Upcoming Events at Near West Theatre

Posted February 01, 2017 in Press Releases

Welcome February! It may be the shortest month of the year, but we have lots going on at Near West Theatre this February. So get out your calendars to mark down these dates!

The Wiz! – Opens Friday, February 10, 2017 and will run 6 performances, closing on Sunday February 19th, 2017

Our cast of forty-eight 9-15 year olds have been hard at work since December to bring this powerful show to life on our stage. During the first two weeks of an extended, unique rehearsal process, substantial time is set aside for the cast to dig into the piece itself. Actors share observations, feelings, and related personal experiences, and engage in comprehensive discussion around the relevance, meaning and messages of the production.

“Almost everyone knows the story ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” says Kelcie Nicole Dugger, director of The Wiz, “but there’s so much more to it than ‘There’s No Place Like Home.’ These four friends aren’t just seeking home, a brain, a heart, and some courage; they are really all on a quest to become whole people. They’re searching for the missing pieces that will make them, and their lives, complete.” In this way, The Wiz delves deeper into the heart of the iconic story, highlighting Dorothy’s mature realization that her journey has taught her that all she needs to do to find her true Home is to look inside her own heart.

The Wiz – Feb. 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, & 19.

Auditions for Mary Poppins! – Monday, February 13, Wednesday, February 15, & Thursday, February 16

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!!! At last! This imaginative convergence of the classic film musical and the sophisticated children's books by P. L. Travers comes to the Near West stage! A new script by Julian Fellows (Downton Abbey, Gosford Park) weaves together tales of a strict and magical nanny who comes in the nick of time to an estranged family in 1910 London, England. So let's sip a Spoonful of Sugar, Fly a Kite and Step in Time through a series of unforgettable events that forever change how the Banks family, and we too, prioritize our lives.

At Near West Theatre we encourage everyone to audition. People of all experience levels, races, ethnicities, neighborhoods, sizes, gender identities and backgrounds are needed. We use theater to build community and relationships. We're a great place to express yourself and make friends. Come try us! Bring a friend!
This is a group audition. Come ONE of these evenings. Plan to stay for the entire time specified. Arrive 15 minutes early to register. All roles are open. No experience necessary. No prepared material needed. Enjoy a relaxed, playful and friendly atmosphere. Wear comfortable clothing & shoes for dancing so you can move easily.
Questions? Givs us a call at 216-961-9750.

Auditions for Mary Poppins! - February 13, 15, 16, 2017 Monday, Wednesday & Thursday
Ages 7-12 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Ages 13 & up from 7:30pm-10:00pm

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A look ahead at March!

Near West Theatre’s 2017 Annual Benefit RISE! – Saturday, March 4, 2017

The dictionary tell us that the word RISE has many meanings:

To GET UP from sleep
To RETURN from the dead
To MOVE upward

To BECOME heartened or elated
To GROW in fervor or intensity
To EXPAND in quantity or number

To EXERT ONESELF to meet a challenge
To TAKE PLACE…to COME INTO BEING

What a fabulous word! Thank you to all of the artists who have used this word to create poetry and song that joins us, lifts us, and renews our sense of hope. Please help us further our mission to create loving relationships that combat ignorance, racism, privilege, and all that divides us. Let us stand together, celebrate our differences, AND help Near West Theatre stay healthy, alive and resilient for years to come.

Join us on Saturday, March 4th from 6:30-11:00pm for Near West Theatre’s 2017 Annual Benefit: RISE!

Individual Tickets:
ONLY $100/ea. ($45 tax-deductible)

*Hearty Hors d’oeuvres and Libations
*A powerful performance by an intergenerational cast of Near West Theatre performers!
*Silent Auction
*A Dance Party with a 9-piece band - The Chozen Few!

Dress: Fun and Casual! Wear whatever makes you feel most confident and comfortable - Casual or Cocktail, it's up to you!

Tickets: 216-961-9750 or ONLINE HERE!
Sponsorships: Amy Clausen, General Manager 216-961-9750
Need more information? Click HERE