Does it get more Chicago than High Fidelity?

It all started with Nick Hornby’s classic novel, then Stephen Frears’ feature film adaptation, set in hipster Wicker Park, Chicago. Chicago natives John Cusack, Joan Cusack and Lili Taylor brought the book to life. But they’re the cast of the past and today’s actors bringing the story back to life are a part of the Refuge Theatre Project’s contemporary musical theater production.

What is the Refuge Theatre Project?

Refuge Theatre Project bills themselves as “Musical theatre for real people.” You won’t find any stuffy renditions or B.S. here – it’s all crowd-pleasing good fun. Ross Egan and Morgan Briggs recently founded the project back in 2015 and aim to use musical theatre to appeal to Chicagoans. Their goal is to make the the theatre community as a whole more accessable to all. At any production, you can expect to hear stories about people dealing with life in a meaningful and fun way.

Their cast looks like a fun group of characters:

Tell me more about High Fidelity

Ok. If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a little background:

The main character, Rob, owns a vintage record shop, where most of the story takes place. This performance is unique in that it will also take place in a record store created especially for the production – “Refuge Records” at 666 W Hubbard Street in Chicago.

We find Rob after he’s recently split up with his girlfriend Laura, and he’s lamenting over the “top five breakups” of his life. Sounds juicy!

What’s next for Refuge Theatre Project?

Besides their production of High Fidelity, which runs from now until the end of February on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Can’t make it to High Fidelity? (Or want more from the Refuge Theatre Project?)

You can look forward to more musical theatre and other performances including:

• Audition Diaries (dates to be announced)
• bare: A Pop Opera’s (Fall 2016)

Visit the Refuge Theatre Project’s fancy new website to stay up to date on upcoming productions!

Refuge Theatre Project is also doing some fundraising on Kickstarter. Support the local arts by contributing to their campaign. Their perks are definitely worth the contribution, starting with a date night for two (not to mention a tax deduction)!

Are you ready for High Fidelity? Purchase tickets on Eventbrite and maybe I’ll see you at a show!

*Please note: free tickets were provided in exchange for this post.

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