"Manic Pixie Dreamland" Plays Saturdays through August 24 at the Annoyance Theatre.

“Manic Pixie Dreamland,” a musical featuring an all female cast that lampoons a popular cinematic type, plays Saturdays, July 27- August 24, 2013 at the Annoyance Theatre.

According to director Ryan McDermott, the show’s theme is inspired by the often-used female character, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl*, “whose sole purpose is to teach depressed male leads to embrace life’s mysteries and wonders. These women do not exist in real life and are typically created in the minds of lonely screenwriters. We think she’s a disservice to female characters because it views women as one-dimensional creatures.”

*Nathan Rabin, head writer for The Onion’s AV Club, is credited with coining the term, Manic Pixie Dream Girl.

With original songs by musical directors Jon Monteverde and Greg Sydlowski, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” takes place in a cult-like center where all of the world’s Manic Pixie Dream Girls are manufactured and trained. The audience takes a tuneful tour, with heaping servings of satire, as it meets the Girls. They are the stalwart heroine Tomboy, plus Chatterbox, Foreign, Mysterious, Brown-Nose, and Etsy. Through Tomboy’s encouragement and enlightenment, the women form a sisterly bond to combat the show’s shady villain, the Dream Queen.

The cast includes Annoyance regulars: Mo Allen, Sarah Ashley, Rachel Farmer, Amber Gerencher, Claire Mulaney, Jo Scott, and Amy Speckien.

Along with movie-lovers, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” is expected to appeal to feminists, and to other groups who may feel themselves stereotyped by pop culture and the media. “And of course, anyone who enjoys Annoyance’s usual lightheartedly-confrontational take on any social issue.” says Executive Producer Jennifer Estlin.

“Manic Pixie Dreamland”plays Saturdays, July 27- August 24, 2013, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15  (student ID) For more information, view the Annoyance website www.theannoyance.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.

CONTACT: JENNIFER ESTLIN
Exec. Producer, Annoyance Theatre
P: 773.561.4664
F: 773.561.3999
jennifer@annoyanceproductions.com

"Chris Gaines in...The Life of Garth Brooks" Previews July 5 and Opens July 12 at Annoyance

"Chris Gaines in...The Life of Garth Brooks" is a satirical study of an artist, and his qualms about his role as performer. Written by Greg Ott, the play is based on a bizarre period in country star Brooks' life and features a cast of seven who play multiple characters, including Jay Leno, Chelsea Clinton, Larry King, Regis Philbin, Phil Spector, Barbara Walters, Monica Lewinsky, Judge Judy, "Weird" Al Yankovic, and Jerry Springer. The play will run on Fridays at 8 p.m. at The Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N Broadway, Chicago.

The ensemble comedy -- featuring Chris Blake, Tim de la Motte, Annie Donley, Brigid Marshall, AJ Miller, Greg Ott, and Wink Stone-- focuses on the time in 1999 when country singer and songwriter Garth Brooks created an alternate persona in the form of rocker Chris Gaines. Ott assumes the roles of Gaines and Brooks, and local filmmaker and comedian Joe Avella is co-director. The show presents the music of both Gaines and Brooks.

In the Annoyance performance, the story as it actually occurred is turned upside down. Ott explains, "In our version, Chris Gaines is the biggest rock-star on the planet, but he's dissatisfied with his artistic pursuits. So, after being inspired by a small-town country singer, he changes direction and ditches his old persona. Gaines then re-emerges as a character named Garth Brooks, a switch that stuns Gaines' agents, fans, and record label, who all fear their star has lost his mind."

Ott said the show originally began as part of Annoyance's 20-minute Triple Feature, which is the theatre's testing ground for short play ideas. "But we quickly outgrew the time limit and needed an extra hour or so. An abridged version was performed a couple of times, and that progressed to this original, never-been-seen before, full-length play."

"Chris Gaines in...The Life of Garth Brooks" previews Friday, July 5, opens July 12, and runs on Fridays at 8 p.m. through August 23, 2013. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For more information, view the Annoyance website, www.theannoyance.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.

“TRUST AND CONFIDENCE: A SECRET SERVICE MUSICAL” PREVIEWS JUNE 13 AND 20 AND OPENS JUNE 27 AT ANNOYANCE THEATRE

“TRUST AND CONFIDENCE: A SECRET SERVICE MUSICAL” PREVIEWS JUNE 13 AND 20 AND OPENS JUNE 27 AT ANNOYANCE THEATRE
Musical Comedy Explores Quirky Mix of Agents’ Uniformity And Uniqueness

“Trust and Confidence: A Secret Service Musical,” is a new comedy that unveils the hush-hush world of agents charged with protecting the President of the United States. It previews Thursday, June 13 and 20, and opens June 27, 2013 at the Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago.

