direction tour marketing + promotion blog » Comedy

Lucha Va Voom @ Park West

Brandon Wetherbee — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:01:30 +0000

Wrestling, burlesque and comedy. All of that under one roof. Watch a man flip from thirty feet in the air, a beutiful woman disrobe and then hear a joke. Really. Dudes flying around, women undressing and comedians cracking wise. Again, all under one roof. Back by popular demand, Lucha Va Voom returns for their third Chicago show. Want to know why? They have lucha libre wrestlers, burlesque and comedy in one place! Really!

We’ve been getting the word out about Lucha Va Voom throuhgout Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods. In addition to distribution we’ve also handled the printing of materials.

Lucha Va Voom takes place November 11 at the Park West. Please visit luchavavoom.com for more information.

F*cking Men @ the Theatre Building

Zeb Resman — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:42:45 +0000

From Joe DiPietro, the author of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change and Broadway’s hit musical Memphis, comes the Chicago premiere of F*cking Men. The play examines ten gay men from all walks of life as they negotiate the before and after of lust, love, betrayal and the pursuit of sex and emotional connectivity. Funny, poignant, sometimes dramatic, always provocative and sexy, the show has been a runaway success in London and L.A. where it has been playing consistently for two years.

F*cking Men has now made it to the Theatre Building where it has been getting great reviews from local critics. We worked with the Theatre Building distributing their promotional materials throughout the city for their latest production. F*cking Men closes this month, so be sure you don’t miss it.

F*cking Men is at the Theatre Building through July 25th. Please visit www.theatrebuildingchicago.org for more information.

Jacob and Jack @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater

Zeb Resman — Mon, 17 May 2010 16:54:58 +0000

Jack Shore, a well-known television personality, is appearing for one night only in a tribute to his grandfather, Jack Shemerinsky, great star of the Yiddish Theater. Backstage in his dressing room, Jack confronts his challenges as an actor and as a husband to his co-starring wife simultaneously, 75 years in the past, Jacob has problems of his own. Actors play their past and present roles in a dizzying display of life in the theater in this time-traveling farce.

Victory Gardens is always a pleasure to work with, and well be doing or best to cover the entire city with posters and handbills advertising this upcoming show. Jacob and Jack was written by James Sherman and directed by Dennis Zacek

Jacob and Jack is at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater May 14th through June 10th. Please visit www.victorygardens.org for more information.

Avenue Q @ Bank of America Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:55:37 +0000

Avenue Q is the smash-hit Broadway musical about real life in New York City, as told by a cast of people and puppets through a hilariously irreverent, Tony-winning book and score. Entertainment Weekly has called Avenue Q “one of the funniest shows you’re ever likely to see!”

We’re very excited to see this critically acclaimed production make it’s way back to Chicago, and are working with Broadway in Chicago to promote the run. Avenue Q is only in town for six dates, so be sure to get your tickets right away!

Avenue Q is at Bank of America Theatre through May 4th-9th. Please visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information.

Welcome to Arroyo's @ American Theater Company

Zeb Resman — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:52:51 +0000

Two DJ narrators spin a heartwarming and hilarious tale of two siblings’ desire to transform their family-run bar into New York City’s cultural sensation. Welcome to Arroyo’s is the latest production brought to you by the folks at the American Theater Company.

We last worked with ATC on their show, Distracted back in February. This time around, we’ll be launching a similar distribution campaign, hitting key locations with our allotment of promotional materials. Be sure to check out Arroyo’s, and learn how to become a supporter of ATC as well.

Welcome to Arroyo’s is at the American Theater Company through May 16th. Please visit www.atcweb.org for more information.

Spin @ Theater Wit

Zeb Resman — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:43:53 +0000

When Brent loses his high paying job as an art director for a big name advertising firm and goes through a divorce, he falls back on his Plan B, resolving to remake himself. Spin is a farce that questions our own identity in the middle of a consumerist culture, and challenges us to consider what happens when consumerism ends and we need to rediscover ourselves.

Theater Wit has taken over the old Baliwick space and has been doing a great job with their original and exciting productions. Be sure to check out Spin while it’s here!

Spin is at Theatre Wit through June 5th. Please visit www.theaterwit.org for more information.

The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee @ Noble Fool Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 15:39:24 +0000

Six of Putnam County’s quirkiest and nerdiest spelling titans want nothing more than to be the B-E-S-T. These lovable spellers, fiercely battle it out for the title only to learn that winning isn’t everything and losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. Before each performance, four members of the audience are chosen to participate in the spelling bee.

