Susie McMonagle 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. 'Passion,' 'Road Show' and 'Into The Woods' celebrate Sondheim's birthday, 'Dessa Rose' and 'Rent' rake in the reviews, Black Ensemble and Bailiwick announce spring shows, new musicals from Writers Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare, plus Ravinia and Court plan summers 2014 and 2015 and more....

Writers Theatre presents the World Premiere of Days Like Today, inspired by the plays of Charles L. Mee with music and lyrics by Alan Schmuckler and book by Laura Eason, directed by Artistic Director Michael Halberstam and music direction by Doug Peck. The production runs May 6-July 13, 2014 at 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the Mosh Pit's 'Top Ten Hot Topix' for the second half of 2013!!

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

Voting is now underway for Chicago! We have a record number of votes in already, but if you haven't voted yet, click here to vote! If you have voted already, tell your friends.

BroadwayWorld.com is proud once again to announce the nominations for the BroadwayWorld Chicago Awards, Chicago's only comprehensive, fan-voted theater award now in its 4th fabulous year. And the Bohemian Theatre Ensemble leads the way, with a whopping 15 nominations overall, including 10 for its summer production of 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' Chicago Shakespeare Theater is next overall, with 12 nods, spread out over an impressive 7 different productions, including 'Othello: The Remix,' 'Henry VII,' 'The School for Lies' and its Shakespeare in the Parks production of 'The Comedy of Errors,' nominated as Best Theatrical Event.

Five world premiere plays and three new adaptations seen first by Chicago audiences received Jeff nominations by the Jeff Awards Committee and are among the 166 nominations in 36 categories announced for Chicago Equity theatrical productions opened between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013.

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!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the regional premiere of the recent Broadway sensation NEXT TO NORMAL, now running through October 6, 2013. NEXT TO NORMAL stars Jeff Award nominee Susie McMonagle as 'Diana' ('Fantine' in Les Miserables on Broadway and the first National Tours of Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia) and Jeff Award winner Rod Thomas as 'Dan' (Big at Drury Lane Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre at the Center). The production is directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Drury Lane Theatre's smash hit production of Spamalot and Jeff Award nominee for Best Director and Best Production for Thoroughly Modern Millie.) Check out a first look at highlights of the show below!

Oakbrook Terrace's Drury Lane Theatre takes a gamble that pays off with the poignant and moving 'next to normal'

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the regional premiere of the recent Broadway sensation NEXT TO NORMAL, which opened last night, August 22 and will continue through October 6, 2013. NEXT TO NORMAL stars Jeff Award nominee Susie McMonagle as "Diana" ("Fantine" in Les Miserables on Broadway and the first National Tours of Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia) and Jeff Award winner Rod Thomas as "Dan" (Big at Drury Lane Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre at the Center).The production is directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Drury Lane Theatre's smash hit production of Spamalot and Jeff Award nominee for Best Director and Best Production for Thoroughly Modern Millie.) Check out a look back at opening night below!

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, presents the regional premiere of the recent Broadway sensation NEXT TO NORMAL, opening August 22 and running through October 6, 2013. NEXT TO NORMAL stars Jeff Award nominee Susie McMonagle as "Diana" ("Fantine" in Les Miserables on Broadway and the first National Tours of Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia) and Jeff Award winner Rod Thomas as "Dan" (Big at Drury Lane Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre at the Center).The production is directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Drury Lane Theatre's smash hit production of Spamalot and Jeff Award nominee for Best Director and Best Production for Thoroughly Modern Millie.) Check out a first look at the cast in action 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. 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!

Drury Lane Theatre will present the regional premiere of the recent Broadway sensation NEXT TO NORMAL, previewing August 15, opening August 22, and running through October 6, 2013. NEXT TO NORMAL stars Jeff Award nominee Susie McMonagle as 'Diana' ('Fantine' in Les Miserables on Broadway and the first National Tours of Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia) and Jeff Award winner Rod Thomas as 'Dan' (Big at Drury Lane Theatre and Little Shop of Horrors at Theatre at the Center).The production is directed by Drury Lane Theatre Artistic Director William Osetek (Drury Lane Theatre's smash hit production of Spamalot and Jeff Award nominee for Best Director and Best Production for Thoroughly Modern Millie.)

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 Summer Birthday Showtune Blowout, 'The Last Five Years,' 'A Chorus Liine,' 'Whistle Down The Wind,' the casts of 'The Color Purple' and 'Next To Normal,' three new shows announced by Broadway In Chicago, and more!

According to the Chicago Tribune, Susie McMonagle and Rod Thomas are set to lead Next to Normal at Drury Lane Oakbrook, running August 15 - October 6, 2013. Also set to star are Skyler Adams, Callie Johnson, Colte Julain and Josh Tolle.