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‘MJ the Musical’ sizzles in return Chicago engagement

Entertainment, Musical, Theater, Uncategorized

Magical moves and a stellar collection of songs are taking the spotlight on stage at Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre.

“MJ the Musical” has returned to The Windy City on the First National Tour and is energetically relaying the life story and career of the iconic entertainer Michael Jackson. The show runs through Aug. 24.

Jordan Markus stars as Michael Jackson in “MJ the Musical.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

In this production, which is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon with book by Lynn Nottage, Jackson is seen preparing for his massive 1992 Dangerous tour, which had immense risks and stresses as it was mounted. While he’s rehearsing for the tour, a cameraman and reporter are allowed in to document the making of the tour and to interview Jackson about his work, the inspirations for his music and thoughts about his fame and career.

As the show goes on, the audience journeys to all stages of Jackson’s career from his days as a youngster with the Jackson 5 to his various solo work as well as his relationship with his family and his domineering father.

Pictured is a scene from “MJ the Musical,” currently in Chicago. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Jordan Markus stars as MJ. The dancer/singer proves he’s perfect for the role as he slides artistically across the stage interpreting Jackson’s moves smoothly. Markus’ vocals are dynamic and he definitely does justice to Jackson’s tunes.

Kudos also to Devin Bowles for his strong performance as Joseph Jackson. Bowles also performs as tour director Rob. Among other performers starring in “MJ” are Melvin Gray Jr., Quentin Blanton Jr., Bryce A. Holmes, Erik Hamilton, Brandon Lee Harris, Kristin Stokes, Kevin Cruz, J. Daughtry and others.

Outstanding musical numbers include “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Dancing Machine,” “Thriller,” “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” and “I Want You Back.”

“MJ” is truly the celebration of the music of an entertainment genius.

FYI: “MJ the Musical” continues to Aug.24 at James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $49-$153. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Top photo: Jordan Markus with “MJ” in the first national tour of “MJ.” Photo by Matthew Murphy.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food, is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.

‘Twisted Melodies” showcases the genius of musician Donny Hathaway

Chicagoland Area, Entertainment, Musical, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The latest production to hit the stage at Northlight Theatre tells the story of the life of singer/songwriter Donny Hathaway.

“Twisted Melodies,” written by Kelvin Roston Jr., is directed by Ron OJ Parson and associate director Alexis J. Roston. The one-man show, which recounts one day in Hathaway’s life, is superbly acted by Roston, who has previously performed this acclaimed show in the Chicago area.

The production does an excellent job at presenting the life of Hathaway, who was tormented by emotional and mental illness, in a compassionate way on stage.

Hathaway’s struggles with paranoid schizophrenia interfered with his work as a musician and his ability to live everyday life but “Twisted Melodies” shows that his music was a place he could retreat into to find a little peace.

Roston’s acting abilities are strong as he displays the torment Hathaway goes through. Roston’s singing voice is excellent as well. Hathaway, who hailed from Chicago died in 1979 after jumping from his room at the Essex House Hotel in New York City.

The show not only features some of Hathaway’s compositions but also talks about his relationship/partnership with singer Roberta Flack.

“Twisted Melodies” ends Northlight’s 2024-2025 season.

FYI: “Twisted Melodies” runs through Aug. 10 at Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Visit northlight.org.

Black Ensemble Theater puts a spotlight on three legendary singers

Entertainment, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The music of beloved singers Gladys Knight, Patti Labelle and Dionne Warwick is being celebrated at Black Ensemble Theater (BET) in Chicago.

“That’s What Friends Are For,” the latest production at BET, runs through Aug. 10. The show tells a fictional tale of singers Knight, LaBelle and Warwick gathering together backstage prior to a planned Las Vegas residency. They talk about their lives and the friendship they share.

The show, produced by Black Ensemble Theater founder Jackie Taylor, is written and directed by Daryl Brooks. It’s an energetic production featuring powerful vocals from the talented ensemble cast.

“That’s What Friends Are For” stars Rose Marie Simmons as mature Gladys; Michaela Dukes as young Gladys; Sybyl Walker as mature Dionne; Brianna Buckley as young Dionne; Tamara Batiest as mature Patti; Courtney Driver as young Patti; Dennis Dent as Charles Gibbons; Dwight Neal as Luther Vandross; Jaimee Thomas as Michael Peterson and Treqon Tate (ensemble).

Among highlighted numbers are the engaging “That’s What Friends Are For,” “You Are My Friend,” “If Only For One Night,” “Midnight Train To Georgia” and “Walk On By.”

Audience members will leave the theatre singing the tunes of these iconic musical artists.

FYI: “That’s What Friends Are For,” will run through Aug.10 at Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., Chicago. Visit blackensembletheater.org.

