'The Showtune Mosh Pit' for March 11th, 2015

THE LATEST IN UNAUTHORIZED GOSSIP AND BUZZ FROM THE HEART OF CHICAGO'S SHOWTUNE VIDEO BARS, AND MUSICAL THEATER NEWS FROM CHICAGO TO BROADWAY

by Paul W. Thompson

Overheard last weekend under the showtune video screens at Sidetrack and The Call:

The Ravinia Festival announced its summer season last week, and though there's no full musical being performed in concert at the tony and storied north suburban venue, there is much of interest for Mosh Pit peeps, er, showtune fans. How about concerts by stars like Alan Cumming? Or Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga (together for two nights), Harry Connick, Jr., Spider Saloff (singing Sondheim), Seth McFarlane or Frank Sinatra, Jr.? How about Bobby McFerrin conducing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in selections from "Porgy And Bess," starring Brian Stokes Mitchell and Nicole Cabell (on July 8)? Or Danny Elfman's music from the films of Tim Burton (July 14)? Or Sylvia McNair and Kevin Cole in "A Marvin Hamlisch Celebration" (July 20)? Thank you, Ravinia.

http://ravinia.org/calendar

But what about what's going on now? Well, the pre-Broadway tryout of "First Wives Club" (no "The") opens officially tonight. More on that next week. In the meantime, most folks are having fun at the return of "The Book Of Mormon," docked at the BOAT (the Bank Of America Theatre) through May 17, 2015. Tickets are hard to get for the weekends, I hear. But there's always the $25 drawing for same-day tickets. Best of luck!

http://broadwayinchicago.com/show/the-book-of-mormon/

And of course, there's the original musical that parodies the parody, "The Book Of Merman," that recently transferred its cast of two Mormon missionaries and one Ethel Merman (in the person of big-voiced Libby Lane) for a Jeff-Recommended extension through April 5th at the Apollo Theater's smaller space. ("Million Dollar Quartet" continues there on the main stage, of course.) Leo Schwartz's script and score, as brought to life in this Pride Films And Plays production, really seems to have taken on legs. And that despite being ignored thus far by the biggest press names in town. That's impressive! How many shows parody both Cole Porter and Robert Lopez? Only one that I know of....

http://www.theatreinchicago.com/book-of-merman/reviews/7435/

Speaking of extensions, "The Addams Family" just announced yesterday that it is extending at the Mercury Theater Chicago in Lakeview through April 12. Another one of our locally produced shows that critics say is "better than the Broadway version," this show has gotten great word of mouth with its ensemble approach and hilarious cast. Always good to cast funny people who can sing in a musical comedy....

Mercury-Theatre-Extends-THE-ADDAMS-FAMILY-Through-4-12

At and by Theater Wit in Lakeview, "Mr. Burns" has been granted a second extension! Originally slated through the end of February and then extended through March 22, the production of this "post-electric" play with music will now close on April 11. Jeremy Wechsler and company should feel justifiably proud of this one.

http://www.theatreinchicago.com/mr-burns/7461/

"That's Weird, Grandma!" is halfway through the run of its latest edition, this one a musical. Barrel Of Monkeys works with high school students to turn their life stories into theater. And now, the company has dipped into our pool of local composers to turn students' experiences into a musical. Directed by Joseph Schupbach, "That's Weird, Grandma: The Musical" is running March 1-30 at the Neo-Futurist Theater at Ashland and Foster. And no two shows are the same! Barrel Of Monkeys is now in its 18th year.

First-Look-at-Barrel-of-Monkeys-THATS-WEIRD-GRANDMA-THE-MUSICAL

There are several interesting things happening the weekend of March 21-22. Saturday, March 21 is the date for the concert at the Broadway Playhouse of Chicago and Broadway favorite Annaleigh Ashford ("Wicked," "Kinky Boots"). Called "Lost In The Stars," the show, presented by Broadway In Chicago, covers a wide variety of musical styles and influences. Ashford is appearing in select cities this spring after appearing at New York's 54 Below in January.

http://lostinthestarscabaret.com/

Now, where in Chicago would you expect to hear the Midwest premiere of songs by the likes of Stephen Schwartz ("Wicked"), Craig Carnelia ("Is There Life After High School?"), John Bucchino ("A Catered Affair") and Chicago native Ann Hampton Callaway ("Swing!"). In an unlikely spot, I can tell you. For two performances on Saturday, March 21, come to Chicago's St. James Cathedral (Episcopal) to hear "Tyler's Songs," a song cycle commissioned by several gay choruses around the country in memory of Tyler Clementi, the college student who committed suicide after an incident of cyberbullying in New Jersey. The Windy City Gay Chorus, joined by members of the St. James Cathedral Choir (of which I am one) is performing this work as part of "Legacies Of Hope," in cooperation with the Tyler Clementi Foundation. 5:00 and 8:00 pm. Tickets are $10-$30. Don't miss it!

http://windycitysings.org/see/

The next day, Sunday, March 22, is Stephen Sondheim's 85th birthday! And I will be performing that day as well, as one of the co-musical directors (with Aaron Benham) of the benefit concert "Finishing The Birthday Hat," a benefit for Gilda's Club Chicago. The Improvised Sondheim Project and the musical theater talk-cabaret Option Up! are joining with representatives of Kokandy Productions and The Hypocrites, students from Stevenson High School and local stage stars Rob Lindley, Mark David Kaplan and Meghan Murphy. It's an evening of fun, song, improvisation, trivia and more, and it's only $15! Stage 773 is the place. 8:00 pm! This will be a totally unique night, I can promise you.

Chicago-Theaters-Will-Unite-for-Gildas-Club-Sondheims-85th-Birthday-at-Stage-773

And all month long, cabaret star Joan Curto is honoring Sondheim with her show at Davenport's on Saturday nights. The 14th, 21st and 28th at 8:00, Curto will be joined by Beckie Menzie on piano and Jim Cox on bass for "Joan Curto Sings Sondheim: Everybody Says Don't." Last week's premiere got great response, I hear. And why not? Sondheim, Curto and you. 85. Don't miss it!

Joan-Curto-to-Bring-Sondheim-85th-Birthday-Tribute-to-Chicago

And that's it! Well, except for the fact that this Saturday is the Musical Theater competition for voice students sponsored by the Chicago Chapter Of NATS (the National Association Of Teachers Of Singing). Students from the high school freshman through young post-graduate levels will compete at the Chicago High School For The Arts for cash prizes and judges' feedback. And yes, I'll be there too. There's no telling where you might see me, or where I might see you! Perhaps I'll see you under the video screens.....-PWT

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