Steve Best. He lives up to the name.

Steve Best is one of our collective members and the Lead Bailiwick Chicago Playwright on THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, currently in workshop at the DCA Theatre. Steve took some time to share a bit about himself, his upcoming “arrival” and what it takes to write a play with 10 other people. Click here to check out the interview on the Teatro Luna blog!

Save the date for August 29th – the NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS  workshop performance at DCA!

Save the date for August 29th – our workshop performance at DCA! Enjoy these photos, courtesy of Jay Kennedy.

For more information on THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, visit www.BailiwickChicago.com/the-northsouth-plays.

Even Aaron Holland can't believe how much is going on!

Holy crap, there is a lot going on around here! Starting this Saturday we are full-steam ahead with a jam-packed schedule, which will get us all the way to Thanksgiving just in time to pass out in the mashed potatoes.

Wondering what the heck we’ve got going on that’s keeping us so busy? Read on…

• July 30th – Fiesta Sin Fronteras — our big benefit in support of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, our collaboration with Teatro Luna. A big party with open bar, food, two live bands, a DJ and dancing. (Click here for more info)
• August 2nd – The Workshop of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS begins @ DCA Theater. So exciting!!! The following 4 weeks will be full of rehearsing, rewrites, feedback, blood, sweat and tears.
• August 15th – Rehearsals for VIOLET begin! Holy crap, how did that get here already??
• August 29th – The workshop performance of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS! @ DCA Theater
• September 7th – NORTH AMERICA NOW: A cultural event to discuss the themes in THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS at the Instituto de Cervantes. We have some local celebrities signed up to speak, and the workshop actors will perform scenes from the play.
• Throughout September – Additional rewrites for THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS
• September 16th – 1st preview of VIOLET @ CCPA
  
• Late September – Rehearsals begin for final version of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS
• October 16th – VIOLET scheduled closing date
• October 26th – 1st preview of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS @ CCPA. Didja get that? 10 days!!! Just 10 days between the closing of Violet and the opening of this show. Judas Priest!
• November 20th – Closing date of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS.

And it’s quite probable that I am missing something in all of that. That’s a lot to happen in just a little under 4 months! But I think we’re up to the challenge. We’ve been working really hard all summer to plan ahead and get all of our ducks in a row for the upcoming Fall. On top of that, we’ve been trying to plan the 2012 season (which should be decided very soon… not sure when it’ll be announced, but you’ll hear it here first, folks!) It’s all very exciting!

For more info on what’s going on at Bailiwick Chicago, visit our website at www.bailiwickchicago.com.

As a company member, I’m invited to select private readings of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS to hear the latest scenes and give my feedback. However, I don’t get to see much more than that and this blog series is really opening my eyes to what’s going on day-to-day in creating a play from scratch. It’s not easy to create a new work between two very different theatre companies and 6+ writers who come from many different backgrounds. The 9 months worth of work these folks have already put into this project is just astounding. I can’t wait to see the results of the month-long workshop. Click here to visit the DCA website, where you can find info on the workshop performance.

After receiving feedback at the workshop performance on August 29th, the writer/director team will have just a few weeks to make changes before the show goes into rehearsal for it’s World Premiere production at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, running October 26 – November 20.

For more information on the entire production, visit our website at http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/the-northsouth-plays.

The Eli Story. They promise to wear those hats at our party.

I sat down with The Eli Story the other day to get a better sense of how they plan to rock out at our July 30th party with Teatro Luna. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for guitarist Dylan Lower, ever since he charmed me with his plucky banjo licks and smooth-as-molasses narration in Griffin Theatre’s 2009 production of THE ROBBER BRIDEGROOM (he’s also my neighbor, which could come in handy some day if I need a cup of sugar.)

Turns out Dylan’s not the only band member with links to the Chicago non-Equity theatre community. Eddie Paul (lead vocals, bass) is a company member of Griffin Theatre and met Mike Gouwens (keyboard) while they were students at The DePaul Theatre School. After the trio played together for a few years, Eddie met Mike Bruder while working on the Abbie Hoffman Festival. So you see! They aren’t just band nerds, they are THEATRE NERDS. Just like us. (Well, me. You guys are probably cooler than me. But that’s for me and my shrink to work out.)

So… anyway… check out what they have to say below, and come to hear them play at our party on July 30th. They promise to wear those party hats, and will probably bring that cake with them too.*

* there probably won’t be cake.

Julie: So tell me guys, what kind of music do you play?

Eddie:      Our music is an infusion of 80’s synth pop, 50’s rock, and modern power-pop.  When people ask me what we sound like, I like to say, “If the Cars, OkGo and Guster had a baby you’d get The Eli Story.”

