Cats Cradle Theatre

THINK YOU KNOW YOUR CITY?!
💥💥💥💥Test your Chicago knowledge & Join us for FREE Trivia & a Play! Tues 12/5 @ 7pm

🎟️ FREE EVENT!
🍻 BYOB
🎁 DOPE TRIVIA PRIZES!

…aaaaanndd catch some familiar faces perform scenes from ’s nominated “best new play” THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN

This event supports our 2024 production of this STELLAR new work!

Reserve your seat now - link in bio

We are so honored to be nominated from Chicago Theatre Awards for BEST NEW PLAY for our production of spectacularly weird play!

Take a hot sec and CAST! YOUR! VOTE!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/chicago/article/Voting-Opens-for-2023-BroadwayWorld-Chicago-Awards-20231102

Didn’t get a chance to see it? Don’t worry your pretty little faces! We’re taking this opportunity to announce a remount of this play is 2024! Stay tuned for some fun opportunities to check out and support these DOPE artists!

*CAPTION THIS*

Tonight is the night folks! One last chance to see what all this is about!

Get your tickets, get some FREE BEER, and kick back while these crazy fools entertain ya with some good ol’ spicy Chicago History in brilliant play.

Performances by the insanely talented .e.anderson

TONIGHT - 9PM - CHICAGO DRAMATISTS

FINALLY, MEET THE PLAYWRIGHT!

Ya’ll don’t even know! The one. Only. And unstoppable force of nature. The woman and the super behind it all - meet the playwright of THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN!

LEAH BARSANTI (she/her) is a writer, dramaturge, and educator currently pursuing her MFA in Writing for the Screen and Stage at Northwestern University. She is a female, a life-long athlete, an educator, and a truth-seeker. Currently she is interested in writing about mental health (Monster, Anxiety Play), representation of race and gender in the media (Olympic Mentality, Elephant), and the human attempt to define self ("If I Were You" and Other Elvis Presley Songs). Leah has worked with such distinguished organizations as Sideshow Theatre (Chicago), The Women's Theater Alliance (Chicago), Route 66 (Chicago), The Goodman Theatre (Chicago), City Theatre (Miami), Thinking Cap Theatre (Ft. Lauderdale), and The Playwright's Center (Minneapolis). She is currently a teaching artist with American Blues Theater in Chicago and has taught English and Theatre for the non-profit organization, Teach For America. She also plays roller derby for Chicago's Windy City Rollers under the alias Blink 1SK8E2. She is a member of the Dramatists Guild of America.

You have ONE MORE CHANCE to come out and see her truly wild and hilarious play about a Chicago Legend!

Ticket link in bio.

JUST ONE MORE CHANCE THIS THURSDAY!!!

“Streeterville won't never have a chamber of commerce until it has a cabaret. This is a frontier town and its got to go through its red-blooded youth. A church and a WCTU branch never growed a town yet. YUH GOTTA START WITH ENTERTAINMENT!”
- Captain George Wellington Streeter

Grab your tickets, GET SOME FREE BEER, and join us for one more wild ride!

Ticket link in bio
Rhinofest

Keenan Odenkirk
Ryan Tang
Leah Barsanti Moon

*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

Truly an unstoppable force of nature! Meet Cats own artistic board member and production designer for this fantastically wild production all about Chicago’s own legend, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

RACHAEL NUCKLES (they/them) is a Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist with a background in scenic design and stage management. In 2021, they received their Master of Arts in Women’s History from Sarah Lawrence College. Their thesis explores how Riot Grrrl, a punk rock feminist collective formed in the 1990s, has been remembered and redefined using cultural memory. Their interests include youth subcultures, digital activism, and the performance of identity both onstage and off. Currently, Rachael works as the Technical Director for Joliet Junior College. At JJC, Rachael is proud to serve a wide variety of students and empower them to reach their full potential as fellow artists and collaborators.

With ONE SHOW LEFT THIS THURSDAY you won’t want to miss their incredible work! And who knows, you might get some FREE BEER and some wild Chicago history to write home about!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Ticket link in bio.

ONE MORE CHANCE to see these guys knock your socks clean off! Come out, get yourself a FREE BEER - that’s right I said FREE BEER! - and discover a new piece of Chicago history to brag about to all your out-of-towner friends!

Tickets in bio OR visit Cats Cradle Theatre’s website!

CHICAGOANS LOVE TO BRAG ABOUT OUR CITY!

With opening upon us THIS THURSDAY - we thought we’d tap into what you know and love about our great city!

Comment and share some CHICAGO fun facts or history you love to brag about!

