Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
Three suburban mothers meet to plan the removal of offensive books from the local high school in the world premiere of Adirondack Chair Circle by Chicago playwright Stephanie Alison Walker at Steppenwolf Theatre Company directed by Pam MacKinnon. The women at times voice what might …
City Lit Theater Company presents a powerful presentation of King Hedley II directed by Manny Buckley. The play represents the 1980s chapter of August Wilson’s portrait of African American life across the 20th Century. His words come alive through the efforts of this terrific cast …
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 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.
Available Amazon Prime Video On Demand Apple +
YOU CAN VIEW IT NOW FOR FREE at TUBI.
Have you ever walked through a gallery, studied a face in a painting and wondered who that person is and what their backstory is? In “Sunday in the Park with George” originally produced in 1982, playwright James Lapine partnered with composer lyricist Stephen Sondheim to …
“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 …
In this podcast episode I present my film review as well as share some personal recollections of the Maxwell Street and Halsted shopping district where the music known as Chicago Blues sprang to life. If you want a glimpse at a piece of the not too distant Chicago past, I highly recommend the documentary film “And This Is Free: The Life and Times of Chicago’s Legendary Maxwell Street.”
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 …
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 the scale of many modern blockbusters and might seem a bit old-school to some, comparable to Sondheim or Hammerstein with roots in classical composition and form; but this world premiere musical by Kingsley Day is a well-conceived, well written production with a good balance of drama and humor that includes approachable music and thoughtful clever lyrics all wrapped in an interesting story.
Highly recommended.
Scaramouche is presented by City Lit Theater Company, Chicago. Visit citylit.org for tickets and information.
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CAST:
Ethan Smith ~ André-Louis Moreau, a provincial lawyer, later known as Scaramouche.
Henry Michael Odum ~ The Manager Quintin de Gavrillac, André-Louis’s guardian and Aline’s uncle Pierre Binet, leader of a traveling commedia dell’arte troupe Bertrand des Amis, a fencing master.
Connor Ripperger ~ Philippe de Vilmorin, André’s closest friend The King’s Lieutenant at Redon Léandre, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe Chevalier de Cazalès, a nobleman, A Fencing Pupil.
Shea Lee ~ A Peasant Benoîte, Gavrillac’s maidservant Columbine, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe The Lyon Delegate to the National Assembly.
Laura Michele Erle ~ Aline de Gavrillac, orphaned niece of Quintin de Gavrillac.
Kent Joseph ~ The Marquis de la Tour, a powerful nobleman; The original Scaramouche, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe.
Rushil Byatnal ~ Chevalier de Chabrillane, the Marquis’s nephew, A Revolutionary Speaker Pierrot, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe.
Ed Rutherford ~ Monsieur de Chapelier, a friend of Philippe Harlequin, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe.
India Huy ~ Climène, Binet’s daughter and a member of his theatrical troupe Jacqueline, Madame de Sautron’s maidservant.
Alicia Berneche ~ Madame, a member of the Binet theatrical troupe Madame de Sautron, Aline’s aunt.
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 …
Across from Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Randolph Streets on land donated by Civil War Veterans in 1893 stands what used to be Chicago’s Main Public Library. Re-imagined in 1977 as the Chicago Cultural Center it is host to more than 1,000 …
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.
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