Melanie Brezill 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. Today's fire at The Second City, and last week's Jeff Award nominations! Plus 'Glory Days' and the Refuge Theatre season, new musicals in focus with Schonberg and Boublil, Chicago Children's Theatre and more, Joan Curto, Hershey Felder, 'Bat Boy,' and Theatre At The Center's 2016 season!

Jessie Fisher, the Chicago actress fresh from her Broadway debut in Once, and acclaimed director Stuart Carden are two of the high-profile, professional theater artists already announced for Chicago Children's Theatre's Chicago premiere of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, October 20-November 15, 2015.

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 Mosh Pit's Oscar wrap-up, plus BIC's 'First Wives Club,' 'Book Of Mormon' and 'For The Record,' Theater Wit's 'Mr. Burns,' Porchlight's 'City Of Angels' and Bailiwick's 'Murder Ballad.' Upcoming, The Hypocrites' 'American Idiot,' a new theater in the Wisconsin Dells, and two evenings with The Improvised Sondheim Project!

Goodman Theatre Artistic Associate and "triple threat" Playwright/Director/Actor Regina Taylor brings her musical Crowns, based on the book by Craig Marberry with photographs by Michael Cunningham, back to the Goodman stage. For her all-new 10th anniversary production, Taylor has engaged community partners and used workshops to explore and deepen the spoken word, dance and music elements in Crowns. Crowns runs now through August 5, 2012 (Opening Night is July 9) in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Get a first look at the cast on stage in the photos below!

Goodman Theatre Artistic Associate and "triple threat" Playwright/Director/Actor Regina Taylor brings her musical Crowns, based on the book by Craig Marberry with photographs by Michael Cunningham, back to the Goodman stage. For her all-new 10th anniversary production, Taylor has engaged community partners and used workshops to explore and deepen the spoken word, dance and music elements in Crowns. Crowns runs June 30 - August 5, 2012 (Opening Night is July 9) in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Check out photos of the cast and creative team in rehearsal below!

Regina Taylor brings her musical Crowns - based on the book by Craig Marberry with photographs by Michael Cunningham-back to the Goodman stage.

Writers' Theatre announces the 6th annual tour of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights, written by Yolanda Androzzo, directed by Jimmy McDermott and featuring Melanie Brezill.

Writers' Theatre announces the 6th annual tour of The MLK Project: The Fight for Civil Rights, written by Yolanda Androzzo, directed by Jimmy McDermott and featuring Melanie Brezill.

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning international hit musical AIDA, Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award winner Jim Corti (Sweet Charity, Meet Me in St. Louis, Cabaret, and Sugar.) Featuring a dynamic cast led by Stephanie Umoh as 'Aida' ('Sarah' in the 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime) and Jared Zirilli as 'Radames' (first National Tour of Wicked), AIDA closes May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning international hit musical AIDA, Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award winner Jim Corti (Sweet Charity, Meet Me in St. Louis, Cabaret, and Sugar.) Featuring a dynamic cast led by Stephanie Umoh as 'Aida' ('Sarah' in the 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime) and Jared Zirilli as 'Radames' (first National Tour of Wicked), AIDA previewed March 17, opened March 24 and runs through May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning international hit musical AIDA, Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award winner Jim Corti (Sweet Charity, Meet Me in St. Louis, Cabaret, and Sugar.) Featuring a dynamic cast led by Stephanie Umoh as 'Aida' ('Sarah' in the 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime) and Jared Zirilli as 'Radames' (first National Tour of Wicked), AIDA opens March 24 and runs through May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

Drury Lane Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning international hit musical AIDA, Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award winner Jim Corti (Sweet Charity, Meet Me in St. Louis, Cabaret, and Sugar.) Featuring a dynamic cast led by Stephanie Umoh as 'Aida' ('Sarah' in the 2009 Broadway production of Ragtime) and Jared Zirilli as 'Radames' (first National Tour of Wicked), AIDA previews March 17, opens March 24 and runs through May 29 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane.

Benny Andersson' and Björn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Toronto this month. Performances begin on April 28 and have been extended through June 27 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Toronto this month. Performances begin on April 28 and run through June 6 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Benny Andersson' and Björn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Toronto this month. Performances begin on April 28 and have been extended through June 27 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Toronto this month. Performances begin on April 28 and run through June 6 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus' MAMMA MIA!, the smash hit musical based on the songs of ABBA, returns to Toronto this month. Performances begin on April 28 and run through June 6 at the Princess of Wales Theatre.

The Jeff Awards have announced 179 nominations in 35 categories for Chicago Equity theatrical productions which opened between August 1, 2008, and July 31, 2009.

American Theater Company (ATC) kicks off its 25th season with the Chicago Premiere of Yeast Nation (the triumph of life) with music & lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book & lyrics by Greg Kotis. The production is directed by Artistic Director PJ Paparelli, with Musical Direction by Mark Elliott, and will run September 10 - October 18, 2009 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, Chicago. An official opening is set for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7 PM.

American Theater Company (ATC) kicks off its 25th season with the Chicago Premiere of Yeast Nation (the triumph of life) with music & lyrics by Mark Hollmann and book & lyrics by Greg Kotis. The production is directed by Artistic Director PJ Paparelli, with Musical Direction by Mark Elliott, and will run September 10 - October 18, 2009 at American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron St, Chicago. An official opening is set for Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 7 PM.