J. Rogers News

CST presents SHREK THE MUSICAL, based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire | music by Jeanine Tesori, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell in Chicago Shakespeare's Courtyard Theater, July 13-September 1, 2013. BroadwayWorld has a first look below!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, today, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The Tony Awards (aka New York thanks Chicago), 'Motown,' Cole and 'Kiss,' next season from BoHo, Marriott's latest, a new 'Rent,' The Second City and more!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announced today the acting company and creative team for Shrek The Musical, the Theater's annual summer family musical, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell with music direction by Michael Mahler, July 13-September 1, 2013 in CST's Courtyard Theater. Based on the Academy Award-winning DreamWorks film and the book by William Steig, CST's 75-minute production ofShrek The Musical will take audiences on an unconventional fairy-tale adventure with everyone's favorite ogre. The production features two Jeff Award-winning actors: Michael Aaron Lindner as the lovable ogre Shrek and Summer Naomi Smart in her CST debut as the spunky Princess Fiona. In support of Mayor Emanuel's Summer of Learning Program, special activities will be offered in conjunction with Shrek The Musical for students to earn a "Bard Badge."

Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates Black History Month, with the third production in their 2012 - 2013 season, Lanie Robertson's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, now playing through March 10, 2013, starring Alexis Rogers as Billie Holiday and directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley with music direction by Jaret Landon, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave. Check out the opening night photos below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. It's the Midwinter Round-Up! We've got 'Peter Pan,' the Marriott's Lloyd Webber revue, the Mercury's R&H revue, Porchlight's 'Lady Day,' the Writers' 'Sweet Charity,' Heidi Kettenring in concert, 'Sunset Boulevard' and more!

Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates Black History Month, with the third production in their 2012 - 2013 season, Lanie Robertson's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, tonight, February 2 - March 10, 2013, starring Alexis Rogers as Billie Holiday and directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley with music direction by Jaret Landon, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave.

Porchlight Music Theatre celebrates Black History Month, with the third production in their 2012 - 2013 season, Lanie Robertson's Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill, February 2 - March 10, 2013, starring Alexis Rogers as Billie Holiday and directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley with music direction by Jaret Landon, at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont Ave.

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, runs through October 28 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill. Check out interviews with the cast at the opening night party below!

It's quite an achievement for any theater company to mount a credible "Dreamgirls," frankly, with its casting challenges, costume budget and high energy performance level. But Robin's Marriott "Dreamgirls" succeeds on many levels. It never stops moving, and it frequently moves the audience as well....

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie is currently running at The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill.) through October 28, 2012. Check out the video below of scenes from the show!

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie is currently running at The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill.) through October 28, 2012. Check out photos from the show's opening night, August 29th, below!

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, at The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill.), opens tonight, August 29 and runs through October 28, 2012. Get a first look at the show with the images below!

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, currently in previews at The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, Ill.), opens August 29 and runs through October 28, 2012. Get a first look at the show with the images below!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. The 2012 Equity Jeff Award nominees, 'Xanadu' at Drury Lane, upcoming shows at Porchlight and Theo Ubique, dueling 'Assassins,' a summer theater surprise and more!

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, previews tonight, August 22, opens August 29 and runs through November 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.

Michael Weber, Artistic Director of Porchlight Music Theatre, announced casting for Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, February 2 - March 10, 2013 and Pal Joey, April 20 - May 26, 2013, both at Stage 773, 1225 W Belmont and the naming of new Artistic Associates and members to the Advisory Board. Alexis J. Rogers will play "Billie Holiday" in Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill, by Lanie Robertson to be directed by Porchlight Artistic Associate Rob Lindley.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to New York. The BIC preview concert in Millennium Park, concerts by Barbra Streisand, Olivia N-J and Levi Kreis, 'Man Of La Mancha,' 'Dreamgirls,' 'A Class Act' and so much more!

DREAMGIRLS, the smash Broadway musical turned hit movie, previews August 22, opens August 29 and runs through November 4 at the Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire.

Goodman Theatre Artistic Associate and "triple threat" Playwright/Director/Actor Regina Taylor brings her musical Crowns, based on the book by Craig Marberry with photographs by Michael Cunningham, back to the Goodman stage. For her all-new 10th anniversary production, Taylor has engaged community partners and used workshops to explore and deepen the spoken word, dance and music elements in Crowns. Crowns runs now through August 5, 2012 (Opening Night is July 9) in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Get a first look at the cast on stage in the photos below!