Hank Williams News

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents Woody Sez - The Life and Music of Woody Guthrie, devised by David M. Lutkin and Nick Corley, directed by Nick Corley. The production runs September 14 - October 21, 2012 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd.

Actors' Playhouse will cap off the 2011 - 2012 Mainstage Season with the world premiere of Real Men Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets, with book, music and lyrics by Paul Louis and Nick Santa Maria. A song-filled comedy for mature audiences, about real men behaving like real men, this manly musical revue will hit the Miracle Theatre from tonight, July 11 through August 12, 2012.

Legendary actor George Hamilton, a major film star since the late 50s, is currently treading the boards in the national tour of La Cage Aux Folles, opening July 11 at the Pantages Theatre. Known for such film hits as Love at First Bite, Zorro the Gay Blade, All the Fine Young Cannibals, Light in the Piazza, Where the Boys Are, Your Cheatin' Heart, and Crime and Punishment USA, Hamilton has been referred to as more 'famous for his debonair style and his perfect and perpetual suntan'. He admits to it himself and in our chat, with his self-deprecating sense of humor, jokes and tells very amusing anecdotes.

The new musical Foreverman, with book, music, and lyrics by Brett M. Boles, will be presented as an official selection of the New York Musical Theatre Festival's (NYMF's) 2012 Next Link Project, beginning performances Friday, July 20 and running through Sunday, July 28, at the PTC Performance Space, 555 West 42 Street (between Tenth and Eleventh Avenues).

The critically acclaimed production of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES starring George Hamilton and Christopher Sieber, will play at the San Diego Civic Theater August 7-12, 2012. Tickets are on sale now and as part of Broadway/San Diego's 2012-2013 35th Anniversary Season Package.

Minneapolis four-piece Tree Party is celebrating the release of their original soundtrack for The 7- Shot Symphony (Live Action Set) with an encore performance of the award-winning play at the Southern Theater, July 2nd, 8pm.

Minneapolis four-piece Tree Party is celebrating the release of their original soundtrack for The 7- Shot Symphony (Live Action Set) with an encore performance of the award-winning play at the Southern Theater, July 2nd, 8pm.

The Filament Theatre Ensemble today announced that their current production of Hank Williams: Lost Highway will extend through Sunday July 15 at the Athenaeum Theatre.

Totem Pole playhouse is set to present its first production of Travels With My Aunt, which will run from tonight, June 19 to July 1st, 2012. Totem Pole will stage the theatrical, globe-spanning adventure and has already moved to put the pieces into place for a memorable evening of theater.

Actors' Playhouse will cap off the 2011 - 2012 Mainstage Season with the world premiere of Real Men Sing Show Tunes...and play with puppets, with book, music and lyrics by Paul Louis and Nick Santa Maria. A song-filled comedy for mature audiences, about real men behaving like real men, this manly musical revue will hit the Miracle Theatre from July 11 - August 12, 2012.

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 Tony Award wrap-up, all that 'Rock Of Ages,' three musical tribute shows, two operettas, a stellar TYA 'Beauty' and Kristin Chenoweth, plus more!

Turner Classic Movies (TCM) is celebrating this week's premiere of TNT's all-new series DALLAS by unveiling a 10-gallon list of the Top 10 Texas Movies.

Totem Pole playhouse is set to present its first production of Travels With My Aunt, which will run from June 19 to July 1st, 2012. Totem Pole will stage the theatrical, globe-spanning adventure and has already moved to put the pieces into place for a memorable evening of theater.

A new concert experience awaits Detroit's country music fans at the 30th annual 99.5 WYCD Downtown Hoedown, presented by Ram Truck Brand, Arby's and Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. 99.5 WYCD officially announced this year's lineup, led by four-time, 2011 ACM winner, Miranda Lambert, this morning on The All New Dr. Don Morning Show and simultaneously on www.wycd.com. The weekend-long event will move to a new location for the first time in 30 years, the secure, expansive grounds surrounding Comerica Park, and will be held tonight, June 8 through June 10, 2012.

In case you missed it in the "Showtune Mosh Pit" column last week, here is my full listing of musical theater shows (plus three special concert events) happening in Chicago this summer. Click on the name of each show for a link to more information. And enjoy!

Viacom Music Group, which includes MTV, VH1, CMT and Logo, today announced the first batch of diverse artists set to join Warner Bros. Recording artists The Flaming Lips in their quest to break the Guinness World Records® title for the Most Live Concerts In 24 Hours (Multiple Cities) during the Webby Award winning O Music Awards, www.omusicawards.com, a digitally driven event that celebrates and honors the artists, fans and innovators impacting digital music culture.

Carrie Underwood added two more CMT MUSIC AWARD buckles to her collection this evening winning the coveted VIDEO OF THE YEAR award for 'Good Girl' and COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR with Brad Paisley for 'Remind Me' at the 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The non-Equity Jeff Award winners are announced, and we cover 18 regional theaters and their summer offerings, from northern Wisconsin to St. Louis and southern Illinois, from southwest Michigan to western Illinois. It's the Regional Summer Musical Theater Scene!

The star power on the 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS stage is getting hotter with the addition of Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry and Hank Williams, Jr. as performers on this year's show. The 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS will air live tonight, June 6 at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT on CMT

The countdown to the 2012 CMT MUSIC AWARDS is on with the addition of presenters including Jason Aldean.