Chicago Lifestyle Podcast & Video Blog
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 …
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 …
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 hall of the recording studio examine their lives while waiting for the prima donna to perform. In true blues tradition each man reveals his inner self through storytelling. In the process there is a good amount of convivial, often dark, humor born of a recognition of similar life experiences and a mutual understanding of shared pain.
Highly recommended — Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom by August Wilson is at The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago through May 3rd, 2026. Runtime is about 2 and a half hours with one intermission. For tickets go to GoodmanTheatre.org visit the Box Office, or call 312.443.3800.
Be sure to listen to the entire review (~6 minutes) at ChicagoBroadcastingNetwork.com where we spotlight Chicago’s arts, culture, and creative community.
CAST: Scott Aiello…Policeman/US Sturdyvant — David Alan Anderson…Cutler — E. Faye Butler…Ma Rainey — Matt DeCaro…Sturdyvent — Marc Grapey…Irvin — Tiffany Renee Johnson…Dussie Mae — Jabari Khaliq…Sylvester — Al’Jaleel McGhee…Levee — Kelvin Roston Jr….Toledo — Cedric Young…Slow Drag
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. …
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 history of the red scare..
SHOW NOTES:
In “Changing Channels” at City Lit Theater in Chicago through April 12, 2026. Maggie Carlin (Kat Evans) and boss Eddie Gilroy (Orion Lay-Sleeper) abruptly learn that creating what will become an iconic TV comedy show is not all fun and games.
Currently appearing on the fledgling DuMont TV network, Gilroy has an offer to move his wildly popular show to CBS. However, his manager, “Bullets” (Johnny Moran) informs him due to suspected communist infiltration of the new television medium CBS is requiring all of its employees to sign a loyalty oath.
Listen to this full podcast (about 7 minutes) to learn more
For additional blacklist information take a look at Marsha Hunt’s Sweet Adversity. on TubiTV.
Special shoutout to Ecodunia.com fair trade fashion items handmade in Kenya.
00:00 Introduction & Setup
00:22 Jackie Gleason & Early TV Context
02:05 The Honeymooners Origins & Maggie Carlin
03:40 The Loyalty Oath Conflict
05:15 The Real Blacklist & Perley Kelton
06:40 Kenny’s Monologue & Supporting Characters
08:05 Themes: Fear, Paranoia & Political Hysteria
09:30 City Lit’s Production & Performances
10:35 Venue Info & Practical Details
11:20 Marsha Hunt Documentary Recommendation
13:05 Ecodunia Mention & Social Impact
14:10 Closing Notes & Subscribe
Enjoy Chicago theater coverage? Subscribe to the Chicago Broadcasting Network podcast and YouTube channel for more reviews and arts commentary.
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 those unfamiliar with the 1886 original story of Jekyll and Hyde – – it is a tale of the strange case of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a fictional 19th century London physician who decides to experiment on himself using psychotropic drugs. In doing so he unleashes his own demon in the person of his alter ego Mr. Hyde.
This musical version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic was originally conceived for the stage by Frank Wildhorn & Steve Cuden with music by Wildhorn and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.
Directed by Derek Van Barham this production features tenor, David Moreland as Jekyll & Hyde who diligently adapts his voice and visage in a physically demanding transformation between each character as he struggles with the opposing forces of good and evil.
After selling out the initial run, Kokandy Productions added eight additional performances through January 10, 2026 at Chopin Theatre, Chicago. Running time is 2 hours and 15 minutes with one intermission. For information and tickets visit kokandyproductions.com
Be sure to listen to the entire podcast review.
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