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Broken Record to Present Self-Titled Contemporary Show at Stage 773
By: BWW News Desk Mar. 21, 2016
Tackling subjects such as body image, heartbreak, bullying, and mental health, the production features the five person ensemble in individual story arcs, woven together in the style of the popular musicals Songs for a New World and Working. Using personal stories as inspiration BROKEN RECORD: A CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL reveals the nuances, comedy, and poignancy of characters' unique relationships with themselves.
"The theme is resilience and overcoming struggles," says ensemble member Jenna Steege, adding "there iscommon ground between the characters, just like there is between all people."
Broken Record used music improvisation as a device to write this fully staged musical. The five person ensemble bridges the divide between the improv and theater communities and approached Chicago comedy veteran Jill Valentine to direct.
"We are very fortunate to work with Jill. She has a perfect balance of comedy and vulnerability" says ensemble member Amber Linde, "She's strong, smart and inspired us to be our authentic selves. Along with Brad Kemp, our music director, the show has a beautiful tone of connectivity."
Audiences will be treated to top Chicago musical talent with a fresh perspective on musical theater and a little jolt of self-esteem to boot. Ensemble member Lou Leonardo shares, "We want the audience to leave feeling like they can be their own hero."
BROKEN RECORD: A CONTEMPORARY MUSICAL is directed by Jill Valentine, with music by Brad Kemp, and features Molly Todd Madison, Amber Linde, Kerri Morrison, Jenna Steege and Lou Leonardo who also wrote the piece.
Tickets may be purchased at the Stage 773 box office, by phone at 773-327-5252 or online at www.stage773.com. Performances are Thursdays at 8 PM.
ABOUT THE ENSEMBLE:
LOU LEONARDO is a Chicago-based actor and improviser from Upstate NY. Credits include Tevye inFiddler on the Roof and Edna Turnblad in Hairspray. Lou holds a BFA in Acting from Syracuse University and is a graduate of the improv training programs at iO Chicago, ComedySportz Chicago, and the Second City.
AMBER LINDE is a music improviser, coach and teacher who believes that anyone can be silly and sing beautifully. She is a graduate of Columbia College's theater program, iO's Improv Program and the Second City Training Center's Music Improv Conservatory. She has performed with the Second City Training Center's Music Improv House Ensemble, Infinite Sundaes, and recently returned from two shipboard contracts with Norwegian Cruise Line working for the Second City Theatricals.
KERRI MORRISON is a coach and teacher at the Second City Training Center, and an alumna of the Second City Training Center's house team, Infinite Sundaes, and a founding member of the sketch group Cake-n-Hatred. She currently performs with the Improvised Sondheim Project and Buzzed Broadway. Originally from New Jersey, she holds a BFA in Acting from Point Park University.
JENNA STEEGE is an alumna of the Second City Training Center's Musical Improv House Ensemble, Infinite Sundaes, and a founding member of STACKED, which tours comedy festivals all over North America. Recent credits include Miracle on 34th Street: A Radio Play (The Artistic Home), The Miracle Walker: A Tale of Two Bushes (Public House Theatre), TAPPED (MCL Chicago), Thirsty: Chicago's Premiere Improv Drinking Party (Apollo Theater) and a series of web commercials for Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L. She is a graduate of the Second City Training Center's Conservatory and Musical Improv Conservatory programs, iO, and the Annoyance.
MOLLY TODD MADISON is a Chicago-based improviser and musical performer, currently pursuing a career in directing and teaching. Originally from Nashville, TN, she holds a BFA in Musical Theatre from Western Kentucky University. She also is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory and Music Conservatory programs as well as iO and the Annoyance.
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