Cast in "Cat's Ass Coffee" Online Comercial

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

"And The Call It Puppy Love" Film Wrapped

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"

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

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!

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"

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

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"

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!

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

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

Reviews of "A Chorus Line"

"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"

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!

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

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

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

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.

» Click to enlarge image

"The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity" by Kristoffer Diaz (at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater) was the best show of the year.

PHOTO GALLERY

11 great local stage plays

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

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!

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

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.