Displaying items by tag: Musical theatre

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to invite high schools across the State of Illinois to participate in the 16th Annual Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards (IHSMTA). The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards celebrate excellence in high school theatre throughout the State of Illinois.

Beginning today, Wednesday, September 9, at 10AM, high school educators may fill out a School Application form to become an IHSMTA participating high school. Application details and program rules and regulations can be found at www.ihsmta.com. Broadway In Chicago encourages all Illinois Public and Private High Schools to apply; however, School Applications will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, and may close early based on demand. The deadline to submit School Applications for the 2027 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards is Wednesday, September 16, 2026.

Eligible schools must adhere to the following in order to qualify as a participating high school:

• The High School must be located in the State of Illinois
• Musical productions must take place between September 24, 2026 and April 18, 2027 to be adjudicated
• The musical production must be a full-length musical listed on The Jimmy Awards® (also known as The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®) Qualifying Show List in order to be eligible

Important Dates
School Applications Available: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10AM
School Applications Due: Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 11:59PM
IHSMTA Ceremony Date: May 17, 2027
The Jimmy Awards®: Summer 2027

This year’s categories include Best Performer in an Actor Role, Best Performer in Actress Role, Best Production, Best Direction, Best Ensemble, and Backstage Champion. Twenty-four nominees (12 in each Best Performance category) will perform on stage at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) and compete in front of a panel of industry professionals.

From the twenty-four nominees, two Illinois award recipients will go on an all-expense paid trip to New York City to represent the State of Illinois at The Jimmy Awards® and participate in a 10-day long theatre intensive of coaching and rehearsals with industry professionals in preparation for a one-night-only showcase on a Broadway stage, where a panel of judges selects the nation’s top performers. The Jimmy Awards® are named after legendary Broadway theater owner and producer James M. Nederlander. Broadway In Chicago is a Nederlander presentation and is excited be a part of a network of theatres across the country participating in The Jimmy Awards®

The 2026 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award recipients were Logan Arroyo of Lincoln-Way East High School in Frankfort, IL (Best Performer in an Actor Role), Jane Nuich of Maine South High School in Park Ridge, IL (Best Performer in an Actress Role), Coal City High School for their production of DISNEY’S FROZEN (Best Production), Dunlap High School for their production of GUYS AND DOLLS (Best Ensemble), Rob Boncosky for his direction of Cary-Grove High School’s production of URINETOWN (Best Direction), and Navion Curry of Belvidere North High School for his achievement in the field of Stage Management (Backstage Champion).

The Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards have proven to be a steppingstone for young performers, with several appearing in Broadway & National Touring productions:
 

• Nathan Salstone (2012 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his professional Broadway debut in HARRY POTTER & THE CURSED CHILD, appeared in the National Tour of HADESTOWN, and was most recently seen in the 2023 revival of SWEENEY TODD on Broadway.
• Kyrie Courter (2012 IHSMTA Nominee) made her Broadway debut in the 2023 revival of SWEENEY TODD.
• Christopher Kelly (2012 & 2013 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in February 2026, joining the Broadway cast of CHICAGO.
• John Clay III (2013 IHSMTA Best Actor) made his professional Broadway debut in CHOIR BOY and originated the role of Jesse Webb in the original Broadway cast of NEW YORK, NEW YORK in 2023. He was last seen as Booker T. Washington in the Broadway revival of RAGTIME.
• Reagan Pender (2013 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Kaitlin Feely (2014 & 2016 IHSMTA Nominee) appeared in Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre's Chicago Premiere of TITANIQUE as understudy for Céline Dion, Molly Brown, Rose, and Background Vocalist in 2025. In 2026, she joined the national tour of BEETLEJUICE as Barbara Maitland where she is currently touring.
• Jack Cahill-Lemme (2016 IHSMTA Best Actor) launched the first North American tour of MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL, which premiered in Chicago in 2022, and made his professional Broadway debut in the Broadway production in Summer 2023, through the show’s closing in August 2026.
• Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) appeared in the national tour of HADESTOWN in 2022 & 2023.
• Clare Kennedy McLaughlin (2016 IHSMTA Nominee) starred in Broadway In Chicago and Porchlight Music Theatre's Chicago Premiere of TITANIQUE as Céline Dion in 2025.
• Haley Gustafson (2016 & 2017 IHSMTA Nominee) made their Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Zachary Keller (2016 IHSMTA nominee) launched the first North American tour of WATER FOR ELEPHANTS as Jacob Jankowski in 2026, where he is currently touring.
• Wren Rivera (2017 IHSMTA Nominee) made their Broadway debut in JAGGED LITTLE PILL in 2021.
• Joy Woods (2018 IHSMTA Finalist) made her Broadway debut in March 2022, joining the Broadway cast of SIX. She originated the role of Middle Allie in the original Broadway cast of THE NOTEBOOK: THE MUSICAL in 2024, and appeared as Louise in the 2025 Broadway revival of GYPSY, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award® for Best Performance by an Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical.
• Andrew Tufano (2018 IHSMTA Nominee) made his Broadway debut in the 2024 revival cast of THE WHO’S TOMMY.
• Justin O’Brien (2018 IHSMTA Nominee) appeared in the National Tour of MEAN GIRLS in 2023. He made his Broadway debut in October 2025, joining the cast of DEATH BECOMES HER.
• Mike Bindeman (2019 IHSMTA Nominee) launched the First National Tour of THE CHER SHOW as Gregg Allman/John Southall. In December 2023. He joined the first National Tour of BACK TO THE FUTURE as George McFly in December 2024.
• Sierra Fermin (2019 IHSMTA Finalist) made her Broadway debut in December 2023, joining the Broadway cast of SIX where she is still performing.
• Jacob Simon (2019 IHSMTA Best Actor) joined the National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF in 2022.
• Jason Schmidt (2019 IHSMTA Finalist) made his Broadway debut in April 2024, originating the role of Sodapop Curtis in the original Broadway cast THE OUTSIDERS.
• Josh Fermin (2022 IHSMTA Best Performer in An Actor Role Runner-Up) joined the first National Tour of & JULIET in 2025.

Other Illinois winners and students have also been successful at The Jimmy Awards®:

• Jonah Rawitz (2014 IHSMTA Best Actor) was awarded the 2014 Jimmy Award® for Best Performance by an Actor.
• Cecilia Trippiedi (2016 IHSMTA Best Actress) was awarded the 2016 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer.
• Nate Garner (2017 IHSMTA Student Reporter) was selected in 2017 as one of the first ever Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters.
• Darian Goulding (2018 IHSMTA Best Actor) was a 2018 Jimmy Award® finalist.
• Jacob Simon (2019 IHSMTA Best Actor) was the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award from The Jimmy Awards®.  
• Nicole Scimeca (2024 IHSMTA Student Reporter) was selected as one of The 2024 Jimmy Awards® Student Reporters.
• Jamaur Houston (2025 IHSMTA Best Performer in an Actor Role) was awarded the 2025 Jimmy Award® for Best Dancer.

