Kelley Abell News

 Griffin Theatre Company has announced casting for the Chicago premiere of the off-Broadway hit BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, with book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe (Legally Blonde, Heathers: The Musical), direction by Scott Weinstein, music direction by Charlotte Rivard-Hoster and choreography by Rhett Guter. 

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 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards Celebration was great! Now onward to '50 Shades,' 'Mr. Burns' and 'Book Of Merman,' plus two from Christopher Pazdernik,' 'Ordinary Days,' 'First Wives Club,' tributes to John Hughes and Stephen Sondheim and a showtune film cameo!

Griffin Theatre Company launches its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play through December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150.

Griffin Theatre Company will launch its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play today, October 18 - December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press opening is Sunday, October 26 at 7 pm.

Griffin Theatre Company will launch its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play October 18 - December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press opening is Sunday, October 26 at 7 pm.

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 Equity Jeff Award nominations are out, and 'On The Town' is open. Peck and Lindley, Jessie Mueller and more are set for concerts here, and 'I Love Lucy' and the Grinch will return. Plus Theo Ubique's Andrews Sisters and Kurt Weill in rep, 'Titanic' and 'In The Heights' prepare, Munster announces 2015, and NBC flies its 'Peter Pan' cast. Ahh!!

The House Theatre of Chicago presents DORIAN, a modern adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' This famous thriller of Dorian's ill-fated portrait is performed in promenade style. This original play is intended for mature audiences only, and is written by Company Members Ben Lobpries and Tommy Rapley. Company Member Kevin O'Donnell provides the score. Rapley directs and choreographs. The production previews today, April 4 - 13 and opens on Monday April 14 at 7pm at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St, Chicago). DORIAN will run through May 18, 2014.

The House Theatre of Chicago presents DORIAN, a modern adaptation of Oscar Wilde's novel 'The Picture of Dorian Gray.' This famous thriller of Dorian's ill-fated portrait is performed in promenade style. This original play is intended for mature audiences only, and is written by Company Members Ben Lobpries and Tommy Rapley. Company Member Kevin O'Donnell provides the score. Rapley directs and choreographs. The production previews April 4 - 13 and opens on Monday April 14 at 7pm at the Chopin Theatre (1543 W. Division St, Chicago). DORIAN will run through May 18, 2014.

No more tap dancing around it. If you haven't checked out the new 'Better than Broadway' musical series at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora, the company's upcoming revival of the quintessential song-and-tap-dance musical 42nd Street, directed by Rachel Rockwell, choreography by Tammy Mader, with music direction by Doug Peck, is the perfect excuse. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Haven Theatre Chicago follows their hit run of Hedwig and the Angry Inch with The Wedding Singer, now through November 17, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Based on the 1998 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer is directed by Jess McLeod, music directed by Kory Danielson and choreographed by Jim Beaudry. The production has music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Haven Theatre Chicago follows their hit run of Hedwig and the Angry Inch with The Wedding Singer, October 13 - November 17, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. Based on the 1998 romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore, The Wedding Singer is directed by Jess McLeod, music directed by Kory Danielson and choreographed by Jim Beaudry. The production has music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin and book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy. With its second production, the newly formed Haven Theatre continues to conserve, renew and reinvent theatre traditions while providing ongoing support and mentorship to emerging artists. Preview performances are Sunday, Oct. 13 and Monday, Oct. 14 at 8 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 17 - Saturday, Oct. 19 at 8 p.m. Opening night is Sunday, Oct. 20 at 7 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m, Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Preview tickets are $20 and regular run tickets are $42. Senior tickets are $35 and ndustry/Student tickets are $20. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.theaterwit.org or by calling the box office at 773.975.8150. Industry/Student/Senior prices are $20. For more information, go towww.haventheatrechicago.org.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Catch Me' a 'Big Fish' in the Loop, 'Barnum' and 'Sweet Charity' keep Coleman in the spotlight, 'The Pajama Game' up north, 'Oliver! out west, two from Theo Ubique and more!

The newest tradition in Aurora is enjoying critically acclaimed, smash hit, 'Better than Broadway' musicals in the beautiful 1,888-seat Paramount Theatre in the heart of the city's growing downtown business district. Next, the Paramount wraps only the second season of itsself-produced Broadway musical series with the all-time family classic, Fiddler on the Roof. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production in the photos below!

The Paramount wraps only the second season of its self-produced Broadway musical series, already playing to nearly 20,000 subscribers, with Fiddler on the Roof. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below.

The Paramount wraps only the second season of its self-produced Broadway musical series, already playing to nearly 20,000 subscribers, with Fiddler on the Roof.

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 next seven national tours to hit the Windy City (SEVEN!--and all before April), plus 'Fiddler On The Roof' at the Paramount, 'Barnum' at the Mercury, Ricky Ian Gordon at Northwestern and a twofer from the Mueller family!

The Paramount wraps only the second season of its self-produced Broadway musical series, already playing to nearly 20,000 subscribers, with the all-time family classic, Fiddler on the Roof. Nominated for 10 Tony awards, and winner of nine, Fiddler on the Roof is a musical journey of love, loss, faith and family, and ultimately, a celebration of life and all its challenges. From the rich orchestrations andbeautiful score to the powerful production numbers and emotionally charged story, Fiddler is a show everyone should experience.