We had a very successful concert reading of NAKED IN AMERICA -- THE MUSICAL Monday night at Theatre Building Chicago. We had a really good house which was great. But I think there were some disappointed people in the audience when they realized that this was just a concert reading and there wasn't going to be any nudity (which is against TBC policy)!

Don't worry folks -- the next production will let it all hang out!

This concert reading of NAKED IN AMERICA -- THE MUSICAL was directed by Matthew Gunnels with musical direction by Jeffrey A. Bouthiette. Our stage manager was Natalja Aicardi.

The very lovely and very talented (and very clothed) cast included:

Mark Bartishell
Moira Begale
Katherine Keberlein
Leah Morrow
Peter Oyloe
Luke Siddall
Tim Soszko
Bethany Thomas

The cast did an outstanding job. They had to play a number of roles and they did so with such ease!

These people could not only sing the heck out of the material, but they really got into the piece and brought some really great funny moments to the piece, some really nice business. I even laughed at stuff, which is unusual when I'm so familiar with a piece I've been working on for a while. So Kudos to y'all!

The reaction was really rewarding. The audience laughed, applauded and really seemed to enjoy the piece. And only a few people threw stones, and they weren't even that big (the stones I mean...). I know the dynamic will change greatly when we do the show with nudity, but phase one went well!

People hung around for a long time after the show having wine and cookies. Everyone got evaluation/comment forms to fill out and there were tons filled out in the drop box. I'm can't wait to get the audience feedback!

Thanks to my co-writer Greg, and to the cast and crew and to everyone at Theatre Building Chicago!

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