Cabaret Theatre to Display Original Broadway Memorabilia at MAN OF LA MANCHA, 10/18

Michael James is going back to his roots with production of "Man of La Mancha" by Theo Ubique at Cabaret Theatre.  The theater produces its shows in association with James.  His father, Hal James, was one of the original producers of the first Broadway production.

James was a student at Lake Forest College playing football at the time and grew up around the theatre business.  Hal James, as co-producer, won a Tony Award in 1966 for "Man of La Mancha" as Best Musical.  In 1968, he won two more Tonys for "Hallelujah, Baby!"- Best Musical and Best Producer (as one of four) and produced another musical and a play before dying suddenly of a stroke in 1971 at age 59.  A revival of "Man of La Mancha" was produced in 1972 under his name as producer.

"I am thrilled to carry on the family tradition and very excited at reinventing 'Man of La Mancha' from a big Broadway stage to the small, intimate space at No Exit Café.  When I saw what Theo Ubique did with ‘Evita,' I knew they could transform this musical with just as much impact and unique vision," said James, who owns the No Exit Café and is co-founder of the Heartland Café.

James is traveling to Westport, CN this week to put together an exhibit of original souvenirs and paraphernalia of the original "Man of La Mancha" production on Broadway.  The exhibit will be on display at the No Exit Café, where Theo Ubique performs in cabaret theatre style, during the run October 18-November 22.  Florence James, 95, wife of Hal James and Michael James' mother will visit Chicago to see Theo Ubique's production of "Man of La Mancha."

Tickets are available online at www.theoubique.org or through the ticket order line at 800-595-4849.  Theo Ubique's ticket information line is 773-347-1109.

Previews are 8pm, October 16-17 and preview tickets are $15.  Regular performances are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm, and Sundays at 7pm.  Tickets are $30 for Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and $35 for Saturdays.  A show/dinner package is $53 for all performances.  Dinner is optional and starts one hour prior to curtain.  Free parking is available at the parking lot on the corner of Morse and Ravenswood with free transport on the Lifeline shuttle van to and from the lot.

Founded in 1997 by Fred Anzevino, Artistic Director, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre is a Rogers Park-based cabaret-theatre company.  It initially began performing at the Heartland Studio, producing an array of straight drama, comedy, and musicals, and in 2004 started the cabaret-theatre trend in the Chicago area when it began producing musicals and revues at Michael James' No Exit Café - its home since then.  During its 12-year history, Theo Ubique produced 26 productions and received 18 Jeff Awards Non-Equity and 3 After Dark Awards.  The name Theo Ubique (pronounced thee-oh oo-bah-kway) is a combination of Greek and Latin words reflecting the company's mission to engage actors and audiences in an intimate and honest conversation with great theatrical works. For more information, visit the web site at www.theoubique.org.

To post a comment, you must register and login.