With the Rat Pack tribute show now history, the Royal George Theatre at 1641 N. Halsted St. has been sitting empty these last few weeks. But now there’s word the mainstage venue is getting a new holiday show — in the shape of a commercial production of “A Couple of Blaguards,” penned by Frank and Malachy McCourt. Produced by Margaret Cotter (who runs the George), the new Irish-themed show will star Jarlath Conroy and Howard Platt. Performances begin Nov. 25 and run through Dec. 24. … Jackie Taylor, the exuberant founder of the Black Ensemble Theater, has written an autobiographical, one-woman show replete with original music, dance and monologues. “All About Me” will be performed on Dec. 14, 21 and 28 at the Black Ensemble’s longtime home at 4520 N. Beacon St. … Legendary actress Tippi Hedron is expected to attend a special performance Thursday of Hell in a Handbag’s campy musical “Caged Dames” at the Bailiwick Arts Center. Proceeds will benefit the Roar Foundation/Shambala Preserve, Hedron’s charity. … Evanston’s Piven Theatre opens its 2006-07 season on Nov. 11 with a production of “Chekhov Stories: The Emerging Woman,” directed by Joyce Piven. The Saint Sebastian Players kicks off its 26th season with “The Lion in Winter,” beginning Oct. 20 at 1621 W. Diversey Ave. And MPAACT opens its new season Oct. 29 with “Panther Burn” at the Victory Gardens Greenhouse, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. … The Illinois Theatre Center of Park Forest is producing a Midwest premiere from New York writer Adam Kraar. “The Abandoned El” opens Oct. 27. … Jeff Rogers Productions is producing a new late-night sketch-comedy show “Ka-tet: Mid World Life Crisis” at the Theatre Building Chicago beginning Saturday, and promising “old-school sketch with a new-world flavor.” Those involved are mostly veterans of various casts at Second City.
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Compiled by Chris Jones
