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 unique brand of comedy to Zanie’s on Wells street in Old Town for One performance only.

Jamie’s comedy is often on dark and taboo topics that he has a way of making hilarious. The role of therapy in our lives, kids secrets vs. adult secrets illustrate common elements in our life that we haven’t typically seen as funny…until Jamie gets a hold of that topic!

Learn more about Jamie’s comedy and his podcast (called “Can I Go Home Now?”) by visiting www.JamieWolfComedy.com

And get your tickets for his upcoming Chicago comedy show at Zanies by going to: www.Zanies.com

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 the national tour. Now, the story of a group of out of work blue collar workers who decide they need to make some quickly to support their families so they may as well put on a one-night only strip show is pleasing audiences with its great cast and fabulous musical score by David Yazbek.

Joining in the conversation is Ben Mayne (who plays main character Jerry; an out of work father who fears he will lose his son from the financial hardship), Jackson Evans (playing plant supervisor Harold who hides his unemployment from his high maintenance wife), Bernard Dotson (who plays Horse a man who struggles with family issues of his own and who leads a lonely life), Adam Fane (playing Malcolm who cares for an aging parent and is being taken over by his own loneliness which may get the best of him), Diego Vasquez Gomez (playing Ethan a happy-go-lucky type who also needs to work and has some relationship surprises waiting for him), and Liz Pazik (playing the show biz old timer rehearsal pianist Jeanette who takes the “kids” under her wing to get them ready for their big night).

Not only is the show great fun, but the cast is a blast to chat with as they share insights into the production process…how tough is it to expose yourself on stage? And how do these characters interact to learn and grow with each other to find a way to handle all the stress that life has put upon them in different ways?

The Full Monty plays through October 6th and tickets can be purchased at: www.paramountaurora.com or by calling the box office: 630.896.6666.

Paul’s review of the show:

“Full Monty is The FULL Joy”!

Review by Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGNRadio.com

****/4; VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

The Full Monty was a hit film, fabulous Broadway and touring production, and now commands the stage at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora. What great news because the grand stage, the fabulous cast and sets and critically important orchestra (because the David Yazbek score requires a top notch orchestra) hit exactly the right chord for grand success.

One might think that 6 ordinary guys whose dire financial straits leads them to put on a strip show for the community might not be funny, touching or impactful. And you’d be wrong. The show is much more than that plot suggests. It’s about family, friendship, loyalty, pride and so much more. And perfectly cast, we want this group to succeed. And while they may not meet Chippendale standards, what they put out is so much more….they offer warmth, charm and hey, they’re not so bad to look at after all. Turns out, surface looks don’t go nearly as far as what’s inside…and these guys are filled with the Full charm!

It’s a show not to be missed…. I’ve seen it many times since its Broadway opening, and I will assuredly see it again!

It’s the Full Fun night out!!

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 no longer relevant. But, as Mark Twain wrote, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” The message of corporate greed, power of television and the media and so much more has evolved over the decades since Paddy Chayefsky film premiered in 1977. Invictus, through the meticulous direction of Invictus founding artistic director Charles Askenaizer, keeps the production relevant and connected to a modern audience.

In this conversation, Network lead James Turano, known on WGN Radio as Elton Jim (and who gives one of the finest performances of the year in this role), and Production Director and Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre Charles Askenaizer join in to discuss their interpretation of what began as an iconic film and how they envisioned creating the production in the intimate space of the theater’s location at Windy City Playhouse.

“Network” runs through September 29th and tickets may be purchased at: www.Invictustheatreco.com

And by the way, arrive about 30 minutes early to take your seats….you’ll be glad you did….

Raúl Esparza is an American stage and screen actor, recently starring as “Galileo Galilei” in Galileo in the world-premiere musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Since making his Broadway debut as “Riff Raff” in The Rocky Horror Show in 1999, Esparza has become one of Broadway’s most acclaimed leading men as well as a respected interpreter of Stephen Sondheim’s work. He was only the second performer in theatre history, (and only one of five overall), to receive Tony nominations in all four acting categories for a performer: Taboo (Featured Actor in a Musical), Company (Actor in a Musical), The Homecoming (Featured Actor in a Play) and Speed-the-Plow (Actor in a Play). His additional Broadway credits include lead roles in Leap of Faith, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cabaret. His recurring TV roles on NBC’s Hannibal and, most notably, on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, before becoming series regular, lead to one remarkable career.

