Paul goes behind the curtain for a very special “exit” interview with Tom Skilling, the undeniable G.O.A.T (greatest of all time) among meteorologists worldwide! Chicago has never seen such extensive tributes and honors for anyone in media who has entered retirement…but then again, Chicago has never seen the likes of Tom Skilling! Paul asks Tom the questions that no one else has been asking…from his favorite song and his guilty pleasure to where in the world he would like to visit and stories from his childhood (like did his parents think he was nuts to want to be a meteorologist?). It’s Skilling revealed…like never before!

Click on the link to WATCH or listen to our fun chat!

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain for an informal and informational chat with one of Chicago’s and the country’s most famous chefs: Art Smith.

How did Chef Art hit the big time while so many chefs dream of having the life and career that he has created in his own life. Well beyond the menu items of Reunion and even Chicago’s Blue Door Kitchen and Garden (tho you’ll hear about those too), this is the interview that allows Chef Art to share a myriad of stories from making dinner for legendary ballet dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov to Oprah, Nelson Mandela and so many more. Plus Chef Art lets us know who among the rich, famous and powerful sit at a particular table in his Blue Door Restaurant (hint: the list includes the Obamas).

What exactly is American Southern cuisine and how does it differ from New Orleans cuisine, his signature dishes, and do his kids eat Dad’s cooking?

If you are a fan of Chef Art, you will love this fun and casual conversation…..and you can find everything you need to know about the Chef at: www.ChefArtSmith.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with Gail Papp, widow and partner of the legendary Joseph Papp, Founder of The Public Theatre. Gail joined Joseph Papp’s New York Shakespeare Festival in 1965, became Director of New Works Development for the Public Theater and was responsible for some of theater’s greatest productions: The Normal Heart, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Angels in America, Chorus Line, Hamilton and the current hit, Here Lies Love. She eventually married Joseph Papp and the rest, as they say.. is history. The book, “Public/Private: My Life with Joe Papp at the Public Theater” is available in bookstores and online at www.amazon.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with actress Dot-Marie Jones (yep, Coach Beaste in Glee) to discuss the play, “Highway Patrol” playing now at the Goodman Theatre through Feb 18th. It’s the story of a 13-year old fan named Cam dealing with a serious medical condition who catches the attention of Emmy Award winning  actress Dana Delany (China Beach, Desperate Housewives, the O.C.)  and who gets involved in a Twitter and direct messaging friendship with the young boy. But when young Cam starts getting messages from “the beyond,” the play takes turns completely unexpected by the audience and into directions that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And…it’s a TRUE story!

It’s a show where few plot points can be divulged and Dot shares as much as she can in an entertaining and interesting conversation.

Highway Patrol plays through Feb 18th and tickets can be purchased at www.goodmantheatre.org

Theater lovers looking for a fantastic time will NOT want to miss “Anything Goes” with a phenomenal Porchlight Music Theatre cast and music by the legendary Cole Porter. Joining in the conversation are the incredible Meghan Murphy (playing Reno Sweeney), Luke Nowakowski (playing Billy Crocker), Steve McDonagh (playing Moonface Martin) and Jackson Evans (a riot as Lord Evelyn Oakleigh). They chat with Paul about the incredible magic of this ensemble cast, the power of Cole Porter’s score and why this show is as much fun today as it was 90 years ago when it first took the stage! If you love songs like “I Get a Kick out of You,” “You’re the Top,” “Friendship,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow Gabriel Blow” and the title song, yes…they are ALL in this musical! It’s a night of fun and good times at the Ruth Page Center, which MUST close on March 10th!