Dylan:     Towards the beginning we were really only doing originals and maybe pulling out a cover or two to work on with a guest artist or for a special event.  Then a couple of years ago we were hired to play a fundraiser and they needed three hours worth of music.  Rather than play our standard set two or three times we decided to learn some songs.  Since then we’ve sort of been collecting them.  We still don’t play covers regularly, but they’re nice to pull out every once in a while . . . Turns out people like to hear something they can sing along to.

Julie: I hear that! Especially if you can sing it in a round. Like “Row Row Your Boat” or “Bad Romance”!

The Eli Story: …

Julie: OK, erm… moving on! So who are your influences?

Mike B:    Mostly just TLC and Burt Bacharach.

Dylan:     I might have to call BS on that answer, Michael Bruder.

Eddie:      Some of my influences are Buddy Holly, Jimmy Eat World and Guster.

Dylan:     I listen to a lot of rock and blues and jazz and bluegrass.  Though, my playing and writing has always been more influenced by folk music.  The Eli Story was (and is) my first experience playing pop rock.

Mike G:    I think everyone in the band has their own influences.  I grew up listening to heavy metal.  Somehow I ended up playing nerd pop rock.  I think we just mesh everything we know together and that’s how you get whatever we are.

Julie: I’ve heard The Eli Story described as “quirky nerd pop rock fun”.  Is this accurate? Please say yes. I’ve had a quirky nerd pop rock hole in my heart ever since They Might Be Giants started writing for 2-year-olds and that guy from Barenaked Ladies went to rehab.

Mike B:    Let’s just be truthful here for a second.  The Eli Story goes WAAYYYYY beyond quirky nerd pop.  Enough said.

Mike G:    I think these are the adjectives that describe each member accurately.  I’m quirky, Eddie is awesomely nerdy (especially with his Buddy Holly glasses), Dylan rocks every instrument he plays and even ones he doesn’t, and Mike B. adds the much-needed pop fun.  Sometimes we switch roles, but that basically covers it.

Eddie:      I would say that is accurate.  I personally prefer the word “dork”, but I guess nerd is okay.

Julie: What makes The Eli Story unique? Why should our people pay good money to see you play?

Eddie:      One of the things that makes us unique is our ability to take any mistake we make onstage and use it to our advantage.  Make it a comic bit.  We use the Conan O’Brien technique:  Highlight the mistake and then relish in the joy of that moment.  The audience always loves it.  We take our music seriously but never ourselves.  

Julie: You referenced Coco, God of late-night talk. I need no further explanation. Speaking of  embarrassing late-night talk show scandals, got any funny stories from performing live?

Mike G:    Dylan had some beer bottles thrown at his head while playing onstage our last show . . . but . . . er . . . um . . .  I guess that’s not funny.

Dylan:     Yeah, the beer bottle incident . . . I felt like we were the Blues Brothers when they played in that honky-tonk bar, except there was no cage around this stage.  It’s the only time I’ve actually seen someone literally thrown out of a bar.

Julie: It’s happened to the best of us… annnnyway, what can we expect to see at your show?

Mike B:    Expect fun music and bad jokes.

Mike G:    Expect guitar battles, beer, and puppy love between Eddie and Mike B.

Eddie:      You can always expect some good laughs and amazingly brilliant, joy-filled music.  Plus we are all really good looking so the eye candy is a bonus.

Dylan:     Make that really bad jokes.

You can see The Eli Story live at our upcoming event, Fiesta Sin Fronteras, a party to benefit our upcoming play, THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, July 30^th at The Den Theatre. Tickets are $25 in advance and include open bar & food. To buy tickets, visit https://www.brownpapertick​ets.com/event/185070 or call (312) 237-0878.

For more info on The Eli Story, visit www.theelistory.com.

Saturday, July 30
7:00 – 11:00 pm

The Den Theatre
1333 W. Milwaukee, Chicago

INDUSTRY RATES

$12 in advance
$17 at the door (cash only)

(Regular Price Tickets $25-50)

Open bar and appetizers from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Cash bar with drink specials from 9:00 – 11:00 pm. Sangria will be served free all night long.

Use the code word BORDERS and bring a H/R with you!

Buy online at https://www.brownpapertick​ets.com/event/185070

Or call (312) 237-0878

For more info, visit www.bailiwickchicago.com/the-northsouth-plays.

In Support of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, Teatro Luna & Bailiwick Chicago Invite You To…

FIESTA SIN FRONTERAS!

(Party Without Borders)

Saturday, July 30
7:00 – 11:00 pm

The Den Theatre
1333 W. Milwaukee, Chicago

Teatro Luna with Bailiwick Chicago is throwing a “Fiesta Sin Fronteras” (Party Without Borders) to celebrate our upcoming collaboration, THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS. This cross-border music-fest and celebration features musical talents from Latin America, Canada and the US. The band lineup includes Las BomPleneras, an all-female Bomba and Plena group, and The Eli Story, a power-pop rock band. DJ NewLife will spin the night away in-between and after musical performances.

