Podcasts about raven theatre

Actor, director, producer and founding member and artistic director of Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Tara Mallen joins Steve Dale to share details about Raven Theatre’s Production of GORGEOUS, about a professional dog handler who must deal with life when it suddenly changes.

Show Notes: In this episode of Backstage Sonoma, host Steve Roby sits down with Eric McDonald, the guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist from the acclaimed folk trio Kalos.  With their unique blend of Scottish, Irish, Scandinavian, and North American music traditions, Kalos redefines contemporary folk. Eric discusses their latest album, Headland, dives into the stories behind standout tracks like "Fare Thee Well" and "Fanny Vanilla," and previews their upcoming performance at the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg.  Listeners are treated to insights into Kalos' creative process, the band's evolution, and what makes their live shows unforgettable.  This episode kicks off with the captivating tune "Grasshopper Spiff" from Headland. Guest Information: Name: Eric McDonald Role: Guitarist, mandolinist, and vocalist for Kalos Bio: A versatile musician, Eric McDonald brings a rich background in traditional music to his work with Kalos, where his talents contribute to a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in heritage. Links: Kalos Official Website Kalos Instagram Tickets for Raven Theater Show   Episode Takeaways: How Kalos' music brings together multiple folk traditions into a cohesive sound. Behind-the-scenes stories of recording Headland. The significance of tracks "Fare Thee Well" and "Fanny Vanilla." What fans can anticipate at a Kalos live performance. Insights into the music industry's niche for contemporary folk groups.   Call-To-Action: Enjoyed this episode? Don't forget to subscribe to Backstage Sonoma on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review! Your support helps us bring more fascinating musical stories to the airwaves. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes content and updates.   Social Media and Contact Information: Backstage Sonoma Website Follow Backstage Sonoma on Instagram For inquiries and guest submissions, email us at: backstagesonoma@gmail.com   Hashtags: #BackstageSonoma #KalosMusic #FolkTraditions #LiveMusic #HeadlandAlbum #EricMcDonald #PodcastInterviews #RavenPerformingArts #FolkFusion #MusicInsights

This interview on Backstage Sonoma features host Steve Roby in conversation with renowned Country guitarist and singer Junior Brown. The discussion highlights Brown's illustrious career, marked by the release of 12 studio albums and multiple hits on the Billboard Country Singles Charts. It begins with an overview of Brown's musical journey, including influences from television and radio icons of the 50s and 60s, such as Ernest Tubb, and shows like "Hullabaloo" and "Shindig." Brown delves into the creation of his iconic instrument, the Git Steel double-neck guitar, explaining its practical utility in allowing him to switch between electric and steel guitar seamlessly during performances. The talk transitions into Brown's songwriting process, where he emphasizes the importance of titles and hooks in crafting his lyrics, typically before melodies. “When I'm asked about songwriting, a title will practically write the song if it's a good title, and every line of the song must support it. And if it doesn't, then you're getting away from it. You're drifting.” Host Roby draws attention to Brown's famous live rendition of "Highway Patrol," a song by Red Simpson. This performance showcases Brown's ability to personalize and revitalize classic tunes. Memorable performances, such as playing with rock and roll legend Bo Diddley, are recounted enthusiastically, underscoring significant milestones in Brown's career. The interview also touches on collaborative experiences with country music legends like Ray Price, George Jones, and Hank Thompson, hinting at these encounters' profound impact on Brown. Looking ahead, Brown shares his vision for an innovative album blending surf music with his trademark "twangy" sound, inspired by a painting he created called "Git Steel Surfer." The interview wraps up with mutual appreciation and well-wishes for Brown's future endeavors. Overall, the interview is a compelling blend of nostalgia, technical insights, and forward-looking creativity, offering fans a deeper appreciation of Junior Brown's multifaceted artistry. Junior Brown's California tour will make three stops in the North Bay, starting August 14 at Sweetwater Music Hall in Mill Valley. On Friday, August 16, he plays at the Uptown Theatre in Napa and the Raven Theatre in Healdsburg for a show on Saturday, August 17. Ticket info here.

