Dangerous stunts and rubber-like contortionists are only part of the fun when it comes to the most recent version of Cirque Eloize, but as the phrase goes, "there’s so much more". And there is. Directed by Jeannot Painchaud, Cirque Eloize iD grabs artists from all over the world to bring to life a unique reality consisting of urban street dancing to electronic and hip hop music, aerial acrobatics, romantic themed choreography, stunning bicycle feats, in-line skating, stilts, juggling, hypnotic lighting effects and an exclusively designed trampoline display using their "trampowall".

There are no language barriers present at Cirque Eloize iD, as everything is carefully set to music, body language and human emotion, making words an unnecessary function – yet each message is precisely conveyed to the audience.

Cirque Eloize is energetic and youthful, and, above all, is mind-blowing. From the show’s beginning to its end, "oohs" and "aahs" are heard throughout the theatre with regularity along with the more enthusiastic outbursts of "Cmon!", "I don’t believe it!" and "Did you see that?" Still, as high energy and exciting as Cirque Eloize iD is, there is also a fair share of beautifully executed romantic acts comprised of graceful dance movements, soft lighting and other variations of skillfully dangerous stunts, giving the show a balanced flow from sequence to sequence.

Cirque Eloize iD is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre at 151 W. Randolph in Chicago through Sunday, May 8^{th. For tickets or more information visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or call (312) 977-1710}

The first thing that strikes one as they enter the theatre is the massive set. With a spacious hotel lobby taking up the entire main stage, check-in counter and switchboard on one end, a stairway takes us to the second floor where several rooms stand side by side, each framed with doorways though the doors and walls are transparent, giving the audience a bird’s eye view into each unique setting. Every room is decorated differently from the other, hinting towards each occupant’s personality. As theatre guests take their seats, activity is already taking place on the stage, presenting the daily goings on of hotel life from a man reading a newspaper, a clerk operating the switchboard, and people walking to and fro throughout the lobby or from room to room.

An aging hotel in the early 1970’s, we can see watermarks, missing fixtures and other signs of dilapidation. The tenants consist of a motley assortment of characters including prostitutes, assorted drifters and a handful of other folks with tough stories. However, despite their differences in background and current situations, a family-like bond has been created. Hard news hits when the news breaks that the Hotel Baltimore is set to be demolished and life as they recently knew it must change. Jon Michael Hill wonderfully plays "Bill Lewis" the hip hotel clerk who finds himself in the center of everything and who is just as much a part of the family as the boarders.

A gentle ghost from a past era, perhaps the 1930’s, also resides in the hotel. Donned in a 'Palm Beach" suit and fedora pushed forward over his eyes, he quietly takes pleasure and interest in everything that happens. The ghost subtly watches on and glides from room to room and lobby, adding the feeling that grand days once took place in the Hotel Baltimore as opposed to that which takes place in its current run down state.

The set is tremendous, but the hauntingly accurate wardrobe direction also plays a large part in bringing the 1970’s alive, taking viewers somewhere in between "The Electric Company", "Cooley High" and "The Mary Tyler Moore" show.

With a strong cast filled with Steppenwolf ensemble veterans Kate Arrington, Alana Arenas, Yasen Peyankov, James Vincent Meredith and Molly Regan, there is no shortage of fine acting. "Hot L Baltimore" also brings in other super talents such as Allison Torem, de’Adre Aziza, Namir Smallwood and Sean Allen Krill (one of me personal faves) amongst others, which turn an already strong cast into a spectacular one.

"The Hot L Baltimore" has it all – funny, revealing, moving and visually stimulating. Written by Lanford Wilson and directed by ensemble member Tina Landua, this show falls into the "must see" category. "The Hot L Baltimore" is playing at Steppenwolf through May 29^{th. For tickets or more information visit www.steppenwolf.org.}

Annie Baker’s acclaimed play "Circle Mirror Transformation" won the 2010 Obie Award for Best New American play and for good reason – the production is funny, moving, well-crafted, includes characters that are easy to identify with and is refreshingly simple. Effectively directed by Dexter Bullard, "Circle Mirror" projects a warmth and familiarity from its five cast members that is essential to the play’s success.

