UrbanTheater GRIND

‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ - Testimonial #1 -...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:20:45 -0500

‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ - Testimonial #1 - Epifanio Velez from La Plena Restaurant

Epifanio came to see the show on Sunday, November 22, 2009 and was very moved. The testimonial is in Spanish, but you could tell the emotion in his eyes.

For more information on La Plena Restaurant in Humboldt Park visit: http://bit.ly/5C5VUf

For tickets to see the Midwest Premiere and Jeff Recommended ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ go to: I want to see Cuba!

‘Cuba’ is a co-production with the PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago, written by Rienaldo Povod and directed by Marilyn Camacho.

-UrbanTheater Company (UTC)
FROM the STREETS to the STAGE

Recorded on the set of ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ by Ivan Vega

Get To Know Our Team: Christian Blackburn as Teddy From now till...

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:30:56 -0500

Get To Know Our Team: Christian Blackburn as Teddy

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. Enjoy!

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

I was born and raised in Blue Island, IL; just outside the Chicago city limits on the south end. I moved to the city’s north side to attend Loyola University, and that is where I currently reside. I am half Mexican. The other half is an Anglo stir fry (Scottish, Irish, English, Dutch, German) with a scoop of Native American, and a dash of Jewish to top it all off.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

Son, heroin addict, doormat: Teddy.

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

Honestly, it was the fact that it was paid and that it seemed like a legitimate challenge compared to the show I had done previously that drew me in. I really didn’t know anything about CUBA before auditioning for it. However, once I auditioned, read the script, met the gang (Marylin, Madrid, Ivan) I was fully invested in bringing this monster to life. The script alone hooked me, but the prospect of playing Teddy is what reeled me in (sweet fishing analogy, right?). For a young actor like myself, still new to the whole Chicago theatre scene, a role like Teddy in a play like CUBA just doesn’t come along everyday. And, too, I felt I needed to prove something to myself. But enough of my personal qualms. On to question number 4!

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

CUBA works for Chicago on a number of levels. It’s rough and gritty and ballsy, and with the right cast (which I do believe we have) it is a beautiful work of art. There is a very human connection between audience and actors and the characters in this show. These characters could be your father, your son, your best friend. Chicago is known for its intimate in-your-face theatre; and CUBA is definitely that. Of course there is also the culture which is prominent both in the show and in the environment surrounding the show. Two small Latino theatre companies are able to produce a play, in which the majority of the characters are Latino, in an underprivileged Latino community. It goes to show that in Chicago, art is capable of living anywhere so long as we give it a chance to breathe.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

I think I will just have you refer back to #4, i.e. gritty, in-your-face theatre that you can find in the most unexpected of places, etc.

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?

Who said I like working with Urban/People’s? Because whoever that person is is telling you the truth. This is my first experience with both Urban and People’s. Prior to auditioning I had only briefly heard of them. What I’ve come to like most about these two companies is genuineness that their purveyors possess. Everyone I have met during this process has been very kind and supportive with me and with each other. No one is out just for themselves, and I respect that more than any awards that have been won in the past, or 4 star reviews for other shows, and so on. Urban and People’s have given me a great opportunity and helped me to help them reach its full potential.

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

I do what any other aspiring actor just out of school does, I’m a waiter.

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

Because CUBA is really my first big show post college, I’m going to have to go back two years to my (first) senior year. I did two shows back to back- BIG LOVE & THE BLUE HOUR. It is difficult to say which I enjoyed more because I learned so many different things (mostly about myself) from both of them. But on a more shallow level, I really like playing the bad guy, which I did in both shows.

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

Chicago is what/where I know. I went to school in the city, and all of my teachers at Loyola work in the city. So right off the bat I have a couple very good connections. But beyond that, Chicago theatres are like Starbucks. If you keep your eyes open you can find one on almost every corner. Chicago is a great place to gain experience, meet people, make connections, and it’s just plain beautiful.

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

I’m taking the cheap way out of this. I love everything that comes out of Che’s mouth. If/when this play is done again, hopefully somewhere a few years down the line, I would absolutely love a shot at playing Che. “…lemme lick yer wounds.”

For tickets click: I support Theater in Chicago!

-FROM the STREETS to the STAGE

Interview by Ivan Vega

‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ @Goldstar Audience Review...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:18:00 -0500

‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’ @Goldstar Audience Review - Rated 4.0

Screen shot via Goldstar

Get To Know Our Team: Madrid St. Angelo as Cuba From now till...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:32:33 -0500

Get To Know Our Team: Madrid St. Angelo as Cuba

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. Enjoy!

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

I was born in Newark, NJ., map points of maturity include; Bloomfield, NJ, Alamosa, CO, Pueblo, CO, El Paso, TX, Albuquerque, NM, Brooklyn, NY, San Francisco, CA, Denver, CO. Those map points, however, were road stops; nightmarish blips and bridges back to Brooklyn; where I grew up. My Mother was Spanish, Irish and Native American. Her people came from Spain, settled in the Southwest and married into Apache and Shoshone Tribes. My great grandfather, from whom I get my name; Emiterio Madrid married an Irish woman; Emilia Grant; a descendant of Hiram Ulysses S. Grant; the 18th President of the United States. My father’s people came from Italy; Calabria and Naples.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

In CUBA and His Teddy Bear, I play Joseph Cuba/producer/Artistic Director for the PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago.

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

The Story and the language. I have loved this story and play for many, many years. An opportunity to play Joseph Cuba is one that I embrace and am most thankful for.

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

This is a great story and play regardless of which city it is being performed in. CUBA and His Teddy Bear has an exciting history behind it. It is an accurate and passionate piece of writing from a time and place very different from what most Chicagoans have experienced. It is straight up; a slice of life from New York’s Lower East Side; the mid 80’s. Although the themes explored and relayed in CUBA…are universal themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness, at it’s heart it remains an aggressive, passionate and eloquent play rich with real NYC vibe, sentiment and flow. For ‘theatre lovers’ in Chicago this play is a wonderful part of Latino Theatre History; exploring and spotlighting the legacies of two forceful and underrated Latino writers; Miguel Piñero and Reinaldo Povod. CUBA holds a place in Theatre History and any lover, respecter, or person involved in theatre should see this play. If not for the performances; solely for the writing and the fact that this is a Midwest Premiere.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

That individuals who truly love and respect the theatre have opportunities to get works like CUBA up on its feet. Of course, as with most things…where there is a will, there is a way. However, it is my personal feeling that Chicago Theatre leaves a great deal to be desired. Although there is more theatre being produced here than in NY or LA, a true heart and respect for the theatre is often times second to that of NY’s Theatre Scene. Chicago Theatre is the capital of what I term; Vanity Theatre.

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?

As a founding member of URBANTHEATER Company (UTC)/PEOPLE*S THEATER of Chicago (PTC) it is my belief that heart and respect for the stage are UTC/PTC’s motivation and core. Consistently UTC/PTC has worked to preserve the integrity of stage performance and we have consistently provided opportunities for minority actors, up and coming actors, designer’s and stage manager’s.

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

I work as a bartender at INNJOY Bar and Restaurant in Wicker Park.

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

Directing the World Premiere of Edward Crosby Well’s controversial play; FLOWERS OUT OF SEASON, was extremely gratifying to me.

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

I am an actor; I will pursue opportunities to work on stage wherever I am. However, I do not believe or feel that Chicago is the right fit for me personally. However, I am an actor; I act.

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

I like the, ‘Money realizes yer dreams,’ lesson that Cuba gives to Teddy in Act One.

Interview by Ivan Vega

For tickets click: I want to see CUBA!

