The Understudy

"Give My Regards to Nowhere" Reading and Signing with Richard Engling
2023-05-31 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
EVENT DETAILS:
Doors open right at 7:00p for a 7:30p start to the reading. Please have your ticket ready to show The Understudy staff. A limited cafe drink menu will be available to all who attend.
The evening will begin with an introduction and reading followed by a Q&A session with Richard. The evening will end with a book signing with copies of the novel available for purchase along with merch from The Understudy Coffee and Books.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Richard Engling founded Polarity Ensemble Theatre in Chicago in 2004 and served as its artistic director for twelve long and confusing years, giving him ample expertise to write GIVE MY REGARDS TO NOWHERE. Richard’s dystopian detective thriller, BODY MORTGAGE, was published by Penguin Books USA and Headline UK and has been rereleased in a revised version by Polarity Ensemble Books. His novel VISIONS OF ANNA (Polarity Ensemble Books) and play ANNA IN THE AFTERLIFE appeared in 2014 as part of the ambitious AFTERLIFE TRILOGY. His plays have been produced in the US and England, and he continues to work as an actor, playwright, and novelist.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Chicago director Dwayne Finnegan has a long shot at the big time and only two obstacles: himself and everyone he knows.
Dwayne’s got an idea of how to direct Shakespeare’s least-favorite play that could set him on the road to Broadway. We’re talking Bob Fosse choreography, Jimi Hendrix guitars, and the hottest cast in the city of Chicago. But when the show’s producer cuts out with the cash, Dwayne decides to produce the show himself, putting his marriage and his meager finances at risk. What could go wrong?
“Richard Engling knows Chicago’s famously chaotic and glorious storefront theater scene like the back of his hand. It’s the perfect setting for absurd comic hi-jinx.” – Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, author of Rise Up! and Bigger, Brighter, Louder
PARKING:
Paid parking is available on Clark St. with free parking available on the Ashland Avenue side of the Jewel-Osco, which is a short walk away from the store.

Goody Vault Popup
2023-05-27 10:00 - 18:00 | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
👖 POP UP ALERT 🧦
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We’re excited to host @thegoodyvault in our lounge this Saturday, May 27th! Join us to browse new (old) threads reworked by Emanuel alongside our usual books and brews. We’re huge fans of Emanuel’s eye for detail and his extraordinary craftsmanship, so come get some new summer pieces!
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See you there ✨

Independent Bookstore Day
2023-04-29 | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Join us at The Understudy on Saturday, April 29th for the 10th Anniversary of Independent Bookstore Day! This is an excellent opportunity to support us and Chicago’s independent bookselling community!📚☕️
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The annual Indie Bookstore crawl is a one day national party celebrating indie bookstores.
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Here’s how it works this year: Readers use the map at ChiLoveBooks.com to plan their itineraries. On Saturday, April 29th readers pick up their #ChiLoveBooks passport from the participating store of their choice. Only a small initial purchase is required to get the passport and your first stamp, and then you will get a stamp at each additional participating store you visit that day!
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The payoff comes for visits at the following levels:
📖 Visit TEN stores in one day and get 10% off at all participating bookstores for an ENTIRE YEAR.
📕Visit FIFTEEN stores in one day and get 15% off at all bookstores listed below for an ENTIRE YEAR.
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Readers are encouraged to post snapshots of their purchases and themselves at their favorite stores on #ChiLoveBooks. See you there✨

Bramble Theatre Presents: ROOTED by Ben Locke
2023-03-26 19:00 - 21:00 | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
The Understudy Coffee and Books is proud to host its first collaborative event with their neighbors Bramble Theatre Company! This event takes place during The Understudy’s Grand Opening weekend.
Please note this event is pay what you can. Doors open at 7:00 pm. The reading will begin at 7:30 pm and runs approximately 90 minutes. Our cafe will be open for refreshments.
Rooted tells the story of 3 witches who resurrect a famous witch from the past to help them get an unwanted man out of their sacred home. It’s a show about sisterhood, what we hold on to, and what’s worth our sacrifices and magic.
Ben F. Locke – Playwright
Karissa Murrell Myers – Director
Ky Anderson – Kassie
Aja Singletary – Bailey
Haley Bolithon – Ryan
Stephanie Shum – Merna
Gabby Diaz – Isobel
Carolyn Hu Bradbury – Stage Directions

Ribbon Cutting
2023-03-25 | IL
