OPENING: TATC ANNOUNCES CAST FOR A WONDERFUL LIFE: THE MUSICAL

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Allison Sill (Mary), David Sajewich (George) and Liliana Rena (Zuzu) will  appear in It’s A Wonderful Life: The Musical at Theatre at the Center.   Previews begin November 15.   Photo by Michael Brosilow.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturdays; and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays, with select Tuesday afternoon and Thursday and Sunday evening performances. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   

For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreATTheCenter.com.

Actors David Sajewich, in the role of George Bailey, and Allison Sill in the role of his wife Mary, lead the cast of Theatre at the Center’s  A Wonderful Life: The Musical  with James Harms as Mr. Potter, David Perkovich as Clarence, Jim Heatherly as Uncle Billy and Jason Richards as Mr. Martini. Previews begin November 16 with an Opening Night on November 19 and a run through December 23. A Wonderful Life: The Musical is made possible by the generous support of show sponsor American Community Bank.

“We are so excited to welcome the holiday season with A Wonderful Life,” said Artistic Director Linda Fortunato.  “All the charm, heart and humanity of the classic film are brought to the stage in this musical adaptation of the beloved life-affirming story. Perfect for a holiday celebration with the whole family”.

Based on the classic 1946 Frank Capra film starring James Stewart as George Bailey, A Wonderful Life: The Musical features book and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and music by Joe Raposo. It’s the musical telling of how Clarence, George Bailey’s guardian angel, shows George how different the world, and everyone whose life he has touched, would be if he had never been born.   The beauty of the season, iconic Bedford Falls and yuletide spirit await audiences on the TATC stage for a musical that applauds the true meaning of Christmas.

David Sajewich was previously seen at TATC in All Shook Up and Beverly Hillbillies. Other credits include Les Miserables at Drury Lane Oakbrook, The Pajama Game and The Baker’s Wife at The Music Theatre Company and Fiddler on the Roof at Paramount Theatre. Allison Sill, who was also last seen at TATC in All Shook Up, has previous credits which include Honeymoon in Vegas, She Loves Me and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Marriott Theatre, Oklahoma at Paramount Theatre and The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago.  

James Harms, who plays Mr. Potter, previously appeared at TATC in Beverly Hillbillies. James received Jeff Awards for his performances in The Fantasticks, Hello, Dolly, Me and My Girl, and La Cage aux Folles. Last year he made his debut at Carnegie Hall in concert with Chita Rivera. In the role of Clarence, David Perkovich, was last seen at TATC in Man of La Mancha and Phantom.   David has performed in more than 120 shows including the national tour of Evita and has directed more than 60 productions including TATC’s The 39 Steps, Spamalot, Beverly Hillbillies and Grease. Jim Heatherly is making his TATC debut as Uncle Billy. Jim’s recent work includes the world premiere of Dance For Beginners at Piven Theatre Workshop and Light Up the Sky at Citadel Theatre.  Jason Richards, playing multiple roles as Mr. Martini, Mr. Hepner and Mr. Campbell, was previously seen at TATC in Big River and Annie Warbucks.  Other credits include The Producers at Mercury Theater Chicago and Shrek at Chicago Shakespeare. Jason also received a Jeff Award for his performance as Nicky/Trekkie Monster in Avenue Q at Night Blue Theater.

The ensemble cast consists of Caron Buinis, Lexis Danca, Christopher Davis, Ann Delaney, Andres Enriquez, Neil Friedman, Daniel Hurst, Kayla Kennedy, Henry McGinniss, James Nedrud, Mary Nigohosian, Casiena Raether, Rick Rapp, and Denzel Tsopnang. Child performers include Lilliana Rene, Julian Solis and Kylie Sullivan.

William Pullinsi is director of A Wonderful Life: The Musical. Pullinsi served as TATC’s Artistic Director for 10 seasons prior to becoming Artistic Director Emeritus in 2015 when he was named “Chicagoan of the Year in Theatre” by the Chicago Tribune. In 2016, The League of Chicago Theatres also presented Pullinsi with their Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions influencing and inspiring the Chicago theatre community. Pullinsi has won 19 Jeff Awards for Best Production and/or Best Direction and produced and directed more than 400 productions of Broadway plays and musicals.  

