#2019isyoct

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast

Oh, you thought those were all of our wonderful actors? Think again! Meet Mateo Hurtado, who plays Geraldo Alanis in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better:

What was your first experience with house music?

My first experience with house music probably happened earlier than I can remember since it was blasting all throughout my youth. But! At a really young age, I do remember loving it, the bass and the rhythms are completely freeing. 

What is your favorite line in the show?

There are plenty to choose from but if I had to pick one it would definitely be: "This [Expletive] doin' math." 

Do you identify with your character? 

I think there are MC and crowd work qualities that Geraldo depends on for his own momentum and to really engage everyone's senses at Jenal's. That type of hype and hoopla is something I gravitate towards as a performer and a person. 

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. Geraldo isn’t technically in any of them, but he does make a profit on all of their battles at Jenal’s. Which could you see yourself auditioning for?

Ha! I would audition for the ALLSTARS perhaps (And not get in). 

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

That's definitely a toss-up between the first read-through and the designer run. Both were similar yet vastly different moments to really take a leap and perform the task of telling this story. Or in other words, it was wonderful to see different glimpses of this arc, this tale in different phases well before opening night! Especially since this is a new work.  

What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?

For the love of house music and this city that we call Chicago! The music and moves will barely keep you at your seat. Attend immediately. 

What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?

The electric slide! Audiences will have to swing by and see why that's the case!

You only have two more chances to see  Mateo and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[lifestyleandmusicaltheatre]

✨Good Ol’ Holiday Spirit✨ • Everyone knows the holidays should be spent sandwiched between people that you love. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work on two shows this holiday season that were full of wonderful, welcoming people. And since I’m essentially a cat, it’s means a lot to me to feel like one of the family. Happy Holidays, Friends!🎄 • #mrsclaus #holidayspirit #floridafusspot #chicagokidscompany #christmasshow #chicagoactor #lifeofanactor #bookedit #auditiongrind #characteractor #actorshustle #alwaysauditioning #workingactor #actorslife #chicagoactress #onstage #2019isyoct #understudy #wonderstudy (at Stahl Family Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B6bYIVaJGeD/?igshid=1tdhjqn7mcu3t

[instapicsil2]

NIGHT OUT: Did you hear? Bloomsday is Jeff Recommended! Join us on Thursday to see why people are loving this show at Lincoln Park Night Out with Remy Bumppo Theatre Company! Use the code DUBLIN to receive $10 off tickets of Bloomsday. . @remybumppo #LincolnPark #ChiTheatre #2019isYOCT http://bit.ly/2HxD3Bp

[instapicsil3]

NIGHT OUT: Did you hear? Bloomsday is Jeff Recommended! Join us on Thursday to see why people are loving this show at Lincoln Park Night Out with Remy Bumppo Theatre Company! Use the code DUBLIN to receive $10 off tickets of Bloomsday. . @remybumppo #LincolnPark #ChiTheatre #2019isYOCT http://bit.ly/2HxD3Bp

[instatrack]

#Repost @chicagoplays ・・・ Now 7 days a week starting 15 minutes after sunset at Merchandise Mart and the Chicago River, @artonthemart is dedicated to featuring theatre artists for 2019, the Year of Chicago Theatre. This one is Robert Cornelius in #Rightlynd. Check our highlights for more! #chitheatre #2019isYOCT #artonthemart . . . #downtownchicago #projectiondesign #urbanart #chicagodesigner #chicagodesign #chicagolove #chicagoart #chigram #artofchi #intheloopchi #publicart #theatre #chicago #instagram312 #citylights #chicagotheatre http://bit.ly/2JnUWEO

[instapicsil1]

#Repost @chicagoplays ・・・ Now 7 days a week starting 15 minutes after sunset at Merchandise Mart and the Chicago River, @artonthemart is dedicated to featuring theatre artists for 2019, the Year of Chicago Theatre. This one is Robert Cornelius in #Rightlynd. Check our highlights for more! #chitheatre #2019isYOCT #artonthemart . . . #downtownchicago #projectiondesign #urbanart #chicagodesigner #chicagodesign #chicagolove #chicagoart #chigram #artofchi #intheloopchi #publicart #theatre #chicago #instagram312 #citylights #chicagotheatre http://bit.ly/2JnUWEO

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast

Say hello to Claudia Quesada! She plays Chalie Ríos in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better:

What was your first experience with house music?

