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

Cadillac Palace Theatre, Entertainment, Theater

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

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.

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

Joffrey Ballet’s ‘Alice’ a whimsical whirlwind of beautiful music and dance

Lyric Opera House, Theater, Uncategorized

By guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The Joffrey Ballet has another winner on its hands. The esteemed ballet company is presenting “Alice’s Advenures in Wonderland” at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago. The production continues to June 22.

“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” based on Lewis Carroll’s famous tale, is expertly choreographed by the talented Christopher Wheeldon. Wheeldon is also the choreographer of The Joffrey Ballet’s popular “The Nutcracker.”

The troupe is at the top of its game, as it always is, with this production. The dance moves are exceptional, the costumes and sets are colorful and the use of puppetry and other theatrical props are fantastic.

While the Joffrey members are lauded dancers they are also talented in the acting department.

Among dancers in key roles in the production are Amanda Assucena as Alice; Stefan Goncalvez as White Rabbit; Victoria Jaiani as Mother/Queen of Hearts; Edson Barbosa as Magician/Mad Hatter; Dylan Gutierrez as the Duchess and Alberto Velazquez as Jack/Knave of Hearts. The score of “Alice” is also noteworthy for its blend of beautiful and innovative sounds.

It would be nice if The Joffrey would bring this stellar piece back again soon.

FYI: THE Joffrey Ballet presents “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” at the Lyric Opera House in Chicago through June 22. Visit joffrey.org.

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

Theater goers learn about female Titanic survivor during a special show in Munster.

Northwest Indiana, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Valadez.

Titanic play takes the stage at Theatre at the Center where a new survivor is discovered during a special show in Munster, Indiana.

Actress Leslie Goddard relays the story of Violet Jessop, a cabin maid crew member on the Titanic, in the one-woman show “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” at Theatre at the Center. The play runs through March 30.

Jessop, who died in 1971, also survived the sinking of the HHMS Britannic. She was one of the passengers who obtained a lifeboat seat. Goddard has been portraying interesting and pioneering women on stage through the years such as Jackie Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Julia Child and Amelia Earhart.

Image courtesy of Theatre in the Middle.

During the play, Goddard talks about both the Titanic and Britannic tragedies as well as other aspects of the cabin maid’s life. During a past interview, Goddard said she enjoys researching the lives of strong, creative, and influential women.

Video courtesy of Blue Star Line

Goddard, who took an interest in theater as a child, has undergraduate and master’s degrees in theatre as well as a PHD in history. The actress previously brought her shows on Amelia Earhart and Julia Child to Theatre at the Center.

In addition to the performance, theater goers can make a reservation for a Titanic-themed meal created by 10Forty Banquets. The meal is inspired by the final meal served on the Titanic. Cost for the meal is an additional $30.

FYI: “Violet Jessop: Titanic Survivor” runs to March 30 at Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster. Tickets are $40. Call 219-836-3255 or TheatreAtTheCenter.com.

Top photo courtesy of Theatre at the Center.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Rousing performance of ‘Joseph’ enlivens Marriott Theatre stage in Lincolnshire

Chicagoland Area, Theater

Post by guest blogger Eloise Valadez.

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary season. The Andrew Lloyd Webber hit musical “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” opened this monumental season and the show continues through March 30.

Courtesy of the Marriott Theatre.

The storyline in “Joseph” relays the biblical story of the young dreamer who is sold into slavery by his jealous brothers. Joseph is his father’s favorite son and his brothers constantly have it in for him. But by the end of the production the tables are turned with the brothers begging to be forgiven by Joseph. The message in this musical not only revolves around dreams but themes of courage, loyalty and forgiveness.

Starring as Joseph is Devin DeSantis with Kaitlyn Davis as the Narrator and Lorenzo Rush Jr. as the Elvis-like Pharoah.

The strong cast of this production of “Joseph” moves this charming musical along at a swiftly moving pace. The production is a winner with engaging musical numbers and much humor. Songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door” are highlighted.

In addition to the show, Marriott Theatre has debuted themed meals for each of the shows this season. The meals will be featured in the property’s Three Embers Restaurant. Currently, the eatery is known as Joseph’s Dream Grill, featuring items such as Nile Red Lentil Soup, Joseph’s Beef Schwarma and Pharoah’s Memphis Style BBQ Pizza. For more information on the restaurant, call 847-634-0100.

FYI: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” continues to March 30 at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Xavier Mortimer Mesmerizes Chicago with Magic

CIBC Theatre, Theater, Xavier Mortimer

Guest post by Eloise Marie Valadez.

Fans of magic, music and fascinating illusions will want to take a seat at Chicago’s CIBC Theatre this weekend.

The talents of illusionist and Las Vegas headliner Xavier Mortimer will be on display there in “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Illusion” on March 21 through March 23. The performer said he’s excited to bring his new show to The Windy City.

“It’s going to be my first time performing in Chicago,” Mortimer said. The illusionist, who has been performing in Vegas for 10 years, said he looks forward to touring with his show.

“It’s very exciting for me to discover new cities and meet new people,” he said about touring. Mortimer’s show features a blend of magical entertainment. Mortimer called his production a highly “visual” magic show with grand illusions as well as storytelling elements.

“This. Is a show for everyone, from 5 to any age,” he said.

Courtesy of Broadway in Chicago.

Mortimer, who starred in Cirque du Soleil’s “Michael Jackson: One,” said he co-composed much of the music in his magic show. The illusionist also has a background in acrobatics and dance.

He said he enjoyed working in the Jackson Cirque show, which was the project that initially brought him to Vegas. Mortimer, who has appeared on “America’s Got Talent” and “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” has a popular social media presence on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.

“It was an amazing experience to be part of a huge production in Vegas,” he said of the Michael Jackson show.

Mortimer said he was fascinated by magic while growing up in the south of France.

“I love magic. I’m passionate about any performance art,” he said.

“Magic is like music…there are no language barriers,” Mortimer said.

Mortimer said he is inspired by the talents of Charlie Chaplin when creating magic acts and illusions. He describes Chaplin as having had an amazing storytelling ability that allowed him to draw people in.

“I try to bring people into my world the way he did,” Mortimer said.

FYI: “Xavier Mortimer: Master of Magic” runs March 21 to 23 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $115. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

About Eloise Marie Valadez

Joffrey Ballet presents outstanding new works in ‘Golden Hour’

Dance, Lyric Opera House, Theater

By Guest blogger Eloise Marie Valadez.

Through the years’ The Joffrey Ballet has always offered dance fans works to enjoy, themes to think about and simply beautiful execution to marvel at.

Such is the case with the troupe’s newest program, “Golden Hour.”

“Golden Hour,” which continues to March 2, is being presented at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The program “Golden Hour” offers an engaging mixed repertoire blending works that stand out for their blend of beautiful choreography, dramatic movement and plenty of humor at times.

The dancers in the company prove skilled artists in whatever work they tackle.

In “Golden Hour,” the Joffrey shines in four works. Among the highlighted presentations is “Under The Trees Voices” with choreography by Nicolas Blanc. The piece, which features skilled and modern choreography, was created in memory of Blanc’s grandfather.

Showing the whimsical side of the Joffrey is the “Princess and the Pea,” starring choreography by Dani Rowe. It’s quite a humorous take on the fairy tale that showcases the company’s dancers’ sharp acting talents.

Also on the program are the outstanding “Andante” starring choreography by Yuri Possokhov and “Heimat” featuring choreography by Cathy Marston.

“Golden Hour” is definitely not to be missed.

FYI: “Golden Hour” continues to March 2 at Lyric Opera House, 20 W. Wacker Drive, Chicago. Tickets start at $36. Visit joffrey.org.

Cutline for cover photo: Dylan Gutierrez and Jeraldine Mendoza are pictured in “Under The Trees Voices.” Photo by Cheryl Mann

‘Some Like It Hot’ sizzles at Cadillac Palace Theatre

Chicago Palace Theatre, Entertainment, Theater

By Eloise Marie Valadez

Fans of large scale blockbuster musicals, whether they’re on stage or screen, will want to secure a ticket to a hot show heating up The Windy City’s theater scene.

“Some Like It Hot” is currently gracing the stage at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The musical continues to Nov. 3.

The production, which is set in Chicago during Prohibition, is based on the classic comedic 1959 film “Some Like It Hot” which starred Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe.

Directed by Academy Award winner Billy Wilder (“Sunset Boulevard” and “Double Indemnity,” the romantic comedy/musical tells the tale of two musicians who are chased down by members of The Mob after they witness a gangster crime. Dressing up as women to join an all-girl band, the musicians flee the city as a variety of crazy antics, impersonations and other mayhem surround them.

The production is a winner on many levels. From the fast-paced humor to the powerful dance numbers and engaging tunes, this show gets a thumbs up for energy and for pure entertainment from start to finish.

Matt Loehr as Joe/Josephine and Tavis Cordell as Jerry/Daphne offer strong performances as the musicians on the run. Both are fine comedic actors with dynamic song and dance skills. Also offering a standout performance in the show is Leandra Ellis-Gaston as Sugar.

Among highlighted musical numbers in “Some Like It Hot” are “I’m California Bound,” “Take It Up A Step,” “Some Like It Hot,” “Fly, Mariposa, Fly” and “Tip Tap Trouble.”

Attendees of this show won’t be disappointed. Plan to snap up a ticket before it leaves town.

FYI: “Some Like It Hot” runs to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets range from $30 to $125. Visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Sidebar headline: Spotlight on Matt Loehr of “Some Like It Hot”

Actor Matt Loehr has been enjoying his work in the touring production of “Some Like It Hot.” The show continues to Nov. 3 at The Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.

“It’s an absolute dream come true,” Loehr said, about his role as Joe/Josephine in the musical.

