Summer Naomi Smart News

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) continues the Theater's annual summer family musical tradition with Shrek The Musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 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. The Tony Awards (aka New York thanks Chicago), 'Motown,' Cole and 'Kiss,' next season from BoHo, Marriott's latest, a new 'Rent,' The Second City and more!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today the acting company and creative team for Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production ofShrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."

Kids aged 7 to 14 will receive a free ticket with the purchase of each adult ticket for weekday performances of the circus musical BARNUM at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, running through June 16, 2013. To redeem, visit the box office or call 773-325-1700. Throughout the toe-tapping musical, the glitz and grandeur of the circus is brought to life on Mercury Theater Chicago's intimate stage. 14 actors entertain the audience with 24 rapid-fire costume changes and perform over 14 breathtaking head-over-heels acrobatic tricks featuring 18 juggling balls, 12 juggling scarves, 9 juggling balls, 2 Spanish webs and 1 circus lyra. 6 musicians create the rousing sound of the Big Top with 12 instruments, and 2 stilt walkers tower over the audience. 100 bricks are used to construct the historic American Museum. 3 sassy wooden poodles parade across the stage, along with 1 magnificent tiger and 1 larger-than-life elephant puppet.

Forget about gloomy April Showers and receive $10 off tickets to see the cheerful circus musical BARNUM at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, on any rainy day through the end of the month. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 773-325-1700 or visit MercuryTheaterChicago.com and reference the code APRIL. The musical is running through June 16, 2013.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' pays a visit, Circle's 'Death Takes A Holiday,' Porchlight's 'Pal Joey,' TMTC's 'Pajama Game,' plus a piano show, two children's shows, Seth Rudetsky and more, including an unbelievable roundup of current shows!

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, welcomes an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, running now through June 16, 2013. Click below to watch opening night interviews with the cast and creative team!

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 Jungle Book' heats up, 'Oklahoma!' and 'South Pacific,' 'Oliver!' and 'Barnum,' plus 'Stomp,' some interesting student productions and more!

Mercury Theater Chicago welcomes an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, which opened on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and runs through June 16, 2013. The cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the 'Swedish Nightingale' Jenny Lind. Check out photos of the cast and creative team on opening night below!

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, announces an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, opening on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and running through June 16, 2013. The cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the 'Swedish Nightingale' Jenny Lind. The Mercury's production is the first major Chicago revival of the show in over 20 years, led by multiple Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director) Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), Brenda Didier and Andrew Waters (Co-Choreographers) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi of the Actor's Gymnasium (Circus Director).

Today, we feature actor, writer, director, choreographer and part-time clown Kevin McKillip who also wrote and performs in his one-man show 'Will Rogers: An American Original.'

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!

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, presents circus-themed musical BARNUM, previewing tonight, March 27, opening on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m., and running through June 16, 2013. The cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum.

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!

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport, announces an all-star cast of award-winning actors for the circus-themed musical BARNUM, previewing March 27, opening on Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m., and running through June 16, 2013. The cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the "'Swedish Nightingale" Jenny Lind. The Mercury's production is the first major Chicago revival of the show in over 20 years, led by multiple Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director) Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), Brenda Didier and Andrew Waters (Co-Choreographers) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi of the Actor's Gymnasium (Circus Director).

According to the Chicago Tribune, Gene Weygandt is set to star as 'P.T. Barnum' in Mercury Theatre's upcoming revival of the musical BARNUM. He will be joined by Corey Goodrich and Summer Naomi Smart.

Rounding out the Marriott Theatre's 2012 season, MY ONE AND ONLY features an incomparable Gershwin score and thrilling dance. This captivating musical romance previews November 7, opens Wednesday, November 14 and runs through January 6 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. MY ONE AND ONLY will be directed and choreographed by Jeff Award winner Tammy Mader.

There's something so utterly intoxicating about a skilled tap dancer decked out in a spiffy tuxedo - top hat, tails, and all - commanding the audience's attention for a brilliantly exhausting routine. There's something even more so invigorating when a cast-full of local performers nail their respective, and original, routines. Many kudos are in order for Tammy Mader and her cast for their ability to bring such energy and skill to a dangerously saccharine show like My One and Only, currently running at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

Rounding out the Marriott Theatre's 2012 season, MY ONE AND ONLY features an incomparable Gershwin score and thrilling dance. This captivating musical romance opened on Wednesday, November 14 and runs through January 6 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. MY ONE AND ONLY is directed and choreographed by Jeff Award winner Tammy Mader. Check out photos from opening night below!