In this podcast, Paul sits down with author Mike Thomasto discuss a new biography of Johnny Carson. We learn about the late night legend that was Johnny Carson from the mind of Chicago author Bill Zehme in this new book Carson the Magnificent: An Intimate Portrait. Bill’s work began in 2002 when he was given the chance to interview Carson, and later work on this biography following Johnny’s death. When Bill passed in 2023, the baton, and hundreds of pages of work, were passed to his research assistant on numerous other biographies, Mike Thomas. Mike had went on to write for The Chicago Sun-Times. He picked up the project (and Bill’s magnum opus) to give us this deeply intimate look behind the man who gave us 30 years of truly magnificent late night television. You can find the book on Amazon or from Simon & Schuster.The Link:
In this new podcast, author Tripp Whetsell discusses his new biography of television legend, Norman Lear. The book, “Norman Lear: His Life and Times” tells the life story of the man who created tv shows that changed the media form. “All in the Family,” “Maude,” “Good Times,” “Sanford and Son,” “The Jeffersons,” and the list goes on with the amazing programs Lear created through the 1970s and beyond. He tackled issues that were rarely addressed before and certainly not in the realm of situation comedy. Sexual identity, abortion, bigotry and so much more. Lear found a way to make us find humor in the difficult issues of the day with the hope and goal of us finding the absurdity of harboring such feelings. His work changed the face of television forever….it involved struggles with the censors and the “suits” but he took them all on. This is that complete story….the fascinating life of a focused and dedicated media figure. You can buy the book at normanlearbio.com, Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
The Link:
On this new podcast, Paul chats with singer/songwriter Rich Schuler whose musical tribute, “Rocky Mountain High Experience, A John Denver Christmas” plays over the holidays from December 19th through the 22nd at the Broadway Playhouse.
The show is an intimate holiday experience taking us back to the 1970’s where John Denver was at the top of the charts and his popularity playing classic songs like: Rocky Mountain High, Country Roads, Annie’s Song along with a myriad of Christmas classics. Rick not only resembles Denver but sounds so much like him that the concert will be like getting transported back in time. Along with stories and information you might not know about John Denver, this show will be a real treat.
Show schedule (including evening and matinees) along with tickets can be found at: www.BroadwayInChicago.com
In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast and director of “Falsettos” playing through Dec 15th at the Court Theatre (in cooperation with TimeLine Theatre Company). Set in the late 1970’s and early ‘80s, it’s the story of a Jewish couple with a son who live on the Upper West Side when the husband falls in love with a younger man. How they deal with the challenges to family and relationships and try to seek balance, when…the ultimate challenge confronts them all.
Joining in the conversation are cast members Stephen Schellhardt (Marvin), Jack Ball (Whizzer, Marvin’s Lover), Sarah Bockel (Trina, Marvin’s wife), Jackson Evans (Mendel the psychiatrist) and the production’s director, Nick Boland. The show is funny, sad, engaging and most of all, warm.
Falsettos plays through December 15th at the Court Theatre (in partnership with TimeLine Theatre Company); Tickets can be purchased at www.courttheatre.org.
The link:
Whether you are a Die Hard fan, or you’ve never even heard of the movie, this is one show you don’t want to miss! Yippee Ki Yay (the parody celebration of Die Hard), stars acclaimed writer, actor and poet Richard Marsh in a genre-bending stage show retelling of the 1988 action hit from the perspective of one man, alternating with the other “John McClane” Darrel Bailey throughout the month long run. Will you get Rich or Darren, will they wear shoes? Only one way to find out!
In this atypical Behind the Curtain interview, we step into the mind of a Die Hard superfan with a twist! In the first of its kind, Marsh is interviewed by two people, one being a self proclaimed “die hard Die Hard fan” and the other having never seen the film before opening night. You’ll be surprised to find out which is which!
Come out to Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, get tickets together, have a few laughs, and learn just what exactly a TV dinner feels like from now until December 15th!
The Link to watch/listen:
New Podcast: Teatro ZinZanni has played in a few different iterations in an ongoing production at the Cambria Hotel in its marvelously mirrored circus Spiegeltent, but the current show is new, fresh, invigorating and most of all, fun!
The production is led by the fabulous vocalists Liv Warfield (a golden buzzer recipient on America’s Got Talent this season) and Cunio (“Jersey Boys,” Under the Streetlamp, and heavy metal rock and roll groups) who bring the house down with their unparalleled voices. They are joined by an ensemble of acrobats, clowns, gymnasts and other circus performers. The evening includes a 4 course meal, full bar and an incredible “in the round” experience.
Enjoy this conversation with the amazing Cunio who provides great insight about the show…and you can purchase tickets for the show (which runs through December 31st) at: www.zinzanni.com
The Link:
Mister Danny is a high school science teacher by day and an award-winning magician by night and the reason his work is acclaimed is because what he does on stage is different from most magicians. See the review below for more insight into the show.
You can see Mister Danny’s headlining show every Wednesday evening through December 18th and you sure won’t want to miss it! Tickets can be purchased at: www.ChicagoMagicLounge.com
Little Shop of Horrors is one of the more fun and popular musicals ever! The story of a man-eating plant is encased in a score of the most memorable musical score ever (by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken), including “Suddenly Seymour” and “Somewhere That’s Green.” Joining in the conversation are the leads: Jimmy Hogan (who plays Seymour Krelborn) and Kayla Shipman (playing Audrey) whose unexpected love story develops in the most unusual of ways. It’s a sci-fi type comedy meets love story meets rock musical as a person-eating plant from outer space takes over a flower shop employee’s life and threatens to ruin his hope of finding love.
What a fun show produced with the quality you expect from Music Theater Works….and it plays through November 17th at North Shore Center For the Performing Arts. Tickets can be purchased at: www.MusicTheaterWorks.com
Watch/listen here:
Comedian, actress, podcaster, author and many more things…all of which add up to a fun night of stand-up at the Venus Cabaret Theater! Her specials have been on HBO, Comedy Central and part of a Netflix special: Stand out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. Her one-woman show, “Yes I Can Say That!” appeared off Broadway in 2023 and directed by B.D. Wong.
You won’t want to miss Judy’s one-woman stand up show at Venus Cabaret. Friday and Saturday, Nov 8-9that 8pm and Sunday, Nov 10th at 5pm…tickets can be purchased at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com
The Link:
Comedian Judy Gold appearing at Venus Cabaret Nov 8-10th ONLY | WGN Radio 720 – Chicago’s Very Own
Gatsby is a comedian born in Nigeria, moved to South Africa and then came to America where he settled in Chicago. Here, he has been producing, writing and starring in comedy throughout the city. He has worked with Trevor Noah, Second City and is clearly on a fast path to great success.
Come see “The Great Gatsby Comedy Show” at the Venus Cabaret Theater on Saturday, November 16th at 7pm. Gatsby will host the fun evening featuring 4 comedians, a band and a conversation about what will be the recent election!
Buy Tickets at: www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com and follow ThaGreatGatsby on Instagram for the latest on this and all of Gatsby’s upcoming programs (like December 7th at Second City).
Watch or listen to Paul’s chat with Gatsby here:
Thanks!
Paul
Inherit the Wind is a play written in 1955 about an actual trial which challenged teaching Darwinism in schools. Famously known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” (the defendant was John T. Scopes who was on trial for teaching Darwinism in school), the message of the play is as vibrant and important today as it was nearly 100 years ago at the time of the famous trial. The original trial pitted famed lawyer Clarence Darrow against failed and perennial presidential candidate Williams Jenning Bryan. Here characters based on this story are fabulously portrayed by Chicago’s Very Own Harry Lennox (from TV’s “Blackllist,” and many stage roles here in Chicago) and Alexander Gemignani (a well known Broadway performer) who plays the character based on Bryan. Also joining in the conversation is the visionary director Henry Godinez who discusses why the play was selected for these times.
A really interesting look at character portrayal, and the power of the play.
Inherit the Wind plays only thru October 20th at The Goodman Theatre and tickets for this hot show can be purchased at: www.GoodmanTheatre.org.
The link:
In the first of this two-part podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Broadway’s long awaited sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which is finally in Chicago to kick off its first-ever North American Tour! Picking up where the last of the Potter books left off, this new adventure and experience in the wizarding world is what Forbes called: “one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes). See the show at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through February 1st, 2025.
When Harry Potter’s (played by John Skelly) head-strong son Albus (Played by Emmet Smith) befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy (played by Aidan Close), it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. The special effects and magic promise to be mind blowing!
Joining in this live conversation on location is Trish Lindstrom (Ginny Potter), Emmet Smith (son Albus Potter), Ben Thys (playing Draco Malfoy), Aidan Close (playing son Scorpius Malfoy) and Chicago’s Very Own Larry Yando (playing Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore and others).
In my Harry Potter and the Cursed Child interview Part One podcast interview, you met several actors who play the younger generation and supporting cast. In this Part TWO interview, you’ll hear from Harry Potter himself (played by John Skelley), Hermione Granger(Ebony Blake) and Ron Weasley (Matt Mueller). Get the “original generation” of characters views of the story from stars who all played in the New York production before coming to Chicago to being the national tour. The magic of the show, the ever-present soundtrack and taking the legendary Potter characters to this new place in time are all discussed.
Check out this Part TWO of interviews and purchase tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing through February 1st at the Nederlander at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com
To watch/listen, click here:
Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (playing now through Feb 1st) may be purchased at: www.BroadwayInChicago.com
The link:
Meet the cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (wgnradio.com)
New podcast alert! Jamie Wolf is a hilarious comedian well known on the comedy circuit, especially in New York City where he can be seen at the Comedy Cellar and New York Comedy Club.
Now he brings his unique brand of comedy to Zanies Comedy Club Chicago on Wells street in Old Town for One performance only.
Jamie’s comedy is often on dark and taboo topics that he has a way of making hilarious. The role of therapy in our lives, kids secrets vs. adult secrets illustrate common elements in our life that we haven’t typically seen as funny…until Jamie gets a hold of that topic!
Learn more about Jamie’s comedy and his podcast (called “Can I Go Home Now?”) by visiting www.JamieWolfComedy.com
And get tickets for his upcoming Chicago comedy show at Zanies by going to: www.Zanies.com
Watch/Listen to the interview here:
Paul goes Behind the Curtain with the cast of The Full Monty currently playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through October 6th. This very fun musical was a hit on Broadway and the national tour. Now, the story of a group of out of work blue collar workers who decide they need to make some quickly to support their families so they may as well put on a one-night only strip show is pleasing audiences with its great cast and fabulous musical score by David Yazbek.
Joining in the conversation is Ben Mayne (who plays main character Jerry; an out of work father who fears he will lose his son from the financial hardship), Jackson Evans (playing plant supervisor Harold who hides his unemployment from his high maintenance wife), Bernard Dotson (who plays Horse a man who struggles with family issues of his own and who leads a lonely life), Adam Fane (playing Malcolm who cares for an aging parent and is being taken over by his own loneliness which may get the best of him), Diego Vasquez Gomez (playing Ethan a happy-go-lucky type who also needs to work and has some relationship surprises waiting for him), and Liz Pazik (playing the show biz old timer rehearsal pianist Jeanette who takes the “kids” under her wing to get them ready for their big night).
Not only is the show great fun, but the cast is a blast to chat with as they share insights into the production process…how tough is it to expose yourself on stage? And how do these characters interact to learn and grow with each other to find a way to handle all the stress that life has put upon them in different ways?
The Full Monty plays through October 6th and tickets can be purchased at: www.paramountaurora.com or by calling the box office: 630.896.6666.
The Link:
Invictus Theatre of Chicago’s production of “Network” is stunning, immersive and unforgettable. Set in the 1970’s, one would think the message of the play has been lost over time or is no longer relevant. But, as Mark Twain wrote, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” The message of corporate greed, power of television and the media and so much more has evolved over the decades since Paddy Chayefsky film premiered in 1977. Invictus, through the meticulous direction of Invictus founding artistic director Charles Askenaizer, keeps the production relevant and connected to a modern audience.
In this conversation, Network lead James Turano, known on WGN Radio as Elton Jim (and who gives one of the finest performances of the year in this role), and Production Director and Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre Charles Askenaizer join in to discuss their interpretation of what began as an iconic film and how they envisioned creating the production in the intimate space of the theater’s location at Windy City Playhouse.
“Network” runs through September 29th and tickets may be purchased at: www.Invictustheatreco.com
And by the way, arrive about 30 minutes early to take your seats….you’ll be glad you did….
The link:
Raúl Esparza is an American stage and screen actor, recently starring as “Galileo Galilei” in Galileo in the world-premiere musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Since making his Broadway debut as “Riff Raff” in The Rocky Horror Show in 1999, Esparza has become one of Broadway’s most acclaimed leading men as well as a respected interpreter of Stephen Sondheim’s work. He was only the second performer in theatre history, (and only one of five overall), to receive Tony nominations in all four acting categories for a performer: Taboo (Featured Actor in a Musical), Company (Actor in a Musical), The Homecoming (Featured Actor in a Play) and Speed-the-Plow (Actor in a Play). His additional Broadway credits include lead roles in Leap of Faith, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cabaret. Add to that his TV recurring roles in NBC’s Hannibal and NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, and you have one remarkable career.
Join Esparza as he’s interviewed by WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek at the Porchlight Music Theatre’s 2024 ICONS gala event on Sunday, September 22nd at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago at 11 AM for a Wine and Mimosa reception and deluxe brunch buffet. The event also includes a live auction and more.
Watch or Listen here (or at Youtube.com or at www.AroundTheTownChicago.com) for a hefty taste of what the interview at the gala will be like…enjoy.
More information about the Gala and the purchase of tickets can be found at: www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org
The Link:
BIG show coming up at Ravinia Festival next Friday, Aug 30th:
Everyone would agree that Whitney Houston left us way too soon. Her voice was incredible and was called by Guiness Book of World records, “the most awarded female artist of all time.” Now for one evening, composer musician Sean Mayes (who is also working on the world premiere of “Ali the Musical” coming to Chicago) will conduct the Chicago Philharmonic for the world premiere of “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration, “ an original tribute concert. Whitney’s amazing musical legacy will be celebrated along with new original orchestrations and to include her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of The Star Spangled Banner to all the classics like “I Will Always Love you.” The project is supported by the Estate of Whitney Houston and this promises to be an unforgettable evening.
Tickets for this one night only performance can be purchased at www.Ravinia.org and range from $35 – $55 each.
Watch or Listen here:
Created by Jon Tai and Alex Gruhin and starring Tai, Road Signs is described as a magic show, but that moniker does not do the production justice.
It’s magic married to theater, with all the wonder, drama, intensity and surprise that is offered by theater’s best. Hosted by A Red Orchid Theater at 1531 N Wells in Old Town, this show is presented in an intimate space that will knock your socks off!
There is a theme that runs through the show, a desire to vanish from life as we know it to pursue any adventure we seek.
But along the one-hour ride down this road, audience members are involved (willingly) and become part of Tai’s story as we uncover our own. In the end, like a fine theatrical production, there is a message…one that you will walk out of the theater with as you shake your head in amazement for the experience you’ve just had.
The production runs through August 31st and tickets can be purchased at: www.aredorchidtheatre.org.
Watch/Listen here:
It’s the 100th anniversary of the infamous Leopold and Loeb trial here in Chicago. Paul goes Behind the Curtain with playwright Stephen Dolginoff who wrote his musical “Thrill Me” in 1994 and presents the long history of the show’s development from then to today in his new book, “Thrill Maker: The Story of My Musical: Thrill Me.” Since that time, the show has played over 200 stagings, in 25 countries and in 17 languages, all under the guidance of its writer.
It’s a musical about a horrible crime in which two young men in Chicago decide to try and commit “the Perfect Crime,” by killing young Bobby Franks! Stephen walks through the process, the decision making and why he has not just moved on after the show was produced….he has written many other shows, but something about Thrill Me won’t let him go.
It’s a fascinating story of the stage musical that almost took to the silver screen. Stephen explains why it just hasn’t.
The book is an account of the creation and decisions of Thrill Me’s development, and as a guide for other playwrights and those in the theater community who will learn so much about their own career through Stephen’s work.
Thrill Maker can be purchased in bookstores and on line, including from Amazon.com
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New Podcast! “The Prom” is a seven-time Tony-nominated musical with great music and colorful characters, but the truth is that it has a message to share about tolerance and acceptance. The plot is based on a true story of a high school student in Indiana who wants to take her girlfriend to Prom…but in their small town, that is not going over well. Enter a group of newly out of work New York Broadway actors who decide the best way to ignite their careers is to do something good in society. The show is hilarious, touching and moving.
