direction tour marketing + promotion blog » Musical

Always, Patsy Cline @ Fox Valley Repertory

Brandon Wetherbee — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:00:50 +0000

Patsy Cline is American music. She sang about heartbreak and loss in a way that made drinking whiskey and staring ahead sensible and necessary. She passed away much too soon. Rather than miss out on her wonderful and contemplative beautiful music, celebrate her work by seeing new up and coming singers and performers interpret her work. The Fox Valley Repertory is currently staging “Always, Patsy Cline,” a musical that celebrates the artists life and music. The piece is about Cline’s friendship with a fan from Texas. The audience is treated to the story via letters told through song. If you’re a fan of the country legend, this is for you. If you’re not sure if you’re a fan, listen to “Crazy” and you will be.

Direction has been spreading the word about this musical throughout the western suburbs.

“Always, Patsy Cline” runs until May 15 at the Fox Valley Repertory. Visit foxvalleyrep.org for showtimes, tickets and more.

Million Dollar Quartet @ Apollo Theater

Zeb Resman — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:58:21 +0000

What’s to be said about MDQ that we haven’t said before? The runaway hit musical which is now on Broadway has a new cast and an extended run right here in Chicago! Come see the story of how Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins and Elvis Presley played at Sun Records’ storefront studio in Memphis for the first and only time.

We are working with our friends at Allied Live to launch another poster distribution in Chicago. We’ve been promoting MDQ since it first began two years ago, and we couldn’t be happier with the shows success. With performances scheduled through September, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t see it!

Please visit www.apollochicago.com 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.

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

Pride and Prejudice @ Athenaeum Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:51:29 +0000

The classic tale by Jane Austen courtesy of Chamber Opera Chicago makes its way to the stage of the Athenaeum Theatre for it’s Chicago debut! We previously worked with Chamber Opera Chicago on their annual holiday classic Amuhl and the Night Visitors, and we are very excited that they invited us to work with them again on their latest production.

We’ve begun a distribution to bring our allotted materials to various points in Chicago. Pride and Prejudice is only in town for three performances, so be sure to get tickets before it’s too late!

Pride and Prejudice is at the Athenaeum Theatre February 27th, March 6th, and 7th. Please visit www.chamberoperachicago.org for more information.

Million Dollar Quartet Coasters!!!

Zeb Resman — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:04 +0000

Soon, the unstoppable Million Dollar Quartet will be debuting on Broadway. But, that doesn’t mean the curtain is closing in Chicago just yet. MDQ is back for another extension, this time through the month of March! We have played a significant role in the promotion of this production over the past year, doing everything from hand-2-hand distributions to banner back pack promos, to on-the-street video interviews. This time around, we’ll be distributing coasters to bars, pubs, theaters, and other venues in the city. If you happen to spot one, be sure to hold on to it in order to get an $8 discount on select tickets!

Million Dollar Quartet is at the Apollo Theater through March 28th. Please visit www.apollochicago.com for more information.

The Last of the Dragons @ Lifeline Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 17:25:51 +0000

Lifeline Theatre is excited to bring The Last of the Dragons to life on stage! Based on the story by Edith Nesbit and adapted by David Bareford, Dragons takes place in the land of Astoria, where tradition dictates that every princess be given to a fire-breathing dragon so she can be saved by a handsome prince. But what happens when this tradition is challenged?

We have begun a citywide distribution in support of The Last of the Dragons, bringing handbills and posters to all corners of the city. Don’t miss this very entertaining production that’s fun for the whole family!

The Last of the Dragons is playing at Lifeline Theater through February 10th. Please visit www.lifelinetheatre.com for more information.

In The Heights @ Cadillac Palace Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:00:51 +0000

Broadway in Chicago brings it’s latest musical to the Cadillac Palace Theatre stage! In The Heights, the 2008 Tony Award winning best musical, includes an amazing cast, incredible dancing and a gripping tale of hope and self-discovery. We’re in the middle of a full scale distribution, blanketing the city with posters and flyers. Be sure to see the musical The New York Times calls, “A musical about chasing your dreams and finding your true home, with enough energy to light up the George Washington Bridge”.

And being in the holiday mood, Broadway in Chicago is offering a great deal on tickets!:

SPECIAL OFFER BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS – TICKETS ONLY $35!

Savings of up to 30% for select performances*.

Use code TRAIN for any Mon-Thu or Sun evening performance through Dec 23.

Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com for tickets.

The Snow Queen @ Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:24:36 +0000

Returning for it’s fourth year here in Chicago, The Snow Queen is a wonderful holiday show for the entire family. Based on the classic tale by Hans Christian Anderson, The Snow Queen is brought to life on stage with a wonderous musical score and amazing puppetry that will entertain audiences of all ages. In order to help Victory Gardens promote this highly anticipated production, we will be launching an aggressive retail distribution campaign, in addition to executing a hand-to-hand distribution downtown near Water Tower Place Mall. Keep an eye out for our staff this Saturday, and don’t be afraid to grab a flyer and pose for a photo as well!

The Snow Queen is at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre through December 27th. Visit www.victorygardens.org for more information.

Von Heidecke’s Chicago Festival Ballet Nutcracker @ Francis W. Parker School

Zeb Resman — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 17:23:47 +0000

The classical ballet production makes its way to the Francis W. Parker School for the holiday season. As part of Chicago Festival Ballet, The Nutcracker will be appearing for an afternoon performance, featuring world class dancers and some of Chicagoland’s most talented dance students.

We’ve begun a massive poster campaign in order to help bolster the profile of the performance. Since this is a one-time only engagement, tickets are sure to become scarce fairly quick. Get yours before it’s too late!

Von Heideke’s Chicago Festival Ballet’s The Nutcracker is at Francis W. Parker School in the Diane & David B. Heller Auditorium on December 13th. For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

Million Dollar Quartet: Holiday Distribution

Zeb Resman — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:36:05 +0000

If you were at the annual Lights Festival or Thanksgiving Day Parade, there’s a good chance you saw folks wearing Million Dollar Quartet banner packs, and handing out flyers to people waiting patiently for the parade. That was us! We handed out thousands of flyers (that we printed in house!) which contained $8 off coupons for tickets. MDQ has been running strong for over a year now, and is about to make the jump to New York for a run on Broadway. We have been involved with the production from day one, and were happy to do a holiday push. If you haven’t checked it out, go and see the show that has become a musical sensation!

Million Dollar Quartet is at the Apollo Theater through January 3rd.

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.

South Pacific @ the Rosemont Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:46:07 +0000

We’re very excited to be working for the first time with Rosemont Theatre on the latest incarnation of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s South Pacific as it makes it’s way to the Rosemont for a limited run. The Broadway classic, South Pacific tells the sweeping romantic story of two couples — US Navy nurse Nellie Forbush and French plantation owner Emile de Becque and Navy Airman Joe Cable and a young local native girl Liat — and how their happiness is threatened by the realities of war and by their own prejudices.

Our services for Rosemont Theatre include poster and flyer distribution throughout the Loop and our North Shore retail locations. South Pacific is only in town for 8 shows starting November 24th and running through November 29th. Often lauded as the best musical ever written, this show is not to be missed!

Rosemont Theatre is located in well, Rosemont at 5400 North River Rd. Tickets can be purchased through ticketmaster.com or by calling 800.745.3000.

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

Ma Rainey's Black Bottom @ Court Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 23:00:04 +0000

Court Theatre is proud to bring another play by August Wilson to their stage. The only one of Wilson’s plays to be set on the south side of Chicago, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom tells the story of how a recording session for blues legend Ma Rainey and her band becomes a battle of wills. We will be doing a poster and flyer distribution in support of this upcoming production, and are excited to be working with the Court Theatre once again. If you buy tickets before August 31st, you can save $10 on select performances.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom at the Court Theatre runs September 17th through October 18th.

Disney's Aladdin @ Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Zeb Resman — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:47:47 +0000

This stage version of the classic Disney film is the very definition of family fun. Come experience all of the songs you remember from the movie…live! We just wrapped up our poster and flyer distribution for Aladdin, but the show is still playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre through the summer, so be sure to see it while you can. Aladdin is directed and choreographed by Devanand Janki.

Disney’s Aladdin is at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre through August 30th.

Million Dollar Quartet

Zeb Resman — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:00:39 +0000

The musical that no one can keep down is stronger than ever! Playing through the month of August thanks to multiple extensions, Million Dollar Quartet is still experiencing sold out shows and rave reviews. We’ve been organizing teams to travel all over the city to promote at various events and festivals including Ribfest, Volleywood, and starting this week the annual Movies in the Park. There’s a good chance you have seen or talked to our teams as they are conducting on the street interviews collecting testimonials, and testing people’s knowledge of MDQ. Be sure to purchase tickets while you can, because sooner or later, Elvis will have to leave the building.

Million Dollar Quartet is currentyly at the Apollo Theatre. For more information visit www.apollochicago.com.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch-Extension

Zeb Resman — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:59:26 +0000

Back by popular demand, American Theater Company’s production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch has been extended through May 31st! If you didn’t to see it last time around, you have until the end of the month to catch it. ”This is a Hedwig like none before” says ATC Artistic Director PJ Paparelli. “Think Blondie meets Bowie.”

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is at the American Theater Company through May 31st.

A Minister's Wife @ Writer's Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:47:13 +0000

Working once again with the Writer’s Theatre, we are in the middle of campaigning for their current production of A Minister’s Wife. Adapted by Austin Pendleton into a musical, it tells the story of a minister, his wife, a young poet who passes through town, and how their lives intersect. We’re hard at work getting the word out on this all around Glencoe, and in Chicago. A Minister’s Wife is directed by Michael Halberstam.

A Minister’s Wife is at the Writer’s Theatre May 19th through July 19th.

Chicago @ The Oriental Theatre

Zeb Resman — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:39:35 +0000

Chicago continues to be one of the most popular shows on Broadway. The limited run took place here in the city of Chicago, and featured John O’Hurley (from Seinfeld and Dancing with the Stars fame)as Billy Flynn. For the two weeks it was in town, we performed poster distribution in order to make everyone aware of the show. Winner of six Tony Awards, two Olivier Awards, and a Grammy, Chicago continues to be a big draw to audiences here, and around he world. Be sure to catch it next time it blows through town.