Christopher Kriz News

Victory Gardens Theater introduces Backstage at the Biograph, a new event series that takes audiences behind-the-scenes for an in-depth look at a unique aspect of the rehearsal process of each production throughout the season. The first Backstage at the Biograph focuses on Sucker Punch by Roy Williams, directed by Dexter Bullard, running September 18 - October 18, 2015. Backstage at the Biograph: Blow-By-Blow highlights the intensive boxing training actors must go through for the production. Backstage at the Biograph: Blow-By-Blow is Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

Even after 50 years, Americans still question who shot JFK and why. Investigative reporter and author Hillel Levin reveals the most persuasive proof to date -- and sheds light on the Windy City's pivotal connection -- in the world premiere of ASSASSINATION THEATER: Chicago's Role in the Crime of The Century, directed by Kevin Christopher Fox. Levin's theatrical investigation into the nation's most infamous crime plays now through November 7, 2015 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St. in Chicago. The press opening is Tuesday, August 18 at 8 pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Peninsula Players Theatre, America's oldest professional resident summer theater and Door County's theatrical icon, will open the Wisconsin premiere of John Patrick Shanley's Tony Award-nominated 'Outside Mullingar' August 19 , 2015 as part of its celebratory 80th season.

ASSASSINATION THEATER will feature Michael Joseph Mitchell as Hillel Levin and Mark Ulrich as Zack Shelton with Ryan Kitley and Martin Yurek. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

Victory Gardens Theater opens its 41st season with the Midwest Premiere of Sucker Punch by Roy Williams, directed by Dexter Bullard. Sucker Punch runs September 18 - October 18, 2015 with the press performance on Friday, September 25, 2015, at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue.

ASSASSINATION THEATER will feature Michael Joseph Mitchell as Hillel Levin and Mark Ulrich as Zack Shelton with Ryan Kitley and Martin Yurek. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast below!

Peninsula Players Theatre, America's Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theater and Door County's theatrical icon, continues its 80th season tonight, July 29, through August 16 when it presents Ken Ludwig's hilarious comedy, 'Lend Me A Tenor.'

First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) presents THE WINTER'S TALE as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series. The show opened Saturday, July 11, and runs through August 9, 2015. Pack a picnic and experience the Shakespearean classic that the The New York Times hails as 'Enthralling!' The spellbinding story of jealousy, love, and the price of both is directed by Jeff Award-nominee Alison C. Vesely. Scroll down for a peek at the cast!

First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) will present THE WINTER'S TALE as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series, opening tonight, July 11 at 8:15 p.m., running through August 9, 2015. Pack a picnic and experience the Shakespearean classic that the The New York Times hails as 'Enthralling!' The spellbinding story of jealousy, love, and the price of both is directed by Jeff Award-nominee Alison C. Vesely. BroadwayWorld has a look at the cast in action below!

First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) will present THE WINTER'S TALE as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series, currently in previews and opening Saturday, July 11 at 8:15 p.m., running through August 9, 2015. Pack a picnic and experience the Shakespearean classic that the The New York Times hails as 'Enthralling!' The spellbinding story of jealousy, love, and the price of both is directed by Jeff Award-nominee Alison C. Vesely. BroadwayWorld has as first look at the cast in action below!

Even after 50 years, Americans still question who shot JFK and why. Investigative reporter and author Hillel Levin reveals the most persuasive proof to date - and sheds light on the Windy City's pivotal connection - in the world premiere of ASSASSINATION THEATER: Chicago's Role in the Crime of The Century, directed by Kevin Christopher Fox. Levin's theatrical investigation into nation's most infamous crime plays August 11 - November 7, 2015 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, 360 N. State St. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at assassinationtheater.com or by calling (800) 838-3006. The press opening is Tuesday, August 18 at 8 pm.

?First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) will present THE WINTER'S TALE as part of its annual outdoor Shakespeare Under the Stars series, previewing tonight, July 8, opening Saturday, July 11 at 8:15 p.m., and running through August 9, 2015.

The Other Theatre Company and Artistic Director Carin Silkaitis have announced the company's second production in its inaugural season, Bent, written by Martin Sherman and directed by Keira Fromm, at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, tonight, June 27 - July 26.

Peninsula Players Theatre, America's Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre and Door County's theatrical icon, presents its 80th season, running tonight, June 16 through October 18, 2015.

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast onstage below!

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere musical adaptation of Austin Grossman's 2007 novel, Soon I Will Be Invincible, by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh (Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation, A Tale of Two Cities, Lifeline Theatre), with music and lyrics by Christopher Kriz (Jeff Award and Non-Equity Jeff Award-winner for Sound Design; three-time Non-Equity Jeff Award nominee for Original Incidental Music), and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist (Non-Equity Jeff Award: Best Production-Play, The Island of Dr. Moreau, Lifeline Theatre; Non-Equity Jeff nomination: Director-Musical, The Robber Bridegroom, Griffin Theatre). The devious Doctor Impossible has escaped from prison and legendary superhero CoreFire has vanished without a trace. With the fate of the world in their hands, the New Champions have mere hours to recover their fallen comrade and stop their arch-nemesis before his doomsday device is complete. Joined by Fatale, a cyborg with an arsenal of deadly hardware and a host of self-esteem issues, the mighty super-team must face their darkest hour - and the truths buried in their deeply troubled pasts. A thrilling new musical about power and identity set in a vibrant world of heroes and villains, in a world premiere adaptation. The production runs approximately two and a half hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

The Other Theatre Company and Artistic Director Carin Silkaitis have announced the company's second production in its inaugural season, Bent, written by Martin Sherman and directed by Keira Fromm, at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway, June 27 - July 26. Preview performances are June 27 at 4 and 8 p.m. Opening/Press night is Wednesday, July 1 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m. (no show Thursday, July 9) Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. Preview tickets are $20 with the regular run tickets $25 and may be purchased at www.buzzonstage.com/theatres/other-theatre-company. For more information, please visit theothertheatrecompany.com.

On the heels of its critically-acclaimed, sold-out production of The Rose Tattoo, Shattered Globe Theatre is pleased to conclude its 2014-15 season with the Chicago premiere of Jordan Harrison's hilarious kick in the heart, THE GROWN-UP, directed by Krissy Vanderwarker, playing April 9 - May 23, 2015 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Shattered Globe will stage the second ever production of Harrison's new play, which debuted last year at Actors Theatre of Louisville's Humana Festival. Tickets for THE GROWN-UP are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press performance is Sunday, April 12 at 3 pm.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Local Tony and Jeff Award events, 'Shining Lives' shines, major productions of 'City Of Angels' and 'The Secret Garden,' original shows at Lifeline and Theo Ubique, two suburban theaters program 'Spamalot,' House updates 'The Bacchae' and New York gets its talent from where?