It's Showtime with Rikki Lee

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta visits with Joshua Lisec – a professional ghostwriter responsible for the creation of over 80 books. This includes an impressive number of bestsellers.

It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee has entertained listeners with its fair share of writers. However, Joshua Lisec probably has more international bestsellers to his credit than all the other guests combined. Yet you won’t recognize his name, because he writes the books on behalf of other authors through his company Lisec Ghostwriting.

There is a misnomer that only big-time celebrities work with ghostwriters to tell their stories. In truth, anyone with an interesting story can be a successful author with the help of a quality ghostwriter like Joshua.

No matter what industry you are in, if you have a story to tell, Joshua Lisec can help you put it into words. It’s a fascinating interview about a fascinating profession. You can also read about Joshua’s technique and how it could benefit you in the book “So Good They Call You a Fake”.

For additional information on Joshua Lisec and his services visit www.LisecGhostwriting.com.

Chicago is a theatre town. It is second only to New York’s Broadway in terms of notoriety.

The show to see in Chicago at the moment is the rousing Porchlight Music Theatre revival of Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes”.

Directed by Michael Weber, the show stars the incomparable Meghan Murphy, who seems tailor-made for the part of the sexy cabaret singer at the heart of the story about mistaken identities and hysterical hijinks on the high seas. The show is a star vehicle, and Meghan Murphy is a bonafide star.  

If you haven’t heard of Meghan Murphy before, then stand up and take notice because she is a star that demands the spotlight and her time is now.

On a new episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta sits down with the stunningly beautiful and charismatic Meghan Murphy to discuss how she became attached to the show that is the talk of the town.

Meghan has some great insights on why the “pleasure bomb” of a show has hit the sweet spot with Chicago audiences. She gives credit to the feel-good nature of the show and the brilliant Cole Porter score, as well as the brilliant choreography. Rikki Lee, however, gives credit to Meghan Murphy.

Murphy is not only a headlining musical theatre star, she is also an internationally famous cabaret star – just one of the many reasons she is so phenomenal as Reno Sweeney in "Anything Goes." You can be that’s an area she and Rikki Lee take a deep dive exploring.

“This is one of the most fun episodes to record in the history of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee,” said Rikki Lee after interviewing Meghan. You’ll have to listen and experience why for yourself.

To purchase tickets for Porchlight Music Theatre’s dazzling production of “Anything Goes” visit: www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.

To keep tabs on Meghan Murphy and see where you can enjoy her performing next go to: www.MeghanMurphyBigRed.com.

Avery Mason is in the midst of a blossoming television career. He is known throughout the world for his portrayal of Black Grimace on the hit Starz series “Power.” He’s also appeared on such shows as “The Good Wife”, “The Last OG”, “Gotham”, and “The Punisher.” That’s not too shabby for a standup comic who got into acting as a way to eat for free.

At 6’4 and 260 lbs, Avery is a brick wall of a man – big and solid. Even though he can be a teddy bear in real life, Avery has the looks of a beast. And he realizes that’s his type. By embracing the fact that he’s a big intimidating guy, Avery has a very successful acting career.

 However, the laughs do come easy for Avery. As a standup comic, he delights audiences throughout the New York area and is eyeing taking his comedy material on the road to clubs around the country or adapting it for a television special. He also hosts the IDK Tho podcast with fellow comedian Phil Hunt – sponsored by Magic Mind (www.magicmind.com/idktho) and Julo.Shop (www.Julo.Shop).

 Everyone has a story to tell, and on this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta takes a look at the story of Avery Mason – a big talent on his way up.

Jake Seelye is an actor in the northwest suburbs of Chicago who does theatre for a very good reason - because he loves it.

Jake had one line in a play with It's Showtime with Rikki Lee's host Rikki Lee Travolta years ago. Jake now stars in lead roles in his community. Rikki Lee is open that he beams like a proud relative whenever he sees Jake on stage.

