HBO’s popular and heartfelt show “Somebody Somewhere” gained a huge following and continues to find more fans as more people find it on HBO. Among the breakout stars is long time comedian and larger than life personality Murray Hill! Long known as an event emcee, Hill is amazing in performing stand-up. Song, rimshots, ad-libbing and crowd work.

Known as “Mr. Showbiz”, Murray is the self-proclaimed hardest-working middle aged man in show business and pretty much a one-man entertainment machine performing as comedian, host, actor, writer, producer and so much more!

Appearing on TV, in films (including the upcoming ”Man with The Bag” with Arnold Schwarzenegger) and so much more, tune in to this fun interview for all things Showbiz!

“Ugly Lies the Bone” is a moving and powerful comedy, both darkly funny and heartfelt….with special impact as we are in the season of Veterans’ Day…when we should both honor and give thought to those who have served our country…many who return with serious challenges as a result of their experiences in war.

The story is about a military veteran who uses virtual reality to piece her life back together, the story takes us into her most crucial relationships, past and present. The lead character Jess has returned from three tours in Afghanistan to a changed world and a very different body and mind. Can Jess rebuild her life one puzzle piece at a time?

Joining in the conversation are playwright Lindsey Ferrentino (whose current work “Queen of Versailles” is on Broadway now with Kristin Chenowith and F. Murray Abraham) and the show’s lead: Christina Gorman who, as Jess, presents a stunning performance.

Ugly Lies the Bone plays only through November 15th at Shattered Globe Theatre at Theater Wit located at 1229 W. Belmont Ave. in Lakeview. Tickets can be purchased at: www.sgtheatre.org.

The play runs 90 minutes without an intermission…and you’ll be riveted to your seat.

Try not to miss this amazing production!

It’s hard to define the type of entertainment that is presented at the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) on the Campus of the College of DuPage because it is SO varied and full, that there’s something for everyone.

In this interview with Director of the MAC, Diana Martinez, the upcoming calendar for October through December is reviewed. From the comedy of Paul Reiser and Pat Tomasulo, to musical tributes to Neil Diamond, George Michael and the Carpenters, to a Christmas filled with the holiday music of the a cappella sensation group Voctave and the magical Salt Creek ballet production of “The Nutcracker” with the New Philharmonic.

The programs offer a variety and make a great evening out.

One of the upcoming performances features Voctave, an 11 member a cappella group which unites amazing talents together in a powerful blend of voices. The members all worked together at one time or another as part of “Voices of Liberty” at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.

Known for their covers of Disney music, Broadway, Christmas classics and so much more, arranger/writer Jamey Ray joins the conversation in Part Two to share some history of the group and what the audience can expect at the Christmas show at The MAC on Sunday, December 14th at 7pm.

Here on WGNRadio.com, watch the extended conversation with Jamey that does a deep dive on how the group does what it does!

You can learn more about the group at: www.Voctave.com and check out their music.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.AtTheMAC.org but act fast as they’ve sold out their past performances at this theater.

Everyone loves Lucy! I Love Lucy and its stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz remain legends some 70 years after the classic TV comedy premiered. Fans of this show have likely read many books about Lucy or Desi and Lucy, or the show itself. But no book has been written that focuses on the life and professional contributions of Desi Arnaz, until now. Yes, Desi wrote an autobiography called “A Book,” where some say he added a bit of color to the reality of his life. Now, the new book “Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television” by veteran author and journalist Todd Purdum, fills in the story with a lot of information not before known.

You may know that Desi is credited with using a three camera shoot for I Love Lucy but did you know the impact it had on the industry including modern day television production? Beyond I Love Lucy, Desi had a tremendous impact on Lucy’s continued success, new television shows brought onto the TV screen. Yes, Desi had issues with drinking and women…but was he a good father and family man? Did you know Lucy and Desi were divorced years before they got the divorce you likely know about?

For the first time, an in-depth look at the man who many say did not get the credit he deserved….and going beyond the WGN+ TV Stream version of this interview, author Todd Purdum stayed on for a BONUS discussion with Paul that you can watch ONLY on the wgnradio.com podcast version of the show.

For the legacy and history of television, Purdum has added an important and until now, missing and critical piece of the history. A book that is a must-read…and an interview that is a must watch.

“Desi Arnaz: The Man Who Invented Television” is available in bookstores and of course, on line.

Are you a member of Club Edward or Club Jacob? If you are a Twilight fan, and a diehard Twilight fan, you know exactly what that means! Based on the Twilight set of books and movies (at least the first one), Tiffany Keane Schaefer has written (and directs) a very fun parody and tribute to the beloved characters of the Twilight stories. Crafted into a musical by composer Brian Rasmussen, the production  is funny, fun and has a has a lot of heart in it as well. Joining in the conversation are both Tiffany and Brian as they discuss how the musical got created and what audiences can expect. And what you can expect….is a night of great fun!

