CHICAGO PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE: COMPLETE CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

COMPLETE CASTING ANNOUNCED

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR CHICAGO PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE!

COMPANY INCLUDES

ALLISON BLACKWELL, TOMMY BRACCO, BRIAN CALÍ, ROBBY CLATER, 

JESSICA CROUCH

ANNA EILINSFELD, MATT FARCHER, LAUREN LIM JACKSON, RENÉE MARINO, ELLYN MARIE MARSH

JILLIAN MUELLER, JAKE ODMARK, JENNIFER SANCHEZ, MATTHEW STOCKE

ALEX MICHAEL STOLL, ALAN WIGGINS, JESSE MCGRAW WILDMAN, DARIUS WRIGHT

JOIN PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED STARS

SAMANTHA BARKS              

TONY & GRAMMY AWARD WINNER STEVE KAZEE

WITH

ERIC ANDERSON  JASON DANIELEY  KINGSLEY LEGGS

AND

TONY AWARD NOMINEE ORFEH

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER BRYAN ADAMS

& JIM VALLANCE

BOOK BY

GARRY MARSHALL & J.F. LAWTON

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNER JERRY MITCHELL

Broadway In Chicago and Producer Paula Wagner announces PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star Samantha Barks (Les Miserables) as ‘Vivian’ opposite Tony Award winner and Grammy Award winner Steve Kazee (Once) as ‘Edward,’ with Tony Award nominee Orfeh (Legally Blonde) as ‘Kit,’ Eric Anderson (Waitress) as ‘Mr. Thompson,’ Jason Danieley (The Full Monty) as ‘Philip Stuckey,’ and Kingsley Leggs (Sister Act) as ‘James Morse’ in a company of 24 that includes Allison Blackwell, Tommy Bracco, Brian Calí, Robby Clater, Jessica Crouch, Anna Eilinsfeld, Matt Farcher, Lauren Lim Jackson, Renée Marino, Ellyn Marie Marsh, Jillian Mueller, Jake Odmark, Jennifer Sanchez, Matthew Stocke, Alex Michael Stoll, Alan Wiggins, Jesse McGraw Wildman and Darius Wright.

Tickets are now on sale for the PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL Chicago world premiere engagement.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has original 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, and is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke, and casting by Telsey + Company.  101 Productions, Ltd is the Executive Producer and General Manager.

The world premiere of PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL) begins performances Tuesday, March 13, 2018, for a strictly limited 5-week engagement, and 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.  

Chicago world premiere tickets range from $33 - $110.  The playing schedule for PRETTTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre is: Tuesday through Friday and Sunday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 8pm, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2pm.  Please note there will be added 2pm matinees on April 4 and April 11, and no evening performances on April 8 and April 15.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will begin performances on Broadway on Friday, July 20, 2018, at The Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41st Street), with an official opening night of Thursday, August 16, 2018. 

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced by Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Roy Furman, James L. Nederlander, Caiola Productions, Hunter Arnold, Ed Walson, Michael Cassel Group, Stage Entertainment, Ambassador Theatre Group and The John Gore Organization.

One of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time, PRETTY WOMAN was produced by Arnon Milchan (New Regency Productions) and swept the world off its feet in 1990 reinventing the romantic comedy genre by making the world believe in happily-ever-after.

Samantha Barks is appearing with the support of Actors' Equity Association.

For more information visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/PrettyWoman
Twitter: Twitter.com/PrettyWoman
Instagram: Instagram.com/prettywoman/


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 CIBC Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace 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.

OPENING: Red Carpet Pre-Broadway Opening Night of Escape to Margaritaville at Oriental Theatre Through 12/2/17

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar

OPENING NIGHT RED CARPET 

OF THE PRE-BROADWAY CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT  

TONIGHT WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Tonight ChiIL Live Shows will be ChiILin' in Chi, IL with the king of chill, iconic singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, who has made indolence an art form. The man sells out stadium shows packed with otherwise sane adults, sporting pool floats and parrot hats. As Chicago heads into the deepfreeze months, I'm more than happy to embrace a little slice of palm trees and paradise, even if it's just a few hours of escape. 