In the role, Loehr has the opportunity to show off his acting, singing and dancing skills.

“It’s a job that has everything. And I’m a performer in musical theater who likes to do everything, Loehr said about the triple threats of acting, singing and dancing.

The role, which is a highly physical one, he said, can be “a lot on the body and the brain.”

Loehr said he saw the classic film “Some Like It Hot” for the first time in his twenties and then “rewatched” it prior to auditioning for the live production.

The actor, who said he grew listening to all types of music, has long been interested in the entertainment field and is “grateful” to be working in the industry.

Loehr hopes audience members are truly entertained by the show and can leave their lives behind for a few hours and “have a good time.”

For more information on the musical, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more things to do in Chicago, visit Choose Chicago.

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.

Summer in the City: Chicago’s Theater & Performing Arts

Entertainment, Theater, Uncategorized

Broadway In Chicago is proud to produce the following shows as part of its summer roster:

Haestown (playing June 20 – 25, 2023, at the CIBC Theatre), winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, is an acclaimed new show from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin. Following two intertwining love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — HADESTOWN invites audiences on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. Mitchell’s beguiling melodies and Chavkin’s poetic imagination pit industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

MJ (playing August 1 – September 2, 2023, at the James M. Nederlander Theatre), is the multi Tony Award®-winning new musical centered around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. Created by Tony Award®-winning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, MJ goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of the star, offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that catapulted Michael Jackson into legendary status.

To Kill A Mockingbird (playing August 8 – 13, 2023, at the CIBC Theatre), Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s new play directed by Tony Award® winner Bartlett Sher and based on Harper Lee’s classic novel, will come back to Chicago as part of a multi-year national tour across North America. Set in Alabama in 1934, Harper Lee’s enduring story of racial injustice and childhood innocence centers on one of the most venerated characters in American literature, small-town lawyer Atticus Finch.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater will present Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (July 13 – August 20, 2023) at the Courtyard Theater this summer, based on the Academy Award® -winning Disney film and featuring such dazzling production numbers as the beloved title song and “Be Our Guest.”

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra continues its 2023 season with the following standout events:

Concert for Chicago (June 27, 2023) – Celebrate Zell Music Director Riccardo Muti’s remarkable tenure with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at this free concert in Millennium Park. Enjoy performances of the heartfelt Andante moderato, written by longtime Chicago resident Florence Price, and Tchaikovsky’s exhilarating Fifth Symphony as the CSO closes the 2022/23 Season in style.

The Tony Award-winning Goodman Theatre concludes its 2022-2023 season with:

The Who’s Tommy (June 13 – July 23, 2023): Myth and spectacle combine in a fresh reinvention of The Who’s exhilarating 1969 rock concept album, Tommy—including the unforgettable anthems “I’m Free,” “See Me, Feel Me,” “Sensation,” and “Pinball Wizard.” After witnessing his father shoot his rival, the young Tommy Walker is lost in the universe, endlessly and obsessively staring into the mirror. An innate knack for pinball catapults him from reticent adolescent to celebrity savior. Tony Award-winning composer Pete Townshend and Tony Award-winning original director Des McAnuff find powerful resonance reexamining this classic story for today.

The Joffrey Ballet is pleased to announce an evening of free public performances on June 25, 2023, in the heart of downtown Chicago at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Created as a gift to all Chicagoans, and the first event of its kind, The Joffrey Ballet’s “Joffrey for All Celebration” will feature dance workshops in the lawn and performances by Joffrey Company Artists, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and students from the Joffrey Community Engagement programs.

Lookingglass Theatre welcomes Lucy and Charlie’s Honeymoon (May 24 – July 16, 2023), which tracks a young couple as they rev it down quintessentially American highways and across stereotypic borders, fleeing expectation and trawling up trouble along the way. Fresh from his Broadway debut in “Almost Famous The Musical”, Artistic Associate Matthew C. Yee’s world premiere musical romp gives a nod to America’s past, takes tally of its present, and blows its future wide open.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company concludes its 2022/2023 season with:

Another Marriage (June 15 – July 23, 2023): Another Marriage is an intimate and beautifully rendered portrait of an ever-evolving relationship that may never be quite finished. Ensemble member Kate Arrington’s playwriting debut upends time and the typical romantic comedy to explore the liabilities of falling in and out of love.
No Man’s Land (July 13 – August 20, 2023): In the drawing room of his stately Hampstead mansion, the wealthy, aging Hirst hosts his newfound acquaintance, the enigmatic Spooner, for an evening of endless beer, scotch, and vodka. The night winds on, the drinks keep pouring, and the ground keeps shifting—until two sinister younger men arrive and interrupt the bacchanal. Steppenwolf returns to Harold Pinter’s modern masterpiece: a generational power struggle, a tug of war between expert wordsmiths, a maze of murky meaning. Or perhaps it’s just two old English sots waxing nostalgic and waiting for the sun to rise. In No Man’s Land, you can never be certain, and nothing is as it seems.