Catherine Smitko News

The histrionics of the amazing Marx Brothers are brought back to life with Bruce Randolph Nelson playing Groucho.

It's 'Hooray for Captain Spaulding, The African Explorer!' and hooray for the entire cast of ANIMAL CRACKERS who pay (and play) fitting homage to the Brothers Marx in this comedy music production at Baltimore's Center Stage.

Rehearsals began Tuesday for Animal Crackers, the first production of Center Stage's 2013-14 Season. This classic American musical comedy is set to feature City Paper Best Actor Bruce Nelson as Groucho Marx playing the ineffable Captain Spaulding. Under the direction of Northlight Theatre Artistic Director BJ Jones-who previously directed Center Stage's smash production of A Skull in Connemara-Animal Crackers begins previews on September 4 and runs through October 13.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, running through June 2, 2013. Click below to watch interviews with the cast and creative team on opening night!

Drury Lane Theatre begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, currently in previews and opening Thursday, April 11, running through June 2, 2013. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013. OLIVER! features an all-star cast of 35, led by Heidi Kettenring as 'Nancy' (National Tour of Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Broadway in Chicago's Wicked, the World Premiere of Hero at Marriott Theatre, and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre); Jeff Award winner John Reeger as 'Fagin' (The Iceman Cometh and A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre, Amadeus at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Hamlet at Court Theatre, and Chicago at Marriott Theatre); J.D. Rodriguez as the 'Artful Dodger' (National Tour of A Christmas Story) and Brady Tutton as 'Oliver Twist' ('Tiny Tim' in A Christmas Carol at Drury Lane Theatre). The production is Directed and Choreographed by multi-Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell (Ragtime, The Sound of Music and Sweeney Todd at Drury Lane Theatre). Rockwell will direct both her mother, Glory Kissel, who stars as 'Mrs. Bedwin' (Pericles at the Goodman Theatre and Anyone Can Whistle at Ravinia), and her son, Jake Helm, who plays an orphan. Her husband, Garth Helm, provides Sound Design.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Catch Me' a 'Big Fish' in the Loop, 'Barnum' and 'Sweet Charity' keep Coleman in the spotlight, 'The Pajama Game' up north, 'Oliver! out west, two from Theo Ubique and more!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, begins its exciting 2013 season with a grand scale production of the Tony Award-winning musical OLIVER!, previewing April 4, opening Thursday, April 11, and running through June 2, 2013.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

Chills. I got chills! When Sara Sheperd as Fanny Brice let loose the other night with her remarkable voice at the end of those legendary Brice/Barbra standards "I'm The Greatest Star," "Don't Rain On My Parade" and (even) "The Music That Makes Me Dance" .....

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL. Based on the life of Ziegfeld Follies comedienne Fanny Brice, FUNNY GIRL will be co-directed by Gary Griffin and William Osetek.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

Rounding out their 2009-10 smash hit season, Drury Lane Oakbrook presents the 1964 classic Broadway musical comedy FUNNY GIRL.

The charming fairy tale classic CINDERELLA gets a contemporary new twist in Marc Robin's imaginative musical version opening July 8 and running through August 29, 2009 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive. Rachel Rockwell (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Disney's High School Musical and Aladdin) will direct and choreograph the production.

The charming fairy tale classic CINDERELLA gets a contemporary new twist in Marc Robin's imaginative musical version opening July 8 and running through August 29, 2009 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive. Rachel Rockwell (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Disney's High School Musical and Aladdin) will direct and choreograph the production.

The charming fairy tale classic CINDERELLA gets a contemporary new twist in Marc Robin's imaginative musical version opening July 8 and running through August 29, 2009 at Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive. Rachel Rockwell (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Disney's High School Musical and Aladdin) will direct and choreograph the production.