The participating high schools involved in the program are given opportunities to see Broadway In Chicago shows and receive invitations to special events throughout the year. In years past, students have performed with the casts of DEAR EVAN HANSEN, HAMILTON, DR. SEUSS’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, HADESTOWN, THE SOUND OF MUSIC, THE OUTSIDERS and SUFFS at Broadway In Chicago’s Summer Concert at Millennium Park, and performed with HAMILTON Chicago Company’s Miguel Cervantes (Alexander Hamilton) at the Illinois Bicentennial Birthday Party at Navy Pier. Nominees also performed at the first Sundays On State, the Chicago Loop Alliance activation inviting people back to the Loop after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021.

The Broadway In Chicago Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards E-Press Kit is available HERE.
For more information on the awards and complete rules and regulations, visit www.IHSMTA.com

ABOUT THE JIMMY AWARDS®
The Jimmy Awards®/The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (NHSMTA®) is a celebration of student achievement in high school musical theatre across the country, spotlighting the next generation of Broadway talent. The program impacts over 180,000 students who participate in 58 regional high school musical theatre competitions sponsored by presenters of touring Broadway productions throughout the United States. Named for Broadway impresario James M. Nederlander, the program has been the catalyst for more than $9,000,000 in educational scholarships since its launch in 2009, and over 90 alumni have performed on Broadway and in National Tours. Presented by The Broadway League Foundation, Inc., the NHSMTA invites two nominees from each local regional ceremony to New York City for a rigorous theatre intensive that includes coaching sessions, training, and rehearsals led by some of Broadway’s most accomplished professionals. Nominees will spend ten days in New York City in June of 2027, and their experience will culminate in an extraordinary talent showcase performed live in front of an audience on a Broadway stage. For more information, please visit www.JimmyAwards.com.

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Sound, Production & Lighting (SPL)
SPL is a full-service event production and system installation company. We provide production services for corporate meetings, galas and fundraising parties, marketing activations, and anything between – we’re always up for a challenge. We offer permanent installation services for a variety of venues in fields such as live performance, education, worship, and hospitality. Our goal for any project is to provide an unparalleled experience and service. www.splchicago.com 

Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom
Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom has been Chicagoland's trusted destination for kitchen and bath design for over 80 years. Located in Buffalo Grove, our 15,000 square foot showroom features hands-on displays of faucets, tubs, showers, vanities, cabinetry, and more — all guided by a team of designers with decades of experience. Whether you're planning a full remodel or a simple refresh, Banner Kitchen & Bath Showroom's knowledgeable staff helps homeowners and professionals find the perfect products for every space and budget. Learn More at bannerplumbing.com/showroom/. Remodel Like You Mean It.

Jennifer Heim Photography
Jennifer Heim Photography specializes in live stage, rehearsal, and headshot photography. Having shot over 900 productions and countless headshots, Jennifer is able to capture the emotion of a scene and create images that portray character depth and beautiful lighting design. Being a director and choreographer, she can anticipate blocking and movement to capture the best moments of your production for IHSMTA submissions. You want your students to stand out in their college auditions. Jennifer teaches them how to be in front of the camera to perfectly capture their personality for college auditions. www.JenniferHeimHeadshots.com

Downstage Arts
Downstage Arts is a Chicago nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of performers through high quality, accessible arts training and mentorship. Our flagship program, The Teen Cohort, provides high school junior and seniors with free mentorship and professional coaching through the college audition and application process. From school research to decision day, students receive individualized guidance, artistic training, and a supportive community. We are proud to have 100% college placement. Learn more at Downstagearts.org.

Butterfly Productions
Founded in 2017, Butterfly Productions is a boutique, full-service creative photo and video production agency based in Chicago, IL. We specialize in crafting visually compelling content that tells powerful stories and elevates brands. Over the years, we’ve grown from a small production team into a dynamic creative partner, offering a wide range of production services, including commercial shoots, branded content, documentaries, aerial drone visuals, corporate projects and social media campaigns. Our capabilities go beyond the lens- with in-house talent in original music composition, scriptwriting, storyboarding, and concept development, we bring a holistic approach to every project. Whether you’re a brand, non-profit, agency, or individual creator, we work closely with you to turn your vision into high-impact visuals that resonate. To learn more, visit butterflyproductions.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 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™.
For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
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The hilarious musical parody Menopause the Musical® is on a 25th Anniversary National Tour this fall, and Aurora’s Paramount Theatre is the only Chicago-area stop, one-show-only, Saturday, October 17 at 3 p.m.

What better way to celebrate National Menopause Awareness Month in October, than gathering your favorite gal pals to enjoy the best feel good cure-all of all: a healthy dose of comedy.

In Menopause the Musical, four women at a lingerie sale have nothing in common but a black lace bra AND memory loss, hot flashes, night sweats, not enough sex, too much sex and more. Set to classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s, this hilarious musical parody will have audiences cheering and dancing in the aisles. 

Join the party and see what more than 15 million women and fans worldwide have been laughing about for 25 years - this uproariously funny celebration of women and “The Change.”

Paramount Theatre is located at 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, with easy, affordable parking and plenty of new restaurants nearby. Tickets to Menopause the Musical are $40-$70*. For tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., or until show time on show days. For group discounts, contact Melissa Striedl, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (630) 723-2461. 

The award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the cast and creative team of the first mainstage production of its 32nd season, Little Shop of Horrors, directed by Porchlight's Elaine Cohen and Arlen Ruben Artistic Director, Michael Weber with choreography by Nataki Rennie and music direction by David Fiorello. The first fully staged production presented in Porchlight's new home, the historic Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave, runs November 4 - December 13, 2026. 

For more than four decades, this Tony Award-winning musical has delighted millions of fans around the world with the funny and frightening story of the shy shop assistant, his coworker crush and a mysterious, carnivorous plant. Written by the powerhouse team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast and Aladdin), Little Shop of Horrors takes audiences on a wild trip where love and world domination meet at a Skid Row floral shop.

The cast of Little Shop of Horrors features (in order of appearance) Kiana Beverly  (Chiffon), Donnalesly Fondjo  (Crystal), Aneesah Jemei  (Ronnette), Andrew Linden  (Seymour Krelborn), Steve McDonagh  (Mr. Mushnik), Alina Taber*  (Audrey), Juwon Tyrel Perry* (Audrey II - Voice), Josh Bernaski  (Audrey II - Puppeteer) and Adam Fane*  (Orin Scrivello, DDS, and Everybody Else).

Stand-by understudies are (in alphabetical order) Daryn Alexus (Stand-by Understudy Chiffon, Ronnette and Crystal), Erline Dorcy (Stand-by Understudy Chiffon, Ronnette and Crystal), Tyler Ehrenberg  (Stand-by Understudy Audrey II - Puppeteer), Niki-Charisse Franco (Stand-by Understudy Audrey II - Voice) Sam Hook (Stand-by Understudy Seymour Krelborn) and Grace Reidenauer (Stand-by Understudy Audrey).

The creative team includes Rachel West (production manager), Jonathan Berg-Einhorn  (scenic and properties designer), Gregory Graham  (costume designer), Max Maxin IV+  (lighting designer) and Matthew Chase (sound designer/sound supervisor), Kevin Barthel  (wig designer), Bill Walters*  (stage manager), Katie Nowak  (assistant stage manager) Nick Peebles  (scenic supervisor), Kristi Martens  (costume supervisor), Riley Woods (lighting supervisor), Cecelia Chan  (Assistant Properties Designer), Tristin Hall  (intimacy / violence designer) and Linda Madonia  (company manager).

*Member of Actor's Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers

+United Scenic Artists (Local USA 829), the union of professional designers, artists and craftspeople in the entertainment industry.

"Bringing Little Shop of Horrors to the Biograph Theater is an extraordinary moment in the history of Porchlight Music Theatre," said Weber. "This historic space has such a rich and fascinating connection to Chicago, and we're thrilled to begin a new chapter for Porchlight by making the Biograph our home for this season. Little Shop of Horrors is the perfect show to launch this adventure: it's wildly entertaining, deliciously dark and filled with unforgettable music, while the Biograph also offers the theatrical intimacy our audiences have come to love. We're especially excited to welcome two terrifically talented leading actors making their Porchlight debuts as "Seymour" and "Audrey". We can't wait to introduce them to our audiences, welcome everyone into the Biograph and experience this beloved musical together in this comfortable and gracious new setting."

The Little Shop of Horrors performance schedule is Wednesday, Thursday and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Little Shop of Horrors is included in Porchlight's 2026-2027 subscription series, available at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org. Single tickets are reserved seating and are on sale for $28 - $98 at PorchlightMusicTheatre.org or by calling the Porchlight box office at 773-777-9884.

ABOUT ANDREW LINDEN, "Seymour Krelborn"

Andrew Linden is thrilled to be making his Porchlight Music Theatre debut, as well as his first show in Chicago! Before moving from Madison, Wisconsin, he appeared in shows with Forward Theater, Children's Theater of Madison and Capital City Theatre. He is so excited to be in the city and wants to thank his friends, family, partner Tess, and cat Gilda.

ABOUT ALINA TABER, "Audrey"

Alina Taber is thrilled to be making her Porchlight Music Theatre debut. Recent credits include: Brokeback Mountain (Chicago Shakespeare Theater), Anthony Rapp: Home for the Holidays (Lookingglass Theatre), Picnic, Winter's Tale (American Players Theatre),  The Lord of the Rings – A Musical Tale  (International tour and original American cast; Te Civic, Auckland NZ and Chicago Shakespeare Theater), A Streetcar Named Desire (Paramount Theatre), Beautiful: The Carole King Musical (Marriott Theatre), Grease (Drury Lane Theatre), and Once (Writer's Theatre). In TV and Film, Alina was a recurring character on the One Chicago shows (Lexi Olinsky). As a cabaret singer and print model, she can be seen throughout Illinois performing or pretending to be a gambling addict on bus stop ads, billboards, and casino pamphlets. IG: @alinajeninetaber

ABOUT JUWON TYREL PERRY, "Audrey II" - voice

Juwon has always been drawn to stories that sing, surprise, and leave a mark. For more than twenty years, Little Shop of Horrors has done exactly that. Porchlight Music Theatre audiences may recognize Juwon from Spring Awakening, Broadway in Your Backyard (Seasons 1 & 2), and the Chicago Sings series. His work has also been seen at Goodman Theatre, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Geva Theatre, and the Tony Award-winning Court Theatre, among others. Beyond the stage, Juwon's cinematic reinterpretations of beloved songs have built an audience of more than 100,000 followers across social media, with performances reaching millions of viewers worldwide. Connect with him on Instagram and TikTok @juwontyrelperry.

ABOUT ADAM FANE, "Orin Scrivello, and everyone else"

Adam is thrilled to return to Porchlight Music Theatre with this seminal classic. Porchlight credits: "Jack Dawson" in Titanique! and "Tony Elliot" in Billy Elliot. Other credits include: Disney's The Little Mermaid (MUNY); Rock of Ages (National Tour); Salome & Medea (Lyric Opera); Frozen, The Full Monty, Into The Woods and The Producers (Paramount Theatre) Jim Henson's Emmet Otter (Studebaker); Ms. Blakk for President (Steppenwolf); Shrek the Musical, Gypsy, and Ride the Cyclone (Chicago Shakes); First Date (Royal George); Sex Tips (Chicago & Edinburgh Fringe); Jersey Boys, Spamalot, Pippin, and Avenue Q (Mercury Theater). Film: Canal Street. TV: Chicago PD. IG: @almostfanemous

ABOUT MICHAEL WEBER, director

Michael Weber is a nationally recognized, award-winning director, producer, actor and educator. Previous Porchlight productions include Follies, Sunday in the Park with George, Anything Goes, Cabaret, Sunset Boulevard, Gypsy and Merrily We Roll Along. He recently directed the London premiere of Call Me Elizabeth and the Off-Broadway and European premieres of Shake it Away: The Ann Miller Story, both written by and starring Kayla Boye. Under his artistic leadership, Porchlight Music Theatre was awarded Chicago's Jeff Award for "Best Production" six times. He previously served as artistic director for the inaugural season of Chicago's Drury Lane Theatre Water Tower Place (now Broadway in Chicago's Broadway Playhouse) and at Theatre at the Center in Munster, Indiana. The recipient of two Joseph Jefferson Awards, he has been nominated for nine awards and he wrote and directed 14 Joseph Jefferson Awards ceremonies (2006-2018). Weber's regional acting credits include The Merry Widow (starring Renée Fleming) at Lyric Opera, Annie Get Your Gun and Gypsy (both starring Patti LuPone) at Ravinia Festival, The Winter's Tale and Henry V at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and more. A board member of The League of Chicago Theatres, he is author of the play WAR of the WELLeS (about Orson Welles' infamous radio broadcast) and he is a longtime pledge host for PBS station WTTW Channel 11.

