Nick Demeris 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. 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!

Aurora's Paramount Theatre will launch its third Broadway subscription series this September with the first local professional staging of In the Heights, one of Broadway's most acclaimed contemporary musicals, a potent reminder of the importance of chasing one's dreams, and the show all of Chicago will be talking about this fall. Performances are September 11 through October 6, 2013. Press opening is Saturday, September 14 at 8 p.m.

Category 7 in association with La Salle Academy and Nativity Mission announces the cast and creative team for Stand-Up Tragedy, Bill Cain's searing 1991 play about a Lower East Side middle school, where an idealistic young teacher sets out to save one of his students from an abusive family and the streets. Directed by Nicholas Minas, performances begin at Nativity Church (44 2nd Avenue - between 2nd & 3rd Streets) tonight, April 12, 2013 and will continue through May 4.

Category 7 in association with La Salle Academy and Nativity Mission announces the cast and creative team for Stand-Up Tragedy, Bill Cain's searing 1991 play about a Lower East Side middle school, where an idealistic young teacher sets out to save one of his students from an abusive family and the streets. Directed by Nicholas Minas, performances begin at Nativity Church (44 2nd Avenue - between 2nd & 3rd Streets) on Saturday, April 12, 2013 and will continue through May 4.

Mixed Blood Theatre presents the world premiere of AGNES UNDER THE BIG TOP, a tall tale, Aditi Brennan Kapil's funny and powerful new work that imagines the intersecting lives of immigrants in today's America.

The discourse surrounding new play development continues within the American Voices New Play Institute at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, as the company presents the #NewPlay Festival.

Mixed Blood Theatre presents the world premiere of AGNES UNDER THE BIG TOP, a tall tale, Aditi Brennan Kapil's funny and powerful new work that imagines the intersecting lives of immigrants in today's America.

The discourse surrounding new play development continues within the American Voices New Play Institute at Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater, as the company presents the #NewPlay Festival.

Redmoon and the Chicago Park District celebrate the 5th year of spectacles in the parks with the Joyous Outdoor Event (J.O.E). Labor Day weekend, Thursday - Monday, Sept. 2-6, in Lincoln Park's South Belmont Harbor at Belmont Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.

Redmoon and the Chicago Park District celebrate the 5th year of spectacles in the parks with the Joyous Outdoor Event (J.O.E). Labor Day weekend, Thursday - Monday, Sept. 2-6, in Lincoln Park's South Belmont Harbor at Belmont Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.

Redmoon and the Chicago Park District celebrate the 5th year of spectacles in the parks with the Joyous Outdoor Event (J.O.E). Labor Day weekend, Thursday - Monday, Sept. 2-6, in Lincoln Park's South Belmont Harbor at Belmont Avenue and Lake Shore Drive.

After Redmoon's Halloween performance at the WhiteHouse October 31st, the company returns to its home in the industrial corridor of WestTown to present its longest running spectacular tradition: Winter Pageant 2009.