Barnes News

Classical, jazz and dance combine when the Music Institute of Chicago collaborates with Dance Chicago to present a family concert, "Duke It Out!," Saturday, December 8 at 2 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.

The production that has had audience members 'burning off pounds just laughing,' according to the Los Angeles Times, WaistWatchers The Musical! makes its Chicago Premiere at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted St., this fall. Produced by Dana Matthow and featuring the queen of disco Martha Wash, known for singing the powerful anthem 'It's Raining Men,' and 'Everybody Dance Now,' the musical takes a lighthearted and hilarious look at women dealing with their relationship to food, friendship and fitness, while celebrating the transformative power of female friendship on the journey to self-acceptance. Capturing audiences of all ages from start to finish, the Chicago production begins September 13 for an open run with a press opening September 21, 2018.

After the disappointment of canceling Waitress following the June 13 fire at the Kentucky Center, Broadway in Louisville kicks off the current season in spectacular style. The 2014 Broadway production of Disney's Aladdin flew into Louisville this week for an extended run.

More Than You Know explores Rosemary Clooney's musical choices and career after her return to the stage and recording studio following a mental collapse in 1968. Her journey was often difficult and painful but she persevered to become one of the greatest interpreters of song in the 20th century. No longer "the girl next door" - Rosemary returned as a consummate musician with a warmer tone, a love for swing and an open heart that shared joy, pain and the wisdom of her years and no better artist to showcase her songbook than Teresa Fischer with themes of love, loss, joy, and second chances in this tribute to the 'Girl Singer'. Teresa Fischer has long wanted to sing this songbook and now is the perfect moment as the richness of her own career helps her to understand these songs in a way that the inimitable Rosemary Clooney did and as only Teresa can today.

As a fan of musical theatre, there is nothing like sitting down with a favorite cast album and being transported (possibly for the umpteenth time) to fantastic worlds, bygone eras, or dramatic locales. These musical journeys help one forget the worries of day to day life and instead spend a couple hours with a smile on the face and a song in the heart. Imagine if the essence of that experience could be captured and put on stage, and you have the hilarious musical THE DROWSY CHAPERONE, the final show in Goodspeed Musicals' 2018 season. THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is one of those shows with something for everyone. For the die-hard theatre geeks (such as this writer) it is an exciting and thrilling, non-stop nod to the experience that only a musical can provide. But for everyone else, THE DROWSY CHAPERONE is just a hands-down great piece of musical theater. With rousing dance numbers, powerhouse ballads, beautiful costumes, magical scenery, and hilarious situations, this is a show that everyone can fall in love with

C.A.G.E. Theatre Company will present - as part of the first fall season of the New York International Fringe Festival - FringeNYC - THE LONG RAIL NORTH, written by award-winning playwright, Michael Hagins, and directed by former Planet Connections Artistic Director, Brock H. Hill.

C.A.G.E. Theatre Company will present - as part of the first fall season of the New York International Fringe Festival - FringeNYC - The Long Rail North, written by award-winning playwright, Michael Hagins, and directed by former Planet Connections Artistic Director, Brock H. Hill.