A Red Orchid Theatre

The New Season

2011-06-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

It's official - we've announced our next season!

Subscriptions are available now!

Purchase your FlashPass today!

And in case you missed it, here is A Red Orchid's 2011-2012 Season:

Fall 2011

BECKY SHAW By Gina Gionfriddo

A Chicago Premiere Directed by Damon Kiely
Featuring Ensemble Members Lance Baker, Jennifer Engstrom and Mierka Girten
September 22 – November 6, 2011

Sharp wit and shifting moral ground play out with the taut suspense of a psychological thriller. This Pulitzer-prize finalist and comedy of bad manners, tangled love and sex had its debut at the Humana Festival. When Suzanna decides to set her best friend Max up on a blind date with her husband's mysterious co-worker, Becky Shaw, she sets into motion a series of cataclysmic events forever transforming each of their lives.

* * * * -The Guardian

“as engrossing as it is ferociously funny” -New York Times

“a reality check for the idealistic… like the best kind of theatre, it makes us ask questions.” -Londonist

Winter 2012

MEGACOSM A World Premiere by Brett Neveu

Directed by Dado

Featuring Ensemble Members Larry Grimm and Danny McCarthy

And at least one member of the A Red Orchid Youth Ensemble

January 12 – February 19, 2012

With existential terror, Megacosm presents us with a world full of revolt and chaos both inside and out. An industrialist in the near future utilizes every means possible to get an inventor to sign over his revolutionary creation that will inevitably change the world. Corporate greed never met creative angst with such dramatic and hilarious results.

Spring 2012

THE BUTCHER OF BARABOO By Marisa Wegrzyn

Directed by Shade Murray

Featuring Ensemble Members Kirsten Fitzgerald and Natalie West

March 29-May 13, 2012

Skewed family values and the deep and dark secrets they create become a life force for Valerie, the infamous butcher of Baraboo, Wisconsin. Once her husband has gone missing everyone suspects she played a hand, especially her nosy sister-in-law who just happens to be the town sheriff. Enter the drug-pushing pharmacist daughter who just might hold the key to the ultimate unanswered questions.

Follow the Cast: We're JEFF RECOMMENDED

2011-04-15T13:17:00.000-07:00

This is the final installment of the "Follow the Cast" for Machiavelli's "The Mandrake", translated by Peter Constantine and Directed by Steve Cross. If you haven't seen some of the reviews out there, we are JEFF RECOMMENDED. So make sure you come out and see this fantastic and hilarious production!

Doug Vickers as "Nicia" rolls up his sleeves during rehearsals.

Name: Doug Vickers

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Last shows you were seen in: "Louis Slotin Sonata" at AROT, "U.N. Inspector" at Next Theatre
Favorite AROT Production: "Grey Zone", "Seahorse", and "Abigal's Party"

Character: Nicia

Describe your character in three words: Dense, dense, dense.
Favorite part of the process so far: Bits!
Favorite line in the show: "What a milksop you are!"
Favorite Italian Dish: Fettucini/ Sausage in Tomato Cream Sauce

Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
No.
Why should people come see this show?
To laugh out loud!

Lance Baker as "Ligurio" kneels in rehearsals.

Name: Lance Baker

Hometown: Madison, Wisconsin
Alma Matter: DePaul University
Last shows you were seen in: "Sleuth", "Around the World in 80 Days", "Spin", "Speed-the-Plow"
Favorite AROT Production: "The Questioning of Nick"

Character: Ligurio

Describe your character in three words: Charming, swindler, obsequiois.
Favorite part of the process so far: Steve Scott's gut laugh.
Favorite line in the show: "By Saint Puccio's Pussy!"
Favorite Italian Dish: Monica Belluci

Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
He wrote plays?!
Why should people come see this show?
If you don't enjoy it - free wine!

Follow the Cast: Friars and Servants and Laughs, OH MY!

2011-04-08T12:22:00.000-07:00

Friar Timeto "in disguise" played by David
Chrzanowski (right) helps with the scheming of
Callimaco played by Steve Haggard (left).

Name: David Chrzanowski

Hometown: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Alma Mater: Roosevelt University
Last shows you were seen in: "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" at Court Theatre, "The Rivals" at Polarity Theatre, and "Wake" at 16th Street Theatre
Favorite AROT Production: "Fastest Clock in the Universe"

Character: Friar Timeteo

Describe your character in 3 words: Opportunist and puppet master
Favorite part of the process so far: Working with the ensemble!
Favorite line in the show: The name "Lucrezia" cracks me up for some strange reason.
Favorite Italian Dish: My mom's lasagna.
Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
Learning how many positions of power Machiavelli held in Florence and his complete fall from the church's grace.

Why should people come see this show?
Because we break the "fourth wall" and engage our audience! This makes every night different and fun.

Siro played by Brian Kavanaugh (left) is being
informed of what to do by his master Callimaco
played by Steve Haggard (right).

Name: Brian Kavanaugh

Hometown: Albany, New York
Alma Mater: Hartwick College (Oneonta, NY)
Last shows you were seen in: "Bus Stop" at The Den Theatre
Favorite AROT Production: "Mistakes Were Made" and "The Sea Horse"

Character: Siro

Describe your character in 3 words: Reluctant, amazed, horny
Favorite part of the process so far: Learning from the cast how to "play" during the rehearsal process.
Favorite Italian Dish: My mom's pizza.

Favorite line in the show: "I had to shit my guts out to learn a word or two of Latin."

Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
Yes, I learned who he was.

Why should people come see this show?
TO LAUGH!

A Day in the City of Machiavelli's The Mandrake

2011-04-06T14:49:00.000-07:00

Florence, Italy

Floating above the city of Florence, this is the view Machiavelli had from his days in exile.

From the top of Pizzale Michaelangelo (a good hike and what feels similar to an eternity on a stairmaster) the greatness of the city cannot be questioned. From such great heights, any city might be able impress. But it is the history and the legends behind Florence, however, that create the sense of eminence.

Galileo once questioned the universe in this city. Michaelangelo chiseled a modest self-portrait into the Palazzo Vecchio, after he created one of the world's most famous men out of stone. And above all, our beloved poet and playwright, Niccolo Machiavelli, walked these streets. A political mind, a master of words, he carved a story and place for the city of Florence, and was even banished from it's walls. His love affair with the "Jewel of the Renaissance", is manifested in his work.

