Robert Ollis

BEHIND THE CURTAIN: UNTOLD STORIES FROM CANADA'S TEAM BROADWAY to Play PrideArts
by A.A. Cristi - May 27, 2026

PrideArts will present a one-night-only cabaret featuring Broadway performers and AMAZING RACE CANADA winners Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford at Chicago's Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted.

Review: A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE at The Bent
by Audrey Liebross - May 12, 2026

The Bent, the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ theatre company, is presenting its first musical, A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE, written by Terrence McNally (book), Stephen Flaherty (music), and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). The writers and composer have put together a moving book, lyrics, and score that create a deeply affecting and emotional story, with just enough hilarity to soften the upsetting moments. The brilliant acting, singing, directing, and design make this show a must-see.

The Bent Brings Ahrens and Flaherty's A MAN OF NO IMPORTANCE To Desert Audiences Beginning May 8
by David Green - Apr 14, 2026

At a moment when the national landscape feels pushed to the brink, The Bent is offering a vital, joyful, and defiant alternative to the noise. Opening May 8, 2026, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, the company presents its first-ever musical production: Outer Critics Circle Award-winner, 'A Man of No Importance.'

Cast And Creative Team Set for A NEW BRAIN at PrideArts
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 9, 2025

PrideArts has revealed the full cast and production team for A NEW BRAIN, the opening production of its 2025-26 season. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!

CONSTELLATIONS And More Set for PrideArts 2025–26 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 3, 2025

PrideArts has announced a return to a full four-show season for 2025–26, which will also mark the company’s first season in its new home at the Hoover-Leppen Theatre at Center on Halsted.

Nancy Hays and Mary Heffernan To Celebrate Judy & Liza in Two Mother's Day Concerts
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 2, 2025

Real life mother/daughter duo Nancy Hays and Mary Heffernan will re-create the famed 'Once in a Lifetime' concert of the legendary mother/daughter stars Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli.

Review: VICTOR / VICTORIA at Palm Canyon Theatre
by Charlie Thomas - Mar 16, 2025

What did our critic think of VICTOR / VICTORIA at Palm Canyon Theatre?

Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford to Perform UNTOLD STORIES at Revolution Stage Company in November
by Blair Ingenthron - Oct 6, 2024

Discover the untold stories of Broadway alumni Craig Ramsay and Catherine Wreford in a special performance at Revolution Stage Company, Palm Springs, on November 11, 2024.

Photos: Gingold Theatrical Group Gala Honors Lynn Ahrens and Steven Flaherty
by Genevieve Rafter Keddy - Sep 25, 2024

Gingold Theatrical Group recently held its 2024 Golden Shamrock Gala. The evening honored Broadway composing team Lynn Ahrens & Stephen Flaherty with the Golden Shamrock Award for their tireless work as supporters of human rights and their artistic excellence in musical theater writing. Check out photos from inside the event here!

Photos: [TITLE OF SHOW] at PrideArts
by Blair Ingenthron - Aug 25, 2024

PrideArts is currently presenting the off-Broadway and Broadway hit musical [title of show] at Pride Arts Center through September 22, 2024. Check out production photos below!

PrideArts To Open 2024-25 Season With The Musical [TITLE OF SHOW] Beginning Next Month
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 14, 2024

PrideArts has announced it will present the off-Broadway and Broadway hit musical [title of show] to open its fall 2024-25 season from August 23 to September 22, 2024, directed by Jay Españo, with music direction by Robert Ollis.

Feature: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA Final Weekend at Palm Canyon Theatre
by Charlie Thomas - May 20, 2024

Based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, 'The Light In The Piazza' is set in the 1950s in Florence, Italy, where Margaret Johnson, a wealthy Southern woman, and her daughter Clara, who is developmentally disabled, are vacationing from the US. When Clara falls in love with a young Italian man, Margaret is forced to reconsider not only Clara's future, but her own deep-seated hopes and regrets as well.

Previews: THE LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA at Palm Canyon Theatre
by Charlie Thomas - May 2, 2024

Based on the 1960 novella by Elizabeth Spencer, the show is set in the 1950s in Florence, Italy. Margaret Johnson, a wealthy Southern woman, and her daughter Clara, who is developmentally disabled are vacationing in Florence, Italy.

Cast and Production Team Revealed For PrideArts' Chicago Premiere of GAY CARD
by Stephi Wild - Jul 20, 2023

 PrideArts has announced its full cast for its Chicago premiere of the musical GAY CARD. PrideArts’ artistic director Jay Españo will direct the musical, with Robert Ollis providing musical direction and conducting a five-piece band.

PrideArts Announces Three-Show 2023-24 Season
by Blair Ingenthron - Jul 2, 2023

The season will open with the Chicago premiere of the hilarious romantic musical GAY CARD, return to the British tradition of holiday pantomimes with Tom Whalley's very adult SLEEPING WITH BEAUTY, and close with Joe Calarco's all-male present-day re-imagining of ROMEO AND JULIET, SHAKESPEARE'S R & J.

Skokie Theatre Presents Judy & Liza Palladium Concert Tribute Featuring A Real Mother Daughter Duo
by A.A. Cristi - Jun 7, 2023

Actress Nancy Hays and her daughter Mary Heffernan will present the story of the famed London Palladium concert which featured Judy Garland on stage with her own daughter - Liza Minnelli, at age 18, in November of 1964.

Judy Garland Tribute Starring Nancy Hays Comes to Oscar's Palm Springs
by Stephi Wild - Jan 12, 2023

Chicago actress and musical entertainer Nancy Hays will perform in a special one-night cabaret event on Monday, January 23rd at Oscar's Palm Springs, presenting songs from Judy Garland's historic Carnegie Hall and London Palladium concerts, accompanied on the grand piano by award-winning music director Robert Ollis along with a jazz combo.

Cast Announced for Chicago Premiere of GIRLFRIEND at Pride Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jul 12, 2022

Casting has been announced for PrideArts season opening production - the Chicago premiere of the musical GIRLFRIEND, by Todd Almond and Matthew Sweet, based on Sweet’s album of the same name. GIRLFRIEND will open to the press on Monday, August 29, 2022, following previews from August 25-28, and will play through September 25th.

Nancy Hays and Mary Heffernan Will Perform a Mother's Day Concert Next Month
by Stephi Wild - Apr 14, 2022

Actress and musical entertainer Nancy Hays and her daughter Mary Heffernan will perform a special Mother's Day Concert on Saturday, May 7th and Sunday, May 8th, presenting songs from the famed 'Live at the London Palladium' concert which featured Judy Garland on stage with her own 18 year-old daughter - Liza Minnelli, in November of 1964.

Chicago Premiere Of Frances Poet's ADAM To Complete PrideArts 2021-22 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Aug 2, 2021

PrideArts today announced the final show of its upcoming five-show season – ADAM, by Scottish playwright Frances Poet.