John Keating 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. Our Tony Awards Viewing Party is Sunday night, and the non-Equity Jeffs are on Monday! Theo Ubique prepares its Marvin Hamlisch revue and announces next season, a whole bunch of new musicals get a hearing, and AMTP teaches songwriting. 'Murder Ballad' gets a reprise, 'Ring Of Fire' gets an extension, and bikinis and witches heat up June!

Shrunken Shakespeare Company (Yvonne Cone and Jennifer Martina, Co-Producing Artistic Directors) announced today that Madeline Brewer has joined the cast as Meg, in the world premiere reading of Chukwudi Iwuji's masterpiece screenplay Ira - on June 8th, 2015. Brewer joins new cast member Eli Gelb (The Squid and the Whale, Holy Rollers).

 The New Colony has announced its summer line-up of Side Stage programming, including a fully-staged world premiere play, a sneak peek at a new musical in development and one of the most unique improv nights around!  Side Stage performances will take place throughout June and July at The New Colony's new home, The Den Theatre, 1333 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood.  For reservations and additional information on Side Stage, visit www.thenewcolony.org.

The Irish Repertory Theatre (Charlotte Moore, Artistic Director, and Ciaran O'Reilly, Producing Director) announces that the critically-acclaimed revival of Conor McPherson's THE WEIR, directed by Ciaran O'Reilly, will return this summer.  THE WEIR will begin previews on Tuesday, June 30th and will be performed through Sunday, August 23rd at the DR2 Theatre, located at 103 East 15th Street in Union Square (the Irish Rep's temporary home during renovation of its home base in Chelsea).  Opening Night is scheduled for Thursday, July 9th, 2015. 

Little swimmers embark on a journey under the sea when Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences (100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, IL) presents THE LITTLE MERMAID, the whimsical retelling of the Hans Christian Andersen tale, from April 22 through June 6.

The silver lining during April Showers is that audiences receive buy one get one free tickets to see FIRST DATE any rainy day through April 30.

FIRST DATE, Broadway's new musical comedy about the most dangerous human endeavor in existence - the dreaded blind date - is now extended through Sunday, May 17 at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, Chicago, marking a four month hit run. FIRST DATE features a book by Austin Winsberg (Gossip Girl) and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Secondhand Lions, Twice Charmed). The musical comedy is produced by Jeanne McInerney and First Date, LLC, and directed by J.R. Rose, with musical direction by Elizabeth Doran and choreography by Becky DeDecker. At a rapid-fire 90 minutes, FIRST DATE is a lighthearted, funny and romantic musical perfect for a real first date, a girls' night out or just a fun and entertaining experience at the theater. On select Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., FIRST DATE presents 'Love IQ,' featuring cast member John Keating and a Chicago celebrity. These interactive events test the audience's romantic intelligence as well as offer advice on hot topics such as online dating. Entry is free with the purchase of tickets to the 7:30 p.m. performance.

Bachelorettes can squeeze in one more first date before tying the knot. FIRST DATE, the smash musical hit, is offering a special VIP Bachelorette Party Package for brides-to-be looking to celebrate their last days of being single. Groups of six or more can celebrate with the Bachelorette Party Package, which offers all the trimmings of a successful bachelorette party, including tiaras, boas, wedding themed drinks and a post-performance meet and greet and photo with the FIRST DATE cast.

When FIRST DATE celebrates its 50th Chicago performance tonight, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, 5% of all ticket sales will benefit Susan G. Komen - Chicago.

When FIRST DATE celebrates its 50th Chicago performance on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, 5% of all ticket sales will benefit Susan G. Komen - Chicago.

Being single and navigating the dating scene can be tricky, especially in a city where online dating is becoming the norm. Chicago dating expert Melinda McIntire will host a 'Love IQ: Online Dating 101' Q&A following the performance of the smash hit musical FIRST DATE at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, tonight, March 19.

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 Sound Of Music,' 'Empire' and 'Glee' stir up this week's TVs, 'First Wives Club,' 'Beauty And The Beast,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'First Date' claim their respective audiences,' Kokandy has more than 'The Full Monty,' Columbia's 'Oklahoma!,' lots at the Skokie Theatre and my upcoming busy weekend!

FIRST DATE, Broadway's new musical comedy about the most dangerous human endeavor in existence - the dreaded blind date -- is now extended through Sunday, April 26 at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, Chicago.

Susan R. Williamson, Director of the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, and Dr. Blaise Allen, Director of Community Outreach, today invited local poets and poetry fans to several upcoming public events.

Being single and navigating the dating scene can be tricky, especially in a city where online dating is becoming the norm. Chicago dating expert Melinda McIntire will host a 'Love IQ: Online Dating 101' Q&A following the performance of the smash hit musical FIRST DATE at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, on Thurs. March 19.

Susan R. Williamson, Director of the Palm Beach Poetry Festival, and Dr. Blaise Allen, Director of Community Outreach, today invited local poets and poetry fans to several upcoming public events.

FIRST DATE features a book by Austin Winsberg ('Gossip Girl') and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Secondhand Lions, Twice Charmed). The musical comedy is produced by Jeanne McInerney and First Date, LLC, and will be directed by J.R. Rose, with musical direction by Elizabeth Doran and choreography by Becky DeDecker. At a rapid-fire 90 minutes, FIRST DATE features a stellar ensemble cast in this Chicago premiere at the Royal George Cabaret. The official opening was last night, Feb. 12, 2015. Check out photos below!

To start Valentine's weekend on a sweet note, the first 25 guests to arrive at FIRST DATE at the Royal George Cabaret, 1641 North Halsted, today, Feb. 13, will receive a delicious complimentary Raspberry Brownie Batter cupcake from popular Lincoln Park bakery Swirlz

FIRST DATE features a book by Austin Winsberg ('Gossip Girl') and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Secondhand Lions, Twice Charmed). The musical comedy is produced by Jeanne McInerney and First Date, LLC, and will be directed by J.R. Rose, with musical direction by Elizabeth Doran and choreography by Becky DeDecker. At a rapid-fire 90 minutes, FIRST DATE features a stellar ensemble cast in this Chicago premiere at the Royal George Cabaret. The official opening is slated for tonight, Feb. 12, 2015.

FIRST DATE features a book by Austin Winsberg ('Gossip Girl') and Music and Lyrics by Alan Zachary and Michael Weiner (Secondhand Lions, Twice Charmed). The musical comedy is produced by Jeanne McInerney and First Date, LLC, and will be directed by J.R. Rose, with musical direction by Elizabeth Doran and choreography by Becky DeDecker. At a rapid-fire 90 minutes, FIRST DATE features a stellar ensemble cast in this Chicago premiere, currently in previews at the Royal George Cabaret. The official opening is slated for Feb. 12. Check out a first look below!