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The gang's all here! International smash hit The Choir of Man is thrilled to announce its Chicago cast, featuring a mix of Chicago area natives and all-star The Choir of Man veterans direct from the UK. A critically acclaimed theatrical sensation, known across the globe as "the ultimate feel-good show," The Choir of Man is 90 minutes of indisputable joy for all ages. Performances of The Choir of Man begin on March 27, 2024, at the Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago. The press opening is scheduled for Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30pm.

The cast of The Choir of Man includes Marc AkinfolarinPaul DeeganRJ GriffithIfan Gwilym-JonesNorton JamesCal T KingGeorge KnapperBenji LordMark LovedayShane McDaidKristian MorseDavid Shute, and Kevin James Sievert.

Bringing the music to life each night is an incredible live band, including Rafe Bradford (Bass), Seth Pae (Violin, Viola, Keys), Scott Simon (Drums), and Kelan M. Smith (Guitar, Banjo, Mandolin).

A mug-clinking success, The Choir of Man comes from the creative minds of Andrew Kay (Soweto Gospel ChoirBluey's Big Play, and the award-winning North by Northwest) and Nic Doodson (The MagnetsGobsmacked, and Noise Boys), with lead producers Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota, Scott Prisand and Matthew Weaver (Rock of Ages and Soul Train) and The Everywhere Group. The music is arranged and orchestrated by the show's Musical Supervisor Jack Blume, while dialogue takes the form of spoken word monologues written by performance poet Ben Norris. The movement direction and choreography is by original cast member and tap dancer Freddie Huddleston.

Completing the creative team are Oli Townsend (Scenic Designer), Verity Sadler (Costume Designer & Co-Scenic Designer), Richard Dinnen (Lighting Designer), Sten Severson (Sound Designer), Norton James (Resident Associate Director), Michael McBride (Resident Musical Director), Debbie O'Brien (Casting Director UK), and Claire Simon (Casting Director, USA).

Welcome to The Choir of Man, the best pub in the world. It's a party. It's a concert. It's a theater experience unlike any you've had before. Featuring pop, classic rock, folk melodies, and pub anthems, The Choir of Man has something for everyone. A cast of nine (extra)ordinary and multi-talented guys combines hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs, world-class tap dance, and poetic meditations on the power of community in this riotously enjoyable homage to that popular gathering place—your favorite local pub. With a real working bar on stage, come ready to drink in the excitement. Raise a glass with us! Cheers!

For the first time, The Choir of Man will be performed by a mix of local artists and British and Irish actors. Director Nic Doodson said, "We're thrilled to welcome our Chicago-based friends' world-class talent to our pub, The Jungle. The Choir of Man is all about community and the strength we have when we come together, and there is no better example of this than mixing local and international actors. The talent, energy, and unique Chicago personality that Kevin and RJ bring to the show is really exciting and will make this not only a world first for our show but also give the show a very unique and special voice. We can't wait to share a pint with everyone!"

The Choir of Man is an uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome. It's 90 minutes of feel-good, foot-stomping entertainment unlike anything else in Chicago! Brimming with hits from artists such as AdelePaul SimonKaty PerryRed Hot Chili Peppers, Luther Vandross and more, the cast features world-class tap dancers, singers, and instrumentalists, ensuring that there is something for everyone in this feel-good show.

Single tickets for The Choir of Man start at $35. Tickets for performances through May 26, 2024, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, by calling (773) 935-6100, or by visiting the box office at the Apollo Theater. Group reservations (10 or more people) are currently available through Group Tix and Tours at 312-423-6612 or www.grouptixandtours.com.

The Choir of Man was first presented at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 and has since been performed at venues around the world, including the Sydney Opera House and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Since 2018, The Choir of Man has been a resident show on board the Norwegian Escape and Norwegian Encore cruise ships. The West End production now in its second year was nominated for a 2022 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

For more information, visit www.choirofmanchicago.com. Follow the guys on Instagram (@choirofmanchicago) and Facebook (/choirofman).  

