J. Rogers News

Rehearsal begins today at Chicago Shakespeare Theater CST) for an unprecedented pairing of productions that will illuminate the work of composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim: Gypsy (CST's Courtyard Theater, February 6-March 23) and Road Show (Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, March 13-May 4), both directed by CST Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Chicago Children's Theatre has announced casting for its world premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, an all-new, rhythm and blues family musical playing January 18 - March 2, 2014 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Press opening is Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m.

Ensemble Free Theater Norway (EFTN) announces the playwrights who will participate in Belarusian Dream Theater, an international performing arts event supporting freedom of expression in Belarus conceived and initiated by Brendan McCall, Artistic Director of EFTN.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor invites audiences to share in the magic of the holiday season with the world-premiere production of Once Upon A People: A Dancesical, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Associate Director Rueben D. Echoles and made possible through a generous grant from Chicago Community Trust. During a limited run, Once Upon A People will enchant audiences of all ages at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago. The showis running now through December 30, 2013 on Mondays, Tuesdays and Sundays in repertory with The Curtis Mayfield Story. TCheck out highlights of the show below!

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Once Upon A People is an original African Fairytale that exemplifies the true power of love told through spoken word, spirited music and exhilarating dance. Journey to the mystical land of Mirah where Prince Oba and Princess Erin take us on a fascinating mystical experience that teaches us to embrace the joy of living. A touching and warm adventure, Once Upon A People is perfect for the holiday season!

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Wicked' at Sidetrack, three more versions of 'A Christmas Carol,' four radio productions of 'It's A Wonderful Life,' BET's original 'dancesical,' Davenport's, the 'Black Nativity' and sing-a-long 'Grease' films, the Bar Show and more!

BroadwayWorld.com is proud once again to announce the nominations for the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, Chicago's only comprehensive, fan-voted theater award now in its 4th fabulous year. And the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble leads the way, with a whopping 15 nominations overall, including 10 for its summer production of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' Chicago Shakespeare Theater is next overall, with 12 nods, spread out over an impressive 7 different productions, including 'Othello: The Remix,' 'Henry VII,' 'The School for Lies' and its Shakespeare in the Parks production of 'The Comedy of Errors,' nominated as Best Theatrical Event.

Once Upon A People is an original African Fairytale that exemplifies the true power of love told through spoken word, spirited music and exhilarating dance. Journey to the mystical land of Mirah where Prince Oba and Princess Erin take us on a fascinating mystical experience that teaches us to embrace the joy of living. A touching and warm adventure, Once Upon A People is perfect for the holiday season!

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 Equity Jeff winners, the Q Brothers tackle Christmas, The Rascals visit, 'The Dead Prince' debuts, plus three shows extend, the Kiss Kiss Cabaret explodes, Christine Andreas in in Indy and Bruce Vilanch plays Sidetrack!

At the gala 45th Annual Equity Jeff Awards held at Drury Lane Oakbrook on Monday, November 4, Steppenwolf Theatre Company's 'Good People' received the award for Production-Play in a large tier theatre. Principal Actress Mariann Mayberry was also honored for her role in this David Lindsey-Abaire play, which considers the dangerous consequences of holding on to the past or leaving it behind. William Brown received Best Director of a play for Writers Theatre's production of the French farce 'The Liar', adapted by David Ives.

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, continues their 2013-2014 season with a revival of one of Broadway's most popular rock musicals, GODSPELL. The groundbreaking production based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew runs now through October 20. Featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), and an energetic book by original director John-Michael Tebelak, GODSPELL is the upbeat retelling of a series of biblical parables. The production is directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster, with a press opening on Sunday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. Scroll down for photos from opening night!

Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, continues their 2013-2014 season with a revival of one of Broadway's most popular rock musicals, GODSPELL. The groundbreaking production based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew runs Thursday, September 12 through October 20. Featuring a sparkling score by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), and an energetic book by original director John-Michael Tebelak, GODSPELL is the upbeat retelling of a series of biblical parables. The production will be directed and choreographed by Stacey Flaster, with a press opening on Sunday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. Check out a first look below!

Porchlight's 19th Season begins with the Chicago premiere of Double Trouble, book, music and lyrics by brothers Bob Walton and Jim Walton, direction and choreography by Matthew Crowle, music direction by Linda Madonia and starring brothers Adrian Aguilar and Alexander Aguilar, August 31 - October 6, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the opening night shots below!

Five world premiere plays and three new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences received Jeff nominations by the Jeff Awards Committee and are among the 166 nominations in 36 categories announced for Chicago Equity theatrical productions opened between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.