Too Many Cooks Spoil the Melting Pot

Evolution of a show by 6 writers at the Second City's Training Center in Chicago

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Go see Mary Scrugg's "Missing Man"!


I just wanted to urge you all to see Mary Scruggs' one-woman show, "Missing Man," before it ends its run at Live Bait Theater (through March 2).

Here's the log line: "Missing Man is based on a cross-country motorcycle trip solo artist Mary Scruggs took with a group of Vietnam Vets to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It's a story of one woman, 300 motorcycles and a lot of emotional baggage."

I saw it last night and was blown away. I'd heard some of Mary's stories about the trip, but the show goes far beyond funny anecdotes. It's a great show—funny and moving, and Mary's in great form. And it's not just my take--it's one of the relatively small number of current productions that are "Jeff recommended."

Info about reservations and such are below

So go, already!

--J. P. Stephenson

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Mary Scruggs' One-Woman Show!


Missing Man

Written and performed by solo artist Mary Scruggs, Missing Man is based on a cross-country motorcycle trip Scruggs took with a group of Vietnam Veterans to the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. It’s a story of one woman, 300 motorcycles and lots of emotional baggage. Directed by Edward Thomas-Herrera.

Missing Man opens Thursday, January 24th, 2008.

Closes Sunday, March 2nd, 2008.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm.

Tickets are $20 on Friday and Saturday; $15 on Thursday and Sunday.

For reservations call (773) 871-1212.

Michael Larimer Eats Mud?

Michael's latest show!

"Eat Mud"
a sketch comedy revue written by David DeVries
directed by Elizabeth Bell & David DeVries
Starring:
Noellen Parenteau
Marty Lawless
Michael Larimer
Elizabeth Bell
David DeVries

Fridays & Saturdays thru January @10pm
Gorilla Tango Theater www.gorillatango.com
located at 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave.
*at the corner of Milwaukee, Western, & Armitage.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Megan's show, redux (Age of Entitlement)

This in from Megan (posted a bit belatedly but in time for the second and third of 3 performances):

"Size Eight, sketch comedy written and performed by me and Kerri Van Auken, is proud to present the second premiere of our premiere show, The Age of Entitlement, for only three Thursdays nights:

October 11, 18 and 25 at The Spot on Broadway and Montrose in Chicago.

The Spot has a full (and scrumptious) dinner menu and, more importantly, a full bar.

This time, The Age of Entitlement is longer, faster, and bustier -- something for everyone in a show that's been dubbed a "I Can't Believe You DID That!" sensation by rabid fans and "Charmingly Inappropriate!" by...well, us.

Friends who are far-flung and far-out: send your Chicago pals to see us! We promise a hand-written thank you note with pressed flower will arrive in your mailbox.

And to our local coterie: join us for dinner, martinis...and bling."

SIZE EIGHT

presents

THE AGE OF ENTITLEMENT
sketch comedy with bling

written and performed by
Kerri Van Auken and Megan Powell

directed by
Katie Hawkey

choreography by
Phil Seidman

video by
Eric Patterson, Jamie Weber, Mars Sanford

stage managed by
Jennifer Maravegias

Size Eight's The Age of Entitlement combines the cynicism of Thomas Hobbes, the flair of Kimora Lee Simmons, and the wit (and wit's end) of two women who are mad as hell and just aren't going to take it any more. Oh, and the sass of Willona, the neighbor lady from Good Times. Except from white girls. Who wonder why some people have every little thing handed to them on a silver platter, while the rest are still working at a desk all these years later, just with better computers. Fat vs. thin, rich vs. poor, Botoxed vs. cracked, desperate losers and determined gold diggers—none are spared in this multi-layered, multi-media, multi-celled comedy show. No, let's call it a comedy experience. There ya go.

With special guests DAK Attack

Thursdays
October 11, 18, 25
8 pm

The Spot
4437 N. Broadway, (at Montrose), Chicago

$10 at the door

Visit us, darling, at


http://www.myspace.com/sizeeight

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Mikey Handles Love



More Skybox love from Michael Larimer:

"Love Handles"
Thursdays @10:30pm
The Second City, Skybox Stage
August 16 - September 20







***

Megan Finds Entitlement



















Dearest Friends,

Size Eight is my two-woman sketch comedy and musical project. We are proud to present our premiere show, The Age of Entitlement, Friday, August 31 and Saturday, September 1 at the Theatre Building in Chicago.

