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. . . I’m Lenny Bruce – Ronnie Marmo & Rikki Lee Travolta

. . . I’m Lenny Bruce – Ronnie Marmo & Rikki Lee Travolta

Rikki Lee Travolta interviews Ronnie Marmo appearing in “I’m Not a Comedian….I’m Lenny Bruce” under the direction of multi-award-winner Joe Mantegna at the Biograph Theater in Chicago. This production produced in partnership with Lenny Bruce’s daughter Kitty Bruce tells the story of the life and 

Elizabeth Swanson and Rikki Lee Talk About “A Street Car Named Desire” at the Paramount Theatre

Elizabeth Swanson and Rikki Lee Talk About “A Street Car Named Desire” at the Paramount Theatre

In this episode of “It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee,” Rikki Lee Travolta interviews Elizabeth Swanson co-director of “A Streetcar Named Desire” (with artistic director Jim Corti) at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora featuring Amanda Drinkall as Blanche, Casey Hoekstra as Stanley, and Alina Taber as 

Aida – A Story of Love Jealousy & War – Podcast Review

Aida – A Story of Love Jealousy & War – Podcast Review

“Aida” by Giuseppe Verdi under the direction of Francesca Zamnello, and conducted by Enrique Mazzola is opera in the grand tradition at Lyric in Chicago for the first time in more than a decade.

[*Please note there was confusion in the names on the podcast. This is the correction]

“Aida” is performed in Italian with projected English titles at the Lyric Opera House, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago through April 7, 2024. Running time is about 3 hours with one intermission. For tickets and information, call 312.827.5600 or go to lyricopera.org/aida.

The love triangle at the heart of this story is anchored by three powerful voices: Michelle Bradley, Russell Thomas and  Jamie Barton.

CHARACTERS IN ORDER OF VOCAL APPEARANCE
Ramfis – Önay Köse
Radamès – Russell Thomas
Amneris – Jamie Barton
Aida – Michelle Bradley
King – Wm. Clay Thompson
Amonasro – Reginald Smith, Jr.

Conductor – Enrique Mazzola
Conductor – (April 4, 7) Francesco Milioto
Director – Francesca Zambello
Artistic Designer – RETNA
Set Designer – Michael Yeargan
Costume Designer – Anita Yavich
Chorus Director – Michael Black
Choreographer – Jessica Lang

Overview of 007 James Bond Exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

Overview of 007 James Bond Exhibit at Museum of Science and Industry Chicago

I had an opportunity to “bond” with spy movie expert Tom Pizzato at the press opening for the new 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond beginning March 7, 2024 and running through October 2024. The museum has partnered with Eon Productions who own 

Bill W and Dr. Bob – The Genesis of AA at the Biograph in Chicago

Bill W and Dr. Bob – The Genesis of AA at the Biograph in Chicago

Bill Wilson is an alcoholic who realized the help he needed could only come from someone who understood first hand what he was experiencing. After meeting a fellow sufferer of alcoholic addiction, the two realize this process could help others. As a result Bill and 

Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Live at Mr. Kelly’s | Film Review | Podcast

Beginning in the 1950s and ending in the 1970s Mr. Kelly’s on Rush Street was the premiere Chicago nightclub featuring some of the most popular entertainers of the period.

The Newberry Library at 60 West Walton Street, Chicago is launching a new exhibit on March 21, 2024 running through July 20, 2024 that includes scheduled showings of “Live at Mr. Kelly’s” as well as other related programming. For more information visit https://www.newberry.org/calendar/a-night-at-mister-kellys

The documentary film, “Live at Mr. Kelly’s”  directed by Ted Bogosian is about 90 minutes long and jam packed with testimonials and stories from many entertainers including Barbra Streisand, Lily Tomlin, Bob Newhart, Herbie Hancock, Shecky Green, Ramsey Lewis, Bette Midler, The Smothers Brothers, Lainie Kazan, Tom Dreesen, Tim Reed, Mort Sahl and others who while in Chicago called Mr. Kelly’s their home or who attribute their appearance at the local club as a significant contribution to their success.

