Chicago Playwright Brings Hip-Hop To Life... Broadway Style

Online, March 7, 2010 (Newswire.com) - CHICAGO - Hip-Hop is taking the theater world by storm and Chicago is leading the revolution. Theori Stages Inc. has introduced Chicago to a whole new world of Theater and the world is taking notice. Regarded by the Chicago Redeye as "M.C. Masterpiece Theater", "I Still Love H.E.R. (atributetohiphop)" is quickly becoming one of the hottest tickets in Chicago. Written and Directed by Chicagoan and former CHA Resident Wendell J. Tucker, "I Still Love H.E.R." has taken the grittiness of Hip-Hop and combined it with the grace and spectacle of Broadway-style Theater to create a unique experience that has audiences raving.
This year's performances take place at 8 p.m., on Friday and Saturday nights at the Chicago Theater for the Performing Arts, 777 N Green St., Chicago. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased at www.theoristages.com, at the theater box office, or by phone at 312-733-6000.
About "I Still Love H.E.R. (attributetohiphop)
Since its opening night in January 2009, the underground sensation, "I Still Love H.E.R." has exploded into a mainstream powerhouse, generating stellar reviews and sold-out performances. Written by Chicagoan and Chicago State University alumnus, Wendell Tucker, and choreographed by Columbia College Dance Major Jeremy Noah (cousin of the Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah), this sociological musical takes the audience on an insightful tour down memory lane, while taking time to examine conditions and events that gave birth to the cultural phenomena known as Hip-Hop.
"I Still Love H.E.R." centers on the venerable Love 1, a revered Chicago on-air personality, who's angst about the current state of Hip-Hop has caused him to retire and dedicate his final broadcast to Hip-Hop as a memorial. In the midst of his farewell show, Hip-Hop, personified, arrives to tell her story "the way it really is." Through the dialogue that follows, Love 1 and his listeners are told the story of Hip-Hop through her own words. Social issues such as feminism, parenting, racism, capitalist media domination and violence in the Hip-Hop community are examined throughout the show, with relevant Hip-Hop classics as the backdrop. By the end of his broadcast, Love 1 reconciles his love affair with his culture and realizes that he must "always take time to listen to the soundtrack of his life."

"'I Still Love H.E.R.' is an important step towards the healing of an ailing generation," said Tucker, who also directed the show. "Although this modern tale of cultural pride is definitely catered to the generation that actually grew up with Hip-Hop, age 25 and older, the positive messages will inspire young people, cause the older generation to think more about their effect on the youth and have anyone with even a casual affinity for Hip-Hop on their feet."
Through honest dialogue, critical cultural analysis and classic Hip-Hop songs, the culture of Hip-Hop is examined and remedies for change are disclosed. Audience participation is highly encouraged during the show as the lively cast, which features area young people, encourages everyone to live the music they love. This is a must-see event for all interested in Hip-Hop and the development of today's youth.