La Mandragola, Italian for The Mandrake, comes to life in the streets of Florence. The grandeur of dupery that centers our play, is mastered by street artists on unsuspecting tourists and shop owners wanting to close shop early for their well deserved dinner, and is as grand as the buildings that make up the city.
The city is as sweet as it is devilsh:
Machiavellian at it's core.

The transportation system, for example. The availability and beauty of the buses are so apparently wonderful, it makes the EL look like a rickety toy train. Yet, once onboard, the reality is if you don't already know your stop and its surroundings, the bus route in its entirety, and any side roads the driver feels like taking that day, you don't belong on the bus. Actually, you don't belong in the city. this place is not user friendly. Innate knowledge is the only way of mastering this system.

A city made of walking, and there are no sidewalks. The customer is never right, at the customer service desk. A country of Slow Food, and quick espresso fuels the chef.

Florence is as serious as it is satiricial. And maybe part of it is the pride: a pride of history, wisdom, celebrity, and even the no nonsense that begets nonsense.

It's an understanding that while the world becomes ever more cosmopolitan and ever more global, Florence remains elementary, local, and classically unqiue.

The world may be changing, but the Florentine ways do not.

“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo;

I want to overthrow it.”

-Niccolo Machiavelli

Classily overthrowing the powers that be, is what makes The Mandrake so Florentine.

The blurred line of right and wrong, of risk and safety, satire and honesty.

But as the playwright himself says:

"Never was anything great achieved without danger."

This fiendish city, is where our story takes place.

____________________________________________

A Red Orchid Theatre finishes up the 2010/2011 Season with Machiavelli's satire,

The Mandrake

Directed by Steve Scott, translation by Peter Constantine.

Running from April 8-May 22nd

Featuring A Red Orchid Ensemble Members Lance Baker (Ligurgio), Steve Haggard (Callimaco) and Doug Vickers (Messer Nichia), with David Chrzanowski (Friar Timoteo), Brian Kavanaugh (Siro), Cheyenne Pinson(Lucrezia) and Lucinda Johnston (Sostrata).

The creative team includes Grant Sabin (Set Designer), Jeremy W Floyd(Costume Designer), Michael Stanfill (Lighting Designer), Joe Fosco (Sound Designer), Doug Kupferman (Properties Designer). The Stage Manager is Stephanie Heller. Kelli Marino is Dramaturg, and Machiavelli and Political Theory Consultant is Cristophre Kayser.

For information on tickets and showtimes, visit our lovely website:

www.aredorchidtheatre.org

Or call (312) 943-8722

Check out our Facebook page for more updates and information, including discounts!

~Pictures and piece by A Red Orchid Abroad: Florence, Italy

Follow the Cast: LADIES NIGHT

2011-04-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

It's that time of the week again! We are showcasing our two lovely ladies in Machiavelli's "THE MANDRAKE". They play the mother and daughter duo of Sostrata and Lucrezia in this hilarious Italian comedy.

Cheyenne Pinson as "Lucrezia" (left) is being consolded

by her mother "Sostrata" played by Lucinda Johnston (right).

Name: Lucinda Johnston

Hometown: Green Bay, Wisconsin
Alma Matter: Univeristy of Wisconsin - Milwaukee & University of Wisconsin - Stout
Last shows you were seen in: "Jake's Women" at Citadel Theatre
Favorite AROT Production: "Weapon of Mass Impact"

Character: Sostrata

Describe your character in 3 words: Whole -lotta-Strata!
Favorite part of the process so far: Arriving at the theatre.
Favorite line in the show: "No, that's not it."
Favorite Italian dish: Sophia Loren -- my idol!

Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
No, I still have a crush on him.

Why should people come see this show?
How often do you get the chance to yuck it up over Machiavelli?

Cheyenne Pinson as "Lucrezia" kneels before

the heavens before leaving for home with mother

"Sostrata" played by Lucinda Johnston in the

background.

Name: Cheyenne Pinson

Hometown: West Bloomfield, Michigan
Alma Matter: Michigan State University
Last show you were seen in: Sketchbook with Collaboraction
Favorite AROT Production: This one!

Character: Lucrezia

Describe your character in 3 words: Smart and gullible.
Favorite part of the process so far: I love these initial rehearsals - talking, experimenting, and laughing a lot.
Favorite line in the show: "I have a false nose at home."
Favorite Italian dish: Spaghetti & meatballs, mmm.

Has your view of Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
I understand more about him each time - loving every new bit I get.

Why should people come see this show?
This cast is brilliantly funning. Watching rehearsal kills me - can't imagine how fabulous this show is going to be! I can't wait.

The Mandrake: Follow the Cast

2011-03-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here at A Red Orchid Theatre we want to include you - the audience and loyal supporters - in the process of the upcoming production of Machiavelli's "The Mandrake". Our fabulous and super cool interns created a short questionnaire to ask the cast about their experience in the rehearsal process. Keep track as we post more and more of these so you all can get to know the actors in a new light.

Steve Haggard as "Callimaco" in rehearsal.

Name: Steve Haggard (AROT Ensemble Member)
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Alma Matter: DePaul University
Last shows you were seen in: "Kimberly Akimbo" at AROT, "As You Like It" and "Romeo & Juliet" at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
Favorite AROT Production: "Abigal's Party" and "The New Electric Ballroom"

Character: Callimaco
Describe your character in 3 words: Amazing. Passionate. Needy.
Favorite part of the process so far: Laughing at my funny funny cast mates.
Favorite line in the show: "Oh, the anguish!"
Favorite Italian dish: Bruschetta

Has your view on Machiavelli changed since you began working on this show?
He is much funnier than I thought he was.

Why should people come see this show? It's surprising and uncomfortably funny. There will not be another production of this play done in such an intimate way in which you as an audience member can be such a part of the intrigue and scheming.

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR BLOG, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER BECAUSE WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING A HOW YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FEW OPPORTUNITES TO WIN TICKETS TO THE SHOW!

THE MANDRAKE

2011-03-10T15:10:00.000-08:00

We are incredibly excited to announce the cast and crew of our final show of the 2010-2011 season: 

Machiavelli’s The Mandrake

With the brilliant director STEVE SCOTT, (associate producer of Goodman Theatre, member of the Goodman’s Artistic Collective) behind the wheel, The Mandrake is sure to be a success.

