Invictus Theatre of Chicago’s production of “Network” is stunning, immersive and unforgettable. Set in the 1970’s, one would think the message of the play has been lost over time or is no longer relevant. But, as Mark Twain wrote, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.” The message of corporate greed, power of television and the media and so much more has evolved over the decades since Paddy Chayefsky film premiered in 1977. Invictus, through the meticulous direction of Invictus founding artistic director Charles Askenaizer, keeps the production relevant and connected to a modern audience.

In this conversation, Network lead James Turano, known on WGN Radio as Elton Jim (and who gives one of the finest performances of the year in this role), and Production Director and Founding Artistic Director of Invictus Theatre Charles Askenaizer join in to discuss their interpretation of what began as an iconic film and how they envisioned creating the production in the intimate space of the theater’s location at Windy City Playhouse.

“Network” runs through September 29th and tickets may be purchased at: www.Invictustheatreco.com

And by the way, arrive about 30 minutes early to take your seats….you’ll be glad you did….

Raúl Esparza is an American stage and screen actor, recently starring as “Galileo Galilei” in Galileo in the world-premiere musical at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Since making his Broadway debut as “Riff Raff” in The Rocky Horror Show in 1999, Esparza has become one of Broadway’s most acclaimed leading men as well as a respected interpreter of Stephen Sondheim’s work. He was only the second performer in theatre history, (and only one of five overall), to receive Tony nominations in all four acting categories for a performer: Taboo (Featured Actor in a Musical), Company (Actor in a Musical), The Homecoming (Featured Actor in a Play) and Speed-the-Plow (Actor in a Play). His additional Broadway credits include lead roles in Leap of Faith, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Cabaret. His recurring TV roles on NBC’s Hannibal and, most notably, on NBC’s Law & Order: SVU, before becoming series regular, lead to one remarkable career.

Join Esparza as he’s interviewed by WGN-TV’s Paul Lisnek at the Porchlight Music Theatre’s 2024 ICONS gala event on Sunday, September 22nd at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago at 11 AM for a Wine and Mimosa reception and deluxe brunch buffet. The event also includes a live auction and more.

Watch or Listen here (or at Youtube.com or at www.AroundTheTownChicago.com) for a hefty taste of what the interview at the gala will be like…enjoy.

More information about the Gala and the purchase of tickets can be found at: www.PorchlightMusicTheatre.org

Former Disney star (“Teen Beach Movie” and “Teen Beach 2”) also known for starring in the film ”King Cobra,” and known for his turn in “Hairspray – LIVE” among many other roles. Many have come to expect excellence in his journey from innocent ingenue to out and proud villain!

PLUS, Garrett gives some really interesting advice for young performers who wonder how to be their authentic self, and how to feel when the never-ending number of auditions doesn’t produce desired results….check it out…it’s an insightful conversation in which Garrett is candid and insightful…

Ken Block is an expert in voter data, a technology entrepreneur, and even a two-time candidate for Governor of Rhode Island. He was hired by the lead attorney for former US president Donald Trump’s campaign to conduct a study of the many challenges made to the voting integrity of the 2020 election. His book is called: “Disproven: My Unbiased Search for Voter Fraud for the Trump Campaign, the Data that Shows Why he Lost, and how We Can Improve our Elections.” It’s a long title for a book that takes you inside the data, the story of how and why Block reaches the conclusions he reaches. It’s truly a stunning look inside one of the most (if not the most) highly contested presidential elections in our history…if you have questions about the voting in 2020, this book is a must read! Available in bookstores and on www.Amazon.com

Everyone would agree that Whitney Houston left us way too soon. Her voice was incredible and was called by Guiness Book of World records, “the most awarded female artist of all time.” Now for one evening, composer musician Sean Mayes (who is also working on the world premiere of “Ali the Musical” coming to Chicago) will conduct the Chicago Philharmonic for the world premiere of “The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration, “ an original tribute concert. Whitney’s amazing musical legacy will be celebrated along with new original orchestrations and to include her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of The Star Spangled Banner to all the classics like “I Will Always Love you.” The project is supported by the  Estate of Whitney Houston and this promises to be an unforgettable evening.

Tickets for this one night only performance can be purchased at www.Ravinia.org and range from $35 – $55 each.

Created by Jon Tai and Alex Gruhin and starring Tai, Road Signs is described as a magic show, but that moniker does not do the production justice.

