The GRIND = Gossip, Rumors, Innuendos, News & DramaUrbanTheater Company (UTC) is committed to the creation and exploration of urban-inspired works that convey, illuminate and empathize with the human experience. FROM the STREETS to the STAGE.
[Now Showing] Midwest Premiere of "Beauty of the Father" by Nilo Cruz, directed by Cecilie Keenan at the Wicker Park Art Center (at St. Paul's Community Church). Runs until November 19. For tickets/info visit go to:
www.UrbanTheaterChicago.org
Fucking A Kickstarter Campaign
After a successful Midwest Premiere in 2011 of Beauty of the Fatherby Pulitzer Winner Nilo Cruz, UrbanTheater Company (UTC) continues SEASON SIX with the highly anticipated production of Fucking A by Pulitzer Prize (Topdog/Underdog) and MacArthur Genius Award recipient, Suzan-Lori Parks. Fucking A will be performed in association with Pegasus Players’ new home at 4520 N. Beacon Street (formerly the historic Hull House).
Fucking A is set in a post apocalyptic world, Hester, an Abortionist, must take life in order to save the life of her imprisoned son. Inspired by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, The Scarlet Letter, Fucking A explores societal corruption, sexual politics and the enduring love of one mother for her child. Provocative and redemptive, this is a theatrical event not to be missed.
UrbanTheater Company has assembled a top-notch cast and production team, but we need your HELP to get us through the beginning stages of this production. Every penny you donate will go directly to the costs necessary to making our production a success. Unfortunately, if our goal isn’t met before targeted deadline, we don’t get a penny. You can donate as little as $1 to as much as you are capable of. Every little bit counts, and we would love your help in making this amazing production come to life.
From its inception, UrbanTheater Company has produced, promoted and performed plays of under-represented playwrights of color, allowing theatre to thrive in communities appreciative of cultural inclusion and accessibility. Celebrating it’s 6th Season and tenth production, the Joseph Jefferson recommended and award winning company has featured a myriad of critically acclaimed Chicago directors including Ron OJ Parson, Cecilie Keenan, Joel Moorman, Marti Lyons and Richard Perez. With eight Midwest Premieres and one World Premiere, UTC has provided tremendous opportunities for actors of color to perform in professional productions.
Fucking A will be performed at Pegasus Players/Beacon Street Hull House located in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood, from March 22nd - April 15th, 2012; preview performances from March 20th – March 21st.
Thank you for your support and for being a vital part of fulfilling our mission to bring compelling stories,From the Streets to the Stage!
Warmest Regards,
Ivan, Madrid and Marilyn
(UTC Founders)
I AM THEATRE: NILO CRUZ
Every since Anna In The Tropics in 2003, when UrbanTheater Company (UTC) founders, myself (Ivan Vega) and Madrid St. Angelo met understudying at Victory Gardens, we have always had a love affair with Nilo Cruz and his writing. Cruz is a not only one the nicest guys you will meet, but also an inspiration to Latino writers and actors alike. Truly gifted. It is like we have made a full circle since we were introduced to this work. Now, in the midst of our closing weekend of the Midwest Premiere of Nilo Cruz’s Beauty of the Father directed by Cecilie Keenan, TCG (Theatre Communications Group) highlights Cruz in their initiative called I AM THEATRE:
Theatre-makers tell stories, but too often, their own stories — the victories, heartbreaks, spectacular hilarity and transformational moments — go untold. To celebrate TCG’s 50th anniversary, and continue our mission to strengthen, nurture and promote not-for-profit theatre, we’re launching a global initiative to spotlight the stories of theatre practitioners in their own words: I AM THEATRE.
