Summer Smart News

After 200 episodes and nine seasons as America's beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from today, July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13.

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 Jeff Awards, Theo Ubique's future plans, Jennifer Hudson performs, 'Damn Yankees' at LOW, 'The Beverly Hillbillies,' 'Coraline,' 'The Last Ship' and the Chicago Musical Theatre Festival debut, 'Spelling Bee' starts, 'Avenue Q' extends and BroadwayWorld Chicago hosts a Tony Party!

After 200 episodes and nine seasons as America's beloved 1960s sitcom, The Beverly Hillbillies is making strides on stage as a musical for the first time ever. Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, presents the World Premiere of THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, running from July 10 through August 10 with a press opening on Sunday, July 13. Directed by Jeff Award nominee David Perkovich with a musical score by award-winning Chicago composer Gregg Opelka, THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, THE MUSICAL, was written by David Rogers and Amanda Rogers, and follows the nouveau-riche Clampett family as they move to the privileged society of Beverly Hills after discovering an oil reserve on their land. From Jed Clampett to Granny, Elly May and Jethro all the favorites from the '60s TV comedy are back and shaking things up as they adjust to their new, fast-paced life while maintaining their hayseed ways.

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 of highlights below!

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!

SEUSSICAL, the exuberant children's musical, will be presented from April 24 through June 1 at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. The whimsical production, based on over 14 beloved stories by children's author Dr. Seuss, is Directed and Choreographed by Jeff Award-winner Rachel Rockwell, with Musical Direction by Michael Mahler. Drury Lane Theatre also offers families the special opportunity to meet the cast at breakfast with the SEUSSICAL characters on select performance dates, with a kid-friendly buffet-style menu.

Porchlight Music Theatre today announced details of their annual benefit, The Icons Gala, Celebrating the Art of Michael Bennett, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The University Club of Chicago, 76 East Monroe Street.

Porchlight Music Theatre today announced details of their annual benefit, The Icons Gala, Celebrating the Art of Michael Bennett, Sunday, April 22, 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at The University Club of Chicago, 76 East Monroe Street.

The Marriott Theatre kicks off its 2012 season with the seven-time Tony Award nominated musical LEGALLY BLONDE. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the hit 2001 MGM movie of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon, this award-winning Broadway sensation opens January 27, and runs through March 25 at The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, IL. LEGALLY BLONDE will star Chelsea Packard (Broadway: WICKED and PROMISES, PROMISES; First National Tour of WICKED) as 'Elle', Cole Burden (25th Anniversary National Tour of LES MISERABLES) as 'Warner', and David Larsen (Broadway: AMERICAN IDIOT, BILLY ELLIOT and GOOD VIBRATIONS) as 'Emmett'. The production will be Directed and Choreographed by Multi-Jeff Award Winner Marc Robin.

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, will recognize Patriot Day by offering current and retired military personnel a complimentary ticket when they present their military identification to the 5 p.m. performance of FOR THE BOYS on Sunday, September 11th. Tickets are subject to availability.

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, will recognize Patriot Day by offering current and retired military personnel a complimentary ticket when they present their military identification to the 5 p.m. performance of FOR THE BOYS on Sunday, September 11th. Tickets are subject to availability.

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage.

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage. This August, The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) will present the world premiere of FOR THE BOYS; based on the 1991 Twentieth Century Fox film which starred Bette Midler (Academy Award nomination) and James Caan.

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 return of 'Mary Poppins' and 'Jersey Boys,' the premiere of 'For The Boys,' Mandy Patinkin, Nathan Gunn, Laura Benanti, 'Oprah! A Comedy!,' more....

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage.

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage.

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage. This August, The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) will present the world premiere of FOR THE BOYS; based on the 1991 Twentieth Century Fox film which starred Bette Midler (Academy Award nomination) and James Caan.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Kristin Chenoweth at Sidetrack, Jennifer Hudson at Ravinia, 'Carousel,' 'West Side Story,' 'Jim Caruso's Cast Party,' 'For The Boys,' more....

The Marriott Theatre has long been known for fostering new works and bringing thrilling world premiere musicals to its stage. This August, The Marriott Theatre (10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire) will present the world premiere of FOR THE BOYS; based on the 1991 Twentieth Century Fox film which starred Bette Midler (Academy Award nomination) and James Caan.