Iconic Star Plaza Demolition Averted

STAR PLAZA THEATRE IN MERRILLVILLE TO REMAIN OPEN

White Lodging Reverses Previously Announced Plans to Close Iconic Performance Venue

Charlie Blum, president and CEO of Star Productions, today announced that plans to shutter the Star Plaza Theatre have been reversed; the iconic theater with a decades-long history of presenting concerts, comedians and arts programming, will continue operating as it has in the past. On August 9, 2016, Blum had announced that the theater was slated to close in May 2017 as it would be significantly impacted by the razing of the adjacent Radisson Hotel and the construction of the a new hotel on the property. 

“We never wanted to close the theater. We reluctantly felt it needed to be sacrificed because it would not be possible to continue operating while the new hotel is being built,” said Blum, who has served as president & CEO of Star Productions, the entertainment division of White Lodging Services Corporation, since 1989. “We were not prepared for the outpouring of emotion that the announcement generated.  Not only did our patrons express their deep sadness at seeing the theater close, many nationally renowned artists also contacted us to express how much they would miss performing at the Star Plaza.  After much deliberation and consultation with our contractors, we determined that it was indeed feasible to retain the theater despite the nearby construction work.”

Continuously in operation since 1979, the Star Plaza Theatre has a history of presenting top-tier entertainers.  Regarded as a premier Midwest concert facility, the venue has been continuously profitable since its opening and is also a strong economic driver in northwest Indiana.  

"The White family is steadfast in our commitment to the region,” added Bruce White, founder and chairman of the board of White Lodging Services Corporation.  “We know that the new hotel will better serve our community and guests.  But fueled in part by the tremendous reaction the closing announcement, we took a hard look at our plans and revised them in such a way that enables us to continue to operate the Star Plaza Theatre. It’s a win-win solution for everyone.”

“This is a happy day for all of us,” added Blum.  “We are overjoyed to not only be able to continue to be an entertainment and cultural beacon for the Midwest and an economic driver for the community, but also to welcome back the many performers who have called the Star Plaza Theatre their favorite concert facility, bring in new performers and create even more memories for our loyal patrons.”

Star Productions also had expanded in recent years to present a variety of artists at other venues around the country as well as manage entertainers and produce for television. Blum and his Star Productions team began pursuing a multitude of concert and theatrical opportunities since the closure announcement this past August.  Blum intends to continue the expansion of Star Productions beyond the operation of Star Plaza Theatre. The company recently signed Erich Bergen, star of CBS TV’s “Madam Secretary” and Clint Eastwood’s “Jersey Boys” to its management roster for concert performances, alongside PBS TV sensation, “Under The Streetlamp,” which is beginning a 60+ city tour in the United States supporting their third television special.

The Star Plaza Theatre opened in 1979 with a concert by Donna Summer, and has been in continuous operation since.  While based in Indiana, it attracted many fans from other areas, including Chicago.  Located at 8001 Delaware Place in Merrillville, Indiana, the theater has a seating capacity of 3,400, and has played host to staggering array of the top names in entertainment, including Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilara, ZZ Top, Alice Cooper, Diana Ross, Garth Brooks, Jamie Foxx, Luther Vandross, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Crosby, Stills and Nash, Tina Turner, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis, Jr., Patti LaBelle, Phil Collins, Ray Charles, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Tony Bennet, BB King, Kenny Chesney and Aretha Franklin. The list of comedians who have played the venue includes Bob Hope, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen Degeneres, Richard Pryor and Jim Gaffigan.  The most frequent act to have played the theater is the Oak Ridge Boys, which brought its distinctive country sound to the venue for 37 consecutive years. www.starplazatheatre.com

White Lodging Services Corporation was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Merrillville, IN.  White Lodging is a fully integrated hotel ownership, development and operations company focused on developing and operating premium-branded hotels in growing urban markets across the United States. The company is a recognized leader that has defined and cultivated the ability to achieve consistent, sustainable growth among mid- to large-scale hotels. White Lodging has developed over 125 premium branded hotels over the last 25 years and its current managed portfolio consists of 166 hotels in 19 states including representation of the following leading brands:  Marriott International, Inc., Hilton Worldwide, Hyatt Global, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Preferred Hotels & Resorts and InterContinental Hotel Group.

