George Wendt News

Cast members and creative teams from iconic television series and films reunite on ABC prime time in “Cast from the Past Week,” beginning MONDAY, OCT. 7. Featured will be actors and behind-the-scenes talent from “Blues Brothers 2000,” “Castle,” “Charmed,” “Cheers,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Girlfriends,” “House,” “Think Like a Man” and “Wet Hot American Summer” as they reunite with former castmates on ABC dramas and comedies in an unforgettable week-long event. 

Triple-threat singer/songwriter/guitar monster Bobby Messano rips the slide from summer to fall with an October run of dates that includes a wild mix of solo performances, duo shows with keyboardist/vocalist Bob Malone (John Fogerty) and full band appearances. 'The change ups should keep things interesting,' notes the virtuoso.

Players Workshop, the original school of improvisation in Chicago established in 1970, is reopening its doors just in time for a 50th anniversary celebration next year with classes beginning at its new facility, Pendulum Theatre, 1803 W. Byron Street, #216, starting Monday, Sept. 16. New owner Jeff Rogers, actor, creative director, and motivational speaker (Class of '89), has brought back founder Josephine Forsberg's daughter Linnea Forsberg ('70) and former teacher Doug Voegtle ('81) to recreate the famed safe learning space. Registration and list of classes may be found at PlayersWorkshopOnline.com.

Author Mark Larson reflects on his new book, Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater, in conversation with Deanna Dunagan, ensemble member Francis Guinan, and other artists to be announced. A book signing will follow in Front Bar. This event will be held Monday, October 14 at 7pm in Steppenwolf's 1700 Theatre.

Popular television actor Donny Most, best known for his role as jokester Ralph Malph on the classic sitcom Happy Days, will play Serge in Drayton Entertainment's upcoming production of the hit play 'ART'. The production will run at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse from October 2 to October 20.

Monday nights belong to Jim Caruso's Cast Party at the legendary Birdland and now in less than a year the place to be on Tuesday night is Birdland's new downstairs theatre and The Line Up with Susie Mosher.

On this episode of BroadwayRadio's 'Tell Me More,' Matt Tamanini talks to scholar and author Mark Larson whose book 'Ensemble: An Oral History of Chicago Theater' is available now. In this 650 page tome, Larson chronicles the rise of the Second City's theatre community starting with Second City and the Compass Players in the 1950s and 60s, and via over 300 interviews tells the story to Chicago's gritty climb to theatrical prominence.

The 22nd Anniversary of the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) took place between July 12th – 18th, and included some of the best new short and feature-length independent movies anywhere, made by filmmakers from around the world - with a strong contingent of local Long Islanders showcased as well - all shown at the historic Bellmore Movies (222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY  11710)

Beginning August 5, getTV will begin airing episodes of the popular sitcom “Hot in Cleveland,” starring Valerie Bertinelli (“One Day at a Time”), Jane Leeves (“Frasier”), Wendie Malick (“Just Shoot Me”) and Betty White (“The Golden Girls”). The series, which ran on TVLand from 2010 to 2015, will air August 5 at 6PM ET.

There is a lot to like packed into this production directed by Randal Myler. The action is well paced and well-staged. The use of turntables, tiering, and scrims are particularly effective elements of the scenic design by Tim Mackabee. The choreography by Brian Reeder, and costumes designed by Leon Dobkowski present a feast for the eyes. The entire 19-members of the cast deliver in acting, singing, and dancing. It would be an oversight not to call out the performance of Richard Crandle. His portrayal of Little Richard is brassy, sassy, and all kinds of Woooooooo. The audience is noticeably energized when Crandle is on stage and few wish he would 'shet-up' as if that were even remotely possible.

Caruso's Cast Party with Billy Stritch, which is a New York City institution and sought after attraction at important cabaret venues nationwide wowed the audience at Mr. Finn's Cabaret at Barrington Stage Co. last night. Mr. (William) Finn himself was present for the always funny and sophisticated show biz banter that is the hallmark of any Cast Party when Caruso and Stritch bring their music and comedy to what is arguably the most famous 'Open Mic' in the entertainment world.

Berkshire Theatre Group presents Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield

The Berkshire Theatre Group cast of Rock and Roll Man: The Alan Freed Story had their first read through earlier this week in New York City! Rock and Roll Man is being presented by Berkshire Theatre Group, in association with five-time Tony Award-Winning Caiola Productions (Once on this Island, Dear Evan Hansen, The Color Purple, All The Way, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf). Rock and Roll Man has a book by Gary Kupper, Larry Marshak and Rose Caiola, with original music and lyrics by Gary Kupper.

With the 22nd Anniversary of the Long Island International Film Expo (LIIFE) happening July 12th – 18th, this year's schedule includes some of the best short and feature-length independent films from around the world, which will be shown at the historic Bellmore Movies (222 Pettit Avenue, Bellmore, NY  11710)!

The competition gets stiff as Gary and his co-workers look for inventive ways to top their recruiting game.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, Chicago's legendary comedy theatre The Second City will appear at Overture Center for the Arts in downtown Madison at 8 p.m. Madison native Terrence Carey will return to his hometown for the one-night-only performance.

It's a spooktacular Halloween countdown on ABC as the network's comedies, “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors,” “Dancing with the Stars” and “America's Funniest Home Videos” all celebrate with special programming leading up to the holiday. The week of Oct. 29, frightening events take place on “General Hospital.” On Halloween, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airs the13th Annual Half & Half Halloween Costume Pageant as part of the evening's festivities.  Classic Halloween specials “It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” and “Toy Story OF TERROR!” also return for encore performances.

Love and laughter take centre stage in a raucously funny courtship comedy with a huge, honeyed heart! With spring finally here, the bees are buzzing, the birds are singing and romance is in the air as the racy new comedy The Birds & The Bees hits three Drayton Entertainment stages, running May 23 to June 10 at the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge (formerly Dunfield Theatre Cambridge), July 25 to Aug 11 at the Drayton Festival Theatre and August 15 to September 1 at Huron Country Playhouse in Grand Bend.

August 2018 Programming Highlights for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior

Disney Channel, Disney XD, and Disney Junior announce programming highlights for August 2018. Check out what's coming this August below!