The New Variety is an American cabaret created and produced by Thomas Goodman and Richard O'Donnell . It was a fast-paced, ever-changing volley of acts that included jugglers , fire-eaters, stand-up comics , singers, musicians, and sketch comedy troupes. It was hailed by June Sawyer of the Chicago Tribune as a cabaret for the '90s.
57-513: In February 1992, producers Thomas Goodman (founder of CrossCurrents Cabaret) and R. O’Donnell (co-founder of New Age Vaudeville ) teamed up to present the New Variety, located at 400 N. Clark, downtown Chicago . Modeled after the vaudeville variety shows of the ‘20s and '30s, the New Variety presented an evening’s worth of acts that included jugglers, fire-eaters, comics, singers, musicians, and sketch comedy troupes. The original location of
114-404: A difference. Modern ventriloquists use multiple types of puppets in their presentations, ranging from soft cloth or foam puppets (Verna Finly's work is a pioneering example), flexible latex puppets (such as Steve Axtell's creations) and the traditional and familiar hard-headed knee figure ( Tim Selberg 's mechanized carvings). The classic dummies used by ventriloquists (the technical name for which
171-453: A limited run. On October 16, 2015, The Kreep's musical comedy Kreepy Hallow with a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep, and opened for a limited run. An adaptation of Washington Irving 's classic short story " The Legend of Sleepy Hollow ", it was also produced and directed by O'Donnell. On October 7, 2016, O'Donnell's musical comedy Twist , an adaptation of Dickens' Oliver Twist opened for
228-489: A limited. The production had a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep, and was also executive produced and directed by O'Donnell. On October 8, 2017 Twist opened for a limited run at the George Hall theater. The title role received a gender twist from Oliver to Olivia, something O'Donnell has established as a sort of signature with his adaptations (see Kreepy Hollow ). The production
285-472: A musical comedy adaptation on the Dickens classic A Christmas Carol opened. It has a book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep. Mr. Scrooge , a musical comedy adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol , was a re-staging of O'Donnell's musical A Kreepy Christmas Carol with book, music, and lyrics accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep. Mr. Scrooge , with O'Donnell in
342-782: A musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics accredited to O'Donnell's nom de plume B. R. Kreep. The show featured the Kreep's poetry and songs, and summoned a variety of haunting characters from the Kreep's darkest dreams. On December 20, 2012, the musical comedy Kreepmas opened. A Gothic and macabre twist on the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol , it has a book, music, and lyrics by B. R. Kreep. Characters included The Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Albert T. Krumb performed by Jason "Ares" Altamirano, Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave, Thaddeus Plum performed by Joey Ripely, Matilda Pift performed by Misha Cassella-Blackburn, and
399-497: A quadruple threat. Even his spoken poems, especially “Little Annie Orkle,” are sparkling (no mean feat for that musty old art form).” In a “Best Local Theater of 2013” article published in the PT Leader Arts Section, "Kreepshow," a Gothic comedy cabaret conjuring some spiritual denizens of our Victorian seaport,” was listed as one of the favorite locally written plays penned by Brazillia R. Kreep. Other nods included one of
456-535: A successful variety format. The New Variety , which was hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "a cabaret for the 90's," was a fast-paced, ever-changing volley of acts that included award-winning jugglers , fire-eaters, comics, and sketch comedy groups including the all-girl Nude Coffee, the all-gay The Boys in the Bathroom, and the all-improv Upright Citizens Brigade . Dr. Boom (who literally blew things up on stage)
513-598: A way that it looks like their voice is coming from a different location, usually through a puppet known as a "dummy". The act of ventriloquism is ventriloquizing , and in English it is commonly called the ability to "throw" one's voice. Originally, ventriloquism was a religious practice. The name comes from the Latin for 'to speak from the stomach: Venter (belly) and loqui (speak). The Greeks called this engastromythia ( Ancient Greek : εγγαστριμυθία ). The noises produced by
