In this new podcast, you meet some family members who live in the Fun Home! Fun Home is shorthand for funeral home but that’s just the setting for a family who face relationship challenges and lots of personal growth. We meet Alison (a character based on the playwright Alison Bechdel and her graphic novel) which shows us her life as a young girl, college age student and 40+ year old professional artist.

Written at a time when lesbian characters were rarely, if ever, the focus of the story, we see Alison work through her life’s coming of age and coming out development, and she’s not the only one with some life recognition to do!

Joining in the conversation is Alanna Chavez who plays adult Alison, Z Mowry who makes their Porchlight debut playing Middle Alison, and Porchlight regular Neala Barron(previously seen in “Sunday in the Park with George in Concert,” and “Cabaret”) as Helen the matriarch of the family. An engaging discussion about the deep issues reflected in this work with music by Jeanine Tesori (Shrek the Musical, Caroline or Change) and book/lyrics by Lisa Kron. Amazing talents present another fabulous Porchlight Musical.

The show runs through March 2nd at Porchlight Music Theatre housed in the Ruth Page Center for the Arts at 1016 N. Dearborn. Tickets can be purchased at: www.PorchlishtMusicTheatre.org

Paul’s Review:

Review: Fun Home at Porchlight Music Theatre

****/4

 You’ll want to come out for Fun House!

 The story, a true one based on a graphic novel, is that of Alison, a 43 year old graphic artist and cartoonist played so very warmly here by Alanna Chavez. In the Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama, Fun Home, she uses her cartooning talent to draw out her life to understand where she’s been and to get it to make sense. Sometimes hindsight doesn’t come with clear eyes.

 Erasing and modifying her cartoons as she gains perspective, Alison remembers back with the assistance of two of her younger selves, one as a young child (Tessa Mae Pundsack alternating with Meena Sood) and the other as her college student self (masterfully portrayed by Z Mowry) who has the true realization of her sexual identity and the family challenges it brings with it. Adult Alison literally watches and looks over her younger selves as she works to understand her complicated past to get a grasp on her current life. The subtitle of the book by Alison Bechdel on which the show is based is “A family tragicomic,” and that description tells you what you will experience in the show’s 100 minutes (no intermission). First premiering at the Public Theater in 2013, the musical has aged well…there are not, after all,  many coming of age stories about a cartoonist lesbian in the playbook.

 Propelling the story are the fabulous book and lyrics (by Lisa Kron) and the widely varied music of Jeanine Tesori  (Shrek, Caroline or Change among her other works). From a Fun Home commercial performed by the young kids to a Brady Bunch family style musical number and a few stand out moments including Mom Helen’s (Neala Barron) blockbuster performance. Overall, Alison’s to-be girlfriend Joan (Dakota Hughes) has moments that steal the show with their deeply thoughtful expressions and interpretation of the role.

 Heartwarming, captivating and touching….the impact of the show is large….most likely your personal struggles in and from childhood are different from Alison’s, but you will likely find a resemblance, you’ll identify.  One way or another you will see yourself on stage…..and in that spirit, Welcome Home!

Lookingglass Theatre is truly one of Chicago’s most unique theater companies. Their work is original and inventive and their location is actually inside the historic pumping station at Water Tower! The black box setting takes unique form with every single production. Joining in the conversation is Artistic Director Kasey Foster (a performer, producer, director, choreographer and puppeteer in her own right!) and new Managing Director Jamey Lundblad (most recently the Deputy Commissioner at the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events). They talk about the exciting upcoming season (which kicks off with the exciting Circus Quixote), the newly renovated lobby, bar and café, and SO much more!

Plus, we share the conversation we had (and the speech he gave) at the ribbon cutting with one of the founders of the theater, David Schwimmer! Yes, THAT David Schwimmer!

Tickets for Lookingglass Theatre and more information can be found at: www.LookingglassTheatre.org or by calling: 312.337.0665. The theater is located in the historic Water Tower pumping station at 163 E. Pearson. Check this out!

