Barbara Robertson News

On the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's legacy in 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater embarks on an epic theatrical endeavor-Artistic Director Barbara Gaines' TUG OF WAR, which distills six Shakespeare histories into two action-packed dramas. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

On the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's legacy in 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater  (CST) prepares to begin an epic theatrical endeavor-Artistic Director Barbara Gaines' Tug of War, which distills six Shakespeare histories into two action-packed dramas. Adapted and directed by Gaines as the Theater's centerpiece of the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival, the Tug of War saga traces the injustice and intrigues of war from the perspectives of both kings and common soldiers through two, six-hour marathon productions-Foreign Fire (Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI, Part 1) in the spring and Civil Strife (Henry VI, Parts 2 and 3 and Richard III) in the fall. Featuring some of Chicago's most celebrated actors, the dynamic ensemble cast of 19 performs over 100 characters throughout the electrifying drama. The musicality of Shakespeare's text is complemented with live music performances ranging from Bach and the blues, to contemporary pop and folk anthems. Songs from P!nk, Pete Townshend and Tim Buckley are accompanied onstage by a band of ensemble members on electric guitar, cello, keyboard, ukulele and percussion. Tug of War: Foreign Fire debuts on the Courtyard Theater stage for a limited run of only 18 performances, May 12-June 12, 2016.

On the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare's legacy in 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater  (CST) prepares to begin an epic theatrical endeavor-Artistic Director Barbara Gaines' Tug of War, which distills six Shakespeare histories into two action-packed dramas. Adapted and directed by Gaines as the Theater's centerpiece of the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival, the Tug of War saga traces the injustice and intrigues of war from the perspectives of both kings and common soldiers through two, six-hour marathon productions-Foreign Fire (Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI, Part 1) in the spring and Civil Strife (Henry VI, Parts 2 and 3 and Richard III) in the fall. Featuring some of Chicago's most celebrated actors, the dynamic ensemble cast of 19 performs over 100 characters throughout the electrifying drama. The musicality of Shakespeare's text is complemented with live music performances ranging from Bach and the blues, to contemporary pop and folk anthems. Songs from P!nk, Pete Townshend and Tim Buckley are accompanied onstage by a band of ensemble members on electric guitar, cello, keyboard, ukulele and percussion. Tug of War: Foreign Fire debuts on the Courtyard Theater stage for a limited run of only 18 performances, May 12-June 12, 2016.

Chicago's Sarah Siddons Society recently announced winners of their prestigious annual Actor of the Year Award to be presented on May 16, 2016 at Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Concert Hall. Two of Broadway's most popular performers, Sutton Foster and Brian D'Arcy James, will be this year's recipients. The event is being co-sponsored by Northwestern's School of Communication, Barbara O'Keefe, Dean.

A new series of professionally shot web videos promoting Chicago's neighborhood theater scene is debuting online today, the work of a new non-profit named Friends of Chicago's Neighborhood Theatres. The group's plan is to release one You Tube video every two to three months as part of a new viral marketing campaign promoting Chicago theater titled 'A City of Stories.'

Chicago's Sarah Siddons Society recently announced winners of their prestigious annual Actor of the Year Award to be presented on May 16, 2016 at Northwestern University's Pick Staiger Concert Hall. Two of Broadway's most popular performers, Sutton Foster and Brian D'Arcy James, will be this year's recipients. The event is being co-sponsored by Northwestern's School of Communication, Barbara O'Keefe, Dean.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the full casting and creative team for Shakespeare's spectacular tale of revenge and romance-The Tempest, staged by award-winning directors Aaron Posner and Teller, of the magic duo Penn & Teller.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the full casting and creative team for Shakespeare's spectacular tale of revenge and romance-The Tempest, staged by award-winning directors Aaron Posner and Teller, of the magic duo Penn & Teller.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside and American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, announce a staged reading of Other Than Honorable, the 2015 Blue Ink Award-winner by Jamie Pachino and directed by Kimberly Senior, Saturday, June 27 at 3 p.m. at Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  Tickets are available for a suggested donation of $10 and will be available June 2 at 312.725.4228 or AmericanBluesTheater.com.

?The Chicago Philharmonic presents works by Debussy, Ravel, and De Falla in Scents of Beauty at Northwestern University's Pick-Staiger Hall on April 19, 7pm. The performance will feature world-renowned pianist Jorge Federico Osorio as the orchestra continues its 2014-15 subscription series dedicated to the five senses. Artistic Director Scott Speck conducts.

Chicago Inclusion Project Founder and Producer Emjoy Gavino announces the launch of The Chicago Inclusion Project, a collective dedicated to championing inclusion and diversity in Chicago theatre.

The Chicago Philharmonic presents works by Debussy, Ravel, and De Falla in Scents of Beauty at Northwestern University's Pick-Staiger Hall on April 19, 7pm. The performance will feature world-renowned pianist Jorge Federico Osorio as the orchestra continues its 2014-15 subscription series dedicated to the five senses. Artistic Director Scott Speck conducts.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Carousel,' 'The King And I' and 'The Merry Widow' at Lyric Opera, and the upcoming season at Porchlight. Plus 'Merman' transfers, 'Mormon' arrives, 'First Wives Club' and 'Gotta Dance' try out, the 'Pride And Prejudice' reading moves, Quest Theatre mounts two, Pasek and Paul's 'Peach,' Bailiwick's 'Wonderful Town,' the Mosh Pit in the Tribune and more honors for Jessie Mueller! Whew!

Option Up!, the acclaimed musical theater cabaret and talk-show, celebrates its one-year anniversary on Sunday, February 8, 2015 in The Cab at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago. Featuring Aaron Benham and Christopher Pazdernik, Option Up! runs the second Sunday of each month through May 10 at 7:30 PM.

From the bustling streets of "New York, New York" comes the first major Chicago production of the iconic musical comedy, ON THE TOWN, which started previews August 13 and opened August 20, running through October 12 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL.

From the bustling streets of "New York, New York" comes the first major Chicago production of the iconic musical comedy, ON THE TOWN, currently in previews and opening August 20, and running through October 12 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Option Up!, the acclaimed musical theater cabaret and talk-show, returns Sunday, August 10, 2014 in The Cab at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago. Featuring Aaron Benham and Christopher Pazdernik, Option Up! runs the second Sunday of each month through November 9 at 7:30 PM.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Our biggest musical theaters check in: Broadway In Chicago, the Marriott, the Drury Lane, the Paramount and Munster's TATC, plus Victory Gardens' special events, BoHo's 2015 season, 'The Book Of Merman' and new works from Jane Austen and the Everleigh Club!

From the bustling streets of "New York, New York" comes the first major Chicago production of the iconic musical comedy, ON THE TOWN, previewing August 13, opening August 20, and running through October 12 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. With an unparalleled musical score by Leonard Bernstein and book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, ON THE TOWN tells the hilarious story of three American sailors on a whirlwind 24-hour leave in New York City. Eleven time Jeff Award winner David H. Bell directs, with choreography by Alex Sanchez and Music Direction by Ryan T. Nelson.

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 Mosh Pit's exclusive Oscar wrap-up, Billy Zane announced for Lyric Opera, DLO's 'Les Miz' aims high, Porchlight tries 'How To Succeed,' Bailiwick's 'Dessa Rose' begins, as does 'Heartbeat Of Home' from BIC, 'Option Up! ' returns, voice students compete at NATS, and more!