570-424: Is ventriloquial figure ) vary in size anywhere from twelve inches tall to human-size and larger, with the height usually 34–42 in (86–107 cm). Traditionally, this type of puppet has been made from papier-mâché or wood. In modern times, other materials are often employed, including fiberglass -reinforced resins , urethanes , filled (rigid) latex , and neoprene . Traditionally, the ventriloquist’s dummy
627-574: Is O'Donnell's pen name . He has a Gothic blog entitled The Kreep . This persona, according to Robert K. Elder of the Chicago Tribune , is, “…a Gothic poet and illustrator in the tradition of Edward Gorey .” As B. R. Kreep, O'Donnell has penned numerous poems called Kreeplets as well as having written and composed over half a dozen full-scale musical comedies including An Evening With The Kreep , Kreepshow , Kreepmas , Mr. Scrooge , Twist , Kreepy Hollow and Alice Isn't All There . O'Donnell produced and hosted (sometimes dressed as The Kreep)
SECTION 10
#1732851761859684-577: Is an American playwright , composer , lyricist , poet , actor , and stand-up comic . He has worked and lived in New York City and Chicago , where he has written and performed for the stage and television. O'Donnell co-wrote the ASCAP award-winning Off-Broadway musical comedy One & One , and Radio City Music Hall 's Manhattan Showboat . He founded the New Age Vaudeville theatre company,
741-573: Is given a flippant personality who unapologetically insults their ventriloquist and often members of the audience as well. Great names in the history of dummy making include Jeff Dunham, Frank Marshall (the Chicago creator of Bergen's Charlie McCarthy , Nelson's Danny O'Day, and Winchell's Jerry Mahoney), Theo Mack and Son (Mack carved Charlie McCarthy's head), Revello Petee, Kenneth Spencer, Cecil Gough, and Glen & George McElroy. The McElroy brothers' figures are still considered by many ventriloquists as
798-475: Is slick and attractive, even witty. It has style." In the 1980s, billed as "The Double R" comedy duo , in collaboration with screenwriter Richard LaGravenese , O'Donnell co-wrote and consecutively performed in several Off-Off-Broadway productions including Spare Parts , Blood-brothers , and Entrees at the 78th Street Theatre Lab, the Lion Theatre, and West Bank Cafe . The Double R were regular guests on
855-456: Is that all the sounds that they make must be made with lips slightly separated. For the labial sounds f , v , b , p , and m , the only choice is to replace them with others. A widely parodied example of this difficulty is the "gottle o' gear", from the reputed inability of less-skilled practitioners to pronounce "bottle of beer". If variations of the sounds th , d , t , and n are spoken quickly, it can be difficult for listeners to notice
912-487: The Chicago Tribune hailed both productions as "Among the most polished and clever productions of the season, a pair of devilishly inventive and challenging shows that won over critics and audiences." As a stand-up comic, billed as R. O'Donnell, he headlined numerous comedy clubs throughout the 1980s and 90s, including Zanies (where his headshot still hangs on the wall), the Chicago Improv, and Catch A Rising Star, and
969-711: The Glidden Lodge resort, Baileys Harbor, WI. While working the Comedy Cabaret , O'Donnell also took to the main stage at Peninsula Players , starring in title roles of Larry Shue 's The Nerd and The Foreigner . Both comedies were given two-week extended runs because of ticket demands. In 1984, for the Peninsula Player's 50th Anniversary, O'Donnell was featured on the cover of the Chicago Tribune Magazine. In 1998, while living in Chicago, O'Donnell
1026-573: The Linda Lichtman Comedy Hour , WNBC Radio, 30 Rockefeller Plaza. On the college circuit, they opened for Leon Redbone and further developed their work in stand-up comedy clubs such as New York City 's Comedy Cellar and Yuk Yuk's in Toronto . While working with O'Donnell, LaGravenese discovered he had a knack for writing dialogue. In 1983, while living in New York City, O'Donnell
1083-678: The New Variety cabaret, the Black Pearl Cabaret , and St. John's Conservatory Theater . As a stand-up comic, he was the executive producer and host of the Fox, Chicago comedy variety television show R. Rated . Richard O'Donnell began in the entertainment industry as a professional ventriloquist . While in Jr. high school, he ran away with the Sells & Gray 3-ring tent circus at the age of 15, sleeping in