WILL PLAY CHICAGO’S ORIENTAL THEATRE 

LIMITED PRE-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT THREE WEEKS ONLY! NOV. 9 – DEC. 2, 2017

Check back soon for our full review and our recap of opening night adventures, catching this pre-Broadway production in Chicago with Jimmy Buffett and numerous Emmy and Tony Award winners collaborating on this production including:

o   Co-book writer and Emmy® Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name Is Earl,” “Raising Hope”)
o   Co-book writer and Emmy® Award nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”)
o   Choreographer and Tony Award® nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away, Rock of Ages)
o   Director and Tony Award® winner Christopher Ashley (Come From Away, Memphis)




ABOUT ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE
Escape to Margaritaville, the new musical featuring the songs of iconic singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, opens tonight, November 15, in Chicago at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) and plays through December 2.  

Escape to Margaritaville is the musical comedy getaway featuring both original songs and the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Come Monday,” “Volcano,” “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” and many more.  With a book by Emmy® Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name Is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy® Award nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), this new production is choreographed by Tony Award® nominee Kelly Devine (Come From Away, Rock of Ages) and directed by Tony Award® winner and La Jolla Playhouse Artistic Director Christopher Ashley (Come From Away, Memphis).



TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE are currently on sale to the general public. 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 Line at (800) 775-2000 and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.  

Imagine a place where the sun is hot, the water’s warm and the drinks are as cold as they are plentiful. Welcome to Margaritaville, the island paradise where city folk get away from it all, and the locals get into the kind of trouble you can almost always sweet talk your way out of. Take a break from your troubles, make some new friends at the bar and kick back to the soothing sounds of the kettledrum. It doesn’t get much better than this.

The creative team includes Scenic Designer Walt Spangler, Tony Award®-winning Costume Designer Paul Tazewell, two-time Tony Award®-winning Lighting Designer Howell Binkley, two-time Tony Award®-winning Sound Designer Brian Ronan, Tony Award® nominee Christopher Jahnke as Music Supervisor, and 101 Productions, Ltd. as General Management.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE will begin previews on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre (210 West 46th Street) on Friday, February 16, 2018, with the official Broadway Opening Night set for Thursday, March 15, 2018.

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE travel packages are available via the show's official travel provider, The Travel Team, at www.TTTescape.com. For more information, please visit www.EscapeToMargaritavilleMusical.com

www.EscapeToMargaritavilleMusical.com
Facebook: @BuffettMusical
Twitter: @BuffettMusical
Instagram: @BuffettMusical

It was also my great pleasure to be invited to a press conference on November 7th where we had a chance to meet some of the major players, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy some tasty treats from Warm Belly Bakery. 

Can't wait to see the "tropical fruits" of their labor at Chicago's opening night tonight!

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 PrivateBank Theatre, Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace 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

Tony Award Nominee Orfeh to Return to Broadway in PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL

TONY AWARD NOMINEE ORFEH

CAST IN PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE OF

ORIENTAL THEATRE

MARCH 13 - APRIL 15, 2018

STARRING

SAMANTHA BARKS

TONY & GRAMMY AWARD WINNER STEVE KAZEE

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER BRYAN ADAMS

& JIM VALLANCE

BOOK BY

GARRY MARSHALL & J.F. LAWTON

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNER JERRY MITCHELL

Broadway In Chicago and Producer Paula Wagner are delighted to announce that Tony Award nominee Orfeh will return to Broadway in PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL. Based on one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, Garry Marshall’s PRETTY WOMAN, the new musical will have its pre-Broadway World Premiere stage production in Chicago in the spring of 2018 at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) for a strictly limited 5-week engagement beginning March 13, through April 15, 2018.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star stage, television and film actress Samantha Barks as ‘Vivian’ opposite Tony Award winner and Grammy Award winner Steve Kazee as ‘Edward,’ with Tony Award nominee Orfeh as ‘Kit.’

