Chicago Shakespeare Theater News

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!

Continuing its 26th Season, Lookingglass Theatre Company presents the World Premiere of In the Garden: A Darwinian Love Story, by Artistic Associate Sara Gmitter and directed by Jessica Thebus. In the Garden runs April 16 - June 15, 2014 at Lookingglass Theatre Company, located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. The Press Opening is Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 7:30 p.m..

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with the Chicago premiere of Water by the Spoonful written by Quiara Alegria Hudes, and directed by Henry Godinez. Water by the Spoonful will run tonight, March 6 - April 6, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 8:00PM.

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).

What has audiences and critics alike falling in love in theaters around the world? Kneehigh's Tristan & Yseult is a theatrical force of nature that combines vibrant storytelling with breathtaking spectacle, set to a rich musical tapestry of original songs and familiar scores performed by a roving ensemble of musicians. Lauded internationally for its trademark vitality, the artistic collective, Kneehigh makes its long-awaited Chicago debut at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) with the iconic work that first catapulted the company to international fame. Tristan & Yseult will delight audiences for a limited run March 30 through April 13 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

What has audiences and critics alike falling in love in theaters around the world? Kneehigh's Tristan & Yseult is a theatrical force of nature that combines vibrant storytelling with breathtaking spectacle, set to a rich musical tapestry of original songs and familiar scores performed by a roving ensemble of musicians. Lauded internationally for its trademark vitality, the artistic collective Kneehigh makes its long-awaited Chicago debut at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) with the iconic work that first catapulted the company to international fame. Tristan & Yseult will delight audiences for a limited run March 30 through April 13 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Ring Of Fire' opens, 'Road Show' readies, 'Gypsy' and 'Chicago' thrive, 'Carnival' prepares, 'Queenie Pie' reschedules, Boho brings the Mozart, plus the new musicals 'Period Piece' and 'Shining Lives,' and more!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents an unprecedented pairing of productions that will illuminate the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin. With Sondheim's characteristic depth and musicality, Gypsy and Road Show each explore the ambitious pursuit of the American Dream during the defining period in our nation's history between the two world wars. Scroll down for a look at the cast of ROAD SHOW!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream, a 75-minute abridged production of William Shakespeare's whimsical comedy of misplaced young passions and magical mischief. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. from February 22 to March 22 in CST's Courtyard Theater. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a brief question-and-answer session, before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream, a 75-minute abridged production of William Shakespeare's whimsical comedy of misplaced young passions and magical mischief.

Route 66 Theatre Company is pleased to present the Chicago premiere of Cicada, by Jerre Dye, directed by Route 66 Theatre Company's Associate Artistic Director, Erica Weiss. This coming of age ghost story deeply rooted in the life of a small southern family on the verge of transformation plays April 9 - May 25, 2014 at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.

Paper Mill Playhouse continues its 75th Anniversary Season with another new musical The Other Josh Cohen. The Other Josh Cohen features a book, music and lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. Ted Sperling (Striking 12, See What I Wanna See) will direct with musical staging by Andrew Palermo. Vadim Feichtner serves as Music Director. The Other Josh Cohen will feature Steve Rosen, David Rossmer,Hannah Elless, Vadim Feichtner, Cathryn Salamone, Ken Triwush and Kate Wetherhead. The Other Josh Cohen will play the Millburn, New Jersey theater through March 16. The official press opening night is Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 7:00pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The Smith Center announced today that single tickets for The National Tour of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, will go on sale today, Feb. 21 at 10 a.m.

Louise Pitre delivers an iconic performance unlike nothing you've ever seen in Chicago Shakespeare's 'Gypsy'

Paper Mill Playhouse continues its 75th Anniversary Season with another new musical The Other Josh Cohen. The Other Josh Cohen features a book, music and lyrics by David Rossmer and Steve Rosen. Ted Sperling (Striking 12, See What I Wanna See) will direct with musical staging by Andrew Palermo. Vadim Feichtner serves as Music Director. The Other Josh Cohen will feature Steve Rosen, David Rossmer, Hannah Elless, Vadim Feichtner, Cathryn Salamone, Ken Triwush and Kate Wetherhead. The Other Josh Cohen will play the Millburn, New Jersey theater from February 19 through March 16. The official press opening night is Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 7:00pm. The Other Josh Cohen is generously supported by individuals of Paper Mill Playhouse's Raise the Curtain campaign celebrating Paper Mill Playhouse's 75th Anniversary.

The Smith Center announced today that single tickets for The National Tour of THE GERSHWINS' PORGY AND BESS, winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival, will go on sale Feb. 21 at 10 a.m.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with the Chicago premiere of Water by the Spoonful written by Quiara Alegria Hudes, and directed by Henry Godinez. Water by the Spoonful will run March 6 - April 6, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, March 15, 2014 at 8:00PM.

In celebration of the most romantic day of the year, Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, will offer a three-course dinner and theatre package including tickets to the Mel Brooks Broadway hit YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN on Valentine's Day. Treat your loved one to the comedic re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend and indulge Drury Lane's delicious menu items.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater CST) presents Gypsy at CST's Courtyard Theater, running now through March 23), directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin and starring Tony Award nominee Louise Pitre as Rose. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!