Joe Lewis

Review: DERBY DAY with the Southern Theatre Company
by Theresa Bertram - Jul 26, 2025

The Southern Theatre Company, created by Samuel Brett Williams, Kevin Day, and Christi Day, made its bold debut July 18–20 with Derby Day, a play penned by Arkansas native Samuel Brett Williams.

Photos: MADDIE: A NEW MUSICAL - Opening Off-Broadway
by Emmy Rice - May 11, 2025

After captivating audiences in London’s West End, here is a first look at Maddie: A New Musical, making its Off-Broadway debut at The Players Theatre in NYC through June 8, 2025.

Photos: Cast of MADDIE: A NEW MUSICAL Ahead of Off-Broadway Debut
by Stephi Wild - May 6, 2025

After captivating audiences in London’s West End, MADDIE: A New Musical will make its Off-Broadway debut, offering a new life for a ghostly leading lady who's back for a second chance at fulfilling her dreams.  

Photos: MADDIE: A New Musical in Rehearsal
by Stephi Wild - Apr 29, 2025

After captivating audiences in London’s West End, MADDIE: A New Musical will make its Off-Broadway debut beginning next month. Check out all new rehearsal photos here!

Cast Set for MADDIE: A NEW MUSICAL Off-Broadway at The Players Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 22, 2025

The cast of Off-Broadway's MADDIE: A New Musical has been revealed! After running in London’s West End, MADDIE makes its Off-Broadway debut, with Twenty-five performances to be staged at The Players Theatre. Learn more!

Video: 100 FOOT WAVE Sets Season 3 Premiere; Watch the New Trailer
by Josh Sharpe - Apr 17, 2025

The five-part third season of the Emmy-winning HBO Original documentary series 100 Foot Wave, directed by Chris Smith and executive produced by Tony winner Joe Lewis, will debut Thursday, May 1 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Watch the new trailer.

Review: FADE TO BLACK PLAY FESTIVAL from SHABACH ENTERPRISES at the MATCH
by Brett Cullum - Jun 20, 2024

The playwriting talent on display here is awe-inspiring, and I found myself sucked in shortly after each set change and new scenario. What fascinates me most about this year is that the subject material has shifted a bit overall. FADE TO BLACK has always addressed racial issues, but now the works are taking aim at gender roles, fantasy scenarios, and even horror tropes.

Photos: Inside Opening Night of THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Music Theater Works
by Stephi Wild - Mar 12, 2024

Music Theater Works officially opened its first production of its 2024 season, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. The musical is now playing through March 31.  Check out photos from opening night here!

Review: THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE at Music Theater Works
by Zac Thriffiley - Mar 10, 2024

The semi-improvised, fourth-wall-breaking musical now receives a delightful production at Music Theater Works that's heavy on humor if occasionally light on heart. It runs through March 31 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Photos: Music Theater Works Presents THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by A.A. Cristi - Mar 9, 2024

Music Theater Works’ first production of its 2024 season, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, is now playing through March 31. See photos from the production!

Sankofa African American Theatre Company and Gamut Theatre Group Host Annual Black History Month Presentation
by Stephi Wild - Jan 30, 2024

THE JACKSON ROOMING HOUSE: Music's Resting Place, opens Saturday, February 10 and plays through Sunday, February 25. The Friday and Saturday performance time is 7:30 pm. Sunday matinees are at 2:30 pm, at Gamut Theatre, 15 North 4th Street. 

Music Theater Works Announces The Cast And Creative Team For THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
by A.A. Cristi - Jan 20, 2024

BroadwayWorld announces the upcoming production of HAMILTON at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. The show will feature an all-star cast and promises to be a must-see for theater lovers. Get all the details here.

PrideArts to Present Adult Holiday Panto SLEEPING WITH BEAUTY in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 18, 2023

Join PrideArts for the US premiere of the ribald British panto, Sleeping with Beauty. Directed by Bryan McCaffrey, this hilarious and risqué twist on a classic fairy tale is a must-see this November.

Amplify Pictures Partners With Folk Productions to Expand Theater Division
by Stephi Wild - Oct 4, 2023

Amplify Pictures has formed a production and financing partnership with Folk Productions. Learn more about the partnership and the two companies here!

HBO Renews 100 FOOT WAVE For A Third Season
by Michael Major - Aug 23, 2023

Directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith (HBO’s “Branson”) and executive produced by Emmy®, Golden Globe®, and Tony® winner Joe Lewis (“Fleabag”), 100 FOOT WAVE chronicles the adventures of big wave surfing legend Garrett McNamara, his wife, Nicole, and their nucleus of friends.

Jhett Black Soars on New 'Babel' Album Set for Release in September
by Michael Major - Jul 24, 2023

Jhett embarked on a self-produced excursion alongside Glenn Halverson (who mixed and mastered the album) and co-producers Al Basile and Callie Sioux, growing up and out of traditional territories of the blues while maintaining the integrity of the genre. Babel is being distributed by Smith Entertainment Distribution.

Kaleidoscope Festival Celebrating Neurodiversity Returns To Storyhouse
by Stephi Wild - May 12, 2023

Storyhouse's hugely popular Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Chester this summer for its fourth edition.

100 FOOT WAVE Returns For Its Second Season in April
by Michael Major - Mar 27, 2023

The second season of the Emmy-winning HBO Original six-part docuseries 100 FOOT WAVE, directed and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Chris Smith (HBO’s “Branson”) and executive produced by Emmy, Golden Globe, and Tony winner Joe Lewis (“Fleabag”), will return in April. Watch the video trailer for the new season now!

Full Cast Announced For ASSASSINS
by Blair Ingenthron - Mar 19, 2023

Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman's Assassins will be brought to Chicagoland by Wee Productions in Fall 2023.

Nominations for 2023 Jeff Awards for Non-Equity Theater Announced; See the Full List!
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 31, 2023

Kicking off the new year, the Joseph Jefferson Awards announced its nominations for theater excellence among Non-Equity theater. See the full list!