Tag: Musical

‘Elf The Musical’ remains a theatrical holiday favorite

Entertainment, Musical

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

Fans of holiday films won’t want to miss the stage version of a comical seasonal favorite.

“Elf The Musical” is currently spreading the holiday spirit on stage at The Auditorium in Chicago. The production continues to Dec. 14.

Based on the 2003 movie “Elf,” this musical version tells the tale of Buddy the Elf, who is really human, as he ventures to New York City from his home at the North Pole to meet his real dad. Comic scenes are aplenty in this show as Buddy’s interactions with family and others often cause mayhem, confusion and all sorts of zaniness.

“Elf The Musical” is filled with energetic dance numbers, catchy songs and fine acting by the ensemble cast.

Starring as Buddy is Jack Ducat, who offers a perfect performance as the naive, loveable elf. Also giving enjoyable performances are Felicia Martis as Jovie, Jeff Brooks as Walter Hobbs, Yara Martin as Emily Hobbs and Camden Kwok as spunky Michael Hobbs.

Among standout musical numbers in the show are “World’s Greatest Dad,” “I’ll Believe in You,” “A Christmas Song,” “The Story of Buddy the Elf” and “Nobody Cares About Santa.”

Catch this stage version of “Elf The Musical.” You’ll be glad you did.

FYI: “Elf The Musical” continues to Dec. 14 at The Auditorium, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., Chicago. Tickets range from $40 to $110. 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.

Sound of Music: One of the most beloved musicals currently graces the stage in The Windy City

Entertainment, Musical, Theater

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

The Rodgers and Hammerstein gem “The Sound of Music” continues through Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. This national North  American tour is being presented by Concord Theatricals NETworks Presentations and Broadway in Chicago.

“The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Tapp Family singers. It revolves around Maria, who is in “training” to become a nun, and also pursues a job as a governess for Captain Von Trapp’s children. It’s a tale of family togetherness, love and a fondness for music and what music can bring to a home.

The production, which is directed by Jack O’Brien, celebrates the 65th anniversary of the original stage debut of “The Sound of Music.”

Starring as Maria is Cayleigh Capaldi, who exhibits exceptional vocal talents. Also offering strong vocals are Christiane Noll as Mother Abbess, Kevin Earley as Captain Georg Von Trapp and the cast of young singers who star as the Von Trapp children.

When it comes to soundtracks, “The Sound of Music” is a winner. Almost every tune is a favorite of theatergoers. And it’s difficult to keep from singing along during this show.

Among outstanding numbers are “My Favorite Things,” “Maria,” “Climb Every Mountain,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Edelweiss” and the title tune “The Sound of Music.”

Theater fans will surely want to plan a visit to the theater to enjoy this production.

FYI: “The Sound of Music” continues to Nov. 2 at the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $40 to $140. Visit broadwayinchicago.com.

Puppetry reigns in Disney’s The Lion King

Cadillac Palace Theatre, Dance, Entertainment, Musical, Uncategorized

By Guest Blogger Eloise Marie Valadez

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 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.

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.