About Eloise Valadez

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s ‘Billie Jean’ tells powerful story of tennis icon

Entertainment, Theater

By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The stage of Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard is currently set as a tennis court. And on that court the impactful story of tennis legend Billie Jean King is being played out.

“Billie Jean,” which is a world premiere production, continues through Aug. 10 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The play was written by Lauren Gunderson and directed by Marc Bruni. “Billie Jean” was produced and developed in collaboration with Harriet Newman Leve, Stephanie Sandberg, Lily Tomlin and Jane Wagner.

The show relays the story of King as she goes from a young girl pursuing her dreams to the woman who becomes not only a champion of the game of tennis but a champion for equality on all levels, specifically with women’s rights on the sports field and in business.

Giving powerful performances are Chilina Kennedy as Billie Jean King and Dan Amboyer as her husband Larry King. Also starring in the cast are Julia Antonelli, Elena Hurst, Courtney Rikki Green, Wynn Harmon, Carolyn Holding, Jurgen Hooper, Callie Rachelle Johnson, Lenne Klingaman, Nancy Lemenager and Murphy Taylor Smith.

“Billie Jean” has no lulls and definitely keeps an audience’s attention.

About the show, playwright Gunderson says, “CST is the perfect place to launch this new play about Billie Jean King, her activism, and her ongoing impact on the world. Her story is a hero’s journey, and the house of Shakespeare’s heroes is a fitting home for this theatrical debut about excellence, equality, and heart.”

To learn more about “Billie Jean,'” visit chicagoshakes.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez, a frequent contributor to Travel/Food is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written world.

Disney’s Beauty & the Beast: A Timeless Musical Triumph

Cadillac Palace Theatre, Entertainment, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Fans of the classic tale of “Beauty and the Beast” won’t want to miss the stunning production currently on stage in Chicago.

“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” which is on a national tour, continues to Aug. 2 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The theatrical production, directed and choreographed by Matt West, is based on the popular 1991 movie.

The “tale as old as time,” tells the story of Belle, a small-town French girl, who is a lover of books and reading. One day, while in search of her father, who is missing, Belle stumbles upon a castle where a former priest who has been turned into a Beast resides. She is captured and while there she interacts with the Beast and all the other inhabitants of the castle. Lessons learned in this story revolve around love, kindness as well as beauty being in the eye of the beholder. It is only true love which will transform the Beast back to his princely form and it is Belle who is the catalyst for this.

Actors Kyra Belle Johnson as Belle and Fergie L. Philippe as the Beast are dynamic in their starring roles and both display strong voices. The production’s ensemble group of actors are excellent as well.

“Beauty and the Beast” features stunning costumes, rousing dance numbers and a score of catchy tunes. Among highlighted numbers are “Be Our Guest,” “A Change in Me,” and “If I Can’t Love Her.”

Musical theater lovers will definitely be drawn into this show.

FYI: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” continues to Aug. 2 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Top photo courtesy of Broadway in Chicago.

‘Always Something There’ offers fun ’80s soundtrack at Marriott Theatre

Entertainment, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

If you’d like to take a trip back in time, secure a ticket to Marriott Theatre’s “Always Something There.”

The world premiere jukebox musical, written by Sandy Rustin, continues through Aug. 10 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. This lively show is part of Marriott Theatre’s 50th anniversary season.

“Always Something There” tells the story of Samantha Craig, who wakes up at the beginning of her 45th year in her 18-year-old teen body and is given the opportunity to change her life, take different paths and make different choices if she chooses.

The story unfolds amidst a musical backdrop of songs from the 1980s. Heidi Kettenring portrays adult Samantha while Christina Priestner stars as teen Samantha. Both actors provide strong performances with both displaying powerful vocals. Also starring in the show are Marina Jansen as Camelia, Ian Coursey as Cooper, Ty Shay as Johnny, Matthew Hommel as Winston and others.

“Always Something There,” which is directed by James Vasquez, features choreography by Tyler Hanes. Among highlighted musical numbers are “Only In My Dreams,” “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Love Is A Battlefield,” “Talk to Me,” “We Got the Beat” and more.

In conjunction with the play, Marriott Theatre is presenting a special pop-up dining experience at its Three Embers Restaurant. The menu for the Back to the Grill experience stars items such as Loco-Motion Taco Salad, Shattered Onion Soup, We Got the Bleu (Chicken Cordon Bleu) and Always Something Braised (Pulled Lamb Shank).

For more information on the show and special menu, visit MarriottTheatre.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

‘Kimberly Akimbo’ lights up the stage at CIBC Theatre

CIBC Theatre, Entertainment

By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

It’s no surprise that “Kimberly Akimbo” garnered five Tony Awards. The hit musical is a standout on many levels.

“Kimberly Akimbo” is currently being presented by Broadway in Chicago at CIBC Theatre through June 22.

The play, which opened on Broadway in 2022, revolves around 16-year-old character Kimberly Levaco, who has a genetic disorder making her age rapidly to where she looks decades older. Kimberly’s family has moved to New Jersey and she must get used to her new surroundings, new classmates and new people whom she hopes will accept her.

There are plenty of bittersweet moments as well as humorous scenes in this show with its sweet character and her dysfunctional family in the spotlight.

Carolee Carmello does a terrific job portraying Kimberly and makes her a character the audience can definitely care about. The entire cast is an ensemble of strong performers. Also starring in the show are Miguel Gil, Jim Hogan, Emily Koch, Grace Capeless, Skye Alyssa Friedman and others.

The score of “Kimberly Akimbo” is a standout as well, featuring catchy music and witty lyrics. Music is by Jeanine Tesori with lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire.

Securing a iicket to this production will, no doubt, ensure an entertaining evening at the theater.

FYI: “Kimberly Akimbo” continues through June 22 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe St., Chicago. Tickets are $35 to $125. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.

Sidebar: Actress from “Kimberly Akimbo’ shares family recipe

Skye Alyssa Friedman enjoys stepping into the kitchen.

“I enjoy good food and making my own food,” said Friedman.

The actress is currently starring as Teresa in “Kimberly Akimbo.” The production runs through June 22 at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre.

Friedman said it’s much more difficult to prepare your own food while on tour though.

“When I moved to New York City for college I lived alone and cooked for myself,” she said.

Among favorite meals she’d prepare were seafood, pasta and soup.

“It’s nice trying different restaurants (when on tour),” she said.

Friedman, who said she’s not a “picky” eater, remembers special dishes her mother made while she was growing up. Among favorite specialty meals were prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, which her mother made often for Christmas.

The actress had some family influences when it came to cooking.

“I was inspired by my grandparents and parents and what they passed on,” Friedman said. Healthy food was always in the spotlight in her family’s kitchen, Frieman stressed. “My mom always made food with healthy ingredients.”

Friedman said she’s not really into following the work of famous chefs.

“So many people (everyday cooks) make yummy food. They don’t have to be a chef,” she said.

Friedman said she’s enjoying her role with the touring production of “Kimberly Akimbo.” “I absolutely love the way it’s written,” she said about the show. “I love how funny and irreverent it is but it’s also bittersweet and so life affirming.”

The following recipe is from Friedman.

Yorkshire Pudding

½ teaspoon salt
3/4 cups of flour
2 eggs
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons oil

Mix all ingredients, except the oil, together.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat oven to 450°.
Take an 8×8 square pan and pour the 4 tablespoons of oil into it.
Heat the pan for 2 minutes before pouring in the cold batter.

Cook for 20 to 30 minutes.
Do not open the oven door during cooking.
Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy outer edges and the custard-like inside.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Actor Ronnie Marmo returns to Chicago with ‘Bill W. and Dr. Bob’

Entertainment, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Theater, Uncategorized

By Eloise Marie Valadez, guest blogger.

An important story about the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous is unfolding on stage at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” continues to June 8 at the theater. The show stars Ronnie Marmo as Bill W. and Rick Yaconis as Dr. Bob, the founders of AA. Marmo also directs the show, which is produced by Theatre 68, with locations in Los Angeles and New York. Actor Marmo is also the artistic director of Theatre 68.

The theatrical production offers a candid look at the lives of New York stockbroker Wilson and Ohio surgeon Dr. Bob and how they teamed together to form the organization. The show also focuses on their wives, who founded Al-Anon, a support group for family and friends of alcoholics.

“Bill W. and Dr. Bob” was first performed in Chicago in 2024 where it enjoyed an 11-week run at The Biograph Theatre. Also starring in the show are Katherine Wetterman, Elizabeth Rude, Phil Aman and Maria Seidell.

In a past interview, Marmo said working on this play was important to him. He’s been sober for three decades and said AA saved his life.

The theatrical production, which also has a good dose of humor in it, was written by Samuel Shem and Janet Surrey.

In addition to touring with this show, Marmo also stars in “I’m Not A Comedian…I’m Lenny Bruce,” which he frequently takes on tour.

FYI: “Bill W. and Dr. Bob” runs to June 8 at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. Tickets start at $69. Visit billwanddrbobonstage.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Janet Davies stars in Dunes Summer Arts Theatre’s season opener ‘Misery’

Dunes Summer Arts Theatre, Entertainment, Michigan City, Uncategorized

Post by Eloise Marie Valadez, Guest Blogger

Television journalist Janet Davies is showcasing her talents as an actress in the latest play at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre in Michigan City.

