Alex Goodrich News

Itinerant no longer, Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) and Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell are looking forward to welcoming family audiences this fall to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago - CCT's first permanent home in the company's seven-year history. CCT presents Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the beloved children's books by Crockett Johnson, directed by top Chicago director Sean Graney. Performances are today, October 11-November 4, 2012. Press opening is Friday, October 12 at 6:30 pm.

Thursday and Friday nights just got a whole lot more fun for Chicago families, now that Chicago Children's Theatre has moved in to its first-ever permanent home, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago.

The Jeff Awards Committee announced 197 nominations in 34 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions, which opened between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. The Jeff Awards judges attended opening nights of 118 Equity productions offered by 55 producing organizations. From these openings, 96 productions were 'Jeff Recommended,' which made them eligible for award nominations.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 197 nominations in 34 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions, which opened between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. The Jeff Awards judges attended opening nights of 118 Equity productions offered by 55 producing organizations. From these openings, 96 productions were 'Jeff Recommended,' which made them eligible for award nominations.

Itinerant no longer, Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) and Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell are looking forward to welcoming family audiences this fall to the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago - CCT's first permanent home in the company's seven-year history. CCT presents Harold and the Purple Crayon, based on the beloved children's books by Crockett Johnson, directed by top Chicago director Sean Graney. Performances are October 11-November 4, 2012. Press opening is Friday, October 12 at 6:30 pm.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences presents Marc Robin's musical retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale SLEEPING BEAUTY, now through August 18th. With stereotypes shattered, rules broken and quests aplenty, this musical, with direction and choreography by Matt Raftery, is certain to surprise and delight. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

The Marriott Theatre presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, running now through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. Click below to watch a behind-the-scenes video about the production!

Opening this past Wednesday, the latest new work at the Marriott Theatre is "Hero," conceived and written by Aaron Thielen (the theater's Lead Artistic Director) and based somewhat on his childhood in Milwaukee and the neighborhood he grew up in. The show has music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, an actor, musical director, guitarist and keyboardist about town, who has written seven previous musicals and makes quite a mark with this one. The pair has been working on and workshopping the show since early 2009, and the work has paid off. It's a funny, engaging, likeable, tuneful and moving mid-sized musical.

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. The show previewed June 20 and opened June 27 at 8 p.m., running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. View opening night photos below!

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 new musicals 'Eastland' and 'Hero,' new and newish shows based on hats, songbooks, TV shows and recordings, 'Floyd Collins' and Ashley Brown, and more!

The Marriott Theatre presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing tonight, June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production shots below!

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing tonight, June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents Marc Robin's musical retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale SLEEPING BEAUTY from July 7th through August 18th. With stereotypes shattered, rules broken and quests aplenty, this musical, with direction and choreography by Matt Raftery, is described as 'certain to surprise and delight.'

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three shows make a PR appearance at Sidetrack, ATC plans a 'Hair' re-do, 'Camelot,' 'Floyd Collins,' three new mainstage musicals, a reading, a benefit and more!

The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) presents HERO, a new musical written by Aaron Thielen with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, previewing June 20, opening June 27 at 8 p.m. and running through August 19, 2012. Eleven-time Jeff award-winner David H. Bell directs and choreographs. Erich Bergen (JERSEY BOYS, Nat'l Tour) stars as Hero Batowski.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today a special performance of Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew at Benito Juarez Community Academy Performing Arts Center in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday, March 24 at 7 p.m. The 75-minute abridged production of Shakespeare's battle of the sexes-presented in English with projected Spanish translation and featuring a prologue by leading members of the Pilsen community-is part of CST's ongoing partnership with Benito Juarez Community Academy (BJCA).

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today casting for Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew, a 75-minute abridged production of Shakespeare's lively battle of the sexes adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell.

Provision Theater Company at 1001 West Roosevelt Road in Chicago will be producing THE FOREIGNER by Larry Shue. Directed by Timothy Gregory, THE FOREIGNER opens February 4 at 8 p.m. and runs through March 18. The show will run every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (Previews are Feb. 1, 2, and 3 at 8 p.m.). Ticket prices range from $10 - $30 and includes free parking. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off. For reservations, phone 866-811-4111 or visit www.provisiontheater.org.

Provision Theater Company at 1001 West Roosevelt Road in Chicago will be producing THE FOREIGNER by Larry Shue. Directed by Timothy Gregory, THE FOREIGNER opens February 4 at 8 p.m. and runs through March 18. The show will run every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. (Previews are Feb. 1, 2, and 3 at 8 p.m.). Ticket prices range from $10 - $30 and includes free parking. Groups of 10 or more receive 10% off. For reservations, phone 866-811-4111 or visit www.provisiontheater.org.