The concept of Circle Theatre's Full Circle Series is simple: produce an evening of performance where 100% of the proceeds go directly to an organization that is tied to the show's central message.
After a successful 2015 event, the 2016 return of this programming is titled It's a Privilege to Pee: Owning Your Identity and Other Basic Human Rights. It is co-produced and co-directed by actors from last year's performance, Landree Fleming and Bobby Arnold* ( who also produced the 2015 event ), and music directed by Aaron Benham. This July's evening was conceived based on the recent events occurring in North Carolina and it's passage of HB2 bill, banning individuals from using public bathrooms that do not correspond with their biological sex, as dictated by their birth certificates.
In response to the discriminating law, all proceeds from this year's Full Circle Series will be donated to the local organization, Chicago House, which "serves individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services, and other supportive programs."
"We are gathering together to celebrate who we are," states Fleming. "Not just the things that make us different from one another, but what unifies us: our humanity. Our goal for this evening is to raise money, raise awareness and raise love and support for members of our human community through our chosen medium: art."
"We are so lucky to have this talent involved in the event, where they'll lend a song and a story of how that song assists in expressing their identity; with these remarkable performers, it's going to be nothing short of incredible," adds Arnold.
Hosted at Stage 773, the date will be Monday, July 11 at 7:30pm and will feature a variety of vocalists, led by the renowned trans performer, Honey West. Other performers will be recognized from their highly-acclaimed work; Lili-Anne Brown ( Xanadu [Director], American Theatre Company ), Dixie Lynn Cartwright ( Dixie Wins a Talent Show ), Sydney Charles ( Prowess, Jackalope Theatre Company ), Erin Daly* ( Bat Boy, Griffin Theatre; Triassic Parq, Circle Theatre ), Danielle Davis ( RENT, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre ), Ron King ( Bat Boy, Griffin Theatre ), Michelle Lauto ( 35MM: A Musical Exhibition, Circle Theatre; Boy from Oz [Jeff nomination, Actress in a Supporting Role — Musical], Pride Films and Plays ), Donica Lynn ( Dreamgirls, Porchlight Music Theatre ), James Nedrud ( Xanadu, American Theatre Company; Helldrivers of Daytona, Royal George Theatre [Upcoming] ), Jaymes Osborne ( RENT, Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre ), and Patrick Tierney ( Spamalot, Theatre at the Center ).
Light food, drinks and entertainment will be provided before and after the show; in addition, a raffle of prizes will be held to generate money for Chicago House. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $25 for admission plus 5 raffle tickets ( $30 value ), $30 for admission plus 10 raffle tickets ( $40 value ) and available at www.circletheatrechicago.org .
In February of 2015, the inaugural Full Circle Series performance - titled Reefer Madness: ReHASHed - was mounted in remembrance of a good friend of the Chicago theatre community: director, Matthew Gunnels. Gunnels directed the highly-acclaimed 2012 production of Reefer Madness with Circle Theatre and, sadly, passed away in late 2014 from colon cancer. The 2015 event featured the actors of the original production and was directed/re-staged by Matt's co-collaborator and "artistic soulmate", Jeff award-winning choreographer, Brigitte Ditmars. This endeavor garnered over $2,000 and was donated directly to Fight Colorectal Cancer in Gunnels' name.
*Denotes Circle Theatre company member
