Summer Smart News

After 200 episodes and nine seasons as America's beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from today, July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13.

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, Theo Ubique's future plans, Jennifer Hudson performs, 'Damn Yankees' at LOW, 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' 'Coraline,' 'The Last Ship' and the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival debut, 'Spelling Bee' starts, 'Avenue Q' extends and BroadwayWorld Chicago hosts a Tony Party!

With warmer weather finally arriving, it's time to get smart about making the most of summer with your pet. To keep pets energetic and active during the summer months, take a proactive approach to protecting them from health hazards.

Conrad Miami's First Decade of Smart Luxury: Thanks to You, a year-long celebration dedicated to thanking customers and the community, continues with Conrad Miami's100 Nights of Summer*. The luxury hotel, nestled in the heart of Miami's chic Brickell district, offers a special rate of $100 per night (a throwback to special grand opening prices from 2004 when Conrad Miami's very first guests were welcomed to this urban oasis).

After 200 episodes and nine seasons as America's beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13. Directed by Jeff Award nominee David Perkovich with a musical score by award-winning Chicago composer Gregg Opelka, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, was written by David Rogers and Amanda Rogers, and follows the nouveau-riche Clampett family as they move to the privileged society of Beverly Hills after discovering an oil reserve on their land. From Jed Clampett to Granny, Elly May and Jethro all the favorites from the '60s TV comedy are back and shaking things up as they adjust to their new, fast-paced life while maintaining their hayseed ways.

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS recently dropped in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit opened last night, October 30, and runs through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS will be directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler. Check out highlights from the show below!

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS recently dropped in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit opens tomorrow, Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and runs through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS will be directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler. Check out a first look at the cast on stage below!

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrives on stage tonight, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5.

The world's most beloved Nanny MARY POPPINS drops in to The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Broadway's supercalifragilistic, award-winning hit arrives on stage Wednesday, October 23, opening Wednesday, October 30 at 8:00 p.m. and running through January 5. From the irresistible story to the unforgettable songs to the breathtaking dance numbers, MARY POPPINS will be directed by nine-time Jeff Award-winner Gary Griffin with Choreography by Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez and Musical Direction by Jeff Award-winner Michael Mahler.

CST presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | music by Jeanine Tesori, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, July 13-September 1, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look of highlights below!

CST presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | music by Jeanine Tesori, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, July 13-September 1, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

New York City is a cultural center for so many reasons: theatre, architecture, music, dance, and more. What the Big Apple may be best known for, however, is its collection of some of the best art institutions in the world, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, a must-see on any New York travel itinerary. Fortunately for Smart Destinations travelers to New York this summer, the Met has recently extended its operating schedule to be open all seven days of the week.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, today, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

Smart Destinations is delighted to announce the launch of their exclusive Summer Facebook Contest, 'Show Us Your Go!' 'Show Us Your Go' allows Smart Destinations customers to share their favorite travel photographs and vacation memories for the chance to win great travel prizes. The contest will have two sections, with winners selected in early August and September. The official July Kickoff Photo Contest began earlier this month.

Element Hotels is wasting no time getting guests into the summer swing. No stranger to the summer sun, thanks to a smart hotel design that captures 90 percent of daylight, Starwood's trailblazing, eco-wise brand, marked the season's official start with free aviator shades for all guests. The giveaway launched an 11-week call for guests to 'Seize the Summer,' complete with a weekly chance to win a built-to-order Strada bike.

Smart Destinations is delighted to announce the launch of their exclusive Summer Facebook Contest, 'Show Us Your Go!' 'Show Us Your Go' allows Smart Destinations customers to share their favorite travel photographs and vacation memories for the chance to win great travel prizes. The contest will have two sections, with winners selected in early August and September. The official July Kickoff Photo Contest began earlier this month.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today the acting company and creative team for Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production ofShrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."

SEUSSICAL, the exuberant children's musical, will be presented from April 24 through June 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The whimsical production, based on over 14 beloved stories by children's author Dr. Seuss, is Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell, with Musical Direction by Michael Mahler. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to meet the cast at breakfast with the SEUSSICAL characters on select performance dates, with a kid-friendly buffet-style menu.

Porchlight Music Theatre today announced details of their annual benefit, The Icons Gala, Celebrating the Art of Michael Bennett, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The University Club of Chicago, 76 East Monroe Street.

Porchlight Music Theatre today announced details of their annual benefit, The Icons Gala, Celebrating the Art of Michael Bennett, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The University Club of Chicago, 76 East Monroe Street.