Brenda Didier News

SJCChicago LLC is proud to announce the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's production of Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Ave. has been extended through August 4.

SJCChicago LLC is proud to announce the Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's production of SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE - THE SONGS OF LEIBER AND STOLLER at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre (1641 N. Halsted Ave.) has been extended through August 4. The hit production received rave reviews from Chicago and just recently received three Non-equity Jeff Awards for Best Production - Revue, Best Director - Musical or Revue and Best Music Direction. Smokey Joe's Cafe now runs through Sunday, August 4.

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 Jeff Awards, the Tony Awards (and our BWW Chicago Tony Award Viewing Party!), the return of two special events, 'West Side Story,' upcoming seasons of musicals, and my June 13th cabaret concert, plus more!

A stage tale of troubled families, a true-life story musical about gay servicemen in World War II and a rousing rock'n'roll revue took home top honors Monday, June 3, at Park West during the 40th Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in non-union Chicago theatre.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Directed by Porchlight Music Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck (reuniting with Weber for the first time since their collaboration on Porchlight's triumphant production of Assassins) and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier, Pal Joey stars Adrian Aguliar, 'Joey Evans,' Susie McMonagle, 'Vera Simpson,' Laura Savage, 'Linda English,' Matt Orlando, 'Ludlow Lowell' and Sharriese Hamilton, 'Gladys Bumps.'

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's our annual Summer Musical Theater Guide! This week, Part One: Chicagoland. Check out 'The Jungle Book,' 'Kiss Of The Spider Woman,' 'Next To Normal,' 'The Color Purple,' 'Spelling Bee,' 'Cabaret' and a whole lot more!

Kids aged 7 to 14 will receive a free ticket with the purchase of each adult ticket for weekday performances of the circus musical BARNUM at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, running through June 16, 2013. To redeem, visit the box office or call 773-325-1700. Throughout the toe-tapping musical, the glitz and grandeur of the circus is brought to life on Mercury Theater Chicago's intimate stage. 14 actors entertain the audience with 24 rapid-fire costume changes and perform over 14 breathtaking head-over-heels acrobatic tricks featuring 18 juggling balls, 12 juggling scarves, 9 juggling balls, 2 Spanish webs and 1 circus lyra. 6 musicians create the rousing sound of the Big Top with 12 instruments, and 2 stilt walkers tower over the audience. 100 bricks are used to construct the historic American Museum. 3 sassy wooden poodles parade across the stage, along with 1 magnificent tiger and 1 larger-than-life elephant puppet.

SJCChicago LLC has announced the extension of Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's production of Smokey Joe's Cafe - The Songs of Leiber and Stoller at the Royal George Cabaret Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Ave. through June 30.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights from the show 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 Jeff nominations are out, 'Big Fish' is open, 'Anything Goes' and 'Mormon' perform, plus Jessie Mueller's 'Carousel,' BoHo's 'Spider Woman, new season announcements and those two new Spanish opera productions!

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 120 nominations in 25 categories of Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 146 productions offered by 65 Non-Equity producing organizations. The judges recommended 54 of those shows, making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Thirty-three theatre companies received nominations.

Forget about gloomy April Showers and receive $10 off tickets to see the cheerful circus musical BARNUM at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, on any rainy day through the end of the month. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 773-325-1700 or visit MercuryTheaterChicago.com and reference the code APRIL. The musical is running through June 16, 2013.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents Pal Joey, book by John O'Hara, music by Richard Rodgers and lyrics by Lorenz Hart, tonight, April 20 - May 26, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Directed by Porchlight Music Theatre's Artistic Director, Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck (reuniting with Weber for the first time since their collaboration on Porchlight's triumphant production of Assassins) and choreography by Porchlight Artistic Associate Brenda Didier, Pal Joey stars Adrian Aguliar, 'Joey Evans,' Susie McMonagle, 'Vera Simpson,' Laura Savage, 'Linda English,' Matt Orlando, 'Ludlow Lowell' and Sharriese Hamilton, 'Gladys Bumps.'

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' pays a visit, Circle's 'Death Takes A Holiday,' Porchlight's 'Pal Joey,' TMTC's 'Pajama Game,' plus a piano show, two children's shows, Seth Rudetsky and more, including an unbelievable roundup of current shows!

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, welcomes an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, running now through June 16, 2013. Click below to watch opening night interviews with the cast and creative team!

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 Jungle Book' heats up, 'Oklahoma!' and 'South Pacific,' 'Oliver!' and 'Barnum,' plus 'Stomp,' some interesting student productions and more!

Mercury Theater Chicago welcomes an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, which opened on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and runs through June 16, 2013. The cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the 'Swedish Nightingale' Jenny Lind. Check out photos of the cast and creative team on opening night below!