Featuring the talents of Steve Haggard, Lance Baker,
Doug Vickers, David Chrzanowski, Brian Kavanaugh,
Cheyenne Pinson,and Lucinda Johnston

AND a fabulous behind the scenes team of Josh Sobel, Grant Sabin, Jeremy W Floyd, Michael Stanfill, Joe Fosco, Doug Kupferman, Stephanie Heller, Donnie Sheldon, Meg Lindsey, Kelli Marino, and Cris Kayser 

Previews: April 8 & 9 at 8:00PM & April 10 at 3:00PM
Opening night: Monday April 11, 2011 at 7:00PM
The Mandrake is scheduled to run at A Red Orchid on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00PM and on Sundays at 3:00PM
Closing Performance: Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 3:00PM 

KEEP AN EYE ON OUR BLOG, FACEBOOK, AND TWITTER BECAUSE WE WILL BE ANNOUNCING A HOW YOU CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FEW OPPORTUNITES TO WIN TICKETS TO THE SHOW!!

Written while Machiavelli was in exile for allegedly plotting against  the Medici clan, "The Mandrake" or "Mandragola" details the corruption  of Italian society in a series of increasingly comical scenes that  culminate in the cuckolding of a powerful Florentine aristocrat. The  author depicts human nature just as he has come to know it, and the  sinister fruits of his studies have delighted audiences to this day, for  we recognize our own failures in Machiavelli's creations--characters  too quick to compromise personal ethics in order to accommodate a  corrupt and demeaning world, too easily persuaded to lie, cheat,  swindle, and deceive, or close their eyes to deception, in order to  ensure some small improvement in their miserable lives, always espousing  the mantra that "the end justifies the means." "The Mandrake" is a  powerful comic treatise on immorality, a diagnosis of cultural disease,  and perhaps the finest surviving example of the Italian Renaissance  comedy of intrigue. 

  
But when evening falls I go home and enter my writing room. On the threshold I put off my country habits filthy with mud and mire and array myself in royal courtly garments. Thus worthily attired I make my entrance into the ancient courts of the men of old where they receive me with love and where I feed upon that food which only is my own and for which I was born.
-Niccolo    Machiavelli

The Earl Extended!

2011-02-17T13:24:00.000-08:00

Just got the word that The Inconvenience will extend their run of The Earl, showing right here at A Red Orchid Theatre, until March 2. The show has been called "A stunner" (Time Out Chicago), "A thrilling little piece of pulp fiction" (Chicago Theatre Blog), and "A quality piece of work" (Around the Town Chicago). This is a great show and a great group of young artists, so come out and show your support.

The New York Branch

2011-02-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

With all of the excitement of The New Electric Ballroom, the great reviews, and the exciting Jeff Recommendation, we don't want to forget about our New York ensemble in Mistakes Were Made. Mike Shannon and Mierka Girten will be closing the New York production on February 27, so a hearty Congratulations and Job Well Done goes out to them.

The Earl at Red Orchid

2011-02-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

Don't forget that The Earl is also playing at A Red Orchid. This one is scheduled to close February 23, so get out and see it while you can.

Industry Night

2011-02-11T13:20:00.000-08:00

A quick reminder that Industry Night for The New Electric Ballroom will be this Monday, February 14. Tickets are pay what you can, but you should still call us to reserve your seats.

What a great way to tell someone special, Happy Valentine's Day.

Family

2011-02-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

It's hard to ignore the common elements of the two shows currently running here at A Red Orchid Theatre, especially when you realize that it wasn't exactly intentional. Both shows are about siblings and family. The New Electric Ballroom delves into three sisters' emotional and psychological scars, while The Earl depicts three brothers giving each other actual scars.

Both shows also question the appropriate role of the siblings within the family. The older sisters in Ballroom obsessively relive their past in hope that the youngest will learn from their mistakes, teaching her to fear the world outside and to find safety in their home. So what are they ultimately denying her? The long-absent brother in The Earl returns home and is chastized for leaving. The brothers who remained at home have been involved (at least somewhat) with the care of their mother, and have (at least somewhat) the care of the brutal game the brothers play. Was he wrong to leave, wrong to trust his brothers as keepers of their tradition?

Both shows offer an interesting story, intriguing characters, and as many layers of meaning as you are willing to peel away.

Both will make you feel better about your disfuntional family.

Both are showing at A Red Orchid Theatre.

Tickets for The New Electric Ballroom can be purchased here, or by calling the box office at A Red Orchid Theatre.

Tickets for The Earl can be purchased here, or by calling the box office at The Inconvenience.

Warm Up at The New Electric Ballroom

2011-02-04T14:56:00.000-08:00

Tickets are 2-for-1 through Sunday, so that means two tickets for $30. The Chicago Tribune called it "Fearless and intense,” the Examiner said it's ...“maddening, provocative and at times wildly comic,” and the Chicago SunTimes raves "A Red Orchid's Ballroom is simply electrifying."

This is a great deal for a show that is Jeff Recommended, so take advantage of it while you can.

The Blizzard vs. The Earl

2011-02-03T12:07:00.000-08:00

What incredible timing. To have one of the worst blizzards hit Chicago just when The Earl is ready to open. While most of us decided to stay warm and cozy in our homes Tuesday night, The Inconvenience went ahead with their scheduled performance of The Earl at A Red Orchid Theatre. Last night's performance went on as well, and everyone in the nearly-full audience was invited to the reception afterwards. The entire cast from Red Orchid's 2006 production of The Earl was in attendance, as was Brett Neveu, the playwright, and Red Orchid ensemble members Kirstend Fitzgerald and Guy Van Swearingen.

Anyone who saw The Earl at A Red Orchid in 2005 should be ready to see some major changes this time around. Director Duncan Riddell (also Literary Manager at A Red Orchid) offers plenty of blood in his version, as well as some hard hits and hearty laughs. Danny Goldring returns as the title character, but the rest of the cast is brand new. Christopher Chmelik, Walter Briggs, and Ryan Bourque (all members of The Inconvenience) are the three brothers who delight in beating each other to bloody pulps while telling jokes and discussing their mother's well-being. All the performances were great, and this is a show that no one should miss.

Congratulations to The Inconvenience on their first full theatrical production, and we're glad that A Red Orchid Theatre could be a part of it. Tickets are available through The Inconvenience, either by calling their box office or through their website.

Jeff Recommended!

2011-01-27T12:18:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-01-06T13:36:00.000-08:00

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.

Looking Forward

2010-12-28T13:49:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season moving towards its end, so goes The Iliad. The show will close on Sunday, January 2 with a 3:00 matinee. There are tickets available for that performance, as well as evening performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. There will be a champagne/sparkling cider toast with the cast at the New Year's Eve and New Year's Day shows, which should be fun. If the reception after the opening is any indication, then take it from me, there's something a little unnerving about watching these girls socialize while covered in blood.

