Derek Hasenstab News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Monday's trifecta of showtune events, including Jackie Burns following Idina, and 'Boy From Oz.' 'Mormon' and 'Dancing' return, and 'Gentleman's Guide' prepares. That 'October Sky' and 'Starcatcher' are set to open, but a lot of shows are closing. Not 'Ring Of Fire!' Concerts are on tap, too, including Seth McFarlane!

Victory Gardens Theater recently announced the cast of its 2015 IGNITION Festival of New Plays, including GREY'S ANATOMY star Sandra Oh and Broadway legend Andre De Shields.

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.

Huntington Theatre Company presents William Inge's sixty-five year old classic American drama, but it is nowhere near ready to be retired. Under the direction of David Cromer, it is a first rate production with incisive writing, design realism, and honest, raw performances.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a cherished tradition that has become Chicago's definitive family holiday production, will be presented from November 20 through December 23, 2014 at Drury Lane Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Five different musicalized adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol' will put holiday cheer into your playgoing! Also 'Plaid Tidings,' a new 'Hansel And Gretel,' our first touch of 'Hands On A Hardbody,' the cast of the upcoming 'La Cage Aux Folles' at the Marriott, and Idina Menzel schedules an appearance in the Loop!

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a cherished tradition that has become Chicago's definitive family holiday production, will be presented from November 18 through December 23, 2014 at Drury Lane Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane. The joyful Charles Dickens classic, which has played for more than 25 years on the Drury Lane stage, is directed by Scott Calcagno (A Christmas Carol and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Drury Lane Theatre, Legally Blonde at The Civic Theatre, and Grease at The Long Lake Theatre). Over 30 colorful Dickensian characters are brought to life on stage in this uplifting tale of hope and redemption.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, continues its landmark 30th anniversary season with the winner of "Best Play" at the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Awards, THE GAME'S AFOOT. The show opened last night, September 4 at 8 p.m., and runs through October 19, 2014. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivites below!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, continues its landmark 30th anniversary season with the winner of "Best Play" at the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Awards, THE GAME'S AFOOT, opening tonight, Thursday, September 4 at 8 p.m., and running through October 19, 2014. The cast is led by Derek Hasenstab (Broadway National Tour of The Lion King; The Foreigner and I Hate Hamlet at Drury Lane Theatre; Oedipus Complex at the Goodman Theatre; and Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) as "William Gillette" and nine-time Jeff Award-winner Alene Robertson (National Tour of Annie,Mame at Drury Lane Theatre, and The Full Monty and Hello, Dolly! at Marriott Theatre) as "Martha Gillette." THE GAME'S AFOOT is written by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, The Fox on the Fairway, Crazy for You, and Moon Over Buffalo) and directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Young Frankenstein and next to normal at Drury Lane Theatre).

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, continues its landmark 30th anniversary season with the winner of 'Best Play' at the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Awards, THE GAME'S AFOOT, previewing tonight, August 28, opening Thursday, September 4 at 8 p.m., and running through October 19, 2014.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, continues its landmark 30th anniversary season with the winner of 'Best Play' at the 2012 Mystery Writers of America Edgar Allan Poe Awards, THE GAME'S AFOOT, previewing August 28, opening Thursday, September 4 at 8 p.m., and running through October 19, 2014. The cast is led by Derek Hasenstab (Broadway National Tour of The Lion King; The Foreigner and I Hate Hamlet at Drury Lane Theatre; Oedipus Complex at the Goodman Theatre; and Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakespeare Theater) as 'William Gillette' and nine-time Jeff Award-winner Alene Robertson (National Tour of Annie, Mame at Drury Lane Theatre, and The Full Monty and Hello, Dolly! at Marriott Theatre) as 'Martha Gillette.' THE GAME'S AFOOT is written by Ken Ludwig (Lend Me a Tenor, The Fox on the Fairway, Crazy for You, and Moon Over Buffalo) and directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Young Frankenstein and next to normal at Drury Lane Theatre).

Route 66 Theatre Company is pleased to present the first of it's 2014 Concert Series events: Michael Mahler and The Lincoln Squares performing The Joshua Tree by U2 along with special musical theater guest performers. Tickets are currently on sale through the Route 66 Theatre Company website: www.route66theatre.org. The concert will be a one night only special event on Sunday, June 15 at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30PM.

Route 66 Theatre Company will present the first of it's 2014 Concert Series events: Michael Mahler and The Lincoln Squares performing The Joshua Tree by U2 along with special musical theater guest performers. Tickets are currently on sale through the Route 66 Theatre Company website: www.route66theatre.org. The concert will be a one night only special event on Sunday, June 15 at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:30PM

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions illuminates the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Check out a first look at highlights of ROAD SHOW below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions illuminates the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Check out a behind the scenes look at ROAD SHOW below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions illuminates the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Check out a first look at ROAD SHOW below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Road Show, the second production in an unprecedented pairing with Gypsy, now playing in the Courtyard Theater, that will illuminate the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Road Show and the critically acclaimed production Gypsy are both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. Road Show takes audiences on an unexpected musical adventure as two brothers strive for fame and fortune through "get-rich-quick" schemes. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality of language, Road Show and Gypsy explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Road Show is being presented in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare now through May 4, 2014. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions that will illuminate the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, tonight, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Scroll down for a look at the cast of ROAD SHOW!