Displaying items by tag: Broadway in Chicago

I absolutely adored Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue directed by Eric Swanson, now playing at Broadway Playhouse. Having grown up in Miami, Florida with my working single mom when the show actually began airing, the Golden Girls have always been a nostalgic favorite for me. The only stage creations I've seen of Golden Girls have all been done in drag by some of the best drag actors and actresses in Chicago, so I was pleasantly surprised with this beautifully casted production to see the fantastic accuracy and sense of humor that came alive in this very funny and fast paced take on our four golden heroes. 

“It’s not an old episode, it’s a brand-new show,” said Vince Kelley, who plays Blanche said in an interview with WTTW. “Sophia is out on bail looking to make money. Rose and Blanche have started a new hookup app for seniors to meet. Through the app, Dorothy finds a younger man and experiences a new romance.” Kelley continued, “Did you watch Sex and the City or Girlfriends? They wouldn’t even exist. There wouldn’t even be that four-character type show without the Golden Girls.”

This new play is based on Golden Girls, the mega-popular TV series about four retired women living together that ran from the mid-eighties through the early nineties. The show helped pave the way for women in leading roles and has gained more and more popularity with generation after generation. The wonderful thing about the original TV show created by the brilliant writers Susan Harris and Paul Junger Witt, is the way it brought to light the problems, pitfalls and joys of aging in ways that were insightful, touching and hilarious. This production which is set in 2023 written by Robert Leleux takes the time to illustrate several important issues facing seniors today.

In this story, Sophia has been arrested for selling marijuana brownies and LSD laced cakes to her fellow senior citizens at the nearby senior assisted living facility and gives a wonderful speech about why she should not be sent to jail for "rolling a few joints for those of her friends who have glaucoma" or selling LSD cakes to otherwise terminally bored and serious seniors who want to get over their fear of death.

Rose and Blanche have created a hugely successful app for "horny seniors" called “Creakin’” because the alert sound is hysterically the sound of creaking bones. The girls hope to pay Sophia’s legal fees with the money they make from the app. Blanche declares with a sexy sigh, "You have no idea how many of them there ARE!!" It's a sound idea, actually. My mother spent eighteen years in various senior facilities and dating of any kind let alone sexual contact within each facility was very difficult and limited by their tiny community and inability to meet new people.

Dorothy just happens to use the app and swipes right on a younger man, Burt, who falls in love with her and offers her a whole new life as a star if she moves to New York with him! Dorothy’s younger love interest’s sincere sexual and intellectual attraction to her is not played off as a joke. It is played as a very exciting and mutually fulfilling meeting of minds and bodies in late life.  

This cast is downright stellar. Vince Kelley as Blanche is mind-blowing. Kelley is an absolute scene stealer with all of Blanche's overt sex appeal and unabashed libertine wildness. Adam Graber is an unbelievably beautiful and adorable Rose recreating with seeming ease and beauty the glorious comic timing of Betty White. Ryan Bernier, as Dorothy, has all of Bea Arthur's dry humor and intelligence and wisdom and even her subtle sexiness down pat while Christopher Kamm as Sophie hits on one-liner after one-liner. The transformation Kamm goes through to take on the role of Sophia in incredible in itself. Also commanding a good number of hearty laughs is Jason Bowen who plays dual roles of both Stanley, Dorothy’s ex-husband, and Burt, her new lover. The entire cast should be awarded for their performances which go beyond camp and into sincere tribute to each of the wonderful actresses who created these evergreen characters, Betty White, Bea Arthur, Estelle Getty and Rue McClanahan.

Yes, it takes great writers to create a show with this kind of universal and lasting appeal, but actresses are so often made to feel that they are replaceable, interchangeable and downright un-castable after the age of 35, and Arthur, White, McClanahan and Getty helped change that.

The degree to which these talented actors have recreated and brought back to life the work of four of the  greatest comediennes of ANY generation moved me so much because it demonstrated that the huge and long lasting success of this show hinged not just on the greatness of its writers, it absolutely was the result of the outstanding work of four actresses, who were always irreplaceable, never interchangeable and eminently castable well into their golden years. 

I highly recommend this production.

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue is being performed at Broadway Playhouse at Water Place through May 26th. For tickets and/or more show information, click here.   

Published in Theatre in Review
Thursday, 01 February 2024 08:53

World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER is On Sale

Tickets for the Chicago world premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER go on sale tomorrow and will run for a limited five-week engagement, April 30 – June 2, 2024, at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL). Ticket prices will range from $33.00 to $113.00 with a select number of premium seats available. The performance schedule and additional ticket information are below.

The Pre-Broadway World Premiere of DEATH BECOMES HER starring Tony Award nominees Megan Hilty (Wicked, Smash) as "Madeline Ashton" and Jennifer Simard (Company, Disaster), as "Helen Sharp", based on the classic 1992 film, is a drop-dead hilarious new musical comedy about friendship, love, and burying the hatchet...again, and again, and again.

Madeline Ashton is the most beautiful actress (just ask her) ever to grace the stage and screen. Helen Sharp is the long-suffering author (just ask her) who lives in her shadow. They have always been the best of frenemies... until Madeline steals Helen's fiancé away. As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that's to die for. After one sip of Viola's magical potion, Madeline and Helen begin a new era of life (and death) with their youth and beauty restored... and a grudge to last eternity.