Paul Lisnek with David Schwimmer!

Who doesn’t love magic? And now, a bright, young talent takes the main stage every Wednesday evening at 7pm through March 26th. “Static Magic” is his new show developed especially for this home to the city’s best magician talent! Arrive early to enjoy table magic at the bar, then head to your table in the main showroom and enjoy various magicians who perform at your table. Order some incredible food like chicken sliders, potato pancakes and much more. Then get ready to enjoy Trent!

But first, enjoy this in-depth conversation with Trent and learn about his past and training plus, enjoy a sample performance during the interview!

Tickets can be purchased at www.chicagomagiclounge.com orby calling 312-366-4500.

“Trent James’ Static Magic” at Chicago Magic Lounge

Review By:

Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain, WGNRadio.com

****/4

There’s nothing static about Trent James’ magic show! To the contrary, James’ magic is pump[ed with movement, action and amazement, keeping the audience laughing throughout.

The best magicians connect with the audience for a short-lived friendship and Trent James does just that with charm and a light-hearted style. Always reminding the audience that its time to applaud (because perhaps his hands are tied up so he can’t applaud) or noting at the point of amazement that clapping is a nice thing to do….it’s done with humor and fun and the audience feels like they are watching a good friend try out the latest tricks and illusions.

Studying magic since he was 5 years old and brought to it by a father who was also a magician, you realize that locally raised Trent loves what he does and he has learned his trade where the art of table magic and illusion was invented..Chicago!

Trent is youthful and his show is refreshing. There’s little doubt that younger people (and on this opening night, the young and energetic cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child used their night off to fill a section of the room; they two are youthful and added a great energy. Trent clearly knew he had a welcoming energy in the room).

Finally a magician who shared how a few tricks were done but even then, ending with an amazing moment we never saw coming. This magician is going to be a talent to be reckoned with not just among his peers in Chicago but most certainly nationally as the years go on. You’ll likely say one day when he’s appearing on Penn and Teller’s Fool us, “hey I saw that guy…he’s one of Chicago’s Very Own! And how talented he is!”

Again, to see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at Chicago Magic Lounge-“Static Magic”.

New Podcast: You will love this in-depth chat with Chicago’s Very Own, Tony Award winning and Broadway’s own: Jessie Mueller! She created the role of Carol King in Beautiful, appeared in Tracy Lett’s The Minutes, created the role of Jenna in Waitress…need I say more?

Join Sirius XM radio host Seth Rudetsky as he hosts the next Seth’s Broadway Concert Series and his on stage guest is indeed the Tony Award winning actress/singer Jessie Mueller for one-night only concert at the historic Studebaker Theater.

This one night only event will be held on Saturday February 15th at 7:30pm when the star of Broadway’s Beautiful: the Carol King Story, Carousel and so much more fills the amahzing (as Seth would say) Studebaker Theatre auditorium with an intimate and funny behind-the-scenes evening. Seth has the way of asking and doing the unexpected and the evening is always a unique and incredibly fun one. A one night only MUST attend event! See you there!

Tickets can be purchased at: fineartsbuilding.com/events or by calling 312-753-3210 ext. 102

How will 3 young roommates living in San Francisco pay the rent when they don’t make any money? They have to get creative! Exploring means of finding income, they realize they can do very well by finding sugar daddies on a dating app who will pay their way as the cost of having a relationship. A very funny show which also has touching and dramatic elements as it explores dating, relationships and loneliness.

Starring in the show are Adam Fox (as Bud, a dancer/actor whose desire to be a diva blocks his search for fame); Joey Beni as Tab (a young man with no ambition whatsoever! He just wants to work out, skateboard…and pay the rent) and Samuel Davison (as Mickey) an undocumented Canadian who fears that not paying his way will lead to him getting deported.