When I was about 9 in parties in Cuba, I didn’t know the name I just knew I just kept jumping and hyped about it, haha. 

What is your favorite line in the show?

There are a couple of lines that I love, but I think my favorite is Gringo’s line: “Thank you for accepting who I am, with all my crazy.” Because this show has been like that, we are all a big family and everyone is crazy in the most beautiful way and we love and accept each other’s craziness. 

Do you identify with your character?

Ha! This is a funny question because when I first got the role, I didn’t think I identified with Chalie. I was more like a Miss B because she was tough and very direct. That’s more like me. But as I immersed myself into Chalie’s storyline, I started to connect more and more. She was shy but then spoke her mind, and when she was performing she just gave her all no matter what, always behind Gringo’s vision. And I am like that. I am shy. Sometimes I have to use my acting skills to break out of the shell, be social, and interact with people. When I’m acting, that goes away, and I am ready to be exposed, haha. And when I’m doing a show I believe in, I give my all to it and defend it with all my being. So, yes, I do identify with her and I have loved every single chance I’ve had to embodied her.

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. Chalie is a proud ALLSTAR, but which could you see yourself dancing for?

Ha! Tricky, I will base my answer only on dancing style. Gringo forgive me, haha. I would audition for the CULITOS simply for all the booty and shoulder shaking, haha. I teach Zumba and those are the type of moves I use the most. 

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

The warmth from the very beginning. Like I mentioned before, from the getgo it has felt like a huge mixed family. I love coming to play with them. It doesn’t feel like work. The space is welcoming and warm. It is managed and directed by people doing theatre for the love of art and not for a commercial purpose, and it shows. 

Another moment was when Tony announced [the cast] gets a personalized coffee mug and free coffee at all times. Coffee is my spirit animal and so that made me very happy, and because of that, he became my favorite. Ok, don’t tell him though. 

What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?

How dance connects us. Despite the differences each person might have, they found music and dancing the source to connect. I think the world needs more of that, we need to listen more, connect and dance, and dance. 

What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?

The hairbrush, hahaha. It is not so common now and is a move that when I see someone doing it, it does take me Back in the Day. You see what I did there? Haha.

(Not technically the dance move, but adorable nonetheless) 

You can see Claudia and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast

Hey hey hey! There’s another lovely actor here for you to get to know. Give a real warm welcome to Amy Toruño, our Beatriz “Miss B�� Soto in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better:

What was your first experience with house music? 

This was my mom’s era, so I grew up listening to it at home. 

What is your favorite line in the show?

Eddie’s line “my mother says it’s the devil getting back to the gays.” I think it’s so poignant and of the time. Helps the audience relate to all the queer characters online. 

Do you identify with your character?

I love Miss B. She doesn’t take no for an answer and she was a pioneer of her time. I also left everything behind to pursue my career. 

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. Miss B’s an ALLSTAR, but which would you join?

I learned some of the IMPORTED TASTE choreography and loved it. I like the Jazz infusion and technique it requires.

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

The Puerto Rican Day Parade! I felt like J-Lo. It was the happiest day of my life (although I think most people say that about their weddings). I felt like a local celebrity and loved the party afterward. Eating tacos off of paper plates, dancing, kids running around... I felt “en familia.” 

What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?

My movement for Miss B is very strong. Lots of throwing punches and firm steps. That definitely helped me embody her. I loved finding that in the original choreography. How she moves vs how I move. It’s a marathon. Very arm heavy, the kids in the 80s really knew how to party!

You can see Amy and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[lifestyleandmusicaltheatre]

On My Way To Ruin Christmas😬 • We’re having too much fun with Mrs. Claus at @chicagokidscompany! I can’t wait to have audiences starting Friday. Come see if I actually ruin Christmas or not! Ask me about shows and tickets🎟 • #mrsclaus #holidayspirit #floridafusspot #chicagokidscompany #christmasshow #chicagoactor #lifeofanactor #bookedit #auditiongrind #characteractor #actorshustle #alwaysauditioning #workingactor #actorslife #chicagoactress #onstage #2019isyoct (at Stahl Family Theatre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5oCQO-pMrm/?igshid=1863hwon3zdxx

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast!

