Matthew Crowle News

Kyle DeSantis, President of Drury Lane Theatre, announces today that the Broadway-bound production, BEACHES will replace DEATHTRAP from June 24 through August 16 during the 2015-2016 season. Presenting the first new work on the Drury Lane stage in 21 years, BEACHES signifies the theater's renewed dedication to develop new works.

Following the best-selling year in Drury Lane Theatre history, which resulted in 21 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for excellence and featured the hit blockbuster LES MISERABLES, Kyle DeSantis, President of Drury Lane Theatre, has announced the 2015-2016 season that will include two Regional Premieres and two classic American musicals.

Porchlight Music Theatre kicked off its 20th Anniversary season with a sold-out benefit concert, Chicago Sings Disney featuring the music created by the Walt Disney Studios, Monday, Aug. 25 at Mayne Stage, 1328 West Morse Ave. BroadwayWorld has photos from the event 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. All the latest on the Goodman's 'Brigadoon,' cast announcements of major titles from Light Opera Works, the Paramount and Porchlight, see Team Starkid and 'Ball At The Savoy' at Stage 773, local premieres of 'Suds' and 'Big Fish,' plus the #1 high school actor in America and more!

Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin today announced the opening of the Playhouse's 2014 summer theater season with the new Mel Brooks Broadway Young Frankenstein (June 17 - 28, 2014). Young Frankenstein features a book by three-time Tony Award-winner Mel Brooks and three-time Tony Award-winner Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks. Young Frankenstein, directed by Keith Andrews with music direction by Thomas Cleary, will feature Matthew Crowle as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Kathryn Markey as Frau Blucher, Christian Kohn as the Monster, Abby Lee as Elizabeth, Brett Figel as Igor, Ashley McKay as Inga, Bill Carmichael as Inspector Kemp/Hermit, and Zachary Pesner as Ziggy. The ensemble includes Eugenio Contenti, Shelby Davis, Danielle Diniz, Antoinette DiPietropolo, Ian Frazier, Christopher Holloway, Kate Kramitz, Kevin Metzger, Vincent Ortega, and Chelsey Whitelock.

Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin today announced the opening of the Playhouse's 2014 summer theater season with the new Mel Brooks Broadway Young Frankenstein (June 17 - 28, 2014). Young Frankenstein features a book by three-time Tony Award-winner Mel Brooks and three-time Tony Award-winner Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks. Young Frankenstein, directed by Keith Andrews with music direction by Thomas Cleary, will feature Matthew Crowle as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Kathryn Markey as Frau Blucher, Christian Kohn as the Monster, Abby Lee as Elizabeth, Brett Figel as Igor, Ashley McKay as Inga, Bill Carmichael as Inspector Kemp/Hermit, and Zachary Pesner as Ziggy. The ensemble includes Eugenio Contenti, Shelby Davis, Danielle Diniz, Antoinette DiPietropolo, Ian Frazier, Christopher Holloway, Kate Kramitz, Kevin Metzger, Vincent Ortega, and Chelsey Whitelock.

Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin today announced the opening of the Playhouse's 2014 summer theater season with the new Mel Brooks Broadway Young Frankenstein (June 17 - 28, 2014). Young Frankenstein features a book by three-time Tony Award-winner Mel Brooks and three-time Tony Award-winner Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks. Young Frankenstein, directed by Keith Andrews with music direction by Thomas Cleary, will feature Matthew Crowle as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Kathryn Markey as Frau Blucher, Christian Kohn as the Monster, Abby Lee as Elizabeth, Brett Figel as Igor, Ashley McKay as Inga, Bill Carmichael as Inspector Kemp/Hermit, and Zachary Pesner as Ziggy. The ensemble includes Eugenio Contenti, Shelby Davis, Danielle Diniz, Antoinette DiPietropolo, Ian Frazier, Christopher Holloway, Kate Kramitz, Kevin Metzger, Vincent Ortega, and Chelsey Whitelock.

Porchlight Music Theatre begins its 20th Anniversary season with a benefit concert, Chicago Sings Disney featuring the music created by the Walt Disney Studios, Monday, Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. at Mayne Stage, 1328 West Morse Ave. The evening includes a thrilling roster of Chicago's top theatre artists performing familiar Disney classics and nostalgic treasures, a silent auction, cash bar and complimentary desserts at intermission, generously provided by Bespoke Cuisine. General admission tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. VIP Tickets are available for $100, which includes a pre-show reception and premier reserved seating. Tickets may be ordered at773.777.9884 or porchlightmusictheatre.org. Proceeds from this concert benefit Porchlight productions and educational programs at The School at Porchlight.

Playhouse Producing Artistic Director Chuck Tobin today announced casting for the production of the new Mel Brooks Broadway Young Frankenstein (June 17 - 28, 2014). Young Frankenstein features a book by three-time Tony Award-winner Mel Brooks and three-time Tony Award-winner Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks.

This May Bricken and Birch Productions is pleased to present Vacation- All I Ever Wanted!, directed by Lori Kee as part of the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity 2014. The Festivity will take place May 12 through June 8 at the Paradise Factory.

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!

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrived on stage Wednesday, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS is directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night celebration below!

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrives on stage tonight, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5.

'Double Trouble,' Porchlight's first offering of the season is a major misfire filled with wasted talent.

Porchlight's 19th Season begins with the Chicago premiere of Double Trouble, book, music and lyrics by brothers Bob Walton and Jim Walton, direction and choreography by Matthew Crowle, music direction by Linda Madonia and starring brothers Adrian Aguilar and Alexander Aguilar, August 31 - October 6, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the opening night shots below!

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrives on stage Wednesday, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS will be directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler.

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 release of the Equity wing Jeff Award nominations, 'Double Trouble' and 'Hank Williams' open, '50 Shades' and 'Frog And Toad' return, plus 'Heartbeat Of Home,' 'Sweet Smell Of Success,' a new musical theater magazine and more!

Five world premiere plays and three new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences received Jeff nominations by the Jeff Awards Committee and are among the 166 nominations in 36 categories announced for Chicago Equity theatrical productions opened between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.

Porchlight's 19th Season begins with the Chicago premiere of Double Trouble, book, music and lyrics by brothers Bob Walton and Jim Walton, direction and choreography by Matthew Crowle, music direction by Linda Madonia and starring brothers Adrian Aguilar and Alexander Aguilar, August 31 - October 6, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek below!