For more information about White Lodging, please visit www.whitelodging.com, Facebook.com/whitelodgingservices, Twitter.com/whitelodging and Instagram.com/whitelodging. 

OPENING: Fun Home at Oriental Theatre 11/2-13

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED NATIONAL TOUR OF THE 2015 TONY® AWARD-WINNING BEST MUSICAL IS FINALLY HERE!

PLAYING BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S ORIENTAL THEATRE NOVEMBER 2 - 13

Broadway In Chicago and Producers Fox Theatricals (Kristin Caskey, Mike Isaacson) and Barbara Whitman are thrilled to announce that individual tickets go on sale to the general public on Sunday, August 28 for the first National Tour of Fun Home, the groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning Best Musical.  The tour will premiere in Chicago at the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph) for a limited two-week engagement November 2 - November 13, 2016.

ROBERT PETKOFF (Broadway’s Ragtime, All The Way, Anything Goes) will play Bruce, Chicago native SUSAN MONIZ (Broadway’s Grease, Chicago’s Marriott Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater) will play Helen and KATE SHINDLE (Broadway’s Legally Blonde, Cabaret, and Miss America 1998) will play Alison.

Joining them will be ABBY CORRIGAN as Medium Alison, ALESSANDRA BALDACCHINO (Broadway’s Fun Home) as Small Alison, KAREN EILBACHER as Joan, ROBERT HAGER as Roy, LENNON NATE HAMMOND as John, PIERSON SALVADOR as Christian, ANTHONY FORTINO, AMANDA NAUGHTON, SOFIA TRIMARCHI and MICHAEL WINTHER. At certain performances, CARLY GOLD will play the role of Small Alison.

FUN HOME was the event of the 2015 Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and making history along the way as the first show written exclusively by women to win theater’s highest achievement.  It was named to all of the major top 10 lists including The New York Times, Associated Press, New Yorker, Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, The Daily Beast, Chicago Tribune, The Hollywood Reporter and more.

“EXQUISITE. AN EMOTIONAL POWERHOUSE.” – Chicago Tribune

“A RARE BEAUTY THAT PUMPS FRESH AIR INTO BROADWAY.” – Ben Brantley, The New York Times

“An uplifting musical drama of rare intensity, honesty and beauty. Fun Home speak universally about BIG THINGS THAT MATTER: LIFE, LOVE, FAMILY, SURVIVING. It’s unconventional, to be sure, and musical theatre is better for it.” - New York Daily News

“One of those ‘don’t miss it’ musicals.” – The Huffington Post

Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood that connect with her in surprising new ways. A finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, FUN HOME is a refreshingly honest, wholly original musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes.

FUN HOME features music by Jeanine Tesori, book and lyrics by Lisa Kron and direction by Sam Gold, whose work on this production earned them Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction.  With this win, Lisa Kron and Jeanine Tesori also made history by becoming the first female writing team to be awarded the Best Score Tony Award.

FUN HOME was also nominated for 2015 Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design of Musical (David Zinn), Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Ben Stanton) and Best Orchestrations (John Clancy). The creative team also includes Danny Mefford (Choreography), Kai Harada (Sound Design), David Zinn (Costume Design) and Chris Fenwick (Music Direction).

Tony Award-winning director Sam Gold, who staged both the Off Broadway and Broadway productions of FUN HOME, will be restaging the national tour.

The Broadway production of FUN HOME opened on Broadway 

on April 19, 2015 

The Grammy nominated Original Broadway Cast Recording of FUN HOME is now available on PS Classics, psclassics.com.

