Co-created and directed by GQ and JQ (The Q Brothers), the "ad-rap-tation" premiered at Chicago Shakespeare in 2008, snagging awards and good reviews. The 2011 return is produced by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Merrigong Theatre Company and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd.

Commissioned by Chicago Shakespeare, Funk It Up About Nothin' was developed by The Q Brothers in collaboration with CST creative producer Rick Boynton. Receiving local and international acclaim, the show won the Joseph Jefferson Award for Outstanding Ensemble (in Chicago) and the Dress Circle Award for Best Musical Production in its subsequent run at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland.

CST performances of Funk It Up About Nothin' play to Feb. 13 at Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare.

Following Chicago, Funk It Up About Nothin' begins a Feb. 23-April 2 Australian tour at the Illawarra Performing Arts Centre in Wollongong, New South Wales, marking Chicago Shakespeare's Australian debut. Funk It Up About Nothin' will also appear at Carriage Works' Platform 3 Hip Hop Festival in Sydney, and at other venues.

Chicago Shakespeare productions seen internationally include the Olivier Award-winning Pacific Overtures at London's Donmar Warehouse and Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-Upon-Avon. For tickets and information, call the box office at (312) 595-5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com.

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Chicago Shakespeare is the recipient of the 2008 Regional Theatre Tony Award.