About the Artists

Marc Akinfolarin (Bore) Theatre includes: Moose in Crazy for You (Gillian Lynne Theatre), Prince and Ensemble in Hex (National Theatre), Moose in Crazy for You (Chichester Festival Theatre), Reverend Dobson in Anything Goes (Barbican), Sergeant of Police in Pirates of Penzance (Palace Theatre), Adrian in The Last Ship (Toronto and US Tour), Zeke/Lion in The Wizard of Oz (Pitlochry Festival Theatre), Spamilton (Menier Chocolate Factory), Sir Bedevere in Spamalot (UK Tour/Mercury Colchester), Alf in Peter and The Starcatcher (Royal and Derngate), Ed Bishop in Floyd Collins (Wilton's Music Hall), Ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar (U.K/European Tour), Ensemble in Sweeney Todd (English National Opera), Bystander in Assassins (Menier Chocolate Factory), Porgy & Bess (Royal Danish Opera), Emmeline/Better/Shilling/Antimony in Christmas Carol (Birmingham Rep), Buster in The Color Purple (The Menier Chocolate Factory), Sparrow in Soul Man (Stephen Joseph Theatre), Alternate Clopin and Quasimodo in Notre Dame de Paris (Asian Tour), Smokey Joe's Cafe (Landor Theatre), Reuben in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (UK Tour). Trained at the Arts Educational Schools, London

Paul Deegan (U/s PoetMaestroHardman) Paul is half English half Irish, and grew up in a small town in the UK called Spalding. He graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre arts in London where he achieved a bachelor's degree in Musical Theatre. Paul is returning to The Choir of Man after previously playing Poet the second ever cast of the show in 2018. You may have seen him on a Royal Caribbean stage where Paul has been performing all over the world for the last few years, achieving seeing over a quarter of the world in 2023! Paul is delighted to be making his US debut with The Choir of Man.

RJ Griffith (Hardman) RJ Griffith, a Chicago singer-songwriter and actor, inspires through his music and performances. After making a name for himself at Chicago's historic Black Ensemble Theater he's excited to be welcomed into the amazing family of the Olivier Award Nominated show The Choir Of Man! RJ's music has been featured in films and played on top radio and TV stations. He has toured nationally and performed at major events, including sports games. 

Ifan Gwilym-Jones (Maestro) Ifan is from the seaside town of Barry in Wales. He has been playing piano since the age of 5 and also plays flute and saxophone. He studied Musical Theatre at The Royal Academy of Music in London. Some of his favorite credits include; Perchik in Fiddler On The Roof, John Tallentire in The Hired Man, The Dentist in Little Shop of Horrors and 5 seasons as a vocalist at the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Ifan is also a member of the vocal group The Vintage Boys, performing worldwide singing hits from the 1950s & 60s. Ifan has been part of The Choir of Man family since 2022 and has performed the show in Canada, Australia and on board Norwegian cruise lines. He is thrilled to be bringing The Jungle to the Windy City! Iechyd da!                    

  

Norton James (U/s BeastBore) Norton has been a part of The Choir of Man family for the last six years, performing the show on both Norwegian Cruise Line cruise ships, the show residency in Cleveland, Ohio, and playing numerous venues across Australia, including the Sydney Opera House. He is very excited to be joining the Chicago company. Theatre credits include: The Choir of Man (Melbourne, NCL Escape/Encore, Adelaide Fringe, Canberra, Sydney Opera House, Cleveland); Jersey Boys (UK Tour); Spamalot (UK & International Tour); Preludes (Southwark Playhouse, London); Parade (LTW, London); Love Story (Union Theatre, London); Mickey & The Magician (Disney); 12 Tenors (European Tour). TV/Film: Guardians of The Galaxy (Marvel); Jurassic World Dominion (Universal); The Cleaner (BBC). Training: Performance Preparation Academy, Guildford.

Cal T King (Beast) Theatre: The Choir of Man (Tampa, Florida; Norwegian Cruise Lines), The Cyril Offense (LML Productions), Les Misérables (Bullfrog Productions), Beauty and the Beast (Bullfrog Productions). Short Film: "The Limelight." Training: Rose Bruford College.              

     

George Knapper (Handyman) Theatre credits include: Puck in Love Birds (Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival); Ensemble in West End Men (GLive Theatre - Guildford); Peter Pan in Peter Pan (Lyceum Theatre - Crewe, Qdos Entertainment); Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Various UK Theatres, Qdos Entertainment); Benjamin in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (UK Tour, Bill Kenwright Ltd); Handyman in The Choir of Man (Norwegian Encore - NCL, The Avalon Theatre - Canada, Gluttony Festival - Australia, The Arts Theatre - London, Straz Center - Tampa). George trained professionally in musical theatre at Performance Preparation Academy (PPA) in Guildford.

Benji Lord (Joker) Theatre: The Choir of Man (Norwegian Escape), Dreamboats and Petticoats: Bringing on Back the Good Times! (World premiere, UK Tour), and The Ruff Tuff Cream Puff Estate Agency (World premiere, Coventry Belgrade). Credits whilst training include Spend, Spend, Spend, and Richard III.

Benji is also the frontman and rhythm guitarist for Indie Pop band, Polar Playground, whose music is available to stream on all platforms. He played Double Bass in the music video for George Ezra's Christmas single, "Come on Home for Christmas." Benji trained at The Brit School, and Guildford School of Acting              

Mark Loveday (Barman) is an original member of The Choir of Man and has spent the last few years touring extensively around the globe, performing at venues such as the Sydney Opera House, The Kennedy Center and London's West End. He also made his screen debut in the British Independent film 'Rise Of The Footsoldier Part 3' in 2019. Mark is a graduate of Drama Studio London and was formally a chorister at 'Her Majesty's Chapel Royal Choir' at St James Palace, working for the Late Queen Elizabeth II. He is delighted to return to Chicago with the Choir of Man and hopes to bring a little bit of East London pub culture across the pond with him.

Shane McDaid (Poet) Shane, hails from Dublin, Ireland, and has been performing for as long as he can remember. He has spent the last decade (plus a bit) in the UK in various productions. He loves travelling the world and is delighted to be at The Apollo Theater to share the stage with such a remarkable bunch of lads. Select theatre credits include: Titanic the Musical (UK, Canada, Germany, China), The Choir of Man (NCL Encore), Angela's Ashes the Musical (Irish Rep Theatre; NY), Madagascar the Musical (UK Tour), Spamalot (UK Tour), Film/TV: 32A (feature film, Janey Pictures), Rock Rivals (ITV series), Fair City (RTE series). I can promise you one thing - and I'll do it in the Irish language: 'Tá an craic agus ceol go leor.'                       

Kristian Morse (U/s HardmanBarmanRomanticJoker) Recent Credits include The Corn is Green at the National theatre London, Thursford Christmas Spectacular and 'Bah' in Stiles and Drew's musicalThree Little Pigs at the Dorking Halls. Other roles include, Roger, Vince Fontain & Teen Angel in Grease the Musical for Royal Caribbean as well as Wishee Washee in Aladdin, Dick in Dick Whittington, Silly Billy in Jack and The Beanstalk, Ensemble in Peter Polycarpou: The Songs of My Life at The Garrick Theatre London, and also featured in the World Premier of Duncton Wood at the Union Theatre. Kristian is very excited to be making his The Choir of Man debut in Chicago and will be dedicating his performance to his Bamp, who would have loved to have been here to watch. Kristian graduated from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in 2014.

David Shute (U/s RomanticJokerHardmanBarman) David is thrilled to be getting the chance to introduce the wonderful people of Chicago to the Jungle, having only recently finished his run at the Straz Centre in Tampa, Florida. The US has always been so welcoming, and Chicago has been his dream for some time. David was born and raised in Macclesfield in Cheshire and trained at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, graduating in 2013 and becoming an avid fan of Liverpool F.C. in the process.

