On this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the star of M.J.: The Musical, Roman Banks who plays the legendary Michael Jackson. Roman was the first African American cast as Evan Hansen on Broadway and also starred in High School Musical: The Series, as Howie. But as Michael Jackson, Banks is realizing a dream come true as he brings the King of Pop back to life for an unforgettable Broadway in Chicago experience. It’s the music of Michael Jackson that presents the good, the bad and the ugly, but with an appreciation for what MJ meant to the world of music. A legend, an icon….he defined the music of a generation. The musical plays at the Nederlander Theater through September 2nd and you can get tickets at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com

MJ: A Musical Thriller in Every Way!

Once in awhile, Chicago is blessed with a musical production that stands head and shoulders above all else; one that is jaw dropping. MJ is that musical.

Michael Jackson’s music catalogue defines a generation, but we realize it’s also the means by which we can understand Jackson’s complicated life. We can finally see the man in the mirror’s reflection back at us which is that of an incredibly gifted, talented, complicated and troubled artist who sought perfection but faced a never-ending scrutiny by the media and public.

Sometimes Michael teaches us, you can’t believe what you read in the papers…the production does not dwell on the difficult if not controversial parts of Jackson’s life but they are not ignored either. Instead the story chooses to let us focus on the joy and talents of an artist taken away  all too soon. Indeed, some songs propel the story forward and others are presented for the pure pleasure of experiencing them as MJ fans did for years.

The star….Roman Banks does not play Michael Jackson….he IS Michael Jackson!

At every moment, with his every inflection and movement, with a perfect voice, if you never got the chance to see MJ perform live, it does not get any closer than this show…. It’s no wonder that Banks received no less than 4 standing ovations before the final curtain bow. His performance is stunningly perfect.

I wish this production would just stay in Chicago because you’d go see it time and time again…in fact, I can urge you to Don’t stop…til you get enough…..and with MJ, you will never get enough. It’s that good!! Sounds corny….but this show is gonna be startin’ somethin’…and that is a race to the box office for tickets in what is sure to be a sell out run. Don’t miss it!

My rating decision was as easy as ABC, Do Re Mi but not  123…..no, that’s where I had to up the number…..this production gets a perfect 4!!

****/4

In this new podcast, Paul goes Behind the Curtain with stars Ethan Carlson and Keenan Odenkirk, as well as Rick Kinnebrew, playwright of “White City: An Audible Exhibition on H. H. Holmes.” It is like a return to old time radio when the magic was created through voice and sound. If you are a fan of Chicago history, you want to listen in because the story is based in historical truth, and if you are a fan of mysteries, this is your show. The production is currently available for purchase and to listen in at: www.ATheaterintheDark.com. What an audio treat!! You’ll want to check out other shows at the site once you hear this performance.

In this interview, Paul goes behind the curtain with Michael Schulman, author of “Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat and Tears.” From the early days of the Oscars to the shift from old Hollywood to New Hollywood, the role of race through the years, the Blacklist years when the Oscar went to…a fictitious person who had to hide his identity. The book is fascinating and Schulman tells the stories behind the amazing history of this very American event. The book can be purchased in bookstores and from amazon.com.

In this new podcast, Paul chats with the stars of the Goodman’s Runaway hit, “The Who’s Tommy” now playing at the Goodman Theatre through August 6th. Ali Louis Bourzgui (Adult Tommy), Adam Jacobs (Captain Walker) and Alison Luff (Mrs. Walker) talk about their roles in this incredible production. Also joining the conversation is Des McAnuff who wrote the book for the show (music/lyrics by Pete Townshend) and who directed the production.

The Who’s Tommy plays at the Goodman Theatre through August 6th and tickets may be purchased at www.goodmantheatre.org

Paul’s Review of the show says it all:

Goodman’s The Who’s Tommy is Jaw Droppingly Stunning!

It’s hard to find the words to describe the experience of seeing The Who’s Tommy at Goodman except to say it is stunning, mesmerizing, exceeds any and all expectations, and if you do not get tickets soon, you are going to miss what is sure to be a sold out production and will need to wait for Broadway, where it will assuredly head. I have just never seen any production as impactful whether at the Goodman or anywhere, else within recent memory. Pete Townshend with Des McAnuff have created a masterpiece whose 1969 score is as relevant and alive today as it was when it took the world by storm originally.

The cast including Broadway veterans like Adam Jacobs (Captain Walker; original Aladdin) and Alison Luff (Mrs. Walker; Waitress) and Ali Louis Bourzgui (Tommy/Narrator; Broadway National Tour of The Band’s Visit), lead a cast of the most talented actors/singers/dancers who each possess the skills to be Broadway triple threats!

The Set designs by David Korinsare and lighting/projection talents of Amanda Zieve and Peter Nigrini are truly characters in the show. You can’t help but take in every inch of the stage, every moving part and yet stay focused on the immensely talented cast who turn a rock concert type score into an engaging believable story that will have you laugh, cry and cherish.

The choreography of Lorin Latarro is as striking and distinctive as a Bob Fosse musical, though with her own now identifiable style of sharp crisp movements that are born with every beat.

There is a not a bad word or suggestion to be said about this production. It is sheer perfection and all I can say is if you don’t see it, you will long regret having missed one of the finest productions to ever grace a stage in Chicago, or anywhere else.

I truly want to give this play *****/4. That’s not a typo….it’s a 5 out of 4. Don’t miss The Who’s Tommy at the Goodman Theatre playing through August 6th in the Albert Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at: www.goodmantheatre.org

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and director of: “Passing Strange”: now playing at Theo Ubique Theater in Evanston through July 30th. Joining the conversation are Jordan DeBose (playing Stew the narrator), Jenece Upton (playing Mother) and director Tim Rhoze. This Broadway show is reimagined in an intimate way that only Theo can do it.  Passing Strange is a comedy-drama rock musical about a young African-American’s journey of self-discovery as an artist. The Musical’s lyrics and book are written by singer-songwriter and playwright Stew but I can’t imagine anyone playing Stew as effectively and powerfully as the very talented, Jordan DeBose. 

Passing Strange plays through July 30th at Theo Ubique Cabaret located at 721 Howard Street in Evanston. Tickets can be purchased at www.theo-u.com

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and playwright for Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon now playing at Lookingglass Theatre through July 16th. Joining the conversation are playwright/actor Matthew C. Yee (who plays Charlie), Aurora Adachi-Winter (who plays Lucy) and Wai Ching Ho (who plays Grandma and steals the show….in a good way!). The play features original country western and folk songs. This is the story that takes you on a journey across the Midwest with the two First Generation Asian American Renegades who are in love but on the run and mostly in concert form. Truly one of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time and you should NOT miss it!! Playing through July 16th and tickets are available at www.Lookingglasstheatre.org

On this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Derek Berry, the creator of the Golden Girls Kitchen, doing blockbuster business thru the summer as it immerses fans into the home of the Golden Girls along with the meals that go along with it.  Enter the building and you are welcomed by a neon sign: “Thank you for Being a Friend,” and you’ll know you are at home with the girls. Located at 1367 N. Milwaukee, your visit includes enjoying a meal in a reproduction of the Golden Girl’s kitchen followed by a tour through the ladies’ living room, lanai and even Blanche’s bedroom. Plus, no tour is complete without a look at the bar in the Rusty Anchor. If you are getting all of these references then you are a Golden Girls fan. And if you don’t, then you are in for a treat as you get to know the legendary and iconic show thru your visit. Your meal might include Sophia’s Lasagna Il Forno, or perhaps a bacon, lettuce and potato sandwich and of course, end it with a sit down to the infamous cheese cake. An incredibly clever treat, it’s a visit you want to make while it is here through August 6th. Tickets may be purchased at: www.bucketlisters.com

On this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the stars of Shaw v Tunney, Richard Henzel who plays George Bernard Shaw and Gene Tunney played by Sam Pearson. Also joining in is Jay R. Tunney, the son of Gene Tunney and author of the book “The Prizefighter and the Playwright,” the subject of the play. Hear Tunney tell the story of how his dad first met G Bernard Shaw and listen as the actors discuss how they worked to portray actual historical figures to bring them to life in a sparse set that puts high expectations on their performances. Shaw vs Tunney plays through July 8th at Theatre Wit located at 1229 West Belmont and tickets may be purchased at: www.theaterwit.org

On this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the star of What the Constitution Means to Me, Beth Lacke, who plays Heidi Schreck, and the play’s director, Helen Young. The relevance of this show in today’s world could not be more powerful. Beth talks about her background and how she handles having to present political issues in such volatile times, plus the director shares how the show has changed since it was written back in 2018. A show that involves the audience and will have you talking about national issues as you leave the theater and beyond. And with new Supreme Court decisions coming down soon in major cases, it will really get your interests stirred up! The play is being presented at the Timeline Theatre located at 615 West Wellington (just off Broadway) and tickets can be purchased at: www.timelinetheatre.com

The show runs through July 2nd.

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the amazing Mark Toland, a mentalist who will be first to tell you that what he does is not real! A show filled with humor and audience interaction that will truly have everyone in the room in complete amazement. Mark is talented in so many ways that it is a show you will want to see over and over and you will never figure out how he does what he does. Plus, an evening at The Chicago Magic Lounge is a memorable experience you do not want to miss!  Mark appears through June 28th and tickets can be purchased at: ChicagoMagicLounge.com.