Light Opera Works News

Porchlight Music Theatre launches its 18th season with the Chicago premiere of A Class Act, September 1 - October 7, at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. A Class Act's music and lyrics are by Edward Kleban and the book is by Linda Kline and Lonny Price.

Midwest New Musicals presents NORTH SHORE RHYTHMS AND BLUES, the 2012 Mini-Musicals Project on Sunday, July 22, 3:00 pm, Light Opera Works Second Stage at McGaw YMCA Children's Center Auditorium, 1420 Maple in Evanston and Monday, July 23, at 7:30 pm, McGuire Auditorium-Warde Academic Center, Saint Xavier University, 3700 West 103 Street in Chicago. Tickets are $10 at (847) 920-5360 or at the door.

BrightSide Theatre wraps up their inaugural season with, "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra" conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson and book by Todd Olson. Frank Sinatra is the icon of cool - from classic elegance to contemporary "fedora" hipster. "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra" celebrates the pivotal moments of Sinatra's life which would solidify his legendary status. The show runs from tonight, June 15, 2012 8 p.m. (reception following) at the Theatre at MeileySwallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540 until Sunday, July 1, 2012. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Our Tony Award wrap-up, all that 'Rock Of Ages,' three musical tribute shows, two operettas, a stellar TYA 'Beauty' and Kristin Chenoweth, plus more!

In case you missed it in the "Showtune Mosh Pit" column last week, here is my full listing of musical theater shows (plus three special concert events) happening in Chicago this summer. Click on the name of each show for a link to more information. And enjoy!

Midwest New Musicals presents North Shore Rhythms and Blues, the 2012 Mini-Musicals Project on Sunday, July 22, 3:00 PM at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center Auditorium at 1420 Maple (at Lake) in Evanston. Tickets for the general public are $10 at the Light Opera Works box office: (847) 920-5360 or at the door.

59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer) is thrilled to present the NY premiere of the hit musical comedy THE HUNCHBACK VARIATIONS, based on the play by Mickle Maher, with music by Mark Messing, libretto by Mr. Maher and directed by and featuring George Andrew Wolff and Larry Adams.

Light Opera Works' 2012 season begins with CAMELOT June 1-10, followed by MAN OF LA MANCHA August 11-26, OPERETTA'S GREATEST HITS October 5-14, and OLIVER! December 22-31.

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 non-Equity Jeff Awards are Monday night, and we've compiled our first ever Summer Musical Theatre Guide! Here are 35 listings for your viewing pleasure....

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!

59E59 Theaters (Elysabeth Kleinhans, Artistic Director; Peter Tear, Executive Producer) is thrilled to present the NY premiere of the hit musical comedy THE HUNCHBACK VARIATIONS, based on the play by Mickle Maher, with music by Mark Messing, libretto by Mr. Maher and directed by and featuring George Andrew Wolff and Larry Adams.

BrightSide Theatre wraps up their inaugural season with, "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra" conceived by David Grapes and Todd Olson and book by Todd Olson. Frank Sinatra is the icon of cool - from classic elegance to contemporary "fedora" hipster. "My Way: A Tribute to Frank Sinatra" celebrates the pivotal moments of Sinatra's life which would solidify his legendary status. The show runs from Friday, June 15, 2012 8 p.m. (reception following) at the Theatre at MeileySwallow Hall, North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL 60540 until Sunday, July 1, 2012. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m.

Libertyville's not-for-profit entertainment company, Liberty Town Productions, today announced its production of Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, May 18, 19, 25 and 26.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents [title of show] with music and lyric by Jeff Bowen and the book by Hunter Bell, directed by Peter Amster. The production runs tonight, May 4 - June 10, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. The press opening is on Friday, May 11, 2012. Tickets for [title of show],$25-60, are available by phone at 847.673.6300, or online at northlight.org. Young Adult tickets (25 and under) are $10 (one per person with valid ID).

Light Opera Works will present Lerner and Loewe's musical CAMELOT June 1-10, at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston. A 29-piece orchestra playing the original Broadway orchestrations accompanies a 31-member cast led by award-winning actor Nick Sandys.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents [title of show] with music and lyric by Jeff Bowen and the book by Hunter Bell, directed by Peter Amster. The production runs May 4 - June 10, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd. The press opening is on Friday, May 11, 2012. Tickets for [title of show],$25-60, are available by phone at 847.673.6300, or online at northlight.org. Young Adult tickets (25 and under) are $10 (one per person with valid ID).

The Paramount Theater is presenting the nostalgic jukebox revue Route 66 for a nine-week run, four shows a week, in the intimate, 216-seat Copley Theater. Tickets are on sale now for Paramount's production of Roger Bean's Route 66, a jukebox comedy about a gang of rowdy Chicago service station attendants who take an imaginary Chicago to L.A. road trip singing tunes by Willie Nelson, Woody Guthrie, Roger Miller and The Beach Boys, just to name a few. Check out photos from the production below!