Nate Lewellyn News

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing tonight, August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Monday's trifecta of showtune events, including Jackie Burns following Idina, and 'Boy From Oz.' 'Mormon' and 'Dancing' return, and 'Gentleman's Guide' prepares. That 'October Sky' and 'Starcatcher' are set to open, but a lot of shows are closing. Not 'Ring Of Fire!' Concerts are on tap, too, including Seth McFarlane!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's all about musical legends! 'Men Of Soul,' 'All Shook Up,' 'Amazing Grace,' 'Million Dollar Quartet' and 'Bette' show showbiz as it was. Also on our boards: '[title of show],' 'Madame Pompadour' and 'Clue,' plus revisiting 'Eastland' and preparing to see the 'October Sky.'

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents the World Premiere of the new musical OCTOBER SKY, previewing August 19, opening August 26 and running through October 11. Written by Aaron Thielen, with music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY is directed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell. Music Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson. Presented in association with Universal Stage Productions (Billy Elliott, Wicked, Bring It On), and from the writing team that brought audiences HERO (Jeff Award, Best New Work, 2012), OCTOBER SKY is based on the beloved Universal Pictures film October Sky and the bestselling novel Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.

'Be the hero in your story and the world will be yours....' Edward Bloom consistently uses these words to inspire his son Will while he was growing up. Defining what a hero is, for Edward and his son Will, plays an epic role in First Stage's Big Fish. This shortened World Premiere for Young Audiences production retells the 2013 Broadway musical adapted from a 1990's Daniel Wallace novel with stunning results. Milwaukee's legendary Jonathan Gillard Daly becomes a theatrical hero when he transforms into Edward Bloom, husband, father and master storyteller based upon the musical's book and film written by John August.

A larger than life, show-stopping Broadway production arrives at First Stage this May. In Milwaukee's Todd Wehr Theater. Big Fishdelivers big theatrical energy because John Whiting, who worked as Associate Director for the 2013 Broadway show, now directs and choreographs this World Premiere for Young Audiences and a one act version adapted from the original musical.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Carousel,' 'The King And I' and 'The Merry Widow' at Lyric Opera, and the upcoming season at Porchlight. Plus 'Merman' transfers, 'Mormon' arrives, 'First Wives Club' and 'Gotta Dance' try out, the 'Pride And Prejudice' reading moves, Quest Theatre mounts two, Pasek and Paul's 'Peach,' Bailiwick's 'Wonderful Town,' the Mosh Pit in the Tribune and more honors for Jessie Mueller! Whew!

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 BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards Celebration was great! Now onward to '50 Shades,' 'Mr. Burns' and 'Book Of Merman,' plus two from Christopher Pazdernik,' 'Ordinary Days,' 'First Wives Club,' tributes to John Hughes and Stephen Sondheim and a showtune film cameo!

Discover the thrilling songs and stories from many infrequently heard works of musical theater at the cabaret revue I Don't Remember You: Broadway's Cult Classics, vol. II, performed at Davenport's Piano Bar & Cabaret from January 12-26, 2015.

Griffin Theatre Company launches its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play through December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150.

Griffin Theatre Company will launch its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play today, October 18 - December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press opening is Sunday, October 26 at 7 pm.

Griffin Theatre Company will launch its 2014-15 season with a new, intimate version of the Tony Award-winning Best Musical TITANIC, with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston (Nine, Phantom), book by Peter Stone (Woman of the Year, 1776), new orchestrations by Ian Weinberger, directed by Scott Weinstein (Griffin Theatre's Spelling Bee, Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Seussical) and music direction by Elizabeth Doran (Timeline's Juno). TITANIC will play October 18 - December 7, 2014 at Theater Wit, 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are available at www.theaterwit.org, in person at the Theater Wit Box Office or by calling (773) 975-8150. The press opening is Sunday, October 26 at 7 pm.

A hilarious musical adaptation of a Gilbert and Sullivan comic opera, a return engagement of a popular Imagine U family production and a National Theatre Live broadcast of a classic Shakespeare tragedy are highlights of Northwestern University's SummerStage 2014 season.

The Marriott Theatre presents the Chicagoland premiere of the Broadway Revival of GODSPELL, which opened June 11, and runs through August 10 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. GODSPELL was originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wickedand Pippin. Director and Choreographer Matt Raftery delivers a fresh, organic, intimate production, literally 'illustrating' the parables of the New Testament and bringing its lessons to life on the Marriott stage. The brilliant recent Broadway arrangements and orchestrations will be delivered under the Musical Direction of Ryan T. Nelson. Check out a look back at opening night below!

The Marriott Theatre presents the Chicagoland premiere of the Broadway Revival of GODSPELL, opening tonight, June 11 and running through August 10 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. GODSPELL was originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wickedand Pippin. Director and Choreographer Matt Raftery delivers a fresh, organic, intimate production, literally 'illustrating' the parables of the New Testament and bringing its lessons to life on the Marriott stage. The brilliant recent Broadway arrangements and orchestrations will be delivered under the Musical Direction of Ryan T. Nelson. Watch highlights from the production below!

The Marriott Theatre presents the Chicagoland premiere of the Broadway Revival of GODSPELL, previewing June 4, opening June 11 and running through August 10 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. GODSPELL was originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked and Pippin. Director and Choreographer Matt Raftery delivers a fresh, organic, intimate production, literally 'illustrating' the parables of the New Testament and bringing its lessons to life on the Marriott stage. The brilliant recent Broadway arrangements and orchestrations will be delivered under the Musical Direction of Ryan T. Nelson. Scroll down for a first look at the cast in action!

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 Jeff Awards, Tony Tunes and our very own Tony Award Viewing Party are upon us! Plus 'Carrie' and 'Godspell,' the new musicals 'Days Like Today,' 'Saudade' and 'Flux Capacitor,' news from Annoyance Theatre, Movies In the Parks and more!

The Marriott Theatre will present the Chicagoland premiere of the Broadway Revival of GODSPELL, previewing June 4, opening June 11 and running through August 10 at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. GODSPELL was originally conceived and directed by John-Michael Tebelak, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, composer of Wicked and Pippin. Director and Choreographer Matt Raftery delivers a fresh, organic, intimate production, literally "illustrating" the parables of the New Testament and bringing its lessons to life on the Marriott stage. The brilliant recent Broadway arrangements and orchestrations will be delivered under the Musical Direction of Ryan T. Nelson.

Four guys, forever classy wearing white dinner jackets, appear in the musical revue Forever Plaid at The Rep's Stackner Cabaret. And when Frankie, Jinx, Smudge and Spanky perform their four-part harmony in the fictional singing group, they exude slightly clueless personalities while, to the audience's delight, their musical talent exceeds expectations.

Forever Plaid is directed by Rep Artistic Associate JC Clementz. The cast for Forever Plaid features Rep newcomers Nate Lewellyn and Anand Nagraj as well as Adam Estes and Paul Helm, both who have previously appeared at the Stackner. Forever Plaid runs in the Stackner Cabaret October 25 - December 29, 2013 and opens on Sunday, October 27. Check out a first look below!