Paul goes behind the curtain with two of the stars of the longtime Chicago mainstay hit: “Teatro Zinzanni: Love, Chaos, and Dinner” now playing on the 14th Floor of the Cambria Hotel in the heart of the Loop Theater District. Known from her powerful work on The Voice, Sa’Rayah and renowned magician Carisa Hendrix (known on stage as Lucy Darling) talk about the fascinating and ever-changing show that has entertained Chicago audiences for years. And this production is new and better than ever! With a full dinner included, a full bar available, and almost 2 and half hours of music, song, acrobatics and magic…indeed, the entire show is magical!! A fantastic event to attend during the holidays with family…and thereafter as well…..many people see it over and over again….Enjoy!

Tickets can be purchased at www.Zinzanni.com/Chicago

Paul goes behind the curtain with Jared Howelton who plays the incredibly challenging roles of Marquis de LaFayette AND Thomas Jefferson in the now classic and legendary show Hamilton. Jared talks about playing various roles he’s played in the show over the years as he was part of the extended sit down of the Chicago production for years. At a time when democracy faces its greatest challenge, there may be no better time to take in the messages of Hamilton. It is playing through January 28th at the Nederlander Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with master magician Jamie Allan, who brings his world renowned show “Amaze” to the Rhapsody Theater through January 7th. This is more than a magic show; it’s a production…. a story from open to close that weaves warmth, emotion and family in the presentation of fantastic magic. Playing at the Rhapsody Theater through January 7th, this is a treat for the whole family!

Tickets can be purchased at: www.RhapsodyTheater.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with the director/choreographer of Boop, Jerry Mitchell (“Kinky Boots,” Pretty Woman”) and legendary composer David Foster about the creative process behind making this world premiere musical. Based on the popular cartoon of almost a century ago, this magical musical travels from the black and white page to full colors of today. A brand new book and score, this show is on its way to Broadway. Check out this insightful behind the scenes interview with Jerry and David as they answer questions that were outside the typical…..and be sure to see Boop before it leaves Chicago on December 24th! If you miss it here, you’ll have go to Broadway to see it!

Tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

BOOP  The Musical is Off the Charts!

Jerry Mitchell has taken Broadway to a new level….with his ability to create  a world in black and white and then transform that world to one of a vivacious palette of colors and hues has, to my knowledge, never been achieved before on Broadway. Boop brings to life what had been a one dimensional historic cartoon that has maintained presence in society for 100 years, and vividly creates a 3 dimensional world that makes the audience wish it could jump up into.

It’s not a Jerry Mitchell show without incredibly strong voices, choreography and sets….Boop the Musical is no exception. Boop reaches new heights and this show will take Broadway by storm. No Wonder Mitchell always brings his shows to Chicago before Broadway. As Jerry says, “Chicago knows theater….” And Chicago’s message is clear: Do Not Miss This Show! It may be the most fun thing you do this holiday season.

Paul Lisnek, Host, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

                   Host, ‘Backstage,” on the Comcast Network

Paul goes behind the curtain with legendary composer and lyricist Paul Williams who has written the score for “Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas.” Williams known for a myriad of classics thru the decades (“”Rainbow Connection,” “Evergreen,” We’ve Only Just Begun,” Rainy Days and Mondays,” An Old Fashioned Love Song,”….and SO many more classics)…has been awarded an Academy Award, multiple Grammys, and a Golden Globe. In this interview, Paul talks about his work with Jim Henson and the team to create Emmet Otter, but he also speaks candidly about his 33 years of current sobriety, work with Barbra Streisand, the Carpenters….this is an amazing interview you do not want to miss….

“Jim Henson’s Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas” brings together an A-list team to create what now stands as a love letter to the great Jim Henson. Complete with great talent and lots of Henson puppets, this is a very family-friendly production perfect for the holiday season….and don’t be surprised when on one beautiful song, you hear the voice of Paul Williams resonating from the stage!