1140-512: The 1830s, followed by Fred Neiman later in the century, but it is Fred Russell who is regarded as the father of modern ventriloquism. In 1886, he was offered a professional engagement at the Palace Theatre in London and took up his stage career permanently. His act, based on the cheeky-boy dummy "Coster Joe" that would sit in his lap and 'engage in a dialogue' with him was highly influential for
1197-748: The 1950s and 1960s. A number of modern ventriloquists have developed a following as the public taste for live comedy grows. In 2007, Zillah & Totte won the first season of Sweden's Got Talent and became one of Sweden 's most popular family/children entertainers. A feature-length documentary about ventriloquism, I'm No Dummy , was released in 2010. Three ventriloquists have won America's Got Talent : Terry Fator in 2007, Paul Zerdin in 2015 and Darci Lynne in 2017. Two ventriloquists, Damien James and Christine Barger , have appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us . Several ventriloquists have grown large followings on popular social media apps like TikTok, as well. One difficulty ventriloquists face
SECTION 20
#17328517618591254-484: The 1978 film Magic , the 1945 anthology film Dead of Night , and the Ventriloquist from Batman comics and other Batman media. Literary examples of frightening ventriloquist dummies include Gerald Kersh 's The Horrible Dummy and the story "The Glass Eye" by John Keir Cross. In music, NRBQ's video for their song "Dummy" (2004) features four ventriloquist dummies modelled after the band members who 'lip-sync'
1311-479: The 90s. the bill included artistic director and host Richard O'Donnell (billed as "R."), jazz band the Vince Willis Trio, juggler extraordinaire Andy Head, drummer Donny DeMarco Jr., tap dancer Ayrie King, stand-up comedy by John Tamborino, and Saxophonist Sarah Underwood, followed by a crowning performance by the incomparable blues chanteuse Barbara LeShoure. In August, 1993, the New Variety moved to
1368-450: The Chicago Improv, (504 N. Wells) and was responsible for changing a faltering 3-ring comedy presentation into a successful variety format. The New Variety now offered a more streamlined, commercial show. Acts included artistic director & host R. O’Donnell, stand-up comics such as Paul Gilmartin ( Dinner and a movie , host), Kevin Rogers, and Steve Seagren and sketch comedy troupes including
1425-641: The Crypt ; Gotham (the episode " Nothing's Shocking "); Friday the 13th: The Series ; Toy Story 4 ; and Doctor Who in different episodes. This genre has also been satirized on television in ALF (the episode "I'm Your Puppet"); Seinfeld (the episode " The Chicken Roaster "); and the comic strip Monty . Some psychological horror films and other works feature psychotic ventriloquists who believe their dummies are alive and use them as surrogates to commit frightening acts including murder. Examples of this include
1482-514: The Funny Firm where he was a regular headliner and also featured for such national comics as Brian Regan , Rick Overton and Bill Hicks . In the 1990s, O'Donnell co-executive produced and hosted the New Variety , which played, among other venues, at the 500-seat Chicago Improv Comedy Club. It ran for over two years, and was responsible for changing a faltering three-ring comedy presentation into
1539-531: The Funny which features in a television advertisement for Lijjat Papad, an Indian snack. Ramdas Padhye's son Satyajit Padhye is also a ventriloquist. The popularity of ventriloquism fluctuates. Comedian Jeff Dunham has been credited with reviving the artform and is said to done more promoting it than anyone since Edgar Bergen. In the UK in 2010, there were only 15 full-time professional ventriloquists, down from around 400 in
1596-577: The Irishman James Burne who "carries in his pocket, an ill-shaped doll, with a broad face, which he exhibits ... as giving utterance to his own childish jargon," and Thomas Garbutt. The entertainment came of age during the era of the music hall in the United Kingdom and vaudeville in the United States . George Sutton began to incorporate a puppet act into his routine at Nottingham in
1653-574: The New Variety was the upstairs of the Italian restaurant Bellagio. Built specifically for the show, the cabaret was an elegant and intimate 100-seat theater, revealing a sophisticated art deco-style decor. The audience sat at round black tables with green and black chairs around a small black-and-white checkered stage, slightly raised. Hailed by the June Sawyer of the Chicago Tribune as a Cabaret for
