The Understudy

THE LACY PROJECT by Alena Smith
2024-03-14 20:00 - 21:30 (America/Chicago) | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
The Lacy Project directed by Clara Zucker
A Snails on a Bike Production

Her mother’s photographs turned Lacy into an icon of childhood innocence and beauty. Now, on the night of her 22nd birthday, Lacy has to navigate between image and reality, sex and friendship, self-indulgence and responsibility. This wild tragicomedy presents a portrait of a young woman held captive by her own childhood and a vivid picture of a generation unable to grow up.

CAST

Tyra Grove
Jane Hobson
Nena Martins
Kyra McConnell
Talia Roland-Kalb
Content Warning: drug abuse, violent and derogatory language, stylized depiction of masturbation. Recommended for audience members 18+.
CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

USITT Presents The Stage Rigging Handbook
2024-03-04 19:30 - 22:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Join us for this special event on March 4, at The Understudy in Chicago! USITT Executive Director Laura Lee Everett will sit down with co-author Shane Kelly and scenic designer Regina García to discuss the latest edition of the Stage Rigging Handbook, working in the industry, and the impact Jay O. Glerum’s work has had on the world of theatrical stage rigging over the last several decades.

Doors open at 7pm. Discussion begins at 7:30pm.
The Understudy cafe will bbe open for refreshments during the event.
PREORDER THE BOOK
ABOUT THE BOOK
First published in 1987 and revised in 1997 and 2007, Stage Rigging Handbook remains the only book in any language that covers the design, operation, and maintenance of stage rigging equipment. Though often unnoticed, these systems are critical in both easing the workload of stage technicians and creating storytelling magic for the audience. This landmark text imparts the foundations for understanding and implementing rigging systems, such that upon completion of the book, the reader is ready to begin hands-on training and practice.
Organized into four sections, the handbook combines research and practical experience to guide riggers through their work. It begins by explaining the construction and care of basic lifting media. Part two analyzes types of rigging systems; then the handbook details the forces that impact rigging, from Newtonian physics to calculating expansive modern systems. Finally, it presents day-to-day best safety practices, including brand new sections on risk assessment and fall protection.
This reorganized and greatly expanded fourth edition of Jay O. Glerum’s industry standard text updates much of the information in the previous editions with the addition of chapters on truss (the framework that supports lighting, screens, and other accessories), motorized chain hoists, hardware, and job safety, including fall protection systems. Award-winning production manager Shane Kelly preserves Glerum’s voice while bringing fresh information to a new generation of riggers, supplementing the text with updated versions of earlier photographs and drawings as well as an additional one hundred illustrations. The handbook facilitates the development of a rigging practice rooted in safety, precision, and professionalism.

Legland: An Absurd "Staged" Reading
2024-03-02 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
LegLand creates absurdist, bouffon-inspired devised theatre pieces that parody everything from Greek drama to reality TV to consumer culture

We thought we had already found all the great lost works of the past. We thought wrong. LegLand is proud to present an absurd “staged” “reading” of all the newly discovered texts from their private archives, including some of the only great, classical texts to be set in a major American city. Discover a densely energetic guided descent into absurdity.
Created and performed by LegLand (Connor Konz, Danny Gadaj, and Mo Less)
“Stage Manager”: Aida Delaz
LegLand creates absurdist, bouffon-inspired devised theatre pieces that parody everything from Greek drama to reality TV to consumer culture. Their signature style melds drag, larger-than-life costumes, audience participation, burlesque, and various multimedia elements.

Working in the 21st Century: A Conversation with Mark Larson
2024-02-29 18:00 - 19:30 | Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, Residents’ Dining Hall, 800 S. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL, 60607, United States
PLEASE NOTE: This event occurs offsite at the Jane Addams Hull House Museum

Join the celebration for the release Mark Larson’s book “Working in the 21st Century” & participate in an exclusive discussion with Larson.

