Steadstyle Chicago
	Chicago Theatre News and Events July 28, 2010
	Permanent Hold Up & Coming Theatre Company (UAC) proudly premieres their production of “Hairspray,” written by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan, with music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. UAC Theatre’s production will be directed and choreographed by Jennifer Cupani, with Music Direction by Niall Casserly. “Hairspray” is based off the 1988 John Walters film by the same name. Taking place in 1960’s Baltimore, the musical follows Tracy Turnblad, a “pleasantly plump” teenager who dreams of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.” When she finally gets her chance, controversy ensues as she charms the resident heartthrob Link Larkin and attempts to integrate the show, all while singing and dancing and not messing up her hair. UAC Theatre features a unique mentoring process in preparing for their performances. UAC casts both amateur and professional actors, giving performers at all levels the opportunity to work side by side with veterans of the theater community. David Geinosky, who received his performance training at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NY, is one such actor who has traveled all over the world to perform. “It was an amazing experience and I am thrilled to be home with my friends and family. It’s great to be home surrounded by something so familiar that so many people love, community theater and Hairspray.” UAC prides itself with giving audiences a chance to see tomorrow’s stars today. UAC Theatre’s mission is to provide professional level performances with equal regard to music, voice, dancing, and acting. UAC prides itself in raising the bar on what community theatre is typically in terms of output, but still retains the communal aspects in terms of input by giving opportunities for aspiring professionals to obtain practical experience, grow as people, and expand their artistry. UAC provides challenges to these artists through teamwork, cooperation, and constant support and encouragement.  UAC is also a proud member of the American Association for Community Theatre as well as Illinois Theatre Association, and are recipients of ITA’s 2009 Award of Excellence, Community Theatre Division Show dates for “Hairspray” are August 6-8 and 12-15. Show times on Thursday – Saturday performances will be at 7:30 pm, and Sunday matinees will be at 2:30 pm. All performances will be at Cutting Hall Theater, 150 E Wood St in Palatine. Tickets range from $15 in advance to $18 at the door, with students, senior and group rates available. To purchase tickets please go to www.uactheatre.com or through Cutting Hall box office at 847-202-5222.   Blago Testifies at the Metropolis For the millions of Illinoisans still in shock that former Governor Rod Blagojevich broke his promise to extol his innocence on the stand, The Second City has come to the rescue.  Blago will testify – and not just once – but after every performance of the reprise of Rod Blagojevich Superstar at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights, IL, beginning Friday, August 6, 2010. After the cast takes their bows, our Rod Blagojevich (otherwise known as actor Joey Bland), will take the stand and answer the questions of the prosecution (otherwise known as the audience). This testimony is bound to have just as much forthright honesty as the real thing – so book your tickets now. Tickets for Rod Blagojevich Superstar at the Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights are available by phone at 847-577-2121 or online at www.metropolisarts.com.   Euripides in an Art Gallery The Neapolitans (formerly Shabam! Productions) are proud to present Iphigeneology a reimagining of the Greek tragedy, Iphigenia, previewing August 5, 6, opening August 7 and running August 8th, 13th, 14th and 15th. All performances at 8 pm at Lenz Gallery, 2114 W. Belmont. Gallery show in association with production features the visual art of Neville Gerson, Julianne Ingles, Benton Lenz and Joe Smigielski. Tickets: $20, $10 for senior citizens, students and veterans. Performances continue at the Judith Racht Gallery, Harbert, MI., August 21 (8pm) and August 22 (2pm) Tickets are available at brownpapertickets.com or call 773 255-6675. Set in a period that is not the future, past or present. This reimagination