1710-966: The New Variety's edgier feel. Boys in the Bathroom Matt Besser Upright Citizens Brigade ( Matt Besser , Ian Roberts , Ali Farahnakian , Adam McKay , Rick Roman , and Horatio Sanz ) Dr. Boom Nude Coffee Ectomorph (Darren Bodeker, Bart Heird and Jim Kopsian) Andy Head Ayrie "Mr. Taps" King R. O'Donnell (host) Kevin Rogers Steve Seagren The Sound ( A cappella group), Paul Mabin, Greg Vaden, Kevin Kent and Keevin Peuse John Tamborino Obediah Thomas Vince Willis Trio Sarah Underwood Richard O%27Donnell (playwright) Richard O'Donnell (born June 17, 1956)
1767-598: The Poetry Scream on July 30, 2010. Now an ongoing event, it features five poets on stage, Thursdays at the Boiler Room in Port Townsend , Washington. In 2012, O'Donnell founded the Black Pearl Cabaret with the mission to recruit a professional troupe of actors, variety artists and musicians to perform original works of a Gothic and macabre nature. In October 2012, Black Pearl Cabaret opened An Evening With The Kreep ,
New Variety - Misplaced Pages Continue
1824-586: The St. John's Parish Theater the musical comedy Alice Isn’t All There opened. It was a 90-minute musical comedy with book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep . It is an adaptation of Lewis Carroll 's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland . On June 3, 2016 Alice Isn't All There opened with an extended book, music, and lyrics by O'Donnell and accredited to his pen name B. R. Kreep. On December 6, 2014 A Kreepy Christmas Carol ,
1881-580: The United States in the 1950s and 1960s was Señor Wences . In south India, the art of ventriloquism was popularized by Y. K. Padhye and M. M. Roy, who are believed to be the pioneers of this field in India. Y. K. Padhye's son Ramdas Padhye borrowed from him and made the art popular amongst the masses through his performance on television. Ramdas Padhye's name is synonymous with puppet characters like Ardhavatrao (also known as Mr. Crazy), Tatya Vinchu and Bunny
1938-412: The all-girl Nude Coffee, the all-gay The Boys in the Bathroom, and the all-improv The Upright Citizens Brigade . Dr. Boom (who literally blew things up on stage) was the highlight of the evening. The Chicago Improv was a 400-seat theater whereby audience members sat at long tables in a room about the size of your high school cafeteria. Scott Seigel re-designed the original look of the stage to accommodate
1995-495: The apex of complex movement mechanics, with as many as fifteen facial and head movements controlled by interior finger keys and switches. Jeff Dunham referred to his McElroy figure Skinny Duggan as "the Stradivarius of dummies." The Juro Novelty Company also manufactured dummies. Geoffrey Moran of Australia has built foam puppets Koala (Kevin) and Billy Baby. He has also built a wooden Irish Dancing Donut puppet along with Plunger
2052-677: The back of a truck that transported their elephants, Bessie and Anna May. O'Donnell was eventually forced to return home to finish school. In 1974, he won a full scholarship to attend the Pennsylvania Governor's School for the Arts at Bucknell University , where he studied theatre under Broadway actress, dancer, and playwright Dr. Glory Van Scott . In 1975, O'Donnell graduated from Penncrest High School, Media, Pennsylavania. While attending Penncrest, he studied theatre arts and dance under Judy Roman. In 1978, at age 22, O'Donnell co-authored
2109-837: The book, music, and lyrics for the musical comedy One & One that played the Carter Theatre, in the Carter Hotel at 250 West 43rd street. It opened Off-Broadway on November 15, 1978, and O'Donnell won three American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers ( ASCAP ) Awards, shared with Dianne Adams (Vocal Arranger, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder ). In 1979, for Radio City Music Hall , O'Donnell co-wrote with Scott Bodie Manhattan Showboat produced by Robert Yani , which celebrated over 100 years of American entertainment. It featured musical direction and arrangements by Tony Award -winning conductor Donald Pippin, and John Corry of The New York Times wrote, "Three Cheers! It
2166-611: The conduit for the Delphic Oracle. One of the most successful early gastromancers was Eurykles, a prophet at Athens ; gastromancers came to be referred to as Euryklides in his honour. Other parts of the world also have a tradition of ventriloquism for ritual or religious purposes; historically there have been adepts of this practice among the Zulu , Inuit , and Māori peoples. The shift from ventriloquism as manifestation of spiritual forces toward ventriloquism as entertainment happened in
