Chicago Theatre + Broadway News

Steep Theatre to Stage U.S. Premiere of THE KNOWLEDGE, 4/18-5/25

(5/25/2013) - Director Jonathan Berry will team up with actor Caroline Neff in Steep Theatre's upcoming U.S. Premiere of John Donnelly's The Knowledge. The two long-time Steep associates quickly have become two of Chicago theater's brightest stars. Mr. Berry, 2012 Jeff Award winner for Best Director, and Ms. Neff, 2011 Jeff Award winner for Best Actress in a Featured Role, have been delighting audiences at Steep for the better part of the last decade; however, The Knowledge will mark the first time that the two have collaborated on a Steep production. The Knowledge opens on Thursday, April 18th, at Steep Theatre.

THE REVELETTES 60S GO GO SPECTACULAR Comes to Prop Thtr, 5/4-25

(5/25/2013) - Inspired by the dance shows and variety hours of the early 1960s, The Revelettes 60s Go Go Spectacular is a joyful tribute to that era. The Revelettes, Chicago's own retro go-go gals, tap into the beach parties and outer space adventures of sixties film to create their raucous dance numbers. They will be joined by comedians, circus acts, a rockin' house band, film montages and audience games and prizes to bring you a night of time-twisting mod fun.

Ka-Tet Theatre to Stage Chicago Premiere of SMUDGE, 5/25-6/23

(5/25/2013) - Ka-Tet Theatre Company presents the Chicago premiere of SMUDGE by two-time Emmy Award-winning writer Rachel Axler, directed by Allison Shoemaker, playing May 25 - June 23, 2013 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. in Chicago. SMUDGE features Ka-Tet company members Stevie Chaddock Lambert and Scott Allen Luke with Andrew Marchetti.

THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE Extends Through 5/25 at the Royal George Theatre

(5/25/2013) - Eighty-Eight Entertainment announces that the Chicago Premiere of THE PIANIST OF WILLESDEN LANE, starring internationally-acclaimed storyteller and pianist, Mona Golabek, is extending through May 25 at The Royal George Theatre, 1641 North Halsted Street . The production is adapted and directed by Hershey Felder and based on the book The Children of Willesden Lane by Golabek and Lee Cohen. The Chicago premiere follows successful productions in Los Angeles and Boston.

Maryland Ensemble Theatre Presents DAYTONA MCKANE AND THE QUEST FOR THE GOLDEN MOLE, Opening Today

(5/25/2013) - Maryland Ensemble Theatre's (MET) family theatre, The Fun Company, is proud to present the World Premiere of Daytona McKane and the Quest for the Golden Mole, a fun adventure story perfect for kids age six and up.

VETERAN'S VOICES Workshop Set for 6/25 at Filament Theater, to Open this Veteran's Day

(5/24/2013) - Erasing the Distance (ETD) is very excited to share the first incarnation of a newly devised piece: Veterans' Voices, a documentary

ALTON BROWN LIVE! THE EDIBLE INEVITABLE TOUR Comes to Chicago in February 2014

(5/24/2013) - Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour will be coming to Chicago for one night only on February 8, 2014 at the Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph). Alton Brown, Iron Chef host and renowned television personality, is taking his brand of quirky humor and culinary science on the road with the Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour. Tickets go on-sale to the public on June 7, 2013 at 10 a.m.

Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Announces Diane Keaton as Guest Speaker for Annual Fall Benefit Luncheon, 10/3

(5/24/2013) - Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) proudly announces Academy Award-Winning Actress and Director Diane Keaton as Guest Speaker at its Annual Fall Benefit Luncheon on Thursday, October 3rd at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave. Proceeds will support innovative contributions to breast cancer research and educational programs, as well as fellowships, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Aurora's 17th Annual Blues on the Fox Festival Lineup Announced

(5/24/2013) - Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy and New Orleans' own Dr. John will headline Aurora's 17th Annual Blues on the Fox festival on June 14 and 15, which doubles as the long awaited grand opening celebration for the new RiverEdge Park in downtown Aurora.