is set against the war against Troy to get Helen back. The Greek army is held up at Aulis and getting anxious about the lack of wind. Artemis, the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, tells Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks, that in order to get wind for the sails he must sacrifice his eldest daughter, Iphigenia. In an attempt to carry out his plan without his family catching on, he writes his wife, Clytemnestra to bring Iphigenia to Aulis to marry the warrior Achilles. Drama, chaos and comedy soon takeover in this tragedy about sacrifice, war and family. Conceived of by Susan Padveen with Dustin Craig, David Fehr, Isabel Guzman-Barron, Drew Hann, Dan Howard, Sam Hubbard, Jill Karrenbrock, Andrew Nowak, Laura Sturm, Britni Tozzi, Cody Estle, with additional text by Cassandra Rose.  Iphigeneology is directed by Susan Padveen. Costume design by Frances Maggio and lighting is designed by Wade Holiday. The cast includes Jill Karrenbrock (Iphigenia), Laura Strum (Clytemnestra), Dan Howard (Achilles), Dustin Craig (Menelaus), David Fehr (Agamemnon), and ensemble including: Sam Hubbard, Isabel Guzman-Barron, Andrew Nowak, Andrew Hann and Britni Tozzi.   'Blackbird' lands back in Chicago The Guild Theater is pleased to announce its upcoming production of Blackbird by David Harrower. This controversial drama, which received its Chicago premier at Victory Gardens in 2009, concerns the brief encounter between a young woman and a middle-aged man. The play is a probing, unsettling exploration of love and desire, revenge and punishment.  Blackbird is a modern and edgy drama that debuted in 2005 at the Edinburgh International Festival before moving to London's West End and winning the Laurence Olivier Award for best new play. This is only the second time it has been performed in Chicago (after Victory Gardens in 2009). Blackbird features Guild company members Cassandra Cushman and David Schaplowsky, along with Marissa Meo, and is directed by Artistic Director Daniel Scott. Performances will be at 8pm, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, August 16-18 and 23-25 at Stage Left Theatre, 3408 N. Sheffield, Chicago, IL. Tickets are $15 and $10 for industry; reservations may be made by calling (312) 613-8885 or emailing guildtheaterprods@gmail.com.  Tickets may also be purchased at the door with cash only. The box office will open at 7:30 on the days of the performance.   'Millionaires' Say Farewell to Chicago After a 5+ year stint calling Chicago home, eminent sketch comedy trio Hey You Millionaires is picking up their giant bags of comedy money and saying farewell to Chicago with two final performances at iO and the Annoyance respectively.  Appearing with them at both venues will be comedy super group and fellow Cleveland natives Last Call Cleveland.  Two award-winning sketch groups.  Two completely different performances.  A sendoff of epic proportions.  Friday, July 30 at Midnight iO Chicago, the Cabaret Theater, 3541 N Clark St (Addison & Clark), Chicago.  $5 tickets are available at 773.880.0199 or online at Chicago.iOImprov.com.  Saturday, July 31 at 8PM at The Annoyance Theatre & Bar, 4830 N Broadway (Lawrence & Broadway), Chicago.  $10 tickets are available at 773.561.4665 or online at TheAnnoyance.com. Hey You Millionaires is comprised of a nationally-produced playwright (James Asmus), a published humor author (Jim Fath), and a high school English teacher (John Bohan) who create the kind of surprising, dark comedy that makes comedians laugh, yet is accessible to everyone.  These veterans of iO Chicago, Second City Cleveland and the infamous Annoyance Theater have spent the last 2 years touring the country at festivals, theaters, and colleges. Among the highlights, they were the only Chicago group chosen for New York Sketchfest, Seattle Sketchfest, and The LA Comedy Festival. They were one of only five sketch groups in the country chosen for the inaugural U.S. version of the Just For Laughs Festival, which included HYM performing alongside a David Cross / Bob Odenkirk (Mr. Show) reunion. Last spring, the group contributed to Fortune magazine for a cover story, and have also contributed to CNN.com and NPR’s The Sound of Young America. Hey You Millionaires is directed by Sarah Haskins of CURRENT TV and Second City.  For more, visit HeyYouMillionaires.com.