Tickets may be purchased at: www.porchlightmusictheatre.org

 MY REVIEW:

In Chicago, Anything Goes! And that means amazing voices, fabulous tap dancing, a legendary story and a Cole Porter magical score that will warm up everyone on a cold night. What fun…it’s been a long time since a this carefree classic has made its way onto a Chicago stage, and as always, no one does it better than Porchlight Music Theatre! The role of Reno Sweeney was made for Meghan Murphy, who does the tradition of Merman and LuPone proud, standing with the best of them. Her every moment on stage led to cheers and roars from an audience who clearly appreciated this talent…it was about time Murphy graced the stage of Porchlight…and it will clearly be the first of many roles to come! Don’t miss this fresh take on a show that premiered back when theater was theater! Cole Porter is timeless! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

****/4

Paul goes behind the curtain with award winning comedian/actor/writer Alex Edelman who brings his acclaimed solo show “Just for Us” to Steppenwolf Theatre for two weeks only: February 15-25th in the Downstairs Theater. Edelman has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Late Night with Seth Meyers and Conan.

The New York Times calls it “belly-laugh funny!” As Edelman talks about attending a meeting of White Nationalists and comes fact-to-fact with those people who hide behind their keyboards.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.Steppenwolf.org/Justforus or by calling the Box Office at 312-335-1650

Paul goes behind the curtain with the co-star of the HBO hit series: ‘Somebody, Somewhere.” Jeff also created the iconic character/murderer Mr. Whitely on American Horror Story, and as Jeff would say, you’d recognize him as the waiter in every sitcom you’ve ever watched…. He comes to the Den Theatre with his stand-up act for ONE show only, Sunday, February 4th at 7:15pm. Warning: the show is selling well and at last look, there were only a few seats left so check it out and get tickets as soon as you can.

Jeff Hiller appears on the Heath Mainstage of the Den at 1331 N. Milwaukee Ave in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. Tickets can be purchased at: www.thedentheatre.com or by calling the box office at: 773.697.3830.

Paul goes behind the curtain with the author of “Amazing Chicago: The City of Big Shoulders, Murder and Mayhem,” written by David Anthony Witter. The book uncovers the fascinating and often strange but true stories of Chicago’s architectural splendor, creativity and famous folks. From gangsters and murderers to the beginnings of deep dish pizza, tacos and Italian beef, Witter takes us to the place where Barack and Michelle Obama first kissed, where Charlie Chaplin made movies and the house that survived the Great Chicago Fire. Did you know Ernest Hemingway was born here, or that Chicago was a central home for Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, and Walt Disney began his life right here? These are amazing facts that will add to the pride you likely already hold for this fascinating city. It is a quick and very fun read.

“Amazing Chicago” can be purchased here or through the author’s website: www.DavidWitterChicago.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with the Managing Artistic Director of the Fine Arts Building and Studebaker Theater, Jacob Harvey. The renovation of the structure for its recent 125th Anniversary is truly stunning and a must-see historic site in Chicago. Who knew that the history of this site included performances by Bob Hope, Vincent Price, Yul Brenner, Henry Fonda and even a young Martin Sheen. In fact, the classic actress Jesssica Lange took violin lessons on this very site. From the human operated manual elevators (yes, still…..) to the historic galleries available for patrons to tour, this is truly an experience you don’t want to miss. Landmarked in 1978, the site offers an extensive variety of, not just performing arts, but businesses and artists of all sorts which are either artistic or arts adjacent. From the ongoing Second Friday programs to the growing number of productions (the recently concluded musical “Personality,” and the upcoming “Sunday in the Park with George” presented by the amazing Porchlight Music Theatre, (not to mention the home of the fabulous show “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me”) there is just so much to experience and enjoy that you’ll want to listen/watch this interview and then hop on line to explore: www.fineartsbuilding.com

Musician and one of the many talented performers in the hit show ‘STOMP’ Declan Hayden joins Paul Lisnek, in for Lisa Dent, to talk all things STOMP. Listen in while Hayden shares how they bring music to everyday objects and how STOMP bring dance, music and theatrical performance together in one electrifying rhythm.

To get tickets on for STOMP’s North American Tour go to stomponline.com.