Alexis J. Rogers, Lanie Robertson and More set for Porchlight's 'LADY DAY' and PAL JOEY, Feb & April, 2013

Michael Weber, Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre, announced casting for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, February 2 - March 10, 2013 and Pal Joey, April 20 – May 26, 2013, both at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont and the naming of new Artistic Associates and members to the Advisory Board. Alexis J. Rogers will play "Billie Holiday" in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, by Lanie Robertson to be directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley.

Alexis J. Rogers was last seen at Porchlight Music Theare as "Sarah" in Ragtime. Currently appearing in Dreamgirls at Marriott Theatre Alexis was most recently seen in Crowns at The Goodman Theatre, where she previously appeared in Ain't Misbehavin'. Other Chicago credits include Porgy and Bess (Bess), Spunk and The Piano Lesson at Court Theatre; Hairspray at Drury Lane Oakbrook; The Old Settler at Writers' Theatre; The Colored Museum, The Nativity and Seven Guitars (Jeff awards for Best Ensemble and Best Production) with Congo Square Theatre Company.

Adrian Aguilar and Susie McMonagle assume the roles of "Joey Evans" and "Vera Simpson" in Pal Joey, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and book by John O'Hara, the Porchlight production is directed by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier.

Adrian Aguilar last starred at Porchlight Music Theatre as "Jon" in the critically acclaimed tick, tick...BOOM! Aguilar has also been seen as "Kenickie" in Grease at The Paramount Theatre where he was also seen as "Berger" in Hair. Other credits include "Young Ben" in Follies at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and as "Danny Zuko" in The Original Grease at ATC. Prior to that he had various roles in Drowsy Chaperone, Pinocchio, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, and How Can You Run With a Shell On Your Back? at the Marriott Theatre.

Susie McMonagle was most recently seen at Northlight Theatre in Black Pearl Sings! and Snapshots. Broadway: Fantine in Les Miserables. First National tours: Billy Elliot (Mrs. Wilkinson and Mum). Other National Tours include Mamma Mia (Donna), Les Miserables (Fantine), The Secret Garden and The Sound of Music. Chicago credits include: At Wits End (Jane Grant) and Sideshow (Daisy) at Northlight, Rock n Roll (Candida) at the Goodman, and Man of La Mancha (M. Bane) at Court. Recipient of After Dark Awards, Critic's Circle Award, and nine Joseph Jefferson nominations.

Weber also announced Brandon Dahlquist and Bill Morey will be joining Porchlight as Artistic Associates and John Bucchino, Eric Bramlett, Hollis Resnik and L. Walter Stearns have become Advisory Board Members.

Brandon Dahlquist has been seen in Assassins, Sunday in the Park With George and Teapot Scandals at Porchlight and was most recently seen in A Little Night Music at Writers' Theatre. Currently Brandon is appearing at Peninsula Players in Murder on the Nile and soon at Asolo Repertory in 1776 directed by Frank Galati. Jeff Award-nomination, Supporting Actor in a Musical, Knute Rockne: All American at TATC.

Bill Morey, currently designing costumes for Porchlight Music Theatre's A Class Act, has designed Porchlight's A Catered Affair, The King and I (Jeff Award, BroadwayWorld Chicago Award), Candide (Jeff Nomination) and Nine (Jeff Award) among others. Recent work includes A Light in the Piazza and Time After Time, Theo Ubique, Pride and Prejudice, Lifeline, and (Off Broadway) Tomorrow Morning, York.

John Bucchino among his honors are two Drama Desk nominations, Johnny Mercer Songwriter Award, The ASCAP Award, Jonathan Larson Award, Kleban Award, Los Angeles Ovation Award, DVD Premiere Award, and the Fred Ebb Award. Among others, he has written scores for the musicals Urban Myths, Lavender Girl, A Catered Affair, It's Only Life, and the Dreamworks animated film Joseph, King of Dreams.

Eric Bramlett is a founding member of Porchlight Music Theatre and former Artistic Director where his directing credits include Children of Eden, Three Sisters, The Still Time, and the world premiere musical The Vanishing Point. Bramlett is the creative arts director for Community Christian Church in Naperville and has co-authored "The Big Idea: Focus the Message, Multiply the Impact."

Hollis Resnik is the recipient of ten Jeff Awards, two Sarah Siddons Awards, The Guy Adkins Award and the Lunt Fontanne Fellowship and has appeared in the national tours of Les Miserables, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels and the upcoming Sister Act. In Chicago she has appeared at Court, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott and Goodman Theatres, Ravinia Festival and Lyric Opera.

L. Walter Stearns is the Executive Director of The Mercury Theater where he will again direct The Christmas Schooner this holiday season. A former Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director and recipient of The Guy Adkins Award, his directing credits include Ragtime (Jeff Award), Sweeney Todd, A New Brain, Company and Into the Woods, all for which he received Best Director – Musical Jeff Award-nominations.

Porchlight Music Theatre, nationally recognized for developing innovative new works, reimagining classic productions and showcasing music theater's rising stars, launches its 18th season as a Chicago's theater leader. Porchlight elevates music theater in Chicago within an intimate, close-up environment and intense, actor-driven approach to works of theater with an essential element of music as part of the story telling. With a 2012-2013 season that includes two Chicago premieres, an American classic and the return of a new musical improv production, Porchlight's status as Chicago's music theater continues to grow. Porchlight's rich history includes the staging of over 50 shows with five world premieres, among them, The Teapot Scandals, its first work developed through "Off the Porch," Porchlight's new works program, as well as seven Chicago premieres. The company has received a total of 40 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 12 Jeff Awards.

For more information on Porchlight's 2012 – 2013 season or to by tickets go to porchlightmusictheatre.org or by phone at 773.777.9884.

 

 

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