9 posts from 2008

This Suntimes best-of list includes a mention of "Amadeus" and the "superb" performances therein.

Nina Metz calls "Scientology Pageant" one of the top 5 shows of 2008.

This NYTimes blog gave a shout-out to our online trailer.

Kerry Reid also gave end-of-year props to "Pageant" in the Tribune, as well as Hedy Weiss in the SunTimes (links no longer available).

The Onion's Decider interviews the cast about religion and such.

YouTube preview now up.

Sun-Times Hedy Weiss says "Genius!  The most hilariously funny, perfectly realized and in many ways most profound hour of theater now on a Chicago stage.  Co-directors Lance Baker and Steve Wilson have not only done a brilliant job of casting, they've also shrewdly shaped their ensemble of prodigies by using the kids' innate personalities to maximum effect.  In a season that has featured an unusual number of superb stage performances by children, this ensemble is something special. Highly Recommended!"

Tribune's Kerry Reid says "A brilliantly satirical little gem!  The ensemble of ten youngsters in the cast, many playing multiple roles, get the right mix of solemnity and whimsy... entrancing and surprising... delivers a lot of emotional and philosophical treasure under the glittering witty tinsel.  Three and a half stars!"

Centerstage's Zach Freeman says "The most engagingly hilarious hour you could spend in Chicago between now and December 28th.  Equal parts The Polyphonic Spree concert and Second City sketch night... a hilarious mix of deadpan comedic moments, unabashedly cheesy musical numbers, laugh-out-loud jokes, and sight gags with perfect comic timing befitting actors twice their age."

NewCity's Nina Metz says "Wow!  These kids are hilariously cute. I can't remember the last time I saw young actors this good-- I defy anyone to resist their enthusiasm.  The show is a half-snicker away from full snark... but there is something much deeper and more affecting going on here... the show is so much more than a stupid comedy about Scientology.  RECOMMENDED."

Time Out's Chris Piatt says "4 STARS!  This weird treat deserves, at the very least, a cult following. A hysterical send-up of the orthodoxy practiced by TomKat and Kirstie Alley (who, naturally, make appearances)-- it's a ticklish breeze to watch.  All ten tykes are great!"

The Reader's Albert Williams says "Recommended! The young performers' earnest innocence is funnier than any adult's irony could ever be."

Rob Kozlowski says: "An exceptionally funny romp."

Tribune preview article (and lively comment section) here.
Chicagoist preview here.
The anti-Scientology pranksters "Anonymous" stopped by the theater [has video of their "protest"]

Hey all--  this deal from Goldstar is the best I can do right now as far as cheap tix-- clicking that link will take you to the online ad, which will give you availability as well as the very helpful information that our show is "hot."  I'll let you know if any papering happens.

If you are new to Goldstar, use this link to sign up and I'll get a buck credit!  Mmmmmoney!

Let me know if you plan on showing up. Here's the ChiShake website.

I'll be co-directing this musical featuring a cast of young children along with Steve Wilson of the Hypocrites.  Runs Nov 17th-Dec 28th at A Red Orchid.  Rest of the season and more info is posted here.

Rob Kozlowski enthuses about the selection here.

I'll be the Emperor Joseph II.  Gary Griffin directs.  More info here.  Email me if you'd like to hear about ticket offers (address at right).

Full cast list here.

More info at Broadwayworld and Playbill.

Had a photo shoot the other day for the cover of Time Out-- look for it on newstands April 23rdish-- unless the photo is deemed too disturbing.  Yes, every piece of steak was sewn to me one by one by one.... click below for larger view

The movie adaptation of "The Earl," a Brett Neveu play I directed a couple years ago, is seeing an official release.  More info in the photo below-- click to enlarge.  For those that missed the show in it's initial 6-month run, here's a chance to catch it-- for those who've asked for a remount, this is as good as your gonna get for now.