“When Bryan and Jim played me a song they had written for the character ‘Kit’ called ‘Rodeo Drive’ I immediately thought Orfeh!” said director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell, “I told the guys...here’s the voice that will make this song fly on Broadway!”

ORFEH (Kit) was last on Broadway as Paulette in Legally Blonde: The Musical for which she was nominated for the Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. Orfeh’s other Broadway credits include Saturday Night Fever, The Gershwin’s Fascinating Rhythm and Footloose. Off-Broadway credits include Love, Loss, and What I Wore, The Great American Trailer Park Musical and Love, Janis. Television and film work includes Sleeping with the Fishes (with Gina Rodgriguez), Across the Universe, “Film U,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent”, “Sex and the City” and “Chappelle's Show.” She has performed at Lincoln Center with her husband, Olivier Award winner and Tony nominee Andy Karl, and in numerous Broadway benefits including Hair for the Actors Fund (Grammy nomination). Her extensive recording career includes music with '90s top-40 group Or-N-More. She has performed with many music icons from legends the O'Jays to Chaka Khan. Her solo CD, "What Do You Want From Me" and latest single, "Forget My Name" are available on iTunes, as well as her most recent release, a live album titled "Legally Bound" that she and her husband recorded at Feinstein's/54 Below. Twitter: @official_orfeh, IG: @orfeh

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has original 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, is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell and will begin performances Tuesday, March 13, 2018, for a strictly limited 5-week engagement at Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL).

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will begin performances on Broadway in the fall of 2018 at a Nederlander Theater to be announced.

One of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time, PRETTY WOMAN was produced by Arnon Milchan (New Regency Productions) and swept the world off its feet in 1990 reinventing the romantic comedy genre by making the world believe in happily-ever-after.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke, and casting by Telsey + Company. 101 Productions, Ltd will be the Executive Producer and General Manager.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced by Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Roy Furman, James L. Nederlander, Caiola Productions, Hunter Arnold, Stage Entertainment and The John Gore Organization.

For more information visit: PrettyWomanMusical.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/PrettyWomanBway
Twitter: twitter.com/PrettyWomanBway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywomanbway/

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

SAVE THE DATES: Garry Marshall’s PRETTY WOMAN Pre-Broadway World Premiere at Chicago Oriental Theatre Spring of 2018

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S ORIENTAL THEATRE TO HOST

PRE-BROADWAY WORLD PREMIERE MARCH 13 - APRIL 15, 2018 OF

STARRING

SAMANTHA BARKS

TONY & GRAMMY AWARD WINNER STEVE KAZEE

MUSIC AND LYRICS BY

GRAMMY AWARD WINNER BRYAN ADAMS

& JIM VALLANCE

BOOK BY

GARRY MARSHALL & J.F. LAWTON

DIRECTED AND CHOREOGRAPHED BY

TWO-TIME TONY AWARD WINNER JERRY MITCHELL

Broadway In Chicago and Producer Paula Wagner are thrilled to announce a new musical based on one of the most beloved romantic comedies of all time, Garry Marshall’s PRETTY WOMAN, will have its pre-Broadway World Premiere stage production in Chicago in the spring of 2018 at Broadway In Chicago’s Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) for a strictly limited 5-week engagement beginning March 13 through April 15, 2018.

**PRETTY WOMAN reinvented and redefined the romantic comedy genre by making the world believe in happily-ever-after.**

“With a book by the legendary Garry Marshall and J.F. Lawton, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will have the heart, humor, warmth and joy of the film, with a stunning original score by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance,” said producer Paula Wagner. “Our director Jerry Mitchell has expanded the narrative and storytelling of this acclaimed romantic comedy.  He brings his unique perspective to the story which illuminates the characters and provides a new and satisfying emotional resonance.  And finally we found our ‘Vivian’ and ‘Edward’ in the gorgeous, triple-threat, Samantha Barks, and one of Broadway’s most dashing and talented leading men, Tony and Grammy Award winner Steve Kazee.  ‘Vivian’ and ‘Edward’ meet under unlikely circumstances and go on a journey that allows them to discover their own self-worth.  Self-empowerment is integral to the reason why these two lost souls are able to fall in love and we now have two amazing, charismatic actors with incredible chemistry to take audiences on that journey.” 