My co-creator Kerri Van Auken and I would be deeply honored and gratified to have your support next weekend. It's an exhilarating and just a wee bit fearsome experience to, after working for what seems like a glorious lifetime, present the fruit of our labor and the inside of our brains.

This world premiere will feature sketches, video shorts, dancing, singing, and a little bit of skin. Something for everyone in a show that's been called "Charmingly Inappropriate!" by...well, us.

But perhaps you'll think so, too.



SIZE EIGHT

in association with Brown Couch Theatre Company's

How Now, Brown Couch: The 5th Annual Ten-Minute Play Festival

presents

THE AGE OF ENTITLEMENT

written and performed by
Kerri Van Auken and Megan Powell

directed by
Katie Hawkey

choreography by
Phil Seidman

Size Eight's The Age of Entitlement combines the cynicism of Thomas Hobbes, the flair of Kimora Lee Simmons, and the wit (and wit's end) of two women who are mad as hell and just aren't going to take it any more. Oh, and the sass of Willona, the neighbor lady from Good Times. Except from white girls. Who wonder why some people have every little thing handed to them on a silver platter, while the rest are still working at a desk all these years later, just with better computers. Fat vs. thin, rich vs. poor, Botoxed vs. cracked, desperate losers and determined gold diggers—none are spared in this multi-layered, multi-media, multi-celled comedy show. No, let's call it a comedy experience. There ya go.

The Theatre Building
1225 W. Belmont Avenue
8pm
$15

The ticket includes admission to the festival at 8pm, with the sketch show concluding the evening immediately after (approximately 10pm)

advance ticket sales: 773.327.5252 / www.theatrebuildingchicago.com

Visit us, darling, at


http://www.myspace.com/sizeeight

Friday, July 13, 2007

Michael Larimer and his beard are in a new show!


Thunder and Lightning Ensemble presents:
"The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek"

@Trap Door Theatre
1655 Cortland

Thursdays-Sundays 7:30pm
thru July 22nd


Call (773) 332-9939 or http://www.thunderandlightning.org/ for tickets or contact Michael and he'll reserve the tics for you!
Michael's the understudy but he gets to do the last four shows! July 19, 20, 21, and 22nd! He says, "It's one last chance to see the ridiculous beard that is almost down to my shoulders now."

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Time for another stroll down Kyle Lane...

This just in from Kyle:

I have a show this weekend in Lincoln Park at the Vida Lounge -- it's a new room we're starting.

It's at 1248 W.George St -- basically Lincoln and George -- and it's this Friday the 8th, beginning at 8pm. Would love to see all you guys. We need a good audience because TimeOut magazine is coming to review us.

I also have a pilot that is premiering at the Musicbox theatre on July 20th at 10:30pm. We pitched it to all the networks so it's kind of a big deal. Would also love to see all you guys there.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Megan's new show!

Gettin' Paid, an Improvised Musical

Recapitulation
and
The Second City Training Center proudly present:

GETTIN' PAID
An Improvised Musical

directed by Mike Descoteaux — music by Stephanie McCullough

Sundays
June 3 - June 17*
8pm

Donny's Skybox
The Second City
(Pipers Alley, North Avenue at Wells -- enter off North and take the escalators and stairs up til you can't no more)
$10 ($8/students; $5/Second City Training Center students)

**a Sunday night double-header followed by the Second City Music Improv House Ensemble**

Buy tickets

online:
https://chitickets.secondcity.com/Online/default.asp?brand=Skybox

phone:
312.337.3992

go to:
The Second City Box Office, 1616 N Wells.

A double bill of original improv and sketch comedy every Sunday.

From SC's Web site: "The Second City Training Center presents Gettin' Paid: An Improvised Musical - a production that explores the hilarity in everyday, slice-of-life situations and relationships at the 2nd/4th Bank. Performed by graduates of the Second City Training Center's Music Improvisation Program, the show offers an action-packed set of improvised scenes, songs, dance, and satire performed by some of the sharpest musical talents in the city."

followed by

The Music Improv House Ensemble (open run)

From the SC Web site: "The Second City Musical Improv House Ensemble is a showcase for some of the best singprov talent in the city. Starring improvisers from every musical troupe in Chicago, this bonanza of short-form mastery will change the world, one hilarious improvised song at a time. "