Theatre News Wire

Kokandy Productions will toast its tenth anniversary with two fully produced musicals, plus a celebratory concert of the company's greatest hits. It's a cruel summer as Kokandy goes all the way with flirty fun and '90s nostalgia in the Chicago storefront premiere of Cruel Intentions: The '90 Musical, directed by Artistic Associate Adrian Abel Azevedo. This "fun, sexy, and seductive" show (laced with hits from No Doubt, Jewel, Britney Spears, Garbage and more) will have audiences grooving along to the infamous bittersweet symphony.

Traveling from Fifth Avenue to Fleet Street, Kokandy then honors Stephen Sondheim and sinks its teeth into Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, directed by Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham. Just in time for Halloween, the Chopin basement will be transformed into 19th century London, daring audiences to attend this haunting, harrowing tale.

Kokandy's tenth season will also include a celebratory concert of greatest hits, welcoming back artists from previous productions and inviting audiences to raise a glass to our first decade (date TBA). The 2022 season will be produced at The Chopin Theater, 1543 W Division St. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood. 

Executive Producer Scot Kokandy comments, "It is unbelievable to think 10 years have passed since our first production in the summer of 2012. I am so thankful for the time and talent of the artists who have worked with us and the support of our audiences and donors during the last 10 years. To be a small part of the Chicago theater community and especially the musical theatre scene is such a treat and I look forward to the next 10 years."

Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham adds, "In 2022, we're asking 'how far can we go?' We're curious about discoveries in the flexible Chopin space, and we are challenging ourselves to push the boundaries (in every aspect) to create unique, enthralling experiences for our audience. With Cruel Intentions and Sweeney Todd, we are back in person, exploring humanity at its most corporeal. These are shows of the flesh, of mouths and throats, of sweat and blood. These worlds are thirsty, hungry. While we explore how far we can go, the devilish duos in these two shows go further to ask 'How far will we go?' They make the bet. They make the pie. They give us a taste, and make us ask for more." 

Single tickets will go on sale at a later date at www.kokandyproductions.com.