TICKETS

Buy online at https://www.brownpapertick​ets.com/event/185070

Or call (312) 237-0878

$25 in advance
$30 at the door
$50 VIP tickets

Open bar and appetizers from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Cash bar with drink specials from 9:00 – 11:00 pm. Sangria will be served free all night long.

VIP package for $50 per person includes two free passes to the Workshop World Premiere of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS at the DCA Theater, complimentary Signature Cocktails during event and very special NORTH/SOUTH merchandise.

For more information on THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, visit our website at www.bailiwickchicago.com/the-northsouth-plays or “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/northsouthplays.

BAILIWICK CHICAGO AND TEATRO LUNA HOST CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS SUPPORTING “THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS” WORLD PREMIERE

Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 5, 2011

This Summer, Bailiwick Chicago and Teatro Luna will host a series of three cultural events to raise awareness and celebrate their collaboration on October’s world premiere production, THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS:

• July 30, 2011, 7-11 pm: “Fiesta Sin Fronteras (Party Without Borders)” at the Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.
• August 29, 2011, 7:30 pm: Workshop Performance of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS at the Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) Studio Theater, 77 E. Randolph St., as part of their Incubation Series
• September 8, 2011, 7:00 pm: North America Now, a cultural event and town hall forum, at The Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St.

For this summer’s first celebration, Teatro Luna with Bailiwick Chicago is throwing a “Fiesta Sin Fronteras (Party Without Borders)”, a cross-border music-fest and celebration featuring musical talents from Latin America, Canada and the US, which kicks off on Saturday, July 30th from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave.

This one-night only concert event celebrates the musical diversity of North America, where three bands with international roots come together for an evening of dancing, drinking, and conversation. The diverse lineup includes Las BomPleneras, an all-female Bomba and Plena group, The Eli Story, a power-pop rock band, and one surprise act that will be announced on THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/northsouthplays. Additionally, DJ NewLife will spin the night away in-between and after musical performances.

Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door (cash, check, and credit accepted). Entry includes food and open bar from 7:00 – 9:00 pm. Cash bar with drink specials from 9:00 – 11:00 pm. Sangria will be served free all night long. VIP package for $50 per person includes two free passes to the Workshop World Premiere of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS at the DCA Theater, complimentary Signature Cocktails during event and very special NORTH/SOUTH merchandise.

To purchase tickets in advance, visit https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/185070 or call (312) 237-0878.

Following the July 30th fundraiser party, two events follow:

August 29, 2011 – Bailiwick Chicago and Teatro Luna present a one-night only Workshop performance of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS. The Department of Cultural Affairs has invited THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS to be a part of their incubator series, providing the resources necessary to workshop the script prior to the October World Premiere production. This performance begins at 7:30 pm and is free with a suggested $5.00 donation at the door. There will be a talk back and reception following the performance. Presented at the DCA Studio Theater, 77 E. Randolph St., Chicago.

September 8th, 2011 – Bailiwick Chicago with Teatro Luna will host “NORTH AMERICA NOW”, a cultural event and town hall discussion on the state of North America on the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Co-hosted with the Instituto Cervantes, in partnership with the Consulado General de Mexico en Chicago and the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago. Led by Bailiwick Chicago Executive Director Brian LaDuca with local politicians, cultural leaders and artists, featuring performances and art on the subject of North American borders. Presented on Thursday, September 8th at 7:00 pm at The Instituto Cervantes of Chicago, 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago.

The presentation is followed by a cocktail hour and a sampling of North American cuisines and spirits. Tickets are $35 in advance or $55 at the door and includes open bar and food. VIP package for $75 per person includes two free tickets to Opening Night of the World Premiere THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, a special spirits package, and other special items in the VIP gift bag. Tickets will be available in advance starting in July. Visit http://www.facebook.com/northsouthplays for the latest information.

THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS, a collaboration between theatre companies Bailiwick Chicago and Teatro Luna, is an ambitious original play that discusses the current state of borders in North America as they exist ten years after the fallout of the 9/11 tragedy. Infusing Bailiwick’s mastery of the musical with Teatro Luna’s trademark wit and humor into real and imagined stories, THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS bring to life the imaginary lines of the United States borders. Travel the intersections of three countries teetering on the edge, as the Lunáticas and Bailiwick Chicago ask, “What comes next for us?” THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS world premiere workshop is presented on August 29th at the DCA Studio Theater, 77 E. Randolph St, and fully-mounted production of THE NORTH/SOUTH PLAYS runs October 26 – November 20, 2011, at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St. For more information on the production, visit http://www.bailiwickchicago.com/the-northsouth-plays.

