CHICAGO – A joint press conference with THE CITY OF CHICAGO, THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT, THE METRO, REDMOON and ARCHITECTS OF AIR will be held THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 4PM, South Belmont Harbor Park.

Mayor Daley will be speaking at the press conference that officially launches this new annual Labor Day Weekend Festival called “A Joyous Outdoor Event”.

Led by Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, speakers at the Press Conference include Chicago Park District’s General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer Timothy J. Mitchell, Redmoon Core Artist Jim Lasko, Metro Founder Joe Shanahan, and the UK’s Architects of Air visiting artist Jayne Willox.

WHAT: 1st annual Joyous Outdoor Event, “a spectacular festival of performance, live music and art celebrating ordinary Joes and average Janes of all ages!”

WHERE: South Belmont Harbor Park– Lakeview Neighborhood, Belmont Ave and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago at 300 West Belmont. Visit: www.joyousoutdoorevent.org

WHEN:
Thursday, September 2 at 6 – 10pm
Friday, September 3 at 6 – 10pm
Saturday, September 4 at 1 – 10pm
Sunday, September 5 at 1 – 10pm
Monday, September 6 at 1 – 6pm

NOTE TO MEDIA: There will be opportunities to capture images of the site from 4-5pm, a site-walk tour and access to THE LUMINARIUM: a public art installation from the UK that features a 35-foot tall inflatable structure lit in a kaleidoscope of colors with a 15,000 square foot interior. Opportunities to interview representatives will be available.

THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS

6 – 10pm: Experience The Luminarium, Festival Grounds

6 – 7pm: Artistic Programming including Dennis Watkins, Award Winning Magician, Big Stage; The Fashionistas, Small Stage

7 – 8pm: JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Big Stage

8:30 – 9:30pm: World Premiere of Last of My Species II: The Perilous Songs of Bibi Merhdad, Big Stage

ALL PROGRAMMING UPDATED DAILY: http://www.joyousoutdoorevent.org/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2010

CONTACT: Sean Kaplan
Redmoon Development and Media Relations
312-850-8440 ×114
skaplan@redmoon.org

Press photos available at http://redmoon.org/FestivalJOE/

CHICAGO – A joint press conference with THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT, THE METRO and REDMOON will be held THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd at 4PM, South Belmont Harbor.

Redmoon’s festival J.O.E. is set for launch Labor day weekend September 2 – 6, 2010 in Lakeview’s South Belmont Harbor park, in Chicago.

In the festival spirit of Labor Day’s celebration of workers and their families, Redmoon is launching its first-ever festival, a Joyous Outdoor Event, with quality family entertainment, an international public art installation from the UK, small scale & guerilla performances and live music acts from Metro and the Smart Bar, all culminating in a Redmoon spectacle production.

Festival J.O.E. is designed for people of all ages where Redmoon invites audiences to interact and celebrate with a panoramic of activities focused on a unique program of spectacle theater, live music, and local artists.

• In partnership with The Chicago Park District

• In collaboration with the UK based Architect’s of Air to present the “LUMINARIUM” (PRESS PHOTO OPORTUNITY of LUMINARIUM THU, SEPT 2nd – 4pm)

• Presenting music partners The Metro and Smart Bar have curated 5 evenings of live musical acts: Thursday, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound -7pm; Friday, Ezra Furman and the Harpoons -7pm; Saturday, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir -7pm; Sunday, My Gold Mask -6pm, Ssion -7pm; Monday, Purple Apple -2:30pm (INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE with JOE SHANNAHAN-METRO)

• Producing partner Redmoon presents the large-scale spectacle: “LAST OF MY SPECIES II: The Perilous Songs of Bibi Merhdad” in addition to curating festival programming. (INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE with REDMOON EXECUTIVE PRODUCER REBECCA HUNTER, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FRANK MAUGERI and The City of Chicago’s ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE JIM LASKO)

Please visit the JOYOUS OUTDOOR EVENT website: www.joyousoutdoorevent.org for all up-to-date Festival J.O.E. Programming!

Including acts like:

• Storytelling from Emmy Award-winning Jim May, Yuri Lane’s Beatbox, Hip Hop Clown Nick Demeris, The Tiny Cover Band… as well as:

• Labor Day Speeches – stories of the Triangle File, the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, and Chicago History! Speakers include: James Barrett, Louis Silverstein, and more!

• Local theater, dance and performance: Bricklayers Theatre Company, Bouffant clowning from Les Enfants Terribles, contemporary dance from Erin Kilmurray, puppetry by Meredith Miller, circus with Missi Davis, avante garde dance by Lady Jack, Be the Groove- a combo of dance, music and percussion, The New Colony brings theater outrageousness, Studio Be Dance Troupe – young people ‘busting a move’ for your entertainment! And a rare public appearance from Plucky Rosenthal.

• Roving Guerilla entertainment and buskers – Redmoon’s truly unique brand of the unexpected alongside: jugglers, gymnasts, and street performers. Be entertained by juggling from Alex Knapp, swing dance from the Shim Sham Flash Mob, Redmoon Guerilla performances- “Shake Your Bones”, “Find Love”, “Find Joy”, “The Momentary Opera”, “The Astronaut’s Transmissions“… and more!