Created and directed by Julie Pearson, the show presents a day in the life of a group of Secret Service agents as they stand guard at parade entrances and study crowds for suspicious faces, while at the same time, trying to appear invisible. In the play, which was developed by the cast through improv, the word “Secret” not only applies to the job, but also to the bizarre hidden stories each agent carries within.

The original music for “Trust...” was written by Charlie Worth with song concepts and lyrics contributed by the cast. Along with this show, Worth has been musical director for several Annoyance productions, including “My So-Called Afterlife.”

Pearson promises, “This team has a bunch of secrets of their own, including a spicy bromance, delusions of grandeur, and a sensual lust for murder. But they’ll spend all day trying to prove that they are, as the Secret Service’s official motto says, ‘Worthy of Trust and Confidence.’”

Cast members, who will be clad in the somber suits, sunglasses, and earpieces of Secret Service agents are: Marc D'Amico (“Closing Time” at the Annoyance), Brian Biancardi, David Blum,  Leah Frires (“My So-Called Afterlife” and “Burlesque is More”), Jillian Mueller, Jeff Quintana, and Elizabeth Trepkowski.

“I think it’s funny to explore a profession so serious, diligent, and detail-oriented, especially using the broad strokes of musical comedy,” Pearson added. “Yet, with all of the rigidity required of the job, we found it important to make the characters come alive as individuals with their own plights and passions.”

“Trust and Confidence: A Secret Service Musical”  previews Thursday, June 13 and 20 and opens June 27, 2013, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $15. For more information, view the Annoyance website, www.annoyanceproductions.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.


CONTACT: JENNIFER ESTLIN
P: 773.561.4664
F: 773.561.3999
jennifer@annoyanceproductions.com

"THE AWKWARD PHASE", FINALIST IN GREAT TUMBLR BOOK SEARCH PREMIERES FOR ONE NIGHT AT ANNOYANCE THEATRE

Storytelling Will Reveal Teen Traumas And Celebrate Uniqueness

"The Awkward Phase," a night of storytelling featuring eight performers who will reveal their most embarrassing episodes and gawky feelings, and who will encourage audience members to embrace their different-ness, plays one night only, Monday, May 13, 8:00 p.m. at The Annoyance Theatre.

Created by Claire Meyer and Tyler Gillespie, "The Awkward Phase" features performers who have made a name for themselves in other venues. They are: Brianna Baker ("The TomKat Project"), Caitlin Bergh ("Chunks"), Tim "TinTim" Jones-Yelvingtion (author and drag queen), Wes Perry ("Making Out with Wes Perry and Friends"), Patrick Rowland ("Barack All Night"), Shaun Sperling (featured on BuzzFeed LGBT and Gawker.com ), and Ted Tremper ("25 People Who Should Get Their Own TV Show"). Additionally, one volunteer will be chosen from the audience to perform.

"The 'braces- and-scrunchy' night is dedicated to making our 14-year-old-selves proud," said Meyer, of the improv troupe Lethal Action Force. "It's important to share our stories with others; a way to connect and learn from one another. Feeling awkward is universal; even though, at the time, it can be a very lonely experience."

Gillespie, who is a writer for "Gapers Block" and "Time Out Chicago," added, "We're often too hard on our former selves. We're conditioned to hate the times in our life when we weren't 'all that,' when we've felt pressured to be like everyone else. But, what if we were having fun and living in that moment? In our mind, it's about time to celebrate these awkward phases and gain peace."

"The Awkward Phase" was recently chosen as a runner-up in Chronicle Books "Great Tumblr Book Search." The production at the Annoyance is the first on-stage, live performance of stories generated by the photo- and essay-sharing website. "We've included a mix of performers," Gillespie said. "Authors, comedians, and storytellers; and we hope future performances will mix in hairstylists, tattoo artists, and an opera singer. I really want an opera singer."

"The Awkward Phase" plays one night only, Monday 13, 2013, 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $7. For more information, view the Annoyance website www.theannoyance.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.

CONTACT: JENNIFER ESTLIN

P: 773.561.4664

F: 77s.561.3999

jennifer@annoyanceproductions.com 

Postpartum Disorders Author Susan Benjamin Feingold and Storyteller Nili Yelin at Book Cellar May 24

Susan Benjamin Feingold, PsyD., author of “Happy Endings, New Beginnings: Navigating Postpartum Disorders,” will appear at The Book Cellar, 4736 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Friday, May 24, 2013, 7 p.m. Joining the author will be Nili Yelin, an award-winning children’s storyteller who will read a true-life account by a patient who emerged from “postpartum darkness” changed forever.

At the reading and signing event, Dr. Feingold will discuss the condition which affects 800,000 to 900,000 Americans each year.  “It’s the major reason some women are unable to find joy in becoming a mother,” she said. “But personal transformation can often follow our darkest times. This difficult experience is the ultimate challenge for change.”

Storyteller Yelin will be part of the program, Dr. Feingold said, “because I think it vital to share true stories of women who have emerged from postpartum disorders and who have learned to take control of their new lives.” While “Happy Endings, New Beginnings” includes many of these stories, Dr. Feingold said the appearance of Yelin, and her interpretation of the patient’s story, “will add interest and truth to the event.”

“Anna’s Story,” which Yelin will read, “is likely to be familiar to many women,” Dr. Feingold said. “She was successful and so busy that she never experienced the joy of the present moment. As we worked to reduce her symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sadness, we concentrated on ways to strike a balance in her life between work, family, and leisure.”

For her part, Yelin, who is known as The Storybook Mom, and is also Program Director of Terrific Tales, a literacy program for Companies That Care, said, “Anna’s story resonated with me. I experienced postpartum depression in my own life and I have workaholic tendencies. Her story is particularly meaningful.”

Dr. Feingold is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders. In addition to her book, which was published by New Horizon Press in February of this year, she also writes a blog: www.post-partumdepressionblog.com.

For more information about the reading and signing, call The Book Cellar at 773-294-2665, or go to its website, thebookcellar.com.

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"Manic Pixie Dreamland" Plays Saturdays Through May 18 at Annoyance Theatre

 “Manic Pixie Dreamland,” a new musical featuring an all female cast that lampoons a popular cinematic type, plays on Saturdays through May 18, 2013 at the Annoyance Theatre.

According to director Ryan McDermott, the show’s theme is inspired by the often-used female character, the Manic Pixie Dream Girl*,  “whose sole purpose is to teach depressed male leads to embrace life’s mysteries and wonders. These women do not exist in real life and are typically created in the minds of lonely screenwriters. We think she’s a disservice to female characters because it views women as one-dimensional creatures.”

With original songs by musical directors Jon Monteverde and Greg Sydlowski, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” takes place in a cult-like center where all of the world’s Manic Pixie Dream Girls are manufactured and trained. The audience takes a tuneful tour, with heaping servings of satire, as it meets the Girls. They are the stalwart heroine Tomboy, plus Chatterbox, Foreign, Mysterious, Brown-Nose, and Etsy. Through Tomboy’s encouragement and enlightenment, the women form a sisterly bond to combat the show’s shady villain, the Dream Queen. 

The cast includes Annoyance regulars: Mo Allen, Sarah Ashley, Rachel Farmer, Amber Gerencher, Clair Mulaney, Jo Scott, and Amy Speckien.

Along with movie-lovers, “Manic Pixie Dreamland” is expected to appeal to feminists, and to other groups who may feel themselves stereotyped by pop culture and the media. “And of course, anyone who enjoys Annoyance’s usual lighthearted-confrontational take on any social issue.” says Executive Producer Jennifer Estlin.  “Manic Pixie Dreamland” plays Saturdays and runs through May 18, 2013, 8 p.m. Tickets are $20, $15 for students. For more information, view the Annoyance website www.theannoyance.com or call the box office: 773.561.HONK (4665). The Annoyance is located at 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL. 60640.


*Nathan Rabin, head writer for The Onion’s AV Club, is credited with coining the term, Manic Pixie Dream Girl.

Susan Benjamin Feingold, PsyD., Author Of "Happy Endings, New Beginnings: Navigating Postpartum Disorders" At Book Cellar, Thursday, May 23, 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 Susan Benjamin Feingold, PsyD., Author of “Happy Endings, New Beginnings: Navigating Postpartum Disorders,” Thursday, May 23, 2013, 7 p.m. 

The Book Cellar is located at 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL. 60625. At the reading and signing event, Dr. Feingold will discuss the condition which affects 800,000 to 900,000 Americans each year.  “It’s the major reason some women are unable to find joy in becoming a mother,” she said. “But personal transformation can often follow our darkest times. This difficult experience is the ultimate challenge for change.”

Dr. Feingold is a clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of postpartum mood disorders. In addition to her book, which was published by New Horizon Press in February of this year, she also writes a blog: www.post-partumdepressionblog.com. On this site, and in her book and practice, Dr. Feingold discusses her four principals for healing, growing and finding meaning from postpartum depression, and resources for women, families and healthcare providers.

For more information about the reading and signing, call The Book Cellar at 773-294-2665, or go to its website, thebookcellar.com.