"Circle Mirror Transformation" takes the audience to a six-week community acting class that brings together a somber teenager, a former actress, a divorced carpenter, and an upbeat teacher along with her hippie husband. From a series of extroverted acting exercises in which some students take to with an over zealous nature while others perform on the opposite, more timid, end of the spectrum, to the general interactions between characters, this is a play that has audience members laughing out loud – and often.

Each cast member deserves kudos. Carmen Roman delivers a splendid well-rounded performance as acting teacher "Marty", while Steve Key ("Schultz") and Joe D. Lauck ("James") display their big time abilities to draw laughs. Rae Gray ("Lauren") nails her character’s downtrodden humor while Lori Myers ("Theresa") is nothing less than outstanding, delivering demanding physical comedy and punchlines in a seemingly effortless effort.

"Circle Mirror Transformation" is the prefect play to see if you are looking to stay away from the heavy or complicated and take in something light and funny that doesn’t make you think too much. The humor, though simple, is smart and the message, though simple, is endearing.

"Circle Mirror Transformation" is currently playing at Victory Gardens Theatre through April 10^{th. For more information visit www.victorygardens.org.}

If you are on the prowl for some very funny improv, follow the path that leads to Chicago’s Apollo Theatre at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. It is there that every Friday at 10:30 pm the hilarious comedy troupe "Baby Wants Candy" takes the stage to perform a comedy musical that, as they say, "Will be the very first and very last performance ever". The reason being is that the audience gets to choose the topic for each show. After a brief introduction the audience is called upon to shout out a musical that has never been done before. For example past performances included "Barack Obama’s Baby Mama Drama the Musical", "My Cat Has Aids the Musical" and "Nobody Puts Baby Jesus in the Corner the Musical", "How Captain Morgan Saved Christmas the Musical" and "It’s 1986 and Things are Going to be Different the Musical"

The show, in particular, that I attended featured "Harry Potter and His 12-Inch Wand". Well, I’m sure you can guess by the title where that show went. With songs ranging from on-the-spot big chorus numbers to less harmonious, more refined numbers, the ensemble injects humorous lyrics into melody created in part by the live band that is also improvising as they go. A story is cleverly formed by borrowing subject matter from the title complete with its own climactic ending, all the while cast members bursting into song at any given moment. Though off-key vocals often fill the air due to the spontaneous nature of the production, the talented ensemble makes this improv show work successfully with use of their quick wit and physical comedy, taking it a step above other comedy improvisations.

The Chicago ensemble is loaded with an all-star lineup that includes two-time "Jeopardy" contender and Second City touring member Joey Bland, and Erica Elam, who has also performed with Second City, as well as Annoyance, and The Comedy Shrine.

Best of all, each show is completely different from the last making "Baby Wants Candy" a show that can be enjoyed again and again.

For more information or show tickets visit wwwbabywantscandy.com or call 773-935-6100.

Of course, no band can duplicate The Beatles, but “Rain” sure does pay an honest tribute that takes the audience as close to the musical experience as one could dream. With a close enough resemblance to the Fab Four (especially Graham Alexander as Paul McCartney) to already create a serviceable illusion that one is actually at a Beatles concert, it’s the uncannily precise music in “Rain” that really cements the experience as a whole.

The show opens with a series of nostalgic period clips displayed on large screens on either side of the stage. Finally, the famous Ed Sullivan introduction in replicated as the curtain drops and the band goes into “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. As the evening progresses, “Rain”, for the most part chronologically, takes the audience into the various stages of The Beatles early on playing songs “Hard Days Night”, “Yesterday” and “Daytripper”. Before closing in on the midway break of the show the band takes on a complete transformation, donning the famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band garb and delivering such classics as “Strawberry Fields”, A Day In the Life” and “With A Little Help from My Friends”.

The bands returns from the intermission clothed in the mystical wear associated with The Beatles days with the Maharishi delving into “Hello Goodbye” and “I Am the Walrus” before hitting the final White Album/Abbey Road/ Let it Be eras. With each transformation in appearance the characters in “Rain” take on more and more likeness of The Beatles. The band is also accompanied by a massive projection screen at the rear of the stage that displays a flowing stream of images throughout, adding to the entire experience.  

If you are a Beatles fan (and who isn’t?), it without question that this show is for you. Alexander’s voice is scarily similar to Paul McCartney’s, Tom Teeley nails George Harrison’s guitar work, Douglas Cox plays like Ringo Starr incarnate and Steve Landes bravely takes on the tough task that is John Lennon and does so with the exactitude to successfully embody the famous icon.

The night ends triumphantly with encores “Let It Be” followed by a very crowd-pleasing version of “Hey Jude” that keeps the audience on their feet throughout and has them singing the “Na na na na na na na’s” is unison.

“Rain” is currently being performed at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) through February 13^th. For more information visit www.raintribute.com or www.broadwayinchicago.com.          

“Laika Dog in Space” the combined effort of Chicago and New York’s Neo Futurist Theatre Company, is a witty presentation that is as inventive as it is funny. With clever props ranging from a host of simulated television sets, lighted space helmets and a raggedy stuffed pooch, the show takes a look at the hype, wonderment and possibilities of what may have occurred once the Russians sent Laika into space – the first animal to be sent into orbit. Unfortunately for Laika, the technology to de-orbit was not yet invented.

The three primary actors, Rob Neill, Eevin Hartsough and Jill Beckman (also collaborators in writing “Laika”) delivered brilliant performances whether it be carrying on in hilarious banter with each other or channeling their humor into song. Aiding the characters in working together, a calming, futuristic voice is heard throughout the show that interacts and sometimes reasons with the actors, creating a feel reminiscent to the TV classic, “The Prisoner”. The band is also very present during “Laika”. Besides their own droll lyrical additions, band members were often ditching their instruments for lines, and guitarist John Pierson even doubled as the “Space Race Host” where he finely portrays a cheesy game show personality.

What adds to the fun is that “Laika Dog in Space” is an interactive production in which anyone present in the crowd can suddenly find themselves as a part of the show. Members of the audience are frequently summoned to join in whether it is to answer a question, take instruction from the actors, read from a cue card or join in as game contestants.

Before the show all guest are invited to peruse a room of installations. Exhibits include a wall of famous dogs, funny and creative works of art, a silver ball that gives off electricity and will make your hair stand on end when touched and a vintage photo booth turned into a shrine that honors “The Prisoner” – inside it’s opening credits running continuously.

“Laika Dog in Space”, directed by Phil Ridarelli, is a very imaginative and entertaining show that should not be missed. Playing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm through March 12^th, tickets are only $15 with discounts available for students and seniors. All performances are held at The Neo-Futurium, 5153 N. Ashland. Find out more about this show at www.neofuturists.org or by calling 773-275-5255. 

*Photo - (from left) Rob Neill, Eevin Hartsough, Jill Beckman - photo by Evan Hanover
                       

Aktar Aktar is four young men from Chicago who are exploring the boundaries of danceable rock music. They first released a self-titled album which pushed them out of the dingy dive bars where they found their original following. With a core group of high energy fans they had the privilege to play some of the greatest venues Chicago has to offer. Touring all throughout the Midwest at a feverish pace, recently headlining Chicago's legendary Metro last November, Aktar Aktar now brings their unique sound and high-energy stage show to Reggie’s Rock Club this Friday night, January 28^th as the band battles for a spot in SXSW. In the meantime, they are also working on their next EP with high hopes of grabbing the attention of a manager/booking agent that will push their careers into deeper waters.

Having recently enjoyed the band’s music for the first time, I contacted bassist, Bradley Haptas, to find out more about the band.

Buzz - What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?

Bradley - I would say indie rock, but it’s really hard to try to categorize the music with one name. Every one of our songs has a life of its own and sometimes that means moving outside one genre and into another. We all have our own “loves” when it comes to influences; I would say right now that Motown is quickly stealing my heart.

Buzz - What can fans take home with them from your live show?

Bradley - Hopefully they buy a CD! You can really see our personalities come through in our live performance so people will get to know us a little better. You might wake up sore from all the dancing that goes on at our shows.  We just want everyone to have a good time. We really enjoy bringing people together.

Buzz - When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?

Bradley - Aktar Aktar started about 3 years ago as a 2 piece with Jake Swearson and Jake hoefnagel. They were playing a lot of house parties and smaller bars when they started getting larger and larger crowds every show. I remember Swearson saying he wanted to have a fuller sound, that’s when Tim and I joined. We recently we got a new drummer, Mr. Wes Kosakowski, after Jake H’s departure. We all had the same idea of what we wanted to do musically and the more we did together and the better we became as musicians it just felt right. Now there’s no turning back.

Buzz - Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

Bradley - We have played all over in Chicago from the Metro to Elbo Room. We did Summerfest in Milwaukee last summer, which was one hell of a time.  I don’t know if I have a favorite or least favorite venue. They are just buildings with stages inside to me, what makes the show is the people and magic that happens inside. We are playing at Reggies Rock Club on Jan 28th, it’s a battle of the bands to get into SXSW. After that all we have lined up is time in the studio and hopefully we will be heading to Austin in March.

Buzz - Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs? Do you think these topics will change over time?

Bradley - Jake and Wes have been building chord progressions and the basic outline of songs and then we all get together to finish them. I would say, if anything, freedom. Its so open ended we can really develop ideas from it. I’m sure it will change over time.

Buzz - How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?

Bradley - We are coming up with better concepts and ideas for our songs. When you have really good ideas you can really push yourself to see what’s behind all the doors. Every door you hit is a challenge you need to overcome, and by confronting these challenges, you evolve as musicians.

Buzz - How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?

Bradley - We have a Myspace, a Facebook, and our older music is on ITunes.

Buzz - Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?

Bradley - We would love some financial support! We would thank the shit out of 'em. All our families rule. They are always at our shows doing whatever they can to help. It’s really nice to have people around you that know your dream and will do anything it takes to achieve that dream.
  

Buzz - Do you have a record label? Are you a member of any music organizations?

Bradley - We do not have a record label or any musical affiliations. We have had companies offer us some things but nothing that we felt would be beneficial at the time. We are going to be pushing to build a team once we finish this new record.

The band is:

Jacob Swearson – guitar/vocals

Timmy Maguire – lead guitar/vocals

Bradley Haptas – bass

Jake Hoefnagel – drums

To find out more about Aktar Aktar visit www.myspace.com/aktaraktar or look for them on Facebook.

In this coming of age story that focuses on four choirboys (each wonderfully played by women), the audience is treated to a collection of original numbers that are both whimsical and very well sung - humorous songs and some that are a bit more thought provoking. "Escape from the Haltsburg Boys Choir" takes place in Austria and, despite the present American accents, has viewers successfully using their imagination in which the story, set and costumes are enough to create a wooded, European atmosphere.

When the abusive Choirmaster pushes the envelope much too far, four of the choirboys decide to make a break for it. However, the play is much more about an escape. The play is about relationships, self-discovery and hope. "Escape" is well rounded with smart humor, engaging dialogue and a host of songs strengthened by strong singing voices. Jeffrey Fauver (Choirmaster) and Kate Black as choirboy, Johanne, lead the cast with dynamic performances that get better and better as the show progresses. Daniel Caffrey does a wonderful job directing the large cast and the experience as a whole is tied together nicely with a live band just offstage.

"Escape from the Haltsburg Boys Choir" is playing at The Side Project Theatre located at 1439 W Jarvis Ave in Chicago through January 30^{th. For tickets or more information visit www.ruckustheater.org or call 773-769-RCKS.}

^{*Photo Top - (From Left) Jeffrey Fauver (Choirmaster), Susan Steinke (Weiss) and Kevin Crispin (Ingles)}

^{Photo Left - Kate Black as Johanne} 

Hell in a Handbag Productions knows how to celebrate the Halloween season…with, uh… Rip Nelson? Absolutely! You read correctly. In their newest production “Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular”, written and directed by David Cerda, the audience is taken back to 1976 where actor/comedian Rip “Wooga Wooga” Nelson hosts a Halloween special featuring a guest list that includes Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Brooke Shields, Bob Dylan, Phyllis Diller, Donny Osmond and many more. With no shortage of boozing, one-liners, temperamental guest stars and super-seventies pizzazz, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular takes the audience on one hell of a hilarious ride.  