Plus, Kids in the Hall legend Scott Thompson is in the cast as “Early” the first Sugar Daddy who may be the financial answer. In addition to discussing the TV show, Scott talks about his newest music project from his group Mouth Congress which has a new album out called “Valley of Song”. It is part comedy, but also very serious and a deep plunge into the world of punk music. Written with his Kids in the Hall partner Paul Bellini and a rotating roster of musicians the songs explore discrimination, werewolves and even which Gabor sister was the best (the Gabors were yesterday’s version of today’s Kardashians).

Sugar Highs can be found on Amazon Prime and OutTV, and Scott Thompson’s album “Valley of Song” streams on all major platforms…

Mekki Leeper is a stand-up comedian who you likely know from his current role as young Matt on the new show St. Denis Medical (from the writers of The Office), and from his role as Noah in the Surprise hit Jury Duty (where one juror thought it was all real and the rest of the cast were actors!), and the HBOMax show The Sex Lives of College Girls (from Mindy Kaling). Mekki has been featured on Comedy Central, the Late Late Show with James Corden, and so much more.

Enjoy this in-depth and insightful conversation with this great talent who will be performing his stand up at The Den Theatre on ONE night only: Saturday, February 8th, with two shows at 7:15pm and 9:30pm. Both shows are selling really well so don’t wait to check it out at: www.thedentheatre.com or by calling: 773.697.3830

In this new podcast, Paul chats with communications expert Michael Chad Hoeppner about his new book, “Don’t Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life.” In this age of technology it seems more difficult to communicate effectively with others, but Hoeppner teaches that everyone can improve their speaking skills! Hoeppner is an expert on effective speaking, has coached presidential candidates, prominent CEO’s and many others on their communication skills. Now, he shares his secrets in this new book.

Because Paul also has an extensive background in studying, teaching and training in communication, this conversation is especially engaging and goes beyond the typical surface level chat. There’s a lot to learn by watching or listening to this interview.

The book can be purchased at www. Amazon.com or www.HachetteBooks.com

One of AGT’s true break out comedians (he placed 2nd in the 10th season of AGT) plays the Den Theatre on Friday night January 31st and Saturday night February 1st at 7:15pm and 9:30pm (2 shows each night). And great news: his new special will be recorded during those performances!

Drew is known for his self-deprecating humor addressing his stutter, height and so many other things. A truly hilarious comedian who warmed hearts and charmed audiences the entire season right up through the finals! From his support dog Stella and his relationship with his wife, Drew comments on his personal life as well as life on the road and current events. He has millions of followers on social media and this conversation is both funny and insightful as Drew shares some personal views and comments that explain his approach to comedy.

Tickets for his shows can be purchased at: www.thedentheatre.com and don’t wait because these shows will surely sell out fast!

The relationship between First Daughter Patti Davis and her parents, President Ronald Reagan and mom Nancy Reagan, was strained to say the least. In her new book, “Dear Mom and Dad: A Letter About Family, Memory and the America We Once Knew,” the former first daughter writes a very personal and tough memoir in the form of a letter to her parents. Would she say what she writes in the book directly to them today? How real were the portrayals in the media of her historic parents? What lessons can we all learn from her difficult childhood and upbringing given that few of us had a father who was President of the United States. It’s a powerful work and Patti is very candid in her answers…. The book is available in bookstores and at Amazon

In this podcast, Paul sits down with author Mike Thomasto discuss a new biography of Johnny Carson. We learn about the late night legend that was Johnny Carson from the mind of Chicago author Bill Zehme in this new book Carson the Magnificent: An Intimate Portrait. Bill’s work began in 2002 when he was given the chance to interview Carson, and later work on this biography following Johnny’s death. When Bill passed in 2023, the baton, and hundreds of pages of work, were passed to his research assistant on numerous other biographies, Mike Thomas. Mike had went on to write for The Chicago Sun-Times. He picked up the project (and Bill’s magnum opus) to give us this deeply intimate look behind the man who gave us 30 years of truly magnificent late night television. You can find the book on Amazon or from Simon & Schuster.