ABOUT NILO CRUZ
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida, Nilo Cruz is best known for his play ANNA IN THE TROPICS, which won the Steinberg award, the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and received a Tony nomination. His other plays include DANCING ON HER KNEES, NIGHT TRAIN TO BOLINA, A PARK IN OUR HOUSE, TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO, BEAUTY OF THE FATHER, LORCA IN A GREEN DRESS among others. Nilo has translated Federico Garcia Lorca’s THE HOUSE OF BERNARDA ALBA, DOÑA ROSITA THE SPINSTER; and Jose Sanchez Sinisterra’s AY CARMELA. He also adapted Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s A VERY OLD MAN WITH ENORMOUS WINGS for the stage. Nilo has been the recipient of other awards and fellowships, including two NEA/TCG National Theatre Artist Residency grants, a Rockefeller Foundation grant and the San Francisco’s W. Alton Jones award. In 2009 he won The Laura Pels Mid-career Playwrighting award and a Helen Merrill award for Excellence in playwriting. He also received the USA Ella Fontanals-Cisneros award. Nilo is part of the Playwrights Ensemble at Victory Gardens in Chicago, and has taught playwriting at Brown, NYU Gallatin School, Yale School of Drama, and the University of Iowa. He recently co-wrote the screenplay “Castro’s Daughter” with Oscar winner Bobby Moresco. His new screenplay is “Anna in the Tropics”.
CLOSING WEEKEND!
Beauty of Father is being performed at the Wicker Park Arts Center, located at 2215 W. North Ave/Levitt. Our closing performance is on Saturday, November 19th. For tickets go to:
www.UrbanTheaterChicago.org or call 312-239-8783
Post by @ivanvega
UTC Executive Director and actor in Beauty of the Father
CAST & CREW
Beauty of the Father by Nilo Cruz, directed by Cecilie Keenan
Pulitzer Prize Winner, Nilo Cruz’s ‘Beauty of the Father’ follows a young American woman who travels to Andalusia, Spain, to meet her estranged father. While there, she becomes romantically involved with her father’s Moroccan companion. The lover’s triangle provides the setting for an exploration of the conflict between love and sacrifice.
PRODUCTION INFO:
- Runs from October 14 thru November 29, 2011
- Thurs - Sat at 8pm
- Wicker Art Center (at St. Paul’s Church) - 2215 W. North Ave/Levitt
- Tickets are $20
- Group rates available!
For more tickets/info call visit BEAUTYor call 312-239-8783
UrbanTheater Company Announces 2011-2012 Season
CONTACT: Ivan Vega at (708) 370-3138 or
email ivanvega@urbantheaterchicago.org
June 7, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
UrbanTheater Company Announces 2011-2012 Season with Two Pulitzer Prize Winners: Nilo Cruz and Suzan-Lori Parks
CHICAGO, IL - UrbanTheater Company, is proud to announce their 2011-2012 season at the Chicago’s Center for the Performing Arts, where UTC recently became a company in residence.
Following a critically acclaimed production of Obie Winner José Rivera’s Sonnets for an Old Century at the Steppenwolf Garage, UTC begins it’s 6th Season with the Midwest Premiere of Beauty of the Father by Nilo Cruz, directed by Cecile Keenan (Managing Director of Teatro Vista). Keenan was most recently hailed for her work as director of Tanya Saracho’s El Nogalar produced by Teatro Vista in partnership with The Goodman Theatre. Beauty of the Father will feature UTC Ensemble Members and Founders: Ivan Vega (After Dark Award Winner) and Madrid St. Angelo (After Dark Award Winner, Jeff Award Nominee).
UrbanTheater 2011-2012 Season:
Beauty of the Father by Nilo Cruz (Midwest Premiere)
Directed by Cecilie Keenan
October 14 - November 19, 2011
Featuring: Executive Director Ivan Vega and Artistic Director Madrid St. Angelo
Pulitzer Prize Winner, Nilo Cruz’s ‘Beauty of the Father’ follows a young American woman who travels to Andalusia, Spain, to meet her estranged father. While there, she becomes romantically involved with her father’s Moroccan companion. The lover’s triangle provides the setting for an exploration of the conflict between love and sacrifice.
Vega and St. Angelo recently worked together in UTC’s Sold Out production of Reinaldo Povod’s, Cuba and His Teddy Bear and in Vitalist Theatre’s U.S. Premiere adaptation of Calderon de la Barca’s, Life is a Dream by Helen Edmunson’s directed by Liz Carlton Metz.
In Spring 2012, Madrid St. Angelo’s will return to the directing helm for UTC with the Chicago Premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks powerful and controversial play, Fucking A. The premiere will feature Kelly Owens, last seen in UTC’s critically acclaimed Midwest Premiere of Miguel Piñero’s, The Sun Always Shines for the Cool.