And in other news, rehersals are well under way for our next production, The New Electric Ballroom, which starts previews on January 20. Keep an eye out for more news on that one as the opening draws closer.

Last Minute Gift Ideas!

2010-12-21T13:08:00.000-08:00

Instead of those standard sweaters and scarfs, why not give your loved ones something they'll really remember? Get them tickets for the extended the run of The Iliad! The show dates and times are on the website, and you can purchase tickets there or call us here in the box office.

And if you are feeling really generous, you could always give a subscription to our season, which you can get online or by calling us.

And from everyone here at A Red Orchid Theatre, Happy Holidays!

Congrats to the New York Crew

2010-12-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

Scott Brown of New York Magazine has named his Top 10 theatre productions for New York, and Mistakes Were Made is #6. He also gave the show a glowing review when it opened, and has nothing but great things to say about it now: "Full of existential portents, tricky rag-doll stuntwork, and gorgeously ominous puppetry, this bam import never used its stunning visuals as an excuse to skimp on narrative and character." See the entire list and more praise for the show here.

Of course, for those of you who saw the show here in Chicago and know how great it was, you can't really be too surprised, right?

Extended Run - Dates and times for The Iliad

2010-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the info for the extended run of The Iliad. Normally, our shows are at 8pm, but the evening shows for the extended run start at 7pm, so don't forget.

Sunday December 26 at 3pm & 5pm; Wednesday December 29 at 7pm; Thursday December 30 at 7pm; Friday December 31 at 7pm *champagne/cider toast with the cast; Saturday January 1 at 7pm *champagne/cider toast with the cast; Sunday January 2 at 3pm CLOSING PERFORMANCE
*no shows on December 23, 24, 25

Call us here at the box office for your tickets, or get them online!

Best Theatre of 2010?

2010-12-11T13:49:00.000-08:00

A Red Orchid Theatre made the Best of 2010 list at the Tribune. While I think Abigail's Party should have been much higher on the list, it seems to be in good company. Here's the full list.

It also appears that The Iliad will be extended through the holidays, but I don't have specifics yet. If you're in a rush for details, you can check the theatre's website, or give the box office a call.

Only Two More Weeks for The Iliad

2010-12-09T12:28:00.000-08:00

The Iliad is nearing the end of its run, so if you haven't seen it, you need to call us for your tickets. The show closes on Dec. 19th, which means you only have TWO weeks left to see it. I'll go ahead and remind you that the show is Highly Recommended by both the Chicago Sun-Times (with such praise as "the concept works brilliantly") and Time Out Chicago (which praised the "remarkable skill and discipline" of the actors, who are able to recite the "passages of epic poetry with sensitive command"). Also, Sarah Fornace's fight sequences are getting a ton praise, such as this one between Hector and Achilles:

Also this reminder, because we had a message from someone who wanted to purchase tickets for A Very Merry (Unauthorized) Scientology Pageant, we are not doing that show this year. But there are plenty of other holiday shows and events to see around town, including a radio-rendition of It's a Wonderful Life at The Biograph, which looks like a lot of fun. Granted, it's quite different from the Scientology Pageant, and may not be a substitute, but it looks like a good show nontheless. There's also A John Waters Christmas at the Harris Theater, a couple productions of A Christmas Carol, and The Nutcracker. There's also And if none of those fill the hole left by the Scientology Pageant, you could always ask Santa to bring it back next year.

Industry Night

2010-11-30T12:06:00.000-08:00

For all of you theater-industry-workers, we're having the industry night for The Iliad on Monday, Dec. 6. The show is at 7pm, and the tickets are pay-what-you-can. But, you should call us and reserve your seats, because they're going fast. Chicagotheaterblog.com ran this review of the play, which stands out as one of the only reviews that I've seen that wanted more from the production, specifically the langauge: "It’s passing strange that, having come so far, Wright does not simply pull whole and darkly beautiful lines from the original text." I hadn't thought about it before, but I think it's an interesting point.

And while The Iliad continues to impress audiences, the New York production of Mistakes Were Made is doing the same. Here's a nice bit from chicagoist.com, which applaudes the success of the Chicago-based production. The Chicago Tribune has this piece, which praises Chicago's store-front theatres (especially A Red Orchid) for the unique, intense experiences they offer. In both articles, you get a great sense of the pride and enthusiasm for Chicago's theatre scene.

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-23T13:04:00.000-08:00

The Iliad is well into its run, and if you haven't seen it, you should. The actors are receiving nothing but praise for their work, and the same goes for Steve Wilson's directing, Sarah Fornace’s fight sequences, as well as the entire design team. For a round-up of the reviews, check out theatreinchicago.com, or click here.

As for the holiday weekend, there will be no show on Thursday (Thanksgiving), but there will be shows at the regular times for the rest of the weekend. So that's Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 3pm. So Happy Thanksgiving, and go see The Iliad.

The Reviews Are In

2010-11-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

The reviews for The Iliad are coming in, and they're good. The show is "Highly Recommended" by Hedy Weiss at the Chicago Sun-Times, who wrote that the actors "impress with the ferocity of their emotions, the sureness of their intellectual attack and the force and clarity of their diction" and that the show is a "highly unusual but rewarding take on a story that bares the truth about how ego, envy and the sheer addiction to war can result in unbridled savagery." (Full review here) The Chicago Tribune also gave it a great review, calling it "a most remarkable theatrical experience," and adding "Wright has given these girls quite a gift. But while many people are understandably reluctant to watch children — or, at least, children to whom they have no relation — this one offers glory on all sides." (Full review here) The Chicago Critic review is also good, claiming "The girls DID make the Trojan Wars come to life. Amazing!" It also includes some great photos from the the performance.

And in another news, last night The Inconvenience took over A Red Orchid's theater space for their Fresh Mean Reading Series. The play, "The Triple Dog Dare of King Pluto the Dark," was written by Aaron Weissman, and performed by five talented actors, including Walter Briggs, who was seen recently in A Red Orchid's The Louis Slotin Sonata. The Fresh Meat Reading Series continues on Dec. 8, and more information can be found on their website. This was my first time seeing this group, and I have to say, they have a great energy. Before the show, the audience buzzed with chatter. The opening acts were firery. And the reading was funny, heart-felt, and immensely entertaining. How refreshing to see a group of performers doing what they love, simply because they love doing it.

