ESPR Welcomes Racelle Rosett And Her Debut Collection “Moving Waters” To Its Client Roster

We’re proud to announce that prize-winning author, Racelle Rosett, has been added to our client roster. Rosett, the winner of both the Moment Magazine-Karma Foundation Prize for Jewish Short Fiction and the Lilith Fiction Prize, will be in Chicago in October during her 2012 book tour. We’re excited about the opportunity to bring to area readers “the sly, deft stories of Racelle Rosett,” as described by the Association of Jewish Libraries.

“Moving Waters” introduces us to a television producer who moonlights as a cantor, an actress who leaves her husband for their nanny and enters a mikvah to mark the transition, and a young widow who gets her hair colored to prepare for the unveiling of her husband’s gravestone.

In their portrayal of Rosett’s debut collection, The Jewish Book Council describes “Moving Waters” as an “exploration of  the unexpected role of ancient ritual as it informs the lives of members of a Reform Jewish community in Hollywood. Guided by the compassionate leadership of Rabbi Beth, members of the young female rabbi’s congregation discover themselves, their connection to each other and to God. Set against the landscape of contemporary Los Angeles, Rosett’s stories help us to know these characters whose losses and struggles are deeply felt in each story, revealing the importance of faith in a seemingly faithless place.”

Rosett’s work has appeared in “Tikkun,” “Ploughshares,” the “New Vilna Review,”  “Jewish Fiction,” the “Santa Monica Review,” and “Zeek.” As a television writer, Rosett won the WGA award for “thirtysomething.” She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons.

Directors of synagogues, women's organizations, book groups, and ethnic study programs, who are interested in receiving a review copy of “Moving Waters,” are encouraged to contact elainesoloway@gmail.com. Meanwhile, story samples are available at racellerosett.com.

Wilmette couple gets funnier with age

Wilmette Village News
Wilmette couple gets funnier with age
Taubenecks keep things fresh with improv training

by Alan P. Henry

July 13, 2012


Anne (bottom row, far left) and Greg Taubeneck (top row, second from right) gather with fellow students of an intensive class at Annoyance Theatre out of Chicago. photo:Photos Submitted.


Retirees Anne and Greg Taubeneck simply won't act their age. Moreover, annoyance has become their favorite mode of expression.

While many other seniors are engaged in civilized pursuits like golf and tennis and bridge, this Wilmette couple has liberated itself from dignity and joined students decades younger to learn and practice the art of improv at the Annoyance Theatre in Chicago.

"We are the old people there, but that doesn't matter," said Anne, 65, who was a freelance writer for many years for the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, specializing in coverage of food, arts and travel.

"One of the bad things about getting old is the thought that 'Oh no, I am old. I have to behave in a certain way.' Well, no you don't," she said. "This is an environment where you don't have to act your age. It is age blind, gender blind, color blind. You can be a little kid or a teenager or a different gender. That is kind of cool."

Her husband has a similar take.

"You spend your life writing stuff, which means you are always looking at it and second guessing it and worrying about it," said Greg, 69, who worked for Leo Burnett for 32 years and retired in 2005 as executive creative director.

Among many career accomplishments, he co-created the Rhapsody in Blue United Airlines campaign in the 1980s.

"With improv you are making it up as you go along," Greg said. "There is no looking back. It is over once you do it. There is something very freeing and crazy about making everything up as you go along."

The road to crazy has been a long one for the Taubenecks, who have been married for 43 years, have lived in Wilmette since 1978 and have two children, 23 and 33, both living in New York City.

They met while performing in a University of Illinois student production of "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way to the Forum." After a 30-plus year hiatus, they began performing in charity shows for the Evanston Women's Club.

That led to meeting improv star Susan Messing, who was a performer on the Second City main stage and now teaches and performs at the Annoyance Theatre.

Anne and Greg got their improv feet wet with a group called "Mouth to Mouth" that primarily met at people's homes, then took classes at Second City.

They also read "Improvise," by Mick Napier, improv legend and the founder nearly 25 years ago of the Annoyance Theatre.

Last September, Anne and Greg enrolled in an intensive, one-week class at Annoyance taught by "an All-Star lineup" that included Napier and Messing.

"We had a great time and thought, 'Let's take the curriculum,'" said Anne.

They have been enrolling in one-night-a-week eight week sessions ever since.

"The Annoyance way of looking at improv is to be very character or emotion based," she said. "You have a real strong emotion in mind, and you can basically say anything and you should be able to get a scene going."

Anne recalled, for example, her improv as a Viking named Demetri, who confesses while on the open sea to motion sickness and asks a fellow Viking for a Tums.

