Mary Ernster News

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.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Anything Goes,' 'A Funny Thing...' and 'Billy Elliot' prepare to open, 'Les Mis' racks up the raves, season announcements from the Paramount, Kokandy, The Hypocrites and Chicago Shakes, plus another Austen adaptation, and legs for Ethel Merman. Enjoy the warmth!

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.

I hardly know where to begin in describing the beautiful, world-class, but dramatically uneven production of the beloved and immortal 'The Sound of Music' that opened at the Civic Opera House over the weekend. All the resources of Lyric Opera of Chicago have been brought to bear on a brand-new production of a title that is known throughout the world, and the result is occasionally thrilling--a feast for the eyes, and usually one for the ears as well.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Gypsy' at CST and 'Into The Woods' from The Hypocrites begin, Paula Scrofano honored, Bernadette performs, another out-of-town tryout announced, a Barrel Of Monkeys revue, casting news from the Paramount and the Lyric, the Sarah Siddons Society show and more!

A roster of accomplished young singing actors from the Chicago area will portray the von Trapp Family children in Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of The Sound of Music, the company announced today. The new production will be led by Jenn Gambatese.

A roster of accomplished young singing actors from the Chicago area will portray the von Trapp Family children in Lyric Opera of Chicago's new production of The Sound of Music, the company announced today.

In the Paramount's production, directed and choregraphed by Rachel Rockwell, the show lives and breathes in the very music that a con man and flim-flam artist, "Professor Harold Hill," uses to sell band instruments, uniforms and instruction booklets to the parents of young boys he knows he cannot really teach. Music is everywhere,...

Sit back and enjoy a recap of this week's most-read stories in BroadwayWorld's regional markets! Browse over to your favorite far-away city/country to see what's making news, see what productions are playing around the country and overseas and get to know new performers!

Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present James Joyce's "The Dead," with book by Richard Nelson, music by Shaun Davey, lyrics conceived and adapted by Richard Nelson and Shaun Davey, and directed by Charles Newell with musical direction by Doug Peck. "The Dead" is running through December 9, 2012 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. BroadwayWorld has a first look at highlights from the show below.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Two national tours land here simultaneously, 'Pippin' goes to India, plus openings at Court Theatre, Marriott Theatre and Drury Lane Theatre, Theo Ubique goes rep again, and more, including the 'Mormon' cast!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Nominations end October 26 for the BWW Chicago Awards, Erich Bergen and the Marriott bring Cole Porter and Gershwin, plus 'The Dead,' Harold's crayon, three different 'Rocky Horror' shows and 'Nashville:' Is it a musical?

Court Theatre Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert present James Joyce's "The Dead," with book by Richard Nelson, music by Shaun Davey, lyrics conceived and adapted by Richard Nelson and Shaun Davey, and directed by Charles Newell with musical direction by Doug Peck. "The Dead" will run November 8 - December 9, 2012 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. The press opening is Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 8:00 p.m.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Disney's Beauty and the Beast, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed by Rachel Rockwell with Music Direction by Doug Peck, featuring Emily Rohm as Belle and William Travis Taylor as the Prince turned into a Beast by an enchantress's spell. This Tony Award-winning musical is filled with lovable characters, beautiful sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers, including 'Be Our Guest' and the beloved title song. BroadwayWorld has the production photos below.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

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 Award wrap-up, all that 'Rock Of Ages,' three musical tribute shows, two operettas, a stellar TYA 'Beauty' and Kristin Chenoweth, plus more!

Summer Stages - Top 5 Picks for Chicago

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Kinky Boots' and 'The Jungle Book' try out, Sarah Siddons and Windy City host benefit concerts, new works from Josh Schmidt and more, the Leap Day connection plus 'Mansical!'

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 Book Of Mormon' heads for a Chicago sit-down, two big season announcements, my top five fall productions, a Sondheim rarity, a new work for Mary's Attic and more...