LOOSE CHICKS Set for Emerald City Coffee, Today

(5/24/2013) - 'Loose Chicks' will be at Emerald City Coffee, 3938 N Sheridan Ave, in May! Roberta Miles and Erin Lane, the 'Loose Chicks' will be starring in and presenting an hour long performance based on their experiences through life. Guest Chicks Dana Norris and Tamale will be featured this month. This juicy, gutsy, ballsy, cutting edge look at life through the eyes of three femme fatales will be presented at Emerald City Coffee. The performance is Today, May 24th at 8pm. There is a suggested donation.

Wayward Productions & Chicago Fusion Theatre Opens RICHARD III Tonight

(5/24/2013) - Wayward Productions in association with Chicago Fusion Theatre presents William Shakepeare's tragic masterpiece RICHARD III at The Den Theatre.

Michael Feinstein's Great American Songbook Vocal Competition Set for 6/1 in Chicago

(5/23/2013) - High school vocalists from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Missouri will compete on Saturday, June 1 at a regional for the Great American Songbook Vocal Academy & Competition. Sponsored by the Michael Feinstein Great American Songbook Initiative, the annual endeavor is the only U.S. competition dedicated solely to the music from Broadway, Hollywood musicals and the Tin Pan Alley era of the early to mid-twentieth century.

Photo Flash: Sneak Peek - Wayward Productions' RICHARD III at The Den

(5/23/2013) - Wayward Productions re-immerses itself into the underworld of a motorcycle gang to create an environmental reinterpretation of this classic Shakespearean Tragi-History. Wayward's 'royal family' is The Warlocks Motorcycle Club and their 'castle'-London's bar in early 1970's Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Directed by Mary Arrchie Theatre's Producing Director Carlo Lorenzo Garcia (Red Light Winter, Our Bad Magnet) Richard III is a high-octane theatrical experience for both outlaws and Shakespeare purists. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast below!

Chicago's Lady Arm Wrestlers Return for CLLAW 16, 6/7

(5/23/2013) - The ladies of CLLAW are celebrating their "Sweet 16" - but there's nothing sweet about these gals! The Chicago League of Lady Arm Wrestlers are flexing their forearms once again at CLLAW XVI on Friday, June 7 at 10 pm with a return to the super colossal Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Ave. in Chicago. Brought to you by Sideshow Theatre Company, CLLAW's 16th match will feature fearsome lady arm wrestlers decked out in over-the-top outfits, a cash bar, shady referees and audience participation all wrapped into one wild, crazy, theatrical event. Chicago bands The Black Laces and The Lucky Shiners will take the stage to rock out the evening. All proceeds from CLLAW XVI will benefit Sideshow Theatre and this match's partner charity, C4 - Community Counseling Centers of Chicago.

Spectralia Theatre's THE COMEDY OF ERRORS Opens 6/29

(5/23/2013) - Spectralia Theatre, in cooperation with Friends of the Parks and the Chicago Park District, presents Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors June 29th to August 4th. Before Fred and Barney or Gilligan and Skipper, there was Antipholous and Dromio - the original slapstick-comedy duo. Double the fun with two sets of twins and you have The Comedy of Errors. Mistaken identities, wrongful arrests and slapstick routines abound in Comedy, the Bard's earliest known play. The production features sword fights and third-party (bystander) knaps, employing a variety of percussion instruments to enhance the comedic effect. This family-friendly, 90-minute version of The Comedy of Errors is a great introduction to Shakespeare as well as a new take on a classic comedy. Patrons are encouraged to bring picnics, blankets and/or chairs to this outdoor production.

Bailiwick Chicago's MAHAL Begins 6.26

(5/23/2013) - Bailiwick Chicago Theater concludes its 2012/13 season with the world premiere of the family drama MAHAL by Resident Playwright Danny Bernardo, directed by Erica Weiss, playing June 26 - August 2, 2013 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.stage773.com, in person at the Stage 773 Box Office or by calling (773) 327-5252. The press performance is Friday, June 28 at 8 pm.