Enjoy this conversation with the Highland Park Players musical’s director Lauren Katz and show leads: Hannah Kipp (who plays student Emma Nolan), Christine Cloutier Pfenninger (playing Broadway star DeeDee), and Robin Treviño Delgatto (playing Broadway star Barry Glickman).
The conversation is fun and the insights plenty.
The show runs from August 15th – 25th at Wilmette’s McGrath Family Performing Arts Center. Tickets can be purchased at: www.highlandparkplayers.org #theprommusical
Watch/listen here:
Goodman does it again…..a stellar and stunning world premiere of a new musical that is hands down, going to Broadway! This musical is based on John Berendt’s iconic non-fiction book, a true crime story of a murder in Savannah, Georgia and one involving aristocrats and those who…are not.
Joining in the conversation are two of the leads: Tom Hewitt who plays Jim Williams (formerly seen in Hadestown and Chicago on Broadway) and Austin Colby who plays the young man who is murdered named Danny Hansford (on leave from his role in Broadway’s Great Gatsby). The cast has fascinating stories about visiting Savannah and an experience visiting the grave of the real Danny Hansford. It’s an indepth conversation you will really enjoy watching/listening to….
The new musical plays through August 11th and you can purchase tickets (Which are going fast) at: www.Goodmantheatre.org
Watch/listen here:
Two Pianos, Four Hands is a charming play and concert rolled into one. Two talented wold-be concert pianists trade stories of their pushy parents, eccentric teachers, endless pressures of practice and all underlie a world of dreams and stardom. Joining the conversation are the two stars: Matthew McGloin (who plays Richard Greenblatt) and Adam LaSalle (playing Ted Dykstra) in a play written by the actual Greenblatt and Dykstra; it’s a true story! Also joining in is one of Chicago’s most talented Directors (and actors): Rob Lindley. The pressures of playing classical piano throughout the show while also playing a dozen different characters…this show is a great, but rewarding challenge to the cast.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.northlight.org and the show has been extended through August 11th.
Watch/listen to the interview below and then…get your tickets for a really enjoyable evening.
Chicago has produced some incredible talents, and ranking near the top are Alexandra Billings and Honey West. Known so well to Chicago audiences and legends in the LGBTQ+ community, these lifelong friends will create magic on the Mercury Theater Stage for two nights only.
Alexandra Billings: starred in the Amazon TV series “The Peripheral,” and the trailblazing series “Transparent,” as well as having a recurring role on “The Conners,” among many other TV shows. Her credits in film and TV are many, and in theater, she was the first trans actress to play Madame Morrible in Broadway’s “Wicked,” which serves to prove that Alex is forever blazing trails. But her life has not been easy. Told in her gripping autobiography, “ This Time for Me!” which is soon to become a musical for Broadway.
Honey West was recently seen starring in “A Little Night Music,” at Theo Ubique, but also entertained audiences in CLUE and Priscilla Queen of the Desert at Mercury Theater Chicago, La Cage Aux Folles and Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn. She was a 2012 inductee into the Chiago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame and soon will be seen in an autobiographical one woman show as well as co-starring in FOX, PROVEN INNOCENT.
It’s going to be magic as these two Chicago stars light up the room on the same stage in this joint performance.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.mercurytheaterchicago.com
This is one show you do NOT want to miss!!
The link:
For the decades it has been in existence, the classic and magnificent musical Cameron Macintosh’s Les Misérables has been presented only on Broadway and authorized national tours. But when producers reached out to Sir Cameron and explained that this Highland Park Theater Company wished to present a production, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the Highland Park Shooting Recovery Fund, he said Yes!
So with the challenge of such a large and powerful production responsibility accepted, it was time to make it happen!
Joining in this discussion are director Scott Shallenbarger, and Les Miz stars: Wesly Anthony Clerge (playing Jean Valjean) and David Pfenninger (playing Javert).
While the theater company does not have the resources of a Broadway production, Shallenbarger promises the impact and power of this Uptown Music Theater production will resonate with audience members in a significant way.
Only 11 performances…..do not wait to order tickets as they are already selling fast….
The production will be performed at Deerfield Performing Arts Center, 1959 Waukegan Road, in Deerfield. Tickets can be purchased at: www.uptownhp.org
The link:
In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Invictus Theatre Company’s founding artistic director, Charlse Askenaizer, with a look at the mission and plays of this great theater company. This is a theater company committed to making a difference in our community.
Just consider the current season with past productions of: Topdog, Underdog; Three Sisters and the upcoming “Network” (you know, “I’m as mad as hell and I’m not gonna take it anymore”), and MacBeth (always a traditional Shakespeare play as part of the season.
Invictus seeks to create theatre that promotes a better understanding of language: its poetry, its rhythm, its resonance, through diverse works by diverse artists.
Founded in 2017, Invictus will do great things in Chicago for many years to come…..
Check out this interesting chat with its artistic director…
Information on productions and Tickets for Invictus productions can be purchased at: www.invictustheatreco.com
Laurie Metcalf is a legend from her work on TV (Roseanne, the Connors), and film (Lady Bird earning an Academy Award nomination), but her heart belongs where it all started: on Stage with Steppenwolf Theatre. Chicago gets the treat of watching Metcalf at her best in the world premiere of “Little Bear Ridge Road.” Directed by Joe Mantello (“Wicked,” “Angels in America”) and co-starring Micah Stock, John Drea and Meighan Gerachis, the play focuses on Sarah Fernsbe (Metcalf) who lives alone in a rural part of Idaho who gets a visit by her nephew Ethan (Stock). Awkward conversations, a search for relational overlap and finding a way to make sense of the difficult familial dynamics guide the play. Set on the most simple of sets (a couch on carpeting), director Mantello loved how that gave the scenery a chance to “get out of the actors’ way.”
This conversation is an in-depth look at the new play with wonderful insights shared by cast and director. If you saw the play, watch/listen to this…if you have not yet seen the play, you have until August 4th…and you should ALSO watch/listen. You’ll be glad you did.
Tickets can be purchased at www.steppenwolf.org
For whatever reason, society harbors feelings of discrimination against certain communities, one of which is the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community. Token Theatre is a relatively new player in the Chicago Theater world which presents Asians in the positive light they deserve with an emphasis of casting the community in meaningful stories which need to be told. Token Theatre’s first important effort is called “Zac Efron,” a title that may confuse you because it has nothing to do with the actor. It is about the hardships of dating during the pandemic, the power of social media, the importance of familial relationships, and the acts of hatred the Asian community faces.
Joining in the conversation are Token Theatre founder and playwright David Rhee, along with actors Wai Yim and Hansel Tan who tell the play’s semi-autobiographical story in the setting of dating and life survival during the pandemic.
Although the play runs only thru July 21st, the conversation here is an important one that reaches far past this play or its closing date…so watch or listen to learn about the play, but also for much more information about the mission and goals of Token Theatre.
Zac Efron runs in the space of A Red Orchid Theatre located at 1531 N. Wells in Chicago, Tickets can be purchased at: www.TokenTheatre.net.
Click on link:
Laurence Luckinbill
Part one:
Part Two:
Lea DeLaria was the first openly gay comic on television in America but did you know she is also an accomplished Jazz performer who has performed worldwide? In this new podcast, you will hear the irreverent Lea talk about her SAG award winning role as “Big Boo” in Orange is the New Black, her Broadway and film experiences….so much more. She is an icon among gay performers making a difference world wide. And she says what she thinks…you’ll enjoy this high energy chat!
Her show at Venus will include BOTH comedy (often improvised on the spot) and a good amount of music and song…it’s gonna be a great one! The Perfect celeb to help recognize and celebrate Pride.
And be sure to get tickets to see Lea DeLaria at the Venus Cabaret (with an add on for a post-show meet and greet)…Venus is located at 3745 N. Southport Ave, next to the Mercury Theater (where Jersey Boys continues it’s long run)….
Lea’s Show runs: Friday and Saturday, July 19-20 at 8pm; and Sunday July 21st at 5pm.
Tickets can be purchased at: www.mercurytheaterchicago.com or www.biggaycabaret.com
The Link:
The exhilarating Broadway musical SIX (see my Review below) returns to Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre through July 14th. Joining in this new podcast conversation are Cassie Silva (who plays Anne Boleyn) and Alize Cruz (who plays Katherine Howard). If you have never seen the show, this is NOT any kind of traditional telling of history. It’s a pop concert full of fun, great music and some history tossed in. And….the two performances on Saturday, July 6th are both Sing-a-long shows where the audience is welcome to join in!
