American Blues Theater, under the continued leadership of Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside, presents two live, online readings of Days of Decision—the music of Phil Ochs, devised and performed by Artistic Affiliate Zachary Stevenson as part of “The Room” series. The readings will be live on Sunday, November 1 at 3pm and Monday, November 2 at 7pm. The 60-minute reading will be followed by a group discussion with Zachary Stevenson.
“The Room” is a new reading series that brings original work, plays in development, and new stories to Chicago audiences. Offering in-depth discussions as well as action steps for patrons that intersect with themes of the plays, “The Room” will run via Zoom monthly for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic with the intent to transition into an in-person experience in the future.
Tickets are pay-what-you-can with a suggested donation of $20, and are currently on sale at www.AmericanBluesTheater.com or (773) 654-3101. Ticket holders will be sent a pre-reading email complete with instructions on joining the virtual reading via Zoom. Tickets are available until Monday, November 2 at 3:00pm.
Upcoming readings in “The Room” series include: Red Bike by Caridad Svich, directed by Lavina Jadhwani, on December 9, 2020.
Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside notes, “Zach first worked with American Blues Theater as the title character in The Buddy Holly Story, and soon after, he joined the company as Artistic Affiliate. When he joined the company, I asked him about his dream project, and he mentioned writing and performing a piece on Phil Ochs. We commissioned him to write that show. This concert is the beginning of his journey as he builds a collection of stories and songs for the solo work.”
About Days of Decision—the music of Phil Ochs
Devised and performed by Zachary Stevenson
Days of Decision – the music of Phil Ochs is a virtual Phil Ochs tribute concert performed by award-winning Artistic Affiliate Zachary Stevenson (“Buddy” in The Buddy Holly Story). Featuring powerful songs and incredible stories, Zach reveals his personal journey into the music of this legendary folk singer who stood for freedom, equality, and social justice.
Phil Ochs (original songs) was an American protest singer (or, as he preferred, a topical singer) and songwriter who was known for his sharp wit, sardonic humor, earnest humanism, political activism, insightful and alliterative lyrics, and distinctive voice. He wrote hundreds of songs in the 1960s and 1970s and released eight albums. Ochs performed at many political events during the 1960s counterculture era, including anti-Vietnam War and civil rights rallies, student events, and organized labor events over the course of his career, in addition to many concert appearances at such venues as New York City’s Town Hall and Carnegie Hall. Ochs eventually succumbed to a number of problems including bipolar disorder and alcoholism, and died by suicide on April 9, 1976. Some of Ochs’ major musical influences were Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Buddy Holly, Elvis Presley, Bob Gibson, Faron Young, and Merle Haggard.
Zachary Stevenson (performer / music director) is a proud Artistic Affiliate of American Blues Theater. He is an award-winning actor, musician and writer. Originally from Vancouver Island, Canada, Zachary has been coined a “dead ringer for dead singers” by the Victoria Times Colonist for his portrayals of Buddy Holly, Hank Williams, Phil Ochs and roles based on Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 2018, Zachary won the Jeff Award in Chicago for Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Musical) for The Buddy Holly Story, a role he’s honed in more than a dozen productions across Canada and the United States. Other acting highlights include Million Dollar Quartet, Hair, Urinetown, Assassins, and Company. Zachary has produced and recorded five independent albums and tours frequently as a musician. He is also active as a music director on productions such as Ring of Fire and Million Dollar Quartet, American Idiot (upcoming).
About American Blues Theater
Winner of the American Theatre Wing’s prestigious National Theatre Company Award, American Blues Theater is a premier arts organization with an intimate environment that patrons, artists, and all Chicagoans call home. American Blues Theater explores the American identity through the plays it produces and communities it serves.
The diverse and multi-generational artists have established the second-oldest professional Equity Ensemble theater in Chicago. As of 2020, the theater and artists received 221 Joseph Jefferson Awards and nominations that celebrate excellence in Chicago theater and 40 Black Theatre Alliance Awards. The artists are honored with Pulitzer Prize nominations, Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Emmy Awards and numerous other accolades.