Susie McMonagle 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. 'Annie,' 'Mamma Mia!,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'Billy Elliot,' Michael Ingersoll, 'Parade,' more.....

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment announced today that Tony Nominee Emily Skinner will play 'Mrs. Wilkinson' in the Chicago production of the 2009 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Billy Elliot the Musical.

Time Magazine has named Billy Elliot the Musical the 'BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE,' according to Time Senior Editor and Theater Critic Richard Zoglin.

Time Magazine has named Billy Elliot the Musical the 'BEST MUSICAL OF THE DECADE,' according to Time Senior Editor and Theater Critic Richard Zoglin.

Universal Pictures Stage Productions, Working Title Films and Old Vic Productions in association with Weinstein Live Entertainment, has announced, with Broadway In Chicago, casting for the Chicago production of Billy Elliot the Musical, beginning preview performances March 18, 2010 at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.). Opening night is Sunday, April 11, 2010. The cast includes John Peter (J.P.) Viernes who joins the previously announced actors Tommy Batchelor, Giuseppe Bausilio and Cesar Corrales in the role of ‘Billy'.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (ATRU) is thrilled to present the downtown Chicago premiere of Apple Tree Theatre's Jeff-nominated production 'The Mistress Cycle,' with music by Jenny Giering and lyrics by Beth Blatt.

Join Porchlight Music Theatre for A PLACE FOR US: Chicago Sings Bernstein, a very special one-night-only benefit performance supporting Porchlight's upcoming 15th anniversary season. Chicago Sings Bernstein will be presented Monday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Greenhouse Theatre, 2257 N. Lincoln.

Join Porchlight Music Theatre for A PLACE FOR US: Chicago Sings Bernstein, a very special one-night-only benefit performance supporting Porchlight's upcoming 15th anniversary season. Chicago Sings Bernstein will be presented Monday, June 15 at 7:30 p.m. at The Greenhouse Theatre, 2257 N. Lincoln.

Two countries, three generations, 22 turbulent years?and a dynamic soundtrack ranging from Syd Barrett to The Plastic People of the Universe to U2?are at the heart of Rock 'n' Roll, a sweeping and passionate drama about love, music and revolution from Academy Award and four-time Tony Award-winner Tom Stoppard. For the play?s Chicago premiere at Goodman Theatre, Artistic Director Robert Falls taps director Charles Newell, whose reputation for directing acclaimed Stoppard productions precedes him. Newell?s cast of 12 is led by Stephen Yoakam and Chicago favorites Timothy Edward Kane and Mary Beth Fisher, who explore the unique intersection of politics and art against the background of John Culbert?s rock concert-inspired set design?complete with a floor resembling the cover art of Barrett?s solo album, Madcap Laughs. Rock ?n? Roll will be performed in the Albert Theatre May 2 ? June 7, 2009. Tickets are $25 ? $75. A complete performance schedule including dates, times and ticket prices appears at the end of this release. The Edith-Marie Appleton Foundation and Goodman Theatre Women?s Board are the Major Production Sponsors for Rock ?n? Roll and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is the Corporate Sponsor Partner. Additional support is provided by the Director?s Society Sponsors. WXRT is the Official Radio Sponsor of Rock ?n? Roll.

The Broadway smash hit plays PPAC through January 4th

I have news for all you fans of Donna Sheridan: 'Mamma Mia!' isn't about her, it's about her daughter!

Several Chicagoans, including Susie McMonagle (Donna Sheridan), Michael Aaron Lindner (Harry Bright), and Nathan Alan Johnson (Ensemble) will perform in the national touring production set to hit Chicago's stage this fall. Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to present the national tour of MAMMA MIA! for a limited two-week engagement in Chicago September 17 - 28, 2008. The tour continues playing to record breaking houses all across North America.

Dubbed 'The World's Most Popular Musical', the current touring production of Mamma Mia still proves to be raking in the 'Money, Money, Money'.

Several Chicagoans, including Susie McMonagle (Donna Sheridan), Michael Aaron Lindner (Harry Bright), and Nathan Alan Johnson (Ensemble) will perform in the national touring production set to hit Chicago's stage this fall. Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to present the national tour of MAMMA MIA! for a limited two-week engagement in Chicago September 17 - 28, 2008. The tour continues playing to record breaking houses all across North America.

Manolakos will succeed Carey Anderson - who plays her final performance June 1 - in the role of Sophie Sheridan.