“From the first time I saw this magical movie I felt it cried out to be a musical.  PRETTY WOMAN is a classic story with a very contemporary message. I think we all want to fall deeply in love with someone - it is something you never stop hoping for,” said director/choreographer Jerry Mitchell. “I got to work with Garry for over a year on this musical adaptation and experienced firsthand his sense of humor, his joy, his uplifting attitude in life, and mostly his love for these characters…I want that to infuse what I am doing with PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL as he is the true heart of this story.”

“PRETTY WOMAN is an iconic title, and after attending an early workshop, I was passionate for the Nederlander Organization to host this new musical, not only in Chicago but also on Broadway,” said theatre producer and operator James L Nederlander. “This adaptation has all the heart of the film wrapped in a big, musical comedy.”

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced by Paula Wagner, Nice Productions, LPO, New Regency Productions, Roy Furman, James L. Nederlander, Caiola Productions, Hunter Arnold, Stage Entertainment and The John Gore Organization.

For more information visit: PrettyWomanMusical.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/PrettyWomanBway
Twitter: twitter.com/PrettyWomanBway
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettywomanbway/

TICKET INFORMATION
PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will be part of the next Broadway In Chicago Season Subscription Series which will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, October 18, 2017.  Group tickets for 10 or more for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL at the Oriental Theatre are on sale now by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710.  Individual tickets 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

BIOGRAPHIES
Samantha Barks (Vivian) garnered rave reviews and acclaim for her performance as Éponine in Universal’s film adaptation of Les Misérables, directed by Tom Hooper starring alongside Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne, Amanda Seyfried, and Anne Hathaway.  She received the Breakout Award at Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year Awards, Best Female Newcomer by the Empire Awards, the Spotlight Award from the Hollywood Film Festival, and was nominated for Young British Performer of the Year by the London Critics Circle.  In 2008, Barks competed in the UK television program “I'd Do Anything” in which she was one of the finalists in a search for a new, unknown lead to play Nancy in a West End revival of Oliver!, Barks’ career on the West End includes starring in The Donmar Warehouse’s production of City of Angels, Honeymoon in Vegas, Oliver!, The Last Five Years and Les Misérables.  Other theater credits include Velma in the Los Angeles Philharmonic’s production of Chicago at The Hollywood Bowl, and  her critically acclaimed performance of the title role in the world premiere of Amelie at Berkley Rep.  Barks’ film credits include The Christmas Candle, Bitter Harvest, The Revenger and Interlude in Prague. 

**PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will star rising stage, television and film actress Samantha Barks as ‘Vivian’ opposite Tony Award winner and Grammy Award winner Steve Kazee as ‘Edward’.**

Steve Kazee (Edward) won the 2012 Tony Award for “Best Actor in a Musical” and the 2013 Grammy for Musical Theater Album, for his role in Once as Guy. Other Broadway credits include Monty Python’s Spamalot as Sir Lancelot, Starbuck opposite Audra McDonald in the Roundabout’s 110 in the Shade, To Be or Not to Be at MTC, and Edward Albee’s Seascape. Regional theater credits include The Subject Was Roses (Kennedy Center, Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Actor alongside Bill Pullman and Judith Ivey), and Off-Broadway credits include As You Like It (NYSF). Television work includes “Legends” (TNT), “Nashville,” “Shameless” (Showtime), “Working Class” opposite Melissa Peterman, “100 Questions” (NBC), “CSI” (CBS), “NCIS” (CBS), “Numb3rs” (CBS), “Medium” (NBC), and “Conviction” (NBC). MFA in acting from NYU’s Tisch Graduate Acting Program.

Jerry Mitchell (Director and Choreographer) is currently represented on Broadway with the 2013 Tony-Award winning Best Musical, Kinky Boots for which he received the Tony Award in recognition of his choreography, and a Best Director nomination. Recently his work was seen on Broadway as director of the Gloria Estefan bio-musical, On Your Feet, as choreographer of NBC television’s production of “Hairspray, Live,” and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his choreography in Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which he also directed and co-produced in the West End. In the 35 preceding years, Jerry has been involved with over 50 Broadway, Off-Broadway, West End and touring productions, starting as a dancer for Agnes De Mille in Brigadoon and thereafter assisting Michael Bennett and Jerome Robbins. His Broadway debut as Choreographer, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, was followed by The Full Monty (Tony nomination), The Rocky Horror Show, Hairspray (Tony nomination) Gypsy, Never Gonna Dance (Tony nomination), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Tony nomination), La Cage Aux Folles (Tony Award), Imaginary Friends, Legally Blonde (Tony nomination), which he also directed, Catch Me If You Can and Kinky Boots (also currently running in London, Australia, and on a U.S. tour, with Japan and Korea up next.) He also choreographed both the Off-Broadway productions and films of Hedwig & The Angry Inch and Jeffrey. Most recently, Jerry received the Drama League’s Founders’ Award for Excellence in Directing and the George Abbott Lifetime Achievement Award from his peers, the latter being especially meaningful to him in that he was directed by the 96 year old Mr. Abbott in the Broadway revival of On Your Toes. Twenty-five years ago, Jerry conceived and created Broadway Bares, a comedy burlesque show performed annually for the charity Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. He continues to serve as Executive Producer of Broadway Bares, with a book, website and satellite productions in Fire Island Pines, Las Vegas (Peepshow, which recently concluded its five-year run of continuous performances) and London (West End Bares).

**PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner & Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke, and casting by Telsey + Company.  101 Productions, Ltd will be the Executive Producer and General Manager.**

Garry Marshall (Book) was a veteran producer, director and writer of film, television and theatre. His five-decade long career in Hollywood was paralleled only by his passion for softball. After graduating from Northwestern University, he created some of television’s most beloved situation comedies, including “Happy Days,” “Laverne & Shirley,” “Mork & Mindy,” and “The Odd Couple.” He also served as an executive consultant on CBS’s 2015 reincarnation of “The Odd Couple,” starring Matthew Perry and Thomas Lennon, and consulted on Fox’s “Grandfathered,” with John Stamos. Mr. Marshall was passionate about live theatre.  His play, Shelves, was performed at the Pheasant Run Playhouse in St. Charles, Illinois.  A renamed revival of the show, Everybody Say Cheese had a successful run at the Falcon Theatre. The Roast, a play he co-wrote with Jerry Belson, ran at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York. In addition, he co-wrote Wrong Turn at Lungfish with Lowell Ganz, which he then went on to direct in Los Angeles with Hector Elizondo, in Chicago, and off-Broadway with George C. Scott. At the request of Placido Domingo, he made his operatic directing debut at Los Angeles Opera in 2005, with his own adaptation of Offenbach’s The Grand Duchess, starring Frederica von Stade. In 2007, he joined the San Antonio Opera to direct Elixir of Love, which received rave reviews. Mr. Marshall directed 18 movies.  Among them are Pretty Woman, Beaches, Overboard, The Princess Diaries 1 & 2, Runaway Bride, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve, starring Robert DeNiro, Hilary Swank and Halle Berry.  His last film, 2016’s Mother’s Day, starred Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Julia Roberts.  As an actor, Garry played many memorable roles, including the devil in Hocus Pocus, Mr. Harvey in his sister Penny Marshall’s A League of Their Own, and Irwin in his son Scott Marshall’s debut feature, Keeping Up with the Steins. He did voice-over work in the Disney film Chicken Little, and made numerous guest appearances on television shows including Louis CK’s show “Louie,” and TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.”  Mr. Marshall wrote two autobiographies with his daughter, Lori Marshall, “Wake Me When It’s Funny” and “My Happy Days in Hollywood.”  And in 1997, Mr. Marshall built a theatre in Burbank, California with his daughter, Kathleen Marshall LaGambina, called the Falcon Theatre, where he oversaw the subscription series of plays and developed his movies with his long-time co-producer Heather Hall.  After Mr. Marshall’s passing in 2016, his wife of 53 years Barbara and family renamed his theatre the Garry Marshall Theatre, a new non-profit organization, which will promote art and artists as Garry did all his life.  www.garrymarshalltheatre.org

