Pop/Rock/Folk

Tonya & Nancy The Rock Opera

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This is a wildly paced and extremely loud production that tells the story of the 1990’s ice skating scandal that marred the rivalry between American Olympic ice skaters Tonya Harding ( Amanda Horvath) and Nancy Kerrigan (Courtney Mack).

The production take a tabloid approach to the story of rivalry and desperation as the quest for Olympic stardom overtakes each skater. We see the role of the mothers both played by Veronica Garza as she belts her way through the opera.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe at Drury Lane Theatre

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This fast-paced two hour revue is a non-stop songfest that has enough well performed classic rock, pop and R & B to please. . Director/choreographer Dodge has the cast doing movement and dance routines that work effectively on stage. The harmonies and the blended vocal arrangements together with the outstanding musical arrangements by Roberta Duchak sounded terrific. These nine performers demonstrate their talents and we get to hear the songbook of two relatively unheralded composers. Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller’s tunes come alive in this fun revue. Smokey Joe’s Cafe ranks as one of the longest running reviews on Broadway (2,036 performances) and it has had a long run in the city by Theo Ubique a few years ago.

Million Dollar Quartet – Final Chicago Season

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Book by Colin Escott and Floyd Mutrux Original Concept and Direction by Floyd Mutrux Inspired by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins Directed by Floyd Mutrux and Eric Schaeffer Musical Arrangements and Supervision by Chuck Mead Produced by Relevant Theatricals, John Cossette Productions, and Northern Lights, Inc. At the Apollo Theater, … Read more

Men of Soul

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with A Tribute to Bill Withers Written and directed by Daryl Brooks At Black Ensemble Theater, Chicago  Fantastic nostalgic revue of men of soul-both black and white-is a thrilling show! Black Ensemble Theater presents one of their finest shows ever with the world premiere of Men Of Soul! Writer/director Daryl D. Brooks, with the aid … Read more

Murder Ballad

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Conceived by and with Book and Lyrics by Julia Jordan Music and Lyrics by Juliana Nash Directed and Choreographed by James Beaudry Music Direction by Nicholas Davio At the Flat Iron Building, Chicago Contemporary rock opera is a murder mystery or is it? The concept here is intriguing. The set is a dive bar in … Read more

Ring of Fire – The Music of Johnny Cash

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The folks at the Theatre at the Center have mounted a major country/folk revue of the iconic voice of Johnny Cash (1932 – 2003)- one of America’s greatest troubadours in Ring of Fire. Cash was considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century whose songs included cowboy, folk, gospel, country, rockability, rock n’ roll and pop music. From 1955 to his death at age 71 in 2003, Cash with his wife June Carter Cash, toured the country singing his heartfelt repertoire of pure Americana tunes. His distinct bass-baritone voice was his calling card.

Chicago’s Golden Soul (A 60’s Revue)

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Black Ensemble Theater, under the hyper leadership of Jackie Taylor have re-mounted their Chicago’s Golden Soul (A 60’s Revue) now playing in repertory with The Story of Curtis Mayfield. Golden Soul contains a rich assortment of Chicago style soul featureing the music of jerry Butler, Curtis Mayfield, Gene Chandler, Major Lance, The Impressions, Betty Everett, Barbara Aklin, Etta James and the Chi Lites.

Celtic Thunder Mythology Tour

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Celtic Thunder offers a brand new show “Mythology”, which tells the history of the Celtic People, their legends, culture and stories. Mythology recounts the heritage of modern-day Celts and the influences from their Celtic past which make them who they are today

Rooms: A Rock Romance

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With all the above, still the music and the band carry us through Rooms: A Rock Romance. Lovers of punk rock music will enjoy this show. The folks at Broken Nose Theatre have mounted a passable show that was a near miss hit. If only…

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