Curtain Call for Chicago's Definitive Hip-Hop Musical

Online, February 23, 2012 (Newswire.com) - -It's "Common" knowledge that Chicago is the birthplace of some of Hip-Hop's greatest artist and some of the world's finest works of theater. Theori Stages is showing what happens when you mix the best of both worlds with their flagship musical, "I Still Love H.E.R. (atributetohiphop)."Regarded by the Chicago Redeye as "M.C. Masterpiece Theater", "I Still Love H.E.R." has become one of the underground hits of Chicago's theater scene. Written and Directed by Southside native 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 from around the globe bobbing their heads. After rocking the 2011 National Black Theatre Festival and packing out the Athenaeum Theatre, "ISLH" is returning to bring a new experience to the Viaduct Theater, 3111 N Western Ave. Opening night is Thursday, March 1, 2012 at 7pm. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.theoristages.com, at the door or by phone at 773-340-3355.

About "I Still Love H.E.R. (atributetohiphop)
Since its opening night in August 2005, the underground sensation, "I Still Love H.E.R." has exploded into a mainstream powerhouse, generating stellar reviews and sold-out performances. This sociological musical by south side native Wendell Tucker and choreographer Jeremy Noah (Columbia College Alum and cousin of the Chicago Bulls' Joakim Noah) 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, whose 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."

Through honest dialogue, critical cultural analysis and classic Hip-Hop songs spanning from Cab Calloway to Common, the culture of Hip-Hop is examined and remedies for change are disclosed. Clean remixes, spectacular dance sequences and heated discussion blend seamlessly to create a unique, authentic and immersive hip-hop experience that is suitable for any age or background. Audience participation is highly encouraged during the show as the lively cast 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.