DEATH BECOMES HER features an original score by Noel Carey and Julia Mattison, a book by Marco Pennette, and music supervision by Mary-Mitchell CampbellDEATH BECOMES HER will be directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Christopher Gattelli.

The design team for DEATH BECOMES HER includes Derek McLane (Sets), Paul Tazewell (Costumes), Justin Townsend (Lights), Peter Hylenski (Sound), Rob Lake (Illusions), Charles LaPointe (Hair & Wigs), Joe Dulude II (Makeup), Ben Cohn (Music Director), and Tara Rubin Casting (Casting).

Additional casting will be announced at a later date.

DEATH BECOMES HER is produced by Universal Theatrical Group (UTG), overseen by Jimmy Horowitz (Chairman of Business Affairs and Operations, NBCUniversal), and led by Chris Herzberger (Senior Vice President, Universal Theatrical Group). UTG's Vice President of Creative Development and Production, Lowe Cunningham, oversees on behalf of UTG.

DEATH BECOMES HER is based on the Universal Pictures film, directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by David Koepp and Martin Donovan. For more information visit: DeathBecomesHer.com.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for DEATH BECOMES HER will go on sale tomorrow and range in price from $33.00 to $113.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday and Wednesday performances are at 7:30 pm with Wednesday matinees at 2:00 pm on May 15, 22 & 29; Thursday, Friday, & Saturday performances are at 7:30 pm with Saturday matinees 2:00 pm on May 11, 18, 25 & 6/1; Sunday performances are at 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm on May 5 & May 12; 5:00 pm on May 19; 2:00 pm on May 26; and 2 pm on June 2. For more information visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT UNIVERSAL THEATRICAL GROUP

Universal Theatrical Group (UTG) is the live theater division of the world-famous motion picture studio. UTG, which oversees both Universal Stage Productions and DreamWorks Theatricals, is currently represented by the record-breaking musical phenomenon Wicked, soon celebrating its 20th smash-hit year on Broadway. Wicked has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide, making it one of the most successful theatrical ventures of all time. In 2008, Universal's musical adaptation of Billy Elliot opened on Broadway and went on to win ten Tony Awards including Best Musical. Universal also produced the Tony-nominated Broadway productions of Bring It On: The Musical and Irving Berlin's Holiday Inn with Roundabout Theatre Company. DreamWorks Theatricals, which became part of UTG in 2016, was formed to develop live entertainment inspired by the studio's acclaimed library of animated films, including the Tony-winning musical adaptation of Shrek and the West End production of The Prince of Egypt

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 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 Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago  #broadwayinchicago

Published in Upcoming Theatre
Friday, 26 January 2024 12:05

CHURCHILL Tickets On Sale Now

Emery Entertainment, Inc. and Broadway In Chicago are excited to announce that CHURCHILL, starring acclaimed actor David Payne, will play a strictly limited engagement at Broadway In Chicago's Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St) from April 3 to April 7, 2024. Tickets for all shows are now on sale, priced at $75.00. Groups of 10 or more may book now by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Broadway In Chicago subscribers may add the show by logging onto their season ticket account. Please visit BroadwayInChicago.com for more details. The performance schedule is below.

Winston Churchill has just been awarded honorary US citizenship by President John F. Kennedy. In recognition of this unprecedented occasion, The American-Oxford Society has asked the former Prime Minister to address them and discuss what this honor means to him.

In this often funny, sometimes touching, and always engaging one-man-show, veteran British actor David Payne brings Churchill to life onstage. Audiences will be delighted to hear of his exploits during the Boer War, his constant battles with Britain's fellow politicians, his special relationship with America and America's presidents. But most telling of all, Churchill enlightens the audience with intimate and touching details of the two special women in his life—his wife Clementine and Queen Elizabeth.

With elements of The Crown and The Darkest Hour, David Payne once again gives audiences an opportunity to spend an evening with one of the greatest historical figures in the world—Sir Winston Churchill.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE                                         

Wednesday        April       3                              1:30 PM

Wednesday        April       3                              7:00 PM

Thursday            April       4                              7:00 PM

Friday                 April       5                              7:00 PM

Saturday             April       6                              2:00 PM

Saturday             April       6                              7:30 PM

Sunday               April       7                              1:30 PM

Sunday               April       7                              6:00 PM

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 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 Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for the all-new production of the Tony Award-winning Broadway Classic, PETER PAN will go on sale on Friday, January 26. PETER PAN takes flight at Broadway In Chicago's James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.) for a limited two-week engagement, March 26 – April 7.

This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is now being brought back to life in a newly-imagined production directed by Emmy Award-winner Lonny Price (Sunset Boulevard, Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill) with additional book by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse (The Thanksgiving Play, What Would Crazy Horse Do?) and choreography by Lorin Latarro (Waitress, The Who's Tommy).

"PETER PAN is one of the great treasures of the American Musical Theatre," said Lonny Price. "The show nurtures and inspires the imagination of its audience and reminds us to keep alive the child within us all."  