Three Cat Productions Announces SOLO CHICAGO Lineup

(5/23/2013) - Three Cat Productions is excited to announce the lineup for its inaugural presentation of the SOLO Chicago festival. SOLO Chicago will feature individual performances by vocal artists, storytellers, and more. The festival will run Wednesdays through Saturdays, June 5-15, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Berger Park Coach House Theater, 6205 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60660. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at www.threecatproductions.com or at the door.

Barrel of Monkeys Add Free 'Celebration of Authors' Set for 6/11

(5/23/2013) - The young writers from Barrel of Monkeys' Chicago Public Schools and after-school programs are honored at the 11th annual 'Celebration of Authors' on Tuesday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m. (6:30 p.m. reception). This yearly tradition features performances of a selection of the best stories from the year. Over 30 actor-educators will perform the childrens' stories on stage for the authors, their families and schoolmates. 'Celebration of Authors' is in a new location at the University of Chicago's Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th Street. The performance is free and open to the public, however seating is limited and reservations are required by calling Barrel of Monkeys at 312-409-1954.

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY Opens 6/18 in Chicago

(5/23/2013) - Broadway In Chicago has announced the touring cast of the musical Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story which will play Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph) for a limited engagement June 18 - 30, 2013.

Striding Lion Presents Multi-Media Dance Theater Show DADA GERT, Now thru 5/31

(5/23/2013) - Striding Lion Performance Group presents 'Dada Gert,' a multi-media dance theater performance inspired by the life and work of Valeska Gert, a renegade dance-theater-film-cabaret artist whose punk-like 'dance satires' alternately challenged and thrilled audiences in Weimar-era Berlin, conceived and choreographed by Annie Arnoult Beserra. The show runs one hour with no intermission.

Photo Flash: Mary-Arrchie Theatre Opens THE GLASS MENAGERIE Tonight

(5/23/2013) - Following its, critically acclaimed, sold-out run at Angel Island this winter, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co. transfers its Jeff Recommended production of Tennessee Williams' classic THE GLASS MENAGERIE to Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave., for an extended run tonight, May 23 - June 30, 2013. Directed by ensemble member Hans Fleischmann, who also stars as Tom, the remount features the full original cast, including Walter Briggs, Maggie Cain and Joanne Dubach. Check out photos from the production below!

Short Story Theatre Performs at Cellar Gate in Highwood Tonight

(5/23/2013) - A flower mysteriously reappears. A private 'thought bubble' is revealed. Kindred spirits find each other in a cooking group. A famous thief steals away a friend. All these topics and more will be heard at Short Story Theatre's next storytelling event.

CST and Piccolo Teatro di Milano to Present INNER VOICES, 6/25-29

(5/22/2013) - Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) joins the Italian Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Italian Cultural Institute of Chicago to commemorate the Year of Italian Culture in America with the World's Stage presentation of Inner Voices, a co-production with Italy's first and best-established theater Piccolo Teatro di Milano, June 25-29, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

Tommy Rapley Joins DEATH AND HARRY HOUDINI, Beginning 6/21 at House Theatre

(5/22/2013) - The House Theatre of Chicago's 2012 hit production, Death and Harry Houdini, returns in four weeks to The Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St.). Previews begin June 21, and Press Opening is Sunday June 30th at 7:30pm.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET to Become Chicago's Longest-Running Broadway Musical, May 26

(5/22/2013) - Million Dollar Quartet announces that this Saturday, May 26, 2013 marks the official date at which it becomes the longest-running musical production in Chicago's history. With 1,949 performances and 5 smash years in Chicago, the Tony Award-winning rock 'n' roll musical has surpassed both Wicked and Pumpboys and Dinettes, setting a new record for the longest running Broadway musical in Chicago.