And don’t forget to get your tickets to THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by Leah Barsanti Moon and discover another of our city’s legends!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Tickets - https://www.catscradletheatre.com/almost-emporer

*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

You’ve seen his face before, folks - but have you ever seen him juggle multiple puppets at once?? takes on the role of Puppetmaster, Potter Mo*********ng Palmer in this brand new work all about Chicago’s urban legend, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

KEENAN ODENKIRK (he/him) is a Chicago actor and writer represented by . Originally from Tucson, Arizona, he received his undergraduate degrees in Computer Science and Theatre before moving to Chicago to pursue acting. Onstage, favorite roles include Nick (Virginia Woolf - Jeff Nominated Best Ensemble), Crumpet (The Santaland Diaries), Erik (A Green River) and Osric (Hamlet). He has appeared with , Valiant, Quicksilver Shakes, and The Mississippi Bend Players. His work in television and film include FX's Justified: City Primeval, NBC’s Chicago Fire, the Award-Winning short film Shovel Man, and the feature film That Night. His written works of comedy can be read at TheInquirist.com.

Get you tickets, and watch the puppetmaster at work! And who knows, you might get some FREE BEER and some wild Chicago history tow write home about!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Ticket link in bio.

📷

C'mon - you haven't purchased your tickets yet?!
just click and go, it's that easy!
Get 'em now, while you still have the chance!

Buy Tickets – The Almost Emperor of the Unofficial Deestrick of Lake Michigan (Rhino Fest at Chicago Dramatists) – Chicago Dramatists, Multiple dates and times The Almost Emperor of the Unofficial Deestrick of Lake Michigan (Rhino Fest at Chicago Dramatists) – Chicago Dramatists, Multiple dates and times - It is the 1920s in Chicago, and The District of Lake Michigan is thriving. Led by Cap and Ma Streeter, the lakefront plot of land that houses The Dist...

*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

Get on the edge of your seats folks and meet who tenaciously dominates the role of Ma Streeter in a brand new work all about Chicago’s urban legend, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

KELSEY BUSBOOM (she/her) Kelsey received an acting degree from University of Houston and now lives in Chicago. She co-hosts a sexy, nerd culture podcast called KikiQuest you can find wherever you get your podcasts. Other theatre credits include Henry V, Shakespeare in Love, & Merry Wives of Windsor (Illinois Shakespeare Festival) Twelfth Night, Animal Farm (University of Houston). This is her second show with Cats Cradle Theatre and first appearance at Rhino Fest.

Call dibs on some tickets to catch her I-CON-IC performance, and get some sweet Chicago history and maybe a FREE BEER!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Ticket link in bio.

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*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

Give your warmest of welcomes and loudest of cheers to who has joined this project as Chicago District Diehard, NILES WEST in a brand new work all about Chicago’s urban legend, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

VIVIAN DELGADILLO (she/her) is an indigenous actor, musician and dancer based in Chicago. Having performed as a solo artist at venues like California Clipper & Golden Dagger, she is finding her way back into the theater scene. She loves all aspects of collaborative and imaginative play & is down to clown.

Come check her out, and who knows, you may get a FREE BEER or TWO in the process!!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Ticket link in bio.

📷

*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

Cats is thrilled to be working with .e.anderson who is playing Poppy in a brand new work all about Chicago’s urban legend, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

KYLIE (Ky) ANDERSON (they/them) is an actor and physical theatre artist represented by Stewart Talent in Chicago. Kylie started at The University of Oklahoma, where they received a BFA in Drama with an emphasis in Acting, and has since studied at Stella Adler’s Studio of Acting, The School at Steppenwolf, and at The Actor’s Gymnasium Circus School and Theatre Company, graduating from the Professional Training Program specializing in Clown. Ky has worked with a medley of theaters including Remy Bumppo Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company , and Bramble Theatre, where they are an ensemble member.

Miss their outta this world performance, and can you even call yourself a Chicagoan?!

TWO SHOWS ONLY!
Ticket link in bio.

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*MEET THE ARTISTS SERIES*

Give a spectacular “hey, hi, hello” to who is playing Cap Streeter in THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN by

———
RYAN TANG (he/him) is thrilled to be working with this group of artists for this project! Truly passionate about new works and development, he most recently worked on another of Leah’s playS MILLENNIAL CHURCH . Other past works include BAKED! THE MUSICAL (cmft), BILLY ELLIOT (mtw), THAW, and THE FLY HONEY SHOW where he serves as a company member and associate choreographer. Ryan is also working on a scripted podcast PSYCHOPOMPOS, a new imagining of Greek mythology.
———

You won’t want to miss his spectacular performance!
**TWO SHOWS ONLY**
Ticket link in bio.

📷

GUESS WHO’S BACK?!

Cats is returning to the stage with this summer!

Catch another of Leah Roth Barsanti’s amazing works, THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN.

Join us as 5 actors share this dada adaptation of Chicago legend, Captain George Wellington Streeter! With song, dance, and puppets, who wouldn’t want to come and celebrate Chicago and it’s urban legends!