"I am thrilled to be part of bringing PETER PAN to life for a new generation," said Larissa FastHorse. "If you loved this musical before, you will still see the show that enchanted you, while discovering a PETER PAN that everyone can enjoy, without harm, for many years to come." 

The adventure begins when PETER PAN and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This extraordinary musical full of excitement and adventure features iconic and timeless songs including "I'm Flying", "I Gotta Crow", "I Won't Grow Up" and "Neverland." PETER PAN embraces the child in us all so go on a journey from the second star to the right and straight on 'til morning - your entire family will be Hooked!  

Based on Sir James M. Barrie's classic tale and originally directed, choreographed, and adapted by Broadway legend Jerome RobbinsPETER PAN features an iconic and unforgettable score by Morris (Moose) Charlap; lyrics by Carolyn Leigh; additional lyrics by Betty ComdenAdolph Green, and Amanda Green; and additional music by Jule Styne

Nolan Almeida will play the iconic role of Peter Pan. An Orange County, California native, Nolan was most recently seen as Crutchie in Newsies at 5-Star Theatricals and was featured in Christmas on Repeat on Hulu. Joining him will be Cody Garcia as Captain Hook, who most recently starred as Willy Wonka in the national tour of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and as Buddy in Elf; Emerson College graduate Hawa Kamara as Wendy; and acclaimed recording artist Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily.

Director Lonny Price is thrilled to introduce Nolan Almeida as the high-flying Peter Pan. "Nolan embodies all the beautiful contradictions of Peter. He's an extraordinarily gifted young actor, a wonderful singer and nothing short of magical. Cody Garcia as Captain Hook is utterly modern, surprising and one of the most engaging actors I've ever worked with."

"I also want to celebrate Hawa Kamara, making her professional debut as Wendy! A wildly charismatic young actress, who's as talented as she is beautiful. And rounding out this sensational group is Raye Zaragoza as Tiger Lily - brilliant multi-faceted recording artist and actress. This company is simply going to blow people away and I cannot wait for audiences across the country to fall in love with each of them."

The full cast is completed by Shefali Deshpande as Mrs. Darling, Kurt Perry as Smee, William Foon and Micah Turner Lee alternate as John, and Reed Epley and Jayden Guarneri alternate as Michael. The ensemble includes Charles Antenen, Jonah Barricklo, Eric Allen Boyd, Christina Hélène Braa, Brandon Gille, Ryan Perry Marks, Michael Marrero, Kenny Ramos, Hannah Schmidt, and Kiara Williams. The swings are Tony Collins, Bailey Frankenberg, Leo Gallegos, and Cheyenne Omani.

PETER PAN is directed by Lonny Price, with additional book by Larissa FastHorse, choreography by Lorin Latarro and flight choreography by Paul Rubin, with music supervision and additional arrangements by Andy Einhorn, and dance arrangements by David Dabbon. The national tour has scenic design by Anna Louizos, costume design by Sarafina Bush, lighting design by Amith Chandrashaker, sound design by Kai Harada, projections by David Bengali, hair & make-up design by J. Jared Janas, fight direction by Rick Sordelet & Christian Kelly-Sordelet, and "Tinker Bell" design by Paul Kieve. The Associate Director is Matt Cowart and the Associate Choreographer is Travis Waldschmidt, with casting by ARC/Duncan Stewart, CSA and additional casting by Michael Donovan Casting. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International. The tour is produced by NETworks Presentations.

The PETER PAN tour is conducted by Jonathan Marro. The stage management team is led by Ashlynn Abbott with Kendall Stevens. The company management team is led by Luke Meyer with Kyle Hess.

Please follow the flight at:  

peterpanontour.com 

Instagram: @PeterPantheMusical 

Facebook: @PeterPanTheBroadwayMusical 

TikTok: @PeterPantheMusical 

#peterpanmusical

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 p.m. (with a Wednesday matinee at 1:00 p.m. on April 3), Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. (with an additional performance on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m.)

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for PETER PAN will go on-sale to the public on Friday, January 26 and range from $35.00 - $105 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 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  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart and Thomas Schumacher, announced today that a newly-reimagined North American tour of Beauty and the Beast will officially open at Broadway In Chicago's Cadillac Palace Theatre in July 2025.

Tickets are now available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. The show will be a part of the 2024 Fall Sale Season. Individual tickets will go on sale at a later date.

"We've heard from audiences for three decades now that Beauty and the Beast has touched them in a profound way - these characters, songs and this sweeping story," said Thomas Schumacher, Chief Creative Officer, Disney Theatrical Group. "How proud we are, then, to bring this refreshed and human take on the show – with the scale and spectacle the title deserves - to longtime fans and an entirely new generation. This Beauty is for them."

Based on the Academy Award®-winning feature film, Beauty and the Beast is one of the most beloved stage musicals of the last half-century.  The Tony Award®-winning Broadway production ran for 13 years (1994 - 2007) and remains one of the Top 10 longest-running Broadway shows. Worldwide, there have been productions in 37 countries, seen by more than 25 million people and translated into 17 different languages.

The new tour will hold technical rehearsals and launch in Schenectady, NY at Proctors in June 2025, prior to the official opening in Chicago, IL at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in July, followed by a stop in Minneapolis, MN at the Orpheum Theatre in August. Casting and the anticipated two-year tour route will be announced at a later date.

Reuniting to create this new production are members of the original Tony Award®-winning artistic team, including composer Alan Menken (who wrote the film's beloved score with the late lyricist Howard Ashman), lyricist Tim Rice, book writer Linda Woolverton, with direction and choreography by Matt West, scenic design by Stanley A. Meyer, costume design by Ann Hould-Ward and lighting design by Natasha Katz.

"We are thrilled to have once again gathered this world-class creative team on Beauty and the Beast, under the masterful direction of original team member Matt West. Together they created a beloved show in 1994, and today they're telling that story with all the charm and romance of the original production, and newly resonant for today's audiences. It's a pleasure to be back in the room with this peerless team as they re-discover and expand Beauty and the Beast," shared Executive Producer Anne Quart.

Critics have raved about the show throughout its history, from its 1994 Broadway premiere through the recent smash U.K. and Australian productions of the newly-reimagined version:

"The astonishments rarely cease! Its lavishness is delirious."

The New York Times

★★★★ "A tale as old as time, but as exhilarating as ever!"

– London Evening Standard

 "A spectacular stage extravaganza!"

 – New York Post

★★★★ "Visual magic...Witty, exuberant with breathtaking choreography."

– Sydney Morning Herald

"You will have the time of your life! All the great songs and great moments are here."

– Good Morning America

★★★★ "Joyously entertaining!"

– London Sunday Express

"The most lavish, opulent, eye-popping show ever!"

New York Daily News

★★★★★ "Full Broadway spectacle."

– London Daily Mail

★★★★★

Sydney Arts Guide

About Disney's Beauty & the Beast

Based on the 1991 Academy-Award winning animated feature film, Disney's Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994 where it was nominated for nine Tony® Awards, winning for Best Costume Design, and ran for 13 years.  It still ranks as one of the longest-running and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time. Since its debut, the title's visibility and success has expanded globally with subsequent productions produced around the world.

The structure and tone of the story and score – as conceived for the 1991 film by its executive producer and lyricist Howard Ashman with a continued evolution for the Broadway adaptation three years later – made Disney history. Only once before – in Menken and Ashman's previous film musical The Little Mermaid – had a Disney film been structured like a stage musical where the songs are integral to plot and characterization. This Menken/Ashman innovation is credited with the 1990's Disney animation renaissance that went on to create such film classics as AladdinThe Lion King and Hunchback of Notre Dame and helped re-introduce the book musical form to popular culture.

Disney's Beauty and the Beast, directed & choreographed by Matt West, features Alan Menken's Academy Award®-winning score, songs by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman (including the Academy Award®-winning title song and the show-stopping "Be Our Guest"), plus songs written especially for the stage by Alan Menken and Tim Rice (including "If I Can't Love Her" and "A Change In Me").   The production features a book by Linda Woolverton, author of the original screenplay.  Sets are by Stanley A. Meyer, costumes by Ann Hould-Ward (Tony Award® winner for Beauty and the Beast) and lighting by Natasha Katz.

New dance music arrangements are by David Chase.  Longtime Menken collaborators Michael Kosarin and Danny Troob are music supervisor/arranger and orchestrator, respectively.

Completing the design team, John Shivers is sound designer, Darrel Maloney is projection & video designer, and David H. Lawrence is hair & make-up designer. Jim Steinmeyer is the illusion designer, as he was on the original 1994 production. Jason Trubitt is the production supervisor and Myriah Bash is the general manager. Anne Quart serves as executive producer.

Previous Disney-produced North American Tours of Beauty and the Beast played for almost eight years from November 1995 through August 2003, for a combined total of 2,893 performances to more than 5.7 million audience members.

For more information, visit beautyandthebeastthemusical.comInstagram and Facebook.

About Broadway In Chicago

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 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 Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.  For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Follow @BroadwayInChicago

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#broadwayinchicago


Published in Upcoming Theatre
Thursday, 18 January 2024 13:27

ON YOUR FEET! Tickets On Sale

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that tickets for the brand new production of the smash-hit musical, ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN, directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado will go on sale on Friday, January 19, 2024. Ticket prices will range from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. This inspiring true story about heart, heritage and two people who believed in their talent—and each other—has already won the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The strictly limited engagement of ON YOUR FEET! will play the CIBC Theatre from Tuesday, March 19 to Sunday, March 24, 2024. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

 

ON YOUR FEET! THE STORY OF EMILIO & GLORIA ESTEFAN is produced by GFour Productions, Evan Bernardin Productions, Salgado Productions, Midnight Theatricals, Jeremiah J. Harris & Alexander Donnelly, Ordinary Magic, Marc David Levine, Sam & Rob Sutton and GRP Entertainment. It is produced through a special license from Theatrical Rights Worldwide, and represented by Columbia Artists Theatricals. This exciting new production is directed and choreographed by Luis Salgado, who performed in the original Broadway production of ON YOUR FEET! and was the Assistant Latin Choreographer of In the Heights on Broadway, which won four Tony Awards®. In May 2022, Salgado directed and choreographed the world premiere of ON YOUR FEET! in Spanish at GALA Hispanic Theatre in Washington D.C. which The Washington Post praised production as "boisterous .. and dreamlike." 