Get Social:

funhomebroadway.com

facebook.com/funhomemusical

twitter.com/funhomemusical

instagram.com/funhomemusical

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM

Wednesdays at 7:30 PM

Thursdays at 7:30 PM (additional 2 PM matinee on November 3)

Fridays at 7:30 PM

Saturdays at 2 PM and 8 PM

Sundays at 2 PM and 7:30 PM

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for Fun Home at the Oriental Theatre range from $25-$98. A select number of premium tickets are available for many performances. Group tickets for 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 Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Too Much Fright Makes The Baby Go Blind One Night Only 10/30

CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH THE NEO-FUTURISTS AT TOO MUCH FRIGHT, SUNDAY, OCT. 30 AT 10:30 P.M.

The Neo-Futurists creep into fall with a chilling Halloween performance of Too Much Fright Makes The Baby Go Blind, 30 plays in 60 minutes, written and performed by The Neo-Futurists, curated by Trevor Dawkins, on Sunday, Oct. 30; doors open at 10 p.m., performance begins at 10:30p.m. This Halloween spin on the long-running sensation Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind is performed at the Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. Tickets are $20 and advanced reservations and costumes are strongly encouraged! For tickets and information visit neofuturists.org or call 773-275-5255. 

The Neo-Futurists brutalize the senses with Too Much Fright Makes the Baby Go Blind, a special Halloween horde of 30 plays performed in 60 merciless minutes that explore the macabre, the strange, the unknowable terrors of the back of your mind. Expect dark humor, heavy metal and existential dread. Also, expect candy. 

The Neo-Futurist Ensemble Member and Too Much Fright Curator Dawkins says, "Too Much Fright is like one of those nightmares you realize is just a nightmare halfway through and then, suddenly you have complete control over it and you can, like, fly and stuff and it's way way less scary and way more empowering and all around awesome.”

The cast for Too Much Fright includes The Neo-Futurists’ Ensemble Members Trevor Dawkins, Ida Cuttler, Lily Mooney, Nick Hart, Bilal Dardai and Malic White.

THE NEO-FUTURISTS

The Neo-Futurists, performers of Too Much Light Makes The Baby Go Blind and creators of over 65 original, full-length productions, are a collective of wildly productive writer-director-performers who are committed to creating immediate, non-illusory, irreproducible events at head-slappingly affordable prices. The Neo-Futurists pioneered a new form of theater in 1988, launching what became Chicago’s longest running show, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, now in its 28^th year. From humble beginnings as the first late-night theater production in Chicago, The Neo-Futurists have grown to become one of the most highly regarded experimental theater companies in America. More than 70 Ensemble-alumni have added thousands of new works to the American theatre canon and today branches bring Neo-Futurism to both coasts in New York City and San Francisco.

The Neo-Futurists Too Much Fright Makes The Baby Go Blind, 30 plays in 60 minutes, written and performed by The Neo-Futurists, curated by Trevor Dawkins, on Sunday, Oct. 30; doors open at 10 p.m., performance begins at 10:30p.m. This Halloween spin on the long-running sensation Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind is performed at the Neo-Futurarium, 5134 N. Ashland Ave. Tickets are $20 and advanced reservations and costumes are strongly encouraged! For tickets and information visit neofuturists.org or call 773-275-5255.

The Neo-Futurists are partially supported by The Alphawood Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, and The MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation.

Got Your Tickets For The Broadway In Chicago 2017 Season?

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ANNOUNCES NEXT SEASON

TO FEATURE

A NEW PRE-BROADWAY MUSICAL 

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE,

TONY AWARD^®-WINNING 

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS 

and RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S 

THE KING AND I,

SOMETHING ROTTEN! and LES MISÉRABLES

OFF SEASON SPECIALS WILL INCLUDE

MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™, THE NAKED MAGICIANS, CIRCUS 1903 - THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS, RAIN and

THE 20^th ANNIVERSARY TOUR OF RENT

On Sale to the Public Monday, November 7

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce its next season line-up: a new Pre-Broadway musical ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE featuring the songs of legendary singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, Tony Award^®-winning AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, Tony Award^®-winning RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I, the completely original new musical comedy SOMETHING ROTTEN! and LES MISÉRABLES. The off-season specials will include:  MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!, THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™, THE NAKED MAGICIANS, CIRCUS 1903 - THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS, RAIN and the 20^th Anniversary Tour of RENT.  