Here’s another chance to get to know one of our lovely cast members. Give the warmest welcome to Nicolas Del Valle Jr, otherwise known as Leach Solís in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better:

What was your first experience with house music?

My first experience with house music was an old school CD my mama had in her car by “Mario Smokin Diaz”. I believe she had both Volume 1 & 2. We’d jam out to it occasionally but mami didn’t like us listening to it too much, so my sister and I would tell her we’d want to wait in the car when she ran errands so we can blast the CD while she was gone, and keep a lookout when she came back to eject and play the radio. That mix HITS, and is my standard for Chicago house music.

What is your favorite line in the show?

Not a line, but the song “Your love is a lifesaver” hits a sweet spot for me. Theatre communities have much to do for reasons why I’m still alive. The compassion I receive from the team reassures my existence in such validating ways. Y’alls love really be my lifesaver.

Do you identify with your character?

I heavyweight identify with Leach. Earlier in the rehearsal process, Miranda was discussing Leach’s gender identity and good reputation with me, stating that Leach would cross-dress but since they knew the bangers people couldn’t tell him shit. I have a similar attitude; my father was a Latin Kings leader and even in my feminine gender expression I ironically feel the spirit of machismo protecting me when I’m dressed in all pink in any hood of Chicago.

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. While Leech is apart of the CULITOS, which could you see in?

I definitely was cast as a Culito because I am a full-fledged Culito in another generation. Maybe a Culito reincarnation. I love everything from their dance style, costume theatrics, and their amazing energy. I feel like the best crowds are when many Culitos show out, they truly bring the party everywhere they go.

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

My favorite experience working with Urban Theatre is the Puerto Rican Parade. Being a part of the parade was an incredible experience, I grew up by Humboldt & Wabansia going to the parade every year. And this year it felt exactly how it did when I’m with my family. Except better because I was actually in the parade this time!

What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?

I’m excited for people to see Chicago culture. Queer, black and brown Chicago culture. Like no other! Racial and queer tension is still existent in 2019, and I can only imagine the amount of tension and segregation that exists in the 1980s, but what we see in this show is the spaces that can be utopian compared to a textbook description of 1980s in Chicago. We play the unrecorded history. 

What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?

I love shaking my ass. My mama blessed me with thick thighs and a nice lil booty. Getting to reclaim my booty and the ways it could move has been so fun and liberating! It’s also a great “go-to” move, when in doubt, shake dat ass!

You can see Nicolas and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast!

What’s this? Another talented actor blessing your feed? Meet Larry Trice! They play Jose “Gringo” Echevarría in Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked the following questions so you could get to know them better.

What was your first experience with house music?

My first experience with house music was my mother waking me up on a Saturday morning to help her clean with some house mix. 

What is your favorite line in the show?

People are going to expect me to say one of my own, but it’s actually Troy’s line after Belmont Rocks: “Yeah I’m Black and beautiful and I got your banana right here.”

Do you identify with your character?

I absolutely identify with most of El Gringo. I helped start and choreographed for a dance group in high school and hold ridiculously high standards for my own performances. I also am regularly referred to as the mom of my friend group, that’s what connected me to the role so quickly. I always try to make sure my friends are doing what’s best for them.

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. Gringo starts the ALLSTARS, but which could you see yourself in?

I hope the ALLSTARS don’t get upset about this, but with my own personal style and training, I would absolutely be on IMPORTED TASTE.

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

My favorite moment was when Raquel [Torre], our co-director, separated the groups and had us come up with our own choreography. Each group knew our styles well enough to come up with great stuff that was distinct but fit with the rest of the show. 

What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?

I’m excited for people to see a forgotten story. This is a story that only people from the time truly know. I’m glad that others are getting the chance to experience this pocket of time in Chicago history.

What dance move do you think sums up the show or your experience working on the show?

The arm explosions that the ALLSTARS perform during the auditions sequence and during the transition into the final dance. We do different variations on that all over the place.

You can see Larry and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[urbantheater]

Meet the Cast!

Say hello to Christopher Sylvie! He plays Shane Ruiz in our production of Back in the Day: An 80′s House Music Dancesical. We asked him the following questions so you could get to know him better.

What was your first experience with house music?

I think through my parents and my older brothers. They were definitely of that era and liked to have a good time.

What is your favorite line in the show?

Miss B saying, “Let me know if you want to see these Jedi powers.”

Do you identify with your character?

At first, I didn't think I had anything in common with Shane and found it quite difficult tapping into that character, but after being in his shoes I found that we have more in common than I would had thought. He just wants to have a good time and find the people that love him. Shane is always up for a party and I think that's why he follows Leach [Solís] around. He is the first person who takes him under his wing and says, "hey you can be apart of my crew." This is what makes him most happy because his family life is rough, which is where a lot of his more dark side comes from.

The show follows the ALLSTARS and their frenemies, the CULITOS and IMPORTED TASTE. Your character reps the CULITOS, but which could you see yourself in?

Oh, I feel so conflicted by this question. It's kinda like choosing which Hogwarts house you belong to. I really identify with the ALLSTARS because they are kind of like the underdogs, but I definitely see a bit of CULITOS in me too because they know how to have a good time. I think CULITOS for sure.

What has been your favorite moment working with UTC on this production?

Definitely, the friends I made. The rehearsal process was definitely a safe space for us and I love that we all hang out after shows and rehearsals. It feels like family and I love that aspect of the show the most.

What are you most excited for people to see in Back in the Day?

I am most excited for people to see the relationships between the characters. These characters all know each other in some type of way and have interesting backstories. It’s like a web, which is typical for young characters like this.

What dance move do you think sums up the show?

Definitely the California shake. The CULITOS do a lot of shaking.

You can see Christopher and the rest of the cast at Back in the Day now until August 3rd! http://bit.ly/utcbackintheday

[urbantheater]

Hi everyone!

My name is Ana. I’m a Puerto Rican Chicago-native (Humboldt Park born and raised if you want to get specific) home for the summer. I just finished up my junior year abroad in Australia and will be starting my final year of undergrad at Connecticut College in the fall.

I’m an English and theater double major with a concentration in race and ethnicity. Through my studies and time abroad, I’ve done work in nearly every area of theater production from acting and stage managing to designing and production managing. Post-graduation, I hope to pursue playwriting and stage management.

This summer I’m interning with UTC, working on a couple of cool projects. One of those being, writing here on the G.R.I.N.D. about this incredible experience. You can also find me working at the Chopin Theater as front of house staff during Back in the Day: An 80’s House Music Dancesical performances, where I’m getting access to one of the most fun and engaging pieces of theater I’ve ever seen as well as an amazing group of talented people.

Though I am genuinely and thoroughly enjoying myself with this work, it is not what I am most excited about this summer. I am working with UTC and the Puerto Rican Cultural Center to research Puerto Rico, the nationalist party, and Isabel Rosado for a play I am writing as my senior capstone and thesis. This has exposed me to all kinds of texts, plays, and people that are both inspiring and lighting a flame within me. I can’t wait to share it all with you 😊

[lifestyleandmusicaltheatre]

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Hot Coffee for Cool Days☕️ • Drinking coffee and getting ready for my second show performing as an understudy with Lifeline Theatre. Last night I got the chance to share the stage with a cast of incredibly talented and seasoned Chicago actors and we had fun! I can’t wait to head back on stage tonight🎭 • #whosebody #lifelinetheatre #murdermystery #chicagoactor #lifeofanactor #bookedit #auditiongrind #characteractor #britishaccent #actorshustle #alwaysauditioning #periodpiece #workingactor #actorslife #chicagoactress #onstage #2019isyoct #bigstoriesupclose #dorothylsayers (at Rogers Park, Chicago) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NVgwgBb3n/?igshid=1o1g30kup6r29

[instapicsil3]

TONIGHT: Join us for Lincoln Park Night Out at Victory Gardens Theater! CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND has received rave reviews and is a Must See. Use the code LPCC to receive 20% off tickets PLUS one free drink per ticket from the bar. See you TONIGHT! . . #LincolnPark #2019isYOCT #ChiTheatre @victorygardenstheater http://bit.ly/2Gl09cB

[instapicsil2]

TONIGHT: Join us for Lincoln Park Night Out at Victory Gardens Theater! CAMBODIAN ROCK BAND has received rave reviews and is a Must See. Use the code LPCC to receive 20% off tickets PLUS one free drink per ticket from the bar. See you TONIGHT! . . #LincolnPark #2019isYOCT #ChiTheatre @victorygardenstheater http://bit.ly/2Gl09cB