Two openings this weekend

2010-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

The Iliad opens tomorrow, with two previews this weekend, and tickets ($15) are still available for both shows. Monday's press opening is still sold out, and Sunday's performance is for the families of the performers. The show begins its regular run on the 18th, with performances at 8 pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and the 3 pm matinee on Sundays.

Because this is a Youth Ensemble production, and because we kept getting asked about it, we've decided to schedule some matinees during the week, especially for school groups who want to come see the show. Tickets for those matinees have to be booked in blocks, and if you know anyone who might be interested, tell them to call us and we'll answer all their questions. And while we're on the topic, keep in mind that we offer summer classes through the Red OrKids program, and we can tell you about those, too.

In other Ensemble news, the New York production of Mistakes Were Made is set to open on Sunday. So that's two plays opening this weekend for ensemble member and playwright Craig Wright. I haven't seen any reviews for the New York production, yet, but the NYT has the play listed in their theatre section here, with all the ticketing information and such. There's also this piece, with one of the strangest pictures of Mike Shannon I've seen in a while.

The Iliad at A Red Orchid

2010-11-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

The previews for The Iliad are just over a week away (November 12 and 13), the press opening has sold out (November 15), and we're already getting some great buzz about the show. TimeOut Chicago ran this piece, with a great shot of the actors at rehersal:

Also, the poster is pretty great, too:

Corporal Show at Double Door

2010-11-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last night, ensemble member Mike Shannon gathered his band, Corporal, at Double Door for a one-night-only show. Scott Lucas and the Married Men played first, treating the audience to a great set that ended with a jam-session version of The Beatles classic, "I Got a Feeling." Corporal took over, playing all the songs on their first album in order. One audience member suggested the show should be called "A Corporal Experience," given the range of the kind of songs they played, some slow and melodic and others louder and even a little aggressive (including the reprise of "Obama," a timely song given the show took place on Election Day Eve). The crowd filled out to about 100 people (a very rough estimate), and included fellow Ensemble members Guy Van Swearingen, Kirsten Fitzgerald, and Craig Wright (whose adaptation of The Iliad opens in less than two weeks). We also spotted Walter Briggs, last seen in A Louis Slotin Sonata here at A Red Orchid Theatre.

Corporal consists of Mike Shannon on vocals and guitar, Ray Rizzo (center) on drums, and Rob Beitzel (to the left) on guitar as well. Last night, Matt Scobee stepped in to cover the bass. You can find the band here and on i-Tunes. Thanks for coming, guys.

The End is near for Louis Slotin.

2010-09-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

A Red Orchid Theatre is offering 2-for-1 tickets this weekend only (September 30, and October 1, 2, and 3) - just mention promo code "Manhattan Project" to get this great deal!

4 STARS – TimeOut Chicago

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED – New City Magazine

INTELECTUALY THRILLING AND RIGOROUS... A MUST SEE!!! – WBEZ 91.5

SURREAL AND FUNNY WITH SCENES OF STAGGERING SORROW – Chicago Theatre Examiner

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE – chicagotheatreblog.com

STAGED WITH VIBRANCY AND VERVE… A RED ORCHID’S BEST ACTORS – Chicago Tribune

2010-09-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

JEFF NOMINATIONS ARE OUT:

A Red Orchid Theatre lands

7 Nominations!

Including nominations for:

*Production -- Abigail's Party

*Ensemble -- Abigail's Party

*New Work -- Craig Wright's Mistakes Were Made

*Director -- Shade Murray's Abigail's Party

*Actor in Prinicpal Role -- Michael Shannon in Mistakes Were Made

*Actress in Principal Role -- Kirsten Fitzgerald in Abigail's Party

*Actress in Supporting Role -- Natalie West in Abigail's Party

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!

And a sincere thank you to all our designers, directors, writers, technicians, performers, administrators, interns, board of directors and audience. Without whom none of this would be possible.

For a full list of 2009-2010 Nominees, check out JEFF's site

______________________________________________

Individual tickets for our first show of the 2010/11 season, LOUIS SLOTIN SONATA, are on sale now!! Grab those tickets, you won't want to miss out on this explosive production.

Call us at 312.943.8722 between the hours of 12:30 and 5 on weekdays

OR jump on our website at www.aredorchidtheatre.org and order your tickets online.

We are very excited for the show, and we would love to share it with you.

So join us and get your tickets today!

We at A Red Orchid know it's that time of the year again...

2010-08-18T13:03:00.000-07:00

The time when sweet, sticky summer slowly makes it way back to bed, and leaves the front door open for crisp autumn to stroll straight on in. And as much as we'd all like to keep that summer feeling for longer and hold on to it's nostalgia, fall has started to creep on in, bringing the start of schools, long coats, colorful trees, hot chocolate, and new beginnings. And what goes better with your fall coat or the vibrant trees, than the beginning of a fresh Season here at A Red Orchid Theatre?

Don't be fooled, the weather may be cooling down, but we are just warming up...

FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, KIRSTEN FITZGERALD -

On the heals of our most successful season to date, we maintain that theatre is potentially the greatest sustenance for the human spirit. Are we more ambitious animals than moral ones? More curious than kind? The exploring of these questions is often hilarious, sometimes horrifying and always carries the potential for deepened intimacy. Paul Mullen (our first playwright this season) recently posited that "theatre at it's best exists at the intersection of the intimate and the sublime." I would ad that life at it's best exists at that same intersection. As always, our 2010-2011 productions have been hand picked by our artistic ensemble.

drum roll please....

THE 2010/2011 SEASON:

The Midwest Premiere of
Louis Slotin Sonata
By Paul Mullin
Directed by Ensemble Member Karen Kessler

Will our innate curiosity and confidence kill us or lead us to greater awakenings? At 3:20 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 1946 Louis Slotin's hand slipped—a small, practically insignificant blunder, except that Slotin was the chief -bomb builder at Los Alamos, and at that fateful moment he held in his hands a plutonium bomb core named "Rufus". With a structure inspired by classical music's sonata allegro form, Louis Slotin Sonata traces the true story of a brilliant scientist's last nine days, as his body and mind gradually succumb to the chaos wrecked by radiation.

Homer’s The Iliad
By Craig Wright
Adapted from Robert Fagles’ translation
Directed by Steve Wilson and featuring the young women of the A Red Orchid Youth Ensemble

Adapted by Craig Wright specifically for our young, all-female cast, this version of The Iliad offers a provocative and playful new spin on Homer’s age-old tale of the Trojan War. Vengeance, loyalty, or honor: which is most important? And, in this saga of bloody battles and huge male egos, where exactly do women and children fit in? Packed with swordplay, gender politics, and even a few songs, this is one war you don’t want to miss.

The Midwest Premiere of
The New Electric Ballroom
By Enda Walsh
Directed by Robin Witt
Featuring Ensemble Member and founding Artistic Director, Guy Van Swearingen

Trapped in the years that have passed since their halcyon days at The New Electric Ballroom, 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?

Machiavelli’s The Mandrake
Adapted by Peter Constantine
Directed by Steve Scott

A young Italian merchant, Callimaco, dreams of loving the beautiful Lucrezia, but there are several obstacles. Lucrezia is married (to a real pea-brain) and her virtue seems beyond reproach. Callimaco enlists the help of Ligurio who devises an extraordinarily complicated, and hilarious, plan; Involving a corrupt Priest, Lucrezia’s mother, and the root of the Mandrake. With everyone behaving so badly, can anyone possibly win?

We want to share this fresh beginning, this exciting season, with you!
So call 312.943.8722 to subscribe to our season Flashpasses!

Yours truly,

A Red Orchid Theatre

Alright, just when we thought the smoke from our 2010 season had cleared...

2010-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Check out pg 94 for
the "Best of Theatre 2010"

Chicago Magazine's "Best of Chicago" issue just ended our explosive 2010 season with another blaze, launching A Red Orchid Theatre to stand with last season's theatre "standouts".

Among other brilliant Chicago artists such as director Rachel Rockwell, playwright Tanya Saracho, actor Francis Guinman, and Larry Adams, A Red Orchid has been recognized as a serious force to be reckoned with.

Chicago Magazine's Catey Sullivan writes:

There are other ferociously loyal ensembles in town, but only A Red Orchid has the ability to rip open the emotional jugular at point-blank range. Even with an Emmy nominee (Craig Wright), an Oscar nominee (Michael Shannon), and a fireman/artist (Guy Van Swearingen), the company operates on a stage the size of a walk-in closet. When Shannon had the fire-alarm meltdown in Wright's Mistakes Were Made, it seemed like the place would explode. (Which, by the way, it has. In Blasted, a bomb blew up the entire set four times a week.) When Kirsten Fitzgerald started pouring cocktails in Abigail's Party, we shrank in our seats, praying she wouldn't offer us one.

It appears we hit a nerve.

We're sending this city's pulse vibrating right into next season!

Come and Join ABIGAIL'S PARTY one last time at Theatre on the Lake!

2010-06-14T13:00:00.000-07:00

ABIGAIL'S PARTY

Written by Mike Leigh

Directed by Shade Murray

Featuring Kirsten Fitzgerald, Mierka Girten, Larry Grimm, Steve Wilson and Natalie West

The year is 1977, the place somewhere in suburban England. While fifteen-year-old Abigail is throwing a raucus party, the adults have gathered down the street to party on their own. As the night goes on and the drinks are poured, the night goes horrifically and hilariously awry, laying bare the obsessions, prejudices, flaws and aspirations of the guests. Developed through improvisation by the original cast, thirty years later Abigail's Party has become a classic comedy of manners and a scathing satire that still offers timely social commentary and forces us to question our assumptions about relationships with one another.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW, Abigail's Party runs from June 30th to July 4th!

June 30-July 3 at 7:30 pm

*July 4 at 6:30 pm

*Come and stay for the fireworks!

Call the Box Office for Theatre on the Lake today at (312)-742-87994 to reserve your seats! General admission tickets are $17.50 each! For more information, visit the Theatre on the Lake Website at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/theatreonthelake

Praise from the production:

"AT ONCE HILARIOUS, CORROSIVE AND POIGNANT"-- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times

"THE VIBE IS AS RELENTLESSLY GROOVY AS THE MOOD LIGHTING AND THE PINEAPPLE-AND-CHEESE-CHUNKS CANAPES. BEVERLY IS DETERMINED THAT EVERYONE HAVE FUN. EVEN IF SHE HAS TO BRUTALIZE THEM WITH THE HI-FI."-- Catey Sullivan, Chicago Examiner

"ABIGAIL'S IS ONE SOIREE THAT'S NOT TO BE MISSED"- Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

"ABIGAIL'S PARTY AT A RED ORCHID NAILS SUBURBAN ENNUI"-- Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED with 3.5 stars

Don't miss out!

Getting Ready to Party...

2010-02-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Previews for Abigail's Party are this Friday, February 12th and Saturday, February 13th at 8:00 PM, and Sunday the 14th at 3:00 PM. Check out what we're working on...

Wouldn't you like to party here? Call (312) 943-8722 for tickets!

A New Year, A New Sign

2010-02-10T12:26:00.000-08:00

We're starting off 2010 in style with a gorgeous new sign outside of A Red Orchid's Wells St. home.

How I Became an Orchid

2010-01-07T12:13:00.000-08:00

by Co-Founder and Ensemble member Larry Grimm

I have spent much of my life trying to justify being an…… actor. At moments I have even denied that I was an actor. But this little theatre will keep you a little honest and that’s where my story begins.

After I graduated college I won a post-graduate fellowship. In short, I was awarded a chunk of change to travel around the globe writing about cultural differences in comedy ( I was fascinated by stand-up at the time – in the 80’s there was a big stand-up comedy boom and I falsely thought it was more powerful than theatre ever could be.) And although I had fleeting thoughts about being a post 90’s Gilbert Gottfried ( hey --I was 21) and knew in my soul that I was an actor, this fellowship thing was an extremely convenient way to blanket myself in a protective pseudo-academia, to detach and insulate from being the dreaded and clichéd image of a starving and unemployed actor. When I came back to Chicago and started doing shows, one of which was a breakaway sensation for Red Orchid called “Born Guilty”, it was clear that the bug had bitten in a way that was impossible to hide from.

But hey, that didn’t mean I couldn’t still try to hide.

If I was going to be an actor around town, I thought, I would not make the mistake of joining a dysfunctional theatre company that thought they could offer some new and cutting edge style of performance to the already crowded and overly noble minded storefront scene.

