'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for November 26th, 2014
The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Five different musicalized adaptations of 'A Christmas Carol' will put holiday cheer into your playgoing! Also 'Plaid Tidings,' a new 'Hansel And Gretel,' our first touch of 'Hands On A Hardbody,' the cast of the upcoming 'La Cage Aux Folles' at the Marriott, and Idina Menzel schedules an appearance in the Loop!
Drury Lane Theatre's A CHRISTMAS CAROL Begins 11/18
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a cherished tradition that has become Chicago's definitive family holiday production, will be presented from November 18 through December 23, 2014 at Drury Lane Theatre for Young Adults, 100 Drury Lane. The joyful Charles Dickens classic, which has played for more than 25 years on the Drury Lane stage, is directed by Scott Calcagno (A Christmas Carol and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at Drury Lane Theatre, Legally Blonde at The Civic Theatre, and Grease at The Long Lake Theatre). Over 30 colorful Dickensian characters are brought to life on stage in this uplifting tale of hope and redemption.
Kevin Earley, Curt Bouril, Jennie Sophia & More Set for Goodman Theatre's BRIGADOON; Runs 6/27-8/3
Casting is complete and rehearsals begin May 20 for Goodman Theatre's new production of Brigadoon-Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe's big, beautiful and beguiling song and dance fantasy. Chicago director/choreographer Rachel Rockwell, hailed as a "brilliant, insightful, mistress-of-grand-scale musicals" (Chicago Sun-Times) and named "2012 Chicagoan of the Year" by the Chicago Tribune, makes her Goodman debut. Brigadoon runs June 27 - August 3 in the Albert Theatre (opening night is Monday, July 7). Tickets ($25 - $93; subject to change) are on sale now, available atGoodmanTheatre.org/Brigadoon, by phone at 312.443.3800 or at the box office (170 North Dearborn). JPMorgan Chase is the Major Corporate Sponsor. Allstate Insurance Company and PwC are Corporate Sponsor Partners. Towers Watson is the Opening Night Sponsor. Chicago Tribune is the Media Partner. A full performance calendar follows.
Photo Flash: Ivan Rutherford, Quentin Earl Darrington & Cast of Drury Lane Theatre's LES MISERABLES Celebrates Opening Night
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the legendary musical Les Miserables, which opened last night, Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and runs through June 8, 2014. Directed by multi-Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell (Ragtime, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, and Oliver! at Drury Lane Theatre), the cast is led by Ivan Rutherford ("Jean Valjean" in over 2,000 performances of Les Miserables on Broadway, as well as in the 20th anniversary Broadway Revival and The National Tour ofLes Miserables, and Titanic on Broadway); Jeff Award-winner Quentin Earl Darrington as "Javert" (Ragtime on Broadway and at Drury Lane Theatre, Memphis: A New Musical on Broadway and The National Tours of The Lion King, The Color Purple, and Memphis: A New Musical); and Jennie Sophia as "Fantine" (The National Tour of The Lincoln Center's South Pacific and Oliver! and The Sound of Music at Drury Lane Theatre).
Ivan Rutherford, Quentin Earl Darrington, Jennie Sophia and More Star in Drury Lane Theatre's LES MISERABLES, Beg. Tonight
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, will present the legendary musical LES MISERABLES, previewing tonight, March 29, opening Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and running through June 8, 2014.
'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 5th, 2014
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 Mosh Pit's exclusive Oscar wrap-up, Billy Zane announced for Lyric Opera, DLO's 'Les Miz' aims high, Porchlight tries 'How To Succeed,' Bailiwick's 'Dessa Rose' begins, as does 'Heartbeat Of Home' from BIC, 'Option Up! ' returns, voice students compete at NATS, and more!
Ivan Rutherford, Quentin Earl Darrington, Jennie Sophia and More to Star in Drury Lane Theatre's LES MISERABLES; Cast Announced!
In celebration of their 30th Anniversary, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, will present the legendary musical Les Miserables, previewing March 29, opening Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. and running through June 8, 2014. Directed by multi-Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell (Ragtime, The Sound of Music, Sweeney Todd, and Oliver! at Drury Lane Theatre), the cast is led by Ivan Rutherford ('Jean Valjean' in over 2,000 performances of Les Miserables on Broadway, as well as in the 20th anniversary Broadway Revival and The National Tour of Les Miserables, and Titanic on Broadway); Jeff Award-winner Quentin Earl Darrington as 'Javert' (Ragtime on Broadway and at Drury Lane Theatre, Memphis: A New Musical on Broadway and The National Tours of The Lion King, The Color Purple, and Memphis: A New Musical); and Jennie Sophia as 'Fantine' (The National Tour of The Lincoln Center's South Pacific and Oliver! and The Sound of Music at Drury Lane Theatre).
Chicago Musical Theatre Community to Benefit Season of Concern with SEASON OF CAROLS 2013 CD and 12/9 Concert
For the second year in a row, producers Eugene Dizon and Cory Goodrich have recorded a new album of holiday music, SEASON OF CAROLS 2013, which features nearly one hundred Chicago theatre artists, singers and musicians. This entirely new holiday CD was produced to raise funds for Season of Concern, which supports Chicago artists in need. SEASON OF CAROLS 2013 is available pre-order at www.seasonofcarols.com and will be kicked-off with a special concert on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 p.m. at Mercury Theater Chicago.
OLIVER! Begins Previews at Drury Lane Theatre Tonight
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013. OLIVER! features an all-star cast of 35, led by Heidi Kettenring as 'Nancy' (National Tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Broadway in Chicago's Wicked, the World Premiere of Hero at Marriott Theatre, and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre); Jeff Award winner John Reeger as 'Fagin' (The Iceman Cometh and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, Amadeus at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Hamlet at Court Theatre, and Chicago at Marriott Theatre); J.D. Rodriguez as the 'Artful Dodger' (National Tour of A Christmas Story) and Brady Tutton as 'Oliver Twist' ('Tiny Tim' in A Christmas Carol at Drury Lane Theatre). The production is Directed and Choreographed by multi-Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell (Ragtime, The Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre). Rockwell will direct both her mother, Glory Kissel, who stars as 'Mrs. Bedwin' (Pericles at the Goodman Theatre and Anyone Can Whistle at Ravinia), and her son, Jake Helm, who plays an orphan. Her husband, Garth Helm, provides Sound Design.
Drury Lane Theatre Presents OLIVER!, Beginning 4/4
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013.
Drury Lane Theatre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 11/23-12/22
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the dazzling annual holiday tradition entertaining thousands of families each year, will be presented from November 23 through December 22 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The timeless classic is directed by Scott Calcagno and features a cast of acclaimed Chicago actors, led by Michael Joseph Mitchell as 'Scrooge.' The beloved story is enhanced with traditional carols. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to have breakfast or dinner with Santa Claus on select performance dates, with a festive buffet-style menu complete with seasonal favorites.
Drury Lane Theatre Presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 11/23-12/22
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the dazzling annual holiday tradition entertaining thousands of families each year, will be presented from November 23 through December 22 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The timeless classic is directed by Scott Calcagno and features a cast of acclaimed Chicago actors, led by Michael Joseph Mitchell as 'Scrooge.' The beloved story is enhanced with traditional carols. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to have breakfast or dinner with Santa Claus on select performance dates, with a festive buffet-style menu complete with seasonal favorites.