Jeff Recommended!

With the press opening behind us, we are starting to see some reviews coming in for The New Electric Ballroom.  The few that have come out are good.  But the great news is that the show has been Jeff Recommended, which could mean nominations at the end of the season.

And having seen the show, I can see why it caught the attention of the Jeff Committee.  Kirsten Fitzgerald and Guy Van Swearingen, both give outstanding performances.  After the family and friends premier, there were several comparisons made between the performances they give in Ballroom and the performances they gave several years ago when they performed together in The Seahorse.  Kate Buddeke, who is returning to Red Orchid, and Laurie Larson, who is here for the first time, also offer fantastic performances.  When you see them on stage together, you know you are watching four professionals at their best.

Major Happenings

The opening for The New Electric Ballroom is almost here!  There are still tickets available for the previews this weekend.  Tickets for previews and all other shows can be purchased here, at our website. 

In this show by Irish playwright Enda Walsh, three sisters relive memories of something resembling romance with hilarious and horrible effect.  Interruptions from the local fishmonger only remind of the dangers of love and life outside.  Words, in Mr. Walsh’s harsh but illuminating vision, are both the making of experience and its destruction.  How do we share our history and how does it shape us?

Also, we will be welcoming The Inconvience back to A Red Orchid in February, for their production of The Earl.  You can catch them February 2nd through the 23rd, and more information (and a great picture of the actors) is available here.

And finally, a heartfelt congratulations to Mike Shannon, who was named one of Newcity's 50 People Who Really Perform in Chicago.  At No. 23, he even made into the top half.  You can see the whole list here.

Between Shows

Since the Iliad has closed, and with the opening of New Electric Ballroom a couple weeks away, things have been deceptively quiet here at Red Orchid.  Rehersals are ongoing for the cast of Ballroom and set construction has begun for the show, as well.  The ensemble has also been reading through scripts, looking for potential shows for next season.

Keep in mind that Ballroom has previews on January 21, 22, and 23, and tickets for those shows are only $15. 

Also coming up, The Inconvience will be back at A Red Orchid in February to perform The Earl. The dates and times are on their website.