“Live at Mr. Kelly’s” showcases a bit of Chicago history that with each passing day fades further into obscurity. Thankfully this film has made an effort to stop the clock and capture a snapshot of the past from a few of those who were there to witness it in its heyday.

Listen to our podcast above and check out the film trailer below.

Now available Amazon Prime Video On Demand Apple +

Chief Francis O’Neill of CPD Credited with Saving Irish Folk Music

Chief Francis O’Neill of CPD Credited with Saving Irish Folk Music

Dr. Aileen Dillane of the University of Limerick presents excerpts from her thesis in which she makes the case that the city of Chicago itself is imprinted in the work of Cheif Francis O’Neill who is credited with saving Irish Folk Music through his preservation efforts in the early 20th Century.

Chicago Women in History

Chicago Women in History

March is National Reading Month and National Women’s History Month. Let’s investigate some Chicago Women who have left a mark on our local history and on the world stage. ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com encourages you to investigate the lives and works of many notable Chicago women especially a 

Reclamation of Madison Hemings – Podcast Theater Review

Reclamation of Madison Hemings – Podcast Theater Review

Can you shake loose the pain of the past and reclaim your legacy?  Shortly after the end of the Civil War two former slaves ruminate on their experiences living and working within Monticello, the estate of former President Thomas Jefferson. In doing so they find themselves reunited in spirit with family and friends who lived and died along-side them in bondage providing what little love and support they were able to find in a cruel and oppressive system.

“The Reclamation of Madison Hemings” directed by Chuck Smith is onstage at the American Blues Theater through March 24, 2024.

This theater review by Reno Lovison includes impressions of the ABT’s new home and a recommendations for dining in the area.

Flyover Chicago – Podcast Announcement

Flyover Chicago – Podcast Announcement

Flyover Chicago is a multisensory, multimedia event that includes all of the thrills and excitement of an amusement park ride. The attraction will be taking over the former IMAX Theater location near the entrance to Navy Pier opened on March 1, 2024. Before you head 

Black History Month With a Chicago Perspective

Black History Month With a Chicago Perspective

Go beyond the obvious and celebrate Black History Month by checking out or revisiting some of our posts that deal with the African American experience as it pertains to lesser known contributors in the fields of music, theater, film and history. Regina Harris Baiocchi at 

A Chorus Line – Skokie Theatre Review

A Chorus Line – Skokie Theatre Review

This Madkap Production of “A Chorus Line” at the Skokie Theater, directed by Wayne Mell is on pointe, tapping into the essence of a story of love and dedication to the art of dance.

“A Chorus Line” is an anthology of songs and monologues bringing to light the collective motivations, and inspirations that keep people involved in a mentally and physically demanding occupation that requires intense dedication while offering only rare substantial successes. Through the individual stories and seemingly endless rehearsals we are reminded of the hard work and athleticism required to make moving to music look artful and effortless.

In the song “What I Did For Love,” (music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban) beautifully sung by Diana (Marcela Ossa Gomez), she says of the grueling work and unmet promises “We did what we had to do – – Won’t forget, can’t regret — What I did for love.” In this context it’s the love of the craft, the love of dance.

Click on the player above or click here to listen to the entire review.

CAST: Erin Renee Baumrucker, Elizabeth Bushell, Sean Caron, Luis Del Valle, Emma Drazkowski, Trevor Hendrix, Ben Isabel, Lili Javorka, Khnemu Menu-Ra, Tyler Meyer, Marcela Ossa, Madelynn Oztas, Chandler Paskett, Ben Paynic, Madison Jaffe-Richter, Rae Robeson, Sarah Sapperstein, Jason Sekili, Maddy Shilts, and Whitney  Wolf. Directed by Wayne Mell, Music Direction by Jeremy Ramey, Choreography by Susan Pritzker.