Hold My Horses-Chris Bower

Final Weekend of Mascot/ Bear Suit Karaoke at Beauty Bar

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:05:25 -0400

MASCOT CLOSES THIS WEEKEND - Get Your Tickets Now

Ah, procrastination. We’ve all done it, we’ll all do it again. I’ve
been putting off writing this e-mail just to prove this point, and
not because I’ve spent all morning reading about literary hoaxes,
which I have been doing but that’s just a lovely coincidence. But
now, friends, now there are only 3 more chances to catch this
critically acclaimed production featuring high school football,
editorial cats, powder blue bears, blackmail, disguises, Jimbo
Covert, whiteboard madness, and love. But mostly love.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM
Sundays at 3 PM

Purchase Tickets for Mascot -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/eeb6ee75e6/FoundObjectsTheatreG/3288e17402/4306474186/89e022b7a2/FoundObjectsTheatreG/cc30a868e7/TEST/ca00146cc4

Make Reservations - foundobjectstheatrechicago@gmail.com

NEW TRAILER - Now with more unsupervised children -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/6bf2e6364c/v=SDOxdLPbu1o&feature=share&list=UUO_62fkk6KhgZROQNonZ4mQ

MORE CRITICAL PRAISE

Alex Huntsberger at Centerstage Chicago gave the show a glowing
review, and we are appreciative of it. So just to recap:

“A wonderful show…Unlike the many shows that employ vast resources
but still fail to create a meaningful reality for audiences to lose
themselves in, “Mascot” creates the world of Mt. Sudden (sic) with
nothing more than a fine attention to detail…The comedy here is
dark, over-the-top, and definitely totally human.”

-
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/5e9b174058 -Alex Huntsberger, Centerstage Chicago -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/b9217ff047 , “Must See” Show -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/37d248ba28

“…powerful, darkly funny—and ultimately sad…[Kevlyn] Hayes’
clever, graceful staging finds myriad onstage metaphors for the
protagonist’s disintegrating mental state…”

- Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader, Recommended -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/07db87f30d/oid=9408055

“…Provocatively strange and unsettling…Bower’s deceptively clever
script has a kind of effortlessness…broaches all limits of
acceptable “consumer” taste…A Surrealist Nightmare…Borders on the
verge of sadism…”

-Anthony Mangini, Chicago Critic -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/c3acc85259

KARAKOKE IDOL AT BEAUTY BAR

Have you ever wanted to experience David Bowie songs performed by a
man in a ridiculous bear suit don’t answer that because I know the answer is yes. Well then, Thursday, May 23 at The Beauty Bar will be your chance to see this, almost entirely unbegrudgingly, in action. Found Objects will be competing against several, non-bearsuit contestants, and we need all the the
support we can get.

Get more info here. -
http://cts.vresp.com/c/?FoundObjectsTheatreG/293f0f3f25/TEST/fa0b67d1ec

Mascot

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:03:54 -0400

Mascot:

The tale Chris Bower tells in this one-hander, about an unhinged father determined to make his son into a high school football star, could stand on its own as a fascinating short story. But brought to the stage by director Kevlyn Hayes and actor Matt Test, the piece is powerful, darkly funny

A Found Objects Theatre Group Production of: MASCOT opens this...

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 14:51:01 -0400

A Found Objects Theatre Group Production of:

MASCOT opens this Friday at the Den Theatre (1333 N. Milwaikee) in Wicker Park.

Performed by Matt Test

Directed by Kevlyn Hayes

Written by Chris Bower

Opens Friday, May 3rd and runs through Sunday May 26th.

Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM

$15

Tickets can be purchased online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/353112. Reservations can be made by calling 773.800.9479 or by e-mailing foundobjectstheatrechicago.com.

In Mascot, a man comically estranged from his family has something more important to worry about: a restraining order that keeps him from his son’s high school football games. As he attempts increasingly grandiose and absurd ways to see his son play without being caught, he must confront
the series of events that led to his banishment. Mascot is a humorous tragedy consumed with rage, blackmail, disguises, wet grass, and whispers.

Poster by Susie Kirkwood (susiekirkwood.com)

MASCOT FUNDRAISER THIS WED. NIGHT AT 7. COME SUPPORT ORIGINAL THEATER!

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 20:55:06 -0400

Click to view this email in a browser

FOUND OBJECTS THEATRE CHICAGO

Mt. Sutton Whispers Pep Rally Wednesday, April 24th 7-10 PM At GORILLA TANGO THEATRE

Greetings!

You are cordially invited to the first annual Mt. Sutton High Pep Rally and Fundraiser, benefiting Mt. Sutton High’s own football team, the Whispers! LET’S GO WHISPERS!

Also, because of some complaints raised during the last Student Council meeting, a small portion of the evening’s proceeds will go toward Mt. Sutton High’s student run drama club, Found Objects Theatre Chicago (I’m not sure what Chicago has to do with Mt. Sutton, but YOU KNOW THOSE ARTISTIC TYPES!!!jk:). And specifically, our play MASCOT, written by Senior Chris Bower, about a lucky Mt. Sutton High student who becomes best friends with Benny the Bull (I think, I haven’t actually read it yet).

BUT I’m IN IT SO YOU SHOUD COME LOLLZ!

Hope to see you there!

Matt Test
Student Council Activities Committee Chair
“I always knew that i would look back on my tears and laugh but i never thought id look back on my laughter and cry.”

What: First Annual Mt. Sutton Whispers Pep Rally and Fundraiser
When: Wednesday, April 24th, 7 PM-10 PM
Where: Gorilla Tango Theatre, 1919 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Price: $10 Suggested Donation

Hosted by Vice Principal AJ Miller
Performances by Asst. Choir director Troy Martin and ElvisBride (2nd runner up, Mt. Sutton High Battle of the Bands)
Raffle prizes including signed posters, fine dining gift certificates from such establishments as Green Zebra and Untitled, and tickets to Lookingglass Theatre.
A silent auction for two special prices:

A chef prepared meal for 4 at your home.
A day in Garfield Park with Dave Snyder and Chris Bower that includes tours, birdwatching, gardens, drinks and meals.

For Advanced tickets, click the link below

Can’t Make it?

Still want to donate? All donations will go directly toward FOTG productions and keeping tickets prices low. We are currently working on our 501 3C status, which should be complete very soon.

DONATE by clicking the link below. Any amount would be generous and we will write a thank you note, we promise.

WHAT IS MASCOT?

“Inspired Dark Comedy” - Chicago Reader
“…Wry, sad, and clever…prompts laughter even in it’s darkest moments” - Gapers Block

After a successful incubation in the 2011 Rhinoceros Theatre Festival, Found Objects Theatre Group is proud to announce a full run of Mascot, written by Chris Bower, directed by Kevlyn Hayes, and Performed by Matt Test. A comic tragedy consumed with rage, blackmail, disguises, wet grass, and whispers, Mascot opens Friday, May 3rd and runs until May 26th at the Den Theatre, 1333 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622. Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance on Brown Paper Tickets.

Found Objects Theatre Group Presents Mascot A play by Chris...

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 15:50:16 -0400

Found Objects Theatre Group Presents Mascot

A play by Chris Bower

Performed by Matt Test

Music by Alan Scalpone

Directed by Kevlyn Hayes

Mascot opens Friday May 3rd

at the Den Theatre in Chicago

1333 N. Milwaukee Ave

Friday-Sunday through May 26th

Friday and Saturday at 7 PM

Sunday at 3 PM

online tickets available at brownpapertickets.com/event/353112

Contact FOTG at foundobjectstheatrechicago@gmail.com

South America

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 15:46:12 -0400

South America:

I have a poem that is in the first issue of Sway.

