Redmoon Theater

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Redmoon Theater is a Chicago based not-for-profit theatrical company that specializes in high profile and unique productions using both human actors and puppets. In addition, Redmoon uses masks, inventive mechanical objects, robust physical movement, live music, acrobatics and an original use of public space for its performances. With this unique visual language, Redmoon aspires to transform streets and stages into places of public celebration, capable of speaking across cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries.

Redmoon Theater was founded in 1989 in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago by the performance artist Blair Thomas. Jim Lasko joined the company in 1992. Lasko studied at Northwestern University with Tony award-winning director and writer Frank Galati, and now serves as the theater's artistic director. The theater is operated by a 20 member board of directors and is funded through various avenues including ticket sales and a business arm called Redmoon for Hire which provides customized party entertainment for corporate events, conventions and private parties. Corporate funding including the Boeing Corporation and Bank One also provide financial assistance. As a result, the Redmoon surpassed $1 million in revenue for the first time in 2002. It also offers classes in mask making and programs for the community, including Dramagirls and Redmoon School Participation Program.

Hunchback, the first ever re-launch of a Redmoon production, closed in February 2008. Based on Victor Hugo’s novel, Hunchback of Notre Dame the story is told through a dazzling array of puppets, objects, masks, and visual acrobatics. With a running time of approximately 80 minutes and a pg-13 rating due to some sexuality and violence, this performance is suited for a more mature audience. Indoor productions take place in their Kinzie Street theater (Redmoon Central), Redmoon's 18,000-square-foot (1,700 m²) facility since 2003.

The most recent productions was Boneyard Prayer. Boneyard Prayer explores struggle, sorrow, and salvation, drawing from such varied sources as William Kennedy’s Ironweed, Dante’s Inferno, T.S. Eliot’s The Hollow Men, tramp art, Santos sculpture, and other period literature, music, and art. Boneyard Prayer tells a Depression-era tale of one man’s fractured life and ultimate redemption using various forms of puppetry and shadow images, along with extraordinary music inspired by the songs of the age. Conceived and directed by Frank Maugeri, with original music by Charles Kim. Text and lyrics by Seth Bockley.

Along with its indoor work, Redmoon Theater produces outdoor spectacles. “Twilight Orchard” Redmoon’s last outdoor production transformed Columbus Park in October 2006. Each evening for one week, patrons were able to explore the park and enjoy a spectacle of poetry, massive pageantry, and interactive performances. In 2004, the original production "Sink...Sank...Sunk" was staged in Chicago's Chinatown Ping Tom Memorial Park. This outdoor event attracted an audience of more than 12,000 people over four evenings. In 2005, the spectacle "Loves Me...Loves Me Not" was staged for ten nights on the Jackson Park Lagoon. The mission of the giant outdoor spectacle is to introduce Chicago audiences to an undiscovered Chicago location via a site-specific spectacle. Past outdoor spectacles include annual Halloween shows and winter pageants, for example the 11th Annual Winter event was held at the Pulaski Field house in Chicago.

[edit] Performances

Coming soon- Temporarium and Dr. Egg and the Man with No Ear
Boneyard Prayer-2008
Hunchback - 2007
The Princess Club - 2007
Once Upon a Time (Or the Secret Language of Birds) - 2006
Twilight Orchard - 2006
The Balloon Man - 2006
The Golden Truffle - 2006
From Nothing - 2005
Loves Me...Loves Me Not - 2005
The Cabinet - 2005
Winter Pageant - 13 years through 2004
Sink, Sank, Sunk -2004
Cyrano - 2004
All Hallow's 1995-2002