Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
“West Side Story” echoes immigration fear and division across generations Music Theater Works in Skokie remains true to their tradition of presenting musical theater that stays very close to the original production, offering a faithful recreation of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s now classic, contemporary …
Recognizing America’s rich and varied musical heritage is the perfect way to celebrate the birth of our republic. 2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Various semiquincentennial celebrations have taken place nationwide to commemorate the 1776 signing of the …
HAIR The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical – – is it a nostalgic romp or does it have relevance to a contemporary audience? Whether you intend to see this Kokandy production at the Chopin Theatre or just want to know more about this historically pivotal musical I think you might find this review and commentary interesting and useful.
“More of an interpretation than a recreation – – you’ll enjoy the retro vibe and find relevance in the message.”
PRODUCTION DETAILS : HAIR – The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical – Book and Lyrics by Gerome Ragni & James Rado Music by Galt MacDermot :: Director and Choreographer: Brennan Urbi :: Music Director: Kara Olander
Cast (in alphabetical order):Diana Marilyn Alvarez (Ensemble),Caitlin Dobbins (Ensemble), Joshua Emmanuel (Hud),Shayla Florence (Ensemble), Isadora Coco Gonzalez (Ensemble),Wolfie J (Ensemble), Amy Yesom Kim (Crissy), Chosen Mitchell (Dionne), Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (Sheila), Mateo Palm (Ensemble), Gavin Rhys (Claude), Zac Richey (Berger), Nicki Rossi (Jeannie),Quinn Simmons (Ensemble), Stone TeSelle (Woof) and Kijani X (Ensemble). Swings:Justin Aponte, Morgan Barber, Kevin Chlapecka, Allyriane Huq, Víctór López, Kenny Miller, Jack Saunders and Maliha Sayed.
Location: The Chopin Theatre (Mainstage), 1543 W. Division St., Chicago July 19 through Sunday, September 13, 2026 For additional information, visit kokandyproductions.com.
Have you ever heard the name or term Scaramouche? Maybe you remember it in the bohemian rhapsody or maybe you’ve seen the 1952 film? The 18th century tale set on the eve of the French Revolution, based on a novel by Rafael Sabatini’s may not have …
A widowed father informed that his child has been killed during a protest, forces him to consider whether a cash settlement can possibly soothe his grief – in the process, we witness how public institutions and policies, in an attempt to remain impartial, reduce tragedy …
A review of The Ally by Itamar Moses at Theater Wit in Chicago. Directed under the steady hand of Jeremy Wechsler, this is a provocative, sometimes humorous look at activism, identity, and what happens when good deeds lead to bad outcomes.
A look into the performances, themes, and the play’s relevance to today’s cultural debates. EXTENDED through May 17, 2026.
The cast for this Midwest Premiere of The Ally at Theater Wit features Sharyon Culberson as Nakia, Eliyah Arman Ghaeini as Farid, Mira Kessler as Rachel, DeVaughn Asante Loman as Baron, Evan Ozer as Reuven, Jordan Lane Shappell as Asaf, and K Chinthana Sotakoun as Gwen.
Designers are Joe Schermoly (set), Matthew Eggers (costumes), Piper Kirchhofer (lights), Jonathan Berg-Einhorn (props), Joe Cerqua (composer and sound designer), Sarah Luse (stage manager), Matthew R. Chase (production manager) and Claire Simon (casting director).
The Ally at Theater Wit proves “no good deed goes unpunished,” when a sympathetic person decides to support a local cause by simply signing a petition.
Theater Wit is located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave., in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood.
Purchase tickets at theaterwit.org, by calling (773) 975-8150, or in person at the Theater Wit box office.
Be sure to listen to the entire audio podcast review (~6 min.) by clicking on the link above.
Set circa 1927 — at the height of the Great Migration, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom is rooted in personal trauma, systemic racism and economic exploitation. Ma Rainey is the leading artist of a struggling Chicago based blues label. Four of her backing musicians sitting in a rehearsal …
The Sugar Wife, is a compelling and emotionally charged drama by Elizabeth Kuti, presented by Artistic Home at Theater Wit. This episode explores a story where faith, repression, privilege, and desire intersect inside the home of an affluent Quaker couple in mid-nineteenth century Dublin. When …
White Rooster a darkly funny tale of love, loss and the strange things we inherit, draws from a personal family story rooted in early 1900s China. The inventive and haunting play with original music reimagines an American ghost town, weaving together puppetry, movement, and song.