This is our second time around promoting Spelling Bee, and we are glad to see the critically acclaimed musical comedy make a come back. We visited locations in the surrounding suburbs near Pheasant Run Resort in order to distribute materials advertising this upcoming run. If you missed it last time, be sure to get your tickets right away to this hilarious show!

The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee is at the Noble Fool Theatre at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles April 22nd through June 13th. Please visit www.noblefool.org for more information.

The 13th Annual 2010 Chicago Improv Festival

Zeb Resman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:10:12 +0000

The 2010 Chicago Improv Festival is hear! It seems like just like yesterday when we were promoting the 12th Annual Improv Festival. This year it’s lucky number 13 however as 70 acts from around the world take over 12 stages in the city! This is already gearing up to be the best improv festival yet.

We are excited once again to work with CIF, and look forward to another stellar year of performances. Check out who’s coming to town and where they’ll be performing in addition to the special events that will be hosted all over town.

The 13th Annual Chicago Improv Festival takes place April 19th through the 25th. Please visit www.chicagoimprovfestival.org for more information.

Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry! @ Piccolo Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:09:34 +0000

Today, 1 in 3 marriages end in divorce. However, it isn’t likely that a woman will lose her head physically! But that was just an everyday fear held by many women pursued by King Henry the VIII of England between 1509 and 1547. Created by The Foursight Theatre Company in Wolverhampton, England in 1999, Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry! is a devised theatre piece packed with intrigue, rowdy good humor and duels of words.

Previously, we have worked with Piccolo on Perseus and Medusa. Now we are glad to working with them once again on this exciting new show! Six Dead Queens premiered last Friday, so make sure you grab tickets while you can.

Six Dead Queens and an Inflatable Henry! is at the Piccolo Theatre April 16th through June 5th. Please visit www.piccolotheatre.com for more information.

How Theater Failed America @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater

Zeb Resman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:08:49 +0000

In How Theater Failed America, Mike Daisey sinks his razor-sharp wit into a subject he knows well: the American theater. From gorgeous new theaters standing empty as cathedrals, to “successful” working actors traveling like migrant farmhands, to an arts culture unwilling to speak or listen to its own nation, Daisey takes stock of the dystopian state of theater in America: a shrinking world with smaller audiences every year.

We are in the middle of a promotional campaign with Victory Gardens, and are quickly spreading the word on this funny, witty, self deprecating show. With only six performances, you’ll want to make sure you grab tickets.

How Theater Failed America is at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater April 26th though May 2nd. Please visit www.victorygardens.org for more information.

A Night in the Catskills @ The North Shore Center for Performing Arts

Zeb Resman — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:07:37 +0000

Broadway’s own Mike Burstyn makes his Centre East debut! The musical theater star sings show-stopping favorites accompanied by a three-piece band. Joining him is ‘Catskills on Broadway’ comedian Mal Z. Lawrence, for a superb night of entertainment!

Last time we worked with the North Shore Center, was back in December for the One Man Star Wars Trilogy. This time around, we’re promoting pretty much the exact polar opposite. This once night only performance is sure to pack the house, so be sure you make your reservations today!

A Night in the Catskills is at the North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie on April 17th. Please visit www.northshorecenter.org for more information.

The Flaming Dames in Nerdlesque @ The Spot

Zeb Resman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:23:31 +0000

The Flaming Dames bring your favorite ladies from cartoons, comics, and the silver screen to life…and take it all off in Nerdlesque, the latest offering from Chicago’s premier concept burlesque troupe. Dressed as the sexiest hotties from the world of comic books, science fiction, Tarantino films and 80’s cartoons, the hottest burlesque performers in the city make all your adolescent dreams come true while revealing their “secret identities” right before your eyes.

New Millennium Theatre’s motto “Doing shows we want to see” is something that makes their shows a unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else. We’re very happy to be working with this brand new client, and look forward to many projects in the future. Be sure to check them out!

New Millennium’s production The Flaming Dames in Nerdlesque is at The Spot every Friday through May 7th. Please visit www.nmtchicago.org for more information.

Endgame @ Steppenwolf Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 15:21:40 +0000

Samuel Beckett’s absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the minuscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale.

We are in the middle of another exciting distribution campaign for Steppenwolf, and are looking forward to seeing Endgame. Now is your chance to see one of Beckett’s greatest works. Check out Steppenwolf’s website to find out how to get tickets!

