ACT OUT OPENING: We Will Rock You at Cadillac Palace #BroadwayInChicago

We Will Rock You Features Greatest Hits of Queen

by British comedian Ben Elton (The Young Ones)

Both of my tweens have been obsessed with Queen since they were toddlers, had Bohemian Rhapsody memorized in preschool, and still count Queen as their #1 favorite band.   Sadly, they'll never see Freddie Mercury, and there's no replacing his inimitable charisma, character & vocal range.  But his songs live on, and we're betting this Broadway in Chicago extravaganza will be a fun evening for sure!   We've been promoting this show for months and eagerly anticipating it.  Now we're super excited to check it out on opening night, TONIGHT.   We'll have a full review up shortly.  

We're also big fans of The Young Ones and Ben Elton, who wrote this musical!   I'm afraid my kids grew up on Brit humor, 80's cult classics, animated episodes of The Tick and Pee Wee's Playhouse, when other kids were watching Barney and The Wiggles.   In spite of (or maybe because of) our family TV taste, they've morphed into some of the funniest, most delightful kids I know.   

For Young Ones fans out there, my punk rock girl is Vyvyan all over and my long haired boy is Neil.   They do some hilarious scenes from the show together, but won't let me video tape 'em.   Lentils... need I say more.   My husband calls me "the people's poet" which I'll reluctantly accept, tho I hope I'm not half as pretentious.

Did you know there's an international young ones day?!   Click here to check out our past post.

 

We Will Rock You

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois

Dates : October 22, 2013 - October 27, 2013

Running time: 2 hours and 40 minutes with one intermission

From London's West End, the worldwide smash hit musical by Queen and Ben Elton comes to Chicago for a limited engagement! WE WILL ROCK YOU features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. Now in its 11th year in London and seen by a staggering 15 million people worldwide, this hilarious, multi-award-winning and record-breaking phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes that you just can't resist singing along to.  It's the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don't miss the party — book your tickets now! 

We Will Rock You is recommended for ages 13+.

Ticket prices are $18 to $85. 

Groups of 10+ are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at 312-977-1710.

Featuring the greatest hits of the legendary rock group Queen. Sing along to "Another One Bites The Dust," "Crazy Little Thing Called Love," "We Are The Champions," "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "We Will Rock You." The story takes you on a trip to the future as a group of rebel Bohemians struggle to bring the power of rock back to the people.

ACT OUT: CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, SOLD-OUT Once Upon a Dream Starring The Rascals TO PLAY CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE This November

THE RASCALS ARE BACK TOGETHER AGAIN

FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 40 YEARS

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, SOLD-OUT BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT OF 

Once Upon a Dream Starring The Rascals 

TO PLAY CADILLAC PALACE THEATRE 

FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY NOVEMBER 5 – 10, 2013

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

**STARRING THE ORIGINAL BAND MEMBERS

FELIX CAVALIERE, EDDIE BRIGATI, DINO DANELLI & GENE CORNISH**

Directed by STEVEN VAN ZANDT & MARC BRICKMAN

Written by STEVEN VAN ZANDT

Music and Lyrics by FELIX CAVALIERE & EDDIE BRIGATI

Stage, Video and Lighting Design by MARC BRICKMAN

Broadway In Chicago and Producers Steven Van Zandt and Maureen Van Zandt, Marc Brickman, and BASE ENTERTAINMENT, are thrilled to announce that following a critically acclaimed, sold-out Broadway engagement, ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS will debut in Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph) from Nov. 5 - 10, 2013 for five performances only.  Individual tickets will go on-sale to the public on Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at 10 a.m.

A hybrid of a rock ‘n’ roll concert and a Broadway show, ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS marks the first time The Rascals, America’s classic blue-eyed soul band, have played together since 1970.  Original band members Felix Cavaliere (keyboard & vocals), Eddie Brigati (vocals), Dino Danelli (drums) and Gene Cornish (guitar) will present a complete concert performance including songs that captured the spirit of America in the 1960’s, such as their smash hits “Good Lovin’,” “Lonely Too Long,” “It’s a Beautiful Morning,” “How Can I Be Sure” and “Groovin’.”  The production will also feature the history of the iconic group told through archival footage, narration, and dramatic film segments viewed on the latest LED screen technology.

ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS premiered on Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre to critical acclaim last spring selling out 15 performances.  The show is directed by Steven Van Zandt and Marc Brickman, with music by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati. ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS has stage, video and lighting design by Brickman and has music production and is written by legendary guitarist Van Zandt. 

For more information go to RascalsDream.com, visit the show’s Facebook page at Facebook.com/RascalsDream, or follow the show on Instagram and Twitter: http://instagram.com/rascalsdream & https://twitter.com/RascalsDream.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The Chicago performance schedule for ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS is as follows:

Tuesday, Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 6, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2:00 p.m.

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets go on-sale Friday, Sept. 20, 2013 at 10 a.m. Ticket prices range from $45 to $75. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances, as well as a special package featuring premium seating and a meet and greet. 

The presale for Citi cardmembers starts on Sept. 17, 2013 at 10 a.m.  For more details, visit citiprivatepass.com.

Groups of 10 or more are available by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

BIOS:

THE RASCALS, formerly known as The Young Rascals, are one of the most influential, and artistically important American bands in Rock and Roll history. In a time dominated by the English rock acts of the British Invasion, The Rascals not only survived but thrived. The post-twist New York, New Jersey, and Long Island club scenes bred the band, an outfit whose sound grew more sophisticated as time went on but stayed rooted in the blue-eyed soul that was its first reason for being. At first a hard-hitting band reminiscent of the early Animals, the Rascals drew from the same well that fed the then-burgeoning garage rock scene.  They would go on to lead the way for Blue Eyed Soul to Folk Rock to Protest to Civil Rights, blending white Pop melodies with black soul and R&B muscle. Though they never brandished their politics like some bands, the Rascals truly lived theirs, fighting discrimination by demanding that a black act appear on the bill at each of its concerts.  

Their music would span the entire decade from the early Go-Go dance parties right through the psychedelic era - and beyond.  The band released numerous top ten singles in the mid- and late-1960s, including “How Can I Be Sure”, “Come On Up”, "You Better Run", "I've Been Lonely Too Long", “Beautiful Morning”, and the #1 hits "Good Lovin'", "Groovin'", and "People Got to Be Free".  They went their separate ways in the early 70's, finally reuniting for one night in May of 1997 when Steven Van Zandt inducted them into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  And now the day music historians never thought would happen, The Rascals' original lineup—Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati and Dino Danelli—have reunited for their first public performances in 40 years with "Once Upon A Dream," a combination concert/theatrical event produced and directed by Steven Van Zandt and lighting/projection wizard Marc Brickman. Ladies and Gentleman....THE RASCALS ARE BACK!

STEVEN VAN ZANDT (Producer / Writer / Director / Music Producer) is a Musician, Songwriter, Performer, Arranger, Record Producer, Actor, Writer, Human Rights Activist, and International Radio DJ. He is a founding member of Bruce Springsteen's EStreet Band and an original principal cast member of The Sopranos. Steven's current projects include Starring, Co-Writing, Co-Producing, and Co-Scoring "Lilyhammer", which was chosen as the first original programming for Netflix, America’s first digital

network.  He is Music Supervisor, Music Producer, Music Arranger, and Executive Producer of David Chase's (creator of Sopranos) first film Not Fade Away. He continues to host his internationally syndicated Rock and Roll radio show Little Steven's Underground Garage (now broadcast in over 180 countries with over 1 million listeners in North America alone), and is touring the world with

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. Steven has also founded The Rock and Roll Forever Foundation (www.rockandrollforever.org) dedicated to the development, preservation, dissemination, and continuing support of Rock and Roll, past, present, and future - which is currently developing an online curriculum on the history of Rock and Roll and its role in American culture to both provide music education and defeat America’s High School dropout epidemic with a pilot program set to launch in schools in 2013.

MAUREEN VAN ZANDT (Producer) is co-founder of the With Out Papers Theatre Company, where she produced and acted in numerous productions. She appeared as Gabriella Dante in the HBO series The Sopranos for six seasons. She is also the creator and choreographer of the dance group Garage Girls A Go Go, who have worked extensively in video, tv and onstage. Maureen recently served as dance supervisor on the upcoming David Chase film, Not Fade Away. She is currently working on a production of a new play, 40 CPS, with Sopranos and theatre company colleagues Vincent Pastore and Robert Funaro. She would like to thank Stevie Van Zandt because without him there is no dream.

MARC BRICKMAN (Producer / Director / Staging / Video / Light Design)  is a world renowned visual designer/director whose work and profile have been featured in publications and broadcasts including the New York Times, the television program “48 Hours” and others.  Recognized as a cutting edge creative force and innovator in the industry, Brickman's awards and accolades include Emmy Awards and Cable Ace Award nominations for production design and best director.  His work with Pink Floyd is legendary having been viewed by millions worldwide.  Other projects include the worldwide expansion of The Blue Man Group.  Artists Keith Urban, McCartney, Springsteen, Cirque Du Soleil "Viva Elvis," and The Black Eyed Peas all have called on Brickman's talent.

BASE ENTERTAINMENT (Executive Producer) develops, produces and manages intellectual properties generated for live entertainment stages in North America, South America and Asia.  BASE's current production activity in Las Vegas includes the following: Peepshow at Planet Hollywood, Rock of Ages at The Venetian, Jersey Boys at Paris, Absinthe at Caesars Palace, Defending the Caveman and Million Dollar Quartet at Harrah’s.  Previous production activity in Las Vegas includes: Phantom at The Venetian, Wayne Brady - Making It Up at The Venetian, and Stomp Out Loud at Planet Hollywood.  In addition, BASE operates the Showroom and PH Live at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.  At Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, BASE programs both the Grand Theater, previously home to both The Lion King and Wicked, and the Sands Theater, where Jersey Boys recently launched a world tour (in partnership with Dodger Properties and Showtime).  In Brazil, BASE, in partnership with Geo Eventos, recently produced Priscilla Queen of the Desert in Sao Paulo.  Currently presented at Discovery Times Square in New York City, Spy: The Secret World of Espionage represents the premiere museum quality exhibition developed and presented by BASE. Beginning February 2014 in Toronto, BASE will also present the world premiere of the tango rock musical Arrabal.  BASE Entertainment's headquarters are in New York, and its founders include industry veterans Brian Becker and Scott Zeiger.  For more information please visit www.BASEentertainment.com.

ACT OUT CLOSING: Flashdance #BroadwayinChicago

Wow!  Thirty years have gone by in a flash, but at the risk of dating myself, I still remember when Flashdance rocked the film & fashion world.  I was a sophomore in high school and vividly remember when leg warmers and off the shoulder work out tops became all the rage.   Flashdance hit a chord and the scrappy success story resonated with many.  

It was a pleasure to take my own daughter, to the world premier of this stellar stage adaptation, and share this piece of my childhood with the next generation.  We caught opening night and thoroughly enjoyed the energetic cast, fun costumes, choreography and set design.   If you haven't caught Flashdance yet, go already!   This limited engagement leaves Chicago after 8/18.

STAGE ADAPTATION OF THE HIT FILM

Now Playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL, the stage adaptation of the 1983 hit film that defined a generation, opens tonight, Tuesday, August 6, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL will play the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph) for a limited two week engagement through August 18.

With electrifying dance at its core, FLASHDANCE‐THE MUSICAL tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a bar dancer by night with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer. When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream.

Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the original Paramount Pictures film was a worldwide smash hit that became a pop culture phenomenon, grossing over $150 million and featuring a Grammy Award‐winning soundtrack. FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL features a score including the hit songs from the movie, all of which became Top Ten hits on the radio around the world including the Academy Award‐winning title song “Flashdance – What a Feeling,” “Maniac,” “Gloria,” “Manhunt,” “I Love Rock & Roll.” In addition to these hits, 16 brand new songs have been written for the stage.

Joining Jillian Mueller as Alex Owens and Matthew Hydzik as Nick Hurley are Haley Hannah as Tess, Kelly Felthous as Gloria, DeQuina Moore as Kiki, Jo Ann Cunningham as Hannah, David R. Gordon as Jimmy, Matthew Henerson as Harry and Christian Whelan in the role of C.C.

Also joining the company are Carleigh Bettiol, Derek Carley, Ryan Carlson, Lynorris Evans, Charlene Hoffman, Jarvis McKinley, Doreen Montavlo, Ariela Morgenstern, Shane Ohmer, Austin Owen, Kristin Piro, Katelyn Prominski, Angelo Soriano, Dani Spieler, Lawrence E. Street, and Kamille Upshaw. 

As previously announced, FLASHDANCE launched on January 1 at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Hall with an official opening on Thursday, January 3 and continues on to more than 25 cities with additional bookings to be announced. 

**In addition to the US national touring company, a second company of FLASHDANCE will be assembled on Broadway for an open‐ended engagement.**

Directed and choreographed by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis, The Addams Family), FLASHDANCE features a book by Robert Cary and Tom Hedley (co‐writer of the original screenplay with Joe Eszterhas) with music by Robbie Roth and lyrics by Robert Cary and Robbie Roth.

The production features scenic design by Klara Zieglerova, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, with projection design by Peter Nigrini and sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge. Hair & wig designs are by Charles LaPointe and make‐up design by Cookie Jordan. The production also features music supervision and vocal and incidental arrangements by Jason Howland, orchestrations by Doug Besterman and dance arrangements by Jim Abbott.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL is as follows: Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. (additional matinee performance on 8/14 at 2 p.m.) Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m. Sundays at 2 p.m. (additional performance on 8/11 at 7:30 p.m.) Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION Tickets for FLASHDANCE – THE MUSICAL at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $18‐$85. A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977‐1710. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775‐2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more information, please visit www.broadwayinchicago.com or www.flashdancethemusical.com.

Or Follow us at:

http://facebook.com/FlashdanceMusical 

http://youtube.com/FlashdanceMusical 

Instagram User: flashdancemusical

FLASHDANCE CAST/CREATIVE BIOS

JILLIAN MUELLER (Alex Owens). What a dream come true this is! Last seen in the first national tours of Memphis and American Idiot. Broadway: Bye Bye Birdie, two holiday seasons of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. TV: “A Gifted Man” (CBS). Much gratitude to Sergio, Kaitlin and the whole Flashdance team for trusting and believing in me! Love to Erin and everyone at CESD, Liz and Aimee for being the best. And of course my wonderful, supportive parents and brother. Twitter: @ jillimueller

MATTHEW HYDZIK (Nick Hurley), a Pittsburgh native, is beyond thrilled to be a part of the world premiere of Flashdance the Musical. Matthew was last seen on Broadway as Tony in West Side Story and Kenickie in Grease, as well as national tours of Rent, Fame and Grease. All my love to my Meg! 

KELLY FELTHOUS (Gloria). National Tours/Off-Broadway: Grease (Marty), Seussical (Mayzie), Max and Ruby (Ruby) New York/Regional: Legally Blonde (Elle), Bring It On (Eva), A Chorus Line (Val), Boeing Boeing (Gloria), Singing in the Rain (Kathy), Gypsy (June), Urinetown (Little Sally), Dames at Sea (Ruby). International: Fame (Serena), Trip of Love (Caroline). NYU/ CAP21. Thanks Mom, Charns, Henderson Hogan and the Flashdance family! 

DEQUINA MOORE (Kiki). Broadway: Legally Blonde (Pilar), Little Shop of Horrors (Chiffon), Two Gentlemen of Verona (u/s Sylvia), Happy Days (Lola), Hair (AFC). Film: “Joyful Noise” (Devonne), “Madea’s Big Happy Family,” “Ghost Town,” “Rachel Getting Married,” “Camp.” TV: “Law & Order: SVU,” “Racing For Time,” “Third Watch” (recurring), “All Falls Down.” B.F.A. NYU/CAP21. ...Thanks be to God! Love to Mom, Dad, Eron, family & friends.

HALEY HANNAH (Tess) is thrilled to join the National Tour of Flashdance! Broadway: Bring It On The Musical. Tours: Bring It On The Musical. Regional: Cutman - A Boxing Musical (Goodspeed). TV: “Good Morning America” (Back up singer for Demi Lovato, Jonas Brothers), “American Comedy Awards” (Comedy Central). BFA: University of Michigan. Much love to Mom, Dad, and friends.

JO ANN CUNNINGHAM (Hannah). Broadway: The King and I, Anna Karenina. Off-Broadway: The Show Goes On, Night Seasons, Ladies of the Corridor, Edward the King, Swan Song. Tours: Into the Woods, Meet Me in St. Louis, Carousel, A Little Night Music. Regional: Full Gallop, The Dining Room, Follies, Chemin De Fer, Hello Dolly, Kismet, How the Other Half Loves and lots more. 

DAVID R. GORDON (Jimmy) is beyond excited to be part of his 1st National Tour! Favorite roles include: Roger (International Tour of Grease), Abraham (Altar Boyz) and Bobby Strong (Urinetown). Special thanks to The Roster, Sergio, the creative team, Tara Rubin Casting, and the entire cast. This one’s for my support team. Ali, Momma, my big ol’ family and friends . . . we did it!!!!!! www. DavidRossGordon.com. 

MATTHEW HENERSON (Harry). Theatre: Ahmanson, Romeo and Juliet; ACT, Indian Ink; La Jolla Playhouse, Good Person of Szechwan; Marin Shakespeare, King Lear (Fool), Northern Stage, Guys and Dolls (Nathan Detroit), San Diego Repertory, Romance, Brooklyn Boy; South Coast Repertory, Hamlet; Utah Shakespeare, Fiddler on the Roof (Teyve); Film/Television: “Hung,” “Bernie Mac Show,” “Christmas Carol,” “Mars Needs Moms.”

CHRISTIAN WHELAN (C.C.). Broadway Tours: Mamma Mia! (Sam), Little House on the Prairie (Brewster), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Lawrence), Aida (Zoser), Ragtime (Conklin), Camelot (Arthur). Off-B’way/ Regional: Ministry of Progress (Poole), Portofino [Cast CD], Little Mermaid (Triton), 110 in the Shade (Starbuck). TV/Film: “Young and the Restless,” “General Hospital,” “Guiding Light,” “All My Children,” “Dellaventura,” “Skindeep,” “Outlaws,” “Angel Town,” “Tomcats,” “Celebrity.” www. christianwhelan.com 

CARLEIGH BETTIOL (Ensemble; u/s Alex; u/s Tess; u/s Kiki; u/s Miss Wilde) is thrilled to join Flashdance!  Touring companies include: In The Heights, A Chorus Line, Disney's Beauty and the Beast.  Regional: Paper Mill Playhouse, Pittsburgh CLO, The Maltz Jupiter Theatre.  Was recently seen as a featured dancer/singer on PBS: Live From Lincoln Center in honor of Marvin Hamlisch.  Thank you to my loving and supportive family and friends!  www.CarleighBettiol.com  

DEREK CARLEY (Ensemble; Swing; u/s Nick; u/s Jimmy; u/s C.C.; u/s Joe; u/s Andy) is so happy to be a part of this production! Regional credits include Titanic (Charles Clarke) at the MUNY and Gay Bride of Frankenstein (Thad) at Seacoast Rep. Proud graduate of the University of Michigan’s Musical Theatre Program; Go Blue! Huge thanks to everyone at Harden-Curtis and Tara Rubin Casting. For Jenna. 

RYAN CARLSON (Break Dancer; Ensemble). Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, Rasta Thomas’ “Bad Boys of Dance,” Lightwire Theatre, America’s Got Talent, Jacob’s Pillow, BET’s “Best Dance Crew.” 

LYNORRIS EVANS (Ensemble; u/s Joe; u/s Andy), A graduate of Fordham University, he was last seen on the 1st National Tour of Memphis, the Musical. Other credits include Leap of Faith on Broadway, Cirque du Soleil’s Viva Elvis, Santa Fe Opera and BalletMet. 

THURSDAY FARRAR (Louise; Ensemble; u/s Hannah). Broadway: Aida, Parade, Once Upon a Mattress. Off-B’way: The Man Who Came to Dinner, Regrets (MTC), Golden Boy. Nat’l tours: Les Miserables (Fantine), Carousel. Regional: First Wives Club (Old Globe), Merrily We Roll Along (Kennedy Center), Harmony (LaJolla). TV: “Ugly Betty,” “30Rock.” Film: “Brother,” “Only Time Will Tell.” Recordings: “You Oughta Be On Broadway.” 

CHARLENE HOFFMAN (Ensemble; u/s Ballet Dancer) has performed in numerous stage shows including the 50th Anniversary International Tour of West Side Story (Marguerita). Along with appearances on “Glee” (Cheerio), she has recently shared the stage with Kanye West, Chris Brown and P!nk. When she isn’t cutting a rug you can find this self-proclaimed tomboy cheering on her favorite NFL teams or cruising in her 1970 Ford Mustang.

JARVIS McKINLEY (Ensemble; u/s Ballet Dancer). Tours: Usher, KiCi & JoJo, Ailey II, Complexions Contemporary Ballet, and Armitage Gone Dance!. He was also rewarded the Margret Foretyn Award Also recently seen on the First National Tour of Memphis the Musical. Thank God and my family and friends who supported me on my way to my biggest dream.

ARIELA MORGENSTERN (Miss Wilde; Ensemble; u/s Hannah; u/s Louise). Off- Broadway: Adding Machine, The Threepenny Opera, I Married Wyatt Earp. Highlights include The Light In The Piazza (Arena Stage), The King & I (Theatre Of The Stars), Carnegie Hall soloist, and winner of the Lotte Lenya Competition. Ariela is a member of Studio 42, championing “unproducable” NY theatre. For Marc, my love! www.arielamorgenstern.com  

SHANE OHMER (Ballet Dancer; Ensemble). Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Shane has performed as the Lead in Rasta Thomas’ Rock the Ballet for two years around the world, Les Grand Ballet Canadiens, River North Chicago Dance Company, Pacific Northwest Ballet, and has been a guest artist/teacher for companies around the world. Thrilled to be part of Flashdance. Special thanks to my family! @ ShaneOhmer

AUSTIN OWEN (And;, Ensemble; u/s Nick; u/s Jimmy; u/s Harry).  Tours: Memphis (u/s Huey); The Producers (Leo Bloom). Regional: The Drowsy Chaperone (Robert); La Cage (Jean-Michel); Footloose (Chuck); Godspell (Judas). FSU Grad. Thanks to Sergio, Tara Rubin, Renee and the gang, and my incredibly supportive family and friends. Love to C. IG: austinowen

KRISTIN PIRO (Swing; u/s Alex; u/s Kiki; u/s Louise; u/s Miss Wilde; u/s Ballet Dancer; Dance Captain) is thrilled to be joining Flashdance! Broadway: Catch Me If You Can. Tour/Reginal credits: Memphis, Saturday Night Fever, The Jack Cole Project, West Side Story, Chicago, How to Succeed. Infinite thanks to Sergio and CGF. Endless love to my parents, Lauren and fiancé Ryan!

KATELYN PROMINSKI (Ballet Dancer; Ensemble) is beyond excited to join Flashdance!  Originally from Washington, DC, Katelyn trained at Washington Ballet & San Francisco Ballet. Danced with Boston Ballet, Pennsylvania Ballet, and Suzanne Farrell Ballet. Love and thanks to mom & family, MBaud, Marianne Wells, & TRC! Follow the journey: @KEP1228

ANGELO SORIANO (Ensemble; u/s Joe; u/s Andy; u/s Break Dancer) is a native of the Philippine Islands. Recent credits include The Red Car News Boys (Disneyland AGVA), A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas (Walt Disney World AEA), Disney Junior: Live on Stage (Casey). Performed with Justin Bieber, Debby Ryan, Disney's Shake It Up, Macy Gray, MC Lyte. HUGE thanks to my "Pamilya", music mentors, dance teachers, Flashdance creatives and DDO NY.

DANI SPIELER (Ensemble; Swing; u/s Alex; u/s Gloria; u/s Miss Wilde) is thrilled to be joining the company of Flashdance! Broadway/National Tours:  Legally Blonde, West Side Story. Film/Web Series:  So Funny, That’s What She Said, The Battery’s Down. Regional:  Paper Mill, TUTS, Goodspeed. BFA:  University of Michigan. Thanks and love to family, friends, Sergio, Jason, Kaitlin and everyone at Stewart Talent. Molly! www.TheBatteryCo.com

LAWRENCE E. STREET (Joe; Ensemble; u/s Harry; u/s C.C.). Broadway: Urinetown (Billy Boy Bill). Off-Broadway: Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe (Cleante); Urinetown (Billy Boy Bill). Actors’ Fund of America: Chess in Concert (Ensemble). Carnegie Hall, NYC: South Pacific in Concert (Starring Reba McEntire); also filmed for PBS Great Performances. Member of Actor’s Equity Association. Special thanks to Avalon Artists and Tara Rubin Casting. 

KAMILLE UPSHAW (Ensemble) Born in Washington, DC, Kamille is a graduate of The Juilliard school. She has worked with Darrell Grand Moultrie, the Metropolitan Opera, Rasta Thomas’ Bad Boys of Dance 2011-2012 European Tour, danced for Alicia Keys and now is very excited to join Flashdance! Love to my family!

SERGIO TRUJILLO (Director & Choreographer). Broadway: Tony Award® winning Best Musical Memphis (OCC Award, Astaire, Drama Desk Award noms.), Tony and Olivier Award® winning Best Musical Jersey Boys (Olivier, Drama Desk, Dora, OCC Award noms.), Leap of Faith (Drama Desk, Astaire noms), The Addams Family, Next to Normal (Lucille Lortel Award nom), All Shook Up, Guys and Dolls (Astaire Award nom.). Off-Broadway: Saved (Lucille Lortel nom.), The Capeman, Romeo & Juliet (Public), A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Kismet (Encores!). Regional: White Noise (director/choreographer), The Wiz, Zhivago (La Jolla), Mambo Kings. International: Disney’s Tarzan (World Theatre Award nom.); West Side Story; The Sound of Music (Stratford); Peggy Sue Got Married (West End). TV: Judging/ choreographing on “So You Think You Can Dance: Canada,” “Broadway: The American Musical” (PBS), “The 14th American Comedy Awards” (ABC), “Triple Sensation” (CBC). Ovation Award for “Empire.” Four Dora Award nominations in Canada. In 2012, Mr. Trujillo was chosen by the Colombian government as one of the top 100 Colombians in the world.

TOM HEDLEY (Book; Executive Producer). Having written the original screenplay, Hedley first coined the title Flashdance. Additionally, Hedley penned screenplays for Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Sean Penn, Jean- Paul Goude, Federico Fellini, David Geffen, Dino de Laurentis, among others. Winner of the Humanitas Prize for the Academy Award winning movie “Iris,” starring Judy Dench, Kate Winslet and James Broadbent. Previously, he was the youngest editor of Esquire Magazine during its golden age and the editor/publisher of Duckworth, a distinguished London publishing house. Hedley is presently writing a new film that he will direct next year. 

ROBERT CARY (Book & Lyrics) is lyricist and co-author of Palm Beach (La Jolla Playhouse, directed by Des McAnuff); co-author with Ben Feldman of Inventing Avi (Off-Broadway, directed by Mark Waldrop); and director of the feature films “Ira and Abby,” “Save Me,” and “Anything But Love,” which he co-wrote. Cary has written a new ZZ Top musical premiering soon.

ROBBIE ROTH (Music & Lyrics). Robbie Roth’s music has been heard on stage, screen and radio around the world. His songs have appeared on the Billboard charts in America and he has written and produced for countless artists including Tony-nominated Gavin Creel. Robbie is currently working on the stage adaptation of the 2002 Fox feature, “Drumline”, while enjoying time spent with Michelle, Oliver and Simon. 

ACT OUT OPENING: BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY at Cadillac Palace

OH BOY!

BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY

COMES TO CHICAGO JUNE 18 – 30

STAGE MUSICAL INCLUDES OVER TWENTY OF 

BUDDY HOLLY AND ROCK & ROLL’S GREATEST HITS

Tonight I'll be continuing my son's rock education with opening night of Buddy-The Buddy Holly Story.   We can't wait!   Buddy is only in town June 18th-30th so book your tickets today.   Check out Goldstar for ticket deals.

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the musical BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY go on-sale to the public Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10 a.m.  Based on the life of rock legend Buddy Holly, BUDDY will play Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph) for a limited engagement June 18 – 30, 2013.

In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story charts his meteoric climb, legendary adventures and tragic fall on the fateful day the music died. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Buddy explodes onto the stage in this jukebox musical fully loaded with classics “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Well All Right,” “Not Fade Away” and many more with an encore that will have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles.

BUDDY will be directed and choreographed by Norb Joerder with music direction by John “Jockey” Banister and creative consultation by Matt Salisbury.  Casting will be announced at a later date.

About Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

One of the first jukebox musicals, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has been seen by millions of fans in fifteen countries around the world, including the United States.  The musical premiered in London’s West End in October, 1989, where it ran for twelve years and over 5,000 performances, A Broadway production followed in 1990.  The score includes over twenty of rock and roll’s greatest hits by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and more.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for BUDDY is as follows:

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m. (no matinee performance on June 19)

Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m.

Sundays at 2 p.m. (additional performance on June 23 at 7:30 p.m.)

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for BUDDY at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $22-$85.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ACT OUT OPENING: Anything Goes at Cadillac Palace #BroadwayinChicago

ChiIL Live Shows will be there for opening night tonight and we'll have a full review up shortly.    Click here for discount tickets through Goldstar.

Anything Goes

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : April 23, 2013 - May 05, 2013

"ALL ABOARD for this saucy and splendid production of Roundabout Theatre Company's ANYTHING GOES, winner of three 2011 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival and Choreography! One of the greatest musicals in theater history, Cole Porter's first-class musical comedy is sailing to Chicago, starring critically-acclaimed actress Rachel York as Reno Sweeney and directed and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Kathleen Marshall. The New York Times calls it "Musical-Comedy Joy" and USA Today hails it as "Glorious and Exhuberant!" When the S.S. American heads out to sea, etiquette and convention get tossed out the portholes as two unlikely pairs set off on the course to true love?proving that sometimes destiny needs a little help from a crew of singing sailors, an exotic disguise and some good old-fashioned blackmail. Peppering this timeless classic are some of musical theatre's most memorable standards, including "I Get A Kick Out Of You," "You're the Top," and of course, "Anything Goes." Don't miss what the AP exclaims as, "So Delightful, So Delicious, So De-Lovely!"

Packed with memorable tunes, Cole Porter's Anything Goes has embarked on a national tour following its Tony-winning Broadway revival in 2011. The timeless tale of boy-meets-girl -- and the roller coaster ride that follows -- showcases Porter's signature wit and masterful composition with songs like "I Get a Kick Out of You" and "You're the Top." The show centers on Billy Crocker (Erich Bergen), who's hopelessly in love with a wealthy heiress. When he sees her boarding a boat to London, he throws caution to the wind and becomes a stowaway. Madcap hijinks ensue when his fellow passengers, including sexy evangelist-turned-nightclub-singer Reno Sweeney (played by Broadway vet Rachel York) and second-rate gangster Moonface Martin (Fred Applegate of Sister Act and Young Frankenstein), decide to help Billy win his true love.    

SAVE THE DATE: Tixs on Sale THIS Friday OH BOY! BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY COMES TO CHICAGO JUNE 18 – 30

STAGE MUSICAL INCLUDES OVER TWENTY OF 

BUDDY HOLLY AND ROCK & ROLL’S 

GREATEST HITS

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that individual tickets for the musical BUDDY – THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY go on-sale to the public Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10 a.m.  Based on the life of rock legend Buddy Holly, BUDDY will play Chicago at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph) for a limited engagement June 18 – 30, 2013.

In just three short years, Buddy Holly set the music world on fire and forever changed the face and sound of rock and roll. Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story charts his meteoric climb, legendary adventures and tragic fall on the fateful day the music died. Armed with a Fender Stratocaster guitar, his signature specs and a charismatic blend of rockabilly swagger, Buddy explodes onto the stage in this jukebox musical fully loaded with classics “Peggy Sue,” “Oh Boy,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Well All Right,” “Not Fade Away” and many more with an encore that will have you on your feet and dancing in the aisles.

BUDDY will be directed and choreographed by Norb Joerder with music direction by John “Jockey” Banister and creative consultation by Matt Salisbury.  Casting will be announced at a later date.

About Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story

One of the first jukebox musicals, Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story has been seen by millions of fans in fifteen countries around the world, including the United States.  The musical premiered in London’s West End in October, 1989, where it ran for twelve years and over 5,000 performances, A Broadway production followed in 1990.  The score includes over twenty of rock and roll’s greatest hits by Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, The Big Bopper and more.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

The performance schedule for BUDDY is as follows:

Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Wednesdays at 2 & 7:30 p.m. (no matinee performance on June 19)

Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.

Fridays at 7:30 p.m.

Saturdays at 2 & 8 p.m.

Sundays at 2 p.m. (additional performance on June 23 at 7:30 p.m.)

Please note: Ticket prices and performance schedule are subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for BUDDY at the Cadillac Palace Theatre range from $22-$85.  A select number of premium seats are also available for many performances. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ACT OUT OPENING: Catch Me If You Can & Big Fish #BroadwayinChicago

Catch Me If You Can

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois

Dates : April 02, 2013 - April 14, 2013

Based on the hit DreamWorks film and the incredible true story that inspired it, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is the high-flying, splashy new Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer - living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. But when Frank's lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Carl chases Frank to the end...and finds something he never expected. This delightfully entertaining musical has been created by a Tony Award®-winning "dream team," with a book by Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Ragtime), a swinging score by Marc Shaiman & Scott Wittman (Hairspray), choreography by Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Legally Blonde) and direction by Jack O'Brien (Hairspray, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). 

Ticket prices are $18 to $85. Groups of 10+ are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at 312-977-1710.

Click here for more of ChiIL Live Shows past Broadway in Chicago news, original reviews, and photo and video filled features.

Two weeks only--Chi Town, so catch it if you can!   ChiIL Live Shows will be there...will YOU?!   We're catching the Wednesday night performance and we'll have a full review up for our readers shortly.



Click here for the production's main site to book your advanced tickets, check out video footage and more.

Big Fish - World Premiere!

Theatre : Oriental Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : April 02, 2013 - May 05, 2013


PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE!

BIG FISH is a new musical based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed Columbia Pictures film directed by Tim Burton. It features direction and choreography by 5-time Tony Award winner Susan Stroman (The Producers, The Scottsboro Boys), music and lyrics by Tony nominee Andrew Lippa (The Addams Family, The Wild Party) and a new book by John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride), who also penned the screenplay for the film version.

Two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Catch Me If You Can), Tony nominee Kate Baldwin (Giant, Finian's Rainbow) and Tony nominee Bobby Steggert (Giant, Ragtime) lead a cast of twenty-seven in this rollicking fantasy set in the American South.

BIG FISH centers on the charismatic Edward Bloom, whose impossible stories of his epic adventures frustrate his son Will. As Edward's final chapter approaches, Will embarks on his own journey to find out who his father really is, unraveling the man from the myth, the truth from the tall tales.

Overflowing with heart, humor and imagination, BIG FISH is a tribute to the power of dreaming big... and the unpredictable adventure of life itself.


Ticket prices are $33.00 to $100.00.

Groups of 15 or more, now on sale! Call 312-977-1710!

ACT OUT OPENING: War Horse #Broadway in Chicago

ChiILpicks

Theatre tickets are a great clutter busting idea for the holidays and multigenerational fun!   Did you catch the War Horse movie?   Now all the excitement and action is LIVE on stage in a Broadway in Chicago extravaganza, opening December 18th at the gorgeous, ornate Cadillac Palace! The production is just in town through January 5th so book your tickets now.   The time frame is perfect for gifting and for making memories with visiting relatives.

War Horse

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois

Dates : December 18, 2012 - January 05, 2013

Running time: Two hours, 45 minutes with one intermission

A remarkable tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.
England, 1914. As World War One begins, Joey, young Albert's beloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped from England to France. He's soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man's land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.

This powerfully moving and imaginative drama, filled with stirring music and songs, is a show of phenomenal inventiveness that is currently playing to packed houses in London, New York and Toronto. At its heart are astonishing life-sized puppets created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company, that bring to life breathing, galloping, charging horses strong enough for men to ride.   warhorseonstage.com

Ticket prices are $30 to $105.

Groups of 15+ now on sale: 312-977-1710