Redmoon Receives $250,000 Grant from ArtPlace America for Great Chicago Fire Festival

(5/22/2013) - ArtPlace America announces today the award of a $250,000 grant to Redmoon, the large-scale spectacle and public art group, for the Great Chicago Fire Festival, a new festival that will culminate in a procession of illuminated floating fiberglass sculptures as well as a fire spectacle on the main branch of the Chicago River. The Great Chicago Fire Festival was chosen from over 1,200 applications as an exceptional example of creative placemaking.

'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for May 22nd, 2013

(5/22/2013) - The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's our annual Summer Musical Theater Guide! This week, Part One: Chicagoland. Check out 'The Jungle Book,' 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman,' 'Next To Normal,' 'The Color Purple,' 'Spelling Bee,' 'Cabaret' and a whole lot more!

The Second City Celebrates Playwrights Theatre Club's 60th Anniversary

(5/22/2013) - The Second City will host a free event celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Playwrights Theatre Club on Sunday, June 23, 2013 in UP Comedy Club (230 W. North Ave, 2nd Floor of Piper's Alley) at 3:00 p.m. This special event will reunite the original members of The Playwrights Theatre Club, which was the precursor to The Compass and The Second City.

Steppenwolf for Young Adults' 2013/14 Season Announced

(5/22/2013) - Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) has announced its 2013/14 season: William Golding's Lord of the Flies, adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams, directed by The Hypocrites Artistic Director Halena Kays; and the Chicago premiere of Leveling Up by Deborah Zoe Laufer, directed by Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) Artistic and Educational Director Hallie Gordon. Tickets to William Golding's Lord of the Flies are on sale now.

First Folio Theatre Announces Its 2013-2014 Season and The World Premiere of CYMBELINE in June

(5/22/2013) - First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83), known for bringing stellar performances of Shakespeare and other classics to the Chicagoland stage, announces its 2013-2014 season. The season begins with the poignant dramaTHE RAINMAKER, previewing July 31, opening August 3 and running through September 1, 2013. The whimsical comedy ROUGH CROSSING previews January 30, opens February 1 and runs through March 3, 2014; the world premiere of SALVAGE previews March 26, opens March 29 and runs through April 27, 2014; and Shakespeare's effervescent tale THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR previewsJuly 7, opens July 10, and runs through August 10, 2014.

THE INVASION OF SKOKIE Begins Today at Mayer Kaplan JCC of the Jewish Community Center of Chicago

(5/22/2013) - ShPIeL-Performing Identity has announced the North Shore theatrical premiere of The Invasion of Skokie, by Steven Peterson and directed by Rachel Edwards Harvith at the theatre in the Mayer Kaplan JCC of the Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5050 Church Street in Skokie, IL. Previews are Wednesday, May 22, Thursday, May 23 and Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 26 at 2 p.m. Opening/press night is Wednesday, May 29 at 7 p.m. The regular performance schedule continues Thursdays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 and 7 p.m. through June 23. Preview tickets are $25. Tickets to The Invasion of Skokie are $28 and are currently on sale online at shpieltheatre.com or 800.838.3006. Student tickets are $10 to all performances, based on availability. Senior tickets are $20. Half-priced tickets are sold, one hour before curtain at box office, based on availability. Group Tickets for parties of 10 or more receive a discounted rate and are available by calling 847.814.8206. Free post-performance discussions are available Thursdays and selected additional performances. Go to http://shpieltheatre.com/ for complete post-performance discussions and the guest leaders schedule.

Joel Kim Booster, Lili-Anne Brown and More Set for THE INCONVENIENCE PRESENTS...URBAN LORE: TOO REAL, 5/25

(5/22/2013) - Joel Kim Booster (from The New Colony), Lili-Anne Brown(artistic director, Bailiwick Chicago), and a Super Secret Surprise Guest will each share stories that are too real to be believed at the next installment of The Inconvenience Presents...Urban Lore: Too Real, this Saturday, May 25 at and in association with Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Avenue in Chicago.