Currently running at Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark) Fridays and Saturdays through November 6^th, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular is possibly one of the funniest shows around. Ed Jones is masterful as host Rip Nelson, capturing every quirky nuance of the character and successfully projecting it in his own distinctive and comical way. The cast is exceptionally strong as each personality is played brilliantly and hardly a moment goes by where laughter is not heard by the audience.

For those of you that have seen other Hell in a Handbag productions such as “Lady X” or “Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical”, you’ll be sure to familiarize with their unique and witty blend of humor. For those of you that have never experienced any of the company’s past shows, wait no longer. You will be in for a night of riotous laughter from beginning to show’s end.  

Open Your Handbag! Please!!!

The Rip Nelson Hell-In-A-Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit

WHERE: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark Ave., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 7, 6pm—9pm

WHAT: Open Bar, Buffet, Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment, Celebrities, Special Guests, Raffles and Live Auction

COST: $50

Purchase tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/133536 or call 1-800-838-3006

For additional information or questions, call the Handbag hotline @ 312-409-4357

Chicago, IL – Hell in a Handbag Productions presents Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit…a benefit that Handbag fans have come to expect…uproarious FUN!

Join Rip Nelson, the star of our current production The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, as he presents a star studded variety telethon to help raise money for Chicago’s #1 camp and parody theater company, Hell in a Handbag Productions! Rip and his guests, Bob Dylan, Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Lucille Ball, Charo, Chicago diva Lynne Jordan as Nell Carter and many more* will sing and dance their way into your heart and hopefully your Handbag!  

Guests will enjoy an open bar, which includes Mary’s well cocktails, domestic bottles and Miller Lite draft along with yummy delicacies from Hamburger Mary’s kitchens!

The event will also include a raffle, photos with your favorite Hell in a Handbag celebrities and an exciting live auction where you can bid on a chance to meet the REAL Patty Duke at a Chicago screening of Valley of the Dolls, or meet the REAL John Waters and see his one man show. We’ll also be auctioning off a walk on part in Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer 2010, spa treatments and an assortment of fantastic items and packages just in time for the holidays.

Join the entire glamorous Hell in a Handbag ensemble and special guests for a camp-tac-ular evening at the beautiful and spacious restaurant/nightclub, Mary’s Attic for Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon. Help us keep Chicago FABULOUS !

Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement

HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.

Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit entity.

*At least that’s who they told us they were….

The Venue, located in the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, was rocking over the weekend as Chris Isaak once again graced the Chicagoland area complete with his distinctive falsetto, trademark suits, witty humor and of course the well-oiled machine that is his band. Oh, and did I mention his charisma? In a well-paced set that lasted nearly two hours, Chris’ voice never sounded better and his band played with a fire that got hotter by the moment. Refreshing with a Chris Isaak show is how genuine and comfortable the band is with each other. Displayed is a chemistry that cannot be faked. Not only is the band’s easiness with each other fun to watch, but there is plenty of choreographed routines they share along with a good sense of humor.

Chris Isaak looked sharp, taking the stage wearing a westernized black suit with silver sequins, but, with such a strong performance, it wouldn’t have mattered if he were wearing khakis and a knitted sweater. While including his own hits such as “Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing”, “Big Wide Wonderful World” and “The Best I Ever Had”, he also included a few of his own faves by some of his inspirations. Stepping into the crowd and taking a seat next to a woman in the first couple rows, Chris went into Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” and later again paid homage to “The King” with a beautiful version of “It’s Now or Never”. He also included a James Brown number before going into “Roy Orbisson’s “Pretty Woman” during a four song encore in which Chris switched into his famous mirrored suit. As many great moments that occurred throughout the show, one of the highlights was when guitarist Hershel Yatovitz led the band into a dreamy orchestration of “Wicked Game”, undoubtedly entrancing the entire room with his mesmerizing tones and Chris’ heartfelt singing swimming over the music.