose Seattle for a reason,' says Chicago-based playwright Michael Govier, who is bringing his new comedic musical, The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) to the city as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season next month. 'There's a rich history here, and this city is a hot spot for musical debuts-just look at Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, Next to Normal... there are dozens of big guns that have started here.'

Spring is the time for change: more sunshiny days, shorter skirts, new beginnings, and one ridiculously funny musical debut involving mistaken identities and sword fighting. Coming this spring, the world premiere of Monty Python-esque musical The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) will be performed as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season.

The Emerald City is known for many things: angst-ridden rock music, questionable fashion choices, gorgeous scenery, and just a tad too much rain. The Broadway world knows there is now another reputation Seattle can boast: great success with world premiere musicals. 'We chose Seattle for a reason,' says Chicago-based playwright Michael Govier, who is bringing his new comedic musical, The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) to the city as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season next month. 'There's a rich history here, and this city is a hot spot for musical debuts-just look at Hairspray, Young Frankenstein, Next to Normal... there are dozens of big guns that have started here.'

Spring is the time for change: more sunshiny days, shorter skirts, new beginnings, and one ridiculously funny musical debut involving mistaken identities and sword fighting. Coming this spring, the world premiere of Monty Python-esque musical The King's Proposal (or the Marriage of Princess Guido) will be performed as part of Seattle Musical Theatre's 33rd season.

Danger ahead! The boys are back in the Neo-Futurists' season opener, Daredevils' Hamlet, opening Saturday, August 21, 2010 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.

Danger ahead! The boys are back in the Neo-Futurists' season opener, Daredevils' Hamlet, opening Saturday, August 21, 2010 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. There will be previews on August 19 and 20.

Danger ahead! The boys are back in the Neo-Futurists' season opener, Daredevils' Hamlet, opening Saturday, August 21, 2010 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland.

Danger ahead! The boys are back in the Neo-Futurists' season opener, Daredevils' Hamlet, opening Saturday, August 21, 2010 at The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland. There will be previews on August 19 and 20.

In September 2009, Barrel of Monkeys began its twelfth year of serving at-risk Chicago public school students with writing workshops that lead to professionally-performed theatrical presentations in the show That's Weird, Grandma.