PRESS CONFERENCE: A NEW COMEDY MUSICAL TOOTSIE PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE

A NEW COMEDY MUSICAL TOOTSIE PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE

WELCOME PRESS CONFERENCE

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we enjoyed hanging out with Broadway In Chicago and the Company of TOOTSIE, a New Comedy Musical Pre-Broadway World Premiere at Cadillac Palace, for the TOOTSIE press conference. I'll also be out on opening night, September 30th, so check back shortly after for my full review. 

Here's my press conference Facebook LIVE video footage and stills.

The following cast and creatives were present:

• Santino Fontana (Michael Dorsey/Dorothy Michaels) & Lilli Cooper (Julie Nichols)
•Sarah Stiles (Sandy Lester) & Andy Grotelueschen (Jeff Slater)
•John Behlmann (Max Van Horn) & Michael McGrath (Stan Fields)
•Julie Halston (Rita Marshall) & Reg Rogers (Ron Carlisle)
•Tony Award-winner David Yazbek (Music & Lyrics) & Robert Horn (Book)
•Scott Ellis (Director)
•Denis Jones (Choreographer)

ABOUT TOOTSIE
Broadway In Chicago and Scott Sanders Productions are thrilled the world premiere Chicago production of the new comedy musical, TOOTSIE, will play a pre-Broadway engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph Street) from September 11 – October 14.  The production will go to Broadway in spring 2019.

TOOTSIE tells the story of a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until an audacious, desperate stunt lands him the role of a lifetime.



The company features Tony Award nominee SANTINO FONTANA as Michael Dorsey (and Dorothy Michaels), as well as LILLI COOPER as Julie Nichols, SARAH STILES as Sandy Lester, JOHN BEHLMANN as Max Von Horn, ANDY GROTELUESCHEN as Jeff Slater, JULIE HALSTON as Rita Mallory, MICHAEL McGRATH as Stan Fields, and REG ROGERS as Ron Carlisle.  The company will also include SISSY BELL, BARRY BUSBY, PAULA LEGGETT CHASE, BRITNEY COLEMAN, LESLIE DONNA FLESNER, JENIFER FOOTE, JOHN ARTHUR GREENE, DREW KING, JEFF KREADY, HARRIS MILGRIM, ADAM MONLEY, SHINA ANN MORRIS, JAMES MOYE, KATERINA PAPACOSTAS, DIANA VADEN, and ANTHONY WAYNE.

TOOTSIE features an original score by Tony Award-winner David Yazbek (The Band’s Visit, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), a book by Robert Horn (13; Dame Edna, Back with a Vengeance), choreography by Tony Award nominee Denis Jones (Holiday Inn, Honeymoon in Vegas), and musical direction by Andrea Grody (The Band’s Visit). TOOTSIE will be directed by seven-time Tony Award nominee and Olivier Award winner Scott Ellis (She Loves Me, On the Twentieth Century). 



The design team for TOOTSIE includes scenic designer David Rockwell, costume designer William Ivey Long, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Brian Ronan, hair and wig design by Paul Huntley, make-up design by Angelina Avallone. Casting is by Jim Carnahan C.S.A. Music supervision is by Andrea Grody & Dean Sharenow, vocal arrangements by Andrea Grody, dance arrangements by David Chase, orchestrations by Simon Hale, and music coordination by Dean Sharenow.

TOOTSIE is produced by Scott Sanders Productions, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Carol Fineman, Columbia Live Stage, Sally Horchow, James L. Nederlander, Judith Ann Abrams, Robert Greenblatt, Benjamin Lowy, Cindy and Jay Gutterman/Marlene and Gary Cohen, Stephanie P. McClelland, Michael Harrison/David Ian, A Few Good Women Productions, Adam Blanshay Productions, JAA Productions/Stella LaRue, Silva Theatrical Group, Roy Furman, Peter May, Seriff Productions LLC, The John Gore Organization, Tom McGrath/42nd.club, Chris and Ashlee Clarke, Jonathan Littman, The Woodland Hills Broadway Group, 2 JS AND AN A, INC., and Independent Presenters Network.

