Firebrand Theatre Announces Inaugural Season

Firebrand Theatre, the first musical theatre company committed to employing and empowering women by expanding opportunities on and off the stage, is pleased to announce its inaugural season, featuring two fully-produced musicals. Firebrand's 2017-18 season kicks off this fall with the Chicago premiere of LIZZIE, a rock musical based on the true-life story of accused axe-murdereress Lizzie Borden. Directed by Victoria Bussert with music direction by Andra Velis-Simon, LIZZIE feature music by Steven Cheslik-deMeyer and Alan Stevens Hewitt, lyrics by Cheslik-deMeyer and Tim Maner and book by Tim Maner.

The season concludes in spring 2018 with the musical comedy 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL, based on the hit movie of the same name about three working women fighting for equality in a sexist workplace. With music and lyrics by Grammy Award-winner Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL will be directed by Artistic Director Harmony France with music direction by Andra Velis-Simon. The cast includes Sharriese Hamilton as Doralee, the role originated by Dolly Parton in the 1980 film.

Firebrand's 2017-18 Season will be presented at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. Season subscriptions are currently available at firebrandtheatre.org.

Firebrand is also pleased to announce its season kick-off benefit: NOTHIN' LIKE A DAME: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSICAL THEATRE on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 7 pm at The Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. Twenty-eight of Chicago's fiercest divas take the stage for one-night-only to honor female composers and lyricists, pay tribute to iconic female roles and give audiences a sneak preview of Firebrand's upcoming inaugural season.

Directed by Harmony France with music direction by Diana Lawrence and Andra Velis Simon, NOTHIN' LIKE A DAME will feature performances by Brianna Aguilar, Kasey Alfonso, Neala Barron, Karla Beard-leroy, Becca Brown, Christine Bunuan, Lillian Castillo, Rashada Dawan, Lara Filip, Sophie Grimm, Christina Hall, Amanda Therese Horvath, Michelle Lauto, Donica Henderson, Courtney Mack, Laura McClain, Christine America Mild, Leah Pawlik, Sara Reinecke, Camille Robinson, Cassie Slater, Danni Smith, Bethany Thomas, Tiffany Tatreau, Andra Velis Simon and Lina Wass. The band includes Jennifer Grubb (bass), Lauren Vogel (banjo, fiddle) and Danielle Davis (drums). The evening is hosted by Sharriese Hamilton and Sara Sevigny.

Tickets for NOTHIN' LIKE A DAME: A CELEBRATION OF WOMEN IN MUSICAL THEATRE priced at $40 (regular admission) and $75 (VIP - premium seats, 2 drink tickets, gift), are currently available at firebrandtheatre.org. Silent auction and complimentary wine/beer prior to the performance with a reception following.

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