 

"We are absolutely thrilled that our musical will once again be shared with audiences across the United States in this brand-new production of ON YOUR FEET! led by Luis Salgado," Gloria and Emilio Estefan said about today's announcement. "We've had tremendous fun sharing our story on the stage since our show first hit Broadway in 2015 and it is our hope that we can continue to inspire and uplift people with its celebratory message, especially at a time when we all need it so much."

 

Salgado said, "This story exemplifies the American Dream through the eyes and work ethic of Cuban immigrants. The Estefans have given us permission to dare to dream bigger. They allowed their truth to resonate through their music, penetrating all of us, whether you're Latine or not. This joy is a gift we want to give to our audiences."

 

"We are passionate about opening the door of representation on this tour and nurturing a diverse family both backstage and on stage, with creative team members who are joining us from around the world," he added. Several creative team members from the Washington D.C. production will join the national tour.

 

Joining the previously announced Gaby Albo as Gloria Estefan and Samuel Garnica as Emilio Estefan will be Kristen Tarragó as Gloria Fajardo, Max Cervantes as José Fajardo, Adela Romero as Consuelo, Emma Heistand as Rebecca, Sophia Yacap as Young Gloria, and Javier Iván as Young Emilio and Nayib. The ensemble of ON YOUR FEET! includes Camila Aldet, Berny Balbuena, Miguel Flores, Madelin Marchant, Sara McGuire, María Moreras, Luis Obed, Ralphie Rivera De Jesús, Khi'Shawn Robinson, Angelliz M. Rosado Ramos, Glendaliris Torres-Greaux, and Zaiedd Vélez. The swings include Brian Márquez, Matt Rivera and Maya Santiago.

 

The creative team will include Scenic Design by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design by Ryan J. O'Gara, Costume Design by Jeannette Christensen, Video Design by Patrick W. Lord, Sound Design by Diego Garzón, Casting by Kate Lumpkin Casting, Music Direction by Daniel Alejandro Gutierrez, Musical Supervision by Clay Ostwald, Music, Lyrics and Orchestrations by Emilio and Gloria Estefan, Arrangements by Lon Hoyt, Additional Orchestrations and Arrangements by Jorge Casas, Clay Ostwald, and Oscar Hernández

 

ON YOUR FEET!, the exhilarating original musical based on the extraordinary life of 26-time Grammy Award-winning husband-and-wife team Gloria and Emilio Estefan, features a book by Academy Award and Golden Globe winner Alexander Dinelaris and a score featuring music produced and recorded by Emilio & Gloria Estefan & Miami Sound Machine. The score is made up of some of the most loved and iconic songs of the past quarter-century including "Rhythm is Gonna Get You," "Conga," "Get On Your Feet," "Don't Want To Lose You Now," "1-2-3" and "Coming Out of the Dark." Having begun in Chicago in the summer of 2015, ON YOUR FEET! made its Broadway bow that November, played for two years, and received seven Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, three Drama League Award nominations and a Tony Award® nomination for Best Choreography.

 

Originally produced by James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc., Bernie Yuman, Roy Furman, Terry Allan Kramer, Catherine Adler, Caiola Productions, Reg Grove, IPN/Albert Nocciolino, Stewart F. Lane/Bonner Comley, Pittsburgh CLO, Eva Price, Iris Smith, Broadway Across America, Larry Hischhorn/Double Gemini Productions, Marc David Levine/Burnt Umber Productions, Stella La Rue/Lawrence S. Toppall.

 

For more information, visit OnYourFeetMusical.com or FACEBOOK, or INSTAGRAM, OR TIKTOK, OR X, OR THREADS @OnYourFeetBway

 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances will be on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 pm (with a matinee on Wednesday, March 20 at 1:00 pm), and Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (with a matinee on Saturday, March 23 at 2:00 pm and Sunday, March 24 at 1:00 pm).

 

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for ON YOUR FEET! will go on sale tomorrow and range in price from $30.00 to $100.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Published in Upcoming Theatre

Broadway In Chicago is pleased to announce that tickets for the Lincoln Center Theater's critically acclaimed production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY will go on sale on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Ticket prices will range from $27.00 to $98.00 with a select number of premium seats available. The strictly limited engagement will run from Tuesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

Lincoln Center Theater's production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is the winner of 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Revival of a Musical and was nominated for 10 Tony Awards® including Best Musical Revival, 5 Drama Desk Awards including Best Musical Revival and 3 Drama League Awards including Best Musical Revival.

This touring production welcomes Anette Barrios-Torres as Eliza Doolittle, returning cast includes Jonathan Grunert as Professor Henry Higgins, John Adkison as Colonel Pickering, Nathan Haltiwanger as Freddy Eynsford-Hill, Michael Hegarty as Alfred P. Doolittle, Becky Saunders as Mrs. Higgins, Maeghin Mueller takes over the role of Mrs. Pearce, and Christopher Isolano joins the company as Zoltan Karpathy.

The production's ensemble will feature Lauren Emily Alagna, Nick Berke, Evan Bertram, Nicholas Carroll, Shannon Conboy, Ryaan Farhadi, Andrew Fehrenbacher, Kelly Gleason, Jackson Hurt, Michelle Lemon, Derek Luscutoff, Ashton Norris, Jessica Ordaz, Rafa Pepén, Kumari Small, Charlie Tingen, Gill Vaughn-Spencer, John Viso, Gerri Weagraff and Mary Beth Webber.

Adapted from George Bernard Shaw's play and Gabriel Pascal's motion picture PygmalionMY FAIR LADY, with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe, premiered on Broadway on March 15, 1956. The legendary original production won 6 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and ran for 2,717 performances making it, at the time, the longest-running musical in Broadway history.

Boasting a score that contains such now-classic songs as "I Could Have Danced All Night," "Get Me to the Church on Time," "Wouldn't It Be Loverly," "On the Street Where You Live," "The Rain in Spain," and "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face," Lincoln Center Theater's production of MY FAIR LADY was hailed by The New York Times as "Thrilling, glorious and better than it ever was. A marvelous and transformative revival." New York Magazine described it as "Enthralling," adding that "Bartlett Sher's glowing revival proves that a beloved musical from another era can keep on kicking," and Entertainment Weekly raved "A sumptuous new revival of the most perfect musical of all time. A masterful piece of entertainment."

The tour of Lincoln Center Theater's production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY directed by Bartlett Sher with tour direction by Samantha Saltzman features original choreography by Christopher Gattelli with tour choreography by Jim Cooney, and has sets by Michael Yeargan, costumes by Catherine Zuber, lighting by Donald Holder and sound by Marc Salzberg and Beth Lake. Music Supervision is by Ted Sperling, featuring MY FAIR LADY's original musical arrangements by Robert Russell Bennett and Phil Lang, and dance arrangements by Trude Rittman. Tour orchestrations are by Josh Clayton and Larry Blank and music direction is by David Andrews Rogers. Casting by Binder Casting. The stage management team is led by production stage manager Rebecca Radziejeski, alongside assistant stage manager Zoe Steenwyk. James A. Woodard serves as company manager, alongside assistant company manager Abi Steinberg.

The North American tour of Lincoln Center Theater's production of Lerner & Loewe's MY FAIR LADY is produced by Crossroads Live North America.

For more information worldwide, visit www.MyFairLadyonTour.com

Connect with MY FAIR LADY on: Facebook and @MFLonTour on Twitter/Instagram | #MyFairLadyonTour

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Performances will be on Tuesday through Thursday at 7:00 PM (with a matinee on Wednesday, March 13), Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm (with a matinee on Saturday, March 16), and Sunday at 1:00 PM.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for MY FAIR LADY will go on sale tomorrow and range in price from $27.00 to $98.00 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 24 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 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 Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok

Published in Upcoming Theatre
Thursday, 11 January 2024 12:44

PRETTY WOMAN Tickets On Sale

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce that individual tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will go on sale on Friday, January 12. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will play Broadway In Chicago's CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a limited one-week engagement, March 12-17.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL, based on one of Hollywood's most beloved romantic stories of all springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award®-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde).

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL features an original score by Grammy® winner Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance ("Summer of '69", "Heaven"), and a book by the movie's legendary director Garry Marshall and screenwriter J. F. Lawton. PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will lift your spirits and light up your heart. "If you love the movie, you'll love the musical!" (BuzzFeed News).

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL has original scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Gregg Barnes, lighting design by Kenneth Posner and Philip S. Rosenberg, sound design by John Shivers, hair design by Josh Marquette, makeup design by Fiona Mifsud, and music supervision, arrangements, and orchestrations by Will Van Dyke.

Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee's international smash hit song "Oh, Pretty Woman," which inspired the iconic movie. PRETTY WOMAN the film (produced by Arnon Milchan - New Regency Productions) was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990.

PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL is produced on tour by Crossroads Live and is booked by The Booking Group (www.thebookinggroup.com).

This production of PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL was licensed by Music Theatre International, www.mtishows.com.

Atlantic Records' PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL (Original Broadway Cast Recording) is produced by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance and is now available on all DSPs.

For more information visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com

Facebook.com/PrettyWoman | Twitter.com/PrettyWoman | Instagram.com/PrettyWoman/

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday, March 12 at 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13 at 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 16 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 17 at 1:00 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL will go on-sale to the public on Friday, January 12 and range from $30.00 - $100.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more  information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 23 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 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  Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway  Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

Published in Upcoming Theatre
Wednesday, 20 December 2023 17:06

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY is On Sale

Broadway In Chicago and Runaway Entertainment are pleased to announce that individual tickets for Girl From The North Country will be on sale tomorrow, Friday, December 15. Ticket prices will range from $35 - $119 with a select number of premium tickets available. Girl From The North Country will perform a strictly limited engagement from Tuesday, February 13 to Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the CIBC Theatre. Additional ticket information and the performance schedule are below.

It's 1934 in Duluth, Minnesota. We meet a group of wayward travelers whose lives intersect in a guesthouse filled with music, life and hope. Experience this 'profoundly beautiful' production (The New York Times) brought to vivid life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.

ABOUT GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Written and directed by celebrated playwright Conor McPherson and featuring Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Simon Hale, GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY reimagines 20 legendary songs of Bob Dylan as they've never been heard before, including "Forever Young," "All Along The Watchtower," "Hurricane," "Slow Train Coming," and "Like A Rolling Stone." 

The Girl From The North Country acting company includes Alan Ariano (Dr. Walker), David Benoit (Mr. Burke), Ben Biggers (Gene Laine), Paul Blankenship (Offstage Cover), Jennifer Blood (Elizabeth Laine), Ashley D. Brooks (Ensemble), Justin Michael Duval (Ensemble), Rayla Garske (Swing), Matt Manuel (Joe Scott), Kelly McCormick (Ensemble), Sharaé Moultrie (Marianne Laine), Hosea Mundi (Ensemble) Warren Nolan Jr. (Swing), Ali Regan (Swing), Jay Russell (Mr. Perry), John Schiappa (Nick Laine), Chiara Trentalange (Kate Draper), Danny Vaccaro (Swing), Jill Van Velzer (Mrs. Burke), Jeremy Webb (Reverend Marlowe), Aidan Wharton (Elias Burke) and Carla Woods (Mrs. Neilsen). Casting subject to change. 

Girl From The North Country features scenic and costume design by Rae Smith; orchestrations, arrangements, and music supervision by Simon Hale, with additional arrangements by Simon Hale and Conor McPherson; lighting design by Mark Henderson; sound design by Simon Baker; movement direction by Lucy Hind; associate direction by Barbara Rubin; and music direction by Timothy Splain.

Girl From The North Country's Original Broadway Cast Album was a 2022 GRAMMY Award® nominee for "Best Musical Theater Album."

For more information visit www.northcountrytour.com

X: @NorthCountryBwy  ● Facebook: @NorthCountryBroadway  ● Instagram: @northcountrybroadway 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

WEEK ONE

Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Feb 14 at 7:00 pm

Thursday, Feb 15 at 7:00 pm

Friday, Feb 16 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, Feb 17 at 2 pm

Saturday, Feb 17 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, Feb 18 at 1 pm

Sunday, Feb 18 at 6:30 pm

WEEK TWO

Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 7:00 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 1 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7:00 pm

Thursday, Feb. 22 at 7:00 pm

Friday, Feb. 23 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 pm

Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, Feb. 25 at 1 pm

TICKET INFORMATION

Ticket prices range from $35 - $119 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets will be available by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com, or going to any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. Tickets are available for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 23 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 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 Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @broadwayinchicago on FacebookInstagram, and TikTok 

#broadwayinchicago

Published in Theatre in Review
Sunday, 17 December 2023 16:48

STOMP – A DEEP DIVE INTO THE LIFE OF A STOMPER

For three decades, STOMP has captivated crowds with its dynamic percussion beats and mesmerizing performers. The sensational stage show is presently on a National Tour across the United States and has made a stop at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse! By seamlessly combining dance and performance with music generated from ordinary found items like matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, plastic barrels, and even the kitchen sink, STOMP offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience that you absolutely shouldn't overlook.

Buzz Center Stage had the unique opportunity to interview John Gavin, a long-time member of the STOMP cast. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Florida and a master’s degree in music from New York University. He has been with STOMP since 2017.

Drummer/percussionist John Gavin stars in STOMP now being performed at Broadway Playhouse.

John, thank you for agreeing to this interview. How did you get involved in STOMP?

Sure. I took an audition for STOMP in 2017 in New York. I had recently moved to New York the year before to start grad school at New York University. Halfway through the year my professor sent out an email to the percussion studio saying the producers were holding auditions at the theater, and strongly encouraged the percussion studio to audition. I knew a performer who had previously been part of the show, and thanks to the NYU network, I managed to connect with them. They shared insights about the show, highlighted key aspects to focus on during the audition, and provided some helpful pointers. Despite the guidance, I had to put in the effort, attend the audition, and showcase my abilities. The support from NYU's alumni network and community played a significant role in facilitating the entire process. I auditioned and progressed through multiple rounds of the audition process. They had me work with additional props to see how well I did as well as in different situations with different performers to stretch my ability to adapt and think ahead and retain information. From that audition process, I moved through the rounds and got offered a rehearsal contract where I was taught the show by rote and learned piece by piece from the training cast. They taught me the parts of the show and I learned my role while still getting evaluated. This happens before you get put into a show.

You're finally put into a show after weeks and months from the very first audition. It takes a long time to get it into your body and learn the choreography and learn the music. If you're lucky enough to have made it that far, you'll keep developing your show and keep honing your craft. And I've been doing that since 2017, still learning new roles and learning new characters, still having just as much fun as the first day I picked up a broom.

So, the show evolves on a regular basis?

That's the thing. It will start with an idea. They will start an idea with a prop or an object, and how can we make sound out of this? Where is the sound? And then from that sound, how can we elaborate on it? How can we change it? How can we make it more interesting? What are other ways we can play it or flip it or spin it, or exhaust all the sound capabilities and visual capabilities of that object into the show? And that's what keeps people engaged. If they're longtime fans of the show, if they see it again, they'll see these new props. We have two new numbers since the last time we were in Chicago. Even the old numbers are always getting edited if a new performer comes in and maybe puts their own spin on it.  That's how the show has new life and every generation that comes in, every new cast will have their own background and have their own experiences that they will put into the show as well. And that keeps it fresh.

Great. The show seems very energetic. A lot of energy is expended on stage. Do you have any kind of workout regime to keep your energy up?

