Light Opera Works News

Quest Theatre Ensemble will offer free performances of the world's longest running musical to audiences at their home in Andersonville's Blue Theatre in February and March.

Light Opera Works presents the Johann Strauss operetta DIE FLEDERMAUS (in English) with a 30-piece orchestra, December 26, 2016- January 1, 2017, at Cahn Auditorium in Evanston.

Experience the novel come alive, as First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83) presents the world premiere stage adaption of CAPTAIN BLOOD, opening Saturday, January 28, 2017 and running through February 26, 2017, with previews January 25-27.

The Case Western Reserve University/Cleveland Play House (CWRU/CPH) MFA Acting Program will open its 2016 - 2017 season in December with the multi-award-winning Clybourne Park.

Porchlight Music Theatre announces the Chicago premiere of End of the Rainbow, November 4 - December 4,  featuring music from the songbook of Judy Garland, written by Peter Quilter, starring Angela Ingersoll as "Judy Garland," direction by Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Weber, music direction by Jon Steinhagen, who also appears as "Anthony," at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 

The entertainment line-up for PFP's Simply Sensational Benefit gets more and more sensational each day, with American Idol's Rayvon Owen joining in.

Complete casting and creative team have been announced for Pride Films and Plays' production of the Tony Award-winning musical, Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, which will open in January as the company's inaugural production in their two-stage Pride Arts Center. The musical will be performed in The Broadway, the center's 85-seat theatre at 4139 N. Broadway.

Light Opera Works will become Music Theater Works in 2017, opening with CANDIDE  (June 3-11), followed by GYPSY (August 19-27), DUKE ELLINGTON'S GREATEST HITS (October 6-15), and PETER PAN (December 23-January 1, 2018).

Light Opera Works will present LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU: JULE STYNE'S GREATEST HITSOctober 7 through 16 at the Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.

Light Opera Works will present LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU: JULE STYNE'S GREATEST HITS, October 7 through 16 at the Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.

Porchlight Music Theatre announces the Chicago premiere of End of the Rainbow, November 4 - December 4,  featuring music from the songbook of Judy Garland, written by Peter Quilter, starring Angela Ingersoll as "Judy Garland," direction by Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Weber, music direction by Jon Steinhagen, who also appears as "Anthony," at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. 

RETURN ENGAGEMENT:  After two sold-out performances earlier this year, Nancy Hays (as Judy Garland) and Michelle Lauto (as Liza Minnelli) are bringing "JUDY & LIZA - ONCE IN A LIFETIME" back to the Uptown Underground on Sunday, October 9th at 7 p.m., in an expanded version with even more songs. This cabaret show is a re-creation of the famed concert presented by the legendary mother-daughter duo of Judy Garland and an 18-year-old Liza Minnelli in 1964 at the London Palladium.  This tribute features the classic songs, costumes, dialogue and dance steps to help the audience re-live the historic occasion, with solos like "The Man That Got Away", "Just in Time" and "Gypsy in My Soul" and duets like "Chicago" and "Get Happy/Happy Days", backed by a jazz combo with orchestral arrangements by Robert Ollis (music director and pianist).

Light Opera Works will present LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU: JULE STYNE'S GREATEST HITSOctober 7 through 16 at the Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.

After two sold-out performances earlier this year, Nancy Hays (as Judy Garland) and Michelle Lauto (as Liza Minnelli) are bringing "JUDY & LIZA - ONCE IN A LIFETIME" back to the Uptown Underground on Sunday, October 9th at 7 p.m., in an expanded version with even more songs. This cabaret show is a re-creation of the famed concert presented by the legendary mother-daughter duo of Judy Garland and an 18-year-old Liza Minnelli in 1964 at the London Palladium. This tribute features the classic songs, costumes, dialogue and dance steps to help the audience re-live the historic occasion, with solos like "The Man That Got Away", "Just in Time" and "Gypsy in My Soul" and duets like "Chicago" and "Get Happy/Happy Days", backed by a jazz combo with orchestral arrangements by Robert Ollis (music director and pianist).

E.D.G.E. Theatre is pleased to announce, in honor of the November elections, 1776. The production features music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards, book by Peter Stone and direction by Melissa Crabtree with musical direction by Linnea Carrera, September 1 - 17, at Mary's Attic, 5400 N Clark Ave. Opening night is Thursday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $22 and maybe be purchased at www.edgeoforion.com.

Light Opera Works will present LET ME ENTERTAIN YOU: JULE STYNE'S GREATEST HITS, October 7 through 16 at the Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston.

Dead Writers Theatre Collective presents an elegant yet intimate celebration of Noel Coward's life, work and times with Oh, Coward! This sumptuous two-act musical revue runs August 26 through September 18 at The Athenaeum Theatre. "This was one of the last Noel Coward shows staged during his lifetime," states DWTC Artistic Director Jim Schneider. "Originally devised for Off-Broadway by Roderick Cook, it's a wonderful cabaret approach.  It features two men and a woman covering Coward's favorite songs and scenes from his plays and musicals."  

Complete casting has been announced for Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre's Chicago premiere of the heralded off-Broadway musical Fly by Night - the story of a love triangle between a young sandwich maker and two sisters recently relocated from South Dakota to New York.

Crowning its year-long tribute to Shakespeare's 400th anniversary, Elements Theatre Company presents King Lear under the direction of Danielle Dwyer, CJ. In the striking outdoor setting of the Atrium of the Church of the Transfiguration, the members of Elements Theatre Company bring all of their passionate dedication and expertise to the Bard's riveting portrayal of a kingdom and families torn apart. Press night is Opening night, August 12, 7:00pm guest lecture Dr. Kathryn Moncrief, followed by outdoor performance 8:00pm.

?Dead Writers Theatre Collective presents an elegant yet intimate celebration of Noel Coward's life, work and times with Oh, Coward! This sumptuous two-act musical revue runs August 26 through September 18 at The Athenaeum Theatre. "This was one of the last Noel Coward shows staged during his lifetime," states DWTC Artistic Director Jim Schneider. "Originally devised for Off-Broadway by Roderick Cook, it's a wonderful cabaret approach.  It features two men and a woman covering Coward's favorite songs and scenes from his plays and musicals."