ABOUT NATAKI RENNIE, choreographer

Nataki Rennie is beyond excited to be back at Porchlight Music Theatre! Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Nataki is a graduate of the musical theatre dance concentration program at the Chicago College of Performing Arts. Recent Chicagoland theatre credits include Beautiful the Carole King Musical at Drury Lane Theater, and White Christmas at the Marriott Theatre. She was previously seen on the Porchlight stage in Anything Goes, and in previous Chicago Sings productions. In her free time, she enjoys thrift shopping, creative writing and laughing with loved ones. Nataki would like to thank all of her family, friends and teachers for their love and support. IG: @nataki__

ABOUT DAVID FIORELLO, music director

David Fiorello is an Equity Jeff Award-winning Music Director, Director, Playwright and Performer who is no stranger to Porchlight Music Theatre. His work at PMT has spanned multiple seasons of Chicago Sings, New Faces Sing Broadway, Porchlight Revisits series, ICONS galas and special events, as well as MDing the Mainstage productions of Gypsy, Blues in the Night, and most recently, The Irish...And How They Got That Way. Chicago & Regional credits include work at The Goodman, Steppenwolf, Chicago Shakes, Drury Lane, The Fulton Theatre, and Maine State Music Theatre. David is the Founder & Artistic Director of The Beautiful City Project, using the tool of musical theatre to raise funds for charity. He also heads up Fiorello Studios, a premier vocal coaching studio in Chicago, as well as the Music Theatre program with the International Lyric Academy in Vicenza, Italy. David sends continual and undying love to his warrior wife Sarah. https://www.fiorellostudios.com/

ABOUT PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE

Porchlight Music Theatre, now in its 31st season, is the award-winning center for music theatre in Chicago. Through live performance, youth education and community outreach, we impact thousands of lives each season, bringing the magic of musicals to our theatre home at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast and to neighborhoods across the city. Porchlight has built a national reputation for boldly reimagining classic musicals, supporting new works and young performers, and showcasing Chicago's most notable music theatre artists, all through the intimate and powerful theatrical lens of the "Chicago Style."

Porchlight's history over nearly three decades includes more than 70 mainstage works with 15 Chicago premieres and five world premieres.

Porchlight's education and outreach programs serve schools, youth of all ages and skill levels and community organizations. Porchlight annually awards dozens of full scholarships and hundreds of free tickets to ensure accessibility and real engagement with this uniquely American art form.

The company's many honors include 178 Joseph Jefferson Award (Jeff) nominations and 49 Jeff awards, as well as 44 Black Theatre Alliance (BTA) nominations and 15 BTA awards. In 2019, Porchlight graduated to the Large Theatre tier of the Equity Jeff Awards and has been honored with seven awards in this tier to date including Best Ensemble for Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies (2019) and Best Production-Revue for Blues in the Night (2022).

Through the global pandemic, Porchlight emerged as one of Chicago's leaders in virtual programming, quickly launching a host of free offerings like Sondheim @ 90 Roundtables, Movie Musical Mondays, Porchlight by Request: Command Performances and WPMT: Classic Musicals from the Golden Age of Radio. In 2021, Porchlight launched its annual summer series, Broadway in your Backyard, performing at parks and venues throughout the city which continues this summer.

This new staging of Mean Girls the Musical, now playing at Paramount Theatre in Aurora’s downtown theatre district, brings Tina Fey’s sharp, culturally defining high-school satire to the stage with a pop-infused score and a contemporary theatrical energy that reframes the familiar story for a new generation - and they do a pretty fetch job with it. What this production captures especially well is the all-too-well-known rush of being thrown back into the fiercely competitive atmosphere of high school all over again - the crowded hallways, the shifting alliances, the way a single rumor can tilt the entire school social landscape. The staging at Paramount Theatre makes those dynamics feel immediate, almost uncomfortably recognizable, reminding audiences how quickly the desire to fit in can override better judgment. It’s funny, sharp, and just self-aware enough to let you laugh at the chaos while remembering exactly what it felt like to navigate it.

The plot follows Cady Heron (Elizabeth Stenholt), a teenager who moves from Kenya to suburban Chicago and enters North Shore High School after years of being homeschooled. She quickly discovers that the school operates on a rigid social hierarchy, narrated with biting humor by Janis Sarkisian (Lucy Godínez) and Damian Hubbard (Steven Klenk), who guide her through the cliques and warn her about the most powerful group: The Plastics. Regina George (Dariana Mullen), Gretchen Wieners (Angel Alzeidan), and Karen Smith (Julia Hope Budd) rule the school with a mix of charm, intimidation, and ruthless social strategy, and when Regina unexpectedly invites Cady into their circle, she is pulled into a world of manipulation, gossip, and carefully curated popularity. Janis, who has a long-standing feud with Regina, convinces Cady to infiltrate The Plastics and report back on their behavior, setting off a chain of choices that gradually erode Cady’s sense of self as she begins adopting Regina’s tactics and losing sight of her own values.

Paramount’s “Plastics” are played by (from left) Julia Hope Budd as Karen Smith, Dariana Mullen as Regina George and Angel Alzeidan as Gretchen Wieners.

One of the production’s most “wow” moments comes when The Plastics first appear, silhouettes poised atop the school stairway before descending like rock stars - a clever, high-impact entrance that instantly sets the tone.

Central to the musical’s conflict is the Burn Book, a scrapbook created by The Plastics and filled with photos of classmates alongside handwritten insults, rumors, and secrets. It’s a private weapon of social destruction, and when Regina discovers Cady’s betrayal, she detonates it by releasing the book to the entire school, planting a fake insult about herself so she appears innocent. The fallout sparks a chaotic riot among the junior class, forcing Principal Duvall (Austin Nelson Jr.) to intervene and leading to a school-wide reckoning. 

Mean Girls taps into something painfully recognizable: the way girls learn to measure themselves against each other, and how the need to fit in can become its own quiet form of survival. It lays bare the unspoken rules of teenage girlhood - the constant self comparison, the social performance, the fear of exclusion - and shows how easily those pressures can harden into the very behaviors that hurt others. Beneath the comedy, there’s a clear understanding of how identity gets shaped, distorted, and reclaimed in the crucible of adolescence.

At the center of the production is Elizabeth Stenholt, whose performance as Cady Heron gives the show its emotional anchor. She charts Cady’s evolution with clarity, moving from wide-eyed newcomer to reluctant Plastic with a grounded, human touch. Opposite her, Dariana Mullen delivers a sharply etched Regina George, wielding charisma and calculated menace with effortless control. Together, Stenholt and Mullen create a dynamic push and pull that fuels the show’s momentum, supported by a leading cast whose charged performances keep the story vivid and unexpectedly heartfelt. Veronica Garza (Mrs. Heron / Ms. Norbury / Mrs. George) adds versatility and grounded humor across her roles, shifting smoothly between characters and giving each one a distinct presence; among the talented cast, she stood out as one of my favorites, especially in her turn as Regina’s humorously over-the-top “cool mom.”

Director Devon Hayakawa guides the production with a steady, clear approach, keeping the story moving and giving the cast room to shape their characters. Kasey Alfonso’s choreography brings consistent energy to the ensemble, supporting the humor and helping the larger numbers land with ease. Kory Danielson’s music direction and conducting provide a reliable foundation throughout, keeping the vocals tight and the orchestra responsive to the shifts in tone. The design team adds cohesive polish: Kotryna Hilko’s costumes are full of sexy punch and humorous excitement and Greg Hofmann’s lighting is an explosion of flashing pink tones that would delight any Mean Girls fan. Adam Rosenthal’s sound design maintains balance, Erin Pleake’s video work adds many layers of reality to the already aesthetically exciting set, and Ethan Deppe’s electronic elements blend smoothly into the score.

