Alexis J. Rogers, Lanie Robertson and More set for Porchlight's 'LADY DAY' and PAL JOEY, Feb & April, 2013

Michael Weber, Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre, announced casting for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, February 2 - March 10, 2013 and Pal Joey, April 20 – May 26, 2013, both at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont and the naming of new Artistic Associates and members to the Advisory Board. Alexis J. Rogers will play "Billie Holiday" in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, by Lanie Robertson to be directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley.

Alexis J. Rogers was last seen at Porchlight Music Theare as "Sarah" in Ragtime. Currently appearing in Dreamgirls at Marriott Theatre Alexis was most recently seen in Crowns at The Goodman Theatre, where she previously appeared in Ain't Misbehavin'. Other Chicago credits include Porgy and Bess (Bess), Spunk and The Piano Lesson at Court Theatre; Hairspray at Drury Lane Oakbrook; The Old Settler at Writers' Theatre; The Colored Museum, The Nativity and Seven Guitars (Jeff awards for Best Ensemble and Best Production) with Congo Square Theatre Company.

Adrian Aguilar and Susie McMonagle assume the roles of "Joey Evans" and "Vera Simpson" in Pal Joey, music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Lorenz Hart and book by John O'Hara, the Porchlight production is directed by Porchlight Artistic Director Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier.

Adrian Aguilar last starred at Porchlight Music Theatre as "Jon" in the critically acclaimed tick, tick...BOOM! Aguilar has also been seen as "Kenickie" in Grease at The Paramount Theatre where he was also seen as "Berger" in Hair. Other credits include "Young Ben" in Follies at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, and as "Danny Zuko" in The Original Grease at ATC. Prior to that he had various roles in Drowsy Chaperone, Pinocchio, A Chorus Line, The Music Man, Guys and Dolls, and How Can You Run With a Shell On Your Back? at the Marriott Theatre.

Susie McMonagle was most recently seen at Northlight Theatre in Black Pearl Sings! and Snapshots. Broadway: Fantine in Les Miserables. First National tours: Billy Elliot (Mrs. Wilkinson and Mum). Other National Tours include Mamma Mia (Donna), Les Miserables (Fantine), The Secret Garden and The Sound of Music. Chicago credits include: At Wits End (Jane Grant) and Sideshow (Daisy) at Northlight, Rock n Roll (Candida) at the Goodman, and Man of La Mancha (M. Bane) at Court. Recipient of After Dark Awards, Critic's Circle Award, and nine Joseph Jefferson nominations.

Weber also announced Brandon Dahlquist and Bill Morey will be joining Porchlight as Artistic Associates and John Bucchino, Eric Bramlett, Hollis Resnik and L. Walter Stearns have become Advisory Board Members.

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