Ron E. Rains

Broadway's Home Run Hit Musical, DAMN YANKEES, Debuts At The Marriott Theatre

Springtime brings Broadway's home run hit musical, DAMN YANKEES, to the Marriott Theatre, previewing Wednesday, April 12, opening April 19 at 7:30 p.m. and closing June 4, 2023.

ONCE to be Presented at Writers Theatre in February

Writers Theatre will continue its 2022/23 Season with the Tony Award-winning musical Once, based on the 2007 film written and directed by John Carney. 

Review: THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Paramount Theatre

What did our critic think of THE SOUND OF MUSIC at Paramount Theatre Aurora, IL?

THE SOUND OF MUSIC to Open at Paramount Theatre in November

The Sound of Music, one of the most beloved musicals of all time, has enchanted audiences for more than 50 years. This holiday season, Chicago audiences can experience this unforgettable Rodgers and Hammerstein classic for the first time, or all over again, at downtown Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. Previews start November 9, 2022.

Casting Announced For GEM OF THE OCEAN at the Goodman

Resident Director Chuck Smith, who served as the original production's dramaturg, directs a cast of seven—featuring Sharif Atkins (Citizen Barlow), Sydney Charles (Black Mary), Lisa Gaye Dixon (Aunt Ester), Gary Houston (Rutherford Selig), Kelvin Roston, Jr. (Caesar), A.C. Smith (Eli) and James A. Williams (Solly Two Kings).

Paramount Theatre Presents BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Great dancing candlesticks! Just wait to see what Aurora's Paramount Theatre has in store for Disney's Beauty and the Beast, November 13, 2019-January 19, 2020 at the beautiful Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. Press opening is Friday, November 22, at 8 p.m.

BWW Review: THE MUSIC MAN at Goodman Theatre

Director Mary Zimmerman lends her whimsy to THE MUSIC MAN at Goodman Theatre in a production that pays homage to the small-town charm and iconic score of Meredith Willson's classic musical. Under Zimmerman's direction, this MUSIC MAN becomes a joyful company piece showcasing, in particular, the talents of the formidable actors in the supporting and ensemble roles. The production finds all the earnest humor embedded in THE MUSIC MAN, and Jermaine Hill's music direction ensures that each note rings out fully from the 12-member orchestra.

The Goodman Announces Final Extension of THE MUSIC MAN

Due to overwhelming demand for tickets, Goodman Theatre has added a second and final extension week to its major revival of The Music Man, which opened last night in the Albert Theatre

The Goodman Extends THE MUSIC MAN Through August 11

Due to popular demand, Goodman Theatre adds eight performances to its run of The Music Man, staged by Tony Award-winning Director Mary Zimmerman-now appearing through August 11. Hailed a "musical comedy at its feel-good best" (The New York Times), Meredith Willson's Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, based on the story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, features beloved songs including "Goodnight My Someone," "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Gary, Indiana," and "Till There Was You."

Goodman Theatre Announces Cast And Creative Team For THE MUSIC MAN

Goodman Theatre concludes its 2018/2019 Season on a high note with Mary Zimmerman's major revival of The Music Man-Meredith Willson's joyous musical masterpiece, hailed as "one of the sunniest musicals ever" that "glows with enjoyment" with "tunes [that] are full of gusto" (The New York Times), based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey.

BWW Review: THE PRODUCERS at Paramount Theatre

Before attending THE PRODUCERS at Paramount Theatre, I had a disturbing dream in which this production cut everything deemed offensive or politically incorrect from the original: tap-dancing Nazis, sex-crazed old ladies, grossly stereotyped portrayals of, well, everyone. 'But what will they have left?' my dream-self protested. Fortunately, my fears were allayed upon seeing Paramount's production; director Jim Corti stages a madcap romp that revels in the irreverent humor of Mel Brooks.

Photo Flash: Paramount Theatre Celebrates Another Big Hit At THE PRODUCERS Opening Night

Paramount Theatre opened its new Broadway Series production of Mel Brooks's The Producers on Saturday, February 9 to a full house, an instant standing ovation and uniformly critical acclaim. 

Paramount Theatre Announces Cast and Creative Team For Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS

Under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than he could with a hit. And so begins one of the most hilarious cons in musical theater history.

BWW Review: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane Theatre's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS brilliantly captures the dark comedy of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's popular musical, based on the low-budget 1960 horror film. Scott Calcagno directs a cast who masterfully balance the campy humor with genuinely moving performances as the hapless inhabitants of Skid Row.

Photo Flash: Inside Opening Night of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Drury Lane

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Review Roundup: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS At The Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

VIDEO: Get A First Look at LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at the Drury Lane Theatre

BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Drury Lane's Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs through October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. 

Photo Flash: First Look at LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS At The Drury Lane Theatre

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Photo Flash: Go Inside Rehearsals of The Drury Lane Theatre's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

BroadwayWorld has an inside look at the Drury Lane's rehearsals for Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken, book by Howard Ashman, direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno, and music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Drury Lane Announces Cast of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Drury Lane has announced the cast for Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken, book by Howard Ashman, direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno, and music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.