Endgame is at the Steppenwolf Theatre through June 6th. Please visit www.steppenwolf.org for more information.

Taming of the Shrew @ Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 17:02:00 +0000

Shakespeare’s fiery courtship between the strong-willed Katharina and fortune-seeking Petruchio bursts onto CST’s stage in a sumptuous new staging set in the sixteenth-century Italian Renaissance. The Taming of the Shrew incorporates new, contemporary scenes providing audiences a unique twenty-first century lens into Shakespeare’s ever-popular and controversial play.

Last time, we worked with CST on Comedy of Errors, and are very excited to be working with them once again on their latest production. We’ll be canvassing the city in search of ideal locations for our allotment of promotional materials. Be sure to get your tickets to this must see event!

The Taming of the Shrew is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through June 6th. Please visit www.chicagoshakes.com for more information.

Neil Gaiman's The Floating Market @ The Chicago Cultural Center

Zeb Resman — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:59:06 +0000

The Lifeline Theatre will be recreating The Floating Market, inspired by Neil Gaiman from his best-selling book Neverwhere, for a benefit commemorating the theatre’s 27th anniversary. Don’t miss this magical evening of performance art, music and fun.

Lifeline always provides quality entertainment for theatre goers, and now is your chance to give back, while taking in a terrific show. Tickets are limited, so learn how to get yours today!

Neil Gaiman’s Floating Market: A Benefit for The Lifeline Theatre is at The Chicago Cultural Center on April 19th. Please visit www.lifelinetheatre.com for more information.

Billy Elliot @ Ford Center/Oriental Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:18:28 +0000

The Broadway hit is finally here! Billy Elliot the Musical makes it’s way to Chicago this spring for an extended stay. Billy Elliot is the heartwarming celebration of one young boy’s triumph against the odds. Set in a small mining town, the story follows Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of a boxing ring and into a ballet class and discovers his dream to dance.

You might remember not too long ago we did a promotion for the Billy Elliot onsale. We had staff members with banner packs targeting commuters and holiday shoppers with handbills. Now, we will be staring retail distribution of promo materials throughout the city. If you haven’t done so yet, get your tickets right away for what is sure to be the hit musical of the year!

Billy Elliot the Musical is at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre starting on March 18th. For more information, please visit www.broadwayinchicago.com for more information

Abigail's Party @ A Red Orchid Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:41:12 +0000

Abigail is having a party and none of you are invited, but do not miss the cocktail party just down the block. Beverly and Lawrence are having the “grown-ups” over and this party promises hilarity and horror the likes of which you can not imagine. Such is the scenario for A Red Orchid Theatre’s latest production Abigail’s Party.

We are excited to be a part of another show from our friends at the Red Orchid. We recently worked with them on their holiday production of A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pageant, and his time around we will be bringing handbills and posters throughout the city with a heavy concentration in Red Orchid’s own neighborhood of Old Town. be sure to check out their website to find out how you can get tickets to the show!

Abigail’s Party is at A Red Orchid Theatre February 18th through March 28th. Please visit www.aredorchidtheatre.org for more information.

Spring Semester @ The Second City

Zeb Resman — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:49:31 +0000

Starting next month, The Second City will begin a slew of new classes events, and programs that extend throughout the year. Offering classes in acting, writing , music, and of course, improv, The Second City is the main destination in Chicago for people looking for world class entertainment training.

We will be distributing catalogs for The Second City which outline all of the classes, and a calender of very important dates that you will not want to miss. be sure to pick one up, they’ll be located in bookstores, boutiques, and watering holes throughout the Chicagoland area.

Please visit www.secondcity.com for more information.

11:11 @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theater

Zeb Resman — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 18:51:38 +0000

On the eve of the first day of camp, a group of young, Christian camp counselors give in to the temptations of summer’s last night of freedom, and in the process, unknowingly drug themselves. As the evening unravels, secrets are shared about life, love, sexuality and, ultimately, the doubts of young Christian leaders. This exciting new production is brought to you by the folks at The New Colony , who strive to contribute original material to the American artistic canon, and develop a new theater going audience.

We’ve started an aggressive street marketing campaign in support of 11:11, distributing posters (which we printed in house) in various neighborhoods including Evanston. Be on the lookout for our street team hanging up posters near you!

11:11 is at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater February 8 – March 13, 2010. Please visit www.victorygardens.org for more information.

Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors @ Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Zeb Resman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:07:38 +0000

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Short Shakespeare! productions is perfect for audiences of all ages. The entertaining tale unfolds as identical twin brothers, and their identical twin servants, are lost in a mixed-up world of mistaken identities. Following each performance, audiences are welcome to join the cast for a post-show discussion.

CST always offers quality productions that are enjoyable for adults and children alike. For their latest show, we’ll be distributing posters and handbills to family oriented locations and neighborhoods in the city. Be sure to bring your family out for a fun filled performance not to be missed!

Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors is at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through March 6th. Please visit www.chicagoshakes.com for more information

Distracted @ American Theatre Co.

Zeb Resman — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:06:26 +0000

The American Theater Company is proud to present a new comedy that offers a hilarious look at our modern world. When Mom and Dad’s problems with Junior escalate, the advice from the world around them is to medicate. From writer Lisa Loomer comes Distracted, a fast-paced comedy which explores the challenges of modern parenting in suburban America.

ATC is always pushing boundaries, offering new and exciting shows to their audiences and we’re very happy to be working with them on another fun project. We’ll be distributing a large allotment of posters and handbills in the city and north shore to help bring more attention to ATC’s latest production. Be sure to grab a postcard to find out how to get your tickets!

Distracted is at the American Theatre Company through February 28th. Please visit www.atcweb.org for more information.

January Distribution for The DCA Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:02:36 +0000

The DCA Theatre is always hosting uniquely original productions. Each season,they accepts proposals from Chicago’s emerging and developing theater companies who wish to bring their innovative productions downtown to the Storefront Theater. Currently, the theatre is in the middle of The (edward) Hopper Project presented by the WNEP Theater. Upcoming performances include Wiggerlover [White Boy + Black Dad = Grey Areas], Beautiful City, and coming this spring, Cabaret.

We are working in conjunction with The DCA Theatre, distributing their season brochures all over the Chicagoland area. Be sure to pick one up in order to find out more about what The DCA Theatre has to offer.

Please visit www.dcatheatre.org for more information.

MaTEENée Series @ Steppenwolf Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:26:24 +0000

The MaTEENée Series is a special opportunity for high school students to score a $15 ticket to a Steppenwolf production, meet Chicago’s most celebrated artists and connect with other teens who are passionate about theatre. Each MaTEENée ticket also includes dinner after the show. MaTEENée shows this season include American Buffalo, A Separate Piece, The Brother/Sister Plays, and Endgame.

In order to help spread the news about this very special and very limited offer, we are helping Steppenwolf distribute posters near high schools in Chicago. If you have a teen son or daughter, be sure to tell them to take advantage!

The MaTEENée Series at Steppenwolf Theatre occurs every month starting in February. Please visit www.steppenwolf.org for more information.

Over the Tavern @ Noble Fool Theater

Zeb Resman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:52:11 +0000

Set in 1959 in Buffalo, New York, Over the Tavern tells the story of Catholics Chet and Ellen who live above their tavern with their four teenagers. When their 12-year-old son Rudy questions the Roman Catholic Church to ruler-cracking Sister Clarissa before his confirmation, the outcome is a hilarious yet touching comedy.

We’ll be making trips out to the suburbs in order to deliver posters and handbills to retail shops, restaurants, and other high visibility locations in order to help get the word out on Over the Tavern. Be sure to see the show The Chicago Tribune calls “Absolutely enchanting…a little bit of heaven.” Tickets are on sale now!

Over the Tavern is at the Noble Fool Theater February 4th through March 28th. Please visit www.noblefool.org for more information.

Private Lives @ Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Zeb Resman — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 17:49:54 +0000

Chicago Shakespeare’s Gary Griffin directs Noël Coward’s Private Lives. Divorcés Amanda and Elyot meet up again by accident, on their second honeymoons, with brand-new spouses in tow. Fireworks fly as their reunion reveals just how quickly romance and rivalry can be rekindled.

We will be beginning our distribution of promotional materials for Private Lives this week. Over the holidays, and into the new year, you will probably see our staff out and about hanging posters and placing handbills in your neighborhood hot spots. Be sure to grab a handbill in order to learn more about special rates and discounts.

Private Lives is at Chicago Shakespeare’s Cortyard Theater January 6th through March 7th. Please visit www.chicagoshakes.com for more information.

