Friday Night Feature With Mike Houlihan -Tapioca at Beverly Arts Center May 22nd

'I took my gal to the picture shows and pleasure I was seekin'/I went for her mouth, but kissed her nose and the Goddam thing was Leakin'!'

The art of the Friday Night Show with your best honey is lost on America, given the sorry state of CinaPlex Movie Ikeas. However, you and your Steady Betty can link arms and glide to the Beverly Arts Center and thrill to Renaissance Man Mike Houlihan's Comic Opus Tapioca.

Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th St.
Chicago, IL 60655
773-445-3838
www.beverlyartcenter.org

Contact: Grace Kuikman, 773-213-7531 or grace@beverlyartcenter.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Beverly Art Center to Screen Mike Houlihan's Indie Film 'Tapioca'

(CHICAGO, Apr. 29, 2009) -- Emmy and Tony Award winner Ben Vereen and Saturday Night Live alum Tim Kazurinsky headline a Chicago cast of comic characters in Mike Houlihan's independent feature film "Tapioca," screening at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago, on Friday, May 22, 8 p.m.
The film also features Second City veterans Greg Hollimon, Jimmy Carrane, David Pasquesi, as well as the entire Houlihan family. The screening marks a homecoming for many of the cast members. Back in March of 2004 the Houlihans presented their "sketch comedy experiment" on stage at the Beverly Arts Center. "The stage show was the mustard seed which became this independent feature film," Houlihan said. Most of the performers from the show have roles in the film.
"Tapioca" the movie premiered in Park City, Utah during the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and was also screened at the Texas Black Film Festival, First Take Film Fest, and The Other Venice Film Festival. It won "Best Feature Film" at the Geneva Film Festival.
The film features an original score by Chicago jazz composer Ryan Cohan, with additional music from Gospel legends Lena McLin and Otis Clay, as well as cartoons by Chicago Sun-Times Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Jack Higgins.
Titled for the Chicago slang for being broke, "Tapioca" tells the story of Pipes McGonnigle (Mike Houlihan), a bigoted blowhard who makes the mistake of abusing a Streetwise vendor named Nuts (Ben Vereen). Nuts puts a hex on Pipes, rendering him homeless and turning his world upside down.
Local performers featured in the film include comedians Paul Kelly and Bill Brady, John Spellman, Frank Moran, and rapper E.J. Hott. The film was shot at locations around the south side including the Cork & Kerry Tavern, St. Margaret of Scotland Church and the Barrel of Laughs comedy club.
Tickets for the May 22, 8 p.m. BAC screening of "Tapioca" are $7 ($5 for Beverly Arts Center members). Cast members will be on hand for discussion and a reception after screening. For tickets call the BAC box office, 773-445-3838.


For more information visit www.TapiocaTheMovie.com or www.mikehoulihan.com.