I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE Returns to Chicago For One Week Only DEC 9 – 14, 2014
Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE, the hit stage show adapted from the most beloved program in television history, which is produced under license from CBS Consumer Products, will return to Chicago by popular demand during its 2014-15 National Tour. The production, which began with extended sit-down productions in Los Angeles and Chicago and became an audience favorite across the country, will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe) Dec. 9 through Dec. 14, 2014.
Thea Brooks and Euriamis Losada lead the company as Lucy and Ricky Ricardo, with Kevin Remington andLori Hammel playing Fred and Ethel Mertz, the Ricardo’s loveable landlords and sidekicks. The cast also includes Sara Jayne Blackmore, Sarah Elizabeth Combs, Gregory Franklin, Jody Madaras, Carlos Martin,Denise Moses, Cindy Sciacca, Kami Seymour, Richard Strimer and Mark Christopher Tracy.
An “out-of-body experience for ‘Lucy’ fans” according to Showbiz Chicago, I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGEtakes audiences back to 1952 as members of the Desilu Playhouse studio audience where they await the filming of two hilarious and oh-so-familiar I LOVE LUCY® episodes, “The Benefit” and “Lucy Has Her Eyes Examined.” A charming host entertains and enlightens the crowd to the behind-the-scenes filming process of a brand new thing called “television,” the Crystaltone Singers perform advertising jingles in perfect 50s style harmony and the sidesplitting antics of America’s favorite foursome – Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel – are presented live on stage and in color for the very first time! It’s a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience TV Guide’s William Keck calls “the most entertaining stage production I’ve seen in years – including Broadway!”
I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE is staged and directed by Rick Sparks and adapted for the stage with new material by Kim Flagg and Rick Sparks. The creative team also includes Wayne Moore (music arrangements and special lyrics), Andy Belling (music direction), Peitor Angell (original music), Aaron Henderson (scenic design), Shon LeBlanc & Kelly Bailey (costume design), David George (lighting design),Cricket S. Myers (sound design), Diane Martinous (original hair/wig design), Judi Lewin (hair/wig design),Karina Branson (make-up design) and Allen McMullen (production stage management).
The I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE on-stage band comprises Andy Belling (musical director, conductor and first keyboard), Bryan Miller (assistant conductor and second keyboard), Ron Barrows (trumpet), Dave Lotfi (drums/conga), David Olivas (saxophone/flute) and Nicholas Stankus (bass/banjo).
The iconic hit sitcom I LOVE LUCY® originally aired on CBS from 1951 – 1957 for a total of six seasons and 179 episodes and is widely considered to be one of the most popular programs in the history of television. Due in no small part to its relatable characters, sharp comedic writing and Lucille Ball’s signature zany charm, the show continues to endear new audiences with every passing generation. The program was a technical trailblazer, pioneering the multi-camera shooting technique (still employed by the majority of traditional sitcoms to this day) and the use of 35mm film for the capture of a weekly, 30-minute scripted television program (which made possible the re-airing of episodes at a later date, what we now know as “reruns”). In September 2012, I LOVE LUCY® was named the “Best TV Show Of All Time” and the “Greatest TV Comedy” by People Magazine and ABC’s “20/20” special “Best in TV: The Greatest TV Shows of Our Time.”
I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE had its world premiere in Los Angeles at the Greenway Court Theatre from October 2011 – February 2012. A subsequent Chicago production was launched that played two engagements at the Broadway Playhouse, September 2012 – March 2013. The 2013-2014 national tour visited cities including Toronto, Boston, Philadelphia, Nashville and Costa Mesa.
The show is produced by Stephen Kahn (executive producer), David George (executive producer), Allan Williams (executive producer), Jeff Davis (executive producer), Dede Harris, Sharon Karmizan, Hyra George, Kim Flagg, Barbara Alpert, Sophie and Alan Alpert, Neil Hoffman, Nancy Alpert, Teri Alpert andDavid Carpenter (associate producer) , under license from CBS Consumer Products.
For more information, please visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com or ILoveLucyLive.com.
TICKET INFORMATION
Group tickets for I LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for LOVE LUCY® LIVE ON STAGE will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
CAST BIOGRAPHIES
THEA BROOKS (Lucy Ricardo) is a proud Carnegie Mellon grad and member of the now famous off-shoot NYC company Exit Pursued By A Bear. Lucy Live is her 2nd National tour and her first starring role. Thea was happy to rehearse Lucy on the west coast, where she has performed in Jewtopia (Greenway Court),Lion in Winter (SB Ensemble Theatre), For The Record:Coen Bro’s, and worked on TV in “True Blood.” In 2013, Thea released her debut album, “Numb.” www.theabrooks.com.
EURIAMIS LOSADA (Ricky Ricardo) is thrilled and honored to portray this iconic character he grew up admiring. A Cuban native, his family came to the US when he was six years old. Theatre: La Cage Aux Folles, I Love You Because, Jekyll & Hyde (Carbonell Award), Beguiled, Bat Boy (Carbonell Award), Romeo & Juliet (Miami New Times Best Actor of 2003), Long Day’s Journey into Night (Curtain Up Nom.). TV:Cold Case, Trophy Wife. E.L. wishes to dedicate this show to his parents for always supporting and encouraging him.
KEVIN REMINGTON (Fred Mertz) is very happy to rejoin I Love Lucy® Live On Stage. Recent favorite roles: Alfred Doolittle in My Fair Lady, Truman Capote in Carved in Stone and Edgar/Jane in The Mystery of Irma Vep. Other productions: Edward II, A Christmas Carol, 1940’s Radio Hour, Antony & Cleopatra, Comedy of Errors, Guys & Dolls and Romeo & Juliet. Kevin is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and a proud member of Actors Equity. Love and thanks to his amazing family, friends and teachers.
LORI HAMMEL (Ethel Mertz). Broadway/National Tours: Mamma Mia, 9 to 5. Off-Broadway: Forbidden Broadway; I Love You, You’re Perfect…; Unbroken Circle. Regional: The Bikinis (Goodspeed, Long Wharf);Forbidden Hollywood (Jeff/After Dark Award); Little Me (Jeff nomination), Singin’ in the Rain (Jeff nomination/After Dark Award). TV: 30 Rock; Colbert Report; As the World Turns, Today Show, Boyfriendz(pilot). Film: Coen Brother’s Burn After Reading; An Invisible Sign; She’s Lost Control (2014 Berlinale);Coney Island Queen (2014 Cannes). Web: Onion News, Margo Rose Ferderer. www.LoriHammel.com.
SARA JAYNE BLACKMORE (Crystaltone Singer “Ruth-Anne”/Make-up Girl “Ernestine”/Headache Sufferer/Pleasant Peasant/Gal on the Go) is thrilled to make her tour debut with Lucy! She holds a BM in vocal performance from NEC and represented her alma mater at Carnegie Hall. Off-Broadway: Nymph Errant, Sitting Pretty, All American, I’d Rather Be Right and Growing Up 70s. TV: ID network’s Scorned: Love Kills and I’d Kill for You. Dedicated to Steve for your love, Alee for your understanding and Mom for the push!
SARAH ELIZABETH COMBS (Crystaltone Singer “Gertie” / Fern / Dinah Beach / Pleasant Peasant / Gal on the Go / Understudy for Ms. Brooks) is blessed to join the “Lucy” company! She was most recently seen as Christine in Phantom of The Opera, Las Vegas. Regional credits include: Sound of Music (Maria), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), Oklahoma! (Laurey), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Miss Dorothy), and Les Miserables(Cosette). Love & thanks to God, family, friends! www.sarahelizabethcombs.com.
GREGORY FRANKLIN (Crystaltone Singer “Grant Bosworth” / William Parker / Laboratory Tester). Theatre Highlights; I Love Lucy® Live on Stage in Los Angeles and Chicago, Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris, Divorce! The Musical, Light In The Piazza, Glengarry Glen Ross, Man of La Mancha, Joan of Arc, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Galileo, Kabuki Medea. TV Highlights: “Mad Men,” “Samantha Who?”, “Weeds,” “Close To Home,” “House,” and “Young and the Restless”. www.franklintheatrical.com
JODY MADARAS (Desilu Camera Man/Chevy Dancer/Babalu Dancer/Standy for Mr. Franklin, Mr. Martin, Mr. Strimer and Mr. Tracy) is delighted to be touring with Lucy Live! Creator/Star: All Hands On Deck!,www.AllHandsOnDeckTheMusical.com. Broadway: Finian’s Rainbow(with Lauren Bacall). First National Tour: The Drowsy Chaperone. Japan Tour: Irving Berlin’s I Love A Piano. Off-Broadway: Peg O’ My Heart (Irish Repertory), Crazy For You(2008 Zoni Award). Television: As The World Turns. Graduate of University of Michigan.www.JodyMadaras.com
CARLOS MARTIN (Crystaltone Singer “Buck” / Laboratory Tester / Eye Doctor / Understudy for Mr. Losada). His best credit to date is marrying cast mate Kami Seymour! Carlos has appeared in films at Sundance and Cannes, TV, and theater across the country including the Lucy’s 13-14 tour. He has studied at Second City Hollywood and with the legendary Wynn Handman in NYC. Follow him on Facebook at Footloose and Fancy Free, Twitter at @CarlosNMartin, or www.carlosmartin.me
DENISE MOSES (Birdie Mae Figg / Speedy / Pleasant Peasant / Charwoman / Dorothy Day Spokesperson). Original Cast / Dance Captain I Love Lucy® Live on Stage, Los Angeles. Original cast – Tony ’n Tina’s Wedding Off-B’Way, New York. Toured U.S. with her one woman comedy show. Numerous commercial/film and TV credits. Earned her Equity card playing Porky Pig & her SAG card as a dancing egg.
CINDY SCIACCA (Crystaltone Singer “Patsy” / Stomach Ache Sufferer / Pleasant Peasant / Daisy Davenport / Gal on the Go / Bill Parker’s Date/Understudy to Ms. Hammel) originated the role of Miss Santa Monica in the Los Angeles Premiere of I Love Lucy® Live on Stage. Los Angeles: Justin Love, The Life,[title of show], and Into the Woods. Chicago: Tony and Tina’s Wedding. Television: “America’s Got Talent”. DVD: “Richard Simmons’ Project Hope”. Cindy received her BA from Columbia College Chicago.www.cindysciacca.com
KAMI SEYMOUR (Frannie/Standby for Ms. Blackmore, Ms. Combs and Ms. Sciacca). Regional credits: 9 to 5 (Violet), The Producers (Ulla), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Flannery), A Chorus Line (Cassie), 42nd Street (Anytime Annie), Joseph…Dreamcoat (Narrator). Kami is a teacher for CardioTapNYC and also an accomplished choreographer. BFA from NYU. She is thrilled to be working with husband Carlos! www.kamiseymour.com
RICHARD STRIMER (Crystaltone Singer “Chester” / Fever Sufferer / King Katt Walsh /Dance Captain).Selected Chicago credits: I Love Lucy® Live on Stage (King Katt), Singin’ in the Rain (Cosmo Brown – Jeff Award), Crazy for You (Bobby Child – Jeff Nomination), What a Glorious Feeling (Gene Kelly – Jeff Nomination), 42nd Street (Andy Lee). Richard thanks you for supporting live theatre and his wife Ariane for everything! I love you.
MARK CHRISTOPHER TRACY (Maury Jasper, Desilu Playhouse Host / Laboratory Tester, Understudy to Mr. Remington/Understudy for Chevy Dancer) is delighted to be working, yet again, with longtime collaborator Rick Sparks. He is delighted to be playing Maury Jasper again in I Love Lucy® Live on Stage, having originated the role. Mark and Rick go back 20 years, including the multi-award-winning They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