Davies said she has long been interested in theater and live performance, as well as what they bring to an audience.

“What I like about theater is hearing a reaction to what you’re doing on stage, whether it’s a gasp, a laugh or a chuckle. You know you’re touching someone,” Davies said.

Davies added the immediacy you get in the theater is great and nothing is ever exactly the same twice.

“You can’t get that on television,” she said.

Davies stars alongside actor Kevin Giese in “Misery,” The play, directed by John Hancock, continues to June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre. “Misery,” based on the book by Stephen King, is a thriller which recounts the story of writer Paul Sheldon who is held hostage in the home of his deranged number one fan Annie Wilkes after his car crashes near her house.

About the production “Misery,” Davies said it’s “very emotional.” It’s also a production with highly dramatic ups and downs and “blood and guts,” she added.

Davies said she admired Kathy Bates work in the hit film version of “Misery,” which she’s seen once.

Working with Dunes Summer Arts Theatre on this show, Davies said, is a real honor.

She said she wanted to give a “shoutout” to her “Misery” costar Giese, as well as director Hancock who are both terrific to work with.

Davies, who has been retired from television broadcasting for the past five years, lives in southwestern Michigan. She is heavily involved in the arts and theatrical community and serves as board chair for Acorn Center for The Performing Arts in Three Oaks, Michigan.

Throughout her career, Davies was a TV journalist in Chicago, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. She spent 37 years as a reporter, host and executive producer at ABC-7 Chicago.

Davies said she entered the field of broadcast journalism when she was in her twenties.

“There weren’t a lot of women in it (then) and I didn’t have a lot of competition.”

Davies said she’s enjoying her stage stint at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre and wouldn’t mind doing future work with the organization.

FYI: “Misery” continues through June 15 at Dunes Summer Arts Theatre, 288 Shady Oak Drive, Michigan City. Tickets range from $30 to $35. Visit dunearts.org.

Cover photo: Kevin Giese and Janet Davies are pictured in a scene from “Misery.” Photo by Tony V. Martin

About Eloise Marie Valadez

The musical “& Juliet” continues to Dec. 15 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago

Entertainment

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Fans of Shakespeare’s beloved “Romeo & Juliet” will, no doubt, be fascinated by one of the shows currently playing in Chicago.

The musical “& Juliet” takes the bard”s popular tragedy and rewrites the story as an energetic comedic production with a soaring soundtrack featuring contemporary pop tunes by Max Martin.

“& Juliet” continues to Dec. 15 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.

This jukebox musical offers a fascinating look at what happens if Juliet doesn’t kill herself after Romeo dies. There are many twists and turns in this production which also features creative choreography.

Among actors offering strong performances are Rachel Simone Webb as Juliet, Corey Mach as Shakespeare, Teal Wicks as Anne, Paul Jordan Jansen as Lance and Nick Drake as May.

Anyone who grew up being a fan of the pop hits written by Max Martin will find that the use of these tunes are woven into the production in a clever way. Tunes made famous by Britney Spears, The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry and others star.

Among the song highlights are “Larger Than Life,” “I Want It That Way,” “Baby One More Time,” “It’s My Life,” “Roar,” “Stronger” and much more.

Get thee to the theater to see this show.

For more information on “& Juliet,” visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Sidebar: Teal Wicks enjoying Chicago run of ‘& Juliet’

Actor/singer Teal Wicks is thrilled to be starring as Anne Hathaway in the touring production of “& Juliet.”

And being in Chicago for the performance of the show, she said, is wonderful.

“I love Chicago. It’s such a great town,” she said.

“Chicago audiences are very well seasoned. They’re very smart theater goers,” she added.

Wicks said the musical, which was nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2023, is “wrapped in a fun pop” soundtrack with a story which “has a lot of heart.”

The actress said she was drawn to the show after “reading the script,” which she thought was so “clever and funny.”

Wicks said she also fell in love with the character Anne, whom she portrays.

About the Max Martin tunes used in the show, Wicks said it’s such a clever way of weaving them into the script.

She also added the tunes are some of the biggest contemporary hits.

The pop songs, she said, are the true “love language” of today. And that parallels with Shakespeare being the “pop icon” of his time.

Wicks said she’s excited about the fact that “& Juliet” will return to Chicago in 2026. The musical is scheduled to play The Auditorium Theatre July 22 to Aug. 2 in 2026.

Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

About Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Travel/Food is pleased to welcome guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez who will be frequenting contributing to our site. Eloise is a professional journalist/writer and editor with four decades of experience covering the arts, entertainment, and culinary industries. A native of Chicago, she has a passion for the written word.