Cady (Elizabeth Stenholt, center), the new girl from Africa who transfers to Chicago’s North Shore High, is befriended by social outcasts Damian (Steven Klenk, left) and Janis (Lucy Godinez, right) in Mean Girls.

The set is impressively immense, a sprawling expanse of pink that never feels wasted or ornamental. Every nook and cranny is smartly utilized to build out North Shore High School, with stairways, hallways, classrooms, and common spaces folding into one another in ways that keep the action fluid and visually engaging.

The musical numbers are where this production really hits its stride, pairing Alfonso’s crisp, high-energy choreography with songs that sharpen the show’s humor and emotional stakes. I wasn’t necessarily expecting the music to land as strongly as it did, assuming the humor and engaging story would carry most of the weight, but the score proves to be one of the production’s biggest strengths. Elizabeth Stenholt shows she can truly belt, delivering powerhouse vocals in both “It Roars” and “I See Stars,” while Dariana Mullen matches her intensity and range with a commanding “World Burn.” Lucy Godínez gets a standout showcase of her own in “I’d Rather Be Me,” reinforcing why Janis Sarkisian remains such a fan favorite. Steven Klenk’s Damian - the “too gay to function” best friend - lands sharp comedic lines throughout and brings infectious energy to “Where Do You Belong?” The choreography makes clever use of the revolving floor and incorporates desks, lunch tables, and trays in ways that keep the staging inventive and visually playful. Comedy lands not just in the dialogue but in the musical staging itself - the heightened high-school dramatics, the sly visual gags, and the rhythmic timing that turns social chaos into full-company spectacle. The humor comes through clearly, supported by musical numbers that are confidently staged and consistently engaging.

Based on the now cult-favorite 2004 film, the musical premiered on Broadway in 2018, adapted once again by Tina Fey with music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin. Its theatrical form allows the story to expand emotionally, using songs to deepen character motivations and give voice to internal conflicts that the film conveyed through montage or narration. While the musical retains the film’s core plot, several notable differences distinguish it from its 2004 source: updated characterizations, modernized humor, broader representation, a stronger presence of social media, and shifts in relationships and family dynamics that reflect contemporary storytelling.

Paramount’s production of Mean Girls the Musical proves to be a smart, engaging take on the material, carried by a committed cast and a creative team that understands how to translate the story’s humor and heart to the stage. It moves with confidence, lands its character beats cleanly, and offers enough freshness to make revisiting this world worthwhile. For audiences looking for a lively, contemporary musical with sharp performances and a cohesive design approach, Mean Girls is an easy recommendation - now running through October 11, 2026 at Paramount Theatre in Aurora.

https://paramountaurora.com/events/mean-girls/

About Face Theatre and Raven Theatre present a powerhouse co-production of the groundbreaking, Pulitzer Prize-winning musical A Strange Loop, with book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson and direction by About Face Theatre Artistic Associate Mikael Burke. The highly anticipated Chicago premiere will run October 8-November 8, 2026, on the Johnson Stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 North Clark Street in Chicago. 

Tickets go on sale September 8, 2026, at www.raventheatre.com, (773) 338-2177, or in-person at the Raven Theatre box office. Ticket prices range from $30-$45 with discounts for seniors, military and theatre industry.

A Strange Loop made history by winning the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, marking the first time a musical written by a Black artist received the honor. Jackson's blistering, autobiographical masterpiece went on to capture the 2022 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. The story follows Usher, a Black, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. He spends his nights struggling to write an original musical about a Black, queer playwright who spends his days working as an usher on Broadway. Lines blur, thoughts intrude, and soon he finds himself wrestling to break free from a very strange creative loop. This musical explores identity, race and sexuality through the lens of a young artist at war with a chorus of his own demons and inner voices on a journey towards understanding and self-love.

The cast includes: Eddie Weaver (Usher), Micah Mixon (Thought 1), Matheus Barbee (Thought 2), Christopher Wayland (Thought 3), Michael Turrentine (Thought 4), John-Payne (Thought 5), Naphtali Curry (Thought 6). The understudies are Jordan Harris (Usher), Simmery Branch (Thought 1), Aiden McCoy (Thought 2), Michael Davis Arnold (Thought 3), Shawn Smith (Thought 4) and Reginald Hemphill (Thought 5).

The creative team is: Mikael Burke (director), Kyu Park (music director), Breon Arzell (choreographer), Sydney Lynne (scenic designer), Brenden Marble (lighting designer), Hannah Kwak (sound designer), Matt Reich (associate sound designer), Janelle Smith (costume designer), Mariah Bennett (props designer), Chels Morgan (violence and intimacy designer), Terry Guest (associate director) and Christopher Richard Pazdernik (dramaturg). Christine D. Freeburg is the stage manager and Rachel Simmons and Charlotte Horton are the assistant stage managers. Catherine Miller is the casting director.

About Face Theatre Producing Artistic Director Megan Carney comments, "This co-production between About Face and Raven Theatre is a dream come true. Together we've assembled a team that is passionate about bringing complex Black queer lives to centerstage and uplifting this groundbreaking exuberant musical in Chicago. A Strange Loop meets the moment in a spectacular way, and we can't wait to share it with audiences this fall."

Raven Theatre Executive Director Jonathan Berry adds, "We are so thrilled to partner with About Face Theatre to bring the Chicago premiere of this bold, remarkable piece to the stage. It is rare to find a piece that is so fearlessly honest about an artist's experience.  A Strange Loop is a hilarious, touching, heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting journey and Mikael Burke is the perfect director to bring it to extraordinary life on the Raven stage."

A STRANGE LOOP 
book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson 
directed by About Face Theatre Artistic Associate Mikael Burke 

Co-production between About Face Theatre and Raven Theatre 

Run Dates: October 8-November 8, 2026 

Previews: October 8-11, 2026

Location: All performances will take place on the Johnson Stage at Raven Theatre, 6157 N. Clark St. in Chicago.

Tickets: Raven Theatre box office, 6157 N. Clark St. in Chicago; www.raventheatre.com; 773.338.2177

General Admission: $45; Student, Military, and Industry tickets $20. Previews $30.

Tickets go on September 8, 2026.

Schedule: Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 3 p.m.

CAST

Eddie Weaver (Usher)

Micah Mixon (Thought 1)

Matheus Barbee (Thought 2)

Christopher Wayland (Thought 3)

Michael Turrentine (Thought 4)

John-Payne (Thought 5)

Naphtali Curry (Thought 6)

Understudies: Jordan Harris, Simmery Branch, Aiden McCoy, Michael Davis Arnold, Shawn Smith, Reginald Hemphill and Gabriel Levi.

