Matthew Gunnels

The concept of Circle Theatre's Full Circle Series is simple: produce an evening of performance where 100% of the proceeds go directly to an organization that is tied to the show's central message.

CIRCLE THEATRE has announced a new artistic team as it prepares to launch into its first full season in over a year. Circle Theatre began in Oak Park, IL back in 1985 by Karen Skinner, Wayne Buidens and Joseph Bass, where it produced multiple world premieres and earned over 40 Joseph Jefferson Awards in its 28-year residency. After officially transitioning to the city proper in 2013 with the remount of its Jeff Award-winning When the Rain Stops Falling (director: John Gawlik), Circle Theatre produced two more musicals (Death Takes a Holiday and Edges) before taking a break from producing to re-group as an artistic ensemble. 

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Musical television series abound! Also special nights for 'Allegro' and 'Reefer Madness,' that Dolphin show at Annoyance, Mercury's 'Addams Family,' a big children's premiere, the return of 'Option Up!' and a surprising, real live 'Beauty!'

On the coldest night of the year, spirits were high at The Call Bar in the Andersonville neighborhood, as the 2014 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards Celebration was held on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Hosted by BroadwayWorld Chicago Regional Editor Paul W. Thompson and The Call's hostess, Ashley Morgan, the Celebration lasted from 8:00 pm to the stroke of midnight, as the winners in 36 categories were revealed.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. We've got Halloween offerings 'Musical Of The Living Dead,' 'Witches Among Us,' 'Bewildered!' and more, 'The Wild Party' and 'Parade,' plus brief appearaces by'Bells Are Ringing' and 'The Color Purple,' Duncan Sheik in concert and a review of 'Edges' at Davenport's!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Michael Urie ignites the night, 'Mamma Mia!' returns, the original musicals 'One Hit Wonders,' 'The Last Ship' and 'Hey! Dancin'!,' a new 'Big Fish' and 'Seussical,' plus all the latest on showtune movies, TV shows and more!

Factory Theater presents Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!, written by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer*, with music/lyrics by Laura McKenzie* (with additional lyrics by Kirk Pynchon). Directed by Matthew Gunnels and choreographed by Brigitte Ditmars, the show opens Today, April 25 8pm and continues through May 31, 2014.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Hold onto your hats! Shows beginning in late April include 'Avenue Q,' 'Ragtime,' 'Juno,' 'Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!,' 'How To Succeed...,' 'Hair,' 'The Sound Of Music,' 'Motown' and 'The Wizard Of Oz!' AMAZING! Plus news from The Second City, the Goodman, that JCS arena tour, a 2015 'Little Shop' and the return of the Mormons! Whew!

Factory Theater presents Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!, written by Kirk Pynchon and Mike Beyer*, with music/lyrics by Laura McKenzie* (with additional lyrics by Kirk Pynchon). Directed by Matthew Gunnels and choreographed by Brigitte Ditmars, the show opens Friday, April 25 8pm and continues through May 31, 2014.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 120 nominations in 25 categories of Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 146 productions offered by 65 Non-Equity producing organizations. The judges recommended 54 of those shows, making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Thirty-three theatre companies received nominations.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 'Season Of Carols' concert, the 'Eastland' CD, short runs of 'Lucky Stiff' and 'They're Playing Our Song,' changes at Drury Lane and Circle, and a variety of alternative holiday performances!

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, which opened last night, July 18 and runs through August 26, 2012. Check out photos from the opening night party below!

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, opening tonight, July 18, through August 26, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

Hell in a Handbag Productions is proud to kick off their season with a tale so big there's barely room to contain its bubbling melodrama.

Hell in a Handbag Productions will kick off their season today with a tale so big there's barely room to contain its bubbling melodrama.