Fucking A by Suzan-Lori Parks (Chicago Premiere)
Directed by Artistic Director Madrid St. Angelo
March 22 - April 28, 2012
Featuring: Kelly Owens
Pulitzer Prize Winner Suzan Lori Parks nightmarish and visually arresting, ‘Fucking A’, based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s, ‘The Scarlet Letter’ is a tale centered around Hester Smith, an abortionist branded with the letter A. This powerful tale weaves together thoughts and issues of redemption, gender, race and class divisions infused with blues and soul.
For six solid seasons, UrbanTheater Company has solidified it’s reputation as part of Chicago’s vibrant theatrical community by bringing ‘to the stage’ a string of Midwest and World Premiere’s with it’s trademark ‘urban’ aesthetic and powerful acting style. Hailed by Chicago Stage Review’s Venus Zarris as “A Provocative theater company”, UTC’s goal is to be the city’s most visible and most ethnically diverse producing company.
UrbanTheater Company has worked in partnership with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, The Goodman Theatre and Columbia College and has been instrumental in working towards creating theater that is relevant and reflective of Chicago’s ethnically diverse landscape. While exploring the question, ‘What does it mean to be ‘Urban’, UTC continues to create works of grace, strength and power From the Streets to the Stage.
About UrbanTheater Company:
UrbanTheater Company (UTC) is committed to the creation and exploration of urban-inspired works that convey, illuminate and empathize with the human experience. The multicultural company was founded in 2005 by a Latino ensemble deeply rooted in their community and culture, who through performance art bring awareness to the social issues impacting Chicago communities. As a platform for multicultural representation in the performance arena, UTC serves as a bridge between Chicago performing artists, our respective communities and the youth we work with. Although UTC operates with an intrinsic focus on creating new works, we also engage in performing classic plays and contemporary adaptations.
For questions, contact UrbanTheater’s Executive Director, Ivan Vega at (708) 370-3138 or email ivanvega@urbantheaterchicago.org. For additional information on UrbanTheater, visit www.urbantheaterchicago.org, www.facebook.com/UrbanTheater, or www.twitter.com/UrbanTheater
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[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE] URBANTHEATER COMPANY FOUNDERS HIT THE STAGE IN U.S. PREMIERE
Contact Executive Director Ivan Vega at (708 370-3138)
or email ivanvega@urbantheaterchicago.org
URBANTHEATER COMPANY FOUNDERS HIT THE STAGE IN U.S. PREMIERE
CHICAGO-IL (May 10, 2011)Two of the founders of UrbanTheater Company, one of Chicago’s leading Latino based multicultural non-equity companies, will be seen on stage in the U.S. Premiere of “Life is a Dream” presented by the Vitalist Theatre at Stage 773.Urban’s Executive Director, Ivan Vega (After Dark Award Winner, “Eulogy For A Small Time Thief”) and Artistic Director, Madrid St. Angelo (Jeff Award Nominee, “A Passage To India”) will appear in the show running May 10 to June 11, 2011. Also appearing are: Paul Dunckel,Vanessa Greenway, Lyndsay Kane, Gregory Isaac, BF Helman, Matthew Allis and Will Gillespie.
Written by Calderon de la Barca in the 16th century, this production features a new version by Helen Edmundson and direction by Elizabeth Carlin-Metz and fulfills Vitalist Theatre’s commitment to plays of compelling ideas, muscular language, visceral performances and lyrical design.
The press opening is Tuesday, May 10 at 7:30pm with regular performances Thursdays to Sundays. Stage 773 is at located at 1225 W. Belmont. The box office is 773-327-5252. For more information in Vitalist Theatre go to: http://www.vitalisttheatre.org
[PRESS RELEASE] URBANTHEATER COMPANY BEGINS THEIR 6TH YEAR WITH A NEW HOME
URBANTHEATER COMPANY BEGINS THEIR 6TH YEAR
WITH A NEW HOME
CONTACT: Elayne LeTraunik/Press & Media Relations
(CHICAGO, IL) March 22, 2011 - UrbanTheater Company (UTC), which begins its 6th year of production in May, announces that they will be going into a new home beginning in the summer of 2011.
