If you are on the prowl for some very funny improv, follow the path that leads to Chicago’s Apollo Theatre at 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. It is there that every Friday at 10:30 pm the hilarious comedy troupe "Baby Wants Candy" takes the stage to perform a comedy musical that, as they say, "Will be the very first and very last performance ever". The reason being is that the audience gets to choose the topic for each show. After a brief introduction the audience is called upon to shout out a musical that has never been done before. For example past performances included "Barack Obama’s Baby Mama Drama the Musical", "My Cat Has Aids the Musical" and "Nobody Puts Baby Jesus in the Corner the Musical", "How Captain Morgan Saved Christmas the Musical" and "It’s 1986 and Things are Going to be Different the Musical"

The show, in particular, that I attended featured "Harry Potter and His 12-Inch Wand". Well, I’m sure you can guess by the title where that show went. With songs ranging from on-the-spot big chorus numbers to less harmonious, more refined numbers, the ensemble injects humorous lyrics into melody created in part by the live band that is also improvising as they go. A story is cleverly formed by borrowing subject matter from the title complete with its own climactic ending, all the while cast members bursting into song at any given moment. Though off-key vocals often fill the air due to the spontaneous nature of the production, the talented ensemble makes this improv show work successfully with use of their quick wit and physical comedy, taking it a step above other comedy improvisations.

The Chicago ensemble is loaded with an all-star lineup that includes two-time "Jeopardy" contender and Second City touring member Joey Bland, and Erica Elam, who has also performed with Second City, as well as Annoyance, and The Comedy Shrine.

Best of all, each show is completely different from the last making "Baby Wants Candy" a show that can be enjoyed again and again.

For more information or show tickets visit wwwbabywantscandy.com or call 773-935-6100.

Of course, no band can duplicate The Beatles, but “Rain” sure does pay an honest tribute that takes the audience as close to the musical experience as one could dream. With a close enough resemblance to the Fab Four (especially Graham Alexander as Paul McCartney) to already create a serviceable illusion that one is actually at a Beatles concert, it’s the uncannily precise music in “Rain” that really cements the experience as a whole.

The show opens with a series of nostalgic period clips displayed on large screens on either side of the stage. Finally, the famous Ed Sullivan introduction in replicated as the curtain drops and the band goes into “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. As the evening progresses, “Rain”, for the most part chronologically, takes the audience into the various stages of The Beatles early on playing songs “Hard Days Night”, “Yesterday” and “Daytripper”. Before closing in on the midway break of the show the band takes on a complete transformation, donning the famous Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band garb and delivering such classics as “Strawberry Fields”, A Day In the Life” and “With A Little Help from My Friends”.

The bands returns from the intermission clothed in the mystical wear associated with The Beatles days with the Maharishi delving into “Hello Goodbye” and “I Am the Walrus” before hitting the final White Album/Abbey Road/ Let it Be eras. With each transformation in appearance the characters in “Rain” take on more and more likeness of The Beatles. The band is also accompanied by a massive projection screen at the rear of the stage that displays a flowing stream of images throughout, adding to the entire experience.  

If you are a Beatles fan (and who isn’t?), it without question that this show is for you. Alexander’s voice is scarily similar to Paul McCartney’s, Tom Teeley nails George Harrison’s guitar work, Douglas Cox plays like Ringo Starr incarnate and Steve Landes bravely takes on the tough task that is John Lennon and does so with the exactitude to successfully embody the famous icon.

The night ends triumphantly with encores “Let It Be” followed by a very crowd-pleasing version of “Hey Jude” that keeps the audience on their feet throughout and has them singing the “Na na na na na na na’s” is unison.

“Rain” is currently being performed at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts/Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) through February 13^th. For more information visit www.raintribute.com or www.broadwayinchicago.com.          

“Laika Dog in Space” the combined effort of Chicago and New York’s Neo Futurist Theatre Company, is a witty presentation that is as inventive as it is funny. With clever props ranging from a host of simulated television sets, lighted space helmets and a raggedy stuffed pooch, the show takes a look at the hype, wonderment and possibilities of what may have occurred once the Russians sent Laika into space – the first animal to be sent into orbit. Unfortunately for Laika, the technology to de-orbit was not yet invented.

The three primary actors, Rob Neill, Eevin Hartsough and Jill Beckman (also collaborators in writing “Laika”) delivered brilliant performances whether it be carrying on in hilarious banter with each other or channeling their humor into song. Aiding the characters in working together, a calming, futuristic voice is heard throughout the show that interacts and sometimes reasons with the actors, creating a feel reminiscent to the TV classic, “The Prisoner”. The band is also very present during “Laika”. Besides their own droll lyrical additions, band members were often ditching their instruments for lines, and guitarist John Pierson even doubled as the “Space Race Host” where he finely portrays a cheesy game show personality.

What adds to the fun is that “Laika Dog in Space” is an interactive production in which anyone present in the crowd can suddenly find themselves as a part of the show. Members of the audience are frequently summoned to join in whether it is to answer a question, take instruction from the actors, read from a cue card or join in as game contestants.

Before the show all guest are invited to peruse a room of installations. Exhibits include a wall of famous dogs, funny and creative works of art, a silver ball that gives off electricity and will make your hair stand on end when touched and a vintage photo booth turned into a shrine that honors “The Prisoner” – inside it’s opening credits running continuously.

“Laika Dog in Space”, directed by Phil Ridarelli, is a very imaginative and entertaining show that should not be missed. Playing Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm through March 12^th, tickets are only $15 with discounts available for students and seniors. All performances are held at The Neo-Futurium, 5153 N. Ashland. Find out more about this show at www.neofuturists.org or by calling 773-275-5255. 

*Photo - (from left) Rob Neill, Eevin Hartsough, Jill Beckman - photo by Evan Hanover
                       

In this coming of age story that focuses on four choirboys (each wonderfully played by women), the audience is treated to a collection of original numbers that are both whimsical and very well sung - humorous songs and some that are a bit more thought provoking. "Escape from the Haltsburg Boys Choir" takes place in Austria and, despite the present American accents, has viewers successfully using their imagination in which the story, set and costumes are enough to create a wooded, European atmosphere.

When the abusive Choirmaster pushes the envelope much too far, four of the choirboys decide to make a break for it. However, the play is much more about an escape. The play is about relationships, self-discovery and hope. "Escape" is well rounded with smart humor, engaging dialogue and a host of songs strengthened by strong singing voices. Jeffrey Fauver (Choirmaster) and Kate Black as choirboy, Johanne, lead the cast with dynamic performances that get better and better as the show progresses. Daniel Caffrey does a wonderful job directing the large cast and the experience as a whole is tied together nicely with a live band just offstage.

"Escape from the Haltsburg Boys Choir" is playing at The Side Project Theatre located at 1439 W Jarvis Ave in Chicago through January 30^{th. For tickets or more information visit www.ruckustheater.org or call 773-769-RCKS.}

^{*Photo Top - (From Left) Jeffrey Fauver (Choirmaster), Susan Steinke (Weiss) and Kevin Crispin (Ingles)}

^{Photo Left - Kate Black as Johanne} 

Hell in a Handbag Productions knows how to celebrate the Halloween season…with, uh… Rip Nelson? Absolutely! You read correctly. In their newest production “Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular”, written and directed by David Cerda, the audience is taken back to 1976 where actor/comedian Rip “Wooga Wooga” Nelson hosts a Halloween special featuring a guest list that includes Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Brooke Shields, Bob Dylan, Phyllis Diller, Donny Osmond and many more. With no shortage of boozing, one-liners, temperamental guest stars and super-seventies pizzazz, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular takes the audience on one hell of a hilarious ride.  

Currently running at Mary’s Attic (5400 N. Clark) Fridays and Saturdays through November 6^th, Rip Nelson’s Spooktacular is possibly one of the funniest shows around. Ed Jones is masterful as host Rip Nelson, capturing every quirky nuance of the character and successfully projecting it in his own distinctive and comical way. The cast is exceptionally strong as each personality is played brilliantly and hardly a moment goes by where laughter is not heard by the audience.

