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Just Two More Chances to Enjoy “Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration”!

26114583_1533547770095784_2100298101981055015_oThere are only two more opportunities to enjoy the funniest and most fun New Year’s party on Chicago’s North Shore: tonight and New Year’s Eve.

(All photos in this post were taken by Chuck Osgood at the final dress rehearsal)

26114696_1533549313428963_9163814806155948867_oYou still have a chance to reserve your seats for Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration at Studio5 in Evanston.

Tickets are on sale here!

The Practical Theatre returns with another entertaining comedy and music revue featuring veteran improvisational comedy writer-performers Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen. It’s a fun-filled party in the style of The Lawrence Welk Show, filled with laughter, satire and song.

26060201_1533549290095632_162225552277657537_oJoining the cast are the PTC’s musical director, Steve Rashid, songbird Eva B. Ross, standup comic Emilia Barrosse, Giggle Break’s own Daniel Rashid, cabaret chanteuse Shelly Goldstein — and the Studio5 All-Star Band, including Rockin’ Ronny Crawford on drums, Don Stille on accordion, bassist Joe Policastro and Don Stiernberg on guitar. Plus percussionist Robert Rashid.

26197980_1533549580095603_7893809850602960003_oAnd — The Mr. Olsen Dancers are back – and better than ever!

The show on New Year’s Eve will be followed by live music and a fabulous dance party — as we invite you all to swing into the New Year! (And enjoy tasty food, too!)

Studio5 is Evanston’s hippest, most intimate performing arts venue, with comfortable seats, great sight lines, state of the art sound and lights, and acres of free parking. Tickets are on sale here!

There will be a cash bar for both shows. Doors open for cocktails at 7:30.

Don’t miss your last chance to join the biggest party of the year! 26172349_1533549093428985_9201868929486565217_oPoster 2017 NYE #6

 

 

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15 Days until Big New Year’s Eve Fun!

Poster 2017 NYE #6Tickets are going fast for the funniest and most fun New Year’s party on Chicago’s North Shore.

Reserve your seats now for Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration at Studio5 in Evanston.

Following last year’s hit holiday engagement at Studio5, The Practical Theatre returns with another entertaining comedy and music revue featuring veteran improv-comedy writer-performers Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen.

Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration is a fun-filled party in the style of The Lawrence Welk Show, filled with laughter, satire and song.

CastJoining the cast are the PTC’s musical director, Steve Rashid, songbird Eva B. Ross, standup comic Emilia Barrosse, Giggle Break’s own Daniel Rashid, cabaret chanteuse Shelly Goldstein — and the Studio5 All-Star Band, including Rockin’ Ronny Crawford on drums, Don Stille on accordion, bassist Joe Policastro and Don Stiernberg on every stringed instrument a man can possibly play. Plus percussionist Robert Rashid.

Did we mention The Mr. Olsen Dancers?? Oh yeah. They’re back – and better than ever!

It’s a limited engagement – with just three shows on Friday December 29, Saturday December 30 and Sunday December 31. Tickets are on sale now here!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3105065

The big show on December 31st will be followed by live music and a fabulous dance party — as we invite you all to swing into the New Year! (And enjoy tasty food, too!)

Studio5 is Evanston’s hippest, most intimate performing arts venue, with comfortable seats, great sight lines, state of the art sound and lights, and lots of free parking.

There will be a cash bar for all three shows. Doors open for cocktails at 7:30.

Don’t miss the biggest party of the year!

 

 

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There are Less than Three Weeks until the Big New Year’s Eve 2018 Party!

Tickets are going fast for the funniest New Year’s party on Chicago’s North Shore. Reserve your seats now for Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration at Studio5 in Evanston.

Following last year’s smash holiday engagement, The Practical Theatre returns with another improvisational comedy and music revue featuring Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen.

Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration is a fun-filled party in the style of The Lawrence Welk Show, filled with laughter, satire and song.

CastJoining the cast are the PTC’s musical director, Steve Rashid, songbird Eva B. Ross, standup comic Emilia Barrosse, Giggle Break’s own Daniel Rashid, cabaret chanteuse Shelly Goldstein — and the Studio5 All-Star Band, including Rockin’ Ronny Crawford on drums, Don Stille on accordion, bassist Joe Policastro and Don Stiernberg on every stringed instrument a man can possibly play. Plus percussionist Robert Rashid.

And did we mention The Mr. Olsen Dancers?

There are three shows: Friday December 29, Saturday December 30, and Sunday December 31. Tickets are on sale now here!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3105065

The New Year’s Eve show on December 31st will be followed by live music and a fabulous dance party — as we invite you all to swing into 2018! (And enjoy tasty food, too!)

There’s lots of free parking — and a cash bar for all three shows.

Doors open for cocktails at 7:30.

Don’t miss the biggest party of the year!

Poster 2017 NYE #6

 

 

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Less than Two Months until the Big New Year’s Eve Party!

Art 2Poster 2017 NYE #6Tickets are going fast for the funniest and most fun New Year’s party on Chicago’s North Shore.

Reserve your seats now for Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration at Studio5 in Evanston.

Following last year’s hit holiday engagement at Studio5, the legendary Practical Theatre returns with another entertaining comedy and music revue featuring veteran improvisational comedy writer-performers Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen.

Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration is a fun-filled party in the style of The Lawrence Welk Show, filled with laughter, satire and song.

CastJoining the cast are the PTC’s musical director, Steve Rashid, songbird Eva B. Ross, standup comic Emilia Barrosse, Giggle Break’s own Daniel Rashid, cabaret chanteuse Shelly Goldstein — and the Studio5 All-Star Band, including Rockin’ Ronny Crawford on drums, Don Stille on accordion, bassist Joe Policastro and Don Stiernberg on every stringed instrument a man can possibly play. Plus percussionist Robert Rashid.

Did we mention The Mr. Olsen Dancers?? Oh yeah. They’re back – and better than ever!

It’s a limited engagement – with just three shows on Friday December 29, Saturday December 30 and Sunday December 31. Tickets are on sale now here!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3105065

The big show on December 31st will be followed by live music and a fabulous dance party — as we invite you all to swing into the New Year! (And enjoy tasty food, too!)

Studio5 is Evanston’s hippest, most intimate performing arts venue, with comfortable seats, great sight lines, state of the art sound and lights, and lots of free parking.

There will be a cash bar for all three shows. Doors open for cocktails at 7:30.

Don’t miss the biggest party of the year!

 

 

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Filed under Art, Comedy, Improvisation, Music, Uncategorized

Less than Two Months until the Big New Year’s Eve Party!

Poster 2017 NYE #6Tickets are going fast for the funniest and most fun New Year’s party on Chicago’s North Shore.

Reserve your seats now for Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration at Studio5 in Evanston.

Following last year’s hit holiday engagement at Studio5, the legendary Practical Theatre returns with another entertaining comedy and music revue featuring veteran improvisational comedy writer-performers Victoria Zielinski, Paul Barrosse and Dana Olsen.

Mr. Olsen’s Champagne Celebration is a fun-filled party in the style of The Lawrence Welk Show, filled with laughter, satire and song.

CastJoining the cast are the PTC’s musical director, Steve Rashid, songbird Eva B. Ross, standup comic Emilia Barrosse, Giggle Break’s own Daniel Rashid, cabaret chanteuse Shelly Goldstein — and the Studio5 All-Star Band, including Rockin’ Ronny Crawford on drums, Don Stille on accordion, bassist Joe Policastro and Don Stiernberg on every stringed instrument a man can possibly play. Plus percussionist Robert Rashid.

Did we mention The Mr. Olsen Dancers?? Oh yeah. They’re back – and better than ever!

It’s a limited engagement – with just three shows on Friday December 29, Saturday December 30 and Sunday December 31. Tickets are on sale now here!

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3105065

The big show on December 31st will be followed by live music and a fabulous dance party — as we invite you all to swing into the New Year! (And enjoy tasty food, too!)

Studio5 is Evanston’s hippest, most intimate performing arts venue, with comfortable seats, great sight lines, state of the art sound and lights, and lots of free parking.

There will be a cash bar for all three shows. Doors open for cocktails at 7:30.