The upcoming Season will go on sale to the public Monday, November 7, 2016.  To renew or purchase a new subscription, please visit BroadwayInChicago.com or call 312-977-1717.  Subscriber benefits include savings of up to 54% off ticket prices, discounts on both parking and suite service, invitations to Broadway In Chicago exclusive events, free exchange privileges based on availability and more.  The Broadway In Chicago line-up, including performance dates and venues, is as follows:

RODGERS & HAMMERSTEIN’S THE KING AND I

June 14 – July 9, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

THE KING AND I directed by Tony Award® Winner Bartlett Sher won four 2015 Tony Awards® including Best Revival of a Musical.  Bartlett Sher is reunited with the award-winning creative team from South Pacific and The Light in the Piazza. THE KING AND I has sets by Michael Yeargan; costumes by Catherine Zuber; lights by Donald Holder (all three nominated for 2015 Tony Awards®); sound by Scott Lehrer (2015 Drama Desk Award nomination); and casting by Telsey + Company/Abbie Brady-Dalton, CSA. THE KING AND I features choreography by Christopher Gattelli based on the original choreography by Jerome Robbins.   One of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s finest works, THE KING AND I boasts a score which features such beloved classics as Getting To Know You, Hello Young Lovers, Shall We Dance, I Have Dreamed, and Something Wonderful. Set in 1860’s Bangkok, the musical tells the story of the unconventional and tempestuous relationship that develops between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher, whom the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, brings to Siam to teach his many wives and children.

SOMETHING ROTTEN!

July 11 – July 23, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

From the director of Aladdin and the co-director of The Book of Mormon,  SOMETHING ROTTEN! is “Broadway’s big, fat hit!” (New York Post). Set in 1595, this hilarious smash tells the story of Nick and

Nigel Bottom, two brothers who are desperate to write a hit play. When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out

to write the world’s very first MUSICAL! With its heart on its ruffled sleeve and sequins in its soul, SOMETHING ROTTEN! is “The Producers + Spamalot + The Book of Mormon. Squared!” (New York Magazine).

 

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS

July 25 – August 13, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.  Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas. AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy Award.   The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs "I Got Rhythm," "Liza," "'S’Wonderful," "But Not For Me," "I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise," and orchestral music including "Concerto in F," "Second Prelude," "Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture" and "An American In Paris."

LES MISÉRABLES

October 11 – 29, 2017

Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph

Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). 

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

A New Pre-Broadway Musical

Performances begin November 9, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE, the new musical featuring the songs of legendary singer-songwriter-author Jimmy Buffett, will play a limited pre-Broadway engagement.  Escape to Margaritaville will feature an original story by co-book writers Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl”) and Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), and will be directed by two-time Tony Award^® nominee Christopher Ashley.   The creative team will also include Tony^®-nominated Choreographer Kelly Devine, 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. 

Featuring both original songs and your most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, this new musical is the story of a tropical island resort and its part-time bartender, part-time singer and full time charmer who thinks he’s got life all figured out. Until a beautiful career-minded tourist steals his heart and makes him question everything.

OFF SEASON SPECIALS WILL INCLUDE:

MEN ARE FROM MARS – WOMEN ARE FROM VENUS LIVE!

Opening Valentine’s Day 2017

February 14 – March 5, 2017

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut)

Men Are From Mars – Women Are From Venus LIVE!, the Off-Broadway hit comedy based on The New York Times #1 best-selling book of the last decade by John Gray, is back by popular demand.  Moving swiftly through a series of vignettes, the show covers everything from dating and marriage to the bedroom.   This hysterical show will have couples elbowing each other all evening as they see themselves on stage. Sexy and fast paced, this show is definitely for adults, but will leave audiences laughing and giggling like little kids!

THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™

February 21 – 26, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

THE ILLUSIONISTS - LIVE FROM BROADWAY™ is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. Conceived by Simon Painter, the show’s creative team also includes executive producer Tim Lawson, director Neil Dorward and creative director Jim Millan.  Full of hilarious magic tricks, death-defying stunts and acts of breathtaking wonder, THE ILLUSIONISTS has shattered box office records worldwide and thrilled audiences of all ages with a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw-dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth.