Why do we show up to the jobs we’ve chosen? Or why don’t we? How has the upheaval of the past few years changed our experience of work? To coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of Studs Terkel’s legendary Working, we celebrate the release of Mark Larson’s Working in the 21st Century: An Oral History of American Work in a Time of Social and Economic Transformation.
Larson will discuss his own relationship to Studs Terkel, and share a selection of intimate, honest, and illuminating recordings from the interviews he conducted for the book. Refreshments will be served and books will be on sale from The Understudy.
This event is FREE and open to the public!

For the Lovers Hosted by Georgia Rising
2024-02-23 20:00 - 22:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
An exploration of the eight kinds of Greek love through the lens of Black drag performers with music by Black artists.

Presenting For the Lovers: an exploration of the 8 kinds of Greek love through the lens of Black drag performers with music by Black artists. Hosted by Georgia Rising in collaboration with Cafe Royalty, the show will present the spectrum of love’s expressions from its joyful peaks to its intense valleys. Join us at the understudy on February 23rd at 8 pm!
Doors open at 7:30pm. The Understudy cafe will be open for refreshments.
Black audience members: use code BLACKLOVE for 50% off tickets!

Crush(ed) By Maria Arreola
2024-02-19 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
A heartfelt comedy from Chicago playwright Maria Arreola about the embarrassments and excitements of the search for love.

In a desperate bid to get her love life in order, Maria enlists Dr. Love and her fabulous game show Crush(ed). After speaking to Maria’s closest friends and family members, Dr. Love has assembled a cast of past loves who must fight to win back her affection in a series of mini dates.

Maria Arreola – Playwright
Karina Patel – Director
Emma Durbin – Dramaturg
Tatiana Bustamante – Maria
Sahar El Dika – Dr Love/Renee
Casey Whisler – Crush
Rich Adrian Lazatin – Crush

About Freshly Brewed
Freshly Brewed seeks to invest in Chicago’s emerging playwrights and theatre artists in keeping with The Understudy’s commitment to Community, Collaboration, and Discovery. The series features monthly readings of new plays in various stages of development. Each artist conrtibuting– playwrights, directors, and actors– will receive a stipend underwritten by the series’ anonymous donor.
Freshly Brewed also marks the inaugural collaboration between The Understudy and its neighbor, Edgewater’s Raven Theatre, as its fiscal sponsor. Donations made to the Freshly Brewed program are tax-deductible and can be made via raventheatre.com with a note that the contribution is for The Understudy/Freshly Brewed.

A Taste of RED with A Red Orchid Theatre
2024-02-13 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
Hang out with our friends from A Red Orchid Theatre on February 13th for the latest installment of their series A Taste of Red.
A Red Orchid Theatre invites you to take a peek behind the curtain and see how their team goes about exploring a play. What gets their ensemble excited about a script? How do actors, directors, playwrights, and designers all approach the same text differently? What defines a quintessential A Red Orchid production?
This iteration features Hells Canyon written by Keiko Green and directed by Vanessa Stalling
Doors open at 7pm and the reading begins at 7:30pm.
CLICK HERE to Reserve Your Seat

Virtue and Grace by Isabella Van Houzen
2024-02-11 19:30 - 21:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
The fall of 1814, Kingston upon Thames. As four best friends ready themselves to court this season, Lady Grace Quimby schemes to attend events dressed as a man in order to court other women. With the help of her friends, she dons a disguise and navigates a convoluted web of lies. It is a farcical tale of love, gender, and societal pressure.
To reserve tickets please email isabellavanhouzen@gmail.com for availability. Tickets are $10+ and donations are welcome!
TEAM:
Playwright and Director – Isabella Van Houzen
Stage Manager – Gianni Carcagno
Lady Grace Quimby – Teri Talo
Earl Theodore Paget – Max Stolte
Viscount Harry Ravensworth – Micah Mabey
Viscount Frederick Harris – Grant Carriker
Lady Virtue – Kristina Newcomb
Aunt – Maggie Smith
Isabel – Kristen Bock
Lady Elanor and Beatrice – Jenny Hinojosa
Footman 1, Seamstress, and Doctor – Zach Koptik
Footman 2 and Maria – John Drea
Ladies Maid and Katherine – Liliana Mastroianni

Valentine Portrait Sketches with Joe Kraft
2024-02-10 11:00 - 15:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Join us Saturday February 10th as we host our friend (and Understudy muralist) Joe Kraft! Joe is offering live 30-minute sketches of you and your partner (or whoever you want!). Slots are limited.
Click Here to Reserve in Advance
Stop by and check out a selection of Joe’s prints and merch in addition!

FIKA Fest Coffee Crawl
2024-02-10 10:00 - 13:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
The Andersonville Coffee & Hot Cocoa Crawl returns as a part of Fika Fest! Each route invites you to explore specialty offerings that may include coffee, hot cocoa, bakery items, and more! Check in begins at 9AM on February 10 at the Swedish American Museum, located at 5211 N Clark.
Folks are encouraged to drop off puzzles during the check in for the Great Andersonville Puzzle Exchange, happening at the Swedish American Museum on the following day, February 11. Stay tuned for full details!
Please note that routes are subject to change and there are no refunds.

ALL ABOUT LOVE: A Valentines Day Cabaret
2024-02-09 19:30 - 22:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Join us for an intimate evening celebrating the work and legacy of bell hooks through text and song. ALL ABOUT LOVE explores how we love each other, what we gain when we are loved well, and how love shapes our lives.
Performed by a cast of black musical theatre artists, ALL ABOUT LOVE promises to inspire and renew its audience.
Doors open at 7pm for a 7:30pm performance.
The Understudy Cafe will be open for refreshments.

League of Chicago Theatres Black History Month Panel
2024-02-08 19:00 - 21:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Hear from black theatre artists on the history, future, and impact of black contributions to our art form.

In honor of the return of Chicago Theatre Week alongside Black History Month, The League of Chicago Theatres is convening a panel highlighting Black History Month programming by members of the League.
This panel will be moderated by Marissa Lynn Jones, Executive Director of League of Chicago Theatres and will feature the following panelists:
Rob Wilson – Director
Black by Popular Demand: A Black Excellence Revue – The Second City
Kate Wexler – Student Dramaturg
Fairview – Loyola University
Temple Hemphill – Publicist
1619: The Journey of a People, The Musical – The Third Dimensions Performance Group
Doors open at 7PM. The Understudy Cafe will be open for refreshments.

I Can't... I Have Trivia
2024-02-07 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Theatre nerds, your time has come! Join us for another round of trivia at 7:30 on February 7th, We recommend playing with a team of four. Hosted by our friend Patrick Zakem, each round will test your knowledge of a different facet of theatre history, current events, or culture. Think you’ve got what it takes to triumph? Don’t miss it!
No need to RSVP, just bring your team on the 7th!

The Best Damn Thing by Hanna Kime
2024-02-05 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-04 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-03 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-02 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-02-01 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-01-29 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-01-28 19:30 - 21:30, 2024-01-27 19:30 - 21:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
It’s summer of 2011, and Ellie, an awkward 16-year-old, has written what she believes to be a groundbreaking new musical inspired by the early discography of Avril Lavigne. She has invited Rachel, her much cooler ex-best friend and their theatre teacher’s favorite, to her house to pitch the show in hopes that Rachel can convince him to program it for their spring musical. Over the course of one evening of workshopping, the two girls rekindle their friendship and reopen old wounds. The Best Damn Thing is a piercing and boldly theatrical exploration of what it means to be a teenage girl in a world that refuses to take you seriously.
This premiere production of The Best Damn Thing is the first fully-staged production inside The Understudy Coffee and Books. The play transforms the bookstore into an inventive and dynamic performance space, complete with a full band performing each song live. The Best Damn Thing is a bold and exciting new piece of theatre, and also a full-blown throwback pop-punk concert. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind theatregoing experience.
PLUS: Opening performance on 1/27 and closing performance on 2/5 feature a Post-show set by Sara Geist and the Best Damn Thing band!
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 15+
CAST
Ellie – Elisabeth Del Toro
Rachel – Maya Hlava
Ellie U/S – Jordan Levene
Rachel U/S – Ruby Gibson
BAND
Music Director – Sara Geist
Guitar – Tariq Shihadah
Drums – Vince De Re
Bass – Steve Schaeffer
CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright – Hanna Kime
Composers – Sara Geist, Hanna Kime
Director – Grace Dolezal-Ng
Associate Director – Danny Fender
Costume Designer – Jessica Van Winkle
Lighting Designer – Katelyn Le-Thompson
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer – Hunter Leach
Intimacy Designer – Kayla Menz

Kokandy Book Club Presents: LOVE FOR SALE
2024-01-31 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Kokandy Productions explores the lyrics, letters, and writings of Cole porter in the latest installment of their cabaret series BOOK CLUB

Join The Understudy and our friends from Kokandy Productions for the latest installment of our series Book Club. Kokandy Book Club is an intimate salon series celebrating theatre, music and community. Each meeting will focus on a well known play (or in this case, a person)—investigating themes through musical performance. Have a sit, have a sip and honor the ritual of talking about great art and having a good ole fashion jam session.
For this meet, we explore the man, the myth, the maestro: Cole Porter. It’s giving wit, it’s giving innuendo, it’s giving quadruple entendre. We’ll use Porter’s lyrics, letters and other writings to celebrate the delightful artist and his delicious life to create an absolute de-lovely night. Curated by Kokandy Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, with musical accompaniment by Nick Sula, our book club performers will be announced soon!
Doors open at 7 PM for a 7:30 PM performance.
The Understudy Cafe will be open for refreshments.

(UNDERSTUDY PERFORMANCE) The Best Damn Thing by Hanna Kime
2024-01-30 19:30 - 21:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
An intimate and explosive new play inspired by the early discography of Avril Lavigne. The Best Damn Thing is witty, campy, punk fun.

It’s summer of 2011, and Ellie, an awkward 16-year-old, has written what she believes to be a groundbreaking new musical inspired by the early discography of Avril Lavigne. She has invited Rachel, her much cooler ex-best friend and their theatre teacher’s favorite, to her house to pitch the show in hopes that Rachel can convince him to program it for their spring musical. Over the course of one evening of workshopping, the two girls rekindle their friendship and reopen old wounds. The Best Damn Thing is a piercing and boldly theatrical exploration of what it means to be a teenage girl in a world that refuses to take you seriously.

This premiere production of The Best Damn Thing is the first fully-staged production inside The Understudy Coffee and Books. The play transforms the bookstore into an inventive and dynamic performance space, complete with a full band performing each song live. The Best Damn Thing is a bold and exciting new piece of theatre, and also a full-blown throwback pop-punk concert. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind theatregoing experience.
RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 15+
This is an Understudy Performance.
UNDERSTUDY CAST
Ellie – Jordan Levene
Rachel – Ruby Gibson

BAND
Music Director – Sara Geist
Guitar – Tariq Shihadah
Drums – Vince De Re
Bass – Steve Schaeffer

CREATIVE TEAM
Playwright – Hanna Kime
Composers – Sara Geist, Hanna Kime
Director – Grace Dolezal-Ng
Associate Director – Danny Fender
Costume Designer – Jessica Van Winkle
Lighting Designer – Katelyn Le-Thompson
Sound Designer/Audio Engineer – Hunter Leach
Intimacy Designer – Kayla Menz

PHARAOH TAROT
2024-01-29 15:00 - 18:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Pharaoh Tarot is BACK on Monday, January 29th!

Imbolc – The First Sabbat of 2024
Imbolc, A Celtic festival celebrating Brigid, the goddess of creativity, poetry, healing, and fertility. February 1st is a sabbat that recognizes new growth, and the first shoots of spring breaking through the thawing ice.
FRESH START
The Root – What is the Nature of your current condition?
The Thaw – What previously unseen gifts are being revealed?
New Growth – How can you increase growth and abundance in your life?
Bookings are 25 minutes. Individual readings are $55, but pay what you can readings are available, lowest donation $11.
Feel free to reach out to Regina via instagram or email with any questions: @officialreginav, officialreginavictor@gmail.com

CLICK HERE to reserve your spot in advance!

READING IS A DRAG Hosted by Kerosene
2024-01-26 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Your favorite literary moments are brought to life in fabulous drag form at READING IS A DRAG hosted by Kerosene

The Understudy is combining its passions for literature and performance alongside host Kerosene.
READING IS A DRAG is a fun all-ages event where drag professionals read books and perform a few numbers in the name of creative literacy!
CAST TBA
Doors open at 7PM for a 7:30PM performance. The Understudy cafe will be open for refreshments.

Austin's Home by Jesse Robkin
2024-01-22 19:30 - 21:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
When Austin returns home after an extended absence, old wounds break open, and new tensions arise. A fresh drama from Chicago playwright Jesse Robkin, Austin’s Home explores what it truly takes to see one another.
Directed by Bryar Barborka and Adam Todd Crawford
Cast To Be Announced
About Freshly Brewed
Freshly Brewed seeks to invest in Chicago’s emerging playwrights and theatre artists in keeping with The Understudy’s commitment to Community, Collaboration, and Discovery. The series features monthly readings of new plays in various stages of development. Each artist conrtibuting– playwrights, directors, and actors– will receive a stipend underwritten by the series’ anonymous donor.
Freshly Brewed also marks the inaugural collaboration between The Understudy and its neighbor, Edgewater’s Raven Theatre, as its fiscal sponsor. Donations made to the Freshly Brewed program are tax-deductible and can be made via raventheatre.com with a note that the contribution is for The Understudy/Freshly Brewed.

Two Mics featuring Michael Patric Thornton and Michael Shannon
2023-12-29 20:00 - 22:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
A Red Orchid Theatre is thrilled to partner with The Gift Theatre on a special fundraising event on: TWO MICS featuring Michael Patrick Thornton and Michael Shannon!
Friday, December 29
The Understudy (5531 N Clark)
Doors open at 8pm
Close out 2023 with an intimate evening of improv with Michael Patrick Thornton and Michael Shannon all in support of their home theatre companies: A Red Orchid and The Gift. A special line-up of Ensemble Members from both theatres will open the evening.
Tickets for this one-night event will go on sale to A Red Orchid and Gift Season Subscribers tomorrow, Thursday, December 14 at 12pm and to the public on Friday, December 15 at 12pm. Tickets are limited so keep your eyes on your inbox!
Please note: This event is now SOLD OUT!

Pharaoh Tarot
2023-12-20 13:00 - 17:00 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
Pharaoh Tarot is BACK on Wednesday, December 20th!
THE GIFT: A Winter Solstice Reading is inspired by the winter solstice on Dec 21st, a time to review what we’ve learned, renew our intentions for the following year and get a peek at what the universe has in store!
The Present – current state; what lessons are being internalized to make way for the new?
The Package – environment, how will my surroundings be enriched /affected in the coming year?
The Bow – Love and Vitality, what passions may arise in the new year?
The Card – A message of wisdom from The Mighty Dead (those who have accomplished much and since passed on)
CLICK HERE for Advance Reservation

Drag Bingo! Hosted by Drag n' Drop and Cafe Royalty
2023-12-16 20:00 - 21:30 | The Understudy Coffee and Books, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60640, United States
what has 5 letters and one big prize?🤔
🩷❤️🧡BINGO!🩵💙💜
Baby, double check that board because we are callin the shots (well… espresso shots…) Visit us Saturday, December 16th for DRAG BINGO!🤩
✨free event!
✨all ages!
✨sober space!
✨insane prizes
✨drag!
and more!
Put some mascara on and let’s play ball!🫨
Doors at 8, balls drop at 8:30🤭
No need to RSVP, Just show up ready to play!

Hanukkah Candle Lighting and Drag Queen Story Time
2023-12-10 16:00 - 17:00 | The Understudy, 5531 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640, Chicago, IL, 60613, United States
The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce is proud to launch their first annual Hanukkah candle lighting and Drag Queen Storytime at The Understudy Coffee & Books!

Drag Bubbie Merriam Levkowitz will serenade us with some musical Hanukkah performances and Hanukkah book readings for the whole family.

Afterward, we’ll have a menorah lighting led by Cantor Kenneth Lyonswright.

This event is family friendly and free! Bring the kiddos and enjoy some great Hanukkah entertainment and cozy winter drinks while we celebrate the Festival of Lights!
