Chicago Tap Theatre takes a dark and sinister turn in its latest story show, TightWire, an exploration of the behind-the-scenes happenings and relationships of a traveling Italian circus troupe in the 1930s. Clowns, animal trainers, tightrope walkers, jealous sisters, the taciturn ringmaster and a mysterious vagabond clown, whose shrouded past threatens to catch up with him, greet the audience with their tales of jealousy, heartache and suspicion in a unique experience featuring CTT’s fusion of tap and live music.
“The circus setting is perfect for the heightened drama found in Marc’s script which is dark, funny and sad, all at once,” says Artistic Director Mark Yonally. “And Kurt’s music captures a certain demented feel that this circus atmosphere inspires. We are also looking forward to working with, for the first time, a clown consultant, who will assist us in creating an authentic world happening in TightWire.”
Yonally goes on to say that audiences of TightWire will be privy to a few “Easter eggs” while enjoying CTT’s final show of their season, Circo Tap. “While the plot doesn’t directly play into the next show, the Circo Tap audiences will recognize certain characters and perhaps even find some resolution in our final show that impacts the heightened action of TightWire.”
The cast in TightWire is comprised of Marc Kelly Smith, Mark Yonally, Jennifer Pfaff Yonally, Rich Ashworth and Kirsten Uttich.
