Derek Czaplewski

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents You Think It's Easy Being The Tooth Fairy?, a world premiere family musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie and Derek Czaplewski, music and lyrics by Laura McKenzie, and directed by Heather Currie; based on the book by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt; illustrated by David Slonim.

What happens when a narrator walks on stage to read a book and the pages are blank and the actors are nowhere to be found?! In this interactive improvised adventure it is up to YOU, the audience, to inspire and perform in The Greatest Story Never Told.

What happens when a narrator walks on stage to read a book and the pages are blank and the actors are nowhere to be found?! In this interactive improvised adventure it is up to YOU, the audience, to inspire and perform in The Greatest Story Never Told.

Lifeline Theatre presents the world premiere of Click, Clack Boo! A Tricky Treat, a family musical based on the brand new book by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Betsy Lewin.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Duck for President, a family musical based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin*. The production is adapted by ensemble member James E. Grote, with music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by ensemble member Shole Milos; the same team that created Lifeline's popular adaptations of the beloved Cronin/Lewin books, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (2003); Giggle, Giggle, Quack (2005); and Dooby Dooby Moo (2009).

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 Jeff Award results, 'Smokey Joe's' impresses, three presidential musicals (at least!), old and new shows in Evanston, Ann Hampton Callaway in Lakeview and more!

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Duck for President, a family musical based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin (Text ©2004 by Doreen Cronin. Illustrations ©2004 by Betsy Lewin. Originally published by Simon & Schuster. Used with permission of Pippin Properties, Inc.).

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents Duck for President, a family musical based on the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin*. The production is adapted by ensemble member James E. Grote, with music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by ensemble member Shole Milos; the same team that created Lifeline's popular adaptations of the beloved Cronin/Lewin books, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type (2003); Giggle, Giggle, Quack (2005); and Dooby Dooby Moo (2009).

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!

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. 'tick...tick...BOOM!,' 'A Little Night Music,' a local 'Avenue Q?,' Kevin Earley and Nathan Lane are in town, 'Sexy Baby,' the High School Musical Theater Awards and more....

Hell in a Handbag Productions kicks off their 2012 season with SEXY BABY, the new 'docu-musical,' by Artistic Director and resident playwright David Cerda. SEXY BABY takes audiences behind the scenes of the fascinatingly addictive world of child beauty pageants. This show runs tonight, April 26 through June 16 every day (with some exceptions) at 7:30pm.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Fela!,' 'Jersey Boys' and 'I Love Lucy' from BIC, plus 'Pippin,' 'Sexy Baby,' the return of the Silk Road, 'Annie' and all that television, plus more!

Hell in a Handbag Productions kicks off their 2012 season with SEXY BABY, the new 'docu-musical,' by Artistic Director and resident playwright David Cerda. SEXY BABY takes audiences behind the scenes of the fascinatingly addictive world of child beauty pageants.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents the world premiere fractured fairy tale, How To Survive A Fairy Tale, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents the world premiere fractured fairy tale, How To Survive A Fairy Tale, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents the world premiere fractured fairy tale, How To Survive A Fairy Tale, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos.

Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries presents the world premiere fractured fairy tale, How To Survive A Fairy Tale, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Shole Milos.