The show runs at the newly renovated Studebaker Theater located in the historic Fine Arts Building (410- S. Michigan Ave) thru December 31st and Tickets can be purchased at: www.emmetotterlive.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Beautiful: The Carol King Musical which tells the story of Carol’s amazing career and the larger than life star who never sought the spotlight of the stage. Joining in the conversation is Kaitlyn Davis (who plays Carol King), Andrew Mueller (who plays Carol’s husband Gerry Goffin) and director Jessica Fisch. A huge hit on Broadway, the musical has all the Carol King hits you want to hear performed and the challenge of presenting the story in the round is addressed as well. Fortunately the show has been extended until January 7th and tickets can be purchased at: www.marriottheatre.com

Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Lifespan of a Fact at Timeline Theatre. The play, which had a Broadway run in 2018, addresses the relationship between truth and facts… Is it ever ok to embellish when it means manipulation of the truth? The play is thought-provoking and also hilarious as it is superbly performed by the perfect cast: PJ Powers (Timeline Artistic Director and co-founder of Timeline) plays writer John D’Agata whose writing is questioned by a young fact checker: Alex Benito Rodriquez (who plays Jim Fingal) in his Timeline debut. Juliet Hart plays editing manager Emily Penrose who must ultimately decide how far truth can be stretched. And providing an overall vision to this production, director Mechelle Moe joins the conversation. The story is based on true historical events…as everything presented by Timeline always is. And part of the evening at a Timeline production should always include a visit to the lobby where history adorns the walls.

It’s a play you don’t want to miss…Timeline Theatre is located at 615 W. Wellington Ave (in the Lakeview area) and we get an update on the new state of the art theater building coming soon! The play runs through December 23rd and tickets can be purchased at: www.timelinetheatre.com.

Paul goes behind the curtain with Tony Award winning actress Stephanie J. Block to talk about her recent honor as the recipient of the Sarah Siddons Society Award. The society which is dedicated to funding scholarships to promising theater arts students at top Chicago area universities honored Block with hits 2023 Award.

Then, along with reminiscing about her many amazing experiences, Stephanie shares details about her new (and first) Christmas Album, “Merry Christmas, Darling.” While she covers classics like the Carpenters’ title song, Count Your Blessings (Irving Berlin), O Holy Night and more…but also original tracks. And she is joined on certain tracks by husband and fellow Broadway star, Sebastian Arcelus …. And her daughter Vivienne!

A great addition to this year’s Christmas music….the CD can be purchased at www.Amazon.com and is available for streaming.

Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of “POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive.” Joining the conversation are Steppenwolf Ensemble members: Celeste M. Cooper (Chris), Sandra Marquez (Harriet), Caroline Neff (Stephanie) Karen Rodriguez (Jean) and making her Steppenwolf debut: Chloe Baldwin (Dusty). This American farce is one of the funniest shows to hit a Chicago stage in years! Yes, the language is very salty so warning for those who find bad language offensive, but if you are good with that, you will laugh yourself silly in this story that follows the work of the women behind the President of the United States, asking the question: who exactly does run the country?  The story? It’s about a day in the life of the players at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave when a White House PR crisis puts the entire administration into chaos. How can seven women keep the President out of trouble…or can they?

This hysterical production runs through December 17th and tickets can be purchased at www.steppenwolf.org.

Paul goes behind the curtain with master magician Dennis Watkins. After years of sharing his magic at The House Theatre of Chicago and a decade housed in the historic Palmer House Hotel, the new home of The Magic Parlour now offers warmth, intimacy and a great close-up view of the magic being performed right before your eyes. Chicago, if you did not know it, is the home of “close up magic.” Yes…it all started here and the tradition lives on thru master magicians like Dennis. With audiences limited to about 60 people, be sure to arrive early to enjoy cocktails and small plates (sliders, meatballs, fried ravioli among other dishes), as well as a spectacular after-show performance called “The Encore,” (a definite MUST add-on to your evening experience). The entire show keeps you close to the action as you try to see how this master magician does what he does. You won’t be able to figure it out, but you WILL be amazed and in awe as you watch the magic unfold. Both traditional type card tricks with mind boggling mentalism, Watkins presents a show that would make Houdini proud!

Tickets can be purchased at: www.TheMagicParlourChicago.com. This is a show you will return to time and again, with friends and visitors….a true night of pure fun!

Paul’s review of the show:

If you don’t believe in magic, you will after you see Dennis Watkins at the Magic Parlour! From the very first moment, the show is filled with “oos and ahs” from an amazed and stunned audience, some of whom literally jump out of their chairs yelling, “What? NO Way!” What adds to the fun is the humor and interplay Dennis brings to the show. Every audience member involved in a fun and hysterical way. This show works so well because Dennis knows how to work his audience as few performers can. The best way to believe in magic is to be part of it and Dennis Watkins makes us all part of the act. Fantastic small plates and a full bar you can enjoy before the show, then settle in for 90 minutes of mind boggling fun that would make Houdini proud!

****/4

Paul Lisnek, Host, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com