Don’t miss the biggest party of the year!

 

 

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Filed under Art, Comedy, Improvisation, Music, Uncategorized

Just 4 Days Until The Funniest, Most Rocking New Year’s Party Ever!

Mr Olsen Poster 2A splendid time is guaranteed for all this New Year’s Eve in Evanston, Illinois. (Which is, of course, just 5 minutes from anywhere by rocket car!)

851575_497491816991199_391471856_nBut why party in Evanston? Why not join the throngs in Times Square, on Bourbon Street in New Orleans – or at Monty’s Steakhouse in Woodland Hills? Because the big little town north of Chicago is where you can enjoy  “Mr. Olsen’s New Year’s Rockin’ Neighborhood” at 27 Live — Evanston’s newest nightclub.27live_concerthallfinal

DSC_8401The fun begins at 8:00 PM with a one-hour comedy variety revue for the middle ages — hosted by screenwriter/comedian Dana Olsen, and featuring yours truly and my wife Victoria Zielinski of “The Vic & Paul Show”; our tall, blonde friend and fellow Practical Theatre founder, Brad Hall; the great Steve Rashid tinkling the ivories; Rockin’ Ronny Crawford hitting the rim shots on drums; and narrated by Stewart Figa, who will also grace the show with his powerful singing voice.

If you were among the standing-room-only crowd that caught “Mr. Olsen’s Neighborhood” at the Wilmette Theatre last June, you’ll have some idea of the fun to be had when Mr. Olsen and his neighbors get together to sing, dance and look back on the craziness of 2013 with laughter and comic camaraderie.

Rockme PhotoThen, at 10:00 PM, the kids (of all ages) will start jumpin’ when Riffmaster and The Rockme Foundation take the stage for two sets of classic rock & roll and original songs written by a bunch of guys who grew up listening to the best records ever made and played on the radio. Wit, harmony, the big backbeat — and passionate guitar playing that would make Chuck Berry proud of his children.

28127_10150190489000591_536200590_12508602_5992375_nAfter Riff and the Rockmes ring in the New Year, a DJ will keep the dance floor jumping until 2:00 AM.

It’s all happening at 27 Live, featuring a great stage, bar, whiskey lounge, and restaurant in a 14,000 square foot space that’s perfect for a New Year’s Eve crowd. 27 Live is located at 1012 Church Street, just steps away from both the CTA Purple line and Metra Davis stops.

Valet Parking is available.

sc00003a0eTickets are $25 in advance and $30 at door – with a $100 Dinner Package available (includes a 5 course dinner).

Tickets are now on sale at www.27live.com

Or get them at this link.

See you on New Year’s Eve!

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Mr. Olsen’s New Year’s Rockin’ Neighborhood!

NYE Banner 141-ogNYE Banner 2There will be no better place to be this New Year’s Eve than in Evanston, Illinois – that little college town just north of Chicago.

851575_497491816991199_391471856_nBut why party in Evanston? Why not Paris, or Rome, or the Greek island of Santorini? Why not join the throngs in Times Square – or at Monty’s Steakhouse in Woodland Hills?

Because Evanston in where you can be a part of “Mr. Olsen’s New Year’s Rockin’ Neighborhood” at 27 Live.

DSC_8401The fun begins at 8:00 PM with a one-hour comedy variety revue for the middle ages — hosted by screenwriter/comedian Dana Olsen, and featuring yours truly and my wife Victoria Zielinski of “The Vic & Paul Show”; our tall, blonde friend and fellow Practical Theatre founder, Brad Hall; the great Steve Rashid tinkling the ivories; Rockin’ Ronny Crawford hitting the rim shots on drums; and narrated by Stewart Figa, who will also grace the show with his powerful singing voice.

If you were among the standing-room-only crowd that caught “Mr. Olsen’s Neighborhood” at the Wilmette Theatre last June, you’ll have some idea of the fun to be had when Mr. Olsen and his neighbors get together to share some laughter and comic camaraderie.

Rockme PhotoThen, at 10:00 PM, the kids (of all ages) will start jumpin’ when Riffmaster and The Rockme Foundation take the stage for two sets of classic rock & roll and original songs written by a bunch of guys who grew up listening to the best records ever made and played on the radio. Wit, harmony, the big backbeat — and passionate guitar playing that would make Chuck Berry proud of his children.