THE NAKED MAGICIANS

March 14 – 19, 2017

Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut)

Following sold-out shows and rave reviews across the world including London’s West End, United States, Canada, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the world’s naughtiest and funniest magic show “The Naked Magicians” is coming to Chicago.  Direct from Australia, the show features magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem as these two hot and hilarious magicians say abracadabra and take magic to a whole new level. Left without sleeves or pockets, their saucy magic is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new meaning to “now you see it.” This boisterous R-rated magic show, strips away the top hats and capes, promising full frontal illusions. Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants. This show proves just that!  

CIRCUS 1903 - THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS

March 21 – 26, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

In a world premiere event, the producers of the world’s biggest magic show, The Illusionists, have teamed up with the award-winning puppeteers from War Horse, to present a thrilling turn-of-the-century circus spectacular.  CIRCUS 1903 –The Golden Age of Circus has all the thrill and daredevil entertainment one would expect from the circus, with an exciting new twist.  Sensational puppetry puts Elephants back in the ring as never seen before by introducing the largest ever performing African elephant and her baby, along with a huge cast of the most unique, amazing and dangerous circus acts from all four corners of the world, from strong men to contortionists, acrobats to musicians, knife throwers, high wire and

much more! CIRCUS 1903 –The Golden Age of Circus is produced by Simon Painter, Tim Lawson and MagicSpace Entertainment. 

RAIN

March 28 – April 2, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

As “the next best thing to seeing The Beatles!” (Associated Press), RAIN performs the full range of The Beatles' discography live onstage, including the most complex and challenging songs that The Beatles themselves recorded in the studio but never performed for an audience. In addition to the updated sets that include brand new LED, High-Definition screens and multimedia content, new songs have also been included with the launch of the 2016 Tour. Together longer than The Beatles, RAIN has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, delivering a totally live, note-for-note performance that’s as infectious as it is transporting. From the early hits to later classics (“I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “Hard Day’s Night,” “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” “Let It Be,” “Come Together,” “Hey Jude” and more), this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends!

RENT 20^TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

May 16 – 21, 2017

Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph)

In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’s RENT continues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini's La Bohème, RENT follows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.  

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 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, the Oriental Theatre, Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

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

LAST CALL: Wonderful Town at Goodman Heads Into Final Extension Dates

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:  

  Wonderful Town

MARY ZIMMERMAN’S MAJOR REVIVAL OF LEONARD BERNSTEIN’S CLASSIC MUSICAL, EXTENDED THROUGH OCTOBER 23 AT GOODMAN THEATRE

All good things must come to an end, and that includes Mary Zimmerman’s extended and highly recommended revival of Wonderful Town. Here at ChiIL Mama we adored this retro gem. I remember my mother singing me the songs from the production as a child, but I'd never seen it on stage. It held special meaning for her, since she saw it in New York, back in the early 60's! Before I was born, my parents relocated to New York from Cincinnati for a stint in their early 20's, when my father had a short term cross training there. The stellar acting, costumes, hilarious stylized set, and crazy catchy score brought those days back in glorious detail under the brilliant hands of director, Mary Zimmerman. 

I'm still laughing about and loving the standing Taxi cabs whizzing across the stage, as I'm humming bars of tunes from the show. Goodman's Wonderful Town is playful, energetic, enthusiastic and all around fun. This sister act is a must see! Highly recommended.

Wonderful Town, a musical by Leonard Bernstein, librettists Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov and lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Directed by Manilow Resident Director Mary Zimmerman at Goodman Theatre

Don't miss this. Wonderful Town is now entering it's final extension, so don't delay if you haven't caught it yet, or go again, while you still can. This production was laugh out loud funny and had the audience grinning and toe tapping to the catchy numbers and empathizing with the still too timely story lines of struggling creatives trying to make it in the big city. 