MASCOT! Returning in May at the Den Theatre. poster by Susie...

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:24:36 -0400

MASCOT! Returning in May at the Den Theatre.

poster by Susie Kirkwood (susiekirkwood.com)

Mascot to open at the Den Theatre in May

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 20:34:43 -0500

We just signed the lease and the Found Objects Theatre Group is getting ready to open Mascot for a full run of shows in May. Friday-Sunday at the Den Theatre 1333 N. Milwaukee, Chicago

Fri-Sa at 7:30 PM and Sun at 3 PM

$15

MASCOT is:

A man comically estranged from his family has something more important to worry about: a restraining order that keeps him from his son’s high school football games. A tragic sitcom of rage, disguises, wet grass, and whispers.

Performed by Matt Test

Written by Chris Bower

Directed by Kevlyn Hayes

I want to pay your hand with a ring.

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 01:22:02 -0500

Favorite accidental phrase of the school year so far: “He paid my hand” meaning, “he asked for my hand.”

The Ray's Tap Reading Series presents: Manners Please

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 03:36:00 -0500

“I believe the knowledge of the rules of living in our society makes us more comfortable…[although] some of the rudest and most objectionable people I have ever known have been technically the most correct.” Amy Vanderbilt 1952

“No Drink, No Piss. And don’t piss on my fucking steps. Go in the alley if you have to go.” Ray Javers 2007

The Ray’s Tap Reading Series presents “Manners Please: A show about Manners, Etiquette and Politeness and what other words might be out there to describe how we should behave and interact with each other and how we actually do. Armed with a variety of source materials on the subject, an amazing group of Chicago writers and artists are going to be presenting their thoughts.

The Ray’s Tap Reading does not respect your time but it only happens twice a year and another thing, you can come and go as you please, and there will be a bar.

Featuring the work of: Martha Bayne, Brian Nemtusak, Robin Cline, Ian Belknap, Mason Johnson, Dave Synder in tandem with Naomi Washer, Matt Test, Megan Larmer, Daniel Shapiro, Randall Colburn, Margaret Chapman, Chris Schoen and the music of Tijuana Hercules. The show will also feature some out of town work from Mark Chrisler and Tim Racine. The show is hosted and curated by Chris Bower.

Saturday March 16th at the Prop Thtr (3502 N. Elston) at 9 PM.

The show is 15 dollars or-pay-what-you-can. All proceeds go to the artists.

The attached poster is by Susie Kirkwood. (susiekirkwood.com) The illustrations that she used to make the poster came from one of the source materials the readers used to make their work. They are by Joe Eula and his work is pretty cool so check it out and don’t sue us.

Cafe Neck Beard Opening Soon in Logan Square!

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:52:16 -0500

There is a new coffee shop opening in Logan Square called Cafe Neck Beard and they are going to serve what they are calling the smallest sandwiches in the world and their coffee is going to be filtered through a hat once owned by Queen Elizabeth II. The best part about it is that it is going to have vintage toy riding horses displayed around the store that you not only can’t ride but you can’t rest your drinks on them either.

ElvisBride Kickstarter campaign

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 03:37:47 -0500

ElvisBride Kickstarter campaign:

One of my favorite live acts in Chicago is trying to finish their debut record and need some help. They have only a few days left to make it happen.

ElvisBride is the kind of band that rarely happens; an ambitious, hilarious, hypersmart and poetic band that knows how to both challenge and entertain. Bands like this only come around once in a while and by supporting them, you will prolong their existence and make them play more lively wonderful shows. If you give a reasonable amount, you will get a CD that you would have wanted to buy anyway. Win win.

Postcard from the Garfield Park Conservatory sent in 1901

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:01:19 -0500

Postcard from the Garfield Park Conservatory sent in 1901

michaelmcginley: Woman Gives Birth in Bar 2011. Gouache and...

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 23:10:30 -0500

michaelmcginley:

Woman Gives Birth in Bar

2011. Gouache and ink on paper. 118” x 42”

Contact the artist through his tumblr. He has an incredible amount of wonderful art for sale.

Go see the new Curious show opening tomorrow at Side Project on Jarvis. Great cast and it's sure to be wonderful

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:47:00 -0500

Go see the new Curious show opening tomorrow at Side Project on Jarvis. Great cast and it's sure to be wonderful:

Here is the link for tickets. On-line tickets are available. Also be sure to pay attention to the notes on the Jarvis Red Line closure. Remember: All Curious shows are $15 buck or pay what you can so if you are broke, come for what you have. It’s all about seeing the show.

Write Club Write Up 2012

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:54:00 -0400

Write Club Write Up 2012

Poster by Susie Kirkwood

Sun, 26 Aug 2012 18:34:00 -0400

Poster by Susie Kirkwood

Three Sisters Too (2)

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 19:11:00 -0400

This is a piece of fanfiction that I stumbled up was written by a man who calls himself, Dr. Anton Chekhov the Optimist and what he does is writes new ending acts to Chekhov plays and makes them life affirming. While he admires the stories and characters in Chekhov’s plays, he is unhappy with how they are treated and gives the characters another chance to makes things right. Dr. Chekhov the Optimist doesn’t really write new acts with a lot of dialogue but expository paragraphs that…you will see

Three Sisters Too (2)

Act 8

The act begins in the garden outside the Prozorova estate and the Baron walks into the house and there is a really fast set change that brings us inside the house. He finds the Three Sisters, clutching each other and Irina screams out, “Baron, I thought you were dead” and the Baron says, “I thought so too but it turns out it was all a misunderstanding. Staff Captain Vassily Vasilyevich Solyony would never really hurt me. He is just angry that he constantly smells like corpses. That Doctor Ivan Romanovich Chebutykin doesn’t really know how to treat people but I hear he has sobered up and is going back to medical school to relearn what he has forgotten.” “So soon?” asks Olga. “He was just here and that doesn’t seem possible.”

“Dare to dream. Anything is possible,” Irina exclaims, dangling on the baron, kissing his neck and she says, “Baron. Now that I thought I lost you, I think I can love you now. I….think….I am…ready!!!!!!”

The Baron says, “Wonderful news! To Moscow we go”

All of the characters except for Masha scream, “Moscow”

Quick scene change and we find Masha alone in the garden, the sound of morning and butterflies wings can be heard flapping, flipping, deep into the sky which is now orange, like the color of an orange just ready to be plucked from an orange tree.

Masha says to the sky, “I wish Fydor didn’t take me back but I also wish that my true love had not left either.”

As soon as she says this, the set changes again for some reason and her husband and her lover are together, holding hands. They look at her and Fydor says, “We have talked it over and we think it’s best that you leave me and go off together in love.”

Masha looks at Aleksandr Ignatyevich Vershinin and she asks, “Could this really be true? What about Poland?” and he nods his head at her slowly at first and then really fast as his face bursts into a smile. Fydor, says, smacking his hands together,”I guess my work is done. Good luck sweet Masha. Don’t worry about me. I will find love again, in old letters and maybe I will take on a few cats.”

Goodbye, the two lovebirds say, together, like a song and watch Fydor exit and everything goes black and sweet violin music is playing and the sound of chanting and foot stomping grows in volume as the stage glows and Olga is in her living room, strangling Natasha, who is bleeding from her mouth and Natasha whimpers, “I’m sorry I was such a bitch, but I know I deserve to die.” Olga, screams, just as life leaves Natasha, “Bitch, I want my house back.”

