Monday | November 9, 2009 | 7:40 pm
Carol KaraguezCuba and His Teddy BearMidwest PremiereInterviewPeople*s Theater of ChicagoCostume Designer
GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire. 1ST UP: CAROL KARAGUEZ 1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity? Born and raised in Chicago till I was 7, then moved to California. I moved back in 2000. I am Lebanese-American.2. What is your position in Cuba? Costume Designer3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear? I had a pretty good feeling I would say yes to working on “Cuba” even before reading the script. UTC has always chosen plays that are raw and true to the company’s mission. This play definitely meets their needs and mine as a designer. Reinaldo Povod created these astoundingly rich characters that I have the honor to dress. It’s very exciting. 4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago? I think this is a great piece of theater for Chicago. It’s urban, it’s never been produced here and, best of all, it’s timeless. Even though it was written over 20 years ago, the themes are still relevant today. I truly believe that our audience will connect with the world of the play. It’s too real not to.5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you? Diversity.  If a company can produce a play that can speak to the large and diverse audience of Chicago, it is great.6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience? Working with UTC is always a blast because they know how to bring people on board who are passionate about what they do and truly enjoy the process thick and thin. I’m thrilled to be making this my third costume design for UTC. My last production was “Broken Thread”. My first production was “Eulogy for a Small Time Thief”. It was a great experience. Pulling period costume pieces is always fun, especially for “Eulogy”. The characters were over-the-top, so I had the liberty of ‘going there’ with the design. 7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba? When I’m not costume designing for UTC, you could find me directing around town. I work regularly with Silk Road Theatre Project and Chicago Dramatists. Last year, I served as part-time faculty at the College of Lake County, Grayslake. I had the honor of directing their fall production “Real Women Have Curves”. I hope to get into educational theater long-term. 8. Maybe other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on? Sorry, but there are too many to narrow down to one. 9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else? Chicago has earned a reputation for being the city with exciting new plays. My heart has always been in the development of new works. Collaborating with playwrights from the birth of a play is very exhilarating.  Chicago gives me that opportunity often. 10. What’s your favorite line from a play? “I gotta postage stamp for a dick.” - Jackie (Cuba and His Teddy Bear) Photo by Anthony Aicardi

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM

From now till the end of the run we will highlight the talented individuals involved in helping make the Midwest Premiere of Cuba and His Teddy Bear possible with a brief questionnaire.

1ST UP: CAROL KARAGUEZ

1. Where are you from? If not from Chicago, how did you end up here? What is your ethnicity?

Born and raised in Chicago till I was 7, then moved to California. I moved back in 2000. I am Lebanese-American.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

Costume Designer

3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear?

I had a pretty good feeling I would say yes to working on “Cuba” even before reading the script. UTC has always chosen plays that are raw and true to the company’s mission. This play definitely meets their needs and mine as a designer. Reinaldo Povod created these astoundingly rich characters that I have the honor to dress. It’s very exciting.

4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago?

I think this is a great piece of theater for Chicago. It’s urban, it’s never been produced here and, best of all, it’s timeless. Even though it was written over 20 years ago, the themes are still relevant today. I truly believe that our audience will connect with the world of the play. It’s too real not to.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

Diversity.  If a company can produce a play that can speak to the large and diverse audience of Chicago, it is great.

6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? If you have worked with UTC/PTC before what show did you work on and how was your experience?

Working with UTC is always a blast because they know how to bring people on board who are passionate about what they do and truly enjoy the process thick and thin.

I’m thrilled to be making this my third costume design for UTC. My last production was “Broken Thread”. My first production was “Eulogy for a Small Time Thief”. It was a great experience. Pulling period costume pieces is always fun, especially for “Eulogy”. The characters were over-the-top, so I had the liberty of ‘going there’ with the design.

7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba?

When I’m not costume designing for UTC, you could find me directing around town. I work regularly with Silk Road Theatre Project and Chicago Dramatists. Last year, I served as part-time faculty at the College of Lake County, Grayslake. I had the honor of directing their fall production “Real Women Have Curves”. I hope to get into educational theater long-term.


8. Maybe other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on?

Sorry, but there are too many to narrow down to one.