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant @ A Red Orchid Theatre

Zeb Resman — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 18:18:04 +0000

The Off-Broadway cult hit returns this year to Chicago for the holiday season! Come see the show that pokes fun at L. Ron Hubbard and all of his clones. The Chicago Tribune describes A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pagent as having “a real aura of homemade sophistication, and it uses this very intimate theater to great comic effect.”

We will be launching an extensive promotional campaign and distribution for A Red Orchid Theatre, bringing handbills and posters to all corners of the city. There will be plenty of jokes involving e-meters, Tom Cruise, and Hubbard himself. Be sure to see the show while it’s here!

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pagent is at A Red Orchid Theatre through January 3rd.

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pagent @ Next Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:19:26 +0000

Watch out L. Ron Hubbard followers! The show that dares to poke fun at Scientology comes to the Northshore just in time for the holidays! The Next Theatre is proud to present Kyle Jarrow’s holiday hit! Eight kids star in this hilarious musical parody celebrating the life of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard. The controversial teachings of the church are dissected against the backdrop of a traditional nativity play.

We have been distributing flyers and posters throughout the city and the Northshore. Considered an instant cult classic, AVMUCSP is only playing for a limited time, so be sure to see it before it’s gone, or it gets shut down by the Church of Scientology!

A Very Merry Unauthorized Children’s Scientology Pagent is at the Next Theater through January 3rd. Please visit www.nexttheatre.org for more information.

One Man Star Wars Trilogy @ Northshore Center for Performing Arts

Zeb Resman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:25:51 +0000

Being Star Wars fans, you can bet we were pretty excited when the NCFPA asked us to lend a hand promoting the upcoming One Man Star Wars Trilogy performance. Based on the original trilogy series, Charles Ross acts out all three films with no costumes or props and for 75 minutes, takes the audience on an intense and hysterically funny ride.

We’ll be distributed 10,000 flyers this past Sunday at the United Center for the Star Wars Live concert series. Our staff was dressed as characters from the films, distributing the handbills to all of those in attendance.

One Man Star Wars Trilogy is at the Northshore Center for Performing Arts May 22nd at 5pm and 8pm. For more information, visit www.northshorecenter.org.

Steal of the Week

Micah Taylor — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:07:14 +0000

You may have remembered our poster distribution a couple weeks back for Young Frankenstein and now Mel Brook’s hilarious musical is back in the mix as our Steal of the Week. The classic film is nearing its 35th Anniversary and to celebrate this momentous occasion, they’ll be offering tickets for just $35! Use the code, VIOLIN at broadwayinchicago.com for any Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday performance through December 13th.

Young Frankenstein is currently onstage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. To purchase your $35 tickets now, click here.

An Evening With Charles Busch and Julie Halston @ Victory Gardens

Zeb Resman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:33:08 +0000

Known for his drag star alter-egos in works like Die, Mommie, Die! and Psycho Beach Party, Charles Busch will take the stage with good friend and collaborator, Julie Halston. Together they will recount their journey from campy cult success to critical acclaim on film, television, and Broadway. Both will share the triumphs and tribulations that made for longevity in not only their professional lives but their friendship as well.

Because this is a one night only event, we’ll be doing a quick distribution throughout the city with posters and flyers. Be sure to get your tickets right away for this highly anticipated event!

An Evening with Charles Busch & Julie Halston is at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater on December 7th.

The Second City: 2009 Course Catalogs

Zeb Resman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:27:43 +0000

If you want to learn the art of comedy, you gotta go to The Second City. The institution has become synonymous with all things entertainment offering courses on writing, acting, improv, and music. We’re beginning our distribution for Second City, bringing their course brochures to all facets of Chicago. Keep an eye out for them and be sure to pick one up. Besides a listing of all of their courses, the 2009 catalogs also include a calender of all the upcoming performances and specials events, including the highly anticipated 50th anniversary show.

Please visit www.secondcity.com for more information.

Billy Elliot The Musical @ Ford Center/Oriental Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:11:02 +0000

The musical version of the hit movie makes it’s way to Chicago! Adapted for the stage by director Stephen Daldry, choreographer Peter Darling, writer Lee Hall, and with music by Elton John, Billy Elliot is the winner of ten Tony Awards, and one of the hottest musicals getting rave reviews from both critics and fans alike.

In order to build awareness for tickets going on sale, we will have a team out flyering this Friday afternoon in the downtown area. This is sure to be one of the biggest shows of the spring, so be sure to grab a flyer from us, and learn how you can get tickets to the musical called “the best show you will ever see” by the New York Post.

