'Shout' The Mod Musical

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL pays tribute to those talented women. The off-Broadway show is debuting in Chicago this week at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Place, 175 E. Chestnut St., Chicago.

Shout! is a fast-paced journey through the infectious and soulful pop anthems and ballads that made household names of stars like Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu. In this Austin Powers-like musical, hits like "To Sir With Love," "Downtown," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "Son of A Preacher Man," and "Goldfinger" frame the journey of five women during the liberating days of the 1960s that made England swing!

Each of the performers in the show is identified by the color of her costume, reflecting a composite personality. The Chicago cast of Shout!, was drawn from an exceptional group of local talent; the musical stars Lauren Fijol (Blue Girl), Megan Long (Red Girl), Danielle Plisz (Green Girl), Maggie Portman's (Yellow Girl), Amy Steele (Orange Girl), and Amanda Danskin (Ensemble, U/S).

The first edition of Shout! appeared on stage at the Duplex in New York in 2000 and then transferred to London's Jermyn Street Theatre, where it was nominated as Best Musical by WhatsOnStage. Shout! had the London critics raving during its sold-out run there in 2001. The Times cheered, Shout! captures all the soulful heartbreak of the '60s diva songbook." WhatsOnStage.com said, "Here's a show to really shout about! It hits you with a burst of noisy energy and sheer talent that simply takes your breath away."

Shout! ran Off-Broadway at The Julia Miles Theatre in New York City for 176 performances in 2006.

Phillip George and David Lowenstein created, directed and choreographed the original Off-Broadway production, with mod musings & groovy gab by Peter Charles Morris and Phillip George. The Chicago version of Shout! is directed and choreographed by Jay Falzone. The design team includes David Gallo (set), Jason Lyons (lights) and Phillip Heckman (costumes). Orchestrations and additional arrangements are by Bradley Vieth. Shout! was originally produced by PLUS Entertainment's Victoria Lang & Pier Paolo Piccoli, and Mark Schwartz.

SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL is playing at the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place through June 22.. The performance schedule is as follows: Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., 6 p.m., and 9 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets range in price from $45 to $55 and are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., and 18 W. Monroe St.), the Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place Box Office (175 E. Chestnut St), through the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (312) 902-1400, at all Ticketmaster ticket centers (including Carson Pirie Scott stores, Hot Tix, select Coconuts and fye stores) or online at ticketmaster.com.

Groups of 20 or more may receive a discount by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales (312) 977-1710.

A 2008 multi-city tour will be announced shortly by booking agency Columbia Artists Theatricals.

For more information, please visit www.ShoutTheModMusical.com or www.broadwayinchicago.com.

PETTERINO'S "MONDAY NIGHT LIVE"

OPEN MIC CABARET SHOWCASE HOSTS "MOD MUSIC NIGHT" ON MAY 12, INSPIRED BY SHOUT! THE MOD MUSICAL

Petterino's "Monday Night Live" open mic cabaret night will host a 60s-themed Mod Music Night on May 12, featuring cast members from SHOUT! The Mod Musical.

SHOUT!, now playing at Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place, is a fast-paced journey through the infectious and soulful pop anthems and ballads that made household names of stars like Petula Clark, Dusty Springfield and Lulu. Hits like "To Sir With Love," "Downtown," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," "Son of A Preacher Man," and "Georgy Girl" frame the journey of five women during the liberating days of the 1960s that made England swing!

About Monday Night Live

Petterino's (151 N. Dearborn St.) is located in the heart of the theater district and offers a sophisticated environment every Monday for established and emerging singers to showcase their talent with standard show tunes and cabaret.

Since opening night on September 17, 2007 guest singers have included such incredible notables as Nan Mason, Sue Conway, Joyce Faison, Ron Hawking, Bernie Allen, Robert Whorton, Jimmy Damon, Denise Tomasello, Tom Michael, Joan Curto, John Callaway, Nancy Wood, Frieda Lee, Carla Gordon, Alma Mendoza, Jimmy Odom and more. Also joining the ranks of MNL veterans are principal cast members the Chicago productions of WICKED, Sweet Charity, The Producers, and the Broadway touring productions of Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, Phantom of the Opera and more.

"Monday Night Live" is co-hosted by Denise McGowan, a Chicago impresario for over 25 years; and Beckie Menzie, whose interpretive and inventive piano stylings rank her among the best nightclub entertainers in the country, and who will accompany all acts. Guests will be able to enjoy the performance while sipping cocktails and enjoying a Monday Night Live lighter menu of appetizers, sandwiches and salads, as well as the full menu.

"Monday Night Live" begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until approximately 10 p.m. with an "open mic" format punctuated with special guest stars from the professional musical community. McGowan and Menzie are on hand each evening at 7 p.m. to meet aspiring performers and to begin the sign up for the evening. Performances during the open mic time slot are limited to singing acts. All singers are expected to provide sheet music in their key and piano accompaniment is available.

A $15 minimum is required for a table at "Monday Night Live." Reservations are recommended but not required and can be made by calling Petterino's at 312-422-0150.

About Petterino's

Named after Arturo Petterino, the legendary maitre d' of Chicago's renowned Pump Room, Petterino's specializes in a wide variety of "comfort food" dishes prepared with simple and classic ingredients. A favorite spot for theatergoers and area business workers, Petterino's imparts a sultry air of 1940's glamour and excitement to downtown Chicago in a comfortable, classy atmosphere. Petterino's is open Monday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Complimentary valet parking is available after 7 p.m. Monday - Saturday, and until 1 p.m. on Sundays.

Petterino's is a Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises Inc. (LEYE) restaurant. Based in Chicago, LEYE is one of the nation's leading independent restaurant groups, owning, managing or licensing more than 75 establishments in Illinois, Arizona, Minnesota, Maryland, Nevada, Georgia and Virginia. The establishments range from the casual style and cuisine of the original restaurant, R.J. Grunts, to the formal elegance of Everest and Tru.