“It’s Love!” Goodman Theatre adds eight performances of Mary Zimmerman’s revival of Wonderful Town, extending the show through October 23. Featuring a company of over 40 actors and musicians, the Goodman production of Leonard Bernstein ’s whimsical love letter to Manhattan marks the first major revival in more than 10 years. The musical is based upon the hit Broadway play My Sister Eileen by Joseph A. Fields and Jerome Chodorov and the autobiographical short stories by Ruth McKenney. Fields and Chodorov later collaborated with lyricists Betty Comden and Adolph Green to create Wonderful Town—the musical adaptation of the play, which features 20 Bernstein songs—including “Ohio,” One Hundred Easy Ways,” and “A Little Bit in Love.” 

For Wonderful Town tickets (starting at $25), call 312.443.3800, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/WonderfulTown or the box office (170 North Dearborn). Group savings are available for parties of 8 or more; call 312.443.3820 or email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org. 

Extension Week Performance Schedule:

Tuesday, October 18 at 7:30pm

Wednesday, October 19 at 7:30pm

Thursday, October 20 at 7:30pm

Friday, October 21 at 8pm

Saturday, October 22 at 2pm and 8pm

Sunday, October 23 at 2pm and 7:30pm

Wonderful Town follows the adventure of sisters Eileen and Ruth, who leave Columbus, Ohio, in search of success in the Big Apple. Lauren Molina, who appeared as Cunegonde in Zimmerman’s acclaimed production of Candide (2010), portrays Eileen, a beautiful actress and hopeful romantic; and breakout Chicago star Bri Sudia (Far From Heaven, Porchlight Music Theater) makes her Goodman debut as Ruth, an aspiring, romantically-challenged journalist. Joining Molina and Sudia in the 26-member cast are Karl Hamilton as Robert Baker, the isolated editor of the Manhatter newspaper; Wade Elkins as Frank Lippencott and Steven Strafford as Chick Clark—two of Eileen’s love prospects and residents of the bohemian 1950s town; and Jordan Brown (Wreck), Amy J. Carle (Mrs. Wade), Matt DeCaro (Appopolous), Christina Hall (Violet), James Earl Jones II (Speedy Valenti), Kristin Villanueva (Helen) and George Andrew Wolff (Lonigan). Ensemble members include Nathaniel Braga, Ariana Cappuccitti, Sherriese Hamilton, Aaron Holland, Mark David Kaplan, Tiffany Krause, Kent M. Lewis, Russell Mernagh, Jeff Parker, Jody Reynard, Todd Rhoades, Lainie Sakakura, Ian Saunders and Erica Stephan.

Music director Doug Peck and associate music director/conductor Ben Johnson lead the 18-member orchestra. Chicago native and choreographer Alex Sanchez, whose work has been described as “spectacular–wildly ingenious and playful from start to finish” (Chicago Sun-Times), makes his Goodman debut. The creative team also includes Todd Rosenthal (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), T.J. Gerckens (lights) and Ray Nardelli (sound).  

About Goodman Theatre

Called America’s “Best Regional Theatre” by Time magazine, Goodman Theatre has won international recognition for its artists, productions and programs, and is a major cultural, educational and economic pillar in Chicago. Founded in 1925 by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth (an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s) and represented today by descendant Albert Ivar Goodman, Goodman Theatre has garnered hundreds of awards for artistic achievement and community engagement, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards (including “Outstanding Regional Theatre” in 1992), nearly 160 Joseph Jefferson Awards and more. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the Goodman’s artistic priorities include new plays (more than 150 world or American premieres in the past 30 years), reimagined classics (including Falls’ nationally and internationally celebrated productions of Death of a Salesman, Long Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy), culturally specific work, musical theater (26 major productions in 20 years, including 10 world premieres) and international collaborations. Diversity and inclusion have been primary cornerstones of the Goodman’s mission for 30 years; over the past decade, 68% of the Goodman’s 35 world premieres were authored by women and/or playwrights of color, and the Goodman was the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Each year, the Goodman’s education and engagement programs serve thousands of students, teachers and life-long learners. In addition, for nearly four decades A Christmas Carol has led to the creation of a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago.

Goodman Theatre’s leadership includes the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Cynthia Klem Scholl is Women’s Board President, and Justin A. Kulovsek is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org, and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.

OPENING: Graeme of Thrones Parody Comes to Broadway Playhouse November 1st-15th

The dates have shifted forward a bit since we first began promoting this show waaaaaay back in March. It's nearly here and we couldn't be more excited. We adored Potted Potter and the adults in our family are also huge Game of Thrones freaks. Can't wait to catch this one!

*Do note, the show does contain adult content... 
Duh! It's a GOT parody people.*

FROM THE PRODUCER OF POTTED POTTER

GRAEME OF THRONES 

TO PLAY CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

 NOVEMBER 1- 15, 2016

The hilarious original parody GRAEME OF THRONES will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) November 1-15th, 2016.

Created by a team of some of the UK’s top comedy writers, GRAEME OF THRONES is an original and un-authorized parody on the international phenomenon that is Game Of Thrones. A treat for fans and an introduction for the unenlightened.

CASTING FOR CHICAGO ENGAGEMENT OF GRAEME OF THRONES

Original cast members Ali Brice (Graeme) and Libby Northedge (Bryony) are joined by Michael Condron (Paul), who has appeared in Seasons 5 and 6 of GAME OF THRONES as Bowen Marsh.

In this critically-acclaimed theatrical journey through the Seven Kingdoms, direct from sold out shows in London’s West End, avid ‘Thrones’ fan Graeme just wants to recreate his favorite fantasy saga on stage - aided and abetted by his best friend Paul and the girl he used to fancy at school - Bryony.

He doesn’t quite have the same budget as the TV show, or as many cast members, or the performance skill required, but he’s sure George RR Martin would approve – and that’s what matters. But when news reaches them that an influential theatrical producer is in the building, Graeme decides that this could be his big break - as long as nothing goes wrong...

CAST BIOGRAPHIES

ALI BRICE (Graeme) is a character comedian and actor. Performing since 2009, Brice creates very silly, vividly-coloured worlds full of very silly, larger-than-life characters. In 2014 Brice took Eric Meat Wants to Go Shopping to the Edinburgh Fringe to critical acclaim. He is a member of the London-based alternative comedy collective Weirdos. Ali was in the original Graeme Of Thrones cast in London’s West End and has since gone on to tour the UK and Australia with the show. 

LIBBY NORTHEDGE (Bryony) has worked as both a performer and director with notable companies including Punchdrunk, NIE, BBC, Sky Arts. Libby is one half of clown and character sketch duo Twisted Loaf. In 2013 they won the prestigious Funny Women Award and have since had two smash hit Edinburgh Festival shows that have both transferred to the West End. They wrote and starred in their own short film for Sky and are currently in development for a TV series. Libby is a regular improviser, having spent the summer of 2012 performing with IO and Second City in Chicago. Libby was in the original cast of Graeme Of Thrones in London’s West End and has toured with the show across the UK and in Australia.

MICHAEL CONDRON (Paul) performs regularly at Belfast Lyric Theatre and his credits include:

39 Steps, Smiley, Hee Comes the Night, Macbeth and Much ado About Nothing, Jhn Bulls Other Island, The Miser by Moliere adapted By David Johnston. Michael performed with the Boat Factory, off Broadway, Kings Head Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival with other Local and Regional tours. He has worked with many other venues and touring companies in the UK and Ireland, including Mirandolina (Manchester Royal Exchange) Mojo Mickybo (lyric Hammersmith) Borderland (7:84 Theatre Co), Da (Art NI) Revnge, Lally the Scut (Theatre Co), Oh what a Lovely War, Threepenny Opera, Blue Remembered Hills, The Government Inspector (Bruiser Theatre Co).

TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets for GRAEME OF THRONES at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place range from $39.95-$69.95. A select number of premium tickets are available for many performances. Group tickets for 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 Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For a complete performance schedule, please visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 16 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.

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

Got What It Takes To Join Blue Man Group?!

BLUE MAN GROUP ANNOUNCES OPEN CALL TO BE HELD AT CHICAGO’S BRIAR STREET THEATRE MONDAY, OCTOBER 24th

Auditions are Part of Nationwide Search for Additional Blue Men to Perform in Various Cities

Here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows we were invited to cover the open auditions for Blue Man Group a couple years ago and it was an incredible experience. 

