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Don't miss the IHTF Chicago Premiere: Oct. 14 - 16
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Lip Gloss
You know what girls love? Lip gloss. We do. It makes our lips sparkle and shine. It makes us think about kissing… other lips with lip gloss. That’s what it’s for. I know some of you may be thinking about all the times that your hair got stuck in your lip gloss and how that made you never want to wear it again. But can we ignore that for now? Let’s not spoil the fun.
Here, watch this little lip gloss teaser for I Hate Tommy Finch. And while you’re letting me boss you around… buy your tickets today.
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #5: From Kfink to Jojo
We (Julie & Jessica of King is a Fink Productions) met Christin of tellofilms when our friend Jojo Stratton introduced to Christin via Twitter after she (Jojo) backed our crowdfunding campaign for a feature film we wrote (TILT) and while tellofilms was promoting their web series Cowgirl Up. Jojo knew we were all in Chicago and all into films and fun, so she set us all up on a professional blind date. The rest is history!
Although we’re not sure yet if Jojo’s able to come to town for the Chicago performances of I HATE TOMMY FINCH (Oct 14 – 16, 2011), we’re going to pretend that she *might* and create a list of ‘must-dos’ and ‘gotta sees’ for her trip, should she choose to accept this mission…
Where Should Jojo Stay?
- On the Cheap: Heart O’ Chicago Motel – Nothing fancy. No special soaps. No chocolates on your pillow. But you’ll be near the IHTF performance space (Parlour on Clark), it’s fairly cheap (in the $100/night range, and Julie’s parents have stayed here and it’s clean.
- Splurge: The W Hotel – We stayed here before. It was fancy. There was a big stuffed plum on the bed, and the pillows were real comfy.
- Special Deal: The Dana Hotel is giving IHTF visitors a special deal. Check them out!
Where Should Jojo Eat?
- On the Cheap: If Jojo stays at the Heart O’ Chicago Motel, she’ll be close to a White Castle, but we will not let her eat there. Instead, we’ll insist that she travel just a little further south on Clark to Huey’s Hot Dogs. Good, cheap, fast, and they even have veggie dogs, if that’s the way your door swings. It’s in the middle of a cute neighborhood (Andersonville) with lots of cute shops, too.
- Splurge: There are tons of amazing fancy restaurants in Chicago. We never go to any of them. When we wanna splurge, we usually go for sushi. Lately we like going to Fin, which isn’t actually very pricey. We used to go to Bob San, which can get more pricey, especially if you have beers with your sushis.
What Should Jojo Do?
- See the lake (from the lake): We just went to our first party on a boat, and it was, like, awesome. So when Jojo comes to Chicago for I HATE TOMMY FINCH (see what we did there?), we think she should go on a boat (like a boss). Spirit of Chicago does dining cruises (including lunch, picnic, happy hour and moonlight cruises), but there are lots of options for doing this.
- Catch a screening at CIFF: I HATE TOMMY FINCH is taking place near the end of the Chicago International Film Festival. Film lover Jojo might want to check out what’s screening while she’s finding out why she’s supposed to hate this Tommy Finch character…
- Nerd out at Quimby’s: Okay, we’re not 100% sure, but we *think* Jojo likes comics and cool books and fun things, so we think she’d like Quimby’s. (We’re not saying Jojo’s a nerd, btw. We just think she’s confident enough to hang out with nerds like us.)
Whether or not Jojo comes to town for IHTF, we will always be in her debt for introducing us to Christin and tellofilms. We’re having a blast working on I HATE TOMMY FINCH, and we can’t wait to share it with her, whether it’s in person in October or via the web series later in the winter. We love you, Jojo!
Check out what OTHER folks are recommending for your very IHTF Chicago vacation, and don’t forget to buy your tickets ASAP!
IHTF Gets SheWired!
The stars of I HATE TOMMY FINCH, Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve, were interviewed by the venerable SheWired this weekend!
Nicole as 'Stephanie'; Shannan Leigh as "Alyssa"
Read the full SheWired article to get the IHTF ladies’ thoughts on this kooky play / web series hybrid, bikinis, gender blind casting, the IHTF team’s commitment to quality (i.e. grueling schedule), and what Nicole and Shannan have to say about the much-discussed “sensual interlude.”
And then BUY YOUR TICKETS!
Sleepover & cool flashlight headgear NOT included with IHTF tickets
IHTF in the Studio!
I HATE TOMMY FINCH music director Kathy Kuras organized a massive recording weekend at Studio Chicago for the IHTF soundtrack over the Labor Day holiday, and we have the pictures (and the music) to prove it.
Sami wants YOU...to see and hear IHTF
Songstress Shannon Nicole flew in from LA to join Kathy, Sami Grisafe, several members of Sami’s band The Wick, and Grammy Award-winning sound engineer Ricco Lumpkins for three days of rowdy recording.
Pacent & Reeve sing on the IHTF soundtrack
The whole IHTF crew, including Nicole Pacent & Shannan Leigh Reeve, who were also in town for another whirlwind weekend rehearsals, lent their voices to the rowdy track “Drunk Dial.”
The IHTF crew singing Sami's "Drunk Dial"
All of the music was written by Sami Grisafe and Shannon Nicole, including the beautiful IHTF theme “Atlantis.” The songs will be played live by Sami & Shannon Nicole during IHTF’s October performances in Chicago and will be available for purchase soon after.
Shannon Nicole + Ricco Lumpkins (AKA Sami's Buoy) + Prince's soundboard
This was not an easy weekend, with vocal cords and nerves pushed to the limit, but you know what? The vibe in that recording studio was 100% positive 100% of the time. There were hugs and high fives galore. Oh…and dance celebrations when good tracks were laid.
Sami and Drummer Evan Ryan getting their groove on to "Atlantis"
Fun IHTF Fact: All of the songs were recorded on the sound board used for Prince’s “Purple Rain.” Let’s hope that bodes well for the future of the IHTF sound track!
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendations #4: Shannon E.
Comedienne Shannon “Don’t Call Me Sharon” Ennis is a life-long Chicagoan and years-long tellofilms fan/indentured servant. She knows what’s hot and what’s not, so if you’re not on her list of recommended stops for the perfect I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend…sorry.
Prepare for YOUR IHTF Chicago getaway by buying your tickets to I HATE TOMMY FINCH, then following Shannon’s recommendation to the T. Or, you know…someone else’s.
- SHANNON on I HATE TOMMY FINCH: “Two words: Sensual. Interlude. Go see I HATE TOMMY FINCH on Friday night. You will thank me.”
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SHANNON on HOTELS: “The Dana Hotel. Gorgeous. Small boutique hotel w/ lovely spa services. Great location. And mood music on their website whispers, “We’re here to serve you. A lot.” OR, if you’re aching to see a place that time forgot, my mom’s condo in Oaklawn is FOR SALE. On the South Side, the 80s haven’t happened yet. And everyone is 103. It’s awesome. Go see who’s on Medicaid!” Erm…thanks, Shannon.
Eat This
- SHANNON on FOOD: “At some point, you will have to have A) deep dish pizza and B) an Italian beef sandwich. If you’re a vegetarian, you still have to have an Italian beef. Them’s the rules. For the pizza, head to the original Uno or Due; for the beef, find a Buona“.
Work off that pizza!
- SHANNON on CHICAGO FUN: “If interested in running or biking (or walking and bitching about it the whole time), start the day on the Lake Michigan path. Go early, because it gets crowded, and people are annoying. It’s the most beautiful view of the city, and you can hop in the water to cool off anytime! Then clean your damn self up, and head to the Art Institute to see the new modern art wing. A-mazing and also beautiful…then top the day off with an architectural boat tours. Well worth the money. On Saturday night, go see some kind of show: improv, music, theater, something. This city has it all. And don’t miss late night blues at Kingston Mines!”
- SHANNON on SUNDAY EATS: “Check out The Bristol on Damen in Bucktown. (The Bristol’s Executive Pastry Chef Amanda Rockman is on Bravo’s Top Chef Desserts right now!) They offer locally-sourced (translation: responsible) and seasonal (translation: fresh) menu w/ Mediterranean (translation: tasty) roots. Best chicken I’ve had. Ever. So good that when I drive by, I can still taste it. If you go and don’t invite me along, I might key your car.”
- SHANNON on BRUNCH: “Ann Sather’s. Pecan rolls and cinnamon rolls. They might have eggs, too, but who cares. Yum. So good.”
SHANNON on OPRAH: “Do me a favor and go to Oprah’s old studio (aka Rosie’s new studio) and perform so kind of Santarian/Voodoo/Native American ceremony that calls her back to Chicago. We miss her money already. and the “live your best life stuff. But mostly the money.”
- SHANNON on WHAT TO MISS: “Avoid Navy Pier like the plague, and remember: Cook County sales tax is 10%, ya dummy. SHOP AT HOME. What should you do instead? Go see I HATE TOMMY FINCH a second time on Sunday. Then go home, because I have to get some sleep before I go to work on Monday morning. Shit.”
Want to defy Shannon’s orders and do other stuff while you’re in town for I HATE TOMMY FINCH? Check out the recommendations from our other IHTF friends here. (But don’t tell Shannon…she’ll cut you, man.) And don’t forget to buy your tickets…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #3: Intern Carrie
tellofilms‘ Intern Carrie has some thoughts on what YOU should do when you come to Chicago for I HATE TOMMY FINCH on Oct 14th – 16th, 2011. Get your tickets for the show here, then figure out the rest, yo!
- Where to stay? Comfort Inn & Suites Downtown Chicago = affordability + location
- Where to eat on Friday? Try Ed Debevics for a 50′s diner experience. (If you go here, watch out for flying dinner rolls.) For something more upscale, head to Frontera Grill. (At this Rick Bayless hotspot, the only thing you have to worry about is making your recommendation and drinking your margarita while it’s still chilly…)
Rick might be there; Padma won't.
- Where to chill out on Friday night? For a very lezzy evening, head to Mary’s Attic, Joie de Vine or The Closet (IHTF songstress Sami Grisafe works here!) If the bar scene isn’t your cup of tea, go for a stroll on Navy Pier (but bring your sweater).
We shot the game show WHO KNOWS HER BETTER? w/ Elizabeth Keener (The L Word) at Mary's Attic!
- What to do on Saturday before going to see I HATE TOMMY FINCH? Go to The Chicago History Museum, and check out the exhibit on LGBT Chicago History and Lincoln artifacts. Then head over to the Art Institute for a splash of sophistication. (Tip: go to the new modern wing, the smaller of the two parts of the museum, for a faster peek).
Deep. Dish. Delish.
- What to eat before the Saturday show? Deep dish pizza, of course. Lou Malnatis or Gino’s East.
What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?
- What to do on Sunday before heading home? If the weather holds, go to the river and take the Wendella Boat ride along the river and out to the lake to get a sense of Chicago’s architecture and history. If you still have time, take a trip on the el in the loop and visit either the Hancock or Willis (formerly Sears) Tower for good measure…
For MORE recommendations for your I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend in Chicago, go here. And don’t forget to get your IHTF tickets…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #2: Copycat Films
Coming to Chicago for one of the I HATE TOMMY FINCH performances (Oct 14th – 16th)? Copycat Films (Farrin & Mariela Abbott) has a few suggestions for how YOU should spend your gay-cation:
- Where should visiting IHTF-ers stay? One word: Evanston. It’s just north of the Chicago city limits and a short 5 – 10 minute drive from Parlour (the I HATE TOMMY FINCH performance space). If you don’t mind a shared bathroom, save a few bucks and stay at the European-style Margarita Inn. Looking for a little more privacy? Check out at The Homestead. Either one will be much cheaper than downtown Chicago and closer than O’Hare.
Where should they eat dinner before the FRI performance of I HATE TOMMY FINCH at Parlour? Definitely Ethiopian Diamond at Granville/ Broadway in Edgewater. Best Ethiopian food in the area, live music on weekends, great atmosphere, and (again) close to Parlour!
What should they do on Saturday? Brunch: M. Henry in Andersonville or its sister restaurant M. Henrietta in Edgewater. Both are close to Evanston & Parlor, and both are close to great shopping (stroll down Clark Street if you go to M. Henry; find antique malls near M. Henrietta. At night, why not catch an improv show? The Playground on Halstead in Boystown usually has a 10pm show & midnight show.
What’s ONE thing out-of-towners should do on Sunday before heading for home? Take a water taxi from Michigan / Wacker to Chinatown, then eat dim sum at 3Happiness. (Okay, that’s technically TWO things, but we’ll let it slide, because that sounds super fun…)
Big thanks to Farrin & Mariela for their gay-cation suggestions! Now…do YOU have your I HATE TOMMY FINCH tickets yet?
More recommendations here…
IHTF Gay-cation Recommendation #1: Chicago, Christin-style
Since I Hate Tommy Finch is such an unique project, we imagine that some of you might be venturing in from out of town for the October performance in Chicago. Whether you’re making the trek from Iowa City or New York or Amsterdam, we want to make sure you get the most out of your special I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend.
Step #1: Buy your tickets.
Step #2: Check out these recommendations for the perfect I HATE TOMMY FINCH weekend from producer/co-director Christin Mell (of tello films):
- Where should people stay? “Stay at one of the Broughton Hotels City Suites Hotel (933 W. Belmont, Chicago, IL 60657) or The Majestic Hotel (528 W. Brompton, Chicago, IL 60657) in a neighborhood called Boystown. These hotels are great, because they’re located near tons of restaurants and cafes, as well as public transportation that’ll take you almost anywhere in the city. Further, if you let them know that you’re in town for I HATE TOMMY FINCH, you’ll get a DISCOUNTED RATE. Who takes care of you? WE DO! To get this special IHTF discount by phone, request the I HATE TOMMY FINCH group rate; to get the discount online, use the access code: FINCH.”
- Where should people eat dinner on Friday before the show? “I hate having to drive, so I always like to eat near the theatre venue. A great place to eat before IHTF performances is Uncommon Ground on Devon. If you’re a fan of sweet potato fries, this is the place to go! It has a great atmosphere, great service, and great food. If you’re savvy, you can even park in the neighborhood (keep an eye on parking signs!) for dinner and walk to the show.”
- What’s something fun to do on Saturday? “If you’re staying in Boystown, you’re not far from the lakefront or the zoo. I suggest taking a nice walk (free) from Belmont to the Lincoln Park Zoo (also free). Buy yourself a hot dog or some ice cream with the money you saved! If you’re a theatre fan, book tickets for a Second City show, a wonderful Chicago experience and super fun.”
- These aren’t from Ann Sathers…theirs are even BETTER!
- What’s something fun to do on Sunday before people return home? “There are so many wonderful places to eat in Chicago. You have to check out a Chicago staple called Ann Sather. There are several locations, and you must try their cinnamon rolls. To Die For!”
We hope Christin’s recommendations have inspired YOU! More recs from the I HATE TOMMY FINCH team here!
Kfink Does StopMo
Every good video needs a good intro, so Julie and Jessica of King is a Fink Productions decided to do something special for the I Hate Tommy Finch interview series: stop motion animation. IHTF is about love, friendship, and the delicate line between childhood and adulthood; the Kfinks’ stop motion creation reflected those themes in a colorful and playful way.
Coming up with the general concept for this project took less than an hour; drawing, cutting out, and arranging all of the tiny letters and pieces for over 100 pictures took over 12 hours. J&J were glue- and ink-covered zombies at the end, but at least they were proud glue- and ink-covered zombies.
A Perky Pair
Paper nest, paper baby bird, paper worm
Everyone's a-twitch about Tommy Finch.
There will be (fake) bird poop.
Take a peek at the IHTF interview teaser video (including the Kfinks’ stop motion intro) via this link, then let us what YOU think! We highly recommend watching it at least 3 times to catch the IHTF facts, the mama bird’s heartbreak, and the tomfoolery on the tree trunk…
Ready for more? The 1st I Hate Tommy Finch interview, featuring actress Nicole Pacent (Anyone But Me), is already available in the Premium Content section of tellofilms.com. Check it out!