David's other credits include; Once: The Musical (Barn Theatre), The Choir of Man (Straz Centre, Tampa/ Arts Theatre, London/ Adelaide Fringe/ Avalon Theatre, Niagara Falls/ Edinburgh Fringe/ Coventry, City of Culture/ Norwegian Cruise Lines) Ballad of Rudy (New Wolsey Theatre), All or Nothing: The Mod Musical (Arts Theatre, London/ UK Tour), The Stick Man (UK & International Tour), We're Going on a Bear Hunt (UK & International Tour), What the Ladybird Heard (UK & International Tour).

Kevin James Sievert (Romantic) Kevin James Sievert is an actor, singer and musician based in Wisconsin. A classically trained tenor, Kevin's musical and vocal performance experience spans pop/rock music, opera and musical theatre. In 2017, Kevin made his professional debut at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI, in Hot Mikado​ (Pish-Tush) and Urinetown (Robbie the Stockfish/Dance Captain). Kevin returned to Skylight in the 2018-2019 season in ​Five Guys Named Moe (Little Moe), where he received a nomination and became a finalist for the Footlight People's Choice Award for Outstanding Supporting Performer in a Musical (Professional). Other recent regional credits include Disney's Newsies (Ensemble), Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), The Gospel at Colonus (Balladeer) and his 2022 Chicagoland Debut in Spring Awakening (Otto/us Moritz). Kevin James Sievert is represented by Gray Talent Group, Chicago.            

Fact Sheet / The Choir of Man

 

Title:                        The Choir of Man

Created by:            Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson

Produced by:        Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson, Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota, Scott Prisand and Matthew Weaver, and The Everywhere Group

 

Cast:                           

Marc AkinfolarinPaul DeeganRJ GriffithIfan Gwilym-JonesNorton JamesCal T KingGeorge KnapperBenji LordMark LovedayShane McDaidKristian MorseDavid Shute, and Kevin James Sievert.

Creative Team:           Andrew Kay (Creator & Producer), Nic Doodson (Creator, Director & Producer), Jack Blume (Musical Supervisor, Vocal Arranger & Orchestrator), Freddie Huddleston (Movement Director & Choreographer), Ben Norris (Monologues Writer), Oli Townsend (Scenic Designer), Verity Sadler (Costume Designer & Co-Scenic Designer), Richard Dinnen (Lighting Designer), Sten Severson (Sound Designer), Norton James (Resident Associate Director), Michael McBride (Resident Musical Director), Debbie O'Brien (Casting Director UK), and Claire Simon (Casting Director, USA).

 

Dates:                       

Performances begin March 27, 2024

Previews: March 27– April 2, 2024

Press Opening: Wednesday, April 3 at 7:30pm

Regular Run: April 4 – May 26, 2024

Schedule:                 

Tuesdays:      7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays: 7:30 p.m.

Thursdays:    2 p.m. (2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month) and 7:30 p.m.

Fridays:         4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month) and 7:30 p.m. (every 2nd & 4th Friday of the month)

Saturdays:     4 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Sundays:       2 p.m.

Location:                  

Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago

Tickets:                    

Previews: $35 – $59

Regular Run: $35 – $109

Group reservations (10 or more people) are currently available through Group Tix and Tours at 312-423-6612 or www.grouptixandtours.com.

Box Office:               

Apollo Theater, 2550 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago;

(773) 935-6100 or Ticketmaster.com

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Rhythm is an essential part of life. We wouldn’t exist without it. It all starts with your heart beat. That is the origin of rhythm really. And Djembe! The Show at Apollo Theater is all about the rhythm – and it’s informative. I really enjoyed learning how the djembe was used throughout musical history.

Djembe! was almost like a workshop at times. Drums are located at each audience member’s seat. The show was emceed by Ben Hope. Hope, along with the rest of the ensemble, taught the audience about the rich history djembe drumming. I didn’t realize this was actually a touring road show until yesterday. I can just imagine packing all those drums away after every show! Hopefully, Djembe! sticks around for a while because it is truly worthy of a long run.

The band in this show was fantastic. Fode Lavia Camara was the Djembe Fola, or “master”. He led the drumming for the most part although all were involved. The band was rounded out with bass guitar, keys and drums. All were musicians are very talented players.

