Beckie Menzie News

Dynamic singer Cathy Glickman makes her Skokie Theatre debut in an autobiographical romp -- LIFE OF THE PARTY INTERRUPTED -- through Glickman's life as she follows her heart, giving up the microscope for the microphone midway through life.

The Palmer House Hilton is proud to announce dinner, dancing and an all-star performance in celebration of the centennial of Frank Sinatra's birth, tonight, Nov. 28 in the legendary Empire Room within the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by, a three-course gourmet dinner with choice of entrée, and wine service then a special “Tribute to Frank”  featuring Chicago's top cabaret performers Joan Curto, Shelley MacArthur, Paul Marinaro, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, and Johnny Rodgers. The birthday party concludes with dancing to The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels until 11 p.m.  Single tickets are $125, with VIP tickets, which include premium seating and an open bar throughout the night, are $150. Reservations may be made at celebrating100yearsofsinatra.brownpapertickets.com.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), the not-for-profit professional theatre company, which recently opened its fourth season in its state-of-the-art theatre in Warwick, is pleased to present New Classics from Current Composers, a benefit concert to support both OSTC's Live Music Initiative and the The Raymond Picozzi Endowed Fund for Musical Theatre, for one performance only on Sunday, December 13, 2015.

The Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Public Library presented the 16th annual Carl Sandburg Literary Award to legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Universally heralded for his immense contributions to musical theater in a career spanning more than 50 years, Sondheim was at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner tonight, October 21, 2015 at The Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Road) on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The event was attended by almost 700 and raised more than $1.5 million to support the initiatives of the Chicago Public Library. Scroll down for photos!

The Palmer House Hilton is proud to announce dinner, dancing and an all-star performance in celebration of the centennial of Frank Sinatra's birth, Saturday, Nov. 28 in the legendary Empire Room within the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St. The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail hour followed by, a three-course gourmet dinner with choice of entrée, and wine service then a special “Tribute to Frank”  featuring Chicago's top cabaret performers Joan Curto, Shelley MacArthur, Paul Marinaro, Beckie Menzie, Tom Michael, and Johnny Rodgers. The birthday party concludes with dancing to The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels until 11 p.m.  Single tickets are $125, with VIP tickets, which include premium seating and an open bar throughout the night, are $150. Reservations may be made at celebrating100yearsofsinatra.brownpapertickets.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. Today's fire at The Second City, and last week's Jeff Award nominations! Plus 'Glory Days' and the Refuge Theatre season, new musicals in focus with Schonberg and Boublil, Chicago Children's Theatre and more, Joan Curto, Hershey Felder, 'Bat Boy,' and Theatre At The Center's 2016 season!

The Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Chicago Public Library have announced that the 16th annual Carl Sandburg Literary Award will be presented to legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. Universally heralded for his immense contributions to musical theater in a career spanning more than 50 years, Sondheim will be honored at the Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at The Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Road) on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber present the final production in the second season of Chicago's hit 'lost' musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits... Mack and Mabel, featuring book by Michael Stewart (Bye, Bye Birdie, 42nd Street) and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly!, Mame) with direction by Michael Weber, music direction by Beckie Menzie and musical staging by Tammy Mader. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to present the final production in the second season of Chicago's hit 'lost' musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits... Mack and Mabel, featuring book by Michael Stewart (Bye, Bye Birdie, 42nd Street) and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly!, Mame) with direction by Michael Weber, music direction by Beckie Menzie and musical staging by Tammy Mader.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the big guns! New openings at the Drury Lane, Marriott, ChiShakes, Second City, Porchlight, Theatre At The Center, Mercury Theater, Jedlicka and Big Noise theaters, plus 13 world premieres from the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival!

Celebrated performer Hilary Ann Feldman brings her newest show "Laughing Matters: the Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett" to Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Saturday May 9, 16 and 23. There is an $18 cover charge with two-drink minumum. Due to high demand, reservations are recommended by calling 773-278-1830 or online at DavenportsPianoBar.com.

Praised as"a tour de force of jazz, cabaret and opera," by the Chicago Tribune, celebrated performer Hilary Ann Feldman brings her newest show "Laughing Matters: the Life and Laughs of Carol Burnett" to Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, Saturday May 9, 16 and 23. There is an $18 cover charge with two-drink minumum. Due to high demand, reservations are recommended by calling 773-278-1830 or online at DavenportsPianoBar.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. Special events on the horizon from Porchlight, FWD and Option Up! Plus new-to-Chicago works from Piven and Bailiwick, colleges do 'Spring Awakening' and 'The Wild Party,' and Emerald City Theatre and Chicago Children's Theatre head for the big time!

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the final production in the second season of Chicago's hit 'lost' musicals in staged concert series, Porchlight Revisits… Mack and Mabel, featuring book by Michael Stewart (Bye, Bye Birdie, 42nd Street) and music and lyrics by Jerry Herman (Hello Dolly!, Mame) with direction by Michael Weber, music direction by Beckie Menzie and musical staging by Tammy Mader.

One of Chicago's favorite duos, After Dark Award Winners Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, will be presenting their brand new annual April show It's About Time. Enjoy 'a joyous intoxicating hour of music,' (NY Cabaret Scenes Magazine) as the award-winning duo explores songs about the many concepts of time.

One of Chicago's favorite duos, After Dark Award Winners Beckie Menzie and Tom Michael, will be presenting their brand new annual April show It's About Time. Enjoy 'a joyous intoxicating hour of music,' (NY Cabaret Scenes Magazine) as the award-winning duo explores songs about the many concepts of time.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Ravinia's summer season announced, plus the 'Mormon' and 'Merman' rivalry/revelry. 'The Addams Family' and 'Mr. Burns' extend, 'That's Weird' goes musical, Annaleigh Ashford and 'Tyler's Songs' bow on March 21, and Joan Curto and 'Finishing The Birthday Hat' honor Sondheim's 85th birthday!

Called 'a cabaret icon' by NBC Chicago, After Dark Award-winning vocalist Joan Curto performs her new tribute show Joan Curto Sings Sondheim- everybody says don't, that will be marking the 85th birthday of celebrated composer Stephen Sondheim (March 23, 1925).

Porchlight Music Theatre and Artistic Director Michael Weber are proud to announce the 2015 ICONS Gala will celebrate the legendary career of Elaine Stritch, Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., at the Grand Ballroom, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, 505 N. Michigan Ave. The Gala will include performances from Chicago's leading divas in a tribute to one of Broadway's leading divas, Ms. Stritch, the presentation of the 2015 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago to director and teacher Dominic Missimi, and silent and live auctions. The fundraising gala will kick off Porchlight's 21st Anniversary of creating 'American Musicals. Chicago Style.' Proceeds from the event and its accompanying auction benefit Porchlight's educational programs and productions.