<![CDATA[PINK & PINK PAGES - theater/stage]]>Fri, 24 May 2013 13:13:32 -0800Weebly<![CDATA[The Tenors’ “Lead With Your Heart” Tour]]>Tue, 14 May 2013 05:39:03 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/05/the-tenors-lead-with-your-heart-tour.html
 In an inspirational performance full of energy and excitement, The Tenors took center stage at the Auditorium Theatre (50 E Congress Pkwy) on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, 2013, in Chicago. 

With electrifying performance The Tenors delivered one of the best shows I have seen by any group  in a long time while bringing the audience to their knees, as they performed songs from their new album Lead With Your HeartThe new album debuted at #1 on the Billboard crossover charts and stretches the boundaries of classical crossover by combining timeless songs and modern hits. 

From Bob Dylan’s “Forever Young” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” to the inspirational anthem “Amazing Grace” and one of the most recognizable and heroic Tenor arias, “Nessun Dorma”, the diverse track list is a mix of pop favorites and classical staples along with new compositions written and co-written by The Tenors. 

 “The Auditorium is always trying to expose our audiences to diverse and innovative programming,” said Auditorium Theatre Executive Director Brett Batterson. 
 
Since their inception only five years ago, The Tenors have had over 600 performances, thrilling audiences around the world with their powerful voices and memorable melodies.  Their blend of classical music, contemporary pop and undeniable charm has garnered them international success with music lovers of all ages. The Tenors have performed worldwide and shared the stage with legendary artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion (on the Oprah show) Sting, and Paul McCartney, to name a few.  

More recently, The Tenors were featured performers on two primetime international broadcasts: The Emmy Awards live from Los Angeles and The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations from Windsor Castle in the UK, where The Tenors performed for Her Majesty.
Confirmed cities for the US Tour thus far include:

05.12.2013      Chicago, Illinois                       Auditorium Theatre

05.15.2013      Detroit, Michigan                  Music Hall

05.19.2013      Denver, Colorado                    Paramount Theatre

05.31.2013      San Diego, California              Balboa Theatre

06.01.2013      Los Angeles, California           Greek Theatre

06.02.2013      Las Vegas, Nevada                 Smith Center

06.08.2013      Wichita, Kansas                      The Orpheum

06.09.2013      Des Moines, Iowa                   Des Moines Civic Center

06.12.2013      San Francisco, California        The Palace of Fine Arts

06.14.2013      Minneapolis, Minnesota         The Auditorium at the Minneapolis Convention Ctr.

06.15.2013      Indianapolis, Indiana               Murat Theatre        

06.16.2013      Cleveland, Ohio                      Playhouse Square

06.19.2013      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania       Benedum Center

06.21.2013      Vienna, Virginia                      Wolf Trap

06.22.2013      Boston, Massachusetts           Symphony Hall

06.23.2013      Newark, New Jersey             NJ Performing Arts Center

06.26.2013      Atlanta, Georgia                    Symphony Hall

06.28.2013      Dallas, Texas                           Winspear Opera House

06.29.2013      Houston, Texas                       Bayou Music Center 

Additional information is available at www.tenorsmusic.com

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<![CDATA[Pricillia Is Not The "Queen" of the Dessert]]>Fri, 22 Mar 2013 14:33:08 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/03/pricillia-is-not-the-queen-of-the-dessert.html
by David Cohen

With hundreds of fabulous costumes, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is the 2011 Tony Award winner for Best Costume Design. Aside from a plethora of colors, this musical production also features some of the most popular pop songs like It’s Raining Men, I Say A Little Prayer, I Will Survive, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Boogie Wonderland, and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. But beyond the glitz and glamour, Priscilla Queen of the Desert is a story about family, friendship, and acceptance. 

Scott Willis as Bernadette, an aging transsexual who tours the backwaters of Australia with her stage partners plays IS AN elegant woman and he is great in this roll, but his voice doesn't match the elegance of the fame fatal woman he plays, Mitzi (Wade McCollum) was my favorite as the young queen who just want to have fun.  Adam/Felicia (Bryant West) was ok, nothing special. Their act, well-known in Sydney, involves wearing lots of makeup and gowns and lip-synching to records, but Bernadette is getting a bit tired of it all and is also haunted by the bizarre death of an old loved one. Nevertheless, when Mitzi and Felicia get an offer to perform in the remote town of Alice Springs at a casino, Bernadette decides to tag along. The threesome ventures into the outback with Priscilla, a lavender-colored school bus that doubles as dressing room and home on the road. Along the way, the act encounters any number of strange characters, as well as incidents of homophobia, while Bernadette becomes increasingly concerned about the path her life has taken.
The movie was the winner of the 1994 Academy Award filmand there is no doubt in my mind that the movie is a lot better then the stage production, but the stage production is still fun and entertaining. 

Catch the extraordinary performances of Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Auditorium Theatre at 7:30 PM from Tuesday to Friday. The weekend show times are at 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturdays and at 2 PM and 7:30 PM on Sundays. 
Through March 31, 2013

For more information visit www.broadwayinchicago.com or www.priscillaontour.com
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<![CDATA[PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT THE MUSICAL is IN CHICAGO]]>Fri, 08 Mar 2013 23:23:07 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/03/priscilla-queen-of-the-desert-the-musical-is-in-chicago.html
PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT

March 19 – 31, 2013 * Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 East Congress Parkway)
This outrageously fun show tells the uplifting story of a trio of friends on a road trip of a lifetime, who hop aboard a battered old bus searching for love and friendship in the middle of the Australian outback and end up finding more than they could ever have dreamed.  An international hit with more than 500 dazzling, 2011 Tony® Award-winning costumes, PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT features a hit parade of dance-floor favorites including "It's Raining Men," "Finally" and "I Will Survive."  The Hollywood Reporter calls PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT "funny and fabulous! Joyous entertainment with eye-popping visuals and unexpected heart!" The New York Post declares “Queen of Broadway!  A feel-good show with a big, joyous heart!  PRISCILLA ramps up the thrills!” The New York Times raves "Performed with gleaming verve! Every conceivable surface has been decked with sequins, spattered with colored lights, or trimmed in feathers and fringe."
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<![CDATA[LEVI KREIS: FLYING SOLO TOUR at DAVENPORT’S  on March 2nd at 8pm]]>Wed, 20 Feb 2013 05:16:40 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/02/levi-kreis-flying-solo-tour-atdavenports-on-march-2nd-at-8pm.html

Davenport’s  Piano Bar & Cabaret is thrilled to welcome Tony Award Winner, Outer Critics Circle Winner, and multi-awarding winning singer/songwriter Levi Kreis on Saturday, March 2nd at 8:00 PM. Best known for originating the role of Jerry Lee Lewis in the musical Million Dollar Quartet, Levi’s albums have had prominent features on many major networks including CBS, NBC, FX, CW, and Logo.   A 2009 OUTMusic Award, Levi has been supporting his LGBT community for six years as an out recording artist with a positive, life-affirming message.  Levi is leading up to his 6th album release by launching the Flying Solo Tour.  The Chicago Tribune gives Levi’s last solo show “5 Stars”.

As proven by countless Ticketmaster and Goldstar reviews, fans across the country are quickly discovering what makes Levi so unique: more than his staggering vocal and piano ability, it is his gift for connecting with an audience in a deeply intimate way.  The spiritual and emotional insight inherent in his lyrics will leave you feeling like you’ve just received a healing.

About Levi Kreis
Levi Kreis is an internationally recognized recording artist, songwriter, and actor, best known for providing memorable musical moments on top shows such as The Vampire Diaries, Sons of Anarchy, The Apprentice, Days of Our Lives, Young and the Restless, and movies including Kiss The Bride.  He has performed on The View, David Letterman, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Don Imus, Macy’s Day Thanksgiving Day Parade, and more.  Levi just finished filming the music video to his award winning theme song for Del Shores new film Southern Baptist Sissies, currently in post-production

Saturday, March 2nd at 8:00 PM • Davenport’s Piano Bar & Cabaret • 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave. • Chicago. IL 
Admission: $25.00 + two drink minimum • To purchase advance tickets visit www.davenportspianobar.com, or at the door. For reservations call  773-278-1830. 


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<![CDATA[ Illinois Shakespeare Festival in partnership with five area high schools]]>Tue, 22 Jan 2013 07:26:38 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/01/illinois-shakespeare-festival-in-partnership-with-five-area-high-schools.html
This Week Only! Bloomington-Normal - Come Out and Support the Arts in our Schools Escape the cold by frolicking with Shakespeare's beloved A Midsummer Night's Dream, opening this Wednesday 1/23/13 at Central Catholic High School. The play, produced by the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in partnership with five area high schools, is a fun, frantic romp through 75 minutes of love, deceit, and fantasy. Our high school actors are from all five schools. The show will be performed at a different school each day, with all ticket proceeds benefiting the host school.

Wednesday at Central Catholic High School - 7 pm
Thursday at Normal West High School - 7 pm
Friday at Normal Community High School - 7 pm
Saturday at Bloomington High School - 2 pm
Sunday at University High School - 2 pm
Tickets at the door are $3 Students/Seniors; $5 Adults
This program is partially funded through a Town of Normal Harmon Arts Grant.
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<![CDATA[Pride Films and Plays Presents Jonathan Harvey's  Beautiful Thing.]]>Wed, 02 Jan 2013 21:37:57 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2013/01/pride-films-and-plays-presentsjonathan-harveys-beautiful-thing.html
Pride Films and Plays is thrilled to announce the Chicago 20th anniversary production of Jonathan Harvey’s acclaimed Beautiful Thing, The heart warming story of two teenaged boys coming to grips with their sexuality.  Director John Nasca directs a cast that includes PFP Artistic Ensemble Members Michelle McKenzie-Voigt and Patrick Rybarczyk as Sandra and Tony, with Robert Hilliard as Jamie, Charlie Wein as Ste, and Kiah McKirnan as Leah.

Jamie, a boy who skips school to avoid playing sports, is attracted to his next-door neighbor Ste, an athletic teen who is regularly beaten by his father and brothers. One night, Jamie's mother Sandra offers Ste refuge from his abusive family, setting off a chain of events that changes their lives forever. Set in a working-class area of southeast London,Beautiful Thing illustrates the struggle of growing up in a world that can be cruel and unforgiving to anyone perceived as different.

Written in 1993, Beautiful Thing was initially produced by The Bush Theatre, London, England. It received its American premiere in 1998 by Famous Door Theatre Company in Chicago and then transferred to New York in 1999 at the Cherry Lane Theatre.  "As 2013 marks the 20th anniversary of Beautiful Thing and with bullying issues still very much a part of today’s headlines, this is the perfect time to revisit this play, which feels more relevant than ever," says director John Nasca.

From January 17 – February 17, at the  Athenaeum Theatre (Studio Three) 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago. 
Previews: January 17 and 18 at 7:30 p.m. •  Opening  Night: January 19 at 7:30 p.m. •  Sunday: January 20 at 2:00 pm.
Prices: $15 for Previews • $23 on Thursdays and Sundays • $25 on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets: Available at www.athenaeumtheatre.org or by calling 773-935-6875

Jonathan Harvey (Playwright) comes from Liverpool and now lives in London. His plays include The Cherry Blossom Tree (Liverpool Playhouse Studio, 1987), which won him the 1987 National Girobank Young Writer of the Year Award;MohairWildfire, and Beautiful Thing, winner of the John Whiting Award 1994; Babies, winner of the George Devine Award 1993 and Evening Standard's Most Promising Playwright Award 1994; Boom Bang-A-Bang, and Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club.  Jonathan is currently working on several projects, including a new television series and a musical with the Pet Shop Boys.

John Nasca (Director) is co-founder and Artistic Director of Glitterati Productions and an Artistic Associate for Pride Films and Plays.  His directing credits include Gypsy, Moon Over Buffalo, No, No, Nanette, Love Sucks!, and the staged readings of Beautiful Thing, Mr. Shaw Goes to Hollywood, The Ritz, Save the Date, MauriceHello Norma Jeane, andVisalia.  John is also a 3-time Jeff-recommended costumer for Vampire Lesbians of Sodom, Anyone Can Whistle, andDie! Mommie, Die!, and the proud recipient of After Dark and Broadway World awards.  His costume work also includes Noises OffMetropolisPhantom, Poseidon: An Upside-Down Musical, Follies, The Miracle Worker, Chicago, The Little Foxes, Rigoletto, The Great White Hope, Tintypes, The Women, and On the Waterfront.
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<![CDATA[A Very Luna Christmas]]>Sun, 02 Dec 2012 00:44:02 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2012/12/december-01st-2012.html
 A Very Luna Christmas, a gut busting and honest portrayal of a Latina family desperately trying to survive the holidays. It’s been a rough year for the Ochoa family, but nothing, not even her husband’s recent death, will stop Oralia Ochoa from throwing her yearly Christmas party for the entire neighborhood. She gathers the Ochoa women to prepare her famous tamales, but things start going awry when one daughter shows up with her new girlfriend, another without her husband and a granddaughter who is on a conversational basis with GOD, Herself. Will Oralia be able to accept the changes her family is undergoing, or will she be left all alone in the kitchen? This is a definite must see holiday event for the whole family!
As the Holiday Season kicks into full swing, Teatro Luna invites Chicago to laugh, cry, and reminisce on holidays past with A Very Luna Christmas, a holiday show the whole family is sure to enjoy.