Tickets & info: www.catscradletheatre.com

Tickets direct: https://buytickets.at/rhinofest/907499

*RHINO FEST - ACTOR NEEDED*

ROLE: NILES WEST a Native American and district diehard, brilliant, ready to fight; played by an Indigenous actor
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- >
THE ALMOST EMPEROR OF THE UNOFFICIAL DEESTRICK OF LAKE MICHIGAN" by Leah Roth Barsanti

**Winner of the 2020 Judith Barlow Prize

SYNOPSIS - It is the 1920s in Chicago, and The District of Lake Michigan is thriving. Led by Cap and Ma Streeter, the lakefront plot of land that houses The District is occupied by a ragtag group of Chicagoans living outside the law. They have been allowed to live there, pretty much undisturbed, for decades, but now they are in the way of millionaire Potter Palmer's master plan to expand his holdings onto Lake Shore Drive. Not one to do his own dirty work, Palmer sends his puppets (The Judge, Sargeant O'Malley, and N.A. Warpbank) to remove Streeter and his followers from the land once and for all in this DaDa adaptation of a Chicago legend.

Please reach out to Kristin at [email protected] OR direct message through social media.

*Payment & Rehearsal/Show information available through email*

Yes yes and yes!
If you are in the Chicago theatre industry, give this article a read.
Cats Cradle Theatre was built on the foundation of these questions, with one part of our mission dedicated to this exploration; The need to break the stigma of a season planning institution, what can sustainability look like, and what it can really look like to partner with your audience and donors to create work.

SORRY, CAN’T STAY by L.C. Bernadine

Join us for the ON-DEMAND premier of JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND on November 11th.
This project is a fundraiser for WRRAP (Women's Reproductive Rights Assistance Program) and all ticket sales and donations will go directly into the hands of individuals nationwide seeking safe and ethical abortions and contraceptives.

We Personally Invite You! On-Demand Premier of JANE PREMIERING ON-DEMAND NOVEMBER 11TH JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen directed by Kristin L. Schoenback . . . Co-Produced by Cats Cradle Theatre & Coalescence T

MEET THE ARTISTS OF JANE.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR TONIGHT!!!!! For our preview watch party! Donate today and snag your ticket at www.catscradletheatre.com

JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen tells the story of the women of Jane, a service formed pre-Roe v. Wade right here in Chicago to help women get safe and ethical abortions.

This virtual production is a Fundraiser for a 30 year old grass roots organization that provides assistance for individuals nationwide to receive abortions and contraceptives.

During such a fraught and volatile time, I encourage you to dig deep in those pockets and give to WRRAP while experiencing this story of average warriors who stepped up to the plate dispite the costs.

MEET THE ARTISTS OF JANE.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR TOMORROW!!!!! For our preview watch party! Donate today and snag your ticket at www.catscradletheatre.com

JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen tells the story of the women of Jane, a service formed pre-Roe v. Wade right here in Chicago to help women get safe and ethical abortions.

This virtual production is a Fundraiser for a 30 year old grass roots organization that provides assistance for individuals nationwide to receive abortions and contraceptives.

During such a fraught and volatile time, I encourage you to dig deep in those pockets and give to WRRAP while experiencing this story of average warriors who stepped up to the plate dispite the costs.

MEET THE ARTISTS OF JANE.

Join us THIS FRIDAY! For our preview watch party! Donate today and snag your ticket at www.catscradletheatre.com

JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen tells the story of the women of Jane, a service formed pre-Roe v. Wade right here in Chicago to help women get safe and ethical abortions.

This virtual production is a Fundraiser for a 30 year old grass roots organization that provides assistance for individuals nationwide to receive abortions and contraceptives.

During such a fraught and volatile time, I encourage you to dig deep in those pockets and give to WRRAP while experiencing this story of average warriors who stepped up to the plate dispute the costs.

MEET THE ARTISTS OF JANE.

Donate today and snag your ticket for our preview watch party THIS FRIDAY by visiting www.catscradletheatre.com

JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen tells the story of the women of Jane, a service formed pre-Roe v. Wade right here in Chicago to help women get safe and ethical abortions.

This virtual production is a Fundraiser for a 30 year old grass roots organization that provides assistance for individuals nationwide to receive abortions and contraceptives.

During such a fraught and volatile time, I encourage you to dig deep in those pockets and give to WRRAP while experiencing this story of average warriors who stepped up to the plate dispute the costs.

PREVIEW WATCH PARTY THIS FRIDAY, at

Get your tickets at www.catscradletheatre.com

JANE: ABORTION & THE UNDERGROUND by Paula Kamen tells the story of the women of Jane, a service formed pre-Roe v. Wade right here in Chicago to help women get safe and ethical abortions.

This virtual production is a Fundraiser for a 30 year old grass roots organization that provides assistance for individuals nationwide to receive abortions and contraceptives.

During such a fraught and volatile time, I encourage you to dig deep in those pockets and give to WRRAP while experiencing this story of average warriors who stepped up to the plate dispute the costs.