Photo Flash: THE D-CUP DIATRIBES at Gorilla Tango Theatre, Runs Thru 12/19

Melody Swink's riotous one-woman comedy THE D-CUP DIATRIBES, makes its world premiere at the Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee, previewing November 27, opening Thursday, December 3 at 8 p.m. and running through December 19, 2009.  The production is directed by Mark Contorno and stars Sara Tode.
 
THE D-CUP DIATRIBES, a new production by playwright and producer Melody Swink, is a witty and empowering celebration of womanhood and its fears and fantasies.  Intimate and triumphant, THE D-CUP DIATRIBES examines the diverse lives of six women and a young girl who internally struggle and externally compensate in a society obsessed with body image. From the anxiety of a girl's pubescent transformation to the libertine life reminiscences of a 60-something former hippie wild child, this series of compelling and poignant monologues is a quirky exploration of women's body perceptions in pop culture.
 
Hilarious and insightful, THE D-CUP DIATRIBES addresses topics ranging from size advantage and disadvantage; size enhancement and diminishment; mother/daughter expectations and inheritances; and the male marketing agenda as witnessed throughout the 20th Century.  A dynamic story that embraces all shapes and sizes, THE D-CUP DIATRIBES will resonate with women of all ages.
 
The artistic team for THE D-CUP DIATRIBES includes Costume Design by Shiloh Aderhold; Music Video Production by Wayne Kumingo; Music Production by Vince Lawrence, Slang Music Studio; Lighting and Sound Design by Eric Price, assisted by Kim Kozak; and Art Direction by Melody Swink.
 
Melody Swink (Playwright, Producer, Singer/Songwriter) conceived THE D-CUP DIATRIBES three years ago, after coffee with a friend who had just received a lumpectomy.  What ensued was a profound conversation that inspired the initial ideas behind the voices of THE D-CUPS' women.  Swink was raised in a rural town in California, where her passion for books and literature elevated her dreams from the harsh reality of childhood poverty.  She proudly admits to transforming herself and transcending her past.  After residing in San Francisco; Los Angeles; and Fisher Island, Florida, Swink migrated to the great jazz city of Chicago and has made it her creative hometown. Swink wrote every song on her debut jazz CD "Travel Me," which boasted a National Top Ten Hit (FMQB - 4 Weeks Top 10, #6), "American Girl."  Her current release, "Today is Someday," is a double CD (jazz/dance) that features stellar performances by three tiime Grammy Award winner, Ramsey Lewis.  The CDs, housed in a 43-page Art Book under Swink's art direction, were declared "A Grammy contender" by Urban Network Magazine.  Swink penned the film score for indie comedy Fixing Tom for The Aspen Film Company.  She is excited to present two new songs she wrote for THE D-CUP DIATRIBES, "The D-Cups Theme Song" and "Unfasten Me."  Proud to be in partnership with the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, Swink's mission is to empower, uplift and aid in the funding and awareness of this worthy cause.
 
Mark Contorno (Director) is originally from Chicago.  His theatrical career began in New York City, where he met producer Jerry Reneau.  Renueau produced Contorno's first show "This Crazy Life," for which he wrote the book, lyrics and music.  Contorno's Broadway credits include working with Joe Layton (Barnum, Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip, Woman of the Year with Lauren Bacall).  He returned to Chicago to direct, act and write for the theatre.  Most recently he directed Mrs. Hyde and The Case of the Gaslight Buggerings written by Duane Scott Cerny at the Athenaeum Theatre, and has just finished performances in the play Euphoria written by Mark Ridge.
 
Sara Tode (the seven women) is originally from New Hampshire and recently relocated to Chicago from New York City.  Her favorite roles include Olivia in Twelfth Night, Yasmin in Pentecost, Sarah in Speaking in Tongues, and Anita in West Side Story.  Tode received her MFA in Acting from Penn State University.
 
THE D-CUP DIATRIBES runs from November 27 through December 19, 2009.  The regular schedule is Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m.  All tickets are $20.  A portion of ticket sales will benefit Breast Cancer Network of Strength.  For tickets, call the Gorilla Tango Theatre at 773-598-4549 or visit www.gorillatango.com.

Photo credit: Noreen Heron & Associates, Inc.

Sara Tode

Melody Swink and Sara Tode

Melody Swink, Sara Tode and Mark Contorno

Melody Swink, Wendy Schultz, Sara Tode and Christina Koeni

Melody Swink

Melody Swink and Mark Contorno