Photo Flash: Inside The Brown Paper Box Co.'s 5-Year Anniversary Bash

The Brown Paper Box Co. celebrated five successful years with Brown Paper Bash: A 5-Year Anniversary Party, a one-night-only event featuring performances by The Moxie Sisters, the reunited casts of their productions of REEFER MADNESS, GODSPELL, A NEW BRAIN, and [title of show], and a special set by local singer-songwriter Jess Godwin. Scroll down for photos from the event!

The evening began with 1940s-style arrangements of pop hits like "You Oughta Know, "Torn," and "Nothing Compares 2 U," performed by The Moxie Sisters (whose members include Stephanie Rohr*, Jenna Schoppe*, and Liz Ward, accompanied by T.J. Anderson* and Justin Harner*).

Following their set, Danny Spagnuolo* and Nick Shoda* took the stage to host a retrospective performance including some of the most memorable selections from its musicals and cabarets. Songs included "Heart and Music" and "I Feel So Much Spring," (from A NEW BRAIN), "The Stuff," and "Listen to Jesus, Jimmy" (from REEFER MADNESS) "Bless the Lord," and "By My Side" (from GODSPELL), "My Unfortunate Erection" (sung by Anna Schutz*) "I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)," (sung by Shoda), "Now You Know," (sung by Paul G. Miller), "Die Vampire Die!," and "Nine People's Favorite Thing" (from [title of show]).

Jess Godwin closed out the evening with a rousing set including performances of "Say Love," "Bleed", and "Home" from her Godwin Anthology project.

BPBCo. alumni performers included Neala Barron, Johnny Kyle Cook, Megan Ensley, Matt Frye, Veronica Garza, Martin James Hughes, Michelle Limon, Yando Lopez, Jake Mahler, Chelsea Paice, Pavi Proczko, Jason Richards, Sarah Sapperstein, Zev Steinberg, Jillian Weingart. Anderson, Harner, and Damian Wille* served as the evening's pianists and musical directors. Photographs by Zach Dries.

Founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, The Brown Paper Box Co. creates thought-provoking and accessible theatrical experiences without the glitz of overproduction. This scaled-down approach allows our artists to deliver an elevated focus on the text. For more information about The Brown Paper Box Co., including their upcoming production of Julius Caesar, visit www.brownpaperbox.org.

*Denotes Brown Paper Box Co. company member.

Photo Credit: Zach Dries

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