Pictured: L M Feldman | Photo by Joey Stocks

Brown Paper Box Co. has announced their 2019/20 season, kicking off in May with “Holding On,” a 2-night community-focused cabaret at Under the Gun Theater. In summer 2019, the company will present the Midwest premiere of L M Feldman’s “Grace, or the Art of Climbing” directed by Artistic Associate Erin Shea Brady at Stage 773. The fall brings “Come Rain or Come Shine: A Judy Garland Cabaret,” with music direction by Kimi Arquines and co-hosted by co-founder M. William Panek. The season will close in winter with a musical yet to be announced.

“We’ve been reflecting on the power and support of community here at BPBCo., so we’re leaning into and celebrating community’s ins and outs this season,” says Artistic Director Kristi Szczepanek. “Whether it’s in Lakeview, Andersonville, or any neighborhood in between, our ninth season focuses on telling stories about the many ways one can lean on—and be lifted up by—individual communities.”

More info at BrownPaperBox.org.

The Brown Paper Box Co. 2019-20 Season (from the press release):

HOLDING ON: A COMMUNITY CABARET
Sunday, May 5 & Monday, May 6, 2019 at 7:30pm
Presented at Under the Gun Theater

Art, like life, is “a solo sport… with partners.” Inspired by the first play of the season, “Grace, or the Art of Climbing” by L M Feldman, Brown Paper Box Co. invites you to enjoy a night of songs, stories, and laughter performed by company members and friends. Join our community of artists side-by-side as they perform in duos and groups as we continue to hold on & support one another when times feel tough. Admission $15 presale / $20 door. Cash bar is available. Coordinated by Samm Gatwood & Kristi Szczepanek and Produced by Anna Schutz.

The Midwest Premiere of
GRACE, OR THE ART OF CLIMBING
by L M Feldman
June 6-July 7, 2019 at Stage 773

Faced with a painful chapter in her life and fighting the inertia of depression, Emm decides to enter the world of competitive rock-climbing. Her quest through the rugged and humorous terrain of physical training and personal relationships charts the journey of a young woman suspended between love and loss, strength and fear, fathers and daughters, and the ardor and grace of being human. Brown Paper Box Co. is proud to present the Midwest premiere of this Barrymore Award Best New Play nominee and Kilroys List honorable mention. Directed by Artistic Associate Erin Shea Brady.

COME RAIN OR COME SHINE: A JUDY GARLAND CABARET
Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 7:30pm
Presented at Mary’s Attic

It’s been 50 years since the world lost the one & only Judy Garland, and 50 years since the modern gay liberation movement began at the Stonewall Inn in New York’s Greenwich Village. “Come Rain or Come Shine” is a celebration of an international icon, a queer movement, and exactly how far the LGBTQ+ community has come over the past 50 years. Join Brown Paper Box Co. as we travel down a yellow brick road of joy, heartbreak, drag queens, and song. Bring your best Judy and sing along to Ms. Garland’s biggest hits as performed by BPBCo. members, past participants, friends of the company, and a few surprise guests. Admission $15 presale / $20 door. Full service bar & dining options available throughout the evening. Coordinated by Kimi Arquines & M. William Panek.