Chicago Shakespeare Theater commission
The Q Brothers'
Othello: The Remix
Opens off-Broadway to rave reviews
Chicago—November 17, 2016—The Chicago Shakespeare Theater-commissioned Othello: The Remix, hip-hop adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy from The Q Brothers, opened last night to rave reviews in an off-Broadway production presented by John Leguizamo. Designated a “Critics’ Pick” by The New York Times, Charles Isherwood declared it "a clever and exuberantly performed mash-up of hip-hop and Shakespeare. The music pulses with life!" Developed by hip-hop sensations GQ and JQ with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton, Othello: The Remix has toured internationally to critical and popular acclaim since its premiere at Shakespeare’s Globe as part of the 2012 London Cultural Olympiad. The production at the Westside Theatre enjoys an open-ended run.
Time Out NY raves, “Who knew Othello could be so funny? The Q Brothers have transformed the tragedy into a rip-roaring, rapped one-act rich with dizzying rhymes and slick beats." Playbill says, “16 Years Before Hamilton, The Q Brothers Were Bringing Hip Hop to the Stage…Othello: The Remix is an 80-minute spin on the Bard’s tragic tale of love, jealousy, and revenge.”
Othello: The Remix runs off-Broadway in tandem with another hit CST-developed production—Ride the Cyclone, which is now in previews at MCC Theater (121 Christopher St. New York, NY). Director Rachel Rockwell and several members of the Chicago cast return in the quirky new musical by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell.
Othello: The Remix is written, directed and composed by The Q Brothers, GQ and JQ, siblings born and raised in Chicago. The production is one of three collaborative “ad-rap-tations” with Creative Producer Rick Boynton, which also includes Funk It Up About Nothin’ and A Q Brothers’ Christmas Carol. The off-Broadway production features original cast members Postell Pringle as Othello, with GQ, JQ and Jackson Doran filling multiple roles. DJ Super Nova, who joined the company for A Q Brothers’ Christmas Carol in Chicago, spins tracks from the turntable.
Scott Adam Davis returns to the production as Scenic Designer. Also featured on the creative team are Costume Designer Christina Leinicke; Lighting Designer Keith A. Truax; and Sound Designer Dave Ferdinand/One Dream. The Q Brothers’ Othello: The Remix has captivated audiences globally and garnered acclaim and multiple honors—including Edinburgh’s Musical Theatre Matters Award for Best New Musical Theatre Show and the Joseph Jefferson Award for Best Ensemble. In addition to multiple extended runs at Chicago Shakespeare in 2013 and again for Shakespeare 400 Chicago in 2016, the production has toured to sold-out houses of multi-generational audiences in Edinburgh, London, Australia, Germany, Poland, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
Originally commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Richard Jordan Productions and Shakespeare’s Globe, Othello: The Remix is now presented by John Leguizamo; and produced by Mary Lu Roffe, Susan Q. Gallin and Rodger Hess, with Greta Honold, Jim Jensen, Elliot K. Wolk, Andrew Roffe, Aldo Scrofani, Jamie DeRoy, Neil Semel, Judy Loseff, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Richard Jordan Productions, all as co-producers.
Tickets are on sale now through March 5, 2017 at www.othellotheremix.com, by calling 212.239.6200 or in-person at the Westside Theatre Box Office (407 W. 43rd St. New York, NY).
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a leading international theater company and the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to creating extraordinary production of classics, new works and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 650 performances, CST attracts 225,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. During 2016, CST has spearheaded the Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival in addition to announcing the creation of an innovative performance venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. www.chicagoshakes.com
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