cast member Phil Ridarelli on the elevated by at The Neoccasion: a 25th Anniv of the Neo Futurists
The Neo Futurists are a Chicago institution. It’s theater that makes everyone feel like they belong in a theater. Their shows have been described as the type of performance that symbolizes the transformative power of live art. Their signature play – Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind is the longest running play in the city. Their connection to the local craft beer scene runs deep as well. 2 of their graduates have gone on to start the Drinking and Writing Theater at Haymarket Pub & Brewery. To commemorate 25 years of unabashedly, dramatic theater they decide to throw a craft beer festival! This is the third edition of The Neoccasion and every one has featured a different list of local beers, it’s an event that celebrates the worlds of beer and art in a way we never see around town. All proceeds from the event go to support the Neo Futurists mission of creating amazing local theater performances at affordable prices.
The evening included a 25 year retrospective video as well as a live preview of their latest play The Sovereign Statement. At the center of the Neoccasion is an interactive play modeled after Too Much Light. The play serves as a live auction as bidding begins at the end of each performance. The Highlight for me was easily the Master Brewer skit. An insane, over the top, heavy metal inspired story a brewer that almost follows a cult like ritual when making beer. Another highlight was when Neo Futurist Board President Mandy Currado Gutwaks gave an inspiring speech about the personal impact this theater company has had on her. And how the communal nature of the shows almost creates an alchemy between the performers and the audience that often leaves her with a renewed enthusiasm for life.
Neo Futurist Board President Mandy Corrado Kutwaks (right)
I think the show is best described by the Chicago Reader when they simply said .. its, funny, wise, nakedly honest, sometimes unsettling, and invariably entertaining.
The Neoccasion drew over 140 guests to The Neo-Futurarium in Andersonville and raised 22,000$ …. I’ll drink to that.
–Nkosi
reception hour included local beer and food from Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill
Beards
Neo Futurist Board Vice President Tim Sarrantonio (center)
the elevated bar during reception was pretty rad. Our pal Ms Heather Kundert (Festiv-Ale ) was behind the booth
a play called Cabo
Kendall College students making a pretty amazing Frontera Grill culinary situation happen
silent auction table
reception hour crowd shot.. over 140 guests in attendance to support the Neos
the ensemble cast on stage
an impressive beer list included many local faves as well as some choice standard offerings from Wisconsin’s Finest -New Glarus
Cheers to 25 years…and counting
The Neo perform over 250 shows a year.. most of which are around 20$ ..get familiar at neofuturists.org
Check our the beer list from The Neoccasion
5 Rabbit Cerveceria 5Grass, 5Vulture
Baderbrau Brewing Company Chicago Pilsener, Baderbrau Oktoberfest
Begyle Brewing Zeus, Flannel Pajamas
Dryhop Brewers Shark Meets Hipster, Little Fog Feet
Goose Island Beer Company Sofie, Matilda, Harvest Ale, IPA
Half Acre Beer Company Daisy Cutter, Over Ale, Pony Pilsner
Hamburger Marys Speakeasy Saison
Lagunitas Brewing Company Daytime, New DogTown, Lagunitas IPA
Haymarket Pub & Brewery Mathias, Nalgada, Shutdown India Brown, Speakerswagon Pilsner
Metropolitan Brewing Dynamo, Flywheel, Krankshaft
New Glarus Spotted Cow, Two Women, Totally Naked
Pipeworks Brewing Close Encounter Hopped Up American Stout
Revolution Brewing Anti Hero, Fistmas, Bottom Up Wit
Eats – Frontera Grill
Mojo Shrimp Tacos w pickled red onions and cilantro crema
Chipotle Beef Short Rib Tacos w pickled jalepeno and arugula
Avocado Maki Rolls
Sweet Potato Maki Rolls
Neocassion FINAL from Neo-Futurists on Vimeo.
