[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkmDxarOSxU?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Kennedy Kanagawa put wide smiles on audience’s faces when he played Milkey White the cow in the National tour of “Into the Woods.” David Gow scares the heck out of people in the dramat…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0tKn3JwbEg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] There’s a new music venue in town and it stands as a tribute to the life and interests of Grateful Dead Legend, Jerry Garcia. Garcia’s Chicago opened in March and is located at 1001 We…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBYJoFqZI-c?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Joining the conversation are: David Girolmo (who plays Captain E.J. Smith), Heidi Kettenring (playing Ida Strauss), Mark David Kaplan (playing Isador Strauss), James Earl Jones, II (Pl…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ify2mX6n6-g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] You will want to get on board this hot musical comedy and set sail for 100 minutes of non-stop laughter, music and one heck of a good time! This hit is playing in a variety of countrie…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eokLA_PcI5I?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The events in Charlottesville in 2017 and on January 6th, 2021 may appear unconnected. But there are connections that underlie both of these events that carry a message for the future.…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EdgCPqtBRk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The recipient of 14 Tony nominations and 8 wins at the 73rd Tony Awards, including best Musical and best Original Score, Hadestown returns to Chicago on its national tour. The story is…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sr2NRQaYMb0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] This week’s show features two exciting Chicago shows. First up, Broadway and Cabaret star Karen Mason discusses her new CD available on Amazon starting May 9th! The music of Kander and…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3QIevjQ-gg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] On this new podcast, author and Fox News analyst Juan Williams is out with a new book, “New Prize for These Eyes: The Rise of America’s Second Civil Rights Movement” which looks at wha…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IH8XniVsBZw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Second City began training and entertaining back in 1959 and has not stopped since. Producing talents including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell, Dan Aykroyd, Tiny Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfZDPZ17kio?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] It is likely that this show’s title caught your attention. Well, in reality, this is the intimate and very personal story of Black Ensemble Theater founder and CEO Jackie Taylor who al…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9O2YkNVBZ8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Brad Meltzer is a New York Times Best Selling author of thrillers, non-fiction plots and conspiracy books and even children’s books. He’s an amazing author with an incredible writing s…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCZtTJEU85g?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul chats with Burt Kearns, author of a new biography of Shemp Howard, one of the original Three Stooges. Lots of surprises in this discussion as Burt shares that many of the facts re…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAeSeOvVo5Y?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Moulin Rouge was long awaited when it first came to Chicago a few years ago and now it is back!! The winner of 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical! It’s been called spectacular and e…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy586KkgEcs?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with author and podcast host Aaron Mahnke whose new book “Cabinet of Curiosities” is an incredible page-turner of fun! The stories told in the book brin…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YFFF-hruv8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] We hold presidents accountable for how they handle the federal budget and overall economic condition of the country. But, what is to be learned when we study how a president handled th…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHI134j_uaY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] One of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s earliest works (written when he was just 17!) and a classic in musical theater, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” is playing now through March…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8f2ys1yTTbo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Most people know Robert Sean Leonard from his role as Dr. James Wilson in the medical drama House, or his star turn as a young man in Dead Poet’s Society (1989) with Robin Williams, Et…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vn6eApy2-00?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] You have likely come across magician and illusionist Xavier Mortimer on social media. He has millions of followers and his posts and videos have been viewed billions of times! And now,…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGkDkQwZql0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, several cast members join in a discussion of this 2022 Pulitzer Prize winning play. Based on (or perhaps paying tribute to) Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the characters ar…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsdUuNESSJQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, the worlds of history, theater and politics collide in a powerful drama called: “Debate: Baldwin vs. Buckley.” On February 18th, 1965, American author, orator and …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pBXteqXsrk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, you meet some family members who live in the Fun Home! Fun Home is shorthand for funeral home but that’s just the setting for a family who face relationship challe…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb2YpTVgTOo?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Lookingglass Theatre is truly one of Chicago’s most unique theater companies. Their work is original and inventive and their location is actually inside the historic pumping station at…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQc1N3YsJQA?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Who doesn’t love magic? And now, a bright, young talent takes the main stage every Wednesday evening at 7pm through March 26th. “Static Magic” is his new show developed especially for …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aV7yxb_7xC8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] New Podcast: You will love this in-depth chat with Chicago’s Very Own, Tony Award winning and Broadway’s own: Jessie Mueller! She created the role of Carol King in Beautiful, appeared …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsz1Ksg2S-4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] How will 3 young roommates living in San Francisco pay the rent when they don’t make any money? They have to get creative! Exploring means of finding income, they realize they can do v…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mO8HjTDxG0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Mekki Leeper is a stand-up comedian who you likely know from his current role as young Matt on the new show St. Denis Medical (from the writers of The Office), and from his role as Noa…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9Pq9DZ7XOw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with communications expert Michael Chad Hoeppner about his new book, “Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life.” In this age o…

