Kelvin Roston 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. '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!

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the Midwest Premiere of Detroit '67 by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, now through December 15, 2013. The Press Opening is tonight, November 15 at 7:30pm. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

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!

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the Midwest Premiere of Detroit '67 by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from November 8-December 15, 2013. The Press Opening is Friday, November 15 at 7:30pm.

Northlight Theatre, under the direction of Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans, presents the Midwest Premiere of Detroit '67 by Dominique Morisseau, directed by Ron OJ Parson. The production will run at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd in Skokie, from November 8-December 15, 2013. The Press Opening is Friday, November 15 at 7:30 pm.

Northlight Theatre Artistic Director BJ Jones and Executive Director Timothy J. Evans announce casting for the first three selections of the 2013-14 season. Northlight will open its season with the 2013 Pulitzer Prize finalist 4000 Miles by Amy Herzog, featuring Emjoy Gavino, Caroline Neff, Josh Salt and Mary Ann Thebus. The Midwest Premiere of Detroit '67 will feature Tyla Abercrumbie,Cassandra Bissell, Kamal Angelo Bolden, Coco Elysses and Kelvin Roston, Jr. Jon Jory's new adaptation of Henry Fielding's classic novel Tom Jones will include Chris Amos, Sam Ashdown, Nora Fiffer, Molly Glynn, Melanie Keller, John Lister, Cristina Panfilio, Eric Parks and Marcus Truschinski. John Mahoney and Penny Slusher will appear in the World Premiere of Chapatti.

It is hard to connect the soft-spoken young actor with whom I am conversing to the soul-singing, hip-swinging rogue he is playing onstage at the Pickard Theatre. Indeed, the more we chat, the more Kelvin Roston, Jr., who plays James 'Thunder' Early in the Maine State Music Theatre hit production of Dreamgirls, seems to be full of surprises.

Martha and the Vandellas. Gladys Knight and the Pips. Paul Revere and the Raiders. Bill Haley and His Comets. Dianna Ross and the Supremes. The singer in the front always gets the recognition. But, what about the talented singers behind the "star"? What are their hopes and dreams, and do they ever long to be in the spotlight?

You know those dreams you have when you wake up suddenly, and all you want to do is fall back asleep and continue the dream? If you are lucky enough to see Dreamgirls at Maine State, you will leave the Pickard Theatre feeling the same way.

Director Marc Robin dazzles audiences at the Fulton with the story of Deena Jones and the Dreams

The Fulton Theatre continues its 160th Anniversary Season with the flashy, bold show business musical Dreamgirls, representing the first time the show will be produced or presented in the Lancaster region. Dreamgirls is a co-production with Maine State Music Theatre and is directed and choreographed by the Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at highlights of the production below.

The Fulton Theatre continues its 160th Anniversary Season with the flashy, bold show business musical Dreamgirls, representing the first time the show will be produced or presented in the Lancaster region. Dreamgirls is a co-production with Maine State Music Theatre and is directed and choreographed by the Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production below.

The Fulton Theatre continues its 160th Anniversary Season with the flashy, bold show business musical Dreamgirls, representing the first time the show will be produced or presented in the Lancaster region. Dreamgirls is a co-production with Maine State Music Theatre and is directed and choreographed by the Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin.

Black Ensemble Theater presented the world premiere of From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles and produced by Jackie Taylor, earlier this month. Below, BroadwayWorld has photos from the VIP reception!

The Fulton Theatre continues its 160th Anniversary Season with the flashy, bold show business musical Dreamgirls, representing the first time the show will be produced or presented in the Lancaster region. Dreamgirls is a co-production with Maine State Music Theatre and is directed and choreographed by the Fulton's Artistic Director, Marc Robin.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Concerts by Audra McDonald, Sarah Brightman and Chester Gregory, Yeston's 'Death Takes A Holiday' and more from Circle Theatre, all our top current runs, plus the premieres 'Straight Camp,' 'Things Fall Apart' and 'Next Stop!'

Black Ensemble Theater presents the world premiere of From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles and produced by Jackie Taylor. From Doo Wop to Hip Hop will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, February 15 - April 14, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 3:00PM. Check out the video highlights below.

From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles, features choreography by Rueben Echoles and musical director Robert Reddrick. The production opens tonight, February 24, and runs through April 14, 2013 at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Black Ensemble Theater presents the world premiere of From Doo Wop to Hip Hop, written and directed by Black Ensemble Theater Founder and CEO Jackie Taylor and Associate Director Rueben Echoles and produced by Jackie Taylor. From Doo Wop to Hip Hop will be presented at the new Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center, 4450 N. Clark Street in Chicago, February 15 - April 24, 2013. The official press opening is scheduled for Sunday, February 24, 2013 at 3:00PM.

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, runs through October 28 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill. Check out interviews with the cast at the opening night party below!