2223-686: The eighteenth century at travelling funfairs and market towns. An early depiction of a ventriloquist dates to 1754 in England, where Sir John Parnell is depicted in the painting An Election Entertainment by William Hogarth as speaking via his hand. In 1757, the Austrian Baron de Mengen performed with a small doll. By the late 18th century, ventriloquist performances were an established form of entertainment in England, although most performers "threw their voice" to make it appear that it emanated from far away (known as distant ventriloquism ), rather than
2280-572: The entertainment format and was adopted by the next generation of performers. A blue plaque has been embedded in a former residence of Russell by the British Heritage Society which reads 'Fred Russell the father of ventriloquism lived here'. Fred Russell's successful comedy team format was applied by the next generation of ventriloquists. It was taken forward by the British Arthur Prince with his dummy Sailor Jim, who became one of
2337-403: The father of Valia Dee, Tim, and Rich. O’Donnell has received three ASCAP (1978) Music Awards – Off-Broadway Musical One & One (shared with Dianne Adams). O’Donnell's blog The Kreep received an honorary Coraline handmade box, numbered 46/50. Ventriloquist Ventriloquism or ventriloquy is an act of stagecraft in which a person (a ventriloquist ) speaks in such
New Variety - Misplaced Pages Continue
2394-806: The highest paid entertainers on the music hall circuit, and by the Americans The Great Lester , Frank Byron Jr., and Edgar Bergen . Bergen, together with his favorite figure Charlie McCarthy , hosted a radio program that was broadcast from 1937 to 1956 and which was #1 on the nights it aired, popularizing the idea of the comedic ventriloquist. Bergen continued performing until his death in 1978, and his popularity inspired many other famous ventriloquists who followed him, including Paul Winchell , Jimmy Nelson , David Strassman , Jeff Dunham , Terry Fator , Ronn Lucas , Wayland Flowers , Shari Lewis , Willie Tyler , Jay Johnson , Nina Conti , Paul Zerdin , and Darci Lynne . Another ventriloquist act popular in
2451-482: The historic Manresa Castle. Characters include B. R. Kreep performed by O'Donnell, Parthenia Goste performed by Misha Cassella-blackburn, Jack Frost performed by Jason Altamirano, and Kreepy H. Krawler performed by cellist Aidan McClave. Steve Treacy, contributing theatre critic to the Port Townsend Leader, praised O'Donnell's artistry, “His writing, directing, acting and warbling abilities conspire to make him
2508-421: The history of his blog and podcast The Kreep, that reviewed horror films in poetic verse. It accredited his daughter Valia for encouraging him to go public with his Kreep character and poems. In 2008, O’Donnell's blog The Kreep received a Coraline handmade box, numbered 46/50, assembled by the stop-motion animation team at Laika films, honoring their favorite bloggers. B. R. Kreep (a.k.a. The Kreep )
2565-505: The latter. He served as editor-at-large for cultural ezine Static Multimedia from 2004 to 2012. He also wrote a daily horror column titled Kreep's Korner and The Horror under his pen name B. R. Kreep . For Halloween, October 31, 2008, O'Donnell's Kreep Blog on Static Multimedia and Super Unleaded Design was the cover story for the Chicago Tribune Movies page Screen Scene titled "Kreep-ing Along Poetically". It chronicled
2622-453: The modern method of using a puppet ( near ventriloquism ). A well-known ventriloquist of the period, Joseph Askins, who performed at the Sadler's Wells Theatre in London in the 1790s advertised his act as "curious ad libitum Dialogues between himself and his invisible familiar, Little Tommy". However, other performers were beginning to incorporate dolls or puppets into their performance, notably
2679-757: The pull apart puppet, Ernie (from Tasmania) and Siegfried the World's Greatest Marching Band Leader. Other puppets, such as George, Darryl the Dinosaur, Goggles the bird, Barry the Box and Bruce the Robotic Bucket have been made by other associates. The plots of some films and television programs are based on " killer toy " dummies that are alive and horrific. These include " The Dummy ", a May 4, 1962 episode of The Twilight Zone ; Devil Doll ; Dead Silence ; Zapatlela ; Buffy The Vampire Slayer ; Goosebumps ; Tales from
2736-577: The standout acting performances by R O’Donnell as The Kreep, as well as outstanding achievements in directing and choreography (O’Donnell) and costuming (Lynne Casella.) In 2014, O'Donnell founded the St. John's Conservatory Theater (SJCT), a professional troupe of actors, variety artists, and musicians. His vision was to create educational, inspirational, and professional opportunities for local artists of all ages while presenting original works based on folklore, literature, and fairy tales. On October 10, 2014, at
