Cadillac Palace Theatre Archives : TRAVEL/FOOD

Puppetry reigns in Disney’s The Lion King

Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dance, Entertainment, Musical, Uncategorized

A majestic production is gracing the stage in Chicago.

“The Lion King” is currently running through Oct. 19 at Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre. The show is a must-see production and shines on stage with a colorful set, fascinating costumes, creative puppetry elements and a strong cast.

In promotional materials for the show, it’s touted as “the world’s #1 musical” and that’s definitely not hype. “The Lion King” surely draws audience members in with its strong theatrical elements from powerful vocals, colorful sets, a standout soundtrack and more.

“The Lion King” tells the story of the young cub Simba, who after the death of his father Mufasa, must eventually take control of the throne. There are many adventures awaiting Simba as he grows and he must battle his evil uncle Scar on his way to the throne.

This hit production has been touring North America for nearly 25 years and has been capturing theatergoers’ hearts throughout its celebrated run. It originally opened on Broadway on Nov. 13, 1997.

Starring in the current touring production are Peter Hargrave as Scar, David D’Lancy Wilson as Mufasa,, Mukelisiwe Goba as Rafiki, Robert Creighton as Timon, Nick LaMedica as Zazu, Danny Grumich as Pumbaa, Gilbert Domally as Simba and Thembelihle Cele as Nala.

Standout out musical numbers include “Circle of Life,” “Hakuna Matata,” “I Just Can’t Wait To Be King” and “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.”

FYI: “The Lion King” continues to Oct. 19 at Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St., Chicago. Tickets are $45 to $180. 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.

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.

‘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.