Ben Hertel News

The House Theatre of Chicago announces its productions for the 18th season. The 2019 - 2020 Season will include the 10th anniversary production of The House's original ballet-free production of The Nutcracker, November 7 - December 29; the world-premiere of Brett Neveu's Verboten, January 16 - March 8, 2020; Shakespeare's Henry V, directed by The House's Artistic Director Nathan Allen, March 19 - May 10, 2020. The Magic Parlour, featuring magician Dennis Watkins, will continue its open run at The Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

The House Theatre of Chicago brings back the hit holiday production with its annual engagement of The Nutcracker, an all-original, ballet-free and family-friendly production playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 8 - December 30.

The House Theatre of Chicago brings back the hit holiday production with its annual engagement of The Nutcracker, an all-original, ballet-free and family-friendly production playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 8 - December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O'Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation based on E.T.A. Hoffmann's story with original direction and choreography by Tommy Rapley. Previews take place Thursdays, November 8 and 15, Friday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. with an added Sunday 6 p.m. performance on December 9, 16 and 23. Note: There are no performances on Nov. 9 or 17 and there are additional added performances on Friday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 19.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce casting and the production team for the company's season opener, Borealis. Director Monty Cole helms the professional premiere of playwright Bennett Fisher's epic adventure through the corporate guts of Big Oil. Borealis runs August 30 through October 21 at Chopin Theatre's Upstairs Theater, 1543 W. Division St., Previews begin Thursday, August 30 and play through Friday, September 7.

The House Theatre of Chicago announces its 17th season of creating "Amazing Feats of Storytelling" with productions taking place at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. The 2018 - 19 Season features three world premiere titles, and two returning audience favorites, creating a diverse slate of epic stories and stagecraft.  The season opens with a brand-new work written by guest artist Bennett Fisher, and helmed by guest artist Monty Cole. Borealis is a brother/sister adventure story offering a heartfelt look at the way we fail each other by building narratives to support our pre-existing worldviews. Borealis plays at the Chopin August 30 to October 21. In the spring, The House will premiere Pinocchio adapted for the stage by Company Members Joseph Steakely and Ben Lobpries, and directed by Company Member Chris Mathews. Pinocchio's wish to become a 'real boy' invites us to reconsider definitions of identity. Pinocchio plays at the Chopin from March 28 to May 19, 2019. 

The House Theatre of Chicago announces its 17th season of creating "Amazing Feats of Storytelling" with productions taking place at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. The 2018 - 19 Season features three world premiere titles, and two returning audience favorites, creating a diverse slate of epic stories and stagecraft.  The season opens with a brand-new work written by guest artist Bennett Fisher, and helmed by guest artist Monty Cole. Borealis is a brother/sister adventure story offering a heartfelt look at the way we fail each other by building narratives to support our pre-existing worldviews.

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its eighth annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 3 December 30.

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its eighth annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 3 December 30.

The House Theatre of Chicago announces the final production in their 15th season, The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz, adapted from L. Frank Baum's book by The House Theatre Company Member Phillip Klapperich and directed and choreographed by The House Theatre Company Member Tommy Rapley, playing at the Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., March 17 - May 7. Opening/press night is Monday, March 27 at 7 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 7 p.m. Preview tickets (evenings March 17 - March 26, no performance March 25) are $15 and regular run tickets range from $25 - $45. The show is recommended for adults and kids aged 10 and up. Same-day tickets for students and industry professionals are $15 and available for all dates, seats permitting. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.thehousetheatre.com or call 773.769.3832. 

The House Theatre of Chicago announces the final production in their 15th season, The Great and Terrible Wizard of Oz, adapted from L. Frank Baum's book by The House Theatre Company Member Phillip Klapperich and directed by The House Theatre Company Member Tommy Rapley, playing at the Chopin Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division St., March 17 - May 7.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce the addition of seven new artists to the critically-acclaimed and award-winning company.  The new Company Members include Kara Davidson, Elana Elyce, Ben Hertel, Derek Matson, Matthew Muñiz, Ericka Ratcliff and Vanessa Stalling.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce its 2016 - 2017 season opening production, the world premiere of Kara Davidson's A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch. Influenced by the long history of puppets, Punch and Judy, and directed by Shade Murray, the production runs September 2 - October 23 at the Chopin Theatre's Upstairs Theater, 1543 W. Division St.