TOOTSIE is based on the story by Don McGuire and Larry Gelbart and the Columbia Pictures Motion Picture. For more information visit: TootsieMusical.com



TICKET INFORMATION
TOOTSIE individual tickets are on-sale now. Group tickets for 10 or more are on sale now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

OPENING: The Cher Show Pre-Broadway Premiere at Oriental Theatre Chicago June 12 through July 15, 2018

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S ORIENTAL THEATRE TO HOST

PRE-BROADWAY PREMIERE OF

The Cher Show, the new musical based on the life and six-decade career of the iconic singer and actress, will have its Pre-Broadway Premiere at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) for a limited-engagement June 12 through July 15, 2018.

Recognized for her influential contributions to music, film, television, fashion, and popular culture, the Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy award-winning entertainer’s life story will be brought to stage in this new musical featuring her beloved chart-topping hits including If I Could Turn Back Time, Believe, I Got You Babe, Strong Enough, Half Breed, I Found Someone, A Different Kind of Love Song, Take Me Home, and Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.

The Cher Show is based on the life of Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman or as her friends call her, Cher! The kid on a tricycle, vowing to be famous. The teenage phenom who crashes by twenty. The glam TV star who quits at the top. The would-be actress with an Oscar. The rock goddess with a hundred million records sold. The legend who’s done it all, still scared to walk on stage. The wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. The woman, looking for love. The ultimate survivor, chasing her dream. They’re all here, dressed to kill, singing their asses off, telling it like it is. And they're all the star of The Cher Show.

The new musical is produced by Flody Suarez (What’s New Pussycat) and four-time Tony Award-winner Jeffrey Seller (Hamilton).

The new bio-musical will feature a book by Rick Elice (Tony Award-winning best musical Jersey Boys), direction by Jason Moore (Tony Award-winning best musical Avenue Q), choreography by Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), and orchestrations, arrangements and musical supervision by Tony Award-winner Daryl Waters (Memphis).

Rounding out the creative team are nine-time Emmy Award winning costume designer Bob Mackie, Tony-Award winning set designer Christine Jones (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and American Idiot), set designer Brett J. Banakis, Tony Award-winning lighting designer Kevin Adams (Hedwig and the Angry Inch and American Idiot), and sound designer Nevin Steinberg (Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen).

For more information, please visit TheCherShowBroadway.com

PERFORMANCE DATES
Tuesdays at 7:30PM
Wednesdays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM (no matinees on June 13 and June 20; no performances on July 4)
Thursdays at 7:30PM (6PM performance on June 28) 
Fridays at 7:30PM
Saturdays at 2:00PM & 8:00PM (no matinee on June 16)
Sundays at 2:00PM & 7:30PM (no evening performance on July 1 and July 15) 

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for The Cher Show at the Oriental Theatre will go on sale Friday, March 23 and range from $33-$108 with a select number of premium seats available. 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 Line at (800) 775-2000 and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 18 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
 For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

 Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

TICKETS ON SALE 10/18: The Cher Show Pre-Broadway World Premiere in Chicago

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S ORIENTAL THEATRE TO HOST

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE OF

THE CHER SHOW

Performances Begin at the Oriental Theatre in Chicago on June 12

Producers Flody Suarez and Jeffrey Seller and Broadway In Chicago announced today that The Cher Show, the new musical based on the life and six-decade career of the iconic singer and actress, will have its pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago with previews beginning on June 12, 2018 at the Oriental Theatre before making its Broadway debut at the Neil Simon Theatre in Fall 2018.

The Cher Show will begin performances at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) on June 12, 2018 for a limited engagement through July 15, 2018. The Cher Show will be part of the next Broadway In Chicago Season Subscription Series, which will go on sale to the public on October 18, 2017. 

Recognized for her influential contributions to music, film, television, fashion, and popular culture, the Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy award-winning entertainer’s life story will be brought to stage in this new musical featuring her beloved chart-topping hits. 

“My life as a musical on Broadway. It seems crazy, exciting and bizarre - but that's probably how my life seems to most people,” said Cher.

The new bio-musical will feature a book by Rick Elice (Tony Award-winning best musical Jersey Boys), direction by Jason Moore (Tony Award-winning best musical Avenue Q), choreography by Tony Award-winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), and orchestrations, arrangements and musical supervision by Tony Award-winner Daryl Waters (Memphis).

