What's New With ShawnyQ

Cast in "Cat's Ass Coffee" Online Comercial

2011-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

Go to: http://vimeo.com/21948009 to view!

"And The Call It Puppy Love" Film Wrapped

2011-04-15T09:26:00.001-07:00

Back in November of 2010 I was cast in the film "And They Call It Puppy Love" as one of the leads friends, "Brent". I finally filmed my scenes this past February. This film should be out soon.

Finished work on the documentary "For Billy"

2011-04-15T09:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I was approached by a friend to audition to play a role in one of her friend's documentaries. So I did and landed the role! I was going to be a part of the "What Would You Do?" portion of the film where I played the film maker's boyfriend. We went to one of the big malls here in IL and walked around holding hands, looking at rings and actins as any in love couple would do except we were two men. The point of that portion of the film was to see how much homophobia is still alive and well in America. The reason for the documentary in response to a letter/email the director got to his film he submitted for the "It Gets Better Project" www.itgetsbetter.org . The project was basically set up in the light of the recent growth of teen suicides due to bulling and homophobia. The director is from Wheaton,IL and states that "things do get better after highschool" but received this letter/email from "Billy" stating "I'm glad things got better for you but I dont think they will for me". "Billy" was also from Wheaton, IL. So the director traveled back to his old highschool and town to see if things had changed at all since he was gay and coming out. He found they have not. I was very glad to be part of such an important film. For more information you can go to: http://forbillythemovie.com .

"Alice In Wonderland" and "The Importance of Being Ernest" at Circle

2011-04-15T09:09:00.001-07:00

Recently I just finished work on costumes for Circle Theatre's production of "Alice in Wonderland" and wow was that a feat! I think I did a good job with my limited budget and more then 40 kids to costume! My concept was a more modern dark "Alice" like the recent version done by Disney with Johnny Depp. I will post pictures of some of the costumes when I get a chance. Next up is I just started work on the costumes for "The Importance of Being Ernest" set to open in a couple months.

It's Been A Busy Winter!

2011-01-11T11:06:00.001-08:00

So I have been really bad at keeping this upto date and sending out all my regular emails letting people know whats going on with me so heres the low down...

I just finished a wonderful run of the revival of "Wind In the Willows" with City Lit Theatre in Chicago. Here are some of the highlights from the reviews...

"Willows a small wonder...City Lit's revival is an ideal, easily accessible production for family audiences and has undeniable charm for even the most sophisticated adults"-- Chicago Sun Times

"This show is kid friendly and adult proof. It is a fine holiday treat"-- chicagocritic.com

"A revival that spins its tale with inexhaustible grace and charm. Mr. Toad forever!"---Chicago Theatre Blog

I also choreographed a song and dance review at Circle Theatre based on the songs from the hit TV series "Glee!"

Next up I am choreographing "Gypsy" with Summer Place Theatre.

Circle Theatre Presents "The Wedding Singer", and I'm playing the role of "George"

2010-09-03T10:36:00.000-07:00

Next up is "The Wedding Singer" at Circle Theatre. This is the musical based on the Adam Sandler/Drew Barrymore film set in the 80's. Its going to be a great show, and my costumes are CRAZY! I play the Alexis Arquette character "George" the keyboardist in the wedding band the lead character Robbie Hart sings in and the show is centered around. The character is based on Boy George, and I'm having a blast playing him. This is the first time in a long time that I am playing a principal character at Circle again. Im super excited! Hope everyone can make it! Details Below:

Runs Sept 17-Oct 31

Fri and Sat at 8pm

Sun at 3pm

At our NEW location: 1010 Madison in Oak Park.

Call: 708-771-0700 for tickets or visit: http://www.circle-theatre.org/

"Annee Pocalypse" At the Chicago Fridge Fest

2010-09-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

Some of you might recognize that this show sounds familiar, thats because I did it with Hubris Productions early last year and played the role of "Grace". I also choreographed. The show's script and music have been re-worked and it is now being presented at this year's Chicago Fridge Fest. I am playing the role of "Jackie", one of the whores, this time. I also worked on choreography for it again this go around. Because the music was re-worked with more of an urban/club/music video feel the choreography also had to start from stratch. This was a very different type of show/style that I wasnt 100% comfortable with so I leaned on some Beyonce and Lady GaGa videos to get the right feel, and I think the product is awesome!

Come check it out:

Annee Pocalypse!

Chicago Fringe 201zer0.

Running-a-muck in the Chicago Arts District Gallery: Edinburgh Stage 2003 S. Halsted StreetChicago, IL 60608

Sept. 1st-5th, 201zer0.You've been warned.

Busy at Circle This Summer: Costuming "Ragtime" and Choreographing "Annie"

2010-09-03T10:14:00.001-07:00

It's been a crazy busy summer and I haven't had a chance to update my blog with what I have been upto. I recently did the costumes for Circle's "Ragtime" as well as the choreography for Circle's summer production of "Annie". Things have been crazy because we had a HUGE flood where we lost 75% of our costumes in the basement. I was downstairs in my Hunter boots wading through trying to save the really good stuff. We managed to save stuff that had been built or just purchased so that was a good thing. In the end it made things alot easier on me with deciding what we could take with us to the new space. We are leaving our old home at 7300 W Madison in Forest Park and moving for a year to 1010 W. Madison in Oak Park, where Village Players use to be. Its a much bigger space and will help with some of our bills. Im excited. The first show in our new space will be "The Wedding Singer"

Review for "For Colored Girls..." With an awesome mention for choreography!

2010-06-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Review from Steadstyle Chicago by Paul Cosca

Many times, theatre can be a lot like real estate. It's about location, location, location. A terrible show in a great space will never make the show better. But a great show in a poor space can really bring down the experience. And such is the case for InnateVolution's production of Ntozake Shange's classic play, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf".

"For Colored Girls" debuted in 1974 in a bar in Berkley, California. Since then, it has moved to theatres all over the country including a run on Broadway. And now I know why the show moved away from a bar as opposed to into a bar. Stepping into The Call on Bryn Mawr, it's apparent that it's a very nice bar. However, nice bars don't often make for nice theatres. Taking my seat on my bar stool, I knew that this wasn't going to be a situation that was going to be comfortable for too long. For other people in the audience, this solution was easily solved by getting up often throughout the performance and getting drinks. Again, fine for a bar. Not so fine for a theatre.

