Bobby Arnold News

CIRCLE THEATRE has announced a new artistic team as it prepares to launch into its first full season in over a year. Circle Theatre began in Oak Park, IL back in 1985 by Karen Skinner, Wayne Buidens and Joseph Bass, where it produced multiple world premieres and earned over 40 Joseph Jefferson Awards in its 28-year residency. After officially transitioning to the city proper in 2013 with the remount of its Jeff Award-winning When the Rain Stops Falling (director: John Gawlik), Circle Theatre produced two more musicals (Death Takes a Holiday and Edges) before taking a break from producing to re-group as an artistic ensemble. 

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Musical television series abound! Also special nights for 'Allegro' and 'Reefer Madness,' that Dolphin show at Annoyance, Mercury's 'Addams Family,' a big children's premiere, the return of 'Option Up!' and a surprising, real live 'Beauty!'

Break out your high heels and fishnets this holiday because Hell in a Handbag Productions is bringing back Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, David Cerda's beloved parody of the classic children's television special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Now celebrating its 17th year, Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer is the longest running holiday show featuring a transvestite reindeer in the history of Chicago, and quite possibly the world. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

(re)discover theatre is at it again, with their refreshing update of Aristophanes' classic LYSISTRATA playing in Room 300 in The Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., today, April 10 - April 27.

(re)discover theatre is at it again, with their refreshing update of Aristophanes' classic LYSISTRATA playing in Room 300 in The Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave., April 10 - April 27. The production is directed by Janet Howe, and adapted by E.K. Dagenfield. Opening/press night is Thursday, April 10th. Regular performances run Thursdays - Sundays at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $15-$20. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit rediscovertheatre.com.

Kokandy Productions' premiere all-musical season kicks off with the Marvin Hamlisch/Craig Carnelia/John Guare noir SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS, running now through February 2, 2014 at Theater Wit. BroadwayWorld has a look at the opening night festivities below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three major local premieres begin this week ('Next To Normal,' '9 To 5' and 'The Color Purple'), plus coverage of LOW's 'Cabaret,' two Cole Porter revues, busy Circle Theatre, 'Persuasion' is back, and 'In The Heights' and 'Hello, Dolly!' get their casts. It's a big Mosh Pit!

On the heels of Jeff Award success with Best Play winner When the Rain Stops Falling, Circle Theatre and Stage 773 are hosting a festival of New Works first time being heard in Chicago on August 10th and 11th.

Running almost every Wednesday through Sunday between now and April 21, 2013, is a world premiere musical that is certainly worth seeing. It's "Under A Rainbow Flag," with book, music and lyrics by Chicagoan Leo Schwartz, and based on the recollections of the now 91-year-old Jon Phillips, living in retirement in Evanston and present on opening night. The show is running in the Profiles Theatre Main Stage space at 4139 N. Broadway, in Chicago's Buena Park neighborhood, in the Uptown community area.

Based on the real-life story of a WWII naval corpsman Jon Philips (who lives in Evanston, Illinois), Under A Rainbow Flag is an high-energy work about a group of soldiers who meet on a transport train heading west from Chicago and about the choices they make during and after the war. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Pride Films and Plays' upcoming production below!

Based on the real-life story of a WWII naval corpsman Jon Philips (who lives in Evanston, Illinois), Under A Rainbow Flag is an high-energy work about a group of soldiers who meet on a transport train heading west from Chicago and about the choices they make during and after the war. BroadwayWorld has a first look at Pride Films and Plays' upcoming production below!

The cast of Under A Rainbow Flag will present a high-energy cabaret at Mary's Attic tonight, February 15 at 7 pm. Under A Rainbow Flag's Stage Door Canteen will feature the cast members of this world-premiere musical singing songs from World War II, songs from Broadway, and premiering songs from Under A Rainbow Flag.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to New York. Upcoming productions of 'See What I Wanna See' and 'Little Women,' a unique 'Joseph...,' four world premieres, including 'Under A Rainbow Flag,' plus a whole bunch of special cabaret evenings, the return of 'Best Musical!' at Stage 773, and world premiere choreography by Ann Reinking!

The cast of Under A Rainbow Flag will present a high-energy cabaret at Mary's Attic on February 15 at 7 pm. Under A Rainbow Flag's Stage Door Canteen will feature the cast members of this world-premiere musical singing songs from World War II, songs from Broadway, and premiering songs from Under A Rainbow Flag.

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, which opened last night, July 18 and runs through August 26, 2012. Check out photos from the opening night party below!

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, opening tonight, July 18, through August 26, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

Pride Films and Plays announces that five finalists have been named in the 2012 Great Gay Play and Musical Contest, as PFP continues to explore 'What's New and Who's Next' in LGBT film and theater. The finalists are: At The Flash, by Sean Chandler and David Leeper, Woodland Hills, CA Lost in History, by Adam Siegel, Maplewood, NJ Hello Norma Jeane, by Dylan Costello, London, UK Mr. Teddy, by George Smart, Quincy, MA Under A Rainbow Flag, a new musical, by Leo Schwartz, Chicago, IL Check out the event photos below!