Ron E Rains News

Due to overwhelming demand for tickets, Goodman Theatre has added a second and final extension week to its major revival of The Music Man, which opened last night in the Albert Theatre

Due to popular demand, Goodman Theatre adds eight performances to its run of The Music Man, staged by Tony Award-winning Director Mary Zimmerman-now appearing through August 11. Hailed a "musical comedy at its feel-good best" (The New York Times), Meredith Willson's Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece, based on the story by Willson and Franklin Lacey, features beloved songs including "Goodnight My Someone," "Seventy-Six Trombones," "Gary, Indiana," and "Till There Was You."

Goodman Theatre concludes its 2018/2019 Season on a high note with Mary Zimmerman's major revival of The Music Man-Meredith Willson's joyous musical masterpiece, hailed as "one of the sunniest musicals ever" that "glows with enjoyment" with "tunes [that] are full of gusto" (The New York Times), based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey.

Before attending THE PRODUCERS at Paramount Theatre, I had a disturbing dream in which this production cut everything deemed offensive or politically incorrect from the original: tap-dancing Nazis, sex-crazed old ladies, grossly stereotyped portrayals of, well, everyone. 'But what will they have left?' my dream-self protested. Fortunately, my fears were allayed upon seeing Paramount's production; director Jim Corti stages a madcap romp that revels in the irreverent humor of Mel Brooks.

Paramount Theatre opened its new Broadway Series production of Mel Brooks's The Producers on Saturday, February 9 to a full house, an instant standing ovation and uniformly critical acclaim. 

Under the right circumstances, a producer could make more money with a flop than he could with a hit. And so begins one of the most hilarious cons in musical theater history.

Drury Lane Theatre's LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS brilliantly captures the dark comedy of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's popular musical, based on the low-budget 1960 horror film. Scott Calcagno directs a cast who masterfully balance the campy humor with genuinely moving performances as the hapless inhabitants of Skid Row.

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace.

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

BroadwayWorld has a first look at the Drury Lane's Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs through October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. 

Drury Lane presents Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken and book by Howard Ashman and direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno with music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

BroadwayWorld has an inside look at the Drury Lane's rehearsals for Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken, book by Howard Ashman, direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno, and music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

Drury Lane has announced the cast for Little Shop of Horrors, with music by Alan Menken, book by Howard Ashman, direction and choreography by Scott Calcagno, and music direction by Roberta Duchak. Little Shop of Horrors runs September 6 - October 28, 2018, at Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The press opening is Thursday, September 13 at 8:00 p.m.

The Paramount Theatre in west suburban Chicago opened a divine, decadent new production of Kander & Ebb's Cabaret on Saturday, February 10. Here, the cast and crew celebrate the Jeff-nominated production in the Paramount Theatre's Grand Gallery at the post-show opening night party.

More Chicagoland families now have the opportunity to experience A Christmas Carol as Goodman Theatre offers its first-ever sensory-friendly/relaxed performance. Presented in partnership with Autism Speaks-Chicago, the Goodman welcomes families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities.

Goodman Theatre and Candlelighters NYC partner for the launch of the theater's Tiny Tim Drive a charitable effort during A Christmas Carol that spotlights one service organization selected by the young performer portraying Tiny Tim. Candlelighters NYC from which 10-year-old actor Paris Strickland has personally benefited supports families who travel to New York City for pediatric cancer treatment.

Over four decades, 1.5 million people have delighted in Scrooge's unforgettable discovery of kindness, generosity and love. Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol celebrates 40 years. This year's spotlight falls on Paris Strickland, the adorable 10 year-old girl with a miraculous story of her own. CBS Sunday Morning chatted with the young actress and her Goodman company.

More Chicagoland families now have the opportunity to experience A Christmas Carol as Goodman Theatre offers its first-ever sensory-friendly/relaxed performance. Presented in partnership with Autism Speaks-Chicago, the Goodman welcomes families with members who have autism or other social, cognitive and physical challenges that create sensory sensitivities.

With its mixture of darkness and light, Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a long-standing holiday tradition that takes audiences on a journey of misery, revelation, and redemption. Now in its 40th year on stage at The Goodman Theatre, this tale stands the test of time, with some fresh updates that reveal room for even more.

Over four decades, 1.5 million people have delighted in the spectacular storytelling, glorious music and Scrooge's unforgettable discovery of kindness, generosity and love. Ten directors, eight Ebenezer Scrooges and 29 Tiny Tims later, Goodman Theatre's A Christmas Carol celebrates 40 years, now through December 31. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!