In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast and director of The Band’s Visit about the power of this musical now playing through March 24th. Joining in the conversation is Director Zi Alikhan, along with cast members Armand Akbari (Haled), Sophie Madorsky (Dina) and Rom Barkhordar (Tewfiq). It’s the story of an Egyptian military band scheduled to play in a small local town but thru a misunderstanding of the name with another town in Israel with a very similar name, the band ends up in the wrong town and indeed in the wrong country. The interaction between the characters and the meeting of the different cultures resonates especially deep now with the difficult situation currently going on in the Middle East. Not only is the cast and story superb, but David Yazbek’s score is an amazing reflection of the region and containing gorgeous melodies that will stay in your head long after you leave the theater.

The Band’s Visit plays only through March 24th and tickets can be purchased at www.writerstheatre.org

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast and director of “Billy Elliott” the amazing musical currently playing at Paramount Theatre in Aurora through March 24th. Joining in the conversation are Trent Stork (Director) and cast members: Michelle Aravena (Mrs. Wilkinson), Spencer Davis Milford (playing Billy’s brother Tony) and Ron E. Rains (playing Billy’s Dad).

In the words of director Trent Stork, it’s the story of one little boy against a big nasty world….one little boy with hope. And that’s a great perspective to have in addition to experiencing the specific family based story told in dialogue, dance and beautiful songs. Billy is a young boy who decides he wants to be a dancer. That’s not the career his mine worker dad or brother would have hoped for him, but it’s Billy’s dream nevertheless. Through his teacher Mrs. Wilkinson, Billy can pursue his dream with encouragement, guidance, and acceptance. With an amazing score by the legendary Elton John, this is a heartwarming story that will have you feeling really good for a long time after you see it!

Billy Elliott plays through March 24th and tickets can be purchased at www.paramountaurora.com

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with Jai Rodriquez, best known as the Culture Guy (one of the Fab Five) from the original “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” on Bravo. The EMMY Award winner played Angel in the Broadway Musical “Rent” and has been seen in shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, The Rookie and Uncoupled, to name a few. The show will be introspective and a bit autobiographical as Jai talks about his life and career.

Jai performs for ONE WEEK only: Friday March 15th and Saturday, March 16th at 8pm and Sunday, March 17th at 5pm. Tickets can be purchased at: www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com

In this new podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the star of Pretty Woman the Musical, Chase Wolfe (who plays Edward Lewis). The classic Julia Roberts/Richard Gere film was brought to the musical stage by theater legend Jerry Mitchell and boasts of a score by the comic genius Garry Marshall and a new score by music greats Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance. Chase talks about taking on the role so engrained in our minds from the movie, how he creates the magical relationship on stage with the character Vivian Ward (played by Ellie Baker).

A very enjoyable and fun musical you only have a week to see! The production runs from March 12th – 17th at the CIBC Theater and tickets can be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com

In this new podcast, Paul chats with the cast of Lin Manuel Miranda’s wonderful and heartwarming show, “In the Heights” playing at the Marriott Lincolnshire through March 17th. Joining the chat are Paola Hernandez (Vanessa), Crissy Guerrero (Abuela Claudia), Yasir Muhammad (Benny) and Jordan Arredondo (Sonny). The story takes place in Washington Heights, a community where coffee is enjoyed  at the corner bodega, the neighbors all talk to each other and the ongoing rhythm of three generations of music carries the story and community thru its struggles and triumphs. Despite economic, relationship and cultural challenges, we must hold onto our dreams and traditions to create a better future. It’s a story of family, community and hope and no one tells it better than Lin Manuel Miranda.

“In the Heights” plays at Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre through March 17th and tickets can be purchased at: https://tickets.marriotttheatre.com/.

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