Bailiwick Chicago strives to tell stories that stimulate our audience and celebrate our diverse community, enhancing our understanding of ourselves and others. Bailiwick Chicago was formed by a group of artists called the Collective, which is responsible for the artistic mission and vision of the company. Previous productions include: PASSING STRANGE, DEPARTURE LOUNGE, AIDA, and FUCKING MEN. For more information about the company, go to bailiwickchicago.com.

Teatro Luna is Chicago’s first and only all-Latina theatre ensemble dedicated to creating original work that honors Latina lives and showcases the talents of Latina/Hispana artists. Founded in 2000, Teatro Luna is dedicated to expanding the range of Latina/Hispana roles visible on the Chicago stage and beyond. Previous shows include: Generic Latina, Dejame Contarte, Kita y Fernanda, The Maria Chronicles, SOLO Latinas, S-E-X-Oh!, Quita Mitos, Lunatic(a)s, Machos, SOLO tu, Jarred (A Hoodoo Comedy), S-E-X-Oh! The Remix, Lunatic(a)s 2009, Gl 2010: Not Your Generic Latina, and Lullaby. Teatro Luna tours colleges/universities, festivals and venues across the country with a blend of ensemble-created performance. Central to its mission is Teatro Luna’s commitment to nurture Latina talent and develop new plays. The driving forces behind the mission are the Artistic Ensemble and Artistic Associate Collective. The development of new, professional talent and work is served by our ambitious Incubation Series.

Visit Teatro Luna Virtually: watch artistic interviews and videos at www.youtube.com/teatroluna, catch the latest backstage news on our blog, teatroluna.wordpress.com, Fan us and stay up to date at www.Facebook.com/TeatroLunaChicago, follow us at Twitter.com/teatroluna, and stay tuned for our new website launching July 2011.

Harmony France

A guest blog from Collective member Harmony France…

Hello, my name is Harmony France. I am a collective member at Bailiwick Chicago and I also have the pleasure of playing “Violet” in Bailiwick Chicago’s fall production of the beautiful musical VIOLET. I’ll be sharing some of my insights here on the Bailiwick Backstage blog.

“But wait Harmony; VIOLET doesn’t start rehearsals until August! It’s only June, what could you possibly have to talk about now?!” I’m glad you asked that! In theater we have pre-production, which is basically many, many months of preparation to make the show happen. So even though to the naked eye it looked like every single person and resource that Bailiwick Chicago had was working on PASSING STRANGE this Spring (which was OUT OF THIS WORLD, by the way), at the same time we were working hard to make sure everything is in place for VIOLET come September.

Normally, as an actor, I wouldn’t be privy to or carry any of the pre-production responsibilities. This case is a little different however, because I’m an ensemble member of the company that is producing the show. When I was asked to be part of the fundraising committee I happily accepted. I feel very passionate about this show, and I of course want to help it be as successful as possible.

So what does that mean for me? It means I have to wear a couple of different hats and know when it’s time to wear each one. From now until August I will have my fundraising hat on. I know that fundraising campaigns can be overwhelming sometimes. I strive to do the perfect amount of campaigning. Just remember that theater companies (especially new ones, like ours) get less than 40% of their yearly operational budget from ticket sales. The rest is made up of 1 or 2 grants, and a few fundraising events, and a whole lot of donations from people like you. None of us at Bailiwick Chicago are doing this to get rich. We just want to tell innovative and relevant stories. Important stories. And we want to do it in our way. It’s a labor of love.

Speaking of fundraising… you can donate now to help fund our production of VIOLET by clicking here: http://kck.st/jOk4Kv. We are 43% of our way towards our goal of $5,500, and if we don’t meet the goal by Friday, June 10 at Noon, we don’t get any of the pledges. So please consider making a contribution of whatever you can afford!

And then what happens in August? I will throw my production hat on the ground, stomp on it with combat boots, and toss it into Lake Michigan and I will just focus on being an ACTOR. I will focus on being “Violet”, which is a pretty big task in itself! I’ve said it before, but I really can’t say enough how thankful I am to have this opportunity. VIOLET is such an important story. It couldn’t be more universal. Who doesn’t struggle with self acceptance and forgiveness; learning to love themselves and learning to love others? I’m honored to tell this story.

Love always,

Harmony

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VIOLET runs September 16 – October 16, 2011 at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts. For more information on VIOLET, click here to visit our website.

Catch the Chicago Cabaret Project show this Wednesday and you’ll be supporting Bailiwick Chicago!

$5 from every ticket sold for the Wednesday, June 1st performance of the Chicago Cabaret Project’s “The Undateable Me” will be donated to our production of VIOLET!

With special guest Rus Rainear as Carol Channing! Featuring Bailiwick Collective Member Kelli Morgan.

When: Weds, June 1st @ 7:30 pm
Where: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St (above Hamburger Mary’s)
Tickets: $15 only at the door

For more information, visit www.chicagocabaretproject.com.