Theatre News Wire

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, announces the return of E. Faye Butler. This brand new show with one of Chicago's best-loved performers will run for two nights only, December 30 and 31, 2010, at 8:00 p.m. at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie.

Tickets for New Year's Eve with E. Faye Butler and her combo are $45 (December 30) and $55 (December 31) and are available by phone, 847.673.6300, or online at northlight.org.

From jazz to pop, show tunes to blues, E. Faye Butler and her musicians premiere their brand new show, filled with music made famous by America's favorite women of song, including Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and more!

Five-time Jeff award winner for Best Actress in a Musical, including her gut-wrenching portrayal of Caroline in Caroline or Change at Court Theatre and her standout performances at Northlight in Dinah Was and Ella, E. Faye Butler has also received two BTAA Awards, After Dark Award, John Barrymore Award, RAMI Award, 3 Helen Hayes Nominations, Excellence In Arts Award, and an Ovations Nomination.

"E. Faye Butler is a Chicago treasure and we are delighted she is returning to the Northlight stage. Her ability to take the best of the American Songbook and make it her own proves her unique and dynamic gifts for musical interpretation," says Executive Director Timothy J. Evans. "Last year's New Year's Eve event was a complete success and sold-out quickly. There isn't a better way to ring in the New Year than a celebration of music with E. Faye and her trio."

E. Faye Butler previously appeared at Northlight in the title roles of Ella and Dinah Was. She is currently appearing in Oklahoma! at Arena Stage. She most recently played Motormouth Maybelle in Marriott Theatre's acclaimed production of Hairspray. National and Regional Tours include Mamma Mia, Dinah Was, Ain't Misbehavin, Nunsense, Nunsense2, and Don't Bother Me. Regional Theatre credits include Trouble In Mind at Yale Repertory and Centerstage; Dancing With The Holy Ghosts at New York Film and Play Festival; Saving Aimee and Gospel According To Fishman at Signature Theatre; The Wiz at La Jolla Playhouse; Seussical at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Thoroughly Modern Millie and Little Shop Of Horrors at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre; Once On This Island at Centerstage; Purlie at Pasadena Playhouse and The Goodman, Polk County at Arena Stage; Crumbs From The Table Of Joy at Steppenwolf; A Christmas Carol at The Goodman; Little Foxes, La Bete, Once In A Lifetime at Court Theatre; Could It Be Magic (Barry Manilow Songbook) at Mercury Theatre; Comfortable Shoes at The Royal George Theatre, Ruthless at Forum Theatre; Showboat at Sacramento Music Theatre; Blue Sonata at Victory Gardens; The Wizard Of Oz at Arkansas Repertory; Hello Dolly, Hot Mikado, Sophisticated Ladies at Drury Lane Theatre; My Name Is Alice at Ivanhoe Theatre and Mixed Blood Theatre; Bingo Long at Dreamstreet Theatre; and Hair in its 20th anniversary production at Vic Theatre.

Northlight Theatre aspires to promote change of perspective and encourage compassion by exploring the depth of our humanity across a bold spectrum of theatrical experiences, reflecting our community to the world and the world to our community.

Now in its 36th season, the organization has mounted over 165 productions, including more than 33 world premieres. Northlight has earned 145 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations and 28 Awards. As one of the area's premier theatre companies, Northlight is a regional magnet for critical and professional acclaim, as well as talent of the highest quality.