Check out this VERY fun conversation with two high energy talents.
Tickets can be purchased at:swww.BroadwayinChicago.com
“SIX” is electric at the Nederlander Theatre through July 14th! | WGN Radio 720 – Chicago’s Very Own
Paul M. Lisnek, J.D., Ph.D.
“Turret” is Levi Holloway’s stunning new play making its World Premiere with A Red Orchid Theatre, and playing at The Chopin Theatre thru June 22nd.
This is a stunning, futuristic, science fiction-esque story that will have you gripping at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. Two men, Green and Rabbit, survive an apparent world-ending event and are surviving in a deep underground facility somewhere in the wild woods of the Pacific Northwest. The men hide away from horrible forces located outside their haven, and the plot presents a loop of “endless tomorrows,” that becomes a bit more clear by the play’s end. It’s about masculinity, love, loss and isolation….hard to describe yet incredibly entertaining.
Michael Shannon best known for “Boardwalk Empire,’ “Knives Out,” “George and Tammy” and countless other credits on the big screens, small screens and Broadway returns again to the theater he helped found. His performance is beyond words and he is in the show until June 19th at which time co-star Lawrence Grimm takes the role. Make no mistake, all three actors, including the amazing Travis A. Knight who plays Rabbit are each worth the price of admission. You do NOT want to miss this show!!
The Chopin Theatre is located at 1543 W. Division in Chicago….Tickets can be purchased at the theater’s website at: www.aredorchidtheatre.org.
The link to the interview:
Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons created the soundtrack of a generation that still lives today. And Mercury theater Chicago makes the magic happen with its production of the Jersey Boys after a decade long wait for the rights to be released. Joining in the conversation are all four of the “boys:” Joining the conversation are Michael Metcalf (“Frankie Valli”), Andrew MacNaughton (“Bob Gaudio”), Adriam Aguilar (“Tommy DeVito”) and Jason Evans (“Nick Massi”). They talk about the challenges of presenting the life story of legendary and iconic music figures and the incredible sound that the Four Seasons were able to create.
Jersey Boys follows the path and evolution of four blue-collar kids who turned the pop music industry on its head. The musical won the Tony and Olivier Awards for Best Musical…
There was a chemistry between the four men that is clearly re-created in this cast. It’s a show you’ll likely want to see over and over again for the great performances and story…and of course the best music you will ever hear.
The show is Scheduled to run through July 28th.
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED AT: WWW.MERCURYTHEATERCHICAGO.COM
Daniel Franzese at The Venus Cabaret interview
“Death Becomes Her”
“Sunday In The Park With George”
“Mamma Mia”
It’s back! The incredibly popular jukebox musical, Mamma Mia brings it’s 25th Anniversary tour to Chicago’s Nederlander Theatre ONLY through May 19th! Enjoy a conversation with the production stars: Chicago native Christine Sherrill (who plays Donna Sheridan) and Jalynn Steele (playing her friend Tanya) who chat about the plot of the show and why the music of ABBA has remained so popular for so many years. Are the audiences changing? Is the message the same? All of that and more in this fun and lively conversation ….and see my review of the show under the theater review section!
Paul chats with Magician and Card Cheating expert Harry Milas who discusses his amazing show playing through May 19th at Steppenwolf’s Merle Reskin Garage Space. Milas brings his highly acclaimed show from Australia for this U.S. debut. “The Unfair Advantage” discloses the sleight of hand techniques utilized by those who cheat at cards. The hour-long show is a fascinating look at deception in a world that few ever experience. Presented in an intimate space with only 35 attendees, Harry reveals the secrets behind his skills…the question is: Can you actually do what he does?? Plays thru May 19th.
“The Golden Girls”
Thank you for being a friend! Paul chats with two of the stars of “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” a parody and uproarious stage show that is unique among Golden Girls tribute shows. Ryan Bernier who plays Dorothy and Jason Bowen who plays both Dorothy’s ex-husband Stan and a character called Burt talk about what it is like to play iconic roles created by legendary actresses creating a magic and golden moment in television history.
Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue plays at Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place from May 15th to June 9th.