The Cher Show is based on the life of Cherilyn Sarkisian La Piere Bono Allman or as her friends call her, Cher! The kid on a tricycle, vowing to be famous. The teenage phenom who crashes by twenty.  The glam TV star who quits at the top. The would-be actress with an Oscar. The rock goddess with a hundred million records sold. The legend who’s done it all, still scared to walk on stage. The wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend. The woman, looking for love. The ultimate survivor, chasing her dream. They’re all here, dressed to kill, singing their asses off, telling it like it is.  And they're all the star of The Cher Show.

The new musical is produced by Flody Suarez (What’s New Pussycat) and four-time Tony Award-winner Jeffrey Seller (Hamilton).

Additional information, including casting, will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit TheCherShowBroadway.com.

Group tickets for 10 or more for The Cher Show at the Oriental Theatre are on sale now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Individual tickets for The Cher Show will go on sale at a later date to be announced.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 17 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University.
 For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

 Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago
 

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO 2018 Season On Sale to the General Public Wednesday, Oct. 18

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NEXT SEASON

TO FEATURE

TWO NEW PRE-BROADWAY MUSICALS: PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

and THE CHER SHOW,

TONY AWARD®-WINNING THE COLOR PURPLE,

WAITRESS, ON YOUR FEET! 

and A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME

OFF-SEASON SPECIALS WILL INCLUDE 

DIRTY DANCING - THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE, 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC and Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA

On Sale to the General Public Wednesday, Oct. 18

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce its 2018 season line-up set to feature two new Pre-Broadway musicals: PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on the beloved Garry Marshall  film, and THE CHER SHOW based on the life of the legendary Cher. The season also includes Tony Award®-winning THE COLOR PURPLE, ON YOUR FEET!, WAITRESS: A NEW MUSICAL and A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME. Off Season specials will include: DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE and two Rodgers & Hammerstein classics, THE SOUND OF MUSIC and CINDERELLA. The upcoming season will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017. To renew or purchase a new subscription, please visit BroadwayInChicago.com or call 312-977-1717.  


Subscriber benefits include savings of up to 59% off ticket prices, discounts on parking and suite service, invitations to Broadway In Chicago exclusive events, exchange privileges based on availability and more. The Broadway In Chicago line-up, including performance dates and venues, is as follows:




PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL
March 13-April 15, 2018
Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph
Based on one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will have its World Premiere stage production in Chicago in the spring of 2018. With music and lyrics by Grammy Award winner Bryan Adams and his longtime songwriting partner Jim Vallance, book by Garry Marshall and the film’s screenwriter J.F. Lawton, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.  “We found two amazing, charismatic actors with incredible chemistry to play ‘Vivian’ and ‘Edward,’” said producer Paula Wagner, “The gorgeous, triple-threat, Samantha Barks, and one of Broadway’s most dashing and talented leading men, Tony and Grammy Award winner Steve Kazee.” 



A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME
March 20 – April 29, 2018
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place, 175 E. Chestnut
It’s the 1950’s in Winnetka, IL. Every Wednesday best friends Joan, Connie, Dottie, & Agnes enter a Betty Crocker cooking contest, dreaming how the prizes might change their mundane lives. On this particular Wednesday, Joan replaces the cookbook with the Kinsey Report on female sexuality and life begins to get very interesting! In A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME, a slice-of-life original musical comedy, we watch as this cooking club becomes a turning point in their lives.



ON YOUR FEET! 
March 21 – April 8, 2018
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
This Broadway musical will dance its way back to Chicago where it originated its Pre-Broadway engagement the summer of 2015. It follows the Estefans' journey to superstardom, set to their chart-topping hits, “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “Get On Your Feet,” and more. Directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray), choreographed by Tony Award® nominee & Olivier Award® winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis), with book by Academy Award® winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman, The Bodyguard Musical).




THE CHER SHOW
June 12-July 15, 2018
Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph
THE CHER SHOW, the new musical based on the life and six-decade career of the iconic singer and actress, will have its Pre-Broadway world premiere in Chicago before making its Broadway debut at the Neil Simon Theatre in Fall 2018. Recognized for her influential contributions to music, film, television, fashion, and popular culture, the Grammy, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Emmy award-winning entertainer’s life story will be brought to stage in this new musical featuring her beloved chart-topping hits. THE CHER SHOW is produced by Flody Suarez (What’s New Pussycat) and four-time Tony Award-winner Jeffrey Seller (Hamilton).




