Chicago Tap Theatre to Premiere CIRCO TAP, 6/27

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) will present the world premiere production of Circo Tap, choreographed by CTT Artistic Director Mark Yonally with music direction by CTT Music Director Kurt Schewitz, playing at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m. A press preview is Sunday, June 21 at 3 p.m. at the Joel Hall Dance Center, 5965 N. Clark. Tickets are $35 for adults, $27 for seniors (65 years or older) and $22 for students and dancers. Group discounts are also available. Purchase tickets at www.athenaeumtheatre.org or 773.935.6875. For more information go to www.chicagotaptheatre.com or call the Chicago Tap Theatre office at 773.655.1175.

Chicago Tap Theatre continues its circus odyssey that began this spring with the behind-the-scenes inspired TightWire, a live performance combining traditional circus arts with tap dance. Audiences will be brought to the forefront of the circus and experience tap dance as never before. Chicago Tap Theatre, working with circus professionals, has created a thrilling evening of danger and rhythm incorporating stilt walkers and a rhythmic gymnast. Fans of TightWire will enjoy the return of the production's characters and, perhaps, even find resolution that impacts the heightened action in Circo Tap's finale.

The cast in Circo Tap is comprised of Mark Yonally, Jennifer Pfaff Yonally, Kirsten Uttich, Jessica Williams, Sioned Papporotto, Isaac Stauffer, Aimee Chase, Johnny Huntoon and Marc Kelly Smith as "Ringmaster" and narrator. Additional choreography by Rich Ashworth and Valerie Lussac will also be featured throughout the production.

Founded in 2002, Chicago Tap Theatre is a growing and vibrant dance company dedicated to preserving the quintessentially American dance form of tap while taking it to the next level of creativity, innovation and quality. CTT performs exclusively with live music provided by some of Chicago's finest musicians playing everything from Duke Ellington to David Bowie and many artists in between. Under the dynamic direction of master teacher and performer Mark Yonally, CTT has gained a loyal and sizable following in Chicago and continues to tour both nationally and internationally. Having pioneered the "tap opera" format, which tells stories with compelling characters and intriguing plots, CTT has used the language of tap dance, live music and narration to move Chicago audiences for over 10 years.

Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) is proud to present the world premiere production of Circo Tap, choreographed by CTT Founder Mark Yonally and Rich Ashworth with music direction by CTT Music Director Kurt Schewitz, playing at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., Saturday, June 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults, $27 for seniors (65 years or older) and $22 for students and dancers. Group discounts are also available. Purchase tickets at www.athenaeumtheatre.org or 773.935.6875. For more information go to www.chicagotaptheatre.com or call the Chicago Tap Theatre office at 773.655.1175.