The House Theatre of Chicago is proud to announce its 2016 - 2017 season opening production, the world premiere of Kara Davidson's A Comedical Tragedy for Mister Punch. Influenced by the long history of puppets, Punch and Judy, and directed by Shade Murray, the production runs September 2 - October 23 at the Chopin Theatre's Upstairs Theater, 1543 W. Division St.

Buzz22 Chicago has announced that the Professional World Premiere production of Laura Jacqmin's 'Ghost Bike,' directed by Co-Artistic Director Sara Sawicki opens tonight, March 13 at 8 PM. The production runs through April 6, 2014 at the Greenhouse Upstairs Mainstage, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647. Combining elements of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, 'Ghost Bike' depicts two best friends navigating the ultimate challenge to a friendship through an underworld beneath their home city, Chicago. 'Ghost Bike' is Buzz22 Chicago's next production after 2013's sold out and highly acclaimed production of 'She Kills Monsters' at the Steppenwolf Garage. Tickets are available via the Greenhouse Theater Box Office at 773.404.7336 or www.greenhousetheater.org/portfolio/ghost-bike/.

Buzz22 Chicago has announced the casting for the World Premiere production of Laura Jacqmin's 'GHOST BIKE,' directed by Co-Artistic Director Sara Sawicki, tonight, February 27 - March 30, 2014 at Red Tape Theatre, 621 W Belmont Ave. Combining elements of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, 'GHOST BIKE' depicts two best friends navigating the ultimate challenge to a friendship through an underworld beneath their home city of Chicago. 'GHOST BIKE' is Buzz22 Chicago's next production after their sold out and highly acclaimed production of 'She Kills Monsters' at the Steppenwolf Garage in Feb-April 2013.

Buzz22 Chicago has announced that tickets for the World Premiere production of Laura Jacqmin's 'Ghost Bike,' directed by Co-Artistic Director Sara Sawicki are now on sale. The production runs March 8 - April 6, 2014 at the Greenhouse Upstairs Mainstage, 2257 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647. Combining elements of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, 'Ghost Bike' depicts two best friends navigating the ultimate challenge to a friendship through an underworld beneath their home city, Chicago. 'Ghost Bike' is Buzz22 Chicago's next production after 2013's sold out and highly acclaimed production of 'She Kills Monsters' at the Steppenwolf Garage.

Buzz22 Chicago has announced the casting for the World Premiere production of Laura Jacqmin's 'GHOST BIKE,' directed by Co-Artistic Director Sara Sawicki, February 27 - March 30, 2014 at Red Tape Theatre, 621 W Belmont Ave. Combining elements of Greek, African, and Chinese mythology, 'GHOST BIKE' depicts two best friends navigating the ultimate challenge to a friendship through an underworld beneath their home city of Chicago. 'GHOST BIKE' is Buzz22 Chicago's next production after their sold out and highly acclaimed production of 'She Kills Monsters' at the Steppenwolf Garage in Feb-April 2013.

The House Theatre of Chicago launches its 12th Season with a fantasy action-adventure on the high seas. This second installment of the trilogy began last fall with The Iron Stag King and comes from Artistic Director Nathan Allen and collaborator and Company Member Chris Mathews. The Crownless King begins performances August 30, 2013 at The Chopin Theatre (1543 W Division St.) Today, it was announced that Brenda Barrie and Blake Montgomery have joined the cast from the previous installments.

Following its critically acclaimed hits The Quality of Life and Faith Healer, The Den Theatre continues its 2012/13 season with the world premiere of CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT by Don Nigro, directed by ensemble member Ron Wells, playing now through March 16, 2013 on The Den's mainstage at 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave in Chicago's Wicker Park Neighborhood. CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT features Sam Guinan-Nyhart, Ben Hertel, Matthew Isler and Justine Turner. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage in the photos below!

Following its critically acclaimed hits The Quality of Life and Faith Healer, The Den Theatre continues its 2012/13 season with the world premiere of CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT by Don Nigro, directed by ensemble member Ron Wells, playing February 12 - March 16, 2013 on The Den's mainstage at 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave in Chicago's Wicker Park Neighborhood. CITY OF DREADFUL NIGHT features Sam Guinan-Nyhart, Ben Hertel, Matthew Isler and Justine Turner. Tickets are currently available at www.brownpapertickets.com. The press performance is Friday, February 15 at 7:30 pm.