I had already witnessed the theatre’s founder, Guy Van Swearingen, go through a painful changing of the guard with the initial ensemble he created so when Guy, his sister Jody and Mike Shannon approached me with the idea of being an ensemble member, I shared a polite “Thanks, but no thanks.” I soon found out that the theatre already had stationary made and my name was listed under the ensemble heading. I guess they weren’t expecting me to turn them down. In Guy’s characteristic warm-hearted fire house humor he said, “Don’t worry Lar, we’ll keep your name on the stationary even though you don’t want to be an ensemble member”. Although I think this was less a token of kindness and more about not wanting to pay for new stationary, I was touched enough to be roped in for the rest of the “new ensemble meeting”.

The meeting’s key highlight was Guy administering the four person gathering with a strict adherence to Robert’s Rules of Order as if we were members of the city council and Mike pacing back and forth mumbling, “This theatre needs to make more money this year than it ever has. We need to have a benefit that makes a f*** of a lot of money.” I smiled and thought privately, “This place is never gonna make it – I made the right decision.” But the fact was that a decision had been made for me. In the same way that I fooled myself into thinking I could be a stoic non-participant in stand-up comedy, a detached academic observer of a craft, I foolishly thought that my name could remain on the company stationary and that I wouldn’t have to participate. I could move on.

I haven’t moved on. I remain today, ironically, a cofounder of the ensemble when what I initially offered was nothing but a firm commitment of tepid reluctance. But like much of A Red Orchid’s affairs things are unofficially official. A Red Orchid is a little theatre that keeps you a little honest - a theatre that keeps you whether you want to be on the stationary or not. A little like…. your family.

**************************************************************

See Larry in Red Orchid's upcoming Chicago Premiere of Abigail's Party by Mike Leigh

One Question

2009-11-23T13:50:00.000-08:00

When I was interviewed for the position of administrative intern at A Red Orchid, I only remember being asked one question: What brings you to A Red Orchid? The conversation went on from there, with my future boss telling me what I might do here and me rambling on about my past experience but that was the question that started the interview and was and is the most important one.

At the end of this past summer, having finished one internship at another mid-sized theater company, I was looking for another. Working for a mid-sized theater company meant that I got to do a lot more than photocopying, which is a real boon to an intern. I saw an ad on chicagoplays.com that described an administrative internship for a mid-sized equity theater that could include doing work in marketing, development and operations. Being a huge arts administrator dork, I am fascinated by all three whenever it has to do with theater. So I sent in my resume and cover letter. But that’s only part of why I came here and it’s certainly not why I am happy here and why I regret that December and the end of my internship are fast approaching.

Buried beneath the practicalities of building a career in arts administration is the deeper reason: the art here is wonderful. This is one of if not the best ensemble theatres in Chicago which says something powerful when you consider the vibrant, talented theater scene in this city. They do old and new plays, everything from Jacobean drama to a musical performed by children to world premieres written by a HBO screenwriter. It’s a breathtaking breadth of work that astonishes in its innovation and excellence. They make great art here and do so every day. And by interning here, whether I’m tracking down more funding or brainstorming marketing ideas or, yes, photocopying, I get to help make that art happen. When I go and see “Abigail’s Party” this February, a play that promises to be one of the best of the year, I’ll go knowing that I had a hand in getting it up there on that stage, even if all I did was make spreadsheets. And that right there, the opportunity that I’m so fortunate to have, the chance to be a quiet, small part of the achievement of great art, is the reason why I came here and why I stay and why I will be sad to go.

-Alice Magelssen

An Intern's Backstory: Josh Sobel

2009-11-20T14:22:00.000-08:00

(Note: The author has taken liberties with embellishment; points may be exaggerated for - most likely unsuccessful - comedic effect)

Josh grew up in a quaint and lethargic little area of Rochester, New York. After discovering the magic and wonder of THE THEATRE and a failed career in professional wrestling, he grew tired of the lack of anything to do and the smell of Kodak coming off of Lake Ontario, and decided to follow his artsy disposition to a small hippie college in rural Ohio known to those who fear it simply as... Oberlin. (FUN FACT: Neo-Futurist Founder Greg Allen is an Oberlin alum.)

Oberlin nurtured his spirit, what with its flower-child airs, near-riot of joy when Obama won, hipster tendencies, and crazy people playing with fireballs on the quad. He will never forget his professor, the respected theatre historian and writer Roger Copeland, once relating Euripides' The Bacchae to Samuel L. Jackson's famous quote from "Snakes On A Plane" (CENSORED FOR PUBLICATION). But alas, all good things must come to an end, and he was booted out of Oberlin after four years with a piece of paper with a stamp on it and a heart full of dreams.

It was at this point that he was visited in a dream by none other than Surfjan Stevens. Think the David Bowie episode of "Flight of the Conchords", except more Biblical. He knew immediately what he must do: drive to Chicago (all things know, all things know) and pursue his career in THE THEATRE.

He ended up flying, since having a car in Chicago at this point in his life just seemed silly.

Over the summer, he had heard about the infamous A RED ORCHID THEATRE, known for its intimate venue, jarring productions, and Oscar-nominated co-founder. This seemed like the ideal place to enter the world of Chicago THE THEATRE. He applied to be an intern, and was lucky enough to be accepted for the Fall term. His duties have been a joy, an ever-evolving journey of intrigue and negotiation in the treacherous arena of mid-size theatre growth.

He also helped Brando paint the bathrooms.

2-For-1 Ticket Special THIS WEEKEND!

2009-11-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

Answer L. Ron's Challenge, and score 2-for-1 tickets for this weekend's performances of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant at A Red Orchid Theatre!

L. Ron's Challenge Question: What is the term in Scientology for the immortal, spiritual being that exists within each and every one of us?

Call (312)-943-8722 with the correct answer to get your 2-for-1 deal on tickets for this weekend! Happy Hunting!

And DON'T FORGET!
Time is running out to get your discount tickets for the rest of the run!
Call to order your tickets before Thanksgiving and mention "Xenu," and receive a $5 discount on all tickets!
Reserve your seats today!

DIRECTOR'S NOTE - "Scientology Pageant"

2009-11-13T12:48:00.001-08:00

This show premiered Off-Broadway in 2003. A Red Orchid Theatre did the Chicago premiere just last year, but could we sustain another year? Tom Cruise and other noted Scientologists like John Travolta and Kirstie Alley curbed their behavior, and the spotlight Scientology held for so long seemed to be dimming.
Then about a week ago, it happened. Scientology returned to the headlines. Just in time for the holidays!

Noted filmmaker Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby) submitted his letter of resignation from The Church of Scientology over a litany of concerns. A day after Haggis’ letter went public, a Paris court found The Church of Scientology guilty of fraud and fined it over $900,000 and just stopped short of a full ban.

