Matthew Miles News

Mercury Theater Chicago announced today the cast and crew of the spectacular musical comedy PRISCILLA QUEEN OF THE DESERT, running in the Venus Cabaret Theater from March 20 through June 28.

A mainstay of the Belmont Theater District, Mercury Theater Chicago's critically acclaimed production of AVENUE Q moves into its final weeks with a closing date of December 30. With incredible runs on the Mercury stage in 2014 and 2018, this lovingly revived Broadway musical comedy appealed to the heart and humor of more than 40,000 audience members, earning widespread critical acclaim with coverage from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" and WGN Radio, and awards from Broadway World and the Joseph Jefferson awards, including 12 Broadway World Award nominations for the 2018 production. By its closing date, AVENUE Q will have played 355 performances over 12 months, placing it as one of the longest-running homegrown musicals in Chicago history.

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, is pleased to announce the extension of AVENUE Q through November 4, 2018 due to popular demand. After an incredible run in 2004, this lovingly revived Broadway musical is wowing audiences yet again with its relatable humor and heartwarming message.

Whether you have seen AVENUE Q before and can mouth the lyrics to all the songs or if you have never experienced it, Mercury Theater's production is worth a visit. AVENUE Q will provide uproarious and NSFW laughs for days, but it also will touch your heart and provide a much-needed dose of theatrical sunshine.

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, is thrilled to announce that our homegrown production of AVENUE Q will be lovingly revived on the Mercury stage, from June 21st through September 9th, 2018. Press opening is Friday, June 29th at 8:00pm. After entertaining nearly 30,000 people over 169 performances and breaking all box office records for Mercury Theater Chicago, these sassy and lovable puppets are back for more fun and mischief.

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 Mosh Pit's Oscar wrap-up, plus BIC's 'First Wives Club,' 'Book Of Mormon' and 'For The Record,' Theater Wit's 'Mr. Burns,' Porchlight's 'City Of Angels' and Bailiwick's 'Murder Ballad.' Upcoming, The Hypocrites' 'American Idiot,' a new theater in the Wisconsin Dells, and two evenings with The Improvised Sondheim Project!

Bailiwick Chicago will conclude its 2014-15 season with the Chicago premiere of the intense off-Broadway rock musical MURDER BALLAD, conceived by and with book and lyrics by Julia Jordan, music and lyrics by Juliana Nash, directed and choreographed by James Beaudry with musical direction by Nicholas Davio. MURDER BALLAD will play April 2 - May 9, 2015 at the Flat Iron Arts Building, 1579 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago. Tickets go on sale March 15, 2015 at bailiwickchicago.com. The press opening is Monday, April 6 at 7:30 pm.

Today, in our third installment of Nashville Theater 101, we introduce you to three more members of the Nashville theater family: Patrick James, April Hardcastle-Miles and Matthew Hayes Hunter. Our questions are fairly basic and to the point: Why do you do theater? And why do you choose Nashville, perhaps best known as the home of country music, as your home base?

Los Angeles, CA – To begin their 10th Season, Center Stage Opera will be presenting three performances of Verdi's La Traviata at the Madrid Theatre in Canoga Park this September. Verdi's tragic love story has touched the hearts of countless opera-goers since its premiere in 1853 and this production anticipates upholding this tradition.

Tickets for Dylan F. Thomas' new production of Verdi's immortal La Traviata are already going fast! One of the most beloved operas of all time, La Traviata was also the inspiration for the hit film 'Pretty Woman' starring Julia Robers ('Violetta') and Richard Gere ('Alfredo'). But while Hollywood insists on a 'happily-ever-after' ending, opera (and real life) often takes a different direction. La Traviata's moving story and music will be brought to life on The Madrid Theatre stage by an outstanding cast, led by Shira Renee Thomas and Dylan F. Thomas at the Sunday 3 pm matinees (9/21,28), and byRachelle Woolston and Matthew Miles at the 7:30 pm Saturday evening performance (9/27). Brian Onderdonk leads The Center Stage Opera Orchestra through the lush score, and the English translation of the Italian libretto will be projected above the stage.

Amazing Sammo Productions continues its 2014 season at Gorilla Tango Bucktown with Tracy Letts' 'Bug.' Directed by Amazing Sammo Executive Director Sam Radom, 'Bug' runs Fridays and Saturdays August 8, 9, 15, and 16, 2014 at 7 pm. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at gorillatango.com/bucktown or by calling 773-598-4549. All performances take place at Gorilla Tango Bucktown, 1919 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647.

Enjoy an unforgettable night out on July 13 at Buon Gusto Ristorante, 15535 Devonshire in Mission Hills. Ana and company at Buon Gusto will provide a sumptuous Italian feast, including salad, dessert, coffee, tea, iced tea, and your choice of entree: Baked Penne al Forno, Chicken Marsala, or Stuffed Fillet of Sole. The musical feast will be served up by CSO leading soprano Shira Renee Thomas and two of the stars of our recent production of Madama Butterfly, tenor Matthew Miles and baritoneBobby Akinboboye (see below). They'll be singing favorites to delight every musical palate, from opera to Broadway to jazz standards. The entire evening is just $49, including tax and tip (wine available at additional cost), and reservations are required. Call 818-517-4102, or go to www.centerstageopera.org to reserve your table today!

Pacific Opera Project takes on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic in a colorful production influenced by eclectic, Harajuku style.

Pacific Opera Project takes on the Gilbert and Sullivan classic in a colorful production influenced by eclectic, Harajuku style.

Porchlight Music Theatre will present the exhilarating live stage production of Miracle on 34th Street, based on the holiday film classic at Stage 773, 1225 West Belmont, through January 2, 2011.

Disney's High School Musical 2 DVD Premiered at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, CA on November 19, 2007.

Us Magazine reports: 'Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale will reprise their roles in the upcoming third installment of the hit movie High School Musical.' Officially, a Disney spokesperson has neither confirmed or denied the casting news.

'High School Musical 2,' the sequel to Disney's smash TV hit, broke a number of viewership records.

Tonight's the night that Disney Channel debuts 'High School Musical 2!' It's finally here, and everybody's still writing about it!