Bill Underwood serves as Music Director and Gordon Schmidt is choreographer.  Linda Fortunato is TATC’s Artistic Director; Richard Friedman is General Manager and Ann Davis is Head of Production. Scenic Designers for A Wonderful Life: The Musical are Richard and Jacqueline Penrod. Lighting Design is by Denise Karczewski with Costume Design by Brenda Winstead, Wig Design by Kevin Barthel, Prop Design by Brittney O’ Keefe and Sound Design by Barry Funderburg. Stage Manager is Angela Adams.

About TATC:
Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home: The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theater at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: The Tin Woman at Theatre at the Center in Munster Indiana

Chi IL LIVE shows on our radar

THEATRE AT THE CENTER ANNOUNCES CAST FOR CHICAGOLAND PREMIERE OF 

THE TIN WOMAN

Here at ChiIL Live Shows, we'll be out for the press opening on the 16th. Check back soon for our full review. We're looking forward to catching this Chicago regional premiere. TATC has developed a great reputation as a stellar urban caliber professional theatre with small town charm (and free parking). We make a habit of bringing home renowned Munster Donuts from a few blocks away, whenever we make the trek to TATC.

Theatre at the Center (TATC) presents the Chicagoland premiere of Sean Grennan’s newest play The Tin Woman, starring Erin Noel Grennan in the lead role. The Tin Woman begins previews on July 13 and opens on July 16 for a run that continues through August 13. Inspired by a true story, it’s a heartwarming comedy that’s a beautiful blend of family, humor and hope. Joy has had a heart transplant and is questioning her second chance in life. When she connects with the family of her donor, together they learn what it means to truly give one’s heart.



Erin Noel Grennan originated the role of Joy in the World Premiere of The Tin Woman in 2014 at Peninsula Players in Wisconsin. She last appeared at TATC in 2014 in Miracle on South Division Street. Erin has also appeared on the TV series Chicago Fire, Chicago Med and Law & Order.

Steve Pickering, who is making his TATC debut, has appeared in TimeLine Theater’s The Last Wife, Lookingglass’ Treasure Island, and The Little Foxes at the Goodman Theatre (more than 30 productions since 1987), is cast as Hank. Steve has performed on Broadway, Off-Broadway, in London’s West End, New York’s Shakespeare in the Park, and in the title role of Macbeth for Santa Cruz Shakespeare.

Annabel Armour, cast as Alice, is also making her debut at TATC. She is the recipient of three Joseph Jefferson Awards and two After Dark Awards. She has an artistic association with Remy Bumppo Theatre, appearing in Pygmalion, Fallen Angels, and The Clean House (Jeff Nomination). She has performed in Sunday in the Park with George at Chicago Shakespeare, The First Look Series at Steppenwolf and has received a Jeff Nomination for At Home at the Zoo at Victory Gardens Theater.

Doogin Brown, making his debut at TATC, is cast as Jack. His previous work includes Zoya’s Apartment at the Athenaeum Theatre and Saved at Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Cast as Sammy, Kayla Kennedy returns to TATC for the sixth time. Her credits include Nice Work If You Can Get It, All Shook Up, Spamalot, Big Fish and Women on the Verge. Jeri Marshall, who is making her TATC debut as Nurse/Darla, is a Sarah Siddons Scholarship Recipient and holds an MFA from the Theatre School at DePaul University.

Linda Fortunato is Artistic Director of Theatre at the Center and Director of The Tin Woman. Linda has been nominated for five Jeff Awards for her work as a Choreographer and Director. She received both the Equity and Non-Equity Jeff Awards for Outstanding Choreography in the 2013-2014 season, garnering TATC’s first award for her choreography of 42nd Street. Linda has been involved with more than a dozen shows at TATC, directing Cabaret, Annie Warbucks and A Christmas Story, and choreographing Spamalot, Big Fish, A Christmas Carol, Guys and Dolls, Crazy for You and Fiddler on the Roof.

Sarah Ross is Set Designer. Shelley Strasser-Holland is Lighting Designer. Kevin Barthel is Wig Designer, Victoria Deiorio is Sound Designer. Brenda Winstead is Costume Designer and Brittney O’Keffe is Prop Designer. Matt McMullen is Stage Manager and Ann Davis is Production Manager/Technical Director and Dennis Galbreath is Assistant Technical Director.

The idea for The Tin Woman was born when Sean’s sister, actress Erin Grennan, brought him a newspaper clipping she’d saved for years. It was a story about a woman who had received a heart transplant and her eventual meeting with the donor’s family. The Tin Woman uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family and what it means to be given new life.

According to Fortunato, “I was lucky enough to read an early draft of the script and was immediately taken with the interesting characters, beautiful relationships and moving story. I’m thrilled to be bringing it to Theatre at the Center.”

Playwright Sean Grennan studied English at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. An actor for many years, predominantly in Chicago, he began writing for the theatre in 1995 as co-librettist (with his wife, Kathy Santen) for Phantom of the Country Palace which was produced in the same year at the Marriott Theatre. The Tin Woman was first produced in 2014 by Peninsula Players Theatre in Fish Creek, Wisconsin with his actress sister Erin Noel Grennan cast in the lead role as heart transplant recipient Joy. Sean Grennan and his wife live in New York City, where his actress wife appears in Broadway’s Wicked.

Founded in 1991, the 410 seat Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home; The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performance in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 3 p.m. Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays, and select Thursday and Sunday evenings. Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44. 

To purchase individual tickets, call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552. Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available. For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

REVIEW: The Odd Couple at Munster's Theatre at the Center Through August 14th

*Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Theatre at the Center's 
The Odd Couple
through August 14th


*Just 30 minutes from downtown Chicago in Munster, Indiana

Talk about type casting...  Norm Boucher and George Keating were made for these roles, and each are equally hilarious bringing the infamous opposites, Oscar and Felix, to life on stage. This production had the whole audience in stitches over the misadventures of these rudderless BFFs, navigating the choppy waters of divorce, absentee fatherhood, housemate drama, suicidal tendencies, and dating fiascos.  Highly recommended for a nostalgic night out and a good laugh. 

George Keating (Grand Hotel and Meet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar. 

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger. ©Theatre at the Center, 

All Photos by Michael Brosilow

The supporting cast of poker night pals were a hoot too! Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy; Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.






Kudos to the Pigeon sisters, Colette Todd (Gwen) and Jocelyn Adamski (Cecily), for the over the top laughter, and wonderful characters as well. Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen. Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.







Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive. Highly recommended! 


My son and I ended up sharing a table with Theatre at the Center’s full time props designer, Brittney O’Keefe. She confirmed our gut feelings about the whole vibe of Theatre at the Center being like one big, supportive family. She also said this show was fun to design props for, with the quick apartment transitions from slovenly to neat freak sheek. 

I wish my home had revolving book cases where I could stash all my junk when relatives and friends come to visit! Short of that, I might have to trade my long suffering husband and kids in for a clean freak housemate like Felix. Although I do think his hypochondriac ways would get old fast. 






Finally, we love that Theatre at the Center has jumped on the Signature Show Cocktails wagon. I tried "The Oscar", an awesomely strong dirty vodka martini. They also have "The Felix", a sweet apple martini with a cute parasol garnish. (*available on Friday & Saturday evening performances only). Theatre lovers are social creatures, and show themed drinks make the lively pre and post show conversations and socializing even more fun. They do know how to rock a theme! 

It took us a few years, but here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows we finally ventured out to Theatre at the Center a few months back, on the rave reviews and heartfelt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. 


About The Odd Couple

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center. 

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon. 

