Sean Blak News

It's 'Hooray for Captain Spaulding, The African Explorer!' and hooray for the entire cast of ANIMAL CRACKERS who pay (and play) fitting homage to the Brothers Marx in this comedy music production at Baltimore's Center Stage.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside of American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, announces the Ensemble's 28th season. The season begins with the Chicago professional premiere of Hank Williams: Lost Highway by award-winning playwrights Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, today, September 5 - October 6; the 12th smash year of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! , now at the 199-seat Greenhouse Theater Center, directed by Ensemble member Marty Higginbotham, November 22 - December 29; world premiere of 2012 Blue Ink Playwriting Award-winning script American Myth by Christina Gorman, directed by Steve Scott, February - March 2014; Chicago premiere of 2012 Smith Prize winner Grounded by George Brant, June 2014. American Blues also announces year-long development and public reading of Ensemble member's Nambi E. Kelley's adaptation of Richard Wright's Native Son which will receive a production in fall of 2014.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Tonight's Fall Theater Preview Party, the three big local premieres, upcoming: 'Spamalot' and two new works, 'Death Boogie' and 'The Old Man And The Old Moon,' plus a 'Schoolhouse Rock Live' milestone, the Dramatists Guild conference and more!

Rehearsals began Tuesday for Animal Crackers, the first production of Center Stage's 2013-14 Season. This classic American musical comedy is set to feature City Paper Best Actor Bruce Nelson as Groucho Marx playing the ineffable Captain Spaulding. Under the direction of Northlight Theatre Artistic Director BJ Jones-who previously directed Center Stage's smash production of A Skull in Connemara-Animal Crackers begins previews on September 4 and runs through October 13.

Producing Artistic Director Gwendolyn Whiteside of American Blues Theater, Chicago's second oldest Equity ensemble, announces the Ensemble's 28th season. The season begins with the Chicago professional premiere of Hank Williams: Lost Highway by award-winning playwrights Randal Myler and Mark Harelik, directed by Damon Kiely, September 5 - October 6; the 12th smash year of It's a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago! , now at the 199-seat Greenhouse Theater Center, directed by Ensemble member Marty Higginbotham, November 22 - December 29; world premiere of 2012 Blue Ink Playwriting Award-winning script American Myth by Christina Gorman, directed by Steve Scott, February - March 2014; Chicago premiere of 2012 Smith Prize winner Grounded by George Brant, June 2014. American Blues also announces year-long development and public reading of Ensemble member's Nambi E. Kelley's adaptation of Richard Wright's Native Son which will receive a production in fall of 2014.

About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music and additional lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing November 30 - December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Show times include a 45-minute "cocktail hour" in Liza's Lounge with special opening acts by guest artists. Tickets are currently on sale through Steppenwolf Audience Services online at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650. The press performances are Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm & 7 pm.

About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music and additional lyrics by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing November 30 - December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago. Show times include a 45-minute "cocktail hour" in Liza's Lounge with special opening acts by guest artists. Tickets are currently on sale through Steppenwolf Audience Services online at www.steppenwolf.org or by calling (312) 335-1650. The press performances are Sunday, December 2 at 3 pm & 7 pm.

About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing tonight, November 30 - December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

About Face Theatre blends classic Christmas tales with queer pop culture for its world premiere holiday production WE THREE LIZAS with book and lyrics by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Bradley, music by Alan Schmuckler, directed by AFT Artistic Associate Scott Ferguson, playing November 30 - December 23, 2012 in The Steppenwolf Garage, 1624 N. Halsted St., Chicago.

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the effervescent Broadway musical XANADU, which opened on September 13 and runs through October 28, 2012. The cast of XANADU is led by Gina Milo as "Clio/Kira" and Chris Critelli as "Sonny". The production is directed and choreographed by Jeff Award winner Rachel Rockwell. Below, watch interviews the the cast and creative team at the opening night after party!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the effervescent Broadway musical XANADU, which opened on September 13 at 8 p.m. and runs through October 28, 2012. The cast of XANADU is led by Gina Milo as "Clio/Kira" and Chris Critelli as "Sonny". Watch scenes from the production in the video clips below!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the effervescent Broadway musical XANADU, which opened last night, September 13 at 8 p.m. and runs through October 28, 2012. The cast of XANADU is led by Gina Milo as "Clio/Kira" and and Chris Critelli as "Sonny". Check out photos of the stars at opening night below!

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 2012 Equity Jeff Award nominees, 'Xanadu' at Drury Lane, upcoming shows at Porchlight and Theo Ubique, dueling 'Assassins,' a summer theater surprise and more!

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

CBS's Daytime talk show THE TALK salutes the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards with a special show completely dedicated to daytime television's biggest night, Monday, June 25, 2012, (2:00 PM, ET/1:00 PM, PT) on the CBS Television Network. Hosts of THE TALK will be joined live in-studio by some of the night's biggest winners for a post-Emmy celebration.

Enchanting audiences of all generations worldwide, Disney's Beauty and the Beast casts its spell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater on Navy Pier June 28 to August 26, 2012. Tickets are $18-$25 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40 percent parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) in cooperation with the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS), today announced the Drama Performer Pre-Nominations for the 39th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards.