James Lum

Today we are talking to a familiar face to theatre fans who has appeared in a number of memorable roles on Broadway and elsewhere, in roles ranging from LES MISERABLES to THE FIX to A TALE OF TWO CITIES and beyond - the passionate and thoughtful Natalie Toro. Discussing many of the details in the painstaking process in bringing her spectacular new holiday-themed album to life, song selection to overall style and sound, Toro shares stories from the studio as well as from her own life, having spent the better part of the last year preparing, recording, mastering and now finally releasing the album to the world - along with a few music videos, too. Speaking of which, Toro shines a light on the talented guest stars and collaborators that appear on the release, including Jon Secada and Ryan Kelly, with whom she stars in the new music video for "Baby, It's Cold Outside". Additionally, Toro also casts a look back at some of her most celebrated roles to date and tells colorful tales from participating in the national tour of CATS, the American premiere of Dana Rowe and John Dempsey's THE FIX and the original Off-Broadway production of ZOMBIE PROM as well as LES MISERABLES on Broadway, A TALE OF TWO CITIES and more as well as illuminates her involvement with the recent workshop of the new musical by Dana Rowe and Michal Aman, FRIDA. Plus, Toro looks ahead to her holiday-themed Birdland show in promotion of JUST IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS and much, much more!

The Blues Brothers are what can only be described as the stuff of musical, comedic and cinematic legend.

The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season. In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will once again create a comprehensive Holiday Theater Guide that will be available in mid-November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area. An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Oklahoma!' at Lyric Opera, 'Assassins,' Lake County shows like 'Sweeney Todd,' summer musical theater camps, summer show extensions, 'Bunheads' and more!