Actors Gymnasium - Past Productions

Past Productions
	1999 The Baron in the Trees Based on the novel by Italo Calvino Produced by The Lookingglass Theatre Company in association with The Actors Gymnasium at the Theatre Building in Chicago Directed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Larry DiStasi Original Adaptation by Heidi Stillman and Larry DiStasi Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Winner of the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography "Eat your heart out Cirque du Soleil" - Chicago Sun-Times

	2000 The Flying Griffin Circus at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Joe Dempsey Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Master Puppeteer Michael Montenegro, Lijana Wallenda Hernandez of the Flying Wallenda Family, Tony Hernandez, The Bumblinni Brothers (Chuck Stubbings and Paul Kalina), Zach Hamity, Jill Heyser, Lauren Hirte, Alea Jensen, Angie Pfeifer, and Jason Tucker "down-home magic" - The Chicago Reader

	2001 The Flying Griffin Circus in Gulliver’s Circus at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by David Kersnar Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Nina Black, Larry DiStasi, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Zach Hamity, Jill Heyser, Rick Kubes, Almas Meirmanov, Jason Tucker, Chris Williford and Julia Wolf "Sweet and charming...truly awesome" - The Chicago Reader

	2001 Hard Times By Charles Dickens Produced by The Lookingglass Theatre Company in association with The Actors Gymnasium at The Ruth Page Center for the Arts in Chicago Remounted at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in 2002 Toured to The Arden Theatre in Philadephia, PA in 2004 Adapted and Directed by Heidi Stillman Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring Actors Gymnasium Student Lauren Hirte Winner of Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography, Best Production, Best Direction, Best New Adaptation, Best Lighting

	2001 Iktu Blas Written and Directed by Michael Montenegro at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Moved to The Chopin Theatre as part of Puppetropolis and co-produced by the Lookingglass Theatre Company Featuring: Nancy Andrea, Sara Berliner, Christine Dunford, Rick Kubes, Ellen O'Keefe, Jason Tucker "darkly funny" - The Chicago Reader

	2002 The Bumblinni Brothers at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Kevin Theis Featuring Paul Kalina and Chuck Stubbings

	2002 La Luna Muda Inspired by Italo Calvino’s Distance of the Moon Produced by the Lookingglass Theatre Company in association with The Actors Gymnasium at The Ruth Page Dance Center Adapted and Directed by David Kersnar Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring Actors Gym Co-Founder Larry DiStasi

	2003 The Flying Griffin Circus All the Time in the World at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Adapted and Directed by Kerry Catlin Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: David Catlin, Larry DiStasi, Michael Goldberg, Tony Hernandez, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, Lauren Hirte, Rick Kubes,Alessandra Stevens, Lijana Hernandez Wallenda, Chris Williford, and Katia Anderson Williford "awe-inspiring acrobatics aplenty" - Chicago Reader "solid entertainment value...with a little philosophy thrown in" - Evanston Review

	2003 Buster Keaton’s Stroll and Other Stories: A Collection of Solo Puppet Theatre Presented by Blair Thomas and Co. with The Actors Gymnasium at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Featuring Blair Thomas "Thomas eloquently, sensually brings to life Steven’s mournful and elliptical portrait of love..." - Chicago Reader

	2003 The Bumblinni Brothers New and Improved Show at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Kevin Theis Featuring Paul Kalina and Chuck Stubbings

	2004 Seek Wonder A Magical Adventure at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Featuring Magician Sean Masterson "Masterson’s sleight of hand tricks, with tales to boot, are spellbinding" - The Chicago Tribune

	2005 Arrivederci Bumblinnis at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Kevin Theis Featuring Paul Kalina and Chuck Stubbings

	2005 Lookingglass Alice Produced by The Lookingglass Theatre Company in association with The Actors Gymnasium at The Lookingglass Theatre Water Tower Water Works in Chicago Adapted and Directed by David Catlin Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring Actors Gym Co-Founder Larry DiStasi and student/teacher Lauren Hirte Winner of Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Choreography "Ingenious and engaging…wildly imaginative" - The Chicago Sun-Times "Magic" - The Daily Herald "just as Carroll would have liked" - The Chicago Tribune

	2005 Carnival! Produced by Light Opera Works in association with The Actors Gymnasium at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston Directed by Michael Ehrman "charming, lavishly produced revival" - Chicago Sun-Times

	2005 The Tangerine Family Circus Presented by Tangerine Arts Group and The Actors Gymnasium Advanced Student Series at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Written and Directed by Kim Crutcher Choreographed by Jill Heyser Featuring: Andrew HunzekerHesed, Felicity HunzekerHesed, Chris Berzac, Kevin Byrne, Amy Dominguez, Nathan Drackett, Nich Galzin, Rose Heltzer, Jill Heyser, Sarah Markwood, Mandi Michalski, Alden Moore, Nicole Pellegrino, Brandon Russell, Alessandra Stevens, and Meredith Taylor Production cited for the "dazzling skills and exuberant sparkle of the company" in the Chicago Reader

	2006 Circus Crashers Created by Alice-Gray Lewis and Noel Williams Presented by Wise Woman Fools in association with The Actors Gynmasium at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Andy Park Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Alice-Gray Lewis, Noel Williams and The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble (Akemi Berry, Natalie Cook, Topeka Ellis, Meghan Falvey, Sylvia Friedman, Carolina Gwynn, Kate Hartgering, Eva Hellman, Hannah Jarvis, Simone Lazar, Meredith Taylor, and Meredith Tomlins) Highly Recommended in the Chicago Reader "heart-stopping" - The Chicago Reader

	2007 Lookingglass Alice East Coast Tour Original Production from 2005 Travels to: The McCarter Theatre in Princeton, NJ The New Victory Theatre in New York, NY The Arden Theatre in Philadelphia, PA "Extraordinary" - Variety

	2007 The Tempest A Magical Circus Presented by Tangerine Arts Group and The Actors Gymnasium Advanced Student Series at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Felicity HunzekerHesed Choreographed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Elizabeth Bagby, Akemi Berry, Chris Berzac, Kiki Bowman, Ottavio Cannestrelli, Lucy Carapetyan, Ben Dicke, Devon Fanning, Sara Gmitter, Kate Hartgering, Rose Heltzer, Jill Heyser, Lauren Hirte, Hannah Jarvis, Andrew HunzekerHesed, Simone Lazar, DB Schroeder, Meredith Taylor, and Mindy Wetzel "The Actors Gym Enchants with The Tempest: A Magical Circus" - Evanston Roundtable

	2007 A Clown Without a Circus Created by Ottavio Canestrelli and Felicity HunzekerHesed Produced by The Actors Gymnasium Advanced Student Series at The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Featuring Ottavio Canestrelli

	2007 The Truest Tale of Robin Hood An Adventure in Circus At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Written and Directed by Nicole Pellegrino Featuring: Akemi Berry, Lucy Carapetyan, Jeremy Clark, Nathan Drackett, Topeka Ellis, Kyle A. Gibson, Don Gonzalez, Kate Hartgering, Aaron S. Hellman, Hannah Jarvis, Sarra Kaufman, Zach Laliberte, Tavares Love, Aislinn Mulligan, Meredith Taylor, Zachary Uidl, Kevin Wasielewski, and Jeremy Wimmer "Actors Gymnasium show a hit with the whole family" - Daily Herald

	2008 Neverwhere A Circus Underground At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Adapted and Directed by Nathan Drackett Based on the novel Neverwhere, copyright 1996 by Neil Gaiman Featuring: Kate Ducey, Meaghan Falvey, Jim Hayner, Jill Heyser, Jared Kling, Genevieve Lally-Knuth, Kate McGroarty, Kacin Menendez, Mandi Michalski, Jack Schlesinger, Larry Underwood, Paul Werstler, Nathan Drackett, and Kyle A. Gibson

	2008 Fly Gym Renovation Benefit Performance At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Featuring: The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble, Sean Masterson, Dizzy Lizzy Delicious, Sarah Scanlon, Oyuna Yadamjav's Contortion Troupe, Paul Lopez, Michael Montenegro, Nathan Drackett, Justin Durham, Dharmesh Bhaghat, Will Howard, Sarah Blum, Jill Heyser, Chuck Bontrager, Adam Kuchler, Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, and Lijana Hernandez

	2009 Dream A Circus in One Act At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Larry DiStasi Dance Choreography by Nicole Pellegrino Choreography Consulting by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Sarah Blue, Griffin DiStasi, Lauren Hirte, Will Howard, Paul Lopez, Asher White, Julia White, Lindsey Noel Whiting, and The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble, including Akemi Berry, Natalie Cook, Meaghan Falvey, Emily Fishkin, Carolina Gwinn, Kate Hartgering, Eva Hellman, Hannah Jarvis, Jackie Jarvis, Hannah Schwimmer, Meredith Taylor, and Meredith Tomlins "Who doesn't love a circus - especially one this charming? Perfect for families, with plenty of wit for grown-ups." - The Chicago Reader

