 Following their Jeff Award Recommended run of They’re Playing Our Song, Brown Paper Box Co. concludes their 2017/2018 season with the non-Equity Chicago debut of Tony Award winner Stephen Karam’s Speech & Debate. BPBCo. Board President David Lipschutz helms the timely dark comedy at The Edge Theater (5451 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660) in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood.
Three teenage misfits in Salem, Oregon discover they are linked by a sex scandal that's rocked their town. When one of them sets out to expose the truth, secrets become currency, the stakes get higher, and the trio's connection grows deeper in this fiercely funny dark comedy with music. More information - including ticketing, groups sales, and behind-the-scenes insights - can be found at www.BrownPaperBox.org. “I am excited to stage Speech & Debate with BPBCo. because I’ve been performing, coaching, and judging at forensics competitions for over twenty years,” says Lipschutz. “The play holds a special spot in my heart since these high school misfits form an unforeseen friendship after starting their speech and debate team. This is reminiscent of my own high school experience as many of my closest and longest friendships began on the very same teams.” Speech & Debate stars Trevor Bates (Howie), Austin Book (Howie u/s), Michael Brigance (Solomon u/s), Molly Coleman (Diwata u/s), Elise Marie Davis (Teacher/Reporter), Lauren S. Deaton (Teacher/Reporter u/s), Darren Patin (Solomon), and Deanalís Resto (Diwata). The production staff and design team includes David Lipschutz* (Director), Sally Baker (Casting Assistant), Zach Dries* (Photographer/Videographer), Jeanine Fry (Costume Designer), Sara Heymann* (Properties Designer). Becca Holloway (Ass’t Director/Choreographer), Torrey Meyer (Scenis Designer), M. William Panek* (Box Office Manager), Erin Pleake (Lighting/Projection Designer), Deanna Satin (Stage Manager), Anna Schutz* (Production Manager), Charlie Sheets* (Graphic Designer), Daniel Spagnuolo* (Casting Associate), Gin To (Production Intern), and Becca Venable (Sound Designer). Artist Bios Stephen Karam (Playwright) plays include The Humans (Tony Award, Obie Award for Playwriting and Pulitzer Prize finalist), Sons of the Prophet (Pulitzer Prize finalist), and Speech & Debate. His adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard premiered on Broadway as part of Roundabout’s 2016 season; his film adaptation of The Seagull starring Annette Bening will premiere in 2017. Recent honors include two Drama Critics Circle, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards; a Lucille Lortel Award, Drama League Award and Hull-Warriner Award. Stephen is a graduate of Brown University and grew up in Scranton, PA. David Lipschutz* (Director) BPBCo. company member. David has directed with Hell in a Handbag (company member), Underscore Theatre, Generic Theatre Company, and several high schools throughout Chicagoland (where he ironically also coached and judged at speech and debate competitions). He recently assistant directed The Clockwork of the Lonely Soul with Runaways Lab Theatre's DDADIS Festival, and understudied/performed in At the Table (Non-Equity Jeff Award, Best Play) with Broken Nose Theatre. Next up, David is directing The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, Holiday Edition with Handbag. Thanks to BPBCo. for this incredible opportunity and to BC/KJOC. *Denotes Brown Paper Box Co. members
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Brown Paper Box Co.'s "LAST MIDNIGHT" AN ADULT HOMECOMING DANCE is just a few weeks away! On Saturday, October 14, 2017, we're hosting a 21+ dance party fundraiser 9pm-Midnight at Vagabond School of the Arts. Think of it as all the fun of a wedding without the ceremony, and all the energy of a high school dance without the chaperones. Those in attendance will enjoy mixed drinks from Beam Suntory Inc., beer from Revolution Brewing, pizza from Home Run Inn Pizza, and vote on the Homecoming Court throughout the evening, so dress to impress! And unlike other homecomings, flasks will *not* be checked at the door at this party.  Chicago non-Equity premiere. Three teenage misfits in Salem, Oregon, discover they are linked by a sex scandal that's rocked their town. When one of them sets out to expose the truth, secrets become currency, the stakes get higher, and the trio's connection grows deeper in this searching, fiercely funny dark comedy with music by Tony Award winner Stephen Karam, and directed by David Lipschutz.
Audition Dates: Monday, Oct 2, 2017 (7:00pm - 10:00pm), The Theatre School at DePaul University, 2350 N. Racine Avenue Saturday, Oct 7, 2017 (10:00am - 4:00pm) Sulzer Library Community Room, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue Pay: Stipend Equity: No Character Descriptions: SOLOMON - male-identified; 18+; high school student; nerdy and slightly neurotic introvert; writes for the school newspaper. DIWATA - female-identified; 18+; also a high school student; highly energetic and expressive extrovert; aspiring actress and singer; POC and Latinx encouraged. HOWIE - male-identified (or non-binary); 18+; also a high school student; a recent transfer to Solomon and Diwata's school; openly gay. TEACHER/REPORTER - female-identified; 30-50; Teacher is a warm yet stern authority figure while Reporter is quirky and looking for a story to promote her own accomplishments. Both roles played by one actor. Time Commitment: Mid-November, 2017 (Read-Thru) through March 4, 2018 (Closing) Read-Thru: Mid-November, 2017 First Rehearsal: December 3, 2017 First Day of Tech: January 29, 2018 Opening: February 3, 2018 (with a Preview on February 2, 2018) Performances: Fridays & Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, alternating Thursday evenings and Monday evenings Closing: March 4, 2018 Material to Prepare: Please prepare one 60-90 second contemporary monologue (and have a second, contrasting selection prepared if time permits). Contact Info: Daniel Spagnuolo, Casting Associate Email: casting@brownpaperbox.org Website: www.brownpaperbox.org As a proud participant of The Ghostlight Project, Brown Paper Box Co. is committed “to stand for and protect the values of inclusion, participation, and compassion for everyone--regardless of race, class, religion, country of origin, immigration status, (dis)ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” Please feel free to audition for any character you feel comfortable playing. On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, Blaze Pizza at the Lakeview-Boystown Belmont Red Line stop will donate 20% of proceeds from your meal directly back to Brown Paper Box Co.! Show this blog entry's flyer on your phone or bring in a physical flyer from a friendly BPBCo. member. Dine-in and take-out only. Not valid for online orders. Thank you so much for your support and we'll see you there!   Brown Paper Box Co. presents
“LAST MIDNIGHT” AN ADULT HOMECOMING DANCE Saturday, October 14, 9 PM - 12 Midnight Vagabond School of the Arts, Suite 504 Following their Jeff-recommended run of They’re Playing Our Song, Brown Paper Box Co. continues their 2017/2018 season with “Last Midnight” An Adult Homecoming Dance. It's October and fall is in the air. Join Brown Paper Box Co. as they host "Last Midnight" An Adult Homecoming Dance at Vagabond School of the Arts (4001 N Ravenswood Ave. Chicago, IL 60613). For only $22, homecoming attendees receive 2 beer tickets provided by Revolution Brewing, 3-hours of dance hits, pizza provided by Home Run Inn, a photo booth, and an unsupervised punch bowl. Think of it as all the fun of a wedding without the pesky ceremony, and all the energy of a high school dance without the interrupting chaperones. With only 50 tickets on sale, don’t miss out on this adults-only dance event. Move along to 90’s and 2000’s throwback tracks before the clock strikes midnight. Those in attendance will vote on the Homecoming Court throughout the evening, so dress to impress! Who will win Most Likely to Not Go Home Alone, Best Dressed, Best Dance Moves, Most Fierce, Best Shoes, or Least Likely To Get Pig’s Blood Dumped On Them - and who will be crowned the coveted Homecoming Royals? “We're stoked that our fall fundraising event is going to be an adults-only homecoming dance,” says M. William Panek, company Marketing Director and event coordinator. “The evening’s DJ and I have been excited about this collaboration for several years now, so it’s kismet that we get to present our first-ever dance party in the same season as our non-Equity premiere of the high-school-set Speech & Debate. And don’t worry - come as you are: flasks will not be checked at the door.” Special thanks to Revolution Brewing and Home Run Inn Pizza for their generous donations and company member Charlie Sheets for the original poster design.
What is your favorite part of the 1970's? My parents met and got married in the 70's so I suppose, to me, that's the most special thing that happened. I like the idea of realizing my character is roughly the same age as my mother would have been at the same time - it helps me feel even more connected to her. And another connection - my parents were both music majors at the college where they met. My dad says he used to walk past the practice rooms where Mom was practicing, trying to catch some stealth glimpses of her without being too creepy. 39 years and 5 kids later, here we all are! If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... Wildberry's for brunch, Fleming's for fancy dinners... does it still count if those are in the burbs? Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? Born to Entertain, from Ruthless. The first time I heard that song, even though it was sung by a kid, I knew I had to have it. I know it's not age appropriate, but I refuse to release it from my audition book because IT IS SO ME! And because of that, it seems to always work What about this production is special to you? Well, professionally speaking, this is my first lead role in a musical in the Chicago area so it's a major moment for me. I left a teaching career two years ago to pursue theater full time and I have definite goals I'm working towards - this tells me I'm getting there and I can keep going. Along those lines, I certainly understand Sonia's Skepticism of her own abilities even as she's in the very moment of being given the greatest opportunity of her life! I understand the Passion that drives her through those doubts, and the Ego that tries to kept it all in check. It's been very special to get to know more about Carole Bayer Sager through this process. I've known her name ever since her song "The Prayer" came out almost 20 years ago. I fell in love with it immediately because it was both contemporary and classical at the same time, a powerful ballad about true love and faith that could be universally applicable, and featured the amazing voice talents of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli doing some of their best work. It immediately became a part of my repertoire and I've sung it countless times, often in duet with my sister, for weddings, funerals, concerts of all kinds. However, I'm a bit embarrassed to say I didn't know much more about Carole's other work. As I started researching her during the audition process, I was thrilled to discover not only a prolific and talented artist, but a fascinating, sincere woman who had faced so many personal insecurities to which I could relate. I immensely admired how she had grown into a more confident, assertive person by being honest with herself and others - this was something I had specifically been working on in recent years. Her admonishment to "never judge your insides against someone else's outsides" struck a deep chord with me. I remember thinking to myself, "Well, even if I don't get cast in this show, I'm really glad I got to know to this person." It's an honor to play a character inspired by this woman...and I even wrote her a fan letter recently telling her so! *nervous giggle* I hope she reads it. It's a privilege to be able to connect with her even from a distance, especially since Neil and Marvin are no longer with us. *Bonus: I also discovered we are both petite brunettes with green eyes who started our careers as teachers. **Double bonus: I invited her to the show. I know she gets tagged in all of our social media but I invited her anyway :P I would die if she actually came. I fully don't expect it. But I'd love to meet her. Omg, I never fan-girl and I'm fan-girling. ***Double Double bonus: I think I've found a knew kindred spirit in Danny Spags. It's True. They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660). Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!
