Natalija Nogulich to Direct Chicago Premiere
Nogulich's roots in Chicago theater run deep, beginning with her early studies with David Mamet at Chicago's St. Nicholas Theatre Company. Since then, she has amassed an impressive array of directing, acting and producing theater credentials spanning from Broadway to the West Coast and places in between.
"I've had the privilege to serve as General Manager for Spider for the past four years as she has developed this heart-warming yet very funny show, balancing its creative process with her concert career. I know Spider, as I, feels very fortunate to have secured Natalija as part of the creative team for the Chicago premiere of this project so near and dear to Spider's heart," says KMP Artists Founder and Executive Producer Kristopher McDowell.
"The Roar of the Butterfly" features a book, music, and lyrics by Saloff. Contributing writers are Jim Sellers (who is also musical director and arranger) and Steve Ramsdell. Pianist is Jeremy Kahn. "The Roar of the Butterfly," was initially performed in Melbourne and Tasmania to sold-out crowds, followed by a successful run this past summer in Los Angeles. With this engagement, Saloff brings the production to her hometown before off-Broadway and Edinburgh Fringe Festival engagements.
The setting for "The Roar of the Butterfly" is the memorial service for Butterfly, an Asian drag queen who has been a colorful and inspirational character in the lives of the attendees – an unlikely and diverse group all portrayed by Saloff – including a sharp-tongued Scottish waitress, a faded stage star, a hair dresser from South Philly and a bearded poet. Character to character in 'Roar of the Butterfly' is truly wonderful, a privilege to watch. Brilliantly written."
Based on a true story "The Roar of the Butterfly" is a musical comedy tour de force with a message and contains poignant moments touching on subjects of diversity, human loss and dysfunctional relationships. Essentially, "The Roar of the Butterfly" is about how one unusual life affects so many others. "The script touches upon themes that are close to my heart," says Saloff. "It's a dream come true to be able to perform something so personal for my home town fans."
KMP Artists presents Spider Saloff's "The Roar of the Butterfly," May 3 – 20 at Victory Gardens' Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue. There will be a preview performance on Wednesday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. Press opening is Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. Post-opening schedule is Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. Seating is general admission. The show runs 90 minutes with one 15-minute intermission. The show is not suggested for children under age 13 unaccompanied by an adult.
Ticket prices are $25 for the Wednesday, May 2 preview; $32 for performances May 3 – 20. For tickets call the box office at 773-871-3000 or visit victorygardens.org.
About Spider Saloff
Chicagoan Spider Saloff has been hailed by the New York Times for "her wicked way with a lyric with a glint of well-controlled mischief;" by the Chicago Tribune as "slyly sophisticated, easily accessible … a kind of ideal;" and by the New York Observer as "a gifted and polished song stylist."
She has performed in nationally recognized venues including New York's Jazz at Lincoln Center and Birdland; Chicago's Green Mill, Fairmont Hotel and Gold Star Sardine Bar; and San Francisco's Yoshi's, The Castro Theatre and the Jazz Heritage Center.
As one of the rare officially sanctioned acts of the Gershwin Centennial, her Gershwin concert, "The Memory of All That," continues to tour the globe including an appearance in Russia where she headlined the St. Petersburg Gershwin Festival.
In addition to touring her one-woman show "The Roar of the Butterfly," scheduled for its off-Broadway debut in fall/winter 2012, in April 2013 Saloff will tour again with acclaimed biographer, James Gavin, in a show about Chet Baker, called "Deep In a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker," This new tour will include Minnesota and Wisconsin.
As a guest artist Saloff has performed at The Smithsonian Institution, Denver Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, the Willingford Symphony and the Wilmington Grand Opera.
Saloff's discography includes "1938," "Sextet," "The Memory of All That," "A New Set of Standards" and "Like Glass." Her Christmas CD entitled "Cool Yule" was a finalist for the Indie Awards. Her latest recording, "Cole Porter Live at Maxim's," was released in 2008.Saloff's honors and awards include a special citation for her musical contributions from from NARAS, the presenter of the Grammy Awards. She is also is a five-time MAC (Manhattan Association of Cabaret & Clubs) Award Winner, including one for Best Female Jazz Vocalist. Saloff and the shows mentioned above are exclusively represented by KMP Artists. For more information, visit kmpartists.com.
About Natalija Nogulich
Natalija Nogulich grew up in Chicago's north suburbs, graduating Phi Beta Kappa B.A. from Lake Forest College. Following graduation she studied and worked with David Mamet at Chicago's St. Nicholas Theatre Company, as well as Stella Adler, Michael Moriarty and Kenneth McMillan, the latter who inaugurated her teaching and directing career in Los Angeles.
As Founder and Artistic Director of the Grace Players Theatre Company, Nogulich produced and directed the West Coast premiere of David Mamet's adaptation of Chekhov's "The Three Sisters," which garnered four Drama-Logue Awards. Additional production credits include six one-act festivals and more than 20 other projects featuring Joe Mantegna, W.H. Macy, George Segal, Frank Langella, Charles Durning, Carol Kane and others.
Additional directing credits include David Selby's "Lincoln and James" at Washington, D.C.'s Lincoln Theatre; her own adaptation of "Romeo and Juliet in the American Civil War" at Chicago's Davis Theatre; and "Supreme Therapy," a world premiere play by Michael Davidson starring Ray Abruzzo at L.A.'s Egyptian Arena Theatre.
Nogulich's extensive acting credits include Broadway productions of "Hurlyburly," "The Iceman Cometh," and "Accomplice;" and award-winning performances in Mark Taper Forum's "The Three Sisters," Hedda Gabler," The White Rose" and "Once in a Lifetime" Additional regional credits include "The Waverly Gallery" at Pasadena Playhouse ("Entertainment Today" Best Supporting Actress Award); George Bernard Shaw's "Misalliance" at Baltimore's Center Stage in Baltimore; "Come Back Little Sheba" at L.A.'s Kirk Douglas Theatre; and La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of "Restoration."
About KMP Artists
KMP Artists serves as the Executive Producer and General Manager for "Roar of the Butterfly." For nearly one decade. KMP has consistently offered world-class entertainment to performing arts venues around the globe in addition to residency programs to educational institutions throughout the United States. KMP serves as a talent agency, tour manager, producer and provides general management for productions such as James Gavin's "Stormy Weather: The Lena Horne Project" starring Mary Wilson; Rex Reed's "The Man That Got Way" featuring an all-star cast of four vocalists; "Deep in a Dream: The Long Night of Chet Baker" featuring Spider Saloff; "The Roar of the Butterfly;" "They Call Me Mister Fry;" "Barihunkis on Tour;" and "The Kinsey Sicks." KMP also has experience producing for other producers and offers consulting for major performing arts institutions affiliated with leading Universities. Learn more at kmpartists.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 16, 2012
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