Shawn Quinlan as Simple Simon in "Babes in Toyland"

I am currently performing the role of Simple Simon in this production...

Babes in Toyland

Theater for Young Audiences

Music and Lyrics by Victor Herbert

School Performances: Dec 10-20, 2008

Public Performance:

Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.$8 adults / $6 children

Dorothy Menker Theater

The rip-roaring musical tale of Simple Simon and Mary Contrary’s attempts to save Widow Peep’s shoe from the evil Silas Barnaby and his attempts to force Bo Peep to marry him. A fun show packed with many chases and charming music presented by our own resident professional company, Theater for Young Audiences.

Perfect for ages pre-K through fourth grade.

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" Jeff Recommended and will appear in the Thanksgiving Day Parade!

We just got news that we were Jeff Recommended for this production!

Watch Circle Theatre on TV!

Look for me in the WGN Ch.9 Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 27!
I will again this year be a part of a great Chicago Family Tradition, singing and dancing a few numbers from "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" (now playing at Circle Theatre), for the nationally-broadcast event.

Performance time is scheduled at 10:45am that morning!

Be sure to tune in!

"Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" starts previews next week at Circle Theatre!

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

music & lyrics by Jule Styne & Leo Robinbook by Joseph Fields & Anita Loos

1/2 Priced Previews: November, 14, 15 & 18 @ 8pm

Nov 19-Feb 1, 2009Fri & Sat @ 8 pm; Sun @ 3 pmStudent/Srs: $24 • Adults: $26 • Fridays all seats $20 • 708-771-0700

Directed & Choreographed Kevin Bellie

Music Director Allison Kane

Scenic Designer Bob Knuth

Costume Designer Jesus Perez

Lighting Designer John Horan

Stage Manager Beth Scheible

Featuring Rani Blair-O'Brien • Kristine Burdi • Maxwell Burnham Robert Deason • Tony DiPisa • Brigitte Ditmars Ashley Dobson • Carrie Drapac • Mat Labotka Tom McGunn • Elizabeth Morgan • Jeremy Myers Scott Neild • Michelle Pickett • Shawn Quinlan Rachel Quinn • Brian Rabinowitz • Patti Roeder Blake M. Russell • Kirk Swenk

Plot Summary: Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw, best friends and ex-Follies girls, embark on a European cruise. With a zany cast of characters including American Olympians, handsome billionaires, wealthy matrons and the "Zipper King" of America anything and everything can happen. Featuring "Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend," one of the most memorable musical sequences in film history, this crowd-pleaser will tickle your funny bone, raise your eyebrows and pull at your heart strings.

Sign up for special offers @circle-theatre.org

Sing-A-Long "Grease"-- I choreographed

Hey Guys-
Heres whats up next for me! I choreographed this production of "Grease". It is a Sing-A-Long so feel free to dress as the characters and bring your friends! One weekend only!!! Should be a fun time:) Info below.

Sing Along Grease

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey

Thursday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 2
Dorothy Menker Theater

Come in costume and sing along with Rydell High’s spirited class of ’59! Gum chewing, hubcap stealing, hot rod loving boys with D.A.s and their wise-cracking girls in bobby socks and pedal pushers all capture the look and sound of the 1950s in a rollicking musical. The gang sings and dances its way through such nostalgic scenes as the pajama party, the prom, the burger palace, and the drive-in movie. The audience is invited to sing along with this production!

Address:
Moraine Valley Community College9000 W. College Pkwy.Palos Hills, IL 60465-0937

"Sister Mary" with ANT on YOUTUBE

Here is the link for some behind the scenes footage from when Ant was in town filming. Enjoy!!

YouTube - ANT on SISTER MARY SET Long

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD01oadA8nc&feature=related

2nd week of filming "Sister Mary"

We just wrapped our second week of filming and it has been some long days of shooting! We needed to shoot all the scenes that take place in the police station so they could rip that down. From now on we will actually start filming on location. The cast is really great and are coming up with some super funny stuff!!! I actually got to meet the "members" of the boy band last week...
I have some pretty interesting scenes coming up with some of them so we will see what is in store for detective Chris Riant.
I just heard that Bruce Vilanch will also be appearing in the film as well. So thats exciting!

"Sister Mary" started filming last week!

I just recently got cast as the lead in a feature film starring Ant from Comedy Central. We filmed all his scenes this past Friday and Saturday and I am having so much fun! He was super nice and really awesome to work with.

Basically I play a super out gay detective here in Chicago hired to investigate the murders of members of a gay boy band called "The Ex-Choir Boys". I am assigned to be the partner of a homophobic detective (James Vallo) and with the help of Ant's character (a flaming somewhat psychic FBI agent) we solve the murders of these boys.

These are a couple of photos from the shoot last weekend!

"No, No Nanette" Opens this weekend!

This is the latest show I have choreographed. It opens this weekend and runs for two weekends.

Chicago Script Works present: Cat Bunglers

Chicago Script Works presents: Cat Bunglers

Screenplay by: Christopher Fowler
Directed by: David Bell
Performance: Wednesday 9.17.08 at 7:00pm
Columbia College
1104 S. Wabash Ave

A quartet of unassuming museum emplyees are duped by a gangster into stealing an expensive paining from their job.

I play numerous roles in this production. It is basically a staged reading of the film script.

"Escanaba In Love" Opens Tomorrow at Circle- Shawn Quinlan Costume Designs

I costumed this hilarious prequel to our hit "Escanaba In da Moon Light"

Escanaba in Love

previews September 5, 6, and 9, 2008

September 10 - October 26, 2008

written by Jeff Daniels

directed by Chris Arnold

For the many fans of 2006’s mega-hit Escanaba in da Moonlight, the wait is finally over! Circle Theatre is proud to present the Chicago premiere of this prequel by playwright and Hollywood big shot, Jeff Daniels. Visit the Soady deer camp in the midst of World War II, forty years before the original. Meet the love of young Albert Soady Jr.'s life, Big Betty Baloo - the woman destined to become the mother of Reuben and Remnar Soady - along with a whole new cast of wacky Yoopers.

Chris Arnold returns to Circle Theatre after directing last season’s Jeff Recommended Boy and 2007’s Tent Meeting. Previously, Chris assistant directed Design For Living, and two pieces for the fourth installment of our New Plays Festival. Other Chicago directorial credits include Earl the Vampire for Thunder & Lightening Ensemble, Pins for Bailiwick Theatre, Blues For An Alabama Sky at Illinois Theatre Center, and directing credits at The Side Project, Act One Studios and Eclipse Theatre Company.

Featuring the talents of Timothy C. Amos, Jason L. Boat, Tucker Curtis, Bradford R. Lund, and Simone Roos

Showtimes:half-price previews, September 5, 6, and 9 @ 8:00 pmopening night: Wednesday, September 10 @ 8:00 pmThursdays @ 8:00 pm (October 2, 9, 16, and 23 only)Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pmSundays @ 3:00 pm
Tickets:$26 for adults$24 for students and seniors (over 62)

"Take A Bow" a Broadway Review, first performance this week

My friend Danielle Plisz and I have been working with a Suburban group of girls choreographing a Broadway Review featuring the songs from "Hairspray", "42nd Street" and "Grease" and they have their first performance this coming Wednesday. The girls are super cute and talented and its for a good cause.The evening is a fund-raiser for Ovarian Cancer, and is a family affair, we will be showing the movie Grease and it will be a sing along!!!
go to: http://www.openingnightartsgroup.org/ for more details!
I hope you can attend.

Office Max Print Add

Last week I did a print add for Office Max. It should run in a few weeks. I played an honest employee who witnessed employee theft. Haha some really great photos were taken. Hopefully in a few weeks I will get copies. This is my second photo shoot with them. Last time I was the theif!

"All Shook Up!" Opens at Circle Theatre- Shawn Quinlan Choreographs

This production just opened last night. It is part of Circle Theatre's Emerging Young Artists Program. I choreographed numbers with Rachel Quinn and Kevin Bellie. Its a great show!

Aug 7-17, 2008

ALL SHOOK UP music by Elvis Presley, lyrics by Elvis Presley & Fred Wise, book by Joe DiPietroA sock-hopping, foot-stomping celebration of the music of Elvis Presley!

"Alice In Wonderland" with Chicago Kids Company

I am currently playing the role of the Caterpiller, the Door Mouse, and the Knave of Hearts in Chicago Kids Company's production of "Alice In Wonderland" now through the end of August.

Performance held at:
Beverly Arts CenterW. 111th & S. Western Ave, Chicago, IL

Join Alice as she travels down a rabbit hole and tumbles into Wonderland. In this dream land she’ll meet a cast of zany characters including the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts!
Reserve your tickets today!

visit: http://www.chicagokidscompany.com/ for schedule and details!

"Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?" Shawn Quinlan Choreographs

This show is super cute, and the cast is great! I had alot of fun working on this project, and it is one of my best choreography wise to date. Performance dates are below.

Friday, July 25 at 7:30pm
Saturday, July 26 at 7:30pm
Sunday, July 27 at 2:00pm
Friday, August 1 at 7:30pm
Saturday, August 2 at 7:30pm
Sunday August 3 at 2:00pm

visit: http://www.tempoplayers.org/ for more info and directions.

"Anything Goes" with Shawn Quinlan

I am currently in production for the musical "Anything Goes" at the Canterbury Summer theatre in Michigan City, IN. I am playing the role of Whitney as well as doubling as a dancer/sailor. The reviews have been great! This coming off of a great review for "Little Women" in which one reviewer said my voice was "dynamite!". So pretty excited for this one.

"Little Women: The Musical" Round 2! Shawn Quinlan as Professor Bhaer

This is my second time performing in "Little Women: The Musical". Last summer I was in the Chicago premier playing the role of Jon Brook. This time around I will be playing the role of Professor Bhaer Jo March's love interest at the Canterbury Summer Theatre in Michigan City, IN. Info is below!

Book by Allan KneeMusic by Jason HowlandLyrics by Mindi Dickstein

Based on Louisa May Alcott's own family experiences (and novel), Little Women, follows the adventures of Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March as they grow up in Civil War America. The beloved story of the March sisters is timeless and deals with issues as relevant today as when they were written. Now, this wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. Little Women embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit. This powerful score soars with the sounds of personal discovery, heartache and hope -- the sounds of a young America finding its voice!

Performance Dates:

June 25-July 5 No performance July 4

Ticket Info:

You may make reservations by callingthe Guild's Mainstreet Theatre Box Office at

(219) 874-4269
You may order tickets or request further information by mail at:
The Festival Players GuildReservations & InformationPO Box 157Michigan City, IN 46361-0157

Canterbury Summer Theatre Ticket PricesSingle Admission:Evening: Fri. and Sat.

$14.00Evening: Wed. and Thurs. $12.50Matinee: $12.50Student tickets: One half regular admission(High school students and below)

Senior Citizen Discount $1.00 (62 and above)Best Buy! Season Discount Booklet -- $65.00 for six admissions until April 30. May 1 and after -- $70.00

Curtain: Wednesday thru Friday: 8:00 P.M. Saturday: 5:00 and 8:00 P.M. Wednesday Matinees: 2:00 P.M.

"Nunsense" opens this week, Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan

By Dan Goggin

Directed by Jeffrey Kelly

Choreography by Shawn Quinlan

May 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 at 8 p.m.

May 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.

This rollicking musical won four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Off Broadway Musical in its original New York production. It features the Little Sisters of Hoboken who are putting on a show as a fund raiser so that they can afford to bury sisters who were accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia (Child of God). Come join us as we conclude our season to experience the fun and hilarity of the Sisters at their would-be Broadway best. It’s all for a good cause!

Performing Arts CenterRobert Collins Center (east side of campus)

$12 General Admission

$10 Students and Seniors

Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. This musical is co-sponsored by the Triton College Student Association and the Cultural Programming Department.

Shawn Quinlan as Tulsa in "Gypsy"

I am currently in this production playing the role of Tulsa. This is my second time doing this show. Previously I performed the role of Yonkers in Porch Light Music Theatre's production.

I also choreographed this production.

Based on the life of the internationally known strip tease artist
Gypsy Rose Lee

Opens April 25, 2008 and will run two weekends
NRRCT
2401 S. Des Plaines
North Riverside, IL. 60546

Show times are 7:30pm Fri and Sat
and 2:30pm on Sundays.

For tickets call: Andy Natanek @ 708-343-7257

Produced by Alan Meyer
Directed by John Nasca
Stage Managed by Frank Petrovic
Musical Direction By Michael Barr
Costumes by Ron Schinzel & Rosalie Ott
Choreography by Shawn Quinlan
Assistant Directer Christine RiveraHair and Make-up Artist Robert Hilliard
Assistant Stage Manager Tiffany Nasca
Set Designer Dave Omelka

Shawn Quinlan set to star in stage version of Award Winning Film "Girls Will Be Girls"

Hubris Productions presents the world premiere of Girls Will Be Girls, the stage production of the Richard Day film, adapted by Jacob Christopher Green.

The production runs February 28-April 5 at Hoover-Leppen Theatre, Sat.-Thurs. at 7:30pm. Tickets are $25 for general admission, $20 for students and seniors, and $10 industry Thursday nights.



Adapted for the stage by Jacob Christopher Green and directed by Anthony Guerrero, Girls Will Be Girls is the hilariously twisted tale of three actresses on very different rungs of the Hollywood career ladder. Evie (played by Green) is a washed-up booze hound still obsessing over her long ago “big break” that led nowhere…and who hasn’t yet figured out that her career is long dead. Coco (Jason Dabrowski), her long-suffering best friend and roommate, is a lounge singer consumed by memories of a dark secret from her past. Their lives are forever altered when they take in Varla (Shawn Quinlan), the small-town wannabe starlet with a big appetite and even bigger dreams of being discovered at Schwab’s Drug Store…just like Tina Turner. When the lives of the three collide, their aspirations and sordid pasts come to an unforgettable boiling point. It’s campy and it’s anything but politically correct!

The cast is rounded out by Adam Pasen, Michael Graham, Keith Survillas, Dennis Frymire and Charles Riffenburg.

Hubris Productions has been granted exclusive rights to bring to the stage an adaptation of the original film by Richard Day. An indie favorite, Girls Will Be Girls was originally conceived as a showpiece for characters created by Jack Plotnick (Evie Harris) and Clinton Leupp (Coco Peru). The idea became fully developed with the addition of Jeffery Roberson’s alter-ego, Varla Jean Merman. Described as “A likely cult classic” by Los Angeles Weekly, Girls Will Be Girls was an official selection of the 2003 Sundance Film Festival. The stage adaptation is a re-interpretation of the story, not an attempt to re-create the original characters made famous by the actors who created them. These Chicago actors are unequivocally placing their own stamps on these very juicy parts!

One reason the producers have granted exclusive rights to debut the stage production of Girls Will Be Girls is Hubris Productions’ commitment to giving back to the community. From each production, the company donates a portion of ticket sales to a designated charitable organization, chosen in relation to the content of the production. The designated recipient for Girls Will Be Girls is Center on Halsted, Chicago’s only community center dedicated to serving and empowering the LGBT community. For the past year, Hubris has been a tenant and community partner of Center on Halsted; according to Executive Artistic Director Anthony Guerrero, making the Center the recipient of the donation from this production was a logical choice.

The mission of Hubris Productions is to engage, challenge and inspire our community to acknowledge the diversity in the world around us. Through our outreach programs and main stage productions, we will create an ongoing dialog about social inclusiveness…and we think you should like what we like. Hubris Productions is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization. To learn more about the company, please visit http://www.hubrisproductions.com/.

Choreography Update: The musical "Parade" set to open

I am currently working on the choreography for the musical "Parade" with St. Francis Highschool. The kids are super cool and the musical is not your typical highschool fair.

Earning the most Tony nominations, nine (and taking home two awards, for book and original score), was an honest-to-goodness new American musical by a young American composer-lyricist, Jason Robert Brown (who was 28 when the show premiered at Lincoln Center in December 1998 and was best known for his song cycle Songs for a New World). In addition, the subject matter is serious and dark, based on the true story of Leo Frank, a New York-born Jew living in Atlanta who was falsely accused of raping and murdering a young girl, and not surprisingly, the run was limited to 84 performances.
The original cast recording survives, however, and from the stirring opening anthem, "The Old Red Hills of Home," Brown's score is full of riches, mixing period American styles with strong melodies, intricate counterpoint, selective dissonances, and natural lyrics that give their characters true, expressive voices. Leading the strong ensemble cast are Tony nominees Brent Carver and Carolee Carmello as the persecuted Leo and his wife, Lucille, who had been drifting apart before the wrenching events pulled them back together. They express their relationship in some of the show's best songs ("Leo at Work/What Am I Waiting For," "You Don't Know This Man," "All the Wasted Time"). Masterfully evoking scene and character through his beautiful, bouncy, or harrowing music, Brown depicts youthful abandon ("The Picture Show"), the city's hysteria, the tender memories of the girl's mourners ("It Don't Make Sense"), and the murder trial, including its fantasy scenes of false testimony. Parade is a powerful work that will long linger in your memory, and it's one of the most important musical theater releases of 1999.

It has been fun working with these kids. My good friend Carolyn Brady is Director/Musical Director. The amazing Kevin Bellie (I have done most of my shows at Circle Theatre under is direction/choreography) usually choreographs these shows but had a heavy schedule this time around so I stepped in. I really think I did some good work here and the kids really stepped upto the plate. This show opens March 6, 2008.

Girls Will Be Girls--Windy City Times Article 1.16.08

Girls Will Be Girls, Hubris Productions at the Center on Halsted, Feb. 28-April 5—Sometimes one must take a leap into the unknown when picking shows worth seeing, and this world premiere is a case in point. The folks at Hubris have adapted the film by Richard Day about three Hollywood women of different ages and their cat fights to reach and/or stay at the top of movie/TV food chain. We don't know whether the Hubris version will be a drag or in drag or both, but it could be an instant camp classic in the making.