Chris Hoch News

Broadway In Chicago presents the the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies). Check out a first look at highlights below!

Can a new musical be 'pre-Broadway' without having a New York theater booked, or without even announcing a timetable for said booking? How about a musical largely penned by a previously unknown writer, one who worked as a Pennsylvania policeman, and never formally studied music composition? Well, AMAZING GRACE is that show, and this expensive-looking, high-aiming show that's been in development since 2007, with book, music and lyrics by Christopher Smith (the book is co-written with the veteran playwright Arthur Giron) opened on Sunday night. So far, so good!

Broadway In Chicago presents the the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics byChristopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith andArthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winnerChristopher Gattelli (Newsies). Check out a first look below!

Broadway star and Tony Award nominee Josh Young speaks about his role as John Newton in the upcoming world premiere of Amazing Grace. Recorded at Scott Lehrer Studios, NYC. All content Copyright © 2014 Christopher Smith. Check it out below!

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that the Pre-Broadway World Premiere engagement ofAmazing Grace, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book byChristopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), opens this Sunday, October 19 at 6PM at the Bank of America Theatre (18 W. Monroe). Amazing Grace will play Chicago throughSunday, November 2.

Broadway In Chicago presents the the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith andArthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies). In honor of the show's first performance tonight, check out a GoPro timelapse of the musical's load-in at the Bank of America Theatre!

Broadway In Chicago presents the the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies).

Ohio State will adopt an interim leadership structure to guide the marching band through the upcoming academic year.

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!

Broadway In Chicago has announced complete ensemble casting for the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies).

Broadway In Chicago has announced additional principal casting for the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, the new musical with music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies).

Today, March 4, Matt Harrington joins the cast of Matilda. He will be playing the role of Mr. Wormwood, Matilda's father, and replacing Gabriel Ebert. Harrington recently appeared in Broadway's Twelfth Night and Richard III, which transferred from the Shakespeare's Globe in 2013.

From newcomer Zachary Levi on his FIRST DATE with Broadway to veteran, half-masked opera instructor Hugh Panaro as the 'PHANTOM', this season on the Great White Way is filled with men who know how to reign onstage. Below, BWW brings you the cream of the crop currently on Broadway -- and be sure to let us know your favorite in this week's poll!

The 2013 theatre season brought some truly extraordinary productions, including Matilda, which is still playing at the Shubert Theatre. The musical earned thirteen Tony nominations- taking home five, including a special honor for the four girls playing the title role.

Regrettably, due to medical circumstances beyond his control, Craig Bierko will not be resuming his role as Miss Trunchbull in the Broadway production of Matilda the Musical. During rehearsals for the role of Agatha Trunchbull, Craig injured his shoulder making it impossible for him to meet all the physical requirements of the part.

The young leading ladies of MATILDA -- Milly Shapiro, Sophia Gennusa, Bailey Ryon and Oona Laurence -- attended a surprise Sardi's caricature unveiling at Sardi's Restaurant today, October 22, 2013 in New York City. BroadwayWorld was there and brings you full coverage of the unveiling!

Craig Bierko, who began performances on September 17 in the role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda The Musical, has temporarily exited the show due to an injury. A show representative told NYT: 'Due to a shoulder injury which delayed his start in 'Matilda the Musical' and which has been aggravated during performance, Craig Bierko will be taking a 12-week disability leave from the production. At this time, understudies Chris Hoch and Ben Thompson will be playing Miss Trunchbull.'

Craig Bierko will begin performances tonight in the role of Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA THE MUSICAL at Broadway's Shubert Theatre. Bierko was originally scheduled to begin on September 3, but a minor injury caused a delay. Since Tony nominee Bertie Carvel departed on September 1, the role was played by Chris Hoch.

Due to a minor injury, Craig Bierko, who was to begin performances tonight in the role of Miss Trunchbull in MATILDA THE MUSICAL, will delay his first performance in the show.

Torrential rains beforehand, a late start, and even technical issues couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of the cast SPAMALOT, which is currently playing The Muny. I brought my young son along to the show since he'd enjoyed the movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail, that it's based on, and I'm happy to report that he laughed at the silliness on display repeatedly. I myself have issues with this hodgepodge of scenes cobbled from the cult film, and in fact, it is the additional elements that book writer and Python member Eric Idle included, along with a couple of fresh songs he's written with frequent collaborator John Du Prez, that really stand out to me in this parody/homage. One thing's for sure, a game cast led by John O'Hurley delivered a hilarious presentation under less than ideal conditions this past Monday at the Muny.