Notes of Interest:

• Raven and About Face are producing together for the first time. Raven produced its first musical last season with the highly successful Octet, which extended its run before transferring to the Goodman Theatre.
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• The blistering Pulitzer Prize winning musical explores identity, race and sexuality through the lens of a young artist at war with a chorus of his own demons and inner voices on a journey towards understanding and self-love. It was nominated for eleven Tony Awards and won for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical at the 2022 Tony Awards.
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• A Strange Loop won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It is the first musical written by a Black artist to receive the honor.
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• A Strange Loop is autobiographical. Creator Michael R. Jackson spent years working as a Broadway usher at The Lion King, Mary Poppins, and Aladdin while struggling to write this piece. The show took roughly 18 years to get to Broadway, beginning as a simple personal monologue Jackson wrote shortly after graduating undergrad in 2002. Jackson clarifies that the show is an "emotional autobiography." While the literal plot points are fictionalized, the personal feelings of self-loathing, body image issues, and navigating a religious family are deeply real.
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About the Artists

Michael R. Jackson, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, composer, and lyricist is the creator of A Strange Loop, which the New York Times has called a "bravura meta-musical." The piece – which took Jackson eighteen years to create – won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2020, eleven Tony Award nominations, a New York Drama Critics Circle Award, and two Tony Awards – for Best New Musical and Best Book. Jackson has been named one of TIME Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" (2022) and has received numerous awards including a New Professional Theatre Festival Award, a Jonathan Larson Grant, a Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award, an ASCAP Foundation Harold Adamson Award, a Whiting Award, the Helen Merrill Award for Playwriting, the Windham-Campbell Prize, and a Dramatist Guild Fellowship. He has appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, CBS Sunday Morning, and Late Night with Seth Meyers, to name a few. He wrote book, music, and lyrics for the musicals White Girl In Danger and A Strange Loop (2019 world premiere at Playwrights Horizons in co-production with Page 73 Productions). Jackson holds a BFA and MFA in playwriting and musical theatre writing from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts. 

Mikael Burke (Director) is a Chicago-based director, deviser, and educator. A Princess Grace Award winner in Theatre and Jeff Award-winning director, his recent credits include: Oak by Terry Guest (Urbanite Theatre, World Premiere); Othello by William Shakespeare (Theatreworks Colorado Springs); Short Shakes! Romeo & Juliet (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); Notes from the Field by Anna Deveare Smith (TimeLine Theatre, Chicago Premiere); The Salvagers by Harrison David Rivers (Yale Repertory Theatre, World Premiere); Tambo & Bones by Dave Harris (Refracted Theatre Company, Chicago Premiere, winner of 8 Jeff Awards); Blues for an Alabama Sky by Pearl Cleage (Remy Bumppo Theatre Company); The Magnolia Ballet by Terry Guest (About Face Theatre, Chicago Premiere, winner of 2 Jeff Awards); Clyde's by Lynn Nottage (Theaterworks Hartford). Mikael is also an adjunct faculty member at DePaul University and Roosevelt University. MFA, The Theatre School at DePaul University.

Eddie Weaver (Usher) is making his Raven Theatre debut. An Atlanta native, Eddie is an actor, singer, and mover who earned his B.A. in Theatre Performance from Columbus State University. His previous credits include: A Strange Loop (Actors Express), Three Pianos (Florida Studio Theatre), Legally Blonde, Chicken & Biscuits, Purlie Victorious, and The Prom (Charleston Stage), among others.

Micah Mixon (Thought 1) graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a BA in musical theater and a minor American Sign Language. Some of her favorite past roles: understudying for the Armelia McQueen and Nell Carter tracks in Drury Lane's Production of Ain't Misbehavin', Hailey in Final Girlies and Final Girlies (Director's Cut) at iO theater, and Tacooma in Three Little Birds at Young People's Theater.

Matheus Barbee (Thought 2) is an actor and singer based in Chicago, originally from North Carolina. He is thrilled to be making his Raven and About Face debut, reuniting with Mikael Burke after collaborating on Violet at Northwestern University. Chicago Credits include Sister Act, A Christmas Carol (Drury Lane), The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Paramount), Diana the Musical (Theo Ubique), Goodnight Moon (Chicago Children's Theater), and The Play That Goes Wrong (Metropolis). Regional credits include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (as Chip at Indiana Repertory), Shrek the Musical (as Donkey at MGM Beau Rivage), West Side Story (as Chino at Surflight), Grease (MGM Borgata). Alumnus of Northwestern University.

Christopher Wayland (Thought 3) is returning to Raven Theatre for the fourth time and is working with About Face Theatre for the first time. Previous roles at Raven include Peter in The Luckiest, Jib in Hoodoo Love, and Pharus Young in Choir Boy. He is a Professor of Acting at the Chicago College of Performing Arts and earned an MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University. In the Chicago area, he is a member of the Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and has worked at Goodman Theatre, Court Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, First Folio Theatre, 16th Street Theater, Oak Park Festival Theatre, Jackalope Theatre Company, Griffin Theatre, Teatro Vista, Haven, Lifeline Theatre, Stage Left Theatre, and with Right Angle Entertainment. His television credits includes a recurring role on The Chi (Showtime), neXt (FOX), Chicago Med (NBC), and APB (FOX), as well as several commercials including national campaigns for Kellogg's and Lowe's.

Michael Turrentine (Thought 4) has worked as an actor, writer, dancer, and social justice educator in Chicago for over a decade and doesn't plan on slowing down soon. Some of the theaters he has worked with include Paramount Theatre, The Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane Theater, Court Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, The Gift Theatre and many others. His TV credits include South Side, Emperor of Ocean Park, Somebody Somewhere and others.

John-Payne (Thought 5) is a Chicago theatre-artist and performer and is making their debut with Raven Theatre working on A Strange Loop. We hold a responsibility in being conscious and active members of our community through the art we create, and John-Payne is dedicated to making lasting change for queer/black & brown theatre folk, and challenging the structures which prohibit that change.

Naphtali Curry (Thought 6) is an actor based out of Chicago, Illinois, making his Raven Theatre debut. Some of his theatre credits include Benny in Rent (Capital City) and Donkey in Shrek The Musical National Tour (2024). His Chicago theatre credits include Mitch Mahoney in Spelling Bee (Paramount), Valentine in Twelfth Night (Chicago Shakes), Paul Williams in Real Housewives of Motown (Black Ensemble), ensemble in Rent (Porchlight).

RAVEN THEATRE tells stories of today and the past that connect us to our cultural landscape. Raven's commitment to modern drama in all of its forms, as well as its first-class education programming, have helped it remain a cultural cornerstone on the north side of Chicago for 40 years and counting. For 44 years, Raven Theatre has been the home to revivals of modern dramas and thought-provoking new works to the Northside Chicago community, as well as theatrical education to the children and schools in the surrounding neighborhoods. Founded in 1983, Raven moved into its current home in 2002 with its 85-seat Johnson Stage and its 56-seat Schwartz Stage.

ABOUT FACE THEATRE advances LGBTQ+ equity through community building, education, and performance. Since our founding in 1995, we've been a national leader in producing groundbreaking theater throughout Chicago that centers and affirms people who identify as LGBTQ+ and other intersecting identities. Working with nationally recognized and emerging artists of all ages, our programs include award-winning productions, touring shows, a Youth Ensemble, and new work development through Re/Generation Studio. Learn more and get involved at aboutfacetheatre.com.

Come From Away begins from a place of deep uncertainty, yet what emerges is a story grounded in the steady, everyday kindness people offer when they have nothing else to give. Rather than revisiting the events of September 11 themselves, the musical focuses on the human responses that rose in their wake - small gestures that became anchors for thousands of strangers. Currently running at Marriott Theatre, this production leans into that humanity, reminding us that even in moments defined by fear, communities can reveal their best selves and set the stage for the remarkable true story that follows.

The origins of Come From Away trace back to the ten-year reunion of Gander residents and the airline passengers who found themselves unexpectedly grounded there during the September 11, 2001 airspace shutdown. Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein attended that gathering, listening as people shared memories of fear, generosity, and the strange intimacy of those five days. Those first-hand accounts became the foundation of their musical, built from interviews, lived experiences, and the community’s own reflections.

Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of how the residents of Gander, Newfoundland opened their town to nearly 7,000 stranded passengers, transforming crisis into connection. Sankoff and Hein’s folk-infused score and ensemble-driven storytelling capture both the urgency of the moment and the warmth that defined the community’s response. Through intersecting vignettes - a pilot grappling with the weight of the tragedy, a couple who unexpectedly find love, and townspeople mobilizing with astonishing kindness as they scramble to meet the needs of thousands - the musical builds a fast-moving, emotionally resonant tapestry of resilience. The many moments are uniquely moving. One storyline follows a gay couple who initially fear they may have been displaced into a community that would not welcome them, only to discover that Gander’s embrace is far more open-hearted than they ever expected. Another centers on a mother whose son is a New York City firefighter, her fear deepening with every hour she goes without word of his safety. A further scene reveals how fear and uncertainty led to an instance of racial bias toward a Middle Eastern passenger, underscoring the tension and misunderstanding that shaped those early hours. It is also notable how long it took many of the stranded passengers to even learn why they had been grounded, completely unaware of the September 11 attacks unfolding beyond the airport tarmac.

One of the most striking things Come From Away made me realize is how little I had ever considered the logistics of suddenly hosting 7,000 unexpected guests. Lodging is the obvious hurdle, but the production makes you think about everything else: baby formula and diapers for stranded families, toothpaste and toilet paper for thousands of people who never planned to stay overnight, the sheer volume of food, toiletries, and basic supplies required to keep an entire town functioning under extraordinary circumstances. It is the kind of practical, human detail that rarely crosses your mind until a musical places it right in front of you. And right in the middle of all that panic and uncertainty, one passenger quietly quotes Philippians 4:6 — “Be anxious for nothing.” The moment lands with such gentle force that it clearly holds the audience, as if the reassurance reaches beyond the stage.

The ensemble works together with the fluid precision Come From Away is known for, but a few roles naturally carry more emotional weight. Beverly, played by Lexie Dorsett Sharp, provides one of the show’s strongest through lines, her reflections as a pilot adding quiet depth to the production. Claude, portrayed by Alex Goodrich, anchors the local perspective with a steady, good-humored presence as Gander’s mayor who so wonderfully inspires the townsfolk, while Hannah, brought to life by Sharriese Hamilton, is a deeply felt presence as the firefighter’s mother. Around them, the rest of the company contribute vivid moments that round out the tapestry of stories, each adding texture without overshadowing the show’s ensemble spirit.

Lexie Dorsett Sharp and cast in Marriott's Come From Away. Photo by Justin Barbin.

The cast also gets a welcome lift from its other strong players, each actor shifting cleanly through multiple roles with the precision the show demands. Justin Albinder, in particular, delivers sharply timed, very funny moments that consistently land. Alongside him, Matt Crowle, Devin DeSantis, Denise Devlin, Sarah Bockel, Madison Kauffman, Heidi Kettenring, Michael Earvin Martin, and Jonathan Shaboo contribute to a unified, well-calibrated company whose collective work feels much larger than the sum of its parts.

Marriott’s production benefits from clear, confident leadership behind the scenes. Jessica Fisch’s direction keeps the ensemble moving with purpose, shaping the intersecting stories with a calm, assured touch that lets the emotional beats land without force. Katie Spelman’s choreography adds subtle lift to the staging - never flashy, but always intentional - helping the momentum build in ways that feel organic to the storytelling. Scenic designer Scott Penner and lighting designer Jesse Klug further elevate the production, using Marriott’s in‑the‑round configuration and luggage that doubles as plane seats to create the illusion of a bustling, overcrowded environment despite a cast of just twelve. Through razor‑sharp transitions, fluid movement, and smart spatial design, the stage often feels packed with 40 or 50 people, turning simplicity into spectacle without ever losing intimacy.

The musical’s score finds some of its strongest moments in a handful of standout numbers. “Me and the Sky,” led by Lexie Dorsett Sharp, remains the show’s defining emotional peak, her performance giving the song a grounded clarity that resonates long after it ends. Ensemble pieces like “Blankets and Bedding” and “28 Hours / Wherever We Are” showcase the cast’s cohesion, capturing both the frantic energy of Gander’s rapid mobilization and the passengers’ first fragile steps toward connection. Alex Goodrich brings an easy charm to “Screech In,” turning the raucous drinking ritual into one of the evening’s most crowd-pleasing scenes. And in “I Am Here,” Sharriese Hamilton delivers a quiet, concentrated punch, shaping one of the musical’s most affecting solo moments. The musical lift throughout is supported by conductor Celia Villacres and music coordinator Trevor Jones, whose work keeps the score driving, unified, and emotionally sharp. In these moments, the score shows its full range, moving easily between lightness, tension, and heartfelt storytelling.

What surprised me most was how deftly the musical balances somberness with humor. Given the weight of September 11^th (now approaching its 25^th anniversary), I expected the tone to stay anchored in grief, but Come From Away keeps finding pockets of levity, warmth, and genuine laughter. The humor never undercuts the tragedy; instead, it highlights the resilience and humanity that emerged in the midst of fear. The show moves back and forth between emotional registers with such ease that you are never left in one feeling for too long, making the experience unexpectedly uplifting.

Marriott Theatre’s production of Come From Away offers a thoughtfully crafted, emotionally grounded evening that earns its place among the company’s stronger musical offerings. The ensemble’s cohesion, the clarity of its overall arc, and the steady warmth woven throughout make this a production well worth seeing.

Highly Recommended.

Runs through October 18^th at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

One hour and forty‑five minutes with no intermission.

Tickets and additional information: www.marriotttheatre.com/show/come-from-away  

Vape! The Grease Parody, currently running at Chicago’s Apollo Theater through January, takes a satirical swing at the iconic 1978 film. The production leans heavily into campy, low‑brow humor, poking fun at the original and the characters who appeared in it - Danny Zuko and Sandy Olsson, made famous by John Travolta and Olivia Newton‑John, their respective groups, the T‑Birds and the Pink Ladies, and a parade of other colorful personalities. Vape! attempts to capture the same irreverent energy that made recent parody hits like Titanique and Schmigadoon! work, but it struggles to carve out its own distinct identity.

