Theatre News Wire

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's (CST) Funk It Up About Nothin'-an exuberant hip-hop "ad-rap-tation" of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing-will thrill audiences in New York City, Chicago and Australia in the New Year. CST is gearing up for performances of the award-winning production at Joe's Pub at The Public Theater on January 8, 2011; Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare from January 21 through February 13, 2011; and on tour in Australia from February 23 through April 2, 2011. Co-creators and Directors GQ and JQ (The Q Brothers) premiered the show at Chicago Shakespeare in 2008, and return with their smash-hit rhythms and rhymes for the 2011 performances. The new engagements of Funk It Up About Nothin' are produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Merrigong Theatre Company and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd. Tickets for the Chicago performances of Funk It Up About Nothin' January 21 through February 13, 2011, Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare are $25-$30 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

Commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare, Funk It Up About Nothin' was developed by The Q Brothers in collaboration with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton. Receiving local and international acclaim, the show garnered the Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding Ensemble and took home the Dress Circle Award for Best Musical Production in its subsequent run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland. Following its engagements at Joe's Pub and Chicago Shakespeare in the New Year, Funk It Up About Nothin' kicks off its Australian tour at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong, New South Wales, marking Chicago Shakespeare's Australian debut. Among other venues, Funk It Up About Nothin' will also appear at Carriage Works' Platform 3 Hip Hop Festival in Sydney.

The production's extended life abroad is emblematic of CST's World's Stage initiative to present Chicago Shakespeare's best work to international audiences in addition to bringing the world's finest productions to CST. Funk It Up About Nothin' joins the ranks of acclaimed CST exports such as the Olivier Award-winning Pacific Overtures at London's Donmar Warehouse and Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2, Chicago Shakespeare's debut at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon.

For more information about the return engagements of Funk It Up About Nothin' and its Australian tour, please visit Chicago Shakespeare Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.