Felicia P. Fields News

Porchlight Music Theatre launched its 21st season with CHICAGO SINGS THE BEST OF MOTOWN, Monday, Aug. 17 at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. The annual fundraiser shattered previous records with nearly 350 people in attendance and more than $30,000 raised for Porchlight Music Theatre's educational and artistic programming. Scroll down for photos from the event!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. 'Pippin' performs at the Cadillac Palace and Sidetrack, dueling showtune concerts on August 17, and a summer 'Altar Boyz.' Plus local premieres of 'The Boy From Oz,' 'American Idiot' and 'Dogfight,' 'Gypsy' in Lake County, and 'The Producers' in true rep with 'Victor/Victoria!'

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson stopped by this morning's TODAY to chat with Kathie Lee and Hoda about moving to New York to star in the Broadway revival of THE COLOR PURPLE this fall.

Court Theatre, under the leadership of Artistic Director Charles Newell and Executive Director Stephen J. Albert, presents August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean, directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Gem of the Ocean will run September 10 - October 11, 2015 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue.

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce Chicago Sings The Best of Motown, Monday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m., at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. Single tickets are on sale now at citywinery.com or by calling the City Winery Box Office at 312.733.9463.

Artistic Director Robert Falls announces the wide range of stories and voices that comprise Goodman Theatre's upcoming 2015/2016 Season-a 'Big-Bold-Brilliant' line-up beginning September 2015.

Below, you can get a preview of the Oscar winner performing the show's eleven-o'clock number 'I'm Here' at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors

According to the New York Post, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson will soon make her Broadway debut in an upcoming revival of THE COLOR PURPLE. Produced by Oprah Winfrey, who also produced the original 2005 production, this version of the show started at London's Menier Chocolate Factory, directed by John Doyle. Michael Riedel writes that Winfrey called Hudson personally to ask her to play Celie in the musical.

Goodman Theatre, in collaboration with Chicago's various off-Loop theaters and Northwestern University, unveils partial programming in its spring 2015 citywide "August Wilson Celebration" -- an extensive retrospective of the late playwright's life, artistry and influence on American culture. The seven-week Celebration takes place in March and April 2015 on dual landmark occasions: the 70th anniversary of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright's birth and the 10th anniversary of his death.

The 26th Annual Awards for Excellence in the Arts, held on Monday, November 3rd, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, raised money for scholarships and celebrated talented artists and visionaries who came together in support of Theatre School students.

The Theatre School at DePaul University will present The 2014 Awards for Excellence in the Arts gala on Monday, November 3, 2014, at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The Four Seasons is located at 120 East Delaware Place. The event will begin with a 6 PM cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards presentation at 7 PM.

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. All the scoop from the amazing FWD Theatre Project gala, and 'The Last Unicorn' gets some big backers. Plus concerts by Chita Rivera, Felicia P. Fields, Sierra Boggess and Donna McKechnie, 'Sweeney Todd' on PBS and 'From Here To Eternity' on movie screens, plus the Marriott announces two casts!

The latest in unauthorized gossip and buzz from the heart of Chicago's showtune video bars, and musical theater news from Chicago to Broadway. Special nights at the Marriott and Stage 773 this weekend, plus three shows opening ('Coraline,' 'Reefer Madness' and 'Fiddler') and four shows closing ('Motown,' 'Big Fish,' 'Godspell' and 'Hillbillies'). We'll tell you the three shows that have one additional week, plus a Christmas movie has us all a-buzz!!

Court Theatre announces the extension of Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. The production will now run through Sunday, February 16, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Tickets for the week-long extension are now on sale.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars is currently playing through February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is tonight, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars is currently playing through February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is tomorrow, Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM. Check out a first look at the production below!

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars will run tonight, January 9 - February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM.

Court Theatre continues its 2013-2014 season with Seven Guitars written by August Wilson, and directed by Resident Artist Ron OJ Parson. Seven Guitars will run January 9 - February 9, 2014 at Court Theatre, 5535 S. Ellis Avenue. Press Opening is Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 8:00PM.

The most wonderful time of the year is underway as Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol begins its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs now through December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

The most wonderful time of the year is underway as rehearsals begin this week for Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol, 'a joyous present for the entire family' (Chicago Sun-Times), in its 36th annual production. Directing the holiday favorite for the first time, Henry Wishcamper's production features all-new on stage magic-set elements, special effects and more. The cast of 27 (below, includes 14 new and 13 returning cast members) stars Larry Yando, who most recently appeared in Mary Zimmerman's production of The Jungle Book as Shere Khan, in his sixth turn as Ebenezer Scrooge and 8-year-old Matthew Abraham as Tiny Tim for the second year. A Christmas Carol runs tonight, November 16 - December 28 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre.