[Thetre #8]
Reviews of plays in Chicago!
Actor John Mahoney is interviewed about his role in the Steppenwolf production of The Dresser, which ran from September 16 – November 14th, 2004. Synopsis from Steppenwolf: “In Britain during the Blitz, a traveling theater company prepares to perform King Lear while Sir (John Mahoney), the actor in the title role, is spiraling into madness. Sir’s devoted dresser, Norman (Tracy Letts), would do anything to help lift his fallen monarch for one last stage triumph. The tragicomedy by Ronald Harwood, the Oscar-winning writer of The Pianist, is performed on an innovative set by Santo Loquasto, a long-time collaborator with Woody Allen. With a cast assembled of some of Chicago’s most esteemed actors, Steppenwolf’s The Dresser is a hilarious and heartbreaking tale of life in the theater performed by those who’ve spent a life in the theater.”
Interviews with three important figures of Chicago theatre, Dennis Začek, artistic leader of Victory Gardens Theatre, and actors Amy Morton and Tracy Letts, best known for their work with Steppenwolf Theatre.
Footage of a rehearsal for Mick Napier’s show “Hot Monkey Pie”. Footage shot by Tom Palazzolo and Jack Helbig.
Footage by Tom Palazzolo and Jack Helbig of Mick Napier’s show “Hot Monkey Pie” at Annoyance Theatre in Chicago. The show features actors rapidly switching between different rolls, scenes, and sets.
Tom Palazzolo and Jack Helbig film an improv rehearsal at Chicago’s Annoyance Theater that is directed by Mick Napier.
Footage of the Chicago Folk and Roots Festival at Welles Park. Includes conversations with attendees and musicians, as well as the entire set of a band’s performance.