Neil Stratman 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. Our very own Tony Award Viewing Party (you're invited), new takes on 'Hair' and 'Myths And Hymns,' tryouts of 'Amazing Grace' and 'On Your Feet!,' that reading of 'Bedknobs And Broomsticks,' Chicago originals 'Mister Kelly' and 'Caged Dames,' more film news, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus and more!

BoHo Theatre brings Adam Guettel's rarely-produced song cycle Myths & Hymns to life with an original narrative concept, directed by Peter Robel with musical direction by Nick Sula. BoHo is no stranger to Guettel's work, having garnered acclaim for its 2012 production of Floyd Collins at Theater Wit. Myths & Hymns represents the Bohemian Pillar of Beauty in BoHo's 2013/2014 Season.

Performances are March 12-April 6, 2014. Press opening is Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m. The Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, IL. Show times are Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Tickets are only $36.90 to $49.90. To purchase, go to ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or visit the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 2 hours prior to evening performances. Note: RENT is rated R for strong adult language and themes. Not recommended for audiences under 17.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Three major local premieres begin this week ('Next To Normal,' '9 To 5' and 'The Color Purple'), plus coverage of LOW's 'Cabaret,' two Cole Porter revues, busy Circle Theatre, 'Persuasion' is back, and 'In The Heights' and 'Hello, Dolly!' get their casts. It's a big Mosh Pit!

I hardly know where to begin with this review of the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble's gutsy, stripped-down and yet somehow epic production of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” the musical by John Kander, Fred Ebb and Terrence McNally that is running at Theatre Wit through June 30, 2013. There, I guess I just began. I'm a jumble of thoughts and feeling right now. Come to think of it, so are the three principal characters.

For consistency and boldness of artistic vision, or (more accurately) for auteur singularity of mind in application of a specific lens to the artistic work of another, one need look no further than to Oak Park, Illinois, and the Circle Theatre production of "Pippin," playing now through December 23, 2012 at the Madison Street Theatre.

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!

Meshing Bollywood's bursting colors and rich style with Artistic Director Kevin Bellie's inventive choreography, Stephen Schwartz's classic Pippin explodes on the Circle scene in a brand-new light. PIPPIN has Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and Book by Roger O. Hirson.

Meshing Bollywood's bursting colors and rich style with Artistic Director Kevin Bellie's inventive choreography, Stephen Schwartz's Pippin explodes on the Circle scene in a brand-new light. Pippin has music & lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Roger O. Hirson.

Meshing Bollywood's bursting colors and rich style with Artistic Director Kevin Bellie's inventive choreography, Stephen Schwartz's classic Pippin explodes on the Circle scene in a brand-new light. PIPPIN has Music & Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and Book by Roger O. Hirson.

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, which opened last night, July 18 and runs through August 26, 2012. Check out photos from the opening night party below!

Circle Theatre presents REEFER MADNESS, directed by Matthew Gunnels, opening tonight, July 18, through August 26, 2012. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the production photos below.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

In the vein of recent Circle musicals Urinetown and Tommy, a Reefer Madness like you've never seen before! Matthew Gunnels, no stranger to camp classics, makes his Circle directorial debut bringing this 'high' musical comedy to our stage.

Don't miss out! Only FOUR more chances to see the World Premiere of ERIKA'S WALL: Friday, July 30 @ 8pm (Post-show talk back with the Creative Team--share your thoughts with us after the performance!) Saturday, July 31 @ 8pm Sunday, August 1 @ 5pm and 8:30pm

Don't miss out! Only FOUR more chances to see the World Premiere of ERIKA'S WALL: Friday, July 30 @ 8pm (Post-show talk back with the Creative Team--share your thoughts with us after the performance!) Saturday, July 31 @ 8pm Sunday, August 1 @ 5pm and 8:30pm

Times are hard. Money is tight. What can Tin Pan Alley Theatre Company offer? Well, free sex and one hot musical night. That is right - Tin Pan Alley is making Portland Theater history by offering the Northwest premiere of the riotous 1997 Tony nominated Broadway musical, Triumph of Love absolutely FREE! There is a strong need for entertainment these days that does not break the bank.

Times are hard. Money is tight. What can Tin Pan Alley Theatre Company offer? Well, free sex and one hot musical night. That is right - Tin Pan Alley is making Portland Theater history by offering the Northwest premiere of the riotous 1997 Tony nominated Broadway musical, Triumph of Love absolutely FREE! There is a strong need for entertainment these days that does not break the bank.

Times are hard. Money is tight. What can Tin Pan Alley Theatre Company offer? Well, free sex and one hot musical night. That is right - Tin Pan Alley is making Portland Theater history by offering the Northwest premiere of the riotous 1997 Tony nominated Broadway musical, Triumph of Love absolutely FREE! There is a strong need for entertainment these days that does not break the bank.