	2009 Nightmare At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Adapted and Directed by Josh Lesser Choreographed by Sylvia Hernandez-Distasi and the Teen Ensemble Featuring: Gabby Aiden, Lucy Brennan, Molly Crane, Lander Ellis, Meaghan Falvey, Emily Fishkin, Sophie Galich, Eleanor Goerss, Eva Helman, Jackie Jarvis, Rachel Karn, Leah Orleans, Hannah Schwimmer, Alison Tye

	2009 Vaudeville Magic Show At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Featuring Magician Sean Masterson "Prestidigitation for the Harry Potter generation, with a minimum of flash and a maximum of understated showmanship" - The Chicago Tribune

	2009 Icarus Produced by The Lookingglass Theatre Company in association with The Actors Gymnasium at The Lookingglass Theatre Water Tower Water Works in Chicago Adapted and Directed by David Catlin Choreographed by Actors Gym Co-Founder Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Actors Gym Co-Founder Larry DiStasi, student/teacher Lauren Hirte, and student/collaborator Lindsey Noel Whiting "(a) sad, wise, deeply moving interpretation" - Zac Thompson, Chicago Reader "nothing short of stunning" - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

	2010 Science Fiction An Experiment in Circus At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Directed by Larry DiStasi Dance Choreography by Nicole Pellegrino Drum Choreography by Jarrett Dapier Choreography Consulting by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Original Music Composed by Greg Hirte Featuring: Jill Heyser, Will Howard, Nicole Pellegrino, Matt Roben, Kacin Menendez, Members of The Actors Gym Teen Ensemble: Gabrielle Aiden, Lucy Brennan, Sarah Buonaiuto, Lander Ellis, Meaghan Falvey, Emily Fishkin, Eleanor Goerss, Jackie Jarvis, Rachel Karn, Leah Rose Orleans, Alison Tye "A funny and kinetic show the whole family can enjoy." - Evanston Roundtable

	2010 Something Wicked This Way Comes At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Adapted and Directed by Josh Lesser Choreographed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: The Actors Gymnasium Youth Circus: Gabby Aiden, Lucy Brennan, Justin Durham, Tess Durham, Hannah Fishkin, Sophia Fishkin, Eleanor Goerss, Juliet Gunther, Rachel Karn, Mary Loftus, Ben Morton, Mira Ortega, Ella Rubenstein, Andrew Santiago, Kelsey Seigel, Brendan Sorenson, Alison Tye, Asher White, Julie White, Andrea Wywiorski

	2011 Lost & Found: A Recycled Circus At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Created and Directed by Larry DiStasi Choreographed by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Featuring: Andrew Adams, Zoe Boyer, Will Howard, Matt Roben, Meredith "Tommy" Tomlins, Lindsey Noel Whiting Also featuring: The Actors Gymnasium Teen Ensemble Lucy Brennan, Sarah Buoniauto, Justin Durham, Lander Ellis, Emily Fishkin, Eleanor Goerss, Jackie Jarvis, Rachel Karn, Ben Morton, Leah Rose Orleans, Sissy Pomplin, Hannah Schwimmer, Alison Tye, Cole Vincent Young Artists Griffin DiStasi, Jude Sims, Sadie Sims, Asher White, Julia White "This production will charm, warm and wow you...sly and nuanced clowning...wordless, impressive poetry" - Chicago Theatre Blog "Director Lawrence DiStasi showcases a wry sense of humor and some superb acrobatics in this quirky Actors Gymnasium show... Recommended" - Chicago Reader

	2011 The Hearttree At The Actors Gymnasium in Evanston Written and Directed by Josh Lesser Circus choreography by Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi Dance choreography by Nicole Pellegrino Featuring: The Actors Gymnasium Youth Circus: Gabby Aiden, Lucy Brennan, Griffin DiStasi, Justin Durham, Tess Durham, Elizabeth Figlio, Hannah Fishkin, Sophia Fishkin, Eleanor Goerss, Morgan Hoover, Fae Kobernik, Maddie Lee, Mary Oregon, Allie Periman, Ella Rubenstein, Kelsey Siegel, Yonit Slater, Brendan Sorenson, Maggie Stone, Allison Tye, Cole Vincent, Maya Wernikoff, Asher White, Julia White, Andrea Wywiorski