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Karate will never be the same 👊

From the team that brought you just this show so far, comes Bring Me The Derek.

A karate opera that blends cartoon action with family. And action.

Derek Arate (played by Joseph Walsdorf) finds himself in a coming-of-age story that leads to the discovery of his Uncle Charles' (played by Michael Pisanelli) involvement with the dark heart of Barrington Illinois.

The remaining cast includes:
Chloe Beth as Christine
Ryan Wenzel as Mr Bodega Man
Gerard Fogarty as Jared Leto (not that one)
Sawyer Wade as Abraham Lincoln (yes that one)
Tom Hoffman as Judge Judith/Rat
Bill Zimmerman as Tartar Portillo
Mary Ferguson as Spoot Winkler
Zach Decker as Cheese Shorts/Tin Can
Betsy Myers as Policeman 1
Emily Wood as Policeman 2
Andrew Liguori as Understudy (Derek/Mr Bodega Man)

Please join us for opening night at the Annoyance Main Stage Thursday, November 19th at 7:30pm to experience a show you probably have never seen before. Until you see it.

PLEASE NOTE: THERE IS NO SINGING. THIS IS OPERA LIKE SOAP OPERA. LIKE STAR WARS. LIKE THINGS HAPPENING OPERA.

#chicagocomedy #comedy #karate #annoyancetheatre #livetheater

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Our producer cracked their phone screen during an improv show so everyone looks extra dreamy, which is apt bc the show was extra dreamy.

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Idk just really been enjoying myself, my friends, and my life ❤️

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They’re finally here.

Everyone! Please welcome the cast for Bring Me The Derek: A Karate Opera:

Joseph Walsdorf as Derek
Michael Pisanelli as Uncle Charles
Chloe Beth as Christine
Gerard Fogarty as Jared Leto (not that one)
Sawyer Wade as Abraham Lincoln (yes that one)
Ryan Wenzel as Mr Bodega Man
Betsy Myers as Policeman 1
Emily Wood as Policeman 2
Tom Hoffman as Judge Judith
Mary Ferguson as Spoot Winkler
Bill Zimmerman as Tartar Portillo
Zach Decker as Cheese Shorts/Tin Can
Andrew Liguori as Understudy(Derek/Mr Bodega Man)

More to come with this stacked cast! We’ll see you on opening night at the Annoyance MainStage Thursday, November 19th at 7:30pm.

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This is what happens when our production team gets all their idols in one place. You don't wanna miss this one!

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LAST CALL FOR BRING ME THE DEREK AUDITIONS! LINK IN BIO!

Thank you all who have submitted so far! We’re so fricking excited to see you this weekend for auditions!!!!!!!

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Did you know that our audition submission form closes in 3 days? If you’re interested in being a part of Bring Me The Derek fill out the form in our bio! We can’t wait to see you Bring Us The You™️

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Edinburgh Fringe Fest 2026

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We came. We crewed. We Fringed 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🤩

Never not grateful that I got to fulfill a wish years in the making thanks to @ericaannsalas and everyone involved in @nevernotfringe. Little did I know that reality would eclipse the dream!

Through 8 days at The Edinburgh Festival Fringe, I saw 14 shows, performed in NNM 6 days in a row, reconnected with my dear friend @sophwoph16, got to see my pal @annabortnick crush it with Baby Wants Candy, saw more familiar faces, made new friends, climbed Arthur’s Seat, drank a million coffees and ciders, spent a lot of money, slept very little, spent 8 nights sharing a 2-bunk bedroom in our 11-person 1-mouse 1-bathroom Airbnb, and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Thank you to my fellow Crewmates & everyone who has ever been a part of this show, everyone who ever saw our run, and everyone who’s supported me through it (especially as I was doing the whole thing with just 1 ACL, lol).

This was the best, I’ll never forget it.

Erica, it has been a joy working with you over the last few years. Congrats on this incredible accomplishment, can’t wait to see what you do next!

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WHAT TYPE OF STANDUP RETURNS TO THE SECOND CITY THIS SUNDAY— GET YOUR TICKETS NOW‼️

🎟️🔗: https://us.tickets.secondcity.com/checkout/6a9ae64090f798a445e5ce19?useEmbed=true

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Edinburgh Fringe? We murdered it 🖤

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Hey divas, you’ll never believe it but turns out you can do crazy things when you take the plunge to believe in yourself.

I still don’t know how I did it but after two years away from comedy and theater I dived head first back in and brought my own show and 12 cast members to the Edinburgh Fringe. I am so proud of myself. I wrote/directed/produced this show and although it wasn’t an easy or perfect road to get there I learned SO much. I fucking love this cast and theater and art!!!! and fighting your own self doubts in an effort to make space for your voice is always always always worth it.

Anyways, special thanks to @marferg who has been the most beautiful collaborator and friend and has saved my sanity so many times in this process. My sister @davin.raquel for being the best sister a girl could ask for in every way. @michael_peez for answering the phone whenever I needed to blab my anxious thoughts and @knottysam for pushing me when I wanted to give up over and over again❤️

I’m the luckiest girl in the world ❤️

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