In this episode of It's Showtime with Rikki Lee, we get to know Jake - a guy who loves to act, and shows how far you can go when you pursue what you love.

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, artistic

True theatre people have a “let’s put on a show no matter what” mentality. That disposition has allowed Parker Players to grow and thrive even after losing their home performance space, instead staging productions at various traditional and unconventional locations.

The new space in The Barrington is being transformed into a one-of-a-kind, state-of-the-art performance venue and has been gifted with a matching offer to facilitate the build. On the show, Jennifer and Rikki Lee discuss the STAGE THE BUILD campaign which is seeking donations to bring the space to life.

Part of the fundraising efforts includes a production of ART by Yasima Reza, directed by Dominic Green running February 23 – March 10, 2024 at The Barrington (540 W. Northwest Hwy, Barrington). For information and to contribute

“Dinner and a Show” has long been the recipe for a happy date night. On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, Chef K.C. Gulbro shares what’s on the menu at FoxFire Steakhouse – an award-winning eatery in Geneva, IL that distinguishes itself as a top choice for date nights.

Situated along the Fox River, Gulbro’s FoxFire Steakhouse is an ideal stop for those attending any one of the amazing theatres in Chicago’s western suburbs. FoxFire is a favorite of patrons of such venues as Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles, Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Batavia Fine Arts Centre, Arcada Theater in St. Charles, Albright Community Theatre in Batavia, and Playhouse 38 Theatre in Geneva.

The delicious menu at FoxFire isn’t just a local favorite, the restaurant earned national honors as the “2023 Steakhouse of the Year” as awarded by the Certified Angus Beef ® brand – the premier authorities on steaks.

During the interview, host Rikki Lee Travolta and Gulbro reflect on the chef’s path in the restaurant industry, from his first job bussing tables as a teenager to opening FoxFire Steakhouse with his father 20 years ago.

Gulbro also details tips on different cuts of meat and how to select the steak that’s right for your taste preferences from sirloin to strip to ribeye.

It’s an exciting and informative show that will have your mouthwatering. After listening, book your reservation at FoxFire Steakhouse by going to www.FoxFireGeneva.com or call (630)

Nick Di Brizzi Jr. is a very talented actor who you are likely to recognize from hit shows like CSI: NY, I Carly, and Fargo as well as in feature films and numerous commercials. Nick originally hails from Chicago, but has been in LA turning heads as an actor for years. He credits his Second City improv training to be the foundation for his success as an actor.

Nick has a unique story, in addition to being a respected actor, he navigates living life with Cystic Fibrosis - leading to a double lung transplant. Like myself, Nick is someone who looks out for

On January 6, 2024, Nick Di Brizzi Jr. and the Breathe Like a Boss Foundation will be conducting a fun fundraising event in Elmwood Park, IL.

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta chats with Nick about his acting career, the Breathe Like a Boss Foundation, and the upcoming Jan 6 Bocce Ball Tournament Fundraiser.

For more information on joining the event and making donations visit https://givebutter.com/c/BLABBocceballEvent

In addition to his work as an actor, Nick Di Brizzi Jr. is a residential realtor for properties in the Los Angeles area.

Contact Nick DiBrizzi Jr. through Facebook or Instagram at:

Facebook: @NickDiBrizziJr

Instagram: @nickdibrizzijr

For the Breathe Like a Boss Foundation:

Facebook: @TheBreatheLikeABossFoundation

Instagram: @thebreathelikeabossfoundation 

There is a certain art to playing keyboards in a guitar band. It’s a skill that Blake Sakamoto mastered after informal lessons from Dio keyboardist Claude Schnell early in his career. Blake took that skill and became one of the best keyboardists in rock - most notably helping to give the Dan Reed Network their signature sound.