Join Esparza as he’s interviewed by WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek at the Porchlight Music Theatre’s 2024 ICONS gala event on Sunday, September 22nd at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago at 11 AM for a Wine and Mimosa reception and deluxe brunch buffet. The event also includes a live auction and more.

Watch or Listen here (or at Youtube.com or at www.AroundTheTownChicago.com) for a hefty taste of what the interview at the gala will be like…enjoy.

More information about the Gala and the purchase of tickets can be found at: www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

Former Disney star (“Teen Beach Movie” and “Teen Beach 2”) also known for starring in the film ”King Cobra,” and known for his turn in “Hairspray – LIVE” among many other roles. Many have come to expect excellence in his journey from innocent ingenue to out and proud villain!

PLUS, Garrett gives some really interesting advice for young performers who wonder how to be their authentic self, and how to feel when the never-ending number of auditions doesn’t produce desired results….check it out…it’s an insightful conversation in which Garrett is candid and insightful…

Ken Block is an expert in voter data, a technology entrepreneur, and even a two-time candidate for Governor of Rhode Island. He was hired by the lead attorney for former US president Donald Trump’s campaign to conduct a study of the many challenges made to the voting integrity of the 2020 election. His book is called: “Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign, the Data that Shows Why he Lost, and how We Can Improve our Elections.” It’s a long title for a book that takes you inside the data, the story of how and why Block reaches the conclusions he reaches. It’s truly a stunning look inside one of the most (if not the most) highly contested presidential elections in our history…if you have questions about the voting in 2020, this book is a must read! Available in bookstores and on www.Amazon.com

Everyone would agree that Whitney Houston left us way too soon. Her voice was incredible and was called by Guiness Book of World records, “the most awarded female artist of all time.” Now for one evening, composer musician Sean Mayes (who is also working on the world premiere of “Ali the Musical” coming to Chicago) will conduct the Chicago Philharmonic for the world premiere of “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration, “ an original tribute concert. Whitney’s amazing musical legacy will be celebrated along with new original orchestrations and to include her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of The Star Spangled Banner to all the classics like “I Will Always Love you.” The project is supported by the  Estate of Whitney Houston and this promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Tickets for this one night only performance can be purchased at www.Ravinia.org and range from $35 – $55 each.

Created by Jon Tai and Alex Gruhin and starring Tai, Road Signs is described as a magic show, but that moniker does not do the production justice.

It’s magic married to theater, with all the wonder, drama, intensity and surprise that is offered by theater’s best. Hosted by A Red Orchid Theater at 1531 N Wells in Old Town, this show is presented in an intimate space that will knock your socks off!

There is a theme that runs through the show, a desire to vanish from life as we know it to pursue any adventure we seek.

But along the one-hour ride down this road, audience members are involved (willingly) and become part of Tai’s story as we uncover our own. In the end, like a fine theatrical production, there is a message…one that you will walk out of the theater with as you shake your head in amazement for the experience you’ve just had.

The production runs through August 31st and tickets can be purchased at: www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

Review by Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

***1/2 /4

Paul Lisnek with Jon Tai!

Chicago is home to a new major attraction and experience that is an amazing way to experience this magnificent city! Flyover Chicago is an immersive, multi-sensory attraction which showcases the city in a way that will impress Chicagoans and tourists alike.

You’ll experience skyscrapers from 13,000 feet in the air, to dive straight down the city’s buildings as the experience swoops into various neighborhoods and places which makes for a spectacular experience. It’s not just about the places, but the people as well, from the Soul Children’s Choir and even Wrigley Field’s announcer Jeremiah Paprocki. It’s only the fourth such attraction created and built by the Flyover organization (you’ll have to go to Las Vegas, Reykjavik Iceland or Vancouver to see the others).

It’s impressive, exciting and a must-do for Chicagoans and visitors of all ages….make it part of a fun-filled day at Navy Pier.

Tickets for a date and specific time can be purchased at www.ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago.

Warning: don’t be late for your assigned time! The attraction sells out a lot and if you miss your time slot, they may not be able to get you in the same day because each experience is limited to a maximum of 60 guests at a time.

In this new podcast, meet the stars of Back to the Future: the Musical! Classic characters Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox in the movie) is played on stage by Caden Brauch and Doc Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd in the movie) is brought to life by Don Stephenson on stage. Do the actors understand the audience’s expectations when they see a classic film brought to the stage? Can stagecraft even try to provide the visual effects that a filmmaker can, and will we hear the classic Huey Lewis and other music so iconic in the film be heard from the stage production? The stars address all of these questions and more!

Back to the Future: the Musical is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through September 1st.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Watch or listen to the interview by clicking….