Paul Lisnek Behind the Curtain

Holiday at Goodman Theatre is a new adaptation of Philip Barry’s 1928 romantic comedy, reimagined by Tony Award–winning playwright Richard Greenberg and directed by Goodman’s legendary director, Robert Falls. The play presents the wealthy Seton family on New York’s Upper East Side, and introduces a young charismatic newcomer to the family whose romance with one […]

Little Shop of Horrors is truly a cult classic that has entertained audiences for over 4 years.  The story of a man-eating plant who seeks to take over the world is a musical full of great songs and fun. Joining in the conversation are Jackson Evans (who plays Seymour), Maya Rowe (playing Audrey), Andrew Mueller (playing Orin […]

Many people mistakenly believe that the AIDS and HIV crises are over. Nothing is further from the truth. AIDS Foundation Chicago continues to provide care and housing assistance for so many Chicagoans who may struggle to make ends meet while they continue their battle against HIV. It is true that medications are better and more […]

Everyone’s favorite childhood classic film is Mary Poppins! Based on the writings of P.J. Travers, the story underwent significant development and creating thanks to the work, not just of Walt Disney, but of the Sherman Brothers who wrote all of the classic music. Now, a new book, “Making Mary Poppins: The Sherman Brothers, Walt Disney, and the […]

There’s no wonder why Jonathan Spector’s “Eureka Day” won the 2025 Tony for Best Revival of a Play. Although written in 2018, it feels like this play could have been written this year as it brings to the front critical and divisive issues we face today as a society; but….it’s presented with a huge dose of […]

Siah Berlatsky is a local playwright who, at the age of 15, began to write a funny sophisticated play called “Malapert Love.” Completed when she was 21, who would imagine that the work would be performed in Chicago at the Artistic Home where it was awarded the Jeff Award for Best New Work in 2023 and […]

There’s little doubt that Stephen Sondheim has created some of the best musical theater ever written. And now, Madkap Productions presents Stephen Sondheim’s classic “Company “ at the Skokie Theatre from February 6 to March 1st. The original Broadway production was nominated for 14 Tony awards and won 6 and its no wonder why as it […]

“Stereophonic” is a dramatic play that follows a fictional rock band in 1976 as they navigate the hectic and complex process of recording their new album, their second album, and at the same time, exploring fame, conflict, and artistic struggle. The play tells the story of an unnamed British-American rock band seeking superstardom and amidst the various dynamics that ensue. Joining in the conversation are: Claire DeJean, playing Diana, a tambourine player and the girlfriend of Peter and Denver Milord, playing Peter, a guitarist, boyfriend of Diana and the self-appointed […]

Carole King is truly a living legend. Her Tapestry album remains as one of the most iconic albums of all time. Her extraordinary career as songwriter, performer, environmentalist and political activist has made its permanent mark on society for over half a century. This book relies on a multitude of interviews and extensive research to […]

There was no one like Johnny Carson, host of the Tonight Show for 30 years during which he hosted around 4500 episodes with more than 25,000 guests. Author Mark Malkoff interviewed over 400 people (many of which can be heard at www.CarsonPodcast.com) and took a dozen years to write this book. It’s a history of the show but […]