WAITRESS
July 3-22, 2018
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, this irresistible new hit features original music and lyrics by 6-time Grammy® nominee Sara Bareilles ("Brave," "Love Song"), a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson (I Am Sam) and direction by Tony Award® winner Diane Paulus (Hair, Pippin, Finding Neverland). "It's an empowering musical of the highest order!" raves the Chicago Tribune. Inspired by Adrienne Shelly's beloved film, WAITRESS tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, who must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life.



THE COLOR PURPLE
July 17-29, 2018
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress
This revival of THE COLOR PURPLE won two Tony Awards® in 2016, including Best Revival of a Musical and two Drama Desk Awards including Outstanding Revival of a Musical. THE COLOR PURPLE revival also won the 2017 Grammy Award® for Best Musical Theater Album.  Hailed as “a direct hit to the heart” (The Hollywood Reporter), this joyous American classic conquered Broadway in an all-new "ravishingly reconceived production that is a glory to behold” (The New York Times) directed by Tony Award® winner John Doyle. With a soul-raising Grammy®-winning score of jazz, gospel, ragtime and blues, THE COLOR PURPLE gives an exhilarating new spirit to this Pulitzer Prize®-winning story.


OFF SEASON SPECIALS WILL INCLUDE:

 

THE SOUND OF MUSIC 
April 10-15, 2018
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! A brand new production of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is coming to Chicago! The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony®, Grammy® and Academy Award® winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. THE SOUND OF MUSIC features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by “The Trapp Family Singers” by Maria Augusta Trapp.



Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA
April 27-May 6, 2018
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love—the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more—plus some surprising new twists! Be transported back to your childhood as you rediscover some of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s most beloved songs, including “In My Own Little Corner,” “Impossible/It’s Possible” and “Ten Minutes Ago.”



DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE
May 29-June 3, 2018
Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph
DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE is an unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance and sensational dancing.
Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart-stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” London’s Sunday Express says, “This crowd-pleasing stage adaptation hits the jackpot!”

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 17 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining well up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

ACT OUT OPENING: The Last Ship Begins TONIGHT #BroadwayInChicago

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE OF 

THE LAST SHIP

ANNOUNCES RUSH SEATING

20 SEATS AT $25. AVAILABLE THE MORNING OF EACH PERFORMANCE DAY

Here at ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama we've been eagerly anticipating the opening of Sting's show for months!  At last it's HERE. Got your tickets yet?  We can not wait to check it out!

PERFORMANCES BEGIN TUESDAY, JUNE 10

The producers of the Pre-Broadway World Premiere of THE LAST SHIP will offer special rush tickets for all performances.  Ten pairs, 20 tickets, will be available to patrons, on the day-of-show, for $25.  These rush tickets will be available at the box office only, on the day of the performance, when the box office opens at 10:00 a.m. except for Sunday at 11:00 a.m.  

THE LAST SHIP, the new musical with music and lyrics by 17-time Grammy winner Sting, and book by Tony winner John Logan and Pulitzer Prize-winner Brian Yorkey – will begin previews on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. 52 St.) on September 30 prior to opening night on October 26, according to producers Jeffrey Seller and Kathryn Schenker.  THE LAST SHIP is directed by Tony winner Joe Mantello and has choreography by Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Steven Hoggett.

THE LAST SHIP will travel to New York following a pre-Broadway tryout June 10 to July 13 in Chicago at Bank of America Theatre.  Inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences, THE LAST SHIP marks the renowned musician's Broadway debut as a composer. 

THE LAST SHIP is set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, a close-knit community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard and the hardworking men construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride.  But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future.  He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind.  When Gideon returns home 14 years later, he finds the shipyard's future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else.  As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that defines their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.

THE LAST SHIP is a portrait of a community so bound together by passion, faith and tradition, they'll stop at nothing to preserve the only life they've ever known.

Performances of THE LAST SHIP will begin at Chicago’s Bank of America Theatre (18 West Monroe Street) on June 10, 2014 for a five-week-only limited engagement through July 13, 2014.

TICKET INFORMATION

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 Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.