Greg particularly enjoyed playing a high school football player who at halftime is seeking advice from his coach. The only problem: The coach is a flamboyant drama coach. Absurd events follow.

"You never know what you are going to get," laughed Greg.

"You have to use your brain. It is an active pursuit, not a passive pursuit," Anne said. "You have to really be engaged and pay attention."

You have to also want to cast aside convention, both agreed.

"Your whole adult life when you are working or you are a parent, you are trying to be a grownup and do things the way you are supposed to do them, and you try to be responsible," Anne said. "Improv is the opposite of that. You throw all that out the window. You can be haughty or angry or flirty or anything you want to be. You can be totally improper. It is very liberating."

Chicago’s Annoyance Named Theatre in Residence in Wilmette

After a successful season of shows developed at Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre, and performed at the Wilmette Theatre, the northern suburb’s own eclectic movie house and live event space, has named Annoyance its “Theatre in Residence.” And with the atypical designation, comes a line up for Saturdays in July, September, October, November, and December.

Nili Yelin, director of public relations and marketing for the 98-year-old Wilmette Theatre, was instrumental in forging the relationship. She said “North Shore audiences have proven to be good sports and enthusiastic fans of original, edgy comedy.

“‘Co-Ed Prison Sluts,’ which started us off, pulled in ticket buyers who appreciated the location closer to home. And,  Annoyance’s subversive, edgy, and provocative original material brought audiences back for all of the other migrated shows.”

Yelin, and Jennifer Estlin, Annoyance’s president, executive producer, and owner, suggest suburbanites mark their calendars for the following shows scheduled for Saturdays in 2012, at 8 p.m.:

July 28, “A Woman's Path”
Sept. 22, “Don't Act like a Girl”
Oct. 20, “Brunch Punx”
Nov. 17, “Co-Ed Prison Sluts”
Dec. 15, “Happy Karaoke Funtime” and Philip Markle‘s Actor’s Training Center Improv Group

The Wilmette Theatre is located at 1122 Central Ave., 60091, 847-251-7411. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased on line at TheWilmetteTheatre.com or at the door.

The Annoyance Theatre, which celebrates is 25th Anniversary this year, is located at  4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL., 60640. (773) 561-4665, annoyanceproductions.com.

Annoyance Theatre Suggests Gift Cards For Graduates

Graduation is an accomplishment that merits hoopla and gifts. While many proud parents, friends, and relatives might think “tech,” “cash,” or some other reward, Chicago’s Annoyance Theatre has another suggestion -- one they’re certain graduates will truly prize: a gift card towards improvisation classes.

Jennifer Estlin, executive producer, says “Improv classes benefit the graduate in a variety of ways. Along with providing a truly fun and energizing experience, improv can help prepare him or her for the world of work.”

Estlin said people who have trained at the Annoyance report “better working relationships because of the listening, support, and teamwork skills they learned in classes.”

The Annoyance Gift Card can be purchased in denominations of $20 to $250 and can be applied toward classes, or tickets for Annoyance shows, but it can’t be used at the bar or for merchandise.

A new session of the Ultimate Beginner classes, taught by Sean Cusick, starts June 7. The eight-week class meets on Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 p.m.  For more information about other classes, fees, and current shows, go to www.annoyanceproductions.com, or call 773-561-4665. The Annoyance Theatre is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.

FLAMENCO WEDDINGS OFFERS FREE MINI CLASS FOR COUPLES’ FIRST DANCE SUNDAY, APRIL 15, 3:00 AND 4:00 P.M.

Engaged couples who want to bring more passion and excitement to their wedding, can get a taste of what a flamenco-themed first dance would look like, by taking advantage of a free offer from Flamenco Weddings, a Chicago-based company at 2914 W. Belmont on the city’s northwest side.

On Sunday afternoon, April 15, at 3:00 and 4:00 p.m. Rosetta Magdalen, flamenco dance teacher and choreographer, will teach easy steps for the all-important first dance to future brides, grooms, and their wedding parties. “Even if someone has never danced before, it’s all in the attitude,” Magdalen said. “We think the sensuous dance of Spain brings the fire of flamenco to the dance floor, and more importantly, sets the tone for a wedding reception long talked about and remembered.”

The Flamenco First Dance free mini classes will be part of Flamenco Chicago’s Spring Open House, which will run from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. on April 15. Visitors to the Open House can also learn about the school’s six-week Fundamentals class, which offers new students an opportunity to experience body alignment and movement, turns, and heel work set to traditional and contemporary flamenco music.