Rounding out the second half(?) of the 1990s, Waits explores collaborations with old friends and some unusual covers, as well as the building of experimental musical instruments, including his own mouth. It's a weird one, no doubt about it! website: songbysongpodcast.com twitter: @songbysongpod e-mail: songbysongpodcast@gmail.com Music extracts used for illustrative/review purposes include: Brother Can You Spare a Dime, Brother Can You Spare A Dime Day, Tom Waits / w. Yip Harburg / Jay Gorney (1993) Fever, live recording, Raven Theatre, Healdsburg CA, w. Eddie Cooley / Otis Blackwell [under pseudonym "John Davenport"] (11 August 1996) Old Time Feeling, Friends Of Mine, Ramblin' Jack Elliot / Guy Clark / Tom Waits (1998) World Of Adventure / River Of Men, freeform singing, Fishing With John TV show, Tom Waits / John Lurie (1991/1998) Highway Cafe, Pearls In The Snow - The Songs Of Kinky Friedman, w. Kinky Friedman (1998) Coattails of a Dead Man, Antipop, Primus / Tom Waits (1999) Do You Know What I Idi Amin, Extremely Cool, Chuck E. Weiss / Tom Waits (1999) Babbachichuija, CD insert for the book 'Orbitones, Spoon Harps & Bellowphones', Tom Waits (1999) Buzz Fledderjohn, Wicked Grin, John Hammond (2001) We think your Song by Song experience will be enhanced by hearing, in full, the songs featured in the show, which you can get hold of from your favourite record shop or online platform. Please support artists by buying their music, or using services which guarantee artists a revenue - listen responsibly.

Dana Black is a TV/film/voiceover and theater actor, and the podcast host of ‘I Swear on My Mother's Grave' podcast (featured on Apple podcasts twice in the last 3 months!). As an actor, Dana has worked on Big Leap, Empire, Chicago Med, Proven Innocent and Hot Date. She has worked in many theaters such as the Steppenwolf Theatre, Raven Theatre, and Goodman Theatre ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ DANA BLACK ⌲ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5274418/⁠ ⌲ IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dana_black209/?hl=en⁠  ⌲ Website: ⁠https://danablack.org/⁠ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ The Moving Spotlight Podcast ⌲ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moving-spotlight/id1597207264 ⌲ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cjqYAWSFXz2hgCHiAjy27 ⌲ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themovingspotlight ⌲ ALL: https://linktr.ee/themovingspotlight ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #ChicagoMed #Empire #GoodmanTheatre #SteppenwolfTheatre #RavenTheatre #Voiceover #ISwearOnMyMothersGrave #ISOMMG #Michigan #Emmys #TVTime #iTunes #Actor #ActorsLife #Believe #Success #Inspiration #Netflix #Hulu #Amazon #HBO #AppleTV #Showtime #Acting #Artist #Theatre #Film #YourBestBadActing #Content #CorbinCoyle #JohnRuby #RealFIREacting #TMS_Pod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-moving-spotlight/support

Katherine Bourne Taylor is a Los Angeles actor, creator, comedian and Redhead About Town by way of Chicago & Dallas. She produced and starred in the short film Cool for Five Seconds, you may have noticed her in the pilot episode of the HBO series, Lovecraft Country. You can also catch her out on the town performing her alter-ego, Grown Up Orphan Annie, and as the lead in the upcoming indie feature Clown and Out. Theatrically, she has performed with The Back Room Shakespeare Project (Chicago/LA), Raven Theatre, and The House Theater of Chicago! ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Use Discount Code MOVINGSPOTLIGHT will get you $9 tickets! ⁠Hollywood Fringe Site & Tickets⁠ ⁠Edinburgh Fringe Tickets⁠ Hollywood Fringe Dates: Preview: Sat, June 3 at 3PM Opening: Thurs, June 8 at 8PM Sat, June 10 at 3:30PM Fri, June 16th at 10:30PM Thurs, June 22 at 8PM ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Katherine Bourne Taylor ⌲ IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9770078/ ⌲ IG: https://www.instagram.com/katherinebournetaylor/?hl=en ⌲ Website: http://www.katherine-bourne.com/ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ The Moving Spotlight Podcast ⌲ iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moving-spotlight/id1597207264 ⌲ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7cjqYAWSFXz2hgCHiAjy27 ⌲ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/themovingspotlight ⌲ ALL: https://linktr.ee/themovingspotlight ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ #Chicago #Theater #CoolForFiveSeconds #GrownUpAnnie #ClownAndOut #Shakespeare #HBO #LovecraftCountry #RavenThatre #TheHouseTheaterOfChicago #OneWomanShow #Annie #LittleOrphanAnnie #EdFringe #HollywoodFringe #Fringe #Emmys #TVTime #iTunes #Actor #ActorsLife #Believe #Success #Inspiration #Netflix #Hulu #Amazon #HBO #AppleTV #Showtime #Acting #Artist #Theatre #Film #YourBestBadActing #Content #CorbinCoyle #JohnRuby #RealFIREacting #TMS_Pod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-moving-spotlight/support

Chris Acevedo (he/him) is an actor, performer and voice-over artist in Chicago. His credits include work with Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Filament Theatre, First Floor Theatre, Raven Theatre, A Red Orchid, Court, Lookingglass, The Gift, Teatro Vista and many others. He received a BA in Theatre from Florida State University and is a graduate of The School at Steppenwolf. He is represented by Grossman & Jack Talent.

Amelia Hefferon (she/her) is an actor, teaching artist, and facilitator living in Detroit MI. While in Chicago, Amelia acted on stage at Steppenwolf, Lookingglass, and Porchlight among others. As a teaching artist she has worked at Adventure Stage Chicago, Lookingglass, Silk Road Rising, Raven Theatre and more. Amelia currently teaches with Matrix Theatre in Detroit and is a teaching artists in residence with Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. She also works intermittently with her applied theatre company The Defrost Project.

I had a little tongue in cheek melodramatic fun with this review/announcement of the world premiere hybrid radio drama, Orson Welles' Dracula onstage at the Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago through September 25, 2022. Ticket information is available at glassappletheatre.com The The Glass Apple Theatre cast includes: Andrew Bosworth as Dracula . . . with Connor Brennan, Chris Jensen, Madeline Logan, Sam Martin, Katie O'Neill and Howard Raik.Note: Music and sound effects are the fabrication of podcast host and editor Reno Lovison and not that of the theater producers who likely have a much higher artistic standard.

On this edition of The Arts Section, host Gary Zidek talks to celebrated classical trumpeter Mary Elizabeth Bowden as she returns home for a special concert with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. The Dueling Critics, Kerry Reid and Jonathan Abarbanel, join Gary to discuss Raven Theatre's world premiere, THE LAST PAIR OF EARLIES. Later, Gary talks to a local woman who's built a successful business designing peoples' outdoor holiday light displays. And WDCB's Leslie Keros takes a closer look at a new autobiography by living Blues legend Billy Boy Arnold.

Melissa Ngan and Herine Coetzee Koschak of Fifth House Ensemble join us to discuss their roots in the community engagement initiatives spearheaded by the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and their origins on a 36-hour road trip. They share their philosophy on the importance of relationships as the basis for developing ensemble membership and an avid listener base. We discuss the studio, social, and civic practice continuum, and how they design arts integration initiatives in collaboration with teachers and students in a way that perpetuates arts education beyond the initial residency. We chat about the Fresh Inc Festival for emerging artists and about Melissa's video game evolution from Duck Hunt to Journey. Praised by the New York Times for its “conviction, authority, and finesse,” the Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble harnesses the collaborative spirit of chamber music to reach beyond the traditionally-perceived limits of classical music. The ensemble's artistic, educational, and civic programs engage theater groups, video game designers, corporate innovators, and folk bands to share stories as diverse as the communities it serves. Through the ensemble's heartfelt social and civic practice work, Fifth House has co-created artistic projects with urban neighborhoods, social service organizations, and an agricultural community to spark conversations on issues that matter. Recent projects include Broken Text, a collaboration with Raven Theatre and DJ Searchl1te inspired by multi-week residencies at the Cook County Temporary Youth Detention Center and St. Leonard's Ministries; Voices from the Dust Bowl, a collaboration with composer Steven Snowden and bluegrass band Henhouse Prowlers exploring stories from workers' rights organizations nationwide; Nedudim, an exploration of music and cultural identity in collaboration with Baladino that engages Chicago-based organizations representing Israel, Iran, Germany and Spain, and Harvest, a year-long partnership with DePauw University and the Greencastle, IN community culminating in a Mother's Day celebration of the people, places, and stories of Putnam County. In 2012, Fifth House launched Fresh Inc, a two-week, intensive training program for emerging composers and performers where Fifth House works with participants on building careers in music in line with their own unique vision and values. Fifth House is currently an Ensemble in Residence at the Music Institute of Chicago. The transcript for this episode can be found here. Resources discussed in this episode: Fresh Inc Festival For more information about Third Coast Percussion, please visit them at website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Jen Sabella, the Director of Strategy and co-founder of Block Club Chicago, joined Bob Sirott to share the latest Chicago neighborhood stories. She provided details on the city’s carjacking surge, Andersonville’s Raven Theatre cancels 2021 season, and more!

Welcome to the first episode! In this episode, we'll chat with talented theatre director Georgette Verdin about tons of things: being an artistic director, managing ADHD at home, communication in relationships, working through shame, structure vs spontaneity, etc. Check it out!   Georgette is a Chicago-based director, theater and speech educator and arts integration specialist. She is also the proud Managing Artistic Director of Interrobang Theatre Project, a critically-acclaimed storefront theater known for its gutsy productions, tackling socially-relevant topics. In 2019, Interrobang was honored with the prestigious Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award. Georgette has taught kindergarten through college in her hometown of New Orleans, as well as Chicago where she has resided since 2009. She was the founding theater teacher at Polaris Charter Academy - an Expeditionary Learning School in Chicago's West Humboldt Park neighborhood - where she taught full-time for eight years. Select directing credits include TRIBES (Nina Raine), Jeff Awards recommended productions of OUT OF LOVE (U.S. Premiere, Elinor Cook), GRACE, RECENT TRAGIC EVENTS (Craig Wright) and TIME STANDS STILL (Donald Margulies), as well as the 2013 & 2016 Yale Drama Series winners, STILL (Jen Silverman) and UTILITY (Emily Schwend). Georgette has also worked with Goodman Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, Facility, and Chicago Dramatists among others. Upcoming projects include associate directing Mat Smart's world premiere, EDEN PRAIRIE, 1971 (Raven Theatre) and directing the world premiere of SEXBOT (Interrobang Theatre Project). Georgette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Performance from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, LA and a Master in Directing from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. She is an associate member of Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.   Check out Interrobang Theatre Project at www.interrobangtheatreproject.com     Original music for this trailer was composed by Christopher Aaron Knarr. You can find more of his work at www.ChristopherAaronKnarr.com. Podcast Artwork design by Joseph Ramski. For inquiries, please contact him directly at jramski3@gmail.com  

Sideshow by Coni Koepfinger :Koepfinger’s SIDESHOW opened in 1996 as a finalist in the “Upstairs Théatre New Play “ Contest; it was revived in 2015 in the New York “Unfringed Festival “ ... please join me as we welcome the Chicago cast of “Koepfinger’s Sideshow “ under the direction of Andrew J PondSynopsis: When a child has complications, every parent must make a choice. When family drama, self-doubt and medical and spiritual options seem to collide, will the couple accept advice from someone they know or a being from another dimension?Bio’s:Christopher John Grella is happy to be involved in such a unique play. Past projects have included: The Winter's Tale, 4x2, Change the Night Owl, Midsummer Night's Dream, Psycho Beach Party, Lady Macbeth, Emma, Unmatched, The Masque of the Red Death and Pride & Prejudice.Jessica Lauren Fisher is a founding member and the casting director for Eclectic Full Contact Theatre. She has performed throughout the Chicago and Indiana area in theatre, musicals, and opera playing everything from mice to men. Favorite roles include Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Adele in Die Fledermaus and Sarah Daniels in Spinning into Butter. She has been a teaching artist for over 10 years and has directed and choreographed shows for people of all ages. She is ever grateful to her family and her partner in everything Andrew. LVYA Mom!Christopher Wayland, originally from Baltimore, MD, currently works and resides in the Chicago area. There, he has worked at Porchlight Music Theatre, Marriott Theatre, 16th Street Theatre, Raven Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, First Folio Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Teatro Vista, Haven, and Lifeline Theatre. Regionally he has worked at THEATREWORKS, Spotlighters Theatre, Fells Point Corner Theatre, and Baltimore Shakespeare Factory. His television credits include neXt (FOX), Chicago Med (NBC) and APB (FOX). Christopher received an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, is a proud member of SAG-Aftra, and is represented by Gray Talent GroupJane Vincent is very happy to be part of this wonderful production. Jane has performed on stages throughout Chicagoland for many years. She is also known as a writer, having written a young adult novel, a stage play, and two screenplays, which are in pre-production, and as a producer.Joshua Stewart A former student at Columbia College Chicago has been looking for an opportunity to get back into theater after a long hiatus. Much Ado About Nothing (Actors Equity of Columbus), You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Into The WoodsKaeley Osterman is the Resident Stage Manager with Eclectic Full Contact Theatre. Her recent credits include Charley’s Aunt (SM, St. Sebastian’s Players), Richard III (SM/Costume Designer, EFCT), and Proof (Costume Designer, MadKap Productions). She is also a voice actor on the podcast Throwing Shade (EFCT). She has a BA from Huntington University.Andrew J. Pond moved to Chicago in 2002 from South Florida, where he had studied with the likes of Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, José Quintero, and Charles Nelson Reilly. While there, he taught and directed at both InterAct Summer camp, and the Miami Shores Theatre's summer camp. Since moving to Chicago from the tropics (for the weather), he has worked extensively as an actor, director, and playwright with several children’s theatres, is a founder of Eclectic Full Contact Theatre in Chicago, teaches drama classes for all ages, is an Elvis impersonator, juggler, magician, balloon artist, plays with puppets, does Muppet voices, performs stand-up comedy, and has a degree in philosophy so he can use words like “epistemology” at parties.Other than that, he is completely normal. Thanks to Jessica, his partner in all things.

Sideshow by Coni Koepfinger :Koepfinger’s SIDESHOW opened in 1996 as a finalist in the “Upstairs Théatre New Play “ Contest; it was revived in 2015 in the New York “Unfringed Festival “ ... please join me as we welcome the Chicago cast of “Koepfinger’s Sideshow “ under the direction of Andrew J PondSynopsis: When a child has complications, every parent must make a choice. When family drama, self-doubt and medical and spiritual options seem to collide, will the couple accept advice from someone they know or a being from another dimension?Bio’s:Christopher John Grella is happy to be involved in such a unique play. Past projects have included: The Winter's Tale, 4x2, Change the Night Owl, Midsummer Night's Dream, Psycho Beach Party, Lady Macbeth, Emma, Unmatched, The Masque of the Red Death and Pride & Prejudice.Jessica Lauren Fisher is a founding member and the casting director for Eclectic Full Contact Theatre. She has performed throughout the Chicago and Indiana area in theatre, musicals, and opera playing everything from mice to men. Favorite roles include Lucy in Jekyll and Hyde, Adele in Die Fledermaus and Sarah Daniels in Spinning into Butter. She has been a teaching artist for over 10 years and has directed and choreographed shows for people of all ages. She is ever grateful to her family and her partner in everything Andrew. LVYA Mom!Christopher Wayland, originally from Baltimore, MD, currently works and resides in the Chicago area. There, he has worked at Porchlight Music Theatre, Marriott Theatre, 16th Street Theatre, Raven Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, First Folio Theatre, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Teatro Vista, Haven, and Lifeline Theatre. Regionally he has worked at THEATREWORKS, Spotlighters Theatre, Fells Point Corner Theatre, and Baltimore Shakespeare Factory. His television credits include neXt (FOX), Chicago Med (NBC) and APB (FOX). Christopher received an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University, is a proud member of SAG-Aftra, and is represented by Gray Talent GroupJane Vincent is very happy to be part of this wonderful production. Jane has performed on stages throughout Chicagoland for many years. She is also known as a writer, having written a young adult novel, a stage play, and two screenplays, which are in pre-production, and as a producer.Joshua Stewart A former student at Columbia College Chicago has been looking for an opportunity to get back into theater after a long hiatus. Much Ado About Nothing (Actors Equity of Columbus), You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, Into The WoodsKaeley Osterman is the Resident Stage Manager with Eclectic Full Contact Theatre. Her recent credits include Charley’s Aunt (SM, St. Sebastian’s Players), Richard III (SM/Costume Designer, EFCT), and Proof (Costume Designer, MadKap Productions). She is also a voice actor on the podcast Throwing Shade (EFCT). She has a BA from Huntington University.Andrew J. Pond moved to Chicago in 2002 from South Florida, where he had studied with the likes of Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, José Quintero, and Charles Nelson Reilly. While there, he taught and directed at both InterAct Summer camp, and the Miami Shores Theatre's summer camp. Since moving to Chicago from the tropics (for the weather), he has worked extensively as an actor, director, and playwright with several children’s theatres, is a founder of Eclectic Full Contact Theatre in Chicago, teaches drama classes for all ages, is an Elvis impersonator, juggler, magician, balloon artist, plays with puppets, does Muppet voices, performs stand-up comedy, and has a degree in philosophy so he can use words like “epistemology” at parties.Other than that, he is completely normal. Thanks to Jessica, his partner in all things.

Born and raised in Japan, Izumi came to the states to learn performing arts at age of 18. She double majored in dance and theatre design at State University of New York, Buffalo. Right after the graduation, she moved to Chicago to attend the master program at Northwestern University, focusing on costume and scenic design. Soon after completing the program in 2009, she started working as a freelance costume/makeup designer in Chicago. She has joined Red Tape Theatre as an ensemble member in 2012, where she has designed all productions since such as Skriker, Elephant’s Graveyard, Lear, Madam Barker, and Hamlet is Dead. She has also designed costumes for production with Griffin Theatre, A Red Orchid, The Gift, The Music Theatre Company, The Hypocrites, Lifeline, Strawdog, Albany Park Theatre Project, Steep, Porchlight Music, CPS Shakespeare at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Building Stage, Marry-Arrchie, Two Pence Shakespeare, Evanston Dance Ensemble, Wheaton College, Sideshow, TUTA, Raven Theatre, and Buzz 22. Her makeup designs appeared in the productions with Theo Ubique Cabaret (Cats, Non-Equity Jeff Award for Artistic Specialization), and Chicago Dramatists. She has served as a costume staff/designer at National High School Institute for last 7 years. Izumi is honored to receive Michael Maggio Emerging Designer Award 2014.

Actor Dana Black stops by to talk about theater, relationships, and her new play, "The Undeniable Sound of Right Now," playing at the Raven Theatre. Baz rails against DIY musicians in the age of Instagram. In true Busted Mouth fashion, this one is both hella deep and hella silly. Dig it.Support the show (https://www.patreon.com/jwbasilo)

A podcast review of “The Undeniable Sound of Right Now” at the Raven Theatre in Edgewater in Chicago. Highly Recommend by Reno Lovison

Visit ViaStage.com for showtimes for THE UNDENIABLE SOUND OF RIGHT NOW... Chicago, 1992. The city and its culture are changing, but grungy old Hank’s Bar isn’t. The “soulless” noise of electronic "House" music is on the rise. So Hank, a proprietor of a legendary rock club, must battle the rising tide of The Next Big Thing as it threatens to destroy his legacy and fracture his family.

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Raven Theatre’s Artistic Director, Cody Estle and YEN actor Reed Lancaster. Raven Theatre tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Its commitment to modern drama in all of its forms, as well as its first-class educational programming, have helped it remain a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for 35 years and counting. You can find Raven at 6157 N. Clark. To view episode show notes, please click here.

The sudden passing of my longtime friend and collaborator, the artist and musician Stan Hillas, leaves me feeling lost and in shock. PEOPLE: Jamie Kennedy, Leonard Cohen, Britney Spears, Joe Frank, Spalding Gray PLACES: Hollywood, Eagle's Coffeehouse, North Hollywood, Raven Theatre, Santa Monica, Tarzana, Descanso Gardens, Twain's Coffee Shop, Coldwater Canyon, Ventura Blvd., Burbank THINGS: Continental Cable, Media One, open mic, Calvin and Hobbes GENRE: storytelling, personal narrative, personal journal PHOTO: "Palm Brothers at Descanso" shot on my iPhone5 SOUNDS: palm trees, wind, dogs RECORDED: February 24, 2019 on the observation deck at the Zane Grey Estate in Altadena, California  DISCLAIMER/WARNING: Proudly present rough, raw and ragged. Seasoned with salty language and ideas. Not for most people's taste. Please be advised.

It’s said that musicals are the bread and butter of community theatre, so here’s a list of the North Bay productions I toasted this past year. Here are my top torn tickets of 2018: Part Two, the Musicals (in alphabetical order): Always, Patsy Cline… - Sonoma Arts Live - Danielle DeBow’s Patsy was as heartbreaking as Karen Pinomaki’s Louise was amusing in director Michael Ross’s labor of love. Excellent costume and set design work (also by Ross) along with outstanding live music accompaniment under the direction of Ellen Patterson made this a memorable evening of musical theatre. A Chorus Line - Novato Theater Company - Few small theatre companies would take the risk of producing a vehicle that requires triple-threat performers in most roles. Director Marilyn Izdebksi’s decades of experience in dance and choreography and terrific casting were key to this production’s success. Hands on a Hardbody - Lucky Penny - The perfect sized musical for the Napa company’s small space, there wasn’t much room for anything else once they got the pickup truck that’s central to the story on stage. Director Taylor Bartolucci and choreographer Staci Arriaga had just enough room for a nice, diverse cast to beautifully tell the atypical story. I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change - Raven Players - The cavernous Raven Theatre in Healdsburg was converted into a quaint black-box space where director Diane Bailey let loose four talented performers to tell musical stories about the arc of human relationships. It worked really well. Illyria - 6th Street Playhouse - Shakespeare. Ugh. A Shakespeare musical? Groan. A really entertaining musical production based on Twelfth Night? Surprising! Director Craig Miller’s swan song was a clever adaptation of the Bard’s comedy that combined excellent vocal talents and the musical direction of Lucas Sherman to produce the best sounding show I’d seen at 6th Street in a long time. Peter Pan - Spreckels Theatre Company - There’s no better stage in the North Bay on which to see a large-scale musical than the Codding stage at Spreckels. Flying around on wires is so much more impressive in a 550-seat theater, and Sarah Wintermeyers’ winsome performance as Peter was good enough for me to set aside my long-standing beef with always casting a female in the role. Scrooge in Love! - Lucky Penny - A fairly new play (this was only its third production) that’s good enough to become a Christmas standard. A great lead performance from Brian Herndon was supported by a top-notch ensemble in this reverential continuation of the Dickens classic.

Relationships are front and center in two very different shows now running on the North Bay’s northernmost stages through August 19. The Cloverdale Performing Arts Center is presenting Heroes, playwright Tom Stoppard’s adaptation of a 2003 French play about three World War I vets in a retirement home. Gustave (Robert Bauer), Henri (Peter Immordino), and Philippe (Dale Harriman) pass their days sitting on a terrace, annoying each other, and plotting their escape from the veterans’ home. Convinced that the tyrannical nun in charge has it out for Philippe, their latest plan starts out with the goal of running to French Indo-China but ends on settling for a poplar grove within view of their terrace. Now if they can just figure a way to take a 200 lb. statue of a dog with them. An odd combination of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Waiting for Godot, and The Golden Girls (with Gustave as Dorothy, Henri as Blanche, and Philippe as Rose), Heroes is a slight piece with some amusing dialogue and geriatric slapstick. 'Heroes' runs Friday through Sunday through August 19 at the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center in Cloverdale. Friday and Saturday evening performances at 7:30pm; the Sunday matinee is at 2pm. For more information, go to cloverdaleperformingarts.com Healdsburg’s Raven Players have converted the cavernous Raven Theatre into an intimate black box performance space and are presenting an updated version of 1996’s I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. The Joe DiPietro and Jimmy Roberts musical revue holds the record as the second-longest running Off-Broadway show. It consists of a series of comedic vignettes that follow the arc of human relationships from dating, sex, and marriage through children and aging. Four versatile performers (Bohn Connor, Kelly Considine, Troy Evans, and Tika Moon) sing and dance their way through eighteen scenes with songs like “Better Things to Do”, “Single Man Drought”, and “I Can Live with That”. Recent revisions include 21st century additions like sexting (“A Picture of His…”) and same-sex families (“The Baby Song”). It’s a very entertaining show helped immensely by the talented cast. All do well by the multiple roles they play, but the rubber-faced Connor really makes an impression with characters ranging from an incarcerated mass murderer giving dating tips to a hapless husband trying to put the kids to bed so he and the missus can get it on. ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change’ runs Thursday through Sunday through August 19 at the Raven Performing Arts Theater in Healdsburg. Thursday through Saturday performances are at 8pm; the Sunday matinee is at 2pm. For more information, go to raventheater.org.

Katherine Bourne is an actor, producer and teaching artist living in Chicago. In town, she has worked with Raven Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Crew of Patches, and assisted in the Meisner classroom at The School at Steppenwolf this summer. Prior to her move to Chicago, she lived in Dallas TX, where she is a company member at Undermain Theatre. Her work as a producer for Shakespeare in the Bar and The Tribe contributed towards awards such as Best of Big D, and The Dallas Observer Mastermind Award (2016). Katherine graduated from The School at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2014, and earned her BFA in Acting from Southern Methodist University. To find out more visit  Katherine-Bourne.com

“By having a plan B, it weakens your plan A.” Kory LaQuess Pullam was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. He earned his BFA at Stephen F. Austin State University in 2013. Leaving the collegiate nest, Kory moved to Chicago and worked with Raven Theatre, Light Opera Works, The Gift Theatre, and Porchlight Music Theatre in their Jeff-nominated production of Pal Joey. Since moving to the Twin Cities, he's worked with Guthrie Theater, Children's Theatre Company, Pillsbury House + Theatre, Park Square Theatre, History Theatre, Brave New Workshop, Walking Shadow Theatre Company, Theatre Pro Rata, HUGE Improv Theater, Minneapolis Musical Theatre, and Paul Bunyan Playhouse. Kory is a founding member of Blackout Improv, the premier Black comedy troupe in the Twin Cities. Also, Kory is founding artisric director of Underdog Theatre. He makes his Ten Thousand Thing's Theatre debut as Perkich in Fiddler On The Roof this winter. Keep up with Kory on social media platforms: @laquess      

How sharper than a serpent's tongue are Kelly and Jonathan as they discuss The White Snake at Goodman Theatre, and Jonathan also recommends Tennessee Williams' Vieux Carre at Raven Theatre.

This week on the Talk Theatre In Chicago podcast Tom Williams talks with Millicent Hurley Spencer, the star of The Trip to Bountiful at Raven Theatre. She talks about her preparation and execution of the role of Carrie Watts in the Horton Foote classic drama.

This week the boys discuss racist food network hosts, masturbating on campus, how Rob ripped off part of his penis, the literal meanings of places in the U.S., and plants that do math. This week's guest is professional actor, violence designer, and Rob's cousin, Sam Hubbard. Turns out he's been successful despite the boy's efforts to corrupt him as a child. Currently he's performing the role of "Stanley" in "Brighton Beach Memoirs" at the Raven Theatre through July 14th. For more info, go to http://www.raventheatre.com/

A special piece produced by the cast of the Klingon Christmas Carol. Improvised Star Trek loves the Klingon Christmas Carol, and so should you. The show runs through Dec. 30th at the Raven Theatre in Chicago IL.

This week's podcast focuses on Raven Theatre's production of Arthur Miller's The Price. Director Michael Menendian and ensemble member Chuck Spencer join Anne Nicholson Weber to talk about the challenges of producing Miller, the uses of a crowded set and the universality of the play's theme.

On this week's episode of the Talk Theatre In Chicago podcast, Tom Williams talks with Aaron Todd Douglas, the director of Radio Golf which is currently playing at the Raven Theatre.

On this week's episode of the Talk Theatre In Chicago podcast Tom Williams talks with Jon Steinhagen about his current role as Big Daddy in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof which is currently playing at the Raven Theatre.