2793-505: The stomach were thought to be the voices of the unliving, who took up residence in the stomach of the ventriloquist. The ventriloquist would then interpret the sounds, as they were thought to be able to speak to the dead, as well as foretell the future. One of the earliest recorded group of prophets to use this technique was the Pythia , the priestess at the temple of Apollo in Delphi , who acted as
2850-498: The title role, opened December 15, 2017 at the multi-million-dollar, all-digital George Hall Theater, and opened again the following year on December 21, 2018 both for a limited runs. On July 9, 2015, the musical comedy Orchard of Hide & Seek opened. It was written, composed, and directed by O’Donnell. O'Donnell's musical Orchard of Hide & Seek was re-staged at the George Hall Theater. It opened June 16, 2017 for
2907-514: The two-headed Twipple Twins, Twinkle & Dinkle, performed by Cassella-blackburn and Ripley. On February 14, 2013, Black Pearl Cabaret opened Bite Me! at the Pope Marine Building. It is a musical comedy spoof on the famed vampire film Twilight . The book, music, and lyrics were by O'Donnell. On March 29, 2013, O'Donnell's Kreepshow was presented for an open-ended run. A 90-minute Gothic musical comedy cabaret, it played weekends at
SECTION 50
#17328517618592964-742: The works of Ernie Kovacs . In 1999, as R. O'Donnell, he executive produced, wrote, and hosted R. Rated , which aired late night on Fox TV in Chicago . This comedy variety show included short works by the Annoyance Theatre featuring Rachel Dratch ( Saturday Night Live ), Mick Napier ( The Second City ), Tim Kazurinsky ( Saturday Night Live ), and Stephnie Weir ( MADtv ), among many other independent film and video makers. O'Donnell has written for such national publications as Entertainment Weekly and Stop Smiling as well as having served under publisher J. C. Gabel as editor-at-Large for
3021-879: Was commissioned to write the book, music, and lyrics for a new musical play entitled Wish Wisconsin , to celebrate the state's 150th birthday. Directed and produced by Amy McKenzie, it opened on January 2, in the Fish Creek Town Hall Auditorium. Songs included "Wish", "So Blessed", and "Oh!, Wisconsin". In 1983, O'Donnell co-founded (with Amy McKenzie ) the professional Actor's Equity theater company New Age Vaudeville (1984–1987). Throughout its run, O'Donnell produced, wrote, composed, choreographed , and acted in numerous productions with actors Amy McKenzie, Bobby McGuire, Caroline Schless, Del Close, Lisa Keefe, Megan Cavanagh , Michael Dempsey, Peter Neville, Todd Erickson, and Tom Purcell (executive producer of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert ). New Age Vaudeville
3078-513: Was contracted by Tony Award-winning producer James B. McKenzie to create an after-show revue to complement evening performances of the Peninsula Players in Fish Creek, Wisconsin . The Comedy Cabaret , produced by Amy McKenzie and O'Donnell returned for a follow-up season in 1985 with O'Donnell's comedy revue, Dr. Funny Bones , presented by New Age Vaudeville in its own 75-seat theater at
3135-400: Was executive produced and directed by O'Donnell. On October 26, 2017 Kreepy Hollow (renamed from Kreepy Hallow ) was re-staged at the George Hall Theater for a limited run. The Ichabod Crane character received a gender change and renamed Ichaboda. It was executive produced and directed by O’Donnell. Richard O'Donnell is the identical twin brother of Michael A. O'Donnell . O'Donnell is
3192-535: Was the first resident theatre company in CrossCurrents history. It was located at 3207 N. Wilton Ave. Noteworthy productions included O'Donnell's musical comedies An Evening With Elmore & Gwendolyn Putts, The Neighbors Next Door and The TV Dinner Hour (the later featured iO , formerly ImrovOlympic, founder Del Close as The Rev. Thing of the First Generic Church of What's His Name). Rick Kogan of
3249-416: Was the highlight of the evening. O'Donnell produced and directed comedy segments for the 1993 New Year's Eve special Twisted , which aired on Fox TV , Chicago featuring Matt Besser ( Comedy Central 's Upright Citizens Brigade ). He also wrote and directed commercials for McDonald's , Toyota , Jiffy Lube , and Ameritech , starring Besser and stand-up comic Michelle Garb in a stylistic homage to
#858141