Tickets for Twihard, playing at the Apollo Theater Chicago on Lincoln Avenue can be purchased at: www.TwihardTheMusical.com

The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time. Making its debut on Broadway 65 years ago and its glorious movie debut over 60 years ago, the story of the Von Trapp family in the late 1930’s is beautifully told and resonates powerfully today. Some shows don’t age well, but Sound of Music has perhaps even more meaning today than it did decades ago. And the music….Climb Every Mountain, My Favorite Things and Do-Re-Mi remain as beloved as ever.

Joining in the conversation are Christiane Noll  (Dear Evan Hansen; Jekyll and Hyde, Miss Saigon)  who plays Mother Abbess, the head of the Nonnberg Abbey who counsels young Maria to Climb Every Mountain. Then follows a chat with Nicholas Rodriguez who plays “Uncle” Max Detweiler, a character played quite differently in this production than people may remember from the film.

This is an evening for the entire family for sure….and one that brings back sweet memories for those who remember the Broadway production (with Mary Martin), the movie (with Julie Andrews) or even the live NBC production (Carrie Underwood).

You can get tickets for Sound of Music at www.BroadwayInChicago.com and remember that the production will only play through November 2nd at the Nederlander Theater.

On a special Behind the Curtain, Paul introduces us to the extremely talented Sharpe Family Singers, known for their incredible vocal talents and massive following across all social media!

The Sharpe Family consists of Ron, Barbra, Samantha, Logan, Connor and Aidan. We learn all about the early days of when parents Ron and Barbra met on Broadway, before their daughter Samantha (a self-proclaimed Broadway kid)and the 3 boys came along, plus, with the massive success they have garnered over the years there are bound to be some stories behind their many appearances on America’s Got Talent and they even address the rumors of a 5th Sharpe kid.

You’ve probably seen them everywhere on YouTube, TikTok and television but now they are coming to Illinois! You can get tickets to their November 8th show in Galesburg, Illinois at sharpefamilysingers.com!

On this special episode of Behind the Curtain, Paul sits down with the cast of Lee Kirk’s “Ashland Avenue” on the stage of the show itself! Taking center stage with Paul in first part of the interview is Jenna Fischer (yes, THAT Jenna Fischer of The Office fame) playing Sam, and in the second part are Chike Johnson, playing the role of Sam’s husband Mike, and Cordelia Dewdney, playing the role of Jess. 

Not only is the conversation engaging, but the incredibly detailed set is a testament to the crew’s dedication to the craft and Lee’s immense vision for this show. Set on the backdrop of an old TV and video store in Chicago down to its last days, we learn about how the owner Pete (played by Chicago treasure Francis Guinan), navigates the difficulties of growing old and leaving things behind to his daughter Sam. Plus, we get a little insight into how Jenna’s connection to Lee Kirk (which may or may not be a surprise to some) shaped the show.

If you missed your chance to buy tickets, the show has been extended to October 19th so be sure to head to GoodmanTheatre.org to get yours! There is no excuse to miss out on this powerful show with plenty of heart (and plenty of caffeine) that doesn’t let you forget which great city it is set in!

Sandy Rustin was raised in Chicago, attended New Trier and Northwestern University. Soon the success began for this Chicagoan whose talents include acting, voiceover and most critically, award winning playwrighting. As an actor, she toured as Sandy in the national tour of Grease and also appeared in “I Love you, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” along with a host of television programs like “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Law and Order,” and “All My Children”

Choosing to raise a family, Sandy decided to concentrate her efforts on playwriting and the list is a mile long. From her adaptation of the classic movie/game “CLUE” for the stage and her adaptation of “Mystic Pizza” from the screen, she also wrote “The Cottage” an original comedy that was directed by Jason Alexander (George from Seinfeld) and which starred Eric McCormack (Will and Grace) and Laura Bell Bundy.’ Plus so many more including the recent hit “Always Something There” which enjoyed its world premiere at Marriott Lincolnshire’s Theatre in the Round.

Sandy agreed to an extended chat about her career and how the various pieces came about and fit together. A true Chicago story…..quite clearly on her way to Chicago legendary status in a career that has a long way to go!!

Chicago Humanities has, for more than 36 years, been presenting live events that bring the world to Chicago. Centered on culture, creativity and connection, the program brings the most provocative thinkers and authors, in a celebration of new perspectives and ways of thinking.

The programs take place in many neighborhoods around Chicago and vary from author talks, to “in discussions” to performances. So eclectic…so exciting….

Joining the conversation is Executive Director Phillip Bahar who notes: “this year’s lineup reflects our shared desire to engage deeply with the questions, challenges, and joys of our time.” From Nate Silver and Angela Davis and Kara Swisher, Nick Offerman, Kurt Vile, Margaret Atwod and Salman Rushdie….what a schedule.

You can check out the full calendar and see what’s up for the Spring by going to: ChicagoHumanities.org