Light Opera Works News

Off-Broadway's hit play CHURCHILL is set to reopen where it began its phenomenal journey, with performances beginning July 17th at Chicago's Greenhouse Theater Center. The show will conclude its current smash engagement at New World Stages July 12th, where it opened on February 18th to unanimous rave reviews led by CBS Radio which declared, 'Ronald Keaton evokes a transcendent greatness that was Winston Churchill!' The production recently recouped its entire investment well before completing its New York run. Under the direction of Kurt Johns, CHURCHILL is based on the life and writings of one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th Century.

The Boy From Oz tells the amazing life story of celebrated songwriter and performer Peter Allen. Featuring songs by Peter Allen, book by Martin Sherman and Nick Enright, Direction by David Zak, Musical Direction by Robert Ollis, and Choreography by Cameron Turner, The Boy From Oz tells the exuberant yet heart-warming true story of a young Australian boy who loved to perform and ended up in the glamorous orbit of Judy Garland and her soon-to-be famous daughter Liza.

Theo's summer cabaret will feature favorites and lesser-known gems by the Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony winning composer Theo Ubique's summer cabaret of 2015 will turn to the songs of one of the best-loved composers of the 20th Century's later decades when it showcases the songs of Marvin Hamlisch from tonight, June 4 - July 12, 2015 at the No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park

Here's an Updated List of the Twenty-One Illinois Theaters Donating Tickets as Prizes for BroadwayWorld Chicago's 2015 Tony Awards Viewing Party. And You're Invited!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Once' and 'On Your Feet!' arrive, Kooman and Dimond try one out, 'Loving Repeating' returns, 'The Fantasticks' grows its orchestra, local 'Spider Woman' and 'Idiot' productions, two new works about the deaths of pop musicians, and the real-life death of PJ Paparelli.

BroadwayWorld Chicago is excited to announce details for our annual Tony Award Viewing Party, when Chicago's theater community (professionals and fans alike) will come together to enjoy the televised broadcast of the 69th Annual Tony Awards from New York. The biggest night of the year for live theater is a great chance to root for your favorites, glimpse a colleague in the audience, plan your future theatrical experiences, or just enjoy the company of like-minded folks from all across the Chicagoland area.

WBAI Radio's 'Arts Express' will feature a special segment on the hit Off-Broadway play CHURCHILL today (Thursday) at 4 PM. The broadcast can be heard on 99.5 FM or online at www.wbai.org. CHURCHILL, a new play adapted and performed by Ronald Keaton, opened at New World Stages on February 18th to unanimous rave reviews led by The Wall Street Journal which declared, 'Fifty years after his death, Winston Churchill has emerged as a star!' Under the direction of Kurt Johns, CHURCHILL is based on the life and writings of one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th Century. Due to overwhelming demand, the show's producers recently put a new block of seats on sale through September 13th.

Theo's summer cabaret will feature favorites and lesser-known gems by the Emmy-Grammy-Oscar-Tony winning composer Theo Ubique's summer cabaret of 2015 will turn to the songs of one of the best-loved composers of the 20th Century's later decades when it showcases the songs of Marvin Hamlisch from June 4 - July 12, 2015 at the No Exit Cafe, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave. in Rogers Park. Music Director Aaron Benham (recently honored with three Jeff nominations for the 2014-15 season, including one for last summer's A Musical Tribute to the Andrews Sisters by Theo) is providing new arrangements for a program representing the full body of Hamlisch's work. Benham and a cast of six will perform numbers ranging from standards like 'The Way We Were' and 'Nobody Does It Better' through selections from his Broadway musicals (A Chorus Line, They're Playing Our Song, Sweet Smell of Success, The Goodbye Girl and Smile) and film scores (The Sting, Sophie's Choice). Courtney Crouse (of Theo Ubique's Chess) is the stage director and Chris Logan (of Theo's A Cole Porter Songbook and Bailiwick Chicago's Murder Ballad) is the choreographer. The press opening will be Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m., following previews Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m., and Friday, June 5 at 8 p.m.

Due to overwhelming demand, the producers of Off-Broadway's hit play, CHURCHILL, today put a new block of seats on sale through September 13th. CHURCHILL, a new play adapted and performed by Ronald Keaton, opened at New World Stages on February 18th to unanimous rave reviews led by The Wall Street Journal which declared, 'Fifty years after his death, Winston Churchill has emerged as a star!' Under the direction of Kurt Johns, CHURCHILL is based on the life and writings of one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th Century.

Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis announces the World Premiere production of Typhoid Mary opening tonight, April 30, 2015 on the Frank and Katrina Basile Stage. This production runs through May 24, 2015, with Bill Simmons serving as director. Tom Horan wrote Typhoid Mary in 2013 during his first season as the Phoenix Theatre's Playwright-in-Residence.

James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot's Tony Award-winning musical, HAIR, will be presented by Big Noise Theatre at Prairie Lakes Community Center Theater, Des Plaines, tonight, April 24 through May 9.

One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. The production opened on April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. BroadwayWorld has photos from the opening night festivities below!

One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which is currently in previews and opens tomorrow, April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Click below to watch highlights from the show!

One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which is currently in previews and opens tomorrow, April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Robin is joined by Music Director Jeff Award-nominee Ryan T. Nelson. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Phoenix Theatre of Indianapolis announces the World Premiere production of Typhoid Mary opening April 30, 2015 on the Frank and Katrina Basile Stage. This production runs through May 24, 2015, with Bill Simmons serving as director. Tom Horan wrote Typhoid Mary in 2013 during his first season as the Phoenix Theatre's Playwright-in-Residence.

Three Cat Productions celebrates Chicago based performers with Cabaret on the Lake. Cabaret on the Lake is a free monthly variety show featuring storytellers, performance artists, singer-songwriters, comedians, and more. The event is held on the second Friday of each month at the Berger Park Cultural Center (6205 N Sheridan Road). This month's event will be held on Friday, April 10 at 7:30pm. Tickets are free. Hosted by Rob Dorn.

One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. Anything Goes features an unparalleled score by the legendary Cole Porter with a virtual hit parade of songs ("De-lovely," "Friendship," 'You're the Top,' "Blow, Gabriel, Blow," 'I Get a Kick Out of You"). 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which previews April 8, opens April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Robin is joined by Music Director Jeff Award-nominee Ryan T. Nelson.

One of musical theater's biggest hits, Anything Goes, the irresistible musical filled with unforgettable music and dazzling dance numbers, continues The Marriott Theatre's spectacular 40th anniversary season. Anything Goes features an unparalleled score by the legendary Cole Porter with a virtual hit parade of songs ('De-lovely,' 'Friendship,' 'You're the Top,' 'Blow, Gabriel, Blow,' 'I Get a Kick Out of You'). 15-time Jeff Award-winner Marc Robin will bring his signature high-watt energy to the stage to direct and choreograph the toe-tapping musical comedy which previews April 8, opens April 15 and runs through May 31 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Robin is joined by Music Director Jeff Award-nominee Ryan T. Nelson.

Due to overwhelming demand, the producers of Off-Broadway's newest hit, CHURCHILL, today put a new block of seats on sale through July 12th. CHURCHILL, a new play adapted and performed by Ronald Keaton, opened at New World Stages on February 18th to unanimous rave reviews led by The Wall Street Journal which declared, 'Fifty years after his death, Winston Churchill has emerged as a star!' Under the direction of Kurt Johns, CHURCHILL is based on the life and writings of one of the greatest wartime leaders of the 20th Century.

James Rado, Gerome Ragni, and Galt MacDermot's Tony Award-winning musical, HAIR, will be presented by Big Noise Theatre at Prairie Lakes Community Center Theater, Des Plaines, April 24 through May 9.