Jody Shelton News

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'American Idiot' examines a generation, and 'The Girl In The Train' captures a by-gone era. We run down long-run shows, and break down the Marriott Theatre's 2016 season announcement, too. Plus 'Hollywood' from Light Opera Works, a new show from Underscore, a high school mounts 'Starlight Express,' and Christmas has begun!

From the comedic minds behind The Colbert Report and Fifty Shades! The Musical, Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to present the world premiere musical comedy THE STORY OF A STORY (THE UNTOLD STORY) with book and lyrics by Peter Gwinn (The Colbert Report), music by Jody Shelton (Fifty Shades!), direction and choreography by Christopher Pazdernik, associate direction by Jon Martinez and music direction and orchestrations by David Kornfeld. THE STORY OF A STORY (THE UNTOLD STORY) will play October 3 - November 8, 2015 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago.  Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at www.underscoretheatre.org or by calling (312) 646-0975. The press opening is Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 pm.  

From the comedic minds behind The Colbert Report and Fifty Shades! The Musical, Underscore Theatre Company is pleased to present the world premiere musical comedy THE STORY OF A STORY (THE UNTOLD STORY) with book and lyrics by Peter Gwinn, music by Jody Shelton, direction and choreography by Christopher Pazdernik, music direction and orchestrations by David Kornfeld. THE STORY OF A STORY (THE UNTOLD STORY) will play October 3 - November 8, 2015 at the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division St. in Chicago.  Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, September 1 at www.underscoretheatre.org or by calling (312) 646-0975. The press opening is Tuesday, October 6 at 7:30 pm.  

While the frat boys parked their boozy asses in the bar car (aka the couch) for the long road to the NCAA's Final Four over the past few weeks, NYC's village cabaret club The Duplex offered an alternative "March Madness": Cabaret shows about being crazy. As a devotee of time on a different sort of couch, I was drawn in to three separate performances--from Michael Shea, Stacie Koby, and Amber Petty--seeking some music therapy to get me through the tail end of a long winter.

Coming up this week, 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, presents some of the brightest stars from Broadway, cabaret, jazz and beyond. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551.

Craving a show after the show? 54 BELOW, Broadway's Supper Club, is expanding its popular late-night series with fresh faces and hot new performances to keep the party buzzing into the wee hours. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.54Below.com or call (646) 476-3551. 54 BELOW welcomes you to loosen your tie and embrace the night at its upcoming event:

50 Shades! The Musical Parody (www.50ShadesTheMusical.com) will end its engagement at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) on April 26th. Directed by Al Samuels and Rob Lindley, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody is produced by Emily Dorezas, Al Samuels, Andrew Asnes, Rob Kolson, Brett McDonald and 50 Shades Tour LLC. The show recently celebrated its oneyear anniversary in New York, and at the time of closing, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody will have played 453 performances.

This April and May, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street.

This April and May, 54 BELOW presents an exciting lineup of the brightest talent from Broadway and beyond. Located just below the legendary Studio 54 at 254 West 54th Street.

50 Shades! The Musical Parody recently celebrated its first anniversary Off-Broadway at The Elektra Theatre - check out photos from the big night below!

Tim Murray of Off-Broadway's 50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL PARODY recently interviewed moviegoers on the film's opening day, and also asked people in Times Square to read from the book, FIFTY SHADES OF GREY. Check out the videos below!

With the film version of 50 SHADES OF GREY set for release this weekend, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody continues its timely run at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) through September 6, 2015, and will be celebrating Valentine's Day 50-Shades style!

Husbands happy their wives saw the show: Countless. 50 Shades! The Musical Parody at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) has announced that tickets are now on sale through September 6, 2015 due to audience demand and rave reviews. Directed by Al Samuels and Rob Lindley, 50 Shades! The Musical Parody is produced by Emily Dorezas, Al Samuels, Andrew Asnes, Rob Kolson, Brett McDonald and 50 Shades Tour LLC.

Amber Petty, star of the Off-Broadway smash hit50 Shades! The Musical Parody, brings her show We Don't Need Another Hero to The Duplex (61 Christopher Street) on Sunday, February 8th at 7pm.

The cast of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody recently posed for a New Year's shot - check it out below!

The cast of 50 Shades! The Musical Parody recently posed for a pair of new holiday shots - check them out below!

Tickets for 50 Shades! The Musical Parody at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) are now on sale through April 5, 2015.

50 Shades! The Musical Parody at The Elektra Theatre celebrates Halloween in a new group photo! Check it out below!

50 Shades! The Musical Parody at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) has announced that tickets are now on sale through April 5, 2015 due to sold-out houses and rave reviews.

50 Shades! The Musical Parody at The Elektra Theatre (300 W. 43rd Street) has announced a special Halloween performance on October 31st.