Billy Elliot The Musical opens at the Ford Center/Oriental Theatre on March 18, 2010. Tickets go on sale Novmber 20th. For more information, please visit www.billyelliotchicago.com.

Souvenir @ Northlight Theatre

Micah Taylor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:10:22 +0000

Like many I’ve spoken with recently, I had no idea who Florence Foster Jenkins was until a recent discussion on the hilarious Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me. Since then, I’ve heard her name brought up more then once in recent conversations. Florence Foster Jenkins’ recent thrust in the spotlight makes me all the more excited to see Northlight Theatre‘s latest production, Souvenir. This uproarious and musical story inspired by Florence Foster Jenkins the “Tone-Deaf Diva”: a New York socialite whose tin ear couldn’t keep her off the stage at Carnegie Hall. As seen through the eyes of her beloved accompanist, Souvenir is a touching and comic tribute to Ms. Jenkins’ sincerity, ambition, deep love of music and complete lack of talent, all of which brought a unique joy to thousands.

Souvenir is currently running and plays through December 20th. Tickets are available here and if tickets are purchased for performances prior to the 20th of November you’ll save $5.

Perseus and Medusa @ Piccolo Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:26:34 +0000

A story of monsters, gods and true love, Perseus and Medusa takes the audience on a wild ride through a world of slightly skewed Greek mythology.

Deceived by an evil king and desperate to win the heart of the beautiful Princess Andromeda, the brave Perseus sets off on a quest to retrieve the head of Medusa, whose very glance turns men to stone. Will Perseus survive the quest and return home in time to rescue his mother from the evil king? Will his bravery prove his love to the Princess? His fate rests in the hands of the gods and the audience! Piccolo Theatre proudly presents Perseus and Medusa as their 7th Annual Holiday Panto.

Perseus and Medusa opens at the Piccolo Theatre on November 20th. Tickets are $27 and can be purchased by clicking here.

Young Frankenstein @ the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:21:16 +0000

Don’t miss this sensational cast, including original Broadway stars Roger Bart and Shuler Hensley as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and The Monster, delivering all your favorite moments from the classic film, plus brand-new show-stopping numbers for the stage, including “Transylvania Mania,”He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz. This wickedly inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend follows bright young Dr. Frankenstein (that’s Fronkensteen) as he attempts to create a monster—but not without scary and hilarious complications.

direction tour marketing is currently making its rounds distributing posters throughout Chicagoland. Keep an eye out for them and remember to get your tickets soon, Young Frankenstein is only running through December 13th.

Tickets to Young Frankenstein begin at $30 and can be purchased by clicking here. The Cadillac Palace Theatre is located at 151 W. Randolph.

The Santaland Diaries @ Theater Wit

Micah Taylor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:56:58 +0000

We’re extremely excited to be working with Theater Wit again as they present their holiday sensation, The Santaland Diaries. We’re currently wrapping up our retail and campus distribution that covered much of our citywide coverage areas and have since exhausted our supply of promotional materials that were printed at our very own printworks.

In it’s sixth year of production The Santaland Diaries opens at the Theatre Building on November 27th and once again starring Mitchell Fain who played to rave reviews and soldout houses in 2008. A celebration of the desperation of unemployment, the insanity of Christmas shopping and the ineffable “cheer” of the holiday spirit and seen by over 18,000 theatergoers, this is a do-not-miss holiday event for Chicago.

Tickets for The Santaland Diaries are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here. The Theatre Building is located at 1225 W. Belmont.

Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings @ Noble Fool Theatricals

Micah Taylor — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:39:19 +0000

It might be a long trip from the city to St. Charles but Noble Fool Theatricals has a long history of being the center point of theatre in the western suburbs. Their home, within the Pheasant Run Resort makes for a a great opportunity for dinner, after show cocktails, and hell, staying the night! Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings , their holiday production, is back to sing songs of the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and a “Plaid-erized” version of Christmas specials to fulfill their mission of creating a little harmony in a troubled world. direction tour marketing will be distributing posters and handbills to our suburban retail locations in St. Charles, Naperville, Bartlett, and West Chicago, to name a few.

Forever Plaid, Plaid Tidings is running through December 27th at Noble Fool Theatricals in St. Charles, IL. Tickets are on sale now and dinner packages are available. More info can be found by clicking here.

Oh Coward! @ Writers Theatre

Micah Taylor — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:08:59 +0000

You’re invited to a marvelous party! Oh Coward! celebrates one of the theatre’s greatest entertainers—Noël Coward. Best known for his comic masterpieces Blithe Spirit, Private Lives and Hay Fever, Coward was one of the most prolific songwriters of his day. Now, acclaimed director Jim Corti brings his effervescent music, satirical quips and witty repartee to life. With the intimate Books on Vernon venue transformed into a nightclub, Oh Coward! is a must-see evening of the most memorable tunes of the 20th century!

direction tour marketing will be supporting Oh Coward! with handbill and poster distribution throughout the North Shore suburbs and the Northernmost portion of the city. Oh Coward! will be performed at 664 Vernon Avenue and please note that ALL tickets are general admission.

Oh Coward! opens Tuesday, November 17th and more information can be found by logging onto www.writerstheatre.org

Blue Man Group Expands Schedule for the Holidays

Micah Taylor — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:56:12 +0000

Blue Man Group is by no means new to Chicago and their current residence at Briar Street Theatre is a must see for tourists and residents alike. We recently completely a small poster distribution for Blue Man Group announcing their expanded holiday schedule.There are now four shows on Friday and four shows on Sunday through Saturday, January 2nd. There are also additional shows added the week leading up to and proceeding Christmas.

Keep a lookout for the red and blue posters at your favorite neighborhood spots in Lincoln Park and Lakeview. We’re also very excited to have the posters printed at our very own direction printworks. Do you have an expanded holiday schedule that you need to spread the word about? Give us a call!

Blue Man Group is currently running at Briar Street Theatre and tickets can be purchased by clicking here or by calling Ticketmaster at 800.982.2787.

The Mystery of Irma Vep @ Court Theatre

Micah Taylor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:35:55 +0000

Next week, keep an eye out for our direction street teams visiting college campuses throughout Chicago promoting The Mystery of Irma Vep opening Thursday, November 12th at the Court Theatre in Hyde Park. Our teams will be distributing handbills and posting posters for this contender for the funniest American play of the last quarter-century.

Two actors take on innumerable dramatis personae in Charles Ludlam’s high-camp quick-change romp. Vep satirizes all that is ridiculous in Gothic Horror, Victorian melodrama, classic film, and conventional theatre. In addition, Court Theatre takes audience engagement to a whole new level by commissioning former University of Chicago math professor, Kevin Wald to create an exclusive crossword puzzle for the show. Wordplay, puzzles, and esoteric puns abound throughout the show and this crossword puzzle is not for the faint of heart

The Mystery of Irma Vep opens November 12th and will run through December 13th at the Court Theatre. Student Tickets are $24 and if you purchase your tickets before November 11threceive $10 off selected shows. For more details and to download the Mystery of Irma Vep crossword puzzle, click here.

End Days at Next Theatre Company

Micah Taylor — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:42:05 +0000

We’re well into our Northshore poster distribution for Next Theatre’s latest production, End Days. Previews begin tomorrow night (Thursday, October 30th and End Days looks to be hilarious. The show centers on the Stein’s and their identity crisis: Mom has been “born again” and spends all day chatting with Jesus in the kitchen; Dad hasn’t got out of his pajamas in weeks and is starting to smell; and 16 year old Rachel is coping by going Goth.

Who will save the Stein’s? To everyones surprise, Rachel’s new awkward classmate, clad in an Elvis jumpsuit arrives on their doorstep to save the day. His big heart and blind optimism is just what the Stein’s need and may be their best hope for a new a beginning.

End Days opens for previews on Thursday, October 29th. Use the code “FLYER” and save $5 on your tickets. Next Theatre is located in the Noyes Arts Center in Evanston. For more information log onto www.nexttheatre.org.

Fresh Squeezed is QUEER!

Micah Taylor — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:31:00 +0000

Victory Gardens’ Fresh Squeezed series comes together for two very special one-night-only performances. The first event is Terry Galloway’s Out All Night & Lost My Shoes on Friday November 15th at 7:30PM. Side-splitting funny and shocking, Out All Night… is brimful of ideas for shaking an audience out of its gosh-aren’t-we-enlightened complacency an onto that uncomfortable narrow ledge where they’re not sure if they should be laughing or crying.

The following week, on the 22nd of November, Fresh Squeezed presents Kearn’s celebrated solo show, Intimacies. In it’s 20th Anniversary, Intimacy reminds us that only when we reconsider the catalysts for public fear and ignorance can we secure rights for the LGBT citizens.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show and can purchased by calling 773.871.3000 or logging onto victorygardens.org.

