Rebecca Finnegan News

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!

Porchlight Music Theatre's mainstage 20th Anniversary Season of Sondheim commences with Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by Hugh Wheeler, direction by Porchlight Managing Director Michael Weber with music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Doug Peck, October 3 - November 9 at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Previews are Friday, Oct. 3 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Opening/press night is Tuesday, Oct, 7 at 7:30 p.m.

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.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Hold onto your hats! Shows beginning in late April include 'Avenue Q,' 'Ragtime,' 'Juno,' 'Hey! Dancin'! Hey! Musical!,' 'How To Succeed...,' 'Hair,' 'The Sound Of Music,' 'Motown' and 'The Wizard Of Oz!' AMAZING! Plus news from The Second City, the Goodman, that JCS arena tour, a 2015 'Little Shop' and the return of the Mormons! Whew!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Cats' and 'Les Miserables' open in major suburban productions, a world premiere from Hershey Felder, a Chicago premiere from Pride Films And Plays, 'Carnival' spins, Harms and Scrofano feted, season announcements from Porchlight, Williams Street and Milwaukee Skylight, and more!

Michael Weber, managing artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre, is proud to announce Porchlight Music Theatre's 20th Anniversary Season. The 2014 - 2015 season includes:

The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) announced casting today for two theatrical productions in November: White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, the Iranian absurdist play about isolation co-presented with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), running today, Nov. 3-9, 2013, and Birds Do It, Bees Do It..., the annual cabaret performance Nov. 5, 2013, created by Rob Lindley and Doug Peck.

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.

The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) announced casting today for two theatrical productions in November: White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, the Iranian absurdist play about isolation co-presented with the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA), running Nov. 3-9, 2013, and Birds Do It, Bees Do It..., the annual cabaret performance Nov. 5, 2013, created by Rob Lindley and Doug Peck.

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the first production in its new series presenting the 'lost' gems of one particular year in Broadway history, 'Porchlight Revisits...' The inaugural series focuses on the year 1964 and opens with Anyone Can Whistle, book by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy, West Side Story) and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Follies, Sweeney Todd), starring Rebecca Finnegan, with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by Aaron Benham. Presented for one night only, Anyone Can Whistle plays tonight, Sept. 25 at 8 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. Three new works of music theater (at Victory Gardens, Writers' Theatre and the Goodman), Ben Vereen and Audra McDonald visit, plus 'Master Class,' a new cabaret revue, improvised Sondheim, a one-night 'Whistle' and more!

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.

Broadway star Rob McClure (Chaplin) returns to The Muny for the second time this summer as Bert in The Muny's production of Disney's MARY POPPINS. McClure appeared earlier this season as Farquaad in the theatre's production of SHREK: THE MUSICAL. Below, in conversation with Muny Executive Producer Mike Isaacson, McClure discusses his love for embracing the imagined world as a performer and how this approach has helped make his Muny performances so successful. Click to watch!

The Muny is presenting the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Jenny Powers stars in the title role, with Rob McClure co-starring as Bert. Joining them are Erin Dilly as Winifred Banks andStephen Buntrock as George Banks. Rounding out the cast will be Elizabeth Teeter as Jane Banks, Aidan Gemme as Michael Banks, James Anthony as Admiral Boom, Zoe Vonder Haar as Mrs. Brill, Anthony ChristIan Daniel as Robertson Ay, Laura Ackermann as the Bird Woman, and Rebecca Finnegan as Queen Victoria. Click below to check out interviews with the cast!

The Muny is presenting the sixth show of its fantastic 95th Season, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's Mary Poppins the Musical, directed by Gary Griffin and choreographed by Alex Sanchez. Jenny Powers stars in the title role, with Rob McClure co-starring as Bert. Joining them are Erin Dilly as Winifred Banks and Stephen Buntrock as George Banks. Rounding out the cast will be Elizabeth Teeter as Jane Banks, Aidan Gemme as Michael Banks, James Anthony as Admiral Boom, Zoe Vonder Haar as Mrs. Brill, Anthony Christian Daniel as Robertson Ay, Laura Ackermann as the Bird Woman, and Rebecca Finnegan as Queen Victoria. BroadwayWorld brings you photos and highlights 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. Two shows called 'Whistle,' plus 'Superman,' 'Hedwig,' 'Seussical,' 'All Shook Up,' '9 To 5' and 'Teen Beach Movie,' a trip to England and the latest in summer concerts!

TimeLine Theatre Company, dedicated to presenting plays inspired by history that connect to today's social and political issues, has finalized casting for three of the four productions of its 2013-14 season, as the company embarks upon its most ambitious season ever with major revivals (A Raisin in the Sun, The Normal Heart and the musical Juno), a new play (The How and the Why), and a pioneering partnership with the Chicago Commercial Collective and Broadway In Chicago to remount a previous hit show (To Master the Art).

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the first production in its new series presenting the 'lost' gems of one particular year in Broadway history, 'Porchlight Revisits...' The inaugural series focuses on the year 1964 and opens with Anyone Can Whistle, book by Arthur Laurents (Gypsy, West Side Story) and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (Follies, Sweeney Todd), starring Rebecca Finnegan, with direction by Christopher Pazdernik and music direction by Aaron Benham. Presented for one night only, Anyone Can Whistle plays Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 8 p.m.