Beginning, intermediate, advanced, and private lessons are also offered at Flamenco Chicago, and Magdalen will be on hand at the Spring Open House to explain all of the these options.

Complementary wine and cheese, and the music of a flamenco guitarist, will add to the April 15 festivities. For more information about Flamenco Weddings, call (773) 680-0039, or go to the website, www.flamencochicago.com

 

Flamenco Weddings Adds Zest to Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebrations

Soon-to-be-married couples, who seek to make their wedding receptions memorable, are turning to Flamenco Weddings, a professional Chicago-based troupe of vibrantly costumed dancers, an instrumental flamenco guitarist, and an impassioned singer.

This fresh entry into captivating wedding entertainment is offered by Rosetta Magdalen (photo), a flamenco dancer, teacher and choreographer, who is the founder and artistic director of Flamenco Chicago located at 2914 W. Belmont on the city's northwest side. Magdalen said Flamenco Weddings is now gearing up for the June wedding season and is reaching out to those in the planning stages.

Magdalen says previous performances typically elicit comments like, "Your show made my wedding!” While those responses are delightful and welcome, what the artist really enjoys “is seeing the reaction of guests as they watch our show and then join in on some easy steps. Rarely does anyone remain at their table once the music and dancing start."

Trained as a classical pianist and dancer, with a background in ballet, tap, and folkloric dance, Magdalen settled on flamenco "because it is a percussive dance form, in which the sounds made by the feet become a musical instrument themselves. So, the rhythms and reverberations of the heel work move through your entire body. I really enjoyed the feeling of this."

Along with Flamenco Weddings, Magdalen teaches students of all ages and abilities in 13 classes offered each week. Additionally, the studio presents showcases twice a year, "where everyone is invited to participate," she says, "not just a talented few."

While Magdalen is pleased with the continuing growth of her studio -- it opened in 2003 -- and her expanding wedding business -- what especially satisfies her are the changes she witnesses in students. "It's so exciting to see them develop and grow in their confidence level,” she said, “which they tell me carries over into other areas of their lives. It's obvious the medium of flamenco can be a catalyst for people to get deeply in touch with their own spirt through movement."

As to Flamenco Weddings, Magdalen adds, "What better way to start married life then to give the gift of music, emotion, and fun to those who witness a momentous beginning."

For more information about Flamenco Weddings or Flamenco Chicago, visit the website, http://flamencochicago.com, or call 773-680-0039.

(The photographer for the portrait shown above is Marisela Guerra.)

Fiction and fact converge at The Book Cellar Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

The Book Cellar, an independently owned, community-oriented bookstore located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Square, will play host to two authors who focus their writing on the works of Jane Austen.

Karen Doornebos and her debut novel, “Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” will join English professor Mona Scheuermann, and her most recent nonfiction work, “Reading Jane Austen,” Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, 7 p.m., 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL. 60625, 773-294-2665.


“Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” tells the story of Chloe Parker who auditions for a Jane Austen-inspired public television documentary set in Derbyshire, England. Important to this 39-year-old divorced mother with a struggling business, there's a $100,000 prize to be awarded to the contestant who can successfully answer trivia questions about Austen's “Pride and Prejudice.” But the documentary turns out to be a reality dating show set in 1812 and eight women are competing to snare Mr. Wrightman, the heir to a gorgeous estate, along with the $100,000 prize.

Published in September of this year by Berkley, Penguin Group, “Definitely Not Mr. Darcy” has garnered rave reviews. “Publishers Weekly” in its starred review said “Doornebos gives the historical romance novel a hilarious update in this delightful debut.” And “RT Book Reviews” added, "this tale combines a fun plot with witty dialogue, charming characters and a strong-willed heroine. It will leave you laughing in delight and reluctant to put it down until the last page is read."

Mona Scheuermann is professor of English at Oakton Community College. She has been guest professor at universities around the world, including the universities of Hamburg and the Free University of Berlin, Germany, the University of Berne, Switzerland, and the University of Melbourne, Australia.


Her books deal with social and historical aspects of eighteenth-century English fiction, particularly in terms of women's experience. Of her new book, Eighteenth-Century Life said, “Austen’s period was arguably the most socially and politically tumultuous in England’s history, and by placing the novels in this remarkable era, Scheuermann sharply defines Austen’s view of the social contract.”

“Reading Jane Austen” was just republished in January as a paperback.

For more information about the reading and signing, call The Book Cellar at 773-294-2665, or go to its website, thebookcellar.com. And, to learn more about Karen Doornebos, visit www.karendoornebos.com

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