Chicago Tap Theatre presents an all new Superhero Tap Opera!

CHICAGO TAP THEATRE PRESENTS: THE HOURGLASS AND THE POISONED PEN
A SUPERHERO TAP DANCE OPERAJUNE 27-29, JULY 5, 6, 11-13 and 18-20
AT THE ATHENAEUM THEATRE STUDIO 3 (2936 N. SOUTHPORT) CHICAGO- Chicago Tap Theatre makes history again when it presents the nation’s first superhero tap dance opera sequel this June and July at the Athenaeum Theatre Studio 3. Co-created by comic book artist Andrew Pepoy (inker of Batman, X-Men, and The Simpsons, among others) and CTT Artistic Director Mark Yonally, The Hourglass and the Poisoned Pen follows The Hourglass, a superheroine endowed with powers she is struggling to understand as she battles the forces of evil embodied by the Poisoned Pen and other nefarious characters. Not just a strict sequel, this production also encapsulates last year’s The Hourglass in the Stop-Time Chronicles so that no one will be missing any important plot developments.
The Hourglass and the Poisoned Pen is the sixth story show created by Chicago Tap Theatre, and the first revision of a previous production for Chicago Tap Theatre. With a cast of eleven male and female dancers, all of whom excel in both tap and other forms of dance, Yonally not only creates a whole new world for The Hourglass through his choreography – he also creates a unique new spin on the art of tap dance. “Audiences love being told a story,” says Yonally, “and that’s what we do with The Hourglass. We have all the elements of good theatre – character, pacing, plot – as well as the best aspects of dance – fantastic music, compelling movement and honest human interaction.” Although audiences are familiar with traditional forms of tap, exploring tap dance’s conceptual and narrative possibilities is still relatively new. “Using the sound of the taps to help propel the plot is an astounding gift to us as storytellers,” says Yonally. “We can reach our audiences through both their eyes and their ears.” Superheroes are not traditionally known for their tap dancing skills, but Pepow and Yonally don’t let that stand in their way, particularly when they have Kendra Jorstad, one of CTT’s star performers, taking on the lead role. “One of Chicago’s leading dance critics recently described Kendra’s dancing as ‘otherworldly,’” says Yonally, “and that’s absolutely right. Kendra has phenomenal speed and accuracy, as well as an amazing ability to convey emotion to the audience. There doesn’t seem to be anything she can’t do.” Yonally laughs. “Of course, that just inspires me to give her harder and harder steps!” The decision to re-visit last year’s production was motivated by an invitation by the New York Musical Theater Festival for CTT to participate. “I felt it was in our best interest to revise and improve an earlier production rather than start all over from scratch. That being said, this show is a good 80% new material and music,” said Yonally. “The upshot of this revision is I genuinely feel this is a show that truly delivers on the promise of a tap opera. The characters are strong and the plot is deep and involving. I really believe people will freak out for this show!” he continued. The Hourglass and the Poisoned Pen runs June 27-29, July 5, 6, 11-13, and 18-20 at the Athenaeum Theater Studio 3 (2936 N. Southport). Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 P.M. and Sunday shows start at 3 P.M. Question and answer sessions follow every Friday performance. Tickets can be purchased at the door, through www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 312-902-1500. Tickets are $30 for adults, $23 for seniors and $18 for students or dancers. Discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more. For interviews, photos, preview performances or additional information, please e-mail jazztapdancer@gmail.com or call 773-655-1175.