28127_10150190489000591_536200590_12508602_5992375_nAfter Riff and the Rockmes ring in the New Year, a DJ will keep the dance floor jumping until 2:00 AM.

It’s all happening at Evanston’s newest nightclub and concert venue, 27 Live, featuring a great stage, bar, whiskey lounge, and restaurant in a 14,000 square foot space that’s perfect for a New Year’s Eve crowd. 27 Live is located at 1012 Church Street, just steps away from both the CTA Purple line and Metra Davis stops.

27live_concerthallfinalValet Parking is available.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at door – with a $100 Dinner Package available (includes a 5 course dinner).

Tickets are now on sale at www.27live.com

Or you can get them at this link.

See you in Evanston on New Year’s Eve!Mr Olsen Poster 2sc00003a0e

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Mr. Olsen’s New Year’s Rockin’ Neighborhood!

NYE Banner 141-ogNYE Banner 2There will be no better place to be this New Year’s Eve than in Evanston, Illinois – that little college town just north of Chicago.

851575_497491816991199_391471856_nBut why party in Evanston? Why not Paris, or Rome, or the Greek island of Santorini? Why not join the throngs in Times Square – or at Monty’s Steakhouse in Woodland Hills?

Because Evanston in where you can be a part of “Mr. Olsen’s New Year’s Rockin’ Neighborhood” at 27 Live.

DSC_8401The fun begins at 8:00 PM with a one-hour comedy variety revue for the middle ages — hosted by screenwriter/comedian Dana Olsen, and featuring yours truly and my wife Victoria Zielinski of “The Vic & Paul Show”; our tall, blonde friend and fellow Practical Theatre founder, Brad Hall; the great Steve Rashid tinkling the ivories; Rockin’ Ronny Crawford hitting the rim shots on drums; and narrated by Stewart Figa, who will also grace the show with his powerful singing voice.

If you were among the standing-room-only crowd that caught “Mr. Olsen’s Neighborhood” at the Wilmette Theatre last June, you’ll have some idea of the fun to be had when Mr. Olsen and his neighbors get together to share some laughter and comic camaraderie.

Rockme PhotoThen, at 10:00 PM, the kids (of all ages) will start jumpin’ when Riffmaster and The Rockme Foundation take the stage for two sets of classic rock & roll and original songs written by a bunch of guys who grew up listening to the best records ever made and played on the radio. Wit, harmony, the big backbeat — and passionate guitar playing that would make Chuck Berry proud of his children.

28127_10150190489000591_536200590_12508602_5992375_nAfter Riff and the Rockmes ring in the New Year, a DJ will keep the dance floor jumping until 2:00 AM.

It’s all happening at Evanston’s newest nightclub and concert venue, 27 Live, featuring a great stage, bar, whiskey lounge, and restaurant in a 14,000 square foot space that’s perfect for a New Year’s Eve crowd. 27 Live is located at 1012 Church Street, just steps away from both the CTA Purple line and Metra Davis stops.

27live_concerthallfinalValet Parking is available.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at door – with a $100 Dinner Package available (includes a 5 course dinner).

Tickets are now on sale at www.27live.com

Or you can get them at this link.

See you in Evanston on New Year’s Eve!sc00003a0e

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Weekend Fun…

Steve Rashid, Terry Barron,  Tom “Wolf” Larson and Rockin’ Ronny Crawford are a rather fab four themselves. Below, Brad Hall imagines what will happen when the boys make their iTunes deal.In fact, no sooner had Brad imagined it — then he saw this poster on Sunset Boulevard. From San Francisco to iTunes to Sunset — all in one weekend afternoon!

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More Thrills & Glory…

THRILLS & GLORY: THE BRIEF, BLESSED HISTORY OF THE PRACTICAL THEATRE CO.

Part Three: A Tale of Two Spaces

To read the latest chapter in my personal history of The Practical Theatre Company, click here.

After you’ve read our ancient history, you can check out video clips of far more recent PTC-style comedy if you click here.

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