After several years of performing at the Batey Urbano in Humboldt Park, UTC has been invited to take up their Season 6 Residence as part of El Teatro at the Center at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) at Halsted and Chicago Avenue.
This invitation caps off a year of high points in the Latino based multicultural theater’s history, including appearing at the Latino Theatre Festival at the Goodman last summer and then being chosen as one of three emerging companies to participate in the 2nd annual Steppenwolf Garage Rep Series. Their current production of “Sonnets for an Old Century” by José Rivera has attracted not only sold out houses but also enormous community response and praise from the author himself, who stated that it was “A brilliant production” and “perfectly cast.”
UrbanTheater will continue their relationship at Batey Urbano for staged readings, outreach programming, mentorship, and the development of new works but their mainstage shows will be produced at the CCPA. The center gives the UTC access to several performing spaces as well as rehearsal space.
UrbanTheater is planning an open house for the public and the press mid to late summer to kick off their upcoming season in their new home.
UrbanTheater Company (UTC) is committed to the creation and exploration of urban-inspired works that convey, illuminate and empathize with the human experience. The multicultural company was founded in 2005 by a Latino ensemble deeply rooted in their community and culture, which through performance art bring awareness to the social issues impacting Chicago communities. As a platform for multicultural representation in the performance arena, UTC serves as a bridge between Chicago performing artistic, our respective communities and the youth we work with. Although UTC operates with an intrinsic focus on creating new works, we also engage in performing classic plays and contemporary adaptations.
For questions, contact Executive Director Ivan Vega at (708 370-3138) or email ivanvega@urbantheaterchicago.org or Elayne LeTraunik at virtualelayne.com. For additional information on UrbanTheater, visit www.UrbanTheaterChicago.org, www.facebook.com/UrbanTheater, or www.twitter.com/UrbanTheater
Lost Sonnet #3: Rick Coca - Sonnets For An Old Century
Our 3rd ‘Lost Sonnet’ Video is here!
Since UTC will not be performing all of the Sonnets at the Steppenwolf Garage, we chose to include the “Lost Sonnets” on video. Enjoy!
This Sonnet is performed by Fernando “Mojo” Albiar
Sonnets for an Old Century is written by José Rivera and this video features: Katy Albert, Ray Ready and Paloma Nozicka
It’s directed, edited and scored by Michal Janicki
Produced by Juan Castañeda
thanks to William Gillespie and Luis Macias
The Garage Rep at Steppenwolf runs from February 11 - April 24, 2011. A three-play pass is available for $45 by calling Audience Services at 312-335-1650 or you get purchase your tickets through Steppenwolf’s website. Tickets to each play are $20
For Tix Go To: I want to see Sonnets!
Sonnets For An Old Century at Steppenwolf’s Garage
¡Be a part of UTC’s journey!
Now in our 5th season, we are overjoyed to be a part of the 2nd Annual Garage Rep at Steppenwolf Theater Company where we will be performing Sonnets for an Old Century by José Rivera!
This work by Obie-winning, Academy Award-nominated playwright José Rivera asks the question:
“What would you say about the life you’ve lived?”
In a waiting room for the afterlife, a crowd of ordinary souls are in route to their final resting place and are given one last chance to share with the universe their parting thoughts. Part poetry, part magical realism, this dreamscape play offers profound insights and revelations.
We have stellar cast and an amazing production team. But, we need your help to get us through the final stages of production. Every penny you donate will go directly to the costs necessary to making this production successful. Every little bit counts, and we would love your help to make this amazing production come to life.
To donate, go to: Please help spread the word! Thank you in advance!
-FROM THE STREETS TO THE STAGE
These are a few photos from last nights event at Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s season kick-off open house. There was a table set up for all three theater companies who are a part of the Garage Rep Visiting Company Initiative. The other two companies outside of UTC are: Sideshow Theatre and The Strange Tree Group. About 500 guests present throughout the evening. We all had a blast!
The entire team of “A Lover’s Dismantling” from our performance @GoodmanTheatre on Sunday, July 25th.
(From left to right: Andy Bragen, Jasmin Cardenas, Madrid St.Angelo, Elena Guiochins, Ivan Vega, Marilyn Camacho, Marti Lyons, Cate Anderson)
Photo by Anthony Aicardi