It’s magic married to theater, with all the wonder, drama, intensity and surprise that is offered by theater’s best. Hosted by A Red Orchid Theater at 1531 N Wells in Old Town, this show is presented in an intimate space that will knock your socks off!

There is a theme that runs through the show, a desire to vanish from life as we know it to pursue any adventure we seek.

But along the one-hour ride down this road, audience members are involved (willingly) and become part of Tai’s story as we uncover our own. In the end, like a fine theatrical production, there is a message…one that you will walk out of the theater with as you shake your head in amazement for the experience you’ve just had.

The production runs through August 31st and tickets can be purchased at: www.aredorchidtheatre.org.

Review by Paul Lisnek, “Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

***1/2 /4

Paul Lisnek with Jon Tai!

Chicago is home to a new major attraction and experience that is an amazing way to experience this magnificent city! Flyover Chicago is an immersive, multi-sensory attraction which showcases the city in a way that will impress Chicagoans and tourists alike.

You’ll experience skyscrapers from 13,000 feet in the air, to dive straight down the city’s buildings as the experience swoops into various neighborhoods and places which makes for a spectacular experience. It’s not just about the places, but the people as well, from the Soul Children’s Choir and even Wrigley Field’s announcer Jeremiah Paprocki. It’s only the fourth such attraction created and built by the Flyover organization (you’ll have to go to Las Vegas, Reykjavik Iceland or Vancouver to see the others).

It’s impressive, exciting and a must-do for Chicagoans and visitors of all ages….make it part of a fun-filled day at Navy Pier.

Tickets for a date and specific time can be purchased at www.ExperienceFlyover.com/Chicago.

Warning: don’t be late for your assigned time! The attraction sells out a lot and if you miss your time slot, they may not be able to get you in the same day because each experience is limited to a maximum of 60 guests at a time.

In this new podcast, meet the stars of Back to the Future: the Musical! Classic characters Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox in the movie) is played on stage by Caden Brauch and Doc Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd in the movie) is brought to life by Don Stephenson on stage. Do the actors understand the audience’s expectations when they see a classic film brought to the stage? Can stagecraft even try to provide the visual effects that a filmmaker can, and will we hear the classic Huey Lewis and other music so iconic in the film be heard from the stage production? The stars address all of these questions and more!

Back to the Future: the Musical is playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through September 1st.

Tickets can be purchased at: www.BroadwayinChicago.com.

Watch or listen to the interview by clicking….

Paul goes Behind the Curtain with playwright Stephen Dolginoff who wrote his musical “Thrill Me” in 1994 and presents the long history of the show’s development from then to today in his new book, “Thrill Maker: The Story of My Musical: Thrill Me.”  Since that time, the show has played over 200 stagings, in 25 countries and in 17 languages, all under the guidance of its writer.

It’s a musical about a horrible crime in which two young men in Chicago decide to try and commit “the Perfect Crime,” by killing young Bobby Franks! Stephen walks through the  process, the decision making and why he has not just moved on after the show was produced….he has written many other shows, but something about Thrill Me won’t let him go.

It’s a fascinating story of the stage musical that almost took to the silver screen. Stephen explains why it just hasn’t.

The book is an account of the creation and decisions of Thrill Me’s development, and as a guide for other playwrights and those in the theater community who will learn so much about their own career through Stephen’s work.

Thrill Maker can be purchased in bookstores and on line, including from Amazon.com

If you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars, this show is for you! If you are NOT a fan of Dancing with the Stars, you are still in for an evening of fun and excitement! Savor After Hours is an intimate experience for the senses filled with dance, passion and the art of enjoying every single moment…like a fine wine, this show strikes just the right notes.

And DWTS fans will immediately recognize my guests: Val Chmerkovskiy (with DWTS since 2011) and Artem Chigvintsev (with DWTS since 2014) reflect on their years with the show and share tender memories of judge Len Goodman who passed away recently….it’s a touching moment in the interview.

SAVOR After Hours is not just for adults; younger people who appreciate the art of dance will enjoy it as well. And the stars get some willing audiences involved in very fun (and harmless) ways.

The show is a joy…this interview is a joy…hope you’ll watch/listen to it now.

Savor After Hours plays at Broadway Playhouse through August 18th and tickets can be purchased at www.BroadwayinChicago.com

It’s Paul with Val and Artem!