Chicago Theater Works to Welcome Return of Two Chicago Classics This Fall

Chicago Theater Works, 1113 W. Belmont, has announced its exciting fall production line up, including Flanagan's Wake, which will return to Chicago Saturday, September 23 through Thursday, November 9, and Tony n' Tina's Wedding, which is returning to Chicago indefinitely. Flanagan's Wake, which has played in the Chicagoland area steadily since 1994, and Tony n Tina's Wedding, having successfully run in Chicago for over 16 years, will run in tandem at Chicago's newest venue.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding and Flanagan's Wake will play a rotating schedule Fridays - Sundays starting in September.

"We are excited to expand the offerings at Chicago Theater Works," says producer Bill Collins. "Both of these shows are 'classic' Chicago, so we are excited to bring back the productions for those who have loved them for years, and share the show with a new generation."

Flanagan's Wake transports the audience to the fictional town of Grapplin, County Sligo, Ireland, where local roustabout, Flanagan, has died. Here they meet an eclectic cast of characters including Fiona Finn, Flanagan's spirited fiancée of 22 years, Brian Ballybunion, his best friend and drinking mate, Father Damon Fitzgerald, the sharp-tongued parish priest, Mayor O'Doul, the town mayor and bartender, the innocent Mother Flanagan and several other colorful citizens. The mourners pay their respects to the deceased in The Irish Tradition (with a quick stop at the pub first). Flanagan's Wake is performed in the irreverent improvisational that won it rave reviews in Chicago. Much of the play's hilarious detail is created as the cast and audience interact, each offering anecdotes about Flanagan himself, speculation on the cause of his unfortunate demise, and claims to Flanagan's estate - all employing tall tales and rip-roaring songs. Spontaneous improvisation guarantees that no two shows will ever be the same.

Tony n' Tina's Wedding is a hilariously interactive production that is guaranteed to make guests feel like they are truly friends and family of the bride and groom. From the wedding ceremony to the high-energy reception, complete with an Italian-style meal, champagne toast and wedding cake, guests will have the opportunity to celebrate alongside this larger-than-life couple and the large cast of 23 of Tony n' Tina's closest family and friends. Presenting a hilarious, full wedding experience from the I do's to the buffet to the bouquet toss, Tony n' Tina's Wedding will take place, for the first time in Chicago, at a real church - another nod to the fully immersive nature of the original Off-Broadway smash hit. Guests will begin with the ceremony at Resurrection Church, 3309 North Seminary Ave., with a full meal and reception immediately following just one block away at Vinnie Black's Coliseum (Chicago Theater Works), right in the heart of the Belmont Theatre District.

The performance schedule for both shows varies, so check www.ChicagoTheaterWorks.com for up-to-date details. Tickets for Flanagan's Wake range from $29 to $34. Tickets for Tony n' Tina's Wedding are $75 for the two-part event, which includes the ceremony and reception, featuring an Italian-style buffet dinner, dancing to 80's hits and a champagne toast. Tickets for premium seating closest to the stage and dance floor are $85. full bar is available for beverage purchases at all performances. Discounted tickets for groups of eight or more are sold online at ChicagoTheaterWorks.com under the "Group Sales" tab.

Visit ChicagoTheaterWorks.com or call 312.391.0404 for more information for both shows.

The new Chicago Theater Works makes its home in the heart of the Belmont Theater District at 1113 W. Belmont. Designed by Obora and Associates with interior design by Matthew Murray, this versatile space has been transformed into a 200-seat German beer hall known as "Der Brew-Ha-Ha." The space is a new staple in the Chicago theater scene run by Bill Collins and Michael Dunne.

To post a comment, you must register and login.