Recent Posts Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain From Broadway and national tours to movies and more, meet Broadway’s rising stars: Kennedy Kanagawa and David Gow .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Garcia’s Chicago and Remy Bumppo’s ART .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} Cast off with ‘Titanic’ at the Marriott Theatre in Linconshire .cls-7{fill:#fff;f…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esJU85M1JDk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The relationship between First Daughter Patti Davis and her parents, President Ronald Reagan and mom Nancy Reagan, was strained to say the least. In her new book, “Dear Mom and Dad: A …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2ag_LlDlN4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this podcast, Paul sits down with author Mike Thomasto discuss a new biography of Johnny Carson. We learn about the late night legend that was Johnny Carson from the mind of Chicago…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rAtA8cItY0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, author Tripp Whetsell discusses his new biography of television legend, Norman Lear. The book, “Norman Lear: His Life and Times”, tells the life story of the man w…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh_dM8i8KrM?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] On this new podcast, Paul chats with singer/songwriter Rich Schuler whose musical tribute, “Rocky Mountain High Experience, A John Denver Christmas” plays over the holidays from Decemb…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjFElNoxYsk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with performers Corey Mach (who plays William Shakespeare) and Michael Canu (“Romeo”) about the incredibly high energy and fun jukebox musical “& Juliet…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2xpaQQ2jkg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast and director of “Falsettos” playing through Dec 15th at the Court Theatre (in cooperation with TimeLine Theatre Company). Set in the late …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7lj9zsFi3E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Jared Kirchheimer is a Chicago-based actor, writer, director and producer. Never giving up on his life dream to be a filmmaker, Jared balances a career in civil engineering with his ef…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFYop0Bx9Aw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Whether you are a Die Hard fan, or you’ve never even heard of the movie, this is one show you don’t want to miss! Yippee Ki Yay (the parody celebration of Die Hard), stars acclaimed wr…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x13C2ffKQh0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Teatro Zinzanni has played in a few different iterations in an ongoing production at the Cambria Hotel in its marvelously mirrored circus Spiegeltent, but the current show is new, fres…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI3FKrtymL0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul goes behind the curtain with the multi-talented jazz artist Bryan Eng. Bryan grew up on the east coast but found his musical grounding at Northwestern University and Chicago where…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vguGFVuNZIY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child interview Part One, you met several actors who play the younger generation and supporting cast. In this Part TWO interview, you’ll hear from Harry …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uql7qDpe59A?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Lori Lightfoot swept into the office of Chicago Mayor in a surprisingly decisive victory in 2019, the first African American gay mayor made history. In her four years as Mayor, she fac…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NQiW5Vkp6c?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Comedian, actress, podcaster, author and many more things…all of which add up to a fun night of stand-up at the Venus Cabaret Theater! Her specials have been on HBO, Comedy Central and…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bv24-d8E_Ss?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Little Shop of Horrors is one of the more fun and popular musicals ever! The story of a man-eating plant is encased in a score of the most memorable musical score ever (by Howard Ashma…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMBv96b9U34?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Gatsby is a comedian born in Nigeria, moved to South Africa and then came to America where he settled in Chicago. Here, he has been producing, writing and starring in comedy throughout…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlVT7V61NL4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Inherit the Wind is a play written in 1955 about an actual trial which challenged teaching Darwinism in schools. Famously known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” (the defendant was John T.…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzWntSMwY6E?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] These days, everyone understands the prevalence and dangers of disinformation and misinformation….but how do these things differ and exactly what are they? More importantly, how is fal…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kBrzZhhoXQ?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] If you are a fan of HBO’s The Gilded Age, then you love its characters including John Adams, played by singer/actor Claybourne Elder. Or, you might be a fan of Clay’s from his many rol…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO81bFYmQMk?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] In the first of this two-part podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Broadway’s long awaited sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child which is finally in Chicago to …

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1kPR_-OuoY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Jamie Wolf is a hilarious comedian well known on the comedy circuit, especially in New York City where he can be seen at the Comedy Cellar and New York Comedy Club. Now he brings his u…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpjDKeops-s?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Paul goes Behind the Curtain with the cast of The Full Monty currently playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through October 6th. This very fun musical was a hit on Broadway and t…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yu2TacZAv8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Invictus Theatre of Chicago’s production of “Network” is stunning, immersive and unforgettable. Set in the 1970’s, one would think the message of the play has been lost over time or is…