It's really a shame that the venue is such a let down, because there is a really great show here. While Ntozeke Shange's script has never been my favorite, and has never struck me as being as widely accessible and effective as a show like "The Vagina Monolgues," there are some real highlights here. Sherly M. Daceus (Lady in Red) and particularly Delicia Dunham (Lady in Brown) are at times funny, thrilling, inspiring, and heartbreaking. The entire ensemble of actresses bring an engaging, inspiring performance as they unveil the "coreopoems" about sex, love, heartache and fighting to survive in a world that does its best to keep you down.

One person that needs special mention in this production is Choreographer Shawn Quinlan. He may be white, and he may be male, but that white guy can sure teach some dancing. The dancing that runs throughout the production brings such a fierceness and vitality. It takes the sometimes lyrical poems into a world that is raw and gritty and sexy. Quinlan's choreography (not to mention the talented dancing by the entire cast), takes this production to an entirely different level.

"For Colored Girls" is about to get a very high profile adaptation by Tyler Perry in a film set to come out next year. I make no effort to hide my rather intense dislike for Tyler Perry. "For Colored Girls" is a show about raw intensity. About primal urges and the extreme will to survive. When put through Tyler Perry's watered down direction, I don't feel that it will come close to being what it really should be. So the bottom line is, if this show is on your radar for any reason, then InnateVolution's production is bound to be more effective than the film version will be. Plus, admission comes with 2 drinks, and that just may make the bar stools a little more comfortable.

"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf", directed by Toma Tavares Langston, runs Thursday-Saturday through June 26, 2010. No show June 24. All performances begin at 8pm at The Call (1547 W. Bryn Mawr Ave). Tickets are $20 and include two drinks. Must be 21 or over to attend.

"For Colored Girls..." with Innate Volution Theatre Company

2010-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on choreographing a production of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Isnt Enuf" with Innate Volution Theatre Company. This production is set to open June 17 and will run through June 26. Go to http://www.innatevolution.org/ for more details!

Shawn Quinlan in "Whorehouse" at Circle Theatre

2010-05-04T11:10:00.000-07:00

Reviews of "A Chorus Line"

2010-05-04T10:39:00.000-07:00

"The theater is in what used to be perhaps two storefronts joined together. Even so, the stage is not wide enough for a kick line of the whole cast. But with talented choreography and direction, this shortcoming was not noticed by the audience. Without an orchestra pit, the front seats were more intimate with the stage than in a "legit" theater. adding to the enjoyment for us."

-Weisun C.'s Review, YELP.com

"All 23 performers belt, hoof, and emote their hearts out in this enthusiastic production of Michael Bennett's 1975 musical about dancers auditioning for a Broadway show. Shawn Quinlan's cast are easy to love..."

-Laura Molzahn, Chicago Reader

"Shawn Quinlan directs the perennial tale of 17 auditioning dancers and what they did for love."

-Time Out Chicago

"An excellent group of dancers pulling off an incredibly tough show. The vocals hold up well which is not often the case in dance shows. This production may not be the Marriott, but it gets awfully close. Very impressed and will recommend to my other theater friends. Bravo."

-Chicago Reader

"Under the fast-paced, carefully orchestrated direction and choreography of Shawn Quinlan, his 19-member cast dazzles from start to finish"

-Oak Park Oak Leaves

Circle Theatre's Jeff Recommended Production of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas"

2010-05-04T10:31:00.000-07:00

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Previews April 2, 3 & 6 April 7 - June 20

Book by Larry L. King & Peter Masterson

Music & lyrics by Carol Hall

Directed & choreographed by Kevin Bellie

Yee haw! Circle presents this Broadway blockbuster of small town vice and political side stepping recounting the good times and the demise of the Chicken Ranch, known since the 1850s as one of the better “pleasure palaces” in all of Texas. Governors, senators, mayors and even victorious college football teams frequented Miss Mona's bordello until puritanical hypocrites focus righteousness on the landmark. Religious zealots dictating decency and morality—sound familiar?

Stomp your feet and holler out loud, this down home charmer will thrill audiences.
Kevin Bellie, Circle Theatre Artistic Director, has helmed productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, Can-Can, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Sweet Smell of Success and more on Circle’s mainstage. In addition, his choreography has been seen in Meet Me in St. Louis, Tommy, The Secret Garden and more. He has choreographed for Light Opera Works, Porchlight Music Theatre, Nobel Fool Theatricals and many others. He is a multiple Jeff Award and After Dark Award winner.

This production has been Jeff Recommended!

Kevin Bellie, Director & Choreographer

Josh Walker, Music Director

Bob Knuth, Scenic Design/Lighting Design

Jesus Perez, Costume Design & Construction

Peter J. Storms, Sound Design

Beth Scheible, Stage Manager

Starring: Dan Beno * Sara Michelle Bickweat * Jennifer Bludgen * Christopher Boyd * Michael Buonincontro * Maxwell Burnham * (Antoinette) Toni-Lynice Fountain * Sydney Genco * Michael A. Gravame * Anita Hoffman * Elizabeth Lanza * Melody Latham * Justin LeClaire * Jeremy Myers * Andriana Pachella * Greg Payne * Shawn Quinlan * Blake M. Russell * Vanessa Schroeder * Monica Szaflik * Noah Sullivan * Kirk Swenk * Sheana Tobey * Carrie Weis * Gregory Wenrich

Showtimes:$12 Previews: April 2, 3, & 6 at 8pm opening night: Wednesday, April 7 @ 8:00 pmFridays & Saturdays @ 8:00 pmSundays @ 3:00 pmGroup Rates for 10 or More Available.Call 708-771-0700

My production of "A Chorus Line" Opens Next Week!

2010-03-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

This production of "A Chorus Line" that I Directed and Choreographed at the Village Players Theatre in Oak Park opens next week. I was very blessed to have such a wonderful and talented group of people audition. I'm really excited for this to open, and it should be my best work yet!

Forest Park National Bank presents

A Chorus Line

book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante,
lyrics by Edward Kleban, and music by Marvin Hamlisch

Directed/Choreographed by Shawn Quinlan

Zach and Larry are ready to cast for their next upcoming Broadway production, but Zach decides to change up things at the audition for their dancing chorus. As each one hopes to become part of a singular groups, they all tell their individual life stories that make them all so very different.

Musical Direction by Julian Chin. Featuring Fiore Joseph Barbini, Christopher Lynn Carter, Marie Clawson, Loren J. Connell, Danielle Coody, Erin Elle East, Stephanie Foster, Taylor Hopkins, Reneisha Jenkins, Bobby Johnson, Kim Kass, Samuel Ladd, Alex McCrary, Will Nifong, Shynell Owen, Michael Patterson, Dewayne Perkins, Casiena Raether, Janell Rinne, Jennifer Shine, Kristen Smiley, Garrett Stibb and Tiffany Trainer.

