Jackie Wilson News

Bridgeport's Downtown Cabaret Theatre presents The Rod Stewart Experience, featuring national entertainer Rick Larrimore, whose sold-out tribute performances have earned standing ovations throughout America.

It was another eventful night at Northport's stunning John W. Engeman Theatre as they hosted their ongoing Broadway Concert Series. Per tradition, during their dark week between shows, Producer and Host Stephen DeAngelis rounds up Broadway's best for an evening of songs and stories about their lives and careers. The incredible line up this time included Chester Gregory, Tari Kelly, Caissie Levy, Jessica Phillips, Rashidra Scott, and a special appearance by Tad Wilson.

Bridgeport's Downtown Cabaret Theatre presents The Rod Stewart Experience, featuring national entertainer Rick Larrimore, whose sold-out tribute performances have earned standing ovations throughout America.

Today in 1981, Dreamgirls opened at the Imperial Theatre, where it ran for 1521 performances. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called 'The Dreams', who become music superstars. It was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006.

In 1988, John Lennon's wife Yoko Ono gave a candid interview to record-label president Joe Smith about the Beatles' split: "For John, it was a divorce. I think he was feeling very good about it, as if a big weight was off him." Ono was among more than 200 celebrated performers, producers and industry leaders whose words Smith captured on audiotape more than 25 years ago in an effort to document the oral history of popular music.

It's quite an achievement for any theater company to mount a credible "Dreamgirls," frankly, with its casting challenges, costume budget and high energy performance level. But Robin's Marriott "Dreamgirls" succeeds on many levels. It never stops moving, and it frequently moves the audience as well....

The Jeff Awards Committee announced 197 nominations in 34 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions, which opened between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. The Jeff Awards judges attended opening nights of 118 Equity productions offered by 55 producing organizations. From these openings, 96 productions were 'Jeff Recommended,' which made them eligible for award nominations.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 197 nominations in 34 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions, which opened between August 1, 2011, and July 31, 2012. The Jeff Awards judges attended opening nights of 118 Equity productions offered by 55 producing organizations. From these openings, 96 productions were 'Jeff Recommended,' which made them eligible for award nominations.

Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony tonight, July 28, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:45pm, and the program will begin at 7pm.

Two Columbus jazz legends will take their place on the Lincoln Theatre Walk of Fame in an induction ceremony on Saturday, July 28, sponsored by the State Auto Insurance Companies. The ceremony is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:45pm, and the program will begin at 7pm.

Today in 1987, the FIRST Broadway revival of Dreamgirls opened at the Ambassador Theatre, where it ran for 177 performances. Dreamgirls features music by Henry Krieger and lyrics and book by Tom Eyen. Based upon the show business aspirations and successes of R&B acts such as The Supremes, The Shirelles, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and others, the musical follows the story of a young female singing trio from Chicago, Illinois called 'The Dreams', who become music superstars. The musical opened on December 20, 1981 at the Imperial Theatre, and was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, and won six. It was later adapted into a motion picture from DreamWorks and Paramount Pictures in 2006. The 1987 cast featured Lillias White as 'Effie.'

Tonight, April 30th at 9:30pm Outer Critics Circle nominee Chester Gregory performs My Story Pt. 1 at The Triad Theatre, 158 West 72nd Street. Directed by Shaun Derik, featuring pianist Brian Whitted, Gregory describes My Story Pt.1 as 'An intimate evening sharing my story to music, with just a piano.'

On Monday, April 30th at 9:30pm Outer Critics Circle nominee Chester Gregory performs My Story Pt. 1 at The Triad Theatre, 158 West 72nd Street. Directed by Shaun Derik, featuring pianist Brian Whitted, Gregory describes My Story Pt.1 as 'An intimate evening sharing my story to music, with just a piano.'

Black Ensemble Theater announces the extension of its production The Jackie Wilson Story, written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. All cast members are continuing in their roles, including Kelvin Roston Jr., Dawn Bless, RaShawn Thompson, Melanie McCullough, Trinity Murdock, Carrie, Lawrence Williams, Lyle Miller, Rueben Echols and Robin Beamen. The Jackie Wilson Story launched Black Ensemble Theater's 2011-2012 Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues and has been extended through March 18, 2012.

The April 2012 at the B. B. King Blues Club and Grill, NYC, has been announced, featuring Melanie and Oleta Adams.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Show Boat' and 'South Pacific' in the Loop, the Grammys, Whitney Houston's showtune connections, 'Charlie Brown,' 'Pippin' and more....

Black Ensemble Theater announces the extension of its production The Jackie Wilson Story, written, produced and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor. All cast members are continuing in their roles, including Kelvin Roston Jr., Dawn Bless, RaShawn Thompson, Melanie McCullough, Trinity Murdock, Carrie, Lawrence Williams, Lyle Miller, Rueben Echols and Robin Beamen. The Jackie Wilson Story launched Black Ensemble Theater's 2011-2012 Legendary Season of Rhythm & Blues and has been extended through March 18, 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 Awards Celebration at The Call, Barbara Cook, Christopher Sieber at Sidetrack, 'The Addams Family,' 'The Secret Garden,' holiday closings, NYE cabarets and more...