23 years after his death, L. Ron Hubbard and his Church of Scientology continue to have a very strong presence in the world.

We are not delivering the exact same show as last year. To do that would be doing a disservice to A Red Orchid Theatre, its audience and to these amazingly talented actors. We’ve challenged ourselves to revisit, reinterpret, and re-imagine this show for a new year!

Thank you to Kirsten and everyone at A Red Orchid Theatre for trusting me with this project. Thank you to the amazing support staff that worked so hard to get this show realized. Thank you to the actors and their very patient and supportive parents.
I am happy that this play exists. It allows young actors and only young actors to be showcased in such a unique and fun way.

Thank you for coming to see it.

Steve Wilson

Director

2009

Backstage with the Children

2009-11-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

Hi. My name is Rachael and I work as one of the children's company managers. We are now in crunch time and there is an excited buzz in the air. Tonight is our second night of rehearsal with costumes, the set is almost done, the sound and lights are all there and there is much anticipation over getting an audience to share this show with. The children have worked hard with director Steve, Music Director Brandon, and Choreographer Ann with help from AD Jack, company manager Amanda, and myself to make this show bigger and better than last years success. The kids and everyone cannot wait to show you the new and improved production of the Scientology Pageant at A Red Orchid Theatre. Artistic director Kirsten along with the Red Orchid ensemble have been a great support throughout the whole process.
Get ready to roll with laughter in your seats!
Until later,
Rachael

An Interview with Chaz Allen - SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT

2009-11-09T12:52:00.000-08:00

With the 2nd Annual Scientology Pageant soon approaching, A Red Orchid Theatre intern Josh Sobel sat down with cast member and returning "L. Ron Hubbard" Chaz Allen to get his thoughts on returning, Scientology and the show itself:

------------

JS: So how does it feel to be back doing the Scientology Pageant at the home of its Chicago premiere, A Red Orchid Theatre?

CA: I like doing it again, because you can always change what you did last year, and make it better… We know how to make it better. You know, with the help of the director and everybody, we will take it to the next level. And it’s better to do it the second time, so you can improve.

JS: It was such a hit last season, and now here it is again, and [A Red Orchid Theatre wants] to keep it going - how does that feel?

CA: It’s a big shadow to live up to, because it did so well last year… It’s a lot of pressure to live up to what happened last year. So we’re trying to make it better. And I think it’s going to be better.

JS: So you play L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology.

CA: The prophet.

JS: (laughs) Okay, maybe that will be one of these: Your own three words to describe L. Ron Hubbard.

CA: Master-manipulator… that’s one, I hyphenated it. Ungenuine. And prophetic, actually. Because what’s the difference between prophet L. Ron, and any other prophet, you know? He’s conveying a good message.

JS: That’s true. I mean, a lot of his stuff is like self-help, betterment…

CA: It’s made to make you feel better, or made to make you a better person, and that’s what religion is, really. It’s a set of rules to live by to make you a better person. And it doesn’t matter if you believe in a Virgin Mary or, uh, Xenu, you know?

JS: That was actually my next question… what’s the deal with Xenu? In your own words?

CA: It’s the satan-figure… well, it’s the god and satan figure, you know, because he’s bad, he’s a bad guy, but he’s also “creator,” you know, a little bit – creator of how we are today.

JS: So who is he, in the Scientology story? What’s his background, I guess?

CA: Come see the show! (laughs) You know, millions and millions of years ago, he was on a space ship, and he decided to, (makes laser-ish noises), and it’s sort of the Adam and Eve story, because it’s like the first thing that happened, that created how we are today. So you can call him the god-figure… But he’s bad, because he put emotion in people. But god did that too, in the Genesis story.

JS: So it’s all kind of anti-emotion, then? Like “emotions are bad” sort of feeling?

CA: Scientology? Yes. But not Xenu… He put emotions into people. Bad emotions AND good emotions, but mostly… well, you know, people get happy, people get sad, but really, Scientology is like to make you happy, but actually not to make you “happy,” just to eliminate all emotion, so you’re just, nothing.

JS: So doesn’t that seem like a bit of a contradiction? Like, it wants you to be happy, or wants you to be better, but to not have emotions?

CA: Well, it completely makes sense, because how can you have badness in you if you don’t have emotion in you? How can you have sadness…

JS: That’s kind of profound.

CA: (laughs) I mean I guess so, it is. It’s a really good story.

JS: Who is your favorite celebrity Scientolog…

CA: Beck.

JS: Beck?

CA: Beck! Straight up.

JS: Good answer... Well, this has been a funny and yet really profound interview… I guess the last question I would have is like, what do you think – as the L. Ron Hubbard, prophet character – what do you think the audience should take away from the show?

CA: I think when you watch this show you shouldn’t just see it as a bash on Scientology. You should actually see it as just complete satire. Right, because if we were just going out and bashing somebody’s beliefs, that’s not good. I would never sign up for something like that. I think that’s wrong. I think they should have the freedom to believe what they believe. So I think what you should take away from the show is that you need to laugh at yourself. And you need to understand the weaknesses of yourself. And you know strengths too, because Scientology has a lot of strengths in their beliefs, but they have a lot of weaknesses too. But it’s the same thing with Christianity, Judaism, Islam, everything. Every belief has weaknesses. Plot holes. So you have to learn to look at yourself and pick out those weaknesses… that’s what I think you should get out of the show.

First Post: SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT Tickets On Sale NOW!

2009-11-04T14:08:00.000-08:00

We've decided to kick-off our brand-spanking-new BLOG with an exciting announcement!

After an acclaimed run last season here at A Red Orchid Theatre, A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN'S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT returns to 1531 N Wells, directed by Steve Wilson and featuring the A Red Orchid Theatre Youth Ensemble. The musical, written by Kyle Jarrow based on a concept by Alex Timbers, the SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT has been hailed as "hilariously entertaining, surprisingly enlightening, profound and just a bit disturbing" - What more could you ask for from a show about L. Ron Hubbard?

The PAGEANT returns to become an annual holiday project at A Red Orchid Theatre. RESERVE YOUR TICKETS NOW!

The show runs from November 15th - January 3rd, 2010 (with previews on 11/12 & 11/13)

Performances:
Friday @ 8pm
Saturday @ 5pm & 8pm
Sunday @ 3pm

Tickets are $25 each (previews are $15)

Call the box office at (312)-943-8722 or visit www.aredorchidtheatre.com to purchase tickets!