After Natasha dies really fast, Andrey comes in as the music picks up and everyone is happy and dancing and drinking and Andrey says, “Is there a party? Why do I suddenly feel so lightweight and happy?” He sees Natasha on the floor, dead and he and Olga embrace and do a traditional Russian sibling dance which involves hand claps and foot stomps and at one point both pantomime a bear dancing on a giant ball. A bunch of soldiers run in removing their uniforms and one of them screams, “Did you hear the news. We are all retired. The Czar has renounced all violence and has decided to forever leave Poland alone. He just wants the world to dance.” Everyone comes to a complete stop and all goes quiet. The lights begin to fade and the characters begin to seem far away and the set starts to change, and just as the lights are about to go out, you will see that the characters and the set pieces are all perfectly arranged to look like the silhouette of a giant toothy smile.

The End.

Check back next week for the new ending of The Cherry Orchard by Dr. Anton Chekhov the Optimist.

Lies, Liars and the Myth of Truth

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 01:58:48 -0400

The Ray’s Tap Reading Series is coming back on September 8th at the Prop Thtr at 8 PM

The show will include performances by Matt Test, Dave Snyder, Mason Johnson, Samantha Irby, Barrie Cole, Vickie Walden, Margaret Chapman, Chris Bower, Daniel Shapiro and feature the music of Tijuana Hercules.

The show will be 15 bucks or pay what you can so come and pay nothing if you have nothing.

More details and a new Susie Kirkwood poster coming soon!

Gloria Kissed My Head: An RFK poem

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 13:20:00 -0400

Gloria Kissed My Head

She didn’t sneak around Rose
She only snuck around my sisters
girls are jealous of fathers and movie stars
Rose was too proud to be jealous
too wrapped up in a vase collection
to be jealous

But Gloria was there to see me

I would watch them from my window
watch them walk toward the oldest trees
I would watch their hands
growing closer and closer
and watch them come together
just as the world began to darken
and I would sleep

In the night, I would hear falling
and glasses
and things breaking
and I could hear Papa Joe snoring
and it would get silent
and Gloria would come in
black and white
face lit up like the sun
in the darkest lake
and she would open her mouth
and make words
but no sounds
and she would kiss me with her mouth
right on my little head
hard
like a punch
full of love
and gin
and make not a sound

In the morning I would wake up and
she would have left me an inter-title
something like
“She went from his room to the Ambassador
to Cocoanut Grove for a splash”

Gloria came to see me
and she kissed my head

Hold My Horses-Chris Bower

Final Weekend of Mascot/ Bear Suit Karaoke at Beauty Bar

Mascot

A Found Objects Theatre Group Production of: MASCOT opens this...

MASCOT FUNDRAISER THIS WED. NIGHT AT 7. COME SUPPORT ORIGINAL THEATER!

Mt. Sutton Whispers Pep Rally Wednesday, April 24th 7-10 PM At GORILLA TANGO THEATRE

Can’t Make it?

WHAT IS MASCOT?“Inspired Dark Comedy” - Chicago Reader“…Wry, sad, and clever…prompts laughter even in it’s darkest moments” - Gapers Block

Found Objects Theatre Group Presents Mascot A play by Chris...

South America

MASCOT! Returning in May at the Den Theatre. poster by Susie...

Mascot to open at the Den Theatre in May

I want to pay your hand with a ring.

The Ray's Tap Reading Series presents: Manners Please

Cafe Neck Beard Opening Soon in Logan Square!

ElvisBride Kickstarter campaign

Postcard from the Garfield Park Conservatory sent in 1901

michaelmcginley: Woman Gives Birth in Bar 2011. Gouache and...

Go see the new Curious show opening tomorrow at Side Project on Jarvis. Great cast and it's sure to be wonderful

Write Club Write Up 2012

Poster by Susie Kirkwood

Three Sisters Too (2)

Lies, Liars and the Myth of Truth

Gloria Kissed My Head: An RFK poem

WHAT IS MASCOT?

“Inspired Dark Comedy” - Chicago Reader
“…Wry, sad, and clever…prompts laughter even in it’s darkest moments” - Gapers Block