• Music- Gypsy-like sounds from Shu Shubat, Matt and Evan Bivens, and Chicago musician Charles Kim … and more!

Redmoon Festival J.O.E. At A Glance

WHAT: 1st annual Joyous Outdoor Event, “a spectacular festival of performance, live music and art celebrating ordinary Joes and average Janes of all ages!”

WHEN: Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 6 – 10pm Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6 – 10pm Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 1 – 10pm Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 1 – 10pm Monday, September 6, 2010 at 1 – 6pm

WHERE: South Belmont Harbor – Belmont Ave and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

COST: THUR & FRI, 6P-10P: $25, SAT & SUN, 1P-10P: $15 thru $25, MON, 1P-6P: $15 KIDS UNDER 10 FOR $10, KIDS UNDER 3 FOR FREE!
Festival passes will be available.
Please visit Redmoon’s website for more details: www.redmoon.org or by calling 312.850.8440 ×111.
TICKET PACKAGE AVAILABLE: Get one all access pass to Festival J.O.E. and one FREE ticket to the MCA collaboration THE ASTRONAUT’S BIRTHDAY for only $60! BOMBASTICS MEMBERS get the pass for only $50!

REDMOON THEATER Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of public art committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well-being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical approaches, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. Over the past decade, Redmoon has garnered international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances, and events which have been seen across Chicago from the Jackson Park Lagoon, the façade of the Museum of Contemporary Art to Belmont Harbor and performance venues as diverse as Steppenwolf to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Over recent years, Redmoon has developed projects in Holland, Ireland, France, Australia and Brazil. The crowning achievement for Redmoon’s team in 2009 was an invitation by the White House for a Halloween spectacle performance on the front lawn for 2,500 trick-or-treating local school children, followed by a private party throughout the East Wing residence for US combat veterans and their families. Redmoon creates unexpected theater events in unexpected locations. For more information, visit www.redmoon.org.

Chicago Park District The Chicago Park District has supported Redmoon in creating spectacles at Ping Tom, Jackson, and Columbus Parks and at Belmont Harbor over the last five years. The collaboration showcases Chicago parks as unique locations for the public to enjoy. The Chicago Park District oversees more than 7,600 acres of parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16 historic lagoons, 10 bird and wildlife gardens, and thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs. Please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY).

Metro Metro is one of the country’s most renowned independent concert venues. Established in July 1982, Metro has become a playground for new and developing local artists as well as showcasing the best cutting edge bands from around the globe for twenty-five years. For more information, visit www.metrochicago.com.

Smart Bar Smart Bar is Chicago’s independent nightclub, celebrating over 25 years of showcasing new and exciting dance music and the most cutting edge DJ’s from around the globe. For more information visit www.smartbarchicago.com.

The family of Xenia James-O’Keefe set up a Kickstarter page for the 9-year-old that has far exceeded the camp’s two-week tuition by earning donations from over two dozen extremely generous people.
“Xenia is so perfectly suited for Redmoon,” wrote her parents, on her Kickstarter. “The kid has made art and toys out of whatever’s at hand since she gained the motor skills to grab.”

Xenia’s artistic talents were apparent early. As a 6-year-old, she decided to show up for her school’s class photo with a fake black eye. When the shutter snapped, she wore a dour expression, leading artist Ross Martens, a family friend, to call her “the world’s youngest conceptual artist.”

Since 1990, Redmoon has earned a reputation for spectacle, creativity and amazement with its unique performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. It is now offering the opportunity for young participants to take part, too. Redmoon’s two-week summer camp is for children aged 8 – 11. The focus is to inspire young imaginations in a unique exploration of Redmoon’s creativity and collaboration. Children will be introduced to Redmoon’s exciting tool box of puppetry, mechanical object making, shadow and physical performance. Summer Camp participants will create an original shadow show to be performed for family and friends on the final day of camp.

The camp is being held in two locations:

• Audubon Elementary School, 3500 N. Hoyne Ave. in Roscoe Village
9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 19-30

• Franklin Fine Arts Center, 225 W. Evergreen Ave. in Lincoln Park
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, July 12-23

Space is limited.

To register: www.redmoon.tix.com or call 312-850-8440
Questions: summercamp@redmoon.org
Xenia’s Kickstarter page can be found at: kickstarter.com/projects/132377952/redmoon-theater-meet-xenia

ABOUT REDMOON: Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of public art committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well-being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical approaches, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. Over the past decade, Redmoon has garnered international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances, and events which have been seen across Chicago from the Jackson Park Lagoon, the façade of the Museum of Contemporary Art to Belmont Harbor and performance venues as diverse as Steppenwolf to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Over recent years, Redmoon has developed projects in Holland, Ireland, France, Australia and currently in Brazil.
The crowning achievement for Redmoon’s team in 2009 was an invitation by the White House for a Halloween spectacle performance on the front lawn for 2,500 trick-or-treating local school children, followed by a private party throughout the East Wing residence for US combat veterans and their families.

Redmoon creates unexpected theater events in unexpected locations.
For more information, visit www.redmoon.org.

CHICAGO – Redmoon, the Chicago based, civic-focused events and performance organization is launching the outdoor Festival J.O.E. set for Labor day weekend, and has begun city-wide guerilla performance transmissions that will lead up to the professional spectacle collaboration The Astronaut’s Birthday with the Museum of Contemporary Art, both scheduled for September 2010.

In this Press Release:

• Launch of the annual Redmoon Festival – J.O.E. ‘a Joyous Outdoor Event’, Labor Day weekend (SEPTEMBER 2 – 6).

• Large-scale spectacle collaboration between Redmoon and The Museum of Contemporary Art with The Astronaut’s Birthday (SEPTEMBER 9 – 26).

• The critically acclaimed, long-running production of The Cabinet is on a four-city festival tour in Brazil through the month of June 2010.

• Redmoon’s Neighborhood Arts Program is currently engaged in a series of community partnerships in Donegal, Ireland throughout June and July 2010.

Redmoon Festival – J.O.E.
a Joyous Outdoor Event
“A spectacular festival of performance, live music and art
celebrating ordinary Joes and average Janes of all ages”

In the festival spirit of Labor Day’s celebration of workers and their families, Redmoon launches its first festival of quality family entertainment, public art installation, small scale & guerilla performances and live music acts all culminating in a Redmoon spectacle production. The festival will also facilitate cultural collaborations with a number of presenting partners both locally and internationally, for programming content that is both uniquely Chicago and has the potential to expose audiences to international artistic product.
This Joyous Outdoor Event is for people of all ages where Redmoon invites audiences to interact and celebrate the Labor Day weekend with a panoramic of activities focused on music, art, theater, and food.
Festival J.O.E., produced by Redmoon, will be launched in 2010 over Labor Day weekend (beginning Thursday, September 2 through Monday, September 6th) located on the lakefront in Lakeview’s South Belmont Harbor. The 2010 festival will also incorporate a number of partnerships and collaborations with city stakeholders such as the Chicago Park District.
During the daytime, audiences will experience a journey through the world renowned Luminarium presented by the UK ’s Architects of Air (travelling to Chicago for the first time!); enjoy children’s entertainment including world-class storytelling and music; experience unique side show acts; encounter roaming guerilla performers and buskers; relax in the festival’s ‘Living Room’ and picnic in the Lakeshore Location.
Stay for the evening and add the following to the above: revel in a live musical act each night presented by our festival partner The Metro; and feast your eyes on Redmoon’s live spectacle performance Last of My Species, the smash hit of 2009!

The Redmoon Festival J.O.E. is committed to creating new pathways for more audiences to experience and participate in culture and celebrate community.

Redmoon Festival J.O.E. At A Glance

WHAT: 1st annual Joyous Outdoor Event, a spectacular family-friendly festival

WHEN: Thursday, September 2, 2010 at 6 – 10pm
Friday, September 3, 2010 at 6 – 10pm
Saturday, September 4, 2010 at 1 – 10pm
Sunday, September 5, 2010 at 1 – 10pm
Monday, September 6, 2010 at 1 – 6pm

WHERE: South Belmont Harbor – Belmont Ave and Lake Shore Dr, Chicago

COST: THUR & FRI, 6P-10P $25,
SAT & SUN, 1P-10P $15 thru $25,
MON, 1P-6P $15
KIDS UNDER 10 FOR $10,
KIDS UNDER 3 FOR FREE!
Festival passes will be available.
Please visit Redmoon’s website for more details: www.redmoon.org
or by calling 312.850.8440 ×111.

TICKETS FOR REDMOON FESTIVAL 2010 GO ON SALE JULY 6TH! GET YOUR TICKETS BY AUGUST 1 FOR A 15% DISCOUNT!
USE PROMO CODE earlybird WHEN YOU CALL OR PURCHASE ONLINE.

TICKET PACKAGE AVAILABLE: Get one all access pass to Festival J.O.E. and one FREE ticket to the MCA collaboration THE ASTRONAUT’S BIRTHDAY for only $60!
BOMBASTICS MEMBERS get the pass for only $50!

For more information regarding Festival J.O.E. please contact:
Sean Kaplan at skaplan@redmoon.org (312) 850-8440 × 114

The Astronaut’s Birthday

This September, audiences will gather in the public plaza of the MCA to witness an ENORMOUS STORYBOOK of EPIC ADVENTURE! See Redmoon bring art outside the gallery walls and delight in the collision of SCIENCE FICTION, COMIC BOOK, SPECTACLE PERFORMANCE, WILD SHADOW PLAY, SILHOUETTE PERFORMERS, and BERSERK MUSIC!
This family‐based, science fiction, large‐scale spectacle performance will be played out through shadow and digital technology actively using the 80-foot glass façade of the MCA. The performance will be created in partnership with the Museum of Contemporary Art and presented over 9 performances during the last three weekends in September for an audience capacity of 1,500 per night.
The production will have several education partnerships, including integration of resources from the Redmoon design internship program, Redmoon’s Summer Camp and Columbia College, as part of a professional mentorship program.
Spectators will marvel as Redmoon takes over the entire façade of the MCA with our WEIRD and WONDERFUL tale of a single astronaut’s journey to save the earth.
This MASSIVE shadow play will be rendered as a 5 STORY HIGH GRAPHIC NOVEL for an audience of spectators that will gather to hear the astronaut’s message from space. Be on the lookout this summer for guerilla performance transmissions throughout the city of Chicago – the last transmission was at Art Chicago in May… stay tuned to www.redmoon.org for future transmissions!

The visual style of The Astronaut’s Birthday draws from the golden age of American comic books. Using the glass façade grid of the windows of the MCA, the shadow play will be rendered as an 80 foot tall comic book bringing together the collaborative talent of Redmoon Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, Marvel Comics Illustrator Chris Burnham, The City of Chicago’s Artist-in-Residence Jim Lasko and and Local Illustrator Phineas X. Jones, along with an objective to engage a team of early career artists, interns and youth programming participants in professional capacities.

The Astronaut’s Birthday At A Glance

WHAT: A family based, science fiction, spectacle performance extravaganza

WHEN: All performances begin at 7:30pm and run for approx 80 minutes
Thursday September 9th, Friday 10th, Sunday 12th
Thursday September 16th, Friday 17th, Sunday 19th
Thursday September 23rd, Friday 24th, Sunday 26th

WHERE: The Museum of Contemporary Art Public Plaza, on Mies Vander Rohe Way, just North of Chicago Avenue, Chicago

COST: THU: $15
FRI & SUN : $20
KIDS UNDER 10 FOR $10
KIDS UNDER 3 FOR FREE!
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.redmoon.org
or by calling 312.850.8440 ×111.

TICKETS FOR THE ASTRONAUT’S BIRTHDAY GO ON SALE JULY 6TH! GET YOUR TICKETS BY AUGUST 1 FOR A 15% DISCOUNT!
USE PROMO CODE earlybird WHEN YOU CALL OR PURCHASE ONLINE.

TICKET PACKAGE AVAILABLE: Get one all access pass to FESTIVAL J.O.E. and one FREE ticket to THE ASTRONAUT’S BIRTHDAY for only $60!
BOMBASTICS MEMBERS get the pass for only $50!

For more information on the THE ASTRONAUT’S BIRTHDAY please contact:
Sean Kaplan at skaplan@redmoon.org (312) 850-8440 × 114

“Redmoon Goes International”

THE CABINET Tours Brazil
June 2010, Redmoon’s cast and crew of the critically acclaimed, long-running production of The Cabinet is jetting around Brazil on a 4-city Festival Tour, managed by FILO – the Festival Internacional de Londrina. Departing the United States for Rio de Janeiro on June 1, the company performs at the TEATRO I – CCBB – Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil in Rio on the 4th, 5th and 6th .The company then moves to Londrina at the Teatro da Escola Municipal de Teatro. Performances there are the 12th and 13th, with two shows on the 14th. Then on to Belo Horizonte for two days of performances: the 17th and 18th at Teatro Marília. The tour winds up in Sao Paulo, with performances the 26th and 27th at Teatro do CCBB – Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil, before the whole company flies back to the US on June 29.
For more information please contact:
Redmoon Producer Lee Potter, (312) 850-8440

NAP in Donegal, Ireland
The Redmoon Neighborhood Arts Program is currently engaged in community partnerships in Donegal, Ireland.
Redmoon is in collaboration with four primary schools, for a five-week residency in June – July 2010. They will engage youth in the powerful action of retelling Frances Browne’s classic local text, Grannies Wonderful Chair, in a new and innovative context using shadow puppetry and live animation. Using approaches of public spectacle, the youth will create an original performative experience, an illuminated animation that is equally as imaginative and magical as Frances Browne’s tales.
For more information please contact:
Redmoon NAP Director Angela Tillges, (312) 850-8440

REDMOON THEATER
Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of public art committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well-being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical approaches, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. Over the past decade, Redmoon has garnered international attention for its unique productions, site-specific performances, and events which have been seen across Chicago from the Jackson Park Lagoon, the façade of Museum of Contemporary Art to Belmont Harbor and performance venues as diverse as Steppenwolf to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Over recent years, Redmoon has developed projects in Holland, Ireland, France, and Australia.

The crowning achievement for Redmoon’s team in 2009 was an invitation by the White House for a Halloween performance on the front lawn for 2,500 trick-or-treating local school children, followed by a private party throughout the East Wing residence for US combat veterans and their families.

Redmoon creates unexpected theater events in unexpected locations. For more information, visit www.redmoon.org.

CONTACT: Sean Kaplan
Redmoon Theater
312.850.8440 ×114
skaplan@redmoon.org

I just wanted to say, after seeing the full house Friday evening at The Cabinet, and understanding that in many ways, its in its 30th week of its 2nd run— first in 2005 and now in 2010— also knowing that its been presented to over 10,000 audience members now — this strange, small, intimate, delicate show has had both meaningful and potent press, and I simply want to thank all who made it, all who work tirelessly to run it, and all who worked diligently to satisfy audiences who came to see it.

There is no question Vanessa, Corrie, Amy and the performers have done wonderfully- I remind them all the time, and hope that my weekly words have had impression- the story we were telling has depth, the replete world we have generated has impact, and the careful choreography has been stunning- the production is aesthetically arresting- and I thank them for their commitment and care. They have been great agents of this miniature and mysterious work. Audiences are deeply affected by the strange work – and this team has remained responsible to the show being clean, cool, and careful. Each night.

It was clear the Friday of the show’s closing, though, as Corrie and I raced out to borrow a Firepod at 7:30pm, so the show could have sound at 8pm, securing the sound only minutes before 8pm- that I may have not carefully and kindly thanked 2 other powerful parties who make our work happen often and directly enough- Production and Front of House.

Production, along with juggling many other tasks which maintain the theaters income and art, have remained very clear focus on the integrity of the show, as they have with others… but I thank you for this effort today of running this show. No show is easy, no show simple. You guys have been conscious of most every detail, and its shows.

And maybe, most important, or one I have not provided public gratitude for- a group which goes quite unseen- but was so relevant in their amazing value Friday evening- Beth and Emily’s Front of House team- Sara, Julie, Spring… you guys work so hard, represent the theater so well, and care for the image and integrity of the audience experience so generously. You are clearly being led by great smart young leaders- Beth and Emily. Thank you for replicating their enthusiasm, their care, their diligence.

Thank you all for a great and careful run. Everyone I share this email with has done great work to keep the show vital and dynamic.

Thank you for being part of Redmoon- you each make the institution more valuable, because you each care so much about each detail. Thank you for representing, again, one facet of our mission.

I’m very excited that the next time The Cabinet plays, it will be in the heat of Brazil (who chose wool costumes?!) and that each of you who go, when the experience occurs, takes the above attitude, and us, in spirit.

All my respect,

Frank Maugeri
Artistic Director, Redmoon Theater

It was a great honor to have so many of you at Redmoon Central this past Friday, March 12th to participate in our 20th anniversary birthday celebration. It is not in any way surprising to me that we made it this long though— Redmoon’s mission is simply powerful, the vision far reaching, our partnerships outstanding. And I understood that very clearly as I stood before all of you, so many faces that I recognized from many years of committed support and so many new faces ready and willing to travel the next 20 years with us. Redmoon is an amazing Chicago institution, as we saw this Friday evening, bursting with great art, extraordinary ideas, tremendous muscle, unlimited poetry, an undying passion for reckless celebration, and most important, You… a community that has been forged by our great ideas, huge ambitions, and stellar achievements. Redmoon is much more than wild art— it is a devoted to community and it is cultural transformation.

As some of our fans shared with us through letters over these last few weeks:
“As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I write to congratulate you… [on] your many contributions to our city. We in Chicago are very proud of Redmoon Theater… over the years, you have enriched the cultural life of our city and strengthened Chicago’s international reputation for great theater. Congratulations again and best wishes for much continued success…”
—Mayor Richard M. Daley

“…I extend my warmest wishes to all attendees for your dedication to building positive relationships within the community and filling the streets of Chicago with your distinctive performances. Congratulations on all your work and achievements, and I wish you best of luck in all your future endeavors.”
—Senator Richard J. Durbin

“I am extremely proud to recognize the passion, leadership, and dedication of the Redmoon Theater as it celebrates its twentieth anniversary of outstanding creative strategies and success in the Arts community.  I am proud that the Redmoon Theatre is located in my Congressional District, the Seventh Congressional District of Illinois… Given the caliber of the Theatre’s productions, I am not surprised a bit that the Company recently performed at the White House… It is said that Redmoon Theater makes theatrical events in public spaces that challenge the boundaries that exist between people and that inspire a shared experience of our common humanity.  I believe this is true, and for this reason I know that Redmoon Theatre will have guaranteed success in the future.  Congratulations on 20 outstanding years!  I look forward to the next 20.”
—Congressman Danny Davis, 7th District

“I take great pleasure in congratulating you on your twenty-year commitment to the people of Chicago… both as spectators at your breathtaking public performances and as participants in your Chicago Public Schools partnership programs. Needless to say, you have made an enduring impact on our Chicago communities. Your recent invitation to perform at the White House on Halloween is a testament to the quality and importance of your work. I was delighted to meet with representatives of Redmoon during your Capitol Hill trip and learn more about your work in our Chicago communities…Congratulations on your 20th anniversary. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.”
—Congressman Luis Gutierrez, 4th District

“…I would like to relay my most heartfelt congratulations as Redmoon Theater commemorates its 20th anniversary. Best wishes and welcome to all those rejoicing with you as you celebrate two decades of art-making in Chicago. We at Americans for the Arts are especially proud  to acknowledge Redmoon’s expanding contribution to the American fabric of art-making across disciplines. You have done much with your twenty years – from fostering sustained and meaningful relationships with the local community to imprinting national audiences with your unique brand of creativity. Your constant stream of innovative productions admirably demonstrates both a dedication to artistic excellence and a commitment to civic wellbeing. Congratulations again on twenty wonderful, impactful years and best wishes for continued growth and success in your future endeavors.”
—Robert L. Lynch, President and CEO of Americans for the Arts

“…I recently met…with Redmoon Theater… I was impressed on many fronts. While in Washington, they also met with Education Secretary Arne Duncan… I believe that you’ll be impressed by the scope and strategy of their programming and the impact they’re making on Chicago’s youth…I’m writing to request that you meet with them at your convenience.”
—Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr., 2nd District: from a letter addressed to CEO Ron Huberman, Chicago Public Schools

“Redmoon’s two decades of dedicated civic focused art-making for the neighborhoods and communities of Chicago has made a long lasting impact on its citizens. The state is fortunate that Redmoon calls Chicago its home. …Organizations like Redmoon that focus on impacting local communities from partnerships in public schools to public events that bring together the diversity of thousands are positive models for how a commitment to civic art can directly influence community pride and create art as a viable economic stimulus for communities. All of you at Redmoon Theater should be proud of your many accomplishments Your room full of supporters this evening is a strong reflection that your work is vital and essential to the betterment of community.  Keep up the great work. Know that you have a fan in me. See you at the next Spectacle!”
—Senator Roland W. Burris

March 12th was not just another spectacular Redmoon party. It was also a vital opportunity for us to reflect on our amazing 20 years and premiere the future of our art-making. We gathered together to be unlimited in our enjoyment and wild in our generosity. We celebrated our great mission, our Spectacle Creations, a 20-year history of gorgeous potent massive art that has been witnessed and engaged with over 500,000 people in unexpected public locations. Our Annual Traditions like The Winter Pageant, now in its 15th year, have continued to amaze and delight families with our celebration of the seasons and the human imagination. Our legacy of Community Building sums up two decades of teaching, training, and influencing young people and early career artists in the language of Redmoon. Our Professional Collaborations, with institutions like Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and we celebrated Redmoon’s courageous imagination and civic passion which has provided us national and international acclaim in Holland, Australia, Ireland, France, California, New York and most recently Washington, DC to perform at The White House. It was great to briefly recognize these tremendous achievements.

And we premiered the future of our theater: The Astronauts Birthday, a family based, science fiction, shadow puppet extravaganza will transform the facade of The Museum of Contemporary Art. The Youth Spectacle- The nations first ever youth authored, designed, engineered and performed youth spectacle. The Redmoon Festival- Redmoon’s first ever festival- combination of family entertainment of the highest integrity, live music and most importantly, our outrageous and lovely spectacle performances. And a grand plan, The Momentary Venue, a tent like structure Redmoon can house any show, tour it through the city of the nation, and make the country our performance playground. Key ideas of Redmoons future which reflect our strengths, legacy, and bravery.

It is an incredible honor and gift to stand before 400 people and represent an amazing team of dedicated thinkers, makers, and strategists to celebrate our historic and remarkable anniversary. I am grateful and proud of what Redmoon has achieved by galvanizing community, and manifesting tremendous art. And I am inspired and confident that we’ve only just begun. With these friends, supporters, and this board, only greatness waits before us. Thank you for caring so much for Redmoon. Thank you for celebrating with us. Thank you for working so hard on this event. Thank you for making history.

To the next 20 years!
Frank Maugeri, Artistic Director

The Cabinet opened this weekend to excellent performances, good houses, a great event hosted by our Board President Ralph Senst, several additional board members’ enjoyment, a number of Chicago’s artistic leaders – the President of the MCA, representatives from the CSO, friends from the Children’s Humanities Festival, several significant leaders of Columbia College, and many press.

Below is much of the anticipated press from this weekend- great reviews from Time Out Chicago, The Sun-Times, Chicago Reader, The Tribune plus the Chicago Stage Review and several other on-line critics, as well as pre-press articles that showcased our work.

If you are a friend of Redmoon on Facebook (which all of you could be) you can see close to 100 new images of the current production (which you can share with friends), and rally digitally for the show, as several board members have taken advantage of. The viral marketing tool is essential to this show’s word of mouth.

Help us get folks here – we must close after these few performances so we can throw the best birthday party ever.

Please let your friends know, use the press to generate buzz to your personal lists, use the images to entice potential audience, and use the team to meet and greet friends at the show if you so wish and request – invite them to Redmoon Central- soon, just 4 weekends, the show will be gone before we know it. A truly ephemeral hit.

Remember – Boneshaker is a great way to see the show and then dance with the Redmoon community – it should be 2 wild nights- Feb. 27th. and March 6th., 10 pm, 2010.

Chicago Sun Times – Highly Recommended
“It happens only rarely that one masterpiece can generate another of the same quality and originality. But the Redmoon theater production of “The Cabinet” — Frank Maugeri’s altogether remarkable reinvention of (and homage to) “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari,” the 1919 silent film classic that remains a landmark work of German Expressionism — does precisely that … a show that should be seen not just in Chicago, but around the world. A true classic.”
http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/2035782,020810-Redmoon-Weiss.article
—Hedy Weiss

Chicago Reader – Highly Recommended
“…stunning production… builds dread with diamond-edged precision. This is one nightmare that shouldn’t be missed.”
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/Event?oid=1364580
—Kerry Reid

TimeOut Chicago – Highly Recommended
“…The Cabinet is a dark, gorgeous inversion of Redmoon’s sprawling outdoor aesthetic, a miniaturized spectacle that still hews to the company’s bent for contraptions… Maher’s script is typically esoteric and erudite, as
intricate and mesmerizing as the choreography of Stalling’s puppeteers. Poor Cesare’s waking nightmare is the stuff of theatrical dreams.”
http://chicago.timeout.com/articles/theater/82759/the-cabinet-at-redmoon-central-theater-review
—Kris Vire

Chicago Stage Review – Highly Recommended
“…pure Redmoon enchantment. This is not a revival of a tired out play or a retelling of a familiar story; rather The Cabinet is a remarkable remount of a strange and wondrous creation. Do not miss this brief opportunity to see a rare and astonishing classic Chicago collaboration.”
http://www.chicagostagereview.com/?tag=redmoon-theater
—Venus Zarris

Chicago Tribune – Highly Recommended
“Everything takes place at a hypnotic pace … it is the nimble puppeteers in Stalling’s production who make it really live … It is frankly bizarre, and I’m betting you won’t be able to take your eyes off them.”
http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-live-0209-redmoon-cabinet-review-20100208,0,7926340.story
—Nina Metz

Chicago Theater Blog
“Haunting, and beautifully done, “The Cabinet” is no lightweight puppet show… the hour-long piece seems to stretch much longer, as if the audience were caught in Cesare’s endless trance.”
http://chicagotheaterblog.com/2010/02/06/the-cabinet/
—Leah Zeldes

Steadstyle Chicago
“…every little detail is handled to perfection by this talented troupe. An amazing storytelling experience, told in a way that will make this an experience to remember. If you have never experienced the work of Redmoon, this is a great way to start and once you see one of their productions, you will go back.”
http://www.steadstylechicago.com/cabinetredmoon.htm
—Alan Bresloff

Chicago Social Magazine – “Top 10” Feb 2010 – (p. 26) #1 – Redmoon’s ‘The Cabinet’ #2 – Goodman’s ‘The Long Red Road’ #3 – Steppenwolf’s ‘ ‘August: Osage County’ …
http://media.modernluxury.com/digital.php?e=CHSO
—Marissa Conrad

Red Eye Metromix Theater’s “Five To See” 02/03/10 – (p. 28) #1 – Redmoon’s ‘The Cabinet’

And again, congratulations to Associate Artistic Director Vanessa Stalling and the ensemble of “The Cabinet” on a tremendous effort and great product.

Frank Maugeri
Artistic Director

Vanessa Stalling, in just a short time, remounted this magical dark beast, and is beginning to roar… you can hear it murmur and grumble and creak even when no one is inside- the thing has its own life… it’s true. We previewed Thursday to over 100 of Redmoon’s artists and friends to great response. So many original creators came and were greatly surprised by the show being the same, different and better all at once.

Last night we opened to a full house of enthusiastic audience members, and I was excited to see the work live again, if only for this short ephemeral time: 5 weeks.

The team at Redmoon has done again what we do best— transform space, create amazing art, forge new communities, and work tirelessly to provide our city with unique and stimulating art.
Our technical team led by Mike O’Neill with Gabriel Richardson must be credited for amazing work on this particular effort… they struck the pageant, prepared the physical materials for a new show, and developed an entirely new lobby experience in what seemed overnight.
Angie Tillges ran a team of over 10 new emerging artists to build the show, while she began planning for our Neighborhood Arts Program culminating event at Audubon Elementary School in May 2010— an operation she leads with over 350 students.
A cast of performers was trained by Vanessa Stalling to tell the story of Cesare… a dark, meticulous, sad tale of a man trapped by sleep and forced to do unimaginable things- a scary ghost story.
Vanessa did a great job- unbelievable and outstanding really. I just can’t believe how fast and carefully she worked. I sincerely hope her efforts are celebrated. She guided the cast in creating wonderful images- they have worked so hard to make this show live again- their dedication inspires and reassures me… the power of Redmoon art changes people- the performers inside the work and the audience outside the work.
Beth Kaskel and Emily Reusswig once again ran a massive team of interns/volunteers to make all the many details of everything outside the stage work smoothly and smartly. They never disappoint.
Rebecca Hunter continues to lead the charge for Redmoon’s growth and our programming continues to flourish under her huge impacting contributions of vision, with Sean Kaplan working hard on PR.
And all of the other staff did what they do— making the work happen, by whatever it takes, in all the many different capacities they each fill.

So, here we are again, a few ‘minutes’ after the Pageant, a few ‘moments’ before Lunatique, our 20th anniversary gala.
The theater is as muscular as ever— the team is showing great strength, great faith, great confidence, and great care.

I hope to see all you at The Cabinet. Last night was fantastic.
I hope you can celebrate in yet another of the Redmoon team’s achievements.

If you are looking for a good scare, or a production of tremendous aesthetic arrest- come see The Cabinet soon.

To all those who supported the work in any way, thank you.

Frank

A spectacle in miniature, The Cabinet sets the story of the murderous Dr. Caligari and his somnambulist slave Cesare in an off-kilter world of puppetry and intricate machinery. Inspired by the 1919 silent film, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, The Cabinet creates a wild, abstracted “cabinet of curiosities” in which five puppeteers manipulate and maneuver the characters and objects mirroring Caligari’s control over Cesare’s plight. A haunting suspense thriller, this show is suitable for ages 13 yrs up.

“Just before our Halloween performance at the White House this past October, we had the amazing opportunity to meet with Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in his West Wing office,” Artistic Director Frank Maugeri shared. “The first thing he asked as we sat down to chat was: ‘Are you ever going to remount that wild show in the cabinet? That’s my all-time favorite…’ Very flatteringly, we thought it might be a good time to get this Redmoon favorite back in front of Chicago audiences. This remount is a gift to Redmoon fans as the inaugural show to our 20th anniversary season.”

March 12, 2010, Redmoon will celebrate 20 years of creating art in the city of Chicago with the annual Redmoon Spectacle Lunatique Gala: “20th Anniversary Birthday Celebration”. Visit www.redmoon.org for more details.

The Cabinet’s details at-a-glance

DATES: Preview THU FEB 4th, 8pm – Opens FRI FEB 5th thru SUN MAR 7th (5 week run)

TIMES: THU at 8:00 pm, FRI at 8:00 and 10:00 pm,
SAT at 6:00 and 9:00 pm, SUN at 3:00 pm

WHERE: REDMOON CENTRAL, 1463 W. HUBBARD STREET, CHICAGO, IL 60642

TICKET PRICES: THUR: $15, FRI: $20, SAT: $25, SUN: $20

TICKET PURCHASE: 312.850.8440 × 111 OR www.redmoon.org

SHOW DURATION: 60 minutes, no intermission

SPECIAL EVENT: “BONESHAKER” SAT FEB 27th & SAT MAR 6th, 10:15pm (directly after The Cabinet performance)
Redmoon opens its doors for a night of music from DJ Red Menace, open bar and environmental performances.

Original production conceived and directed by Artistic Director Frank Maugeri and written by Mickle Maher. Remount direction by Associate Artistic Director Vanessa Stalling, co-directed by Frank Maugeri.
Production credits include, Music Composition: Mark Messing, Sound Design: Mikhail Fiksel, Lighting Design: Chase Corman, Puppet Design: Lisa Barcy and Scott Pondrum, Set Design: Maggie Goddard, Performance Ensemble: Taylor Bibat, Sam Deutsch, Matt Rudy, Dustin Valenta, Missi Davis, Sarah Ely.

Redmoon has a commitment to creating new pathways for more audiences to encounter and participate in art and culture. In 2009, Redmoon’s highly successful annual program of events included collaborations with the Chicago Park District for Spectacle 09: Last of My Species the Fearless Songs of Laarna Cortaan at Belmont Harbor; the University of Chicago for a production of Hunchback at Rockefeller Chapel and most recently with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for a December production of Shadow Swan Lake. Once Upon A Time was invited to perform at the World Festival of Puppetry in Charleville-Mezieres, France also at Chicago’s Theatre On The Lake summer season in Lincoln Park and to close the season, returning with its 2009 installment of the much loved, annual seasonal production of Winter Pageant.

The crowning achievement for Redmoon’s team in 2009 was an invitation by the White House for a Halloween performance on the front lawn for 2,500 trick-or-treating local school children and then later in a private party throughout the East Wing residence for US combat veterans and their families.

The Cabinet is made possible through the generous support of the following contributors:
The Mullen Family Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts; the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and by a CityArts Program 3 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs.

Redmoon was founded in 1990 to promote a unique brand of public art committed to the highest quality artistic product and to civic well-being. Pulling with conviction from contemporary art forms and ancient theatrical approaches, Redmoon has created a performance style that is equal parts pageantry, gadgetry, acrobatics, and ephemera. Over the past decade, Redmoon has garnered international attention for its unique productions and site-specific performances, which have been seen across Chicago from the Jackson Park Lagoon, the façade of Museum of Contemporary Art to Belmont Harbor and performance venues as diverse as Steppenwolf to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Over recent years, Redmoon has developed projects in Holland, Ireland, France, and Australia. The company was recently honored with an invitation to perform at the White House for local Washington, DC school children and US combat veterans during Halloween 2009.

Redmoon creates unexpected theater events in unexpected locations.

Redmoon is a proud member of The League of Chicago Theatres and a constituent of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), the national organization for the American theatre.

SPECTACLE LUNATIQUE 2010
A 20th Anniversary Birthday Celebration

MARCH 12th 2010
7am – 1am

Join us for the most bombastic, delirious, outrageous party ever!

GREAT FOOD

UNUSUAL GUESTS

HEAPS OF BIRTHDAY CAKE

MECHANICAL DEVICES THAT BLOW THE MIND

NEVER ENDING ENTERTAINMENT
ALL OVER THE PLACE, EVERYWHERE, CONSTANTLY

Celebrate 20 years of Spectacle making, Immense Art, and Community Building

Participating in-kind culinary sponsors and businesses that are
contributing to the not-to-be-missed party of the year:

Blackbird – Paul Kahan
BOKA – Giuseppe Tentori
Carnivale – Mark Mendez
Coco Pazzo – Chris Macchia
Guerilla Smiles – Nicholas Jirasek
Keefer’s Restaurant – John Hogan
Province – Randy Zweiban
Rodan – David Gebhardt
Tocco – Bruno Abate
Urbanbelly – Bill Kim

Eli’s Cheesecake – Marc Schulman
Hot Chocolate – Mindy Segal
Kim & Scott’s Gourmet Pretzels – Scott Holstein
Swirlz Cupcakes – Pam Rose

4 Rebels Vodka – Revolution Brands
August Hill Winery, Dessert Compliment – Mark Wenzel
Death’s Door Spirits – Brian Ellison
Entertaining Company – Wendy Pashman
Three Floyds Brewing Company – Nick Floyd
Van Duzer Vineyards, Dinner Compliment – Carl and Marilynn Thoma

CS Magazine
Design Lab
Entertaining Company
Graphic Source
Intelligent Lighting Creations
Lightswitch
Mullen Family Foundation
Pronto ‘Za
Sound Investment
Uncle Fun

RESERVE YOUR SEAT OR TABLE NOW
email: RSVP@redmoon.org
or call: 312.850.8440 ×111

Don’t miss this event. You’ll never forgive yourself. Never.