-FROM the STREETS to the STAGE

I WANT TO BELIEVE fallbackonthis: Another AMAZING photo of me...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:45:00 -0500

I WANT TO BELIEVE

fallbackonthis:

Another AMAZING photo of me as Joseph Cuba in the Jeff Recommended production of Reinaldo Povod’s, ‘CUBA and His Teddy Bear.’ I love this shot. Photo: Anthony Acairdi

ivanvega: Chicago Tribune’s Gives “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” * *...

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 12:42:28 -0500

ivanvega:

Chicago Tribune’s Gives “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” * * * (3 Stars)

Review by Kerry Reid

Screen shot via Chicago Tribune

UTC Goes International

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:21:00 -0500

UTC

Made In Costa Rica

UTC Goes International

Get To Know Our Team: Julian Martinez as Che From now till the...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:29:00 -0500

Get To Know Our Team: Julian Martinez as Che

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.

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

I’m from central coast California. Born in Santa Barbara, moved to Santa Maria, then to Tucson, AZ, then back to Santa Maria. I’m Mexican/American.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

I play the part of Che.

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

The script, part, actors and crew involved.

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

I’d hate to limit this play’s influence only to Chicago, as it reads for any audience that has a perception of urban life. Either this play can reinforce or tear down former perceptions, depending on an audience’s background. And regardless of the surface content this play is about much more than urban/drug culture; more so Cuba and his Teddy Bear’s content leans more on the relationship between a single father and his son. And regardless of the circumstances all fathers and sons go through problems growing up.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

The community, the willingness, the ambition, the acceptance, and the accessability.

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?

Not many theatre companies are ballsy enough to say yes to anything.

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

Acting throughout the Chicago area, producing internet media, painting, valet on the weekends.

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

Avenue A by David Steen, Cherry Orchard @ Steppenwolf, La Bella Vita by Charlie Berg

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

I think the description from Question #5 sums it up…

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

I wish I was cool enough to remember them all.

For tickets click “Junkie Christ”

Interview by Ivan Vega

What does it mean to be “Jeff...

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:40:13 -0500

What does it mean to be “Jeff Recommended”?

“The designation of “Jeff Recommended” is given to a production when, after the opening night of its run, at least ONE ELEMENT of the show was deemed outstanding by the opening night judges of the Joseph Jefferson Committee. The entire production is then eligible for nomination for awards at the end of the season.”

Photo via the Jeff Awards website

For tix go to: I want to see Cuba!

Get To Know Our Team: K. Estela Rivera - Production Manager From...

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:09:00 -0500

Get To Know Our Team: K. Estela Rivera - Production Manager

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.

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

I was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico and came to Chicago by way of Miami. I have lived in Chicago for the greater part of my life, but have also lived in New York City. I’m Puerto Rican, and love my roots. I was very fortunate to have spent a great deal of my summers on the island throughout my childhood and visit often. I try to go once a year.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

I’m the Production Manager for Cuba and His Teddy Bear. In this position, I have essentially been the Director’s right hand in making sure that every aspect of the production ran on time and ran smoothly. Having a film production background, the role came very naturally to me.

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

When I returned to Chicago after living on the East Coast, I really needed to become a part of an inspiring collective. Ivan Vega and I have a history together – He played the lead role in a short film I wrote entitled Unstoppable Jackie Nava. He hooked me up with Marilyn Camacho and without even reading the play, I was ready to work. This is mostly due to the fact that I knew I would be working with a very passionate group of people. This is essential. Without a passionate cast and crew, the magic cannot happen.

Once I read the piece, I was most affected by Teddy’s character. While Teddy’s character faces very particular struggles that I did not face, I understand his identity crisis. Having grown up bi-cultural, I completely identified with the inner-conflict that Teddy faced. As a writer, I loved the scenes where Teddy is highlighted in his creative process and I loved his moments with Che, albeit heartbreaking. The play as a whole really spoke to me. We have an excellent cast performing this piece.