Intergenerational trauma mixed with traditions. Moments of humour, joy, connection and yes – – frustration and anger often conveyed through music.
This world premiere is written and directed by Matthew C. Yee is a tale of grief, family and the messiness of moving on, blending spooky folklore with offbeat humor.
Details: March 5 – April 26, 2026, at Lookingglass Theatre – Chicago. Tickets are available for purchase at www.lookingglasstheatre.org or by phone at 312.337.0665.
Be sure to listen to the entire (~6 min.) audio review by Kim Campbell using the link above or wherever you prefer to listen to podcasts.
The cast includes Karen Aldridge (Maria), Sunnie Eraso (Min), Elliot Esquivel (Fang/Wu through April 5), Nik Kmiecik (Fang/Wu April 8-12), Louise Lamson (Judy), Mark Montgomery (John), Noelle Oh (June), Reilly Oh (Pong), and Daniel Lee Smith (Hao/Ba).
The creative team includes Natsu Onoda Power (Scenic Designer), Mara Blumenfeld (Costume Designer), Hannah Wien (Lighting Designer), Justin Cavazos (Sound Designer/Co-Composer), Amanda Herrmann (Props Supervisor), Caitlin McLeod (Puppet Designer), Heidi Stillman (New Works Consultant), Sheryl Williams (Intimacy Director), Tess Golden (Production Stage Manager), and Emma Lipson (Assistant Stage Manager).
Enjoy Chicago theater coverage? Subscribe to our page or the Chicago Broadcasting Network podcast or YouTube channel to be alerted as more reviews and arts commentary are added.
#chicagotheater
This episode is a review of “Changing Channels”, a fictionalized look at the 1950s TV blacklist, inspired by Jackie Gleason and The Honeymooners, exploring the historical roots, standout performances, and modern relevance. Listen to the full audio review to learn more about this production and …
The latest premiere from Thompson Street Opera Company, offered Chicago audiences a campy, queer operatic cabaret production filled with drag performance, bel canto vocal artistry, and a delightfully unconventional storyline. Presented at Bramble Arts Loft in Andersonville as Off-Nights at the Sometimes Café, the production …
Music Theater Works’ production of CATS at Skokie’s North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is a nonstop “catcaphony” of frenzied feline fun. With elements of musical theater, dance, opera and acrobatics there is definitely something for everyone.
CATS is a must-see for anyone looking for an enjoyable highly entertaining evening – – presented by Music Theatre Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL through March 29, 2026. Runtime is about 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. For tickets and information visit musictheaterworks.com or call the box office at (847)673-6300.
Be sure to listen to our complete podcast review (approx 6 minutes) with piano rendition of Memory by Julie Lovison.
CAST :
Ava Lane Stovall – Grizabella
Sam Nachison – Old Deuteronomy
Nick Johnson – Mr. Mistoffelees / U/S Munkustrap
Ethan Lupp – Rum Tum Tugger
Daniel Hurst – Munkustrap
Sterling Ford – Macavity / Plato / Rumpus
Molly Bremer – Jellylorum
John Cardone – Bustopher Jones / Asparagus
Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor – Demeter
Danny Spagnuolo – Skimbleshanks
Emma Jean Eastlund – Bombalurina
Morgan Schoenecker – Jennyanydots
Alex Villaseñor – Mungojerrie
Madison Jaffe-Richter – Rumpleteazer
Irene Lo – Sillabub / U/S Victoria
Tola Abitogum – Tumblebrutus / U/S Skimbleshanks / Mungojerrie
Mikala Curless – Victoria
J’Nae Howard – Electra
Ciara Jarvis – Tantomile / U/S Demeter
Albert Johnston – Coricopat / U/S Rum Tum Tugger
Mia Hilt – Cassandra / U/S Rumpleteazer
Emily Ann Brooks – Carbuckety / U/S Jennyanydots / Jellylorum (Dance Captain)
Alex Iaobucci – Pouncival / U/S Macavity
Whitney Turner – Exotica / U/S Bombalurina / Sillabub