Mark Wilson News

A warm New Year's greeting to all from us at fortyfivedownstairs. It's been great to have a wee break but we're glad to be back and are feeling justifiably enthusiastic about the upcoming shows.

In November 2009, the historic structure once known as the Lane Mansion celebrated its centennial. On Jan 2nd, 1963 that same structure became known as the world famous Magic Castle, whose membership has grown to over 20,000 strong. This week fans and fanatics of the mystical and mysterious world of illusion gathered to reaffirm the facilities dedication to the theatrical art form that has it's very roots in the foundation of entertainment itself.

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

A celebration of the Nativity Story told through the songs of the Beatles Original script and concept by Mark Wilson, Adaptation by Jason Paige and Martha Demson Songs by The Beatles, Musical Arrangements by Jason Paige and Company

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) begins its 2009-2010 Studio Theatre series with Bob Clyman's Secret Order.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis begin their studio theatre season with a bang with Bob Clyman's SECRET ORDER, presenting a provocative and timely work that illustrates the tenuous relationships forged between government, science, and the major pharmaceutical companies. A recent visit to the FDA website reveals that, nearly every day, a drug or product is recalled due to it posing a significant risk to the health of the general populace. Even with stringent safeguards in place data can be misinterpreted, or just plain 'fudged', so it will better fit a particular case study.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) begins its 2009-2010 Studio Theatre series with Bob Clyman's Secret Order.

The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis (The Rep) begins its 2009-2010 Studio Theatre series with Bob Clyman's Secret Order.

Seeing NEIGHBORHOOD 3: REQUISITION OF DOOM could serve as a wake-up call, or even a cautionary tale, for some parents, since it examines the addictive qualities and violent nature of certain video games. Of course, it takes that idea to a Twilight-Zone extreme, but that's what makes it so engaging. Hot City Theatre is presenting a superbly mounted production of this intriguing work, and I think it's required viewing.

After three smash seasons at Navy Pier, Cirque Shanghai returns with an all-new full-scale theatrical production, 'Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit.' Embraced by Chicagoans and tourists alike as 'Chicago's Summer Circus,' Cirque Shanghai performs June 3 - Sept. 7, rain or shine, at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

The Open Fist Theatre Company presents their First Ever, FIRST LOOK FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS, with new works written by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, Steven Haworth, Karen Hartman, Julie Hebert, Neil LaBute, Rick Pagano and directed by Bjorn Johnson, Neil LaBute, Marya Mazor, Charles Otte and Randee Trabitz. The Festival will begin on Thursday, July 23 and run through Sunday, September 13 at The NEW Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. (former home of The Actor's Gang) in Hollywood.

The Open Fist Theatre Company presents their First Ever, FIRST LOOK FESTIVAL OF NEW PLAYS, with new works written by Frances Ya-Chu Cowhig, Steven Haworth, Karen Hartman, Julie Hebert, Neil LaBute, Rick Pagano and directed by Bjorn Johnson, Neil LaBute, Marya Mazor, Charles Otte and Randee Trabitz. The Festival will begin on Thursday, July 23 and run through Sunday, September 13 at The NEW Open Fist Theatre, 6209 Santa Monica Blvd. (former home of The Actor's Gang) in Hollywood.

After three smash seasons at Navy Pier, Cirque Shanghai returns with an all-new full-scale theatrical production, 'Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit.' Embraced by Chicagoans and tourists alike as 'Chicago's Summer Circus,' Cirque Shanghai performs June 3 - Sept. 7, rain or shine, at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.

After three smash seasons at Navy Pier, Cirque Shanghai returns with an all-new full-scale theatrical production, 'Cirque Shanghai: Bright Spirit.' Embraced by Chicagoans and tourists alike as 'Chicago's Summer Circus,' Cirque Shanghai performs June 3 - Sept. 7, rain or shine, at the Pepsi Skyline Stage, the 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave.