Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

When the digital backlash hits full-throttle - and we all start clamoring anew for the tactile legitimacy of acetate and paper - no theater company will be better positioned than Redmoon Theater. Even as others wallow in their video and computer graphics, the fiercely analog Redmoon has built a major outdoor show on the back of an overhead projector and a hand-drawn comic book. — Chicago Tribune

Behold a transcendent “drive-in movie”: Inspired by science fiction films from the 1950s and the golden age of comic books, an astronaut in space makes one final transmission to Earth as people around the world gather to hear his message. In multimedia public art spectacle, everything — from the MCA’s glass façade and plaza, to audience members — becomes a part of the performance. Employing creative new technologies, live performers, and hand-illustrated shadow imagery, visitors witness a visual feast of 80-foot tall pages turning like a physical comic book. This new project is co-produced by the MCA and Redmoon Theater, and is directed by Redmoon Artistic Director Frank Maugeri along with Chris Burnham, a Chicago-based illustrator for Marvel Comics.

Coproduced by Redmoon Theater and MCA Stage.

Ticketing and seating procedure: Please see the will-call desk to receive a wristband which serves as the ticket. The MCA Plaza opens at 6:30 pm and seating is general admission and first-come, first-served. Seating is a combination of bleacher and lawn (and by lawn, we mean concrete, so feel free to bring a blanket or pillow for more comfortable seating). Lawn furniture is not permitted. It is recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes early. Concessions are for sale at the show and outside food may be brought, exlcuding alcoholic beverages.

*In the event of thunder and lightning, the performance might be cancelled. If this happens your ticket may be exchanged for any future performance pending availability.

About the Artists:
Redmoon Theater transforms civic spaces into sites of public transformation in their parades, spectacle performances and large theatrical works that translate across economic, cultural, and generational boundaries. The Astronaut’s Birthday builds on a successful 12-year relationship between Redmoon Theater and the MCA, in association with such events as the Chicago Humanities Festival and including such performances as 2004’s Cyrano, in collaboration with Court Theatre. Redmoon Artistic Director Frank Maugeri developed the storyline and graphic style for The Astronaut’s Birthday with Chris Burnham, a Chicago-based illustrator for Marvel Comics, Image Comics, and Crack Comics. Jim Lasko, Redmoon’s Resident Artist and Chicago’s Artist-in-Residence, brings guidance and oversight to the performances.