J.F. Lawton (Book) is a writer/director/producer of over a dozen feature films. He has written screenplays for every major Hollywood studio in genres from comedy and romance to action and drama. His credits include the iconic film Pretty Woman, starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts, which began as a prestigious Sundance Institute Lab project. Developed by Touchstone Pictures, a division of The Walt Disney Studios, the movie became one the most successful romantic comedies of all times. His next big hit was based on his original screenplay Under Siege starring Steven Seagal and Tommy Lee Jones. Produced by Arnon Milchan and developed by then Warner Bros. executive Lorenzo di Bonaventure, the movie broke box-office records and spawned a successful sequel. His other films include: the independent drama Mistress with Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken and Martin Landau; Universal Studios’ action film The Hunted (starring Christopher Lambert, Joan Chen and John Lone); 20th Century Fox’s action thriller Chain Reaction with Morgan Freeman and Keanu Reeves; the superhero comedy Blankman co-written with Damon Wayans for Columbia Pictures and DOA: Dead or Alive, based on the video game of the same name, for The Weinstein Company. He created the #1 rated syndicated television series “V.I.P.” for Sony Pictures, writing and directing the pilot and numerous episodes over its four-season run. He has been nominated for a Writers Guild of America Award, a British Academy Award, and is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

**PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has original 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, is directed and choreographed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell.**

Bryan Adams (Music and Lyrics) has been touring the world as a musician for four decades. In 2016, the acclaimed singer/songwriter toured for his 13th album "GET UP,” co-written with longtime collaborator Jim Vallance. Less than a month after release, “GET UP” achieved Top 10 in 9 countries. All this shortly after celebrating the 30th anniversary tour of his iconic album “Reckless" in 2014. Over the years, his music has achieved #1 status in over 40 countries. He has 3 Academy Award and 5 Golden Globe nominations, a Grammy Award, American Music Awards, BMI / ASCAP Film and Television Music Awards, not to mention he’s a Companion of the Order of Canada, and has been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame. Adams does 100+ concerts a year playing music to audiences on six continents.

Jim Vallance (Music and Lyrics) has been involved in various aspects of the music industry since the late 1960s, working first as a studio musician, producer and arranger before pursuing a career in songwriting.  Initially collaborating with Canadian singer Bryan Adams he's also worked with a variety of other artists including Aerosmith, Heart, Rick Springfield, Ozzy Osbourne, Joe Cocker, Tina Turner, Alice Cooper and Michael Bublé, to name a few. He's been awarded numerous ASCAP, BMI and SOCAN certificates acknowledging significant international radio airplay and dozens of Gold and Platinum album awards representing more than 100-million units sold world-wide.  He's a recipient of the Order of Canada, that country's highest civilian honor.

Paula Wagner (Producer) is a film and theatre producer who has worked in the top ranks of the entertainment industry, first as a talent agent at CAA.  Wagner’s Broadway producing credits include The Heiress starring Jessica Chastain, David Strathairn and Dan Stevens, Grace starring Paul Rudd and Michael Shannon, and Terrence McNally’s Tony nominated play Mothers and Sons.  Through the production company Cruise/Wagner that she launched with her former CAA client Tom Cruise, Wagner produced many critically acclaimed and financially successful films including Mission: Impossible 1, 2, 3, Without Limits, Shattered Glass, Narc, The Others, Vanilla Sky and The Last Samurai. She has made films all over the world and her production company C/W, was based at Paramount for 12 years.  After 2 years as co-owner and CEO of United Artists Entertainment, LLC from 2006 to 2008, Wagner established her own production company Chestnut Ridge Productions. Most recently she produced the film Marshall, starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad and Kate Hudson. Wagner is a member of the Broadway League, AMPAS and served on the boards of the PGA and Film Forum, and is a Carnegie Mellon alumna and trustee.

**PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will begin performances on Broadway in the fall of 2018 at a Nederlander Theater to be announced.**

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: Jeckyll & Hyde #Broadway in Chicago

PRE-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT! American Idol star and Tony® Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy® Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into the classic tale of good and evil, JEKYLL & HYDE. After four thrilling, chilling years on Broadway and multiple world-wide tours, this dark and dangerous love story from Tony® and Grammy® Award nominee Frank Wildhorn and Oscar® and Grammy® winner Leslie Bricusse, returns in a stunning new pre-Broadway production directed by Tony® nominee Jeff Calhoun and includes all the classic songs (This is the Moment, A New Life, Someone Like You) that first grabbed audiences by the throat and transformed JEKYLL & HYDE into a theatrical phenomenon. Ticket prices are $33.00 to $95.00.  Jekyll & Hyde - Pre Broadway! Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois Dates : March 12, 2013 - March 24, 2013 Groups of 10+ on sale now! Call 312-977-1710.

ACT OUT OPENING: Broadway in Chicago's Coming Shows

PRE-BROADWAY ENGAGEMENT!
We had the pleasure of seeing Constantine Maroulis live on stage in Broadway in Chicago's Rock of Age, back in 2010.     Check out our past Constantine Maroulis coverage here.
We're looking forward to seeing him back in Chi-town again, with the pre-Broadway Jekyll & Hyde musical.   Tickets are on sale now.

Jekyll & Hyde - Pre Broadway!

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago IllinoisDates : March 12, 2013 - March 24, 2013    

Available now as a Broadway In Chicago Season Show!
Click here.

American Idol star and Tony® Award nominee Constantine Maroulis joins with Grammy® Award nominee and R&B superstar Deborah Cox to inject new life into the classic tale of good and evil, JEKYLL & HYDE. After four thrilling, chilling years on Broadway and multiple world-wide tours, this dark and dangerous love story from Tony® and Grammy® Award nominee Frank Wildhorn and Oscar® and Grammy® winner Leslie Bricusse, returns in a stunning new pre-Broadway production directed by Tony® nominee Jeff Calhoun and includes all the classic songs (This is the Moment, A New Life, Someone Like You) that first grabbed audiences by the throat and transformed JEKYLL & HYDE into a theatrical phenomenon.

Ticket prices are $33.00 to $95.00.

Groups of 15+ on sale now! Call 312-977-1710.

OPENING JANUARY:

Cathy Rigby is Peter Pan

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : January 30, 2013 - February 10, 2013

Tony® Award nominee Cathy Rigby takes flight in an all new production of PETER PAN! Discover the magic all over again of this two time Emmy award winning and two time Tony® Award nominated production. The New York Times says "Rigby still carries off the flights, fights and acrobatics that make Peter Pan audiences mesmerized." PETER PAN is filled with timeless magical moments and a captivating hook. The legend you thought you know, is now the adventure you never dreamed possible…Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN!  Ticket prices are $18 to $85.  Groups 15+ now on sale! Call 312-977-1710. OPENING FEBRUARY: Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois Dates : February 15, 2013 - February 17, 2013 MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed by Academy Award® nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout.  SPECIAL VIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE  VIP Meet & Greet  Premium seating in first three rows  -Plus, after the show-  Post-show meet & greet to include a photograph with Mike Tyson and an autographed boxing glove  Meet & Greet  Premium seating  -plus, after the show-  Post-show meet & greet to include a photograph with Mike Tyson Ticket prices are $50 to $95.  Groups 15+ call 312-977-1710 Check out ChiIL Live Shows past Broadway in Chicago coverage here.