In this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, congenial host Rikki Lee Travolta takes a deep dive into all things Dan Reed Network with Blake Sakamoto – the keyboardist for the band behind the hit albums Dand Reed Network, Slam, and Ritual in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Blake and DRN were well known in the U.S., and huge in Europe. They opened for legendary acts like Bon Jovi and The Rolling Stones, bringing their unique blend of rock, funk, and metal to fans all over the world.

Blake now makes his home in the Greater Portland, Oregon area and is still involved in the music industry thrilling audiences throughout the Pacific Northwest with The Nu Wavers – the sexiest 80’s cover band on the scene, bringing back the onstage showmanship that made the 80’s so dynamic and fun. He also has an interesting connection to the world of musical theatre.

In addition to his music career with the Nu Wavers, Blake balances a successful Country Financial insurance agency office – licensed in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Illinois. So, if you’re in the market for Auto, Home, Farm, Life, Business, or Retirement policies contact Blake Sakamoto at (503) 266-7000 (voice & text) or [email protected]

Be sure to check out the Entertainment News, Views, and Reviews at our sister publication website www.LifeandTimes.biz.

When it comes to heavy metal and hard rock, one woman’s name stands out above all others. Lita Ford, the incredible guitarist and passionate singer, is in a class by herself.

]On a new episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta taps the legendary rockstar for the details of her impressive career with a particular emphasis on showmanship for killer live performances and what goes into creating a hit song. Also on the menu – a deep dive into why Lita Ford loves B.C. Rich guitars.

Lita broke into the industry at the age of 16 when she was recruited to be the lead guitarist in the all-female group The Runaways. By the time Lita was 17, the band had a record out and was opening for Van Halen, Talking Heads, Cheap Trick, and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. They scored hits with songs like “Cherry Bomb”, “Heartbeat”, “School Days”, “Hollywood”, and “Queens of Noise”.

In the 1980s, Lita attained Rock Goddess status as a solo artist. She had huge hits in that era with songs like “Kiss Me Deadly”, “Close My Eyes Forever”, “Dressed to Kill”, “Back to the Cave”, and “Falling In and Out of Love”.  She continues to delight fans today with live concerts - and new music is on the way!

Lita Ford has long been the poster woman for B.C. Rich guitars, including a love affair with the Warlock model. In fact, one of Lita’s signature Warlock guitars is on display at the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. During the interview, Lita explains why B.C. Rich is her guitar of choice.

Lita’s focus on making great music has made her an icon in hard rock. She is recognized and beloved the world over. One question she is routinely asked is when fans can expect a new record. Lita confides that she plans to have a new album out in 2024.

If you are a fan of Lita Ford, a fan of heavy metal and hard rock, or just interested in the rock n’ roll world in general, you’ll enjoy this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee featuring the leading lady of hard rock, Lita Ford.

For up-to-date information on Lita Ford visit: www.LitaFordOnline.com

On this episode of It’s Showtime with Rikki Lee, host Rikki Lee Travolta is joined by Broadway and television star Andy Mientus.

Andy is starring in “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” produced by The Jim Henson Company and iTheatrics at the historic Studebaker Theatre in the heart of Chicago.

Andy has starred on Broadway in “Spring Awakening” and “Les Misérables” and the national tour of “Wicked.” He was seen in key roles in the television hit “Smash” with Jeremy Jordan and Katherine McPhee and as supervillain The Pied Piper in the CW’s “The Flash.”

In this interview, Andy discusses what it’s like starring in a Jim Henson entertainment production and the tremendous respect he has for working with the talented puppeteers. He also lavishes praise on his other talented costars and what it was like working with director and choreographer Christopher Gattelli who won a Tony Award for “Newsies”. Another topic of discussion is the incredible score by Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Paul Williams – who was intimately involved in the rehearsal process for this production.

“Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” is an absolute treasure that children and adults will love. To make plans to see this wonderful holiday musical at the historic Studebaker Theatre through December 31`, 2023, call the Fine Arts Building Box Office at (312) 753-3210 extension 102  or go online to www.FineArtsBuilding.com.