Kate Setzer Kamphausen 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. The Jeff Awards, the Tony Awards (and our BWW Chicago Tony Award Viewing Party!), the return of two special events, 'West Side Story,' upcoming seasons of musicals, and my June 13th cabaret concert, plus more!

A stage tale of troubled families, a true-life story musical about gay servicemen in World War II and a rousing rock'n'roll revue took home top honors Monday, June 3, at Park West during the 40th Annual Non-Equity Jeff Awards ceremony recognizing excellence in non-union Chicago theatre.

The Jeff Awards Committee today announced 120 nominations in 25 categories of Non-Equity Jeff Awards for productions that opened between April 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. The Non-Equity Awards honor excellence in Chicago theatres not under a union contract. Jeff judges attended opening nights of 146 productions offered by 65 Non-Equity producing organizations. The judges recommended 54 of those shows, making them eligible for Non-Equity Jeff Award nominations. Thirty-three theatre companies received nominations.

Bailiwick Chicago Theater launches its 2012/13 season with the rock musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, book by Alex Timbers, directed by Scott Ferguson, music direction by James Morehead* and choreography by Christopher Pazdernik*, playing now through November 10, 2012 at National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago. Get a first look at the production in the photos below!

Bailiwick Chicago Theater launches its 2012/13 season with the rock musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, book by Alex Timbers, directed by Scott Ferguson, music direction by James Morehead* and choreography by Christopher Pazdernik*, now playing through November 10, 2012 at National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at bailiwickchicago.com. BroadwayWorld has more photos of the show below.

Bailiwick Chicago Theater will launch its 2012/13 season with the rock musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON with music and lyrics by Michael Friedman, book by Alex Timbers, directed by Scott Ferguson, music direction by James Morehead* and choreography by Christopher Pazdernik*, playing October 4 - November 10, 2012 at National Pastime Theater, 941 W. Lawrence Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at bailiwickchicago.com. All performances are BYOB, with the house opening one hour prior to curtain. The press performances are Monday, October 8 at 7:30 pm & Thursday, October 11 at 8 pm.

Bailiwick Chicago and The New Colony have teamed up to present the world premiere of Rise of the Numberless, written by The New Colony's Artistic Director Andrew Hobgood, Patriac Coakley and Evan Linder with original music by Chris Gingrich and Julie B. Nichols and lyrics by Chris Gingrich and Andrew Hobgood, who also serves as the director. The production runs now through May 26, 2012 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. See photos from the production below!

Bailiwick Chicago and The New Colony have teamed up to present the world premiere of Rise of the Numberless, written by The New Colony's Artistic Director Andrew Hobgood, Patriac Coakley and Evan Linder with original music by Chris Gingrich and Julie B. Nichols and lyrics by Chris Gingrich and Andrew Hobgood, who also serves as the director. The production will run April 6 - May 26, 2012 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. Press Opening is Tuesday, April 24 2012 at 7:30 PM.

Bailiwick Chicago and The New Colony have teamed up to present the world premiere of Rise of the Numberless, written by The New Colony's Artistic Director Andrew Hobgood, Patriac Coakley and Evan Linder with original music by Chris Gingrich and Julie B. Nichols and lyrics by Chris Gingrich and Andrew Hobgood, who also serves as the director. The production will run April 6 - May 26, 2012 at Collaboraction Studio 300 in the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee. Press Opening is Tuesday, April 24 2012 at 7:30 PM.

BoHo Theatre brings laughs and style to the stage this January with Ranjit Bolt's contemporary translation of Molière's Tartuffe, the classic tale of sex, money, and the power of persuasion.

BoHo Theatre brings laughs and style to the stage this January with Ranjit Bolt's contemporary translation of Molière's Tartuffe, the classic tale of sex, money, and the power of persuasion.

BoHo Theatre brings laughs and style to the stage this January with Ranjit Bolt's contemporary translation of Molière's Tartuffe, the classic tale of sex, money, and the power of persuasion.

BoHo Theatre brings laughs and style to the stage this January with Ranjit Bolt's contemporary translation of Molière's Tartuffe, the classic tale of sex, money, and the power of persuasion.

BoHo Theatre brings laughs and style to the stage this January with Ranjit Bolt's contemporary translation of Molière's Tartuffe, the classic tale of sex, money, and the power of persuasion.

Two Pence's THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET Opens 7/22; Gala on 6/6

Two Pence's THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET Opens 7/22; Gala on 6/6

Two Pence's THE TRAGEDY OF ROMEO AND JULIET Opens 7/22; Gala on 6/6

Don't miss the premiere of a new project from creative think tank The Idea Place. This winter, four early plays by drag theater legend Charles Busch will run in repertory on two programs, rotating Friday and Saturday nights.

The Idea Place presents an ambitious new project: BUSCH FEST, featuring four early plays by drag theater legend Charles Busch running in repertory Friday and Saturday nights through February 20, 2010 at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Program A includes Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Sleeping Beauty of Coma. Program B includes Theodora She-Bitch of Byzantium and Pardon My Inquisition or Kiss The Blood Off My Castanets.

The Idea Place presents an ambitious new project: BUSCH FEST, featuring four early plays by drag theater legend Charles Busch running in repertory Friday and Saturday nights through February 20, 2010 at Mary's Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. Program A includes Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and Sleeping Beauty of Coma. Program B includes Theodora She-Bitch of Byzantium and Pardon My Inquisition or Kiss The Blood Off My Castanets.