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

When any story is told well, it deserves to be showcased. Povod has written a powerful, compelling, character-driven narrative that belongs with the roster of plays that make Chicago such a great theater city.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

Having worked in theater communities in Chicago and the East Coast, I have to say that I get the same butterflies with every production I’m involved with, regardless of geographical location. While I certainly have an immense respect for the New York theater community, it’s definitely not the only place that makes magic happen. Chicago theater is special to me because this city is my home. And I find that when it comes to the plays produced in Chicago, there’s something for everyone.

6. What do you 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?

The greatest joy for me was meeting and engaging with people whose passion for storytelling equals mine. I can’t wait for the next production!

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

I am a screenwriter, playwright, and produce short films. I’m currently negotiating an option contract for my screenplay Run and this summer wrapped production on a short film entitled Robbed, written & directed by Frank T. Ziede. I continue writing and am also a manager at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

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

Earlier this year I had the honor of working as a Resident Playwright and teacher for a program called “Project Playwright,” which was run by Northern Stage in White River Junction, Vermont. There, my teaching partner and I taught playwriting to 550 students in Vermont and New Hampshire. Each of them wrote a ten-minute play. We chose the 10 best plays, brought in actors and directors from NYC and the UK, produced and toured them to all of the schools.

The plays, written by 10 and 11 year olds, ranged in theme and style. From political satire, a nerd that just wants to be popular, and a play about a family whose home was foreclosed on – these plays taught me how universal and powerful story can be at any age. This experience is very near and dear to my heart and by far the best production I could have been a part of.

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

I wrote my first produced play at age 15 here in Chicago. The heart of my work beats in this city. While I certainly see my work touching audiences globally, there’s nowhere else I would rather have begun the journey. I will always be a part of the Chicago theater community regardless of where my work takes me.

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

There’s too much genius out there to just pick one.

Interview by Ivan Vega

Audience Review - Rated 4.0 (@goldstar member) “Not...

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 13:38:00 -0500

Audience Review - Rated 4.0 (@goldstar member)

“Not since 1986, seeing Ed Harris and Judith Ivey in “Precious Sons,” have I experienced an ensemble, who risked their egos and loved their characters into a gritty reality…and left me breathless. Anyone who is a native New Yorker will understand this tenement and the souls, which inhabit it. The direction allows the words of a brilliant playwright to drive the action, and the actors to make your heart weep because though many of us would not admit to it, we know these characters and have either run from them or been drawn in by their utter humanity.” - AJ

Photo via goldstar.com

Chicago Free Press review By Brian Kirst

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:29:28 -0500

Chicago Free Press review By Brian Kirst

Cuba and His Teddy Bear -review by Al Bresloff

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 12:18:27 -0500

Cuba and His Teddy Bear -review by Al Bresloff:

Recommended

“This is a powerful story filled with powerful performances…Each part of the puzzle helps to complete the picture that the playwright wanted us to see, and this cast does it to perfection.”

Curtain Call for a Latino Voice in Chicago Theater by Allision...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:51:46 -0500

Curtain Call for a Latino Voice in Chicago Theater

by Allision Clark (Graduate Student at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism)

Dance and art are more well- known in Latino communities, two Latino plays took center stage in Chicago this week.

This week marked the Midwest premier of “Cuba and his Teddy Bear” in Humboldt Park, and the end run of “The House on Mango Street” at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Lakeview.

The Chicago-based UrbanTheater Company (UTC) and People’s Theater of Chicago (PTC) brought Puerto Rican playwright Reinaldo Povod’s edgy play, “Cuba and his Teddy Bear” to Humboldt Park Friday night. Marilyn Camacho, co-founder and co-Artistic Director of the UrbanTheater Company, said she chose this play for her directing debut because the themes and characters speak strongly to her Puerto Rican background.

Since Humboldt Park lacks a theater, Camacho, a native Chicagoan, decided it was time to bring this play to Chicago’s Puerto Rican community so that residents could hear their voices represented through a live performance.

Saturday morning Camacho was notified that the play was “Jeff Recommended,” meaning that at least one aspect of the show was deemed outstanding opening night according to a Joseph Jefferson Committee judge. For Latino theater, “I think it’s a huge step forward,” Camcho said.

