Right Angle Entertainment announces the all-Chicago cast of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody. The Chicago production of the off-Broadway hit is a holiday season sendup of the iconic romantic comedy and Christmas movie Love Actually. The musical is written by Bob and Tobly McSmith, creators of the smash hits The Office! A Musical Parody and Friends! The Musical Parody, with music and orchestration by Basil Winterbottom. Performances begin in Chicago on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Apollo Theater, 2550 N Lincoln Ave. The limited engagement is scheduled to run through Sunday, January 2, 2022. Tickets, starting at $29, are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com, by calling (773) 935-6100, or by visiting the box office at the Apollo Theater.
The cast of Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody includes Ann Delaney (Emma Thompson and Others), Jake Elkins (Colin Firth and Others), Ryan Foreman (Peter and Others), Dan Plehal (Hugh Grant and Others), Amanda Walker (Keira Knightley and Others), and Christopher Wayland (Liam Neeson and Others). Understudies for the company are Daryn Alexus, Brie McClellan and Dylan Obrochta.
Leading the Chicago premiere of Love Actually? are Director Tim Drucker and Choreographer Brooke Engen, who helmed the 2019 world premiere. The creative team includes Ethan Andersen (music director), Joshua Warner (scenic designer), Dustin Cross (costume designer), Brandon Baruch (lighting designer), Matthew Fischer (sound designer), Conor Donnelly (hair/wig designer), Eric Anthony (associate director/associate choreographer) and gives special thanks to original co-choreographer Tiffany Engen. The stage manager is Marcus Carroll and the assistant stage manager is Natalie Cohen.
“I'm beyond excited to bring this theatrical holiday love letter to the incredible Apollo Theater Chicago. The talent pool of brilliant actor/singer/comedians in Chicago is truly extraordinary; I can think of no better city than Chicago to assemble this cast,” comments Director Tim Drucker. “In under 90 minutes, these six actors play 50 plus roles as they conquer 144 costume and 42 wig changes! I can’t wait for audiences to experience this rollicking good time with us this holiday season.”
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody is a hilarious musical that follows nine quirky, questionable couples looking for love across the pond, and even 16 years after the movie premiere, we still ask ourselves these questions every Christmas – Is love… Falling for your secretary when you are Prime Minster? Falling for your secretary when you are married to Emma Thompson? Falling for the maid after your wife cheats on you? Falling for your best friend’s wife and showing up with poster boards? Whether you love Love Actually or love to hate Love Actually or have never seen Love Actually, you will actually love this musical! Get ready for awkward meet cutes, over-the-top grand gestures, and lots and lots of love, actually.
Critics hailed the initial 2019 New York production as “unadulterated joy at its finest” (Theatre Life) and “a show to get you in the holiday spirit—fabulous theater that you are going to want to put on your list!” (NBC, New York Live!).
The musical is also returning to New York City at the Jerry Orbach Theater at The Theater Center this holiday season. The New York cast includes Kayla Catan (Keira Knightley and Others), Isaiah Hein (Liam Neeson and Others), James Parks (Colin Firth and Others), Eric Peters (Hugh Grant and Others), Joyah Spangler (Emma Thompson and Others), Tony Tillman (Peter and Others), Thanos Skouteris (swing) and Amber Wright (swing).
Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody is produced by Right Angle Entertainment and will be the first in a long line of Right Angle productions at the Apollo Theater in Chicago through 2022. Additional titles will be announced in the coming months.
Songs in this spoof of the hodge-podge montage rom-com include:
- "Messages of Love, Actually"
- "He's the Prime Minister (of Rom-Coms)"
- "Dark Deeds in Dark Corners"
- "British Girls"
- "Keira Knightly Actually"
- "A Joni Mitchell CD? (For Your Continued Emotional Education)"
- "The Lament of Laura Linney"
- "The Language of Love"
- "American Girls"
- "The 11 O'Clock Grand Gesture Number"
- "Love is Actually"
For more information, visit www.LoveActuallyParody.com.
About the Artists
TIM DRUCKER (he/him, Director) is thrilled to be working with the McSmiths again. Directing credits include the recent North American tour of Friends! the Musical Parody and the long running off-Broadway comedy Sex Tips... as well as the North American tour and the current Vegas production at the Paris. He co-wrote the Off-Broadway musicals Gigantic (Vineyard Theater, licensed through Stage Rights); previously as Fat Camp (Off-Broadway at the ATA produced by Dodger Theatricals; Playhouse in the Square, Cleveland; and NYMF 2009); Spidermusical, and Perez Hilton Saves the Universe (NY Fringe Best Musical and encore run at the Barrow Street Theater). For all the fun: www.timdrucker.com
BROOKE ENGEN (she/her, Choreographer). Choreographer of the Marvel series “Runaways” (Hulu), “Hart of Dixie” (CW), and the musical film Sing For Your Supper. Associate Choreographer for “Hairspray Live” (NBC). Assistant Choreographer: For The Record: BAZ in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Garry Marshall Theatre), Sleepless in Seattle (Pasadena Playhouse), “Code Black” (CBS), and RuPaul’s Drag Race Battle Of The Seasons Tour. National Commercial for Men’s Warehouse, Groundling’s Garbage Pail Kids. Associate Director of Ringling Brothers circus Legends.
ANN DELANEY (she/her, Emma Thompson and Others)
Ann Delaney is thrilled to be living her rom-com parody dreams! Some theater credits include: Phoebe D’Ysquith in A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Porchlight Musical Theatre), Penny Pingleton in Hairspray (Skylight Music Theater), Hannah in Newsies (Paramount Theater), Mary Lou in Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story (American Blues Theater), Rita in White Christmas (Theater at the Center). TV credits include Chicago Fire (NBC). Ann is represented by Gray Talent Group.
JAKE ELKINS (he/him, Colin Firth and Others)
Jake Elkins is thrilled to be a part of Love Actually? at the Apollo! Other Chicago credits include Grease (Marriott Theatre), Wizard of Oz, Mary Stuart (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Machinal, and Birds of a Feather (Greenhouse Theater). Jake would like to thank all his friends and family, most notably his Mom and Dad for helping him become the best person he can be. Jake studied Musical Theatre at North Central College and is represented by Gray Talent Group.
RYAN FOREMAN (he/him, Peter and Others)
Ryan Foreman is thrilled to be making his Apollo Theatre debut! Favorite Credits include: u/s Forever Plaid (Drury Lane), Spring Awakening (Broadway Across Borders), Life Now (National Theatre DC), You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, and The Flick (Northwestern University). Ryan graduated with a degree in Theatre, and Musical Theatre from Northwestern University. He would love to thank his agents at Big Mouth Talent and Manager David at McGuffin Management.
DAN PLEHAL (he/him, Hugh Grant and Others)
Dan Plehal is an actor, director, acrobat, and part-time Prime Minister, thrilled to be joining the cast of Love, Actually! Chicago performance credits include The Doppelgänger (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), The Tempest, The Comedy of Errors, Romeo & Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), The Steadfast Tin Soldier (Lookingglass Theatre). Dan has created movement/circus for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time (Steppenwolf Theatre Company), A Wrinkle in Time and Thumbelina (LifeLine Theatre), Urinetown (Bohemian Theatre Ensemble), and The Zombie Life (Firehouse Theatre, Richmond). Regional performance credits include Joseph…Dreamcoat (Devon Theatre); I Never Saw Another Butterfly, and Forest Fable (Walnut Street Theatre). TV credits include 61st Street, Lovecraft Country, Chicago Fire, and The Mysteries of Laura. Dan creates and performs with Aura CuriAtlas Physical Theatre, where he is a founder and Co-Artistic Director.
AMANDA WALKER (she/her, Keira Knightley and Others)
Amanda is stoked to be making her Chicago theatre debut with the Love Actually? team at the Apollo! Past regional credits include: Mary (Vanities the Musical), Darlene (Honky Tonk Angels), Sophie (Mamma Mia), Pauline (Saturday Night Fever), Amanda (Women in Jeopardy), and others. Thanks to Amanda's family, friends and Jeffrey for their love and support! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
CHRISTOPHER WAYLAND (he/him, Liam Neeson and Others)
Christopher is thrilled to be a part of this holiday miracle! In the Chicago area, he has worked at Marriott Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, First Folio Theatre, 16th Street Theater, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Raven Theatre, Griffin Theatre, Teatro Vista, Haven, Story Theatre, and is an ensemble member of Stage Left Theatre. Regionally, he has worked at TheatreWorks, Spotlighters Theatre, Fells Point Corner Theatre, and Baltimore Shakespeare Factory. His television credits include: The Chi (Showtime), neXt (Fox), Chicago Med (NBC), and APB (Fox). Christopher received an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University and is represented by Gray Talent Group.
DARYN ALEXUS (she/her, Understudy)
Born and raised in Washington D.C., Daryn Alexus began her acting career in local theaters and school plays within her hometown. Moving to Chicago in 2008 to study music and theater at Columbia College Chicago lead her to further developing herself as an actress, eventually signing with premier talent agencies in the city. She has since made co-star appearances in several primetime television shows such as Chicago Med, Empire, Next, and The Chi, as well as a variety of commercials with household brands such as Adidas, State Farm, McDonald’s, and many more. Daryn has also made a name for herself in her solo music career touring the U.S., Italy, and the Middle East, as well as sharing stages with artists such as the late Biz Marquee and Kendrick Lamar.
BRIE McCLELLAN (she/her, Understudy)
Brie McClellan is absolutely elated that theatre is back and is honored to be a part of this incredible production! Previously, Brie starred in Kevin Hart's LOL Network's original series, "Unmasked", performed in the worldwide theatrical debut of Apollo 11: The Live Show, and can currently be seen singing her heart out in a national commercial for Travel Illinois. You can also hear her voice in commercials for Allstate and Rice Krispies Treats and see her on Chicago Med. Brie is a proud alum of iO and Second City in Hollywood, where she was a mainstage musical improviser for many years. She is represented by Gray Talent Group. She wants to thank Casey for all his love and his unwavering belief in her. Proud member of SAG-AFTRA.
DYLAN OBROCHTA (he/him, Understudy)
Dylan Obrochta is ecstatic to be a part of the wonderful process that is Love Actually? The Unauthorized Musical Parody. Dylan is a recent graduate of North Central College, where he studied Musical Theatre and Theatre. Previous shows include Wonder of the World (NCC), Macbeth (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Nell Gwynn (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Spring Awakening (NCC), Songs for a New World (NCC), and How I Learned To Drive (NCC). He would like to thank his fellow cast mates, production team, and family for their love, support, and diligent work.
RIGHT ANGLE ENTERTAINMENT (Producer) specializes in the production, marketing, management and distribution of live theatrical, digital and concert events. RAE’s proud roster includes: America's Got Talent Live!, The Price is Right LIVE!, The Masked Singer National Tour, The Simon and Garfunkel Story, The Office! An Unauthorized Musical Parody (Off Broadway and National Tour), FRIENDS! A Musical Parody (Off-Broadway and National Tour), Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (National Tour and Grand Old Opry), Together Live with Abby Wambach and Glennon Doyle, Sasha Velour’s Smoke & Mirrors Tour, among many others.
Facebook: @LoveActuallyParody
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