We put a lot of emotion and passion into the show because first and foremost. We have a lot of fun with it. We really love our jobs. We really love bringing this kind of art form to the people of Chicago, to the people of the United States, Canada and Mexico. As soon as I get on stage or as soon as the lights come up, or as soon as I hear the music, I can't explain it, but it still gives me energy.

These same rhythms I've been hearing for years that I've been playing for years are just as exciting as the first time I heard them.

For me and other performers going to the gym, lifting weights, running, a lot of stretching, and yoga or maybe Pilates helps the body move more naturally and ergonomically in the show. I like to go to the gym at whatever hotel we're staying at and lift weights. Nothing too extreme of course, but something to allow me to build up a little bit of strength and stamina and endurance so that when I get into the show, my body is not totally exhausted. I still always want to have a little gas in the tank for the very end of the show. It builds and climaxes in this big number that I still must have something to give. Musically, I'm always practicing. I always travel with my drumsticks and drum pad.  I have a bunch of books with different exercises, and I play with the metronome. I'm always working my hands.

That's always a part of my routine, it keeps me focused and interested and always trying to develop new things, like I'm going to try a new stick trick tonight, or I'm going to try playing a different solo. Keeping it interesting for us as a performer also makes it feel fresh.

Tell me, who are some of the people you look up to, the people that molded you?

For sure. Well, first and foremost, I've always had a great family. I was blessed with two loving parents and an amazing sister who always instilled love in my life and made the world feel so accepting, loving and fun. Even with my extended family, my aunts and uncles, I'm very close with my cousins. I still have a grandmother and I love every moment that I get to share with her. The foundation I had growing up with allowed me to go at life without really being afraid of anything because I knew I had their love and support no matter what.

From there, I've been blessed with some amazing educational opportunities. I've had some great teachers in my day from English class, even to math class, music and band. I had some great professors in college that really expanded my mind and repertoire and abilities and really pushed me in the right way.  I attribute all the knowledge I have to any teacher that was patient enough with me and was able to give me a chance to see my potential. Having a good teacher is pivotal or having a good mentor as we grow up is important for young people. My cast, I feel very lucky to be working with them. It doesn't feel like work. It feels like fun because they're laughing and we're having a good time with each other. We're playing off each other's choices on stage, and it really feels like a family and a community.

 

How long is this tour and how do you manage being on tour for so long?

Sure. Oh, I'd also like to say I have a wife. I got married last year. I have an amazing support system in my wife that also answers this next question. Her love and acceptance for what I do and her patience with my career is also extremely pivotal and important in my life to give me that backbone and give me that foundation. We started the tour in October, and we're going until the middle of June. This is long as far as STOMP tours go in North America, hitting various cities, both big and small from both coasts, a couple of cities in Canada as well, we're really looking forward to being with our northern neighbors.

We'll have what we call layoffs. So, for example, after this run here in Chicago, we're all being sent back home to our point of origin, which is different for each cast member. Some of us are from New York City, like me, some are from San Diego, some are from Fort Lauderdale, some are from North Carolina... At home, different people will do different things. Some people will take a break to rest their mind and body. Some of us might pick up some temp work. I like to teach and spend time in classrooms on my time off. Some people will practice or can continue to network during those times off. And it's typically about a week or two weeks, and it's a great time to kind of connect with loved ones and allow yourself to heal and freshen up and get a lot of errands and chores done.

It can be hard. Traveling is tough on the body. Air travel can be stressful nowadays. We are often on the bus for a long time if the cities are a far distance. In a lot of cramped quarters, making sure that you don't lose anything. You're bringing a lot of your valuables with you, passports, laptops, these things can get lost or stolen. That all adds to the stress of tour life and it's on you. Even though we're traveling as a company, and a company does a great job at taking care of that, you still must navigate a new city. You must be safe and thoughtful about your surroundings. During those layoffs, it is nice to reset and take a breath for yourself before you go out for maybe another six or eight weeks or however long it is.

Sounds interesting.

But it's an adventure too. It's an adventure, which makes it fun and gives life, because we all know it's not forever. We can't do this until we retire. There's no way. It's too hard on the body. So, all of us are very grateful, myself included, for these opportunities, for these moments and connections. We’re really looking forward to our time here in Chicago.

You mentioned something I find interesting, what do you plan on doing after STOMP?

Great question. Yeah, so I still have a lot of dreams and music and goals within music. I still have a whole career ahead of me in terms of performing arts. On the other side of that, I'm really interested in teaching. I have a degree in education. I think education is very important in our society and in daily life, and I have a great respect for it and admiration for great teachers and the work they do. So, I would also like to be a part of that, and hopefully one day have my own classroom and have my own private studio and have my own set of students that I can shape and mold and impact in a positive way for them to go and take something in their life and make something special on their own. That's another project that's down the road, but what I'm hoping to continue after STOMP.

That's beautiful, John. Thank you so much. Have a wonderful tour. Happy holidays to you, your family, and your friends.

Don't miss STOMP!

When: Through Dec 31, 2023

Where: Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place

Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes – no intermission

Tickets: $35-$80                    

https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/shows/stomp/

Published in Theatre in Review
Page 2 of 5

 

 

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