Call 866-764-1010 for tickets

Adult: $25.00, Senior (65 and older): $20.00, Student (with ID): $20.00
Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00, Sunday afternoons at 3:00 p.m

"Flush"-- Feature Film Trailer

2010-01-17T13:25:00.001-08:00

I just saw this on youtube.com...It's me and my best friend reviewing "Zanna Do"

2010-01-17T13:17:00.000-08:00

Hedy Weiss/Chicago Sun Times picks "Tommy" as one of the theater events of 2009!

2010-01-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

Hedy Weiss' top theater events of 2009 :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Hedy Weiss

www.suntimes.com

If they can make it here ...

New York exports not only shows that shine on Chicago theater scene

Comments

December 27, 2009

BY HEDY WEISS Sun-Times Theater Critic

Yes, 2009 was the year when, for better or worse, many Chicago-bred shows (“Superior Donuts,” “A Steady Rain,” “The Lady With All the Answers”) received the “Manhattan transfer” treatment.

But the real news was not what happened in New York; it was the large crop of exciting shows that opened here — many of which enjoyed extended runs despite the economic turmoil.

Several strong new works, as well as some first-rate revivals of classic dramas and Broadway musicals, all were part of the mix. Here’s a quick look backward to some of the best (in no particular order):

“The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity” by Kristoffer Diaz (at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater): Wrestling served as a galvanic metaphor in this multiethnic, verbally brilliant, politically rambunctious play that was a bravura showcase for actor Desmin Borges. A surefire hit, the plans for a New York transfer already are afoot.

• Also at Victory Gardens, which was on a roll this season, was Michael Golamco’s “Year Zero,” a funny, touching, winningly played drama about Cambodian Americans in California. It inaugurated the theater’s studio space.

“The History Boys” by Alan Bennett (TimeLine Theatre): This monster hit, which had a six-month sold-out run, was perfection — from its young, exceptionally deft ensemble under director Nick Bowling, to its environmental set by Brian Sidney Bembridge. A tale of British lads prepping for university exams, it earned top grades.

• Also from TimeLine: A scorching revival of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.”

The Eugene O’Neill in the 21st Century Festival (Goodman Theatre): Of all the entries in this enormous, often revelatory, multinational project (including Robert Falls’ massive “Desire Under the Elms”), it was Brazil’s Companhia Triptal, with its environmental staging of three sea plays, and the Dutch company Toneelgroep Amsterdam, with its sexually charged take on “Mourning Becomes Electra,” that proved most electric.

• Also at the Goodman was Jose Rivera’s “Boleros for the Disenchanted,” a gorgeously rendered portrait of the long marriage between a Puerto Rican couple who spent most of their lives in the United States.

“Fake” by Eric Simonson (Steppenwolf Theatre): With its split time frames and neatly mirrored set of characters, this examination of the real and the fake (whether in science or in love) was smart, emotionally deep and superbly acted.

• Also at Steppenwolf, a most modern, imaginative, and visually and aurally ingenious version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” directed by Tina Landau.

“Beethoven as I Knew Him”

(at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place): Hershey Felder, equally talented as an actor, writer and pianist, can’t be categorized easily, and this causes him problems. But no one can deny that he holds his audiences in a state of rapt attention. The man makes you listen to every word and every note.

“Mistakes Were Made” by Craig Wright (A Red Orchid Theatre): It was all but impossible to separate the manic brilliance of the play (about an insane theater producer who comes closer and closer to selling his soul), from its performer (Michael Shannon, in a mind-boggling and hilarious tour de force). But why even try?

“The Overwhelming” by J.T. Rogers (Next Theatre): Director Kimberly Senior and her cast gave this searing play about the lead-up to the Rwanda genocide a wholly nerve-jangling rendering.

• Also at Next was Deborah Zoe Laufer’s “End Days,” an alternately hilarious and disturbing look at fear and faith in the first decade of the 21st century.

“Old Times” by Harold Pinter (Remy Bumppo Theatre): A pitch-perfect revival of this play about a married couple and a woman from their past was more perfectly choreographed than a ballet and superbly “danced” by the actors.

“Lucinda’s Bed” by Mia McCullough (Chicago Dramatists): Actress Elizabeth Laidlaw morphed from preteen to late middle-age woman in this richly insightful look at a battered heart.

“Graceland” by Ellen Fairey (Profiles Theatre): A new play marked by its memorably offbeat look at love, loss and maturity interrupted.

“The Little Foxes” (Shattered Globe Theatre): A searing revival of Lillian Hellman’s classic, ideally tuned to our recession mentality.

MUSICALS

The world premiere of “The Minister’s Wife” (at Writers’ Theatre), which is clearly headed to New York; the amazing cabaret theater revival of “Evita” (at Theo Ubique); the blistering national touring revival of “Rent,” which reunited its two original stars; the immensely moving, beautifully crafted tour of “In the Heights,” the hit Broadway musical unique for its humanity; the bristling version of “Cabaret” at Drury Lane Oakbrook Terrace Theatre; Circle Theatre’s sharp storefront revival of “Tommy, The Musical,” and Chicago Children’s Theatre’s disarming “The 100 Dresses.”

Getting ready for callbacks for "A Chorus Line" at Village Players

2009-12-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

Last week I held auditions for "A Chorus Line" at Village Players in Forest Park, IL where I am directing and choreographing the production. I am pretty excited as we had some really talented people who turned out for these auditions. Callbacks are slated for December 14th 6-10pm. We should have the cast posted by Wednesday of that week!

Shawn Quinlan in "Rudolph The Red Hosed Reindeer" Opens Dec 5th!

2009-12-04T11:33:00.001-08:00

I am currently getting ready to open this production Saturday! The show is in its 7th year and there has been new songs and characters added. I play Score one of Santa's "Mary" elves!

CHICAGO'S FAVORITE TRANSVESTITE REINDEER RETURNS WITH A VENGEANCE

Reinvigorated and ready to ROCK

OFFICIAL OPENING TOMORROW!

RUDOLPH THE RED HOSED REINDEER

Book and Lyrics by David Cerda
Music by David Cerda w/ Scott Lamberty
Directed by Derek Czaplewski*

Choregraphy by Brigitte Ditmars*

Starring-

Patricia Austin*, David Besky, Christopher Carpenter, David Cerda*, Chad, Barbara Figgins, Alex Grelle, Michael Hampton, Ed Jones*, Aaron Lawson, Terry McCarthy*, Shawn Quinlan, Jennifer Shine, and Lori Lee as Yukon Cornelia.

* indicates Handbag ensemble member

ONLY 15 SHOWS, TICKETS ARE ALREADY SELLING FAST

Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to remount David Cerda's parody of the classic children's television special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer", now in it's 12th year! The 2009 version has a new character and song along with a stellar cast.

Where: Mary's Attic , 5400 W. Clark St.
Previews: Dec. 3, 4 Opens Dec. 5

Runs: Thurs.- Sat. Closes: Jan. 2
No shows: Dec. 24, 25, 31
Add'l show dates: Dec. 23, 27, 30
Showtime: 7:30 Admission: $10- $15
Reservations: (800) 838-3006 or go to Brown Paper Tickets
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/87450

Costuming "A Midsummer's Night Dream" at Circle Theatre

2009-10-21T14:29:00.000-07:00

I costumed a modern day version of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer's Night Dream" where the lovers are preppy teen-agers, the mechanicals are working class slackers and the fairies are now punk rockers!

The show was fun with everyone in the beginning scene starting in black and white versions of their colorful and crazy outfits they wear once they have entered the forest.

Circle Theatre’s resident youth program, The Emerging Young Artists (CTEYA), will continue its commitment to exposing young people to the classics (Much Ado About Nothing 2008) with one of Shakespeare’s greatest works featuring 90 minutes of Rock ‘n Roll infused, highly physical comedy and a cast of young performers ages 12 to 18.

Among the most popular of all Shakespeare’s comedies, this play humorously celebrates the complexities of love. With its several pairs of lovers, on-again, off-again romances, magic spells, fairies, and a bumbling troupe of would-be actors, the play continues to enchant audiences.

Performances:
October 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, and 25
Thursdays and Saturdays at 7pm
Sundays at 2pm
No Friday performances

Tickets:
All Seats $13
Student/Srs: $12

Call 708-771-0700 for reservations

please visit: http://www.circle-theatre.org for more details.

Chicago Free Press Reviews "Annee Pocalypse"

2009-09-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

‘Annee Pocalypse’
Written by Jason Dabrowski, Calidonia Olivares, Jacob Christopher Green
Showing: Hydrate, 3458 N. Halsted, through Oct. 24.
Tickets: $10
Contact: (800) 838-3006; hubrisproductions.com

Reviewed By Brian Kirst

CFP Contributor

Throw Andrea McArdle, George Romero and Chi Chi LaRue into a blender and you’d be lucky if you get something as outrageous and sick with fun as Hubris Productions’ “Annee Pocalypse.” Taking lowbrow to desperate depths, Hubris distorts Charles Strouse & Martin Charnin’s melodies from the beloved musical “Annie” into pornographically specific filth strewn delights.

After being blinded and nearly ‘Nair-ed’ by an atomic blast, Hubris’ (barely red) Annee finds herself in the employ of Mistress Flanigan, a post apocalyptic madame. Eventually escaping Flannigan’s sweaty clutches, Annee is soon found on the street by porn magnate Daddy Starbucks’ faithful, psychotic secretary, Grace. Soon Annee is blazingly happy, regularly performing outrageous sexual acts in a world of helpful zombies, dead dogs and leather swings. But, do money hungry Flannigan and jealous hooker Muffy have the power to destroy Annee’s new, frequently pulsating world?

While smartly bashing Republicans and former president Bush (he’s the reason for the mass destruction), director Jason Dabrowski’s obviously glee ridden direction is full of musical snap and some tart comic timing from lead performers Ariel Trocino (Annee), Calidonia Olivares (Mistress Flanigan), Jacob Christopher Green (Muffy) and Shawn Quinlan’s sexy, puppet loving Grace Feral.

While Trocino is buxomly adorable, in this age of filmic undead babies (the recent, powerful “Grace” and the upcoming “Zombieland”), it is the lumbering and loveable undead troop (highlighted by the shining Patricia Moy) that may truly steal modern, joyful audience’s hearts city-wide. Indeed, Hubris’ disgustingly fun “Annee Pocalypse” should truly able to spread a widespread infection of fun before its run is through this fall.

It's been a busy couple of months...

2009-09-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

Hi All,
Haven't had a chance to update my blog in a while but wanted everyone to know what I have been busy with!

Last month I finished a successful run of "A Chorus Line" that I co-choreographed and also starred in playing the role of "Bobby" in New Buffalo Michigan as part of the Harbor Festival.

We will resume again with a Chicago run in January at The Theatre Building Chicago.

I also closed a production of "High School Musical 2!" at Circle Theatre in which I also co-choreographed and costumed.

Before that I choreographed a few number for Hubris Productions' "Bent" which played at the Victory Gardens Green House in July.

Hope everyone had a great summer!

"A Chorus Line" previews this weekend! I play Bobby and co-choreographed!

2009-07-30T21:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend I will be previewing the classic musical "A Chorus Line" with Night Blue Theatre. We are doing a "preview run" in New Buffalo, Michigan as part of the
The Harbor Country Theater Festival. I am playing the role of "Bobby" and it has been a blast! I also co-choreographed. I choreographed the opening audition sequence as well as the "Bows/One" for the finale. Both sequences were my own original choreography.

Performance Dates are as follows:

One Singular Sensation

A Chorus Line

Saturday, August 1st 8:00pm
Saturday, August 8th 8:00pm
Sunday, August 9th 3:00pm
Saturday, August 15th 8:00pm
Sunday, August 16th 3:00pm
Friday, August 21st 8:00pm
Saturday, August 29th 8:00pm
Sunday, August 30th 3:00pm

All performances will take place at:

The New Buffalo Performing Arts Center
1112 Clay St., New Buffalo, Mi. 49117

Please visit: http://www.nightbluetheater.com/ for more information and to purchase tickets!

"Sister Mary" scene filmed with Brent Corrigan

2009-05-28T11:41:00.000-07:00

Whew! It has been a couple of fast and furious past weekends trying to finish up the left over scenes for the feature film I am working on, "Sister Mary". I know, I know your probably like what the heck? "Didn't you start filing that film last Oct!" Yes, sir I did. But it has been complicating trying to work with every one's schedule and the weather so the rest of the filming was pushed back until a few weeks ago.

This push back allowed the time to add 2 new names to our cast list. Bruce Vilanche of "Hollywood Squares" and the National Broadway Tour of "Hairspray" and Brent Corrigan a Falcon porn star, and lets not forget he played a merman in the crazy sequel "Another Gay Sequel!"

I did not have any scenes with Bruce BUT I did have a special scene written by the director and added last minuet to the script for me and Mr. Corrigan:)

But, I'm not leaking any details you'll have to wait til the film is released to see what the scene entailed!

"The Who's Tommy" Opens at Circle Theatre

2009-05-23T11:19:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys-
I am currently performing in "The Who's Tommy" at Circle Theatre. We have been Jeff Recommended and opened to rave reveiws! I also served as assistant to the choreographer Kevin Bellie on this production.

Please visit:
www.circle-theatre.org to order tickets!

Tommy
previews May 8, 9, and 12, 2009
May 13 - July 19, 2009
Music & Lyrics by Pete Townshend
Book by Des MacAnuff & Pete Townshend
directed by Jeffrey Cass
music directed by Carolyn Brady Riley
choreographed by Kevin Bellie

Circle delves back into the world of rock operas in the tradition of such classic Circle musicals as Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair and Evita. Tommy is sure to please music and theatre lovers alike with its blend of stage craft wizardry, soaring vocal gymnastics, and gripping characters. After witnessing a brutal crime, young Tommy is so traumatized that he is rendered mute. As his life meanders on in post World War II England, he suffers abuse from sadistic relatives and neighbors. Tommy's life is saved, however, when he falls in love with pinball and achieves super stardom as a pinball wizard!

Carolyn Brady Riley’s credits include music direction for Circle’s mainstage (Dear World, Meet Me in St. Louis) and CTEYA program (Seussical!, Anything Goes, Thoroughly Modern Millie). Jeffrey Cass is no stranger to Circle. He has previously directed Burning Blue, The Distance From Here and Bash. For Circle's youth program he has directed Crazy For You, Beauty and the Beast, Thoroughly Modern Millie and Urinetown. He is the Producing Artistic Director of Echo Theatre Co.

Featuring the talents of Tom McGunn, Michelle Pickett, Eric Lindahl, Shannon Boland, Gerald J. Kelel, Darcy Wood, Jon Landvick, Alex Turner, Dylan Angel Manianglung-Lainez, Bear Bellinger, Jeremy Myers, Peter Durkin, Rachel Quinn, Carol Rose, Camille Vafakas, Scott Neild, Cameron Brune, and Shawn Quinlan

This production has been Jeff Recommended!

Showtimes:
half-price previews, May 8, 9, and 12 @ 8:00 pm
opening night: Wednesday, May 13 @ 8:00 pm
Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm
Sundays @ 3:00 pm

Important Note:
There will be no performances July 3-5.

Tickets:
Fridays: All Seats $20
Saturdays and Sundays: $24 adults, $22 students/seniors (over 62)

Shawn Quinlan in Chicago Kids Company's "Goldilocks and the 3 Bears"

2009-03-13T11:44:00.000-07:00

This hilarious musical is "JUST RIGHT"!

Production Dates: Feb 4 - May 29, 2009

Performance held at:
Beverly Arts Center 111th & Western, Chicago

This show is based on the classic story of a young girl who ventures into the woods and stumbles on a cute house with 3 bowls of porridge, 3 chairs, and 3 beds!
A CKC classic! Don't miss out!

Reserve your tickets today by calling: 773-205-9600

Shawn Quinlan as Dieter in Circle Theatre's "A Perfect Wedding"

2009-03-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

This is the next show I am in. Hope you get a chance to come out and see it!

A Perfect Wedding

Previews

March 13, 14, and 17, 2009March 18 - May 3, 2009

written by Charles Mee

Directed by Joanie Schultz

Love, romance, marriage: it all falls apart in the woods, until two gay wedding planners (thats me!) decide to get married--and then everyone's faith in the institution of marriage is restored by their example -- with a big Bollywood dance number toward the end. Playwright Charles Mee, the featured playwright at New York’s Signature Theatre in 2007-08, displays his signature blend of music, dance and storytelling in this surprising and intriguing play.

Joanie Schultz returns to Circle after directing the Jeff nominated Stone Cold Dead Serious in 2007. She recently made her off-Broadway debut, directing the world premiere of Sean Graney's Autophagy in the Drama League's Directorfest. Most recently in Chicago Joanie directed the Midwest premiere of Adam Rapp's Faster at the side project and Itamar Moses' short play Treadmills for the Collaboraction Sketchbook. Joanie holds her MFA in directing from Northwestern University, was a Drama League Directing Fellow, and is part of the Lincoln Center Director's Lab.

Showtimes:half-price previews, March 13, 14, and 17 @ 8:00 pmopening night:

Wednesday, March 18 @ 8:00 pm

Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm

Sundays @ 3:00 pm
Tickets:Fridays: $20Saturdays and Sundays: $24 for adults $22 for students and seniors (over 62)

Call: 708.771.0700 for tickets

Costumeing- "Les Miserables, School Edition" at Circle Theatre

2009-03-13T11:30:00.000-07:00

March 10-14, 2009
LES MISERABLES SCHOOL EDITION
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics by Alain Boubil and Herbert Kretzmer
Book by Alain Boubil

This program is sponsored by the Forest Park National Bank & Trust Company.Tickets: $13 adults; $12 students/seniors
Performance Location:DOMINICAN UNIVERSITYMartin Recital Hall, 7900 West Division St. River Forest, ILPerformance

Schedule:Tuesday, March 10 @

7pm Wednesday, March 11 @ 7pm

Thursday March 12 @ 7pm

Friday, March 13 @ 7pm

Saturday, March 14@ 3pm and 7pm

Call 708-771-0700 for tickets

Oklahoma!- At Roosevelt Middle School

2009-03-13T11:27:00.000-07:00

I just finished choreographing a production of "Oklahoma!" at Roosevelt Middle School that performed at the end of February.

Shawn Quinlan as Simple Simon in "Babes in Toyland"

2008-12-18T12:00:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-21T12:09:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-11-04T14:04:00.000-08:00

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.

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

2008-11-04T14:00:00.000-08:00

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

2008-10-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-10-08T13:31:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

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

Chicago Script Works present: Cat Bunglers

2008-09-22T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-09-09T13:24:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-08T15:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-08-08T15:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T15:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-28T15:32:00.000-07:00

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

2008-06-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-03T11:28:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-04-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-02-25T15:16:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-25T14:59:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-29T10:57:00.000-08:00

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.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" on National Television!

2007-11-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

The McDonald's Thanksgiving Parade is just around the corner and this year Circle Theatre's production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" will be featured!

Be sure to tell all your friends and family to come out and support Circle on State Street or by watching the parade LIVE on WGN-TV 9 in Chicago and (for the first time ever) nationally on Superstation WGN beginning at 9:00 a.m. central time. Circle's performance, the wedding finale featuring the entire cast of the smash hit Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, is expected to perform between 10:15am and 10:45am, so tune in!

