Full casting was announced today for PrideArts’ February 9 reading of Chicago natives Sophia Zinger and Claire Dobbs’s world premiere comedy/drama SHUT UP KISS ME. Curtain time will be 7 pm. SHUT UP KISS ME is a love story by Chicago natives Sophia Zinger and Claire Dobbs set in the hours and days after the first date of two millennial/Gen Z women. It will be directed by Hannah Ottenfeld. Ottenfeld’s three-person cast will include the playwright Zinger as Claire, Ariya Hawkins as Alex, and Nat Long as Jogger/Man/Woman. Taking inspiration from Diana Son's STOP KISS, SHUT UP KISS ME further explores with heart and humor what it means to find one's self and heal from a past queer trauma within a budding relationship.
L-R: Ariya Hawkins, Nat Long, Sophia Zinger
Other upcoming live virtual readings announced by PrideArts include Shakespeare’s TWELFTH NIGHT on February 2nd and LESBIAN SHORTS on February 16th. Tickets are $10.00 for each reading and are available at www.pridearts.com or by phone at 773-857-0222.
LISTING INFORMATION
SHUT UP KISS ME
WORLD PREMIERE
By Sophia Zinger and Claire Dobbs
Directed by Hannah Ottenfeld
Tuesday, February 9, 7:00 pm
Tickets $10.00 available at pridearts.org or by phone at 773-857-0222
Taking inspiration from Diana Son's STOP KISS, SHUT UP KISS ME is a love story set in the hours and days after the first date of two millennial/Gen Z women. With heart and humor, this world premiere play by Chicago natives Sophia Zinger and Claire Dobbs further explores what it means to find one's self and heal from a past, queer trauma, within a budding relationship.
BIOS
Hannah Ottenfeld (Director) is a Chicago-based director, choreographer, dancer, and theatre artist. She is currently finishing up her undergraduate degree in Theatre and Dance at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. She most recently directed and produced an original virtual work entitled STUFF PEOPLE SAY and participated in the One State One Voice Festival as a playwright. Her upcoming work includes THE LAST FIVE YEARS at Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre and EQUINOX: A CONCERT OF DANCE at Millikin University. You can read more about her work at hrottenfeld.wix.com/hrottenfeld.
Sophia Zinger (Claire, Co-Playwright) A senior at Millikin University, Sophia Zinger is a writer, actor, and activist. Their writing has been produced at Millikin University (THE [BLANK] MONOLOGUES) and The Madison Street Theatre (THE STARFISH PROJECT). They have also worked as an Artistic Associate with Shakespeare Corrected as well as an Administrative Assistant with The Youth Empowerment Performance Project. In addition, they lead a storytelling, letter-writing, and action campaign entitled Just Us in efforts to free Gerald Reed and other victims of state violence.
Claire Dobbs (Co-Playwright)
ABOUT PRIDEARTS
PrideArts is working to produce year-round theater and film projects that change lives in normal (non-COVID) times, the company produces a season of full play and musical productions, as well as events including dance, cabaret, film, and more. It was recently honored with seven Jeff award nominations for the 2019-20 season. Events can be one-night or limited run productions or feature national treasures like Charles Busch. PAC occupies The Broadway at 4139 N. Broadway, which has 85 seats, and The Buena, which has 50 seats at 4147 N Broadway.
PrideArts is supported by The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at The Richard Driehaus Foundation, The Illinois Arts Council, City of Chicago’s City Arts Fund, the Elliott Fredland Charitable Trust, Proud to Run, The Pauls Foundation, The Heath Fund, The Service Club of Chicago, the AmazonSmile Foundation, Arts and Business Foundation, Tap Root Foundation, Arts and Business Council, and Alphawood Foundation.
PrideArts is a member of the Smart Growth Program of the Chicago Community Trust. PrideArts is a member of the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, Northalsted Business Association, Uptown United, and The League of Chicago Theatres.
For more information and to donate, visit www.pridearts.org or call 1.773 857 0222.