Matt McNabb

Do descendants inherit any familial traits or do they assimilate them from their childhood environment? Lyric Arts poses a poignant production of David Auburn's 2000 multiple award winning play, Proof, that deftly tackles this question along with other relevant themes convening mental health. Through the story of Robert, a brilliant mathematician who achieved great fame in his field before age 25, and his two daughters, Catherine and Claire, the answers to the questions the play poses become more blurred than clear to the audience's benefit.

Poet Langston Hughes questions in 1951 through his poem "Harlem;" What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?" The legendary poem inspired Lorraine Hansbury to write the award winning drama A Raisin in the Sun eight years later. In 1959, Hansberry became the first African American women to have her play produced at New York's Barrymore Broadway theater in an era when women in general, regardless of ethnicity, were published. Opening in '59 with a primarily African American cast, the play heralded a dramatic change for theater audience in years to come. At Anoka's Main Stage Theater, Lyric Arts presents an outstanding revised thirteenth anniversary production of the play directed by Austene Van, which features a stellar cast, two tiered set designed by Peter Lerohl and lighting designed by Matt McNabb.

Was Eva Peron a saint or sinner, or perhaps merely an incredibly determined woman who changed the face of Argentinian politics? In an elegant stage presentation of the award winning Evita, Lyric Arts on the Main Street Stage delivered a theatrical jewel to their audiences this past weekend. Andrew Lloyd Webber's music and Tim Rice's book and lyrics garnered Drama Desk and Tony Awards to became the first British musical to win the prestigious award of Best Musical in 1979. Inspiration for the production came from Mary Martin's biography 'Evita: The Women with the Whip' and forged the basis for the Webber/Rice collaboration with contemporary themes that resonate in the 21st century. Political upheaval in South America and other world regimes rock the globe in current news headlines, where revisiting Evita gives audiences a forum to contemplate these cultural concerns.

In just over a week, Lyric Arts will open their newest production, Evita, on March 22. This show has been the show I have been most excited for since it was announced last year. Full disclosure, I used to work at Lyric Arts and immediately called Laura, their Artistic and Executive Director, to both congratulate her and beg her to let me play Eva. Of course, we laughed about it and I still let her know, almost monthly, that I'm ready to jump into the role if anything happens.

'This is a season that is full of heart. My biggest goal in programming this season was selecting shows with interesting stories and memorable characters that will entertain and engage our audiences while also inspiring authentic emotion-whether it be joy or sadness or simple delight' said Artistic & Executive Director Laura Tahja Johnson who recently celebrated her 15th year with Lyric Arts.

Last year I posted an article on my website about the top 10 shows I was the most excited for that would be in the Twin Cities across the 2018-2019 season. Some of them premiered in 2018 like Mamma Mia at the Ordway and, of course, the traveling production of Hamilton. However, as I look back at the least, a large majority of them are in 2019 and I'm still just as excited to see these productions as I was last year when I posted about them. Below are 9 shows that I can't wait to see in 2019!

Bright colors and jingle bell music magically appear on the Lyric Arts Main Street Stage while the time of year leaps back into December, 1968. Harper's Hardware holds their end of year Holiday Happening, or the company's seasonal party, and everyone in the audience attends!  Lyric Arts presents both the inviting entertainment for the company's happening in sync with their own December production through this charming, kitschy in the best way, girl group musical revue: 'Winter Wonderettes.' Written and created by Roger Bean in 2003, with lyrics and arrangements by Brian Baker, this 'juke box musical' features catchy tunes to hum or rock out to while smiling 'all the way' through the evening, and then 'all the way home.' 

Guys and Dolls, a charming musical opening a half century ago on Broadway in 1951, reminisces New York's hidden society-gamblers, exotic dancers and 'sinners'-along with the missionaries who tried to redeem them. A story based on a series of short stories by Damon Runyon, Jo Sweeney and Abe Burrows created the book together with Frank Loesser's mesmerizing melodies and lyrics that brings the tale of two determined young women, Adelaide and Sarah, to life. The musical was eventually denied a Pulitzer Prize because one of the producers was blacklisted, and this retells another fascinating story in itself. 

Once again, Anoka's Lyric Arts presents an area premiere for their audiences. This winter, Superior Donuts, a 2008 play written by Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner Tracy Letts, arrived for opening weekend. Letts, an ensemble actor at Chicago's famed Steppenwolf Theatre, has recently been in the news for his role in Greta Gertwig's film, 'Lady Bird,' with another Steppenwolf actor, Laurie Metcalf, and newcomer Saoirse Ronan. To learn a bit about Letts, his sense of humor, and his award winning theatrical career, viewing his comedy Superior Donuts provides one perfect place to begin.

Following its hit production of SHOCKHEADED PETER, Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to conclude its 2017-18 season with the Chicago premiere musical NEVERMORE The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the moving life story of the iconic American writer told through haunting music, poetic storytelling and stunning stagecraft, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Christenson.

Following its hit production of SHOCKHEADED PETER, Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to conclude its 2017-18 season with the Chicago premiere musical NEVERMORE The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the moving life story of the iconic American writer told through haunting music, poetic storytelling and stunning stagecraft, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Christenson.

Following its hit production of SHOCKHEADED PETER, Black Button Eyes Productions concludes its 2017-18 season with the Chicago premiere musical NEVERMORE - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the moving life story of the iconic American writer told through haunting music, poetic storytelling and stunning stagecraft, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Christenson. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in costume below!

Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to announce casting for its Chicago premiere musical NEVERMORE The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe, the moving life story of the iconic American writer told through haunting music, poetic storytelling and stunning stagecraft, with book, music and lyrics by Jonathan Christenson.

At the intimate theater in downtown Anoka, Minnesota, Lyric Arts presents an absolutely 'pee-popping' version of the 2001 Broadway hit Urinetown; The Musical. When the musical was first proposed, producers initially rejected the comic/tragic satire (A 'sad' musical as the character Little Sally names the production), yet numerous Urinetown performances captured Drama Desk and Tony Awards through 2001 and 2002. The multi-layered musical featured at Lyric Arts presents an equally multi-talented cast who can act, dance and sing, triple threats in theater, with thrilling results. Director Matt McNabb amps up the productions to a hyper realistic state, perfect for todays political scenarios into an entertaining and enlightening theatrical evening.

Three days after its opening in Chicago, we take a look at Black Button Eyes Production' latest musical, AMOUR. Adapted from the short story "Le Passe-Muraille" by beloved French author Marcel Ayme, AMOUR tells the story of Dusoleil, a shy clerk working in a dreary office in post-World War II Paris. One day he discovers he has the ability to walk through walls, and embraces a life of romance and adventure.

Black Button Eyes Productions will present the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-nominated musical AMOUR, with music by Michel Legrand, directed by Ed Rutherford, music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. AMOUR will play tonight, September 2, through October 8, 2016 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., in Chicago. The press opening is Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Black Button Eyes Productions presents the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-nominated musical AMOUR, with music by Michel Legrand, directed by Ed Rutherford, music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. AMOUR will play September 2 - October 8, 2016 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., in Chicago. The press opening is Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the stars in character below!

Black Button Eyes Productions presents the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-nominated musical AMOUR, with music by Michel Legrand, directed by Ed Rutherford, music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. AMOUR will play September 2 - October 8, 2016 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., in Chicago. The press opening is Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the stars in character below!

?Black Button Eyes Productions is pleased to present the Chicago premiere of the Tony Award-nominated musical AMOUR, with music by Michel Legrand, directed by Ed Rutherford, music direction by Nick Sula and choreography by Derek Van Barham. AMOUR will play September 2 - October 8, 2016 at The Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave., in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at amourchicago.com or by calling (773) 935-6875. The press opening is Saturday, September 3 at 7:30 pm.