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefe and sound design by Barry G. Funderburg. The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager. Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking.   Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

OPENING: The Odd Couple at Theatre at the Center

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
Munster, IN (Chicago Region) 
Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

Theatre at the Center Announces the Cast for The Odd Couple

Norm Boucher (seated) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (standing) as Felix Unger in “The Odd Couple,” the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we finally ventured out of state for a theatre road trip on the rave reviews and heart felt recommendations of some of our fellow theatre critics. Now I'm a convert! Theatre at the Center is simple to navigate to from Chicago and took less drive time than many of our closer theatre haunts where we have to battle cross town traffic. They have plentiful, free parking and a great space. Their 410 seat auditorium is quite spacious and comfortable, while remaining intimate. They even have an art gallery and a gift shop filled with local artisans' works where you can leisurely linger with all the extra pre show time you never expected to have! Furthermore, the talent pool is deep and the shows are professional productions on every front. Highly recommended! 

We'll be back for the opening night of The Odd Couple, so check back soon for our full review. We're looking forward to this one.  Sure, Chicago has stellar theatre in the city, but Theatre at the Center hits the mark, and is well worth the drive.

One of Broadway’s most successful comedies and an enduring audience favorite, The Odd Couple is set on the hot summer streets of 1965 New York.   It follows the adventures of two mismatched roommates, Felix Unger, a neurotically neat and fussy news writer, and Oscar Madison, a slovenly sports writer.   The men attempt to adapt to each other’s idiosyncrasies, all the while trying to rekindle their social lives with side-splitting results.

Actors Norm Boucher and George Keating will play the leads in Theatre at the Center’s cast for the famous comedy classic The Odd Couple, the 1965 Broadway hit by iconic playwright Neil Simon.   Directed by Larry Wyatt, The Odd Couple runs from July 14 to Aug. 14.  

Performances are 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Sundays; and select Thursday and Sunday evenings and Saturday matinees.   Individual ticket prices range from $40 - $44.   To purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219-836-3255 or Tickets.com at 800-511-1552.   Group discounts are available for groups of 11 or more and gift certificates are also available.   For more information on Theatre at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Director Larry Wyatt’s credits include Some Like It Hot and Over the Tavern at Theatre at the Center.   George Keating (Grand Hotel andMeet Me in St. Louis at Theatre at the Center) stars as Felix along with Norm Boucher (The 39 Steps and Big Fish at Theatre at the Center) as Oscar.   Jeff Award winner Colette Todd (Big Fish and Beverly Hillbillies, the Musical at Theatre at the Center) plays Gwen.   Jocelyn Adamski, who plays Cecily, has performed at Carnegie Hall and most recently appeared singing and dancing in Wheaton Drama’s production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, is making her debut at Theatre at the Center.

 Norm Boucher (left) stars as Oscar Madison and George Keating (right) as Felix Unger.  

© Theatre at the Center, Photo by Michael Brosilow

Additional cast include Larry Adams (Spamalot and A Christmas Carol The Musical) at Theatre at the Center) as Roy;   Brett Tuomi, who has appeared at Goodman Theatre in A Christmas Carol and The Iceman Cometh, as Murray the Cop, is making his Theatre at the Center debut; Ray Andrecheck, whose television credits include Chicago P.D., as Speed, is also making his Theatre at the Center debut; and Geoff Rice (A Christmas Memory and Leading Ladies at Theatre at the Center) plays Vinnie.

The Odd Couple production team includes scenic design by Angie Miller, costume design by Brenda Winstead, lighting design by Denise Karczewski, props design by Brittney O’Keefeand sound design by Barry G. Funderburg.   The production manager is Ann Davis with Dennis Galbreath as assistant technical director.   Matt McMullen is the stage manager.   Richard Friedman is general manager and Linda Fortunato is Theatre at the Center’s new artistic director.

Founded in 1991, the 410-seat Theatre at the Center is a year round professional theater at its home:   The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana.   Theatre at the Center is the only professional theater company in Northwest Indiana, offering downtown caliber performances in an accessible venue with plenty of free parking. Theatre at the Center is located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.