A Very Luna Christmas features Artistic Associates Amanda de la Guardia (Living Large..., PUTAS!) and Alyssa Vera Ramos, Teatro Luna favorites Jazmin Corona (Crossed), Angelica Roque (PUTAS!) and Ashley Alvarez (PUTAS!), and Luna newcomers Diana Campos and Sindy Castro.

Luna Central • 3914 N. Clark St. (Mainstage Space) • Dec. 3, 2012 - Jan. 6, 2013 • Thurs-Sun, matinee and prime time.
THURSDAY PERFORMANCES ARE PAY WHAT YOU CAN
Tickets are $20 in advanced, $25 at the door. For more information visit www.teatroluna.org 
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<![CDATA[Mike Tyson Undisputed Truth: tickets are available now!]]>Sat, 01 Dec 2012 16:10:43 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2012/12/mike-tyson-undisputed-truth-tickets-are-available-now.html
After a highly successful  run on Broadway, Mike Tyson will take his acclaimed one-man show, MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH, on a national tour which will stop in Chicago for three performances only, February 15-17, 2013, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph St.).  Helmed by renowned director Spike Lee and producer James L. Nederlander, the tour is set to begin February 2013.

Until December 7, 2012, tickets are available for our readers before they will be available for purchase for the general public.  Tickets are available for purchase at Ticket Master or Broadway in Chicago. Code EARLY is required when ordering online. Special Meet & Greet packages are also available!

The legendary boxer, “Iron Mike,” will kick off his 10-week tour with a two-night engagement at the Murat Theatre in Indianapolis on February 12 –13.  The three month tour will visit over 36 cities including Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and Washington D.C.  For tickets and full information of this tour visit www.facebook.com/MikeTysonOnTour.

“After a successful run at the MGM in Las Vegas and on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre with Spike Lee, I’m excited to take MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH on tour and share it with my fans across the country,” said Tyson.  “’Undisputed Truth’ is my story- I'm giving my all.  I’m proud to take the show nationwide, and it’s a privilege to continue working with The Nederlander Organization.” 

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown.  Directed by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.

Created by Adam Steck, CEO of SPI Entertainment, MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is presented by James L. Nederlanderdirected by Spike Lee (originally directed by Randy Johnson), written by Kiki Tyson, and produced by Mike Tyson, Kiki Tyson, and Adam Steck

ABOUT MIKE TYSON
Mike Tyson is a larger-than-life legend both in and out of the ring.  Tenacious, talented, and thrilling to watch, Tyson embodies the grit and electrifying excitement of the sport.  With nicknames such as “Iron” Mike, Kid Dynamite, and The Baddest Man on the Planet, it’s no surprise that Tyson’s legacy is the stuff of a legend.  Tyson was one of the most feared boxers in the ring-- and one look at his resume proves he is one of boxing’s greats: Aside from having been the undisputed heavyweight champion, Tyson holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles. He was the first heavyweight boxer to hold the WBA, WBC and IBF titles simultaneously.  In 2011 Tyson was also inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.

Tyson’s enduring mass appeal owes not only to his incomparable athleticism, but to his huge personality and unrivaled showmanship.  And his ability to work a crowd extends far beyond the ring- Tyson’s career in entertainment spans blockbuster movies (The Hangover and The Hangover 2), television (the Animal Planet’s “Taking on Tyson”), and his own clothing company (shirts are available on his website).  Tyson is also the CEO of his own production company, Tyrannic Productions, and currently has a few film projects in development.

ABOUT SPIKE LEE
Spike Lee is a Writer, Director, Actor, Producer, Author and Educator who has helped revolutionize modern Independent cinema.  Lee is a forerunner in the ‘do it yourself’ school of independent film.  Spike's latest endeavor is the Peabody Award winning documentary If God is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise, which revisits the recently Storm ravaged Gulf Coast region as residents attempt to rebuild in their cities while also demanding assistance and accountability from their political leaders.  Recent critical and box office successes have included such films as Inside Man, 25th Hour, The Original Kings of Comedy, Bamboozled and Summer of Sam.  
Lee’s films Girl 6, Get on the Bus, Do the Right Thing and Clockers display his ability to showcase a series of outspoken and provocative socio-political critiques that challenge cultural assumptions on race, class and gender identity. 
Spike’s commercial work began in 1988 with his Nike Air Jordan campaign.  Collaborating with basketball great Michael Jordan on several commercials, Lee resurrected his popular character, Mars Blackmon from She’s Gotta Have It. His other commercial ventures include TV spots for Philips, ESPN, American Express, Snapple, Taco Bell and the Lean Forward campaign for MSNBC.  
Lee began teaching a course about filmmaking and Black cinema at Harvard in 1991 and since 2002, Lee has been Artistic Director of the Graduate Film Program at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts where he received his Master of Fine Arts in Film Production.  Spike Lee has combined his extensive creative experience into yet another venture: partnering with DDB Needham he created SpikeDDB, a full-service advertising agency.  SpikeDDB Clients include Chevy, Pepsi and Comcast.

Source: Press release from Broadway in Chicago

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<![CDATA[For The Love Of Dance]]>Fri, 23 Nov 2012 11:18:57 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2012/11/for-the-love-of-dance.html
As Hubbard Street Dance Chicago celebrates its 35th anniversary, PINK finds out how this same sex couple lives and works together in one of the world’s most progressive contemporary dance companies.

by David Cohen
photos by Todd Rosenberg


For Jonathan Fredrickson and Kevin Shannon, dancing has a different meaning every day. For them, dance it is the essence of life.

As two of the 18 members of the prestigious company Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Jonathan and Kevin have accomplished what most young dancers dream about. 

Growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas, Jonathan remembers himself dancing and creating new movements every possible moment he could. His love of dance led him to the Munro Ballet Studios in Corpus Christi, where he studied ballet under the direction of teachers Cristina Munro and Kay Boon. In 2006, he received his BFA in Dance Performance and Choreography from the California Institute of the Arts. 

Jonathan continued his path to success. In 2006, he joined the Limón Dance Company in New York City, where his talent and abilities as a dancer and choreographer were quickly recognized. Jonathan performed lead roles at Limón with some of the world’s greatest choreographers including Jiří Kylián, Lar Lubovitch, Clay Talliaferro, Anna Sokolow, and Colin Connor. Jonathan’s enormous creative passion, along with his non-stop need to choreograph resulted in him obtaining his first commission at the age of 25 for the Limón troupe. The Edge of Some World premiered in Beijing, China in 2009, and performed during the company’s 2009–2010 season in Switzerland, Mexico, and New York City. Jonathan’s second choreographic commission, Chrysalis, premiered at the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York City in December, 2010. 

In 2009, Jonathan won Hubbard Street 2’s National Choreographic Competition, and he joined the main company in February of 2011.  Also in 2011,  Jonathan was named as an up-and-coming choreographer and one of  “25 to Watch” by Dance Magazine

Kevin, who joined Hubbard Street in November, 2007, also has an impressive list of accomplishments as a professional dancer.  Under the guidance and direction of Lester Holmes, Kevin began his formal dance education at his home town Baltimore, Maryland.   Later on, he graduated from the Baltimore School of Art. Kevin continued his training under the supervision of the renowned American choreographer Paul Taylor at the Miami City Ballet, the School of American Ballet. 

After receiving his BFA in 2007 from the Juilliard School in New York City, Kevin toured the U.S. with the Juilliard School Ensemble. During this time, he appeared in the nationally broadcast television special Live from Lincoln Center, The Juilliard School: Celebrating 100 Years. During this time, Kevin also performed works by choreographers Susan Marshall, Mark Morris, William Forsythe, and Jiří Kylián.

While Jonathan  has a constant need to create, Kevin’s passion is turning a choreographer’s vision into reality by delivering each dance step as accurately as possible. “As a dancer, this is the most satisfying moment: when I give life to a piece created by one of the world’s leading choreographers,” he says.

Although their relationship didn’t begin as love at first sight, dancing brought the two closer together. Working closely in the same profession, the couple has had to learn how to separate their personal lives from their professional lives. The process of becoming dance professionals has taught both men how to stay  focused and determined. These qualities have helped both Kevin and Jonathan overcome stressful moments. One such moment occurred during the filming of a rehearsal for the annual AIDS Foundation of Chicago benefit, Dance for Life when Kevin’s pants ripped open in the middle of the performance. While the cameras continued to film, Kevin focused on one thing only: the show that must go on. Jonathan believes that the ability to cover up mistakes and make them appear part of the performance can be achieved only “by a true professional dancer.”

“A creative person must push himself beyond normal boundaries to evoke inspiration within. “You must know and believe in yourself, love yourself, and know what makes you a human being,” Jonathan says. “This is what it takes to succeed in the world of dance and in life.”

While climbing the ladder as an up-and-coming choreographer at Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Jonathan states that he will never give Kevin an advantage over any other dancer. “I will always look for the most talented dancer who is capable of performing what I have envisioned and created,” says Jonathan, with a soft but confident voice.

How does this young couple handle the pressures of their demanding day-to-day work? Kevin loves to cook, while Jonathan loves to dine out. They also enjoy quiet evenings,  watching movies like Sophie’s Choice, and cups of coffee at corner cafés, watching the parade of people walking by.

Perhaps the secret to their successful relationship lies in the fact that they don’t live together. Keeping two separate apartments provides the space they need, where each is able to focus on finding his own internal balance.

“Eventually, I can see us moving in together,” says Kevin, who is not opposed to the idea of gay marriage. However, level-headed Jonathan wants the two of them to take their time and not rush into any big decisions. They’re taking one step at a time as they move together into their futures, while continuing to explore their creative sides.

As a form of non-verbal communication between humans, dance is the language Jonathan and Kevin use to express their feelings for one another. They will keep moving forward together with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, a most welcoming and accepting company. After all, we have the privilege of choosing the way we want to live and love.  

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<![CDATA[The Odd Couple at Northlight Theater: A Perfect 10]]>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 07:32:56 GMThttp://pinkmag.com/10/post/2012/11/the-odd-couple-at-northlight-theater-a-perfect-10.html
photos by Michael Brosilow • The Odd Couple Northlight Theatre z • Left to right top to bottom: Tim Kazurinsky (Felix), Marc Grapey (Oscar), Bruce Jarchow (Roy), Peter DeFaria (Murray the Cop), William Dick (Vinnie), Molly Glynn (Cecily), Katherine Keberlein (Gwen) and Phil Ridarelli (Speed)

by David Cohen

Neil Simon’s The Odd Couple at the Northlight Theater is everything one would except from any of Neil Simon's plays or comedies.  The Tony Award-winning comedy classic of famously mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix is a huge hit!  

When recently-failed marriages lead famously mismatched roommates Oscar and Felix into sharing an apartment, Felix’s finicky habits and Oscar’s slovenly ways make for a disastrous yet sidesplittingly funny combination. 

Directed by Artistic Director BJ Jones, this production couldn't have been better. The chemistry between Tim Kazurinsky (Felix Ungar) and Marc Grapey (Oscar Madison) as the famously mismatched roommates is perfect. It is a match made in heaven, and you couldn't ask for more. The Chicago cast include comic actors Bruce Jarchow (Roy), Peter DeFaria (Murray the Cop), William Dick (Vinnie), Molly Glynn (Cecily), Katherine Keberlein (Gwen) and Phil Ridarelli (Speed). The entire cast is solid, and together they deliver many laughs as they score a perfect 10 for this fun and amusing comedy. 

Actor George Wendt who dropped out of this production for a coronary bypass surgery, left the door open to the understudy, Chicago actor and Broadway veteran Marc Grapey who stepped into the role of Oscar Madison. Grapey who was playing the role of Murray the Cop in the Northlight production is fantastic as Oscar.  This role fits him like a perfect glove, and perhaps he is the reason why The Odd Couple is so odd but so good.  

Due to overwhelming demand The Odd Couple was extended for another week, and performances will run through December 16, 2012..  “This is a distinguished ensemble of Chicago's great comedic actors giving such rich and colorful portrayals in Neil Simon’s finest and funniest script.  Audiences have been loving this show.”

Northlight Theater • 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie •  847.673.6300 • through December 16, 2012 
Tickets: From $25-$72; Student $15 (subject to availability) 
Schedule: 
Tuesdays: 7:30pm (except Nov 27 & Dec 11) • Wednesdays: 1:00pm (except Dec 12), and 7:30pm (except Nov 21)
Thursdays: 7:30pm (except November 22) • Fridays: 8:00pm • Saturdays: 2:30pm (except December 15), and 8:00pm
Sundays: 2:30pm, and 7:00pm (except Nov 18, December 9 and December 16).

For more information visit www.northlight.org



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