Mary-Arrchie Theatre's THE GLASS MENAGERIE Moves to Theater Wit, Now thru 6/30

(5/22/2013) - Due to overwhelming demand, Mary-Arrchie Theatre Co.'s Jeff Recommended production of THE GLASS MENAGERIE directed by Hans Fleischmann will be moving the wonderful Theater Wit in Chicago with performances beginning today, May 22nd, 2013 for 6 additional weeks! The original 9 week run and extension at Angel Island is completely sold out. The critically acclaimed production will feature all the original Mary-Arrchie cast members.

Fox Valley Rep Hosts COMEDY FOR A CAUZE, 6/20

(5/21/2013) - Fox Valley Repertory will be hosting a benefit comedy night, 'Comedy For A Cauze', on June 20, 2013 at 8 pm. This offers an opportunity for adults from the community to enjoy a fun night out while supporting education of the performing arts. Proceeds received from tickets will be used to fund the creation of a new FVR Performing Arts Academy classroom in the Fox Valley Repertory administrative office. The show will be taking place at Zanies Comedy Club in St. Charles and will be featuring stand-up comedian Pat McGann. Doors open at 7 pm.

Spotlight Theatre Company and Firehouse Theatre Company Open SYLVIA, 5/25

(5/21/2013) - Spotlight Theatre Company and Firehouse Theatre Company join forces to co-present "Sylvia" opening May 25 and running through June 29, 2013. Performances are Friday/Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 Adult/ $18 for Students/Seniors. Group rates are available. Performances are held at the John Hand Theatre, 7653 E. 1st Place, Denver.

LOOSE CHICKS Comes to Uncharted Books, 6/14

(5/21/2013) - 'Loose Chicks' will be at Uncharted Books, 2630 N Milwaukee Ave, in May! Roberta Miles, the "Loose Chick" will be starring in and presenting an hour long performance based on her experiences through life. This juicy, gutsy, balsy, cutting edge look at life through the eyes of three femme fatales will be presented at Uncharted Books. The performance is Friday, June 14th @ 7:15pm. There is a suggested donation.

Inaugural PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL Kicks Off 6/6; Tickets On Sale Now

(5/21/2013) - Pivot Arts launches a new celebration of innovative theater, music and dance in unique and often historic spaces from June 6 - 22, 2013 throughout Chicago's Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods. The inaugural PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL answers the City's call for a reinvigorated Uptown Entertainment District by uniting artists, businesses and local organizations around multidisciplinary "pop-up" performances occurring in a former Vaudeville Theater, an at-one-time Charlie Chaplin film studio and other historic spaces throughout these communities. Tickets are now on sale, with a range of free events and no more than $15 per event. To purchase tickets, and for complete festival information, visit www.pivotarts.org/festival or call 773-609-0782.

THE SEAFARER and LAY ME DOWN SOFTLY Set for Seanachai Theatre's 2013-14 Season

(5/21/2013) - Seanachai Theatre Company has announced its 2013-2014 season -- again at The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. Details below!

BWW TV: First Look at Profiles Theatre's IN THE COMPANY OF MEN

(5/21/2013) - Profiles Theatre Artistic Directors Darrell W. Cox and Joe Jahraus announce the World premiere of Resident Artist Neil LaBute's revised stage version of In the Company of Men, opening at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway on May 19, 2013. In the Company of Men, directed by Profiles Resident Artist and Steppenwolf ensemble member Rick Snyder, runs May 10, 2013 - June 30, 2013 with the press opening on Thursday, May 16 at 8:00pm. ?BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights of the show below!

Black Ensemble Theater to Kick Off Inaugural International Theater Festival, 6/23

(5/21/2013) - Black Ensemble Theater (BE) is proud to announce the first annual International Theater Festival, June 23-August 2013. The Festival, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street, will use various cultural arts to explore the global impact of racism and how its ramifications across the globe relate to the fight at home.