High Holidays at the Goodman Theatre

Micah Taylor — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:47:30 +0000

This Saturday, the world premier of Alan Gross’s High Holidays will be opening in the Owen Theatre at the Goodman. This darkly comic, boisterous look at growing up in the Chicago suburbs during the early sixties is the story of 13-year old Billy Roman and the rollicking, anxiety-riddled preparations for his Bar Mitzvah. When Billy’s rebellious older brother returns from college during the Jewish high holidays, his family—the little Roman Empire—begins to wobble and crack as it is forced to examine some hard truths about coming of age in America.

High Holidays opens on Saturday, October 31st and will run through November 29th in the Owen Theatre. For tickets, click here.

Heroes @ Greenhouse Theater Center

Zeb Resman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:47:23 +0000

Tom Stoppard’s translation of Gerald Sibleyras’ play won the Olivier Award for Best New Comedy. Brought to you by the folks at Remy Bumppo Theatre, Heroes is a funny, entertaining, and bittersweet tale. We’re excited to be working with Remy Bumpo on promoting their latest production, and have blanketed the city with flyers and posters in support of the show. Be sure to check it out this fall!

Heroes is at the Greenhouse Theater Center through November 29th.

The Walworth Farce @ Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Zeb Resman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:41:07 +0000

Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company makes its Chicago debut following a sold-out run at London’s National Theatre. We’re working with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre to help get the word out about this upcoming production. We will be launching a massive flyer and poster distribution throughout the city. The production only lasts three days, so be sure to get tickets for the show The New York Times calls “ferociously entertaining.”

The Walworth Farce is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre October 28th through November 1st.

45th Annual Chicago International Film Festival

Zeb Resman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:39:33 +0000

The 45th Annual Chicago Film Festival is currently underway! Our friends at Cinema/Chicago (who curate the festival), were nice enough to contact us in order to enlist our help distributing thousands of film festival guides throughout the city. We targeted college campuses and several different neighborhoods to make sure they had the best exposure possible. Keep an eye out for the schedules and be sure to grab one to see what the festival has to offer.

The 45th Annual Chicago International Film Festival runs through October 22nd.

Dane Cook @ the Bradley Center Milwaukee

Zeb Resman — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:39:03 +0000

Funnyman Dane Cook makes his way to Milwaukee this weekend for a show at the Bradley Center. The comic has been accustomed to playing stadiums since his Vicious Circle performance. Now, he’s making the rounds with the new Isolated Incident Tour. We organized a team in Milwaukee that has been flyering at shows, promoting at college campuses, and distributing materials to retail locations in the city all week. If you like comedy, and are in Milwaukee, be sure to check out this show.

Dane Cook Plays the Bradley Center in Milwaukee on October 18th.

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre

Zeb Resman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:59:50 +0000

Victory Gardens’ current production The Eloborate Entrence of Chad Deity, is set in the world of professional wrestling. We’ve been in the middle of a full scale distribution for this interesting show which explores not only wrestling, but also raises pertinent questions about racial identity and pop culture in our society. Chad Deity was written by Kristoffer Diaz and directed by Eddie Torres.

The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity is at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre through November 1st.

Chicago Layover: Pam Ann @ Harris Theatre

Zeb Resman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:38:53 +0000

Pam Ann, A-list Air hostess to the stars, touches down for her first US Tour. The alter ego of comedian Caroline Reid, Pam Ann has played sold out shows on major UK tours, at the Edinburgh Festival, and sold out shows in Canada and Europe. We are in the middle of a huge flyer and poster distribution before Pam Ann’s Chicago debut this Sunday. Tickets are still available, so get yours before it’s too late!

Chicago Layover: Pam Ann Live is at the Harris Theater on October 11th.

House on Mango Street @ Steppenwolf Theatre

Zeb Resman — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:36:24 +0000

Steppenwolf’s current season is off and running, and their newest production begins next week. Based on the novel by Chicago writer Sandra Cisneros, The House on Mango Street is the touching and humorous story of a young girl growing up in one of Chicago’s culturally diverse neighborhoods. We have begun a distribution targeting youth oriented locations throughout the city. Be sure to keep an eye out for the materials, and make sure to get your tickets for this show today!

The House on Mango Street is in the Upstairs Theatre at Steppenwolf Theatre beginning October 13th.