"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" on National Television!

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"

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

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

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"

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

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

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

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

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

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

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"

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"

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!

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"

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

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

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!

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.