2014, Blue Man hopefuls

The audition process is rigorous yet respectful and the talent pool is deep! My teen son came with me and we not only interviewed the hopefuls, but we also sat in on some of the drumming auditions.

 

This long running show is stunning, and the Blue Man Group craze is spreading to more cities and even other countries. If you're a man or woman 5'10" to 6'2" with strong drumming skills and a willingness to learn wacky human tricks and cool choreography, come on out and audition!

Click HERE and scroll down for our past photo and video filled Blue Man Group features. We adore Blue Man Group and have been long time fans of their shows (& now their excellent CD & hilarious new book release too). I'm even quoted on their front door!

Blue Man Group, celebrating 25 years of living in full color in 2016, announces the 2016 Blue Man Group open casting call scheduled for Monday, October 24th from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. at the Briar Street Theatre (3133 N. Halsted Street). The Blue Man Group casting department is searching for talented individuals with the unique qualities to be a Blue Man, including excellent acting and drumming and/or musical skills. 

Best known for multimedia performances featuring three bald and blue characters, Blue Man Group is comedy, theater, rock concert and dance party all rolled into one. This wildly popular phenomenon delivers an outrageous multi-sensory entertainment experience that audiences will never forget. A dynamic combination of music, comedy and technology, the show appeals to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. It is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.

The Blue Man cast features performers with a diverse mix of disciplines: classically-trained actors, rock musicians and dancers. The cast is given the unique opportunity to utilize their artistic abilities in an exciting and dynamic experience unmatched by any other stage production.

“Aside from the certain base skills and physical requirements we look for at the casting call, I love discovering the wonderful oddities that make each person distinctly who they are,” said Tascha Van Auken, Assistant Director of Casting and Training for Blue Man Productions. “The Blue Man character is a sort of primal investigator of human connection and it’s encouraging to be reminded that we can each be so remarkably unique and yet so wholly a part of the same human mission.”

There are currently more than 75 Blue Men all over the world. Blue Man Group’s open casting calls have been instrumental in finding the next generation of wide-eyed explorers of contemporary civilization.

open casting call 2014

What does it take to be a Blue Man? 

A Blue Man is an egoless, genderless being. Male and female performers are encouraged to audition. All necessary audition equipment will be provided. The basic criteria for Blue Man performers are:

Height between 5’10’’ and 6’2’’ (athletic build)

Drumming skills and/or musicianship are an advantage, but a good sense of rhythm is a necessity

Excellent acting skills. Strong candidates often have backgrounds in theater and improvisation. Candidates are compelling and genuine nonverbal storytellers. They must thrive in a constantly evolving team environment on and off the stage

Willingness to relocate as the casting call helps to identify future Blue Men for existing and upcoming productions in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Orlando.

This open call audition is for Blue Man performers. For more information about ongoing Blue Man Group casting efforts, performers may visit www.blueman.com/casting.

About Blue Man Production

In 2016, global entertainment phenomenon Blue Man Group celebrates 25 years of living in full color with a series of new projects and appearances. The company is best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed more than 20 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of music, comedy and technology, the show appeals to a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. It is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology.

The company developed through a creative collaboration among three close friends, Chris Wink, Phil Stanton and Matt Goldman on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Blue Man Group now has permanent theatrical productions in Las Vegas, Orlando, Boston, Chicago, New York and Berlin, a North American tour and a World Tour.

This creative collective is part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Beyond the stage show, they have toured the globe with the “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody, released 5 albums, including the Grammy-nominated Audio, and contributed to numerous film and TV scores. They've served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show”, "Arrested Development", “Ellen”, “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Based in New York City, Blue Man Productions has extensive production facilities, recording studios and a 6,000 square foot Research & Development Lab with numerous new creative projects in the pipeline. 

Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Tickets are available from $49-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com/bluemanchicago. For a full show schedule and ticket pricing, please visit www.blueman.com/chicago.

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46- $69 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at: 773.348.3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.