Shawn Quinlan as Caleb in Circle's Jeff Recommened "7 Brides for 7 Brothers"

2007-11-16T10:12:00.000-08:00

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

November 14 - December 23, 2007

Music by Gene DePaul

Lyrics by Johnny Mercerbook by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay

Directed and choreographed by Kevin Bellie

Music direction by Michael Sherman

The Oregon Frontier explodes on stage in this rollicking adaptation of the MGM movie musical. When young Millie marries Adam, she thinks her life just got easier….until she meets his six brothers. Can she teach these wild young men enough manners to allow them to woo and win a bride of their own? A vigorous score and the unbridled athleticism of the dance numbers in Seven Brides For Seven Brothers make this show the perfect antidote to the usual holiday fare. This is a production you don’t want to miss.

This show has been Jeff Recommended!

featuring the talents of Bradley Baker, Michael Cook, Tony DiPisa, Brigitte Ditmars, Ashley Dobson, Meredith Freyre*, Rivkah Gevinson*, Mat Labotka, Eric Lindahl*, Matthew Lozano, Jeremy Myers, Darci Nalepa*, Scott Neild, Lynn Nosek, Jack O'Brien, Adam Pasen, Shawn Quinlan*, Rachel Quinn, Brian Rabinowitz, Kelly Schumann*, Karla Serrato, and Nick Woodrow

*denotes Circle company member

Showtimes:half-price previews, November 9, 10, and 13 @ 8:00 pm

Opening night: Wednesday, November 14 @ 8:00 pm Thursday 8:00 performances on December 6, 13, and 20 only Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm Sundays @ 3:00 pm
Tickets:$26 for adults$24 for students and seniors (over 62)

Godspell Opens next week: Shawn Quinlan Choreographer

2007-11-16T10:01:00.000-08:00

GODSPELL Opens next week! These guys really worked hard! They were basically learning 2-3 dance numbers each Sunday for 4 weeks. The choreography is not my most difficult, but it is sharp and VERY entertaining!!!

A Musical Based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew

November 24 – December 16, 2007
Saturdays at 7:00 PM & Sundays at 1:30 PM

For Reservations
Call 773.792.3030 Or Go To www.edisonparkumc.com
Adults: $15 Students & Children: $10 Groups of 15 or More: $8

Performances Will Be Held at
Edison Park United Methodist Church
6740 North Oliphant Avenue, Chicago, IL 60631

Produced in Conjunction withThe John Waldron Arts Center & Theatre Maximus

"Grease" IS THE WORD! Shawn Quinlan as Roger

2007-09-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

I am currently playing the role of Roger in "Grease". These performances benefit SpotLite/ArtReach Theatre programs. I was graciously asked by good friend Dan Walsh (founder of SporLite and ArtReach) to be in the show for the two weekend performances. This has been a blast doing this show! There are two venues where we will be performing. The first weekend we will be in the city performing at Live Bait Theater and the second weekend we will be at Harper College in Palatine. You can visit: http://www.spotliteartreach.com/ for more details!!!

Friday, September 21 at 8pm

Sat, September 22 at 3pm and 8pm

Live Bait Theatre

3914 N. Clark Street

Chicago, IL 60613

Friday, September 28 at 8pm

Sat, September 29 at 3pm and 8pm

Harper College J Theatre

1200 W. Algonquin Road

Palatine, IL 60067

Pictures from "Little Women: The Musical"

2007-09-12T08:48:00.001-07:00

Its the day of the show ya all!!

Thats right Knocked Up!

"More Than I Am"

I just wanted to share these great pictures of me and my beautiful wife, Kristin Johnson from "Little Women: The Musical" at The Jedlika Performing Arts Center this past August.

Abbie Hoffman Festival

2007-08-27T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I performed two new works at the Abbie Hoffman Festival written by local play write: Dawn LaBuy-Brockett. The two shorts were called: "The Shoe" and "The Salmon Secret". Both plays dealt with relationships and the different problems couples encounter. I performed each two person show with a very talented girl, Diana De Luna. The shows were great and it was an awesome experience!!!

Abbie Hoffman Died For Our Sins - August 17-19th, 2007 "You could call it the Lollapalooza of drama!" - Redeye Chicago"Weekend's Best Best"-Metromix "Must See!" -Timeout Chicago "Recommended!"- Chicago ReaderThe 19th annual performance mashup celebrates the anniversary of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair of 1969.

Three days of non-stop entertainment include more than 30 theater groups and performers on two stages. Festivities begin at 2 p.m. Friday at Daley Plaza, where participants gather for a peaceful march to the theater's home in Lakeview. Ticket options:Passes include access to unlimited performances and "come-and-go" privileges during one day ($10) or the entire weekend ($25).

Participants include:The Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co., A Red Orchid Theatre, The Hypocrites, Speaking Ring Theatre, Factory Theatre, Famous In The Future, Black Forest Theater, Little Howlin' Wolf, Nick Izzo, Bruised Orange Theatre Company, The Plagiarists, Tantalous Theatre Group, The Telepaths, and many, many more! Click Here to Download The Schedule!

Aug. 17: 7 p.m. through August 19: MidnightPrice: $10-$25Box office: 773-871-0442Tickets available at the door.A limited number of Weekend Passes available online at Ticketweb.com

Summer Teaching at Metropolis Performing Arts Center

2007-08-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

I am wrapping up a 10 week teaching gig at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights, IL. Currently, I teach six 8-10 year old little girls. Our last class will be August 18th, resulting in a performance of two songs from the Broadway Musical "Annie", and one song from the Broadway Musical "The Sound of Music". The girls are really great and I have had tons of fun working with them! This is my second year teaching with Metropolis. Last year I co-taught a musical theatre intensive class based around the musical "Your a Good Man Charlie Brown". I also taught dance intensive classes for their summer music camp series of "The Secret Garden" and this years "The Wiz".

Little Women-The Broadway Musical, Chicago Premier, Shawn Quinlan as John Brooke

2007-07-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

Little Women - The Broadway Musical, the remarkable new musical based on the classic novel by Louisa May Alcott, is coming to the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center for a limited three week engagement. This marks the Premiere Chicago production of the Tony-nominated show.
Based on Alcott's own family experiences, Little Women - The Broadway Musical, 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, for the first time ever, this wonderful narrative has been brought to life as an exhilarating new musical filled with glorious music, dancing and heart. Little Women - The Broadway Musical embodies the complete theatrical experience, guaranteeing a night filled with laughter, tears, and a lifting of the spirit.

The Cast includes Amy Steele as Jo March, Kristin Johnson as Meg, Elizabeth Wehrli as Beth and Julie Bayer as the youngest March sister Amy. Stephanie Ann Seale plays the matriarch of the March family, Marmee. The rest of cast includes Jennings Wynn as Laurie, Shawn Quinlan as John Brooke, Cody Jorgensen as Prof. Bhaer, Michael Nedza as Mr. Laurence and Shannon Woodruff as Aunt March. The ensemble consists of Brenna Bosma, Lane Halverson, Jim Horvath, Katie McDonald, Lainie Pahos, Mia Perkins, and Patrick Reilly.

John Brooke is the Cival War soldier who meets and falls in love with Meg, the oldest of the March sisters. I share a very lovely duet, "More Than I Am", with Kristin Johnson who plays Meg March.

The production is being Directed by Dante J. Orfei and Produced by Joseph Messina. Assisting in the production of this show are Scenic Designer Michael Nedza, Musical Director Mark Breta, Choreographer Jennifer Weidman, and Costume Director Aliceson Hackett-Rubel.

Over the last decade, the non-equity JPAC Theatre has made an annual splash in the Chicago theatre community with one high-profile acquisition after another. It is known for its large-scale productions and highly affordable tickets, which make vibrant theater accessible to all. JPAC has been hailed as “one of the most aggressive producing theatres anywhere in the Chicago suburbs” by the Chicago Tribune.

The show runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30pm from

August 3 - August 18 with one Matinee on Sunday, August 12 at 3:00pm .
Please call 708-656-1800 for tickets or information
or e-mail us at tickets@jpactheatre.com.

Call the Theatre at (708) 656-1800

visit: http://www.jpactheatre.com/ for more details.

"Charlotte's Web" at Museum of Contemporary Art Shawn Quinlan as Wilbur

2007-07-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

I currently understudy and perform with American Eagle Productions in Chicago doing children theatre tours across Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Right now I am performing the role of Wilbur in "Charlotte's Web: The Musical" at the Museum of Contemporary Art. I also perform as James in "James and the Giant Peach", Benjamin in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat", Dickon in "The Secret Garden", Christopher Robin in "Winnie The Pooh: the Musical" and Joe Harper in "Tom Sawyer: The Musical".

"Girls Will Be Girls" Preview with Hubris Productions

2007-06-19T09:44:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was involved in a preview of performances from Hubris Production's 2007/08 Season at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted.

They are doing 3 great shows this year:

Love! Valour! Compassion!

Five Women Wearing The Same Dress

Girls Will Be Girls

I was involved in the show "Girls Will Be Birls". This is a World Premier stage production of the award-winning film Girls Will Be Girls.

Three Actresses at various places on the Hollywood food chain navigate the mindfield of love, aging and ambition. Evie, an aging actress in the twi-dark of her career, drinks her way through the day, longing to jump-start her career and any man in the vicinity. Her roommate and verbal punching bag, Coco, only yearns for one thing: to have a child with the doctor that performed her abortion. When Varla, a country girl with a bit of an eating disorder and her own dreams of making it as an actress, joins the household, their aspirations and sordid pasts come to an unforgettable boiling point.

I played the character Varla for this preview and was just recently asked to play the role in the production as well. I am pretty excited since this is a great company and a really funny role. So I will keep you posted on performance dates!

visit: http://hubrisproductions.com/ for more details!

Shawn Quinlan in "Kiss Me Kate" with Light Opera Works

2007-05-25T10:37:00.001-07:00

Music and Lyrics by Cole PorterBook by Bella and Samuel Spewack

June 1–10, 2007
At Cahn Auditorium - 600 Emerson, Evanston, IL

Life imitates art when a bickering theater couple rekindle their backstage romance in spite of interruptions by his mistress, her Texas millionaire fiancé and two hilarious gangsters out to collect a gambling I.O.U.—all while putting on a musical version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew!”

This witty Broadway favorite will wow you with show-stopping songs...

• Too Darn Hot• Another Op’nin’, Another Show• Wunderbar• So in Love

...and more, performed with the sparkling original Broadway orchestrations.

Recommended for ages 12 and older.

Performance Dates and Times:

Friday, June 1 at 2pm
Saturday, June 2 at 8pm
Sunday, June 3 at 2pm
Friday, June 8 at 8pm
Saturday, June 9 at 8pm
Sunday, June 10 at 2pm

Choreographing "Into The Woods" and "Grease"

2007-05-22T08:04:00.000-07:00

As part of the outreach program through The Beverly Arts Center, I am currently working with two South side schools in preparing their highschool musicals. This is my second year as the choreographer for these schools. Last year both schools I worked with, Sutherland School and St. Benedict, did the Rogers and Hammerstein version of "Cinderella". This year St. Benedict chose to do "Into The Woods" and Sutherland is doing "Grease!" The kids I work with are really great, and I hope to return next year to work with them again!!!

"Kama Sutra: The Second Coming"

2007-05-11T08:31:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am understudying the role of the Swami (the creator of the Kama Sutra) in "Kama Sutra: The Second Coming" now playing at The Royal George Theatre.

Kama Sutra: The Musical™ is the story of sexually-frustrated young couple, Dick & Gina, and how their lust life is revitalized by the mysterious arrival of the 1800 year old creator of the Kama Sutra, Swami Comonawannagetonya, who reveals to Dick & Gina the titillating secrets of how any couple can experience all the joys of a totally fulfilling sex life.

TERRY ABRAHAMSON (Book/Lyrics/Producer)

STEPHEN JOSEPH (Music/Producer)

BUDDY REEDER (Director/Choreographer)

Showtimes: Fri 8pm, Sat 8 & 10:30pm
BOOK NOW! For tickets call 312-988-9000

visit: www.kamasutrathemusical.com for more details.

Shoes: A World Premiere Musical!

2007-04-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

What happens when 7 very different people get stuck in an elevator and then decide to trade "shoes" for 6 months and see how the other half lives? You get this original, comical, hummable, huggable, musical: "SHOES"!

I appear as Jack Sloan the local hospital's surgeon trying to escape his families "assembly line medical" practice and the mold his father has set out to put him in. Jack's just looking to find a place to practice the true "art of medicine", and also learn how to just relax and have fun!!!

Just for Laughs Productions presents "Shoes: A New Musical"

Book and Lyrics By: Jordan Margolis

Music By: John W. Cooley

Performance: May 3, 2007

Time: 8pm

Location: North Shore Center for Performing Arts

9501 Skokie Blvd.

Skoki, IL

Tickets are $36, proceeds to benefit the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation and Connections for the Homeless in Evanston

Call the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation at: 847.328.7678 to reserve tickets!

Night Blue Theater Presents: "La Cage Aux Folles"

2007-04-04T08:40:00.000-07:00

Shawn Quinlan: Choreographer

Paul Packer: Director

David E. Walters: Assistant Director/Producer

Lesley Hoerner: Vocal Director

Based on a French film by Jean Poiret by the same name (that was also the inspiration for the 1996 hit film "The Birdcage"), La Cage aux Folles is a boisterous and uplifting celebration of family values. The musical tells the story of Albin and Georges, two middle-aged partners who run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez. Their outrageously resplendent peace turns to mayhem when their son announces that he is getting married--to the daughter of a local morals crusader!

Featuring a hilarious book by Harvey Fierstein and a score by composing legend Jerry Herman ("Hello, Dolly", "Mack and Mable", and "Dear World) the original Broadway production of La Cage aux Folles won six Tony Awards including Best Musical and ran for over four years in the mid-1980s.

There are two weekends of performaces:

Friday, April 20th 8pm
Saturday April 21st 2pm and 7pm
at
The Chicago Marriott Southwest at Burr Ridge
1200 Burr Ridge Parkway
Burr Ridge IL 60527
630-986-4100
Map

Tickets: $20 Adults / $18 Seniors and Students w/ID
Room/Dinner Package: $139 includes one double occupancy room,
and $40 Dinner voucher with purchase of show tickets.

AND

Friday April 27th 8pm
Saturday April 28th 3pm and 8pm
Sunday April 29th 3pm
at
Georgios Banquet Comfort Inn and Conference Center
8900 W. 159th St.
Orland Park IL 60462
708-403-1100
Map

Tickets: $26 which includes two drink tickets.

For Tickets email the Box Office or call the NightBlue Ticket Hotline: 630-257-3077

Please visit: http://www.nightbluetheater.com/ for more information.

"Cycle"- A New Work, Staged Reading with Hubris Productions

2007-04-04T08:13:00.000-07:00

I am in a staged reading of a new play called "Cycle" with Hubris Productions. The play is about a young gay man, Jonathon, who stumbles into a laundry mat after a horrible car accident. He later finds out that he has died in that car accident and this is sort of a "waiting room" for the next life. Before he can go on to the next re-carnation he must clean his "dirty laundry" from the past.

I am playing the role of Jonathon, and am very excited! This show reads very well. Even though the main character is gay and deals with his relationships, I think this show has something in it to say to everyone: what would you do if you had a second chance?

Perfomance of "Cycle" is April 9th

Time: 7pm

Presented at: Rubin's Chicago Room Gallery Cafe

Address: 3318 N. Halsted

Suggested Donation: $5

Other readings will be at the same place and time on the following dates:

April 16, 23, 30th

Visit: www.hubrisproductions.com for more details about this series and other upcoming events!

Mack and Mabel- Now Playing at Circle Theatre

2007-03-19T10:38:00.000-07:00

I am currently in this wonderful musical at Circle Theatre!!!

Contact: 708.771.0700 for ticket information!

Mack & Mabel previews February 23, 24 & 27, 2007

February 28 - April 7, 2007

music and lyrics by Jerry Herman; book by Michael Stewartoriginal New York production directed and choreographed by Gower Champion

Directed/Choreographed by Kevin Bellie music direction by Peter J. Storms

Mack and Mabel cinematically weaves the true life story of silent movie director Mack Sennett and his love affair with Mabel Normand, a waitress turned movie star from Brooklyn. This dramatic story of love, show business, and ambition will dazzle you with its many thrilling song and dance sequences, including “Tap Your Troubles Away,” “Time Heals Everything,” and “I Won't Send Roses.” Jerry Herman (Mame, Hello Dolly, La Cage Aux Folles) created the score which is considered one of the musical theater’s most melodic and is the composer’s favorite of all his works. This production will feature the choreography of Jeff Citation Recipient Kevin Bellie as well as Jeff Citation Recipient Jon Steinhagen as Mack Sennett.

This production has been Jeff Recommended!

Featuring:Andy Baldeschwiler, Carolyn Brady*, Cat Davis, Brigitte Ditmars, Ashley Weiland Dobson, Catherine J. Ferraro*, Ron Geronimo, Lindley Gibbs*, Doug Hagen, Peter Rasey, Eric Lindahl*, Baylea Morgan, Darci Nalepa*, Shawn Quinlan*, Rachel Quinn, Jim Spangler*, Jon Steinhagen, and Tom Weber

*denotes Circle Theatre company member

"Caged Dames" Is BACK!

2007-02-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

The women in prison musical I choreographed is BACK! And better then ever!

Book, Music & Lyrics by David Cerda
Directed by Scott Bradley
Musical Direction by Andra Velis Simon
Choreography by Shawn Quinlan
Opens: Friday , Jan. 26, 7pm, Runs until Mar. 3:
Fridays, 7pm and Saturdays, 10pm
Admission: $20
For reservations call the The Bailiwick Repertory Theatre box office at
(773)883-1090 or visit Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com
High resolution press pictures, bios and interviews available at www.handbagproductions.org
For additional information call the Handbag hotline @ 312/409-4357

Concerned Citizens
Hide your men! Protect your jewels! The dames of the Calumet City Ladies Penitentiary are back to rip the lid off TODAYS LADIES PRISON SYSTEM in Hell in a Handbag Productions' CAGED DAMES.

By popular demand! Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to present the remount of the critically acclaimed Caged Dames, a shocking new musical from the mind of Chicago’s David Cerda, author of the critically acclaimed POSEIDON! An Upside- Down Musical and The Birds (A Feminist Drag Hitchcock Deconstruction). Inspired by the black and white noir prison films of the 40’s and 50’s, particularly 1950’s Caged.
The leaner, meaner remount will also feature a new song and a few other surprises, so don’t miss the show that delighted critics and audiences alike!

Caged Dames tells the gripping tale of an innocent young woman Mary Anderson, played by Handbag newcomer Abigail Trabue who, through a series of unfortunate events - finds herself in the Calumet City Women Penitentiary at the mercy of Ed Jones, returning as the sadistic, oyster- loving Matron Elsie Emerson. Returning to the cast are Derek Czaplewski as the sniveling sidekick Schnitzy, Michael Miller as Sally- the Lifer, David Cerda as Warden Hope, bombshell BC Kalz as Hollywood has-been, Blondie, Patricia Austin as Betty Parker, the homicidal housewife. Also returning are Earliana McLaurin as the street smart Earl Jean Washington, Adrienne Smith as Myrtle, the sweet but deadly hairdresser, Cheryl Snodgrass as vice queen Bigger Lorraine. Annie Gloyn is Trixie, the working girl with a heart of gold, and Tina Haglund as the Queen of Cell Block H, Big Lorraine.