William graduated with his BFA in Theatre Direction from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Most recently, he directed The Artist's Lab at Stage 773 & the Jeff Recommended [title of show], and was the Casting Associate for Julius Caesar and Spike Heels. Chicago directing credits: A New Brain, Aloha Say the Pretty Girls, Godspell, the world premiere of To Tree, and Reefer Madness! The Musical in 2010 and its subsequent 4/20 remounts in 2011 and 2012. Cabaret: "Mary'z With a 'Z,'" "Proud at Mary's," "BPB Yearbook," & "Character Breakdown: A Miscast Cabaret." William served as an artistic associate with The Orchard Project in Hunter, NY, a production assistant for the 24-Hour Musicals at Joe's Pub, and the business management assistant at the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He can be found on Twitter @mwilliampanek.
BWW Review: SPAMALOT at Mercury Theater Chicago
September 26, 2019
September 26, 2019
A perfect night of theatre it ain't, but for Meghan Murphy's powerhouse diva and a communal bout of well-earned chuckles, SPAMALOT will leave you choosing wisely.
VIDEO: Meet The Cast And Creative Of THE CHER SHOW in Chicago
June 6, 2018
June 6, 2018
THE CHER SHOW, the new musical based on the life and six-decade career of the iconic singer and actress, will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago with previews beginning on June 12, 2018 at the Oriental Theatre before making its Broadway debut at the Neil Simon Theatre in Fall 2018. We caught up with the cast this morning as they met the press in Chicago! See the video below!
BWW Interview: Casey Lyons of Andrew Lloyd Webber's LOVE NEVER DIES
January 25, 2018
January 25, 2018
Love Never Dies' Casey Lyons took some time on his day off to answer questions for BroadwayWorld before the tour hits Chicago February 14 through March 4, 2018.
10 ON TUESDAY with Derek Van Barham
May 23, 2017
May 23, 2017
BroadwayWorld Chicago brings you 10 on Tuesday, featuring artists in and around the city. This week's questionnaire participant - Mr. Derek Van Barham!
10 ON TUESDAY with Veronica Garza
May 16, 2017
May 16, 2017
This week's 10 ON TUESDAY participant - recent Jeff Award nominee for her duel roles in Underscore Theatre Company's Tonya and Nancy: The Rock Opera, Veronica Garza!
PHOTO BLOG: A Day in the Life of Christina Hall of Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID at Paramount Theatre
January 10, 2017
January 10, 2017
Paramount Theatre in Aurora continues its season with Disney's THE LITTLE MERMAID directed by Amber Mak. BroadwayWorld reached out to Christina Hall, who plays evil sea witch Ursula, to capture photos throughout a typical day leading up and including her performance - makeup and all. Here's what Ms. Hall had to share!
Photo Blog: A Day in the Life of Yando Lopez of Steppenwolf's THE CHRISTIANS
December 29, 2016
December 29, 2016
Yando Lopez, currently in Steppenwolf's THE CHRISTIANS, shares his day with us!
10 ON TUESDAY With Christopher Pazdernik
April 26, 2016
April 26, 2016
BroadwayWorld Chicago brings you 10 ON Tuesday, featuring artists in and around Chicago. This week's questionnaire participant - Christopher Pazdernik.
10 ON TUESDAY with Lavina Jadhwani
March 1, 2016
March 1, 2016
BroadwayWorld Chicago is bringing you 10 on Tuesday, featuring artists in and around Chicago. This week's questionnaire participant - Lavina Jadhwani!
10 ON TUESDAY with Monty Cole
February 9, 2016
February 9, 2016
BroadwayWorld Chicago is bringing you 10 on Tuesday, featuring artists in and around Chicago. This week's questionnaire filler-outer - Victory Gardens' Monty Cole.
BWW Interview: 10 ON TUESDAY with Neala Barron
January 26, 2016
January 26, 2016
BroadwayWorld Chicago interviews artists from all over Chicago.
BWW Reviews: SOUL BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? at The Second City e.t.c.
April 24, 2015
April 24, 2015
Perfectly executed evening of laughs, tears, and outcry makes SOUL BROTHER Second City e.t.c.'s best work in years.
TV Chicago Exclusive: FIRST WIVES CLUB Cast Preps for Pre-Broadway Run and Performs from Show!
February 5, 2015
February 5, 2015
BroadwayWorld Chicago was on hand to meet the cast and creative team of THE FIRST WIVES CLUB, set to begin its pre-Broadway world premiere at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Oriental Theatre.
BWW Reviews: SMOKEFALL at Goodman Theatre
September 30, 2014
September 30, 2014
SMOKEFALL, currently occupying the Goodman's Albert stage following last year's successful run, is absolutely stunning.
Videos