What is your favorite part of the 1970's? It brought us some big culture that are mainstay institutions now. Saturday Night Live, Star Wars... (I also like the shirt collars). If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... I grew up here, and deep dish pizza isn't just something for the tourists. Gino's, Lou Malnati's, and Pequods are the best of the best. Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? You do realize how hard this question is, right? I keep starting my answer, stopping, and thinking "I'll think about it for a while" and I stop altogether. What about this production is special to you? Everyone in the cast and on the design team is very talented, really. Everyone brings something different to the table, and everyone's strengths are incorporated in the show. They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660). Click the link below to reserve your tickets.
What is your favorite part of the 1970's?
Big hair, middle parts, fashion, The Disco (dance) and Disco balls If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... The Chicago Diner Or Left Coast Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? Beyoncé's Run The World because lets be real-- Who run the world? Girls. What about this production is special to you? This opportunity to work with the incredible team at BPBco and this cast, has been a treat. This is also my first time swinging a show! I've internal-understudied before but was very excited to actually swing more than one role. They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660). Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!
What is your favorite part of the 1970's?
My favorite part of the 70's is ABBA and disco dancing! Dancing Queen right here! If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... My favorite place to eat is Reggie's; I love the awesome live music and their rooftop looking over the city! Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? The song that best describes me, well two came to mind. The first literally popped into my head as I read the question, the second I feel a little more real. But maybe I'm just a little column A and column B. A)"Bitch" by Meredith Brooks B)"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga What about this production is special to you? I love the tenderness and charm of the show. We are all a little neurotic and uptight in our ways, and this production shows the journey two individuals make, and how they improve themselves by the end. But it's done in such a way, specifically the direction and the actors, that there's a tenderness that brings the audience on the journey beautifully. They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660). Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show!
What is your favorite part of the 1970's?
Disco everything! The music, the dance, the hair...Everything is funky and grooves! When I teach dance, my students especially love starting jazz class with a megamix of disco music featuring Play that Funky Music, Superfreak, That's the Way I Like It, anything Bee Gees, Funky Town, Boogie Wonderland, Shake Your Groove Thing, and Disco Inferno. The 70's had a multitude of line dances, and the rest of the dancing was typically done with a partner. Some icons: YMCA, Funky Chicken, Disco Point, the Bump, The Hustle, the Bus Stop... I use these moves often at weddings. :) If (we) really knew (you), we would know that your favorite place to eat in Chicago is... Ranalli's in Andersonville!!! They have the BEST thin crust pepperoni pizza. I have to stop myself from crushing the whole thing in one sitting. Speaking of They're Playing Our Song... what is YOUR song, or the song that describes you best? Oh my... I have so many that I like! In college, I had one friend who constantly called me tiny dancer (for obvious reasons). But I LOVE Disney, and the song that has the most plays in my iTunes right now is I2I from a Goofy Movie. Added Bonus: It's an awesome song to sing and dance to in the car! What about this production is special to you? This cast of talent is incredible and we have had so many laughs throughout our rehearsal process! I also didn't realize how much dancing was in the show! From lyrical, to jazz, funk, disco, and partnering, this show has something to make everyone smile :) They're Playing Our Song runs from July 28 - August 20 at Rivendell Theatre (5779 N. Ridge Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660). Click the link below to reserve your tickets for previews, opening weekend, or the regular run of the show! |
 Brown Paper BlogMaking theatre. Writing about it. Maybe some hilarious Youtube cat videos in between.
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