9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else?

Chicago has earned a reputation for being the city with exciting new plays. My heart has always been in the development of new works. Collaborating with playwrights from the birth of a play is very exhilarating.  Chicago gives me that opportunity often.

10. What’s your favorite line from a play?

“I gotta postage stamp for a dick.” - Jackie (Cuba and His Teddy Bear)

Photo by Anthony Aicardi

Monday | November 9, 2009 | 6:48 pm
Jeff RecommendedPeople*s Theater of Chicago
‘Cuba’ is Jeff Recommended! Cuba and His Teddy Bear opened to a successful weekend at Batey Urbano in Humboldt Park! We strongly encourage that you are RSVP in order to secure yourself a seat. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to go before of after the show. We look forward to seeing you ‘From the Streets to the Stage!’

‘Cuba’ is Jeff Recommended!

Cuba and His Teddy Bear opened to a successful weekend at Batey Urbano in Humboldt Park! We strongly encourage that you are RSVP in order to secure yourself a seat. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants to go before of after the show. We look forward to seeing you ‘From the Streets to the Stage!’

Sunday | November 8, 2009 | 4:37 pm
MetromixCuba and His Teddy BearRebecca Palmore
‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ is on the top FIVE TO SEE! Thanks Rebecca Palmore!

‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ is on the top FIVE TO SEE!

Thanks Rebecca Palmore!

Saturday | November 7, 2009 | 5:50 pm

Official Jeff Recommended ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ Trailer


by Rienaldo Povod
directed by Marilyn Camacho

UrbanTheater Company and PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago’s Midwest Premiere

Trailer produced by Joe Caballero (joecaballero.com)

For Info/Tix:

www.bit.ly/cubaandhisteddybear
http://urbantheater.tumblr.com

photos by Anthony Aicardi (www.aicardi.net)

Friday | October 30, 2009 | 4:21 pm
Tim JahnBeyond The PedwayMarilyn CamachoIvan VegaFrom The Streets to the StageArtistic DirectorPeople*s Theater of Chicago

Beyond The Pedway interview by Tim Jahn with Ivan Vega and Marilyn Camacho, both Co-Founders and Artistic Directors of UrbanTheater Company (UTC).

UTC is currently producing ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ in collaboration with the People*s Theater of Chicago directed by Marilyn Camacho and written by Rienaldo Povod.

FROM the STREETS to the STAGE

Wednesday | October 28, 2009 | 6:31 pm
MANAfoodbar,People*s Theater of ChicagoCuba and His Teddy BearSponsor
GET TO KNOW OUR SPONSORS! Today we spotlight: MANAfoodbar - 1742 W. Division, Chgo/773.348.1742 Some fantastic sponsors have come on board with UrbanTheater Company and People*s Theater of Chicago to help bring you the Midwest Premiere of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ by Rienaldo Povod, directed by Marilyn Camacho. We are truly grateful for their support! We hope that you will support these businesses and organizations that SUPPORT THE ARTS! MANAfoodbar is a wonderful new addition to Wicker Park’s dining scene. MANAfoodbar is brought to you by Susan Thompson of Sushi Wabi. MANAfoodbar offers a full service bar featuring Sake cocktails and simple, yet savory ‘meatless’ entrees and appetizers. It’s intimate dining environment is rich in ambience and sleek style. MANAfoodbar’s wide array of hot and cold appetizers and entrees are sure to satisfy every palette! To make reservations, review MANAfoodbar’s menu or to learn more about this fantastic and chic dining spot please check out their website: www.MANAfoodbar.com. Let them know you appreciate their support of Chicago Theater! Don’t forget your tickets for the Midwest Premiere of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear!’

GET TO KNOW OUR SPONSORS!

Today we spotlight: MANAfoodbar - 1742 W. Division, Chgo/773.348.1742

Some fantastic sponsors have come on board with UrbanTheater Company and People*s Theater of Chicago to help bring you the Midwest Premiere of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ by Rienaldo Povod, directed by Marilyn Camacho. We are truly grateful for their support! We hope that you will support these businesses and organizations that SUPPORT THE ARTS!

MANAfoodbar is a wonderful new addition to Wicker Park’s dining scene. MANAfoodbar is brought to you by Susan Thompson of Sushi Wabi. MANAfoodbar offers a full service bar featuring Sake cocktails and simple, yet savory ‘meatless’ entrees and appetizers. It’s intimate dining environment is rich in ambience and sleek style. MANAfoodbar’s wide array of hot and cold appetizers and entrees are sure to satisfy every palette! To make reservations, review MANAfoodbar’s menu or to learn more about this fantastic and chic dining spot please check out their website: www.MANAfoodbar.com. Let them know you appreciate their support of Chicago Theater!

Don’t forget your tickets for the Midwest Premiere of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear!’

Saturday | October 24, 2009 | 1:51 am
Madrid St. Angelo
CUBA played by Madrid St. Angelo photo by Anthony Aicardi (taken during a rehearsal for ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’)

CUBA played by Madrid St. Angelo

photo by Anthony Aicardi

(taken during a rehearsal for ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’)

Friday | October 23, 2009 | 8:31 pm
Beyond The Pedway,Tim Jahn
‘Beyond The Pedway’ interview by @timjahn about UTC with @ivanvega & @therubyyo. photo via http://twitpic.com/mlxxe

‘Beyond The Pedway’ interview by @timjahn about UTC with @ivanvega & @therubyyo.

photo via http://twitpic.com/mlxxe

Wednesday | October 21, 2009 | 4:40 pm
InnjoyPeople*s Theater of ChicagoCuba and His Teddy Bear
GET TO KNOW OUR SPONSORS! Some fantastic sponsors have come on board with UrbanTheater Company and People*s Theater of Chicago to help bring you the Midwest Premiere of “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” by Rienaldo Povod. We are truly grateful for their support! We hope that you will support these businesses and organizations that SUPPORT THE ARTS! Today we spotlight: INNJOY Wine & Dine: 2051 W. Division Street/Hoyne - (773) 394-2066 A long time staple of Wicker Park Nightlife, INNJOY is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations. Their motto, ‘Eat to the Beat’, says it all! Every night of the week you can find a sampling of fantastic food and drink specials and some of the best and most eclectic music you’re likely to hear anywhere in the city. Monday Nights - are out of control with 25 cent Wings, $4 Jamo shots and $3 Lite and Hi Life Bottles (and Monday Night Football).  - I love the wings! Friday Nights - Rule with Madrid St. Angelo (playing ‘Joseph Cuba’), Its girl Jen Lungo slinging cocktails and attitude behind the bar and DJ Scratch and Sniff offering up the very best in soul, hip hop, funk dance and Retro! Friday nights are truly unstoppable. Plus those $6 buck Jager shots and the $9.95 All You Can Eat Fish Fry is to be reckoned with. Saturday Night - are SIMPLY OFF THE CHAIN! If you like 80’s music, then look no further than INNJOY for your one stop Saturday Night Party Destination. Once of Chicago’s Best Kept Secrets….Word is Out! DJ Todd Modd has created one of the most celebrated and talked about 80’s nights in the city. From MJ to the Cutting Crew, from Guns and Roses to Berlin…..Todd plays ‘em all. 80’ music, retro video, killer drink specials ($6 buck Vodka Banzai’s) and the best dance party in the hood….look no further…and best of all…NO COVER!****SPECIAL OFFER to ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ patrons: make your pre-show dinner reservation at INNJOY and receive a complimentary Glass of Wine or Cocktail or bring in your Program after the show and receive a complimentary ‘shot’ to get your juices flowing for some after show delight! For tickets to the Midwest Premiere of “Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ go to: www.bit.ly/cubaandhisteddybear

GET TO KNOW OUR SPONSORS!

Some fantastic sponsors have come on board with UrbanTheater Company and People*s Theater of Chicago to help bring you the Midwest Premiere of “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” by Rienaldo Povod. We are truly grateful for their support! We hope that you will support these businesses and organizations that SUPPORT THE ARTS! Today we spotlight:

INNJOY Wine & Dine: 2051 W. Division Street/Hoyne - (773) 394-2066

A long time staple of Wicker Park Nightlife, INNJOY is one of Chicago’s most popular destinations. Their motto, ‘Eat to the Beat’, says it all! Every night of the week you can find a sampling of fantastic food and drink specials and some of the best and most eclectic music you’re likely to hear anywhere in the city.

Monday Nights - are out of control with 25 cent Wings, $4 Jamo shots and $3 Lite and Hi Life Bottles (and Monday Night Football).  - I love the wings!

Friday Nights - Rule with Madrid St. Angelo (playing ‘Joseph Cuba’), Its girl Jen Lungo slinging cocktails and attitude behind the bar and DJ Scratch and Sniff offering up the very best in soul, hip hop, funk dance and Retro! Friday nights are truly unstoppable. Plus those $6 buck Jager shots and the $9.95 All You Can Eat Fish Fry is to be reckoned with.

Saturday Night - are SIMPLY OFF THE CHAIN! If you like 80’s music, then look no further than INNJOY for your one stop Saturday Night Party Destination. Once of Chicago’s Best Kept Secrets….Word is Out! DJ Todd Modd has created one of the most celebrated and talked about 80’s nights in the city. From MJ to the Cutting Crew, from Guns and Roses to Berlin…..Todd plays ‘em all. 80’ music, retro video, killer drink specials ($6 buck Vodka Banzai’s) and the best dance party in the hood….look no further…and best of all…NO COVER!

****SPECIAL OFFER to ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ patrons: make your pre-show dinner reservation at INNJOY and receive a complimentary Glass of Wine or Cocktail or bring in your Program after the show and receive a complimentary ‘shot’ to get your juices flowing for some after show delight!

For tickets to the Midwest Premiere of “Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ go to: www.bit.ly/cubaandhisteddybear

Wednesday | October 21, 2009 | 4:00 pm
Rienaldo Povod,People*s Theater of Chicago
WHO WAS REINALDO POVOD? Reinaldo Povod grew up on the Lower East Side of New York City, the son of a Puerto Rican mother and a Cuban father of Russian descent. At 17 he was discovered by Bill Hart, the literary manager of the Public Theater, who attended his play “Cries and Shouts” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where Mr. Povod was a protege of the late Miguel Piñero. Mr. Hart brought Mr. Povod to the attention of Joseph Papp, who invited him to become a resident playwright at the Public Theater. Reinaldo Povod, authored two plays “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” and “La Puta Vida Trilogy.” Mr. Povod (pronounced puh-VAHD) quickly achieved prominence when his first full-length play, “Cuba and His Teddy Bear,” was produced by Joseph Papp in 1986 at the Public Theater and then on Broadway, with Robert De Niro in the role of Joseph Cuba, a drug dealer, and Ralph Macchio in the role of his sensitive son, Teddy. Povod’s second work, “La Puta Vida Trilogy/This Bitch of a Life” was presented in 1987. Like “Cuba,” the three one-act plays presented a grim picture of life on the Lower East Side. Reinaldo Povod died at the age of 34 from AIDS.

WHO WAS REINALDO POVOD?

Reinaldo Povod grew up on the Lower East Side of New York City, the son of a Puerto Rican mother and a Cuban father of Russian descent. At 17 he was discovered by Bill Hart, the literary manager of the Public Theater, who attended his play “Cries and Shouts” at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, where Mr. Povod was a protege of the late Miguel Piñero. Mr. Hart brought Mr. Povod to the attention of Joseph Papp, who invited him to become a resident playwright at the Public Theater.

Reinaldo Povod, authored two plays “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” and “La Puta Vida Trilogy.”

Mr. Povod (pronounced puh-VAHD) quickly achieved prominence when his first full-length play, “Cuba and His Teddy Bear,” was produced by Joseph Papp in 1986 at the Public Theater and then on Broadway, with Robert De Niro in the role of Joseph Cuba, a drug dealer, and Ralph Macchio in the role of his sensitive son, Teddy.

Povod’s second work, “La Puta Vida Trilogy/This Bitch of a Life” was presented in 1987. Like “Cuba,” the three one-act plays presented a grim picture of life on the Lower East Side.

Reinaldo Povod died at the age of 34 from AIDS.