Batey Urbano, a small, urban space at 2620 W. Division St., fulfilled Camacho’s desire to bring the audience into the dark, dysfunctional world of a drug- dealing father named Cuba and his teenage son, Teddy. Camacho said she wanted to dig deeper into the façade of drug and alcohol abuse stereotypes in Latino culture and show the characters’ emotions and humanity. Samuel Vega, a member of the Batey Urbano collective, said the organization has previously housed UrbanTheater Company plays and is delighted the Midwest premier of “Cuba” is in Humboldt Park.

La Casa Norte, another Humboldt Park organization, also supports the arrival of “Cuba”. “It’s great that theater came to the neighborhood. I hope there’s more theater in the future,” said Sol Flores, executive director of La Casa Norte.

Directing “Cuba and his Teddy Bear” has allowed Camacho to get the underrepresented Latino voice into a neighborhood that has little theater. “It’s about strengthening those ties with other Latino theater companies and supporting each other,” she said.

Camacho wants theater to thrive in the neighborhood, especially since many Humboldt Park residents have never been to a play, so she is offering a $5 discount on tickets for those who bring in a “Cuba” poster they got from the neighborhood.

“They have to see it because it’s their voice being represented and it’s about them,” she said. Some audience members were so moved by her play and said, they have never seen anything like it, because it was so powerful,” according to Camacho.

Sunday Steppenwolf Theatre,1650 N. Halsted, ran the last show of “The House on Mango Street”. The play ran from Oct. 13- Nov. 8 including a one- week extension due to its popularity. The play is based on Mexican- American Sandra Cisneros’ novel that shares the same name and is based in Chicago . Director Hallie Gordon, 43, and Adaptor Tanya Saracho, 33, explored the themes of identity, coming into womanhood and what it feels like to be a minority.

Certain factors influenced why Gordon and Saracho chose this play. This year marks the novel’s 25^th anniversary, and Mayor Daley announced it as the choice for the One Book, One Chicago program in April. Gordon tries to direct plays that represent her audience. Since Chicago’s population is a quarter Latino, she felt it was time to do a Latino piece.

Gordon said the audience was a diverse mix that included students on field trips from various parts of the city and suburbs and Latina leaders from Chicago organizations. “It feels like a melting pot in the audience in a really, really good way,” Gordon said.

Saracho said it was an honor to write the play, which is based on a ubiquitous novel that speaks to many Latinos. “For Latina women like me, how often do we get written for and get a dedicated space on a stage, and on this stage?” She added, “If you look at it from the Latino point of view, it is us. And it is so important that it is on this stage, this adaptation of this particular book”.

After seeing her play performed by the talented Latino cast, Saracho said, “We can do these kinds of productions,”

Saracho believes that Latino culture traditionally does not have much theater, but she also believes the success of “The House on Mango Street” proves that Latinos are ready to have their culture and stories represented on stage.

“Cuba and his Teddy Bear” will run until Dec. 13.

Photo by Allision Clark

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: WILLIAM HAYASHI - SWEET & SOUR...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:30:00 -0500

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: WILLIAM HAYASHI - SWEET & SOUR CHITLINS

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.

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

I grew up in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, the universe’s greatest concentration of Nobel Prize winners. I’m a Japanegro and was multi-ethnic way before Barack Obama. The only drawback to my particular racial blend is trying to find a restaurant that won’t throw me out when I ask for Sweet and Sour Chitlins.

2. What is your position in Cuba?

I serve as UTC’s Business Relations Manager but find myself often performing technical support for the various productions in the areas of A/V, electrical/electronic design, typesetting, promotional materials design, etc.

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

A quick call in the afternoon when the master audio cue computer crapped out. On this production I have had less interaction due to my first novel, Discovery, The First Volume of the Darkside Trilogy, coming out November 17th. I was fortunate enough to have the parts available to completely build and configure the replacement system for the show’s sound hours before the performance started.

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

Cuba, at its very heart is a drama that exposes the greater Chicago theater-going audience to a side of Latino culture that is directly “from the streets,” the larger mission for UTC and Peoples Theater. The show itself provides a truth about its subject matter that is as visceral as it is entertaining.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you?

The short answer is that it’s not New York. In other words the performances are less stylized and closer to real life. Overall I like theater in both cities, however here in Chicago the feel is more genuine and less Bob Fosse-esk “showtime.”

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?

I began my relationship with UTC during their show Runaways. At that time I was managing a production facility where we constructed a “black box” theater within the building specifically for the show. The relationship between the UTC Collective and myself grew into a much more formal collaboration to where I actively participate in the business end of the company.

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

I have been in the IT industry since 1970, owning my own consultancy since the early 1980s. Since this summer though, my writing has been broadening out with a win for Best Script in Chicago’s leg of the 48 Hour Film Project. This year the script I wrote for Structure Productions’ team won for best overall script in Chicago and Audience Choice for Best Script. Three weeks later my short story Your 2 O’Clock is Here was turned into a screenplay and filmed and has been screened to critical acclaim.

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

I enjoyed Broken Thread, UTC’s previous production. I also had the good fortune to make my Chicago stage debut in a taped monologue in the play. There’s no better way to appear in a play than to have your performance taped so you don’t even have to be in the same Zip Code during the play’s run.

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

I love this town. I also find the people just as talented here as anywhere else, and much more genuine.

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

I can’t really say. There are so many compelling lines and exchanges in the script that it’s hard to pick.

Interview by Ivan Vega

Photo by Ivana Biederman

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: CINDY HARDY - DESIGNER From now till the...

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 03:37:00 -0500

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: CINDY HARDY - DESIGNER

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.

1. Where are you from? Born at Norwegian American Hospital, grew up on the far northwest-side of Chicago. What is your ethnicity? Norwegian (mom), German (dad)

2. What is your position in Cuba? Graphic Designer/Marketing Consultant

3. What drew you to want to work on Cuba and His Teddy Bear? Fate; the mission of UTC/PTC; Ivan & Madrid’s energy and professionalism.

4. Why is this a great piece of theater for Chicago? The piece exemplifies human survival. It crosses cultures, work ethics and dreams for future generations to have better than the present generation; yet blinding love and inate struggle to survive - lay as an undercurrent of personal objectives.

5. What makes Chicago Theater great to you? The cultural diversity

6. What do like about working with UTC/PTC? The passion of the people involved in UTC/PTC, the energy and their passionate commitment.

7. What do you do for work outside of your position in Cuba? As I live 70 miles west of the Chicago lakefront - in the cornfields, working in the city is a gift. For the past 7 years I work on my own business; Designers Ink, a marketing/communications company. I also rehab houses in blightened neighborhoods in the poverty-strickened, westside of Rockford, Illinois. For the past 4 years I have mentored a college-age Entrepreneur. My passion lies in art - in whatever form - as an expression from the heart.

8. Also maybe, other than Cuba, what is your favorite play that you have worked on? n/a

9. Why are you pursuing theater in Chicago, rather than somewhere else? I love working with people in the neighborhoods within Chicago. As the melting pot of America - I feel energized and invigorated by the diversity of cultures.

10. What’s your favorite line from a play? Can’t wait to see the play!

Interview by Ivan Vega

Photo/Design by Cindy Hardy

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: 1ST UP - CAROL KARAGUEZ From now till the...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:40:00 -0500

GET TO KNOW OUR TEAM: 1ST UP - CAROL KARAGUEZ

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.

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)

Interview by Ivan Vega

Photo by Anthony Aicardi

‘Cuba’ is Jeff Recommended! Cuba and His Teddy Bear...

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:48:00 -0500

‘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 and His Teddy Bear’ is on the top FIVE TO...

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:37:00 -0500

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

Thanks Rebecca Palmore!

Official Jeff Recommended ‘Cuba and His Teddy Bear’...

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:50:47 -0500

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)