For those of you that have seen other Hell in a Handbag productions such as “Lady X” or “Poseidon! An Upside Down Musical”, you’ll be sure to familiarize with their unique and witty blend of humor. For those of you that have never experienced any of the company’s past shows, wait no longer. You will be in for a night of riotous laughter from beginning to show’s end.  

Open Your Handbag! Please!!!

The Rip Nelson Hell-In-A-Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit

WHERE: Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark Ave., Chicago, IL

WHEN: Sunday, Nov. 7, 6pm—9pm

WHAT: Open Bar, Buffet, Entertainment, Entertainment, Entertainment, Celebrities, Special Guests, Raffles and Live Auction

COST: $50

Purchase tickets online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/133536 or call 1-800-838-3006

For additional information or questions, call the Handbag hotline @ 312-409-4357

Chicago, IL – Hell in a Handbag Productions presents Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon Benefit…a benefit that Handbag fans have come to expect…uproarious FUN!

Join Rip Nelson, the star of our current production The Rip Nelson Halloween Spooktacular, as he presents a star studded variety telethon to help raise money for Chicago’s #1 camp and parody theater company, Hell in a Handbag Productions! Rip and his guests, Bob Dylan, Joan Crawford, Shelly Duvall, Lucille Ball, Charo, Chicago diva Lynne Jordan as Nell Carter and many more* will sing and dance their way into your heart and hopefully your Handbag!  

Guests will enjoy an open bar, which includes Mary’s well cocktails, domestic bottles and Miller Lite draft along with yummy delicacies from Hamburger Mary’s kitchens!

The event will also include a raffle, photos with your favorite Hell in a Handbag celebrities and an exciting live auction where you can bid on a chance to meet the REAL Patty Duke at a Chicago screening of Valley of the Dolls, or meet the REAL John Waters and see his one man show. We’ll also be auctioning off a walk on part in Rudolph the Red Hosed Reindeer 2010, spa treatments and an assortment of fantastic items and packages just in time for the holidays.

Join the entire glamorous Hell in a Handbag ensemble and special guests for a camp-tac-ular evening at the beautiful and spacious restaurant/nightclub, Mary’s Attic for Open Your Handbag! The Rip Nelson Hell in a Handbag Celebrity Telethon. Help us keep Chicago FABULOUS !

Hell in a Handbag Mission Statement

HIAH is dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and celebration of works ingrained in the realm of popular culture via theatrical productions through parody, music, and homage.

Handbag is a 501(c)(3) Not for Profit entity.

*At least that’s who they told us they were….

The Venue, located in the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, was rocking over the weekend as Chris Isaak once again graced the Chicagoland area complete with his distinctive falsetto, trademark suits, witty humor and of course the well-oiled machine that is his band. Oh, and did I mention his charisma? In a well-paced set that lasted nearly two hours, Chris’ voice never sounded better and his band played with a fire that got hotter by the moment. Refreshing with a Chris Isaak show is how genuine and comfortable the band is with each other. Displayed is a chemistry that cannot be faked. Not only is the band’s easiness with each other fun to watch, but there is plenty of choreographed routines they share along with a good sense of humor.

Chris Isaak looked sharp, taking the stage wearing a westernized black suit with silver sequins, but, with such a strong performance, it wouldn’t have mattered if he were wearing khakis and a knitted sweater. While including his own hits such as “Baby Did A Bad, Bad Thing”, “Big Wide Wonderful World” and “The Best I Ever Had”, he also included a few of his own faves by some of his inspirations. Stepping into the crowd and taking a seat next to a woman in the first couple rows, Chris went into Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” and later again paid homage to “The King” with a beautiful version of “It’s Now or Never”. He also included a James Brown number before going into “Roy Orbisson’s “Pretty Woman” during a four song encore in which Chris switched into his famous mirrored suit. As many great moments that occurred throughout the show, one of the highlights was when guitarist Hershel Yatovitz led the band into a dreamy orchestration of “Wicked Game”, undoubtedly entrancing the entire room with his mesmerizing tones and Chris’ heartfelt singing swimming over the music.

