Theo Ubique’s Second and Final Extension of A Cole Porter Songbook Announced
Audiences will have eight more opportunities to catch Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s summer hit. The cabaret of over 30 songs by songwriter Cole Porter, which had already extended for six weeks beyond its initial eight-week run, will now be extended for two final weeks, closing on Sunday, September 15th. Artistic Director Fred Anzevino announced the extension on Monday, August 12.
Performances during the two-week extension will be Thursdays at 7:30 pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7 pm. Tickets (which include dinner packages at some price levels) are $29 – $59.
The show has selling out the No Exit Cafe regularly since its June 6th opening to rapturous critical acclaim.
The Chicago Tribune‘s Chris Jones called it “a strikingly profound meditation on Porter’s artistry”.
The Sun-Times‘ Hedy Weiss said “The show… features zesty direction by Fred Anzevino, ingenious choreography by David Heimann, superb musical direction by engaging pianist-arranger Aaron Benham, and a savvy, big-voiced cast of four.”
Porter’s sophisticated music and notoriously witty lyrics come alive in unique Theo Ubique style under the direction of 4-time Jeff-award winning director Fred Anzevino, with new arrangements by music director Aaron Benham and choreography by David Heimann.
Performing this mix of Porter standards along with some less-frequently heard gems are Chris Logan, William Lucas, Sierra Naomi and Jill Sesso, accompanied by a three-piece band including Benham on the piano, Alan Trachtenberg on bass and Anthony Scandora on drums. The singers are decked out in styles of the 1940’s & 1950’s by costume designer Bill Morey on a set created by Adam Veness. Lighting design is by Michael Nardulli and the props design is by stage manager Paige Keedy.
A Cole Porter Songbook is Theo Ubique’s tenth cabaret-style revue exploring the work of specific songwriters for the theatre. It continues in a tradition that includes the company’s past reviews of Kurt Weill, Jacques Brel, Stephen Sondheim, Harold Arlen, Maltby and Shire, and Rodgers and Hammerstein – in addition to last summer’s acclaimed Time After Time: The Songs of Jule Styne.
About Cole Porter: Born in Peru, Indiana in 1891, Porter became one of Broadway’s top songwriters of the 1920’s through 1950’s with his scores for musicals including Anything Goes, Kiss Me Kate and Can-Can. His songs were frequently performed and recorded by some of the nation’s most popular singers, like Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Rosemary Clooney. The show will include selections from such Porter hits as “I Get a Kick Out of You,” and “Too Darn Hot” as well as lesser known gems like “Let’s Misbehave,” and “Experiment.” He was one of the few Broadway songwriters of his era to write music as well as lyrics. His lyrics are known for their sexy double entendres and extensive vocabulary while his melodies range from romantic and lyrical to syncopated and jazzy.
A Cole Porter Songbook is performed at the No Exit Café, 6970 N Glenwood Avenue, Chicago, through September 15, 2013.
Dinner packages for A Cole Porter Songbook include the following menu options.
COLE PORTER MENU
Appetizer: “Too Darn Hot”-smoked salmon mousse with endive, dirty martini potato salad, and dill dressing.
Entree: Entr’acte of Medium Rare Beef hanger steak with red wine shallot reduction, garlic whipped potatoes haricots verts
Dessert: “Easy to Love” banana butterscotch custard
Vegetarian Option:
Appetizer: Sanguine Beguine — Organic spring green salad with de puy lentils, roasted tomatoes, striped beets and blood orange vinaigrette.
Entree: “C’est Magnifique Byaldi” — Mushroom ragout with organic brown rice, topped with ratatouille, byaldi style mushroom ragout.
Dessert: “Easy to Love” banana butterscotch custard.
TICKETS
Tickets can be ordered by calling 800-595-4849 or visiting www.theo-u.com . Additional information on the show can be found online, or by phone at 773-347-1109.