For those unfamiliar with the source material, Grease follows the summer‑fling romance between Danny Zuko, the swaggering leader of the T‑Birds, and Sandy Olsson, the wholesome new girl who unexpectedly lands at his high school. Their reunion at Rydell High kicks off a swirl of teen drama, pep‑rally posturing, and 1950s hot‑rod bravado, all set against the antics of their respective cliques. The story ultimately tracks whether Danny and Sandy can bridge the gap between their carefully curated images and who they actually are - all wrapped in a soundtrack that has produced some of the most memorable songs from a stage and screen musical.

The narrative of Vape! modernizes the classic tale by tossing an assortment of pop-culture tropes and theatrical nods at the audience. Some of these updates land, such as transforming Sandy into a washed-up mermaid or reimagining "Beauty School Dropout" as an "Influencer Dropout" sequence featuring the ensemble performing with ring lights affixed to their heads. Theater lovers will also spot references to Wicked, The Phantom of the Opera, A Chorus Line, and others. However, some of the updates – like turning Rizzo into a Scream-esque murderer – don’t.

At times, the structural additions feel somewhat disjointed. The modernizations do not always mesh smoothly with the source material, creating an odd juxtaposition where 1950s greasers and TikTok culture clash rather than complement one another.

While the original Grease carried a certain tongue-in-cheek approach beneath its mature content, Vape! leans fully into explicit and crude farce. For instance, Grease’s "Hand Jive" gets a lyrical update to become the "Handjob.”

Despite the material, the cast delivers energetic and capable performances, keeping the energy high. Will Leonard offers an enjoyable Travolta impersonation, capturing his signature vocal whine with precision – though it’s a bit disappointing he didn’t have the iconic black hair. Jenna Smith makes Sandy fun to watch, especially in the way she pokes fun at Olivia Newton‑John’s accent. Among the ensemble, Suzanne Sole and Sophia Brazada turn in standout moments, each showing off impressive vocal chops.

The creative team behind Vape! brings together a mix of comedy writers and seasoned parody specialists. Sketchworks Comedy and Catie Hogan supply the show’s core concept, while Billy Recce - of A Musical About Star Wars fame - contributes additional lyrics and book alongside Danny Salles. Jack Plotnick, known for directing Broadway’s Disaster!, steers the production, with Ashley Marinelli shaping the choreography and Lena Gabrielle overseeing music supervision and arrangements. Sketchworks also produces the show, with Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley Jackson offering input as creative consultants.

It’s clear from the theater’s decorative environment that great care has been taken with the overall experience. It’s immersive and outfitted with goofy parody posters, themed photo ops, cutouts, and even Grease‑themed cornhole. So, for devoted Grease fans looking for a lighthearted mockery of the classic, or perhaps theatergoers simply seeking silly, inconsequential escapism, Vape! offers a breezy night out.

Vape! The Grease Parody is being performed at the Apollo Theater Chicago through January 3rd, 2027. Tickets and information are available at vapethemusical.com.

BrightSide Theatre has announced cast and crew for THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL - the kickoff production of BrightSide's 15^th Anniversary season. The gloriously ghoulish characters created by Charles Addams for THE NEW YORKER Magazine - Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, Uncle Fester, and Grandma; along with their servants Lurch and Thing - will take the stage of the Theater at Meiley-Swallow Hall from October 2 – 18. BrightSide's De Haddad will direct, with music direction by Phil Videckis and choreography by Shane Brown. The musical, which ran for 22 months on Broadway in. 2010 and 2011 after a 2009 tryout in Chicago, has remained an audience favorite ever since. 
 
This wickedly funny musical with book by Rick Elice and Marshall Brickman (JERSEY BOYS), and songs by Andrew Lippa (THE WILD PARTY, BIG FISH), follows Wednesday Addams as she falls in love with a perfectly respectable young man from a very normal family. When the two families meet for dinner, secrets are revealed, expectations are challenged, and hilarity ensues. Filled with unforgettable characters, catchy songs, and laugh-out-loud comedy, this Broadway hit celebrates what makes every family unique.

Haddad's cast will be led by Scott Kelley of Schaumburg as Gomez and Samantha Keret of Naperville as Morticia. Kelley's most recent appearance among his many leading roles with BrightSide was as Max Bialystock in this past summer's THE PRODUCERS. Keret is making her BrightSide debut. The Addams Family children will be played by Lauren Mathews of Chicago as Wednesday and Jake Keller of Bristol as Pugsley. Mathews appeared in BrightSide's THE PRODUCERS and Keller is a recent graduate of North Central College, where he majored in musical theater and acted, designed, and directed several musicals. Colin Borisenko of Chicago, a veteran of the city's renowned improv comedy scene, will be Uncle Fester. Dona Mullen, who hosts a jazz radio show in WDCB-FM and has played such iconic stage roles as Ouiser in STEEL MAGNOLIAS, will be Grandma. The family's taciturn butler, Lurch, will be played by Nahuel Redoba, who has performed at the venerable Fireside Theatre in Wisconsin.
 
Appearing as Wednesday's boyfriend Lucas Beineke will be Matthew Andresen of Kenosha, Wisconsin (BrightSide's PIPPIN and PHANTOM IN CONCERT). John McNally of Itasca (Frank-n-Furter in BrightSide's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW) and Jeff Award winning actress Amy Arbizanni of Naperville have been cast as Lucas' parents Mal and Alice.
 
The ensemble of Addams ancestors will be Michelle Bolliger of Roselle, Hannah Decker of North Aurora, Ashley Chavez of Downers Grove, Chris Frewen-Peña of Bolingbrook, Sydnee Howes of New Lenox, Peter Kattner III of Chicago, Katelynn Pitzafero of Barrington, and Emily Sherman of Chicago. Understudies are Michelle Bolliger (u/s Morticia, Alice), Hannah Decker (u/s Wednesday), Chris Frewen-Peña (u/s Gomez, Mal), and Peter Kattner III (u/s Lucas). 

The production team will include Cheryl Newman (Costume Designer), Kurt Ottinger (Lighting Designer), Ariel Mozes (Scenic Designer), and Evan C. Summers-Oslund (Stage Manager).

Tickets for individual shows are $37.00 for adults and $32.00 for students and seniors. Season subscriptions and individual show tickets are sale at www.BrightSidetheatre.com or by phone at 630-447-TIXS (8497).  

THE ADDAMS FAMILY MUSICAL
Book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa
Orchestrations by Larry Hochman
Based on Characters Created by Charles Addams
Director: De Haddad
Music Director: Phil Videckis
Choreographer: Shane Brown
October 2 - 18, 2026
Fri & Sat @ 7:30pm | Sun @2pm
The Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville
 
THE ADDAMS FAMILY is a comical feast that embraces the wackiness in every family. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family—a man her parents have never met. And if that wasn't upsetting enough, Wednesday confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before—keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents.