High Stakes Productions and The Annoyance Theater invite audiences to kick off the second annual SUMMER OF SUSPENSE with HITCH*COCKTAILS, a fully improvised comedic thriller and drinking game inspired by the films of Alfred Hitchcock. The long-running show kicks off its second special summer series with special guest stars, signature drinks featuring Jeppson's Malört, and two shows each weekend in July.
HITCH*COCKTAILS invites legendary Chicago comics, improvisers, and drag performers to perform a 90-minute improvised thriller equal parts comedy, cocktails, and classic Hitchcock homage:
● Sand (July 10): Mike Brunlieb and Thomas Kelly were dubbed "Chicago’s Best Improv Team" by NewCity. Credits between them include South Side, Work in Progress, and Trial of the Chicago 7.
● The Boys (July 17): Comprising Chicago comedy legends Susan Messing and Rachael Mason, this sharp and unfiltered duo brings decades of experience from iO, Second City, and The Annoyance
● Asher Perlman (July 24): Emmy-nominated writer from Late Night with Stephen Colbert and world famous New Yorker illustrator
● Aurora Gozmic (July 31): Star of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula and Chicago drag queen staple
"We pride ourselves in delivering some of the best long-form improv in the country, and we are raising the stakes this year by bringing in some of Chicago's greatest improvisers and hottest talents,” says High Stakes Productions Artistic Director Caleb George. “We're leaning even more into the technical precision of Hitchcock and heightening the immersive experience that left audiences raving."
Summer of Suspense will offer special cocktails, including a few twisted concoctions highlighting Jeppson's Malört, the Chicago staple that will have everyone thinking twice before taking a swig. Featured cocktails available for daring audience consumption include:
● Revenge Served Cold: Malört, Tequila, Orange, Rose's Lime. Served on the Rocks. A touch of sweet disguising a lingering bite. Ever had a drink that tastes as good as payback?
● The Bitter Affair: Malört, Fernet Branca, Grapefruit Radler, Grapefruit. Served as a spritz. Some pairings are fated; others simply... ill-fated. Take your palate on a walk on the sour, acerbic, and wild side with a dalliance you'll never forget.
Saturday night shows will include a bartender onstage and a dedicated cocktail waitress with drinks for purchase, so audience members can drink the same mixes as the cast.
For 13 years, HITCH*COCKTAILS has been performing every Friday night, and for SUMMER OF SUSPENSE, High Stakes Productions is adding a second show each Saturday from July 11 - August 1. This special feature is a full-length show starting at 7:00 PM. The production team for HITCH*COCKTAILS includes: ensemble member Caleb George (artistic director), Lukas Hummeldorf (technical director), Christian Pitsch (stage manager), ensemble member Alli Stark (properties coordinator), and Karen Sandvoss (music director).
HITCH*COCKTAILS SUMMER OF SUSPENSE runs Fridays July 3 - 31 at 9:30PM, and Saturdays July 11 - August 1 at 7PM. HITCH*COCKTAILS regularly runs every Friday at 9:30 PM at The Annoyance Theatre & Bar (851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago). Tickets are available at www.theannoyance.com.
PRODUCTION DETAILS:
Title: HITCH*COCKTAILS: SUMMER OF SUSPENSE
Location: The Annoyance Theatre & Bar, 851 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL
Dates: Fridays July 3 - 31, Saturdays July 11 - August 1
Press Performance:
Curtain Times: Fridays at 9:30 pm; Saturdays July 11 - August 1 at 7:00 pm
Run Times: Friday night performances are ~100 minutes, Saturday performances are ~90 minutes, both with an intermission.
Tickets: $20. Tickets are available at www.theannoyance.com or by calling the box office at (773) 697-9693.
Special Guests: Sand Improv July 10, The Boys July 17, Asher Perlman July 21, and Aurora Gozmic July 30.
High Stakes Ensemble Members: Kristen Aviles, Cynthia Bangert, Ryan Ben, EJ Cameron, Luis Castello, Peter Corey, James Dugan, Bri Fitzpatrick, Caleb George, Grace Goze, Rob Grabowski, Molly Jones, Marybeth Kram, Jessica Landis, Paige Maney, Heather Mari, Laura Marsh, Edgar Nevarez, Bruce Phillips, Alonso Ramirez, Gretchen Shull, Alli Stark, Jason Stockdale, Travis Stuebing, Justin Swinson, Simon Tessmer, and C.J. Tuor.
