Elizabeth Hale News

"The Christmas Schooner" has been performed in the Chicago area every year, except for one, since 1995. And yet, I know for a fact that new theatergoers are discovering it all the time. Hence, it's a good thing that the Mercury Theater on Southport Avenue has mounted this story--based on a real slice of Chicago history--for the second year, and has already announced it for next year as well. It's one of the most popular musicals across the country to originate in Chicago, and we are proud to call it our own.

In case you missed it in the "Showtune Mosh Pit" column last week, here is my full listing of musical theater shows (plus three special concert events) happening in Chicago this summer. Click on the name of each show for a link to more information. And enjoy!

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 non-Equity Jeff Awards are Monday night, and we've compiled our first ever Summer Musical Theatre Guide! Here are 35 listings for your viewing pleasure....

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two national tours in the Loop, two shows at the Royal George, three more Christmas musicals, 'Look, I Made A Hat,' that 'Variety' article about us, and more....

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER brings holiday cheer to the Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport, Chicago), from November 16 through December 31, 2011.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Jeff Award nominations, Tony Award nominations, 'Nunset Boulevard,' 'The Drowsy Chaperone,' 'The Phantom Of The Opera,' 'A Little Night Music,' 'Alien Queen,' more....

Porchlight Music Theatre presents the highly anticipated new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, for the final performance on April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. The production is Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry, Artistic Director at Timber Lake Playhouse.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Gavin Creel tonight!, plus Matthew Morrison, the 'Chicago Sings' fundraiser, cabaret shows at Davenport's, 'Charlotte's Web,' dueling 'Secret Gardens,' dueling 'Brigadoons' and more....

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. A benefit for Japanese disaster relief, the Paramount Theatre's season, Donny and Marie for Christmas, Porchlight and Billy Stritch at Mayne Stage, 'A Chorus Line,' 'Always, Patsy Cline' and other suburban productions, 'The Magic Flute' in English, more....

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m. and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. The production is Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry, Artistic Director at Timber Lake Playhouse.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m. and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago. The production is Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry, Artistic Director at Timber Lake Playhouse.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the highly anticipated Midwest Premiere of the new musical MEET JOHN DOE, based on the film of the same name by Frank Capra, previewing March 4, opening Tuesday, March 8th at 7:30 p.m., and running through April 17, 2011 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont, Chicago.

Whatever the thermometer might say; this summer will be hitting the 80s on stage at Theatre at the Center! The 1980's musical Footloose is currently running through August 16 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. On July 30, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Theatre at the Center will offer a special dinner/theater event, The Burger Blast, to be followed by the performance of Footloose at 7:30 p.m.

Whatever the thermometer might say; this summer will be hitting the 80s on stage at Theatre at the Center! The 1980's musical Footloose will cut loose July 9 through August 16 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Directing and Choreographing Footloose will be Stacey Flaster.