Even in the post-Lane Staley era, Alice in Chains continues to establish themselves as one of the best and most durable bands from the Seattle grunge explosion. Now, with singer William DuVall taking the reigns, the band takes on a new identity while at the same time staying true to form. Though DuVall’s voice is similar to Staley’s, he offers a completely different presence – a presence that has not only been accepted by hard core Alice in Chains fans, but one that also works with the band’s chemistry. DuVall is not just a replacement singer, he is now Alice in Chains, and he proved that last weekend as the band headlined Charter One Pavilion in downtown Chicago with the support of The Deftones and Mastodon.

Opening with “Them Bones”, Alice in Chains was off to a thunderous start. Guitarist and founder (along with Staley), Jerry Cantrell, blasted away with low, gut-grabbing tones that seemingly shook the ground. Though an outdoor arena with Lake Michigan on one side and skyscrapers on the other may not have been as ideal as the Riviera or Aragon Ballroom, the band made it work quite well. A set containing roving spotlights faced out from the smoke-filled stage with rings of blinking lights appearing around the beams on occasion. Cantrell and DuVall switched back and forth from center stage to a microphone stand placed on a riser adjacent to Sean Kinney manning the drums, as leads vocals occasionally changed and just for the sake of variety.

Alice in Chains is a fantastic live act. DuVall and Cantrell’s harmonies were warm and haunting. Overall, the sound of the band was dominant, precise, trancelike and forceful when it needed to be, while their presence was dark and commanding. Like any band with so many great songs in their repertoire, they couldn’t play every song demanded by the fans, but it was a fully satisfying set nonetheless. Included in their Chicago performance was “Acid Bubble” and “Check My Brain” from their latest release When Black Gives Way to Blue a handful of songs from Dirt such as “Dam That River”, “Angry Chair” and “Rooster”. The band also played “Again”, but did suffer technical difficulties during the first half of the song as DuVall’s microphone failed to work. Finally, they ended with encores “Man in the Box” and “Would?”.

The Alice in Chains age with DuVall has begun and, with no disrespect to the late, great Layne Staley, it is apparent it will be a good one.

The “Hottest Show on Earth” returned to the Chicago area last weekend at the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, with KISS reminding everyone what made them the rock gods that they are. Though the band received strong support from The Envy and The Academy Is, they didn’t need it. Despite the fact that KISS has been rocking the world for over 37 years, Paul Stanley (a.k.a. “The Lover”) and Gene Simmons (a.k.a. “The Demon”) still carried out the showmanship that made them one of the most famous acts in rock and roll history. With newer members Tommy Thayer and Eric Singer taking on the identities of “The Spaceman” and “The Cat”, this full-on rock show gave fans the chance to experience KISS as though they were still in their height of popularity – in fact this show may have been bigger.

From the opening number, “Modern Day Delilah” off their latest release Sonic Boom, when Simmons, Stanley and Thayer were airlifted over the towering drum set and placed at the front of the stage, it seemed as though the band incorporated something in each song that made the crowd think, “Holy Shit”. Whether a flurry of explosions, giant bursts of fire, or segments of the stage rising to propel a band member, nearly each song was a spectacle in its own unusual way. But not to be overshadowed by the incredible stage effects, was, of course, the music. In a set that lasted two hours and ten minutes, KISS included such songs as “Detroit Rock City”, “Love Gun”, “Calling Dr. Love”, “Firehouse”, “Black Diamond” and “Say Yeah”, also from their latest album.

KISS pulled out all the stops. Tommy Thayer shot fireworks from his guitar ala Ace Frehley and Gene Simmons breathed fire. Not long after, blood oozed from Simmons’ mouth during a haunting bass piece just before he was carried over 50 feet high, above the stage lights, to perform “I Love it Loud”.