Rashada Dawan handled most of the lead vocals. She wore a variety of costumes to illustrate the influence of djembe rhythms through musical history. Her voice was amazing. She also helped emcee the show.

When it all is said and done, we learn that a lot of the rhythm we take for granted in music is African in origin. It is interesting to see the influence of these rhythms on everything from Pop to Classical Music. This was all about the Djembe, but it translates to other instruments and even voices, and a show like this is great mind food for musicians. Us musicians need to constantly feed our minds with information. But it is the entertainment value in Djembe! that makes it fun!

This is a show one could see again and again. In fact, I am tempted to take a friend there who I know would really like it. You would too. Nothing makes you feel better than beating a drum. Bring a friend. Make a friend. It’s a celebration of life. This would be a great show to take your kids along. It’s a lot of fun.

Djembe! The Show is currently being performed at Apollo Theater.

For more information on this unique experience, visit www.djembetheshow.com.

Published in Theatre in Review

After a successful summer preview run, "Thrones: The Musical Parody" has returned to Apollo Theater for Fall performances. Though the production might not have the staying power as did "Million Dollar Quartet", a show originally scheduled for a two-week run that was renewed for several years, "Thrones" is a solid production that, despite its niche market, should get comfy in its Apollo home for a decent stay.

 

Parodying Game of Thrones, one of the biggest television series over the past decade "Thrones" hold little back, cleverly mocking its main characters delivering a crude, but witty, humor GoT fans are sure to enjoy. From the show's opening number "Thrones!", a song that punches the audience with spoilers and refers to "The Wire" as a show one doesn't realize they like until after two and a half seasons, we get a good taste of the campy ride we are about to take. The show's very funny cast includes Caitlyn Cerza, Nick Druzbanski, Madeline Lauzon, Beau Nolan, Victoria Olivier and Christopher Ratliff. 

 

The story revolves around a group of friends who excitedly await the GoT season premiere. However, after some lackluster enthusiasm is displayed, it's soon revealed that Brad (Druzbanski) has never seen the show. Of course, this is just mind blowing for the rest of the gang who quickly agree to act out the show to catch Brad up to speed. And this is where it starts to get crazy. In fact, the show takes a hilarious turn the moment Tom (Ratliff) throws on the John Snow wig and makeshift cape just before diving into his ode to The Wall watchers "For the Watch". And how can you have a wall number without taking a poke a Donald Trump, which they certainly do. Taking shots at practically every character on the show from Tyrian to Sansa to King Joffrey to Xerxes (there's actually a song on who we need to know), the group goes from one scenario to the next. Naturally, Brad's interest in the show grows as the friends get deeper and deeper into the characters. 

 

Act One ends on a high note with possibly the funniest number in the show, "Stabbin'", a gruesomely humorous massacre free-for-all that really needs to be seen to be appreciated in full. But worry not, after a big ending into intermission, we are not let down, as Act Two holds a strong pace by providing solid laughs throughout, steering us to a strong finish. Each actor richly contributes in this talented cast holding the ability to get big laughs at any given moment as well as providing respectable vocal ability. The cast brilliantly overplays their characters expressions and are able to successfully spoof their many characteristics such as Tyrian's poor accent, John Snow's seemingly empty thoughts or _________  not so subtle crush on Denarys. 

 

Written by the team of Chris Grace, Zach Reino, Al Samuels and Dan Wessels, the show gets a nice boost from director Hannah Todd, who is able to work the funny within the funny and finely translate it for stage. While GoT fans will certainly enjoy this show, easily picking up on its jokes - both subtle and bold, it remains to see how theater goers not familiar with the show will react. The GoT fan base in Chicago might be enough in itself to support this show for a long run, possibly even creating new GoT fans along the way. 

 

"Thrones: The Musical Parody", performed at Apollo Theater through November 15th, has plenty to make it a thoroughly entertaining event - laughs, sex, an engaging storyline,catchy songs and excellent acting performances. 

 

Take your Game of Thrones experience to the next level with "Thrones: The Musical Parody". 

Published in Theatre in Review

 

 

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