The band went on with a six-song encore that kicked off with Eric Singer taking on former drummer Peter Criss’ ballad, “Beth”. While Singer stood center stage to sing, the other three members huddled to his right, quietly jamming in the background. KISS followed up with a couple more big hits before “I Was Made for Loving You” in which Paul Stanley glided across the audience on a cable and landed on a small platform with a microphone in order to perform to the people toward the rear of the arena. When Stanley returned to the stage, the band broke into “God Gave Rock ‘n’ Roll to You” as images from vintage KISS were displayed onto the jumbo projection screens. Finally, white confetti shot out from the stage, transforming the arena into a mega snow globe for the duration of the show, as the band jammed out to “Rock and Roll All Night” amidst thunderous explosions and high-flying stage theatrics – including an ascending drum riser.

KISS’ live show is not just a concert; it’s an experience – an experience that should be had by all rock and roll fans. Should KISS return anytime soon, make a point to catch this amazing show.      

For those who are not yet familiar with Katie Todd, you’re really missing out a very creative and intelligent songwriter, not to mention a highly entertaining and live show. Catchy songs, thoughtful lyrics and unique vocals coupled with an amazing band are the keys to success for any act and Katie Todd has them all. Over the weekend, fans were able to catch the band at the third annual Chickago Social in Andersonville, along with a handful of other performers including Sean Wiggins, Reyna Larson and international DJ, Lisa Pittman. The Pride event attracted Katie Todd loyals, the curious, music lovers in the gay community and anyone else in search of good musical performances.

Alone, Katie Todd quietly took the stage to open the show, headed to her keyboard and went into “This Time”, the full band joining her at just the right moment as the song began to hit its stride and take off. As the set continued, trumpet player, Steve Wright, an integral component to the overall Katie Todd sound, was able to showcase his skills, complimenting each song with just the right touch of horned flair, as well as delivering flowing backing vocals. Katie Todd’s cutesy but powerful vocals gracefully streamed over the band’s melodic instrumentation from each song to the next, perhaps most notably on favorites “Leave” and “Love Love Love You”.

Guitarist Ted Kezios is another reason the band gels so well. Ranging from subtle picking to aggressive rhythms, Kezios also displayed his signature sound in a handful of solos that had the crowd buzzing, especially in the band’s very original version of The Doors’ “People are Strange” where he flat out sizzled.

Despite playing with a relatively new rhythm section, Katie Todd pulled off a fantastic show without any hitches, leaving the crowd with yet another memorable performance that will certainly add to her large contingent of followers. For more information on Katie Todd’s music and upcoming shows, visit www.katietodd.com.  

"The Bad Boys from Boston” returned to Chicago with a flair and command that could only be associated with Aerosmith. This time taking stage at the Fist Midwest Bank Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, singer Steven Tyler and company delivered a thorough set of classics opening the show with “Same Old Song and Dance” immediately followed with “Train Kept A-Rollin’” and “Love in an Elevator”. The large set included three large projection screens – one on each side and one above the stage, overhead panels to enhance the band’s light show that were lowered and raised, and a catwalk that protruded out into the crowd about 30 or so rows from center stage.

The band’s musical performance was pinpoint precise, with guitarist Joe Perry effortlessly nailing each lick and solo, while Tyler, dressed in classic Aerosmith frontman attire, danced around like a thirty-year-old and utilized his vocal range to perfection. The show included staple elements from the repertoire of rock and roll essentials such as a booming drum solo in which Joey Kramer pounded the skins with his hands in a thumping symphony of blistering beats. Perry also dueled his Guitar Hero counterpart (appearing overhead on screen) ultimately defeating him thanks to masterful fingerwork in a series of tasty progressions.

In addition, the band found themselves defending a crowd member at one point. Tyler reprimanded house security after they pinned down a woman who merely ran up to toss a pink boa onto the stage when the band went into the song, “Pink”. “Leave the woman alone,” shouted the famous singer before continuing with, “Security must not get laid around here.”

Included in Aerosmith’s fun-filled set were favorites “Livin’ on the Edge”, “What it Takes”, “Rag Doll”, “Sweet Emotion”, “Cryin’” and a superb rendition of the Beatles’ “Come Together”. The band also integrated a couple more obscure numbers before finally ending the show with a bang, performing encores “Dream On” and “Walk this Way”.